❤️🩹ROYAL BOND❤️🩹
[Tied by fate………..]
Chapter 5&6
By Triplewealth
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Princess Dahlia leaned back in her seat as the car drove farther down the road.
But her mind stayed behind… with the boy who had just defended his sister without fear.
“Princess, are you alright?” her guard asked from the front seat.
She didn’t answer immediately.
Her gaze was still fixed on the side mirror, where Julian’s figure was slowly fading from view.
A spark of amusement danced in her eyes. “I’m alright keep on driving,” she finally said softly.
“Yes, Your Highness,” the guard replied.
The car sped off toward the royal palace.
But inside, Dahlia’s heart was curious and for the first time in a long while, something had caught her attention beyond the golden gates.
[AVILLAH ROAD]
Julian and Leo stood silently after Emily and her friends stormed off in anger.
“Bro… that was crazy,” Leo whispered. “You just went head-to-head with a royal.”
Julian’s jaw tightened. “I don’t care who she is no one hurts my sister and gets away with it.”
Leo smirked, clapping his shoulder. “This is going to stir trouble.”
Julian turned, his voice calm but steady. “Then let it stir.”
Then they walked away from the scene
Later that’s afternoon Julian got home and Liora who was seated in the living room rush to meet him.
Tell me you didn’t do something bad,Liora asked.
Julian dropped his bag on the couch and avoided her eyes.
“Define bad,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Liora crossed her arms. “Julian, what did you do?”
He looked up slowly. “I just gave Emily a taste of what she did to you.”
Her face fell. “Oh no… Julian, tell me you didn’t fight her.”
“ No but I made sure she won’t forget what she did.”he replied
Liora sighed deeply, rubbing her forehead. “You shouldn’t have done that. She’s powerful… her father’s influence alone could cause us more trouble than you think.”
Julian turned away, his voice calm but heavy. “I don’t care, Liora you’ve always fought your battles alone this time, you won’t.”
For a moment, silence filled the room just the faint sound of the wind brushing against the window.
Then Liora spoke softly, “You’re going to make enemies you can’t handle.”
Julian glanced back, a faint, fearless smile on his lips. “Then let them come.”
He walked to his room, leaving her standing there, torn between fear and pride.
[ERYNODOR KINGDOM]
King Ryker sat at his desk, lost in thought.
He had not touched his wine
Nor had he moved in minutes.
Outside the chamber Queen sabrina came to see the king and her guards where behind her.
Announce my arrival,Queen sabrina muttered.
Your Highness is Majesty doesn’t want to see anybody for now and I can’t defiled his instructions,Kael muttered back.
Go in there and tell him I’m the one outside,Queen sabrina half yelled.
Then kael had no choice but to go inside the chamber.
A soft knock broke the silence inside the chamber.
“Enter,” his deep voice commanded.
Your Majesty the first queen is in front of your chamber and she instead on seeing you,kael asked.
Don’t her in ,theKing replied and kael left
Then king Ryker left his study and went to his room.
Then few minutes later Queen sabrina barged in
Greetings your Majesty,Queen sabrina muttered and bowed slightly.
Then the king who was at the window side turned slowly, his expression cold and unreadable.
“I gave an order, Sabrina no one was to enter.”
She forced a small smile. “Forgive me, but I needed to see you”
“Needed?” he snapped, his tone rising. “You needed to disobey your King’s command?”
Sabrina’s smile faltered. “Ryker, please, I only wanted to—”
“Enough!” His voice thundered across the chamber.
He took a slow, angry step forward.
“You barge into my room after being told to stay out? Is my word so worthless to you?”
Her eyes widened slightly, but she stood her ground. “I only worry for you, my King you’ve been shutting everyone out—”
“Because I choose to!” he cut her off sharply. “not because I need you or anyone else to question me!”
The tension thickened in the room.
Even the guards outside could feel the weight of his fury.
Ryker exhaled slowly, his gaze hardening. “You may be my queen, Sabrina but don’t test the limits of my patience again.”
Her lips parted, as if to speak, but the fire in his eyes silenced her.
“Leave,” he ordered coldly. “Before I forget you are my wife.”
The words hit her like a blade.
With trembling hands, she bowed stiffly.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
She turned and walked out, her steps quick but controlled, her pride forcing her not to look back.
Immediately she left Queen Helena showed up In front of the king chamber
Queen Helena walked in slowly, her long gown brushing the floor.
She stopped when she saw King Ryker standing by the window, his back to her.
He didn’t turn when she entered. “You shouldn’t be here,” he said in a low voice.
Helena smiled gently and walked closer. “And yet, I am.”
He sighed, his hands still behind his back. “I told everyone to leave me alone.”
“I’m not everyone,” she said softly.
When she reached him, she slowly wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.
For a moment, he stiffened—but then his shoulders relaxed.
Her voice was calm, almost a whisper. “You don’t have to face everything alone, Ryker.”
He said nothing but then, slowly, his arms came up around her, pulling her closer.
“You always know how to stop the fire,” he murmured, his voice softer now.
Helena rested her head against his chest. “Because I know the man behind the crown and I know his heart isn’t made for anger but for strength.”
Ryker closed his eyes, the edge in him finally melting away.
“Just stay with me a while.”He muttered
Helena nodded, her embrace tightening slightly. “Always, my King.”
Then they stopped hugging eachother and sat on the bed
“You’ve been troubled lately… is it about Damian again?,she asked
Ryker didn’t answer immediately.
“The boy refuses to follow the path I laid for him and he’s wild and unpredictable
Helena tilted her head slightly. “He’s your son, Ryker the fire in him came from you.”
The King’s lips pressed into a thin line and muttered “That same fire can burn everything I’ve built.”
“Or… it can protect it you only need to guide him differently.”she added
“You’ve always defended him even when the court speaks against him.”he muttered
“He’s my son,” she replied simply. “And though the court calls him reckless, I call him strong.”
For a moment, silence hung between them.
The King sighed, rubbing his temple. “I summoned him to the palace and arrange a royal dinner and everyone must be presence perhapsi think its high time i make these announcements.”
Helena smiled faintly, her eyes glinting with quiet pride.
She turned gracefully toward the door. “I’ll inform the maids to prepare for the dinner”
As she reached the doorway, Ryker’s voice stopped her.
“Helena,” he said softly.
She turned back.
Ryker’s eyes softened. “You’ve always known how to calm the storm in me for that, I am grateful.”
Her lips curved into a soft smile. “That’s because you I understand and loved you.”
Then she walked out, her perfume lingering in the air long after the door closed.
[QUEEN SABRINA’S CHAMBER]
Queen Sabrina sat in front of her mirror, brushing her hair roughly.
Her reflection showed her anger clearly.
Just then, her maid rushed in and bowed. “Your Majesty… I have something to tell you.”
Sabrina looked up, her tone sharp. “What is it?”
The maid hesitated for a second, then spoke carefully. “Queen Helena… she went into the King’s chamber after you left.”
Sabrina’s hand froze. “And?”
The maid lowered her head. “The guards said… she wasn’t sent out.”
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then Sabrina slowly put down her brush, her eyes darkening.
“She wasn’t sent out…” she repeated softly, her voice calm but cold.
The maid swallowed nervously. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Sabrina stood up slowly, a bitter smile forming on her lips. “So, the mighty King throws me out… but lets her stay.”
She walked to the window, her gown trailing behind her.
“Tell me,” she said quietly, her eyes hard. “How long was she in there?”
“Almost an hour, Your Majesty.”
Sabrina let out a slow breath, hiding the anger in her chest. “You may go.”
The maid bowed quickly and left.
When the door closed, Sabrina whispered to herself,
“So that’s how it is… Helena.”
Meanwhile outside the grand gates of Eryndor Palace opened slowly, their golden crests gleaming beneath the moonlight.
A sleek black royal car rolled through, stopping before the marble staircase that led into the main hall.
The guards straightened immediately, their spears crossed in salute as the door opened.
Prince Damian Valerio stepped out.
Dressed in a black royal suit with silver embroidery and his signature smirk playing on his lips, he looked every bit the prince he never tried to be arrogant, confident, untamed.
“Welcome back, Your Highness,” his personal guards greeted.
Damian gave a lazy nod, his voice calm. “Thanks try not to look too shocked I came without causing a scandal this time.”
Wow that’s nice,Kyle replied and followed him
A few guards exchanged nervous glances but said nothing.
As Damian walked up the steps, his boots echoed against the marble sharp, steady, commanding.
Inside the palace, servants bowed as he passed, whispering quietly behind him.
Everyone knew the second prince’s name carried both charm and trouble wherever it went.
Just as he entered the main corridor, Queen Helena appeared from the side hallway, her eyes lighting up softly.
“Damian,” she called gently.
He turned, a rare genuine smile curving his lips. “Mother.”
He walked over and bowed slightly before giving her a brief hug.
“You look tired,” she said, studying his face.
He chuckled. “And you look like you’ve been worrying again.”
“Your father summoned you for the royal dinner and he has an announcement to make,” Helena reminded.
“I figured out already,” he said, rolling his sleeves slightly. “I heard the council had their usual meeting about me.”
Helena sighed softly. “They speak too much just st… be careful with your words tonight at the dinner your father’s patience is thin.”
Damian smirked faintly. “When isn’t it?”
But when he saw the concern in her eyes, his tone softened. “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll behave… as much as I can.”
Helena smiled, touching his cheek lightly. “That’s all I can hope for.”
Then she watched as he turned and walked toward the his own chamber, his steps calm but his mind alert.
Kyle was walking behind him as he was going to his chamber.
The palace seems calm where his everyone,damian asked.
But before Kyle could replied a familiar voice called behind him.
“Prince Damian.”
He turned to see Princess Dahlia, his youngest sister, walking toward him in her school uniform, her golden hair catching the light.
Then he signaled to Kyle to leave.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite troublemaker in training,” he teased.
She smiled sweetly. “Says the original troublemaker himself.”
He chuckled. “Touché you’re supposed to be taking your nap little one.”
“I couldn’t,” she said softly. “You’re home and I wanted to see you.”
Damian’s eyes softened. “You’ve grown again.”
“And you still smell like smoke and freedom,” she teased.
He laughed quietly, pulling her into a side hug. “where is Darius I need him to teach you a lesson
She looked up at him with a knowing smile. “You still we are kids we don’t fight anyone?”
“Finally you guys have grown up,” he murmured.
He is in your playing games as usual but he keeps being the top student also just like you,Dahlia muttered.
Just as expected he takes after me,Damian muttered.
As he released her, she hesitated, then whispered,
“I saw someone today… a boy he wasn’t royal, but he stood up for his sister like a knight.”
Damian raised a brow. “A boy caught the princess’s attention? That’s rare.”
She blushed lightly. “He reminded me of you, brave, stubborn, and reckless.”
Damian smiled faintly. “Then maybe he’ll survive this cruel world too.”
They both laughed softly and later Damian went to his chamber.
[Damian chamber]
As Damian walked into his room, the first thing he saw was Darius sitting on the couch, eyes glued to his game screen, fingers flying over the controller.
“Still playing games, huh?” Damian asked, dropping his jacket on a chair.
Without looking up, Darius replied, “Still getting into trouble, huh?”
Damian smirked. “Touché.”
He walked over and leaned on the back of the couch, watching the screen. “You still losing to the computer?”
Darius scoffed. “Please I just beat level seven without losing a single life.”
“Impressive,” Damian said with fake admiration. “You’ll make a fine warrior… in a video game.”
Darius paused the game and looked up at him. “At least I don’t come home every week with a new lecture from Father.”
Damian laughed. “That’s because you hide behind books and screens while I face the real world.”
Darius rolled his eyes but smiled a little. “Yeah, the real world where you almost got banned from the last royal event.”
“That was one time,” Damian said, grabbing a pillow from the bed and tossing it at him.
Darius caught it and threw it back immediately. “You’re just jealous I’m the quiet one everyone actually likes.”
“Likes?” Damian snorted. “They just don’t see the trouble you cause.”
Darius grinned. “That’s the point.”
They both laughed, the usual brother energy filling the room.
I wish you can just show these side of you to people smiling actually fit you,Darius muttered amidst laughter.
Then Damian sat beside him, his tone softening. “Father’s throwing a royal dinner tonight.Big announcement, apparently.”
Darius nodded. “Yeah, I heard you think it’s about the throne?”
Damian shrugged. “Maybe but wh@tëver it is, it won’t be boring.”
Darius leaned back, crossing his arms. “Try not to start a fight this time.”
Damian smirked. “No promises.”
Darius shook his head with a small smile. “Same old Damian.”
“always and try to respect me I’m older than you” Damian said, standing and straightening his cuffs. “Get ready It’s going to be a long night.”
Darius picked up his controller again. “You go ahead I’ll join you before it starts.”
As Damian walked toward the door, he looked back. “You better I’m not facing that dinner alone.”
Darius chuckled. “You’re the storm, remember?”
Damian grinned. “Yeah, but even a storm needs thunder.”
Then he walked out, leaving Darius smiling to himself.
[Julian room]
Princess Dahlia leaned back in her seat as the car drove farther down the road.
But her mind stayed behind… with the boy who had just defended his sister without fear.
“Princess, are you alright?” her guard asked from the front seat.
She didn’t answer immediately.
Her gaze was still fixed on the side mirror, where Julian’s figure was slowly fading from view.
A spark of amusement danced in her eyes. “I’m alright keep on driving,” she finally said softly.
“Yes, Your Highness,” the guard replied.
The car sped off toward the royal palace.
But inside, Dahlia’s heart was curious and for the first time in a long while, something had caught her attention beyond the golden gates.
[AVILLAH ROAD]
Julian and Leo stood silently after Emily and her friends stormed off in anger.
“Bro… that was crazy,” Leo whispered. “You just went head-to-head with a royal.”
Julian’s jaw tightened. “I don’t care who she is no one hurts my sister and gets away with it.”
Leo smirked, clapping his shoulder. “This is going to stir trouble.”
Julian turned, his voice calm but steady. “Then let it stir.”
Then they walked away from the scene
Later that’s afternoon Julian got home and Liora who was seated in the living room rush to meet him.
Tell me you didn’t do something bad,Liora asked.
Julian dropped his bag on the couch and avoided her eyes.
“Define bad,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Liora crossed her arms. “Julian, what did you do?”
He looked up slowly. “I just gave Emily a taste of what she did to you.”
Her face fell. “Oh no… Julian, tell me you didn’t fight her.”
“ No but I made sure she won’t forget what she did.”he replied
Liora sighed deeply, rubbing her forehead. “You shouldn’t have done that. She’s powerful… her father’s influence alone could cause us more trouble than you think.”
Julian turned away, his voice calm but heavy. “I don’t care, Liora you’ve always fought your battles alone this time, you won’t.”
For a moment, silence filled the room just the faint sound of the wind brushing against the window.
Then Liora spoke softly, “You’re going to make enemies you can’t handle.”
Julian glanced back, a faint, fearless smile on his lips. “Then let them come.”
He walked to his room, leaving her standing there, torn between fear and pride.
[ERYNODOR KINGDOM]
King Ryker sat at his desk, lost in thought.
He had not touched his wine
Nor had he moved in minutes.
Outside the chamber Queen sabrina came to see the king and her guards where behind her.
Announce my arrival,Queen sabrina muttered.
Your Highness is Majesty doesn’t want to see anybody for now and I can’t defiled his instructions,Kael muttered back.
Go in there and tell him I’m the one outside,Queen sabrina half yelled.
Then kael had no choice but to go inside the chamber.
A soft knock broke the silence inside the chamber.
“Enter,” his deep voice commanded.
Your Majesty the first queen is in front of your chamber and she instead on seeing you,kael asked.
Don’t her in ,theKing replied and kael left
Then king Ryker left his study and went to his room.
Then few minutes later Queen sabrina barged in
Greetings your Majesty,Queen sabrina muttered and bowed slightly.
Then the king who was at the window side turned slowly, his expression cold and unreadable.
“I gave an order, Sabrina no one was to enter.”
She forced a small smile. “Forgive me, but I needed to see you”
“Needed?” he snapped, his tone rising. “You needed to disobey your King’s command?”
Sabrina’s smile faltered. “Ryker, please, I only wanted to—”
“Enough!” His voice thundered across the chamber.
He took a slow, angry step forward.
“You barge into my room after being told to stay out? Is my word so worthless to you?”
Her eyes widened slightly, but she stood her ground. “I only worry for you, my King you’ve been shutting everyone out—”
“Because I choose to!” he cut her off sharply. “not because I need you or anyone else to question me!”
The tension thickened in the room.
Even the guards outside could feel the weight of his fury.
Ryker exhaled slowly, his gaze hardening. “You may be my queen, Sabrina but don’t test the limits of my patience again.”
Her lips parted, as if to speak, but the fire in his eyes silenced her.
“Leave,” he ordered coldly. “Before I forget you are my wife.”
The words hit her like a blade.
With trembling hands, she bowed stiffly.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
She turned and walked out, her steps quick but controlled, her pride forcing her not to look back.
Immediately she left Queen Helena showed up In front of the king chamber
Queen Helena walked in slowly, her long gown brushing the floor.
She stopped when she saw King Ryker standing by the window, his back to her.
He didn’t turn when she entered. “You shouldn’t be here,” he said in a low voice.
Helena smiled gently and walked closer. “And yet, I am.”
He sighed, his hands still behind his back. “I told everyone to leave me alone.”
“I’m not everyone,” she said softly.
When she reached him, she slowly wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.
For a moment, he stiffened—but then his shoulders relaxed.
Her voice was calm, almost a whisper. “You don’t have to face everything alone, Ryker.”
He said nothing but then, slowly, his arms came up around her, pulling her closer.
“You always know how to stop the fire,” he murmured, his voice softer now.
Helena rested her head against his chest. “Because I know the man behind the crown and I know his heart isn’t made for anger but for strength.”
Ryker closed his eyes, the edge in him finally melting away.
“Just stay with me a while.”He muttered
Helena nodded, her embrace tightening slightly. “Always, my King.”
Then they stopped hugging eachother and sat on the bed
“You’ve been troubled lately… is it about Damian again?,she asked
Ryker didn’t answer immediately.
“The boy refuses to follow the path I laid for him and he’s wild and unpredictable
Helena tilted her head slightly. “He’s your son, Ryker the fire in him came from you.”
The King’s lips pressed into a thin line and muttered “That same fire can burn everything I’ve built.”
“Or… it can protect it you only need to guide him differently.”she added
“You’ve always defended him even when the court speaks against him.”he muttered
“He’s my son,” she replied simply. “And though the court calls him reckless, I call him strong.”
For a moment, silence hung between them.
The King sighed, rubbing his temple. “I summoned him to the palace and arrange a royal dinner and everyone must be presence perhapsi think its high time i make these announcements.”
Helena smiled faintly, her eyes glinting with quiet pride.
She turned gracefully toward the door. “I’ll inform the maids to prepare for the dinner”
As she reached the doorway, Ryker’s voice stopped her.
“Helena,” he said softly.
She turned back.
Ryker’s eyes softened. “You’ve always known how to calm the storm in me for that, I am grateful.”
Her lips curved into a soft smile. “That’s because you I understand and loved you.”
Then she walked out, her perfume lingering in the air long after the door closed.
[QUEEN SABRINA’S CHAMBER]
Queen Sabrina sat in front of her mirror, brushing her hair roughly.
Her reflection showed her anger clearly.
Just then, her maid rushed in and bowed. “Your Majesty… I have something to tell you.”
Sabrina looked up, her tone sharp. “What is it?”
The maid hesitated for a second, then spoke carefully. “Queen Helena… she went into the King’s chamber after you left.”
Sabrina’s hand froze. “And?”
The maid lowered her head. “The guards said… she wasn’t sent out.”
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then Sabrina slowly put down her brush, her eyes darkening.
“She wasn’t sent out…” she repeated softly, her voice calm but cold.
The maid swallowed nervously. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Sabrina stood up slowly, a bitter smile forming on her lips. “So, the mighty King throws me out… but lets her stay.”
She walked to the window, her gown trailing behind her.
“Tell me,” she said quietly, her eyes hard. “How long was she in there?”
“Almost an hour, Your Majesty.”
Sabrina let out a slow breath, hiding the anger in her chest. “You may go.”
The maid bowed quickly and left.
When the door closed, Sabrina whispered to herself,
“So that’s how it is… Helena.”
Meanwhile outside the grand gates of Eryndor Palace opened slowly, their golden crests gleaming beneath the moonlight.
A sleek black royal car rolled through, stopping before the marble staircase that led into the main hall.
The guards straightened immediately, their spears crossed in salute as the door opened.
Prince Damian Valerio stepped out.
Dressed in a black royal suit with silver embroidery and his signature smirk playing on his lips, he looked every bit the prince he never tried to be arrogant, confident, untamed.
“Welcome back, Your Highness,” his personal guards greeted.
Damian gave a lazy nod, his voice calm. “Thanks try not to look too shocked I came without causing a scandal this time.”
Wow that’s nice,Kyle replied and followed him
A few guards exchanged nervous glances but said nothing.
As Damian walked up the steps, his boots echoed against the marble sharp, steady, commanding.
Inside the palace, servants bowed as he passed, whispering quietly behind him.
Everyone knew the second prince’s name carried both charm and trouble wherever it went.
Just as he entered the main corridor, Queen Helena appeared from the side hallway, her eyes lighting up softly.
“Damian,” she called gently.
He turned, a rare genuine smile curving his lips. “Mother.”
He walked over and bowed slightly before giving her a brief hug.
“You look tired,” she said, studying his face.
He chuckled. “And you look like you’ve been worrying again.”
“Your father summoned you for the royal dinner and he has an announcement to make,” Helena reminded.
“I figured out already,” he said, rolling his sleeves slightly. “I heard the council had their usual meeting about me.”
Helena sighed softly. “They speak too much just st… be careful with your words tonight at the dinner your father’s patience is thin.”
Damian smirked faintly. “When isn’t it?”
But when he saw the concern in her eyes, his tone softened. “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll behave… as much as I can.”
Helena smiled, touching his cheek lightly. “That’s all I can hope for.”
Then she watched as he turned and walked toward the his own chamber, his steps calm but his mind alert.
Kyle was walking behind him as he was going to his chamber.
The palace seems calm where his everyone,damian asked.
But before Kyle could replied a familiar voice called behind him.
“Prince Damian.”
He turned to see Princess Dahlia, his youngest sister, walking toward him in her school uniform, her golden hair catching the light.
Then he signaled to Kyle to leave.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite troublemaker in training,” he teased.
She smiled sweetly. “Says the original troublemaker himself.”
He chuckled. “Touché you’re supposed to be taking your nap little one.”
“I couldn’t,” she said softly. “You’re home and I wanted to see you.”
Damian’s eyes softened. “You’ve grown again.”
“And you still smell like smoke and freedom,” she teased.
He laughed quietly, pulling her into a side hug. “where is Darius I need him to teach you a lesson
She looked up at him with a knowing smile. “You still we are kids we don’t fight anyone?”
“Finally you guys have grown up,” he murmured.
He is in your playing games as usual but he keeps being the top student also just like you,Dahlia muttered.
Just as expected he takes after me,Damian muttered.
As he released her, she hesitated, then whispered,
“I saw someone today… a boy he wasn’t royal, but he stood up for his sister like a knight.”
Damian raised a brow. “A boy caught the princess’s attention? That’s rare.”
She blushed lightly. “He reminded me of you, brave, stubborn, and reckless.”
Damian smiled faintly. “Then maybe he’ll survive this cruel world too.”
They both laughed softly and later Damian went to his chamber.
[Damian chamber]
As Damian walked into his room, the first thing he saw was Darius sitting on the couch, eyes glued to his game screen, fingers flying over the controller.
“Still playing games, huh?” Damian asked, dropping his jacket on a chair.
Without looking up, Darius replied, “Still getting into trouble, huh?”
Damian smirked. “Touché.”
He walked over and leaned on the back of the couch, watching the screen. “You still losing to the computer?”
Darius scoffed. “Please I just beat level seven without losing a single life.”
“Impressive,” Damian said with fake admiration. “You’ll make a fine warrior… in a video game.”
Darius paused the game and looked up at him. “At least I don’t come home every week with a new lecture from Father.”
Damian laughed. “That’s because you hide behind books and screens while I face the real world.”
Darius rolled his eyes but smiled a little. “Yeah, the real world where you almost got banned from the last royal event.”
“That was one time,” Damian said, grabbing a pillow from the bed and tossing it at him.
Darius caught it and threw it back immediately. “You’re just jealous I’m the quiet one everyone actually likes.”
“Likes?” Damian snorted. “They just don’t see the trouble you cause.”
Darius grinned. “That’s the point.”
They both laughed, the usual brother energy filling the room.
I wish you can just show these side of you to people smiling actually fit you,Darius muttered amidst laughter.
Then Damian sat beside him, his tone softening. “Father’s throwing a royal dinner tonight.Big announcement, apparently.”
Darius nodded. “Yeah, I heard you think it’s about the throne?”
Damian shrugged. “Maybe but wh@tëver it is, it won’t be boring.”
Darius leaned back, crossing his arms. “Try not to start a fight this time.”
Damian smirked. “No promises.”
Darius shook his head with a small smile. “Same old Damian.”
“always and try to respect me I’m older than you” Damian said, standing and straightening his cuffs. “Get ready It’s going to be a long night.”
Darius picked up his controller again. “You go ahead I’ll join you before it starts.”
As Damian walked toward the door, he looked back. “You better I’m not facing that dinner alone.”
Darius chuckled. “You’re the storm, remember?”
Damian grinned. “Yeah, but even a storm needs thunder.”
Then he walked out, leaving Darius smiling to himself.
[Julian room]
Liora knocked softly before entering.
Julian was sitting on his bed, staring at the floor.
She walked closer and sat beside him. For a while, neither of them spoke.
Then Liora said quietly, “Julian… I heard what happened already ”
Julian sighed and looked away. “She deserved it, Liora and I couldn’t just stand there.”
“I know,” she said gently. “And I’m proud that you care about me. You’ve always been that way.”
He glanced at her, surprised by her calm tone.
“But Julian,” she continued, “you can’t keep risking yourself because of me. If something bad happens to you, how will I feel?”
Julian didn’t reply, his jaw tightening slightly.
She placed a hand on his arm. “You’re smart, Julian you have dreams focus on school abd make this family proud. That’s the best way to protect me.”
He looked down, then nodded slowly. “I just can’t stand seeing anyone hurt you.”
Liora smiled softly. “I know but sometimes, strength isn’t about fighting back It’s about knowing when to walk away.”
Julian gave a small smile at her words. “You sound like Mom.”
Liora chuckled. “Maybe I learned from the best.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the tension finally easing between them.
Then Julian said quietly, “Alright… I’ll try.”
Liora squeezed his hand gently. “That’s all I ask.”
[ERYNODOR KINGDOM]
At the Royal dinning all the children were present including the King and his Queens.
Maids we’re all standing at a corner likewise the guards.
The royal family was having dinner together not everyone was present but those who were around where there and everywhere was silent until the king dropped his cutlery.
King Ryker cleared his throat. “Tonight, I have called this dinner for a reason.”
All eyes turned to him.
Damian i have heard alot about what you have being doing around and it’s high time you stop,King Ryker muttered
Damian’s smile faded and muttered “Ah, so that’s what this dinner’s for another lecture.”
“Enough,” Ryker snapped, his tone like thunder. “I’ve had my share of your arrogance as King, I will not let the second prince of Eryndor become its scandal.”
Queen Helena reached for Damian’s hand beneath the table. “Please, Damian don’t make this worse.”
He sighed and withdrew his hand, resting his chin on his palm instead. “Then say what you brought us here for, Father.”
Can’t you just be responsible like your brother Lucien, King Ryker muttered
Father don’t compare me to that’s two faced human being,Damien muttered back.
You won’t speak of my son like that’s, Queen sabrina half yelled
And you don’t get to shout at my son also,Queen Helena muttered.
Like mother like son,Queen sabrina muttered under her breath.
I dare you to say that’s aloud,Princess Lousia who had been keeping quiet muttered.
Are you talking to me,Queen sabrina muttered angrily.
Enough,King Ryker muttered and banged his fists against the table.
Then King Ryker rose slowly, the candlelight outlining his sharp features.
“Very well since my son refuses to tame his ways, I shall give him a reason to grow up.”
The queens exchanged glances.
Queen Sabrina’s lips curved faintly. “A reason, Your Majesty?”
Anyways a royal bride contest would be holding for one of the prince soon and any female is allow to participate ,King Ryker announced ignoring Queen sabrina question
The hall fell deathly silent.
Who is getting a bride father I know it’s can’t be darius he is in highschool so it’s definitely the eldest prince, Princess mirabel muttered
You are wrong mirabel the Royal Contest will determine the woman worthy to stand beside Prince Damian Valerio his future bride.”
Gasps filled the room.
Even Sabrina froze, her hand tightening on her cup.
Helena’s calm mask faltered for just a second.
Damian blinked — then laughed softly, as if he hadn’t heard right.
“A contest to choose my bride,father you must be joking right,he asked.
I have said it and that’s final,King Ryker replied authoritative.
Father it’s not possible,Damien muttered.
Then King Ryker brought out his royal staff and his voice carried like a blade through the silence
“I, King Ryker the Second of Eryndor, hereby decree that Prince Damian Valerio shall choose his bride through a Royal Contest open to all eligible maidens across the kingdom.”
He lifted his royal staff, the golden crest glinting under the chandelier’s light.
“This decree is final and shall take effect immediately.”
The room froze.
Damian’s chair scraped the marble floor as he rose slowly, disbelief shadowing his face.
“Father… you can’t be serious.”
Ryker’s gaze didn’t waver. “I’ve spoken and you will learn to grow.”
“Father, this is madness!” Damian’s voice trembled between anger and hurt.
“You’d turn my life into a game? My future into a spectacle?”
The King’s tone turned cold as steel. “If that’s what it takes to make you a man — then yes.”
Then the king left the dinning,
Leaving everyone stunned……………………..
T.B.C
