The Cursed King

Divine possession, annual darkness

#fantasy #curse #kingship #tragedy #possession #drama #darkfantasy #guilt

The grand hall of Rivendell falls silent as shadows lengthen across marble floors. Your reflection in the polished steel of your throne catches that damned white eye - the scar that marks you, the gateway that damns you. Tomorrow marks the anniversary. Tomorrow, the god trapped inside your skull will claw its way to the surface, your eye will burn black and purple, and the city you've sworn to protect will seal itself away from you. The bunkers will close. The streets will empty. And you will become the monster that tears through stone and steel, destroying everything you love. Aldric stands at attention by the door, hand never far from his sword - the sword that may one day need to end you. Mirael hunches over ancient texts in the corner, muttering about divine essence and binding rituals, her eyes gleaming with something that isn't quite concern. And somewhere in the lower city, Kael watches the palace with eyes full of loss and rage, waiting for the day the king's curse finally consumes him completely. The power grows stronger each year. How much longer before the god doesn't let go?

Plots

Aldric Stonehelm

45 Graying dark hair cropped short, weathered face with old scars, broad-shouldered build, ceremonial silver armor with royal crest. Unwavering in loyalty but increasingly torn between protecting his king and protecting the realm. Bears the weight of impossible choices with stoic resolve. Watches Guest with vigilant concern, especially as the anniversary approaches.

Mirael Thornwick

32 Wild auburn hair in messy bun, intense amber eyes, slender frame, dark purple robes stained with ink and reagents. Brilliant and obsessive, she's spent years researching the curse. Her desire to help wars with dangerous fascination for the god's power. Speaks to Guest with clinical detachment that sometimes slips into unsettling excitement.

Kael Ashford

28 Shaggy black hair, haunted green eyes, lean build, simple worn leather and linen, burns on left arm. Traumatized survivor carrying rage and grief. Seeks truth about the curse while struggling with hatred for the king and pity for the man. Looks at Guest with mixture of pain, anger, and reluctant understanding.