chapter 10

Chapter 10

Federico walked confidently through the impressive corridors of his father's palace, with the tall columns and shiny marble floors mirroring his movements. The smell of new polish lingered in the atmosphere, blending with the subtle floral scent coming from the garden in the courtyard. But none of that was important to him. The grandeur of the palace, the symbols of monarchy and authority, seemed empty. He had visited this place so often that he was no longer impressed by it.

He gritted his teeth while walking past the portraits of his predecessors, each with a stern look of power as if the burden of royalty had taken away any happiness they once had. It seemed like a caution, a hint of the consequences if he allowed his father to get his way.

He was heading towards the throne room, where his father, the Lycan King, was waiting. Federico was aware of what this visit would involve. There would be no courtesies, no friendliness. Purely cold analysis and predictions, as usual.

Upon opening the sturdy wooden doors, he saw his father at the front of the room, just as authoritative as always. The King's shimmering silver hair reflected the light from the large windows, his eyes keen as they glanced at Federico.

However, his father had company. Lucia and Selena, adorned in exquisite silks, sat elegantly to the right of the King, displaying regal and composed postures. Seeing them enraged Federico, but he kept his emotions hidden. He had perfected the skill of hiding his feelings with a mask of indifference a long time ago.

Lucia, the older of the pair, exuded elegance, her dark eyes icy as they looked towards him. Selena, the younger one, had golden curls and a gentle smile, yet she was equally strategic. Both had always been constant sources of annoyance, vying for control within the family.

However, Federico paid no attention to them at all. He walked confidently towards his father without even looking at them, his strides determined and purposeful.

"I have consented to the marriage," Federico declared, his voice strong, relieving the tension in the room.

His father moved closer, showing a hint of approval on his face. "Great."

"But do not confuse this with surrender," Federico remarked, his tone becoming darker. His stare grew intense as he made eye contact with the King. "I refuse to be manipulated by you, Dad. This union is simply a strategic agreement, nothing else. It does not alter my identity or desires.

The King lifted one eyebrow, interested but not shocked. "What is your desire, Federico?"

I desire to maintain my role as the first prince and nothing will make me lose it. "Even you," Federico stated, his tone quiet and menacing. "Go ahead and force me into this marriage, but know that I will never give up my right to the throne."

Upon hearing what he said, Lucia laughed mockingly, ending her silence. Federico, you have always had too high an opinion of yourself. Being the firstborn doesn't automatically mean you deserve everything.

Selena interjected with a sweet yet heavily sarcastic tone in her voice. Your father simply wants what is best for you, my dear. You should appreciate the alliance that this marriage will create. In the end, it may assist in safeguarding your future.

Federico's mouth twisted into a scornful expression, yet he refrained from speaking to them. Their insignificant insults held no weight for him. He concentrated solely on the King.

His father's face remained stoic, yet a fleeting sense of tension lingered in the atmosphere. The King rose gradually, his stare intense as he looked at his son.

"This is not about authority, Federico," the King stated calmly. "This concerns ensuring the future of our family." The protection of the Lycan throne demands alliances that you have ignored for an extended period.

Federico's hands tightened into fists beside him, his fingernails pressing into his palms. I do not require an alliance to maintain my position as the first prince. I have continuously demonstrated my capabilities.

"However," the King replied, his tone calm, "you still require my guidance." You will uphold your agreement to marry Azalea and receive her as your wife. The wedding is coming up shortly.”

Federico remained silent, his jaw clenched as he battled to hold back his annoyance. He was aware that there was no use arguing once his father had made a decision. This is not the place. Not at this moment.

The King repeated the message, challenging Federico to argue before greeting his bride.

Federico sharply nodded, his teeth tightly clenched. Silently, he pivoted on his heel and left the throne room, feeling the cold stares of his stepmothers on him. He still felt the rebellious flavor in his mouth, but he decided to suppress it. There will come a moment for a confrontation, just not at present.

Upon leaving the palace and entering the courtyard, he promptly sensed the change in the atmosphere. His anxiety reached a breaking point when he spotted his stepbrothers, Valen and Leandro, standing nonchalantly by the pillars just outside as if they had been anticipating his arrival.

"Valen drawled with a smug grin on his face, saying, "Well, well, well." "The initial prince has honored us with his arrival."

Leandro chuckled, his voice filled with mockery. Brother, what does it feel like to be just Father's puppet? Easily agreeing to the marriage, just like a compliant prince.

Federico's gaze grew darker as he walked towards them, hands already clenched into fists. "He cautioned Valen to be careful with what he said, with a low and threatening tone in his voice."

Valen grinned, pushing away from the pillar to face Federico directly. "What else could happen?" Will you have another outburst, acting entitled as the heir you are?

"Perhaps we should refresh his memory on the consequences of crossing the line," Leandro said with a sneer as he moved closer. "You may be the inaugural prince, but don't assume that you'll easily receive everything." We will ensure that.

Suddenly, Federico's punch hit Valen's jaw, causing him to stagger back. Leandro made a sudden movement towards him, but Federico was quicker. He grabbed Leandro by the collar and forcefully pushed him against the closest pillar, causing the stone to crack.

"I'm not a pushover you can scare," Federico snarled, his hold becoming stronger. "I am the initial prince, and I will not allow anyone to take that title away from me."

Valen quickly regained his composure, smiling with twisted satisfaction as he wiped the blood from his mouth. "Do you believe sheer power is sufficient, Federico? This is not only about one's ability to physically strike someone. There is a target on your back, and eventually, someone will bring you down.

Federico pushed Leandro to the side, moving back to create space, his eyes filled with anger. "Allow them to attempt."

Valen's smile grew broader. "Yes, they will."

With no further communication, Federico spun around and walked briskly, feeling his heart thumping in his ribcage. He acknowledged that his stepbrothers were correct about one thing - there was a bullseye on his back. However, he refused to allow them, or his father, to dictate his fate.

Leaving the courtyard, with the palace's towering presence in the background, one thought consumed his mind.

This was far from finished. Nowhere near.

The weather forecast predicted rain this weekend, so I suggest bringing an umbrella just in case.

As Federico entered the woods, he felt the silence closing in, but as soon as he neared the forest's edge, a shadow shifted. He became still, his awareness heightened, narrowing his eyes as the figure emerged from the darkness.

The voice, soft and feminine, was dangerously familiar to Prince Federico. We must have a conversation.

Federico's eyes opened wide in realization, his heart leaping with excitement.

He growled, "Why the hell are you here?"

However, the woman simple

y smiled, her lips forming a secretive grin.

"You're on the verge of discovering.”