Kaelric didn't even bother looking up from where he sat, frost literally crystallizing in the air around him. "You want me to obey your orders?" His voice could have frozen hell itself. "Then command the glaciers of Hollowall to kneel first."
Dred didn't flinch. Didn't blink. "Your father sent me." His voice carried the weight of imperial decree. "Unless you'd like to explain to the Emperor why his first child refuses basic training?"
A dangerous tension crackled between them. Every student in the training yard held their breath as Kaelric's glacial eyes locked with Dred's.
A muscle twitched in the king's jaw - the only betrayal of his fury. Without a word, he stood, passing so close his shoulder deliberately knocked against Dred's. A silent fuck you wrapped in flawless obedience.
All eyes shifted to where Ryuzaki lounged on a black velvet chaise that hadn't been there moments before.
