Chapter 2 WHISPERS IN THE DARK

The moon hung low over the kingdom, casting an eerie light on the quiet palace. Inside the walls, the royal family slept soundly, unaware of the storm brewing in the shadows. stood alone in his chambers, his hands gripping the windowsill, staring out into the darkness. A cool breeze brushed against his face, but it did little to calm the turmoil inside him. Macus had always been a man of ambition. Since he was young, he had dreamed of power of being more than just a brother to the king . But the years of loyalty and service had only deepened his frustration. He had stood by, watching as Alaric flourished on the throne, while his own potential was always dismissed. Lyanna, his brother wife , was the queen, and yet it was her husband who ruled the kingdom with ease.

He had plans to eliminating the creation crown prince, that would bring the throne to me he said and still yet the queen is pregnant again. He has a lot of heir to eliminate.

It had always been the same, and now Macus patience had worn thin. He had sacrificed too much, stayed in the shadows too long. Now, it was time to take what he believed was rightfully his.

As he stood there, contemplating the decision that would change everything, he heard a soft knock on the door. Without turning, he called out, "Enter."

The door creaked open, and a hooded figure slipped into the room. It was one of his co-conspirators, a man who had long served in the palace but had grown disillusioned with Alaric's reign. Macus eyes narrowed as the man approached, his face hidden in the shadows.

"It's ready," the man whispered, his voice low and urgent.

Macus nodded slowly, a dark smile crossing his face. "The full moon. It's the perfect time. Alaric will be at his weakest, distracted by the celebrations. The people will be busy, their eyes on the festivities. We'll strike then."

His heart pounded with anticipation. This was it. The moment he had been waiting for. He had spent months gathering allies, planting seeds of doubt among the palace guards and nobles, speaking in whispers where no one could hear. He had watched as the cracks in Alaric's rule grew wider, and now, Macus would be the one to shatter them completely.

He glanced at the figure before him. "You have spoken to the others?"

The man nodded. "Everything is in place. Once we make our move, we will have the kingdom. It's only a matter of time."

Kael's eyes gleamed with cold determination. "Good. Then let's make sure there are no mistakes. We strike during the full moon, when Alaric is distracted. The palace will fall, and I will take my rightful place on the throne."

As the man turned to leave, Macus thoughts lingered on the people he was about to betray. His brother, Alaric , had been a trusted ally, but he was weak in his eyes. Always devoted to his wife , always loyal to lyanna and his kingdom. But loyalty was a commodity Macus had no interest in. He would have the throne, and if anyone got in his way, they would be dealt with swiftly.

He glanced back at the window, his mind already racing ahead to the battle that would soon take place. His body tensed with excitement. He would no longer be a shadow in his own kingdom. The time for waiting was over.

Across the palace, Alaric sat in his study, frowning at a report from one of his guards. The unrest that had been simmering for weeks was growing more apparent, but there were no clear signs of a rebellion. The whispers that had reached his ears, the hints of betrayal, remained just that-whispers.

He couldn't ignore the tension in the air, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find the evidence he needed. He trusted his advisors, but now, doubt had started to seep into his thoughts. His eyes flickered over the report again, searching for something-anything-that would confirm his suspicions.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, and a guard entered, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty, there are murmurs among the servants. They speak of your brother-in-law, macus. Some say he's meeting with certain individuals... plotting something."

Alaric's heart skipped a beat. He had suspected it for some time, but hearing it now, confirmed by the guard, brought an uncomfortable sense of unease. Macus, his brother-in-law, his trusted advisor could he really be the one behind the unrest?

"Keep an eye on him," Alaric said quietly, his voice betraying a hint of concern. "If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately. But do so quietly,if Macus is involved, we can't let him know we are onto him."

The guard nodded and left the room, leaving Alaric with his thoughts. He had always trusted Macus, had always relied on him, but now... he didn't know who to trust anymore. His own brother-in-law could be plotting against him, and Lyanna, his wife, would never suspect a thing.

In her chambers, Queen Lyanna paced anxiously, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions her stomach kicking hard. She had sensed something was wrong for weeks, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Her husband, Alaric, had started to pull back, becoming more withdrawn and preoccupied. And his brother, macus, had been acting strangely as well.

She knew macus well. He had always been ambitious, but this was different. The gleam in his eyes, the way he spoke with such conviction about the future it made her uneasy. He was her brother, the man she had always trusted, but lately, she wondered if she truly knew him anymore.

She had spoken with him privately on several occasions, but his answers had always been vague. His assurances had done little to calm her suspicions. And now, Alaric was investigating the unrest within the kingdom something that Lyanna feared would lead to the truth she didn't want to face.

As much as he loved his brother, he loved his wife and son more. He couldn't ignore the loyalty he felt toward them. But what if the suspicions about Macus were true? What if his brother was the one who would tear their family apart?

In the shadows, Macus finalized his plans, his mind set on the rebellion that was about to unfold. The full moon would be his moment of triumph, the moment when he would seize the throne from Alaric. He had made his choice, and now there was no turning back. The ambush would be swift, and when the dust settled, Kael would rule the kingdom.

The final preparations for the ambush were in motion. Macus had laid his trap, and the full moon would bring the storm. The kingdom would never be the same again.