The butler, returned to Prince Stevenson Jr.'s guest room, his expression grave. "Prince Stevenson, The Duke of Ralston summons you. He is waiting for you, and it is not wise to keep him waiting."
Prince Stevenson Jr. looked up from his conversation with Zilayefa's brothers, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not interested in seeing the Duke right now. Where is Zilayefa? I haven't seen her since I arrived."
The butler hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Zilayefa and the Duke have just returned from a long journey. She is resting and needs her solitude."
Prince Stevenson Jr.'s eyes sparkled with concern. "I would like to see her tomorrow, if possible."
The butler nodded, his expression neutral. "I'm afraid that's not in my power to arrange, Your Highness. However, if Zilayefa wishes to see you, she will come looking for you."
Prince Stevenson Jr. nodded thoughtfully, seeming to accept the butler's words. The butler pressed on, his voice firm. "Now, Prince Stevenson, the Duke is waiting for you. It is in your best interest to see him."
After a moment's deliberation, Prince Stevenson Jr. stood up, his movements fluid. "Very well, I will see the Duke."
With that, he followed The butler out of the guest room, leaving Zilayefa's brothers to wonder what lay ahead.
As they walked, Prince Stevenson Jr. couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Where was Zilayefa, really? And what did Duke Larry want with him?
Prince Stevenson Jr. followed the butler to the reception hall, his heart pounding with anticipation. What did Duke Larry want with him?
As they entered the reception hall, Prince Stevenson Jr. was struck by the opulence that surrounded him. The hall was filled with lavish furnishings and expensive artwork, a testament to Duke Larry's vast wealth.
Duke Larry himself stood by the fireplace, his eyes blazing with anger. "So, you decided to grace me with your presence," he spat, his voice dripping with venom.
Prince Stevenson Jr. stood tall, his eyes locked on the duke. "I came because I was summoned," he replied, his voice firm.
Duke Larry sneered, his face twisted in contempt. "You're a prince, but you're also a guest in my house. You'll do well to show some respect."
Prince Stevenson Jr.'s eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his cool. "I'm not afraid of you, Duke Larry,am here for my betrothed" he said, his voice steady.
Duke Larry's face turned red with rage, and for a moment, Prince Stevenson Jr. thought he might lunge at him. But then, the duke seemed to regain control of himself, a sly smile spreading across his face.
"And who might that be?," he said, his voice dripping with malice.
Prince Stevenson Jnr looked at the cunning Duke and replied with courage " Zilayefa" He said .
The Duke looked at the prince a s shook his head. " You are courting fire" He told the prince.
Prince Stevenson Jr. stood his ground, his eyes locked on Duke Larry's. "I'm not afraid of you," he repeated, his voice firm.
Duke Larry sneered, but Prince Stevenson Jr. could see the faintest glimmer of surprise in his eyes. The duke wasn't used to people standing up to him.
"You're a fool," Duke Larry spat. "You think you can just waltz in here and defy me? I'll show you what real power looks like."
Prince Stevenson Jr. didn't flinch, even as Duke Larry's face turned red with rage. "I'm not afraid of your power," he said, his voice steady. "I'm here to protect Zilayefa, and I won't back down."
Duke Larry's eyes narrowed, his expression calculating. "We'll see about that," he said, his voice dripping with malice.
Suddenly, the doors to the reception hall burst open, and a guardsman strode in. "Your Grace," he said, bowing low. "We've received a message from the king. He requests your presence at the palace immediately."
Duke Larry's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "Tell the king I'm busy," he growled.
But the guardsman hesitated, his eyes darting nervously to Prince Stevenson Jr. "I'm afraid it's not that simple, Your Grace," he said. "The king's message was... urgent."
Duke Larry's anger simmered just below the surface as he ordered the guards to take Prince Stevenson Jr. back to his chambers. "Never let him out until I return from the palace," he commanded, his voice low and menacing.
The guards obeyed, escorting Prince Stevenson Jr. by force to his chambers and locking him in. Duke Larry watched them go, his eyes narrowing in satisfaction.
But his satisfaction was short-lived. He had just received a summons from the King, and he was not happy about it. He had just returned from a long trip and needed rest. And now, this small prince from Ama had come and disrupted his bliss and the mind of his maiden, Zilayefa.
Duke Larry set off for the palace, his mood darkening with every step. When he arrived, he was greeted by Prince Joel, the Prince of Nero. Prince Joel welcomed him warmly, but Duke Larry was not in the mood for flattery.
"Where's the King?" he asked impatiently, his eyes scanning the room.
Prince Joel looked at him, a hint of anger in his eyes. But he knew better than to cross Duke Larry, the powerful Duke of Ralston. Instead, he nodded curtly and escorted Duke Larry to the throne room to see his father, the King.
As they walked, Duke Larry's anger continued to simmer. He was not looking forward to this meeting with the King. What did he want, anyway?
When they arrived at the throne room, Prince Joel announced Duke Larry's presence, and the guards parted to let him through. The King, a tall, imposing figure with a strong jaw and piercing eyes, sat on the throne, his expression serious.
"Duke Larry, thank you for coming," the King said, his voice deep and commanding. "I apologize for the short notice, but I have a matter of great importance to discuss with you."
Duke Larry bowed low, his expression guarded. "I'm at your service, Your Majesty," he said, his voice dripping with formality