Chapter 26: You will become a great king.

Damien's POV

Two months had passed since Angelique and I started to regularly exchange letters. Her organization finally has a name—the Pearls. I thought the name was weird, but Angelique insisted that it was symbolic. Still don't understand how that is. She claims that I didn't need to understand it; just support it. She often wrote about the progress of her group and pregnancy. She scarcely mentions missing me or anything that would mean she's in love. I suppose I have yet to capture her heart. I often write her updates regarding the field. My return seems to lift her spirits.

I sighed, staring at the bloody pile of bodies in front of me. We have just cleared the area, leaving no surviving rebel. Jonah—the ever-noble prince—still thinks that this is unnecessary bloodshed. I wonder when this boy would grow up. He's one soft Polarisian cunt.

I looked at one of the bodies that were still breathing. He's trying to crawl his way out in the wrong direction. "This isn't the way back to where you came from," I said, unsheathing my sword, "That's the way to the Capital; your exit is the other way." With that said, I stabbed him with my sword, twisting it. That was an act of mercy. Even if he had survived, he would most likely suffer torture.

"Until when will you keep this up?" Jonah questioned, placing his hands on his hips.

I replied, "It was an act of mercy." I suppose you will indulge yourself tonight with those common whores."

I smirked, "Yes."

"The only reason I don't tell Angelique is that she's pregnant," he says nobly. "But the minute that thing comes out of her, I'll be sure to tell her about your indiscretions."

"Be my guest," I spat.

He threw an envelope at me with Angelique's seal. I wonder how he got it. I picked it up, asking, "Why do you have this?"

"The messenger asked me to hand it to you," he replied, turning his back. "Before you do anything tonight, think of your wife back home. You don't deserve her." He then walked away, making his way back to camp.

I sighed, also heading back. I went straight to my tent, opening the letter my wife had sent. It smelled like her—cinnamon and vanilla.

To my husband,

My father and your father are still on their beds. I worry for their health. Your father's condition is worse than my father's. They say he won't last another year. People forbid us to speak of it. Soon, you will be King of Cross. I don't know if you already know of this news. But I know they will summon you when his time nears. I just wanted you to know that.

Please stay safe. I heard from Maidservant Rose that the battle you now partake in was more lethal than the previous. I worry you come home badly injured like both our fathers. Remember your promise to me and come home in one piece.

Your wife

Princess Angelique of White

Of course, my people would keep me in the dark regarding my father's condition. It's not like he and I are close, but still, he is my father. Despite our differences, I do not wish death upon him. If he dies within this year, I will become King of Cross and Angelique becomes my consort. That is unless we sign the crown matrimonial.

"What are you thinking about?" Silver asked, entering my tent. "You look rather dull for a man who just led an entire division to victory. You almost cleared the whole south. Why do you look so gloomy?"

I handed him the now crumpled letter, letting him read the entire thing. He looked at me in shock. "Is any of this true, son?" he asked concernedly. It was obvious that he worried for both the king and me. He is a dear friend of my father and became the father who raised me.

I nodded, gripping on my hair. "There's no reason for my wife to lie," I groaned, "Some people say even the White King is soon to die. Treasonous cunts!"

He sat down, taking a drink. "Fuck," he cussed, "Still, I understand why they kept it from us. Should word get out that he's dying, the stronger our foes become." He patted my shoulder, saying, "The question is, are you ready to become the new King, son? You would become King Damien Of Cross, First of his name, defender of the realm. Are you ready for that? It's a whole new level of responsibility."

"What if I do not wish to be king?" I muttered, receiving a sigh of distress from my old man. I know it is my duty to succeed my father, but the burden is heavy. All this time, I put up with people's expectations of me as the strongest prince alive and the notorious rake. I've been all things they expected of me and more. I've done what I can to avenge my mother. I've done everything for my mother. To make her proud from beyond the grave. But what if I no longer want the crown? What if all I want is just freedom? I tried so hard to please everyone.

I pushed my feelings back down, keeping my composure. I cannot break in front of silver. Without warning, a pair of strong arms pulled me into an embrace. I didn't move or protest. I needed this. Silver's the father I never had. He raised me well.

"You must bear it," he said, trying his best to comfort me. "Son, everyone has their own burdens and battles. I know you never asked for this, but you were born for it. You must stand tall and strong. If you run away, think of what may happen to the child your wife's bearing. What should happen to your child if you flee like a coward? Do you think they will be safe?" He released me from his embrace, patting my shoulder.

I understand where he is getting at. I have a responsibility to my people, country, and family. He's wrong about one thing though. I know my child would be safe with or without my presence. Angelique is no soft woman. She would kill the threat to her child before it even becomes a threat. My son is in good hands.

"Thank you, Silver," I said, "I appreciate the talk."

"You will become a great king," he assures me, patting my shoulder. "Trust me, son, you will become a King everyone will remember. I raised you."

"Silver," I said, "Do you think I'll be a good father?"

He looked astonished by my question. A small smile crept up his face, as he replied, "I never thought you'd ask regarding the topic. I'm happy that you did. I know that you will be a good father. You will give your child every ounce of love you could give."

"I am scared that I might fuck things up," I confessed, drinking my wine.

He smiled, shaking his head. "Everybody fucks up at some point, son. What matters is what you do after you fuck up. Do you sit there and repeat your mistakes, or will you do something to change that? It's what you do to change things that count." With that said, he stood up. "We'll be partying tonight to celebrate your victory. Wash up and join us."

I did as I was told, taking a fresh set of clothes. I went to the river to wash myself. I got undressed, tossing my clothes to the side. The water calmed me down. I enjoyed swimming in bodies of water. Something about water is so soothing. After I had washed myself, I got out of the water. There's no one here for miles, so I didn't mind being naked out in the open. Besides, I'm sure whoever saw me would find the view pleasing to the eye. I put on my fresh clothes, my hair still a wet mess. Making my way back to my tent, I dropped off my dirty clothes.

Henry greeted me, "Pleasant evening, your grace."

I nodded, acknowledging his presence. I walked with him to the party where everyone was busy dancing and drinking. Women accompanied the men, serving them drinks. "Some party," I commented.

Henry grabbed two cups of beer for each of us. "T'is very..."

"Ordinary," I replied, sighing. From the other side of the room, I saw Jonah staring right back at me with a killer glare. It must be excruciating for him. Loving Angelique and getting rejected every time he advanced. Beats me. I relish in his agony. Angelique's married to me; he can't get that through his thick head.

"So, tell me, Henry," I said, "Do you have a wife?"

"No," he chuckled, shaking his head. "I am a free man, Prince Damien."

I chuckled as well, saying, "Meaning you will take home one of these women tonight."

"Or two," he smirked, staring at the dancing women. "Prince Damien, aren't you a rake? You haven't touched a woman for four months; why is that?"

I chuckled, replying, "The first four months, yes. I've been a saint in favor of my wife. But what can I say? A rake will always be a rake. Being a saint didn't last long."

He chugged on his beer, shaking his head. "I suppose what she doesn't know won't hurt her."

I nodded in agreement, chugging on my beer. It didn't take long for women to come our way, trying to seduce us into bed. We danced with the beautiful ladies on the dance floor, touching and feeling each other.

Silver then got everyone's attention, presenting a speech. "Everyone, tonight wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the leadership of Prince Damien of Cross," he says, "Let us all raise our cups to him. The man who led us to victory!"

The crowd cheered, raising their cups.

"Thank you," I said, raising my cup, "Let us drink and rejoice!" With that said, everyone returned to their business, dancing and drinking. Some people were already making out with their dance partners.

Drinking his beer, Jonah approached me. He had the usual look of disgust in his eyes and he reeked of alcohol. I believe he has some long hero speech to bestow upon me. "Damien!" he calls, sounding drunk.

"Jonah!" I called back, mimicking his actions to mock him. Henry laughed, shaking his head in disapproval. He must think of me as childish for playing with this eighteen-year-old.

"You!" Jonah points at me, making me laugh further. "You are the reason why Angelique refused my proposal. I hate you, man."

"Your grace," Henry interrupts, "You have a tad too much to drink. Will you please allow me to escort you to your chambers? I don't wish to see you embarrass yourself."

Jonah of Polaris is a mess. I can't stop myself from laughing. He's a soft little boy. To think that Angelique bears affection for him. What did she even like about him? Angelique is as dangerous as the devil himself. What does he see in a man so pathetic as Jonah? If I kill him right now, no one would notice. It's my chance. Should I?

Jonah refused, shaking his head. "Damien," he says, "Stop womanizing! Angelique deserves a husband who's loyal and capable of fidelity; not you!"

"And I believe he thinks that he is who she deserves," Henry comments, nodding his head, "Well, he is dubbed Prince Charming. But I simply can't imagine the princess with a man like him."

"You!" Jonah points at Henry, "Do not join our conversation! This is between me and Jonah!"

"You're Jonah; I'm Damien," I corrected him, holding back my laughter. What this man needs is to get laid. He's probably a virgin; that's why he's being a dick to us.

He blinked twice before replying, "That's what I said."

Henry couldn't keep it in any more, laughing hysterically. I covered my face with my palm, feeling embarrassed for him. If he wasn't a threat to my marriage, I wouldn't mind being friends with him. He is... funny.

I gestured for a woman to come over, waving my hand. "Please take care of him tonight," I said, handing her a pouch of silver coins. I turned to Jonah, saying, "I have no means to fuck about tonight, my "not" friend. This lady here will take care of you tonight. She will help you forget the heartbreak you feel towards Angelique."

"Really?" Jonah asked, looking at the dark-haired beauty.

"Certainly," the woman replied, escorting him.

Jonah looked back, waving at us "Goodbye" before leaving with the girl.

Henry almost choked on his beer from laughing. "God, that kid is amusing," he says, "You must feel sorry for the kid."

"Honestly," I said, finishing my beer, "Tonight, I think I did feel sorry for him. He's just pathetic. Well, tonight he'll finally become a man."

Henry choked. "He's a virgin?"

"Why do you think he's always cranky?" I asked, "Anyway, let us get this party started." We then continued to enjoy ourselves. Tonight is all about celebrating our victory. I can worry about being King tomorrow.