Trouble in the Capital

Eric sat at the desk in his assigned office, staring off into the distance. His father had sent his advisor, Tyron, to scold him in his place. Tyron’s words were already lost on him; instead, his mind drifted to Mika, the woman who had stolen his heart.

Even sitting here, he wished to take her in his arms once again, but instead he was stuck here, bored with a bald, short man lecturing him about proper etiquette.

“Prince Eric, are you even listening to a word I’ve said?” Tyron roared, slamming his hand onto the table.

Eric's eyes snapped to the man’s, a scowl forming on his lips. “Just go, and tell my father that I’ve learned whatever lesson he’s trying to instill, and leave me be.”

Tyron gasped. “I’m offended that you think I’d lie to the King because you refuse to understand the depth of how your recent actions have affected the very kingdom you vow to want to lead.”

“I vow to take the throne from my older brother because I am much more suited to the task compared to that man who can barely wield a sword without tiring!”

“Then why must you keep alienating the very people you claim to want to lead? Between the bar fights and sleeping with married women, there have been plenty of complaints over your actions.”

“So do what you always do: pay the people some money and tell them to go away. Problem solved!”

Tryon sighed and leaned back in his chair. His weathered face became even older as his shoulders slumped. “Prince, do you not understand the position you have put the capital in? Duke Vanderick has already threatened to pull—”

“Screw the Duke and his family!” Eric said, slamming his hands on the desk in front of him. “I already mentioned in the papers we have reason to believe he and his family are traitors to the crown. Just have anyone who takes his side beheaded!”

“Prince…” Tryon trailed off, taking a breath. “Do you not understand that it was the Duke who led the army in place of your father to win over the south? He is loved by the people and by the military for his humility! Hell, if anything, his house alone makes up for thirty-five percent of the Kingdom’s income.”

Eric shrugged. “He isn’t of the royal family; we can just replace him with—”

“Foolishness! He alone carries enough weight; now imagine if others have found you talking like this, it would cause a disaster!”

“Then fix it. Offer my apologies so we can put this mess behind us.”

Tryon shook his head. “Duke Vanderick is calling for information on why his daughter is rejecting the marriage between you two.”

“Then give him information… I’ve never wanted to marry his plain daughter anyway. She always has an icy, evil aura around her.”

“You think a peasant would make for a better future Queen Consort than she would?”

Eric narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping. “You watch your tongue when you speak of my future bride, or I’ll have your head, father be damned.”

“Is that all you can do? All like a spoiled brat who throws his weight around until his father steps in? Is this all the training I and others put you through over the years amounting to shit given to a man-child?”

“You're treading on thin ice, Tryon! Cease these words, or I won’t be held accountable for what’s next to come.”

Tryon stared into Eric’s eyes, unflinching. “Do what you must, but I refuse to bite my tongue because someone so arrogant handles true words spoken to them.”

Eric’s hand hovered over the handle of his sword before dropping down to his side. He took a deep breath, calming the rage in his chest, though his face remained red.

“If there is nothing left to report, you may leave. And let this be the last time you speak to me in this manner lest I pay a visit to your granddaughter you’ve been keeping hidden in that farming village!” he threatened.

Tryon’s eyes widened, sweat appearing on his face. “I see, I guess even a fool will pick up a lesson after being taught so many times,” he said, a little louder than intended. “The King also wanted you to start looking into a strange occurrence with the dungeon.”

“Fine! Give me the details of what needs to be done, and along with any relevant information.” Eric ordered.

The meeting went another hour before Tryon finally officially left the room.

Eric ran a hand through his short blonde hair before studying the sheets of paper.

A knock on the door briefly caught his attention, but he ignored it. After a couple of seconds, it continued once again.

“I’m not taking any visitors at this time. Please tell all staff that unless it's busy or for dinner, I will be busy in my study,” he called out.

He thought that would put an end to it, but then the door opened. Annoyed, he snapped his head upward, the frown on his face instantly turning into a smile.

Standing there was Mika, the very woman he had been thinking about earlier. She wore a dress that highlighted her pale skin without clashing with her black hair, making her look breathtaking.

“I thought you wouldn’t mind having me as a visitor,” she said, her cheeks red as she stared at him.

He quickly stood and crossed the room, happily picking her up in his arms and twirling her around as he planted kisses upon her lips. After a moment, he placed her down and took a step back.

“It is always a joy to see you, no matter how busy I may get,” Eric said warmly, taking her by the hand and leading her to the couch in the corner of the room. “Come sit! Relax for a little while.”

“Are you sure you aren’t too busy?”

“No, there isn't too much to go over besides reading a couple of reports about a situation I need to take care of.”

Mika tilted her head to the side. “Is there anything I can help with?”

Eric looked conflicted. “Just some issues with random monsters appearing, along with strange movements in the dungeon.”

“Huh? I’m sorry, can you go into detail?”

“Sure, let me just grab the documents off my desk,” he said, turning around.

If he had been paying attention, there would have been a brief flash of blue in Mika’s eyes before he turned back, paper in hand. A small smile was now planted on her face as he began discussing the upcoming missions his father had assigned him.