Lucius saw his father's hard look as he walked into the room. "Sit down," his father commanded, gesturing to a chair opposite his desk.
Lucius obeyed, waiting for his father to say something while his nerves were on edge. There was a long pause between them that was laden with unspoken anxiety.
Finally, he spoke, his voice cutting through the quiet like a knife. "I heard about your little fun at the festival," he began, his tone dripping with disapproval.
As his father's disapproval weighed heavily on him, Lucius felt a surge of defiance rising within. He straightened in his chair, meeting his father's gaze with determination.
"I did what was asked of me, Father," Lucius asserted, his voice steady despite the tumult of emotions roiling inside him.
"I helped with the festival, as you requested, and Mrs. Freda permitted me to enjoy some time with my friends. What harm is there in that?"
Harold's face contorted with anger, his eyes blazing with a mixture of disappointment and frustration. "You dare speak back to me, boy?" he thundered, his voice echoing in the study.
Lucius held his ground, his jaw set in determination. "I only sought to enjoy a moment of happiness, Father. Is that too much to ask?"
"Enough!" He slammed his fist on the desk, causing Lucius to flinch slightly.
"You, who are nothing but a burden, a constant reminder of a mistake!"
The harsh words stung like a physical blow, but Lucius refused to back down. Years of pent-up frustration and hurt surged to the surface, fueling his resolve.
"I've done everything you asked of me, Father. I've tried to be the son you wanted, but it's never enough."
"You are not my son!" his father thundered, the words hitting Lucius like a physical blow. "I found you, an orphaned baby, and in a moment of misguided charity, I took you in. But now, I see the folly of that decision."
His father's face became even more set, his nostrils widening in barely suppressed fury. "You are a disappointment, Lucius."
YOU ARE READING
The Hidden Heir
Fantasy"In an enchanting realm of magic, kingdoms thrived under a wise and mighty king until his untimely demise at the hands of rebels, a secret closely guarded by a few." Lucius, the king's son, endured a life of shadows and neglect, unaware of his royal...
