Assignment?! The six princes' eyes widened in shocked.
Why all of the sudden, the king announced something that rocked the whole kingdom. Even the king's council doesn't have any idea about it.
What is the king possibly thinking? They are all trying to understand the situation.
"The king is planning something." Shadrach was talking to his grandson, prince Veziron. "This looks like a battle for the throne and not just a mere test."
Veziron was obviously in trance while looking at the vast horizon. Not that he is not listening to the old man but his own thoughts consumed him.
"We must do something to make sure your other brothers won't make it to the top, especially Zyrei or that Leo." The old man clenched his fist in anger. "If only that herald is on our side then all will be well."
The old man had been walking back and forth at his grandson's study room when the room suddenly opened. Then a woman came in perplexed.
"Father, my prince! I heard the king's verdict, is it true?"
"Yes. but don't worry, I'll make sure everything will be on our prince's favor." Said the old man.
"Please don't do anything rash, grandfather." They were surprise to hear the prince.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't do anything… for now."
"But Ron…..!"
"I want to have a good fight myself, grandfather. I am not against Father's decision. I like it to be that way instead."
"But…"
"I want to show him that I am qualified for the throne. And don't you think it is also a good way to prove to the people that I am the right one?" He gave a confident glow.
Shadrach stood still. The prince's confidence on himself is good. However, he is worried about the two prince, Zyrei and Leo. One of them had the king's favor while the other had the qualities of a warrior-leader. They could be a dangerous enemy.
Not that Shadrach doesn't believe in his grandson but there are some things that he can't do alone. he has his weakness too.
"If that's what you want then let it be." Then Shadrach left the room. Lady Amaya stayed for just a little while before leaving her son. She'll never have to worry about his son Veziron because he can definitely win the king's game.
She left the room and went directly to her other son's chamber, prince Rohann.
"Who do I owe this visit?" Rohann sarcastically voiced his thoughts.
"Aren't you going to invite your mother inside?"
Rohann rolled his eyes. he knew that the woman in front of him needs something. she never really visits him as a son.
"What do you need?" he asked as soon as the woman settled in.
"About the king's game…."
Rohann raised his brow. Looks like an old fox will always be an old fox huh.
"You want me to step down and declare defeat, is that right?"
"I know your smart so I don't need to explain everything to you."
Rohann laughs mockingly. "Your highness, though I know how conceited of a woman you are but as a mother I didn't expect the lease." He laid back on his chair. "What if I refused?"
"Rohann!"
"Mother!" he met his mother's gaze. "I hate the fact that you're the one who gave birth to me. I even wished not to be born in this world!" he was hurt. It was evident in his tone. "Even if I lose the game, but the other princes' are stronger than him!" then he stormed out his own chambers.
Lady Amaya was left in daze but got herself back up as soon as her son left. She didn't expect her son to act up.
"Tsk! what a hardheaded one. You should work hard to support your brother instead of going against him. after all, he is your flesh and blood." she mumbled to herself and went back to her chambers.
On the other hand, Leo and Zyrei are at the training ground. Both were practicing archery. Leo was good at Archery so he usually wins against the other princes', however, he never wins when it comes to hunting games against Zyrei. But their weaknesses did not become a hindrance on their relationship. Besides, both hates the same prince.
"Your highness, lady Shamah is here looking for both of you." One of the servant informed them. they both look at each other knowingly.
"We'll be there in a minute." Prince Zyrie answered and handed his bow to one of his servants. "Walls do have ears, huh." He sighed.
The two prince headed to where the woman was sitting. She was waiting for them at the porch near the hunting ground.
"Mom…" Zyrei greeted the woman while Leo kowtowed to show respect. "Guess you heard the king's announcement." He chuckled.
"That's why I'm here." she both looked at them with concern.
"Let me guess, you're here to tell us to back down, is that right?"
"It's for everyone's sake."
Zyrei laughed sarcastically then look at Leo and a hint of remorse emerge in his eyes. he was sorry for him not because he's pathetic but he could be a qualified king but his mother kept on discouraging them to give up the throne.
"Please understand my concern for both of you. Prince Leo, I'm sorry, I know I'm holding you back though you both have the quality to be a good king. But I don't want to lose my children because of that damn throne! I have already lost a good friend because of this rift government…" a tear drops from her eyes.
Lady Cassandra, prince Leo and prince William's mother was Lady Shamah's best friend inside the palace. However, she died because of standing up for justice and for opposing some of the elders. So from the time of her death, she became the mother of the two princes who were teenagers during that time.
The princes' understood why she was trying to stop them from participating on the king's game. However, isn't this the perfect opportunity to showcase their hidden abilities?
Since the king's game will obviously determine who is worthy to be king, isn't this the perfect time to bring down the first prince?
But it would be impossible for prince Leo to win even if he has the abilities. he was already branded as the son of a traitor. Though it was not the truth but as long as Shadrach is controlling some of the king's official, he will never have a chance to soar high.
"I understand. I shall not participate on the tests. But I'm willing to support Prince Zyrei for it." Leo uttered confidently. "I believe in him. he can definitely change this country."