"Okay, stop kneeling. I don't find pleasure in watching a grown-ass man kneeling to me."
Evan's voice cut through the frigid air and rang in Havelock's ears.
Havelock slowly rose from the cold, hard floor, his legs wobbling like a newborn fawn's as he struggled to regain sensation after being on his knees for too long.
With great effort, he managed to stand up, but his shaky form was immediately met with the intense scrutiny of Evan's piercing eyes.
Evan eyed Havelock, trying to read his intentions.
Was the eunuch before him feigning weakness, biding his time to exact a brutal revenge?
Or was he truly at the end of his tether and had no means to disobey him?
The only way to find out was to test him. If he failed his test, he would lose his life, but if he passed it, Evan knew it wouldn't hurt to keep him alive. Evan's plan was to motivate Havelock to serve him through a combination of incentives and threats after he passed his test.
"Havelock, I have a task for you. Are you up for it?" Evan asked with an inviting smile, his voice dripping with purpose.
Deep down in his heart, Evan knew it didn't matter. Having already beaten Havelock once, he was confident that he could do it again. Moreover, he now possessed complete power over Havelock's fate, including the decision to spare or end his life. He had no qualms about the well-being of those who wanted him dead. He knew he would stop at nothing to eliminate him once and for all if Havelock ever dared to cross him again.
However, he couldn't help but test him.
Havelock's eyelashes quivered with uncertainty as he tried to guess what the crown prince of frost had in store for him. However, he found it impossible to read his intentions. Evan had changed too much, too suddenly. A slave like him couldn't possibly know what he was like.
"Your Highness, how may this slave be of service to you?" Havelock asked with humility.
"I want you to inform the Captain of the Phantom Regiment that I wish to meet him."
Evan's voice carried a hint of warmth as he spoke.
The Captain of the Phantom Regiment was none other than Lirian Shadowfire, the son of the Frost Empress's closest confidante. When Lirian's father disappeared after the empress's death, the Patriarch of the Frost Clan took him in as one of his own. Although the identity of Lirian's father remained a mystery, his formidable power was well-known to all.
Evan and Lirian had grown up together, exploring the lush forests and verdant fields that surrounded the palace. As children, they spent countless hours playing games and telling stories long into the night, sharing their deepest hopes and fears with each other.
However, when Lirian was of age, he decided to join the army, and their paths diverged.
Evan stayed behind to prepare for his future as the crown prince, while Lirian set out on a different path, one that took him to far-off lands and through countless battles.
Despite the distance between them, their brotherhood remained unshaken.
Magnus had granted his son's wish, granting him full control of the Regiment. Evan had used his authority to promote Lirian to the position of Captain of the Phantom Regiment. Over the years, Lirian had given him countless gifts, and Evan felt it was only fitting to repay his friend's generosity.
Even the device that lacked an energy signature and was used by Evan to catch the disobedient eunuch off-guard was a gift from Lirian, given without hesitation or expectation of reward.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Havelock replied humbly and immediately departed to carry out the command.
As Havelock disappeared from sight, Edmund Darkwook turned to Evan and asked, "Your Highness, may I ask why you let Havelock go? Won't it be dangerous to keep someone who may be a potential threat?"
Evan paused for a moment before responding, "Sir Edmund, have you heard the saying, 'Keep your friends close but your enemies closer'? The minor families may try to use Havelock against me, but if he stays close, I can use him to my advantage and catch them by surprise. Havelock is more valuable to me alive than dead."
"I understand, Your Highness," Edmund replied, nodding his head in understanding. "It's a clever strategy… but also quite dangerous."
"Indeed it is," Evan agreed, a solemn expression painting his face. "But sometimes it is necessary to make alliances with those we do not fully trust."
"But, Your Highness, what if Havelock proves to be disloyal?" Edmund pressed, as he didn't want to see Evan put himself in danger.
"Then we will deal with him accordingly," Evan replied firmly. "But for now, we must use every resource at our disposal to maintain our position of power and expand our reach."
Edmund was completely loyal to the Frost Clan. As long as Evan was the Crown Prince, he would serve him wholeheartedly. That also meant that he would lose Edmund's support if he lost his current status.
Edmund nodded in agreement. "I understand, Your Highness. I will trust in your judgment."
"Thank you, Sir Edmund," Evan said with a grateful nod. "Your loyalty is greatly appreciated."
Soon after, Havelock returned to the room, accompanied by Lirian.
Lirian ShadowFire was a striking young man with sharp features and a tall, lean build. His piercing blue eyes were framed by thick, dark lashes, and his raven black hair was styled in a messy, windswept fashion. He had a chiseled jawline and high cheekbones, giving him an almost regal appearance.
Lirian carried himself with confidence and grace, befitting the Captain of the Phantom Regiment.
He wore a sleek, black leather jacket adorned with silver accents and a red silk scarf, which fluttered in the wind as he moved. His boots were made of supple leather and had silver buckles, adding to his overall air of elegance.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Lirian said respectfully as he approached Evan, saluting him.
"Relax, Lirian," Evan replied, causing the young man to straighten up.
"What can I assist you with?" Lirian asked, eagerly awaiting the prince's command.
Evan studied him carefully before speaking.
"I need you to purchase two tickets to Planet Emerald. We'll be departing within the hour."