The interior of the castle was grand and luxurious. The blue tiles were polished to the point they shone. The golden light from the chandelier reflected on them, illuminating the path before them.
The symbol of Kingdom of Erebus— an eagle— was printed on the flag, and flag was proudly displayed at various corners of the castle. The background was royal blue— the color representing the Kingdom.
When it came to the territory, Kingdom of Erebus wasn't the largest. It wasn't as developed as other Kingdoms as well. A considerable portion of the Kingdom was poverty stricken. However, the huge advantage the Kingdom had was their military power.
Because of this, other Kingdoms preferred to have a friendly relationship with them.
The ruthless, stern, and precise fighting techniques had been passed on from one generation to the next in Erebus. Because of this, they produced most of the best fighters in the history. Erebus's long streak of victory proved that.
Odette raised her head from bowing, taking in the view of the throne before her. Adorned with beautiful and opulent jewels, the golden throne displayed its magnificence well.
Seated on the throne was the King of the Kingdom. A domineering expression sat on his features, capable of intimidating one easily in his presence, and that showed off his authority.
Those purple eyes of his were the inherited attribute of the Royal family, and although they stared both the children in a friendly manner, one could spot the calculation in them.
Jonathan Erebus was the seventh king of Erebus. Under his rule, the country flourished to a great extent both economically and militarily. Although he put certain value to violent measures, he paid greater attention to agriculture, diplomacy, and education, wanting to turn the nation more civil and peaceful.
Odette visited the palace plentiful of times in her past life although she didn't dabble in the politics, and considering the amount of children in Albinius household, this was an honorable matter.
However, Odette only took it as a bother. Socializing wasn't her cup of tea neither could she handle a roundabout sly conversations filled with traps. She preferred to take violent measures instead of planning out an intricate web.
Richard Albinius stood beside her. He was tense under that stare from the King, and as for Odette, she feigned to be timid, not wanting to catch the attention of perceptive and cunning king.
Damian, however, didn't bow to show off his respects the king. Arrogance and irritation was clearly present in his eyes. Nevertheless, the king wasn't offended nor was Odette surprised.
Her father had always been like this. He was adamant on not lowering his head to anyone regardless of the situation.
The Ducal household of Albinius swore an oath to protect the Royal family and to be never after the throne. Of course, it wasn't that there weren't any children from Albinius family without ambition.
However, the Royal family held a leverage against the Albinius Duke, making it easy for them to control the person.
Because of this, the Royal family wasn't on guard against Albinius Dukedom or else considering the extent of power held by the Dukedom, it would have been inevitable for the Kings to take action against.
"Duke Albinius, it had been a long while since you have showed up in Palace," the King started, "let's talk over a game of chess on the recent interesting events in your life."
"Sure, Your Majesty," answered Damian.
"That's settled then!"
Jonathan then continued, "Richard, Odette, I have heard of the progress you both have shown. Wonderful! The Kingdom holds great expectations towards both of you to carry on the magnificence of Albinius Dukedom."
Both of them thanked the King before bowing.
"Aiden and Jeanette are in the garden, waiting for you two. The maid will guide you there."