"Hey, are you okay?" Anry opens the door to see Adrian staring out the window. "I can bring some food up here if you want." However, he shook his head no. Expecting her to leave, the girl continued to go on and on about the different dates of the funeral. From the arrival of the flowers, the different guests that will be visiting after the event. And eventually to Adrian's coronation, that will also be happening this month. She also mentioned that since he'd been recluse. She had taken it upon herself to choose some of the decorations. Even though she tried to make some decisions, nothing could be confirmed until he came out. Adrian at first wanted to cover his ears, but refrained from doing so. Still, even after the death of his father, the responsibility of a king wouldn't end. Heck, if he'd kill the man himself, he would have the time to curse his own mind. But he didn't. Someone else wanted him dead.
"Okay," His voice cracked due to not using it since a few days ago. "I'll deal with everything tomorrow." He spoke without looking towards her. Honestly, he didn't know if she was trying her best to be kind or trying her best to prove she'll be a good queen. It didn't matter either one, it was. All he knew was that no one was going to make his solemn sadness go away.
"Yeah, but the thing is.." Her tone of words caused Adrian to turn around and face her finally. What was this about? Did he have to do more than what he's already done? He's already told the people about HIS father's demise. He already heard the scream of women, men and children alike, cry for a man they never knew. What was it he had to do? Just let him and Vi grieve in peace.
"What is it, Anry?"
"The King's parents are here, and they want to speak to you over dinner." If it wasn't for the no sleep look Adrian was pulling off, he might've actually given a good reaction. In all fairness. Why wouldn't they want to visit their child? It only seemed right. Although, he would've much rather they came when he was still kicking.
"Then let's meet them. They are my grandparents after all." Adrian watched as Anry's shocked face quickly turned into compliance. It was clear she didn't expect such a morally correct response.
"Then alright." With that she nervously steadied herself up and floofed her dress. The dress was a lot more suitable for her new position than when she first arrived. Her dress was a nice lavender-gray with princeton-orange accent to complement it. Her hair was way more curly that pulled back into a bun. Which was a clear sign that she and Viola were getting along. The jewelry she now wore around her neck was way more suitable for her outfit. The gems nicely matched the shiny accessories that dangled from her ears.
"You know…" Adrian opened his mouth to speak his thoughts but was immediately cowardly as he saw her face. He could just say nevermind, but it would seem way too weak and out of character for him right now. "You ACTUALLY look nice." Without staying to hear any of her stammers or responses he hastily heads out of the room to go meet his grandparents. As he walked down the hallway, Adrian could feel his knees getting more and more heavy. At first he could place the root of this issue, but eventually it made sense. He slowly took a deep breath as he looked over to the east wing. Although it's only been a few weeks, it seems like forever since he'd met his father down there to discuss his "debt" as king. The young boy could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. Dangit, why was he feeling like this? He had no problem with him dying before, why is he missing him now?
"King Adrian?" The sound of an unfamiliar voice caused him to negate his attention over to the maker of such melody. While the voice sounded beautiful the woman that held it looked trashy as ever. Even though she looked in her late sixties, her skin looked like it hadn't showered in days. Her hair wasn't much to speak of either. With her hair being littered with nothing, but gray dirt lined itself from root to end. The wrinkles around her face looked as if someone had spended their life pulling and tugging on her skin. "Are you okay with speaking with me real quick?" From far behind her Adrian noticed one of the men that looked so much like the king, it was scary.
"Yes, I can speak right now." Adrian slowly began to walk down the stairs before noticing the family's feet. That was the issue, he could see them. Some sandals could be okay, but track dirt into the floor only made the castle look worse by the second. But to his praise, he ignored it. "What would you like to speak about? It was weird for them to come all this way simply to see their perished son. It would be okay. Yes, but they had a different motive, Adrian could see it. Maybe it was his gut feeling… or maybe it was the fact that the other man that stood in the entrance was an executor.
"We need to talk about our share." That was the only thing the woman said before turning around and heading into the dining room. Into the place where his father had his final breath. There it was, one the king fell, all the rats stood up for some crumbs at the bottom. Adrian didn't speak to anyone as he followed the conniving group of three into the room. As the other people pulled out their chairs he watched as something moved in the distance. He didn't know if it was Anry seeing how everything goes, or Vi finally coming out of her room. Either way, their nosing about wasn't helping. Still looking up the stairs he lowered himself into the chair to continue hearing the people out.
"So," The executor, who later introduced himself as Paul, began to pull out important papers and pass them to the boy. "Let's cut to the chase. The family before you today is looking for 7 million dollars."
"No." Adrian didn't even have to look at the papers. He knew for a fact that none of the people are getting a dime from him. Still trying to stay somewhat peaceful he politely folded the papers and handed them back. Money, that's why they came. Not to grieve, not to send condolences, but money. That was the only reason they cared about his father. Adrian could feel the anger from the other two people that occupied the room with them.
"Well, why not? He's my son, you know." The woman yelling caused him to wince. With her constantly yelling profanities at him and the man constantly repeating 'I told you, hun." It was almost too much for him to bear. Adrian, once happy mood, had left just as swift as it came.
"Listen to me." Even though he spoke in a low tone, it was enough to cease all the talking that was whirling around him. "As your king, I suggest you watch your mouth. Both of you… unless you want me to make my first execution." To be honest he sort of liked the way the people below him looked in fear. And he definitely could see where his father got his looks from. The jet black hair shined brightly under their chandler as the father froze in resentment. Unlike his father, the old man before him didn't have the luxury of trimming a mess of a beard. Then again, if he only came to his grandkids for money, maybe he didn't deserve to.
"Yes sir, we'll watch our mo-"
"Good. then this is all, correct." He claps his hand together signaling for the guard to escort the group out of the manor. Although he had the upper hand he still peered into the hallways to make sure they were truly gone. He watched as the woman who was supposed to be his grandmother complained about what they didn't receive. He was almost… irritated at the sight of her, but wouldn't let a shrewd woman like that ruin his composure. He was holding a stone face for so long he almost forgot to relax. Heart feeling somewhat heavy, he took a deep breath and turned to head up the stairs. But his heart stopped when he saw who was at the top.