JAX POV
I followed Vela's retreating figure, Kael beside me, the sounds of the training ground fading behind us. Every step toward the throne room tightened the familiar knot in my chest.
I hated this place. Not because of the king's power, but because of how he saw me.
The throne room loomed ahead, grand and cold. Marble floors polished to a reflective shine, towering columns that seemed to pierce the vaulted ceiling, banners of Verlis fluttering gently in the magically suspended breeze. Every detail screamed authority, perfection… and control.
When I stepped inside, the air shifted. The room seemed to constrict around me, heavy with incense and old magic. The king sat atop the gilded throne, calm, poised… and utterly inhuman.
"Jax, my boy," he said, his voice smooth, almost warm, and that was what made it worse. He didn't see me as a person… not really. He saw potential, strength, and usefulness. A weapon perfected over the years. A boy he molded. A killer
I inclined my head, keeping my distaste in check. "Yes, Your Majesty."
He nodded once, studying me with that same piercing gaze. "You performed excellently on your last mission I'm super pleased. The Trials are approaching, and I expect you to maintain your… efficiency."
Efficiency. The word hit like ice. I was supposed to be flawless, unstoppable, cold, ruthless… and nothing more. Nothing human.
Kael nudged me, smirking. "Father seems to be so pleased with you today."
I didn't reply.
The king's green eyes flicked toward Kael briefly… acknowledgment, warmly… then back to me his eyes cold. "Do not fail me, Jax, my boy. You have responsibilities beyond your understanding."
I clenched my fists, forcing the irritation down. "Understood."
The king's gaze shifted, sharp and deliberate, though that small hint of familiarity… the way he said my boy still made my skin crawl.
"How was your visit to Eldoria?" he asked. "Should we expect to see King Cedric and some of his dragon riders at the opening ceremony of the Trials?"
I kept my expression unreadable, letting my voice stay calm, clipped. "The visit went as expected, Your Majesty. King Cedric sends his regards, and a contingent of riders will attend the opening ceremony."
"Good," he said, leaning slightly forward, fingers drumming on the arm of the throne. "I trust you ensured our… interests were well represented."
I could feel the weight behind the words, the subtle expectation that I'd done more than report, that I'd maneuvered, influenced, controlled… all while maintaining the façade of obedience. I nodded slightly. "Everything is in order. Nothing was left to chance."
He studied me for a long moment, green eyes flicking over my form like a blade inspecting steel. "Excellent, my boy. You always handle these matters with precision. I expect nothing less during the Trials."
I forced my jaw to relax, letting a faint nod pass as agreement. Inside, I was irritated. Precision, efficiency, obedience… words for a weapon, not a man.
Kael, standing beside me, cleared his throat. "He does like calling you 'my boy,' huh?" he muttered under his breath, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Father my adopt you soon."
I shot him a glare sharp enough to make him chuckle. Some things, I thought, never changed. The king could see me as a tool. But Kael… Kael was the only one who made it bearable. I was his son's best friend.
Dismissed," the king said, and the weight of the throne room finally lifted.
I turned on my heel, walking out with Kael at my side. Every step felt lighter than inside the throne room, but that familiar itch of being measured and judged lingered in my chest.
"Oh, wait, Jax," the king called, a thin smile on his lips. "I heard your betrothed is competing in the Trials."
I froze for just a heartbeat. Great. He was really bent on marrying me off to some stranger I knew nothing about.
"So I heard, my king," I said, faking a smile that felt more like a grimace.
"You haven't met her yet, have you?"
"No… I haven't," I admitted, voice level, forcing calm. How could I meet someone I already hated? Someone who just did the king's bidding?
"Well," he said, eyes glinting faintly, "you both will meet at the ceremony. That will be all for now… you're dismissed."
I inclined my head, holding back the dark surge of irritation rising in me. As we stepped out of the throne room, I could feel Kael smirking beside me, clearly waiting for me to explode.
I resisted the urge. For now.
As soon as we were out of the throne room, I let out a long breath, letting the tension of the king's gaze slide off my shoulders. Kael, of course, didn't let me enjoy a single second of relief.
"So," he said, elbowing me lightly, "my soon-to-be-married man, what's it feel like knowing you're about to meet your betrothed?"
I shot him a look sharp enough to make him grin wider. "I don't know yet, Kael. That's the problem. And judging by your father's tone, I'm supposed to swoon or something."
Kael laughed, loud and unapologetic. "Oh, come on, Jax. You're probably thrilled. Finally, someone else to boss you around… someone father picked just for you. Lucky you."
I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the tug of amusement under his teasing. "Lucky me, huh? Right. Lucky me that I have no say, no idea who she is, and probably will hate her instantly for breathing in the same air as the throne room."
Kael snorted. "Ah, classic Jax. Hate at first sight. I like it. Makes things more interesting."
I shoved him lightly, more to hide the small grin threatening to escape than to actually hurt him. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Maybe," he admitted with a sly smirk. "But hey, don't look at me… I'm just your loyal friend, giving you a little moral support. You're welcome, soon-to-be-married man."
I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. "I swear, Kael… if she turns out to be a nightmare, I'm blaming you. Keep teasing me then your sorry ass is getting betrothed next."
He just chuckled again, shoulders shaking. "Relax, bro. Worst case scenario, she dies in the Trials and you won't have to marry her."
I shot him a sideways glare, but I couldn't stop the slight twitch of a smile. Yeah… maybe. I hope so."