Juan’s pov

What was the rascal up to?

I still hadn't forgotten how he abandoned me at the battle field, leaving without an explanation.

We still hadn't spoken about what happened earlier that evening before the war started.

It was definitely going to be an interesting reunion between us. I sighed.

****

Prince Juan, heir to the great empire, was finding it increasingly difficult to stay alert, his eyelids drooping as if weighted down by the sheer boredom of the royal proceedings.

To his mother's annoyance, he had to be gently nudged awake every time the emperor raised a question, his head nodding ever so slightly as if agreeing with a point he didn't quite grasp. If the prince could escape this stuffy throne room without insulting any foreign dignitaries, he would consider it a win.

The soft strains of chamber music mingled with the polite chatter of dignitaries and courtiers, creating a lulling, hypnotic melody that coaxed Juan closer to sleep.