The Shadows Between Us

Younger Prince

"Good morning Dad." A man in his twenties bowed to the king. All of them in the dining was emanating a majestic aura without even trying.

"Mother, good morning." He walked up to the queen and bowed. He moved in to kiss her on the left cheek, and she smiled back. Victoria stroked his shoulder gently, but the king's expressions spoke otherwise. He had set down his fork and was now concentrating on the table's centrepiece.

"Prince Leonard, How many times do I have to reaffirm the palace's regulations?" He remarked furiously, but Leonard smiled, leaned in close to his father, and again bowed.

"Father, I'm sorry." How can a parent be so angry with his son, he said, in such a sweet and charming tone that the king's rage abated. After all, no one can really comprehend the bond that exists between a son and his father. As the king patted the prince's shoulder, he grinned and sat down next to Victoria. The maids bring him breakfast.

"Alvis, how is Diana? I heard she was ill from yesterday. I got no time to go confront her. She is also not here today for breakfast." Mother of Alvis Darius was Princess Diana. Princess of Máville and King Donovan's sole sibling, who was married to Prince Darius, her cousin.

Donovan's father name was William, and he was chosen as king by his father's decree. He was a single brother with a younger sister named Diana. Prince Darius displayed his affection for the warriors, they appreciated him for his bravery. Donovan appointed him as a chief troop of his realm, a position second after the queen and king.

"Mother is fine but is taking rest."

"She, by the way, rests all day." She mumbled, but Alvis heard her. He clutched his fist beneath the table while maintaining a serene appearance. Victoria was not naïve. She did it out of jealousy and is pleased with his reaction, which only she saw.

"Stop it. Victoria." Hearing Donovan she just smiles and starts eating her food.

Leonard ignored what had just happened and picked up the glass of new blood, staring at Alvis, who was eating his food peacefully.

"So he isn't returned yet?" Leonard raised a question slowly.

"Where is he? He never did this before." The king, unlike when the older prince arrived late, asked calmly, knowing that his son would be conducting essential work. It's his first time not being present at the eating table while everyone else were.

"In the kingdoms of Máville and Álencia, there is a group of vicious vampire thieves. They had stolen from numerous individuals and slaughtered more than three entire families, as a rouge vampire would. I got complaints, so I ordered troops to investigate, but they were unable to locate their hiding location. We attempted but failed to capture the group." He explains everything to the emperor, who was completely unaware of the situation in his land.

"What!? And you're telling me this now? How dare those thieves enter in my kingdom." He shouted in utter distaste for a king to know that his kingdom is looted. How shameful it is for him.

"We were afraid to tell you, Father, but you were ill. I was aware of this. Alvis and I sent the soldiers." Leonard tried to make the king less stressed because it is not good for his health to get a sudden shock.

Alvis added when he knew the matter was out of hand now if he didn't inform his emperor now it will come after him, "But when the thieves didn't stop I got worried for real. Younger prince got to know about this."

"Don't tell me he is after them." King knew something is going on with his younger prince as he guessed what the chief was trying to state now.

"I tried to stop him but I failed to do so. He said I can't sleep in my comfy bed when those thieves were harming my people and stealing their life savings. It's my responsibility to go there personally to catch those thieves and protect the kingdom so the prince is with those soldiers all night to guard the kingdom." He said with a proud smile, now as he explained the situation about the younger prince with them he felt a burden lesson from his shoulders. Suddenly he felt proud of his friend. He was very strong and brave.

"Sending troops was enough. He doesn't have to be over-smart. He put his life in danger for some bunch of i***t thieves. Who we today or tomorrow will find."

Leonard sipped his drink while complaining about his brother. It's not that he didn't like his brother but he was also worried for him just like his father. There were no report of what was happened after he had left and if he ate or slept.

Victoria looked at Leonard then the king and said, "Exactly, he is a prince. He doesn't have to do these things." She swallowed her remaining food, as she was eating slowly with rhythm.

"I said the same, but he didn't listen milady. I think we should let him engage in the kingdom issues. Sacrificing own sleep for the kingdom is the best way to show care and love for the kingdom."

"He never disappoints me. My brave son Rowan. I am proud of him. In my opinion, he did what a crown prince should do to protect his kingdom." He glanced at Leonard who in return let out a deep sigh but said nothing. Of course, he knew what the king just said was for him. Alvis finished his meal and wiped his lips with a napkin. He stood up from the chair although, it's against the rule to stand and walk out of the dining before the king. But he has other things to look after now when his best friend was in danger.

"Your majesty, pardon me. I have to go after the young prince. He must have caught them. He will need me there. I will be there in the royal court after that." He informed.

"Yeah, You should go Alvis. I will be there in the court and after all, Leonard is beside me. He will handle your task for today's court."

"Sure, father." Said Leonard with a smile. Alvis bowed and leave the dining room. Victoria took her sip of blood tea. When the king looked at Leonard, Leonard also gaze up for his order.

"Tomorrow you have to be here before me. You have to be serious now. Engage in the kingdom matters, Leo. You are an older prince. My older prince." He said in an ordering tone but the way he praised him. He felt loved by the king and smiled at the king.

"I will come with you father." Victoria stood up and softly set the king's crown

"Have a good day. My majesty." She wished.

"Thank you, Vic." He replied and then walk away towards the door. Leonard smiled at his mother to say goodbye and then leave behind his father. Victoria set her beautiful gown. She turned to look at the servants when her eyes settled on a young girl standing at a far distance between the others. Her dark red eyes stayed on the girl who was new in the castle.

Charlotte's heart beated faster than before when she sensed queen's gaze on her she mistakenly had an eye contact with her a while ago and now she was scared by her gaze. She didn't know what will she punished her for her inaccuracy.

The queen slowly walked out of the dining while Charlotte let go her breathe which she didn't know was holding by the fear of the queen. How scary, She thought to herself. Being able to work in palace was not easy for humans because everything there was this fear that they would be killed at the hands of the royals if there was any single mistake and no one will question or stand for them.