"Time to tighten the screws, eh? Need your brain to keep this ship sailin' and the queen safe."
Understood, Your Highness. What is the next move?
He leans forward, his eyes piercing into Ava’s soul The next move… it involves you playing a little game, Ava. A game of loyalty and survival.
I'm listening, Damion. Let's hear this game of yours.
He pulls out a small, ornate box from his pocket and places it on the table in front of Ava Inside this box are five buttons. Each one represents a different path you could take. One leads to power, one to betrayal, one to death, one to exile, and one to freedom. Your choice will determine your fate, and the fate of our kingdom.
So, I just pick one? Sounds simple enough.
Not so fast, my dear. It's not just about picking a button. Each button comes with a set of challenges, trials, and obstacles that you must overcome before you can claim its reward. And let me tell you, they won't be easy.
Alright then, what are the challenges? Let's get this started.
Ah, eager, aren't we? Well, my dear, the first challenge is a test of loyalty. You must prove your unwavering allegiance to me and our cause.
I've always been loyal to you, Damion. This won't be a problem.
He smirks, leaning back in his chair Loyalty can be easily faked, my dear. I need more than just words.
What do you need then, Damion? Actions? Blood? What?
Oh, my dear Ava, actions speak louder than words, don't they? I need you to prove your loyalty through an act of sacrifice.
Sacrifice? What kind of sacrifice, Damion? Tell me.
He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper My dear Ava, I need you to eliminate one of my most trusted advisors.
Which one, Damion? Who should I target?
He leans back in his chair, smirking Choose wisely, my dear. There are three advisors vying for power after my death.
Got it. I'll eliminate the weakest one first. And if I succeed, what then? Do I get a new title or something?
Oh, my dear Ava, titles are for the weak-minded. If you succeed, you will earn my trust, and with it, access to the secrets of our kingdom.
Secrets? What kind of secrets, Damion? Do you mean money, power, or... something else?
He chuckles darkly, his eyes glinting with mischief Money and power are mere footholds, my dear.
...And the other two options? Death and exile? Do you really think anyone would choose those willingly?
He leans forward, his gaze intense You see, my dear Ava, death and exile are not what they seem.
He stands up, towering over Ava Death and exile are not the end, my dear. They are merely the means to an end.