Crown Prince Argan lifted the sword above his head, having every intention of slicing the throat of the traitor kneeling on the ground.

“What do you think you’re doing, boy?” came a thundering voice from the top of the royal staircase.

Eyes flashing in annoyance, the prince turned to snarl at the voice. But when his eyes landed on the interruptor, the boy froze.

The sword clattered and fell to the floor.

All eyes lifted to the top of the stairs and gaped.

The entire room hurried to kneel and bow. “Your Royal Highness!” they called.

It was King Arganus.

And by his side, steadying his arm, was the Lord of Feldgrau himself. The second prince was clad in an ensemble of white and silver, the sigil of his mother’s house and that of Feldgrau were embroidered on the sleeves.

The young ladies of the court blushed furiously when his sharp gaze swept across the room. One maiden in general, brightened visibly, their soft lips raising into an excited smile.

The young man excluded an icy elegance. Paired with his handsome but cold face, the second prince held the composure of a true royal. Standing together, it was clear to see how Nikolai shared similar features with the older man by his side.

“Continue the festivities.” The King walked slowly down the stairs. “Please, rise.”

Many were just as shocked to see the king as they were the Lord of Feldgrau. In the past few years, King Arganus had been ailed with different sicknesses. There were times when he was too frail to even get out of bed. The man’s injured right arm hung limply by his side. The bolder few claimed the sicknesses were a lasting curse from Fadye, the fearsom chief of Wenge.

As the father and son arrived at the first step, Queen Rewanna hurried forward. She reached out, intending to replace Nikolai by her husband’s side. To her surprise, the king held up a hand. He smiled fondly at his second son. “Let this old man spend some time with his son, woman.”

“But, my king, the rules state…” tried the queen, smile faltering.

“Who is foolish enough to stop the king?” asked the second prince. His steely words halted her protests. "Queen Rewanna. Apologies for my delay, I was recounting my journey with father."

The queen reluctantly turned her gaze to the young man. She stifled the anger and jealousy in her heart and greeted him. “Nikolai.”

“Always fast with the responses, this one.” The king laughed, “That's right. Let’s see the rules stop me, hah.”

Queen Rewanna’s jaws twitched. “Do not hog the prince, my lord. He is my son too, after all.” Her lips curved into a smirk. Victorious glee churned inside of her. “Although, I suppose he is no longer a prince. Perhaps, I should address you by your proper title? Lord of Feldgrau.”

Nikolai turned his blank gaze towards her. The queen shivered. It was as if he was looking past her.

“For old time’s sake, queen mother. You may address me as a prince.” He did not bother with a smile and turned towards the king. “You don’t mind do you, father? Not if it’s a request by mother to call me by that title?”

Rewanna’s jaw dropped. Then, she quickly clenched her fists. “It is fine! I can call-“

“Yes, yes,” agreed the King. It was as if the many years of absence had made the father blind to his son’s faults. “For as long as you are in the capital, you should be referred to you as the prince.” The king’s eyes landed on the royal table. “Come, Nikolai. Let us dine together as a family. You must greet your younger brothers.”

“Of course, Father,” said Nikolai softly.

As the two passed by the frozen queen, whose face was stuck between false joy and irritated fury, Nikolai whispered, “You’re welcome… Mother.”

Then, like a breeze they flittered by her.

The queen turned towards the duo. She raged as their backs were turned. Her mind took her back to the scene years ago, where Nikolai had held his precious mother and brother and forced her to watch as a lowly regent.

She clenched her fists, sharp nails close to breaking from the pressure.

You might have won this round, she thought viciously. The woman eyed the jovial king suspiciously. She had no idea how the king had managed to get out of bed today with the heavy dosage of his medicines, but it was no matter.

Queen Rewanna shot a final baleful look towards the Lord of Feldgrau’s back.

—

Crown Prince Argan watched his father and older brother approach with much apprehension.

He couldn’t stop the shiver of fear that ran down his spine when the Lord of Feldgrau’s cold eyes met his.

Stopping in front of the scene, the King sighed at his younger son. It was a pity that this was to be his successor. He shot a longing look at his second son’s back but then rid himself of the thought. The Last he was in the capital, the Lord of Feldgrau had very adamantly given up his rights to the throne.

The king could only hope that the second prince would one day change his mind… especially before the king’s ravaging sickness overcame his body’s failing strength. He breathed in shakily, trying to suppress the painful coughs stuck in his lungs. The king still had an image to preserve.

“Father,” came the soft voice beside him.

Arganus looked at his stoic son. The young man was a striking image of his late mother.

“Will you give me leave to deal with the situation as I see fit?” he asked. The second prince's somber blue eyes rose up to meet the king’s.

The king sighed. Argan had really messed up this time. Especially in front of such a large crowd. This would be a good lesson to the boy.

King Arganus waved dismissive a hand and headed for the table. “Do what you must,” he ordered.

Behind him, Nikolai bowed his head. “Thank you, father.”

The king approached the royal table where he was stopped by nobles asking after his health. It was only after the king had begun to engage in conversation with the head of the Langard family that Nikolai finally turned his eyes to the Crown Prince.

The Lord of Feldgrau took a heavy step forward.

Argan flinched back. “What do you want?," he squeaked out.

The Lord of Feldgrau stopped. His eyes drifted over to his still kneeling servant. “Get up,” he commanded.

The attendant hurried to do so.

“Stop,” screamed the crown prince. He glared at his elder brother. “Don’t you dare.”

But the attendant continued to stand and walked leisurely to his lord’s sides.

Argan’s eyes bulged and the veins on top of his head looked close to bursting. “How dare you!” Even he was aware how embarrassing the lack of control was. What type of crown prince couldn't control a servant? The shame made his face boil with rage. How would this look to the other nobles! Nikolai was trying to embarrass him!

The Crown Prince strode forward with every intention of grabbing the servant and tossing them to the floor. The insolent fool was following the wrong master! He raised his fists.

SLAP!

Argan stared wide-eyed at Nikolai. The crown prince clutched his burning cheek.

The Lord of Feldgrau shook his hand. He shot the younger an irritated stare as if to say, 'Now look what you’ve made me do.'

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

Straightening, Argan stormed forward. He was slightly shorter than the older and had to look up at the young man.

“I am the crown prince,” he snarled. “How dare you!”

Fast as a serpent, Nikolai’s hand struck and reached out to grasp Argan by the collar. He yanked his forward. “This is a warning, little brother.” His voice was low but full of killing intent. “If you ever touch my people again, I don’t care if you’re the king… I’ll skin you myself.”

With that, he threw the crown prince back. Argan stumbled back, just barely saving himself from falling on his backside. The younger stared at the Lord of Feldgrau with a gaped mouth, too shocked to say anything.

Clenching his fists, he spit, "You're nothing, Nikolai. Not a prince or a lord. You're a fool! A stupid fool!" He gestured around. "And everyone knows it!" The crown prince stormed off.

The rest of the room averted their eyes. When they noticed that the king had seen the entire scene but said nothing, they pretended that they too had seen nothing. The pleasantries and idle conversation continued around the room.

Cristin huffed a soft sound of amusement.

Nikolai turned, only to be faced with the furious queen. Her face was ugly. The woman's lips curled back in a snarl. “You dare embarrass my son like that?”

Her eyes bled with rage as she stalked forward, looking close to slapping Nikolai. But she had too had seen the king's idleness. She stood so close that her panting breaths fell on Nikolai, but the lord just stared indifferently at her. Not the least bit intimidated.

“The king gave me permission,” he offered monotonously.

“I am the queen!” seethed Rewanna. “Argan is to be king one day. Have you no fear?”

Nikolai let out a short bark of laughter. The queen was taken aback.

The young man looked at her incredulously. “Last I checked, the king’s word is ranked higher than both the queen and crown prince.”

"Argan is the crown prince," sneered the queen.

Nikolai shrugged, "As was my elder brother."

“I. Am. The. Queen!” she repeated, emphasizing each word.

The Lord of Feldgrau sneered, “As was my mother.” His eyes flashed as his mask of indifference fell back onto his face. “And look at us now.”

The queen let out an outraged laugh. “Is that a threat, lord?”

“Mother, you misunderstand me.” Nikolai sighed internally. He hadn’t wanted to use this so early in his stay, but it appeared that he had no choice. “This is no threat… merely a reminder of how fragile the power you hold is.”

He shook his head. “All it would take is one word to Father and your son would no longer be crown prince." The young man paused, letting his words sink in. "Don’t forget that.”

The Lord of Feldgrau nodded towards his attendant. With that, the two men walked away, leaving a pale-faced queen behind.

But unbeknownst to the two, the woman suddenly smirked darkly. “You think you’re so smart, Lord of Feldgrau.” Picking up her dress, the queen stalked towards the royal table.

Soon, it would be time for the announcements.

—

The lord and the attendant leisurely strode through the hall towards the balcony outside.

Once there, Cristin let out an all-suffering sigh. He shook the lord’s shoulder furioulsly. “Where were you?” The man began his rant that he had been drafting all evening. “Do you know how bad that would have been if the king hadn’t shown up? The entire situation was….”

Nikolai nodded mutely, but the bored look on his face betrayed his true emotions. When Cristin got in his protective mode, it was easier to just let the man get out of his system.

Meanwhile, teh attendant continued his bereavement, his hands were flailing everywhere, and now, he was re-enacting his scene with the queen.

Nikolai sighed and rolled his eyes. Truthfully, though, he was glad he had arrived at the time he did. Reporting to his father’s chambers first had been a risk that paid off. He repressed the worry in his heart. His father looked even worse than the reports had detailed. It was clear that his time in the world, whether through natural forces or other nefarious means, was coming close to an end. And seeing Argan’s brash stupidity only confirmed his fears.

It was clear from the nobles’ deference to the prince and Rewanna’s control over the court during the king’s absence, that they planned to install Argan as the king at the year’s end when the boy was fully eighteen years.

It was a good thing he had another heir in mind. All he needed was to ensure that his plan came to fruition.

The Lord of Feldgrau stared at the outline of the capital and the bright lights coming from the different celebrations in the kingdom below. When he was a boy, he used to sneak to the balcony to watch the festivities. He could still remember the delicious smell of sugar butter on bread. HIs mouth watered.

“Cristin,” he interrupted the other man’s mid-rant.

Seeing the seriousness in his eyes, the attendant paused. He glanced around sharply. “What is it, my lord?” His voice was low, in case there were enemies around.

The lord gestured for the attendant to lean in closer. The man did so. The lord insisted closer. The attendant obeyed.

“Go fetch me some sweet-butter bread,” Nikolai pushed the man straight. “Now.”

The attendant stared at his lord in confusion. What in the world had gotten in the young man? He stared at the lord, trying to decipher the secret message, but the lord merely stared back insistently.

A soft voice suddenly interrupted the two’s staring contest. “Niko? Is that you?”

Both men turned around. They stared at the elegant noblewoman before them. Her skin was soft and smile small but beautiful. Her hair fell in an elegant cascade around her face. The woman’s long lashes blinked in surprise.

“Asinara,” murmured the lord. His words were soft and colored with surprise.

The woman’s smile grew as she nodded lightly. Her radiant presence, like the winter rose, was soft but entrancing.

The Lord of Feldgrau stared at his childhood crush in surprise. He stood frozen.

Suddenly, a brash voice appeared in his mind, echoing, _“Surely, there is someone that you wish to marry and make your lady, as well?”_ His chest warmed.

Cristin stared at the lady and lord staring at each other, lost in their own world. He backed up slightly. Speaking to air, he announced, “I think I will go get that bread.” The attendant nudged his lord and whispered, “Go get her.”

Ignoring the young man’s short glare, the attendant smirked and walked back into the hall.

It was only the two left on the balcony.

—

The Wenge delegation approached the king and queen.

Around them, the nobles shied away and quieted.

Seeing their approach, the queen tapped the king’s shoulders. The man lifted his mirthful gaze, and suddenly the joy in his eyes faded into a guarded look. The king stared at the figure with the golden mask and blue attire.

He stood and approached the Raven General. Eyeing them up and down, he said gruffly. “So you’re Fadye’ heir?”

The Raven General let out a short nod. They stood at a smaller height than the king, but there was pride and strength in their stance that the king could respect. He could see a seasoned warrior when he saw one. His brows furrowed as his eyes drifted towards the legendary sword hung by the general’s side. The Raven General was a damn good warrior too.

The king sighed resignedly. He grabbed his glass and lifted it in the air. “To new beginnings.” He gestured toward the table opposite to the royal table. “Rewanna, lead our guests to their seats. Let them enjoy some good food for once.” He laughed at his own joke.

The Raven General merely nodded and followed the queen.

The queen smiled brightly at the general and their entourage. As she led them to their seats, she motioned for the servants to come forward. “Anything you desire, the servants will have brought to you. Please, enjoy.”

All eyes followed the esteemed guests. So the rumors were true! There really were Wenge warriors in their city! And it was by invitation of the royal family as well!

As the row of Wenge delegates took their seats, the Raven General waited until one of their own attendants pulled the seat out to sit.

One of the delegates, in an accented voice, explained, “The general will use their own servants tonight.” They offered nothing more than that.

The servant by the general’s side settled behind them stoically.

The queen forced a smile at the weird custom. “Very well,” she clasped her hands together and turned towards the general. “General, surely, there is no need for the mask? It must be uncomfortable to wear such a thing for so long.”

Only the general’s lips were visible and they pursed in disapproval. With a flick of their fingers, one of the other delegates hurried to explain. “The general is representing the Chief Faye and all of

Wenge, to take the mask off would be a great sign of offense until the new treaty has been announced.”

The king lifted his eyes, catching parts of the conversation. He waved a hand towards Rewanna. “You’ve said your piece, so quit bothering them, woman. Come join us at the table.”

The queen reeled back, face colored with shame. “Of course,” she stammered out. Queen Rewanna smiled, “Enjoy your meals, sirs.”

As she retreated to the royal table, her fists clenched behind her. It seemed the Wenge’s would not be easily controlled. The queen smoothed out her face, it was no matter, they would serve their purpose.

She strode forward to the table. As she sat, she tossed her hair behind her. Argan, the true crown prince, sat by her side. He stared after the different women, servants and noblewomen alike. At the end of the table sat her two youngest sons, Aynor and Leinor. They were the beloved, mischievous twins, a sign of blessing from the gods. At eight years they were quite the troublemakers, but they held the hearts of the people, charming them with their innocence and adorableness.

At the opposite table, the Raven General sat back straight and rigid. The mighty warrior did not touch a single piece of food on their plate.

The king looked around. His brows furrowed. “Where is Nikolai?” He called forth one of the guards. “Go call the prince in, the banquet shall start soon.”

Rewanna winced at the title change but her giddy excitement won over the slight injury to her pride.

Queen Rewanna smiled, gloved hands clenched together tightly. But this time it was in excitement. Soon she would be Queen Dowager and her son, the king of Eburean. Her eyes drifted over to the foreign delegation and their statue-like leader… the heir of Fadye.

Her future was plotted, now it all depended on the Raven General.