Veridia

Epilogue

Andalucia, two weeks in the future

King Dominic León paced in his room, a letter with a royal seal clutched in his hand. His servant rocked back and forth on his heels nervously.

"Quit that moving at once!" He snapped in Andal.

"O-of course, Your Majesty."

King León reread the contents of the page, making sure that he missed nothing.

Aethiria had a new prince. Dominic had never met Aleksander in his life, but based on the letter's contents, he was nothing special.

Still, he was an heir to a powerful country. Dominic would have to play extremely careful with him.

"Fetch me a glass of wine. Quickly."

"Of course, Your Majesty"

His servant scurried out of the room, and Dominic sat down with a humph at his desk.

Keeping Kirigan close had been a mistake. He winced, thinking about the amount of gifts he had sent to the traitorous prince.

His valet returned with a bottle of fine wine, pouring it for him. Dominic took it, downing the contents in one gulp. He had never felt this riled up since his stupid brother had escaped from prison. Curse his telekinetic powers, the bastard.

"A second letter has arrived, Your Majesty." Dominic whipped around, only to find one of his most trusted advisors, Carlos Perez, bearing a letter sealed with the Volkov sigil. This one had the curved, thick signature of an invitation, and King León ripped it open. He scanned it quickly, eyes widening.

"Everybody out! Except Perez." The king's servant fled the room, leaving the tray of wine.

"That new prince is having a season."

Dominic reclined in his chair, swirling another glass of wine in his hand.

"May I see the letter, Your Majesty?"

"Take it."

Dominic nodded at the paper.

"Esteemed King León of Andalucia,

His Highness Prince Aleksander Volkov invites you to his grand season as a bachelor. The event will last from the coming winter to the spring, extending further if need be. Please respond with haste, as much preparation must be done for your arrival.

Signed with the Volkov sigil."

Perez arched a brow.

"You cannot possibly decline this. You need a magi wife."

"I know, Perez. It is a perfect opportunity."

"Then what are you waiting for? Reply. The prince might have invited other countries as well. Aethiria is a powerful country, and the young prince will want to flaunt his power. I wouldn't be surprised if Preinne arrived as well."

"I will. But I'm concerned. I cannot seem too desperate. I cannot let Volkov know that he has something I want. He can leverage it easily."

"He is your ally. He will not want you to fall."

Dominic snorted.

"Volkov could make allies with any one of the countries and they would accept. Aethiria is the richest nation by far. It has not been racked by civil unrest for centuries. It's coffers are full, it's army large. He wouldn't give his left foot if Andalucia falls."

"Your father knew him very well. He will not let you fall," Perez repeated firmly.

"Write back to Aethiria. You cannot pass this up. I suggest we pack our things immediately. Bring a sizeable contingent. I wonder what the new prince fancies..."

Dominic tuned out his advisor as he stared at the letter. This was his chance. This was his chance to prove that his damned brother was the weaker one.

By all that is holy, I will be better than you, Sergio. I will not be the coward that you are.

Dominic tucked the invitation in his trunks as he called in all of his advisors to begin planning.

~

A/N

This is the end of part one. Part two will continue on in this book, and it will start from chapter 1.

How are y'all doing? I finished finals. How's the chapter? Do you like it? There will be a lot of slowburn in the next few chapters, but I'll try my best to make it progress fast.

Opinions on Dominic? And I suppose Sergei/Sergio is fully exposed. Thoughts?

Comment please what you think.