The room was steeped in a tense, lingering silence. Arthur sat perfectly still on the couch, his sharp eyes narrowed, as if lost in thought. The faintest furrow creased his brow, though his face remained an unreadable mask. For several moments, neither man spoke.
Finally, Arthur exhaled softly, a small, light smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “So, is it done, sister?” he asked, his voice calm but laced with a subtle edge. “Your warnings, I mean. Quite protective of your darling, aren’t you?”
The teasing lilt in his tone was deliberate, the words carrying a double meaning that wasn’t lost on Celestia.
From the speaker on the table, Celestia’s laughter spilled forth, sweet and airy, but with a razor-sharp undercurrent. “Good, good,” she purred. “Quite smart of you, my little brother. Kufufufu…”
Arthur smiled faintly, though the warmth didn’t reach his eyes. Instead, his gaze seemed to darken, his thoughts retreating to a depth no one else could see. “I see,” he murmured, his tone lighter. “That’s enough for now. As always, sister, you excel at ruining my mood.”
Celestia’s laugh came again, this time louder, tinged with a mocking amusement that made Lucian shift uncomfortably in his seat. Arthur, however, remained perfectly composed, the faint smile still gracing his face.
“I’ll give you this much,” Arthur said smoothly, leaning forward slightly. “You’re consistent. Annoyingly so. Now, how about calling your darling directly next time? It’s quite costly to cover these Wi-Fi charges, you know.”
His tone was almost cheerful, but Lucian caught the flicker of annoyance beneath it.
Arthur reached forward, his long fingers wrapping around his phone. He pressed the button to end the call without hesitation, cutting off Celestia mid-laugh.
“Wait” Celestia’s voice was abruptly silenced.
Arthur leaned back into the couch with a satisfied smile, his actions deliberate, calculated. Lucian, meanwhile, exhaled a long sigh, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
“Awkward, isn’t she?” Lucian muttered, more to himself than anyone else. “That was exhausting.”
Arthur chuckled softly, tilting his head toward Lucian. “I must admit, I’m curious,” he said, his tone light but probing. “Your meeting with my sister what exactly was that about? Quite the shock, if I’m honest.” A sly smile played on his lips, but his eyes gleamed with something sharper.
Lucian sighed, leaning back in his chair as he rubbed the back of his neck. “It wasn’t anything serious,” he said. “Honestly, it was awkward for me, too. She’s the one calling me ‘darling’ and ‘husband.’ I never agreed to any of this. I’ve got enough on my plate as it is.”
Arthur’s smile widened, though his gaze never softened. “I see,” he murmured, his words carrying a weight Lucian couldn’t quite place.
Arthur sat back, resting one leg elegantly over the other. “Well, good. If that’s all, you’re free to leave. My men will escort you out safely. I have business to attend to,” he said smoothly, his tone signaling the conversation was over.
Lucian offered a small, polite smile. “I appreciate the gesture, but that won’t be necessary,” he replied, standing slowly. “My ride is already here.”
Arthur’s brow lifted slightly at this. “Oh?” he said, the curiosity in his tone subtle but unmistakable. “Interesting.”
Lucian said nothing, his expression calm, but Arthur’s keen eyes lingered on him, noting every detail. Lucian Kane is hiding something, Arthur thought. And I intend to find out what.
As Lucian prepared to leave, he paused and turned slightly, his gaze meeting Arthur’s. “Oh, one last thing,” he said, his tone measured but carrying an edge of warning. “Don’t go after Avey yes i know you won’t listen but.”
Arthur’s expression remained unreadable, though the faintest flicker of surprise crossed his features.
Lucian continued, his voice steady. “It’s not me you need to worry about. Trust me your end won’t be good. And I’m not just saying that for my sake.”
Arthur’s sharp mind seized on the implications immediately. “Victor Vanez,” he murmured, the name slipping from his lips like a puzzle piece falling into place.
Arthur’s narrowed eyes studied Lucian carefully, though his elegant smile remained intact. Victor? That small character? A nuisance at best, Arthur thought, dismissing the idea briefly. But then his sister’s words and Lucian’s warning echoed in his mind. If they’re mentioning him, perhaps he’s more than he appears.
Arthur’s thoughts raced, calculating possibilities and revising plans. Outwardly, however, he remained as poised as ever. “Noted,” he said with a faint smile, his voice smooth.
Lucian gave a small nod. “That’s the most I can say. I hope things work out… differently for you.” His voice softened, almost to himself.
Host, leave it. This isn’t worth it, Max’s voice rang in Lucian’s mind, sharp and warning. You’ve said enough. If you push further, the world will notice and you won’t like the results.
I know, Lucian thought back, his tone resigned. But it needed to be said.
Arthur watched him closely, his calculating gaze never wavering. Lucian turned and began to walk toward the door, his posture calm but firm.
Arthur remained seated, his fingers steepled as his mind churned with thoughts. Lucian Kane, he mused, his smile fading ever so slightly. You’re more than what you seem. And Victor Vanez… perhaps it’s time I gave that clown a second look.
Lucian reached the door, his footsteps steady and measured, but he paused just before turning the handle. Then, he turned on his heel, his eyes locking with Arthur’s.
Arthur raised a brow, intrigued by the sudden shift. He remained reclined on the sofa, his posture regal, his leg crossed at the knee. One elbow rested on the arm of the couch, his fingers lightly supporting his chin. His head tilted ever so slightly as he studied Lucian, the faintest glint of amusement in his sharp gaze.
“I see you love to play games,” Lucian began, his voice calm but carrying a deliberate edge. “And you’re playing one with me right now. Play all you want. Play until you’re satisfied.” He said his lips curling into a small, knowing smile. “But don’t scream when I strike back. Because when i did I will also strike some nerves.”
Arthur’s smirk deepened, and he shifted slightly in his seat, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward just enough to convey his attention. “I see,” he said, his voice low and steady, the pride in his tone unmistakable. “But remember this: you’ll be playing against the next king of this nation.”
Arthur adjusted his position, his movements deliberate and unhurried. His fingers lightly traced his jawline as he tilted his head, his gaze boring into Lucian’s with an intensity that belied his composed demeanor. “I’ll say, Lucian Kane,” he added, his smirk widening, “it’s a bold claim for someone like you.”
Lucian chuckled softly, the sound low and almost dismissive. He shook his head, his gaze steady as it met Arthur’s. “Let me tell you something, Arthur,” he said, his voice calm but carrying a weight that made the room feel colder. “There are two ways a man can walk through life. One he walks like he owns the world, like he’s the king.”
He paused, his smile deepening, but the warmth didn’t reach his eyes. Instead, they glinted with a quiet, unyielding confidence.
“And the other?” Lucian’s tone dropped, each word deliberate, cutting through the air like a blade. “The other doesn’t care who sits on the throne. King, sovereign or whatever it doesn’t matter. If you cross me… I’ll see you.”
Arthur’s smirk faltered for the briefest of moments, a flicker of something unspoken passing through his eyes. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by his signature composure. “Interesting,” he murmured, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue. “Very interesting indeed.”
Lucian turned away, his movements smooth and unhurried as he made his way to the door. He opened it without looking back, stepping through the threshold with a sense of calm that seemed almost defiant.
The room fell into silence as the door clicked shut behind him, leaving Arthur alone.
For a long moment, Arthur didn’t move. His eyes remained fixed on the door, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, a faint smile returned to his lips, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“I see,” Arthur murmured to the empty room, his voice low, almost contemplative. His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of the couch as he leaned back once more.
He tilted his head slightly, his elegant smile sharpening. “A bold one,” he said softly, almost to himself. “But let’s see how far that boldness takes you.”
The room remained silent, save for the faint rustle of the curtains as a breeze slipped through the cracked window. Arthur’s gaze lingered on the door, his thoughts spiraling into careful calculations and plans.
The game was far from over. And this time, Arthur promised himself, he would ensure he had the upper hand.
—