Chapter 2 - The Urchin with Noble Blood
Pandemonium erupted across the Great Hall.
"Seize the boy!" roared Regent Malakor, stepping down from the throne. His face was twisted with fury as his black-armored Imperial Guards drew their broadswords. "He uses dark hedge-magic! He is a thief sent to desecrate our holy vault!"
Commander Kael, the battle-tested captain of the royal guard, stepped between the soldiers and the boy, his own blade clearing its scabbard with a sharp sing. "Stand down! You all saw it! The Vault opened for his touch alone, and the Crown chose him. By ancient law, he is untouchable!"
"The law died five years ago with the late King!" Malakor hissed.
Eli stood unmoving in the blinding glow. He looked down at his filthy hands, then up at the towering Regent. "My mother told me never to come here until the blue stars aligned," Eli said softly, his small voice echoing off the stone walls. "She said the man who stole the crown would try to hurt me."
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A collective gasp swept through the court. Five years ago, Queen Elena had mysteriously disappeared during a midnight siege, and Regent Malakor had assumed total control of the realm. Now, looking closely at the boy's piercing violet eyes and fair brow, the older lords recognized the uncanny likeness.
Malakor’s jaw tightened. "Take him to the High Tower," he commanded through gritted teeth. "We will... question him about his mother."
