The announcement swept over the kingdoms like a fire ravaging dry brush-lands. The Royal Sorcerer as chosen suitor for the youngest Princess of Enchancia; needless to say that the rumors were flying and the buzz was so loud that it seemed to drowned out talk of anything else.
Magnus sat alone in his throne room, after having hastily dismissing his servants, deep in thought and with the announcement from Enchancia crumpled in his hand. Ever since his initial decision to overthrow Roland, he struggled over whether or not this was the right move. He hated Roland for putting him in this position. If he didn't react, especially now, then it would be the end of an era for all Kingdoms.
Before he knew it, Magnus found himself walking the castle grounds silently. He often wandered about, deep in thought, and this was not a new sight to see for the castle staff; most knew to stay far away from their King when he was walking in a daze. As he lost himself deeper in though, Magnus found himself recalling fond moments from his youth – days often spent with Roland.
Unlike Roland's father, Magnus's father was not a man with a kind hand, nor one kind with his words. One particularly terrible experience was shortly after the Royal Talent Festival. All royalty from near and far gathered as their progeny competed for attention. Roland's father was always encouraging and told both the boys to try their best, telling Roland that he was proud of him no matter what. Magnus's father, upon Magnus dropping the objects in his complicated juggling act, promptly excused himself and left; when Magnus arrived later that evening, after Roland saw him home, his father beat him mercilessly. It was not the first time, it would not be the last, and when it was all over Magnus turned to Roland for support.
Tears welled in Magnus's eyes as he remembered how the welts lasted for days. His heart, his emotions, they were taking over… he couldn't let that happen. As heavy as the burden was, Magnus found his resolve and ignored the gnawing guilt.
He returned to his throne room, calling for his steward to assemble the war council in secret and at once. Within minutes, faceless men surrounded Magnus as he laid out his plan. Suggestions in matters of strategy hissed, departing with malice from unknown lips. The session lasted well into the early morning hours and by the end the matter was settled. War was coming.