The king was a temperamental man. That was the warning that Serlon had given me before we left for the imperial castle. I hadn’t thought much about it till seeing Edwin’s shift in mannerisms. He stayed silent throughout the carriage ride. His demeanor did not change on arrival, only intensifying as we marched through the golden halls of the imperial castle.

I glanced around, taking in the lavish decorations and carvings made along the marble pillars of the hall. Trane was the furthest from being a poor kingdom. As I was told by the librarian, the capital from the war was sufficient enough to allow them to develop to this level. It reminded me of Hellion. Or the one I knew. Then again, that could have changed from the wars. I left that behind me.

The prince’s expression was blank. How peculiar? This was the human that snuck out of the castle, clung to you, acted immaturely, and all of the above. It was like I was looking at a different person. I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Gradually, this scene was becoming too familiar to me. Those walks to my own father’s throne room were self-tortuous. One could drown in their anxieties from the mere thought of it. Cause, my last time being summoned by my father had ended so well. Still, it was morbidly nostalgic. Edwin adorned a poker face, an ability that I thought was not possible by the foolish prince. But here we were.

Through the busy hallways, servants cleared our way, whispering under their breath.

“The Crown Prince is here….” A maid whispered to another.

“I haven’t seen him since that time,” Another gasped.

“Should we let the cleaning staff know that they’ll be busy today?” A butler thought out loud. Their murmuring died down, as we approached the golden steel doors that were guarded by two large knights.

“Halt!” The one commanded, standing tall with a spear in hand, “Your Highness, Crown Prince Edwin. State your business.”

“I have come on a summons from my father, the King,” Edwin said, walking forward. Serlon trailed behind him like a shadow. I stepped up, a pace behind Edwin, as I eyed the other guard. The guard looked up at me, his expression seemingly shocked at my juvenile appearance.

The guards traded looks before nodding, “You’re free to enter the hall to the throne room,” He paused, glaring at the rest of the troop stationed behind us, “…But they must stay out here. You know the rules.”

The pacing was heard behind us before the sound of spears hitting each other. I peered behind us, shocked to find two other imperial guards blocking off the others. Eran clicked his tongue, staring between the intersected blades. Behind him, the twins clenched their fists with a conflicted look.

Edwin rested his hand, ceasing any further movements from the rest of the troop, “I’m fine. Please wait for us out here,” he instructed. His commands instantly relaxed the others, who stepped back reluctantly.

Interesting. I watched the scene in cognizance. I had my thoughts about what prompted this reaction. But it was too early to confirm them. Temperament? The King’s leniency? All of those were becoming fogged in reality.

“The King is awaiting your arrival. Your two escorting guards are allowed inside, your Highness.” He informed. The imperial guard bowed, pushing the large steel doors open.

Edwin paused at the sound of the closing doors before going ahead. I followed Serlon’s lead, venturing into the portrait-covered hallway of the throne room entrance. On the walls, portraits of former kings stared down into the walkway. Their painted attire was grand enough to put Edwin’s exaggerated to shame. The Crown Prince that had been silent throughout this whole ordeal, stopped in his tracks and turned towards me. His smile was ghostly, as he tried to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

“Your Highness, we should continue…” Serlon cautioned, receiving a wave-off from Edwin, who placed his gloved hand on my polished armor. He pointed to the row of portraits that hung on the hallway walls.

“The imperial castle is quite spectacular to behold. Is it not?” He tried to cheer, his tone betraying him, “I’m sorry that I could not give you a proper tour.”

I took a second to take in the pale face of Edwin, who appeared as a stranger in front of me. Serlon glanced at me from behind the prince, shooting a knowing look, “…Edwin, I don’t care about dumb paintings. Let’s not make the King wait.”

I knew what it meant to make my father wait. If I was correct, this was similar.

Edwin sighed and shrugged, “…I suppose you’re right. My father is not one to be kept waiting.” He turned on his heel to head towards the steward stationed on the other end of the hall.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

The steward frowned at the sight of the prince, “…Crown Prince Edwin.”

“It’s good to see you again, Richmond. How’s the wife?” Edwin greeted the man.

“She’s well. I wish I could say the same to you. You see, your visits are always…” He trailed off before getting to the point, “Your father is not in a good mood today.” He warned.

I noticed Serlon tensed up beside me. Edwin’s expression didn’t change, instead flashing a feeble smile, “It’s okay. Please announce me.”

With a sigh, the steward pulled a lever that swung the doors open. Inside the throne room, a robed man sat on a golden throne, two mistresses on his side. An overwhelming metallic scent filled the room. I scrunched my nose. Blood. The throne reeked of blood. In the middle of the room lay a large crimson stain. Fresh.

“His Royal Highness, First son of Trane. Crown Prince Edwin greets his majesty.” The steward announced, using what appeared to be low-level amplification magic.

After his announcement, he motioned us inside the room. Serlon led me over to the edges, pushing me to my knees, and into a bow. Understanding the atmosphere, I didn’t fight him on this. Don’t move. His eyes screamed over in warning. In front of us, Edwin had moved further into the throne room, leaning down into a bow. He stood on the blood-soaked stain, indifferent. Edwin seemed used to this sight.

“Father. I have come on your summons.” He greeted the king, who bore his gaze down on us. His presence was overwhelmingly strong, almost formidable to my own father’s. Not quite. Close. Very Close.

Tap. Tap.

The king’s ringed fingers hit against the golden throne, the precious metals’ clangs echoing throughout the space.

Tap.

“Edwin.” The King’s voice was emotionless, “I have been waiting.”

“I apologize, Father. I left as soon as I received the news.” Edwin said, still not daring to relieve himself from the bow. I remained on my knees with Serlon, who listened with clenched fists.

The mistresses snickered, their hands running along the King’s shoulders. It was a vile sound. Mocking. I didn’t like this one bit.

Tap.

“Please excuse me, ladies, I would some private words with my son,” He dismissed their touch, sending them out of a side door.

Now his attention directed back to the bowed prince, his son, “I heard that you visited Trane’s academy.”

“Yes, Father. I did. We visited on royal tradition.” Edwin responded.

Tap. Tap.

“I see,” The King’s tone was icy, “Is that fool still running it?”

I perked my ears to his question. Was he referring to Sirius? What was their relationship?

“Headmaster Sirius is still running the academy. That is correct, father.”

The king scowled, “That fool has never expressed his loyalty to the Crown. If he weren’t backed up by neighboring kingdoms, I’d have his head chopped off in front of me.”

This was incorrect. Sirius and the professor had clearly understood the real power dynamics of the academy. I had assumed that the point of the visit was to confirm this. But had I been wrong? No. Sirius clearly expressed his favor towards the Crown Prince. I waited, curious for Edwin’s response.

“The academy is unaffiliated. I cannot comment on the headmaster’s association without violating the political agreement with the other kingdoms’ royalties attending it.” Edwin reasoned, finally standing up from his bow, “What is the real reason that you called me here? I know that you don’t care for my presence enough to merely chat about schooling.”

I was starting to understand the political state of Trane even more. Edwin was different. Part of me liked this side of him. If there was anything clear, Trane did not have a benevolent ruler. At least, Hellion and Trane related to that. Could that be considered a positive thing? Absolutely not.

Tap. Tap. The King laughed, sporting a chilling grin.

“You’ve gotten smarter since the last time I saw you. You’re starting to remind me of the bitch that birthed you. I thought I would be done with her after I sliced her head off long ago,” He whined, twirling one hand in the air.

I glanced up enough to watch Edwin’s jaw clench. The fresh scent of blood filled my senses, as crimson droplets dripped from the prince’s fists. Edwin remained silent, probably unable to promise the tone of what left his mouth.

Tap.

“I want you to go to Leton on a political negotiation. Leave right after this.” The King commanded.

“Leton? On what terms, Father?” Edwin questioned.

From memorizing the map, Leton was more west of Trane. Though, not quite to the west of the human territories. It bordered the lands before the West, where the wars were raging. I could only guess that this was due to the rising tensions of the war. Still, my knowledge was scarce on this development.

“Florence is to fall soon to the Demonic troops,” The king explained, “Leton wants to discuss aiding terms if the campaign persists to their gates.”

So, my first brother was winning? It was bittersweet news, as it would make my existence here conflicted. I could not return to Hellion, but my interests would be split. Those were still my people. My race.

“Understood. We will depart tonight.” Edwin yielded to the commands, meeting the eyes of the King, “Is that all that you wish to discuss, Father?”

“Edwin, my son. Since when have you employed a new guard?” The Ruler chuckled, his tone nearly manic.

I felt a piercing glare in my direction, as a strong course of mana coursed through the room. I nearly cursed at the sudden expulsion of magical energy. This implication was frightening. The familiar energy sent phantom pains to my left shoulder blade. My injured wing.

Light magic. The King knew light magic. I remained unmoving, not budging in the slightest from my position next to Serlon. Through the discomfort, I could not decipher his true level. Light and demonic energy didn’t mix. It never could. My body felt stiff in the confines of the throne room. Suffocating.

“During combat exams,” Edwin gave a parting bow, trying to dismiss the questioning, “Apologies, Father. But I must return to the estate to finish some paperwork if I am to leave tonight.”

“Very well, my son,” The King tapped his ring against the throne with a smirk on his face, “Don’t disappoint me like your younger brother.”

Serlon motioned us to stand. My body felt heavy. Soon Edwin joined us by the doors, “I understand, Father. I won’t.”

“I’m glad,” The King voiced, pointing in my direction, “You. Edwin? What’s your new meat shield’s name?”

Edwin froze in his tracks, a visible chill coursing through his body, “Please leave my men alone, Father.” He warned him, his tone chilling.

“Since when did you protect your pawns? Oh? Maybe since that time.” The King scoffed.

“Pawns?" Edwin scowled, "They are people, Father. You may not understand that. Once again, I'll ask. Are we dismissed?”

“Why, of course. You should lend this meat shield to me sometime."

To that, Edwin exited the throne room without another word.