In the main palace:
"Father why can't I assist you on this journey, I'm more than capable to help!" Dorian said, "you're not capable enough, you are not a man. You are too fragile to guide me on this journey where only men are allowed." The king replied
"I am a man!" He protested
"You are a man, but you were born with women features. So all you can do is find yourself a suitor and give birth to heirs that can take over this kingdom, since you're brother doesn't want to be king." The king added.
Dorian didn't have more to say to his father, "have a safe journey your majesty." He bowed and walked out of the room.
As Dorian walked down the grand hallway, his fists clenched tightly at his sides, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. His father's words echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the limitations placed upon him simply for being who he was. He had spent his entire life striving to prove his strength, his worth, only for it to be dismissed with a wave of his father's hand.
When he reached the privacy of his chambers, he got stopped at the door by his sister. "Has father disappointed you again?" She said walking up to him with a grinning expression, "what a shame, if only father could see your true potential." She added.
"But then again you still have a chance of becoming king, if you could give father a strong heir he'll make your heir the next one on the throne." She told him with a grin.
She wrapped her arm around his shoulder and got closer, "I heard that Aric's consort has beared, your not going to let your little brother beat you to the throne when you're the first crown prince are you."
Dorian thought about it then shook his head, "that's right brother, get the throne as it's rightfully yours." She said patting his back and walking away.
Dorian watched his sister walk away, her words settling heavily in his mind. The idea of fathering an heir simply to prove himself gnawed at him—it felt like a hollow victory, a means to an end, rather than something he wanted for his own life. He had always imagined ruling not as a pawn in his father's schemes, but as a leader in his own right, free to follow his own values and ideals.
But the reminder of Aric's growing influence troubled him. His younger brother was seen as more independent, more resolute. And now, with a consort who might soon provide an heir, Aric's position in the kingdom was growing stronger by the day. Even if Aric himself had no interest in the throne, their father might very well push for it if Dorian failed to meet his expectations.
Dorian opened the door to his chambers, stepping inside and closing it behind him. As he leaned against the door, he let out a frustrated sigh. His father's pressure, his sister's goading, even Aric's success—it all piled onto him, suffocating him under the weight of what he "should" be.
Just then, a soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Your Highness, may I enter?" came Emmett's familiar voice.
Dorian straightened, surprised and relieved to hear from his loyal attendant. "Yes, come in."
Emmett entered, taking one look at Dorian's tense posture and understanding immediately. "Rough day?" he asked quietly, stepping closer his arms open offering comfort.
Dorian fell into the embrace, Emmet held him tight gently rubbing his back. "Why was I born this way!" He cried.
Emmett held Dorian close, his embrace steady and reassuring. "You are exactly as you're meant to be, Your Highness," he whispered, his voice filled with unwavering kindness. "It's others who fail to see your worth, not you."
Dorian clung to Emmett, letting himself feel the comfort he so often denied. In Emmett's arms, he didn't have to pretend to be the confident prince, or the perfect son. Here, he could just be himself, with all his fears, doubts, and frustrations laid bare.
"I've tried so hard to make him see," Dorian whispered, his voice breaking. "But nothing is ever enough. No matter what I do, he only sees what I lack."
Emmett's hand moved to gently cradle the back of Dorian's head, grounding him. "That's because he doesn't truly know you, Dorian. But I do. I see your strength, your kindness, and the incredible potential within you. You're more than just a title, more than just his son." Emmett pulled back slightly, looking into Dorian's tear-filled eyes. "And someday, you'll lead in a way that will make others realize they should've followed you all along."
Dorian swallowed, the raw emotion in Emmett's gaze breaking down the last of his defenses. "You really think I could… rule, even without my father's approval?"
Emmett smiled softly, brushing a tear from Dorian's cheek. "I know it. And I'll stand by you every step of the way."
Dorian felt a flicker of hope, a spark that reminded him he didn't have to be alone in this struggle. Emmet cupped his face and pulled him in for a kiss, Dorian melted into the kiss as he clung on his attendant's cloth.
Their lips met in a tender, hesitant kiss, as if both were testing the boundaries of something unspoken yet deeply felt. Dorian's heart raced, the warmth of Emmett's touch melting away the day's bitterness and filling him with a quiet sense of belonging.
As they parted, Emmett kept his hands gently on Dorian's face, his gaze soft but steady. Dorian's voice was barely above a whisper as he pressed his forehead against Emmett's chest, his cheeks flushed. "I want a baby," he murmured, his words filled with vulnerability. "Will you give me that?"
Emmett's eyes softened as he wrapped his arms around Dorian, holding him close. "If that's truly what you want, then yes," he replied, his voice gentle but certain. "I'd give you anything, you're highness."
Dorian let out a shaky breath, relieved and overwhelmed by Emmett's promise. For so long, he had felt trapped by the expectations of his father and the crown, yet here was someone willing to be by his side, not for duty or obligation, but out of love.
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4 days later after Prince Aric's departure in his private wing, Lucas sits in the garden watering the flowers with Agatha.
The garden was peaceful as Lucas knelt beside a bed of roses, carefully watering the delicate blooms under Agatha's watchful eye. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a gentle glow over the scene, but despite the serene surroundings, Lucas's thoughts were elsewhere.
Agatha noticed his distraction and set down her watering can, giving him a gentle nudge. "You miss him, don't you?" she asked, her tone warm and knowing.
Lucas looked up, a small, wistful smile crossing his face. "I do," he admitted, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "The palace feels… quieter without him."
Agatha chuckled. "Well, Prince Aric does have a way of filling up a room, even if he says little." She tilted her head, watching him with a sympathetic gaze. "But he'll be back before you know it. And he left you in charge of the garden, didn't he?"
Lucas nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility as he looked down at the vibrant flowers they had planted together. "Yes, he did. It's just strange, being here without him. Everything reminds me of him."
Agatha placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Then take heart, my dear. Every flower you tend, every step you take in this garden, is a way to feel close to him. And when he returns, he'll be so proud to see how well you've cared for it."
Lucas's smile grew a little brighter at her words. As he continued watering the flowers Princess Veleria walked in with a bright warm smile on her face which startled Lucas, the royal family has never really came on this side of the palace so this was unexpected.
"You're highness!" Agatha bowed.
Lucas quickly got up and bowed along, "gardening the flowers I see." She said as she walked past them. "What brings you here my princess?" Agatha asked as they slowly looked at her. "I came to visit my brothers dearest consort of course, his been gone for four days I had to make sure you guys are taking care of him correctly." She shot a smile at Lucas, which made him uneasy.
"Thank you for you're concern your highness." Lucas replied nervously.
"You must be devastated, being left here all alone in this condition while he goes and meet his true lover." He said placing a hand on his forehead faking her consern.
Lucas felt his heart dropped, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Oh, sorry was I not meant to say that!" She gasped covering her mouth.
"But how can I hide something major like this from you, your too sweet for your own good my dare." She said.
"He has fooled you with those words so you can bear his child, once he returns his going to be with the one he truly loves." She added.
Lucas felt as though the ground had shifted beneath him. His hand shook slightly, still holding the small watering can, and he couldn't meet Valeria's gaze. Agatha noticed his reaction and stepped forward protectively.
"Your Highness," Agatha said carefully, her tone polite but firm, "Prince Aric's loyalty to his consort has been unwavering. He has shown only love and care."
Valeria's smile grew sharper. "Oh, Agatha, loyal as ever. But it's not disloyalty I'm speaking of; it's practicality. My brother is bound by duties and alliances that require him to consider other arrangements. You can't truly believe he has no other intentions, can you, Lucas?"
Lucas clenched his jaw, fighting the swirl of emotions within him. He knew Valeria had her own motives, but doubt crept in like a shadow. "I trust Prince Aric," he replied softly, though his voice wavered.
Valeria's smile didn't fade. "Well, that's good. Keep trusting him, Lucas. But don't be too surprised if things aren't quite as you imagined." With one last mocking glance, she turned and walked away, her laughter lingering in the air like a bitter perfume.
As she disappeared, Lucas felt his chest tighten with worry. He looked down, feeling lost, and Agatha placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't let her words get to you, sire," she murmured. "She's only trying to plant seeds of doubt."
Lucas nodded, trying to shake off the unease. "I know," he whispered, though his heart felt heavy. But the uncertainty lingered, gnawing at him as he continued to tend to the flowers, his thoughts consumed by what he'd just heard.
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