Malek and Hardik met in the emperor's palace to discuss Prince Zayer as well as give an update on their progress concerning the attacks in the kingdom. Upon entering the lounge the Emperor was seated on a couch reading some papers. He looked up he saw the prince and Hardik enter.
"We greet Your Majesty, sun of the Kajar Empire," they both greeted and bowed before him.
"What do you think of the prince of Asyire, Hardik?" the Emperor asked as he looked at him. "Do you think he could be responsible of the bandit attacks in the empire?"
Malek frowned as he looked from his father to Hardik. He felt left out of the conversation as the emperor was only addressing Hardik. In fact, his father hadn't even glanced at him at all.
"It's hard to tell just yet," Hardik answered. "We have multiple guards and soldiers watching over him as you requested, they haven't seen him do anything suspicious as of yet."
"Good. I want them watching him for the rest of his stay but don't make it too obvious. I don't want anything to go unchecked. Even the servants going through his trash in his room when they clean it for any suspicious objects."
"Yes, your Majesty," Hardik accepted the order.
The emperor knew Prince Zayer would be most likely aware that he was being watched and so he wouldn't try anything, at least in an obvious way. Regardless, they just wanted to be on the safe side and watch him.
The emperor brought his hand up to his head stressed. "Imagine if he's here to laugh in our faces whilst planning an attack on our empire."
The emperor felt helpless as they couldn't do anything to stop Zayer if he truly was behind the attacks. The Asyire Empire was just too unpredictable and powerful for them to be able to go head-to-head to them.
"Surely he wouldn't do that," The emperor said to try to reassure himself.
"Rest assured I will send the order to ensure all the soldiers assigned in his quarters watch over him and his entourage carefully."
"Good, how dependable you are Hardik," The emperor praised Hardik. "I've heard of your progress and accomplishments in the Imperial army. You could be a Commander or General in due time. You've grown up quite nicely."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty," Hardik said as he bowed before him once more.
Malek gave Hardik a spiteful side eye as his jealousy bit at him.
"And the order I gave to fortify and increase the security in small towns? How is that coming along?" he asked Hardik.
Malek felt even more irritated. His father still wasn't addressing him.
"We've already given the order for army soldiers to watch over the Empires border and all the villages and cities that could be possible targets," Malek rushed to answer.
"Decided to join the conversation now, have you?" The emperor asked Malek condescendingly.
I wasn't even included to begin with, Malek thought to himself as he fought not to roll his eyes.
"You spent time with the prince earlier today. I'm sure you've seen for yourself what a true Emperor looks like," the Emperor said to Malek. "That's who you have to go against when you take over. If you remain the way you currently are, you stand no chance at all of going against him. I suggest you take not of how he behaves and see what you can take from it."
Malek rolled his eyes. It was always insults with the Emperor. He thought to himself.
"I've spoiled you too much! You're not fit to be Emperor!" "You don't try hard enough! You're so lazy!"
Memories of the cold words the emperor had once said to Malek rang in his mind. Malek balled his hands into fists. His father always criticized and belittled him. nothing he ever did could ever impress him. With each passing day Malek grew more and more frustrated with his comments.
It doesn't matter you're the crown prince at the end of the day, Malek consoled himself. He's just doing this to mess with you.
He'd become used to it, but his criticism was getting worse, especially now after he had changed Crown princess's. However, what really started all of it was that woma….
Suddenly there was a knock at the door of the lounge. The three men looked toward it. The emperor called out the person to enter and the door opened. Inside stepped a middle-aged woman of middling height and slender build. Though she looked to be in her late 50s she was extremely youthful looking and beautiful. Her dark reddish hair, hazel eyes, and a mesmerising smile were the most striking features about her.
Once she caught sight of the three in the room talking.
"Oh dear, I didn't know you were busy I'll return at a better time." The woman said to the emperor.
Speak of the Devil, Malek thought to himself.
"No come in, I was just about to send them away," the emperor told her to return.
"Very well," she said and went toward him.
"Your Highness," she said as she went past Malek and gave a small bow of her head.
"Aunt Vanira," he simply responded in a gruff voice.
She then turned to Hardik. "Hello dear," she said to him and brought a hand to his face. "I haven't seen you in a while."
"Mother," he greeted her in response. "I'm sorry I've been busy."
With the two standing next to each other, one could see the similarities in their facial bone structure but other than that Hardik looked more like the emperor and Malek.
"I hope you make time soon then," she responded.
"I will."
"Good."
She then continued to make her way toward the emperor.
"You two are dismissed and remember to keep your guards up for the following days," His Majesty gave Malek and Hardik the order to leave the room. They bowed before the emperor and turned to leave.
Malek gave his aunt one last look as she wrapped her arms around his Father's shoulders. A feeling of disgust and resentment filled him as he processed the scene before turning away and leaving.