Change of Plans

This country was known as Alasia, a classic kingdom with a princess and all the trappings of a familiar fairy tale. Nyx analyzed the situation, his mind narrating what he knew.

'In this story, there's an evil viscount who desires the princess. Naturally, he's raised a dragon from birth, and that dragon kidnaps the princess.Pretty Basic'

'And as a royal knight, I'm meant to rescue her, which starts any mome....'Nys thought

Before Nyx could finish that train of thought, heavy footsteps echoed from the stairwell. A fellow knight dashed into view, armor clinking, and shouted, "All Royal Guards, assemble in the throne room!"

The knights who lined the hallway snapped to attention and began marching in formation toward the throne room. Nyx effortlessly fell into step, his movements seamless, as if he'd been a soldier for years.

_______________________________________

The throne room echoed with a unified salute. "We greet Your Majesty, the King!" the royal guards shouted, Nyx included, their voices echoing with military precision.

The king sat on his throne, a man with hair as gray as the storm clouds of time, his once-mighty presence worn down by age. His eyes scanned the room, carrying the weight of urgent news. "This matter must not leave this chamber," the king declared gravely.

"Viscount Wellian, step forward and share what you have witnessed," the king commanded.

Viscount Wellian, a large, wealthy man dressed in extravagant finery, stepped forward. A smug grin briefly crossed his lips, though he quickly wiped it away. The so-called villain, Nyx mused. The one who orchestrated the princess's kidnapping. Yet no one else in the room knew this truth yet.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Viscount Wellian began. "I witnessed the princess being taken by a dragon in the royal garden. The guards present can testify as well."

Nyx's eyes narrowed behind his helmet. How could a dragon swoop in and snatch the princess from the heart of the capital with so few witnesses? 

'The guards I presume are also bribed by the Viscount to speak in his own favor'Nyx thought

The king rubbed his temples, deep in contemplation. "Mmm…" he murmured.

"If I may, Your Majesty," Viscount Wellian pressed on, "I am prepared to gather my men to rescue the princess immediately."

"There is no need," the king interrupted. "The royal guards will handle the rescue."

Nyx's gaze flicked to the king. And then there are men like him, he thought, observing the sovereign's frailty and unsteady demeanor.

"Wellian's face twitched, but he forced himself to maintain composure. "Surely, Your Majesty, the royal guards are needed here for—"

"Are you calling me foolish?" The king's voice lashed out, colder than winter's bite.

Viscount Wellian clenched his teeth, an almost imperceptible sneer curling his lip. "Tch…"

The king's shoulders slumped. "I grow old and feeble," he sighed, coughing violently. Blood stained his lips.

"Your Majesty!" a female attendant cried, rushing to support him.

The king, struggling for breath, forced himself upright. "For any brave knight who saves my daughter, I offer her hand in marriage."

Nyx noticed Viscount Wellian's barely restrained rage. Your time is coming, old man, the viscount seethed inwardly.

"Now," the king continued, his voice wavering. "Go forth and—"

A sudden silence choked the room. The king's eyes widened, and he gasped. A blade had pierced his heart.

The room erupted in chaos. Royal knights and Viscount Wellian stared in stunned disbelief.

Standing amidst them all, the source of the attack was revealed. The sword belonged to none other than Nyx, the only knight still standing, his weapon drenched in royal blood.

"I'm curious to see how this story unfolds if I take matters into my own hands," Nyx said, his voice disturbingly calm. Beneath his helmet, his grin stretched grotesquely, a smile that hinted at something inhuman, something horrifying.

"Let's complete this story my way," he declared, his voice echoing through the stunned throne room.