Hey guys, sorry for not updating more. I had to take sometimes to think about where I wanted to go with this story but I'll try to be more consistent from now on!
I hope you'll enjoy today's chapter and don't forget to vote, comment and follow.
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"The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than mere survival." - Aristotle
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- The crown prince, Alexander -
His disgusting smile plastered on his face, I could feel the chills all over my body.
The queen dowager was still rambling about her son in law, the Duke Felling. He had apparently found a cave full of diamonds. The only obstacle, a less important detail for the regent, was a dormant dragon, thousands of years old, who had built her nest near the cave.
The Duke had apparently requested the help of a mercenary to kill and retrieve the organ of the ancient creature, only to be met with disapproval by men that killed and stole for a living.
Out of solutions, he asked the support of the regent by offering him a part of the cave as compensation.
With the way he sipped his tea with delight, this deal was already signed.
This man had no honor, they had no honor. Killing Giants, dragons and sea creatures just to get richer, while sitting on my throne. Our beloved creatures existed to protect us, they were an essential part of the power that represents Edolash to other kingdoms.
"Well, shouldn't it be wiser to let the beast in peace, it is a female letting her find a mate and bear offspring, allowing us to have more dragons hence more organs to sell. She is a rare type of dragon, this seems to be a reckless move, dear uncle." I spoke clearly, mother lowered her gaze and with a small hand movements, one of her favorites started to fan her.
The regent didn't respond just yet, deep in thought it seemed.
"I suppose you are right, my nephew. But then, where would a dormant dragon of her breed find a mate? You know that dragons are very hard to find, I suppose you want us to keep them in our garden and to feed the beast our servants?" He laughed right after his absurd comment. Some of his courtesans laughed nervously alongside, these fools.
"You are right, your majesty. It surely wouldn't be right to keep it in our garden." I pushed aside the red curl on my forehead.
"I think it is time to talk about my intentions of courting the princess Catherina. The young lady caught my interest during the ball and she came to visit me earlier this morning." A smile formed on my mother's face, for a short second her expression lightened.
"Well even if she hadn't, you two would still be betrothed. The council had prepared your betrothal to the princess for a year now, the king has yet to sign her off." I was quite started by this information but it only seemed natural since the regent had invited her for his ball.
"As for new information I have been hearing around my palace, you should probably distance yourself from the shadow knights, you are an alpha, remember that." My heart skipped a bit. I looked at him and he gave me a knowing smile, I had been caught.
"Alexander, I remember explicitly ordering you from this disgraceful family. You seem to forget, my child, that the walls have eyes and ears." Said mother as she took the fan in the hands of her poor favorite to fan herself, vehemently.
"And you are an alpha, rather than wasting your time with this rake, you should focus on your future bride." She huffed.
I did my best to keep my composure. At this moment I knew that if my plan didn't move forward, it would be a disaster. If the council had already planned my marriage and now that the regent was aware of my so-called interest in the young maiden, I couldn't back down.
"Mother, why would you believe such nonsense? You know that entertaining good relationships with our foreign citizens is important for our image. I merely spent hours with this man for my trip. As for the other instances, it was nothing less than cordiality."
I gave them a stern look before turning toward Lorel. He nodded discreetly, and stepped to his right.
I saw the one-eyed handyman of the regent putting his hand on his hips, dangerously close to his sword.
The empress dowager turned toward my uncle and gave him a soft smile. She took a deep breath in before hesitant words left her mouth.
"Hum, your majesty, since we are on the topic of marriage. When Alexander's crowning ceremony is arranged, I'm sure that the council has finally agreed on a date since the crown prince is about to marry." The small dog on her lap barked but she shushed him.
"Excuse his behavior." One of her favorites took the animal in her arms.
"Well, the matter will be fixed once my nephew is married. I discussed this topic with the council, and it seems they would rather wait until Alexander gives us an heir." the cup I had in my hand almost fell to the ground once the information finally made sense in my mind. The smirk of the regent meant everything.
I either agreed like an obedient dog or I would surely disappear. He had promised them something...
"Well that is rather... surprising? It is very uncommon to wait after the birth-"
"Dear sister in law, I am not the one who took that decision, it is a thought given by our dear council they haven't agreed on any date yet." The regent looked at her deep in the eyes, I saw a flash of fear in my mother's eyes.
"This is unacceptable, the crown prince has turned 21 years old and has largely passed the age required to be crowned. I will request an audience with the council." Mother frowned, and the regent took a biscuit not caring about her concerns.
When she finally understood that her complaints would not be addressed, she smiled and excused herself.
"Well, the tea was delicious, your majesty. I have an invitation I have to attend, if you would excuse me." She bowed, glared in my direction before leaving with her people. Lorel was about to come toward me, his one-eyed guard stepped aside but the regent raised his hand.
"What a fierce woman." He laughed as he took another biscuit to his mouth. The room fell into an eerie silence as the regent masticated slowly on his pastries.
"You will be coming with me tonight Alexander, I will not allow any more excuses." He said, looking in front of him. His man stepped to the side, right in front of Lorel.
"Very well, your majesty."
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To be continued...