The king’s thumb traced the assassin’s lower lip. A gesture almost gentle. Almost cruel.
“You failed,” Lysander said. Not angry. Curious.
“Yes,” Lysander agreed. And kissed him.
“I have no son,” Lysander whispered. “That child is not mine. But you—” His grip tightened. “You just named him my heir. In front of my court. In front of the spies who will carry that whisper to every ear in the realm.”
“So now,” the king continued, smile sharp as a blade’s edge, “you’ve either given me a weapon… or made yourself my enemy. Which is it?”
The court gasped. The torches flared. And when the king pulled back, he whispered against the assassin’s mouth: “Good. I was so tired of loyal men.” If you’re looking for the actual Dark King (often a novella set in the Captive Prince universe), I recommend checking legitimate sources like Amazon, Google Books, or your local library’s ebook service. Would you like a summary of that canon story instead?
“Explain.”
The assassin’s breath hitched.
The king’s assassin knelt on the marble, blood dripping from his knuckles. Above him, on a throne of obsidian and bone, sat the Dark King—Lysander the Unmaker, whose name was forbidden in every prayer across the six kingdoms.
“And you thought I’d reward mercy?”