" Your imperial highness" Caspian turned around and bowed, his grip on his dagger firm.
If there was one thing he knew, it was that this young man in front of him was most mischievous. Both stared intensely at each other, before the imperial prince's eyes crinkled with a smile.
" Now dare Caspian " The imperial prince dared to address him informally
" Why so tense? " He slowly walked towards them, with his sister, Imperial princess Mai subtly shifting to stand behind Caspian.
Caspian's mouth twitched in annoyance, he was obviously older than this brat, but of course the imperial prince was the future emperor. He couldn't afford to displease him.
"Does your imperial highness have nothing better to do ? " Caspian's mask finally dropped, his disgust for the man finally showing, But his smile ever present.
Mai's eyes widened at the Royal prince's bravery, Her brother may not look like it but he was the most devious man to ever grace their empire. She loved a strong man but messing with her brother was definitely out of the question.
" Mai, i remember asking you a question" He ignored the crown prince, now facing his sister, his eyes shooting daggers. He knew exactly why she had was out here clinging to the crown prince.
His sharp eyes flickered to his sister, then back to the crown prince. Mai shifted uncomfortably, hiding behind Caspian.
Caspian stood tall in his own hall , the embodiment of authority. His grip on the dagger at his side wasn't a gesture of fear—it was a silent reminder of who held power here.
His icy gaze met the imperial prince's unwavering.
" Your imperial highness, " Caspian said evenly " Perhaps it would be wise to address your affairs before concerning yourself with mine " Caspian said , he didn't want this sly prince in his business.
The prince's lips twitched, amused but unyielding.
" Wise words, crown prince. But some affairs have a delicate way of intertwining, dont they "
Mai stepped forward with an exaggerated sigh , her delicate fingers brushing over the fabric of Caspian's sleeves as though staking a claim.
" Brother , must you be so dramatic? I was merely speaking with our gracious host Surely, there's no crime in that "
She smiled slyly scooting closer to the crown prince who resisted the urge to pull away from her touch , though his disdain for her was clear in the tight line of his jaw .
" I see her imperial highness has nothing better to do with her hands. How about knitting this crown prince a blanket " He smiled like a saint , knowing very well the imperial princess couldn't knit.
Imperial princess Mai froze as soon as she heard his words, much to her brother amusement . He must admit he didn't know the nicest man in Alcheria could actually be this sly, because if there was one thing Mai couldn't do it was knitting.
She couldn't knit to save her life, yet it was a crucial skill for every noble lady to have . It had been kept a secret from the public, as if word got out she would be extremely ridiculed despite being the daughter of an emperor.
He couldn't understand however, how this prince knew about it. He wasn't to be underestimated indeed.
" Kn.....ah...k.... " She stuttered, every ounce of elegance vanished for a moment. " Did you say knit ? " She chuckled nervously.
" Of course... Unless you can't knit " He feigned confusion, at the same time smirking on the inside.
" Wh...wh...what no ! Of course I can " To this both men raised a brow , before sharing a knowing glance.
" Great, then if her imperial highness would be so kind to knit this prince a blanket " He persisted , his eyes flickered with a cunning light.
" Ah , i would love to but this princess is a bit under the weather " she shamelessly lied , her lips pursed into a thin forced smile.
" Are you now ?" This time around it was her brother that leaned forward to inspect, a Mocking smile on his face .
" Yes , if you'll excuse me " She hurriedly curtsied , passing her brother a subtle glare while quickly walking away embarrassed.
They both stood watching her till she disappeared from view
" i never excepted the crown prince to be this cunning , you sure know your game " The imperial crown prince said , his eyes finally coming to settle on the crown prince who didn't bother to reply.
" You seem tense, Caspian " Again he annoyingly dropped the honorifics on purpose to irk and ruffle Caspian's feathers. The man was just to composed for his liking.
" A man so quick to draw his dagger must have a great deal on his mind "He subtly mocked .
Caspian's hand relaxed deliberately, though his eyes didn't leave the imperial prince's.
" And a man so eager to pry must have too much time on his hands. Tell me , does your empire not demand more of it's future ruler ?"
The subtle jab landed. The imperial prince's smirk faded slightly though his composure remained . " Rest assured, crown prince, my empire is well in hand . The same cannot be said for yours, should you continue to tolerate certain..... distractions "
" I'm glad we both know she's a distraction " The crown prince rolled his eyes.
Malcolm who had stood like an invisible wall the whole time , finally stepped forward.
" Your royal highness, the Royal court is ready for the meeting you requested " Malcolm bowed not raising his head as there were now two royals of different rank before him.
" I heard about the whole issue with the lord paramount " Imperial prince Lorien suddenly spoke , halting the crown prince in his tracks.
His fist now clenched, he just couldn't understand why this young man stuck his nose into every and anything.
He was the future emperor, yes. But he wasn't the emperor yet.
" It is an issue that has been handled and will be rounded up within this kingdom " He spat , his eyes narrowing despite his smile. The imperial prince just knew how to make his blood boil .
" What about the lady forced into slavery? " He deadpanned, matching the crown prince's intense gaze .
" Your imperial highness Lorien , this prince would appreciate it if his imperial highness stops poking into affairs within the kingdom only " Caspian firmly shot back , both prince now stood face to face , almost stepping on each other.
" Is it because you plan to cover this matter and leave the lady to become a slave ? "
A/N: I'm writing this to clear off any confusion.
In this story, the empire is divided into four kingdoms with different kings to rule over them while the emperor still remains the absolute ruler.
So the emperor and his descendants are reffered to as " imperial"
While the kings and their descendants are reffered to as "royals " A rank below the imperial.