Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 12: Burning of Innocence

Late spring showers rumbled into the evening, sending rain pouring through every skylight. I was the last one to the dining hall, where dishes of spiced sausages and stuffed venison awaited me.

No special guests will be joining us today. Cornelius, who was supposed to join us, made a trip back to his home to fetch more of his belongings. It would just be family tonight. Except Father had still not made it back yet. He always joined us for dinner, no matter how tired he was from a long day of engagements and meetings. I was starting to worry.

Grandfather sat in Father's usual position at the head of the table while I shared the same couch with Apollus. Meanwhile, Barbarius reclined alone on the third couch around the rectangular table. As boiled goose eggs encased in lettuce leaves were served, a tiny wooden chest was placed next to Grandfather's platter.

Grandfather placed the chest in his palm before opening the small latch that secured it. Inside was a metallic ring that glowed in the dimmed room.

Apollus gazed at the ring before whispering, "That is Father's signet ring, is it not?"

Grandfather nodded with a smile. "Your father meant to give this to you earlier after getting it resized. Now it is yours."

Grandfather placed the ring in Apollus' palm. Apollus held the signet ring toward the flickering torches clinging to the painted walls.

He thanked Grandfather repeatedly before slipping the ring on his ring finger. After being in such a sour mood from earlier this afternoon, Apollus could not stop chattering and grinning about his signet ring and what this would mean in legitimizing his claim to the throne. While Apollus boasted about his honorary gift, I could see Barbarius' eyes sharpen like the knife he was holding.

Barbarius clanged his knife against the cup, silencing Apollus' chatter. "I am happy that you got what you wanted, Apollus. I realized I have made my share of mistakes, and I am truly sorry for ever disappointing this family. Now that I am here, I want to do what is right, and that means accepting the responsibility that rightfully belongs to the firstborn. I promise I will try to lead this investigation if I have to, and one day I can garner your trust to take back what was rightfully mine."

Apollus' grin quickly twisted into a frown. "I knew it... Is it too much to ask for you to be happy for me just one day? You wanted the kingship back the moment you set foot in this house. You should have thought about that before you ran off to 'see the world' last year!"

Barbarius heaved a loud sigh. "I made a big mistake, but I learned and grew from it." He turned to Grandfather. "Please give me another chance to plead my case to the Council."

Grandfather scratched his silvery mane. "Your father holds the last word on that."

Apollus rolled his eyes. "Why are we even entertaining the idea that he could be given a second chance? He is not even fit to be King!"

"I am more qualified than you!" Barbarius snapped. "All you think about is yourself. Your head is inflated with arrogance."

I rolled my eyes. Here we go again.

Grandfather shook his head. "Please, both of you! Let not the hunger for power consume you. It is an ugly thing I am witnessing between you brothers."

Barbarius turned to Grandfather. "That signet ring does not belong to him. You and Troy both know that!"

Apollus looked at me as if daring me to speak, but I refused to be caught in their dispute, so I sipped on my wine instead.

"It was announced I would be the successor. He is not taking back his word unless you want Father to be made a liar!"