The unloved 2

Khaldun and his right-hand man stepped out of the carriage, which had halted in the huge castle. The guards who were stationed at the door of the palace did not bother to offer a bow nor mumble greetings to the men who were stepping forward to the door. They gave them instead, a stupid look before letting them inside the castle.

Khaldun with Bastian strode towards the corridor, heading to the throne room, they saw people who were either coming in or out and did not bother to greet him.

Interesting, Khaldun thought. The maids who were on duty, dusting and cleaning the corridors offered no bow nor greetings nor stop the sweeping to let them pass through but instead evaded them like lepers, Khaldun took notice of each of them, saying nothing as he walked past them.

Two maids who were carrying a basket filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, saw them approaching as they stepped aside, watching the two men approach them. One muttered an incoherent greeting while the other just stared with an empty expression, watching them as they walked past them.

"Is this not the rumoured castaway prince? Why is he so handsome?". One of the maids, who had not offered a bow asked the other maid.

The maid who had given a bow turned to stare at the men who were far behind them, walking farther and farther. When she thought the men were out of earshot, she turned to look at her fellow. " Since when did I become interested in the affairs of the royal family? Could you please mind your business or you would settle our heads on the scaffold". She warned, moving ahead with the basket.

Khaldun who had completely heard the girls' whisperings with his well-developed ability, gave a little smile. At least, people still knew he was much more handsome. It seemed his father was relentlessly giving him a terrible reputation.

"What are you smiling at? There are no pretty ladies in front of us to seduce". Bastian said as he stared at the approaching mixed group of people, coming from the opposite direction to the throne room.

" My my, here comes the hideous looking snakes in the grasses". Bastian said, faking a cough as they continued to make their way on the corridors leading to the throne room.

"They perfectly fitted themselves into grasses that couldn't camouflage them. Bovines". Khaldun said to Bastian who was stifling a chuckle.

A few men and two women were the only people to give them a curt nod and the rest, ignored him like he was nothing. Khaldun took notice of every one of them, they were like leeches and traitors who opposed him to be the next in line to the throne not because his father hated him but because they were desiring to have the throne for their selfish selves. But who wouldn't want power? Where one would command things at a place to be done, without lifting a finger. He thought, staring at the people who entered the throne room.

When Khaldun had entered the court, he was greeted by rejection to stand closer to the throne by the king's advisor who asked him in the name of the king to stand only closer to the door.

Bastian frowned while Khaldun took no offence at this, instead he raised his hands in surrender, with a wide smile signalling Bastian to follow his lead.

" Do you even know how rumours are vastly spreading about your father placing his concubine's son as the crown prince, like a fucking next in line to the throne? These are signs, you are seeing them". Bastain whispered to the ears of Khaldun, who was still wearing a mad smile.

Khaldun's instant display of smiles slowly faltered at the words he heard from his trusted man.

So it was indeed true. How stupid of the old man to act in haste. Khaldun thought, facing the golden throne, placed by two sides the sculpture of lions, giving no response to Bastian.

A loud trumpet was heard, announcing the arrival of the king. "The great king Bratador Deamonne has arrived". The herald announced. The big doors opened widely from the outside, revealing an average man with a few noblemen that followed him and several guards, who escorted him to the throne room only stopping when they had seen him perfectly seated on the throne.

Everyone offered a deep bow to the king, waiting to hear his permission to raise their heads.

" You may raise your heads". His voice resonated in the room, raising everyone's head as they all turned to face the man on the throne.

In contrast to the looks of the man, this man looked human. He had dark eyes and grey hair with full beards. He wasn't as muscular and handsome as Khaldun and one could effortlessly say they were not associated by blood.

His expression spoke of his monstrosity, his eyes scanning the entire room, dropping on Khaldun who stared back at the king with an air of contempt.

Khaldun quickly took notice of his father's hardened expression at him. This was him, the so-called father who wasn't giving up soon on tarnishing his image. This was the man who had never addressed him nor let him stand close to him as the next in line to the throne. The only day the monster who sat on the throne staring at him had introduced him as the prince, was on a meeting with the neighbouring kingdoms and that was all. He had always instructed him not to ever introduce himself as the crown prince, in the name of protecting him and now he was damaging his reputation, spoiling the people's minds. Such stupid imbecility, Khaldun clicked his tongue in distaste as he thought. His father hadn't fooled him for the day, he had seen him right through his schemes and he would gladly play along with him till the D-day. It was no longer unexpected that his father loathed him. He could tell from the look on the king's face, that he wanted so much to chase him out as soon as possible. But that was never happening soon, Khaldun thought, flashing an endearing smile to his father.