ROYAL DARKNESS (MASKED)(18+)

CHAPTER SIXTY

"Your Majesty, you are here?" Caleum immediately addressed his younger brother, King Reagan, as he entered the throne room, a look of displeasure etched on his face. He promptly lowered the sword that had been aimed at the Vedan Queen Sylara's throat, and they all bowed respectfully to their king.

Sylara still wore a look of confusion as she and Reagan locked eyes for a moment, his gaze cold and inscrutable, making it difficult to discern his thoughts. Within seconds, he broke the contact and turned his attention to his brother Caleum, who had been causing a commotion just before his arrival.

"I asked a question," he said, and Caleum swallowed hard, his fists clenched as he finally spoke.

"The two Vedans here claim they have come to punish my sons for violating a rule. I was just about to dismiss them," Caleum explained, while Reagan remained silent, making his way to his throne and taking his seat. The aura of authority surrounding him was obvious, and despite Sylara's confusion, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration in that moment.

Yashira cleared her throat before speaking, "You must be the Dragon King, Reagan. I've heard so much about you, and I must say, it's quite an honor to be in the presence of the very man who rules this kingdom."

"The Dragon King?" Sylara muttered under her breath, surprised. "This lunatic is the Dragon King they've been speaking of?"

"It's not as much of an honor as it is to be in the presence of two gods: Yashira, the Queen of Azure, and the very Empyrean Vedans herself," he turned towards Sylara as he spoke, "Sylara."

A look of surprise crossed Sylara's features at the mention of her name from his mouth. She couldn't help but be in disbelief. He knew who she was that very day, and he was still blatantly rude. She couldn't help but wonder if he was the same guy she saw under that tree, or if she was mixing up faces.

She shook her head, clearing all doubts from her mind. He wasn't someone you could mistake for someone else, especially considering his distinctive looks. Such features weren't common in ordinary humans, especially among males. To her, he was a sight to behold, and the air of authority he exuded only added to his attractiveness.

"One of your subjects disobeyed the law my sister and I imposed" Yahsira spoke"The Moon Kiss fishes have long been used to appease the River so water can flow through your lands. However, your subjects discovered what the scales were made of and started hunting them for gold and riches," she took a deep breath before continuing, "My sister enacted a law that anyone who hunts the Moon Kiss fishes should be punished. Did I not send one of my Vedans to deliver this message?"

Reagan nodded in affirmation before speaking, "And I ensured this was known to all my subjects," he paused before continuing, "Who then dares to violate the law?"

"Your very own brother's sons," Sylara finally spoke, "and your brother here has the audacity to wield his sword at me," she said, casting a menacing look at Caleum, who simply glared back at her, showing no signs of fear.

"All we ask is that we punish the two boys and set examples," Yashira said. "I am not going to let them go just because they are royalty," she added.

"Why not punish the pauper who failed to look after them as he was supposed to?" Caleum shot back. "What makes you think I will allow my sons to undergo such punishment? It is barbaric and uncalled for."

"You have two options, General Caleum: submit your boys for punishment by the Vedans or cease to be the Grand General of this kingdom," the King spoke, shocking Caleum and his mother, the queen consort.

"What?" Caleum asked as if he didn't hear correctly
But the king refused to repeat his words; instead, his gaze was fixed on the Empyrean Queen, random thoughts racing through his mind at that very moment.