The golden chandeliers blazed overhead , casting shimmering reflections onto the obsidian table , silver goblets clinked , plates brimmed with roasted Skylark ,fire fruit glaze and enchanted wine that refilled itself . At first glance it looked like a celebration
But the air was tense _every smile was laced with venom .
At the head of the table sat king Thalion , his expression regal but weary . To his left , queen seraphine , dressed in a deep crimson silk , her jeweled fingers gripping her goblet like it was a blade .
Across from her sat lady Alira , laughter dancing on her soft voice as she told a " charming" story of her proud son , prince Tharen , defeating three elite guards in sword play .
"He is quite the crowd_pleaser " Alira giggled "Eren the commander said he fights like a lion raw power and no fear"
Seraphine eyes narrowed just slightly " power without wisdom is just noise " she said coldly , glancing at her son who was slouched in his seat , tossing grapes at an hovering servant orb .
Lady Nymera remained quiet, as always her son prince kaedric , politely slicing his meal . His every movement controlled _he didn't even react when Tharen had challenge him to a duel earlier that day
"Not all of us need to prove ourselves by swinging blades " kaedric said adding to the tension already hanging in the air
Princess Lysaria sat beside her mother her posture elegant and perfect . She watched the exchange with cool interest occasionally sipping her wine and laughing . She knew how to look innocent while setting the palace on fire .
Ruvan belched loudly, stopping Tharen from saying what he was about say , then he smirked" maybe kaedric should duel with book , he might stab someone with a scroll "
The room fell Into an awkward silence
Seraphine's lip tightened , she didn't even look at her son " perhaps if you spend less time in the tavern , you wouldn't be so.....so... uninspired ruvan"
Ruvan froze _then laughed , bitter and loud " don't worry , mother I wouldn't want to ruin Lysaria chances at becoming king
A beat passed
"QUEEN! " Lysaria corrected , her voice as sharp as her silver fork
The king finally rose up from his seat " ENOUGH! We dine as one family , save your blades for the battle field" he walked out clearly exhausted
But no one truly listened
The dinning table fell into a heavy silence while beneath the table subtle things were happening . A note was passed to Lysaria by a servant_ a message from her mother's spy
Tharen's eyes kept flickering to kaedric sword , his fingers twitching. Kaedric iced _ and silently cast a protective ward around his wine.
The royal dinner continued under flickering candle light , with every bite tasting like war .
Meanwhile...
King Thalion stood alone on the balcony , overlooking the kingdom . The stars above veiled behind clouds . His goblet of fire wine in his hand , untouched.
He looked tired_his crown heavier than usual.
"They circle like vultures " he muttered to himself" even my own blood"
Footsteps approached from behind.polished boots.confident strides
"Brother" came a smooth voice from behind.
Thalion didn't turn
" Caldran " he said flatly
Prince caldran , the king's younger brother , stepped Into view
Wearing a deep navy blue robe embroidered with black feather. He carried a goblet in one hand and a bottle in the other
" I brought your favourite " caldran lifted the bottle with a grin" the one father used to drink when he wanted to forget mother's lectures"
Thalion finally looked at him.there was something unreadable in his gaze.
" You hated that wine"
" People change" caldran poured them both drink and held out the goblet" and besides I thought we could talk... like brothers . No crown. No title"
Thalion accepted it
They sipped in silence. The city below shimmered with magic lights. From the tower behind them, the flickering shadows of the royal guards passed , but none approached
"You seem....worn Thalion" caldran said softly" the weight of the rule looks heavier on you lately"
"It is" Thalion admitted" I feel the throne slipping from my fingers . The council whispers .the queens plot. And my heir _"
He stopped. His jaw clenched
Caldran looked sympathetic, but there was a faint glimmering in his eyes . A predator patience.
"It is a lonely road . The path of kings" he said " sometimes I wonder if father made the right choice... giving it to you"
Thalion turned sharply
" What are you saying?"
Caldran chuckled and held up a hand
" Peace, peace . I mean no offense i've always stood by you haven't I?"
He took another sip , slower this time " but of you ever need ...help keeping in line with the council. The princes . Even the queen _ I would offer it . I know how to get people to listen"
Thalion looked away again
" I appreciate that caldran" he said at last " but I don't trust anyone who smiles too easily"
Caldran smirked" then I'll frown for your sake , your majesty" they drank once more , one brother stared at the stars , heavy with kingdom burdens , the other watched him quietly thinking not of the stars _ but of the throne.
The moon was high , casting silver lights through the arched windows of seraphine's private Chambers . A quiet knock sounded on her door.
Seraphine draped in a mid night _ blue velvet, she opened it herself, prince caldran stepped in a hood drawn low . No guards . No servants . Just shadows and secret.
" It's late " seraphine closing the door behind them
" Which makes it the perfect hour for betrayal" caldran said with a sly grin moving to the fire , warming his hands
" Thalion trust me , he drinks the wine I pour him " caldran said darkly" soon people will too but I need your influence and your children too"
Seraphine poured herself wine " you already have kaedric and Tharen striving for the throne . Why do you need me?"
" Because you have the girl . Lysaria . Clever , elegant , and adored by the nobles and if Ruvan wasn't such a fool , you'd already have a perfect prince and heir to the throne"
A sharp knock cut through the air , the door swung open _ prince Ruvan stood there , disheveled eyes narrowed.
" So this is what you do at night mother ?" He said coldly" plotting with the king's snake "
"Watch your mouth" seraphine hissed
" Why? you've never cared what came out of it before" Ruvan snapped , stepping inside
Caldran chuckled , slipped into the shadows " careful boy , you're not the only one your mother is disappointed in"
" Leave us!!!" Seraphine ordered sharply. Caldran bowed mockingly and vanished through the side door .
Once alone , the air thickened with heat " why are you always in my way Ruvan? " She growled " I gave you everything _ a title, education, power and what did you become ? A drunken embarrassment"
" You gave me nothing I wanted" Ruvan shouted " you never wanted me ....you wanted a prince you could control . A perfect little puppet like Lysaria"
" At least Lysaria listens ! She isn't stumbling through the street with whores and spilled wine on her collar"
Ruvan stepped closer , voice shaking " you love Lysaria . You admire her because she is like you ....cold , manipulative, perfect . But she is not your heir , I am!"
Seraphine slapped him _ hard
Silence
Ruvan stood still , cheeks reddening . His eyes shined but he didn't cry
" You're right " she said softly " you are my heir . And the greatest curse I've ever been given"
Ruvan jaw tightened" maybe is time you realized....curses bite back" he turned and stormed out , slamming the door behind him
Seraphine stood alone , her hands trembling slightly , then gripping her goblet and threw it into the fire
The flames roared.