The horse’s hooves clattered rhythmically on the worn cobblestone of the city streets, a mournful drumbeat to Arthur’s despairing heart. He rode without a clear destination, simply following the winding roads away from the gilded cages of the city's finest inns. He felt hollowed out, as if a great strength had been lifted from his shoulders, leaving behind nothing but emptiness.For five years, he had chosen this life. Five years he had spent living as a commoner, rejecting the grandeur and backhanded politics of his family, the House of Valerius. He never introduced himself as a Valerius, to the world, he was just Arthur Blackwood, a simple commoner with a strong back and a good heart. His father, the Duke, had been furious, calling it a childish whim, but Arthur had insisted, making a pact that he would prove he could thrive on his own. He believed true happiness was found not in a coffer of gold, but in a simple life and in the love of a good woman.That woman was Elara.He had

A chill settled in the great hall of the House of Peckham as the old lady command sounded. Her family knew the meaning of her words. The punishment for violating their family's code of honor was very harsh. After the old lady spoke, Elara was quick to act. She sent a young page to find Arthur.A short while later, the page returned with a grim look on his face. He bowed his head to the old lady. "Begging your pardon, Grand lady Peckham, but the wretch refused to heed your summon. He said he will not be coming."Hearing the page words, a collective gasp swept through the hall. "Refused?" the old lady shrieked as her face turn red like the fine velvet cloak she was wearing. "How dare that animal refuse me! As long as he wears the name of a Peckham, he will obey! Godric! Go and fetch him! Bring him to me now, by force if you must!"Sir Godric, who had been waiting for an opportunity for a fight, smiled as he cracked his knuckles. "Gladly, Grandmother. This will be a pleasure."As Godr

The first thug lunged with a powerful punch. Arthur moved quickly. His body was smaller than the thugs, but he was smart enough. He dodged the punch and, in a flash, his booted foot snapped out, kicking the man in the knee. The thug’s leg buckled, and a cry of pain escaped his lips.The second thug charged, his sword drawn. Arthur’s eyes followed the blade's every movement. He ducked under a wide, sweeping strike, his hand flashing out to slap the man's wrist. The force of the blow was accurate, sending a shock of pain up the man’s arm, and his grip on the sword loosened. With a deft move, Arthur grabbed the man’s hand and twisted it, forcing him to drop the weapon.The two brawlers stood there, panting, their faces a mixture of pain and disbelief. They were used to overpowering their opponents with brute force, but this man... This wretch they were meant to fetch, moved like a trained killer. He hadn't broken a sweat, not even a single blow had landed on him.Arthur looked down at

"You said I was a cheater," she whispered, her voice like a serpent's hiss. "Now you will be punished for your lies!"Arthur stared at her, his expression unchanging. "You bloody hell of a wife," he said, a weary contempt in his voice. "You accuse me of betraying you, and now you have the nerve to strike me in front of all these people? You are a rare gem, indeed."Before Elara could act, Godric, his face still a bruised mess, lunged forward. "Get out of my way, you gormless cow!" he spat, snatching the scepter from her hand. He swung it wildly, aiming for Arthur's face.The room gasped as Arthur simply stood his ground. He grabbed Godric arm, his grip like a vise, and with a single, sharp twist, he forced the man to strike himself.Smack!The heavy scepter connected with Godric's face, the sickening sound sounding through the silent hall. The blow made his already swollen face look even more grotesque.The hall erupted in a buzz of whispers. The Old Lady stood, her face a mask of di

Elara watched with contempt as Arthur laughed, a sound so joyous that it felt out of place in the grand hall. He picked up a cup of wine from a passing servant's tray and walked toward her."Elara," he said, taking a long drink. "Congratulations. You're finally free to find a man who's worthy of you."She scoffed, a cold look in her eyes. "Don't bother pretending. I know you're miserable. If you were to kneel down and beg, I might ask my grandmother to show you some mercy and not get rid of you entirely."Arthur chuckled, a deep, bitter sound. "You betrayed me, and now you want me to beg for your forgiveness?" He downed the rest of his wine. "You are not worthy of it."A flush of anger spread across Elara's face. For five years, she had been a queen to him, and he had been her lowly servant. He had always bowed his head to her will. But today, he was a different man.Furious, she rushed to her grandmother's throne and hugged her arm. "Grandmother, you can't just let him go! He must be