Love me tender

The rightful King

《Two Years Prior》

Adrian Dragomir Ravencroft was descended from a long line of great and terrible rulers. His father Adrian Ladinas Ravencroft was a tyrant among men, even though he united the five largest kingdoms in his time it was mainly through war. Many people lost their lives due to his cruelty and obsessiveness to rule the kingdom. His son was sent to the front lines of the battle to unite the kingdoms. He was blinded by the lies he was told; he was led to believe that war was the only way true peace would be achieved. 

Another thing Adrian didn't know was that even though his father was married, he spent half his time surrounded by the company of women. The queen to him was nothing more than someone to produce an heir. Not that he wanted one he wanted to remain king indefinitely but due to society he was bound by decree to have an heir to the throne so that the kingdom may continue to flourish.  

Losing his mother is what changed everything. He returned successful from a yearlong battle. He was greeted with cheers and adoration from everyone he encountered. He found his father in the throne room with a woman on his lap. Adrian kneeled before him. "Hail Lord King. I have returned victorious." He announced loudly. "Rise my son." The king spoke getting up to greet his son. "You have greeted your king now it's time to greet your father. Welcome home my boy I'm so proud of you." His father pulled him into a tight hug.

He hugged him back, happy to be home. "Come we must celebrate our victory. Anything you desire my boy it's yours." "Thank you, father but where's mother?" Adrians father frowned before looking away. "I'm sorry my son but she was executed after her attempt on my life. She wanted the crown, and she stabbed me while I was sleeping. Thankfully I was able to survive." The king had lifted his shirt to show a bloodied bandage across his stomach.

Adrian couldn't believe it. "Why would she do such a thing?!" His eyes were wide with shock and grief. "She went crazy after you left. I couldn't tell you why my son." Adrian had almost fallen to his knees. His mother would try and kill her own husband? No. She couldn't do such a thing. Not his mother not without cause and he was going to figure that out. He took a deep sigh before regaining his composure. "I see how unfortunate. Please excuse me father I'd like to wash up before the celebration please." His father nodded and stepped aside. "Of course. Go rest I'll have a servant get you when it's time." He gave one last bow before making his way to his room. 

It was just as he left it. Adrian took in a deep breath before stripping off his battle worn armor. He then made his way to the bathroom to take a long well-deserved bath. He missed having hot baths, he missed everything that he had left behind. He slowly sunk into the warm soapy water and let out a sigh of relief. 

《Adrian POV》

I felt my muscles relax as the water washed over me. I felt tears swell up in my eyes, but I blinked them away quickly. Running a hand through my hair I stared up at the ceiling. "I don't understand. Why would she do such a thing?" I asked myself. I sat in the water for a little longer before I started to clean off. Getting out I put a towel around my waist and stared in the mirror. My body was covered in scars. I didn't mind though it showed how strong I was, and that I could overcome anything. 

Getting dressed I made my way to the servant quarters. If anyone knew the real story it's them. I spotted a maid walking with a tray. "Greetings your highness. What brings you down here?" She asked before curtsying. "My mother's death was on purpose and I want to know why." I lied I didn't know if it was or not, but it seems to be the case as her eyes widened and she dropped the tray. "I-I um." She stuttered, her back hit the wall as she refused to look at me. "Tell me. Now." I commanded. "I can't! He'll kill me!" She cried and dropped to her knees. 

I crouched down and pulled her up. She was a shaking mess at this point. "Look up at me. You will tell me, and I promise you protection." I said grabbing her shoulders. She slowly looked up and nodded. "Not here. If you must know the truth meet me in the royal mausoleum at midnight, take the old servant's tunnels so you aren't seen." She whispered before she quickly wiped her eyes and scurried away. I watched her leave before making my way to the ballroom. The party was in full swing as the guards opened the doors.