Two weeks passed since the assassin's attack. Marcus's wounds healed completely, faster than normal. The academy healer said it should have taken a month, but Marcus recovered in days."Your body is strange," the healer told him. "It's like something inside you speeds up healing. I've never seen anything like it."Marcus knew it was the golden energy. The same power that saved him in the river three years ago. But he still didn't understand what it was or where it came from.Now he stood in a private training ground behind Grandfather Octavius's residence. The old man had cleared this area specifically for Marcus's training."Your foundation is good," Octavius said, watching Marcus practice sword forms. "But you've been teaching yourself. That creates bad habits.""What kind of bad habits?" Marcus asked."You rely too much on raw power and speed. Against weaker opponents, that works. But against someone truly skilled, you'll lose." Octavius picked up a wooden practice sword. "Attack m

Marcus spread a hand-drawn map on the table. It showed the imperial capital's tournament arena. Grandfather Octavius, Lydia, and Julian gathered around to look."The tournament has three stages," Marcus explained. "Preliminary matches, semi-finals, and the final. Cassian's assassins will strike during the chaos of the preliminary rounds when hundreds of fighters are competing.""How do you know this?" Julian asked."Diana told me. She has sources inside the capital." Marcus pointed to different sections of the arena. "Assassins will be disguised as competitors, guards, and spectators. They'll attack from all sides when I'm focused on my official match."Octavius stroked his beard. "Twenty trained killers against one boy, even a talented one. The odds are terrible.""That's why I'm not fighting alone." Marcus looked at each of them. "I need you all to enter the tournament with me."Lydia's eyes widened. "But I'm only first class warrior. The tournament requires at least second class to

The banquet hall was magnificent. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Long tables covered with expensive food lined the walls. Hundreds of people filled the room, all talking and laughing.Marcus entered with Octavius, Lydia, and Julian. He wore simple but clean clothes, nothing fancy. He didn't want to stand out."Remember the plan," Octavius whispered. "Stay near the walls. Keep your back protected. Don't drink anything you didn't pour yourself."Marcus nodded. His eyes scanned the room, looking for faces from Diana's list.There. A servant carrying wine. Tall, scar on his left hand. That matched the description of an assassin named Viktor.Another one by the musicians. Woman with short blonde hair. That was Sera, known for poisoned blades.Marcus counted five assassins so far. Where were the other five?"Brother, are you alright?" Lydia asked. "You look tense.""I'm fine. Just stay alert."A loud voice called for attention. "Welcome, competitors, to the Imperial Tournament!

The next morning, royal investigators arrived at the inn. Six men in official uniforms, led by a stern woman named Magistrate Elena."Marcus Aurelius," Elena said formally. "You are summoned to the Court of Justice for questioning regarding your claims to royal lineage.""I'll accompany him," Octavius said."Only the accused may enter the questioning chamber. That is law." Elena's face showed no emotion. "He will not be harmed. You have my word."Marcus looked at Octavius and nodded. "It's fine, Grandfather. I expected this."The Court of Justice was an imposing building near the palace. Inside, a large chamber had been prepared. Twelve judges sat at a high table. Dozens of witnesses filled the gallery, including the three nobles who supported Marcus.Marcus stood alone in the center, feeling very small."State your name," Elena commanded."Marcus Aurelius, son of Alexander and Helena.""You claim to be the prince who supposedly died three years ago?""I didn't die. I survived.""Conv

Marcus and his group waited in the inn's main hall. They'd moved all the other guests to safety and barricaded the doors. Now they prepared for war."Positions," Octavius commanded quietly. "Lydia, you take the left window. Julian, the right. Diana, the back entrance. I'll handle the front door with Marcus.""This is insane," the innkeeper whispered from where he hid behind the counter. "Fighting royal soldiers will get us all executed.""They're coming to murder a child," Octavius replied. "That's already execution-worthy. We might as well fight back."Footsteps approached outside. Many footsteps. Through the window, Marcus saw torches surrounding the building."Attention inside!" a voice called. It was General Brutus. "Send out the boy called Marcus Aurelius. Do this and the rest of you will be spared.""And if we refuse?" Octavius shouted back."Then everyone dies. You have one minute to decide."Marcus moved toward the door. Octavius grabbed his arm. "What are you doing?""Maybe I