Coveting other people's things

Freya randomly tossed the box on the table and even forgot about it. She was more interested in taking care of the burn on her cheek and taking a hot steaming bath. Whether this prince had interest in her she really didn't care.

She just wanted to get away from everything and be in a happy place. When she dipped her toes into the warm water Freya sighed contentedly. This was the only time she could relax and bring her mind to peace apart from shooting arrows at moving targets. Amelda volunteered to help her wash her hair but Freya refused.

She lay back in the wooden tub and closed her eyes slowly, wisps of steam whirling on the water's surface. Her thoughts meandered to her happy place. She slowly lowered her head into the water, and the sound of her hands moving underwater comforted her.

Her thoughts wandered to her mother and father envisioning what it would be like if they didn't die. She imagined her five-year-old self sitting on her father's lap while teaching her how to make medicinal powders just like her uncle taught her cousin. She pictured her mother bringing over a slice of strawberry tart just like her aunt used to do.

But within these wonderful images, a boy with long silver hair and different-coloured eyes appeared making her eyelashes flicker before she sat up with a jolt.

She struggled to breathe while wiping away the water on her face. Why did he appear in her thoughts when all she wanted was to forget her troubles and find peace however temporary it was?

Not so far away, Crown Prince Roan was sitting in his study his expression subtle but his mind tangled. He couldn't shake the feeling that something that belonged to him had been tainted by others. As to what it was, he had no idea. He just felt more irritable than usual.

A tall man clad in black armour appeared out of nowhere and half-knelt before him. He mentioned someone's name and the crown prince waved his hand.

Soon the doors opened and Ignis walked in her armour gone. Without her armour, she looked like a stunning beauty with no violent bone in her body. She wore a blue dress which was flattering to her figure and her hair was let down rubbing against her shoulders.

She bowed before him and when she raised her head all her expectations disappeared like chuff blown by the wind. The crown prince didn't even look at her. His face was colder than usual like he was about to murder someone.

"Speak," he said his voice normal but it carried with it an inexplicable chill.

Ignis kept her head bowed as she retold what she saw. The more she spoke the greater the sense of danger she felt.

She subconsciously took a step back. She knew she was in no immediate danger but she was still overwhelmed by fear.

"You can go," he said without even raising his head once.

If it was any other time Ignis might have pushed her luck and stayed to speak a few words of comfort. This time it was like being stuck with a starved lion in its den. She saluted him before leaving.

As soon as she stepped outside and the doors closed behind her, she exhaled a breath. She took a step forward only to hear the sound of something crashing to the ground. Her heart dropped as she tremblingly she turned around but she didn't dare go back there.

In front of Roan was a smashed vase. As though overtaken by something sinister he smashed it to the ground. It was only after that he glanced at his trembling hands seeming surprised.

He tapped the table twice and the man clad in black appeared before half kneeling and asking, "Yes, your highness."

"Find out where my dear brother is," he said his voice murderous.

"Yes your Highness," replied the man and ten minutes later, Prince Kian who was gambling with his servants in the east wing was suddenly being held by his collar and face to face with the devil.

For years this half-brother of his had coveted his things starting the moment he could crawl. Roan hated Queen Rhea with every fibre of his bone but his father still married her regardless. His one condition was that she and her son shouldn't covet things that belong to him.

Be it his mother's crown or his things. It was off limits but this brat would always be caught in his business several times even when he grew up to a sensible age. Countless times he had threatened to cut off Kian's finger for each thing he touches that belonged to him but someone always intervened and saved him.

"Bro-, brother," stammered Prince Kian while trying to remove his half-brother's hand on his throat. His face was red struggling to breathe.

Crown Prince Roan tossed him to the ground with a loud bang and ordered, "Bolt the door."

The servants who were being held back by the Keres guards began to cry louder while begging to take Kian's place.

The Keres guards pushed them out and bolted the door from inside. Sounds of banging on the doors soon became white noise with no effect at all on Roan. Their screams and shouts were just like the ones on the battlefield but less blood-curdling.

"Your mother failed to teach you manners so let this big brother continue where she failed," he said as another of his men picked up the delicate young prince curled on the ground.

Prince Kian grimaced in pain before shouting profanities and calling for help. His head was suddenly pressed on the table and his fingers spread apart.

A sharp shing sound followed as Crown Prince Roan took out a sharp dagger. Fear flashed in Kian's eyes and he began to struggle like a chicken about to get slaughtered but it was useless. He was raised as a dandy and stood no chance against a man who fought countless battles.

He was pressed down further as he yelled, "Roan, are you crazy? Father and my mother won't let you go for this! Let me go!"

Roan chuckled softly while turning the dagger over. The side of the blade reflected the candlelight as he asked, "Don't you remember what I said the last time you tried to touch one of my female warriors?"

Kian gritted his teeth almost foaming in the mouth as glowered at Roan like he wanted to bite him to death. Roan slapped his forehead using the side of the dagger three times while saying, "Speak."