Chapter 7 THE ATTACK

Her words dug into him like thorns.

Before he could answer, a soft voice interrupted.

“Your Highnesses,"

They both turned.

Lira stood in the doorway of the balcony with a gentle expression.

“His majesty wishes to speak with you,” she said. “Both of you.”

Athalia smoothed her dress instantly, her face transforming into a perfect picture of innocence

“Of course,” she said softly.

As they walked back inside, Athalia leaned toward Adrian and whispered.

“Think about what I said.”

The king’s private chamber was warm, lit by gold lamps and a wide hearth. King Jeremy looked older tonight although tired from the day’s events but his eyes remained sharp.

“Sit,” he instructed.

Adrian and Athalia obeyed. They met Eric and Emelia already waiting.

The king studied them with his fingers tapping the arm of his chair.

“You married today,” he said slowly. “And with marriage comes responsibility.”

Adrian straightened. “I understand, Father.”

“I hope so,” he replied. “Because Arrandelle faces uncertain times. The borders grow restless, the council questions our strength and the people look to the royal family for stability.”

Athalia bowed her head politely, though her eyes gleamed with calculation.

King Jeremy continued,

“Adrian, I need you to stand by your brother. You must support him, not oppose him. He understands the people and will play a key role in the future of this kingdom.”

Athalia’s lips tightened.

Adrian’s stomach sank.

“What?” Adrain exclaimed.“What?” Adrain exclaimed. “Eric? Why him?”

“Because he listens to the people,” the king replied. “He speaks their language and they trust him.”

“Father, I don't think……! Eric started but the king halted him.

“And me?” Adrian asked quietly.

King Jeremy hesitated and said nothing. That hurt more than any answer.

“You are the firstborn,” the king said at last. “But a kingdom is not built on birthright alone. It is built on strength… and loyalty.”

“Father…!” Eric tried speaking but was shushed once more.

Adrian’s palms grew cold.

He felt Athalia’s gaze on him and felt her earlier words tightening around him like a rope.

The king then turned to her.

“Athalia,” he said, “I trust you will guide Adrian wisely.”

The smile she gave was soft, sweet and completely false.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” she replied. “I will do everything I can.”

But Adrian knew what her “guidance” truly meant.

When they left the chamber, the corridor was quiet. Shadows stretched along the walls.

Adrian walked ahead looking troubled.

Athalia followed closely, then spoke in a calm whisper.

“You see? Even your father doubts you.” she said.

“Athalia, please…”

“He wants Eric to rule with you,” she continued.

“But soon he may want Eric to rule instead of you.”

“Stop,” Adrain muttered.

“No,” Athalia said firmly. “Not until you open your eyes.”

She stepped in front of him and blocked his path.

“You can lose everything,” she whispered. “Or you can fight for it.”

Her words echoed through the empty corridor.

Adrian stared at her, torn between fear and ambition, between loyalty and desire.

And before he could speak a sudden crash echoed from the far end of the hall.

It was the sound of broken glass, a voice shouting and a guard running toward them.

“Your Highness!” the guard called breathlessly.

“There has been an incident with the king, he….”

Adrian’s heart froze

“What about my father?” he demanded.

The guard swallowed hard.

“He has been attacked, my prince. Someone tried to kill him.”

Athalia’s eyes widened with shock.

While Adrian felt his world tilt violently as the guard added:

“He may not live past the night.”

Chaos swept through the palace.

Guards shouted orders, servants ran in different directions and tension filled the halls The news spread faster than fire that the King had been attacked.

Adrian hurried down the corridor as his heart pounded painfully in his chest.

Athalia followed behind him, her face composed but unreadable.

The guard who brought the news led them through a dim hallway toward the healer’s wing.

“What happened?” Adrian demanded.

“We found him near the west courtyard,” the guard explained. “There was blood… he was unconscious when we arrived.”

Adrian clenched his fist.

“This makes no sense. Father has no enemies inside the palace. How did someone get in?”

The guard hesitated. “Everyone has enemies, my prince.”

But Adrian shook his head. “But father was loved. There was no reason for him to be the target, unless….”

“Prince Eric was there when it happened!” the guard added.

Adrian turned sharply “you mean……!"

“Yes, my prince”

“But why will I think that?” he thought to himself.

Adrian swallowed the thought before it fully formed.

They reached the heavy wooden doors of the healer’s chamber. The air smelled of smoke and herbs. When Adrian pushed the door open, he froze.

Queen Elizabeth was kneeling at the king’s bedside, her hands trembling as she held his. Her dress was stained with drops of his blood

“Jeremy please,” she whispered. “Open your eyes…”

Her voice cracked on the last word.

Prince Eric and Princess Emelia stood nearby with fear and shock etched on their faces.

Royal healers moved around the king quickly, pressing cloths to soak the blood off the deep cuts on his arm and side.

Adrian stepped forward.

“Mother…. how is he?”

Queen Elizabeth turned to him tearfully but could say nothing.

“He lives, “Emelia cut in. “But the wounds are severe.”

Athalia pressed a hand to her chest in a practiced gesture, though her eyes stayed steady.

Queen Elizabeth looked up with her eyes red and her face wet with tears.

“Adrian,” she called “who would do this to him? Who would want to hurt him?”

Adrian had no answer.

A healer approached them.

“Your Highness,” the healer said quietly, “the cuts seem intentional. This was a deliberate attack.”

Prince Adrain’s expression hardened.

“Find the attacker,” he ordered. “Search every corner of this palace. No one leaves the grounds until the culprit is found!”

“Yes, your highness!” the guards echoed and rushed out.

For a long moment, the room was silent except for the sound of healers working and Queen Elizabeths unsteady breaths.

Adrain turned to Eric.

“Brother,” he said heavily, “.... you were with father. What happened? Who did this?

“I…. I don't know. I couldnt see anyone!” he stammered.

“Why do you look so frightened?” Athalia asked, watching him closely. “What really happened?

All eyes shifted to Eric, but he couldn’t speak.

“Eric darling. Tell us what happened!” Emelia urged.

Athalia rolled her eyes.

Adrian grew impatient and grabbed Eric by the chest. “Tell me what happened!”

“They… were trying to kill me,” Eric choked out.

“What?” they chorused.

Adrain left him alone.

“You mean……? Athalia asked curiously

“Father saved me. They wanted me dead but father stepped in." Eric said with tears gathering but refusing to fall. “Before I could recollect myself, Father was laying in my hands bleeding."

Queen Elizabeth dropped to her knees. Emelia and Athalia caught her quickly.

Adrian shook his head.

“No. Why would they try to kill you? Everyone loves you… right?” he asked, as if hoping for reassurance.

“Everyone?” Emelia repeated carefully.

Something in her tone made Adrian stiffen.

“Was Emelia doubting him?” he wondered.