Chapter 2 Hyenas At The Breakfast Table
1514 Words
*Lucien's POV*
I watched as their carriage disappeared into the darkness, swallowed by the night and the mist that clung to the road like a shroud.
She was the most radiant lady I had ever set my eyes upon.
From the first moment our gazes met, I knew. I must make her mine.
The sound of boots against stone pulled me from my thoughts. Cedric approached, his expression solemn, his armor still bearing the dust of the road.
"Your Highness," he said, bowing his head. "You have been watching the maiden's carriage. She is the illegitimate daughter of King Edward."
I already knew the moment her name was spoken. The court whispers, the rumors, the way her name carried both shame and intrigue through the halls of Elindor. None of it mattered.
"I am aware," I replied, voice low. "Send an emissary to King Edward at once. In due time, I shall take one of his daughters as my bride."
"Yes, Your Highness." Cedric bowed again and moved to obey.
I turned toward my horse.
"The attackers have been apprehended," Cedric added. "They will be brought to the kingdom soon enough."
"That is good to hear. Let us return to Grandcrest."
I rode ahead of my men, the wind cutting against my face. I paid no mind to the wounds still fresh upon me. I was accustomed to pain. The battlefield had taught me that blood was both a price and a warning. To bathe in the blood of my enemies was to remind the rest of the world what happened to those who dared raise a hand against the crown of Grandcrest.
We arrived at dawn. The great gates of Grandcrest groaned open, and we rode straight through to the Imperial Castle, banners snapping above us, the towers catching the first light of morning.
"Leave me," I commanded.
Cedric bowed and, with the rest of my men, led the horses toward the stables.
I remained outside beneath the darkening clouds, the air heavy with the scent of rain and steel.
"Hazel," I murmured to the wind. "I must make you mine."
I led my stallion, Storm, to the stables myself. The beast snorted, sensing the tension still coiled in me. Once he was settled, I made my way through the courtyard.
Maids scattered as I passed, their eyes lowering before daring to rise again. I caught more than one glance toward my bare arms. During training, I rarely bothered with sleeves. I had grown used to the way they looked at me with awe, with fear, with something else I had no interest in naming.
I retreated to my chambers. A long bath washed the grime and blood from my skin. I dressed with care befitting a prince of Varyn: a long black coat, an open high collar, leather gloves, a silver belt cinched at the waist, black trousers, and boots polished until they reflected the candlelight.
When I emerged, I made my way to the dining hall.
"Son, what kept you so long?"
My father’s voice carried across the long table. I was in no mood for his pleasantries, but there was business to be done.
My brothers were already assembled.
"You purposely kept everyone waiting, as though you were still a subject and not a prince, hmm?"
Aldric. My eldest brother. He despised me more than any other. His words were always barbed, his eyes always searching for a weakness.
I ignored him and took my seat.
"Ignoring me now, are we?" he pressed.
I did not wish for conflict this morning. But one more word from him, and he would have it.
"Just look at the one you chose as Crown Prince, Father," Aldric sneered. "He cannot even arrive for a simple breakfast on time. How can we be certain he will not let that same laziness ruin our alliances in the future?"
"Says the man who lost his first alliance deal because he overslept," I said evenly.
The table erupted in laughter. I watched Aldric’s face flush with rage.
I adjusted my collar.
"Good morning, Father."
"Good morning, son. What kept you?"
"We were attacked at the border," I said. "The assailants have been captured. Soon, they will learn what becomes of those who strike at Grancrest. But that is not why I agreed to attend breakfast."
I paused and let my gaze travel down the table.
Aldric. Stuart. Keal. Eston. Roman. Aleric.
Six brothers. Six different ambitions.
"I intend to take a bride from the Kingdom of Elindor."
Silence fell.
"What?" Aleric exclaimed, the youngest of us, always too quick with his voice. Every eye turned toward me in shock.
"Father," Aldric cut in, voice tight. "I had planned to take a fourth wife from that kingdom soon. Why would he seek a bride there as well?"
A low, dark chuckle escaped me.
"And what is so amusing?" Aldric snapped.
I rested my arm on the armrest and lifted my gaze to meet his.
"Because you sound like a hyena," I said simply.
His face darkened with fury.
Ever since childhood, he had been at my throat. My father had three wives and seven sons. I was the second son. My mother was the youngest of his three wives, though she was wed second. I was her only child. She was poisoned by one of my father’s other wives a casualty of the endless rivalry in this court. My mother had trusted the wrong person. And she paid for it with her life.
Aldric turned to our father.
"I wish to take my fourth wife from the Kingdom of Elindor. I ask that Lucien withdraw."
Father regarded him with weary eyes.
"But he has already spoken to me of this before you," Father said. "You bring the matter now. Since Lucien informed me first, it is for the two of you to decide between yourselves. Speak to him."
Aldric’s gaze snapped back to me.
"I order you to withdraw from seeking a bride in King Edward’s court."
I pretended not to hear.
"I am speaking to you, young man," he growled. "Withdraw."
"And why should I?" I asked, an evil smirk playing at the corner of my mouth.
"Because I am taking a fourth wife from there."
I chuckled darkly.
"Such a mistake, to have sired you," I said softly.
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself," I added.
He inhaled sharply.
"Are you addressing me in that manner?"
"Is it not obvious?" I replied. "You have three wives and seven children. What more do you want, old man?"
He looked around the table, desperate for support, and found Eston trying and failing to hide a laugh.
"Eston," Aldric barked. "Write an emissary to King Edward. Now."
"Oh, brother," Eston said, stretching. "I have other matters. I’m off to morning training. See you later. Farewell, Father."
Eston had always been the only one who stood at my side. I counted him as a true brother.
Aldric turned back to me, sputtering.
"Look at you. You cannot even write a simple letter."
"Regardless, Father," I said, turning to him with a small smile. "I ask for your blessing in this matter."
Father smiled, the lines around his eyes softening.
"At last you have decided to take a wife. You have my blessing, son."
I smiled and watched Aldric seethe.
I rose from the table.
"You will regret this," Aldric hissed.
"Then be prepared to face me," I replied. "Or perhaps you already do. But do not push me too far."
I walked out of the dining hall.
"Son, you did not even touch your breakfast," Father called after me.
"The dog still standing there may have it," I said without looking back.
I had better things to do than sit and trade barbs over bread and wine.
I made my way to the training grounds. The sound of steel rang through the air. My men were drilling, sweat gleaming on their skin despite the early hour.
"Up! Do not let your back touch the ground! Stay focused!"
Cedric’s voice carried over the yard. He spotted me and approached at once.
"Sir, do you require anything?"
"Has the emissary been sent?"
"Yes, Your Highness. They received it warmly."
"Good. They understand, do they not? Once an emissary is accepted, no other suitor may be considered until the first has chosen his bride."
"Of course, Your Highness. They are well aware."
A slow, wicked smirk curved my lips.
I would love to see you try one of your tricks now, Aldric.
"You may continue with the training," I said, turning to leave.
"Your Highness," Cedric called. "The Kingdom of Elindor has sent an invitation. A ball in honor of the third princess. Princess Hazel."
He held out the parchment, sealed with gold wax and the crest of Elindor.
I took it. A mischievous smirk touched my face.
"Then we shall attend."
I carried the invitation back to my chambers. The seal felt warm in my hand.
Another chance to see you again, Hazel. I promise you I will make you mine.
- Writer
