Tatiana was already on her way back to Sean Mansion. As the carriage rolled into quiet, Travis stood calmly before the royal carriage now blocking the road. Though the Sean family was known as the wealthiest in the kingdom, even Travis had to admit—the royal entourage was something else. Every inch of the carriage shimmered with golden embellishments and royal artistry.
'The royal family really is in a league of its own,' Travis thought, folding his hands behind his back.
Only one royal guard stood at attention, wearing the smug expression of someone who thought the world beneath his boots. Travis raised an eyebrow. "It seems my carriage can't go any further," he said, voice flat. "May I request an audience with His Royal Highness, the Second Prince—Maverick Norma?"
The guard's expression didn't change, but his mind reeled. How the hell does this brat know who's inside? Their appearance wasn't scheduled, not even Duke Sean knew they were here.
Inside the opulent carriage, Maverick Norma sat atop a raised throne-like seat, sipping from a goblet filled with thick red liquid. His silver hair fell elegantly over his shoulder, the flickering chandelier casting light on his perfectly sculpted features. Across from him stood a man dressed in flowing dark crimson robes—Berkan, Patriarch of the Omera Blood Sect.
As Maverick overheard Travis's exchange with the guard, a slow smile spread across his lips. "See?" he said to Berkan. "Didn't I say this boy wasn't just some discarded pawn from House Sean? Either White is playing deep, or this brat is better at hiding than we gave him credit for."
Berkan snorted, unconvinced. "We were the ones who leaked the news of your arrival today. Any smart rat would try to avoid attention, not come knocking."
Maverick chuckled. "True, but you forget—he has loyal subordinates. That alone tells me he's not some spoiled noble son. I think he saw right through our mischief."
Berkan grunted. "All the more reason to worry. He might be difficult to control when it counts."
"Maybe. But if we place our bets right, we could have eyes deep within the Eldria military." Maverick's voice turned sharp. "And that's worth the risk."
Berkan fell silent. He understood all too well the Prince's hatred for House Eldria. After all, they were the ones believed to have orchestrated the assassination of Maverick's mother—the most radiant talent in the Omera Blood Sect in over a century.
The guard led Travis into the carriage. The boy's eyes widened for just a moment. 'How in the hell did they fit a throne in here?'
He regained composure quickly, scanning the interior as his cold blue eyes locked on Maverick. Then his gaze shifted to Berkan—and his heart skipped a beat. A tremor of unseen power rippled through him as Purple's voice exploded in his mind.
"Run. Right now. You've come too close to something beyond you."
Travis didn't flinch. He just dropped his gaze and bowed slightly, his tone calm. "Your Highness, thank you for granting me this audience."
Maverick gestured to a velvet seat. "Have a seat, Young Master Travis. I hear you were looking for me?"
"Indeed." Travis smiled politely as he sat, posture poised. "I came bearing a proposal... I heard Your Highness has taken an interest in my sister, Tatiana Sean. If that's true, I can assist in smoothing things with my father."
Berkan blinked.
"I'm sure House Sean would be pleased to align with the Second Prince," Travis added, his voice smooth as honey. "Just say the word. All I ask in return is your goodwill—and a little support down the line."
For a long second, no one spoke.
Berkan's mouth opened, then closed again. Maverick stared, caught off guard. Even a hidden presence—silent until now—stirred slightly in the partitioned half of the carriage.
Then Maverick chuckled, amused. "You're a bold one."
He leaned back, swirling the contents of his goblet. 'So… he's letting me know he's aware of the poisoning attempt and is offering his loyalty in exchange for survival and benefit. Clever boy. I'll bite.'
"You're right. I do admire your sister," Maverick admitted. "Let's call it a mutual opportunity. I get Tatiana. You get my favor. House Sean gains an alliance."
Travis clasped his hands. "Exactly! Honestly, after stepping into this carriage, I can say confidently—our kingdom will be in safe hands under its most handsome prince. My sister is truly lucky." He grinned. "May I call you Brother Maverick from now on?"
Berkan nearly choked. Maverick, too, paused mid-sip, barely concealing his laughter. This kid is a menace.
Travis leaned in, lowering his voice with mock sincerity. "By the way, since Brother Maverick likes golden things so much… I'll make sure to gift something dazzling for your wedding."
Berkan's fingers twitched with suppressed rage. Bloodlust leaked faintly into the air.
Maverick quickly interjected, "All very appreciated, but I do find myself in a bit of a predicament right now. Perhaps you could help?"
Travis nodded slowly. "If it's within my capabilities, I'll gladly lend a hand."
Maverick turned to Berkan. "Grant him access to our resources—sect or personal. Whatever he needs, provide it."
Berkan twitched but said nothing.
Then a cool, musical voice interrupted from behind the silken partition. "And what gives you the right to offer our sect's resources so freely?"
Berkan's eyes went wide. Maverick stiffened.
A young woman stepped into the chamber. She had fiery red hair, a flowing veil that partially covered her face, and a delicate figure that moved like wind over water. But her eyes—those sharp hazel eyes—pierced like twin stars.
Hazel, daughter of the matriarch and patriarch of the Omera Blood Sect. One of the famed Three Beauties of the Kingdom.
Berkan barked, "Watch your tongue! Apologize and leave. This doesn't concern you!"
But Hazel merely snorted softly, ignoring him entirely.
Maverick tried to ease the tension. "It's alright. Hazel, we're discussing matters of state. Please return to the rear chamber."
Hazel nodded once. But just before disappearing again behind the partition, she glanced at Travis.
Their eyes met. Hazel's bright hazel irises locked onto his cold blue ones—and for a brief moment, a current of unspoken challenge flowed between them.
She vanished.
Travis blinked. 'So... you just came to tell me you exist. Noted.'
He leaned back with a grin.
'Everywhere I go, a new beauty appears. Am I cursed or blessed?'
Maverick cleared his throat, drawing Travis's attention. "Let's discuss your first task…"
And so the next phase of the game began.
* * *
[A/N: Another 1k words chapter for you guyss...
Do tell me in the comments if you liked the new characters.
Sorry for late release guys, I'm under huge pile of assignments and pending projects. so it might be a bumpy road so bear with me. Thank you for understanding :) ]