Destined to Reign

The sound of swords filled the royal palace. Seven-year-old Marcus stood behind his parents, his body shaking with fear.

"Brother Cassian, why are you doing this?" his mother Helena asked. Her voice was full of pain.

Cassian laughed. It was a cold, evil laugh. The uncle who used to tell Marcus stories now looked like a monster. His eyes showed only hate and greed.

"Why? Sister, the throne should be mine!" Cassian shouted. "Father gave it to your husband instead of me, his own son. Do you know how that feels?"

Alexander, Marcus's father, stepped forward. "Cassian, I never wanted the throne. I was going to give it to you when you turned twenty-one. You didn't need to do this."

"Lies! No one gives up power!" Cassian yelled. "I will not wait. I will take what is mine today!"

He raised his hand. Hundreds of soldiers moved forward with their weapons. These men had served the kingdom for years. Now they wanted to kill their king.

Marcus felt his father's hand on his shoulder. "Marcus, stay with your mother. No matter what happens, don't leave her."

"Father, I'm scared," Marcus whispered.

His father looked into his eyes. "Being scared is okay. But you must be brave now. Can you do that for me?"

Marcus nodded, even though tears filled his eyes.

Alexander drew his sword. The blade was black with silver markings that seemed to glow. "Helena, take Marcus and run. I will clear a path."

"No!" Helena grabbed his arm. "If you die, I die with you. We are husband and wife."

"Think of our son!" Alexander said urgently. "If we both die, who will get justice for us? But if you live and protect Marcus, our story continues. Please, live for our son."

Before Helena could answer, Alexander used his power to push them back. Then he ran at the soldiers.

"Kill them!" Cassian ordered.

The soldiers rushed forward. Alexander moved through them like a wild animal. His sword flashed and men fell. Blood covered the white marble floor. But there were too many enemies. For every soldier he killed, more came.

A spear hit his shoulder. Alexander broke it with his hands and kept fighting. A sword cut his leg, but he didn't stop.

"Father!" Marcus screamed.

His mother held him tight. "No, Marcus! We must go. Don't waste your father's sacrifice!"

They ran. Behind them, the fighting continued. Marcus looked back and saw his father surrounded by enemies. Weapons stabbed him from all sides, but he still fought.

They reached the palace gates. Alexander had made a gap in the enemy lines. When Helena looked back, her husband was on his knees. He used his sword to stay upright. Blood poured from many wounds.

"Go!" Alexander shouted. "Go now!"

Cassian walked behind him with a green sword. Poison dripped from it. "Brother, I cannot let you live. Nothing personal."