Beyond the Throne: The Monarch's Return

Karan's wicked smile lingered as he turned his gaze toward Nathan, his amusement evident.

Nathan narrowed his eyes, already sensing trouble brewing.

"But why is Sir Nathan, who should be my escort, here?" Karan asked, his voice dripping with mockery.

'This crazy young master…'

"I've been looking for you, Young Master, because you're never in one place for long. I have something to tell the prince."

Karan raised an eyebrow, his smile sharp and mocking. 

"And why, pray tell, would you need to inform me of this?" 

Nathan let out a frustrated sigh. 

"Why should I tell you, Young Master?" 

"You're getting bolder. Skipping training must've shaken a few screws loose," Karan retorted. "I'm in charge of the prince, and he's not here. If it's urgent, I should hear it in his stead." 

Nathan shook his head, debating whether to confide in Karan. 

'He's brilliant but reckless. Like an unbroken foal.' 

Finally, he spoke, albeit cautiously. 

"I received word that the Second Prince has arrived at the Duke's castle. They insisted on meeting Prince Ian." 

Karan's expression turned curious, but Nathan remained guarded. 

The Second Prince was no ally. His sudden interest in Ian—a newcomer in the line of succession—could mean trouble. The Duke's orders were clear: protect Ian. 

But before Nathan could continue, Galon gestured for silence. 

"So, where is the prince?" Karan asked, his voice laced with feigned innocence. 

Nathan hesitated, glancing at Galon. The veteran knight's stern gaze warned against revealing too much. 

"I don't know," Nathan admitted carefully. 

Karan's relaxed demeanour didn't waver, though a flicker of something sinister danced in his eyes. 

'They can doubt me all they want. Do they truly think I'd let anything slip?' 

The silent tension was broken by a loud, jarring noise. 

Bang! 

The sound came from the castle's entrance, startling them all. 

The three turned instinctively toward the source. 

"The garden," Galon muttered. "That's the only path to the annexe." 

They rushed toward the noise. 

Standing there was a man whose presence immediately drew attention: 

The Second Prince. 

Behind him was a troop of armed knights and soldiers, their polished armour reflecting the castle's torchlight. 

Galon stepped forward swiftly, blocking their path. His tone was calm yet firm. 

"I'm sorry, but Prince Ian is currently away. Please return another time." 

The Second Prince raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling his lips. 

"Away?" he echoed, his voice laced with sarcasm. 

His piercing gaze bore into Galon, exuding a quiet menace. 

"My brother seems terrified of me. Hiding behind his knight, avoiding my presence… Is this how he plans to rule?" 

Karan, watching from the sidelines, decided to intervene with his usual flair. 

"The Seventh Prince disappeared as soon as he heard of Your Highness' arrival," he said, his tone light yet cutting. "It seems he'll be difficult to find." 

The Second Prince's smirk faded, replaced by a frown. 

Then, as if on cue, the annexe lit up. 

A flash of blinding light burst through its windows, silencing everyone. 

"What in the world?" the Second Prince demanded, shielding his eyes. 

Even Karan, caught off guard, gawked at the phenomenon. 

The annex glowed with an otherworldly brilliance, as though a piece of the heavens had descended upon the Duke's estate.