Chapter 6: A surprise announcement

Kaidrian emerged from his shower, his dark raven hair perfectly styled, and his chiseled features gleaming with a hint of arrogance. He headed to his father's chamber, leaving a trail of swooning maids in his wake. "What do you expect from a prince of Tenebrous?" he whispered to himself, enjoying the attention.

Upon arriving at the king's chamber, the guard announced his presence, and Kaidrian entered with a graceful bow. "Good morning, my king," he said, his voice dripping with charm.

King Thrian looked up from his throne, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Good morning, son. Rise, Kaidrian."

Kaidrian straightened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Father, I'm sorry I missed breakfast. I was... tired." He flashed a disarming smile, knowing his father wasn't buying it.

King Thrian raised an eyebrow. "Save it, Kaidrian.

"The reason I called you here is that I've arranged a marriage proposal for your step-sister, Lyrik, with Silas, the son of Duke Thane Orion," the king said.

"Yes, Father, she's 19, after all," Kaidrian agreed, trying to sound enthusiastic.

"And yes, although Xyla is only 17, secret love letters were found in her room," Kaidrian added, almost shouting. "O my father, everyone knows relationships aren't to be kept secret from you!" Kaidrian said almost laughing

"That's why I want her to get married two weeks after Lyrik's marriage. Okay, and I need you to find a suitor who would be able to withstand her... madness," king thrian said looking very serious.

Yes father your wish is my command kaidrian said smiling sheepishly

If that's all father I'll take my leave.

As Kaidrian stood up and approached the door, his father's voice stopped him. "Yes, Father?"

"Hmm, King Thrian took a deep breath and said, "Kaid, I know it must be hard for you. Erian, my first son, is married to Elunned, and they have a daughter, Freya. And you know your younger brother, Kael, is also married with a son, Lyrius."

Kaidrian wondered where this conversation was going. "Yes, Father?"

The king continued, "So, that's why, during the ball, after announcing my heir, I'm going to give you a surprise."

Kaidrian's heart skipped a beat. Almost shouting "A wife, of course!" the king said, laughing. "I know it must be hard seeing your brothers married and you still single."

Kaidrian's mind raced. "Who am I getting married to, Dad?" he asked, trying to sound calm.

The king smiled mischievously. "If I tell you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it? By then, you can take your leave."

Kaidrian left his father's chamber with mixed feelings, still thinking about who the girl his father wanted him to marry was. On his way out, he met Lady Vesper and greeted her, bowing slightly. Lady Vesper answered, waving her hands.

Deep within the foreboding Dark Forest of Hortus Tenebris, far from the reaches of King Thrian's castle, a mysterious lady sat shrouded in shadows. Her raven hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, with strands that seemed to writhe and twist of their own accord. Her eyes burned with an inner fire, two gleaming emeralds that pierced the darkness with a wicked smile that seemed to freeze the very soul.

"Ah, you've finally arrived," Arachne said, her voice dripping with malevolence. "Is it ready?"

The lady who had just entered asked, her eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "Just one more spell, Arachne said."

Arachne cackled, her voice like a rusty gate. "TEH NEH BRY VIN KOO LAH!" she chanted, casting a spell that conjured a swirling white smoke. As it dissipated, Arachne laughed maniacally, her eyes blazing with triumph. "FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY! HAHAHA! It is done, my lady!"

The lady's smile grew wider, her eyes gleaming with dark intent. "Good, Arachne. And you're certain this will do the job?"

Arachne bowed, her voice dripping with servitude. "Consider it done, my lady. Even the king and his son, Kaidrian, won't be able to withstand this power."

The lady's smile grew wider, her eyes flashing with malevolence. "Good, Arachne. We, the witches of Hortus, are always at your command, my lady Arachne said isn't that right family?

As if summoned by her words, shadowy figures emerged from the darkness like fog, their voices whispering in unison, "Yes, mother."

The lady's laughter was like a cold wind, sending shivers down the spine. "Good. I want nothing but destruction and chaos to reign supreme."