borders

"If this was the right thing to do, so be it," Andras said to himself, pacing the royal chamber. His face held a wicked smile. "Everything has fallen according to my plan. This is what I've wanted since childhood. Alden doesn't know what it's like to wait so long for something you deserve."

A sudden knock interrupted his thoughts. "Your Highness," an elder said as he stepped into the room.

"What do you want?" Andras barked angrily, turning to face him. "I just came back from battle. Let me rest!"

"Forgive me, Majesty," the elder said, bowing slightly. "I haven't come to disturb your rest, but your presence is needed in the courtroom. The council has questions, and I believe you have answers."

"Questions?" Andras frowned. "Can't it wait till tomorrow? Must I be disturbed now? Get out!"

The elder bowed again but didn't leave. "Majesty, the people of Fenalore are restless. The council demands your attention."

Andras sighed heavily. "Fine. But this better be worth my time."

---

In the Courtroom

The courtroom was filled with tension as the king arrived, his crimson robes flowing behind him. The elders stood silently, watching him take his seat on the throne.

"Speak quickly," Andras commanded, his voice sharp. "What nonsense do you need me to address now?"

An elder stepped forward cautiously. "Your Majesty, the people are starving. It has been years since the death of the former king, and nothing has been the same. You seized their lands, stopped their supplies, and closed the borders. They are begging for relief."

Andras leaned back on his throne, unimpressed. "Relief? Do you think I locked the borders without reason? If I open them, our enemies will use that as a way to attack us. I will not risk my kingdom for their comfort."

A man dressed in plain robes stepped forward from the crowd. "Your Majesty, I've come from afar to plead with you. The people are starving, and the dry season is near. If the borders stay closed, there will be nothing left for anyone to eat or drink."

Andras sneered. "And what business do I have with you, outsider? Did you come to buy slaves? My slaves are not for sale. I have more wealth than any city in the world. I don't need anything from you or anyone else."

"Your Majesty, I came only to beg you to open the borders. The people are suffering, and without supplies, Fenalore will fall into ruin."

Andras laughed. "Ruin? My kingdom is stronger than ever under my rule. I will open the borders only when every nation bows before me and makes me their supreme king. Until then, let them starve."

"But, Majesty," the man pleaded, "the people are running out of food and water. Soon, even the palace supplies will run dry."

Andras rose to his feet, glaring at the man. "You dare to question me? I've told you what must happen. If anyone in this kingdom values their life, they will not disturb me again with this nonsense!"

With that, Andras stormed out of the courtroom, leaving the elders and the man in stunned silence.

---

Aftermath

"Is this what we've come to?" one elder whispered, his voice filled with despair. "The people are dying, and we're too afraid to challenge him."

"How long can we live like this?" another asked, his face pale with worry.

"We must support our king," another elder said. "He knows what he's doing. If the nations bow to him, Fenalore will rise