Chapter 204: Third Prince Kael Almace
The figure stepped fully into the light — and the hall itself seemed to grow dimmer around him.
The Third Prince was breathtaking in a way that was both regal and unsettling. His hair was black as midnight, long enough to brush his shoulders, and his eyes gleamed with an eerie shade of violet that seemed to see through walls and men alike. His robe shimmered between deep crimson and obsidian silk, embroidered with silver serpents coiling around a crest of the royal house of Almace. A faint, otherworldly light clung to him, as though his very presence bent the air.
When he smiled, it was courteous... yet cold, like a predator pretending to host a dinner party.
Everyone froze in disbelief. Monk Jan’s mouth hung open, but quickly composed himself. Sir William’s eyes narrowed. Even Lady Christiana’s fingers trembled on the hilt of her sword.
But not Eros. His expression remained steady—focused. Watching and calculating.
But she could not hold it in again.
Christiana moved. Her chair screeched against the marble as she rose to her feet, eyes blazing. With a sharp motion, she drew her sword, the metal singing like thunder in the vast chamber.
"You!" she shouted, pointing the blade straight at him.
It was no small thing to threaten a prince, yet the fury in her voice drowned out every thought of consequence. Within the Almace Kingdom, it was no secret that the Queen and the Third Prince were at war—and Christiana, known across the lands as WarEmbrace, was the sword of the Queen herself.
They were rumors that it had to do with the succession of the Throne because of the health condition of the king, but no one really knew for sure if this was true or not.
Eros on the other hand focused on the interaction on the two.
There was more to this conflict. He perceived.
The prince, unbothered, simply tilted his head with mild amusement.
"Now, now," he said in a silken tone, "I did not invite the Queen’s Sword here to bare her fangs so soon." He placed a hand to his chest and gave a graceful bow. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Prince Kael Almace, third son of Her Majesty, the forgotten queen, and master of this dungeon."
’Forgotten queen?’ Eros thought to himself.
The moment his name left his lips, Butler Pa stepped forward. Though his expression remained polite, his presence was a wall of pressure. "Her Highness’s blade should lower her edge," he said softly, "lest she offend the one who holds her leash."
"please...Enough of this." Monk Jan’s calm voice interjected, his hands clasped before him. "WarEmbrace, remember where we stand. You point your sword at a royal of the kingdom. At least, hear what His Highness wishes to say. Amithaba"
Christiana’s jaw clenched. For a moment, the tension crackled like lightning between them. Then, with an annoyed hiss, she sheathed her sword. "Talk," she said coldly, "before I decide to sever your tongue."
Kael chuckled softly, his violet eyes glittering. "Ah... the Queen truly does breed loyal wolves."
Sir William’s deep voice cut through the air next. "So that’s what this is." He leaned back in his chair, expression grim. "It would seem our ’raid’ of this dungeon was a setup." He massaged his jaw slowly, putting the pieces together. "Let me guess—the Golden Anchor Stone is in your hands. No—" he corrected himself, smirking bitterly, "—it’s always been in your hands. You had the entire nation fooled. You lured us here intentionally."
Kael’s smirk widened. He took his seat at the head of the table with unhurried grace. "What a sharp mind, Sir William. Exactly. I brought you all here."
"Why?" Violet’s voice broke through the silence, sharp and suspicious.
Kael rested his chin upon his hand. "Why else? To discuss the future of the Kingdom. After all," he gestured lazily around the table, "every power that keeps this monster of a nation breathing is represented here."
Violet frowned. "The three heirs of the Grand Duke Houses, the Monastery, the Grand Order... these, I understand." She pointed sharply across the table. "But why him?"
Her finger leveled straight at Eros.
Prince Kael leaned back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other, an elegant smirk tugging at his lips. "As I said," he began, his smooth voice echoing softly through the chamber, "all powers are represented here."
His gaze shifted deliberately toward Eros—measured, appraising, and heavy with implication. "Even those whose influence grew not from birthright of ppsition, but from merit."
He rose slightly, his tone gaining weight as he gestured toward Eros. "A mere Baron, yet one who somehow won the favor of two of the greatest pirate fleets in the southern seas—The Red Bra Pirates and Blind Eyes." A ripple of murmurs stirred the table. "He turned a dying county into a thriving port of trade within a few months. Not only that," Kael continued, pacing behind his chair, "but he bent the fiercest tribe of demi-humans in existence—the Snake Forest’s children—to his will. A race that despised humankind for centuries... now fights under his banner."
He paused, resting both hands on the back of his chair as his voice lowered, silken and sharp. "And trust me, those are only a few of his achievements. His star shines so bright, even I had to take notice."
For a long moment, silence reigned. Even the butler’s stillness felt reverent.
Eros finally met the prince’s gaze. "I’m flattered," he said evenly, his tone polite, almost cordial. But though his lips curved in faint appreciation, his eyes told a different story—unmoving, unreadable, wary.
The nation had not been at rest for a while now. There was the succession issue within and the issue of territory with that demi human kingdom, and most recently, the King’s purge.
Abd yet, this third Prince was one that took note of a mere Baron like him.
This man was definitely more than met the eyes.
And then—
Alexis coughed. A wet, ragged sound that broke the tension. Blood stained her lips as she leaned forward, clutching her chest. Violet immediately moved to her side, concern breaking her usual composure.
"Her condition’s getting worse," Violet said, voice tight with urgency. "The dungeon’s been draining her. If this continues, she’ll—"
Prince Kael clicked his fingers. The sharp sound rang through the hall. "Ah, yes," he said with a faint, amused sigh, "how rude of me. The refreshments."
At once, Butler Pa moved to a distant section of the hall. From a marble alcove behind a veil of mist, a curtain of golden-tinted water began to flow. Its radiance shimmered like liquid light, scattering motes of healing aura across the room.
Pa lifted his hand, and with a graceful flick of the wrist, crystal glasses floated into the air. The water poured itself in streams of glowing ribbons, filling each cup.
He set one before every guest with the precision of a ceremony.
Prince Kael gestured toward the glasses, his smile faint but assured. "Waters blessed by the Golden Anchor Stone of Healing," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Please—enjoy."