Full Of Mockery

"I knew she was pregnant." The last line shocked every person in the royal court. They all looked at his majesty with wide eyes and shocked faces.

 Yet, not a single sound came! They were too shocked to react! Her majesty, the first empress, was with a child when she was travelling. Who did not know in the empire that she was attacked and her carriage fell from the cliff. The carriage was found in a broken state but there was no body. But there was a trail of blood as if someone was dragged away.

It was believed that the wild animals had dragged her body and had eaten her. Yet his majesty had looked for her for a whole year.

The story was widely popular two decades ago. But with time, everyone had forgotten about that accident.

Now looking at the man accusing his majesty, they all wondered. Could there be a hidden story they did not know about?!

"You are the ruler of the empire, if you really wanted to find me and my mother. Could we have stayed hidden? Why would my mother choose to abandon you, her husband and her family? All the wealth and comfort of nobles and nurture me in the wilderness?" his voice rose again with a look of disgust for everyone present there.

He was wearing the clothes of a peasant. If not for his hair and face that resemble his majesty, he would have never been allowed inside.

William stood up with force and everyone instinctively took a step back.

"Your majesty!"

"Ethan.. Right?" WIlliam tilted his head and walked closer. "Amyra was my wife and I would never harm her. I do not know what happened that night. But you can confirm in records that I have looked for her. And I will investigate the matter again to bring justice to you, to bring justice for myself. 

You can stay here but I will only accept you as my son when the investigation is complete" he announced with a rigid voice but Thalric knew his father too well. He could hear the slight shudder in his voice.

It shook him to his core. He looked at the golden and red decorations again. The large bowl that had the holy water. He was meant to drink it and then wear the crown after the prayers.

He had fasted for three days and prepared for it. He took a step forward. If his father did not accept Ethan as his son, at least his crowning ceremony should be completed. Right?

But before he could speak, his mother held his hands. He frowned and turned to look at her with annoyance. But she slightly shook her head and stopped him.

"Your majesty, about the ceremony." Duke Dovenshire stood up. He looked at his sister and nephew with a worried gaze. 

"Since we have two contenders for the crown, the crowning ceremony is cancelled." his majesty announced with a hint of worry.

He did not even spare a glance to The Elric as everyone bowed in front of him. But they did not know how to continue. Should they disappear and return to their estate or wait for another shocking news.

Many pitiful gaze fell on Thalric, but most of the attention was caught by Ethan, the new prince. They all wanted to know about him. So they were reluctant to leave.

William scanned the faces of the nobles and then sighed.

"Since we all are here. Let us celebrate the day as the coming of age ceremony for my second son." second! The word was like a cold slap on Thalric's face!

Did you not say that you would not accept this young man before the investigation and now you are already addressing me as your second son! Did it not mean that I lost my power to claim the throne then?

Alric stared at the chair as if he had lost the essence of his life. Years of hard work, endurance and persistence. No! The crown belonged to me, there was no way they could take it from me.

It was only a matter of time. He would sit there again. Thalric took a deep breath and walked toward his father. He stood beside him. But William did not notice his presence at all.

He was staring at his estranged eldest son without blinking as if he was trying to find traces of Amyra in him.

As if feeling his gaze, Ethan turned to look at his majesty.

"You child, come with me. We still need to discuss a lot of things." Although his voice was stern, Venia shook. Her eyes trembled and looked at Ethan petrified.

Ethan nodded and William stood up. They took the backdoor to exit the large court. When Venia took a step forward, William paused and glared at his wife as if all this was her mistake.

"Are we both leaving the party unattended?" His voice was harsh and full of censure. Venia froze at her spot.

"Father, I will handle everything here." Thalric took a step closer only to get a cold look.'

"You are the star of today, you must enjoy it without worry." Was it a cold slap on his face? After cancelling the crowning ceremony just like that, his father dared to call him the star of the day? 

Even he could see that every noble was only here to know more about Ethan and befriend him. He was nothing but a bystander today. 

William looked back at Ethan and nodded and they both left the hall. Another round of murmurs filled the room. Thalric wrapped his arms around his mother's shoulders when she trembled.

"Thalric!" she bit her lips trying her best to hide her tears, "i have let you down, my son." Thalric shook his head.

"No one could know about it. Who had thought that my father had another son. Mother, you should not torment yourself about it. I am sure after some time, his majesty would realize that I deserve the throne more and my crowning ceremony would happen again." His words carry a hint of uncertainty that shared with his mother.

She nodded at him with a stern face and left with Duke Devonshire. Thalric stood in the large hall again feeling every gaze on him.