Kealan lips curved into a subtle smile; he felt his heart skip a bit. He didn't know when or how he fell for her, but he knew one thing he wasn't going to let her slip away from him.
But will he be able to express it? He hasn't felt loved. What if he is worse than Gavin? He cleared his throat, trying to distract his mind from wandering around.
King Aldric straightened,a glint of satisfaction in his eyes as he smiled. The alliance is finalized. His voice, rang through the hall
The Elowens are now bound to the Vanycrest.
All rose, giving congratulatory messages to the Ardentors. Master Thalen still didn't know what to think about this, but he decided to go with the flow just for a while, till he makes his final decision.
Kealan eyes met with Liora, who looked away from him, not from shyness but from something else he couldn't decipher.
Celestial, noticing Kealan's gaze on Liora, nudged her mistress a little while giggling.
"Liora, she called out, I think your fiancé is captivated by you; he can't stop staring."
Liora raised her head, gently taking her gaze to Kealan, who returned a gentle smile to her. Not knowing how to react, she looked away, again.
Did he do something wrong?
Kealan's eyebrow furrowed in confusion before sighing and walking away. Watching her mistress , Celestial gently held her by her hands as they walked out of the throne room.
"Is something wrong, Liora? she asked worriedly.
"What if he just did it out of pity and isn't in love with me like he claims."
Celestial thought about it but couldn't answer the question; hence, they kept silent, staring at the fountain of water while waiting for all formalities to be finished with their parents before they left.
He slipped on his half mask back on which revealed half of his lower face ,he strode down the corridor his cold demeanor cloaking down the storm within.
He sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration. He had never felt this uncertain, yet she seem to shatter the calm he always clung to . Meeting up with his personal guard, who bowed slightly when he saw him.
Let's go hunting ,kealan's frustrated voice crackled.
Dorian stared at the prince with a confused expression, sighing before following suit. Holding the bows and arrows, they both walked in silence.
Glancing at his prince expression,once in a while,he cleared his throat.
Congratulations on your betrothal, Prince Kealan. Shouldn't we be celebrating? Why are we hunting?
Not giving any reply, Kealan kept a straight face as he walked through the castle walls, his pace soon reduced at sighting something, or should he say someone front of him. Groaning lowly, he walked with his head high.
Gavin put on a smug expression, his eyes filled with malice and something else Kealan could understand, not like he cared about what his annoying brother was thinking or up to.
"Nice to see you, brother. Gavin gave a smirk. How do you feel about taking Liora?
"I mean, you must be happy snatching something away from me.
Kealan sighed, cracking his neck a bit like he was massaging it.
"If I could recall clearly brother you rejected her, you never deserved her in the first place".
Gavin stared at kealan in disbelief,Kealan never challenged him before.It wasn't fear that kept Kealen quiet it was indifference , his refusal to be involved with the throne,or kingdom .
Yet he came into the throne room for the second time,the first time wasn't a pleasant one for kealan.
Did he really come because of Liora ?.
Feeling his ego at risk, he walked towards Kealan in an intimidating manner.
"Dear brother, you might want to watch your words. I could end your life in seconds if you irritate me more than usual Gavin blurted out. You have always been invisible, so continue being that way, got it? He gave him a little hit on his chest."
Kealan's eyes bored into his brother's own , and gavin could swear he felt the shivers. Putting up a smirk on his face, Kealan burst into laughter, his demeanor changing to a more serious one:
"I don't think so, brother; you might end up dead instead."
Gavin felt his blood boil. He was the most powerful mind manipulator, yet he couldn't penetrate what was in his mind. It's like Kealan put up a mental block.
No one has ever blocked his mind manipulation, not even the king, who was considered the most powerful.
The king could be under his whim for a while before breaking free, but at least he was still under it, but this annoying brother of his, he just couldn't get through to him.
No one must find out his powers don't work on Kealen; if not, they will deem him weak.
"Remember you're powerless, brother. Yeah, you might be skilled with a sword but asides that what do you have to offer?"
"I could crush you with both the sword and the mind, Gavin boasted.
Realizing his mistake, he kept quiet, clenching his fist to hide his anger. Knowing in his heart his brother's power doesn't work on him , Kealan gave a pat on the shoulder to Gavin before walking away.
You have been planning on stealing her away from me, haven't you?" Gavin's cold voice echoed.
Kealan sighed in frustration, turning to Gavin. She's not an object to be tossed, Gavin. Thank goodness you rejected her.
I might just have caused bloodshed by stealing her away from you eventually since you don't deserve her.
Gavin's eyes became brighter as a sign his manipulating skills were activated. It was a sign only Kealan noticed; it was only visible to him. Not even Gavin knows about it.
"Why will I need a worthless healer?"
If you don't respect the future crown prince, I could end her life. Remember, I'm still the favored prince.
Watch your words, gavin or I will make you pay. The atmosphere suddenly turned deadly.
Dorian almost wet himself upon sensing his powers; they were dark.
"What was that...? Garvin stammered. His voice barely a whisper, he couldn't believe he got scared of Kealan; this was the first time he felt such a dangerous presence . Is Kealen pretending not to have any royal powers?
Walking towards Gavin with a slow stride
"The next time you utter another word against her, or dare to lay a finger on her, I will have your head on a spike and bring with full force the Kingdom down on you.
DON'T DARE ME .
Let's go, Dorian, before I end this delusional crown prince, he spoke with a chilly tone.
Dorian gave a slight bow to Garvin before walking away.
Kealan balled his fist, looking ahead. He saw Liora.
Jeez, his heart beat faster upon seeing her innocent blue eyes and parting lips. She heard everything they talked about.
They both stared at each other for a while before he walked away without saying a word to her.
Liora had overheard their conversation and didn't know what to think of it, but she could feel Kealan's genuineness.
Why does his smile feel like a promise… and a warning?
Was he truly different, or am I walking into another cage dressed in royal silk?
"I don't think so,or is he doing this out of duty". She clenched her fingers into the folds of her gown, unsure whether to run from him or toward him.
Gavin sighted Liora, who gave him a little bow before walking away with her handmaid.
He stared at her beautiful fair skin and beauty that was beyond Vanycrest walls.
Did he make a mistake by rejecting her? He ruffled his hair in frustration. He is in love with someone else. What was he thinking? Or should he make Liora his concubine?
He smirked at the thought of that.