The next morning, Azerin reached the palace. Some servants were sweeping across the palace grounds while the others ran to do the laundry and the other chores.
Seeing Azerin in the palace everyone was terrified and bewildered. For the past one year he hardly had come to the palace, then why did he suddenly show up?
Azerin took long strides toward his father's quarters only to have the sight of his stepmother, the Luna Queen, Ember Noctaire.
He ignored her as if she didn't exist in this world and brushed past her when Ember's voice stopped him.
"At least, you should greet the royal mother, Azerin," Ember said, keeping her back toward him.
"Greetings are made to those who truly deserve it," said Azerin. With that, he simply walked ahead, not wanting to listen to her anymore.
Stopping outside the grand doors of the chamber, Azerin requested the valet, "Tell my father I am here."
The valet nodded and walked inside. After a moment, he returned, opening the doors wide for Azerin.
"The Alpha King has asked you to come in," the valet informed him.
Azerin walked in and saw his father seated on the couch with a cigar in his hand. He bowed to his father in respect when King Gieorge asked him to take a seat.
Azerin looked straight and sat across from his father on the sofa chair.
"You've grown a bit taller since the last time I saw you," Gieorge said.
"I turned twenty-one," Azerin said, watching closely to see if his father remembered.
"I know," Gieorge replied calmly, placing the cigar in the ashtray. He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other in a relaxed posture. "I didn't expect you so early."
"I love to be on time. And this place was once the home of my mother too," Azerin asserted. "I love coming here, Dad."
"Too bad. You can't stay in the palace, Azerin," Gieorge said, flicking ash from his cigar. "You're my illegitimate son. Your rights are limited. You should be grateful I even allowed you to govern a separate territory."
Azerin's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Gieorge leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "I need you to investigate something."
Azerin narrowed his eyes. "What is it?"
"Two centuries ago, a war broke out between the wolves and the witches. It was a blood-soaked battle no side truly won. The cause of it?" Gieorge paused for effect. "The Moon Stone."
Azerin's expression darkened. He had heard the old tales, half history and half myth.
"It was recorded that both factions lost the chance to possess it," Gieorge continued. "The stone vanished without a trace. But now, whispers are spreading… Rumors that it's resurfaced."
Azerin tilted his head. "And you believe them?"
Gieorge's eyes gleamed. "I believe in power. Whether it's a myth or not, I want it. And I trust your abilities more than anyone else's. That's why I'm giving you this task: find the Moon Stone and bring it to me."
There was a long pause before Azerin finally spoke. "What will be my reward to bring the stone to you, Dad?"
Gieorge smiled faintly. "Then maybe… I'll reconsider my decision about the palace. It won't be easy, but if you succeed, I'll grant you your rightful place."
A flicker of hope sparked in Azerin's eyes. After years of cold distance, those words meant more than he let on. "I'll find the Moon Stone and bring it to you, Father."
For a moment, pride softened Gieorge's usually unreadable expression. "That's what I wanted to hear."
Just then, the valet stepped into the chamber and cleared his throat politely. "Your Majesty, breakfast has been served."
Gieorge rose to his feet, straightening his robe. "Azerin, join us today. It's been a long time since we've eaten as a family."
Azerin stood as well, a rare smile forming on his lips. "It would be my honor to share breakfast with you, Father."
The two men walked outside by side and finally entered the grand dining hall, where the rest of the royal family was already seated.
"Azerin!" exclaimed Marya, his younger stepsister, her eyes lighting up. "When did you arrive? You've grown taller since the last time I saw you."
Azerin offered a polite nod as he pulled out a chair. "Didn't the Queen inform you about my arrival?" he asked, casting a pointed glance toward his stepmother.
Ember didn't flinch, merely lifting her teacup with a calm expression. Before she could respond, Draven, Azerin's elder stepbrother, cut in with a sharp voice.
"Azerin, your lack of manners hasn't changed. You're supposed to greet your mother first before making such remarks."
Azerin rested his palms lightly on the table and met Draven's eyes. "Forgive me, but I was taught to greet only those who earn that title through love, not through politics."
Gieorge cleared his throat firmly. "Azerin, stay quiet and show some respect to your royal mother."
Azerin didn't respond. His jaw tightened, the only visible sign of the anger simmering beneath his composed expression.
Soon, the servants arrived and began serving breakfast.
"Azerin, where do you live these days?" Marya asked with curiosity, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Everyone says you live somewhere mysterious. As your family, we should know!"
"Don't speak with your mouth full," Ember scolded sharply, barely glancing at her daughter.
"Mom, please," Marya sighed. "Azerin hardly visits the palace. I was just thinking... maybe I could visit him this time."
"Well, for that, you need to find it out. Also, I don't think your mother will want you to be closer to the King's illegitimate son," Azerin's sharp remark left everyone in discomfort.
He then dabbed the napkin across his mouth and stood up. "Thank you for this meal. I'll take my leave." With that, Azerin turned on his heels and walked out of the dining room.
"He still hasn't changed," Ember murmured, watching Azerin walk away.
"Don't mind him," Gieorge told her. "Let's finish the breakfast before it turns cold."