The Prince’s Shock

Chapter 3:

After we dropped off Matthew's horse at the stables, we headed to the throne room. "The King will want a report of what happened, how many losses we had, and so on," Matthew said. "your job will be to confirm my information."

"That sounds easy enough." I replied.

A moment of silence passed before I spoke again. "Although… shouldn't I be giving you orders Captain?" I responded, grinning.

Matthew just looked at me, then gave a lazy salute with a smile. "It is my pleasure to serve you, Princess."

I laugh and lightly punch him in the shoulder. "At least I know how to kill demons, eh? I kill one and you kill eight? Sounds even to me!"

Matthew laughs with me this time. "C'mon let's go."

We go and climb the stairs to the throne room, passing lots of soldiers who straighten and salute us when we pass. Ten minutes later, we make it to the doors of the throne room, where two soldiers are posted to open and close the doors. I nod to the soldiers, signaling with my hand as well to open the doors. The doors open and I see the man that is supposedly my father and the King of Arthridian. He looks as if he's in his late forties, with black hair with some gray mixed in. His body is muscular, and he looks as tall as me and Matthew. He has a sword on his side, though I can't see much of it.

Matthew and I walk to the base of his throne and kneel. The King speaks up, "Report." He says to Matthew. Matthew looks up at him. "We encountered the demons in the forest of Diaden, where we launched a surprise attack on cavalry and foot. We killed 52 of them, including Gardsren, taking 7 casualties and 13 wounded. That is all, my liege."

My Father looked at Matthew for a while before turning his attention to me. "How many demons did you slay this time Orion?"

"Just one, my lord. Although it was Gardsren." I replied, bowing my head.

The King nodded and waved his hand, dismissing us. We got up to leave but then he spoke again. "Matthew may go, but Orion… guards! Throw him in the dungeon."

I had little time to react while royal guards grabbed my arms, making it near impossible to move.

"Father! What have I done wrong?" I yelled.

"You are no son of mine! My son would never be so humble as to bow his head at me or walk the way that you do! Throw him in prison for questioning!" The King replied.

I realized I had two choices, fight back or just let them take me. I knew what I had to do. Get help.

"Matthew!" He turned around to face me, a frown on his face. "Do you support me or the King? Which one?"

The King, enraged as he knew what I was planning to do, desperately called Matthew as well. "I will kill your whole family if you defy my orders again!"

Matthew took a deep breath. Hours seemed to pass as he finally responded, each of the words daggers into my heart. "Of course my liege, I will serve you faithfully for the rest of my days." I stood frozen after those words. Betrayal had never felt so terrible, even though I hardly knew Matthew. Matthew waved his hand to one of the guards and I realized what was happening too late. One of the soldiers took the butt of his sword and hit me on the head with it, and the last thing I saw was Matthew staring down at me, a devilish smile on his face.