(Chapter Starts)
Kairo was finally near Solmaria. His body still hurt from the wound he got in Eldoria, but his mind was filled with worry. What if everyone finds out I went to Eldoria?
He crossed the border into Solmaria and let out a deep breath. The city he knew so well was right in front of him. He took a taxi straight to the capital, hoping to return quietly.
But as soon as he arrived, sirens filled the air. Police cars blocked the streets, and officers surrounded him with their weapons ready.
"Kairo Solmaria, you are under arrest!" one officer shouted.
Kairo frowned. "Why am I being arrested?" he asked, trying to stay calm.
The officer stepped forward. "You went to Eldoria and killed people!" he accused. "Do you know how much trouble you caused? Eldoria almost started a war because of you!"
Kairo's heart sank. He knew there would be trouble, but not like this.
The officer continued, "But thanks to Lord Sirius, the war was stopped. He spoke to Eldoria's leaders and calmed things down."
Kairo's eyes narrowed. Sirius set me up. He used me to get the documents, then made himself look like a hero. His fists clenched in frustration.
The news of Kairo's arrest spread quickly.
---
At the Military Base
Kairo's teammates were on duty when they saw the news on TV.
Alya gasped. "Kairo's been arrested?!"
Luca gritted her teeth. "This is bad. We need to do something."
Eldric crossed his arms. "We can't just rush in. If he was arrested for something serious, we might make it worse."
Raiven scoffed. "Serious? Come on, this is Kairo we're talking about. There has to be more to this."
Veiren nodded. "Yeah. Kairo wouldn't do something without a reason. We need to find out what's really happening."
Alya paced back and forth. "We can't just sit here! What if they punish him before we get there?"
Luca exhaled sharply. "Then we move fast. We need someone who can help us."
Eldric looked at the screen. "Sirius is involved. If he's the one who helped stop the war, we need to understand why."
Raiven rolled his eyes. "Sirius? That guy only does things for himself. There's no way he helped Kairo just to be nice."
Luca nodded. "We should go to the capital. If there's a trial or something, we need to be there."
Alya clenched her fists. "Then let's not waste time."
They all looked at each other. Kairo wasn't just their leader—he was their friend. And they weren't going to let him face this alone.
---
At the Royal Mansion
Elsa sat in a fancy lounge, sipping tea while the TV played the news.
The reporter's voice echoed through the room:
"Prince Kairo Solmaria has been arrested after returning from Eldoria. His actions almost caused a war, but thanks to Prince Sirius, the conflict was avoided..."
Elsa smirked as she watched Kairo being handcuffed. She leaned back, crossing her legs.
"I warned you, idiot," she muttered.
A royal advisor hesitated before speaking. "Lady Elsa, should we inform the Queen about this?"
Elsa chuckled. "No need. Let him figure it out himself. He thinks he's a hero, but real life doesn't work like that."
The advisor frowned. "But if Prince Sirius is involved, this might be serious."
Elsa swirled her tea in her cup. "That's what makes it interesting." She took another sip, her eyes locked on the screen.
"This is going to be fun to watch."
---
Back at the Capital
The police were about to take Kairo away when a royal carriage arrived.
From the carriage, Sirius stepped out, dressed in his royal uniform. His face was calm.
Everyone went silent. The officers quickly saluted him.
Sirius walked up to Kairo. "Let him go," he ordered.
The officers hesitated but obeyed.
Kairo glared at Sirius. "You used me," he said coldly. "You set me up just to make yourself look like a hero."
Sirius chuckled. "You've changed, Kairo. You're not as naive as before." He smirked. "But you're wrong. I didn't ruin your reputation. The documents you brought back had something valuable—a healing spell."
Kairo's eyes widened. "A healing spell?"
Sirius nodded. "When people find out you brought it to Solmaria, they'll respect you more. But don't get the wrong idea—I'm not helping you. I'm building my rival."
Kairo's fists tightened. "You're playing games with me."
Sirius tilted his head. "Maybe. Or maybe I just want to see how far you can go." He leaned closer, his voice dropping. "I honestly thought you wouldn't make it back. But you did. You're stronger now. And if you want to be king, Kairo, you'll have to defeat me—the true prince of Solmaria."
Kairo's heart pounded.
This was just the beginning.
(Chapter ends)
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