After a long and quiet drive with Natalie wondering at the back of her head where it was that they're going as the hotel wasn't that far to the best of her memory, they arrived at a wrought-iron gate that swung open automatically. Jonas wheeled into the long, tree-lined, cobblestone driveway that curved in front of the porch. Natalie appreciated the stunning architecture she beheld. The white two-storey building stood gracefully with large pillars and windows that covered almost all its height. The walls and floors had strips of LED that illuminated it as well as the numerous light fixtures that hung on the walls or suspended from the ceiling. A group of about ten uniformed servants, six of whom were females, lined up to welcome Isaac home. He held Natalie's hand, and they walked in together while Jonas carried on to park the car. The interior was sleek and luxurious with polished marble flooring and intricately crafted ceilings. The colour theme was gold and off-white, and the bl
Natalie was practising for her dance when Isaac walked in. She faced him, her breath short and her hair still wet from the shower she had about fifteen minutes ago.He'd left her alone for the past two hours and it's already past 7 pm, but the room's lighting could give the false impression that it's still daytime.Isaac gave her a smutty look. She looked cute dressed in his t-shirt with her hair tangled and hanging over her face.“Hey.” She uttered nervously after pausing the music, remembering their last encounter.“I doubt you're hungry?”“No, not yet.”“Practising?” He continued into the room, closing the door behind him.“Yes. How're you feeling?”He curved his brows. “I'm not sick.”“Well, I've been feeling guilty about earlier.”He chuckled and sat on the bed. “I'm okay. It just disturbs me briefly.”“I might be out of line but… is there a reason for that?” She sat beside him.“Trauma, my mother used to cut my hair a lot when I was a child. It's so bad she'd get me bleeding at t
Natalie woke up the next morning to the sounds of people going on and about. She sat up and stretched, feeling like she's never had such a peaceful sleep before. The bed was so warm and silky, and knowing she had no class that morning added to her tranquillity.Isaac's watch on the nightstand caught her attention, and she wondered if he'd come in while she's asleep.She slipped out of bed and strolled barefoot towards the walk-in closet, which led to the bathroom.Two maids stood still waiting by the dresser, looking like mannequins. She greeted them, and they greeted back simultaneously and continued staring at the wall, their hands crossed on their bellies.She scrunched her face slightly, finding them really bizarre. She continued to the bathroom and allowed herself in after putting on a pair of slippers by the door.Poo was steaming Isaac's hair carefully, and Dan stood by the wall waiting with a bathrobe hanging on his arm. Jonas was reading a fancy scroll to him but stopped when
“What's your love language?” Natalie sipped her watermelon smoothie, swirling the straw around the red liquid.Isaac sat back on the cushioned chair, one of his elbows probed on the arm. He gave her a cute smile, one as warm as the morning sun that shone through the glass window. “Sex.”She giggled, drawing her knees closer to her chest. “How many ladies have you slept with?”He rolled his eyes up as he thought it over. “Four, you're the fifth.”“How old are you again?”“Thirty-one.”“And you've only been with four women?”He nodded, nibbling on another macron. “Three were my girlfriends. I told you I had good self-control.”“For how long have you been single before me?”“About three years.”“I won't believe you've been abstinent for that long.”He shrugged, a relaxed smile on his face. “I'm a prince you see, I can't have every girl have that experience with me. It'd hurt my pride.”“I must be very lucky to have got you laid then.”He gave her a look-see, her short hair tied up in a b
[[BARDAEN]]The king was in his private cabinet having a midnight cup of tea by the fireplace while going through the government reports.His page permitted himself into the room and bowed before him. “The Prince's cook has been taken care of. Your assumption was correct.”“Filter out every of the queen's people around the prince.”“There's only one now remaining, and I believe the Prince knows about him. He must have a reason for letting him be.”“Sure, but keep a close look on him.”“Yes. The prince seems to be romantically engaged with this lady. She currently lives with him.” He kept a sealed black file on the table.The king gave it a glance. “Do you think he's willing to settle with her?”“She is of lowly birth, your Majesty.”The king gave the burly, bald, bearded man a scrutinising look. “For how long?”“She moved in five days ago, but it seems they've been together for a week or two. I believe she's the reason he went to the school.”The king thought over it for a minute and
“Drop your weapon.” Jonas ordered, holding his handgun fixed at the back of Ben's head.Ben didn't budge, and Vincent laughed, looking up at his brother. “As always, your father never disappoints.”The people around them were already agitated and looking for the exit while the employees called for security. But the other shadow bodyguard stopped them from interfering.Isaac squeezed his eyes close and clenched his fist harder, trying to pull himself together. He didn't want to give Vincent the pleasure of seeing him tremble, and so, he opened his eyes with a silent breath, looking straight into his brother's eyes.“Last time I checked, you do not have a page. Who's the man behind you?”“Lower your gun, Ben. They're heartless bastards.” Vincent said to him, and he did as he's told.Jonas dropped his gun as well, but the laser remained.“His name's Ben, and he's a loyal friend. I doubt you have one.” Vincent answered his brother's question.“You've grown a lot, Vincent, and I understand
Natalie stepped out of the bathroom to meet Isaac having a cup of tea in the bedroom. They had gone in together, but he only had a quick shower and let her take her time.“Feeling better?”He smiled, a gesture that eased the tension in her. “Hmm.”She removed the towel on her head and threw it on the chaise, sat beside him on the bed. “Can I ask you a question?”“Sure.” He sipped his tea.“Who was that?”“My brother.”“You have a brother?!” She exclaimed.“Yes, a stepbrother.”“But you don't seem close, or are you?”“I'm afraid not. He has enough reasons to hate me, and I totally understand him.”“Why is that?”Isaac stared at her briefly. “Love?”“Yes.” She answered, clueless of his sudden seriousness.“How good are you at keeping secrets?”She wobbled her brows and pondered over it for a fleeting minute. “I'm not quite sure.”“I can be downright honest with you about everything concerning me, but it could put you in danger if you don't keep it to yourself.”“What sort of danger?” Sh
If there's anybody Vincent respected with every essence of himself, it's his father. No matter how unjust he treated him, he still saw him in very high regard.Standing directly under the AC unit, he knew he'd need the low temperature to help him keep his cool.The king had just had his morning bath, and the chamberlain served him a cup of tea.“Leave us.”The chamberlain bowed and left.“How was your journey, Vincent?” The king asked, serving another cup of tea.“It's nice, thanks to you.”“I learnt you took an official jet.”“Well I… just wanted to know how it felt.”“You've never flown private?”“In family travels where I have to be present, yes.”“That's too bad. I hope you enjoyed it, though.”He smiled tightly. “I did.”“Let's have tea, Vincent.”Vincent warily stared at the tea cup his father pushed towards the other seat of the two seater table in his bedchamber, his mind racing miles a minute.The king nurtured his manly grace even with his balding, greying hair. The wrinkles
Cold, pain, and exhaustion. That's what Isaac slept and woke up with for over a month. At first, it was bearable and he tried his best to keep himself in check. But with each passing day, especially after his father informed him that he had registered Natalie's death, Isaac found it harder to keep his brain within his head. It was in the clouds one minute, and under the ground the next, most times, it was hovering above his ears, torn, blank, and dark. The days were long, the nights longer, and the more he tried to pick himself up, the harder he fell apart. The king refused to let him leave home, but staying there proved to him to be worse than leaving. He felt suffocated and mad at everything, not just everyone. The air, ground, couches, walls, light… everything made him angry. He wanted so badly to grab a bottle, but he feared that he'd end up collapsing again; moreover, his father surely wouldn't let him access liquor, and his grandmother would wreak havoc if he became a d
Isaac squeezed the paper in his hands to a ball, his heart thumping wildly in his ribcage. “Call my father.” He ordered, his eyes darting to Jonas, who was standing behind him. Jonas did so and handed him the phone. “Where is Natalie?” He asked as soon as the call was answered. “What's that supposed to mean?” The king sought in a disinterested voice. “Don't try me, your Majesty. I'm really not interested in this game you're playing. Bring her back before I lose my mind.” “Speak words I can understand, Arden. What's the matter?” “You had Natalie kidnapped! Don't play dumb!” The king was mute for a long while, and Isaac wondered if he really didn't have a hand in it. “Wait, you didn't do it?” “Hold on. I'll get back to you.” “Wait_” but the king ended the call on him. “Damn it.” He straightened the paper again, and his eyes scanned the words. ‘Worry not, Your Highness. Your woman is safe and shall return when she's fit to be with you.’ “You said you don't know w
Chills fluttered like restless sparrows across the earthen room, the air thick with the heady scents of incense and herbs. Flickering candles cast eerie shadows over the surfaces, their golden light dancing across the walls as if trying to chase away the secrets that lurked within. Ancient shelves and cabinets groaned under the weight of potions, spell books, and mysterious artifacts, their contents spilling out in a riotous display of colour and curiosity. A heavy-footed man lumbered into the labyrinthine space, his footsteps echoing off the walls as he made his way deeper into the room. With a reverence that bordered on fear, he knelt about three feet in, bowed in submission to the rear of a mid-aged woman who's whispering chants to an idol ensconced in a detached cubicle, its presence both captivating and intimidating. “We lost him, my lady.” He declared, his voice heavy with defeat and his failure palpable. She stopped chanting but didn't turn around. “The King's men don't hav
“How has it been with your practice?” Isaac asked. “She's… keeping up.” Mrs Peoni plucked his brows. “Is there a problem?” He faced her, noticing the reluctance in her voice. Mrs Peoni stood straight, putting the tweezer back in the kit. “There's none.” Isaac threw his head over the chair, his eyes hooked on her wizened face. He knew she's hiding something, and he decided not to force it out of her. If she didn't disclose it, then it must be something he wouldn't want to hear. “If I may ask a question, your Highness?” Jonas pitched in from where he stood by the shoe rack. “About?” Isaac sat up, staring at his reflection in the mirror. “I hope you don't plan on marrying her?” Isaac's brows furrowed, and a dark glint pitched in his eyes. “That's supposed to mean?” “She does not fit to be your spouse.” Isaac clenched his jaw, then leaned forward on the dressing table to hide his annoyance. “Why do you think so?” Jonas rocked on his heels. “She's… a hussy, your High
“Then fucking tell me! I can't get into your mind and fucking read it!” Natalie stared pointedly at him as his chest rose and fell with his shallow breaths. She sighed. “Forget it.” And headed out. “Ah fuck!” He threw his head up, exhaling sharp breaths. “Car key.” Jonas handed it to him and as he headed out, he saw Dan standing just by the door. He bowed, and Isaac gave him a dirty look before dashing out. The king must've sent him back, that's the only thing that could explain his instant return when he clearly told him to buzz off. He looked around and spotted Natalie trekking down the road, hugging herself. He rushed after her and held her arm, turning her around. “Isaac please…” She trailed off as he cupped her face, his warm breath defrosting her cold cheeks. “Don't.” Her voice was reduced to a whisper, her eyes on his lips. “Look at me.” His thumb grazed her jawline. “Enough, stop this.” “I'm fucking mad at you, love.” “And so am I.” “Then fucking look
Isaac dragged his feet up to his room, slumped down on the bed when he reached. He wondered how his brother was doing and what those people would do to him. The Queen Mother had him sent to the North as a peace treaty. Vincent had cried and wailed and pleaded for mercy, but she insisted it's the best solution to the issue. He should go there and apologise for his actions. If he's forgiven, fine and good. And if not, they should punish him how they deem fit. The king refused to intervene no matter how much Isaac pestered him to, his excuse was that Isaac had already brought up the issue about his wedding, and that in itself was enough to cause a dispute between he and the Queen Mother. ‘One at a time.’ The king had said to him. ‘Vincent isn't a coward. He'd be alright.’ Isaac had wanted to go along with him, but the king literally had him locked up until they'
The king took a sip of his beverage, then put the cup down, still saying nothing. “My king.” The Queen Mother called, and he faced her. "Yes, mother." "What do you know about this?" He was mute for a beat, and then he sighed. “Were you truly there, Crown Prince?" Isaac scoffed. "You know I was." “Was he with you, Vincent?" He shook his head, gritting his teeth. "No.” “Vincent!" Isaac yelled frustratedly. “What on earth did you say to him?” He faced his father. “I believe they should provide evidence to back their claims." The king said to the Queen Mother, still choosing to ignore Isaac. She trained her eyes on her son, but as always, she couldn't tell what he was thinking. “Vincent," She called, and he raised his eyes to face her. “Can you prove Isaac was not there at that party?" “He was definitely not at the party.” Isaac waited for him to complete the sentence, but he didn't. "I wasn't at the party, but I was there the morning after he died." "Can you prove that?" Th
They had just arrived back home that night when Isaac received Vincent's call.He would have returned the next morning, but he knew his woman must be waiting for him. He promised her he'd be back the day before, but thanks to the ladies that had to be rushed to the hospital, he couldn't until the next evening.But then Vincent's call had Dan turning around in front of the gate and heading back to the airport.‘Father found out!’ He had yelled pensively over the line. ‘What the hell did you do? I told you not to let him know!’If he had let Vincent take care of his mess himself, then he wouldn't have bothered about the king finding out, however.But he had taken him to the academy himself that morning, immediately after Dan headed to the hospital with the ladies and before taking out the corpse.That's because he didn't want any suspicion that'd point at him remain. Since he's planning to resume that day, he should do just that.But now the king found out by whatever means he possibly
“T-that's the truth, I swear _” Isaac slapped him again, and he grabbed his cheek, his whole body shaking as he cried.“Please stop.” He begged.Isaac pulled his arm to hit him again when he noticed the scratches on his shoulder. He held his nape and bent his head to take a better look, and he could swear those were sex scratches.“You had sex last night.” He more of stated than questioned as he released his grip.Vincent stilled, his trembles ceasing abruptly. He raised his head slowly, and the eyes Isaac looked at him with were confused, shocked, and furious.Isaac faced the body on the floor, then back at his brother's red eyes. “Are you gay?!”Vincent shook his head vigorously, looking like a person about to be hung to death. “N-no, shit no. Believe me, please.”“Then will you fucking speak?!”“I told you the truth _”Isaac slapped him again, that time harder than the previous ones and Vincent collapsed on his side, his right cheek red and bruised.He quaked in tears, crying bitte