CHAPTER 93: FLAME OF REBELLION

Thirteen years ago, the day Auren was born...

Princess Austaire, the second-born child of King Aurelus and known for her pure and just heart, had lived her entire life in the mansion of her mother, the Grand Duchess Stella.

In her arms was her week-old niece, Miron- the child of her uncle, Mirhuval Katana, a renowned knight from a distinguished bloodline and the Duke of Austerra’s western territory. The Katana family originally hailed from the Khodian Kingdom.

"Uncle, I heard the details of Miron’s Divine Frame, and I can’t help but be excited! I just know he’ll grow up to be one of the kingdom’s most powerful knights!"

Austaire beamed as she cuddled the infant in her arms. Before her stood a striking couple- Kalise Broomland and Mirhuval Katana, Miron’s proud parents.

With a wide smile, Mirhuval replied, "We’re excited for him as well. The moment we saw the full extent of his Divine Frame, we were convinced that Miron would one day be a powerful ally in your future ascension to the throne, Your Majesty."

"Oh, please, Uncle. Just call me little Austaire when it’s just us. I’m already tired of hearing those formalities all day," she added with a playful smile, squeezing Miron affectionately as she fed him from a tiny plate.

"I heard from the servants that the third prince is expected to be born today. Is it true his mother is a commoner?" Kalise asked curiously.

"It’s true, Your Highness," answered Johny, Austaire’s personal butler and royal attendant- a gray-haired man with a strong build despite his age and sharp, discerning eyes.

"For a commoner to carry the blood of King Aurelus, she must be incredibly gifted. Not just anyone can withstand the burden of royal blood," Kalise remarked, gently wiping food from baby Miron’s cheek.

"It doesn’t matter. Whatever the outcome, Austaire’s Phoenix blood holds the highest purity we’ve ever seen. As long as we stand by her, her path to the throne is all but assured," Mirhuval said seriously.

"My dear, don’t forget- the Soulfang magical family backs the first prince," Kalise reminded him, her voice tinged with more fear than caution.

"They’re renowned for their magical prowess. I doubt they’ll quietly sit back and let Austaire rise. I’ve even heard whispers that they’ve already made several attempts on her life. Sadly, we have no evidence, and the King seems indifferent."

"It’s alright," Austaire interjected confidently. "I’ve expected this from the day I was born. Assassinations, kidnappings, poisonings- those are just weekend routines to me."

She smiled slightly and added, "But don’t worry, Uncle, Auntie. It would be a disgrace to the Katana name if I couldn’t protect myself."

She turned to baby Miron, her voice softening.

"And in the future, you- all of you- and especially Miron, will be by my side as I rise."

In her arms was Lord Miron, firstborn of the Duke.

"Yes, Your Princess," Mirhuval said, standing tall. "Rest assured, not only the Katana family, but the Broomland, Fireblade, and Crousa houses will stand with you."

"Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Auntie. I’m truly fortunate to have been born into this family. And someday, when the time comes..."

Austaire turned to the bright open window, her face glowing with hope and fierce resolve.

"I promise- the cruelty and injustice in Austerra will end. In the name of true justice, I, Princess Austaire, will restore honor to this land and lead Austerra into the prosperity it deserves."

Hearing her vow, the gathered knights and Johny, her loyal attendant, smiled with pride. They all knew the truth- the King and his firstborn were merciless and cruel. Only Austaire, raised with the values of true knighthood and unwavering justice, held the hope for peace and prosperity.

But until that day came, they would protect her with their lives. For if she were to fall, the kingdom would crumble under King Aurelus or his brutal heir, Prince Auborn.

Suddenly, the doors burst open.

"Apologies for the sudden intrusion, Duke, Princess Austaire..." said Elese Broomland, a respected knight and close relative of the Katana family. She bowed politely.

Behind her stood several knights from various noble houses. Beside her was Jorthon- a famed mage, renowned for his ability to reveal the complete details of one’s Divine Frame.

"Oh, Elese? What brings you and Jorthon here?" Duke Mirhuval asked with a frown, visibly irritated by the interruption at such an intimate moment.

"I come under direct orders from King Aurelus, Duke. He has requested that young Lord Miron be brought before him for an urgent matter," Elese announced.

The Duke’s frown deepened. A storm brewed behind his eyes.

What madness is the King planning now? He better not lay a finger on my son...

Sensing the tension, Jorthon quickly stepped forward.

"Rest assured, Duke. The King simply wishes to see Lord Miron’s potential, using my Divine Frame Revelation spell." He smiled reassuringly.

"There’s a strong chance His Majesty may scout him for a prestigious role, once he witnesses Miron’s remarkable Divine Frame."

The Duke turned to his wife and Austaire. They exchanged looks, then slowly nodded in agreement.

Austaire gently passed Miron to Elese, who bowed before receiving him.

"Very well. But I expect you to accompany him personally, Elese. I won’t tolerate even the slightest harm to my son," the Duke said, placing a gentle hand on the baby’s head.

"I swear on my life, and on the honor of the Broomland family, I will protect Lord Miron and return him safely once the viewing is complete," Elese vowed.

After meticulous planning and layers of precaution, Elese finally departed- joined by Jorthon and a guard unit handpicked from the Duke’s most elite knights.

But none of them could have foreseen the nightmare that awaited them that day...

CRASH!

A teacup shattered on the stone floor, slipping from the Duke’s trembling hand as the devastating news hit him like a blade to the chest.

"W-What did you just say?" His voice was hollow. Unsteady.

Before him stood a bloodied knight- his armor scorched, his cloak torn, one eye nearly swollen shut. He swayed, barely upright after what had clearly been a massacre.

"When Jorthon failed to reveal the Divine Frame of the third prince..." the knight gasped, his voice hoarse and cracked, "...the King flew into a rage. He ordered the execution of everyone present."

A suffocating silence fell.

"I saw it with my own eyes, my Lord," the soldier continued, knees buckling as he fell. "Everyone at the birthing site- children, servants, even Jorthon and Commander Elese- none were spared. Elese fought to her last breath... but we were vastly outnumbered. I... I was the only one who escaped."

WHAM!

The Duke’s boot slammed into the soldier’s chest, sending him crashing into the wall.

Beside him, the Duchess collapsed into a chair, sobbing uncontrollably. Austaire stood frozen, her fists clenched, silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

"You cowardly fools!" the Duke roared, his voice thick with grief and fury. "There were ten of you! Ten of my finest! And yet you let them slaughter my son!?"

"Forgive me, my Lord!" the soldier coughed. "We didn’t stand a chance! They had Kurtan with them... and Soulfang mages!"

The Duke’s eyes widened in shock- and then narrowed into searing hatred.

"Kurtan and the Soulfangs?" he snarled. "Those conniving, backstabbing dogs. I’ll kill them all. Every last one! And when I’m done with them, I’ll drag that mad king from his throne myself!"

In a blur, the Duke donned his war armor, strapping his sword to his hip, murder in his gaze.

Kalise rushed forward, gripping his arm. "My love, please- don’t do this! This is the King we’re talking about! You know how powerful he is-"

"So what!?" he bellowed. "Are we to just sit here and weep while he murders our child? Does he think we’ll just kneel and accept it!?"

"I’m begging you," Kalise cried, clinging to him. "I can’t lose you too! We can go to the Capital. I’ll petition the main Katana house in Khodia- they’ll support us, I’m sure-"

"Enough!" he roared. "I will not let my son’s death be for nothing!"

"Uncle- please!" Austaire stepped between them, her voice cutting through the rage.

"We cannot let grief lead us into ruin. We must be smarter than that. If we act now without a plan, we’ll lose more than just lives... we’ll lose our cause."

Her voice trembled but held firm.

As the Duke’s household trembled under grief and fury, another storm brewed.

The King’s wrath had not ended at the birthing chamber. Though the third prince had miraculously survived- thanks to Jorthon’s last-second intervention- the King’s madness escalated.

And then... another decree came.

"Princess Austaire!" Johny burst through the doors, breathless, his face pale. "Bad news-urgent!"

"What is it, Johny?" she asked, her face streaked with dried tears.

He hesitated, swallowing.

"A new royal decree. To be enacted tomorrow."

She froze. "What decree?"

"The King... he’s ordered all children- newborns to a year old- to be executed."

The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to vanish.

Austaire stood still. Then, slowly, her eyes ignited with fury- like twin suns burning through clouds.

"THAT’S IT!" she roared, whirling toward her uncle.

"Uncle... it’s time."

She reached for her golden sword, unsheathing it with a hiss of steel, her voice now a vow.

"I don’t care if he’s my father. I have no intention of bowing to a tyrant!"

Her grip tightened. Her stance unshakable.

"It’s time... to rise. To end the madness. To stand against the King."