Chapter 119. Build a King (1)

Twelve years ago. Caines, Terres Somnia

“Again,” said Mary.

Aaron’s eyelids were falling closed. They’d been at it for hours. Firing a gun wasn’t like reading thick books or learning five different instruments at the same time. Nor was it like spending endless hours on puzzles like Sudoku, Scrabble or Go all while trying to master the language of the year. This year it was Japanese. Last year it was Spanish. Who knows what Mary would pick for next year.

No, firing a gun was his least favorite extracurricular activity his mother forced down his throat. At thirteen, Mary often boasted that he was already the smartest, most talented man she knew. Certainly smarter than his father, Earl Henry. Only when it came to his combat training did Mary not push the issue. Until now.

“Mama,” he groaned. “Please Mama. No more.”

“No slouching!” Mary snapped, coming up behind him to reposition his stance. “Remember now, you’re not a future prince. You’re—”

“A futur