In a world where everything seems perfectly logical and pragmatic. The thought of anything existing outside of the realm of what one already knows seems impractical.
That is how Melinda Morrison sees life.
The very life where she has shared nearly e...
"You made a complete mockery of the Cluyzian royal family the moment you set foot in Vesneau, Phidros. I gave you the opportunity to act with dignity, and you've done nothing but squander it."
"I fail to understand how I made a mockery, Mother," I replied, keeping my tone measured. "I gave her gifts. Gifts I thought would please her."
"Thought?!" Her voice rose, livid. "Do you think diplomacy is built on assumptions?" She took a step toward me, her eyes blazing. "If one were to knock on that hollow head of yours, the echo would rival the temple gongs. Empty!" She bellowed.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
My jaw tightened. "I was wrong," I conceded, barely keeping my voice steady. "She didn't seem all that pleased."
"Oh, you were mistaken, were you?" My sister chimed in from the corner, arms folded over her swollen belly, her eyes glinting with disdain. "You spoke with such certainty, brother as if you knew her intimately." She stood there, a living reminder of everything I had failed to become in my twenty-six years, a parent, a leader, an expert military strategist, me on the other hand—Prince Phidros, was forever stagnant, forever mocked.
Her words were a sharp sting. I shifted uncomfortably, my gaze flickering to Archsentinel Calypso, who stood to the left, observing the scene with his usual calm. His eyes, however, remained focused on my mother, as though he were bracing himself for the storm she unleashed. He always had a knack for calming her in ways even my father couldn't. It intrigued me sometimes—their closeness. Was it merely a shared devotion to the astral sun, Riyja, or was there something more behind his steadfast presence?
Calypso caught my eye and offered a subtle nod, a silent show of support. Perhaps he would intervene on my behalf.
"My liege," Calypso said, his voice gentle yet firm, "I believe the prince is well aware of the misstep he's made in his recent dealings. Time for reflection in the temple may aid him."
My mother's head snapped toward him, her expression hardening. "A prayer for forgiveness will not suffice this time, Calypso." She turned back to me, her voice dripping with disdain.
"This boy has been unruly since his youth. His actions demand consequences!" She grimaced her gaze like a dagger. "You've been warned before, Phidros. Your arrogance will lead you nowhere. Even now, I could toss you around like a rag doll—you're unfit to wield any authority in this empire!"
I clenched my fists, the memory of my most recent humiliation still fresh. As if presenting poorly chosen gifts to Lavania wasn't enough, my mother had ensured my disgrace was public. At the banquet, I'd watched Lavania's expression shift from indifference to barely concealed disgust at the offerings I had so meticulously prepared. Her calm, emotionless mask had barely cracked, but I'd seen enough to know I'd made a grave error.
