Obed’s words really actually sent a shockwave through Dara at the mention of Mara.  
So in that case Obed listens continuously attentively. "I questioned her and that is when I realize that she is the pioneer of every wrong that have happened in your family, I mean Genesis family and she is not really the pioneer though, Karl is!" Dara said taking in a breath.
"Hearing that I felt very sorry for you, for you have been accused and suffered wrongly for a crime you didn't commit, but, I am sorry, I had to torture her to confess to the people that you are innocent! she confessed to the people and that is exactly why they are welcoming you now, if not, you and I know that your people is so stubborn and cannot condone evil of any kind," Obed said, his voice firm.
The army halted, their march interrupted by Dara's sudden stop. Dara glared at Obed, his anger palpable. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had always believed in his sister's guilt, but this statement is not sounding good at all, it sounded deadly instead.
"So, what about my sister, you killed her after she had confessed?" Dara asked, his voice laced with anger.
Obed remained silent, his eyes meeting Dara's. Micah, sensing the tension, looked at Obed, his mind racing. He had a gut feeling that Obed might have killed Mara, and if that was to be it, it would be a whole new level of complication.
 "No! I didn't kill her, but she is dead. The people killed her, by themselves! I tried to protect her, but I couldn't. Believe me, I had no other choice. I had to let the people know you are innocent! Without that truth, this kingdom will never be fixed, and the people will never give you the chance to speak the truth!"
Dara's face etched with a mix of anger and understanding, stared at Obed. He seemed to be grappling with a whirlwind of emotions, his gaze intense and unwavering.
Finally, Dara spoke, his voice deep and resonant. "Well, you have done well, and I'm sure you had no choice. I thank you for that! Now, let us go end this war once and for all so that we can live happily again." With that, he spurred his horse into a gallop, the rest of the people joining him in a surge of hope and determination.
                  | Golden Castle |
Myth sat on his throne, his brow furrowed with worry. The news of Dara's advance had shaken him to his core. He knew he was outmatched, his army no match for Dara's formidable force. Desperation gnawed at him, and he desperately needed guidance. His thoughts drifted to his father, Karl, the only one who could offer the wisdom and experience he so desperately craved. He had ordered his guards to release Karl from prison, hoping his father's presence would bring clarity and a path forward.
When Karl finally stood before him, a flicker of defiance lit his eyes. "Long may his reign! Your Highness, how are you enjoying your ruling? I hope you have been able to build an empire as you have hoped, right? And I was wondering why you have brought me out of prison. Did you not think I would still be disturbing you?"
His words were laced with sarcasm, a subtle jab at his son's incompetence. "At this moment, have you built everything strong, and have you brought me in to come and destroy it?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.
Myth, caught off guard by his father's biting words, tried to regain his composure. "Father, your presence is needed the most now, I'm almost if not already hooked by the enemies, I don't know what to do..." he began, but Karl cut him off.
A sly smile playing on Karl's lips, he replied, "Come on, how can you be rich now and unfortunately, you don't know what to do? Or have you forgotten how strong you are? Of course, you shouldn't do anything. What you should do is the best to just sit and wait. And when they arrive, show them that you are so powerful!"
Myth's frustration grew. "Dad, they have a large army, and they are coming in large quantities! And the worst part is that the people are with them. I..."
Karl interrupted, his voice sharp. "And was that not exactly what I told you and warned you about? And you refused to listen, telling me that you are more powerful than they will ever be. It's time to prove your power, son!"
Myth's shoulders slumped. He had never felt so weak, so utterly defeated. He doubted his own power, questioning if he even stood a chance. He couldn't find the strength to rally his army, to prepare his defenses. He felt paralyzed, trapped in a web of fear and uncertainty.
"So you mean there's nothing I could do now?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper. He looked around the room, searching for an answer, but his mind was blank.
 "Myth, it is so unfortunate that you have asked for my help when it is already too late," Karl said, a cruel glint in his eye. "Because right now, I am not that smart to save you from the mess you have put yourself into. But if we should start from somewhere, I would ask you to confirm the person you call your wife! That night before Obed escaped, I saw her walking out of his room."
Myth's face pale, then he stepped closer to his father, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. He understood. That night, the night Ruth had advised him to get rid of Obed, was the same night Obed had disappeared. It all made sense now. Ruth had betrayed him.
Without a word, Myth stormed out of the throne room, his anger burning like a wildfire.
Heading straight to the room to confront Ruth and force words out of her mouth, because she's definitely going to tell him the truth, either she wants or not.