1.17 Crowned Conflicts

Damian led Dorian into the dining room, tightening his grip on his hand. Dorian noticed Damian seemed a bit nervous.

Once inside, Dorian took in the opulence of the dining room. The place radiated luxury, seamlessly blending modern technology with timeless grandeur.

The elongated table, boasting a smooth, crystalline surface, stretched majestically beneath an array of suspended orbs casting a soft, ambient glow.

At the head of the table, a regal throne stood, occupied by an older man exuding dignified authority.

Cloaked in elegant robes reflecting the cosmic hues of the surrounding walls, he emanated a commanding presence. Neatly groomed silver hair framed a face marked by lines of wisdom and experience.

Damian approached his father, casting a glance at Evander. Annoyance flickered across Damian's face as he realized Evander had invited a guest, disrupting what was supposed to be a family affair.

He halted at the thrones, saying, "Father, meet Dorian. Dorian, this is my father, King Sage Nova."

Dorian bowed, "Your Highness."

Sage nodded, smiling, "Nice to finally meet you, Dorian."

Dorian reciprocated the smile, "It's nice to meet you too, your highness."

Damian pulled a chair for Dorian beside his father, taking a seat next to him. Dorian gazed ahead, finding himself facing a handsome man with chestnut eyes radiating warmth and kindness.

The man's features conveyed a quiet strength, surrounded by an aura of goodness that made his presence comforting.

With a friendly smile, he appeared approachable, leaving a lasting impression of sincerity and genuine goodwill.

"Hello, I'm Renan."

Dorian smiled, saying, "Nice to meet you, Renan. I'm Dorian."

Renan replied with a smile, "I know. I'm pretty sure the entire galaxy knows who you are."

Dorian chuckled, finding himself intensely studying Renan. There wasn't a hint of negativity about him, not a trace of darkness.

Dorian, skilled at reading people, felt that Renan was genuinely a good person, a sentiment confirmed after checking CS.

Tilting his head, Dorian observed this anomaly. Despite Renan's wealth, powerful family, and alpha status, he stood out as a genuinely good individual.

Evander noticed Damian's eyes darkening as he observed Dorian's intense gaze at Renan, causing a smile to play on Evander's lips.

Once the entré was served, Damian turned Dorian's head, his eyes darkening, and asked, "What are you looking at?"

Dorian smiled, replying, "It's rare for me to meet someone with a good soul. It's like seeing an alien for the first time."

Laughter followed Dorian's response. Renan chimed in, "How can you be sure I have a good soul?"

Damian released his hold on Dorian, who turned his head, stating, "I can always tell. It's my only gift."

Sage smiled, adding, "I don't think anyone who saw you during the first trial would agree."

Dorian grinned, saying, "It came from years of work; it isn't innate."

Sage inquired, "Did you enjoy being on the battlefield, or did you wish you were home?"

Dorian responded, "I did. I learned from the best, visited different planets, and helped people."

The original truly loved it, having dreamt of becoming a soldier, so Dorian would embrace that for him. Sage nodded, and when the entrée arrived, they all began to eat.

Evander turned to Dorian, saying, "I didn't think we would be having dinner after what transpired after our last conversation."

Dorian glanced at Damian, who narrowed his eyes at Evander. Dorian then looked at Evander, stating, "I wouldn't call what we had a conversation; it was more like an introduction. But I agree, I didn't expect to have dinner with you either."

Damian smiled, and Dorian continued eating as Evander's eyes darkened. Dorian wasn't going to be a pawn in Evander's attempt to harm Damian.

If Evander left him alone, Dorian would do the same; if not, he'd make him pay for the trouble.

Evander smiled and asked, "You joined the show because your boyfriend Aries asked you to, right?"

Sage glanced at Evander, saying, "Enough."

Evander smiled gently, stating, "I'm just trying to get to know our guest better."

Damian warned, "If you can't behave, I'll toss you out. Don't test me."

"Cousin, don't you want me to get to know your friend better?"

Before Damian could speak, Dorian asserted, "You're a villain, just like me. The only difference between you and me is that I know when to take up arms and when to refrain."

Evander narrowed his eyes, questioning, "Are you threatening me?"

Dorian smiled, clarifying, "Of course not. I wouldn't dare to threaten a prince in front of the king. But I won't let you use me as a tool to hurt Damian. Cut it out, or I'll show you what a smart villain can do."

Evander sneered, "The villain who had greedy strangers treat him worse than the help."

Renan and Sage exchanged frowns, while Damian's eyes darkened. He began to stand up, but Dorian held his wrist firmly.

"I don't mind you talking about me, but remember I've told you not to involve me in your issues with Damian," Dorian asserted.

Evander warned, "Stop talking to me as if you know everything. Don't spread lies."

Dorian let out a sigh and started to eat. It seemed clear to him that Evander wasn't going to change.

Observing Damian's persistent anger towards Evander, Dorian gently intertwined their hands, and Damian started to calm down a bit.

Damian felt a twinge of remorse. He had invited Dorian to introduce him to his father, not to deal with Evander. He decided he'd address that matter later.

Sage turned to Dorian, inquiring, "Why do you always call yourself a villain?"

Dorian responded matter-of-factly, "Because that's what the universe made me."

Sage smiled, and Damian, also smiling, said, "He and I will be villains together."

Sage looked at his son. Even though he could sense Damian's genuine feelings for Dorian, he still felt surprised. Never in a million years did he expect someone to make his son's heart beat.

The moment he saw Damian's expression after the argument with Dorian, he realized Damian had developed feelings for him. Before dinner, he felt extremely nervous, hoping everything would go perfectly.

Dorian gazed at Damian with a smile and asked, "Shall we go after Evander first?"

Damian turned, casting a bloodthirsty smile at Evander, saying, "We shall."

Dorian chuckled. Evander felt a chill down his spine but maintained composure. He looked at Dorian, saying, "When we met, I thought you were smart, but turns out you're just like all those bimbos Damian spent a night with."

Damian stood up, unleashing his spiritual force. The staff retreated, struggling to breathe. Sage observed and ordered, "Leave."

They hurriedly exited. Evander stood up, stepping back as Damian advanced. Dorian advised, "It's not worth it. He'll never give up until he takes your place as the crown prince."

Sage smiled at Dorian, recognizing his intelligence from watching the situation unfold.

Damian gripped Evander's neck, cautioning, "Next time you say anything like that, I'll kill you. I won't care how close your father and I were. Do you understand?"

Evander struggled to breathe, feeling as if he was drowning. Tears welled up in his eyes as Damian tightened his grip. Evander managed to say with difficulty, "I... do."

With disdain, Damian released him, and Evander collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. Damian resumed his seat. Dorian glanced at Renan, noticing he continued eating as if nothing had happened.

While Renan might not participate in such confrontations, it was evident he was accustomed to witnessing them.

Dorian looked at Damian, lacing their hands. "Are you okay?"

Damian nodded, touched by the concern in Dorian's eyes.

Evander reclaimed his seat with dark eyes. He couldn't understand why Dorian would ask him if he was okay when he was the one choked. Evander couldn't wait until he had the chance to retaliate against both Damian and the king.