The Next Erased Title for Security Reasons

Chapter 8: The Acquisition of Chara: One true Love

Capital Merdane, Central Meltinzer

Naffiel was officially engaged to the Princess of Chara.

He was stripped of his position as the Crown Prince of Meltinzer.

Shadow was delighted to hear this. Time to make Saphniel the Crown Prince. Without the Princess or a Crown Prince, Naffsetar had turned to his 'useless' nephew. Unbelievably, after taking over as the Prime Minister, Saphniel had shown his true skills, baffling the courtiers, winning the support of the younger ministers (even Amanda!) and getting on very good terms with the Generals, and the Commander of the Royal Guards. Shadow had seen to it that the King's weakness, and the absence of a Crown Prince or Princess stirred rumours, and he even spread news of a rebellion amongst the public, causing fear and distrust in the politicians' minds. Besides, Saphniel had always been popular with the common people. Faced with the pressure from the courtiers, as well as the public, the King turned to Saphniel completely.

Saphniel, his former vehemence shut away by the incredible turn of events, now actually felt sorry for the terrified and broken man in front of him. He smiled kindly. "Yes, Royal Uncle. I will help."

That starry eyed dreamy prince that the nobles often insulted, who would have imagined; became the Crown Prince.

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A beautiful moonlit night. Saphniel summoned his four closest aides. He trusted them completely. Their devotion to him was unquestionable, servants like that were exceptional. He had found each of them, lost in different places, unwanted and homeless, often chased by the guards and shopkeepers. He had taken them to his home in Azari, and treated them as friends. The only friends he had that weren't trees or animals. And when he often wandered around, they accompanied him, and thus they grew older together.

"My friends. As you all know, I have been made the Crown Prince, and it's almost the end of the road for me. Thank you for staying with me until now. So, if there's anything you want to do, like marriage and family, or travelling, or settling down, please feel free to talk. I've been too selfish in my pursuit of power, I forgot about your wishes. I most sincerely apologise."

The servants bowed in unison: "Prince Saphniel, you are our family now. We wish only to continue our lives beside you, and serve you."

"But Leanne, you are of a marriageable age, and Esme has only a few more years of youth left..... I insist, I don't want lovely women like you becoming martyred spinsters looking after a grown man! Do you want to end your bloodlines here? And you, Yom-iun? Don't you want to go back to Chara, and live in your hometown? You said you liked to garden.... I could help you set up a botanical business or something there.... so why don't you......?" His voice trailed away as Yom-iun gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Forever with you, our sweet Prince Saphniel."

After the prince and his servants had left to their own quarters, Shadow gazed out from the windows. The moonlight threw his outstanding contours into highlight. He took out the vial around his throat. He kissed it softly, missing his beloved with every fibre of his being. All the four aides had insisted to stay with their prince. Told him that the only family they ever needed was their rescuer, protector, and so on.

But the sense of loneliness in Shadow's mind bit into his heart. He would be complete only if that 'Prince' was by his side. His fragile and beautiful angel. The moonlight was so pale and glowing, just like the Behemoth's skin. Looking at the moonlight, it stung a bit more than usual. He sighed and put the vial back where it hung: against his heart. He fancied he saw his lover's breathtaking smile. His heartache was unbearable. He sank, and thought the smile more tender than it's usual wicked charm. A tear rolled down his cheek. "My dear, I wish you were really here."