chapter 28

CHAPTER 28

The candlelight flickered against the cold stone walls, casting long shadows in the hidden chamber. King Tommen stood motionless before a large painting, his gaze fixed upon the woman immortalized in its frame. Queen Celine. His late wife. Her gentle eyes, captured in oil and color, seemed to stare into him, reaching into places he had long buried beneath duty and regret.

His jaw clenched. How long had it been since he last allowed himself to look at her? Truly look? But the past was a cruel mistress, one that whispered of things lost and never to return. With a sharp exhale, he turned away, his heavy cloak sweeping behind him as he left the chamber, closing the door to his ghosts.

As he re-entered the palace corridors, he found Lord Malrik waiting for him near the grand hall, dressed in deep crimson robes lined with gold. A patient, knowing smile rested on his lips, the kind that always made Tommen wary.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting, my lord," Tommen said, offering a false smile of his own.

"Not at all, Your Majesty," Malrik replied with a slight bow, his tone smooth, practiced.

Tommen dismissed the guards with a wave of his hand. Only when they were alone did his expression harden, the pretense of pleasantries slipping away like a mask discarded.

"What is it you seek this time, Malrik?" Tommen asked, folding his arms across his chest.

Malrik chuckled, stepping forward as if the very palace belonged to him. "Why must you always assume I come with demands, Your Majesty? Can a man not enjoy the company of his king?"

Tommen arched a brow. "A man can. But you? You have never spoken a word without wanting something in return."

Malrik let out a low hum, his fingers idly trailing over the armrest of a nearby chair before he finally took a seat. "You wound me, truly." He tilted his head. "But since you ask so directly-I will not insult you by denying it."

Tommen remained standing. "Then speak plainly."

"Very well," Malrik sighed, as if indulging a child. "I come with a proposition. One that will benefit both of us."

Tommen narrowed his eyes. "Go on."

Malrik leaned forward, his voice lowering. "You have ruled Aethelgar wisely, Your Majesty. But wisdom alone does not keep power. Strength does. And strength is bought with loyalty-loyalty that must be secured before others take what you hold so dearly."

Tommen scoffed. "And you believe I lack loyalty?"

"Not yet," Malrik replied smoothly. "But the tide of power shifts, and whispers grow bolder. There are lords who do not forget the wars of the past, who still dream of a different ruler. Who question your... alliances." He let the last word linger.

Tommen's expression remained unreadable. "And what is it you propose?"

Malrik smiled, slow and knowing. "Land, Your Majesty. Influence. If you grant my house certain holdings in the west, I can ensure that those whispers never rise to shouts. I can guarantee that your throne remains undisturbed, that your enemies remain... compliant."

Tommen exhaled through his nose. "You mean to say you will buy their loyalty in my name."

"If you prefer it phrased that way, then yes." Malrik did not deny it.

Tommen studied him, his mind working quickly. Malrik was always scheming, always grasping for more, but he was no fool-he would never overplay his hand unless he believed he had leverage. And he did. He always had.

"A generous offer," Tommen said, voice even. "And what of my son?"

Malrik blinked, caught off guard for the briefest moment. "Prince Hosea?"

"Yes," Tommen stepped forward, lowering his voice. "I know your daughter has no love for him. Nor do you. Do not think I am blind to your intentions, Malrik. If I grant you more power, more land-what assurances do I have that you will not turn your influence against my own blood?"

Malrik's lips curled into something resembling a smirk. "Your Majesty, you wound me again. Prince Hosea is the future of Aethelgar. I would never dare move against him."

"Lies do not suit you," Tommen said flatly.

Malrik chuckled, shaking his head. "Then let me offer you this-I will not move against the boy, nor will Esmeralda. We understand the importance of stability. But should anything happen to him..." He spread his hands. "The realm will need a strong successor. One raised under my guidance."

Tommen's fingers twitched at his side. He had long since learned to master his rage, but Malrik always tested the limits of his restraint.

"And if I refuse?"

Malrik sighed, leaning back. "Then I suppose I must remind you that I have been your most loyal advisor for years. That I have protected your throne, upheld your rule, and kept your greatest secret."

The words were left hanging between them like a blade.

Tommen's jaw tightened. "I should have had you executed years ago."

Malrik only smiled. "And yet, here we are."

A long silence stretched between them before Tommen finally spoke, his voice colder than the stone walls around them.

"You will have your land, Malrik. But mark my words-step too far, and you will not like what you find waiting for you."

Malrik grinned, inclining his head. "A wise choice, Your Majesty. As always."

Tommen turned sharply, striding away before his rage got the better of him. Malrik watched him go, his smile never faltering.