THE RETURN OF THE KING
Darian stood before the gathered villagers, arms crossed over his chest, watching as they prepared for the march to the palace. The village had been buzzing with excitement for days—everyone knew that their king was among them, and they all wanted one thing: to restore what was rightfully his.
Tobias stood beside him, hands resting on his hips, wearing his trademark half-smile.
"I never thought I'd live long enough to see a rebellion in my own tavern," he muttered, grinning.
Darian chuckled, but his eyes were serious as he observed the people preparing their horses, sharpening weapons, and tying flags to their spears.
"They're not rebels," he said. "They're my army."
Tobias nodded, while Sophie stood next to them, holding Darian's hand.
"Are you sure I'm coming?" she asked gently, running her hand over her stomach.
Darian looked at her and pulled her closer.
"You have to come," he said firmly. "This is your fight, too."
She smiled and nodded.
"Okay, but if anyone thinks I'm going to fight with a sword, they're mistaken. A hit to the head with a plate, that's my maximum."
Tobias laughed.
"Plate, spoon, fork—doesn't matter. Just aim for Elara."
The people laughed as they gathered, the atmosphere full of energy, readiness, and determination. Finally, they set off.
At the Palace…
Elara was raging.
"WHERE IS HE?!" she screamed, as servants fled before her.
One of her guards, visibly shaken, tried to calm her down.
"The king hasn't been here for days, princess—"
"KING?!" she interrupted furiously. "HE'S NOT KING UNTIL I MAKE HIM KING! AND IF YOU ADDRESS ME LIKE THAT AGAIN, I'LL CUT OFF YOUR HEAD!"
The guard recoiled, and Elara kicked over a chair, sending it tumbling.
"He's gone! Disappeared! AND I'M WAITING! I DESERVE THIS!"
She breathed heavily, looking around her like a wild animal trapped in a cage.
"I'll find him. I'll bring him back, even if I have to tie him up!"
Hours later, at the palace gates…
The sound of hooves and carriage wheels echoed on the stone path as Darian and his people arrived at the palace. The guards spotted them from the walls and ran in a panic.
Darian was the first to jump off his horse, not waiting a second.
As if she sensed his arrival, the palace doors suddenly flew open, and Elara appeared.
As soon as she saw him, her eyes widened, and her fury twisted her face.
"YOU!" she hissed, charging toward him. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! DO YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST LEAVE AND ABANDON ME?!"
Darian looked at her coldly, saying nothing.
"DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I'VE WAITED?!" she screamed, furiously hitting his chest with her fists. "DO YOU KNOW HOW YOU'VE HUMILIATED ME?!"
He didn't move.
Her face twisted with rage as she grabbed him by the collar.
"SAY SOMETHING!" she demanded.
But Darian remained silent.
Instead of answering, he turned and walked toward the carriage. Elara stared at him, confused, as the doors opened, and Sophie stepped out.
And this was no ordinary Sophie.
Her dress was simple, but her face glowed with beauty. And her stomach… her stomach was impossible to hide.
Elara stared at her, her expression shifting from confusion to shock, then pure, uncontrollable hatred.
"What… what is THIS?!" she gasped.
Darian calmly took Sophie's hand and led her forward.
Elara trembled, pointing at Sophie, her eyes wild.
"No! NO! This can't be… You can't…!"
She screamed and pulled back, then started throwing herself on the ground like a spoiled child, beating her hands on the earth, shrieking.
"I WON'T ALLOW IT! I WON'T! THAT CHILD CANNOT EXIST!"
Darian finally spoke.
His voice was cold, but strong.
"You were never the future of this palace, Elara. Sophie is. And now, it's time for you to step aside."
Elara shuddered, her gaze becoming dangerous.
"I won't allow you to do this," she whispered.
Darian turned and looked her straight in the eye.
"It's too late. I already have."