chapter 14

Chapter 14

Federico faced the tall, intricate doors to his father's chamber, his expression indifferent yet his mind in a whirlwind. He was aware of what was waiting for him behind the door - his father and probably his brothers. It was impossible to avoid. Inhaling deeply, he pushed open the door and walked into the room.

Predictably, Leandro and Thomas, his siblings, were already present beside their father, King Marcos. The room remained magnificent, with tall columns and walls decorated with luxurious tapestries, yet the mood was uneasy. Upon his arrival, Federico quickly spotted the annoyance visible on his brothers' faces, with their eyes narrowing in response. He couldn't care less, despite their clear resentment.

King Marcos was seated in his tall chair, looking intently at Federico as he entered the room. His father appeared calm, yet there was an indiscernible heaviness in his eyes, casting a somber atmosphere over the room.

"Federico," his father started, speaking with a steady voice but without any warmth. I do not want to pass the throne to you. However, custom requires that the eldest son receive the crown.

Federico stood proudly, with his chin raised a bit. "I am the eldest," he answered confidently, making eye contact with his father. He disregarded the disapproving looks of his brothers while sensing their hidden anger.

Leandro, always the one who spoke up more, smirked. Federico, you behave as if you believe you deserve it. Have you ever considered that the kingdom could thrive under a different ruler?"

"Someone with better qualifications," Thomas said, speaking quietly yet with bitterness in his tone.

Federico looked at his brothers, showing no sign of being bothered by their words. "Are you qualified?" he asked, mocking in his tone. Do you believe you are better suited for this position than me? Please, do not cause me to laugh. He turned his eyes back to their father. "I have the entitlement to inherit the throne, Father, and I’m happy you acknowledge that fact."

Leandro sneered. "You are just as conceited as always. Full of arrogance and insolence, believing that everything centers around you.

Federico replied firmly, stating that if you prioritized your responsibilities as much as you did your goals, you would recognize that the throne is rightfully his. However, some things cannot be learned through education.

Thomas's hands tightened at his sides, his knuckles pale as he attempted to control his rage. Do you believe you are superior to us? "Is that all?" he snarled. "You've always acted this way—believing you're superior to everyone else."

Federico arched an eyebrow, his face showing no signs of giving in. "I don't have to contemplate it," he said calmly. I *stand* higher than you. And it would be wise to keep that in mind." He confidently moved forward, his stance authoritative. I did not show disrespect to our father. However, it appears that you have forgotten where you belong. I am still above both of you, and I have the power to punish you immediately for your disrespect if I choose to do so.

A thick silence enveloped the room. Federico's words hovered in the atmosphere like an impending storm. Leandro and Thomas shared intense glances, yet neither dared to speak once more.

Federico was about to leave, content with their lack of conversation, when his father's voice halted him at the door.

"Before your departure, there is a piece of information you need to be aware of," King Marcos stated, his voice a bit gentler yet determined. "Tomorrow is when your bride will arrive."

Federico stopped briefly but didn't look back. "So quickly?" he whispered, more for his benefit than for anyone else's ears.

"Indeed," his father added. We've deployed some members of our clan to verify her situation and make sure everything is okay. Once they verify, she will be brought to this place.

Federico sneered, struggling to control his contempt. "I understand," he said in a chilly tone while still facing away from them. "You are so considerate."

He exited the chamber without saying anything, with the sound of the door closing behind him reverberating in the spacious room. While walking down the corridor, his face showed no emotion, yet turmoil boiled inside him. The thought of marrying a woman he wasn't attracted to bothered him, but he was forced to do it. His father had made sure of that. However, Federico was sure that nobody, not even his father, would be able to dominate him.

In the chamber, Leandro and Thomas observed their brother depart, their faces growing darker with each step he took.

Leandro whispered, "He's a threat," as he looked toward their father. "You must observe that." Federico is careless, overconfident, and full of arrogance. He is not readily predictable. Who can predict his next actions?

Thomas agreed with a nod, his face contorted in frustration. "He has no concern for the kingdom, Father. His sole focus is on himself and his influence. If you aren't cautious, he might revolt against you - against every one of us. "And that would not be a positive outcome"

King Marcos did not respond right away. He stayed quiet, staring at the door where Federico had just left. Although his face gave no clues, his sons could tell from his body language that there was tension.

At last, the king let out a sigh and massaged his temple, trying to alleviate the burden of the decision he had to make. He spoke slowly, almost as if reminding himself, that Federico was his oldest child. "Customs need to be maintained." Despite my frustration with him, he is entitled to the throne due to his birth.

Leandro argued that this does not guarantee he will be a good king. Should he ever obtain complete power, he has the potential to ruin everything.

"Thomas agreed with Leandro, his voice filled with tension." "Federico is not capable of leading." He is overly fixated on seeking revenge, on pursuing his vendettas. "He is not reliable."

King Marcos stayed quiet, with his mind focused elsewhere as he listened to his son's words. He was aware of Federico's aspirations, his rage, and his desire for retribution—particularly regarding his mother's passing. He was aware that Federico's allegiance to the monarch, and himself, was on thin ice. However, even with all of that considered, tradition was not a factor he could easily ignore. Opposing it would involve challenging generations of royal heritage, and that was a serious choice that should not be made hastily.

"I will closely monitor him," declared King Marcos in a hushed tone. At this moment, there is no alternative. He is going to get married, and then we will observe what happens next.

Leandro and Thomas shared concerned looks, yet they understood it was best not to delve deeper into the topic. Their father had made up his mind, and it was pointless to challenge it at this moment.

"Father, just watch out," Leandro whispered, his eyes narrowing. "Federico is someone you should not underestimate."

The king agreed by nodding, but his face still showed signs of distress.