King Daniel strode through the cold, dark corridors of Talon, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. He had just come from the prison, where he had witnessed the lifeless bodies of Edward and Thomas, two innocent soldiers who had been sent to Talon seeking help from the twins' allies. Daniel had framed them for the murder of his own brother, David, a crime he himself had committed.
As he entered his chambers, the warm glow of the candles and the soft crackle of the fireplace did little to ease the chill that had settled in his bones. He walked to the window, staring out into the night, his mind reeling with the weight of his actions. The memory of Edward and Thomas's faces, once full of hope and determination, now frozen in death, haunted him.
The sound of the door opening broke the silence, and Daniel turned to see Reina standing before him, a gentle smile on her face. "My love, I see the burden weighs heavily on you," she said, her voice dripping with concern.
Daniel's eyes narrowed, but he couldn't deny the sense of relief that washed over him as she approached him. "It's done," he said, his voice low and husky. "They won't be talking."
Reina's eyes sparkled with excitement as she wrapped her arms around him. "You're one step closer to achieving your goal, my love," she whispered, her breath hot against his ear. "The throne will soon be yours, and together, we'll rule this kingdom with an iron fist."
As she spoke, Daniel felt a familiar surge of ambition and greed. He pushed aside the pang of guilt and regret, focusing on the prize that lay ahead. Reina's touch seemed to ignite a fire within him, and he knew he was ready to do whatever it took to claim the throne.
Reina's eyes gleamed with manipulation as she gazed up at Daniel. She knew exactly which strings to pull, which buttons to press. She had been playing him like a fiddle, and he was too blinded by his ambition to see it.
"Are you still keeping watch over the twins?" Daniel asked, his voice laced with calculation.
Reina nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, they're still training with that mysterious man. Don't worry, they won't get far." She sat up, her eyes flashing with irritation. "I'm getting tired of Damian; he's so boring."
Daniel's grip on her tightened. "We need more information, so don't act yet. The God killer venom is the only thing that can harm them, and we have the Canon on our side. Wait for the right moment, and we'll strike."
Reina nodded, understanding the plan. "I have to go now, before they notice my absence." With a final glance at Daniel, she vanished into the shadows, leaving him to his thoughts.
Daniel's gaze lingered on the spot where Reina had disappeared. He felt a shiver run down his spine, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the prize that lay ahead. The war with Persia loomed on the horizon, and he would do whatever it took to ensure his victory.