Chapter 7 - My Precious King: Chapter 7 - Shadows of Betrayal

Back in the capital, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Lady Annelise and her allies were plotting against Ren, spreading rumors about his "tyrannical" rule and questioning his fitness to be king.Kai, caught in the middle of this political storm, felt increasingly vulnerable. He knew that Annelise would stop at nothing to destroy him, and he feared that his presence was putting Ren in danger.One evening, as they sat in the garden, Kai voiced his concerns. "Ren," he said, his voice filled with worry. "I'm afraid that I'm putting you in danger. Annelise and her allies are plotting against you, and I'm sure they're just waiting for an opportunity to strike."Ren took Kai's hands in his, his eyes filled with determination. "I will not let them harm you, Kai," he said. "I will protect you, no matter the cost."But Kai knew that Ren couldn't protect him from everything. Annelise was cunning and ruthless, and she had the support of some of the most powerful people in the kingdom.The storm broke sooner than they expected.One morning, Kai was summoned to the royal court. He was accused of treason, of conspiring with the farmers to incite rebellion against the kingdom. The evidence against him was fabricated, but it was presented in a way that made him look guilty.Kai was stunned. He knew that Annelise was behind this, but he couldn't believe that she would stoop so low.Ren was furious. He defended Kai with all his might, but the court was swayed by Annelise's lies. Kai was found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment in the dungeons.