Lucian was warned that his brothers would attend the party, obvious. So he smiled and waved as they approached. Raven and Dahlia were already familiar faces, however, the alpha men next to them looked like few friends. Just by his familiar expression, it was clear that he was Elyon, Dahlia's twin brother.
Those three together and some other people in the distance watching them was a very suspicious vision...
"Hello."
"Congratulations on the engagement, little brother. Ah, and to His Grace too."
Magnus referred to a nod, although he took the front of Lucian.
"Thank you", Lucian said. "I'm glad you came."
"Of course, how would you miss our brother's engagement, right? It is a family event that we should enjoy."
Raven turned to the twins, who didn't seem at all happy to be there. Elyon still raised his head to the top of the stairs where he saw the Emperor and the Consort sitting on the throne staring frigid at that interaction.
"Indeed, a happy event", Elyon struck back, moving his brown eyes at Lucian again. "The ghost of the eighth prince decided to ally with the Cadec and was used as a bargaining chip for the Grimwood's support."
"Elyon!" scolded Raven in horror.
"Beware, Your Highness", Magnus said in a dominant and fierce tone, despite keeping the face neutral. "Some words may be understood in an erroneous way."
"Erroneous way?"
"Please don't take Elyon's words to your heart."
The couple turned their attention to the woman who approached slowly. It was the one holding the fan that Lucian noticed earlier. Now he understood why he felt some familiarity with her face, Dáhlia had a face like hers. Although she was a lady in her forties, maintaining noble elegance in her way of dressing.
"Greeting to Your Imperial Highness and his fiancé", Said the woman with an impeccable upright posture. "I am Sahara, mother of Dahlia and Elyon."
Lucian suppressed the desire to frown. The consort had said that none of the former lovers of the Emperor would attend their engagement, so their brothers would represent them rather than stand on the side of the Emperor. Although it now made even more sense some nobles to face Cassander earlier.
They expected a reaction to see the former mistress and the current consort of the Emperor in the same environment.
"Thank you for coming, Countess", greeted Magnus, although he does not show any sign of real gratitude.
The woman smiled from behind the fan and lightly touched Elyon's arm.
"I would not miss this moment for anything. It's been a long time since we could meet like this in the Palace of the Sun. I believe that my son has expressed himself wrong, so I ask you not to take it to the heart."
Elyon just snorted and turned his face, not looking at all guilty of being harsh to Lucian. Well, not that he expected anything like that. However, although Lucian did not expect any sincere congratulations from his brothers, Magnus didn't seem to think the same when he hit.
"In fact, having the first royal member of this generation engaged is indeed a great reason to party. Don't worry, we are not offended."
"We are His Majesty's children, it is natural that we be careful in choosing a partner" Dáhlia replied crossing her arms, and both she and her brother seemed distinctly disgusted with the comment of the GrandDuke. "I keep asking myself what happened to you two to end up together, and I can't tell if it's good or not."
"Dahlia...", Raven looked at her fearful.
Lucian sighed low and hugged Magnus's arm, wearing his routine mask of smiling and gentle prince. However, his gaze contained something more, a malice that the brothers noticed.
"Being able to attract the attention of an omega is indeed a real mystery. I'm just grateful that Magnus feels attracted to someone like me."
Clearly his false modesty angered Dahlia even more. She was an alpha, just like Lucian, but unlike her shameful younger brother, she actively participated in social parties and desperately sought a husband.
It was frustrating for her to see Lucian succeed without any effort.
It was even more frustrating to see that Lucian was beautiful and elegant, being the perfect mix of Cassander and Rehael. The eighth prince had inherited Rehael's hair and eyes, and his face had many traits inherited from Cassander, besides all his elegance and etiquette also being remarkable in father and son alphas.
Unlike her who had only the dark blonde hair, making her more like her mother. For those ambitious for a marriage that would bring them close to the royal line, Dahlia was an unadvantageous option. Now that, the ambitious would like their children had stamped on their faces and body every undeniable feature of the imperial family.
That night, all the nobles discovered that Lucian was... a hidden jewel.
It would anger anyone who considered him a nothing.
"Well, is it? So was the Grand Duke who showed interest first?" Questioned Sahara. "Forgive my curiosity, I'm just a lady who loves to hear love stories on tea tables, and it was impossible not to be attracted to the eighth prince and the Grand Duke."
"You're right, after all many young unmarried women tried to approach His Grace". pointed Raven.
"It's a shame, I was waiting for my chance to see one of my children with His Grace."
"Do not need to extend in your questions. I have always been very direct on the subject, I do not waste my time with those who do not interest me. From what I heard, my arrogance is my worst trait", Magnus replied promptly, but soon opening a malicious smile. "Of course, there are many partners more suitable for Your Highnesses, I suppose you should feel relieved, Countess. I'm not a good omega even for Lucian."
The Countess's eyes narrowed slightly, from which she was quickly disguised before anyone noticed.
"Though His Majesty should disagree with this, since he supported our engagement" Lucian recalled, innocently.
"His Majesty is always wise in making the decisions, isn't he?"
Ha... how much falsehood.
Lucian could feel from afar what they were trying to gain in that conversation. Belittle the eighth prince and make it look like he sold himself to Magnus. It was not a whole lie, however, Lucian did it for the greater good. However, Sahara was certainly not happy to see Lucian with Magnus.
What a pity.
Because he was.
"I am grateful for that, then, Your Grace. I wish my children happiness, and hope they will be able to find suitable partners."
"Marrying under political pressure is a waste of time", Elyon complained, frowning at Lucian. "Only someone who is so weak feels the need to run behind the legs of someone powerful."
"I am flattered that His Highness, the seventh prince, considers me a powerful one."
"I am not ignorant of your legacy, Grand Duke. However, I admit to being disappointed with your choice of a partner."
"I haven't given you any real reason to be disappointed, Your Highness."
Lucian felt Magnus squeeze his arm, only before the omega continued to react to Elyon's provocations, the eighth prince gently squeezed his hand. Opening the most innocent smile he could make, wearing the most slender mask he had in his artistic arsenal, Lucian managed to show such a foolish innocence that he skillfully masked his thorns.
"I envy my older brothers who wisely remain single ignoring the pressure of the nobles to marry. Unfortunately I am too cowardly, and found the necessary warmth in the arms of my fiancé."
"Don't say that, Lucian", Raven held Lucian's hand and looked at him worried. "You deserve all the happiness in the world! Do not belittle yourself, and have more faith in His Grace."
"Well, of course, my sister."
"It seems that I was the only one to be forgotten in this beautiful family reunion."
That voice... Lucian knew it. The first and last time he heard that voice was in that secret conversation at the imperial banquet. Only he did not have the courage to see your face in such an opportunity. Of course, how could it? A secondary character who was the pivot of the whole problem thanks to his desire to ascend the throne as he, should be avoided at all costs.
Lucian knew very well that at any moment he would find that alpha. However, it was his desire to avoid him at all costs. Even had given thanks for not having seen him next to Magnus all that time.
Apparently, their peace would come to an end.
Turning slowly, Lucian saw the tall man with strong body and intense presence. The dark hair and light eyes seemed to carry hundreds of years of hate. The same suffocating feeling that Lucian had when standing before the Emperor for the first time, he felt to see that man who approached in hard steps.
Cadec Saint Richmond.