In the grand kingdom of Valoria, king Alexander ruled with an iron fist .he was known for his ice-cold beauty, piercing silver eyes and long dark hair and unmatched military strategies whispers spread that he possessed dark powers making him almost untouchable.

One evening, as the sun set behind the castle walls, Alexander sat alone in his throne room when two guards suddenly walked in and knelt before him.

"What is it "Alexander asked in a very dangerous tone.

The first guard that goes by the name Marco said" your majesty, we have found the one who has been killing people in our kingdom"

"the deadly assassin , rumours have it that he can't die" the second guard said

"oh really Alexander said with a smirk

Marco and Luca nodded

..."Do you want to handle his case your majesty,, Marco asked...

yes Alexander said as he grabbed his sword

The two guards nodded then left

Few minutes later they brought in a man whose head was covered with a bag and his hands were tied with an itchy rope, they made him kneel before Alexander

So you're the one that have been killing my people, Alexander said then removed the bag from the man's head .

the man didn't say anything then Alexander asked what's your name

My name is Kore, the man said

"I hope you know your crimes" Alexander asked

kore: yes I do , but really I'm tired of living, I do want to die

Alexander chuckled "then said, so you think I would let you live "

Kore : Do u think any of this bastard's that you called guards would have been able to catch me if I didn't want to die, I just want to die Alexander.

Alexander was upset because no one has ever called him by his name, Alexander sighed out of frustration then said I would grant your wish, kore (Alexander said)

kore : just kill me right here and now your majesty he said teasingly

Alexander was fed up with him so he said to his guards" take him to the punishment room

Marco and Luca nodded as the held kore , he started laughing then said I think I'm going to die, anyway I can't die (he said as they dragged him away )

we shall see Alexander murmured

the guards dragged kore into the punishment room, they laid him on the punishment table and tied him with an itchy rope "is that all you guys got kore asked ", one of the guards that goes by the name Liam poured a bucket of hot water on kore , kore smirked then said is that all you guys got

Marco sighed then shut him up by shoving materials into his mouth while they waited for the king to come.

Few minutes later, Alexander entered the punishment room

Marco : your majesty, We have been waiting for you

Alexander :I know

Marco nodded then handed him a dagger

Alexander collected the dagger then removed the clothes from Kore's mouth

Alexander started by chopping off his left and right hand fingers causing him to scream in pain

the guards laughed

"I taught you said you can't die , Alexander asked teasingly

kore: yeah I said so but I didn't say I don't feel pain, I do feel pain but I can't die (he shouted )

Alexander : perfect, I don't really care if you can feel pain or if you can't die, all I want to know is why you were killing people in my kingdom.

kore: I killed because I love it, I rape because I feel like rapping beautiful girls and I steal for the poor

Alexander : the poor, how I don't get.

kore : I steal for myself, I am the poor

Alexander and the guards laughed at his stupidity

'so tell me why rumors have it that you can't die "

kore: ah , I have nine lives, that's what my grandpa said

Alexander : and you just believed

kore: yeah, I was a baby when my foolish mother and father dropped me on a mountain because they wanted me to get powers or whatever, but instead I got cursed, I guess

Alexander : I don't believe in those nonsense (he said as he chopped off his left feet fingers causing kore to scream in pain then kore shouted why are u chopping my fingers like you are chopping vegetables

Alexander smirked then said shut it bastard

kore : but is that all you gat, your majesty, he said teasingly

Alexander smiled then in the blink of an eye, he cut off Kore's male reproductive system

kore screamed and Alexander tossed his thick rod aside, kore screamed the said that was painful but wish, I'm still alive

Alexander dropped his dagger on a table and sat on a chair then said untie him, and hang him upside down

kore : just kill me already

Alexander : I promised you a slow but painful death, and I always stick to my promise he said with a smirk as he watched the guards hang him upside down, and he also noticed that he was bleeding like crazy but Alexander didn't care

Luca : your majesty what's next

flog him, with heated rods and chains, Alexander said

A guard that goes by the name shadow, poured cold water on him

Marco: shall we start your majesty

Alexander nodded for the guards to start, which they did, every whips that kore gets on his back makes him scream, Alexander smirked as he watched the show then he said cut off his ears.

Luca swallows hard meanwhile Marco didn't hesitate to hold the dagger and cut his left ear causing kore to scream then Marco cut the second ear,the punishment room was filled with Kore's screams, Alexander smiled in a devilish way

the punishment took place for a very long period of time before Alexander said burn him alive

the guards nodded then untied kore, while Luca and some servants prepared the place that would be used for his burning .

few minutes later Luca came back to the punishment room then said it is ready your majesty

Alexander nodded then the guards took more away, they helped him while walking but Alexander said anyone who helps him in walking would be burnt alive next to him , he said in a dangerous tone that sent chill down the guards and servants spine's , so no one helped kore to walk , kore crawled outside and smiled as he looked up to the sky and saw the sun then he said I'm glad I would die soon.

in the punishment room, Alexander stood there lost in taught when Leo a servant walked in with a bucket of water and a rag , Alexander watched as Leo cleaned the blood stained ground , Alexander noticed that he wasn't even scared to trash a male reproductive system, he smiled then asked what's your name

Leo : my name is Leo

Alexander : how old are you

Leo : I'm twenty five years old , my lord Leo said as he stood up and faced Alexander

Alexander's eye's linger on Leo for a moment , taking in his delicate features and the way the soft light catches his brown short messy hair , Alexander cleared his throat then walked away he suddenly stopped at the door and glanced back to Leo then said get back to work

Leo nodded then Alexander smiled then mummured good boy, I love obedient pet he said in a low tone before walking away , Leo bent down and continued cleaning

such a weird king Leo mummured

meanwhile Alexander went outside and smiled at the scene of the burning kore, "perfect , Alexander mummured , kore was weak but he screamed like crazy

Kore's screams made Alexander sister (princess Fiona)to come out of the castle with her red gown that fitted her perfectly, she was the real definition of beauty , she had a long black hair and a silver eyes

stop this madness brother , Fiona said

Alexander didn't bother to look at her, then he said I'm granting his wish , now be a good princess and go back inside , Alexander said in a cold tone , leaving no space for argument

ok Fiona said then walked away with her maids but she glanced at the man who was being burnt alive and was shocked to find out he was still alive, she became curious

princess don't be sad ok, one of the maid said

Fiona : I'm not sad, I'm just confuse why that man isn't dead yet.

I don't really know 'the third maid said

I heard that he is the assassin who kills, rape and steal and is also into many other stuffs, he can't die the second maid said

Fiona : does he use dark powers or what

maid two "I don't really know

Fiona nodded then suddenly became quiet as they entered the palace hall

meanwhile kore didn't die , he walked out of the fire but he was weak and he looked like a roasted meat , Alexander laughed at him then suddenly from nowhere an arrow flew and stabbed kore on the neck Alexander frowned then said prince ariel

Alexander, Ariel said while leaning on a tree

what, Alexander asked

Oh brother, you are just wasting your time punishing this man while you can just behead him, Ariel said

Alexander was about to say something when kore suddenly stood up wearing a devilish smile then he said since you can't kill me, I would kill you, he was about to grab a sword when Ariel shot him another arrow, and it landed on his left eye causing kore to scream, Alexander drew out his sword and in the blink of an eye, Alexander cut off kore's head.

Ariel smirked then said you are welcome brother

Alexander picked up kore head then said I wasted my time then he tossed the head aside and walked away

Ariel ran after Alexander

Your majesty, have you heard that our senior brother would be coming home soon, Ariel said

Alexander's mood suddenly changed

"and so " Alexander said

Ariel : you know that throne doesn't belong to you, he said in a low tone

Alexander pinned Ariel to the wall then said "if you don't shut up, I would kill you "

"easy there tiger " Ariel said then Alexander walked away

"I would have that throne sooner or later, Ariel murmured then walked away too.

Alexander entered his chambers and he removed his clothes and laid on the bed then he started remembering how his brother used to bully him and how his late father treated him like trash and treated Ariel, Fiona and Nikolai, well, because of his father's act, he hated his father and he trained hard, and his only wish was to become the king of valoria even though he knew he was the second child, he trained hard with his father's soldiers, thinking that his father would notice him, but his father didn't, his father took him as one of his soldiers, the only person that treated him well was his mother, his mother died out of an unknown sickness, but his father died in the battlefield, while his brother Nikolai went missing and suddenly became the king of another small but powerful kingdom, at the age of twenty, Alexander was crowned the king of valoria ,he took care of Ariel and Fiona.

I wonder what he is coming to do, doesn't he have his own kingdom , Alexander murmured

then suddenly memories of how Nikolai used to punish him , flushed in , making Alexander scared then Alexander said "I'm no longer a child , I'm a thirty years old man , why should I be scared of my brother, I wonder what he looks like , anyways I don't care , he mummured then he suddenly falls asleep

The next day

Alexander was signing documents in his study room when Hiroshi quietly walked in, Hiroshi is Alexander most trusted servant.

"what is it Hiroshi , Alexander asked

Hiroshi :may I sit your majesty

"Sit" Alexander said in a cold tone.

Hiroshi sat down and cleared his throat then said "your majesty, your brother Nikolai is coming home for the late king funeral

Alexander frowned then said he is not my brother

Hiroshi : that's what you say, but you know he is your brother.

Alexander sighed out of frustration then said

"Anyway, what exactly did you come here for

Hiroshi: your majesty, the people wants a queen"

But I don't want a queen, and that's final

Hiroshi nodded

Alexander continued signing some important documents, suddenly the door creaked open and Leo entered carrying a cup of tea, he placed it on the table then Alexander said you may leave.

Leo bowed then walked away.

As Leo left, Hiroshi said : your majesty, he said then bow down and walked away. Alexander was exhausted, so he decided to take a break, but suddenly falls asleep on the table, while resting his head, Leo entered inside the king study room to steal an important document, but instead he got distracted, with the urge of wanting to touch the king's face, he was about to walk away when the king held his hand then asked what are you looking for, kitten he said in a low but. Dangerous tone

Leo "uh umm, I came here to take the umm tea cup.

Alexander nodded then said "ok

Leo took the tea cup and walked away

meanwhile Alexander continued signing documents when Ariel walked in

"brother" Ariel said

"what do you want "Alexander asked in a cold tone

Ariel sat down and crossed his legs then said

the devil is coming home tomorrow

"I know" Alexander said

Ariel : I heard that he is now extremely powerful and fearless

Alexander didn't reply, he just continued what he was doing

Ariel : I think he is coming back for the throne, brother

Alexander didn't reply

Ariel: since you don't want to say anything I guess I should just leave

Alexander : yes, do

Ariel : ok your majesty, bye for now, he said teasingly before walking away

Alexander sighed out of frustration

"I guess I should go and rest"" he said then stood up, arranged the document and walked away

Hiroshi noticed that the study room door was left open , so he locked it and kept the key with him

Meanwhile Alexander entered inside his chambers, through his window, he saw his sister Fiona, training with some soldiers he noticed that her swordsmanship skills were basic at best

he watched her train for some period of time before he collapsed on his bed then he mummured" war , another war might happen, Alexander remembered when his mother once told him about how his father and eight brother fought each other for the throne and his father being the last man standing became the king , he sighed out of frustration then mummured I'm tired but I would be ready for anything just to keep my throne , he said then his eye lid became heavy then he suddenly fell asleep

Alexander woke up and prepared for his father funeral

He took a deep breath , trying to steady his nerves .he knew that Nikolai's return would stir up old wounds and challenges , the fragile peace he had built for himself . The thought of losing the throne sent shivers down his spine , but he also knew that Nikolai had his own kingdom.

As Alexander made his way to the grand hall, he could feel the tension in the air, the knight stood at attention, their armor gleaming while the advisors whispered among themselves. Alexander took his seat on the throne then he greeted everybody while trying to project an air of confidence he did not feel. The grand doors of the hall swung open and Nikolai walked in with a serpent wrapped around his neck. He was dressed in the royal attire of his kingdom, a royal symbol of his power and authority. The room that was noisy suddenly fell silent as all eyes turned to the rightful heir.

Nikolai approached the throne, his gaze never leaving Alexander's face.

Nikolai stopped a few feet away from the throne, his hands resting on the hilt of his sword. The greenstone on the pummel glinted menacingly in the light. He spoke loudly enough for everyone in the hall to hear

"Brother", how surprisingly comfortable you have made yourself on that throne "

His voice carried a mix of sibling familiarity and a dangerous undercurrent. Alexander could see the fire burning in Nikolai's eyes, a fire that mirrored his own fear but burned hotter, fueled by righteousness.

"Tell me Alexander," ..do you sleep well at night knowing you've stolen what was meant to be mine?" His voice dropped lower ,,more dangerous as he studied Alexander's face. Beside him, his trusted advisors and general's stood at attention, ready for any command.

Alexander, desperate to maintain his grip on power, choose his words carefully. "At least am a king who rules his people with mercy and compassion. Unlike you who rules with an iron fist !"he spat out the words knowing they would strike a nerve with Nikolai's pride and temper.

Nikolai's face darkened, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.

"Mercy and compassion? You dare to speak of them when you took my kingdom?

He took a step closer, his voice low and menacing.

"At least I earned my throne through blood and sacrifice unlike you"

Alexander smiled knowing that he has stepped on his brothers tail, Alexander smile faded away when Nikolai said "who knows if it wasn't you that killed father on the battlefield"

Alexander: what nonsense are you talking about

Nikolai : I know what I'm saying brother, he said with a smirk as he noticed people whispering among themselves

Alexander: father was killed by an unknown soldier from the other kingdom, as he killed father, one of father's soldier killed him .

Nikolai "liar " he shouted

Alexander : I'm not lying you bastard

Nikolai: father died in the battlefield while he was trying to protect you

Alexander : are you trying to make sense right now , just know that you are not making any sense

Nikolai : it was you father was trying to protect

Alexander : that does not mean I killed him

Nikolai smirked then said I know you too well Alex, I know that it was you who struck him down just to take this throne, that rightfully belong to me

Alexander : you are just talking out of point and I didn't kill father

Nikolai didn't stop throwing accusation, the room was deadly silent except for Nikolai's accusations echoing off the walls like judgement itself

Nikolai continued accusing Alexander but Alexander didn't say anything .

an elderly advisor stood up slowly his voice shaking but clear as he spoke

"Prince Nikolai with all due respect, his majesty went to that war with the late king while you went to the mountains for haunting, his majesty was fifteen while you were seventeen, you were supposed to be crowned king because that was the late king's wish before he passed away, as per our kingdoms' law, you however went missing during that time "the elderly advisors words hung heavily in the air as his gaze turned to king Alexander then he continued"king Alexander took turn as he was next in line. No one doubted his rightful claim at the time. You, prince Nikolai were presumed dead or lost in the mountains during that haunting trip.

Nikolai's expression darkened but he listened intently. The advisor continued by saying "your accusations are grave, but they lack substance. , King Alexander has ruled us well, with wisdom and justice, for ten years now prince Nikolai all I want to ask is where were you during those years? What proof do you have besides suspicion ?

...Alexander smiled and looked at Nikolai whose face was flushed with anger and frustration, he opened his mouth to restore, but the advisor silenced him with a raised hand "prince Nikolai, we all mourned your presumed death. King Alexander has ruled justly since then. Accusing him without proof would only cause unrest....

Nikolai advisor wanted to speak, but Nikolai shut him up with a glare

Then through greeted teeth, Nikolai said "you would speak of proof ", he said, his hand going to the sword at his waist. The serpent around his neck hissed quietly as he felt his master's anger

"Where was my rightful place as the eldest son? Where was my chance to prove myself worthy of this throne ?

The advisors' expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm

Prince Nikolai, your rightful place was presumed lost, the kingdom needed stability , and your brother stepped up to fill that void. The council and the people accepted king Alexander's rule because there was no sign of life from you. The advisor said then sat down back.

Nikolai's eyes flashed with a dangerous light as he slowly drew his sword. And the serpent around his neck uncoiled slightly, it's head rising to stare at the advisor, " then let me prove myself now"Nikolai growled.

"let me challenge my brother for the throne" Nikolai said

Meanwhile, Ariel the youngest prince observed the scene with barely cancelled glee. A calculating smirk played at the corners of his mouth as he watched Nikolai draw his sword, the situation was turning perfectly in his favor-no matter who wins this fight, he would have his chance at the throne, he taught. Alexander, who had been slightly observing the tense exchange, stood up from his throne and drew his sword with a swift fluid motion.

Stop this madness, a voice cut through the tension, Fiona stepped forward gracefully from behind Nikolai's shoulder, Nikolai sneered, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. "You guys should stop this, today is father's funeral and instead of you two to behave, you are acting like kids.

Nikolai : shut up (he shouted)

Fiona : you claim to be our senior but you act like a kid , you talk out of point and always try to show off, where were you when father said his last wish , and where is Maria, Martha's daughter

Nikolai : which Martha

Fiona : Martha my maids daughter

Nikolai : I don't know what you are talking about

Fiona : don't lie Nikolai, you didn't go for that haunting trip , instead you ran away with Maria, and she was pregnant

Nikolai : what nonsense are you talking about

Fiona : deny it all you want , I know that something must have happened to Maria

Nikolai : if you don't shut up , I would cut your head off

Alexander : I like to see you try

Nikolai : shut up , I wasn't talking to you

The silence in the grand hall turned suffocating.

Fiona’s asked again

“Where is Maria, Martha’s daughter?”

Her voice had been sharp, cutting deeper than any sword. The accusation, though unexpected, pierced through Nikolai’s anger like ice through fire.

Nikolai stiffened. His hand was still on his sword, but he didn’t draw it. His expression faltered—not with guilt, but with a flicker of something darker. Confusion. Regret. Or maybe fear.

“Which… Martha?” he asked, though his voice had lost some of its edge.

Fiona took a step forward, unfazed. “Martha, one of my chambermaids. Her daughter Maria used to serve us when we were children. You were fond of her, weren’t you?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Nikolai snapped.

Alexander crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. “Is that so?” he muttered. “Because I remember how you used to sneak out of the palace with her… and how she vanished right after you disappeared.”

Fiona’s voice softened, but only slightly. “She was pregnant, Nikolai. You knew so you decided to run away with her, and none of us ever saw her again.”

Murmurs rippled through the room, nobles whispering behind gloved hands, guards shifting uncomfortably in their boots. Even the serpent coiled around Nikolai’s shoulder gave a low, agitated hiss.

“You speak lies to make me look weak,” Nikolai said hoarsely.

“No,” Fiona replied firmly. “I speak truth, because someone has to. You abandoned her. And now you dare to return and accuse us—accuse Alexander—of stealing a throne, while your own sins are buried deeper than our father’s coffin.”

Nikolai’s fury boiled over. “If you don’t shut up, Fiona, I swear I’ll cut your head off.”

The hall gasped in one unified breath.

Alexander stepped forward immediately, his sword still drawn. “I dare you to try it,” he growled. “You lay a single finger on her, and I’ll bury you in the same coffin you tried to disgrace today.”

The coffin.

It lay open at the center of the room, draped in the banner of the kingdom, surrounded by flickering ceremonial torches. Their father’s cold, lifeless body lay within, silent, but ever present. Watching. Judging.

The weight of that presence suddenly settled on them all.

“You brought disgrace to this funeral the moment you walked in with your snake and your empty threats,” Fiona spat, no longer just a sister—but a princess defending her kingdom’s dignity. “This isn’t just about who wears the crown. This is about what kind of king Valoria needs. And I don’t see a king in you, Nikolai. I see a coward who abandoned his people, his lover, and now blames everyone but himself.”

Nikolai said nothing. His sword hand dropped to his side.

Alexander’s grip loosened around the hilt of his own weapon, but his eyes remained locked on Nikolai. Sharp. Unforgiving.

“Speak, brother,” Alexander said coldly. “Or are you finally out of accusations?”

Nikolai turned his head away, jaw clenched. His advisors behind him shifted nervously. One of them stepped forward to speak, but Nikolai raised a hand to silence him.

He looked toward their father’s coffin and stepped closer. The crowd held its breath.

Nikolai stared into the face of the man who had once raised him, taught him to ride, scolded him for his pride… and eventually left him behind.

“I came back,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “I came back for justice. For what I was owed.”

“You came back too late,” Fiona said, voice barely above a whisper.

Nikolai’s eyes flickered to her one last time. “I did what I had to. For Maria. For the child I never met. And for the throne that was stolen from me.”

Then, without another word, he turned and stormed out of the hall. His serpent hissed in protest, tightening briefly around his neck before slithering down his arm and retreating into the folds of his cloak.

The heavy doors slammed shut behind him.

---

A Long Silence

No one moved. Not even the guards.

The high priest cleared his throat and stepped forward, resuming the funeral rites with solemn dignity.

Alexander, sword now lowered but still drawn, took a slow breath and returned to his place near the coffin. He didn’t sit. He stood, eyes shadowed, watching the flames flicker as prayers filled the room once more.

Fiona stood beside him. Neither said a word.

But deep down, Alexander knew: this was only the beginning.

Nikolai hadn’t come just to mourn the dead.

He had come to dig up the past.

And perhaps... he wouldn’t stop until the present bled.