𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒// 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐔

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟓// 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬

Angry voices from inside Prince William's chambers. Lee cocked his head, exchanging glances with Austin, who shrugged.

Lee had taken Austin as an apprentice of sorts, who assisted him with healing. Austin had spent his entire time at the Shade palace healing and honing his craft, and required little teaching. The two had appeared at the prince's door to assess his healing wounds, only to be confronted with an argument between the prince and his parents.

Lee cracked open the door, peering into the outer chamber. The three were standing on the other side of the room.

"Can't you at least tell us what you told them?" King Apollo snapped.

"Forgive me for not remembering every detail," Will spat.

"But--"

"I told you, father. They wanted to know about the palace, the guards at the gates, the networks of tunnels, where your rooms were. That's all they wanted."

"And did you tell them everything?" King Apollo's voice was lethally quiet. Lee tensed at the promise of violence in his voice, ready to spring in and interfere if he must.

Either Will didn't hear the tone to his father's voice, or chose to ignore it. "Forgive me for spilling our secrets in such conditions!"

"And forgive me for believing if you had the proper strength, you could have resisted their techniques!"

"I was tortured--"

"Enough!" The king loomed over his son. "How do you expect us to be safe when they have that information? They can conquer us at any moment!"

"Levesque promised peace!"

A cold laugh from King Apollo. "Have you learned nothing? You honestly expect her to keep such a promise? You trust her? We've been at odds with the Shades for years, William. Years."

"She is a good person! She--"

"Those Shades have gotten into your head. They've brainwashed you, Will. Open your eyes!"

"Open your eyes! Do you want to keep feuding with them?" Will tilted his chin to meet his father's gaze. "If we do this right, we can have peace."

Another laugh. "You're delusional!"

"At least I can see the good in people!"

"You need to remember who your enemies are."

"And you need to remember that every person isn't your enemy!"

"Will--"

The prince's temper flared. "Out! Get out! Now!"

King Apollo snarled, eyes blazing. "This is my palace! I am your king. You have no right to order me around!"

"Get out!"

Crack.

Apollo struck Will across the face. The prince stumbled back, hand pressed to his cheek, mouth open with shock.

"You need to remember your place, Prince," King Apollo snarled.

Queen Naomi grabbed her husband. "Apollo, please. He's told us everything he can. Let's go." She dragged him out before he could protest; neither of them gave the healers a second glance as they stormed down the hall.

Lee rushed into the room. "Will? Are you okay?" The prince's face was completely blank, devoid of any emotion. Lee used his power to scan him, eyes widening at his revelation; the prince was dissociating. "Will, you're dissociating. Look at me and smile. Can you hear me? Look at me and smile."