In the Roveaven Empire, the omegas were the leaders, and the Emperor was the strongest and most respected omega of that territory. Of course, the traditionalists supported Raven, the first omega princess, as future empress. However, there was someone who fought head-on with such a party.
The first son of Emperor Rehael, a handsome and charming alpha who has always been described as a serious and cold man. Cadec was a perfect prince, and precisely for this reason he was a threat to anyone who wanted the throne, because even being an alpha he had great political power obtained through his great conquests.
His fencing was impeccable, a great leader who holds the respect of his subordinates as commander of the second cavalry. When there was a problem with mercenaries, Cadec was the first to investigate the situation and brandish his sword to fight bravely. Of course he had the coldness to cut his enemy, yet there are rumors that he prays for the souls of the dead after a battle.
In addition, he had the political support of the only Grand Duke of Roveaven, who was considered the second strongest of the Empire, and who was also his best friend: Magnus Grimwood. Unfortunately, their only flaw was not having support from the temple, but this was something that even the other brothers did not have.
Now, Lucian saw him live and in color for the first time.... and his presence was frightening.
The feeling was identical to being in front of the Emperor, leaving Lucian slightly shaky and anxious. The prince's body reacted unconsciously, which was equally annoying. The presence of a ruler, Lucian could already see Cadec sitting on the throne holding the scepter and crown.
Swallowing hard, Lucian was unable to say anything.
"Oh... and I thought you wouldn't have the courage to show up."
"It's the engagement of my brother and my friend, I have more than enough reasons to come, Elyon."
"Oh, of course, forgive me. I'm used to us coming representing our mothers that I forgot you had other reasons for coming."
Elyon opened an arrogant smile and crossed his arms not seeming bothered by the situation that he himself created. And although he tried to elicit some reaction, Cadec remained unexpressive and serious.
"In this case, you may think I am representing His Majesty the Consort. Since he has sponsored me."
Heh, heh, heh, what was that?
Lucian shook hands with Magnus and even stepped back as he felt that scorching atmosphere. He didn't expect it at all. Why were they exchanging barbs right at your engagement party?
"Guys, please... we are brothers gathered in a happy situation for our younger brother. You should behave."
"They are men, we should not expect anything but savagery" Dáhlia said.
"On the contrary, Princess Raven is right. You must not spoil the happiness of your little brother with unnecessary nonsense" Opined Sahara, although everyone there knew that they were empty words. "How has it been, Your Highness? I hear you've been busy lately."
"I'm just taking care of winter preparations in other regions. I had to leave to make sure that the people are well during the coldest season of the year."
"Well, kind as always. And yet you still got time to celebrate the engagement of the eighth prince."
"I would not miss such a party in any way."
Cadec looked at Lucian from the corner, which made the eighth prince hesitate and shudder. What the hell was that look? Was it some kind of threat?
"Of course I wouldn't miss it, but it's a little sad that the youngest of the imperial family has passed in front of the Emperor's firstborn. I keep thinking that perhaps Your Highness would have married by now, had that tragedy not happened."
The air was suddenly tense. Sahara's words contained clear malice to reach the first prince. Lucian did not understand exactly which tragedy he was referring to, however the expression of Cadec became more gloomy with that comment.
Was he supposed to find out what the subject was about? He did not imagine that it could be related to his personal mission. Maybe it was your gossipy side wondering what they were talking about.
"Refrain from saying nonsense, Countess."
"Now, don't get me wrong, Your Highness. I'm just showing a maternal concern."
"Not necessary. The Imperial Consort himself is responsible for handling such matters on my behalf. Also, I have no hurry to get married, since I am cleaning the streets of our beloved Empire from insect infestation."
Magnus raised the tip of his lips in a proud smile. Lucian could not help but feel nervous to see that discussion so closely. Cadec spoke with such certainty, that it almost sounded as if he had concrete evidence about who was behind the last problems with the rebels.
Of course he didn't know anything. Lucian read the whole story and knew very well that it took Cadec a long time to figure something out. It was only after the eighth prince and the Grand Duke lost their lives that Cadec found the truth.
Only that was how the political game worked. Teasing each other with bluffs, as if they were sitting at a betting table trying to trick each other.
Lucian could hear Magnus sigh low, and automatically he squeezed his fiancé's arm anticipating any movement from him. Lucian didn't want any trouble at the engagement party, of any kind! Especially with his brothers gathered, and probably the Emperor — and the other guests — looking at them.
"The imperial family remains as welcoming as ever. Your sisterhood is definitely... something peculiar" Magnus said with an arrogant grin. "It will be fun to join the family."
"I want to see if you will say the same thing when you realize how useless Lucian is. Even, I wonder why your brothers have not appeared yet, Your Grace."
"There is no reason to worry. My brothers had a last minute emergency, so I was warned they would be late."
"My goodness, I thought your brothers would have been against the engagement. After all, everyone expected you to get involved with someone more worthy", Elyon looked at his twin sister from the corner.
Frankly, they did not tire of trying to push Dahlia towards Magnus? Lucian raised his eyebrow as he understood the implied disdain. His discomfort was noticed by Elyon, who promptly provoked him a little more.
"Hm, what's this face of Lucian? By chance you're jealous?"
"Please, brother, don't be so mean to me", Lucian rebatted without abandoning his innocent performance. "It's not my fault that Magnus has been attracted to me."
Lucian's statement surprised everyone there, including Magnus who struggled not to sigh or scold him. Probably the gossipers who snooped into the conversation of the royal family would spread the gossip about the Grand Duke being the first to approach Lucian, but the eighth prince was not concerned with that now.
Thanks to his statement, Elyon was finally speechless.
"I really wanted us to enjoy this evening together, but you always argue". Raven was pouting, clearly annoyed with the tension created by Elyon. "Regardless of how Lucian and the Grand Duke got together, they get along well and are together, right? If you'll excuse me, I will greet our father."
Raven said goodbye to that small group and went up the stairs.
"Raven is right", Cadec looked at the couple. "Congratulations on the engagement, my brother. I hope you are happy next to Magnus."
Lucian did not feel much sincerity in that request, although he remembered very well when hearing that secret conversation that Cadec would rather have Magnus marry Lucian than Maverick. However, he would not put his hand on the fire in relation to his intentions.
By none of them, actually.
"My, your uncle has arrived. We should go greet him, yes?"
"Of course, mom."
When Sahara dragged Dahlia and Elyon to greet the alleged uncle, Lucian found himself stuck with the only brother of which made him extremely uncomfortable.
"Humpf, bunch of worthless", Complained Magnus.
"Magnus..." Reprimanded Cadec.
"I'm not lying, Cadec. I had expected the swords to be pointed at me, but I didn't think they would point at you so openly."
Cadec did not answer, he just continued staring at his brothers who talked in the distance with other nobles. Lucian evaluated him silently without being able to remember many details about him.
That is, Cadec participated in many missions with Maverick when they investigated the underground market, as well as addressing a little about the battle for the throne in the final stretch of history. His few appearances gave him the same feeling that Lucian felt at the time: power.
A powerful man.
An alpha different from Lucian.
"I'm surprised you get along" Cadec commented, turning his eyes clear to the couple. "Last time we talked, Magnus, you hesitated to accept the marriage proposal."
"We had a proper conversation and closed a deal that benefits both of us."
"A deal?", Cadec raised his eyebrow.
"That's right, and you don't have to make that face, Cadec. Your brother wasn't coerced into anything, was he?"
"Of course."
Cadec stared at Lucian coldly for a few seconds, increasing the pressure that the poor guy was already feeling.
Ha... please, someone get Cadec away from him before Lucian's legs fail!