Chapter 23
Nighttime came, holding a dreadful impact on the Sterling household which resided in the Valmere Kingdom. Though Eldoria and Valmere had not had any conflict in the last hundred years, they had also not been bound by closeness, maintaining a neutral relationship. However, even this could not prevent the news from reaching Eldoria as soon as dawn gave way to the sun.
"A LIFE FOR A TITLE: Baron Leoric kills his own brother for a title!"
"BARONY OF THE DAMNED!: Mortifying human parts used for art in the Sterling family home! Baron Leoric's family legacy!"
"THE POISONED PEN: The General Secretary of the Grand Assembly loves his gold more than welfare!"
These were the various headlines moving across the five kingdoms of the Southern Continent, especially the Eldorian Kingdom, since they had heard of his recent visit to the palace. The Sterling family was chaotic at the moment; no one knew how such delicate news had gotten to the public or who targeted them. The upper echelon of society spread across the five countries were in their gossiping era, most expressing deep sympathy while others gloated at the misfortune of the haughty Sterlings.
However, even though the news had gotten to the royal palace of Eldoria, it was not the prime concern of Sera as she walked to her father's study room.
The halls were quiet except for the melodious chirping of a bird on a nearby tree. The sun's rays bathed the hallways in golden light, shining glamorously on the Princess, whose face was covered in utmost seriousness—as though even a slip in what she was thinking could cause a nation's death.
Getting to the study which stood proudly adjacent to the King's quarters, Sera exhaled. She was quite nervous, as this was the first time she was going to speak to her father about serious matters—the first time in years. She wondered how he would react. Would he be angry? Surprised?
"Or would he have your head for treason?"
An abnormal voice echoed in her mind, and she quickly shook it off, chiding herself internally. She knew her father could be stern, but he would never hurt her. Realizing she had spent too much time at the door, she raised her hand and knocked once. As custom demanded, knocking more than once was not demure, and a woman—most of all, a Princess—should not appear desperate.
She waited a few seconds before she heard footsteps clicking inside. The door opened softly, and the cold face of Minos appeared at the entrance. His face eased a bit when he saw her.
"Princess Seraphine. A pleasure to see you here," he said.
Sera elegantly bowed her head in acknowledgment. "Are you looking for His Majesty?"
Sera nodded. "Yes, Lord Minos. Can I see him?"
Minos thought nothing of it and nodded, opening the door to allow her to enter. "Of course, Princess."
Sera entered the wide and aesthetically pleasing study. Even though years had passed since she had last been here, it still felt the same—though missing the warm, familiar feeling.
"Father!"
She had once heard a child run up to her father and jump into his lap. King Hendrick smiled lovingly at the little girl and ruffled her golden hair.
"What does my little Princess want?"
Sera smiled gently at the memory.
A slight cough brought her back to reality, and she saw the same King Hendrick before her—just that now, he looked different from the loving father in her memory. His countenance had lost all cheerfulness and color, while his eyes looked sharp and calculating. Sera sighed.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," she curtsied.
King Hendrick looked up from the pile of papers he had buried his head in. He froze for a minute when he saw Sera up close.
She has her mother's hair. I almost forgot about that—and her beauty.
His expression softened as he thought of this.
Sera blinked, wondering if her eyes were playing a trick on her, or if her father had really softened his expression. That had never happened since her mother's death.
"What do you want?" Hendrick's cold voice sliced through the silence like a hot knife through butter.
"I would like to speak to you about something urgent—and privately." Sera said the last words while glancing at Minos, who was calmly looking at her. He didn't react and merely looked at King Hendrick. Sometimes, his calm expression scared her.
Hendrick frowned slightly but allowed Minos to leave in the end. Minos paused at the door and glanced at Sera, a subtle frown on his face as he wondered what she wanted to discuss that was so personal she asked him to leave. Was it about her marriage? He didn't ponder on it any longer and left—after all, he would get to hear it from the King.
Sera exhaled when she heard the door click shut.
"So, what is it?" Hendrick asked. He had dropped his pen and was giving Sera his full attention.
Sera clutched the side of her dress. She had thought it would be easy, but suddenly her hands felt clammy. She gulped and exhaled once more.
"I—I would like to speak to you about the… succession," Sera mumbled.
Hendrick stared at her blankly before an eyebrow arched. Succession? What was his daughter planning, and why would she say something like that while looking so fidgety? He glanced at her trembling legs and sighed.
"What succession? Are you trying to tell me to die faster?" Hendrick asked coldly, his eyes studying her every movement.
You dummy, why did you have to start with that?
Sera internally facepalmed. She could feel her father's piercing gaze all over her. She would have liked it better if he at least shouted.
"Garran is unfit to rule," Sera began, calming her nerves. She noticed her father's frown deepen and quickly continued, "With his accident and the unexpected halt in his cultivation, the court will eat him like a lamb among wolves."
Hendrick frowned and reclined in his seat. "I could have your head hanged for this, you know that?" he inquired. His daughter had raised his interest. It wouldn't be a lie to say he wasn't equally worried—his son, who used his muscles more than his mind, might indeed suffer in court.
Politics was a dirty game—one that required wit, cunning, and the ability to manipulate public interest to suit one's taste. However, he didn't think his naïve daughter could think like this.
It seems the little lamb is growing into a wolf, he mused. Although uneasy about her change, he convinced himself it was for her own good.
Sera stiffened as she heard that, and simultaneously, a voice echoed within her—I told you so—but she shut it off. She knew her father was only testing her spirit, and for Garran's sake, she had to be strong.
"If that's what truth and care bring, then I will gladly take it," Sera said calmly.
Hendrick shook his head slightly. He had already noticed the dynamic between his children—one was possessive, the other cared too much. He sighed and looked at her.
"So, who do you want me to make my successor? You?" Hendrick asked, squinting his eyes.
Sera shook her head, much to his shock. "I wouldn't be able to do the job well. I believe High Steward Minos would be a good fit."
The entire room turned still, and Hendrick froze in place, his mind rumbling.
Meanwhile, in the western wing of the palace—
Garran held onto a newspaper with a smirk.
"Honestly, I think this job is suited for me," Carrissa remarked, leaning in to glance at the paper.
Garran smirked and nodded. "You truly are. I didn't know the General Secretary had such huge skeletons in his cupboard," he said with mock anger.
Carrissa burst into laughter. "I'm trying to imagine his face. He must be wondering if he's sinned against God."
Garran joined her in laughter.
A knock vibrated on the door, and Minos entered after being told to do so. He caught sight of the two individuals seated close to each other on the couch.
"I didn't know you had a visitor," Minos said. He smiled politely and bowed to Carrissa. "Lady Carrissa, a pleasure meeting you."
"High Steward, the pleasure is all mine," Carrissa replied.
"What do you want here?" Garran demanded, his brow arched. He hadn't forgotten their last conversation, and every time he saw Minos, irritation rose within him.
Carrissa, realizing the tension, decided to excuse herself. Minos smiled politely as she left.
He took a seat opposite Garran and studied him for a second.
"I came to check up on you, but I guess you're as weak as you were that night. And you dream of saving her?" Minos spat. His disdainful gaze made Garran's blood boil in fury. His aura flickered in the air.
"Leave my room!" he growled.
Minos smirked. "Of course. I guess what Sera said was right—her brother truly isn't fit to rule."
Garran stiffened, his eyes turning bloodshot. His aura blazed through the room; he could feel his veins burning like lava, but he didn't care.
"I wonder if the King will agree to her request to change the successor!"
Garran's aura blazed uncontrollably, but Minos simply smirked and walked out—unharmed.
"Lady Carrissa, I believe there's something wrong with the Prince! Please help him!" Minos said, his expression filled with great concern as he passed her.
Carrissa's eyes widened, and without any sense of etiquette, she bolted into Garran's room.
Minos smirked as he went on his way.
"It seems the plan is in motion," he chuckled.