Stubborn
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!", the Emperor shouted and rise from his seat.
He cannot contain his anger anymore and decided to approach the Crown Prince who were just standing firmly with a blank stare. He gripped his son's coat.
*Dang, my son is taller than I thought.
''IT HAS ONLY BEEN 6 MONTHS AFTER YOUR OLDER BROTHER'S DEATH! I CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE YOU TOO!"
"WHAT IF THE REBELS WILL AMBUSH YOU?!"
He's so angry that his veins almost popped, but his son was not moved at all. Seeing his now- only son staring at him with no care at all, he released his grip and talk in a low voice.
"Please stay, if I lose you what will happen to the empire?"
"I knew you only care about the empire, and not care about your son at all."
"You know that's not true."
"IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR SON THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU SEND YOUR ELITE KNIGHTS TO HUNT FOR THAT MURDERER?!"
"I need the Elite Knights to guard the pala---"
"SEE?! YOUR PALACE IS MORE IMPORTANT RATHER THAN HUNTING FOR THE PERSON WHO MURDERED YOUR FAVORITE SON!"
The Emperor just stay quiet for a while because his son was half right. What can he do? He swore an oath to protect the Empire, he was an Emperor before he was a father. Has he become a bad father? Did he miss something about his 2nd son? His 2nd son never asked to be loved nor seek for an attention and so he didn't mind paying attention to him. Even though it was hard for him to let him to go to war for the late Crown Prince Jared, he still gave in because he thought that's what Titus really wants. Come to think of it, they never had a proper conversation.
While the Emperor just stand there and lost in his thoughts, Crown Prince Titus speaks.
"I will be personally go to the border to execute that bastard. So that my brother's death will be avenged."
The Emperor eyes grew wide because of his son's statement.
"Come to think of it, Your Majesty. Won't my reputation boost because I will personally hunt that bastard? I think it will save the empire that you loved so much."
Crown Prince Titus turned around and didn't wait for his father's answer. The Emperor just stand there watching his son's back as he exited the Throne room. Was he and Jared this close? Did he really think of himself as a spare who will live his entire life in the battlefield fighting?
"Justin, prepare me a letter. I need to personally write to the Duke of Vezgaraux."
Justin, has always been in-charged of the Emperor's personal matters. He is the 2nd son of a Marquis, he didn't live as a spare but rather find a job for himself which landed him to this honorable job.
"Yes, your Majesty."
The Emperor and his aide leave the Throne room as planned and proceed to the Emperor's office.
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"Eric, let's prepare to leave."
Eric who was busy arranging the papers suddenly stopped upon hearing the Crown Prince and asked him.
"If I may ask---"
"NO, YOU MAY NOT."
"Your highness, I need to ask wh--"
*SHING
A sword now pointed at Eric.
"I'm growing sick and tired of your babbling that I am itching to kill you. Didn't you know that?"
"I NEED TO KNOW WHERE ARE WE GOING! ARE WE GOING TO A COLD PLACE OR TO A DESSERT? I NEED TO KNOW SO THAT I CAN PREPARE NECESSARY ITEMS FOR YOU!"
Eric shouted while his eyes and hands were closed.
*Crap! I talked back to him. I can't take it anymore. Please let it be a painless death.
"Oh"
Huh? The room filled with an awkward silence. After a while, the Prince lowered his sword replied.
"We are going to the Duchy of Vezgaraux, it's quite cold there."
If it is that Duchy, it will take half a month to arrive there. Eric suddenly remembered his motion sickness and how painful his body were. Suddenly he snapped out and remembered to get out of his office before something will happen to him.
"T-thank y-you, your Highness. I will go and prepare now."
Eric hurriedly carry the Crown Prince's order, it was just once in a blue moon for him to be spared for shouting at a Royal. He immediately ask help for the preparation. Though, Loren was the only maid in the Prince's palace but the prince also has his own private knights.
While the knights were busy packing, Loren approached Eric.
"What's happening in here? Will there be a war?"
"Oh no lady Loren, we are preparing to go somewhere but I can guarantee you that it will not be a war", Eric promised.
"Including the Crown Prince?!"
"Yes, lady Loren."
Loren was obviously scared. It hasn't been long! We can't afford to lose another heir! What on earth is he thinking?! She gripped her dress in an attempt to approach the Crown Prince on his office but before she can take her steps, Eric stopped her.
"It's no use, his decision is final. If you approach him right now, then you have to say farewell to your head. I almost lost my life a while ago."
Loren stared at Eric as he carefully let go of her hand.
"W-where is he going this time?", she asked.
"I can't disclose that information lady"
"Haaaa.."
She took one step backward like she just lost her strength.
What will happen?