The prince had a gigantic smile on his face. His father now listened to him, not to Valin anymore. He had slyly tricked his father. Because his father had a soft spot for Khazzanae, which is a long story, he didn’t want to destroy that place. But Rian, sneakily told his father that he wasn’t going to attack Khazzanae. He told his foolish father that he had heard of Queen Tia’s daughter, and wanted to meet her. His sister, the smart ne knew what Rian was up to. But she kept silent. She knew not to say anything when her father was not in the mood. And Rian was way happier.

“So, I’ll go to the palace, to pretend being hurt in the battle, and they might as well capture me for I’m precious to bargain with you guys, fake of course. And then I’ll get a chance to meet this beautiful princess, and win her heart. We will get married and I’ll be the king of Khazzanae and Thrieadon, which means I can conquer other places!” he said childishly, hoping his father would agree.

“Hmm…I guess so, now my sin is strong. I’ll let you go this time, after your little spy told you the news. I just have one question. Won’t Iaen betray us and kill all of us?” King Enzo asked.

“Well, in that case, Valin will be my bodyguard!”

“Okay. Plans settled. We will start tomorrow then,” the king clapped his hands.

~

Morning light captured his attention. Rian awoke quickly. He was a bit late. He and Valin was to enter the battlefield by noon, when the enemy’s captors were most alert, because the second shift was coming, and that they were ready to leave.

“Ready stupid?” Valin’s voice came beside him as he strode out from the doors.

“Ya, weak,” he replied.

“I’m not weak!” Valin protested loudly.

“I defeated you yesterday.”

“Because one time, you really think dad will believe you? He asked me yesterday about you and I was content to spill those horrible beans out!” Valin yelled.

Rian didn’t even flinch. He continued to march out, towards the battle sounds, agony cries and helpless screams. Valin opened the door and they were out.

On the bloodied field, Valin charged at one soldier, smacking his head to the ground and slicing his neck. It was disgusting, and Rian almost wanted to run back. But seeing Valin, he slashed too, even setting fire to one.

“Ha!” a sudden voice came from behind. “Jayden, we caught two—one?” Valin had ran off, but Rian stood there, not moving at all. A net pulled him through the blood. Something heavy clammed his hands together, bounded. He was thrown into the cages and swallowed by darkness, after one knocked him on the head. He was sinking, lower and lower every second.