When Loyalty was rewarded by the Death

In the magical kingdom of Astoria, there were two names that even the enemies of the crown feared.

Kael and Elora Veyr .

They were the king's most trusted assassins-- The silent shadow assassin who protected the kingdom from threats hidden beyond the reach of ordinary soldiers. They were respected by the nobles, admired by commoners, and rewarded with wealth and honor.

But behind the frightening legends were simply a husband and a wife who wanted to return home alive after every mission.

One evening, before leaving for another royal assignment, Kael stood beside the window of their

Bedroom, fastening the silver class of his black cloak.

Elora watched him from the doorway.

"You missed one", "where?"

She walked toward him and fixed the clasp near his shoulder.

" There".

" I knew that."

" Of course you did."

Kael smiles. " I was only waiting for you to come closer."

Elora rolled her eyes, but a small smile betrayed her.

" After ten years of marriage, that trick still works?"

" You are still standing close to me, aren't you?"

For a moment they forget that they were assassins.

They were only Kael and Elora.

" Husband and wife".

Two people who have survived a cruel world because they have each other.

From the hallway came the sound of little feet.

Their seven-year-old daughter, Lyra, entered carrying her youngest brother in her arms. Four-year-old Ren followed her.

" Mother," Lyra complained, " Ren stole my wooden bed sword again."

"I didn't steal it !" Ren protested. " I borrowed it forever."

Kael laughed.

" That is exactly what a thief would say."

" I am not a thief !"

" No," Elora said. Kneeling before him." You are our little troublemaker."

The two-year-old boy in Lyra's arms coughed weakly.

Everyone became quiet.

Little Elior had been ill since birth. Even the greatest healer's could not cure him completely. Only expensive magical medicine could ease his illness.

Elora gently touched his cheek.

"I will be back soon," she whispered.

Lyra looked at her parents.

" You always say that."

"And we always come back," my little flower," Kael replied.

" Promise?"

Kael placed one hand over his heart.

" I promise."

Elora looked at him.

Something about those words frightened her.

Perhaps because people only made promises when there was something they were afraid to lose.

The mission was successful.

When they returned, they found soldiers surrounding their home.

Their weapons were taken.

Their children were dragged from the house.

And before the entire Kingdom, kael and Elora were brought the king in chains.

The same people who had once cheered their names now watched silently.

Kael stared at the king.

" Your Majesty," he said, his voice dangerously calm, " What is the meaning of this?"

The king looked down on the floor in embarrassment.

"Kael and Elora Veyr.

You are accused of betraying the crown."

Silence fell.

Elora slowly raised her head.

"Betrayal?"

For the first time in years, her voice trembled.

" We gave you everything.."

" My husband nearly died protecting your life,"

She continued. " I left my sick child because you order me to serve this kingdom."

" Elora," Kael whispered.

She looked at him.

His expression told her everything.

The king had already decided their fate.

Kael turned toward the throne.

" You never intended for us to return from that mission, did you?"

The king remained silent.

That silence was the answer.

Kael laughed once, but there was no happiness in it.

" All these years......"

He looked at the crowd.

People he protected.

People who had once bowed to him.

Not one stepped forward.

" We were never your heroes," Kael whispered" We were only useful."

Behind the soldiers, Lyra held her brother's close.

" Father !"

Kael's expression broke.

He turned toward his children.

Lyra was crying.

Ren did not understand what is happening.

Little Elior was coughing in her arm.

Kael pulled against the soldiers holding him.

" Do not touch my children!"

The king looked away.

Elora closed her eyes.

Then she looked at her husband.

" Kael."

He turned toward her.

Despite the chains, despite the soldiers, and the watching kingdom, she smiled at him.

It was the same smile she had given him years ago when they first promise to build a life together.

" I suppose," she whispered," you were wrong."

" About what ?"

" You promised we would grow old together."

Kael's eyes filled with tears.

" I am sorry."

Elora shook her head.

" Don't be. If I had another life...." Her voice broke. " I would choose you."

Kael moved as close to her as the chains allowed.

" And I would find you."

Then he looked at Lyra.

" Lyra."

She tried to answer.

No sound came.

" Look at me.

Slowly she did.

" Take care of your brother's."

Her little face crumpled.

" No ! You promised you would come home!"

Kael couldn't answer.

Because she was right.

Elora began to cry.

" Forgive us, my little star."

" Mama !"

Those were the last words Lyra ever spoke to her parents.

And before the sun disappeared beneath the horizon, the kingdom's greatest assassins were gone .

The crowd slowly returned to their home.

The king looked at the orphan's and silently returned to his palace.

And three children remained behind alone.

I

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