ROYAL DARKNESS (MASKED)(18+)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

As tension thickened in the air, Kira's voice echoed with determination. "Let the queen come with us, and your people, including you, shall leave to see another day," she said, her eyes searching for a glimmer of reason in King Herad's gaze.

King Herad, his regal countenance etched with concern, locked his gaze on the mighty dragon that stood not too far away. The creature, its scales glistening in the sunlight, exuded an aura of power, ready to unleash its wrath upon the kingdom.

Marcella stepped forward, her voice filled with urgency. "There is no other option, King Herad. I care deeply for the people and the Kingdom, so I begged the king of Drakonia not to rain destruction upon our lands. All you must do is let his queen go, and we can secure the safety of our beloved land."

Frustration etched itself onto King Herad's face as he retorted, his voice laced with anger. "You do not care! You are a traitor, willing to abandon our people for your own gain."

Marcella's eyes softened, her voice filled with sincerity as she spoke. "I will do anything to ensure the safety of my daughter. But in this plea, I also seek to save countless lives and protect our legacy. The queen's freedom is a small price to pay for the preservation of our people's future."

Silence settled upon the tense gathering, the weight of the moment hanging in the air. King Herad's gaze shifted from the dragon to Kira, then finally to Marcella. The gravity of the situation enveloped him, and he began to contemplate the difficult decision he faced - whether to release the queen and safeguard his people or cling to his pride and face the dragon's wrath.

In that moment, the destiny of the kingdom hung in the balance, as the ultimate choice rested upon the shoulders of a conflicted king.

The venomous words echoed through the chamber as King Herad's accusing gaze pierced Jamari's heart. "This Vedan is cursed," he seethed, his voice dripping with malice, "she will bring destruction wherever she goes and whoever she is with. Tragedy will befall the lives of those who dare to love her."

Marcella, her face etched with disbelief, stepped forward to defend Jamari. "You are cursing your own child," she declared, her voice filled with both sorrow and determination.

"She is not my child," Herad retorted, his voice laced with bitterness. "And you can have her. I wish upon you all a life of misery, for you have conspired against me."

Marcella's gaze held compassion as she replied, "And I wish for you to find peace and be free from your own misery eventually, my king. May you find peace within your heart."

Amidst the chaos, Kira stepped forward, her voice filled with determination. "Let's leave, my queen," she said softly to Jamari, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

Jamari fought back tears, her eyes shining with confusion and hurt. She couldn't fathom why her own father harbored such intense hatred towards her. The weight of his rejection bore heavily on her, as she grappled with the pain of his words and the question of her own self-worth.

With a heavy heart, Jamari cast one last glance at King Herad before she turned away, her steps guided by Kira's protective presence. As they distanced themselves from the chaotic scene, the dragon took to the sky, a symbol of their salvation.

Overwhelmed by grief and regret, Herad's strength waned, and he sank to his knees in sorrow. "I am sorry, Marie," he whispered, his voice filled with remorse. "I am sorry I couldn't avenge your death."

A torrent of conflicting emotions surged within him. Hatred towards Jamari coursed through his veins, yet he recognized the cost of seeking vengeance-his kingdom and the lives of his people. The weight of responsibility bore down on him, forcing him to confront the painful reality of his choices.