𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐤𝐚 [𝐰𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐩]

다섯

"Jealousy is the tie that binds, binds and binds"

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Two years have passed and Adrastos jealousy towards Athanasia have increased more seeing how Claude has favored Athanasia.

He, who his father restricted him from calling him 'Father' while letting Athanasia let him call her 'papa' without a problem

His heart was full with envy and the only one restricted him from doing reckless was the people that surrounds him and his instruments.

An instrument he grown to love was guqin* a famous instrument in his mother's empire that he finds interesting after finding out that Xifeng was also from the same country his mother grew.

He is currently at his music room, eyes closed as he starts strumming and playing 'the left hand refers to the moon' in the guqin while his knight who have stayed outside to guard cannot help but to be swayed with how flawless and soothing the sound Adrastos played.

After what seems to be an hour of playing different instruments, he called his most trusted knight

"Darcio prepare the carriage let's visit the commoners" He ordered it is also one of the ways he past his time without his father's knowledge of course.

No one would dare defy nor snitch on him not out of fear but because it is what they should do, Adrastos who has been living by the high expectation along with his father's harsh treatment towards him they decided that it was only right to let him have freedom and do what he wants.

While changing his clothes Darcio went out to prepare the carriage and also to notify the people who works under Adrastos as they prepared lots of baskets of fruits, bread and water.

Adrastos was helpful and kind to his people, deeming as a perfect ruler in the future, he cares for his people, no matter the person's status in the society.

"Your highness the carriage is already done along with the foods we have prepared " Darcio informed as he followed Adrastos before climbing to the carriage he was hug and kissed in the cheeks by the maids.

"Stay safe and enjoy your time your highness"

His kindness and smile are truly blinding

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Athanasia was getting carried by Felix as they pass by the dumortierite palace where Adrastos reside when she notices a carriage leaving.

'I better ask father later' She thought

When they arrived at Claude's office, she ran toward him leaving Felix outside

"Papa! Athy miss you this much" She greeted him and showing him how much she misses him only making Claude hum as response.

"Papa where is big brother going?" She asked making Claude look at her

"What are you saying?"

"Athy saw big brother riding the carriage, so where is big brother going papa?" She asked again which she instantly regret

'Is he angry? Don't tell me he doesn't know where that child is heading to?' She questions herself seeing how anger is evident to her father's face

"That insolent brat not only did he ditch his paper works but he also dares to go out without my permission?!" Claude said gripping his quill tightly

Athanasia don't know what to do as she only stood there awkwardly. Claude ordered Felix to return Athanasia back to her palace

'I have done it didn't I?' Athanasia thought as her left her body thinking that she will be ignored and get scolded soon

'Big brother where did you go!?'

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"Your highness thank you for visiting us!"

"We do hope you'll visit us again your highness Adrastos!"

and many more farewells was heard which Adrastos could only smile and wave at them in return, he was happy to finally meet and help those people again who did nothing but made his lonely life lively even for the mean time.

The entire ride was silent as he enjoyed his time and wondering when will he visit again and after arriving at the dumortierite palace he was met by his father standing menacingly by the entrance.

He gulps and walk and greet him but before he could even bow a harsh and loud slap met his cheeks making him stumble a bit, if it weren't for Darcio behind him, he was sure he would fall from his butt

"You insolent child, not only did you disappoint me but you're now defying me!? Who told you that you can leave the palace ground and wonder outside whenever you want!" Claude roared grabbing him by his collar.

"I went to help the commoners and find the people's current issues, your majesty" He answered lowly not meeting his father's burning gaze

He was thrown down harshly and was punched to the same side he was slapped

"For some lowly being, you went outside without my permission and not only that but you neglect your works when you're already aware what our empire current state is!" Claude gritted his teeth as he looked down at his son.

'The same lowly being your concubine belong to' Adrastos thought looking down as blood drips down from his nose.

"It seems like the lessons here aren't enough for you to be a disciplined pest and since you like helping your people so much why don't you join the knights on the battle field" He announced making Adrastos eyes widened with shock along with Felix and Darcio

"Your majesty he is only eleven years old and you couldn't possibly let the crown prince join the frontline?! And you have already heard his reason, he only wants to help the empire be more prosperous your majesty!" Felix defended the child while looking at his friend in disbelief

To send the crown prince and a child at that on the battle field as a punishment was something they didn't expect to hear from their emperor. Surely, even Anastacius would think that this punishment is cruel.

"I agree your majesty perhaps you could just ground his highness, but to send him to the war was out of the line your majesty" Darcio complained too worried and scared for his prince.

"Are you two also defying me?" Claude looked at them making them suck their teeth and stop from saying anything

"Your majesty forgive this insolent child for defying you! Please don't send me to the war! I beg his majesty! I am guilty for misbehaving and doing things without his majesty's permission. I beg for his majesty's mercy" Adrastos beg even going to the extent of kneeling with his head so low as tears keeps falling down from his eyes.

He always gets scolded and punished by Claude that he got used to the treatment but for once in his life he cannot help but to be scared

"Pathetic. Pack your things, you'll be joining the knights at the battle field, maybe you can even practice your weak string at your enemy" Was his only response leaving Adrastos on his knees crying as Darcio glared at the emperor and went to Adrastos side to soothe and comfort the child

Claude really is a cruel son of a bitch

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to be continued.