"Your Majesty, Prince Dario is here," Shank announced.
King Basmus sat on his throne-like chair, a pipe in hand, smoke curling into the air.
Dario drew a deep breath and stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," he said, keeping his head lowered.
The king stared at him for a long moment, then sighed and rose from his seat. Dario felt the weight of his father's presence as he approached.
"Look up," the king's deep voice commanded.
Dario lifted his eyes and immediately felt the sting of a sharp slap across his face.
"Father…" he muttered, touching his cheek, his eyes wide. Tears threatened—not from the pain, but from the hatred in his father's gaze. Hatred mixed with disgust, and something he couldn't understand.
"This is for disrespecting your elder Brother, Dario," King Basmus said coldly, turning his eyes away. His anger radiated through the room.
"What?" Dario muttered under his breath. So Javier had reported him. Wonderful. Just… wonderful.
King Basmus returned to his seat, but Dario's voice rose, trembling yet firm.
"Why do you hate me so much, Father?!" he demanded. The king froze mid-step.
"Leave," He ordered.
"I won't leave until you tell me! You never treated me like a human being, let alone a son. Why? Why, Father?" Dario's voice cracked with emotion.
"I am not your father," King Basmus said coldly. "I stopped being your father the day you were born… you took your mother's life, Dario."
Dario let out a bitter, sad laugh. His heart shattered in that instant."Really? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! A child… a child whose fate took his mother from… and that's whom you accuse of murder?!" he shouted, unable to contain himself.
"Don't you dare raise your voice at the king!" King Basmus thundered, turning sharply to face him.
"I'm speaking to my father, not the king," Dario said firmly, stepping closer.
"I am not your father, Dario," King Basmus repeated, voice cold and unwavering.
"Then send me away. I don't belong here,just send me far from this place!"Dario's voice broke as tears streamed down his cheeks.
King Basmus saw the tears and looked away, unflinching.
"No. I want you to stay… and to experience the pain I felt the day your mother died," he muttered, his voice icy.
Dario closed his eyes tightly, then opened them again, trembling.
"Fath—"
"Leave," King Basmus cut him off, cold and final.