"Are you okay to do this?" Cadec asked without looking at the friend.
The lightning illuminated the night in a frightening way, however, the storm that existed inside Cadec was even more frightening. At least, that's what Magnus realized when he looked at him when heard Cadec's question. That closed expression, cold eyes and clenched fists... His whole posture was like a huge wall ready to face the attack of an enemy.
"I'm just going to see that little fellow confess his crimes. I don't intend to wield my sword... unless it's necessary."
Cadec just looked at him from the corner and turned to face the corridor. The night would be long, only to end the disastrous hunting festival. The event would certainly bring twists and turns to the Imperial Palace, making it appear that they are destabilized because of the rebels. The political scenario would always be problematic and alive, bringing new problems and new congratulations.
However, Cadec still felt the bitter taste in his mouth.
How long would he have to watch that family collapse?
The fingers closed when the two friends crossed the ground floor and went to the back, where the knights mounted guard at the double door. In addition to them, Cadec found that the other imperial knights were at their respective posts scattered around the ground and blocking all exits for a possible escape case.
When they noticed the approach of Cadec and Magnus, the knights made a silent bow and opened the doors to the room where some nobles were gathered. Those who just want to rest, talk with each other for some support, find comfort in the personal room of Countess Vauhnir. Although it was not a festive atmosphere for them to have fun, and have a more nebulous atmosphere, at least it was a respite after so much drama.
Clearly several familiar faces were there, such as the mother of the twins, the Countess Sahara, close to some nobles, the Countess Vauhnir was also there listening to some lady whining of concern. Their presence was noticed and all eyes turned on them with some surprise and anxiety, probably waiting for bad news. Meanwhile, Cadec swept the whole hall in search of someone specific.
And when he found it, Cadec marched to the men and raised his head with composure. The coldness of the First Prince was clear as his feet stopped in front of the other alpha.
A silence filled the whole room. The two friends stared coldly at two alpha, and one of them crossed his arms and returned the look with indifference. A mental battle was taking place there being watched by all. When a bolt of lightning illuminated the whole room, Magnus's authoritative voice echoed through the room.
"For attempting to kidnap the Eighth Prince of the Roveaven Empire, knight Mace Lestat will be arrested."
The nobles began to whisper among themselves, the knight in question was surprised and turned his head desperate for each person around him, about to counter. Only that it was the red eyes of Magnus that made him remain silent, especially when the Grand Duke himself approached him and held his collar up from the tea table.
"You hired mercenaries to attack my carriage and kidnap Lucian. As much as you tried to hide your ass, I'm good at finding cowards like you."
"Wait, Your Grace!! This is a mistake."
"I will listen to every excuse you have to say, of course it will only make your death postponed for mere seconds. After all... You tried to mess with my alpha."
Magnus' voice sounded dangerous and the smell of his pheromones passed far from being graceful. The nobles covered their faces, nauseous by the dominant presence of that omega who held the knight with force.
The knight shuddered on the table and swallowed dry being also affected by pheromones. The dominant presence, the intense smell that despises him and the intensity of his gaze were a terrifying package when faced the Grand Duke. The frightened mind gave in to mental pressure, and his mouth ended up telling more truths than lies.
"I just wanted to scare him a little! He humiliated me during the imperial banquet when I tried to court young Grimwood... Argh!"
"It seems that there are many of you who have not yet learned your places. But I will make sure to eliminate anyone who dares to stand in the way of a Grimwood", Magnus pushed the knight against the rest of the imperial guard "Take him to the Imperial Palace before I make him tread the same path as that worm from Moutuni."
"Yes, sir!"
"Wait!!! I'm innocent! I swear!"
The imperial knights dragged the knight ignoring his screams that filled the whole mansion. The room remained silent as Cadec stared at another person standing right in front of him. The dark eyes of that person did not leave their own at any time, as if they were disputing something in silence.
When the brothers met at social events, it was normal for them to exchange barbs. The nobles were used and found interesting the interaction between them, which made them act as a family and still compete for the throne. Only now that didn't seem like something fun.
Not by the way the First Prince looked at that person.
Cadec was always serious and cold when fulfilling his duties. Always faithful to his morality and ethics. Those majestically raised shoulders cast a shadow over the face of the other men, who kept his composure unconcerned.
Again the hoarse voice of Cadec sounded through the room.
"Under suspicion to ally with the rebels and our enemies of Geledel... Seventh Prince, Elyon Saint Richmond, you will be arrested and taken for questioning."
The thunderstorm shook the windows of the mansion, illuminating every face that showed surprise and horror. However, Elyon remained with his arms folded and in silence without seeming bothered by those words.
Unlike your mother.
"Prince Cadec! But what the hell is this?!"
"We have proof that Elyon is involved with these scum."
"This can only be some kind of trap! How would a prince of this Empire get involved in such a way! I demand that you withdraw your words immediately."
The woman was completely exasperated, to the point that her face turned red like a tomato. Unlike your son, who did not take the dark eyes of Cadec. The First Prince also did not look away, only clenched his fists feeling that cake in his throat.
"If he is innocent, then justice will be done. But for now, we have orders from the Emperor himself to arrest him. I warn you that it's no use running away."
"I do not intend to run away, I'm innocent."
"That's right, how could the Seventh Prince commit such crimes? This is clearly a trap set by the opposition!"
"If this is the case, the evidence will be shown and his innocence attested. "
The Countess stood in front of her son, preventing him from being arrested. The injected eyes of the woman reflected her despair, which was coldly ignored by Cadec.
"I want to speak with His Majesty! This can only be a scheming to humiliate him to defile the name of my family."
"The Emperor will take care of Elyon's case. If you trust His Majesty's judgment, Countess, I hope you won't delay our work any longer."
"But of course I trust the Emperor... But..."
"Mother", Elyon calmed her down. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Elyon just nod his head, making his skinny shoulders fall.
Magnus stepped forward holding the cuffs. Elyon stood up and extended his arms allowing the Grand Duke to trap him in front of all those nobles, and letting his own mother drown in irritation and surprise. When the omega's fingers tightened the cuffs, he exchanged glances with the alpha who seemed too calm.
"You are making a mistake, Grand Duke."
A smug smile appeared on Magnus' lips.
"Really? It's still fun for me. Come on."
Magnus left the room with other knights who escorted Elyon. That vision of the Seventh Prince handcuffed and escorted by armed knights made a strong impression on the witnesses of the scene. The intrigue within the imperial family was not new, history books told about the various battles, wars and discussions that members of the royal blood had to get the throne. Only that it was different to read a story from a hundred years ago and witness something a few meters away.
The First Prince gave a last look to the Countess, who was obviously lost and about to faint. The woman was supported by other ladies and two maids, who shook her face trying to help her. Turning his back, Cadec followed that procession to the dungeons where the prisoners were held until they were transported to the Imperial Palace.
On the stairs, Lucian was accompanied by Skyler and Eugene, watching Elyon's exit. The seventh prince stopped and stared back at him coldly. The two brothers exchanged glances for mere seconds, until Elyon opened a cheeky smile.
"You're still a pathetic coward, Lucian. When you are no longer useful to them, you will return to your insignificance and dwelling on yourself from the error committed."
Magnus pulled out Elyon's handcuffs and threw him out the door, restraining himself not to cut his neck. The First Prince looked at his younger brother, who seemed cold and distant despite having heard such words.
Now all nobles... No, all citizens of Roveaven would comment on the possible decline of a member of the Imperial Family.