Lantern of Dusk

Chapter 9

The atmosphere in the royal chamber was tense, suffocating with unspoken disappointment. King Rauf sat on his grand chair, his face darkened by frustration. The papers in his hands crumpled slightly under the force of his grip. Across the room, Raheel stood, his back straight but his eyes heavy, bracing himself for the inevitable storm.

"Is this the best you can offer?" the king roared, slamming the crumpled paper onto the table before throwing another document at Raheel's feet. "These suggestions are useless! A child with half your education could come up with better solutions than this."

Raheel clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He wanted to speak, but years of standing in this very position had taught him that no explanation would suffice when his father was like this.

"You are supposed to be the crown prince," the king continued, his voice laden with disdain. "The future ruler of Meru! And yet, every time I ask for your input, you give me... nothing but mediocrity!"

The sting of the words sliced through Raheel's composure, but he remained silent.

"What is wrong with you, Raheel?" The king's voice softened, but the words were sharper, cutting deeper. "I've given you everything. Every opportunity, every resource. And still, you disappoint me at every turn."

Raheel's shoulders tensed. "I am doing my best," he said finally, his voice calm but strained.

"Your best?" the king scoffed, standing to his full height and pointing a finger at him. "Your best is not good enough. It never has been. Perhaps I've made a mistake in believing you could ever be the man this kingdom needs."

Those words struck harder than the thrown papers ever could. Raheel's chest tightened, but he refused to let the king see him falter.

"I will do better," Raheel said, his voice barely audible but steady.

The king waved him off dismissively. "Leave. And do not return until you've proven you're worth the title you carry."

Raheel bowed his head briefly before turning and walking out of the chamber. The heavy doors closed behind him with a resounding thud, leaving the prince alone in the corridor.

His steps were slow and heavy. The words of his father echoed in his mind, the disappointment carving deep into his heart.

As Raheel walked down the dimly lit corridor, his thoughts still heavy with his father's scathing words, he caught sight of movement in a nearby alcove.

There was Cyrus, leaning casually against the wall, his signature smirk plastered across his face as he flirted with one of the younger servants. The girl giggled nervously, her cheeks flushed, while Cyrus tilted his head slightly, whispering something that made her laugh even harder.

Raheel paused, his lips pressing into a thin line. Of course, he thought bitterly. Cyrus, ever carefree and confident, didn't seem to have a single burden in the world.

As if sensing his presence, Cyrus glanced up mid-sentence, his eyes meeting Raheel's. His smirk only grew wider, turning into something more mischievous. With an exaggerated motion, he gave the servant a playful pat on the shoulder and sent her off, her face still bright red.

"Well, if it isn't the dutiful prince," Cyrus drawled, pushing off the wall and walking toward him. "Looking as somber as ever, cousin."

Raheel's expression didn't change, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Shouldn't you be doing something more... meaningful than tormenting the staff?"