A gold circlet rested on King Oberon's head, his long silver hair clung to his face and hung over his ears while his blue piercing eyes were a reflection of his unbridled rage as he stared down at his son.
His question echoed across the throne room and was filled with so much power that the others present with him shuddered from the intensity and lowered their head, afraid to meet the fuming King's attention.
Only the strongest would rule the kingdom of Astaria and the prince's dark side was attracted to the power emanating from his father, the king. While King Oberon was the powerful in the land, like every other Fae who has lived for long, he's waning with age and Adric does not doubt that he would win if they were to spar now. Not that it would be an easy victory.
Prince Aldric forced his body into a mock bow saying, "I am sorry for my untidy appearance, your majesty, the King. However, as soon as I received your summon, Father, your royal dog headed your call as soon as possible."
At this point the King's temper was boiling over, having sensed the prince's sarcasm beneath those words, especially when he used, "Royal Dog". How dare he try to be cheeky with him?
However, before he had the chance to explode, Prince Aldric tactically added, "However, I pray thee, my father, my king, do not mind my appearance because these are the blood of your enemies, the Orcs, that threaten our kingdom and of which I have destroyed. Do not let your anger be kindled against me and look upon me with favor."
At this point, the King had no choice but to let go of his anger because his hands were tied. The boy was more sly than he thought and he couldn't punish him, not while he did a great favor to the kingdom - of which he was reminded, vividly. King Oberon opened his clenched fist and flexed his fingers, sitting tall on his intricately carved golden throne with his head raised high.
At least the boy recognized his position and power and there was no need to mete out unnecessary punishment to him in the presence of his court. If anything, the king wanted this meeting to be over already so he can leave. While he schooled his expression, King Oberon could feel it, the boy's power was growing stronger.
The kingdom of Astaria was beautiful and cutthroat. The Fae were not like the humans weakened by their trivial emotions, they thrived on strength and power. The strongest of his children would inherit the throne, not the eldest and Aldric fitted the role already. While the thought of Aldric taking the throne would have haunted the king in the past, he needed not worry anymore since there was a curse to keep that from happening.
"You sent for me, Father." Prince Aldric tried to be as respectful as ever, but in reality, his hungry gaze took in the King's luxurious and ancient throne designed with Fae elements. The throne should belong to him as the strongest heir, but he was cursed instead.
Prince Adric did not let anyone sense the emotions raging inside of him, looking relaxed and casual. It should belong to him! He fought his wars inwardly instead. And yet that dream was not going to happen because of what he was.
What he is.
"You are right, Prince Aldric. I called you here for a reason," The king said, his vigilant gaze studying him as if to pick up some sort of reaction from him, but there was nothing. If there was anyone good at masking his emotions, it was Aldric and no one knew If that had to do with his Dark Fae origin or a skill he cultivated over the years.
"What is the problem, Father? Your humble servant is at your service." Those words left a bitter taste in his mouth. He was nothing but a hound carrying out his master's orders. It was what they turned him into.
"Your brother, Valerie ...."
As soon as that name was called, Aldric visibly flinched and that was the only crack in his otherwise perfect mask. Everyone in the kingdom knew that there was no love lost between the brothers because Valeria took what was most precious to him.
His throne.
His brother was the crown prince and heir to the throne of Astaria and that of course did not sit well with Aldric who felt cheated of his birthright. Thanks to that, the both of them did not see eye to eye and hated each other.
Having both princes in the same area was equal to setting that place on fire. It was no wonder the king banned Prince Aldric from the palace ground unless on official duty. And their living quarters were too far away for the both of them to run into each other and cause trouble.
If the King noticed that swift change in Aldric, he did not point it out because he continued, "Your brother seems to be missing."
"What a surprise," He muttered under his breath. A pleasant one.
Aside from a slight furrow of his brow, the King said, "He went on a diplomatic visit to the summer court and did not make it back. The soldiers with him were attacked by wraiths."
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