Chapter 3 - Shadows in the Court
Within twenty-four hours, the dirty orphan of the colosseum was transformed back into Prince Leo of Solaria. He was washed, clothed in robes of fine royal blue and embroidered gold, and brought to the grand palace. Yet, despite the luxury, Leo felt more trapped in the opulent halls than he ever had in the arena.
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That evening, King Aurelius hosted a private dinner in the High Tower to bond with his long-lost heir. The King looked at Leo with an expression overflowing with pride and regret, offering the boy roasted meats and sweet pastries.
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"I searched for you for five years after the siege, Leo," Aurelius said softly, his voice heavy with ancient grief. "When no trace was found, I thought the rebels had killed you. How did you survive?"
"An old man named Silas raised me in the wildwood," Leo replied, looking down at his hands. "He taught me to hide the scar. He said if the wrong people saw it, I would be hunted."
"And he was right," a cold voice interrupted.
Grand Vizier Malakor stepped into the dining chamber, bowing low with a snake-like smile. "Your Majesty, while the boy's return is a miracle, the council is deeply concerned. The magical scar on his chest is unpredictable. Magic has been forbidden in Solaria since the war. Having a prince who wields ancient lightning could spark civil unrest."
"He is my son and the rightful heir!" Aurelius snapped, slamming his fist on the mahogany table. "His bloodline is absolute!"
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Malakor bowed his head in feigned submission, but his eyes flashed with malice. "Of course, My King. I only seek to protect the realm."
Later that night, as Leo lay in his lavish bedchamber, he heard the faint sound of boots outside his door. He sat up just as a dark figure slipped through the shadows, drawing a poison-tipped dagger from beneath a cloak. The assassin lunged for the sleeping bed—unaware that Leo was already crouching on top of the wardrobe above.
