Sunlight poured into King Thorn's office through tall arched windows, casting a golden hue over the room. Unlike a typical royal study overflowing with books, this office exuded an air of personal vanity and nostalgia. The walls were adorned with grand paintings—portraits of King Thorn himself in regal poses, a graceful depiction of his wife, the Queen, and a tender portrait of their daughter, Sylphira, as a baby. The desk at the center of the room was bare, reflecting the King's preference for direct conversations rather than the clutter of documents.
Seated behind the desk in a high-backed chair, King Thorn exuded elegance and authority. His piercing amber eyes gleamed as they fixed on the young man sitting across from him. The King wore a sleek, high-collared black shirt, its silk-like fabric subtly embroidered with dark purple patterns that shimmered in the sunlight. Dark gray trousers with silver-thread trim complemented the shirt, and an amber-hued gemstone brooch adorned his left shoulder, adding a regal touch to his attire.
Opposite him, Prince Lemillion sat stiffly, his tension apparent in the rigid lines of his posture. His blonde hair framed his face, and his piercing green eyes darted around nervously. He was dressed in a cream-colored tunic with billowy sleeves, embroidered with emerald-green patterns along the hem and cuffs. Light beige pants and knee-high leather boots completed his ensemble, the silver buckles shaped like the royal crest. A silver necklace with a small emerald pendant hung around his neck, subtly mirroring the embroidery on his tunic.
Lemillion's thoughts raced. Why has King Thorn summoned me? Does he know about my plans against my brother? Or could it be something worse?
King Thorn's laughter broke through his thoughts, a deep, resonant sound that filled the room. "No need to be so tense, Lemillion," he said, his tone almost teasing.
Lemillion forced himself to relax, though his voice still carried a hint of caution. "Thank you, King Thorn. If I may ask, what business do you wish to discuss with me? You've shown little interest in me before."
King Thorn chuckled, leaning forward slightly, his hands resting on the desk. "And who said I'm not interested in you?"
Lemillion raised an eyebrow, his unease growing. The King continued, "I received a letter from your father. It seems he's considering welcoming you back home."
Lemillion's curiosity piqued. "And what brought about this sudden change? My father isn't one to forgive so easily."
"Not even his own children?" King Thorn asked with a knowing smirk.
"Yes," Lemillion replied firmly. "You know that as well as I do."
The King's amber eyes locked onto Lemillion's, their piercing intensity holding the young prince in place. "Ah, yes. Your father... Not the most forgiving of men, is he? But then again, what choice does he have?"
Lemillion frowned, trying to decipher the King's cryptic tone. "What do you mean?"
King Thorn leaned back, a faint smile still playing on his lips. "Your father is an emperor, not a fool. He understands the consequences of your actions, even if you don't."
Lemillion's gaze hardened. "My actions?"
"Assassinating the Reaper and Duke Ryuu's son," Thorn said casually, as if discussing the weather. "That little escapade of yours nearly sparked a war. You do realize that, don't you?"
Lemillion's face paled, but he maintained his composure. "I did what I had to do. The Reaper was a threat—a monster. Someone like him couldn't be allowed to exist. One day, he would've turned his blade on the Imperial Kingdom. I merely took preemptive action."
King Thorn let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Preemptive action... Is that how you justify killing the most powerful man in the world and dragging an innocent child into your schemes?"
Lemillion's jaw clenched, but he forced himself to remain calm. "It had to be done. For the sake of the kingdom."
Thorn's amber eyes narrowed, his tone dropping to a low, ominous pitch. "For the sake of the kingdom? You almost brought ruin upon it. Duke Ryuu Satoru—one of the most powerful families in the Imperial Kingdom, known for their unyielding pride and formidable power. You took his son's life. Did you really think that would go unpunished?"
Lemillion hesitated, unable to respond.
Thorn continued, his tone colder. "If I hadn't intervened, Duke Ryuu would have torn your kingdom apart in retaliation. The Dreadholm Dominion would have joined him—not because they favored Ryuu, but because you killed their pride. The Reaper belonged to them, and they would have stopped at nothing to avenge him. Your father's kingdom would've been wiped from existence. The massacre would have been swift—your father's soldiers butchered, your people slaughtered, your kingdom reduced to ashes. And no amount of imperial pride would have stopped them."
Lemillion swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. "But it didn't happen. You stopped it."
Thorn smirked, brushing his fingers over the gemstone on his shoulder. "Indeed. I didn't manipulate anyone. I simply... balanced the scales. A little influence here, a few words there. Enough to ensure that neither Ryuu nor the Dominion sought vengeance. Your father doesn't even realize how close he came to annihilation. And all because of your fear."
Lemillion forced himself to speak, his voice strained. "Why... Why did you intervene?"
"Because your father is my friend, and he had to send you to me," Thorn replied bluntly. "And because I didn't feel like watching the world burn due to your foolishness. Don't mistake it for mercy, though. You're not under my protection; you're just... conveniently out of the way."
The young prince couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. "So... What now?"
King Thorn leaned forward, his gaze like a hawk eyeing its prey. "Now, you listen carefully. You're a guest in my kingdom—an uninvited one, at that. Meddling in my affairs—plotting against your brother while using my resources—is not only foolish, it's suicidal. If you continue to dabble in my kingdom's politics, you'll find that my tolerance has limits. Understand?"
Lemillion hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "I understand."
"Good. Now, leave," Thorn ordered, his tone dismissive. "And remember—my kingdom is not your playground. Try to tangle with me, and I'll show you why the world fears the name Thorn."
Lemillion stood, giving a stiff bow before leaving the office. As the door closed behind him, King Thorn let out a soft sigh, his gaze drifting to the painting of his daughter.
"A foolish boy, playing with forces he doesn't understand," Thorn muttered. "I hope you're learning many things, Sylphira."