Jeremy smirked, letting his curiosity take over as he braced his frame to the rafter beam. “Ïstan is supposed to be the heir to the throne, and you just let him walk out,” Elden yelled. “What are you thinking, Father?”

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King Ivan shook his head and sat down in the nearest chair. Sorrow covered the King’s face as he slumped forward in his chair like the weight of the world was crushing him down. Slowly he wrung his hands together, trying to calm his nerves. Jeremy almost felt sorry for the poor man. Well, if I succeed, he won’t be miserable much longer.

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“I couldn’t stop him if I wanted to, son.” The dark blue eyes looked up at Elden. “You know when he makes his mind up no one can change it. What did you want me to do? Force him to stay by imprisoning him in his own home?”

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Hmmm…wish my old man was that caring. All he ever wanted to do was break me. Look how that turned out. Irritation edged into his shoulders and stiffness crept into his body. Don’t let your feeling get involved, remember you’re here to kill him.

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The young prince looked at the table. He tapped his fingers in a patterned motion.

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“Your brother never forgave me for making him choose between his people and Mëira.”

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Elden’s face shot up with fire blazing in his sky-blue eyes. “That is beside the point. Mëira is gone. He has a duty to his people; his feelings don’t matter.”

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Well, doesn’t this remind me of home! Jeremy clenched his jaws and ground his teeth. The image of his father lecturing him about his duty to the house and his people flashed before his eyes. Just think…how your beloved name will be destroyed if this mission succeeds. He pondered the idea for a few moments, disregarding the conversation below.

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