In a secluded corner of the kingdom, far from the looming debates of the royal court, three figures sat beneath the shade of a large, ancient tree, its branches whispering in the wind. They laughed together as if the world outside didn't exist. Their joy was carefree, the kind only those with immense power could afford. Yet, beneath their laughter, there was a subtle tension—a knowledge that, though they could enjoy such moments, the kingdom around them was on the verge of chaos.
A young man, no older than his twenties, leaned back against the tree trunk, observing the ongoing political strife with a smirk. "Wow," he said, shaking his head. "The kingdom really is out of control. The officials are losing their minds. They can't even figure out who should be crown prince. It's like a game to them, but the stakes are too high."
His companion, equally young and carefree, took a sip of his drink and chuckled. "Let the game continue. It's amusing to watch. I'm in no rush. A few more days of chaos, and we'll see how desperate they become."
The woman who sat beside them, the picture of elegance and mischief, smiled at their remarks. Her laughter, light and melodic, filled the air. "Why don't we just leave all of this behind and go to the ocean?" she suggested, her voice full of playfulness.
The two men exchanged glances, amused by her suggestion. "You go alone," one of them teased. "We'll stay here and enjoy the peace."
She grinned, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I can't go anywhere without you two. You know that," she replied, raising an eyebrow in challenge.
Despite their teasing, they all knew the truth of it. The three of them were powerful but like the Zientek family.
Back at the Zientek estate, the family continued to enjoy their peaceful day in the garden. The sounds of birds singing, the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers, and the soft clink of teacups on saucers filled the air. It was a moment of respite, one that seemed far removed from the political storms raging in the kingdom.
The reason they were so at ease, of course, was their undeniable power. They could rule, if they wished, but their desire was simply to remain in the shadows, free from the chains of politics. The world could burn if it wanted to—they didn't have to get involved.
As they relaxed, a small bird appeared, flapping its wings gently as it approached them. Its delicate feathers shimmered in the sunlight, and it landed in front of the Zientek family with a soft chirp. The bird's presence was not unusual here—animals often delivered messages from trusted allies. One of the Zientek family members reached out, taking the message with a practiced hand.
Unfolding it, they read the words penned by Lady Lennon, their longtime friend and confidante.
"Dearest Zientek family, I hope this message finds you well. I must apologize for the sudden request, but the second prince, Roman Antonio, has asked for your assistance urgently. He would be most grateful if you could visit him. Lady Lennon will accompany you. I understand this is an unusual request, but it is truly pressing. Yours, Lennon."
The Zientek family looked at the message without concern. The second prince? Why would he need them? They had always kept to themselves, avoiding the politics of the royal family. They had no desire to get involved in the growing tensions surrounding the throne. Their lives had been content, peaceful. The thought of stepping into the storm swirling around the monarchy didn't faze them.
With a brief chuckle, one of the Zientek family members took a moment to consider their response. There was no fear, no hesitation. They were powerful, influential, and well beyond the petty concerns of the royal family. After a few moments, they took out their own paper and wrote a response that was polite but conveyed their firm stance.
"Thank you for thinking of us, but we prefer to stay away from royal matters. We are homebodies, not inclined to meddle in the kingdom's politics. We regret that we must decline your invitation."
Satisfied with the response, the Zientek family sealed the letter and sent it back with the bird. It was an easy decision. However, when the reply reached Lennon, the atmosphere shifted. Lennon wasn't one to take no for an answer, especially when it came to something as important as the second prince's request. She immediately sent a message to Roman Antonio, the second prince.
"The Zientek family regrets they cannot come. They prefer to remain away from the politics of the court. However, I have passed along your request, and I hope they will reconsider. They do have a kind heart, after all."
Roman read the note with a raised brow, disbelief flickering across his face. He had never expected the Zientek family to refuse him. This wasn't a trivial request—it was urgent, and he needed their assistance. Roman wasn't one to give up easily, especially when it came to something that could affect the entire kingdom.
Determined, he quickly wrote a reply, his frustration evident in the sharpness of his words. "Zientek family, I implore you to reconsider. This matter is of great urgency. If you agree to help, I will ensure that I repay you—whatever you wish. Your assistance is invaluable, and I will not take no for an answer."
The Zientek family received the second invitation with a knowing look. There was no fear in their eyes, no sign of being pressured. The second prince could ask all he wanted—they were not easily swayed. But something in the prince's tone caught their attention, a sign that this wasn't merely a diplomatic request but a matter of importance.
They agreed to come, not out of obligation, but because they were curious. With Lady Lennon accompanying them, the Zientek family made their way to the second prince's chambers. They moved with the calm assurance of those who knew their worth and understood their power.
Upon arrival, they were ushered into the waiting room. The Zientek family exchanged idle conversation, unconcerned by the royal drama unfolding around them. When the door opened, they didn't flinch or show any sign of apprehension. They had dealt with royalty before, and this prince was no different.
Roman Antonio entered, and the Zientek family regarded him coolly. He wasn't a threat to them. His appearance was striking—his red hair and piercing blue eyes, inherited from his mother, gave him an air of undeniable charisma. But it didn't intimidate the Zientek family in the slightest. They had seen power in all its forms.
Roman smiled at them, an easy, almost playful expression on his face. "I'm Roman Antonio," he said, his voice rich and calm. "I assume you've heard of me, though I can't imagine the rumors do me any justice."
One of the Zientek family members met his gaze with a calm smile. "We've heard of you, of course. But rumors are hardly the truth, are they?" they replied, their tone cool but not unfriendly.
Roman chuckled, unfazed by their response. "Well, now you get to meet the real me," he said, his grin widening. "But enough about that. Let's get to business. We've got a lot to discuss."