Chapter 10: Cloud of despair

In the wake of King Aric's passing, the entire kingdom found itself enveloped in a deep and somber state of mourning. The loss of the King had created an unmistakable void, a profound emptiness that echoed within the hearts of its people.

As the kingdom grappled with this loss, the cause of King Aric's death remained a perplexing mystery, leaving everyone at a loss for how to proceed in the face of such uncertainty.

Queen Nadia, however, had a plan. She called together all the members of the King's Court and gathered them in the great council chamber. The air in the room was thick with anticipation as the Queen sat at the head of the table.

"Gentlemen," she began, her voice low and measured. "I've convened this assembly today to address the matter of King Aric's passing. It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the King's demise. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, leaving us all deeply saddened."

The members of the Court looked at each other, their expressions filled with confusion and doubt.

"Peacefully?" one of them repeated incredulously. "Are you telling us that our king, who was healthy and strong, just died in his sleep without any warning?"

Queen Nadia remained calm and composed, seemingly unaffected by the accusations of the court. "Yes, I'm afraid so," she replied softly. "It was a shock to all of us. But let us not dwell on the past. We have a duty to the kingdom and the people to ensure that we carry on the legacy of King Aric. And I am proud to announce that I am carrying his heir."

This statement was met with murmurs of surprise and disbelief. Many of the members of the Court had suspected that the Queen was not capable of bearing children, and now they wondered if this was just another lie.

"I was with the King on the night he died." she continued, her voice soft and soothing. "I was heartbroken, of course, but I knew that I had to be strong for our child, who was already growing inside me."

As the Queen spoke, one of the courtiers, a wiry man with a sharp tongue, spoke up.

"But my Queen, forgive my bluntness, but the King was indeed a healthy man," he said, his voice filled with skepticism. "It's difficult for us to imagine that he would just die in his sleep without any prior illness."

The Queen fixed him with a cold glare. "Are you accusing me of something, Lord Mercer?" she asked.

Lord Mercer gulped, but he refused to back down. "I'm merely stating what everyone is thinking, Your Majesty."

The Queen Nadia's smile turned into a sneer. "And what everyone is thinking is none of your concern," she said. "But let me make one thing clear. I did not kill my husband. I loved him, and I still mourn his loss every day."

The courtiers nodded, but they were all still uneasy. They could feel the tension in the room, and they knew that the Queen was not telling them the whole truth.

"And now, I have a request of you all," Queen Nadia said, rising from her throne. "I am with child, and I wish for you to all to come together as one, and support the future King of this land."

The courtiers nodded, but they all knew that the Queen was using her child as a way to solidify her hold on the throne. But they dared not speak out against her, as they knew the consequences of defying the Queen.

Queen Nadia continued. "I know this news may be difficult to accept, but we must stay united and work together for the good of the kingdom. I have already taken steps to ensure that the transition of power is seamless. I have an army that is loyal only to me, and they will protect me from any threats, internal or external."

The members of the Court looked at each other, their expressions filled with unease. They knew that the Queen was not to be trusted, but they also knew that they were outnumbered and outgunned.

One of them spoke up, his voice trembling with fear. "Your Majesty, we understand that you are carrying the heir to the throne, but perhaps it would be wise to wait until the child is born before making any decisions about the Kingdom? It is important that we have a clear understanding of who the rightful heir is before we begin to take action."

The Queen's eyes flashed with anger. "I will not tolerate any dissent among my subjects," she said coldly. "The King has passed, and I am the one in charge now. Any betrayal will be met with swift and merciless action."

And with that, she dismissed the Court, leaving them to wonder what the future would hold for their beloved kingdom.

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As time pressed on, the once bright kingdom was consumed by an ominous shroud, a cloud of despair that descended upon the realm.

This came to pass when the Queen gave birth to a son, with a name whispered only in the oldest, darkest stories of the kingdom. He was named Nefarion, and from the moment of his birth, it was known that he was not a child like any other.

His eyes held the weight of centuries, and his cries echoed with an ancient power that chilled the bones of those who heard it.

Though to the sorrow of all who dwelt within the kingdom, it was clear from the outset that this child bore the same darkness that haunted his mother's spirit.

From a tender age, he brought great suffering upon the people of the kingdom, spreading misery and sorrow wherever he went.

And now, the true story begins to unfold....