The sound of shattering crystal split the air — sharp, cold, and final.
The wineglass hit the wall and burst into glittering shards, one sliver cutting across Caelum's cheek. Red bloomed against his pale skin, but he didn't flinch.
"Your Majesty—!" gasped a maid, rushing forward, only to freeze under the Queen Consort's glare.
"Mother," Caelum said coolly, dabbing his cheek with his handkerchief. "You should really stop throwing things. People might think you're trying to assassinate your own son."
The Queen's expression flickered from fury to false concern in an instant. "Oh, my poor boy… look what you've made me do." Her tone softened, but her eyes burned. "If only you weren't such a disappointment!"
Caelum gave a thin smile. "You always say that, but it sounds more like you're disappointed in yourself."
"Watch your tongue!" she snapped, slamming her palm against the table. "While that bastard wins the east , earns the King's favor, and brings glory to this family, you waste your time playing nursemaid to peasants and orphans!"
He tilted his head slightly, gaze steady, voice smooth but cutting. "At least they don't throw glasses at me when they're upset. A refreshing change of pace, wouldn't you say?"
Her hand trembled, torn between rage and shame. "You think tending to filthy commoners will make you powerful? Do you think kindness can earn the crown?!"
"Maybe not," he replied, slipping the handkerchief into his pocket, "but it certainly earns respect. Which, between the two of us, I seem to have more of."
Before the Queen could unleash another wave of venom, the doors burst open.
"Enough!"
The Duke Armand , her father, strode in — imposing even in his age, his silver hair gleaming under the light. His gaze swept over the chaos, pausing on the blood on Caelum's cheek.
"Your Majesty," he said sharply, "must I remind you again? You're no longer a child to throw tantrums. Control your temper before it consumes everything you've built."
The Queen lowered her head slightly, fists trembling. "Father, I—"
"No excuses." His tone was cold, final. "Learn restraint before your emotions ruin your son's future."
Caelum sighed softly and bowed. "If that's all, I'll excuse myself before more glass is endangered."
He turned toward the door. As he passed his mother, he murmured just loud enough for her to hear,
"Next time, aim better. You might actually hit something worth your anger."
The Queen's eyes widened in disbelief, but before she could retort, the door shut behind him.
Outside, leaning casually against the marble pillar, stood a tall man with pale hair and a fur-lined northern cloak — Duke Lucien Asterfell, Duke of the North. He was the son of the late Duchess, his mother's sister, and Caelum's cousin.
Lucien's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Still walking out of her storms alive, I see."
Caelum didn't bother looking at him. "If you're here to offer sympathy, don't. It doesn't suit you."
Lucien chuckled, stepping beside him. "And here I thought the capital had softened you .It seems that you've grown sharper during this past four years." Seems the Queen didn't change much.Then I guess you now know better who your Mother truly is. I'm guessing you also know whose side is better."
Caelum finally turned his gaze, sharp as glass. And I can see that you're still the same even though you're now married and also,which side I choose is none of your business."
Lucien tilted his head, amused. "You always did have that sharp tongue. Careful, cousin — some might mistake it for courage."
Caelum's lips curved faintly. "And some might mistake your silence for wisdom."
Lucien laughed softly, the sound echoing in the corridor. "It's good to see you haven't lost your bite."
Caelum brushed past him, his tone calm yet dismissive. "I never needed to. Mother keeps me well-trained."
Lucien watched him go, expression unreadable. "Hmph," he murmured under his breath, a hint of respect mixing with amusement. "Still sharp enough to bleed anyone who touches you…"
Inside the Queen's chamber, the tension still hung heavy — but outside, two vipers of the same bloodline walked in opposite directions, both dangerous in their own ways.