Tamed by the Lycan Prince

27- ARGUMENT

CHAPTER FOUR

-ANTONIO-

His answer did not satisfy their curiosity, but they knew better than to press on, especially with such a delicate matter. Queen Camilla nodded solemnly, casting a glance at King Rasso who returned the gesture with an understanding smile. They both admired their son's talent immensely.

"Very well," King Rasso said, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Since your performance today was...unexpected," he started, choosing his words carefully, "we won't continue with your other lessons today."

Antonio turned his head slightly to look at his father over his shoulder. His eyes widened in surprise. His parents' unspoken rule was that there were no exceptions when it came to education.

"But there is something else we must discuss, my son," King Rasso continued, his tone shifting from surprise to seriousness. "It seems your music has caught the attention of more than just your parents. Last night, your piano playing was the talk of every young lady at court."

"That's nice," was all he said as he turned back to the piano, sinking into his thoughts.

"And not just any young ladies, Antonio," Queen Camilla chimed in, her voice like silk. "You've garnered the attention of Count Gaius's daughter. The esteemed Count's family, as you know, is joining us for dinner tonight."

At the mention of Count Gaius's daughter, Antonio felt a peculiar knot twist in his gut. He knew her only from whispers and fleeting glances. A vision of her flooded his mind – dainty and fair, almost angelic. Her name was Basia, an unusual beauty with hair the color of the midnight sky and eyes that were as blue as the deepest part of the ocean. She carried herself with a grace and poise that spoke volumes of her upbringing, yet there was always an unwelcoming coldness in her eyes, a strange emptiness that was as chilling as ice.

Antonio's fingers drifted over the glossy black and white keys, his thoughts engulfed by the thought of dining with the Count's icy daughter. His mind was a whirlpool of emotions; confusion, frustration, and a smidgen of dread. He had no interest in courtship or alliances. His heart belonged to the she-wolf and his music, his piano.

"Why Count Gaius's daughter?" Antonio asked, his voice betraying a hint of resentment that he himself barely understood.

King Rasso shifted his weight, his gaze flitting to Camilla before returning to his son. "Antonio," he sighed heavily, "you must understand that as a prince, your life is not solely your own. Your actions, your decisions...they are intimately tied with the fate of our kingdom."

Antonio bristled at his father's words. He had heard this spiel countless times before – it was the familiar rhythm of their disagreements. While he understood his responsibilities as a prince, the thought of conforming to something so personal was revolting.

"She is of a good family, Antonio," King Rasso replied, his voice steady and diplomatic. "Count Gaius has a considerable amount of wealth and maintains positive relationships with the nearby werewolf communities."

"Their alliance with the werewolves would strengthen our kingdom. It is an opportunity we cannot ignore," Queen Camilla added, her melodious voice conveying firmness.

"Is our kingdom so desperate for allies that we would pawn my happiness for the wealth and diplomacy of Count Gaius?" Antonio retorted, his anger clearly audible in his voice. He sprung up from his seat, the bench screeching against the marble floor and echoing off the high ceilings. He crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze challenging his parents.

"Antonio," Queen Camilla, sighed softly, her eyes filled with empathy. "Your happiness matters to us, Antonio," she said gently. "We only want what's best for you and our kingdom."

"But it isn't best for me!" Antonio roared loudly. He balled his hand into a fist, his knuckles white with tension. His piercing blue eyes started to glow with an intense light, and his teeth and nails became sharp and pointed.

King Rasso stood his ground. "Antonio," he began sternly, control evident in his voice. "You will not disrespect your mother and me in this manner. We did not raise you to behave as such, especially over something which you know is your duty."

"But this is not just any duty, father!" Antonio retorted, his voice shaking with pent-up frustration. "This is my life we're talking about! A life that could possibly be spent with a woman I have no feelings for!"

Silence enveloped the room, the echoes of Antonio's words still reverberating off the high ceilings and cold stone walls. Even the usually soft whispers of the servants passing by seemed to hush in response to the prince's outburst.

"Enough," King Rasso commanded. His command echoed through the chamber, reverberating against the stone walls. The room fell silent, save for the distant echo of a bird from outside. King Rasso's gaze remained unyielding, meeting the fiery rebellion in Antonio's eyes. "There will be no further argument over this matter. We are having dinner with Count Gaius and his family."

"Your life, Antonio," Queen Camilla interjected, her gentle voice a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere, "is not solely made of fleeting moments of happiness. It's also about sacrifice, honor, and responsibility. We all have roles to play."

"And what if I refuse to play mine?" Antonio shot back, defiance burning brightly in his eyes. "Would you take my life away from me in the name of duty and responsibility?"

His words hung heavy in the air, leaving a bitter taste behind. The king and queen exchanged worried glances, each contemplating the depth of their son's resistance.

"Antonio," King Rasso began, his voice firm but laden with fatigue. "You are not a child anymore. You cannot run from your responsibilities."

The prince's gaze wavered, his anger beginning to dissipate, replaced by a profound sense of resignation. His shoulders slumped, his clenched fists slowly unclenching. His eyes, once filled with defiance, now mirrored the same fatigue reflected in his father's voice. He met his parents' gaze one last time before turning on his heel and heading towards the grand double doors of the grand theater.

"Antonio..." Queen Camilla called after him, her voice trembling with emotion. But the prince did not turn back. He pushed open the grand double doors and disappeared into the vast labyrinth of the castle.

King Rasso watched his son's retreating figure. He knew Antonio was fiercely independent and headstrong, but he had never defied them so openly before.

"He will come around," Queen Camilla whispered, reaching over to squeeze King Rasso's hand. Her reassurances did little to quell King Rasso's growing dread.