When we are young, we are told there is a difference between good and evil, villains and heroes, saved and lost causes. But what if the only real difference is who is telling the story? My name is Henry Loss, and I am going to tell you how I became the greatest villain in all fairy tales.
My story is about my Renaissance and what pushed it. What does "Renaissance" even mean? It is the revival of European art and literature under the influence of classical models in the 14th–16th centuries, but for me, it was the revival of my own power—to become the greatest villain in history.
"Henry, this time Alfonso will kill you," Klaus warned, his voice tense.
"What did you do to piss him off so much?" I asked, forcing my fear down.
"You know very well he does not like me. And… do you remember his favorite horse? It died—and I was in charge of taking care of it," I whispered quietly.
"You are so dead," Klaus said, his face grim.
"That's not comforting, Klaus. Not at all," I muttered. "I can't believe you are the prince, and yet you suffer like this."
"I know," he said, his eyes flicking away. "At least they do not beat me like before."
"Today Alfonso will eat you alive. His horse is dead," Klaus warned again.
"But do not worry. I will face this," I said firmly, trying to sound braver than I felt.
"You should go, Klaus. If he also hurts you—who will protect both of us?" I asked, worry clear in my voice.
Before we could continue, a servant rushed in. "Alfonso is coming. He's furious."
"I won't leave this time," I said, gripping Klaus's shoulder. "You always protect me. This time, I will stand my ground—but you stay out of it."
Alfonso stormed into the stables, eyes blazing. "Fake Prince Henry! Can you explain what happened to my horse?"
"Sir… it was an accident," I said, bowing slightly. "I did everything I could. He was fine until…"
"An accident? Do you see this?" Alfonso's voice rose as he gestured at the dead horse being brought in. "It died because it was not fed properly. I give you money every week for horse feed. How did this happen?"
"I am sorry, sir. It will never happen again," I said, my hands trembling.
"It won't happen again—because I will teach you a lesson today," Alfonso growled.
"I am sorry! I am sorry!" I cried. "Please… do not hurt me!"
His strikes rained down, relentless, each one sending jolts of pain through my body.
"So how did this happen? Have you been wasting the money?" he demanded.
Klaus spoke up, his voice shaking. "Henry did not take it for himself. You know he needs to eat, and the money was for food too."
Alfonso's eyes flared. "How dare you speak to me! You are just a servant—you must obey!"
"I am sorry, sir. Klaus does not know what he is saying. If you must punish someone, punish me—but do not harm Klaus," I whispered, exhausted, my body aching.
"As you wish," he said, striking me again and again until I could barely stand. Then he passed his sword to Klaus, who collapsed beside me, panting.
After Alfonso left, Klaus crawled to my side. "You will be fine. I love you, and even if you are not my blood, you will always be my brother," he whispered, closing his eyes.
I lay there, trembling, tears soaking my cheeks, until the pain and grief overwhelmed me, and I finally fainted.