The Games.

***

~Karl~

The smith had managed to finish my gold mask just in time. It wasn't easy to craft something like this in a day, but he had pulled it off. The mask was heavy but beautifully designed, with black detailing to soften its appearance. It covered only half of my face—like armor.

I secured it in place and stepped out of my room, heading toward the sporting complex.

"You look different," Rania said when she saw me. There was concern in her eyes. She wanted to know why I had changed my mask so suddenly.

I didn't want to worry her. "I just wanted to try something new," I lied.

She didn't question me further as we walked down the long hallway leading to the arena. From here, I could already hear the restless crowd. Their excitement echoed for miles.

The people were eager for the games to begin, but they would have to wait for my signal.

Their chants filled the air, calling upon the gods to bless the city, the games, and even me. But I knew the truth. It wasn't about me. It was about entertainment.

They didn't pray for my survival. They prayed for a show.

Rania laughed beside me, shaking her head. "Look at them, brother. They call you the bloodthirsty king, yet they crave blood more than you do. See how happy they are?"

I chuckled softly. She wasn't wrong.

As we reached the royal seating area, I took in the sight of my family. Everyone was present—including my mother.

There were only two thrones, and Queen Fortuna already occupied one. She looked pale, exhausted. Something was off. Either she was unwell or she had overworked herself today.

The moment the crowd saw me, they erupted into cheers. Thousands stood to welcome me.

Rania went to her place beside our mother.

Rosalind, as expected, seemed disinterested. She only cared about her books and whatever mischief she was planning next.

Sometimes, I worried about her. She would be a headache for my mother one day.

But not for me. I knew how to handle her.

I sat down, and everyone followed. Looking at the crowd, I realized this was far more than I had expected. Lord Rowland sat behind me, and from what he told me, the turnout was overwhelming—three times what we had planned.

"The streets outside are packed," he informed me. "The sports complex is full. There's no way we can let anyone else in."

"Can they be moved from the streets?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"Then we need to tighten security everywhere, including inside the villages. We don't want thieves disguising themselves as travelers to steal from the people."

"What happens if anyone is caught stealing?"

"Kill them on the spot," I ordered, then turned my attention back to the audience. It was time to declare the event open.

I rose from my throne and welcomed the crowd, acknowledging those who had traveled from far and near. I promised them this year's games would be more thrilling than ever.

"Let it all begin!" I declared, spreading my arms.

My voice couldn't reach the people at the far end, yet they were the first to cheer and applaud. Were they reading my lips?

I sat down as the first event began—a dancing competition. The women moved with such grace and skill that choosing a winner seemed impossible.

Then, as I watched, my thoughts drifted to Katrina. I wondered how she would have looked in the yellow outfit I chose for her. But when I finally spotted her, she was sitting beside Prince Elvin.

As usual, they were deep in conversation. She laughed every time he whispered to her.

I couldn't hear them, but it didn't matter. My chest tightened. Why was she doing this?

She hadn't worn the outfit I chose. No wonder I hadn't noticed her earlier.

Did she not like it?

I wondered.

Many thoughts raced through my mind, and my blood boiled the longer I stared at them. Was Prince Elvin doing this on purpose? He knew Katrina was part of my consort, yet he spoke to her at every chance like she was an unmarried woman.

I turned to speak to Rowland but found Queen Fortuna beside me instead. I sighed and looked away. Why did she have to sit next to me at a time like this? I wished Rowland was here instead.

I signaled a guard and told him to inform Rowland to move his seat closer. Moments later, my friend was beside me again.

"Did you see Katrina?" I asked, my voice tight with frustration. My eyes never left her.

"Y-yes, Your Highness," he replied. "She didn't wear the outfit you chose. Maybe she didn't like it or it didn't fit. You know it was rushed, right?"

"If the fault was on the tailor's side, I'll have her killed," I said, gripping the arms of my golden throne. "Send someone to get the tailor."

"Now?" Rowland asked, surprised.

"Now," I repeated, tightening my grip.

He hesitated, then rose from his seat and spoke to a guard by the corner.

Queen Fortuna noticed my tension.

"Are you alright, my Lord?" she asked softly. Her voice sounded different, almost fragile. Had she been crying?

"Yes. But you don't seem fine to me."

"I don't feel well this evening, but I'll be fine," she murmured, looking away.

"Look at me, Fortuna," I commanded.

She hesitated before obeying.

"What did the nurse say is wrong with you?"

"Stress," she said quietly. "I'll be fine."

"I forgive you," I said. Maybe it would make her feel better. I knew she didn't like Katrina because the princess had disrespected her.

Fortuna looked surprised. Her face lit up, and I could tell she hadn't expected me to change my mind so quickly.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she said.

"But your punishment will come," I reminded her. With everything going on, I hadn't decided what it would be, but I wouldn't let her go unpunished. "For now, get well soon."

She placed her hand on mine and smiled. I took her hand and kissed it instead. The crowd erupted into cheers. On impulse, I pecked her cheek, and their cheers grew louder. I smirked.

Hypocrites. When I first married her, they were against it, saying the throne deserved a queen of royal blood.

Then, I saw Katrina's face. She had gone pale, as if she had seen a ghost. She looked hurt.

I took a deep breath and sighed. How was I supposed to handle these women? Katrina had been enjoying herself with Prince Elvin, but the moment I showed a little care for my wife, she was upset.

"She's here," Lord Rowland interrupted my thoughts.

I turned and saw the royal tailor—a middle-aged woman who wouldn't lift her head. Fortuna glanced at her, curious, but didn't dare ask why she was here.

"Was the outfit okay? Did something go wrong while you were making it?" I asked, my brows furrowed.

"No, Your Highness. I would never deliver a faulty dress," she replied, her voice shaking. She kept her head bowed the entire time.

"So why didn't she wear it?"

"I have no idea, Your Highness."

"You'd better pray it wasn't your fault… You won't like the outcome," I warned. It wasn't just a threat—she knew exactly what I was capable of.

I dismissed her. Lord Rowland stepped closer. "I'll find out the truth from Marissa."

I nodded in approval.