Sweetest thing

(previous installments found here:
Part 1: link
Part 2: link
Part 3: link
Part 4: link
Part 5: link )

The time to sacrifice Hans to the amulet had finally come. He was brought, bound in chains, to the kiti cha enzi room where Gunther and Valberg were waiting. The room filled with thick fog as Valberg passed a hand over the juu of his staff, and a flash of light erupted from the heart-shaped stone around the queen’s neck. Gunther drew his sword, but before he could strike the killing blow, a small group of guards stormed in. At first he thought something had gone horribly wrong until he got a good look...

(previous installmets found here:
Part 1:link
Part 2:link
Part 3:link
Part 4:link )

Queen Edith’s death caused the breakdown of the royal family. In the course of one night, she’d gone from a loving mother to an emotionless shell of her former self. Aside from King Gunther, only three people – the midwife, the captain of the guard, and the newly appointed chancellor Valberg – knew what really happened the night Hans was born, and they were sworn to secrecy under pain of death. Still, Gunther was unable to completely hide the amulet’s effects on Edith from their sons. They were quick...