### **Chapter 4.2: The King's Brother, Part 2**
*The Prince Was Not Cursed* by LOR
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Rick's heart raced as he heard the soft creak at the door. His eyes snapped open, and he strained to see through the darkness. The door to the nursery was slightly ajar, and a shadowy figure stood just beyond the threshold. Rick's mind raced, wondering if he had been discovered.
"Chick," Rick whispered mentally, "someone's here."
"I see them," Chick replied, his tone tense. "Stay calm. Let's see what they do."
Rick forced himself to remain still, feigning sleep as the figure lingered in the doorway. His mind raced with possibilities—was it the King's brother? One of his agents? Or someone else entirely? The seconds stretched on, each one filled with the tension of uncertainty.
Finally, the figure moved. A hand reached out, slowly pushing the door open further. Rick's breath caught in his throat as the intruder stepped into the room, their face still obscured by shadows.
But as the figure moved closer, Rick's tension eased slightly. It wasn't the King's brother. The silhouette was too slight, the movements too hesitant. This wasn't an assassin—it was someone who wasn't supposed to be here, but for a different reason.
The figure stepped into a sliver of moonlight, revealing themselves. It was Kael, the scholar Rick had befriended in the hidden library. He looked around nervously before his eyes settled on Rick, who still lay motionless in the crib.
"Kael," Rick whispered, sitting up slowly. "What are you doing here?"
Kael looked visibly relieved at the sound of Rick's voice. He quickly crossed the room and knelt beside the crib. "I had to make sure you were alright," Kael whispered urgently. "I heard rumors… about the King's brother. I knew you might be in danger."
Rick nodded, his respect for Kael growing. "I'm glad you came. But we need to be careful. They're watching us."
Kael glanced over his shoulder, as if expecting to see someone lurking in the shadows. "I know," he replied. "That's why I came now. I found something in the library—something that might help us."
Rick's curiosity was piqued. "What did you find?"
Kael reached into his robes and pulled out a small, worn book. He held it out to Rick, who took it carefully. "This," Kael explained, "is a record of the royal family's history, including the lineage of the King's brother. It's old—older than anything else I've found so far. But it contains information about a curse that was placed on the royal bloodline centuries ago."
"A curse?" Rick echoed, his mind racing. "What kind of curse?"
Kael shook his head. "It's not entirely clear. The records are fragmented, but it mentions something about the bloodline being tainted, and that anyone who tries to seize power unlawfully will face… consequences."
Rick's grip tightened on the book. "Consequences like what?"
"I'm not sure," Kael admitted. "But it might explain why the King's brother is so determined to take the throne by any means necessary. He might be trying to avoid whatever curse this book describes."
Rick opened the book, flipping through the yellowed pages. The text was faded and difficult to read, but he could make out enough to see that Kael was right. The curse was real, and it was tied to the throne itself. If the King's brother tried to take the throne through treachery, it could trigger something terrible—something that could bring ruin to the entire kingdom.
"We need to find out more," Rick said, his voice low and determined. "If this curse is real, it could be our only way to stop him."
Kael nodded. "I agree. But we have to be careful. If anyone finds out what we're doing, they'll try to stop us."
Rick glanced at the door, his thoughts racing. "We need to keep this quiet," he agreed. "But we also need to be ready. If the King's brother makes his move, we have to act fast."
Kael hesitated, then nodded firmly. "I'll keep digging in the library. There might be more records that can tell us exactly what this curse is and how it works. But you… you need to be careful, Rick. The King's brother is dangerous, and if he finds out you're involved…"
"I know," Rick replied, his voice steady. "But I can't just sit by and do nothing."
Kael placed a hand on Rick's shoulder, his expression serious. "I'm with you," he said quietly. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
Rick felt a surge of gratitude toward Kael. In this treacherous palace, where allies were few and far between, Kael's loyalty meant everything. "Thank you," Rick said sincerely. "We'll get through this. We have to."
Kael nodded, then rose to his feet. "I'll return to the library. If I find anything else, I'll come back as soon as I can."
"Be careful," Rick warned. "And don't let anyone see you."
Kael gave a brief nod before slipping out of the nursery, the shadows swallowing him up once more. Rick watched him go, his mind racing with new possibilities. The King's brother was a threat, but this curse could be the key to stopping him. If they could find a way to use it to their advantage, they might be able to turn the tide.
But first, they needed more information.
Rick glanced down at the worn book in his hands. The answers were somewhere in these pages—he just had to find them before it was too late.
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**Cliffhanger:** As Rick examines the book, a faint, almost imperceptible pulse of magic emanates from it. The curse isn't just a legend—it's very much alive, and Rick may have just awakened something far more dangerous than he anticipated.
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### **Chapter 4.3: The King's Brother, Part 3**
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Rick's mind buzzed with the implications of the book's contents. The curse that Kael had discovered could be the key to stopping the King's brother, but it also posed a grave danger. If the curse was awakened, it could spiral out of control, leading to catastrophic consequences for the entire kingdom.
He carefully hid the book under the mattress of his crib, ensuring it was well concealed. Then, he lay back, trying to piece together everything he had learned. The King's brother was dangerous, that much was clear, but the curse added another layer of complexity to the situation. Rick needed to be careful—one wrong move could set off a chain of events that he might not be able to stop.
The next morning, Rick awoke to find the palace in a state of heightened tension. The King's brother had called a meeting of the nobles, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Rick knew he had to find a way to attend, to hear firsthand what was being discussed.
He waited until Marie had left the room, then quickly dressed himself in the simple clothes he had hidden away. They were far from the regal attire he was expected to wear, but they allowed him to move more freely and blend in with the palace staff.
Chick appeared beside him, his expression serious. "You're going to the meeting, aren't you?"
"I have to," Rick replied. "If I don't, I'll miss my chance to find out what they're planning."
Chick nodded, though his worry was evident. "Just be careful. The King's brother is no fool—he'll be watching for any sign of trouble."
"I know," Rick said, steeling himself. "Let's go."
They moved quickly through the palace, avoiding the main corridors where the guards were stationed. Rick had memorized the layout of the palace during his time here, and he knew exactly where to go to stay out of sight.
When they reached the meeting chamber, Rick hid behind a large tapestry that hung just outside the room. From this vantage point, he could hear the voices of the nobles as they gathered inside, their tones hushed but urgent.
"...cannot wait any longer," one of the nobles was saying. "The King's weakness is our opportunity. If we don't act now, we may never get another chance."
"The people are growing restless," another voice added. "They want a strong leader, someone who can restore order. The King's brother is the only one who can do that."
Rick's heart pounded as he listened. The rebellion was closer than he had feared. The nobles were ready to move against the King, and they were counting on the King's brother to lead them.
"We must be cautious," a third voice warned. "The King still has loyalists, and they will not go down without a fight. We need to ensure that when we strike, it is decisive."
There was a murmur of agreement, followed by a silence that stretched on uncomfortably. Then, the King's brother spoke, his voice smooth and commanding.
"You are all correct," he said. "The time for action is upon us. But we must not act hastily. The King may be weak, but he is still dangerous. We will strike when the time is right—when we have the advantage."
Rick felt a chill run down his spine. The King's brother was far more cunning than he had anticipated. This wasn't just a grab for power—it was a carefully orchestrated plan to seize control of the entire kingdom.
As Rick listened, he realized he had to get this information to the King. But how? The King barely acknowledged him, and Rick
doubted he would listen to a warning from his son. But if Rick could provide proof—something concrete that the King couldn't ignore—then maybe, just maybe, he could prevent the rebellion from succeeding.
But first, he needed to escape the meeting chamber without being caught.
Rick carefully backed away from the tapestry, his heart racing as he retraced his steps through the palace. He had to get to the King's private quarters, where he might be able to speak to him alone. It was a risky move, but Rick knew he had no other choice.
As he neared the King's quarters, Rick heard footsteps approaching from around the corner. He quickly ducked into a nearby alcove, holding his breath as two guards passed by, their conversation low and casual. They didn't notice him, and Rick waited until they were out of sight before continuing on his way.
When he finally reached the King's chambers, Rick hesitated for only a moment before pushing the door open. The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn to block out the morning sun. The King sat in a chair near the window, his posture slumped and defeated.
"Father," Rick called out softly, stepping into the room.
The King turned slowly, his expression one of weary surprise. "Rick? What are you doing here?"
Rick took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say. "Father, I need to talk to you. It's important."
The King's brow furrowed, his gaze wary. "What could be so important that you would come here unbidden?"
Rick stepped closer, his voice low and urgent. "It's about your brother. He's planning something—something that could destroy everything."
The King's eyes narrowed, his skepticism clear. "You are a child, Rick. What do you know of such matters?"
Rick clenched his fists, forcing himself to remain calm. "I know more than you think. And if you don't listen to me, it might be too late."
The King's gaze bore into Rick, but Rick held his ground. He knew this was his only chance to make the King listen—to make him understand the danger they were all in.
But before Rick could say more, the door to the chamber swung open, and a figure stepped inside. It was the King's brother, his eyes locking onto Rick with a predatory gleam.
"Well, well," the King's brother drawled, his tone dripping with false amusement. "What a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting to see you here, dear nephew."
Rick's blood ran cold as he realized his mistake. He had walked right into a trap.
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**Cliffhanger:** The King's brother steps further into the room, his gaze shifting between Rick and the King. "It seems we have much to discuss," he says with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. Rick knows he's in deep trouble, but there's no turning back now.
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### **Chapter 4.4: The King's Brother, Part 4**
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Rick's heart pounded as the King's brother stepped closer, the air in the room growing thick with tension. The King remained seated, his gaze shifting between Rick and his brother, a frown creasing his brow. Rick knew he had only moments to act before the situation spiraled out of control.
"Father," Rick said quickly, his voice urgent, "you need to listen to me. Your brother—he's not here to help you. He's planning something terrible."
The King's brother chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, Rick, you always did have a vivid imagination. But you shouldn't worry your little head about such things. Leave the matters of the kingdom to the adults."
Rick gritted his teeth, refusing to be dismissed so easily. "I'm not imagining things! I overheard your meeting with the nobles. You're planning to overthrow the King!"
The King's brother's smile faltered for a split second, a flash of something dangerous crossing his face before he regained his composure. He turned to the King, his tone softening. "Brother, surely you don't believe these wild accusations from a child? He's clearly confused."
The King's frown deepened, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "Rick, this is a serious accusation. You must understand the consequences of such claims."
Rick felt a surge of frustration. Why couldn't the King see what was right in front of him? But then Rick remembered the book Kael had given him—the one that spoke of the curse on the royal bloodline.
"Father," Rick said, his voice lowering as he took a step forward, "there's something you need to know. There's a curse—a curse on our family. It's written in the old records. If someone tries to take the throne unlawfully, the curse will activate."
The King's brother stiffened, his expression darkening. "You've been meddling in things you don't understand, Rick. There is no curse—it's just an old legend."
But Rick saw the flicker of fear in his uncle's eyes. He knew he had struck a nerve.
"The curse is real," Rick insisted, his gaze locked on the King. "And if you don't believe me, look in the old records yourself. The book is hidden in my crib."
The King hesitated, his gaze shifting to his brother. "Is this true? Could there be a curse?"
The King's brother forced a laugh, but it was strained. "Brother, please. You're going to let the ramblings of a child influence you? This is nothing but superstition."
But the King wasn't convinced. He turned to Rick, his expression unreadable. "If what you say is true, then why haven't you brought this to me before?"
Rick met his gaze squarely. "Because I didn't know until recently. But now that I do, I'm telling you—before it's too late."
The King's brother's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Brother, you must see that Rick is only trying to cause trouble. He's always been… different. You can't take his word over mine."
Rick could see the doubt in the King's eyes, the inner turmoil that was tearing him apart. The King's brother was right—Rick was just a child, and the King had no reason to trust him over his own brother. But Rick knew he had to make the King see the truth, or everything would be lost.
"Father," Rick said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him, "if you trust me, just this once, I promise you won't regret it."
The King's brother's expression darkened, his patience clearly wearing thin. He stepped closer, his voice low and threatening. "You're playing a dangerous game, Rick. You have no idea what you're meddling in."
Rick swallowed hard, but he didn't back down. "Maybe. But I'm willing to take that risk if it means saving the kingdom."
The tension in the room was palpable as the King remained silent, his gaze shifting between his son and his brother. Rick knew this was the moment of truth—either the King would believe him, or he would be left at the mercy of his uncle.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the King rose from his chair, his expression grim. "Rick, bring me this book. I will see for myself if what you say is true."
Rick's heart leaped with relief. "Yes, Father," he said quickly, turning to leave the room.
But as he moved toward the door, the King's brother stepped into his path, his eyes flashing with barely concealed rage. "You're making a mistake, Brother. Don't let a child's fantasies cloud your judgment."
The King's expression hardened. "Move aside," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.
The King's brother hesitated, his jaw clenched, but he finally stepped aside, allowing Rick to pass. Rick hurried out of the room, his heart pounding in his chest. He had done it—he had made the King listen. But he knew this was only the beginning. The King's brother wouldn't give up easily, and the danger was far from over.
As Rick made his way back to the nursery, he couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get much worse. But he had to stay focused. The curse was their only hope, and if the King believed him, they might just have a chance to stop his brother's plan.
But even as Rick retrieved the book from its hiding place, a nagging doubt gnawed at him. The curse was real, but what if they couldn't control it? What if, in trying to stop the King's brother, they unleashed something far worse?
Rick shook off the thought. There was no time for doubts now. He had to focus on the task at hand—getting the book to the King and convincing him of the danger they faced.
But as Rick returned to the King's chambers, book in hand, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were all standing on the edge of a precipice—and one wrong move could send them tumbling into the abyss.
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