Leonardo

Everything changed when I grew. I got stronger. Strong enough to protect myself. Strong enough to step over their blood towards the throne.

Strong enough to tear out the hearts of those who crossed me. Strong enough to eliminate anyone who threatened what was mine.

I had sworn never to show weakness again. To maintain power, I needed to be merciless. The bodies of treacherous women who had approached me with hidden daggers and poisoned smiles littered my past.

Throughout my life, only my mother had ever shown me genuine love. Everyone else came with agendas—assassins sent by enemies or manipulators seeking to exploit my position.

“Leonardo,” a voice...