It's been five days since I arrived at the palace. Five days filled with feasts and praise, sweet words and promises of glory. All of it should've made me proud. But for some reason, the one thing that keeps echoing in my mind is a voice.
"If you want to be strong, never be arrogant.""Train your body, not just your hands.""Choose your path with heart, not emotion."
I looked up at the vast palace sky, yet it felt suffocating beneath that shadow. My uncle's voice. Again and again.
I hurried down the stairs toward the garden, wanting to get away from anyone who might read my thoughts.
"Alexander," called King Nivandor from the corridor. "You seem restless. You haven't given me your answer."
I turned slowly. "Do I have to decide today, Your Majesty?"
The king gave a faint smile. "No. But I want to know what's in your heart."
I let out a heavy sigh. My heart pounded faster—not out of nerves… but anger. Anger because I was tired of living under someone else's shadow. Tired of the what-ifs and maybes.
I looked straight at the king and said, "I've never lived because of my uncle's choices. I survived because I wanted to survive. I became a blacksmith not because he told me to—but because I chose not to starve."
My voice rose slightly. I didn't care. Whether out of anger or fear—I wasn't sure.
"Everyone talks about destiny. About the past. Even my uncle keeps giving advice like he knows all the answers. But where was he?! Where was he during my first year of confusion? Where was he when I didn't know whether I should sell sheep or scrap metal?!"
I lowered my head, clenching my fists.
"I'm sick of it, Your Majesty. Sick of hearing his voice in my head. I don't want to be like him. I want to be me—me, choosing my own path. Not his shadow."
King Nivandor didn't answer right away. He just looked at me in silence. Then he said calmly, "Anger can become a sword, Alexander. But if you don't wield it properly… it will cut off your own hand."
I looked at him briefly, then turned away.
"Then let this hand bleed… as long as my soul stays unchained."
My steps echoed as I marched toward the grand hall. Behind me, King Nivandor called upon the palace servants, instructing them to prepare a private chamber for me tonight.
Today… I may have lost my way. But one thing is certain—I will no longer walk in anyone's shadow.
Not even… my uncle's.