The white lion's massive paws slammed into the red dust just inches from Leo's bare feet, kicking up a thick cloud of dirt that veiled the arena. The entire crowd held their collective breath, expecting the gruesome tear of flesh, but instead, a heavy silence fell over the massive colosseum. The lion lowered its giant head, resting its heavy snout directly against the dirty sand right at the boy's toes.
Leo: Good boy. You remember the bloodline, don't you?
Governor Cassian: What is the meaning of this? Beast! Tear him apart!
Lady Serena: Look at the lion's eyes... it isn't attacking. It's submission!
Governor Cassian: Guards! Spear the beast! It has gone soft!
Marcus: Don't you dare touch my son!
Marcus tried to vault over the arena wall, but two heavily armed guards slammed him back against the cold stone steps, locking his arms behind his back. Down in the pit, Leo gently placed his hand on the white lion's massive forehead, tracing the faint scar between its eyes.
Leo: He can't order you anymore. The crown belongs to the true heir.
Governor Cassian: Silence, peasant boy! You speak treason in front of the entire city!
Lady Serena: Cassian, wait. Look at the neck of the beast. The royal seal on his collar is glowing!
Governor Cassian: Nonsense! It's just a trick of the sunlight!
The golden pendant around Leo's neck flared with a sudden, blinding amber light that seemed to resonate with the white lion's fierce eyes. The beast let out a low, reverberating roar that shook the heavy stone foundation of the governor's high balcony, causing his wine glass to shatter onto the marble floor.
Marcus: The crest... it's the lost emblem of King Aethelgard!
Guard Captain: My Lord... the boy speaks the truth. The ancient beast only submits to the blood of the true king.
Governor Cassian: I care nothing for fairy tales! Archers, draw your bows! Aim for the boy's heart!
Lady Serena: Touch him and you execute the rightful ruler of this kingdom, Cassian!
Leo: Lower your weapons! I am Leo Aethelgard, and this realm is no longer yours to rule!
Governor Cassian: Fire on my command! NOW!
Leave a Comment