Prince Of Maeseca

Chapter 6: Moon and Water

Autumn rain covered Kerber's dark hair as he walked with Ilidian through the castle's garden. The father and son walked together, returning from the meeting with the Great Council.

The Nobles of Maeseca started doubting Kerber and his story. They were furious and devastated after the Vukovia genocide.
After spending a full day explaining how the Vukovia genocide was necessary, Kerber decided to just pay the nobles to keep their mouths shut. Although there was one condition they had and made Kerber accept: Prince Ilidian Gray was to be appointed as the new Lord of Vukovia and rebuild the ruins of the city.

This was the reason Kerber was walking down the garden next to Ilidian.
Ilidian was not only the son of the king but also the grandson of the late Lord Elidian Vukov, which gave him the birthright to Vukovia. Kerber couldn't care less about what happens with Ilidian or Vukovia, but he saw it as a good opportunity to bait Shavone. He knew that she would eventually reach out to Ilidian, and Vukovia would be the best place to bait her to do so.

Even Ilidian knew this, but he never cared for Shavone, so baiting her would not be an issue. Ilidian was worried for Meleyana and what would happen to her if Shavone was dead. Meleyana ran away from the castle, and Kerber now hates her more than ever for embarrassing him in front of the nobles. This is why Ilidian feared Meleyana might be next in line to die if Shavone ever got captured.

Ilidian usually feared Kerber and never spoke to him first, but ever since his twin sister left them, he felt like he had lost everything he could. Now that Kerber can't hurt Meleyana, Ilidian has nothing to fear.

"My king, tell me why you care about my mother so much." Why not just move on to the next wife?" Ilidian asked his father with a provoking tone. Kerber laughed sarcastically.

"Your balls grew because you got appointed as a lord of the dead city." Kerber mocked Ilidian for trying to talk to him. The little boy got nervous because of his father's tone, but he kept trying.

"Mother must be a danger to you since you won't just let her be." On Ilidian's words, Kerber turned and slapped him as hard as he could. Ilidian was in pain, but it didn't matter. He provoked Kerber, and for the first time, he was sure that Kerber couldn't do him any harm other than beating him. The little boy felt power in his hands for the first time ever. Kerber noticed how unbothered Ilidian was after the slap. He decided to speak to his son with honesty this time.

"We both know I can't kill you until I get a new heir, so you have no reason to obey me, Ilidian. But I will give you a reason better than fear. Obey me and get power." Kerber shocked Ilidian. Ilidian didn't expect something that seemed like advice from Kerber.

"So once my mother is dead, you can marry someone else and have a legitimate heir with someone else. If it's a son, you will get rid of me. Why do you think I will help you bait my mother?" Ilidian was thinking out loud while Kerber listened.

"I will tell you why I don't want your mother to run free, and you decide if you will help out or not." Kerber's voice turned serious. Ilidian nodded his head while trying to keep his cool before Kerber changed his mind.

"She was the daughter of the enemy and assigned marrige, but I still truly loved her." Kerber sat on the rock that was next to them and put his hand on his heart. Ilidian was left speechless after Kerber's words, as he was sure Kerber never loved anyone but himself. Kerber saw the confusion in Ilidian and continued.

"But the mages close to me had visions about her. Once we got married, they kept warning me not to have children with her. Evidently, a lot of them had the same dream about some phropecy. They said Shavone will give birth to a prince who takes beast form to destroy our world."
Ilidian chukled.