The sound of the tire against the driveway pulled the attention of the guards as a black jeep drove into the palace building. There was only one person in the entire kingdom who used that brand.
Darian.
A guard rushed over to pull open the door as soon as the car came to a halt. Without batting an eye, Darian stepped out of the car calmly, his hand in pocket. The guards didn't know if they should hide the fact that they were trembling before him.
Darian only stepped foot in the royal palace once or twice a month and for him to come in his car instead of a portal, he was in a bad mood. Darian ignored them, walking past all of them towards the entrance of the grand palace building.
For an illegitimate child, he commanded power and authority more than those the king had with his queen. Darian's shoes clicked against the marble floor as he headed towards the main quarters where he knew they would be. Two maids were trialing behind him, trying to keep up and at the same time stay as far away as possible.
"Why do you always have to act like this towards Darian? He isn't even your legitimate child, he was born by a trash whore." Anthony's voice cut through the air as Darian stepped into the living room.
Silence stretched between them. They didn't expect him to step in immediately but Greig stood up anyway, a small smile on his face.
"You finally decided to answer my call and come today, Darian." Greig smiled brightly, his smile reaching into his eyes.
Darian bowed to him slightly. "Father." He said calmly, ignoring everyone as he took his seat. Greig kept his eye on him before speaking up.
"Let's eat." He announced and everyone started to eat quietly. The tension in the air was obvious but no one dared to speak their mind knowing Darian was there. "So, Darian, how is everything going these days with business."
Darian just nodded curtly. "Everything is good. Concerning the deals we spoke about with King Frank's country, it has all been finalized and every materials you requested for would be shipped into the kingdom next week."
"Oh, that's great, Darian. I am so glad you could finalize the deal." He laughed proudly, looking over at his other children who just sat there. Anthony was obviously irritated by the fact that Greig was praising Darian and he wasn't hiding it. "Julius has been preparing to take over the throne recently and I have been thinking, Darian…"
Julius paused to finally look up at his father, thinking he would have a change of mind. He had always known their father favoured Darian every chance he gets. "You should help Julius during his reign. I am not getting any younger and your skills would be needed to help him rule this kingdom well."
"Isn't that something Julius is capable of doing? He is a pure royal blood." Anthony cut in before either of the two could respond. "And I can always serve as Julius' aide. Darian already has enough things to worry about, doesn't he?"
"Anthony…"
"He is right, father." Darian cut Greig off. "I am not interested in taking any political position in this country."
"But you're already at the top of the food chain, isn't it too late to say that?" Cassandra, Anthony's immediate younger sister commented. "I agree with father, though."
"CASSANDRA!!" Anthony snapped, his eyes flashing red as he glared at her.
"Anthony." Greig cautioned. "You will watch the way you speak in my presence." Greig glared at Anthony, both hooking each other's gaze till Anthony tutted, lowering his gaze.
"Yes, father." Anthony mumbled, dropping his fork noisily.
"Darian." Greig called out, pulling Darian's attention. He didn't even bother paying them any attention as his mind had flowed back to Samantha. No report of anything suspicious from Lior. For some strange reason, he hasn't been able to get his mind off her. She keeps flowing back to his thoughts every time he let his guard down.
"If you won't be involved in the ruling, at least you will go to events…"
"I am busy…"
"This is not an option, Darian." Greig cut him off, dropping his fork elegantly next to his plate. "I officially recognized you as my child not so you would waste away and not be of value. You are royalty, Darian. And it's time you accept that and let the past remain in the past."
Darian's grip tightened around his spoon before letting go noisily. He had barely even touched his food since they started eating.
"There is a masquerade ball holding this weekend. You will be attending the ball with a date. If you don't have one by then, I'll arrange one for you. This ball is very important for the expansion of our kingdom and you know what to do." Greig said, staring right into his soul.
Darian didn't fear anyone neither did he fear Greig, but it was his audacity that made Darian respond to any order he gave to him.
"Understood father. No need to worry, I'll sort out ny date." he responded, his mind flowing back to that one human taking up space in his mind.