Was it the first time Somto led the army into battle and returned victorious, carrying the weight of a kingdom's defense on his back as if it were nothing?
Or was it the time when king Ikechukwu had fallen gravely ill, and in his absence, his son had taken command without hesitation, ruling with a firm but steady hand?
Perhaps it was when Somto had started vanishing for months, sometimes even years, without a trace, only to return stronger, more formidable, his rank mysteriously elevated each time.
No one knew what he was doing during those absences, but whatever it was, it had changed him.
Or maybe… maybe it was when Ikechukwu realized that his son was not dependent on his royal allowance.
Unlike most crown princes, Somto had sources of wealth and power that no one could trace, a supply that seemed to come from an entirely different world.
Yes. Somewhere along the way, his son had become something more than just a prince. Something greater. Something… dangerous.
