"Second Prince Maverick Norma."
The name held weight in the kingdom. Maverick, the second legitimate son of King Alfred Norma, was known less for his courtly presence and more for his unpredictable reputation. Unlike his elder brother Crown Prince Amaris, who was officially designated as heir, Maverick was the wild card many nobles watched with wary eyes.
Inside the carriage, Travis stared silently at the words written on the crumpled tissue under his snack pile. He had a growing headache. The name struck a nerve—one that pulsed with unwanted consequences. Before he could think more, Tatiana snapped.
"You little rat! Are you just going to ignore me? You're acting smug because you got into the army, huh? Let's see how long you last in Drakerol Forest. You'll be screaming for mercy within a week!" Her voice dripped with venomous satisfaction.
Travis' expression didn't change. Instead, the air around him seemed to freeze. Before she could blink, he leaned forward, steel glinting in the low light. A dagger hovered just beside her neck. Tatiana froze, realizing too late that her words had provoked something deep and cold.
"Travis!" she said, holding back a quiver. "I-I'm your sister. You wouldn't really—"
"Sister?" he echoed, eyes narrowing. "You mean the one who helped poison me? That kind of sister?"
Tatiana paled. Her confident facade cracked. For the first time, she understood that her half-brother had changed—and not just in appearance. This wasn't a mischievous boy anymore.
"I—I only followed orders," she stammered. "They promised me a future. He said I'd become queen!"
Travis stared at her a long moment. Then, to her shock, he chuckled, lowered the blade slightly, and smirked. "So that's it. You'd trade blood for power."
At least she was honest. He traced the dagger to the corner of her lip—not cutting, but close. Tatiana flinched. Then her eyes widened as he leaned in and wiped the faint line of blood gently with a cloth, his expression unreadable.
"I have to admit," he said softly, "your conviction is impressive. But let me ask you—did Maverick promise you the throne? Or just the illusion of one?"
Her voice caught. "He didn't… not directly. But I was his choice."
Travis leaned back, shaking his head. "Then you've already lost." He glanced at her again. "And was he the first…?" he asked suddenly.
Her blush betrayed her. "O-of course! I'm not an idiot."
He studied her reaction, then relaxed back in his seat, tossing the cloth aside.
"Then don't meet him again. Because next time, I won't stop with a warning."
Tatiana bit her lip. It wasn't fear she felt now—it was confusion. This Travis... was nothing like the one she used to mock. His commanding tone, his calculating gaze—it pulled something unexpected from her.
"You've changed," she whispered.
"Change is the only thing that keeps me alive," he replied.
Before she could respond, a voice echoed in Travis' head.
"Hey, don't go too far. She apologized, you know? You could try being gentler if you really want her on your side."
It was Purple. Again.
He grimaced. "Mind your own business."
"Rude!" Purple huffed and faded back into silence.
Tatiana stared at him, eyes lingering. "Why are you… being like this to me?"
"Because I don't trust you. Not yet," Travis said. "But I'm not a man without mercy. You still have time to earn back what you threw away."
The carriage stopped.
Before Tatiana could speak, Travis handed her a cloth. "You'll want to clean up," he said, smirking.
She glared, but took it nonetheless, dabbing at her lips. "You're insufferable."
"Maybe. But I get results."
Cameron, the old guard captain, stepped in.
"We're at the border, young master," he said in a hushed tone. "But there's… a complication. A royal carriage is blocking the path."
Tatiana immediately turned red and glared at Travis.
He feigned innocence. "Ah, so you were expecting someone?" His tone was mockingly sweet. "Just remember—you can't have both."
She turned away, unsure of how to reply.
"Take her back to the mansion, Cameron," Travis said. "And when you return, keep an eye on her. And my mother."
Tatiana stepped out with a quickened breath, her eyes softening slightly before she disappeared from view.
Once alone, Travis handed a scroll to Cameron.
"You've hit a wall in your cultivation, haven't you? This should help."
The man's eyes widened in disbelief. "Young master…"
"It's yours," Travis said. "Just remember—there will come a time when I need you. Be ready."
The veteran bowed deeply. "You have my loyalty, Lord Travis Sean."
Travis smiled faintly and turned toward the royal carriage awaiting him.
Behind him, the wheels of the Sean Family's carriage turned slowly away—taking with them a silent oath, a new understanding, and one poison beauty who, for the first time, wasn't entirely sure who held the upper hand.
* * *
[A/N: We are at 15th position in WPC you guys, Keep voting power stones on my novel 'Foretell of Ascension' and add it to your library.
Do comment if you find any mistakes or have creative ideas for the character and novel :)
Thank you for reading ;)]