The force of the lion's strike sent King Cassian tumbling onto the dusty ground, his golden crown falling from his head and rolling to a stop near Ethan's boots.
King Cassian: Curse you! Curse that cursed beast!
Ethan: It's over, Cassian. The beast answered to my lineage, and your own soldiers refuse to obey your orders.
King Cassian: Do you really think a shiny necklace makes you a ruler? You know nothing about governing a kingdom!
Ethan: I know that a ruler who feeds his people to lions is no king at all. He's just a monster in a golden cloak.
Elder Advisor: Hear the words of the true heir! Justice has finally returned to our land!
The grandstands erupted into massive cheers. Thousands of citizens stood up, chanting Ethan's name as the echo carried across the ancient stone walls.
King Cassian: Guards! Seize the traitors in the crowd! Re-establish order immediately!
Guard Captain: Stand down, Cassian. Your reign ends today.
The Guard Captain stepped forward, sheathing his sword and removing his helmet. He knelt on one knee in the sand before Ethan, followed quickly by the rest of the royal guards in the arena.
Guard Captain: My liege, we have suffered under Cassian's tyranny for two decades. We await your command.
Ethan: Pick up the former king. Place him in the dungeons until a fair trial can be held.
King Cassian: You dare lock me in my own dungeon?! I am the King!
Ethan: A real king protects his people. You only protected your greed. Take him away.
Two guards grabbed Cassian by his arms, hauling the screaming tyrant off the arena floor and dragging him into the dark corridors beneath the stadium.
Elder Advisor: My Lord, you must come to the high palace. The people are eager to hear your decree.
Ethan: I need answers first. Why did my grandfather leave? Why did he hide all of this from me?
Elder Advisor: Your grandfather fled to save your life when you were just an infant. Cassian had launched a bloody coup, slaughtering all who remained loyal. Your grandfather took you across the ocean to keep the royal line alive until you were strong enough to return.
Ethan: He spent his whole life pretending to be a simple mechanic... just so I could grow up safe.
Elder Advisor: He did what a true father and king must do—he sacrificed his comfort for your future.
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