BED OF THORNS

DRACTINO KINGDOM.

The council hall was vast and imposing, its high ceilings and marble floors echoing with the sounds of discussion. Eleni stood near the door, trying to make herself as small as possible, trying to blend into the shadows. But the words of the king cut through the air. She heard him say the word "war," and her heart sank. Eleni's mind was racing as she slipped out of the council hall, trying to remain unnoticed. She ran through the castle, her feet pounding on the stone floors. As she reached her mother's chamber, she paused, her breath coming in short gasps. She waited, her heart in her throat, until she heard the door open and her mother's footsteps approaching. She burst into the room, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"Mother, I heard the king announce war!"

"So you've been eavesdropping, have you?" Nata asked as she calmly removed her earrings placing them on the dressing table with careful, practised movements.

"It's not right to listen in on the king's conversation, Eleni," she said, turning to face Eleni.

"I'm sorry Mother, I was..." Eleni's voice caught in her throat as she tried to apologise to her mother, but the words died on her lips as her mother interrupted her.

"The king declared war against the Placto kingdom and Renzo would be going alone,"

The news she spoke was like a bolt of lightning, striking Eleni to the core. The thought of Renzo facing the enemy alone was too much to bear. She struggled to catch her breath, her thoughts whirling as she tried to grasp the enormity of what was to come. It seemed like the world was crumbling around her.

"Eleni, listen to me," her mother said, her voice soft but firm.

"Renzo will not be facing an entire army in this battle. He will be facing only one opponent, the king's son. This is a battle of pride, not of war. Renzo is not alone in this fight, he has the love and support of our entire kingdom behind him. He will be victorious, I have faith in him."

She said lending a hand to support Eleni, her eyes filled with compassion.

Eleni's racing heart began to slow, her body relaxing as her mother's words settled in her mind. She felt a sense of calm wash over her, and a glimmer of hope began to bloom in her heart. She knew Renzo was strong, and she had faith in his ability to triumph. With her mother's hand on her shoulder, Eleni felt a sense of peace and confidence.

"Mother, I need you to fortify Renzo before he leaves,"

Eleni said, her voice strong and determined. "No man has ever gone to war without your blessing."

Nata, the High Priestess of the kingdom, was renowned for her ability to fortify the men before they went to battle. Her magic was said to be strong enough to protect them from any harm, and her words were said to be filled with wisdom and foresight. Eleni knew that without Nata's blessing, Renzo might be in danger.

"Eleni, I know you are afraid for Renzo, and I understand your desire to see him protected," her mother said, her words gentle but resolute.

"But you must know that this is a battle of physical strength, not of magic. The power of light cannot be used here, it is forbidden. Renzo must rely on his own strength and skill to win this fight."

She spoke with conviction, her gaze steady and unwavering. Eleni felt a knot in her stomach, but there was nothing to be done.

As Eleni stood in her mother's room, trying to process the king's declaration of war, she heard a firm knock at the door. As the knock on the door echoed through the room, Eleni's mother called out in a calm voice,

"Come in."

The door creaked open and Eleni saw the guard standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable. Her mother turned to face him, her brow furrowed in concern.

"What is it?"

she asked, her voice steady but tinged with worry.

The guard bowed his head and spoke in a clear, authoritative tone.

"The king has requested the presence of Eleni in his chamber at once."

Eleni's eyes widened in shock as she heard the guard's words. A chill ran down her spine and her palms began to sweat. She felt rooted to the spot, her heart pounding in her chest.

Her mother stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"You should go, Eleni,"

she said in a soft but insistent voice.

"The king does not summon lightly. It must be something important."

Eleni swallowed hard, feeling a sense of dread wash over her. But she knew her mother was right. She took a deep breath and nodded, steeling herself for whatever was to come.

****

As Eleni entered the royal chamber, she was struck by the opulence and grandeur of the king's surroundings. The rich tapestries on the walls depicted scenes of ancient battles and heroic deeds. The king himself was clad in robes of crimson and gold, befitting his royal status. His eyes were piercing, his gaze fixed on Eleni as she approached. He gestured to a low couch near his throne, and she sank down upon it, a servant placing a goblet of wine in her trembling hand. She took a sip, the sweet liquid burning her throat as she tried to still her racing heart.

The king leaned forward in his throne, his voice low and resonant as he began to speak.

"Long ago, the Dractino kingdom was a land of power and might. The rulers of Dractino were proud and strong, their people fierce and loyal. They were renowned throughout the land for their skill in battle, their courage in the face of danger. But as the years passed, the kingdom grew complacent, their wealth and power blinding them to the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

As the king spoke, his eyes glowed with a golden light, his voice ringing with power.

"It is well known that the men of Dractino are fiercely loyal to their king and their kingdom,"

the king said, his eyes fixed on Eleni.

"They have fought many battles and won many victories, but never before has a woman attempted to lure them away from their duty."

Eleni felt her heart sink as she heard the king's words.

"The magic of the Dractino kingdom is strong, but it is not something to be trifled with. Those who abuse the power of the gods are doomed to destruction. Renzo is a champion of the gods, his strength and skill unparalleled. A woman can't be Renzo's weakness and can have his attention. Any attempt to misuse his powers would be met with swift and terrible consequences. I urge you, Eleni, to heed my words and not to endanger us all."

Eleni felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

"You should not be seen with Renzo ever again."