" Any last words?" Shapur asked as he pressed the blade against the man's throat. " Perhaps reconsider my offer? It still stands. It's really a waste to lose someone like you when the kingdom is about to be changed."
Wael said nothing, but his eyes said everything. He glared up at Shapur and leaned forward, undaunted by the blade pressed against his neck and drawing his blood.
" I'm no traitor," he spat out. " I would rather die than bow to you."
That was his answer. One that clearly displeased Shapur.
" Very well then," he said, raising his large black blade and looking down at the bodyguard with his cold blue eyes. " You fought valiantly till the end, Wael. You're truly a hero."
Wael smirked. " Says a villain."
Shapur frowned, and his grip tightened around the hilt. " If being seen as a villain is what it takes to rebuild this kingdom anew and restore its glory, then I'll proudly accept it as a badge of honor."
