The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. Aldric’s sudden interruption had thrown the wedding into chaos, and Prince Andre was not about to let his brother get the upper hand.
When no guard made a move to seize Aldric, Andre’s voice rang out again, sharper, more authoritative, as he commanded, "I said, seize him!"
But Aldric was unfazed. Instead, he smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes as he welcomed the challenge. "Oh well," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "let them come."
It was a wonder Aldric could exude such confidence, especially after his time locked away in the Quiet Room—a place known for draining the will and strength from even the mightiest of Fae. But there was no sign of weakness in Aldric now.
If anything, he seemed more powerful, especially now his dark powers has been let out to play. Valerie, his unusual ally, was equally prepared for battle. Flames danced along his arms, crackling ominously as he signaled his readiness to disrupt the wedding by force.
Sensing the impending violence, many of the guests began to scatter, seeking cover from the inevitable clash. The scars of the last attack in the arena were still fresh in their minds, and none wished to be caught in another deadly confrontation. The air was charged with fear and anticipation, the delicate balance of power teetering on the edge of a knife.
But just as the guards took a tentative step forward, King Oberon’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Enough!" he commanded, his voice booming with the authority of centuries.
His eyes flashed with an almost incandescent fury as he glared at his sons, daring them to continue their squabble in his presence. The garden fell into a tense silence as his words settled over them.
"Where is your respect?" King Oberon’s voice was low, but it carried the rage of a thousand battles won, a great empire ruled.
Aldric turned to face his father, unapologetic, his jaw clenched in defiance. "I lost that respect, when you locked me in that cursed Quiet Room just to facilitate this damned wedding in secret."
King Oberon’s expression flickered with shame, but he held his ground. "And would you have let Andre marry Islinda peacefully if I hadn’t?"
Aldric’s response was a menacing laugh, dark and full of promise. "Over my dead body."
King Oberon’s eyes narrowed, the challenge in his gaze unmistakable. "Even when Lady Islinda has given her consent?"
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