Lior Croft: The Storm They Never Saw Coming!

THE GOVERNOR'S GIFT

King Adric finished the call with the governor. He dropped the phone and the joy in his heart was so much he turned and looked at his family members, all celebrating the engagement between Prince Frederick and Rhea Smith.

 So he stood up, wondering who could have brought so much honor into his family.

Then he raised his voice, saying he had an announcement to make. The music stopped, and everyone looked at him.

"I just finished talking to the governor," he said. "He told me that a member of our family healed his daughter. 

Who could it be? Who brought this honor to our family?

Reveal yourself, and I promise to reward you beyond their wildest dreams. 

The governor's favor means a lot of good things for our clan, Azurefang."

Everyone looked at each other, wondering who it could be, with no one owning up.

The king added, "The governor said this person was the last one to enter the hall. He healed her just outside the hall by the door."

Dora, a lady, spoke up, first. "I think the last person I saw entering was Prince Frederick. It must be him!"

Delilah saw an opportunity. "Yes, it must be my son! Tell them it was you, Prince Frederick." She said, her eyes wide, urging the prince to seize the opportunity.

Prince Frederick stepped forward, bowing. "It was me, Father. I healed the lady earlier, before coming in. I didn't think much about it because I didn't know she was the governor's daughter."

His father was thrilled. He opened his arms, stepping down from the throne. "Come and hug me, my son!" 

The room erupted in cheers and applause as the king praised Prince Frederick. 

Rhea Smith, now, Frederick's fiancée, smiled brightly at him. "I'm so proud of you, Frederick," she whispered, squeezing his arm.

She rejoiced in her heart telling herself she had made the right choice to marry Prince Frederick.

Queen Delilah, Frederick's mother, beamed with pride, whispering to him, "Well done, my son. You're making our family proud. Your place as heir to the throne is now solidified."

The crowd whispered among themselves. "Did you hear that? Prince Frederick healed the governor's daughter!" 

"What an amazing feat!" "He's truly destined for greatness!"

A nobleman turned to his friend, murmuring, "This changes everything. With the governor's favor, Frederick will be unstoppable."

Frederick forced a smile, playing along. "Thanks, Mother."

As the crowd continued to cheer, Frederick leaned in to his father. "Father, I-"

The king cut him off, hugging him tightly. "No need to say anything, son. We're all proud of you."

Rhea chimed in, "The governor must be thrilled. This is amazing news, honey!"

Delilah thought to herself, “Now his position is unchallengeable. The throne is his.”

Just then, the announcer's voice boomed. "The Governor has arrived!"

Everyone stood, bowing. "We pay our respect to the Governor," they said in unison.

Delilah whispered urgently to Frederick, "Go greet him, now. Make sure he knows it was you who healed his daughter."

Frederick nodded, his expression neutral. He walked towards the governor, ready to play his part.

As he approached, he heard his father saying, "Governor, meet Prince Frederick, the one who healed your daughter."

The governor smiled warmly. "Ah, Prince Frederick. I'm grateful for your kindness."

Frederick bowed, playing along. "It was nothing, Governor. I'm glad I could help.”

With that, the governor, whose name was Governor Marcus, took his seat beside the throne.

As they settled, Governor Marcus turned to King Adric. "It's good to see you, old friend. I must say, I'm impressed by the hospitality of the Azurefang clan."

King Adric chuckled. "Anything for the governor and his family.”

Governor Marcus nodded, his expression turning serious. "This visit wasn't planned, Adric. I came because of this great news.

Actually, my daughter, Sophia, left our home a week ago to seek medical help here in Azurefang Kingdom. 

She was attacked on the way by bandits, her guards were killed, her vehicle and all her belongings stolen, but she didn't give up."

The king's expression turned concerned. "Attacked? Is she-"

"She's fine, thanks to the prince who healed her," Governor Marcus interrupted. 

"She kept going, determined to reach this palace. She even tried to hitch a ride, but people wouldn't pick her up because she looked sick and her clothes were torn. 

When she finally arrived, she said a member of the Croft family healed her. The last person to enter the hall today, apparently."

King Adric smiled, gesturing to Frederick. "Ah, yes. Prince Frederick here was the one."

Governor Marcus nodded, his eyes on Frederick. "I came to reward him personally. I've brought gifts. 

Unfortunately, Sophia couldn't come along with me. She had some things to do, but she'll be here soon."

The king nodded with a smile. "Okay, as you say governor."

Governor Marcus stood, handing King Adric a small chest. "A small token of my gratitude. 

This box contains the original blood moon stone which dates to centuries far back. It is very precious and said to be unbreakable.

Plus it is said to bring good luck, prosperity, and long life to the bearer."

The king accepted the chest, smiling. "Of course, Marcus. Indeed this gift is very precious.”

The crowd was stunned at the value of the gift, with their mouths hanging wide.

“Is it really the blood moon stone?” One lady asked.

“I am very sure it is, I can feel its essence from here.” another lady replied.

“ I heard it is worth over a hundred million dollars.” their friend chimed in.

“Woooooow.” The other two ladies said in unison.

With that, the king turned to prince Frederick. “ Step forward son, and accept this priceless gift from the governor himself.”

“Yes, father.” Frederick stepped forward, beaming with pride.

Then he bowed his head and stretched forward his hands, waiting for his gift.

But as the gift was about to touch his open palms, a voice came from out of the crowd.

“Wait your highness, I think that gift belongs to me!”

Everyone gasped as their heads snapped towards the direction the voice came from.

When their eyes landed on who it was, their faces twisted.