True Love, Wrong Revenge

A wave of metallic-tasting blood surged in my throat. No wonder my mother, who had always favored Maria over me, had acted so strangely before her death.

On the day she was hanged, she cursed Maria, saying, "The moment Christopher chose to be the Garcia family's son-in-law for you, he ceased to be my son.

"Get out of this mansion!"

I watched my mother hang from the beams, her feet struggling in the air. After Maria and I were thrown out of the Thompson Mansion, the streets were filled with the stench of blood and cries for violence.

What did I do then? I let go of Maria's hand and rushed to the battlefield to save my brother. Maria, her eyes swollen from crying, struggled to follow me, holding on to the last of her strength.

I entered the battlefield where the second prince, having secured his claim to the throne, was already present with his men, rounding up the rebels. He sat in command, casually lifting the lid of his teacup, a gesture that seemed to flaunt his victory.

My older brother knelt before my father-in-law, his face smeared with blood. The second prince, stirring his tea, said with a hint of disdain, "Master Garcia, you're linked with the Thompson family. How can I trust you?"

My father-in-law's hand shook as he held his sword, the blade making a dull clank. My brother spat on the ground and retorted, "You're nothing but a cowardly prince. What makes you worthy of being king? Do you think you can prove yourself by killing people?"

"Master Garcia, in the world of kings, those who win and lose must act decisively. There's no time for hesitation," the prince replied coolly.

As my father-in-law raised his arm, Maria rushed forward and grabbed the sword. She was cut immediately, blood dripping down the blade. Maria cried out, "Please, don't kill him."

I tried to move forward, but my father-in-law's soldiers pinned me down. My usually gentle brother glared at Maria with fierce anger. "Maria, you seduced my brother into a secret marriage and now you pretend to care? I don't need your help."

My father-in-law kicked Maria aside, and in a flash, steel gleamed. My brother's blood sprayed onto Maria as she weakly crawled toward him, trembling.

I fought my way free from the soldiers, rushing to my brother's side and clinging to his lifeless body, my voice hoarse as I called his name. Applause echoed from above as the second prince approached, grinning and patting my father-in-law's shoulder. "Master Garcia, you've done well. When I take the throne, I'll make sure to reward you with a higher rank and title. ."

Tears streamed down my face as I held my brother, my hands shaking uncontrollably. At that moment, I swore I would not rest until I had my revenge. My heart was so consumed with pain and anger that I barely noticed what was happening around me.