Page 36 of The Stolen Kingdom

Valda turned her glare at Arwin, catching the faintest smirk creeping across his lips. “Arwin?”

“What can you expect from a traitor? Lies.”

The man’s eyes widened in shock, darting between Arwin and Valda.

“You were responsible for King Brontes. You are connected to the rogues at Umbriel desert.”

The prisoner shook his head furiously, his gaze pleading as he muffled something incoherent through the cloth.

Moving the blade to the side of his face, Valda made a swift, deliberate slice, severing the cloth around his mouth.

“I deny it! I would never! I was a faithful soldier!” The prisoner screamed, lowering himself closer to the ground, his attention on Valda. “I fought only to protect the Sky Kingdom and your father, your highness! I would rather kill myself than betray my kingdom!”

Valda flinched at the raw conviction in his eyes. Could he be telling the truth?

Her gaze shifted to Arwin, the man she trusted with her life, a man she thought of as a father. Could he lie to her? Why would he? What was the purpose of killing this one soldier?

“Liar!” Arwin roared. “How convenient it is to cry loyalty and beg for mercy when death stares you in the face. Did you do the same for our king? Did you help him, or did you stand there and watch him die?”

Arwin let out a breathy laugh. “Valda, I was the one who brought your father’s body home. And this man? He stood there, frozen, not even lifting a hand to aid him. Why? Because he was there to make sure he didn’t survive,” Arwin muttered.

“How dare you!” the prisoner shouted, his voice hoarse as he turned to Valda. Lowering his head in desperation, he begged, “Please, Your Highness, I have a family—I have a daughter!”

Arwin pulled his sword, his eyes wide. “Kill him, Valda! This man deserves nothing! He dares to speak of a daughter—what about you?”

Valda’s jaw clenched as Arwin lashed at her. But her heart screamed for her to stop, to spare the man kneeling before her, pleading for his life.

As if sensing her hesitation, the prisoner shifted, struggling to sit upright as he cried out again. “I have a daughter! You’ve suffered the loss of your father—please, don’t let my daughter endure the same pain. Don’t make her suffer as you did. I beg you!”

Valda’s firm stance faltered as the grip on the dagger wavered. The weapon almost slipped from her hand. The man’s words struck something deep within her, something she thought she had buried a long time ago.

Her eyes darted to Arwin, seeking guidance.

The older man shook his head at her and growled. “Kill him! He is mocking you because he was responsible for your father’s death! Do not show mercy! He does not deserve it!”

“But Arwin… what about—”

“Kill him!”

“No, please! I am no traitor!”

“Valda, follow my orders!” Arwin bellowed, commanding.

The sword trembled in Valda’s grip as precious seconds slipped by. Follow orders, or let the man explain himself. It didn’t feel right. Something about this was wrong.

The surrounding chaos was deafening. The shouts of Arwin, the prisoner’s frantic pleas—it was too much.

Before she could decide, a brawny hand closed over hers, dragging her forward. The blade plunged into flesh.

Gasping, Valda looked down to see Arwin’s hand gripping hers, forcing the dagger deeper into the prisoner’s stomach. Blood seeped from the wound, soaking the man’s white silk shirt into a spreading stain.

Valda’s breath hitched before yanking her hand away as if the dagger was scorching hot.

What have I done?

“M-my mate… I—”

Valda’s jaw slackened.The man was mated?No. No, no!

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