A King's Will

The sounds of morning ring through the City of Rosalia, within its centre, stood its domineering castle, with its shadow cast upon a portion of Rosalia, reminding the people of its rulers.

Inside it, was an office, the lavish decoration, line up with gold. All expressing the great wealth House Geldstein has accumulated through its reign.

The portrait of the current king is displayed for anyone who enters, below it is the man himself.

His aging features, prominent as the once golden hair whitens and lustrous gold skin fades.

He continues writing and inspecting important documents for the day ahead, working diligently for his mistakes.

A knock interrupts him, "You can go in." He replies to the knocking.

A red demon in priestly robes enter with a bow, "King Avares, I have successfully informed Prince Lenard."

Avares spoke as he gestures Orvin to a seat, "Thank you Orvin, and what was Lenard's reaction?"

Orvin takes a seat in front of him as he explained, "A bit of hesitation and a lot of fear."

Avares nods, "That is understandable,"

He rests his chin on his arm, "He still seems to be under the impression that he can win this by himself."

Orvin speaks with a smile, "Yes, it seems he believes in himself a bit too much."

Avares chuckles to himself, "A lot like his father, huh?"

Orvin remains silent as King Avares chuckles to himself, a bit hesitant on commenting against a patron.

Avares then looks to him, his golden eyes dimmed, "Have you found anything worthwhile in your trip."

"Yes, It seems that Golden Wear entered Prince Lenard's influence."

Avares looks to the window, the view of the city swallowed by the castle's shadow, "That's good, the money will be useful in curbing House Dunsten's influence."

He raises an eyebrow as he asked, "Is that all?"

Orvin replies, "I also wish to take Prince Lenard under my tutelage."

Avares looks to him in worry, "Is that all right? I thought that the Church of Deia won't teach outsiders their magic?"

Orvin smiles, "I have requested to be allowed to do so, since he shall be an integral part of the church."

He takes a letter from his pocket and hands it to Avares, "My request has been approved,"

Avares weakly smirks as he read the letter, "This is good," He glances at him, "Then when do you plan to start?"

Orvin smiles, "I plan on returning there, tomorrow."

Avares shakes his head "There's no need, I'll be making him return for his engagement." He looks to the mansion, "We'll be announcing it then."

Orvin bows, "By your will, Your Highness."

"Is there anything else?"

Orvin shakes his head, "There is none,"

"Then you may take your leave," Avares spoke as he went back to his work.

Orvin bows before walking to the door and leaving him back to his thoughts.

Now alone Avares sighs as he mutters to himself, "Talking to him never gets easier, why did do this again?"

His eyes then flash with memories as rage fills him, the memories of Anastasia.

Her bright and beautiful smile, her melodious giggle and the happy view of her and Lenard.

Unfortunately for him, so did the sight of her blood running down her once red cheek. Lenard's cries of despair as they both watch the light leave her black lustrous eyes.

He slams his fist down, 'They killed her, killed the woman I love for a throne I never wanted.'

He clenches his fist as he furiously thought, 'It doesn't matter what I have to do, I'll make sure no Rivider blood ever gets anywhere near that throne.'

He coughs violently as he thought, 'Even if I burn this kingdom to the ground.'

He looks to her portrait and the family that stood there, happy and untouched by the politics of their time.

With his eyes brimming with tears, He spoke with great regret, "If only I had ruled from the beginning."

The words were followed by tears, silently flowing as he reminisces on what could've been.

A few moments pass like this till a knock come from the door, "Father, can I enter."

Avares stiffens in tension, his other son, one which he had failed, he replies, "You may."

Athon enters with a smile, his blue eyes a glaring reminder of who he was and what he represents.

He waves his hand, "Hello, Father."

Avares keeps looking down at his work before replying, afraid of making eye contact "Why are you here?"

Athon sits at the chair in front of him, "Is it wrong to talk?"

Avares looks up and glares at him, "You do not come here to talk."

Athon sneers, his expression filled with anger and indignity, "Why would I? You never bothered to listen."

He shakes his head, calming himself down "It doesn't matter,"

He glares at his father as he crosses his arms, all pretences gone, "I wanted to ask why you decided to marry Lenard to an Araselian princess."

Avares raises an eyebrow as he replied, "I saw it fit to do so since there's nothing wrong with improving relations with a neighbouring country."

Athon only glares, angered at his lacking reply, "You did it despite the risks?"

Avares looks up from his work, understanding his insinuation, "Yes, I did."

Athon slams his hand on the table, "Come off it, father." He points his finger at Avares' face, "I know what you're trying to do!"

He gestures around, his face filled with anger, "Are you willing to burn this kingdom to the ground!?"

He shouts, "Your choice will only end with bloodshed! With neither of us winning."

Avares glares at him and spoke bluntly, "This isn't your kingdom to rule,"

He goes back to work, as if dismissing him as he spoke "And it will never be"

"And neither was it meant to be his."

Avares looks up in anger and shouts, "GET OUT!" He points to the door, "Get out before I hang you and your mother for treason!"

Athon reddens in anger as he stood up, the threat against his mother, something he could never let go, "MOTHER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!"

He walks to the door before looking back at him with a raging intensity, "She never chose to marry you."

His expression was filled with hatred, "She stayed, because unlike you she understood DUTY!"

The door slams and Avares only looks down as he sighs, another shouting match with his estranged son,

'Am I making a mistake?'