Frustration was exactly how Frederick was feeling at the moment. He has been sitting here for hours discussing the next heir with the councilmen. These people went on and on about the same thing in circles. They were adamant about not having Crystal on the throne.
“It’s just irrational, My Lord.” One of the council heads said.
“We can’t let her reign the throne without proper training.” Another continued.
“She lacks years of training to rule.” A third added.
“She was born to be the Queen, and I have already been training her.” King Frederick replied.
“Even if you train her, it would take her too long to adapt. We should stick to the plan of making Prince Bennett the next heir.” The first concluded.
Everyone turned to look at the prince who sat there dozing off, his chin propped up on his fist as he leaned into the chair. Frederick nudged the prince at his side, jolting him up from his slumber.
“Yeah, I think it’s a splendid idea,” Bennett exclaimed, unaware of discussion.
Frederick heaved a sigh massaging his temples “I don’t think it would be wise.” He said, eyeing his son, who he believed was worthless.
“We know that your decision would be the final one, but it wouldn’t mean that the people are going to accept an unknown face as their leader.” A councilman probably in his late forties commented.
The King’s eye raged with fire “She is my daughter.” He shouted, tightly gripping his seat.
“We don’t deny the fact, but what James said is also true. The people are well acquainted with Prince Bennett rather than Princess Crystal.” The one sitting at the front said referring to the previous councilman.
“I plan to formally introduce her to everyone, I don’t think my people would push away their Princess, they know very well what is good for them.” Frederick reasoned. He needed to convince the councilmen of Crystal’s potential. His plan would only be successful if Crystal claimed the throne.
“How about we organize a duel,” Bennett spoke, already a plan formulating in his mind. One could see the cogwheels turning in his head as his eyes held a mischievous look.
“What do you mean by duel?” Frederick gritted out. He was well aware of his son’s antics and how he took everything as a game.
“A duel between My sister and Myself in front of the entire pack. Whoever wins the duel will be entitled as the next heir,” Bennett explained, determined to put his plan into action.
“That sounds like a good idea, this way we can also determine who is more capable of the throne.” The councilman James exclaimed. The rest of the council agreed in tow.
“But the throne is to be passed down to the elder child it’s stated in the rules.” Frederick protested, he was anxious about Crystal losing the duel, even with her powers she was a novice.
“Your father didn’t follow rules Frederick, it is the reason this chaos started.” James sneered at The King. “And I don’t think the late King was wrong because the throne should belong to whoever is worthy.” He further added. James despised Frederick ever since he lost his family in the rogue war.
Frederick was trapped in between the devil and the blue sea. It was true his late father had passed the throne to him rather than giving it to his elder brother, claiming Frederick was more worthy of the throne. The sole reason for the existence of the Rogue King.
“It’s decided then, we will hold a duel in two weeks, to see who is worthy to be the next heir.” The council head declared as everyone agreed.
Everyone started to leave while Frederick slumped in his seat, massaging his temples. The decision of the council left him more worried about the future.
Bennett has been sitting all this time listening to his father speak about Crystal, his voice filled with hope and love. The love that he always desired to get from his father but never once did his father talk sweetly with him, not even as a child. At a very young age, he realized that his long-lost sister was the only person his father cared about.
“You could have just given the throne to me,” Bennett said as he stood before his father displaying a smirk.
“You never wanted the throne, then why now?” Frederick asked, trying hard to guess what exactly his son wanted.
“Well, I didn’t want it before because it was already mine, but now I have a contender and all this makes it much more interesting for me.” Bennett mocked shooting a fake salute in his father’s direction and leaving.
The King watched his son disappear behind the doors as he sat there contemplating his decisions. He regretted not treating Bennett with love. If only he could turn back time.
As Bennett walked down the corridors he felt his heartbreak into multiple pieces. He has always yearned to have a normal family, but fate had something else in store. Ever since his birth he has seen his parents always at odds with each other, his father the great Alpha King never even showed him an ounce of love. Though he always had everything at his beck and call, Bennett longed for the fatherly love. Even though his mother spent time with him, he would often find her lost in thought and weeping over his sister.
Exiting the palace he strolled towards the forest for a run. Nearing the training grounds, he saw a crowd forming as he caught a glimpse of a girl fighting. Her punches and kicks were sharp, and it intrigued the fighter in him.
“Go, Crystal!” A guy shouted among the crowd, spiking Bennett’s attention. The name Crystal struck a chord in his mind. He took quick steps to reach the crowd. Standing in a corner with an unobstructed view of the fight, he closely watched his so-called ‘sister’ defeat, Hunter. An instant idea formed in his mind as he waited for the night to fall.
The moon was now up in the dark cloudy sky, as a figure lurked in the shadows of the night patiently waiting for the visitor. They hid among the tall trees to avoid being seen by the guards. The sound of the crunching leaves made them turn towards their left as they saw another figure walking towards them. The wolf came to a halt in front of the tall man, assessing the area with its heightened senses while their mismatched eyes roamed around. Giving a small nod, the wolf went behind a tree and minutes later Bennett emerged from behind it wearing only a pair of blue shorts.
“I thought you wouldn’t come,” Bennet spoke, eyeing the flustered guy in front of him.
“Well, I had to obey the Prince’s orders.” The man replied.
“Eh, you are a strange guy, Hunter. You swear your loyalty to my father but never once have you failed to help me.” Bennett smirked at his friend.
“Now be quick and tell me what you wanted to talk about?” Hunter ushered, afraid that someone might see them.
“It’s a very simple request.” Bennett started. “You are in charge of training my so-called sister, right?” He asked.
Hunter gave him a slight nod, almost catching the drift of the young Prince.
“You just need to report to me her progress, like what moves she had mastered, her hidden cards, her potential, everything and anything related to her fighting skills,” Bennett said.
“And why should I be doing that?” Hunter asked mockingly.
“Oh Hunty boy, don’t you want the kingdom to be a better place?” Bennett asked the Beta.
“Can you promise it would be a better place after the duel?” Hunter asked back.
“Of course it would when the rightful heir takes the throne.” Bennett sneered.
“And yeah, also teach her properly,” Bennett said with a mock smirk.
“I shall follow your command, My Lord,” Hunter replied.
“See you later, Hunty boy. Convey my hello to the new Princess.” Bennett said before getting into a sprint and shifting mid-air into his black and grey wolf. He vanished into the shadows, leaving a trail of footprints on the wet grass.
Hunter smiled at the retreating figure before trudging his way towards the palace. He has been handed down a big responsibility, and he was determined to fulfil it. Nevertheless, everyone says the kingdom needs the rightful heir, and he is going to help Bennett succeed in his plan.
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A/N: Is Bennett, a good character or bad?
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