"We greet the crowned Prince future light of Atlanta."
"Raise your heads guardians of Atlanta." He sat on the chair reserved for the king.
"You must be wondering why the father isn't here to attend the meeting?"
There was no reply. They only took a glance at each other.
"Well if I were to say I am the one to summon you here today."
"I am sure there would be a valid reason behind holding up an unofficial meeting," Azriel acknowledged.
"At that none of the members of the high council have been spotted."
"It is because it is an unauthorized meeting, Lord Valentino...I don't blame you for being a muscle head in the first place." He retorted.
A dark aura slowly radiated around him engulfing the conference room.
"Your highnesses I would recommend if you'd refrain from putting up a childish act. It will tarnish your reputation. I don't remember educating my students as such-"
—"Please don't address me that way master!"
— "Please stop calling me your disciple Lord Nirvana."
They both unexpectedly replied at the same time. After a brief silence, they could feel a tremendous aura suddenly overflowing that was felt outside by the guards.
Bang*!
The royal guards rushed in holding spears to ensure if there was any threat to them. But were reassured that everything was fine.
He tightened his grip around the corner of the table that cracked its surface resulting in it breaking.
"Then back to business." He replied coldly.
"Y-yes my Lord."
Moments after resolving their matters the discussion about the rumors circulating in the palace were debated. However, the meeting ended without a conclusion.
"Lord Nirvana, aren't you responsible for guarding one of those stones according to the law?" Charles who now seemed restless demanded the stone's whereabouts.
"I see no point in disagreeing here, master."Sebastian had his suspicions about the sudden disappearance of the stones.
" True my family is responsible for guarding it but what about the 'Light of the Heaven'?Was it not the responsibility of the royal family for its protection?"He cross-questioned the crowned prince who was running out of patience.
"Wasn't Nethiloria rightfully trying to claim the stone?"
-"After the creation of the two stones, both kingdoms who were formerly known to be the great families of one great empire in the past were given the obligation to preserve the stones. However each passing day their greed knew no limits. Their use was considered life-consuming.In the end, they were eventually sealed away by the Holy Temple itself for certain reasons.No one knows where the stones are or have been lost in this vast continent."
"Sigh*So much for this meeting. I can't take this anymore. Being with a useless teacher-student duo I'd rather work overtime. You are dismissed."
"Be careful on your choice of words Charles. He is your master as well."
"Formerly was my mentor to be precise. Not anymore."He retorted leaving the conference hall.
-"This foul-mouthed bastard."He gritted his teeth in anger.
"Don't let him bother you, Prince Sebastian."
"But my Lord!" Sebastian protested.
"You are not the type to express his emotions openly. What's with the change?"
He did not reply but stood slightly embarrassed for showing a weak side.
"Let's go before it gets dark." He lightly patted his shoulder.
"Charles' motive is to obtain the two stones. There must be something he wants to obtain while using them."
"It's probably power he requires."
"I doubt it's power. He is a crowned prince. And I know he is not foolish enough to make rash decisions. It is probably something else."
-"He is unpredictable. His greed knows no bounds. I find it hard to believe it."
"Stop sulking or you'll grow old before you find a suitor."
"Wha-!"
-"And here I thought he despised unnecessary talk."
"I met her majesty your mother today. She's been here longer than I anticipated?"
"Some work kept her preoccupied so she extended her stay to a week. She will return to her the Queen's Palace tomorrow at the earliest."
"The mother and the son both don't know when to rest. Take care of her."
"I will tell her when she visits me tomorrow."
"Why not tonight."
"Please do not ask for the impossible."He pulled a long face.
-"If I were to go now, she'd force me to greet that old geezer."
"Very well. I shall take my leave, your highness."
"Please don't address me like that."
"You are the rightful heir to the throne. And you have your rights on this turf."He advised him to look forward and expect greater things in life.
" If it were Sloane she would only agree to my words like a marionette. Teach her to lead a life she wants to. This is the last thing I want you to do."
He boarded on the carriage with the emblem of Nirvana. He lipped a message before the door shut after him.
-"Help... her lead...a better life?"
He looked at the evening sky stained red.
-"You are the only one to trust me more than anyone else, master."
----------------------
"My dear I took a day off just for you. I heard you weren't feeling well today?"
"Look who's here appearing right after the night was welcomed." Lucretia looked at her drunk husband.
"To think that you care about me. The man who was busy enjoying with his harem." She slapped his hand away from her cheek.
"Are you still mad?"
-"The smell of alcohol!Even though it's forbidden. He has the guts to abuse his power."
"Do not speak a word with me." She picked up the document and resumed her work.
-"Still what can I do with this tyrant? It won't even take him seconds to change his mind."
She sighed looking at the papers. The workload exhausted her to the point where sleep was a heavenly word for her.
She called the servant and asked them to tend to him.
"Please watch your step, sire." The servants guided him to the bath.
"You bring his majesty's nightwear." The head butler ordered the servant.
"Yes sir.
"The Tear of Destruction was sighted."
"What are you mumbling about tia?"He called out from the bath.
" You come and have a bath as well. The water is grea~t."
-"Ugh, I will have to think about it later."