(previous installmets found here:
Part 1:link
Part 2:link
Part 3:link
Part 4:link )

Queen Edith’s death caused the breakdown of the royal family. In the course of one night, she’d gone from a loving mother to an emotionless shell of her former self. Aside from King Gunther, only three people – the midwife, the captain of the guard, and the newly appointed chancellor Valberg – knew what really happened the night Hans was born, and they were sworn to secrecy under pain of death. Still, Gunther was unable to completely hide the amulet’s effects on Edith from their sons. They were quick...

(previous installments found here:
Part 1:link
Part 2: link )

Within the first few years of King Gunther and queen Edith’s marriage, two daughters were born, neither of whom survived infancy. The first was Angeline, their ángel child. He knew there was something wrong the moment he stepped into the room. His wife sobbed, but for some odd reason, the blanketed bundle in her arms did not. The king saw blonde curls and a cherubic round face peeking out from under the blanket, a face that he couldn’t help notice was unnaturally pale. The baby’s eyes were tightly closed, and at first he thought...

(previous installment found here:
link )

For three years, King Gunther ruled with cold detachment, rarely venturing beyond the walls of his castle. His advisors still hissed in his ear, offering their unwanted criticism and disapproval at every opportunity. They still belittled and condescended to him, still ignored his orders, but más than anything else, they still complained at having him in power. He was surprised they hadn’t tried to assassinate him yet… he didn’t put it past them! He had become so suspicious of his advisors that he now carried a cuchillo with him at all times, just...