Sinners Dawn I (BETA)

Chapter 2: Departure

"What...?" Cruel was dumbfounded. He could not believe his father's command.

The 3rd Prince, Saga, smirks as he watches the situation unfold. Meanwhile, Don Zenoeus notices the look on the monarch's face, turning his eyes back to his son, Cruel.

Zenoeus took a deep breath before putting a hand on the teen's shoulder. "The 1st Princess is alive and well. She needs someone reliable like you to protect her." He clarified, wearing a solemn expression on his worn-out face.

"Oh, Lord Zenoeus. Must you sugarcoat it? I'm not truly fond of sweets." Saga interrupted, taking a step forward as he approached the Lawsin members. He grinned mischievously as he stood right in front of Natalis, his would-be assistant. "The truth is, my dear Lawsin friends, you are here to keep an eye on us — the royal kindle," Saga revealed while keeping his mellow tone of voice.

The dazed trio skimmed at Don Zenoeus. All 3 of them are searching for truth in their leader's silver eyes.

Feeling the pressure weigh down on his shoulders, Zenoeus sighed and briefly massaged his temples. "Yes, that's right." The man admitted, nodding at the prince. "His Imperial Majesty had left me a will, you see. I am authorized to guide the royal family until the next rightful king is crowned once more." Zenoeus explained. The sharp look in his eyes showed his sincerity.

"But why would the royal family agree to this...?" Natalis asked, garnering everyone's attention. "If the emperor is dead, shouldn't they just call 1st Prince Julius and crown him?" She continued to probe, bringing amusement to Prince Saga, who was silently observing them.

V soughed and turned his back, creating some distance between him and his peers. "Clearly, it's not that simple." He looked around, skimming at the lofty canopy. "Is there any place where I can smoke?" V abruptly asked the guards, clearly neutral about the current situation.

"We're not done yet, V," Cruel coldly called out to his friend, reminding the apathetic wolf of their duty.

Don Zenoeus shook his head, telling Cruel that it was okay. "He is not needed here." The man reassured. "V, I leave the family in your hands." He spoke with a deep voice while glancing at the Lycandi.

"Of course, pops." V waved his hand in the air as he walked past the guards, casually leaving the throne room.

Cruel raised a brow in his annoyance. "Ugh, he's just going to slack off." He muttered as he watched V's exit. The young boy turns his head back, waiting for his father or the Prince to speak.

Don Zenoeus chuckled, the sound of his laughter lightly echoed inside the room.

Somehow, this small act sank the tension in the air. After that moment, the man softened his gaze to say, "I trust you, Ladislas." He smiled as he patted Cruel on the shoulder.

Despite the uncertainty, Cruel knew it was his father's way of telling him not to ask more questions. Perhaps, it wasn't time yet to reveal everything the Don knows about the situation. "I understand, Don." He stood firmly and answered Zenoeus with a brazen look on his face.

"Good. And the same goes for you, Natalis." Zenoeus nodded and smiled at the ginger-haired lady. "Now, I must leave you in Prince Saga's hands. There are matters I must attend to." The man faced the prince's direction and bowed his head.

Prince Saga returned the gesture and nodded in response. "Don't worry, Lord Zeno. I won't stir up any trouble." The feline prince chuckled, not hiding his playful nature.

Cruel and Natalis glanced at each other, both wary of their future. Once they were left with the 3rd Prince, they stood in silence, waiting for his first command.