Dearly loved by a son

Minister Alduse felt lightheaded, he was sure he was nearly fainting soon when he heard what this demon sent from the depths of hell had said, earning gasps of unbelief from the people in the throne room, as he dropped the papers on his hands right to the ground.

But the demon sent was not done yet.

He tilted his head at the shocked-expressed man, who just hung his mouth open like a fish out of water, staring at him.

"It is now left for minister Alduse to give an adequate explanation for such fake claim and information". Khaldun said to the king, who stared back at him with mixed feelings of hate and shock, listening to the erratic beating of his heart in anger, before he bowed, turning to go back to his previous position.

The King shifted his eyes to the minister who stood rooted with trembling lips and hands before looking at the young man who stood beside the door, staring back at him with a triumphant smile. From the minister's expression, one could see it was already an authentic point Khaldun had proved.

King Bratador couldn't come to accept that his so-called son had stretched arms across the kingdom, he was already gathering allies and loyalists without his knowledge. He felt fear creep into his heart at the thoughts of him coming for the throne soon, gripping the armrest in total unbelief. He was speechless beyond words.

" What a wonderful smooth lie". Bastian whispered with a small smile as he took in the different expressions on the people's faces.

Khaldun chuckled, raising his chin high in satisfaction. He could certainly hear the heartbeats and murmurs going on in the court. It felt so good, face slapping them. He inhaled in and out in satisfaction, leaning his back on the wall, beside the door.

Yes!! He had lied, he had no evidence but he could go makeup something immediately if they insisted. He ran no autopsy on the victim's body but he was present there when the murder had taken place and yes, it was minister Adulse who had killed her with some men who he was trying to uncover. He would have saved her but he was selfish. He never did anything that would never yield gain. The woman was so strict and bending her to get to do his will, would never be an easy thing to do. Now what matters was the looks on the faces of the ministers who had connived in this conspiracy looked priceless.

Since the court gathering was scheduled to be held before dawn because the king had an unrevealed place to take off to, he tapped the arrest before yelling to the people whose voices were increasing by every passing minute, just because of his so-called son.

"Silence!!!". King Bratador yelled. His eyes pierced through everyone in the room. " Silence everyone, why behaving like the disgusting peasants?. He asked, his eyes moving from each person, before leaning back to the throne.

"Khaldun". King Bratador called, looking over to his standpoint. " You have done tremendously well...". He paused, before clearing his throat. "And I am proud of you". King Bratador, said as he forced the words out of his mouth.

" As a reward to such commitment in the happenings of these lands, you would be granted with a new carriage. Please do remind to pick it up from the advisor councillor, Danson". King Bratador forcefully said these words like, they tasted bitter like gall in his mouth before forcing a smile on his face.

Khaldun stared at the king like he had just heard, the most foolish thing

ever in his life. A stupid, lame joke. Was he a peasant? Was he now to show gratitude to this? He only lacked the throne which would come sooner to him and as for money and wealth, he had them but in confidential. He was not lacking them and would never lack them.

While everyone's attention was pushed to Khaldun, the king on his throne, waited impatiently for his gratitude.

Khaldun slowly walked forward, standing face to face with his father with the absence of his usual smile on his face. "Father". He began, which provoked the king to no limit. Bratador never wanted him to address him ever as his father.

" You know the right way to reward a person is by inquiring of such person, what he or she desires. You don't just gift them whatever you want. And as a prince who is working hard to see this kingdom land into more capable hands, this is no way to reward him. I mean not to be rude, but would just a stupid carriage add to my honour?". Khaldun questioned him, staring right into his eyes and the king flared.

"Insolence!!, are you trying to indicate that this kingdom is not compatible with my rule? Or are you suggesting I am dethroned for you to reign?". King Bratador barked, ready to give orders to take him away.

Khaldun sighed in frustration. It was high time, a physician comes to take his father away for some jumbles and tangles to be fixed in his head. Humans tend to get more foolish when they go down in age. " I did suggest that? I did? I am sorry if you misunderstand but I meant of aiding you on your rule, my lord. I would never think of dethroning or killing his majesty. I am deeply in love with my father". Khaldun said, a mischievous smile appearing on his lips. He was so certain his father had gotten the hint of what he would do to him sooner.

The King leaned back, watching him before he signalled a man who came forward with an ink, feather and a paper. "What do you want?". King Bratador asked.

" A night out with my mother, alone". Khaldun replied, going straight to the point and emphasising the word alone, which the king grabbed.

The King was stunned, he had warned them, his wife and son never to bring out the family issues ever in the public and now this bastard son of his was doing it deliberately, so he would provoke him in the public.

King Bratador glared at him for seconds before he opened his mouth to say

"Granted".