Chapter 7: Royal and Shadows

In Unity Nation, the second day of mourning for the death of Alex Kings is underway. Widely regarded as a young prodigy whose life was cut tragically short, Alex's passing is commemorated according to a longstanding tradition upheld by the Kings' family. This tradition dictates that families observe a death anniversary annually for the first decade following the passing of a loved one, after which it transitions to a decadal observance. Arnold Kings II and Ruby Kings, Alex's parents, bear the weight of grief, unable to reconcile the loss of their son, whom they were unable to see on the day of his demise.

Alex was known for his fighting prowess and infectious positivity, despite not being academically inclined. He left a lasting impression on those who knew him, with many recalling him as one of the most optimistic individuals they had encountered.

However, within The Night, a starkly different narrative unfolds. Loyal families, nobles, and government figures are vilified as malevolent forces that exploit and oppress ordinary citizens. To The Night, these individuals represent a pervasive evil that must be eradicated. Regardless of age or innocence, anyone associated with these factions is deemed a target for elimination. Tragically, Alex was not exempt from The Night's ruthless agenda, despite his youth and innocence.

"Sir Colvat, His Highness is here," one of the men in the room informed his superior.

"Greetings, Your Highness," a man bowed respectfully to Arnold Kings II, the king.

"Sir Colvat, any updates on The Night and their activities?" Arnold inquired of Oliver Colvat, seeking information about The Night and the Shadows dispatched to one of their hideouts, particularly Ajax and Luna.

"We've obtained an audio recording, Your Highness. It appears your suspicions were correct; they are indeed targeting Sir Raiden," Colvat informed Arnold before playing the audio recording of The Night's discussion from the previous night, outlining their intentions toward Raiden.

"Disgusting rats! I can't believe they want to take more from me," Arnold exclaimed, unable to contain his anger, causing the room to fall silent. Everyone understood Arnold's anguish; he had already lost his youngest son, and now they were planning to target another.

"Sir Colvat, mobilize some of our best Shadows to guard Raiden and Nina. There's no telling if they'll target Nina as well, but I want both of my children protected," Arnold commanded, regaining his composure as he instructed Colvat, one of the commanders of the Kings' Shadow, to deploy guards for his children.

"Understood, Your Highness," Colvat replied promptly, without hesitation, acknowledging Arnold's orders.

"And ensure surveillance on the other locations where the Shadows are stationed," Arnold added before exiting the room.

"Alright, everyone, contact all the Shadows and instruct them to send any information they have regarding The Night," Colvat ordered his men.

"Yes, sir," echoed the response from everyone in the room.

"Answer me. Why did you sleep with Kara Burns?" Ruby Kings, the queen of Unity Nation, demanded of her son with anger in her voice.

"Mother, she tricked me into it. I didn't do it of my own volition," Raiden lied to his mother.

"Enough! Raiden, do you think you can lie to me? Your mother?" Ruby continued, her disappointment evident as she interrogated her son about his recent actions at a loyalty gathering in Dubai.

"I'm telling you, it wasn't my intention. I have a fiancée. Why would I betray her?" Raiden attempted to placate his mother, though his efforts seemed futile.

The news of Raiden's affair with Kara Burns, despite his engagement to Kate Redwood, had spread internationally, causing a scandal that demanded Raiden address the situation publicly.

"Brother, stop it. You know it'll only get worse if you don't tell the truth," interjected Nina Kings, Raiden's sister, stepping into the conversation.

"Nina, what are you doing in my room? Get out!" Raiden snapped at Nina, frustrated.

"I'm trying to help you. If you don't tell Mother the truth now, you'll face our grandparents' interrogation instead, and you know what's worse," Nina reasoned calmly, urging her brother to come clean.

"Look, I was just dancing with her, and after that, I don't remember anything else," Raiden confessed, albeit with a hint of evasion in his tone.

"Is that all you have to say?" Ruby inquired, her annoyance palpable.

"Mother, I swear that's the truth. I only danced with her, and then suddenly, we woke up together," Raiden pleaded, attempting to pacify his mother's concerns.

"Yeah, right. Nobody's buying that, brother," Nina chimed in, her scepticism evident.

"Son, you're not helping yourself here. The scandal is spreading, and the Redwood family isn't pleased either. I don't know what else to say," Ruby expressed her frustration, making a final effort to extract the truth from her son.

"Do you think alcohol is to blame? You're the biggest alcoholic I know, son," Ruby added, conveying her disappointment.

"Fine. I did it for pleasure," Raiden finally confessed, succumbing to the pressure exerted by his sister and mother.

"You've got to be kidding me," Nina exclaimed, shocked by his admission.

Ruby, stunned into silence, simply walked away, leaving Nina alone with Raiden.

"So, let me get this straight. You've managed to upset a lot of people, especially the Redwoods and the Burns, and now tensions within the family are high, all for the sake of pleasure?" Nina interrogated her brother.

"What's wrong with that? I just wanted to relieve some stress. Is that so wrong?" Raiden retorted defensively.

"Stress? What stress? All you do is go out partying and get wasted almost every day. You never attend family meetings or any other important gatherings. What could be causing you stress?" Nina fired back at him.

Unable to come up with a satisfactory answer, Raiden avoided eye contact, staring at the floor in silence.

"Despite your intelligence, you consistently make poor decisions. Grow up, brother. You're not a child anymore. How do you think Alex would feel if he saw you like this?" Nina expressed her disappointment.

"Don't you fucking dare bring up a deceased person's name to guilt-trip me," Raiden lashed out at Nina.

"Enough, both of you!" a man's voice interrupted from behind Nina.

"Uncle Daniel?" Nina turned to see her uncle standing there.

"Have you finished with the ceremony?" she inquired.

"Yes, I have. Raiden, you need to stop making foolish choices. If Alex were still alive, do you think he'd be proud of you? You're the eldest of the current Kings' family and the next head. Act like it. You're not a child anymore. You've upset everyone—your mother is devastated, and your grandparents will want to speak with you too," Daniel admonished Raiden before leaving the room.

"Broth—" Nina attempted to interject, but Raiden cut her off.

"Just leave," Raiden snapped at Nina before slamming his fist into the wall, leaving a noticeable crack.

Without another word, Nina exited the room, leaving Raiden alone to contemplate his actions.