Prince Dorian moved through the corridor seeing the same high ceilings, so much time had passed but the grandeur of this place never seemed to diminish. His boots made small tinkling noise as he walked on the polished furse.
There is only one thought in his mind, everyone knows the place for its beauty, elegance and grandeur, but only those who live here know the reality of this grandeur, that it's all just a facade and that behind the glittering surface lies a world of shadow.
As he approached the last of the corridor paths. The view of the king's private garden came into view. Another luxurious thing, he was also in awe of it, when he was a child and he liked to come here but after time he gradually lost interest.
When he stepped into the garden he heard the laughing voice of a woman and his expression became unreadable. But still, he remained calm and walked towards the sitting place in the King's garden. Various maids and servants greeted him, but he could only nod.
Because he was anything other than calm. He knew who had been waiting for him alongside his father. The queen, Queen Selene, who had once been his father's consort before, but now wore the crown that had belonged to his late mother.
His mother was Queen Liora, Who had been everything that Queen Selene was not—gentle, loving, and fiercely protective of him. She had ruled beside King Aldric with grace and wisdom until a mysterious illness took her life. And still he couldn't find any clue about it.
He was just a boy at the time, who could not understand many things, only remembering the deep sorrow that had gripped the entire kingdom and that incident left a deep void in his heart ever since.
Dorian entered the pavilion. his gaze sweeping over the assembled maids and servants around the king and Queen. He didn't like to be surrounded by so many people but it seems like they were different than him, who felt powerful and superior surrounded by others who were ready anytime to fawn at them. Specifically Queen Selene and he thinks his father had gotten this habit too.
His father was sitting on a royal chair with his usual imposing aura. The king of Aetherlyn, King Aldric. His father was a formidable figure with a commanding presence and eyes that had seen too much of the world.
But it was the woman beside him that caught Dorian's attention—Queen Selene, her beauty was striking as ever. however, her smile was still as sharp as a blade.
"Ah, Dorian," King Aldric greeted with his voice booming across the Royal garden. "Come, join us."
"Dorian" If it was someone else who had said this name, he would have to face his sword because everyone in the kingdom knew how he hated this name.
But still, he remained calm and inclined his head in a gesture of respect and approached them. "Father," he said with a softer tone but in the next second in his formal tone. "Queen Selene."
Selene's smile widened seeing him though it never reached her eyes. "Your Highness, it's been too long since you last graced us with your presence. How are you my dear, Son?"
He cringes internally at her words. The words were sweet but Dorian could hear the venom beneath them. He knew Selene's true nature, the cruelty she had hidden behind her pleasant demeanor for years.
She had played the role of the doting stepmother in public perfectly so that no one could find fault in her, but in private she was far from anything other than doting. She had been a tormentor for him leaving scars too deep for him. She had used her power over him when he was too young to fight back.
"I am well," Dorian replied with his cool voice. "I trust the kingdom is thriving under your guidance."
Selene chuckled softly her eyes glittering with false warmth. "Your father and I do our best as always, you know Your Highness."
King Aldric was oblivious to the tension between them. He nodded and said. "Selene has been invaluable here, especially in maintaining the palace and nobels. You would do well to learn from her, Dorian."
Dorian forced a smile. "Indeed, Father."
He could feel Selene's gaze lingering on him as always, Silently studying him as she had done so many times before. That gaze once had filled him with fear, but not now. She is nothing more than a mosquito for him and he couldn't be bothered by insects after all they have their right to buzz.
He was no longer the frightened child she had bullied. Now he was a man, a prince with the power to crush her if he desired. Yet, Dorian had long decided that he would not play her games. Revenge was too easy, too base. He would not stoop to her level.
"Your Highness," Selene said with her voice silky smooth. "You've been so distant lately always spending your time in barracks. I do hope everything is well. The court has missed your presence."
Dorian met her gaze with his expression unreadable and with a chilled smile he said. "I've been occupied with matters of barracks and invension of another kingdom. But rest assured Queen Selene, I am always where I am needed."
Selene's smile faltered just for a fraction of a second, but it was enough for Dorian to see. And he was pleased that she got his hint, even if he was not here, the power still lies in him.
And he knew she hated the fact that she no longer had the upper hand on him, that she could no longer bend him to her will with a mere word or gesture or threats.
"Good," King Aldric said in a softer tone in front of his son. But he was oblivious to the silent battle ongoing between his wife and son and continued, "Dorian, There's so much to discuss regarding the upcoming diplomatic visit and I want you to stay at my side by the time, Your presence will strengthen our position."
"Of course, Father," Dorian replied with a small smile and continued, "I'll make sure to be present there."
After that, they start discussing the plans for the diplomatic visit.
Dorian glanced at Queen Selene from the corner of his eyes. He noticed how she leaned into his father and the subtle manipulations she employed on him to maintain her power. She had clawed her way to the top and he knew, she would do anything to stay there.