Pray (POV: Mateo)

I looked at Enzo a bit bewildered… maybe even a bit Hostile but then my eyes relaxed… realizing that.. I didn't have any control in this situation. All I could do was try and negotiate with him… maybe even try to make the punishment or the options less risky. Well.. less risky for My kingdom. HIS Kingdom.

"If I lost.. could you just.. kill me instead? Not everyone… else…?" I say softly as my body felt a bit weak in this moment for some reason.

(POV: Enzo)

Enzo stares at Mateo, his face expressionless. "I'm sorry, but that's not how it works," he says in a firm voice, shaking his head. He sheathes his sword and looks down at Mateo again.

"You have one day to make your choice. I don't need an answer now, but you must decide by dawn tomorrow." Enzo steps away from him and turns to leave. "If you choose option one, everything will stay the same. If you choose option two, you can prove your valor and gain your freedom."

(POV: Mateo)

"Wait… Enzo please.. I would rather die then see other people die because I lost at something. I.. I dont want people to be killed that don't have to be…" I say softly to him as I felt my body shaking. Rather not from fear but from uncertainty… and all the overwhelming things that were happening all in one moment.

It was hard to take in all of this at once. Why would I want my kingdom to be taken over by them… no ruler would want that. Yet, I wasn't going to let innocent people of HIS kingdom die. I wouldn't let that happen… and I won't die either…. I pray.

(POV: Enzo)

Enzo pauses and turns to look at Mateo again. His expression softens as he sees the look of pain and determination in his eyes.

"Very well," he says with a nod, his voice softer now. "If you lose, I will spare the rest of your court and execute you personally."

He gestures towards the door, turning to leave again. "I must return to my king. You have one day, Mateo." With that, he exits the cell and the door to the jail cell swings shut, locking you inside.

All I could think to myself was that Mateo was a foolish king. One that never should have ruled, have tule over and even be apart of a kingdom…

At least, that's how I always felt about him. Yet, him willing to die instead of others.. it's still foolish but I see his bravery in his actions.