Series
THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS
The following morning after the awful event the palace became very quiet. All servants started to walk languidly, feeling that tension increased in the recent days. At the king’s household people were preparing for the great victory feast in honor of Arthur, but tension was always felt in the air. The preparations for the feast were clearly successful: this King Frederic, who spends most of the play in his private chambers and is only informed of events by his attendants, does not hear the chorus directly but their victories are reported to him. Indeed, he just looked elsewhere with what seemed to be an absentminded nod. Even when the news of the illness that Arthur claimed to have had and his cure reached the king, it did not bring a change in his status. He could not get out of his mind the party for his son’s recent victory in the military – a victory that sealed his achievements as well as the future of the monarchy. This, however, was far from the case with Williams who was far from indifferent. He had been so angry and repulsive since the day he found out what had befallen Diana. But the more the day passed by, it remained quite apparent that their father will not formally address or condemn Arthur for the act. In response, the king did not utter a single word on the matter; his silence was as good as consent. Diana, now thin and very shy, was retreating from everyone; the signs of her trauma were too obvious for those who wanted to see it. However, she was compelled to bear the public festivity through the same man whom she has faced some serious calamities. It was conspicuous how her suffering ceased to matter, how it had been erased from the picture by the mere fact of Arthur’s feast. At night the grand hall became a demonstration of aristocracy and might. Wallpapers and the tables that were set for dining were the rich and the beautiful and exotic tap meters which comprised of the best of foods and wine. King’s hall of justice was filled with people, royals and the important people were waiting for the dinner in honor of Prince Arthur’s victory. Arthur who was now dressed royally sat right beside the King Frederic. There was no indication of his inner struggle on his composure face. He stole a look at Williams and the man regarded him, his face neutral. Williams’ appearance was constant of something that was brewing behind the scenes that could spark at anytime. When the feast started, King Frederic stood up with the purpose to speak to the guests. In the hall, it echoed his approval of Arthur and the skills that he possessed when fighting. He rejoiced the wealth of the kingdom, and the power of the royal family and did not say a word about the tragedy that occurred behind closed doors of the palace. ‘Let us drink to this great day’, declared the King Frederic his goblet towards the sky. It is dedicated ‘To Prince Arthur, for whose bravery, our empire has been made glorious!’ Nobles clinked glasses and shouted a loud joice rising from the hall, The cheer was drunk in by the hall. Arthur stared hard at him and then managed a grin and raised his goblet as well. He looked at Williams and could literally feel him staring at him, something that gave him a creepy feeling. He understood that taciturnity with which his brother reacted did not mean forgiveness, but only anger restrained by a thread. That night the feast degenerated into lewdness as the night advanced. There was entertainment in the hall and the courtiers sang, danced , and joked with each other without paying attention to the inner conflict. King Frederic who appeared to be full-of-energy went around greeting his guests and seemed to be happy for the attention that was being showered on his son. Diana continued to sit quietly in the corner again, looking at the table, frowning and barely tolerating the holiday. That consuming anger she found in the injustice of everything, starting from her father, who did not care about her pain, ending with the court and society that were happy with her tormentor, and, most important, her voice that was overshadowed by the glamour of the occasion. Silent type of performer, emotions were never exposed even in Williams’ case. He did not let his emotions get the better of him; his countenance bore a impassive expression. Within its walls, however, United Airlines’ responded to the hurricane like a boiler ready to blow its cap. This angered Lancelot at his father’s lack of justice, Arthur being there arrogantly, and the court ready and willing to overlook such a horrible crime for a festival. Yet, he kept on telling himself that he had to wait for his chance to come through. Now the confrontation would only bring more suffering to Diana and potentially endanger the stability of the kingdom. Finally when it was getting a bit dusky, there was a gradual exodus of the hall. People went home delighted with the king and Arthur and they did not see the raging forces of betrayal and hatred, which reigned in the royal family. Seeing that everything was going well in the evening, the King, Frederic got to his bedroom, happy and apparently, ignorant of the brewing commotion. Williams stayed put in the hall which was emptying by the time, his thoughts still running wild on the possibilities of revenge and the law. He just sat and watched Arthur moving out of the hall, being in high spirits of the feast that has just happened with all the flatterers following him. Diana also unobtrusively left treatment area, her face contorted with pain. Williams had to do this discreetly and so he moved down the gloomy corridor the sound of his feet hitting the floor reverberating in the room. He was able to get to the balcony that was located above the palace courtyard, through the window of which he noticed Arthur joyfully eulaborating with some of his friends. This infuriate him in an cold blooded manner, and he could see everything in black and white. At that moment the shadow by his side flickered. It was Alfred! The latter looked at him with his face hidden in the darkness. Williams jumped from the rookie mistake and he proceeded to whisper to him. They watch other people for a while and then Lila asked them: “You know it, do not you? About Arthur and Diana?” Williams again glanced at the man but did not say anything although his jaw tightened up. Alfred went on, almost sounding amused, there was a faint hint of a smile in his voice. Saying that she wanted me to know that during the last ceremony the next day our dear father is planning to declare Arthur as the future king quite a celebration wasn’t it. Williams looked at Alfred and handed him a cup of tea with something cold and serious in his gaze. Not if I have anything to do with it he whispered to himself and the words rolled of his tongue with determination. This seem to draw Alfred’s attention and he could not help but ask, ‘And what do you require from me?’ I shook my head, not liking the way this was going, ‘Oh? And what do you plan to do, Williams? Make a scene? Challenge him publicly?’ Williams didn't answer. He looked right into Arthur and began to contemplate on how it would be like to have such a great man as a friend. Alfred laughed quietly and backed off a little from me. “Oh well no matter the conclusion I recall this whole ordeal ,” I said with a smile. Thus, while Williams stayed in front of the balcony, wondering what could happen next, Alfred vanished into the night. The last shot is of Williams holding the railing firmly fixed with look that is direct at Arthur as he only has a particular plan in mind which is to alter the destiny of the kingdom
By Goodie_ola 2 years ago in Fiction
THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS . Content Warning.
People of the palace remained busy deep into the night as preparations for Arthur’s victory feast went on. This reading gave the play the tension that it so desired even though the doctor pretends to be sick. Consequently Alfred made a carefully crafted plan of action which had nicely slotted into operation, all that was left for Arthur was to fake a performance which was believable. Arthur remained seated in his room, all the while feigning he was too ill to physically get out of his bed. His cheeks rather pallid and his face looked tired, but he was inimitable enough to make all the servants gossip about what ailed the prince. On the other hand, Alfred used appearance to ensure that he passed by certain people to gain their sympathy on the status of Arthur. When finally King Frederic called Alfred to meet him and ask about health of his son, the later performed his part well. “Your Majesty, Arthur is rather sick; he’s not eaten much, even getting up from the bed is a challenge for him now He said, maybe if Diana could cook something for him that would cheer him up”. In order to preserve the facade of family harmony, which is greatly valued in Denmark King Frederic had no objection to the marriage. If that’s what he thinks will do the trick then fine it is agreed Diana will cook a meal for Arthur. Annoyed by the sudden urge of Andy to see her naked, but also equally lost in her dilemma, Diana agreed. She went into the kitchens and spent much time cooking for all of them a very basic but healthy meal. She was thinking about Arthur and she was also a bit apprehensive, although she could not tell why. Diana brought a tray full of food to Arthur before dusk came. She rapped gently on the door and opened it, and there he lay on the pillows looking weak, but with that pathetic eagerness in his eyes which women find so irresistible. “Arthur, I’ve come to bring you food,” said she in a low tone and placed the tray on the bedside table. Arthur smiled weakly. “It means a lot that you came, Diana,” he said, grateful for the sight of her and regretting at the same time that she was going. He knew this was his time, the end of Alfred’s plan which he had been waiting for quite some time. “But Diana, could you sv to me for a while?” Arthur asked as he sounded almost begging. ”It’s been days now and I never felt this lonely till today, this alone now knowing you are around has made me feel comforted in a big way. Diana paused, but then quietly agreed and sat in a chair next to the bed where he lay. They spoke for a while and Arthur tried to look as believable as possible as a man who is broken inside. Gradually, he changed the topics of the conversation to more personal ones in the hope of making Diana open up to him. Arthur stretched out and carefully made the foot-and-a-half journey and took her hand, and enclosed it in both of his. “Diana, I was standing in the shower this morning and I started thinking a lot today, I thought about family, I thought about us, I thought about you.” Diana now had a chill down her spine. “Arthur, I do not understand what you are saying,” she said before quickly withdrawing her hand. Before she could do anything, Arthur grabbed her wrist and squeezed rather tightly. “I want you, Diana. I was still option you over and over again I can’t seem to stop.” Seeing this Diana froze, her eyes teary and widened in fear as she attempted to struggle free from Arthur’s grip; fully aware of his sickness the Briton was amazingly muscular. Arthur did not let her go; he only held her wrists tightly while she screamed at him: Regardless, Arthur’s desperation had seeped in by then, which was why he would not let her go. He’s moving her, now closer, and the look in his eyes, the way he’s holding her…he wants her. “Diana, please,” he said almost choking on his words. "I need you. " Diana’s screams remained unheard as she had tried pulling the attention of everyone around her for a long time, but the square walls of the palace absorbed the sounds made by her. Alfred had made sure they would not be interrupted and had left for the door to be guarding it from any inquisitive souls that might wander in. In the room Arthur yielded to the desire and left the last shred of control. By the later part of the day the deed was completed. Diana was on the bed now, crying, her body shivering from the impact of the information she received and the physical pain. What Arthur was beginning to see was the magnitude of what he had done, he started feeling a surge of shame and disgust. He stretched out a hand towards her, but she flinched back, her stare positively venomous , as if she harbored both hatred and of fear towards him. “Diana, I. .. “ Arthur started a phrase but was helpless. He began to realize what he had done and the feeling of nausea rose from his stomach to his throat. Diana instead of lying down and screaming at the top of her lungs like any sane person would do at this point, clawed herself up from the bed, summoned all the energy that was left in her and limped towards the door. She opened it to find Alfred standing there with an expression of satisfaction of the face. “You’re done?” he questioned, but, without any reply, Diana pushed him violently and rushed out of the building where the horrific experience of the sitting had just taken place. After what had happened Arthur was left all alone in his room feeling the consequences of what he did. He learnt there was no turning back from this and he realized there was nothing he could do to reverse the damage done. His mind was a whirl of actions that he would take next, the returns that came with it. Absorbing the cruel comment, Diana followed swiftly and as she turned and walked rapidly towards the door her steps were inter parody with Williams’. His face grimaced in worry when he found her hair unkempt, and tears rolling down her face. “Diana, what is it?” he demanded, worriedly but Diana’s reply was cut short by her crying. Something told Williams that what he was going to see was terrible and with anger and fear pumping through his veins, he marched himself to Arthur’s quarters. He threw open the door having likely heard of the commotion and saw Arthur seated on the bed with his head resting on his hands. “Arthur, what have you done?” Williams asked furiously, his tone turning into growl. Arthur raised his eyes; his countenance was fairly written with misery; but he could not articulate a word. Williams advanced and with clenched fists, he was fuming mad. ‘You will answer for this,’ he said threateningly, although his voice quivers with the rage that was barely contained. Of all of them, only you will answer both to Father and to me.
By Goodie_ola 2 years ago in Fiction
216 The Loving Road Toward Eternal Reward
It's funny how we all relate to life conceptually. To some, life's cheap; to others, priceless. I suppose it has to do with which type of life one lives. Yet, in the objective universe, there seems a hierarchy. The lowly bug fried on an electrified wire will not haunt anyone like killing a child with a car. A dramatic contrast, certainly.
By Gerard DiLeo2 years ago in Fiction
The Silent Watcher . AI-Generated.
### Part 4: Into the Shadows The following days were a blur of activity. The townspeople, unaware of the full extent of the threat, noticed the increased patrols and the fortified buildings, but they trusted their leaders and followed their instructions without question. Sarah, Elias, and their team worked tirelessly, each contributing their unique skills to prepare Everspring for the confrontation that seemed inevitable. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Elias called a meeting at Sarah’s cottage. The small room was filled with a sense of urgency and camaraderie. Elias spread out the map once more, pointing to a spot near the center of town. “I believe the Eye of Eternity is hidden here,” he said, tapping a finger on the old church. “It’s the oldest building in Everspring, and its foundation predates the town itself. If the Guardians hid the Eye here, it would be in a place of significance.” Sarah glanced at her friends, seeing the determination in their eyes. “Then we need to search the church,” she said. “Tonight, while the town sleeps.” Robert, always the strategist, nodded. “We’ll need to be careful. If the Seekers are watching, they could ambush us. We should go in pairs, stay silent, and be ready for anything.” James, with his characteristic calm, added, “I’ll keep watch outside the church, in case anyone approaches.” Eliza looked at Elias. “Do you think we’ll find it?” Elias sighed, the weight of his past evident in his eyes. “I hope so. But even if we don’t, we need to ensure the Seekers don’t find it either.” As the town settled into the quiet of night, Sarah, Elias, Robert, and Eliza made their way to the church. James took his position outside, hidden in the shadows, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement. The church, a modest stone building with a tall steeple, loomed silently against the night sky. Its heavy wooden doors creaked as Sarah pushed them open, the sound echoing through the empty nave. They slipped inside, their footsteps muffled by the worn carpet. Elias led the way to the basement, where the foundation stones were rumored to hold hidden chambers. They descended the narrow stairs, their lanterns casting flickering shadows on the walls. At the bottom, Elias began to examine the stone walls, searching for any sign of a hidden passage. Sarah’s heart pounded as she watched Elias work. Every creak and rustle seemed amplified in the stillness, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. She kept her hand on the hilt of the small dagger she carried, ready for anything. After what felt like an eternity, Elias found what he was looking for—a loose stone, slightly out of place. He pried it free, revealing a small alcove with an ancient key inside. Holding the key, Elias turned to the group. “This must be it,” he whispered. “There’s a hidden chamber somewhere in these walls. We need to find the lock.” They continued their search, carefully examining every stone and corner. Finally, Eliza called out softly, “Over here!” She had found a small, inconspicuous keyhole hidden behind a tapestry. Elias inserted the key and turned it, and with a soft click, a section of the wall swung open, revealing a dark passageway. The air inside was cool and damp, and the smell of earth and age filled their senses. They moved cautiously through the passage, the narrow corridor opening into a larger chamber. In the center of the room, on a stone pedestal, rested a crystal that seemed to pulse with an inner light. “The Eye of Eternity,” Elias breathed, awe in his voice. As they approached the artifact, a sudden noise from behind made them all turn. The Seekers had found them. Clad in dark cloaks, the Seekers moved silently into the chamber, their leader stepping forward with a menacing smile. “Thank you for leading us to the Eye,” he said, his voice dripping with malice. “Now, hand it over.” Sarah, her heart racing, stepped protectively in front of the pedestal. “You’ll have to go through us first.” The Seeker leader laughed. “Very well. If it’s a fight you want, it’s a fight you’ll get.” Robert and Eliza took defensive positions, ready to face the intruders. Elias stood beside Sarah, his determination matching hers. The confrontation they had prepared for was here, and there was no turning back. The chamber erupted into chaos as the two sides clashed. Sarah and Elias fought side by side, their movements synchronized as they defended the Eye. Robert’s combat skills and Eliza’s quick thinking kept the Seekers at bay, but the enemy was relentless. Amidst the struggle, the leader of the Seekers lunged towards the pedestal, his hand reaching for the Eye. In a moment of desperation, Sarah grabbed the crystal, its power surging through her as she held it aloft. A blinding light filled the chamber, and the Seekers cried out in pain, recoiling from the intense energy. The leader, his face twisted in fury, retreated with his followers, their mission thwarted. As the light faded, Sarah felt the crystal’s power recede, leaving her trembling but unharmed. Elias gently took the Eye from her, placing it back on the pedestal. “We did it,” he said, his voice filled with relief. “We protected the Eye.” Sarah looked at her friends, their faces illuminated by the lantern’s soft glow. They had faced the darkness together and emerged victorious. But deep down, she knew this was only the beginning. The Seekers would not give up easily, and the true battle for Everspring’s future had just begun. l
By Karl Nicken 2 years ago in Fiction
Whispers of Ravenswood: A Love Rekindled . AI-Generated.
**Part 1: The Mysterious Inheritance** It was a gloomy afternoon when Alice received the letter that would change her life forever. She was sitting in her small apartment, staring out of the window at the rain-soaked streets of New York City. The envelope, with its elegant script and thick, creamy paper, looked out of place among the usual bills and junk mail.
By Karl Nicken 2 years ago in Fiction
The Secrets of Whispering Woods . AI-Generated.
**Part 1: The Whispering Woods** Lena stood at the edge of the forest, her breath catching in her throat as she looked into the depths of the Whispering Woods. The dense trees formed a wall of shadow and mystery, the kind of place where secrets lingered and old legends came to life. Her grandmother had warned her about the woods, saying they were not meant for wandering, especially not for someone like Lena, with her insatiable curiosity and restless spirit.
By Karl Nicken 2 years ago in Fiction
Life Moves On
Tarron, Ruith, and a few other elves arrived at the scene not long after that, all on the shoulders of the giants. Haganto was immediately bombarded with questions while he received a healing spell from Ruith. The elf quickly realized that while his wound was a bite mark, he couldn’t detect any of Agron’s venom. Haganto did his best to answer all their questions, despite their growing incredulous looks and expressions of shocked disbelief. Not that Haganto blamed them.
By Rebecca Patton2 years ago in Fiction
THE APOCALYPSE. AI-Generated.
THE APOCALYPSE The Invasion Begins A bustling metropolis, twilight descends, casting long shadows. A piercing siren wails through the city, cutting through the fading daylight. People pause, their faces etched with confusion. The sky, once painted with hues of orange and purple, begins to darken prematurely.
By shola success2 years ago in Fiction
THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS . Content Warning.
All of a sudden, Diana's beauty became so noticed to Arthur that he couldn't control his thought, all he thinks of is bedding Diana his half sister. Arthur can't just approach her in any mutual way because the two son's Arthur and Williams have their differences, they protect each other as a brother should do to his brother but they don't have any form of bromance. Diana, who always stay in her room worried Arthur so much because he wish to see her always. After a week of lustful admiration which wasn't the usual for him, he was always focused on how to be a better warrior so as to become the sole heir to the throne surpassing is brother who is more vibrant and also wants to overthrow him in the race of becoming the future king. Arthur's friend Alfred has been worried and bothered for a week now and he couldn't tell him what was bothering him, because he knows it's an incest, which is very improper in their culture and he has noticed Alfred also likes his half sister Diana. Alfred has be suspecting what was happening because he had been lost in the present world mere gazing at his sister passing on two occasions. The first was when she was out with her maids trying to get to the yard next to the princesses yards. The second occasion was when she went to see her mother. But, Alfred couldn't say what was in his mind because he knows it will sound awful, and his intuitions were correcting him that Arthur might be in a state of a far-off look. Arthur far-off look on his half sister Diana happened again for the third time, out of a state of soliloquy he spake out blurtly saying; does he has eye for her. They looked straight into each others eyes and Arthur immediately signaled him to keep mute because they were outside the court where anyone can easily hear them and spread rumour knowing fully well the matter concerning the Royals are the top gossip everyone wants to hear especially negative gossips. They were loitering around the court because Arthur do not want to talk about it at all, but Alfred has a plan of his own and thinking on how he could carry out his plan together with Arthur's plan so it can be more successful given the involvement of the heir to the throne. Arthur didn't allow Alfred follow him back to his room because he knew he'll surely bring the matter up, they both went there separate ways in the late evening making it a successful escape of talks between the two of them that day. Episode 3 coming soon... (The Deceitful Advice and plan) Where Alfred had a plan in which will make Arthur bed his half sister, Diana.
By Goodie_ola 2 years ago in Fiction
THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS . Content Warning.
Following the exposure of the secret incestful desire of Arthur's, he has been avoiding Alfred given that Alfred also live in the Palace because he's also a cousin to Arthur not only a friend, which also makes him a Royal and all Royal male stays in the Palace until marriage, then they can get their own personal court.
By Goodie_ola 2 years ago in Fiction
