"Oh, Sir Edmund! You scared me. I didn't realize you were there," Havelock said, trying to compose himself. Internally, he was wondering whether Edmund had eavesdropped on his little talk.
"How could you when you were busy badmouthing the Crown Prince?" Edmund said, his tone sharp. "Speaking ill of the Crown Prince is a severe offense, and according to the family law, you could be punished with 50 strikes. But for His Highness's sake, I will overlook it this once. It would make him sad if you were crippled. Just make sure it doesn't happen again."
Havelock was taken aback and fell to his knees, bowing before Edmund. "I apologize for my impudence, Sir Edmund. I will be more careful with my words in the future."
Edmund sighed, "You should be apologizing to the Crown Prince, not me. But I doubt you have the humility to do so."
Havelock looked to be in pain, as if he was hurt by the accusation, "What pride does this slave have? This slave exists for the Crown Prince and will readily die for him. This slave is willing to apologize a hundred times if it means earning the Crown Prince's forgiveness."
It looked like Havelock was willing to do whatever it took to make amends. Edmund, however, found his behavior ridiculous. Havelock was not the least bit sincere. Edmund could see it.
Edmund chuckled dangerously, "I have to give it to you. Your acting is great. Your words say one thing, but your actions say another. If I weren't aware of your true colors, I would have fallen for your act."
Havelock felt surprised, hearing his words. "You know about it?"
"What? That you have been bribed? Or that you have promised to spy on the prince on behalf of the minor families?" Edmund blurted, a hint of anger palpable in his strict tone.
Havelock's heart shuddered as his suspicions were confirmed.
Edmund knew he had betrayed the crown prince!
Havelock was aware that his deceit would eventually come to light. However, he was caught off guard by the fact that it occurred sooner than he had anticipated. Despite this, his apprehension was short-lived, swiftly suppressed before any visible signs could betray his calmness.
"So you know I have been bribed. No wonder your attitude towards me has changed." Havelock said as he stood up, a malevolent glint flashing in his eyes.
There was a sudden shift in Havelock's demeanor as if it had done a complete 180° turn. The meekness that was once present had dissipated, replaced by pride and confidence that emanated from him.
Edmund looked at him without much change in his expression. He was aware that Havelock had a beautiful exterior but a rotten interior. He was a shameless dog that bit the hands that fed it.
Narrowing his eyes at Havelock, he declared, "That's the person I am familiar with."
Havelock snorted and questioned, "Why should I act meek when you're already aware of the truth?"
Without allowing Edmund a moment to respond, Havelock leaned in closer, his long, slender finger tracing circles on Edmund's chest. His tone was suggestive as he spoke, "It's rather surprising that you haven't exposed me to the crown prince. Is it possible that you harbor feelings for me and fear seeing me face punishment?" He spoke with a seductive smile on his lips.
"Behave yourself!" Edmund reacted quickly, slapping Havelock's hand away from his chest. With a stern tone, he replied, "I am aware that your influential backers can sway the court's decision. However, that is not why I have chosen to spare you. I will not be the one to administer punishment. Just wait and watch. You will come to regret your decision sooner than you think."
"You think too highly of that damn brat!"
"You dare disrespect the crown prince in my presence?!"
Their gazes collided in a fierce and electrifying clash that seemed to reverberate through the air. It was as if time stood still as their eyes locked in a tense and unwavering stare-down, each one looking at the other like enemies on a narrow path. The intensity of their shared gaze was noticeable, shaking their surroundings, and it was clear that they were both unwilling to back down or yield even an inch. Their faces were set in grim determination, and their soul energy seemed to emanate from them as if they were each preparing for some kind of battle.
Despite the charged atmosphere between them, neither spoke a word, and the silence only served to heighten the tension.
It was clear that this was a pivotal moment, and the outcome of this confrontation could have far-reaching consequences for both of them. But before anything could happen, a voice originated from afar, disturbing them.
"Havelock, have you not heard this prince?" Evan called out impatiently from inside his room. He didn't know that an intense staredown was taking place outside or that he had stopped a fight from taking place.
"You got lucky." The Eunuch said to Edmund.
Havelock didn't know that Edmund was a Phantom Lord. If he knew, he wouldn't have dared to put on airs before him. Edmund's true identity was sensitive. Only a handful of people in the Frost Clan knew that he was one of the three Phantom Lords that served their family.
Edmund rolled his eyes, "Don't keep him waiting."
"You are the one who delayed me unnecessarily."
With a smug look on his face, Havelock flicked his luxurious golden locks over his shoulder, sending golden strands cascading down his back. He turned away from Edmund, who was standing a few feet away and started to walk with purpose.
As he strutted away, he couldn't resist the urge to taunt Edmund a little more. So, he intentionally twisted his waist in a seductive manner, hoping to get a rise out of the other man. Havelock knew that Edmund hated Eunuchs acting like women and flirting with men.
However, his attempts to ruffle Edmund's feathers were in vain.
The tall, broad-shouldered man had already moved on, completely unfazed by Havelock's childish behavior.
In fact, Edmund didn't have any more time to waste on him as he was focused on the task at hand.
He was now stationed outside the Crown Prince's room, standing guard like a valiant knight. Havelock's petty antics were the least of his concerns, and he was far too focused on protecting the future imperial lord of frost to even give Havelock a second thought.
In the end, Havelock's attempt at seduction was nothing more than a silly spectacle that left him looking foolish. Edmund had moved on, and Havelock was left standing there, wondering why he even bothered in the first place.
'Wait! When did he walk past him?' Havelock thought as he glanced at Edmund in confusion.