Pit of Hell

Prince Zhaolin clicked his tongue, as he entered the palace. His face almost godlike yet looking really dangerous.

"Welcome your Highness"

Different forms of greetings filled the air as he walked to the throne room, but he acknowledged none.

Heads bowed, noise hushed. No one looked into his eyes as he walked past them; his aura dominating the air.

The wolf is back. Their dangerous prince is back in the kingdom after many years.

Maybe they expected it, maybe they didn't, but the words of the King as soon as he saw Zhaolin, made everyone purse their lips.

"Who asked you to come back?!" King Hongxi's voice boomed, and Zhaolin almost rolled his eyes.

"Ain't I allowed to?"

King Hongxi's brows shot up as Zhaolin questioned him.

"Why are you here? What happened to the North fortress I asked you to guard?"

"I came because I felt like" Zhaolin replied nonchalantly.

Everyone knows of the ice between the King and Zhaolin, yet it's a wonder why Zhaolin always adheres to every order of the king. No matter how challenging or ridiculous the order is, he has always done it, without any questions.

Yet, the beef between both of them is not something that can be easily settled.

"When are you leaving?"

"Leaving?" Zhaolin's brows arched. "We'll see" He answered, and walked out of the throne room without a second glance at the king; and the king folded his fist.

Zhaolin had only moved a distance from the throne, when he heard a voice he hasn't heard in years. Now thicker, but as annoying as ever.

"The royal servant is back" The voice taunted, as it grew closer.

Zhaolin slowly turned to meet the eyes of his brother, the crown prince.

"You're still as noisy as always" Zhaolin hissed, and Crown prince Jiawei's eyes dimmed.

"Father didn't ask you to come back. The palace has been a lot peaceful since you left."

"Peaceful?" Zhaolin chuckled. "Are you using that to cover up for "I was so relaxed when you left, but now that you are back, my tail has gone limp' "

"Do you realize you are talking to the crown prince!"

"Crown prince, my ass."

Zhaolin was about walking away, when Jiawei spoke up.

"So much for a prince whose father and mother care less about him"

That seemed to make Zhaolin pause, and when Jiawei saw that, he burst into a mock laughter.

"Dude, mother never even asked of you. I don't blame her though. She gave birth to a servant instead of a prince"

Zhaolin's jaw clenched, and he walked out, heading straight to the Queen's room.

QUEEN'S MINGLAN'S ROOM

Queen Minglan was in the bath tub, her body stripped, but was hidden by the water, which reached her upper chest.

The tub was filled with lots of roses, and the scents emitting from it, could make one stay in there all day.

About five maids were in the tub with her, washing her body clean.

Her delicate, white milky skin was treated like glass, as they washed her.

She closed her eyes, enjoying the bliss.

But the peace was interrupted by a loud thud from the door, and she opened her eyes, a sigh leaving her lips. She knew exactly who it was.

The maids were about to leave the water, and cover her nakedness, but she stopped them with a whiff of her hand.

"Continue" She mustered.

She could hear Zhaolin's voice from the outer chamber. "Where's she?!"

"She's taking a bath, your Highness. Please..please come back later" The maid said, shaking like a leaf.

"She's taking a bath?" He scoffed, and took in a deep breath.

He's used to everyone being terrified, or hating on him. He's gotten used to the fact that he's the armour of the palace. He's gotten used to all spite and taunts. But there's one thing he can never get used to: the hatred from his own mother.

Ever since he could remember, Queen Minglan had always disliked him, treating him like trash.

While he had always loved and adored her, as his mother; she'd never for once reciprocated the warmth.

No matter how cold Zhaolin is, his mother is his weakness.

And though, he had tried many times, to hate her, it had never worked.

However, after leaving the palace, he had hoped that at least, if no one would—his mother would miss him.

"Your Highness—" The maid was about to persuade him to leave, when Queen Minglan entered; a towel wrapped around her flawless body.

"Mother" He called, but she only stared at him with a blank face.

Anyone who saw them together would instantly recognize the familial connection. Although Zhaolin's eyes were a departure from hers - a piercing golden hue - he had inherited many of her other striking features from their mother, Queen Minglan, including his dark hair, long lashes, and chiseled dark brows, which gave him a distinctly regal appearance.

"You're back" She said, dryly. "What are you doing in my chamber?"

"I just wanted to see you" He confessed, and she rolled her eyes.

"Good. You've done that, you can leave"

"Funny how you never changed" He muttered. "You didn't change as well." She retorted.

"How has the North Fortress been. Did you enjoy slaying the enemies of the country?" She asked, mockery evident in her eyes.

That's one thing Zhaolin would never understand. Why she hates him this much.

"Leave my room, Zhaolin" She said, getting up from where she was seated on.

However, he didn't move an inch.

"I need to get dressed. And unless you want to see your mother naked, leave my room" She said, this time, her voice pitching.

Zhaolin turned, and walked out, going to his most favorite place in the palace—the rooftop.

He got there, and heavy wind greeted him, soothing his tense body, and calming his muscles.

He closed his eyes, leaning on a pillar.

Then he suddenly opened it, and a slowly, a sinister smile plastered on his face.

They have no idea why he's back. They have no idea why he suddenly returned to the palace. They have no idea all the amazing and dangerous truths he had discovered.

And before they would catch on; they would have falling deep into the pit of hell.

Because, he's the devil himself.

He brought out a pack of cigarette, and began smoking. His face was so calm, yet his heart was as black as coal.

They started the game; they'd better finish it, because it's his turn to play.