How I Became The Villain

Kade perched on the edge of his throne in the war chamber, nervously fidgeting with the clasps on his armor. The news that he would be attending a diplomatic meeting with Queen Sylvena of Lunareth hadn't exactly filled him with confidence. His commanders, however, seemed perfectly at ease as they finalized the preparations for the visit.

Vala stood at the table, her voice steady as she reviewed their strategy.

'Queen Sylvena is known for her pragmatism,'

she said.

'Her city thrives on its magical spring, and her warriors are among the most disciplined in the region. She values strength, but she is no warmonger. If approached correctly, she may see the benefit of aligning with us.'

Rynor nodded, tapping his ember-lit staff against the floor.

'If she does not see reason, we must ensure she understands the consequences of refusing an alliance.'

Brug thumped his chest, a grin splitting his face.

'Let Brug go! Brug will smash her warriors and make her see reason!'

Selyna groaned, rolling her eyes as she spun a dagger between her fingers.

'Diplomacy, Brug. Try to smash that into your head for once.'

'Diplomacy is weak,'

Brug shot back.

'Strength is all that matters!'

Kade raised a hand to silence them, his nerves fraying from the constant back and forth.

'Enough,'

he said, trying to sound firm.

'We're not going there to start a fight. This is about diplomacy. Right, Vala?'

'Correct, my lord,'

Vala said, inclining her head.

'Though a measured display of power may be necessary to solidify our position.'

Kade sighed, slumping back into his chair.

"Measured display of power? I don't even know how I did it last time. What if I accidentally blow up their city?"

***

The caravan to Lunareth was nothing short of theatrical. Kade sat in a grand black carriage adorned with silver detailing, pulled by shadowy steeds that seemed to glide rather than walk. His commanders rode alongside him on imposing mounts of their own, their presence intimidating enough to keep any would-be attackers at bay.

Inside the carriage, Kade fidgeted with his gloves as Vask recited a list of etiquette and protocol.

'Queen Sylvena values composure and respect,'

Vask said.

'Speak with confidence, even if you are uncertain. Her court will scrutinize every word and gesture.'

Kade groaned, slumping into his seat.

'Confidence. Right. Got it. Anything else?'

'Do not show hesitation,'

Vask added.

'And avoid appearing too aggressive. Queen Sylvena is unlikely to tolerate threats.'

"Great,"

Kade muttered to himself.

"Don't be weak. Don't be aggressive. What's left? Awkward silence?"

As the carriage approached Lunareth, the city's grandeur came into view. Gleaming white towers rose above the treetops, their surfaces shimmering faintly as if infused with magic. Cascading waterfalls surrounded the city, feeding into a massive reservoir at its center. Kade stared out the window, his awe barely hidden.

"Wow,"

he thought.

"This is… nice. Way too nice. I feel underdressed."

The throne room of Lunareth was a masterpiece of elegance. Marble floors reflected the soft golden light streaming through stained glass windows, and intricately carved pillars lined the walls. At the far end of the room sat Queen Sylvena, her silver robes flowing around her like liquid light. Her crown, a delicate circlet of crystalline vines, glimmered faintly as she rose to greet them.

'Kaedus the Eternal,'

she said, her voice smooth and measured.

'Welcome to Lunareth. What brings you to my court?'

Kade froze for a moment, his mind blank as her piercing gaze locked onto him.

"Why does she look so calm? Calm is way scarier than yelling."

He cleared his throat, forcing himself to step forward.

'Queen Sylvena,'

he began, his voice steady despite the lump in his throat.

'I come to propose an alliance. A partnership that would benefit both our kingdoms in these… uncertain times.'

Sylvena's expression remained neutral, though a faint glimmer of amusement danced in her eyes.

'An alliance?'

she said.

'And what would Lunareth gain from such an arrangement?'

Kade hesitated, glancing briefly at Vala for reassurance. She gave a subtle nod, urging him to continue.

'Protection,'

he said.

'The hero factions won't stop with me. They'll come for Lunareth eventually, and when they do, you'll need an ally who can stand against them.'

Sylvena tilted her head, her silver hair catching the light.

'Protection implies a threat. And yet, you stand before me unchallenged. What assurance do I have that your strength is as great as your reputation suggests?'

Kade's stomach churned.

"Assurance? She wants proof? Oh no. Please don't ask for a demonstration."

The courtyard was cleared for the demonstration. Soldiers and courtiers alike gathered to witness Kaedus's strength. Kade stood at the center, his dark armor gleaming, and his crimson eyes faintly glowing thanks to a spell from Rynor.

"This is ridiculous,"

he thought to himself.

"I have no idea what I'm doing, and they're all watching me like I'm about to destroy the world."

Rynor stepped forward, his ember-lit eyes calm.

'My lord,'

he said softly.

'Simply channel the power you displayed at the ridge. It is within you.'

Kade forced a shaky nod.

"Sure. Channel the power. Whatever that means."

He raised his hand awkwardly, focusing on the memory of the battle. To his surprise, a surge of energy rippled through him, dark tendrils erupting from the ground and spiraling into the air. They danced like living shadows before slamming into the earth, leaving jagged cracks in the marble.

The crowd gasped, stepping back instinctively. Queen Sylvena's expression remained composed, though her eyes glinted with intrigue.

Kade lowered his hand, staring at the destruction in disbelief.

"Did I just… do that? Again? What even is this power?"

Sylvena stepped forward, her tone cool but tinged with respect.

'Your power is impressive, Lord Kaedus,'

she said.

'Lunareth does not ally lightly, but I see the wisdom in your proposal.'

Kade forced a smile, his nerves still rattled.

"Impressive? That's one way to put it. Terrifying might be better."

As the gathering dispersed, Kade found himself walking alongside Queen Sylvena through one of Lunareth's opulent corridors. The queen's demeanor was as calm as ever, but her occasional glances at him felt almost… curious.

'Your power is intriguing,'

she said, her voice soft enough that only he could hear.

'It is rare to meet someone who wields such strength so effortlessly.'

Kade laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck.

"Effortlessly? Yeah, sure. Let's go with that."

'I'm glad you're impressed,'

he said.

'It's not every day I… show off.'

Sylvena's lips quirked into the faintest of smiles.

'I hope to learn more about you, Lord Kaedus. There is much… potential in our alliance.'

Kade's cheeks flushed faintly, though he quickly turned away to hide it.

"Potential? Is she flirting with me? No. No way. I'm reading too much into it."

Behind him, Selyna watched the interaction with a raised eyebrow and a mischievous grin.

"Things just got interesting,"

she muttered to herself.