Trash of the Royal Family (Ao3)

XVII

"I think Callie should be a matchmaker rather than a prince," Cale quips.

While looking at his red-eared second brother, Alver casually drinks his tea. Their youngest just dropped that bomb as if he were babbling. Too innocent. He's so pure that one doesn't realize they're already playing in his palms.

"Callie."

"Yes, Brother Ribbit?"

"Y, you believe..."

"She was supposed to be by your side."

It wasn't a joke. Callie spoke up without hesitation. It's a good thing they're the only ones in the room. Otherwise, he'll get killed by the third queen if she hears this.

"If she goes to the Third Prince, she'll die. She'll be hanged."

At least that was the death that Callen saw when he touched her hand.

"In that memory, Brother Ribbit's the only one mourning." and it became his reason to fight for the throne.

Both the first and second princes remained silent after that. Callen took in their solemn expressions. "Women are strong," he said, smiling, "but it won't be enough to stop the third queen and third prince; it's already decided, but Grandpa Whitey said I can choose who to spare..."

The queen condemned the black aura she used to kill Sten Marquessates' minions as dark power when he saw that raging fire wallowing in that girl as she was hanged as a heretic. A mother who grieved for her child and sought vengeance met a tragic end. That was Iris, at the end of her life, regretting her decision. Her eyes were filled with sadness as she looked at Robbit before she died. For a long time, his brother was unhappy because of the words she said to him and the loving words she said to him.

"If you love someone, fight for her. I don't want you to look back and be sorry, Brother Ribbit."

Robbit's heart shook at that precise moment. Although his younger brother's smile was encouraging, it gave him the chills.

"So that Brother Ribbit can give Callie a baby nephew to play with!"

"And?" Alver asked, laughing.

"Wait for a second, Callie; that's—!"

"Mama Miah said Callie should help brother Ribbit with Grandpa Benedict's book as well!"

Callie just said something dangerously adorable. Ribbit swears he'll burn those books someday. They're tainting his cute little brother!

[*****]

"I didn't think about how mama Miah treated you, but now that I see all this gold and gems... Queen Amiah sure dotes on you, Callie, and I see why you call her Mama."

Alver frowns as he looks at his baby brother, who is lying on a bed of gold coins and gems. He knew his brother's obsession with shiny things, and he knew how he loves seeing the golden plaque, but seriously, he's freaking five years old!

"Ron."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Please deposit those in the Treasury in Callen's name."

"Why?!?" screamed Callen, "This is mine!"

"It's yours; Hyunnie will keep it."

"No!" It's my money anyway! And it's been so long since I've seen money!

Alver carried him and let the servants do their jobs. Callen was adorably yapping that his money should stay with him. Alver sits on the long couch, and soon he lays down with his baby brother sitting on his belly while leaning on his leg.