"I must claim my iron throne and avenge my son's death"
kneeling, eyes downcast "Your will is my command, my queen."
"Rise, SeashellSerenity," I say, gesturing to the kneeling woman. "Your loyalty has not gone unnoticed.
raises head, eyes still downcast "Thank you, my queen."
"You will be rewarded handsomely if you bring me the head of the traitor who murdered my son."
"Yes, my queen." stands up, determination in her eyes "I will not fail you."
"I have a plan to secure our kingdom's future," I say, leaning forward with intensity. "We will form alliances with neighboring kingdoms.
"What can I do to assist you, my queen?"
"Gather the finest warriors in our kingdom. We will march upon the traitor's stronghold and crush him beneath our heels."
"As you command, my queen." immediately rushes off to gather the warriors
"Wait, SeashellSerenity," I say, raising a hand to stop her in her tracks. "Before you go, I have a special task for you.
turns back to face Eirlys "Whatever you require, my queen."
"There is a young boy, no more than ten years old. His name is Ryker. He is the last surviving member of my son's lineage."
"He is hiding in a remote village on the outskirts of our kingdom. Bring him to me, alive and unharmed. He will be crucial in securing our kingdom's future."
"Understood, my queen. I will bring him to you." hurries off to find Ryker
"Remember, SeashellSerenity, failure is not an option. Bring me Ryker, or face the consequences."
"Yes, my queen. I won't disappoint you." disappears into the shadows
"I must prepare myself for the journey ahead," I say, rising from my throne and gathering my belongings.
"Finally, SeashellSerenity returns," I say, looking at the determined woman standing before me. "Did you retrieve the boy, Ryker?"
"I found him, my queen. He's here in the capital now."
"Good," I say, a sinister smile forming on my lips. "Take me to him. I wish to see the blood of my son's killer with my own eyes."
"Of course, my queen." leads Eirlys to a hidden chamber
"We must ensure Ryker's loyalty," I say, pacing back and forth in the hidden chamber.
"What do you plan to do, my queen?"
"We will test Ryker's loyalty by offering him a deal," I say, a glint of malice in my eyes.
"Yes, a deal," I say, crossing my arms. "Ryker, come forth and swear your allegiance to me. Help me maintain control over this kingdom and secure our legacy."
"And if he refuses, my queen?"
"If Ryker refuses, we shall use fear as our weapon," I say, leaning in closer to SeashellSerenity.
"What do you mean, my queen?"
"We will show Ryker the consequences of betrayal," I say, a chilling smile playing on my lips.
"Take Ryker to the dungeon," I say, my voice dripping with malice. "Lock him in the deepest cell. Let him contemplate his choices."
"Yes, my queen." restrains Ryker and takes him to the dungeon
"Now, SeashellSerenity, we must ensure that Ryker understands the gravity of his situation," I say, walking towards the dungeon.
"Show him no mercy, my queen."
"We will show Ryker the true meaning of mercy," I say, a cold laugh escaping my lips.
"As you command, my queen." pours salt on Ryker's wounds
"His screams should echo through these halls, reminding him of the price of defiance," I say, watching with satisfaction as Ryker writhes in pain.
"It is done, my queen. What's next?"
"Now that Ryker has sworn his allegiance, it is time to solidify our power," I say, a fire burning in my eyes.