The King Sentenced This Orphan To The Lions, Unknowing of His Legendary Past

The King's Great Betrayal

The crowd erupted into a frenzy of murmurs and shouts. The legend of the Shadow Dragon was sacred; the warrior who defeated it was prophesied to rule the kingdom with justice. For years, King Robert had claimed that he was the one who dealt the final blow, using that lie to secure his grip on the throne. Now, the truth was staring them in the face, written in the flesh of an eighteen-year-old orphan.

King Robert leaned over the balcony, his face flushed with rage and panic.

"Kill him! Kill the beast and the boy!" he screamed, gesturing wildly to his royal guards. "They are practicing dark witchcraft!"

But the guards hesitated, their hands trembling on the hilts of their swords. To strike down the true savior of the realm was to invite the wrath of the gods. High Cleric Thomas grabbed the King's arm, whispering frantically in his ear. The cleric knew that if they executed Leo now, the angry crowd would tear the palace down stone by stone.

Stepping forward, the High Cleric raised his staff to quiet the roaring spectators.

"People of the realm!" Thomas announced, his voice carrying across the stones. "This boy is an impostor! The scar is a clever fake. To prove his claim, he must face the Trial of the Flame, as the true warrior of prophecy would be untouched by the sacred fire!"

Leo stood up, the black lion remaining protectively by his side. He felt a sudden surge of memories rushing back into his mind—the heat of the dragon's breath, the sacrifice of his true parents, and the betrayal of Robert, who had stolen his birthright and left him for dead as a child. He looked the King dead in the eye.

"I accept your trial, Robert," Leo said, his voice ringing with authority. "But when I walk out of the fire, you will answer for your treason."