The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 84

The King personally went to Serenity Palace. Since yesterday, Jareth had been holding vigil here.

He was seated on a velvet cushion, his eyes closed as if he had drifted off to sleep.

Surrounding him were several young men—Crown Prince Theron and the other royal princes. Since Jareth, their royal uncle, had remained to keep vigil, Theron and the others naturally stayed beside him.

However, unlike Jareth, they had maintained a kneeling vigil on the cold stone floor.

After a full night of this, every prince looked utterly drained, their faces pale and drawn.

When the King arrived, his gaze swept over them. "You may all take a moment to rest."

Given the King's permission, the younger princes secretly breathed a sigh of relief and struggled to their feet.

"Your Majesty," they greeted him with deep bows.

"You have shown great devotion," the King noted, his eyes drifting toward Theron.

To his surprise, the Crown Prince had not risen. He remained on the floor right beside Jareth.

Theron shared a slight resemblance with Jareth around the eyes. The sight of the uncle and nephew looking so tightly knit sent a flicker of unease through the King's heart.

"Theron, are you not getting up?"

"Father, I am not tired," Theron replied quietly.

The King felt a spike of irritation.

Your uncle is sitting comfortably!

Everyone praised Jareth's heaven-moving devotion for holding this vigil, but the King desperately wanted to drag the whole court here to see the truth. Jareth was sitting! He hadn't knelt for a single moment!

Worse, he had his eyes closed and looked entirely asleep.

"Jareth," the King called out sharply. He knew Jareth was aware of his presence. He refused to believe his brother hadn't heard him.

Only then did Jareth open his eyes, turning his gaze slowly toward the King. "You have arrived, Your Majesty?"

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