Royalty, Ruin, and Rebellion

1

"Time to wake up, Rhory! C'mon, you've already been late twice this week—you cannot be late for school again!"

Rhory groaned, curling deeper into the warmth of his blankets as his brother, Winslow—whom everyone in the family called Winnie—hovered over him impatiently.

"Just a bit longer," Rhory mumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow.

Winnie rolled his eyes before grabbing the blankets in one swift motion and yanking them off. Cold air rushed over Rhory's skin, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Heyyy!" Rhory whined, reaching blindly to snatch the covers back.

Winnie smirked, tossing them aside. "You did this to yourself. Now get up before Father hears about this."

Rhory grumbled under his breath but dragged himself out of bed, snatching the blankets and haphazardly making his bed. Winnie, satisfied with his victory, left the room.

After getting dressed, Rhory made his way to the schoolroom, where he joined his siblings for their daily lessons. The room was well-lit, with tall windows letting in the soft morning light. The scent of ink and parchment filled the air as their tutors, handpicked by their parents, prepared for the day's instruction.

He slid into his usual seat beside his sister, Astoria.

"Alright, let's begin," the instructor announced, and just like that, the morning lessons dragged on.

Three hours later, they were finally dismissed. Rhory nearly bolted from his seat, eager to be free of the dull lectures and tedious exercises.

Outside in the courtyard, Rhory joined his brothers—Fraser, Winnie, and Ashten—where they gathered beneath the shade of a large oak tree.

"What should we do today?" Ashten asked, though Rhory knew it wasn't really a question. As the eldest, Ashten was responsible for making sure they didn't do anything reckless—though Rhory often tested that boundary.

Rhory smirked and grabbed the lowest tree branch, hoisting himself up with ease.

"Get down, Rhory," Ashten sighed, crossing his arms.

"Why?" Rhory teased, swinging one leg over.

"You'll get your clothes dirty, for one," Ashten scolded.

Rhory rolled his eyes and jumped down, dusting himself off. "You guys need to loosen up."

Fraser chuckled. "I'd say we go into town and play with the others," Rhory suggested.

Winnie immediately shut that down. "No. You know the rules, Rhory. Don't be stupid."

"No, you're stupid!" Rhory snapped, narrowing his eyes.

Winnie scoffed. "I don't have time for your childishness."

"Grow up, both of you," Ashten intervened, stepping between them. "Let's just go eat. Lunch is probably ready."

They made their way to the dining hall, passing the ballroom on the way. It was being decorated—fresh flowers placed in vases, shimmering chandeliers polished until they gleamed.

"Ugh, not another one of Mother's stupid balls," Fraser groaned. "I hate dancing with girls."

Rhory smirked. "You? Hate dancing with girls? Never would've guessed."

Fraser shot him a glare as they continued on.

When they reached the dining table, their father, King Taron, was already seated, along with their sisters—Adriana and Astoria—and their mother, Queen Madeleine. A feast of roasted meats, fresh bread, and an array of colorful fruits was spread before them.