chapter 26 Feast

At the evening sun's gentle touch, a maid approached the first prince and the first princess, bearing news of a feast summoned by the second prince. Obliging the invitation, they made their way to the grand hall, their presence commanding respect from those in attendance.

The third prince, draped in opulent attire, welcomed them with a calculated smile. He exchanged pleasantries with the first prince, but beneath the façade lurked an air of tension. As the feast progressed, the third prince seized a moment to engage in a conversation that seemed innocuous, yet held an underlying venom.

"You know, dear brother," the third prince began, his tone smooth and calculated, "the way you've chosen to deny your birthright, it's almost poetic. It's as though a beast defeated you, and you surrendered your throne for the sake of a lady."

The first prince's gaze hardened, his expression unyielding. "My choices are mine to make, and they hold more honor than you may ever understand."

With a mocking chuckle, the third prince continued, "Ah, but have you ever wondered about the stories that echo through these halls? Stories of sacrifice and secrets, of those who stand taller after their fall?"

The first prince's eyes narrowed, catching a faint glint of mischief in his brother's gaze. "What are you getting at?"

The first prince leaned closer, his voice a whisper that carried a calculated hint of scandal. "Do you know the tale of the maid who was violated and saved by a savior in the form of a prince? A maid who now carries a royal child, a secret hidden in plain sight."

The third prince's fists clenched, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "You dare speak of such matters in the presence of our kin?"

As if on cue, the first princess intervened, her voice firm and unwavering. "Enough of these veiled insinuations. We gather here as royalty, bound by duty and honor."

But the first prince was unrelenting. "I think the story is an interesting story 'Did you know the story?' the first prince ask all other princes and princess, hoping for a morsel of truth."

With that, the third prince lunged at the first prince, his frustration boiling over. However, before he could strike, a guard swiftly intervened, his trained instincts honed to protect the royal family.

The guard's firm grip subdued the third prince, as he struggled against the restraint. The tension in the hall escalated, a silent reminder of the breach in decorum. The third prince's actions violated the palace's sacred rules and regulations governing royal relationships, and the consequences were clear.

Amidst the chaos, the first prince's voice resonated with authority. "This is not the path of our lineage. We stand united by bonds of blood and duty. Let this be a reminder to all that the sanctity of our roles must never be tainted by base desires."

As he was about to be escorted away,

" you bring disgrace upon we princes, " because of the dying Ida's clan heiress. You've denied your birthright, but your rejection is my approval." he declared vehemently, addressing Prince Rogba as he exited the hall on his way to the stables to saddle his horse. "Your rejection is my endorsement."

"It will never come to pass...we still have a second prince!" the first princess exclaimed, her voice finally rising to be heard.

"Hahaha...he will never return... because he has perished," the third prince sneered, the guards forcibly restraining him as his laughter took on a sinister tone.

"This is another transgression...he should be held accountable for it," the first princess protested.

"I will ensure you are penalized for wishing your brother's demise," she retorted, following the guard closely, only to be held back by the fourth prince.

"Don't!" the fourth prince commanded firmly.

"How dare you lay a hand on me?" she hissed indignantly.