Chapter 16
The royal carriage rolled through the bustling streets of Narest. Minos sat quietly in the moving vehicle, his eyes closed in meditation.
No matter how hard he tried, the memories of the previous week kept replaying in his mind.
"When is the Grand Assembly?"
A voice answered deep within his shadow, though no human was seen nearby.
"There is a week left, my Lord."
Minos sighed and rubbed his forehead. Time was drawing near, and it seemed like the King was finally succeeding with his plan.
Another sigh escaped his lips, and he tapped on the window opposite him.
The window opened, and Minos said, "Drive to Tidepool after we are done here."
He leaned back and began to think. However, his survival instincts were warning him of the Iskarian Prince. Just remembering his cold face brought shivers down his spine, even though this was not the first time he had met him.
There was something about him that unsettled him. The feeling of meeting your Grim Reaper before your time of death. Ghastly, suffocating and panic.
The carriage passed through a gate and parked after some distance. The coachman got out and announced his arrival. Then the door was opened to him.
The breeze hit him on the face as he got down. Before him, a group of maids were already standing in position to welcome him.
"The Earl of Narest welcomes the High Steward!"
The butler bowed his head in subservience, and Minos nodded slightly, following his lead and being directed to the parlour.
He looked into the room and saw no sign of the Earl in there. However, he didn't fret or show any emotion and simpdown.
"My Lord, would you like me to serve you anything?"
Minos shook his head, and the butler left, leaving Minos alone in the parlour.
Minos looked around, seeing the image of the previous Earl hanging proudly on the wall.
"The place has still not changed." He craned his neck slightly and saw the billows of smoke in the distance. "But you have. I guess even loyalty cannot save one from death."
"I know right?"
The door closed with a soft click, and Reggie entered, his appearance refined. He took a seat opposite Minos, a smug smile tugging at his lips.
"I never expected the High Steward to be in my house," he muttered, clapping his hands twice.
The door opened, and a servant entered bearing wine. Reggie immediately opened it and poured himself some. Then he abruptly looked at Minos and then at the opened wine before he slapped his forehead.
"Forgive my manners." Nevertheless, his expression spoke differently from the words that came out of his lips. "So, what brings you here?"
Minos didn't respond and silently pulled out a black envelope, sliding it across the table.
"Oh my, I didn't know I was this honoured. Are you personally bringing me an invite?"
He gulped the wine and laid down the glass. "I didn't think a person of my calibre would be welcome to such a continental-worthy marriage," he teased while opening the envelope.
He took out a paper and began reading the contents. After reading for some minutes, he paused and looked at Minos before looking back at the paper. Then he checked the bottom to confirm something.
"Are you joking with me?" His expression turned rapt. "Why would the King ask—I mean…"
"It is from the King, so do not doubt it," Minos interrupted him.
Reggie frowned before slowly giving way to a smile and then, finally, peals of laughter.
"Who would have thought that I would be this honoured?" He calmed himself down and poured another drink. "The King is personally asking me for a favour?"
He shook his head, seemingly still in disbelief.
"His Royal Majesty wants your unyielding support in the future," Minos explained.
Reggie nodded, signifying that he already understood. "I swore fealty to the crown, so why did His Majesty send me this? Is he perhaps suspecting me of treason?"
Minos shook his head. "The King simply sees you as a potential partner, which is why he sent you this."
Reggie hummed. He gulped down his wine and dropped the glass on the table.
"So, I am guessing that I am not the only one who received this?"
"Yes, you are not the only one who received this."
Reggie waited, hoping for Minos to reveal more, but he didn't. He sighed and poured another drink.
"What support is the Great King asking for that he cannot get? He is the freaking Vice President of the Grand Assembly. Just a word would send the entire continent to its feet!"
Minos didn't answer, making Reggie feel even more intrigued.
"Since the King is asking, I am guessing I can reject?" he inquired, swirling his wine. "I do not want to involve myself in anything that can potentially harm my earldom."
His response made Minos roll his eyes for the first time since the conversation started.
"Your level of hypocrisy is making me sick," Minos stated, scrunching his face.
Reggie grinned in response and gulped his wine.
"Unfortunately, you cannot reject this."
He reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a silver envelope, handing it over to Reggie.
"What is this? Another invite?" Reggie teased and opened it. However, his expression turned ugly as he read it.
"Yes, maybe it's an invite to the dungeons."
Reggie looked up and realised Minos was standing above him, but nothing unsettled him more than the smile on his face.
"What—how…"
"Oh, do you want me to elaborate? This includes evidence of everything you've done to date." Minos's smile widened, and he squatted by Reggie. "I must agree that there are some really interesting things in there."
"Are you blackmailing me?" Reggie scowled.
"Yes, I am." The answer came instantly, shocking Reggie. He stared at Minos, who nodded furiously as though to confirm it.
He looked back at the paper, and the contents made his blood turn cold. He took a deep breath and revealed a composed smile, though his eyes hid a dangerous glint.
"What do you want?" he asked through gritted teeth.
Minos finally picked up a glass and poured himself some wine. He swirled it around and twisted his lips as though in thought.
"No matter how much I would like to confirm your thoughts, I would like the same as my King."
Reggie frowned. He knew that Minos was not loyal to the Crown, so he didn't understand why he also chose the same thing. He thought that by revealing his cards to him, Minos would have asked for some twisted thing. However, he didn't.
"Why don't you ask the Iskarian Prince?" Reggie questioned.
Minos sipped the wine and nodded to himself in satisfaction.
"I hate to remind you that you are not in a position to ask questions," Minos responded curtly. "I mean, just imagine the number of people who would feel disappointed if that were to get out."
Minos smiled and rose up to leave. "You know where to find me. Also, send my regards to Lady Aurora. I would be expecting a wedding invite."
The door clicked shut, leaving Reggie alone in the room.
"How—how did he get hold of this! Oliver!" He smashed the glass on the floor.
As night fell in the kingdom of Eldoria, a polished, shiny carriage parked in front of the palace, and a young man with his daughter walked out.
Behind them, a long trail of servants came out of the following carriages bearing gifts.
The palace gates opened for them, and at the doorway stood the royal butler.
"Greetings to the Baron of the Seabreeze Keep."
The Baron smiled and entered.
"The Assembly sent me to wish our Vice President well and formally welcome the Iskarian Prince."