Chereads / Heart Shrouded by Darkness / Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Crown Prince Kael Velrath

Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Crown Prince Kael Velrath

The crimson moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the Myriad Demon Empire influenced by the unusual nature of the land.

Inside the grand halls of the palace, anticipation buzzed like a swarm of locusts. Servants hurried about, making final preparations for the arrival of the Demonic Court. Prince Kael stood by the window of his chambers, gazing out at the sprawling city of Kradnus, its dark spires piercing the heavens.

"A lot of nobles have already arrived, the capital is so lively."

"My Prince, you can't even imagine how people are excited to see you!" Aisha exclaimed.

"Yes..." Hisha shyly whispered, "We are all excited."

"Noble families from all over the Myriad Demon Empire gathered in Kradnus, every famous surname is here, including sects and schools!"

"What is the strongest sect or family in the Empire?"

"It is obviously the Nocturne and Drakovar families."

"Lucian Nocturne is the First Demon King, right hand of Her Majesty. He is a Nightwing."

"Nightwing, is Selena also a Nightwing?" Prince Kael asked, turning around to his two maids.

"She is but..." Hisha hesitated to speak.

"She is a half-breed," Aisha answered but in a lower tone, "Her father is the previous Patriarch of the Nocturne family, Sir Aleron."

"He is also Lucian's father. They are half-siblings with Selena, but it's not something we can discuss."

"As long as you discuss it with me, everything is fine. Who dares to punish you for what I asked you to do here?" Kael assured them in a playful tone.

"My Prince!" two girls adorably looked at the boy, "Selena's father, he had an affair with a member of a Monster Race. Nobody knows, at least we don't, what member of the Monster Race it was but..."

Hisha continued, "But it must be someone great, Selena is one of the strongest experts in the Empire and her talent is superb."

"Good to know."

Kael turned back to the window, his mind swirling with the new information. The view of the city was mesmerizing. The streets were filled with carriages and finely dressed nobles, each representing the illustrious families and sects of the empire. Banners of various colors and emblems fluttered in the wind, displaying the symbols of ancient houses and powerful clans.

"What is the coat of arms for Nocturne and Drakovar?"

"It's that one," Aisha pointed at a flag featuring a black crescent moon set against a field of deep midnight blue, with a pair of purple wings spread wide on either side.

"The Drakovar are over there," Hisha turned to the others side of the square, at the banner displaying a silver bat with outstretched wings on a blood-red background, with a black sword vertically centered behind the bat.

"Thank you," the boy threw a quick glance. 

These most prominent families, such as the Nocturne and Drakovar, had sent their elite. The Nocturne family combining all the Nightwing race, was well-known for their mastery of the shadows and unparalleled combat skills. The Drakovar family, the ruling clan of vampires, commanded respect and fear with their ancient bloodlines and dark magic.

Then Kael's attention was drawn to some of the species that had come to the capital. From the towering ogres of the Stonebreaker clan to the Lithe, venomous serpentine warriors of the Naga tribes, the gathering was a testament to the Myriad Demon Empire's vast and varied populace.

"This is our absolute domination over all the Demons!" Prince Kael mused inwardly. 

A sharp knock at the door brought Kael out of his thoughts. A palace guard entered and bowed deeply. "Your Highness, Her Majesty summons you to the throne room for your inauguration as Crown Prince."

Kael straightened his robes, took a deep breath, and followed the guard. The halls were lined with statues of past rulers and heroes, their stone faces stern and watchful. As he approached the grand doors of the throne room, they swung open with a resounding thud.

At the far end, on a raised dais, sat Empress Vespera Velrath, her presence commanding and regal.

The Demonic Court was assembled before her, a congregation of the empire's most formidable beings. Kael's gaze immediately fell upon the three of the six Demon Kings.

Lucian Nocturne stood tall and elegant, his enormous black feathered wings folded neatly behind him. His eyes, sharp and calculating, were a piercing shade of blue, contrasting with his raven-black hair. His face wore a perpetual, enigmatic smile, giving nothing away.

"This boy has potential, but can he handle the weight of the empire?," Lucian thought, maintaining a calm smile on his face, "Eternal Root might be just the beginning of a new Era..." 

Next to him was Vladislaus Drakovar, the vampire Demon King. He exuded an air of ancient nobility, his alabaster skin almost glowing under the crimson moonlight that filtered through the stained glass windows. His eyes were a haunting red, and his presence seemed to draw the very light from the room, casting shadows that whispered of untold power.

"A talented Velrath again, what a blessing for their lineage." the man playfully murmured under his nose, "Handsome as well." 

There was some tinge in his gaze, something that one might describe as disturbing and lecherous. 

The Bone Sword Demon King, Iratus, stood apart from the others. His skeletal features were shrouded in a dark, ethereal mist. Bones protruded from his form, forming an exoskeleton of sorts that emanated an aura of death. His eyes were deep, hollow voids, yet they burned with an intense, unearthly light.

He was the calmest of the lot, every single member of the court had some plan building up in their mind, but this one didn't.

Except him others regarded Kael with a mixture of interest and scrutiny. The boy felt that his look was the only one without any thoughts in it, empty even. 

Empress Vespera raised her hand, silencing the murmurs that filled the hall. "Today, we recognize the rightful heir to the Velrath throne. Prince Kael Velrath, step forward and accept your rites."

Kael moved to the center of the dais, his heart pounding in his chest. He knelt before his mother, feeling the weight of the eyes of the court upon him.

"By the blood of our ancestors and the power vested in me, I proclaim you Crown Prince of the Myriad Demon Empire," Vespera declared, her voice echoing through the hall. She placed a crown upon Kael's head, its dark metal inlaid with crimson jewels that glowed faintly with inner fire.

"Rise, Crown Prince Kael Velrath."

Kael stood, feeling the mantle of his new title settle upon his shoulders. He turned to face the assembled court, meeting the gazes of all the Demon Kings, Generals and Lords. Of the three Kings mentioned before, Lucian's smile remained inscrutable, Vladislaus's eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom, and Iratus's hollow gaze seemed to pierce into his very soul.

The doors to the balcony were thrown open, and Kael stepped out to greet the rows after rows of common folk gathered below. A roar of adulation rose from the crowd, their cheers and shouts of joy filling the air. Kael raised his hand in acknowledgment, feeling a deep connection to the people who looked up to him with hope and reverence.

"These are my people, my demons!" He exclaimed to himself silently, "I am now truly the Crown Prince of this world! Kael Velrath!" 

A certain change occurred inside, a shadow swirling around his heart trembled with each cheer of the crowd. 

For a moment, he allowed himself to bask in their adoration, drawing strength from their faith in him. The weight of his responsibilities felt lighter, it was replaced by his confidence, confidence in his talent.

As the ceremony concluded, Kael was led back inside, where his mother awaited. "The time has come for you to meet the elders of our family," she said, her eyes filled with both pride and love. "The Ancestor Land holds the secrets of our lineage and the wisdom of those who came before us."

Kael nodded, determination hardening his resolve. "I am ready, Mother."

"Go on, Your Grandfather is waiting." 

Kael walked alone towards the deepest part of the Palace, into the heart of his family's legacy. All alone, surrounding corridors grew dimmer and colder as he approached the entrance to the Ancestor Land. 

"How many ancestors are there?" he wondered inwardly. 

He wanted to know the strongest expert in this world, he needed a goal, his mother couldn't be. She was too nice to him. That's why he needed someone to chase after, someone who wouldn't be as caring as others with him. 

"Hopefully, there are older and arrogant ones." 

He took a step forward and the door slowly creeped open. As Kael entered the sacred grounds, he was greeted by the solemn silence of the place.

Statues of past Velrath leaders lined the path, their expressions stern and wise. Which one was his Grandfather he wasn't sure...