An eagle perched on the edge of the palace balcony, chains hanging from its feet. The bird sat there with sharp eyes, scanning the palace garden below. Sunlight slowly began to brighten the surroundings.
A man in his forties sat comfortably, sipping tea from a cup. His gaze was fixed on the sun, which hadn’t fully risen yet.
"What else did they find?" the man asked.
The man in formal attire beside him looked calm as he adjusted his glasses. But his eyes showed anxiety. He kept glancing at the man’s expression. Even after serving him for decades, he was still afraid of making a mistake. No one could afford to make a mistake in front of Prince Virouse.
"Prince Anam seems to have met Prince Sylas in his room. I heard they also captured a servant who was with Prince Sylas," he said. Then he glanced again at Virouse’s face to see if his expression had changed.
As Virouse set his teacup down, his expression stayed the same, and his tone didn’t change. His sharp eyes stared at the eagle in front of him, his thick eyebrows furrowing. His still-handsome face at his age showed a small smirk.
"Aaron," said Virouse.
Aaron, Virouse’s personal servant and bodyguard, bowed his head.
"Yes, Your Highness." Sometimes he forgot that Virouse was just a human. He was too calm, too perfect. His hair was always neatly combed, as if even the wind refused to disturb it, no matter the time of day—even on a morning .
His bright brown eyes looked at him softly but sharply. Aaron didn’t know what that look meant, but from experience, it was never a good thing.
Virouse smiled. "Do I need to know about that servant?"
Aaron immediately realized his mistake but didn’t back down. "The servant wasn’t there when Prince Sylas was captured by our shadow troops. Maybe you’d want to know more about him. James sent him to the Royal Cells."
Virouse looked uneasy. His hands clenched, even though his face stayed calm. He had come this far, and his troops still couldn’t handle everything. Sylas could still get into the palace!
"Terion..." he muttered tensely.
"Duke Terion is still in his room. What will you do, Your Highness?"
Aaron felt his head grow heavy at that moment. He had already sent orders to punish the troops who failed to kill Sylas. That alone had taken a lot of time and effort. Now he was sure Virouse was getting angrier with everything happening.
"I’ll meet General Huron. I know he follows palace rules, and I like that. I’ve always believed he was on my side. He supports me, and I’ll make sure it stays that way. I’ll bring the Rhovan troops. We just need to get rid of Terion. That bastard..." Virouse sighed deeply.
The throne was within reach. He wouldn’t give up now. He had waited decades for this moment.
Huron walked toward Virouse’s room. He already knew what the prince would say. Still, he walked steadily. Although he was older—even older than King Adrien—he was in the best physical condition in the kingdom.
The guards informed Virouse of his arrival. Soon, Huron was inside the prince’s chamber.
Virouse was sitting on the sofa and gestured for him to sit across from him. But Huron refused.
"I have many things to do today, Your Highness. Forgive me for not staying long today," Huron said.
Virouse frowned. "What are you saying, Huron? You’re my friend. Your problems are my problems. Don’t make me feel like a stranger."
Huron bowed respectfully. "Prince Sylas has returned. The trial can begin. I’ve summoned Duke Marcellus. And since Duke Terion and you are already here, that saves time."
Virouse fell silent, staring at Huron. His calm face looked sharp.
"Huron... Oh, did I hear that right?"
"I’ll follow royal procedures, Your Highness."
"No. No. What you need to do now is announce to the public that I, Prince Virouse, will be in charge of the palace while His Majesty cannot perform his duties... due to illness."
"That’s what you need to do. Didn’t we agree on that?" Virouse added.
Huron smiled. "Forgive me, Your Highness. According to royal law, I lead the royal council when the King is absent. I must decide on Prince Sylas’s current status. Since the prince is safe in the palace and undergoing examination, and His Majesty is ill, I’m authorized to manage the palace until His Majesty—or his successor—is ready to lead."
Virouse couldn’t speak. He clenched his fists tightly. Huron was the general he had appointed—the one who had helped him kill the previous general and given him his position. And now, this man was standing in his way?
"Huron... I know you care about your reputation in the kingdom. But trust me, you’ll get a much better position when I take the throne."
"I’m sorry, Your Highness. Your words are dangerous, and I could report you as a traitor. Please be careful."
Virouse held his breath. He stared at the old man in front of him. "You... choose war."
"I’m protecting the kingdom. I’m making sure everything follows the kingdom’s laws." Huron didn’t flinch, even though he knew exactly what he was facing. Virouse was strong and cunning.
Virouse chuckled softly. "I’m also protecting the kingdom, General Huron. Do you think I want to destroy it? I’ll summon my troops here. I’ll help strengthen the kingdom’s defenses until His Majesty recovers."
Huron refused. "You cannot do that, Your Highness. If even one Rhovan guard crosses the capital’s borders, I will declare you a royal rebel. Please... don’t do that."
Virouse pressed his lips together. "So now you’re acting like the ruler?"
"I have the authority to do so."
Virouse gritted his teeth. He stared hard at Huron.
Huron took a deep breath. It felt heavy. He couldn’t breathe properly. Then he bowed respectfully.
"I’ll leave now. Please prepare for Prince Sylas’s hearing."
Huron turned away and left Virouse, who held back his anger.
Virouse closed his eyes, trying to calm the fury building in his chest. Huron... that traitor. He knew exactly why the general had insisted on keeping him out of Adrien’s room ever since the king was poisoned. Huron was trying to protect his reputation. But Virouse hadn’t expected him to openly defy him.
This only made him more determined to take the throne. He swore he would make that man regret it. Latest content publıshed on novel•fire.net
"Aaron, where is the servant Prince Sylas brought with him?"