“This is your royal duty, do you accept?” Her voice was hesitant but firm. I looked at her for a moment. Such an honorable way to say that I am going to die. I couldn’t help but smile, smile at the disgusting course of events life has taken.

“I accept,” I practically snarled. The poor soul didn’t even seem surprised at my sharp tone.

“Then, by the power of each god, I bestow their gifts onto you. For you to use and to fight with. Practice their knowledge, practice their strengths, practice their laws. These powers I bestow onto you, use them to bring honor to your people. Bring honor to your family. Be the first son, in the long line of the Heatherborn sons, to come home victorious,” The hesitation vanished, her voice carried loudly throughout the great hall. Reaching each and every citizen. Applause erupted around us. My people cheering me forward.

She placed her hands on my face, they felt warm despite the negative temperatures our kingdom called home. A ray of sunlight, shining through the panel blinded me. I closed my eyes, letting the brightness shine against my eyelids. She began whispering softly. My bones tingled, like prickles and pins. A warmth blossomed in my chest, I felt a sort of happiness. The bliss was short lived, it was soon replaced a burning fury. Like my veins lit on fire, I was burning from the inside. A distant noise sounded, it took me a moment to find that it was me laughing out loud. I enjoyed this pain, I enjoy this torture.

“My prince? It is done.” I opened my eyes, she had stepped back and was looking up at me with wide eyes. I frowned and cocked my head. “You are now a disciple of the great gods who once walked this earth. Use their abilities to restore the previous greatness our kingdom once had.” I smiled and turned around to look at my people. I didn’t recognize a single one. That’s what I get for being locked up my entire life.

“Ah, yes, my royal duty,” I beamed to my subjects. I was livid to how they cowered behind the old traditions. Throwing every prince they have out into the ring to see which kingdom will rule for the next year. Our poor suffering kingdom has never had the right to rule. “Well, I think I am going to abandon that silly little tradition and make the best of these abilities you blessed me with.”

“My prince?” The woman behind me questioned softly. I turned around, my smile never faltering.