I was stunned. How could this be? My father-in-law had schemed for his own benefit, leading to the destruction of the Thompson family. My father was killed by arrows in the palace. My mother was hanged with a white silk ribbon in the Thompson Mansion. My elder brother was stabbed to death by my father-in-law. I witnessed all of this firsthand, and my father-in-law had told me so himself.
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."