The darkened sky was pierced with a beam of light as dawn broke, the last glimmer of hope shining down on the ruined lands created mesmerizing fractal patterns in the billowing smoke. The latest battle had taken a heavy toll and the former lush green valley was, now, nothing more than tilled dirt stained a deep crimson. The air was still, thick, and almost viscous; the stench oozing a mixture of scorched earth and bitter copper metallic, hiding any trace of wildflower's scent once carried with the breeze. There were no sounds – no birds singing, no insects creeping or crawling, just the eerie quiet that death brings. Not even the wind ventured here anymore. Once upon a time this place was bountiful with life, now it was a deep wound that would leave scars and painful memories.
For as long as anyone can remember, the kingdom of Enchancia had been a tranquil and harmonious place. Roland I, the first of his name but the third in his line, had been known as one of the most influential leaders that the people had ever come to know; his policies laid a promising foundation for the kingdom, giving everyone a purpose and sense of pride. His reign was long and prosperous and when Roland II stepped out of his father's shadow to reign, it was with continued benevolence and prosperity. The Royal Family had a reputation for being kind, generous, and peaceful; truly beloved by all.
Roland II had made a name for himself as the King who ruled with the people rather than for them. He listened to his people and, although sternly at times, he did what was best for them by encouraging their voices to rise up and be heard. It was also well-known that he was the first of his line, or any royal that had ever been, to marry outside of royalty; making him a local hero to the people, giving every child the hope that one day their dream of becoming a prince or princess may come true. In the wake of his marriage to a commoner, the age-old expectation of royals marrying to one another was abolished in Enchancia and the castle opened up to the village for the first time in its history; even, former 'Royal Only', events were welcoming of every person regardless of their stature. The kingdom had become a beacon of hope, a symbol of change, and the envy of lands far and wide.
Not everyone, however, was pleased with the direction that Enchancia had taken; although he tried to embrace the progressiveness, Magnus could not bear to see a kingdom fall to the mercy of the people. Magnus was the second in his line, first of his name, and ruler of the kingdom of Rudistan. He had a reputation for being boastful and an unquenchable thirst for the finest, stopping at nothing to attain it. As pompous as Magnus was, it was best to not mistake him for a fool; he knew that patience and the element of surprise were his allies. While everyone was distracted by the facade of arrogance, they didn't seen the predator hiding underneath that was waiting for the right moment to strike.
When rumors of Enchancia's 'Peasant Queen' and her daughter came to his kingdom, Magnus had to see for himself this commoner with a crown. He scheduled a visit at once, knowing that Roland would be eager to put on a show for him. While he traveled through the kingdom, he made certain to survey the lands and the people more closely than he ever had; he took mental notes on possible strong points and obvious weaknesses. During his visit, Magnus kept up appearances and greeted Miranda with open arms. He was careful to banter and quibble as he normally did with the exception of telling Roland that his sorcerer was superior. Later, he wondered if his false admittance had given any glimpse into his intentions; Cedric was a bumbling fool and the words of praise felt sour in the pit of his stomach. Magnus had seen this disgraceful mutt of a family and hid his disgust with ease as he moved among them.
Upon his return to Rudistan, there was turmoil within him; Magnus had known Roland since they were boys. They often discussed their boyhood ideals of ruling as the kings they were meant to be. They had made childhood promises to each other - to always be friends and rule their kingdoms together; naturally as they grew those promises gave way to reality, yet they always remained within each other's good graces. What Roland was doing with Enchancia would lead to rebellion throughout all the kingdoms. Moreover Magnus did not marvel at how Roland could be so cherished by his people, instead he envied that adoration and felt that it should be reserved for royalty who had no betrayed their bloodlines or houses. With his jaw clenched tight, Magnus made the decision – lay in wait, the right moment would come and he would have to take Enchancia for his own.
