Kieran took a cold shower trying to calm down, everything is messed up and he shouldn't make it worse. He will be the king and he have to plan everything, no wrong decisions or back up plans, everything have to be perfect, under control; under his control, like his father planned, he will apply. But now he need to think clearly; put the dots on the words and find a way out. He can't find it alone however he knew who can help him.
He wore a classical white dress shirt with black vest and black pants with black boots and some silver rings. He went straight to Verin and he didn't even bother himself to knock first.
"-We need to talk.
-I know…sit down first." Kieran sat in front of the old man waiting for him to talk; but Verin kept rubbing his temples silently.
"-so you heard about what happened?
-Yes, and I can't think straight, everything happened together and there is no single trace or clue for the culprits.
-at least I am not the only one.
-you should have kept your eyes on the castle while I am busy with your marriage preparation.
-well I did, but when I wanted to have a small vacation they decided to make riots." Kieran commented sarcastically and put his legs on Verin's desk with his hand behind his head making himself comfortable. The king sighed in disbelief shaking his head before pushing the young boy's legs away and he added with a serious tone with a hidden anger:
"-Kieran this is not a joke. When are you gonna be responsible for once. You are gonna ruin everything your father built with your childish behavior. And I am not gonna let that happen.
-Calm down old man, I am just joking, trying to ease the tension. So tell me what you did so far?
-I will send this letter to…" Kieran snatched the letter from Verin's hand and start reading it:
"-…And me the King Verin, the lawful king of the Drystan kingdom, I announce that my daughter, the princess Ayana will marry the lawful heir of the Nox kingdom. And anyone who will go against the prince he is going against me and my kingdom…"Kieran ended up laughing and gave back the letter to Verin and straightened up his position before he added:
"-one problem is down… you can leave the rest for me, and if I need anything I will tell you. Just keep with the wedding preparation." Kieran added and stood up so did Verin.
"-What are you gonna do Kieran?
-Don't worry uncle, I won't mess up." Verin walked to him and held the young prince's shoulders firmly and said with a warm smile:
"-I trust you. But…don't tell Ayana, I don't want her to feel bothered.
-I won't, don't worry."
The door opened wide open, revealing the angelic face of Ayana with her sweet smile:
"-oh Kieran I have been looking for you.
-What happened?
-Nothing to worry about actually, I am preparing for a small gathering for tonight so you'd better not come late." She said warning him with her finger, but Kieran with his usual sarcasm:
-Since when I don't arrive at time.
-you mean since when you arrive on time?
-ok you got me in this.
-what were you doing with dad?
-oh! He was showing me how to stand like a king. You know stupid protocol.
-As if you care about the royal protocol.
-I started to care, you have a problem with that." Ayana rolled her eyes and turned to the smiling king:
"-hey father, sorry but we can't have dinner with you tonight. We will eat at Mal's room.
-It's ok sweetheart, as you like.
-Thank you… and Kieran you have thirty minutes to come.
-ok princess, shall we." Kieran said offering his hand for her to hold and walk out. They both went outside.
"-by the way where is Mal?
-Already missing her.
-Ayana!
-she is in the library, stop whining like a child.
-thanks see you.
-What wait…you'd better not be late." But he didn't bother himself to answer her but hurried up his pace walking to Mal.
Ayana was shocked how he ignored her and put her hands on her hips. Suddenly, Miranda passed by her and she stopped her. The maid bowed her head to the princess before she asked:
"-Do you need anything your highness?
-What did I told you to do?
-You told me to show our guests around the castle.
-And what did you do?
-Did I do something wrong?
-Don't answer my question with another.
-Sorry.
-I told you to show them around not seduce the guy and ignore the girl.
-But your majesty I….
-Don't go around him again or even think about approaching him or there will be consequences.
-Yes Madame." Miranda bowed and Ayana left her to check if everything is settled.