“If I may share an opinion, Your Majesty?” His page pitched in after he ended the call.“Yes?”“Hiding the truth will only worsen your relationship with the prince.”“He'll get over it.”The page wanted to leave it at that, but he decided not to. “I could look into it, your Majesty.”“Let it be.”“Seven people died, your Majesty. You should not take the blame for it.”The king faced him with unexpressive eyes, and he bowed his head.“My apologies, your Majesty.”There's a brief silence as the king kept staring at him. “Let it be, John.”“Yes, Your Majesty.”“You're dismissed. I want to be alone.”But the Queen Mother chose that exact moment to be when she'd barge into the cabinet, and she's followed by the queen.The king sprang up to his feet as his mother approached the chair he's sitted by the fireplace, adjusting his imperial robe.“I received no message that you'd be here.” The king said in a low voice, his hands folded before him and moving away to allow her room to sit on the c
The night was cold, almost harshly so. The trees danced to the chilly, singing wind, and the moon dazzled like a ball light.The dormitory was quite busy. Students went on and about even though it's already past 10 pm.He stood outside by the bar gate, which allowed him to see the inside of the humongous three-storey building that housed hundreds of students. The lamps and security lights helped the moon illuminate the verdant surroundings more.He received a lot of glances from students who passed by, but he didn't care. Perhaps they found him weird and called security, or maybe not, or maybe Dan explained to them or sent them away, but thankfully, nobody bothered him.He chugged on a bottle of rum as he lingered in the passenger seat of his car, his feet lodged to the ground and his eyes fixed on the gate.He wasn't waiting, in particular, neither was he going to barge in. Or maybe he would, but perhaps he shouldn't. Truth is, he didn't know what he's doing there, nor was he aware of
Twenty hours had passed since Isaac's unexpected visit, and Natalie couldn't shake off the remorseful and broken look in his eyes. She kept wondering if she was the sole reason behind his struggle, and although she wanted to believe otherwise, she knew she had contributed significantly. Was she too hard on him? Perhaps she should have taken it easier on him. The pain and guilt in his eyes kept her awake throughout the night, and his sorrowful voice continued to echo in her mind. For the nth time, she reached for her phone to call him but hesitated due to her lack of resolution. What would he think if she called him? That she had forgiven him? But she hadn't. The loss she encountered was still fresh in her memory, and the pain was brand new. She doubted she ever wanted to go back to a relationship that would keep her on her toes forever. Plus, he wanted her to be his wife. Wife? She had never thought of being legally bound to a man. She had never even thought of being in a committe
“Your Majesty.” Mrs Peoni curtseyed before him as he walked into Isaac's room accompanied by his page and Dan. Isaac lay in the middle of his bed in a sheer cotton shirt, deep in slumber, and the duvet covered up to his waist. “How is he?” He asked worriedly, his eyes not shifting from his son. “He woke up four hours ago, around 11 pm. The doctors checked on him and his vitals were back to normal. He had a light meal and freshened up before falling asleep.” The king furthered into the room and sat on the empty side of the bed to give Isaac a better look. He ran his fingers over his son's head, and Isaac twitched a little. He had bags under his eyes, and his lips were pale. His father held his hand, which laid before his trunk, and leaned in to give him a kiss on his temple. He knew Isaac would definitely beat himself up due to the past events, but he didn't expect it to be to the extent that he'd fall unconscious. When he called that morning, Dan informed him that Isaac's heal
“I will consider stabbing you if you touch me.” He threatened, his voice low and menacing, and the king left his hand hovering in mid-air. “I don't wish to hear whatever you have to say, leave while I'm being nice.” The king dropped his arm with a sigh. “Arden_” “Leave.” “I was worried_” “Will you just fucking leave?!” He thundered, throwing his arm in the direction of the door. “How shameless can you get?” “I'm sorry.” Iaaac chuckled humorlessly. “Damn you make me sick.” “I had to protect you.” “You fucking killed people!” “It's all in the past_” “In the past? You're a stinking murderer. My father's a bloody murderer. It doesn't bother you but it bothers me.” His words dripped with venom. “I'm sorry, son. It's all my fault. You did nothing wrong.” “I never said otherwise, but look at me.” He pointed at himself, his anger and frustration boiling over. “I'm suffering thanks to you.” “Arden,” He stepped closer to him with pleading eyes but Isaac moved farther aw
“Your Majesty.” Ben bowed even though he's kneeling. Natalie faced him, then at Isaac, who went on his feet. The man had to be related to Isaac somehow. The physical trait was indisputable. But given his age, he wouldn't be Isaac's brother. Uncle? Or FATHER?! Natalie gasped quietly from shock and fear as she also sprang up to her feet. Isaac faced her, his head failing to tell him anything suitable to do in that awkward situation. He looked up again, wishing his father would just disappear, but contrary to that, he headed for the flight of stairs and began climbing down. Isaac stepped in front of Natalie, giving her hand a loving squeeze. “Bow and greet him when he's here, say nothing more afterwards.” She nodded, even though she didn't understand why he wanted her to say nothing. The king stopped before Ben, whose face was still floorwards, but his eyes were still on the woman behind his son. “Good morning, Your Highness.” She trembled as she bowed improperly. “Your Ma
Isaac tossed on the bed as his somnolence faded out, his eyes landing on Natalie's who crawled towards him as she noticed he's awake.She placed her palm on his forehead and was glad his temperature was warmer. “Does anywhere hurt?”They had rode back together after his stunt at the airport, but before they reached home, he started to fall out of sorts.His breathing was heavy, and he could hardly speak. The doctors were at the villa by the time they arrived, and they put him on oxygen and IV fluids, which helped to stabilise him and put him to sleep.He had kept her by his side throughout his treatment, and she remained with him even after he dozed off.That was partly because she wanted to, and partly because she had nowhere else to go. They shared a room all through her stay with him, and given his attitude at the airport, she didn't want to implicate herself further by leaving.She doubted his aides would even let her leave.Isaac kept staring at her with emotion-filled, tired eye
Isaac followed the hospital director through the eighth floor's blue and white halls, where an eerie chill hung in the air, an indistinct quietness prevailed, and a subtle hint of lavender struggled to emerge from the overpowering antiseptic scent.They stopped in front of a steel door, and the director used his ID to allow them access.The white room was padded and had only a single bed against the far wall, a cabinet at an angle, and a TV hung on the wall.Isaac's heart reached out to his brother, who was in a hospital gown, reclined on the wall with his face buried between his knees, which were pulled to his chest.“Why is he in this room?” Isaac asked the director.“He's been trying to harm himself to escape, his Majesty permitted us to bring him here.”Isaac faced his brother again, and he raised his head to look at the intruders.Vincent's baggy dejected eyes flashed with hope as he saw his brother. He jolted to leave the bed, but his hands were tied with a rope, which was fixed
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