"I am a businessman...

Kian had never felt like this before. He had met a lot of women from the backstreet brothels of the royal city to the lovely maidservants all around the palace but this was the first time that he had seen someone so breathtakingly beautiful.

He knew his half-brother was selecting a wife soon and because of this, there were plenty of women walking in and out of the training grounds. This was the reason he was here. He could get to see beauties pass by and torment one or two for his amusement.

But now that he was faced with this peerless beauty with long black hair, skin as smooth as porcelain jade and lips like a red southern lily his voice vanished like he had been bewitched.

She might try to hide it but the oppressive aura emanating from her was like the icing on the cake. Kian found himself unable to say a word.

Out of shame and frustration with himself, he clenched his clammy fists and turned to walk away. Well, rather than walk away it was more accurate to say that he ran away leaving the two women very confused.

Freya stretched out her hand and helped Amilda up. "Tha, thank you my lady for saving me," she said on the brink of tears. Who in this palace didn't know that Prince Kian was Queen Rhea's precious pearl?

If he said go left no one dared to question him even when there was a cliff edge in that direction. The young lady had literally risked her life by speaking up which was the most selfless act one could do.

"No need to thank me. He might try to find trouble with you later so be careful," said Freya as the two of them continued walking.

***

In a brightly lit dining hall, a family of five were sitting around the table communing together harmoniously. Unfortunately for them, this peaceful meal was bound to be interrupted. A figure clad in black from head to toe silently entered the room like a thief and went unnoticed until he was standing near Lionel.

In other words, he was standing beside the weakness of the entire family his motive clear. Three of the family members drew their swords while Madam Wright remained calm like her grandbaby wasn't in trouble.

Roland spread his hands in a surrendering gesture and said, "I come in peace on behalf of his royal highness, crown prince Roan." After saying that he pulled up his sleeve and showed the Keres allegiance tattoo. The three put away their weapons but remained vigilant.

Roland sat down next to Lionel while Master Wright reprimanded him. "This is unacceptable and highly inappropriate," he said seething from anger but Roland raised his hand to calm him and said,

"My apologies but this is rather a time-sensitive matter pertaining to the young woman you sent over." With his legs crossed at the knee, he carried on saying, "His highness wants to know what you want from him."

Everyone, "..."

Roland picked up an apple from the fruit bowl at the centre of the table and polished it on his sleeve. His presence brought along with it a deadly aura like he would stand up at any moment and slaughter them all like pigs. Linox clenched his jaw tightly fighting off the urge to poison him right then and there.

Cara held his wrist under the table comforting him while her father responded, "Isn't it the right thing to do to offer an amazing young woman to contend for his Highness' favour especially if she can make an amazing wife and queen in the future?"

Roland took a bite of the apple and seemed impressed by the quality. With a soft hum, he chewed the apple and swallowed before pointing at Master Wright while saying, "These are really good. As expected Master Wright doesn't disappoint... and he won't disappoint his highness, right?"

Master Wright didn't think that the crown prince would bring his man to the door but he was prepared nonetheless. Besides this was a good thing. It meant that Freya had successfully grasped his attention.

"I am a businessman and as you can see things haven't been going well recently. Someone has been tampering with my trade routes in the south. As his royal highness knows I have no interest in power and would love to do business in peace but with the way the wind is blowing I will need backing in court. I have my grandson's future to worry about," he said and Roland looked at the young man sitting next to him.

The kid smiled brightly and Roland's lips twitched. Who would have thought this man would put himself in muddy waters just for this kid?

Roland wasn't fully satisfied with this answer mainly because for years people had tried to pull Master Wright to their factions including Queen Rhea but he remained neutral and didn't involve himself. Now out of nowhere, he was interested in joining the crown prince's faction. Something was definitely up. He left the Wright family with the intention of doing his own investigation.

***

A lonely figure stood atop a tower looking down at the royal city with his hand behind his back. That figure belonged to none other than Roan.

His eyes were closed his mind going back to that time his mother stood with him on the same spot stargazing on the most starry nights of autumn.

He recalled at that time he care for nothing and had no worries in the world. His mother made sure he thoroughly enjoyed his childhood years making sure never to burden him with her worries.

But things suddenly changed and he couldn't even remember that feeling. The cool breeze brushed against his face awakening his sense and bringing him to a happy place.

But this moment of temporary relief didn't last because one of his shadow guards appeared and whispered something to him.

His eyes darkened upon hearing this and turned on his heels leaving the tower immediately. He thought they could coexist in peace but time and time again his father tested his patience.

It was always like this. If his father wanted his attention he would say something or do something unacceptable prompting his response. This time he had without his knowledge invited all the young women selected to contend for the title of crown princess to a banquet. This level of disrespect was unacceptable to him.