"What? How dare you!!!" Javier shoved Dario again, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Dario quickly got to his feet and pushed back—but Javier didn't budge.
"How dare you…!" Javier raised his hand to slap him.
"What's going on?!" A deep, masculine voice echoed through the hall.
Javier froze, then crumpled to the floor, tears streaming down his face.
"Father… it's Dario! He pushed me!" Javier cried.
King Basmus's eyes glared at Dario, who lowered his head, tense and silent.
"He started it, Your Majesty," Dario said quietly, his voice steady despite the fear.
The king's anger flared, and he raised his hand to strike—but King Henrik stepped forward, placing a hand on Basmus's arm.
He was a trusted friend. King Henrik's kingdom was still growing, and he had relied on Basmus's support to build it.
"Your Majesty," King Henrik said, stepping closer. Beside him, a little girl watched intently. Princess Thana, his only child, her amber eyes soft with pity.
"You shouldn't hit the little boy, Your Majesty," King Henrik muttered gently.
King Basmus exhaled slowly, lowering his raised hand, though his expression remained unreadable.
"Father…" a feminine voice called out.
King Basmus turned, and a smile appeared on his face.
"My princess."
"Your Majesty," Princess Liza said, bowing gracefully as she approached. A teenager now, she is Javier's sister, and her eyes glinted coldly at Dario.
"Your Majesty… I believe Prince Dario should be punished. It is a taboo for a younger prince to disrespect an elderly one," she said, her voice sharp and formal.
All eyes turned to King Basmus, waiting for his judgment. Even King Henrik's presence could not sway the moment now.
"Guards," the king commanded.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Two guards stepped forward.
"Take Prince Dario to his chamber. Ensure he has neither food nor water until tomorrow," Basmus ordered.
Javier and Liza exchanged satisfied, victorious smiles.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the guards said, moving to seize Dario.
"Wait!" a small voice spoke up.
"Thana?" King Henrik looked down at his daughter, puzzled.
"He hurt his hands, Father… may I apply the balm on him?" Thana asked softly, her eyes pleading.
Dario lifted his head slightly, staring at the girl who had spoken. For the first time, someone had shown him kindness.
King Henrik glanced at King Basmus, who remained impassive, then smiled at his daughter.
"Sure, you may," he said.
"Thank you," Thana said, bowing slightly before stepping toward Dario.
"Wench!" Princess Liza hissed, glaring at Thana.
"Stop, Sis! She is my future queen!" Javier snapped, protective.
"In your dreams! Never bring this little wench into our household Javier!" Liza shot back, causing Javier to scoff.
Thana approached Dario, completely unfazed by their bickering.
"May I?" she asked gently, holding out her hands. Dario gave a slight nod.
Thana smiled, dipping her hands into her garment and bringing out the oily balm.
"May I touch your hands?" she asked again.
Dario nods once more.
As Thana's hands touched his wounded hands, a strange, intense sensation surged through him. Pain shot through him for a brief moment, and he squeezed his eyes shut.
When he opened them again, his amber eyes had transformed—burning a deep, bloody red.