Roman strode purposefully through the grand hall of the West Palace, his boots clicking softly against the polished marble floor. The high vaulted ceilings echoed with the distant murmur of servants and courtiers preparing for the evening.
Rich woven art of legendary battles and ancient kings hung along the stone walls, their vibrant colors muted in the fading daylight streaming through the stained-glass windows. The scent of burning candles mingled with the faint aroma of spiced wood from the nearby hearth, lending a warm yet somber air to the palace.
Footsteps echoed behind him, deliberate and steady. Though Roman had not yet turned, he recognized the gait instantly and the smell of the perfume which got stronger the closer the stride got.
He had hoped to slip away unnoticed, but it was a futile hope. Just as he prepared to veer around a large marble pillar, the figure stepped into the hall's dim light, catching sight of him.
"Brother Roman," came a familiar voice, light and persistent.
Roman paused, then turned to face his younger sister. Her eyes sparkled with the mischievous curiosity that had often both annoyed and amused him. A bright smile lifted the corners of his lips as he greeted her.
"I've been searching all over the palace for you," Natasha said, stepping closer with the quick, energetic movements of youth. "Where have you been hiding all this time?"
Roman shrugged casually. "I've been around."
"But I practically scoured every corridor, every chamber. Your carriage and even your horse are still here in the stables," she persisted, clearly frustrated.
Roman's patience thinned. Every time he slipped away without a word, Natasha was the first to notice. Her nosiness for details was uncanny, bordering and intrusive.
He gave her an awkward smile, his eyes sharp beneath dark brows. "Maybe you didn't check well enough. Do you think I'd leave the palace on foot?" he teased, arching an eyebrow.
Natasha's smile was like sunlight breaking through clouds. "Right."
"Weren't you supposed to attend the soiree alongside the King and Queen?" Roman asked, turning the tables at her with his questions.
Natasha let out a soft, amused laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "The soiree was dreadfully dull. I chose to return home early, thank the heavens you didn't come along. Honestly, you would have been bored out of your wits."
Roman remembering something, his lips curled into a faint, almost inaudible smile , a quiet remark slipping from his lips in a tone so low Natasha couldn't catch it. "How fortunate I am."
She tilted her head, curious and eager to keep the conversation flowing. "So then," she pressed, "Where to?"
Roman's gaze drifted toward the distant kitchens as a trace of weariness settled over his features. "Isn't dinner ready yet?" he inquired, his voice carrying a subtle hint of impatience, as though hoping the young princess would finally grant. him some reprieve.
"Father and Mother aren't back yet. When they arrive, we'll eat," she replied, eyes gleaming.
Roman began walking again, Natasha matching his pace. He wished only to be rid of the persistent little pest at his heels.
"Brother Roman," Natasha called out again, undeterred. "I heard Brother Edward went south today."
Roman was ready to ignore her until he caught the name. He turned to face her fully.
"I believe he went to meet the King of Southfield," she continued, "and he seemed in remarkably good spirits."
A smirk curled Roman's lips. This was the one thing he appreciated about the nosy princess, her palace gossip often worked in his favor.
Noticing Roman's expression, Natasha frowned in confusion. Anyone hearing their rival triumph would be unsettled, not amused.
"Brother Roman, why are you smiling?" she pressed.
Roman met her curious gaze. "You've just told me something… interesting."
"Shouldn't you be worried?" Natasha's voice dropped conspiratorially. "Brother Edward is making his move toward the throne."
"Don't worry about me, Natasha," Roman said softly, stepping closer. His voice lowered into a commanding, majestic tone, his intense blue eyes locking with hers making her frown in his gaze. "Now, the King and Queen have returned."
He turned sharply and resumed his steady pace, snapping Natasha back to reality.
The two royals continued toward the grand entrance to welcome their king and the queen.
Outside, Edward stood in animated conversation with King Scott, whose booming laughter echoed across the palace courtyard. Nearby, Queen Juliette commanded the head of the servants with practiced authority, her graceful presence dominating the scene.
As the head servant departed, Natasha hurried to her mother's side. "Mother!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around the Queen, who returned the embrace warmly.
"How was the soiree?" Natasha asked, her eyes wide with interest.
"It was pleasant enough, though you left halfway through," the Queen chided gently, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Natasha smiled ruefully. "You know how much I detest seeing Lady Angelina at those events. And she had the audacity to annoy me again."
The Queen's smile deepened. "If her father weren't such an influential man, I'd see to it that she never troubled my beautiful daughter again."
Meanwhile, the King and Edward concluded their discussion, the King's hearty laughter drawing everyone's attention.
Curious, the family and the servants around the vicinity turned toward the King to learn the source of his mirth.
With a firm hand resting on Edward's shoulder, King Scott announced, "Edward here has just forged an alliance with the King of Southfield."
Gasps of surprise rippled from the servants and also the queen and the princess. .
Edward beamed, basking in the well-earned spotlight.
"Congratulations," Queen Juliette said warmly, and Edward acknowledged her praise with a modest nod.
Edward's eyes drifted to Roman, who approached with a bright smile that seemed almost too triumphant.
Then, to Edward's shock, Roman clasped his brother in a warm embrace.
"Congratulations, brother. It couldn't have been easy to secure an alliance with Southfield."
Edward blinked, caught between surprise and confusion.
The King turned to Roman. "For such good news, I think Edward should oversee the West Dungeon. What do you say, Roman?"
Roman's smirk deepened. "Why not?"
The King laughed heartily. "This calls for celebration! Since it's late, we'll feast tomorrow but tonight, we drink!"
"An excellent idea, Your Majesty," the Queen agreed.
"We should eat dinner now," the King added.
As the family members prepared to depart
, Roman raised a hand. "Wait."
The four royals turned to him expectantly.
With a charming smile, Roman said, "I have a guest. It would be rude not to welcome him properly."
"Who is this guest?" Edward asked, brow furrowed.
"Patience, brother," Roman said with a knowing smirk.
At that moment, the sound of carriage wheels echoed through the courtyard. A royal carriage came to a halt at the palace entrance.
All eyes fixed on the vehicle in surprise.
From the carriage stepped a young man clad in regal attire that bespoke both power and elegance.
Roman bowed his head respectfully. "This is King Timothy of the Northfield Kingdom. He is my guest."
Everyone stated at the young handsome king before them in surprise.
King Scott stepped forward, extending a warm hand. "A great surprise to have you in my kingdom."
"The pleasure is mine, King Scott," Timothy replied, eyes gleaming with intelligence.
Natasha approached, bowing low. "Your Highness, it is an honor to welcome you."
Timothy smiled at the princess before turning his gaze toward Roman, who was still basking in his victory, once again outshining Edward, whose anger simmered barely beneath the surface.
Edward wondered how Roman had persuaded the King of Northfield to visit Westfield.
Edward knew the King of Southfield was no match for the sovereign of Northfield.
Timothy was the most formidable ruler in the four lands. His years of conquest and unyielding leadership had made him a legend.
An alliance with Northfield was the greatest boon Westfield could hope for.
Edward silently hoped the King's visit wasn't to cement ties with Roman, lest all credit fall to his younger brother.
"We were about to dine. Had we known of your arrival, a feast would have been prepared," Queen Juliette said warmly.
"How disappointing," Timothy replied with a light laugh. "I would have welcomed a feast after such a journey."
"King Timothy, come inside. It's quite chilly," Roman said, stepping forward.
They entered the great dining hall, where long oak tables were laden with a dazzling array of dishes—roasted meats, fresh breads, and colorful vegetables, all prepared with the kingdom's finest spices.
Maids glided gracefully among them, serving the food with practiced elegance.
As the family began to eat, King Scott initiated the conversation. "It is truly a pleasure to have the King of Northfield dine with us."
"I could not refuse the invitation from Westfield's second prince," Timothy replied with a respectful nod.
"I was unaware you knew the King of Northfield personally, Roman," Juliette remarked, her gaze fixed on him.
"I spent several years in Northfield," Roman explained casually, rolling an apple between his fingers. "Meeting the king is inevitable."
"So, what brings the King of Northfield to our kingdom?" Natasha asked, sitting across from Timothy, her curiosity piqued.
"Roman asked me to be his chauffeur," Timothy answered, his calm voice drawing the attention of everyone present.
Eyes shifted from Timothy to Roman, who frowned slightly at the remark.
Confused gazes passed between the two men as a tense silence fell over the table.
Author's note
Hey guys, 👋
I hope you all are enjoying sweet Emily and the banished demon. Please don't forget to add to your collection, vote and leave a comment.
I also love to know what you think about the characters in my book.
Thanks
Lot of love from...
[Sweetdamsel008]