NOVEL WEB Chapter 5: A scam?
King Geoffrey blinked in disbelief at Matilda's words, his mind reeling with conflicting emotions.
"Let me see," he said, rushing forward and snatching the baby from Matilda's arms. His hands trembled as he glanced at the newborn's neck. It was true—the mark that signified future magical potential was nowhere to be found.
Matilda's voice broke the tense silence, sharp and unyielding. "He doesn't have the mark. That means he will never awaken a magical ability or earn a title. Do you understand what this means? This child will bring disgrace upon us. The other kingdoms will laugh at our weakness. We have to get rid of him."
The words struck Geoffrey like a physical blow. "You're asking me to kill my own son?" he blurted, his voice heavy with shock and grief.
"It's the only choice, my lord," Matilda replied, her tone unwavering and persuasive. "If the other kingdoms learn of this, they'll see it as a fatal flaw in our bloodline. They'll view it as a sign of weakness and exploit it. You must think of the kingdom."
Her reasoning was cold but logical, and Geoffrey knew the weight of her words. Yet, his gaze lowered to the tiny infant cradled in his hands. The baby's soft features were peaceful, innocent, unaware of the storm raging around him.
Unbeknownst to them, Draco, the soul now inhabiting the child, was frozen in a mix of fear and frustration. He had been promised greatness—a second chance to live as the strongest being in this new world. But now, his life was hanging by a thread.
"That damn goddess tricked me," Draco thought, panic rising. "She said I'd be the strongest, but here I am—useless, marked as trash before I even have a chance to prove myself!"
The tension in the room was palpable as everyone waited for the king's decision. Matilda's piercing gaze bore into Geoffrey, silently urging him to act. The king's hands trembled as he held the baby, his heart warring with his sense of duty.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Geoffrey's voice broke the silence.
"I will not kill my son," he declared firmly. His voice carried the weight of finality, silencing any further objections. "I don't care if he has no magical ability or if others see him as a disgrace. He is my son, and he will live."
Matilda's face darkened with displeasure, but she pressed on. "My lord, think carefully. Our enemies are already searching for cracks in our defenses. A child without magic is a glaring weakness they will exploit. If we allow him to live, we risk everything. The kingdom could fall."
Geoffrey raised his hand to silence her. "Enough, Matilda. I understand the risks, but I will not deny my son the right to live simply because he is different. If raising him here threatens the kingdom, then I will send him to my uncle, Bartholomew. He and his wife will raise the boy far from the court, away from prying eyes. That way, he won't bring shame upon us or be used against us."
The king's voice softened as he added, "I don't know why he was born without a mark, but I believe the elders when they say that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps his destiny is greater than we can imagine. If we end his life now, we'll never know."
Matilda sat in silence, her lips pressed into a thin line. It was clear she disagreed, but the king's decision was final.
"Very well, your grace," she said curtly, rising from her seat. "But if this boy's existence brings ruin upon us, remember that it was your choice."
Geoffrey didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the baby. For a moment, the tension in the room eased, and he allowed himself to marvel at the tiny life in his hands.
"What will you call him, my lord?" one of the maidens asked hesitantly.
The king smiled faintly. "Godric," he said. "His name will be Godric."
Draco exhaled inwardly, relief washing over him. He had been certain his new life would end before it began, but the king's compassion had saved him. Though he would be exiled from the palace, he didn't mind. Isolation was better than death. Besides, they weren't his real parents, and their rejection didn't sting as much as it might have.
The name Godric, he thought, wasn't so bad. But his relief was short-lived. The reality of his situation weighed heavily on him—he was destined to live without magical abilities, without power, despite the goddess's promises.
"She lied to me," he fumed. "I was supposed to become the strongest, to wield unimaginable power. Now, I'm nothing but a powerless child, doomed to obscurity."
King Geoffrey handed the baby to the maiden, his voice steady but tinged with sorrow. "Take him to my uncle's house. Explain everything that happened here tonight and tell him I will compensate him for raising the boy."
The maiden bowed deeply. Wrapping the baby tightly in a soft brown blanket, she left the room and made her way to the stables.
Draco stared at the night sky as the maiden mounted a sturdy brown horse and began the long ride to Bartholomew's home. He had no idea what awaited him there, but one thing was certain—the future was uncertain, and danger loomed on the horizon.
His thoughts churned with frustration and determination. If the goddess wouldn't fulfill her promise, he would find his own way to power. No matter how dark or dangerous the path ahead, he would carve out his destiny.
The faint light of the moon illuminated the road ahead as the maiden's horse galloped through the quiet night, carrying Draco toward an uncertain future.
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A/N: Like it? Add to your library and vote with your power stones!