ROMAN EMPIRE (Mafia Series 7) (The Emperor of Alpha's Empire) (On-going)

CHAPTER 13

“A MOST unexpected pleasure, Your Grace.”

A smile playing upon my lips as I dipped my head in a graceful curtsey. The King, Atlaz, stood before me, a mere imposter, a charlatan who dared to claim the throne of this Empire. I have to keep pretending, at least for now.

Daniel, beside me, bowed deeply to his father in a gesture of respect. I then let out a sigh and spoke. “I am truly humbled to be in your presence, Your Majesty. The prosperity of your realm is most impressive. Indeed, the changes you have wrought, both within the palace and beyond, are most evident.”

Mahina siyang natawa. “Well, I felt it was time for a refresh. The old designs were... not to my taste. I am pleased that you find the changes agreeable.”

“It's certainly a palace,” -I said, raising an eyebrow. “Though perhaps a little... plain. But I'm sure you have your reasons for keeping things simple.”

The King's gaze swept over his Butler at seninyasan itong mag-handa ng pagkain para sa'kin. The man, on the other hand, bowed and disappeared to prepare a meal. The palace seemed to hum with a quiet energy, a constant undercurrent of respect and obedience. Every guard, every servant, bowed low as we passed, their movements practiced, almost robotic. It was a world of strict rules and clear ranks, very different from the freedom I was used to.

Daniel's face was a blank canvas, but his eyes held a quiet intensity. Halata sa itsura niya na ayaw niya nang maraming kaplastikan na ngayon ay ginagawa ng pekeng hari. It actually disgusted me how readily he obeyed this brute. He had no idea who he was truly respecting and who he was truly serving. Just like his brother, Damein, he was a puppet, dancing to the tune of a master.

England is always an interesting place to visit, especially when this fake king is around. He wears the crown like it's his birthright. Though he's indeed lucky I'm not taking action yet. I have so many problems in my country, and I honestly don't know where to start. My primary duty lies with my own country. I must ensure its well-being before I can extend my assistance to others.

“Your Grace, might I have a word with you and my son?” -Atlaz asked. “If it pleases you, of course.”

My gaze lingering on Daniel for a moment. “I wouldn't dream of refusing. Go ahead.”

He gave me a blinding smile, his head bobbing like a puppet as he led us into his enormous office. I honestly didn't want to be here, but I had to. This was the price I had to pay for Daniel's kindness. The Prince had been a rock for my palace while I was in the Philippines, and now it was my turn to stand by him.

I knew the fear in his eyes, the way he hesitated whenever that brute brought up my name. The fake King wanted him to marry me, and I wasn't surprised this was the purpose of our meeting. He wants to use me to legitimize his reign, to expand his power and control over a kingdom that isn't truly his. It's always been his plan.

He's a master manipulator, twisting everyone around him to his will—the Queen, Prince Daniel, everyone. He thinks he can play me the same way, but he doesn't know me. I know who he is, I know what he's capable of. If he wants to manipulate me, he'll need to come up with something new, he needs to be more clever.

Nang makapasok kami sa napakalawak niyang opisina ay mabilis niya akong pinaupo kasama ang Prinsipe. Daniel on the other hand was usually quiet when he was in his palace. He only talked when someone spoke to him. He was a quiet person who liked to watch things happen instead of getting involved. He always known for his strictness, a reputation that precedes him and instills fear in many.

Inilibot ko ang paningin sa buong silid at napangisi ng makita ang napakalaking portrait ng mukha ng impostor na may suot na korona.

He's obsessed with the crown, so enamored with the power it represents that he forgets he's just a pretender. His vanity is transparent, and it makes him a figure of mockery. Nakakaputangina.