AWAKENING OF THE HIDDEN HEIR (REBORN INTO THE THRONE)

003: The poisoned cup

Sunlight crept through the tall windows of Kael’s room slipping across the polished floor in thin, pale beams. The palace was quiet, except the distant clatter of servants preparing for the day.

Kael’s eyes flicked open, adjusting to the new world around him. Every sound, every scent, every subtle movement was new to him, he was still getting used to everything.

Though this body was frail, his mind remained as sharp as the blade he had wielded for years.

Someone knocked

“Young master” a voice said

Kael recognized the voice, the old healer

“Come In” kael said

The door opened and the healer came in with a tray filled with elixirs and different herbal drinks

“How do you feel today?“ Thr healer asked

“I'm better” kael said curtly

The healer gave kael a bottle that contained some dark drink

“This is for restoration of strength and stability”

Kael collected the bottle and opened it, but his eyes widened.

All his years of being general, kael was used to the forest and knew all about medicinal herbs and poisons.

What was in the bottle wasn't a medicinal herb.

It was poison

Nightshade

kael knew this poison well because he had used them so many times.

if consumed daily can lead to death.

“What drink is this?“ Kael asked the healer

“Queen selara got the best healers and they created this drink, it is really good and I've been giving it to you since your first illness”

A cold realization washed over him. This body, supposedly weak and sickly, had been slowly poisoned. The healers, whether intentionally or not, had been feeding him death in small doses.

He set the vial aside, deliberately pushing it away. For years, the prince had suffered under this silent threat, and Kael knew now why the boy had been so weak and fragile.

“Where is the king?“ Kael asked the healer

“He is in a council meeting, with the royal family'

“Why wasn't I told about it”

“You've not been well or years, the king thought it best to let you recover “

“I want to attend”

“Young master you need to take your medicine”

“Get my clothes, I will be attending the council meeting” kael said

The healer looked at kael and knew he wasn't going to change his mind and walked out to get his clothes.

A servant came in few minutes later with change of clothes and kael changed and walked out of his room, a guard was there to escort him.

The corridors were empty but for a few servants scurrying to their duties.

Kael saw the princess Elyra walking on the corridor

“Brother” Elyra said cheerfully

Kael felt a flutter in his chest, happiness, how strange it must be his new body's reaction to the princess

“Brother… you look better,” she said, her voice soft and filled with trust.

Kael offered a faint smile

. “I am… well enough,” he said

“Where are you off to?“ The princess asked

“Am important meeting”

“When you're back will you come and see my garden?“ Elyra asked smiling

“Of course” kael said new to this emotions and continued on his way with the guard leading him.

The council chamber loomed ahead, imposing and grand. High ceilings arched over polished marble floors, banners of the kingdom lining the walls. The king sat at the head, Rykal beside him, Selara lingering at the edge, eyes sharp and calculating. Around them, council members, older lords with faces etched by decades of scheming, turned their eyes on Kael as he entered.

Whispers rippled across the chamber. Gasps echoed faintly.

The sickly prince, the one everyone had dismissed, walked in unassisted, head held high, steps deliberate.

“Why is he here?“ He heard Selara ask a guard

“Is this a joke?“ A council member snapped

“Why is he here? He is barely strong enough to sit at a table. What claim has he to join a council of men?”

Another scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “A frail boy… he dares to intrude on the council?”

Kael’s gaze swept over them, noting every twitch, every glance, every hint of arrogance. Years of commanding armies, of reading men in battle, sharpened his instincts. A subtle smile brushed his lips.

“I attend because it is my duty,” Kael said, voice soft but carrying through the hall. “Because the affairs of this kingdom concern me as much as any of you.”

Selara’s eyes narrowed, lips pressing into a thin line.

“Do not overestimate yourself, boy. Your frailty is not an illusion.”

Rykal sneered, voice dripping with contempt. “Indeed. We shall see if the sickly prince can contribute more than types of herbs to cure ailments in the Kingdom.”

The council murmured, some chuckling. But Kael, calm and composed ignored them

“Yes,” he said, stepping forward slightly, “I am part of the Royal family, after all I am the crown prince, I am able to walk now so I can attend the meeting.”

A silence fell across the room. The mockery remained faint in the corners, but a shift was palpable.

The king’s voice cut through the tension. “Let him sit. If he can walk here, he can take his place at the council.”

Kael bowed slightly, acknowledging the king, and took the seat beside him. His eyes scanned the council, noting every flicker of anger, surprise, or doubt. Each was a piece on the board, a potential ally or threat.

“Let us continue,” the king said, inclining his head. The council members murmured in acknowledgment, some bowing stiffly, clearly displeased by Kael’s presence.

Kael leaned back slightly in his chair, the subtle, hidden strength in his body coiled and ready, masked beneath the frailty expected of him. Observation, patience, and strategy—these would guide him. The poisoned cup had been a warning. The council had been a test. And Kael Ardyn, reborn, was ready for both.

___

Queen Selara turned to Rykal and whispered

“Why does he look better and can walk?“

“Maybe it's just a side effect of some of the herbs”

“Well son, the crown prince cannot be well enough because his position threatens your crown”

“Don't worry mum, he'll be back to his sickbed in no time”

Selara nodded and glared at kael before turning back to the council

***