A maid entered the queen's chamber, her face pale with fear. She held her palms, which were sweaty, as she tried to keep her fear in check.
Gavin strode towards her. Sorry, this is going to hurt a little. Don't worry, I will compensate you for this, he said, giving the maid a little pat on the head, which eased her nerves a little.
"Do not show any sign of weakness, Gavin".Queen seraphina said coldly . "Even if you have to end her life."
"What... the maid gasped in fear her eyes darted between the prince and Queen. Falling on her knees, she pleaded for her life.
"P-please, my prince, don't kill me. I haven't done anything wrong. Please spare me."
"Mother,I am sure I can be a good prince without bloodshed. I won't kill her."
"Whatever, just make sure you get to the throne." Queen Seraphina sneered.
Gavin bent towards the maid, who was shivering with fear. "What is your name?" Rose, your highness her voice came as a whisper.
Okay, Rose, work with me here.
Soon he penetrated her mind; her face turned pale from the invasive force of his power, finally he gained access into her mind.
Rose suddenly moved without any power of her own , walking towards a boiling water. Just as Gavin controlled she dipped her two hands inside the boiling water.
He soon let go of her mind as she screamed in horror at the pain she felt, twirling and crying in pain.
Gavin smiled at the level of control he was gaining; ignoring the now crying maid, he walked triumphantly towards his mother.
"You see, Mother, my mind manipulation is getting stronger than ever. I could only plant thoughts into people like you, but now I am getting stronger."
Queen Seraphina smiled, proud of her son .
Soon the large doors were open. Gavin gave orders to take the maid away, but not without throwing a large sum of coins to her as compensation.
"I will take my leave now, Mother,"he walked out of the queen's chamber.
Striding towards his own chamber, which was artistically decorated with both gold and diamonds and art to complement it on the walls, it was a sight to behold.
Entering his chamber, he saw the back of a lady waiting for him; he smiled while hugging her from behind.
"I missed you, nyssa." Gavin smiled,he gave a peck to her, which she returned with a hug whilst facing him.
I heard you were finally able to cancel the marriage proposal with the Elowens. She said, giving him a seductive smile.
"Remember I promised nothing will come between our love. I will go to your kingdom and ask for your hand in marriage so you can be my future queen."
"I will gladly accept my king."
The maids brought tea and biscuits for the king and prince while stealing glances at the handsome men in front of them and the fact that they were together, not arguing but enjoying each other's presence.
Soon word began to spread in the castle of the king and prince reconciliation , and if Kealan will be the next crown prince. Oblivious of the rumors going on, the father and son enjoyed each other's company.
"I went to the kingdom of Florindial to get a special herb for insomnia. I want a young king with an adventurous heart. I could have easily sent my liege to go get it for me, but why miss out on all the fun? "
"I was welcomed into the kingdom of Florindial with open arms. There I saw your mother, Princess Flora of Florindial. Her beauty was just as the people claimed, but she was as stubborn as a rock."
Both King Aldric and Kealan laughed at that. He was glad he was able to hear about their love story.
"All efforts to try getting her attention fell on deaf ears; she wouldn't budge, and my stay was almost over. Well, I had to lie about another illness to stay longer, just to extend my stay. "
Kealan chuckled. "So, you stalked her with a medical excuse?"
"Worse," the king laughed" I entered the royal garden following her and observing everything she did from afar. There I touched a poisonous plant and almost lost my life."
Flora, noticing what has happened, panicked but was quick to get me the antidote. Well, that was the beginning of a love story .
His voice soon turned sour, remembering his beloved is no longer with him. King Aldric gulped down, trying to hold his pain. He still wasn't able to find the perpetrators, he also was still brewing with vengeance.
But he has a son to protect, and he would do it even if it cost him his life.
Noticing every blood vessel in his father, he sensed sadness, anger, and pain by following the palpitations of his nerves.
His blood-bending powers were awakening and getting stronger than ever. He has learned control secretly all these years. If he loses control, it could be a disaster.
King Aldric snapped out of his imagination. How is it not having any powers, Kealan? And why didn't you tell me mind manipulation doesn't work on you?"
Kealan spilled his tea at being caught by the king.
I was waiting for you to tell me, son. I am your father, remember? Gavin is hot-tempered and sometimes kindhearted, but when pushed to anger, he lets loose his powers.
While you are of few words, your words are harsh and strike the heart, especially when in danger or trying to be controlled. Gavin likes to be in authority, and you don't submit to authority unless you want to.
Obviously he would have used his powers on you, and you would have done something out of character, but never for once have you been influenced by mind manipulation, not even by the queen.
"You can block mind manipulation, or it just doesn't have any effect on you."
I will wait for the right time you are ready to confide in me, son. If you want to keep it a secret, then maybe it's for the best.
Standing up, King Aldric sought to take his leave. It was nice having a little chit-chat with you, son.
Kealan smirked. You called that a little? That was a lot. Thank you for your time, Your Majesty, he gave a bow.
I will prefer you call me father when we are together, son , and please come to the dining table; you haven't stepped your feet in it for years.
I will try, Father, one step at a time, Kealan replied.
King Aldric nodded before taking his leave.
The message soon reached Queen Seraphina of the sudden closeness between the distant father and son; she crashed everything beside her in annoyance.
"The king must not favor Kealan, or that boy will be a threat to my son claiming the throne."
Liora laid on her bed; soon her thoughts floated to Kealan. It's been days; why wasn't he coming? She tossed to and fro on the bed. Or has he changed his mind about the marriage? Her heart drummed in her loudly not of losing her dignity but of fear of losing her love.
She didn't feel much of Gavin's rejection since she didn't love him, but of Kealan it was a different case.