Brewing Bloodlines

Chapter 22 – Brewing Bloodlines

The great throne room echoed with silence, broken only by the flicker of flames dancing in the sconces. The king sat upon his dark stone throne, draped in shadows and power. Beside him were his sons — one calm and composed, the other seething with anger.

"Father," Prince Ezryn said, standing abruptly. "I don't understand why you're changing the rules in this kingdom — and all because of him." 

He pointed sharply at Damiar, who sat unbothered, sipping slowly from a goblet filled with a thick crimson liquid.

The king's tone was even. "I'm sure Damiar had his reasons for bringing the girl here."

"The humans," Ezryn spat. "They were always meant to be fed upon. That's their only purpose! I'm telling you now — we need to get rid of them. Especially that Ravena girl. She's dangerous. It's a mistake to keep her here."

Damiar's gaze darkened. He lowered his goblet and stood, voice low but cutting. 

"Watch your words, animal. Is this what you've raised, sire? A senseless boy who speaks before he thinks?"

Ezryn's fists clenched. "Who do you think you're talking to?"

Damiar didn't blink. "Even if others fear you, I don't. And you should fear me."

"You think you can come here and rule everyone?! Order the king around?!"

Damiar's voice grew cold. "I don't argue with children." 

He turned away. "Sire, I'll take my leave now."

"Very well, Damiar," the king said calmly.

As Damiar walked out of the room, Ezryn shouted after him: 

"I will end you!"

Damiar didn't stop. He didn't even turn.

Ezryn turned toward his father. "How can you just sit there? Letting him walk all over me?!"

But the king stood in silence, then walked away without a word.

Ezryn's rage simmered. He turned sharply and made his way to the Queen's chambers.

Inside, the Queen sat by her mirror, brushing her long, silver hair.

"My son," she said, her tone smooth like velvet. "What troubles you?"

"It's Damiar," Ezryn snapped. "He's a threat. To me. To this kingdom. To all of us. We need to find a way to get rid of him."

She paused, placing her brush down. Her smile never wavered.

"Then it's time," she said, standing slowly, her eyes gleaming with quiet cruelty. "That we remind Prince Damiar… that not even shadows rule forever."

Seraphina stepped into her mother's room, surprised to see Ezryn already there, pacing with an angry expression.

"What's the problem?" she asked.

The Queen looked up, her gaze sharp. "Where have you been, Seraphina?"

"I was...

"Don't tell me you were with that girl. And that so-called queen. That idiot." Her voice rose with fury. "I swear, I want to squeeze every last drop of blood out of her. Always walking around like she owns the palace."

Seraphina lowered her head. "Okay, Mother…"

Ezryn stepped forward, voice rising with rage. "You're being too soft with her. She walks beside Damiar like she belongs here. And Seraphina—she's always siding with our enemies!"

Seraphina snapped, tired of biting her tongue. "Why do you hate Prince Damiar so much? He fights our wars. He destroys our enemies. Isn't that what you want?"

The Queen's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Do you want Damiar to take the throne, Seraphina? Did you forget? He's the reason your elder brother died. You can't trust him."

"That's not true!" Seraphina shouted. "He's not the reason"

Slap.

The sting of the Queen's palm echoed in the room. Seraphina staggered back, her cheek burning.

"Silence," the Queen growled. "Get out. Now."

With trembling lips and wet eyes, Seraphina ran out of the chamber.

Ezryn scoffed. "You see how she defends our enemy? She's completely blinded."

The Queen let out a cold breath, her expression unreadable.

"It's fine, son. Let her weep. We still have work to do."

He looked at her curiously. "What are you planning?"

"I think it's time we invite the humans to a royal breakfast," the Queen said with a twisted smile.

"A breakfast?"

"Don't ask questions. Just trust me."

"Alright… I'll take my leave now."

He turned and exited.

The Queen stood alone in the candlelit room, her reflection flickering in the dark glass. 

"Let the girl come. Let her sit among wolves.