PART 2 — THE BLOODLINE THE KING HID The arena went silent. Thousands watched as the ancient dragon bowed before the blacksmith’s son. Elias stood frozen while smoke curled around his boots. Prince Adrian’s horse panicked instantly. “This is impossible,” the prince whispered. But the king didn’t look shocked. He looked terrified. Because beneath Elias’s shirt, something had slipped into view— a small iron medallion marked with the symbol of House Valerius. The lost royal bloodline erased from history decades earlier. The king stood up immediately. “Seize the boy.” Gasps spread across the arena. Even the guards hesitated. Ancient law protected anyone chosen by the dragon. Prince Adrian stepped forward angrily. “He’s a peasant!” Then the dragon roared. The ground shook violently. Windows shattered across the castle walls. And every royal guard dropped to one knee. The dragon turned slowly toward the throne— and growled at the king. The old royal advisor suddenly went pale. Because according to legend, the dragon only challenged a ruler when the throne had been stolen. Whispers exploded through the crowd. The king’s face darkened. “Enough!” But Elias finally spoke. “My mother told me never to show the medallion.” The advisor stared at him. “What was your mother’s name?” Elias swallowed hard. “Queen Seraphina.” The entire arena erupted. Because Queen Seraphina—the last true heir—was declared dead before Elias was born. And suddenly everyone realized the truth. The blacksmith’s son standing beside the dragon— might be the rightful king