CHAPTER 7

"Brothers, Edeh asked us to come today." Kim reminded the duo.

"Kim, I won't be able to make it today. I have to visit the parents of my betrothed as promised." Markus spewed.

"Brothers, I planned on hunting today. You know today breeds good luck for hunters like us" Ramsey said.

"You've never been into hunting, Ramsey. What changed now?" Markus asked with his brows furrowed.

"With Lucas on the farm, I find it hard to cope with his disgusting presence. I rather find something else that will make me look reasonable before everyone other than add more glory to the outcast" He answered.

"And who is this outcast you speak of, brothers?" Gem asked, interrupting their gathering.

"And what does a weak vessel like you got to do amid men?" Ramsey countered while Markus and Kim just stared.

"A weak vessel you say?" She asked, getting offended.

"You both should not start your bantering this early hour of the day" Markus reminded.

"How was your night's rest, sister?" Kim asked with a keen smile.

"Good as yours, brother." She replied.

"What brought you here? Because it ages you've acknowledged your elder brothers like today" Ramsey quoted in disgust.

"Ramsey, watch the tones you use on her. You know how dearly Father holds her so be careful" Kim released sarcastically, gaining a chortle from Ramsey.

Gem stared at her brothers with much fury. She stood and watch them leave except the eldest, Markus.

"You shouldn't be angry, Gem. Your brothers just spilled the truth" He said.

"What truth?" She asked with her brows raised.

"The fact that Father loves you and the outcast more than us his real blood"

"You all never showered Father love neither Lucas. Mother's case is the worst so you don't expect the seer, your Father to love you as such even though he does but you are just too blind to see it"

Markus smiled at her words and then placed his hand on her shoulders.

"Your Father has no love inside of him for us. I see it daily in his eyes, Gem"

"I thought as the eldest, you would be more reasonable than the others but you've not only swayed them away from their Father, you've planted the seed of hatred inside of them towards him and everything he loves including me"

"You sure know how to be sensible, Gem. I love your assumptions because they are authentic and the worst is yet to come, my lovely little sister." He beamed, departing.

**********

"Such a soul you are, Lucas" The King applauded.

"I'm honored, my King. May your reign be pleasant above your Fathers and may you continue to shine like the maiden moon" He prayed.

"I enjoyed your company today. I wish my son would also keep you in his company. You are highly favored by the gods."

"Thank you, my King. I have heard all you said concerning your farm. I promise to work for you next season provided that the gods grace me with life"

"They will. I hope to see you soon too"

"Okay, my King. I beg to leave now"

"Not too soon. My son would be here soon to accompany you back"

"There won't be any need for that, my King. The Prince shouldn't be bothered."

"Well, it's not a problem, Lucas. Greetings, my King" The Prince interrupted, gracing the throne room with his presence.

"Thank you, Prince, of Zamunda" The King returned, gesturing for them to take their leave.

"I see how far you have gone with my Father the King" The Prince mentioned, walking on the plain path with Lucas in the company of his guards.

"Your Father is exceptionally good and generous. The King has a heart of gold. I do enjoy his company anytime I visit"

"He has missed you for some time now. I wish to be so close to him on a daily basis"

"You are just like him, my Prince. I also heard you would be getting married soon" He released, gaining a stern look from the Prince.

"Father told you?" He asked

"Yes"

"I see. Indeed you must have a thing with him to be so lucky to hear this news"

"You think so?"

"Sure."

"And who is this lucky one?"

"The daughter of the renowned widow."

"You mean the maiden, Diadem?"

"Yes, Lucas. I want her to be mine as soon as possible. I don't want to take any chances"

"Nice idea, my Prince"

"How is the lily of the great Seer?"

"Well, my Prince"

"I will visit someday if the gods find me worthy to remain alive till then." He dropped, halting in his steps.

"We await your presence and my sincere gratitude for the company" Lucas replied before heading home as the Prince retreated to the Palace.

**********

"Tell me this is not true, brother. How can the Prince be interested in Diadem, the widow's daughter?" Gem inserted sharply as soon as Lucas dropped the words from his mouth.

Lucas gazed at her, amazed at her sudden outburst. His mind immediately went back to the past, how the Prince wanted to marry his sister but got turned down due to the lad she loved, who later died as a result of sickness.

"You don't expect her to marry him right?" She asked, staring into his eyes.

"I want the best for her, Gem. She is just a friend to me. I never thought of marrying her." He answered, gaining a disapproving look from Gem.

"You guys were too close for comfort. We all thought you were going to marry her. Brother, you've just wounded her with those words from you. All these while, she thought you were going to marry her and even tried to refuse the Prince of Zamunda for your sake but all you did was reveal the fact that she was just a friend to you. Diadem will be sad" She chimed sadly.

"I'm out of words. I never knew how far she had gone" He replied.

"You have to go see her, brother. Diadem ought to know the plain truth"

"I never spoke to her about anything aside from friendship but I will go see her"

"Better, brother. Do you need my company also?"

"Gem, Mother will need you here so stay back."

Gem watched Lucas exit the compound before heading to the kitchen to carry out her Mother's bidding.