THE MOMENT
"Your Majesty, I fear you don't fully comprehend..," The advisor kept a calm tone as he tried to change the King's mind. It was late, and they were the only two present in the King's chambers to discuss the matter.
"I have made my decision, and I no longer require your advice on the matter," the King replied while staring into the old man's eyes. The advisor helped raise him since he was a boy. And, at the moment, he was wondering where he went wrong. "See to it that every child in my kingdom born this month is adopted and treated well."
"If I may just add-,"
"YOU MAY NOT!" the king bellowed. "There is nothing to debate, and I'm quite weary at this hour. I may seek further advice in the coming days; however, your duty begins tonight. I expect to have several dozen babies to greet by morning," he said and gave a dismissive wave.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," the advisor sighed and nodded. Then, he turned to leave and begin the extraordinary undertaking.
18 years later, the King had a palace full of loyal soldiers and scholars. The kingdom grew prosperous; yet, with so many royal youth requiring resources, other nearby kingdoms suffered. Almost to the day, of the king's decision to adopt all children in the kingdom a single intruder invaded the castle grounds.
The intruder fought a vicious battle every step of the way, but kept moving toward his goal. He tore through young men and women striving to protect their adopted father. Eventually, he penetrated the king's throne room, and the king himself. The old advisor arrived too late; in time to see the life leave his King's eyes.
In his anger, he used his weak magic to flail at the intruder and managed to reveal his face. A young man, no older than any of the soldiers he killed on his way in.
"Who are you? How could you do this?" The advisor begged for answers as his tears fell upon the slain leader. "He was a benevolent king!"
"Was he? Nothing personal," the young man shrugged. "I'm simply an assassin for hire. Sorry, I have no idea who he was. I was born across the sea, and this was a nice little payday to celebrate my birthday. Good luck with your kingdom and stuff," he added before disappearing with a puff of smoke.