Chapter 11: The King's Plan

The throne room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft rustling of the king's robes as he sat on his throne. The messenger bowed low, gesturing for the brothers to approach.

Arthur felt a sense of trepidation as they walked towards the throne. What did the king want now?

The king's eyes seemed to bore into their souls as they approached. "My sons," he said, his voice dripping with an air of superiority. "I trust you understand the gravity of the situation."

Desmor's voice was low and even. "We understand, Father."

The king nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good. I'm glad you understand. Now, I will explain the rules of the game."

Gedeon's eyes narrowed. "What game, Father?"

The king's smile grew wider. "The game of survival, my sons. Only one of you can take over the throne, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the strongest of you emerges victorious."

Antorn's face paled. "What do you mean, Father?"

The king leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement. "I mean that I will set you against each other, my sons. I will give you challenges, obstacles, and enemies to overcome. And in the end, only one of you will remain."

Arthur felt a chill run down his spine. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. His father, the man he had always admired and respected, was willing to sacrifice three of his own sons for the sake of the throne.

Desmor's voice was low and menacing. "We won't play your game, Father."

The king's smile grew wider. "Oh, but you will, my sons. You will play, and you will fight, and you will die. Because that is the way of our family."

As the king finished speaking, the doors to the throne room burst open, and a group of guards strode in.

"My lords," one of the guards said, bowing low. "The king has decreed that you will be taken to the training grounds, where you will begin your preparation for the games."

Arthur felt a sense of dread wash over him. He knew that their lives would never be the same again.

As they were led away by the guards, Arthur couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Would they be able to survive the games? And what would be the ultimate cost of their survival?

Only time would tell.

As they walked, Gedeon spoke up, his voice low and determined. "We'll find a way out of this," he said. "We'll work together and-"

Desmor's voice cut him off. "No, Gedeon. We can't trust each other. Not now."

Arthur felt a pang of sadness. He knew that his brothers were right. The king's decree had changed everything.

As they arrived at the training grounds, Arthur saw that they were surrounded by high walls, with guards posted at regular intervals.

A figure emerged from the shadows, a tall, imposing man with a cruel smile on his face.

"Welcome, princes," he said, bowing low. "My name is Lord Ravenswood, and I will be your instructor for the duration of the games."

Arthur felt a sense of trepidation. He knew that they were in for a tough time.

Lord Ravenswood's smile grew wider. "Let us begin," he said.

And with that, the training began.