2
d his sea blue eyes stirred with the power of a thousand storms.
In the back of his mind, the son wondered if he could ever be that extraordinary. But right now, he desperately prayed he would never have to find out.
"You will go now, my sons. You have a chance. Meet your guards and do not tarry for they will be upon you."
"No!" The older son dropped to his knees. "I can't think of life without you!" His throat ached with strangled words that he could not force out. This was too sudden! This couldn't be real! His mother stole his crying eyes. She too was weeping, but there was no panic on her face, only sadness.
The younger brother rushed forward into his parents' arms. "I thought you said they were gone! They couldn't--"
His father cut him down with a glare. "Never did I say that, son. Never think that or you will not know who has slain your family." The brothers flinched.
The eldest pounded his fist against the ground. "Please! We'll all run. If we can make it, so can you, Father... Mother, please! They'll never find us!"
Their father smiled ruefully. "I wish it could be so."
The son's tears burned his cheeks. "Give them the kingdom, it's not worth this. Please."
Valladen rested a hand on the head of his heir. "They would not stop with the kingdom, they care nothing for it." He pulled his hand back. "You will succeed. Your duty, the responsibility of the crown, is to protect and save our people."
The crown prince bit his lip so hard that he tasted blood. He finally nodded.
His mother moved in front of him. She spread her hands out before both her children. "I pray that your lives are eternal and full of love and joy."
The eldest remained kneeling and lowered his face to hide his shame. His voice was surprisingly low. "I accept your blessing, Mother."
"Go, my sons."
He rose and took his place beside his brother. "Must--" He bit his tongue. "We shall."
"We love you," Valladen whisper