Chapter 2: The Prince No One Wanted

I had faced warriors who could shatter mountains with a swing of their blades. I had crushed kingdoms under my rule, bent mages, assassins, and warlords to my will.

And yet, as I sat at the grand dining table of the Everhart royal family, forced to endure the scornful gazes of my so-called kin, I realized something:

I had never before suffered such blatant humiliation.

The Everhart royal palace was a symbol of power—tall spires of white stone, golden chandeliers reflecting light off polished marble floors, walls adorned with banners depicting the king’s crest.

But the people who ruled here?

They had no idea who now sat among them.

At the head of the long table, King Aldric Everhart—my "father"—sat with a dispassionate gaze, as if I barely existed. His beard was streaked with gray, his frame still strong, but his eyes were void of warmth.

To his right sat Cyrus, the crown prince, the kingdom’s perfect warrior—golden-haired, blue-eyed, the very image of a noble hero. Arrogant, disciplined, and born to lead armies.

Next to him was Darius, the second prince, the kingdom’s political mind. He was more refined, with sharp eyes that analyzed everything. If Cyrus ruled the battlefield, Darius ruled the court.

And then there was me.

Or rather, Lucian Everhart—the prince no one wanted.

"You're late."

Cyrus was the first to speak, his tone flat but carrying undeniable contempt.

I had arrived on time. But to them, it didn’t matter. The weak were always "late" in a world ruled by strength.

"Forgive me, dear brother," I said, keeping my voice calm, unreadable. "My weak body moves slowly."

A chuckle rippled through the nobles seated nearby. I counted at least six minor lords, all watching with amused expressions, enjoying the spectacle of the useless prince.

Cyrus sneered. "At least you recognize it."

I merely smiled.

They thought me pathetic. Insignificant. A boy barely worth their attention.

Good. Let them think that.

Because I had already decided—I would not fight them on their terms.

I would play the part of the forgotten prince, a shadow they dismissed. I would learn their weaknesses, their secrets, their ambitions. And when the time came, I would strike from the darkness—swift, merciless, and unstoppable.

The first course of the meal was served—roast venison glazed with honeyed herbs. My fingers twitched instinctively, craving the feel of a blade, the weight of magic at my command.

Instead, I picked up my fork and played the pathetic prince they expected me to be.

"Lucian," King Aldric spoke for the first time. His tone was distant, uninterested. "I heard you collapsed again yesterday."

The whispers around the table grew louder, laughter hidden behind wine cups.

Ah. So that was the story?

It wasn’t a "collapse"—I had been forcing my body to the brink, trying to awaken my old power. But to them, I was just the weakling prince who couldn’t even stand properly.

"I apologize for causing concern, Your Majesty," I said, bowing my head slightly, masking my expression. "My health remains… delicate."

Aldric barely nodded, already dismissing me. "We will arrange a marriage for you soon."

My fingers stilled.

Cyrus smirked. Darius arched a brow, studying me. The nobles murmured in interest.

A marriage? So soon?

I expected the king to shove me into some meaningless noble alliance, a way to rid himself of his useless son. Perhaps to a minor house desperate for status—a girl with no standing, nothing of value.

That suited me just fine. I had no intention of remaining a pawn in their games.

But then Aldric continued.

"You will be betrothed to Princess Evelyn of Aurelia."

For the first time since arriving at this wretched table, I felt true surprise.

Aurelia. A rival kingdom, smaller than Everhart but known for its dangerous political games. A kingdom of secrets, assassins, and power-hungry nobles.

And Evelyn?

She was no forgotten noblewoman. She was their crown princess.

Why would the king waste her on me?

Cyrus frowned. "Father, are you certain? Evelyn is—"

Aldric raised a hand, silencing him. "The alliance with Aurelia is important. And they asked for Lucian."

My pulse slowed.

They asked for me?

Something was wrong.

I forced a smile, ignoring the tension in the room. "How… fortunate."

The nobles scoffed. "Fortunate?" As if I had just been handed something I didn’t deserve.

Let them laugh.

Inside, my mind raced.

A marriage proposal from a rival kingdom? No one valued me here. Everhart saw me as worthless.

So why would Aurelia want me?

I needed to learn why. And I needed to decide if I would accept it—or use it to my advantage.

Because one thing was certain.

If they thought this marriage would control me…

They had no idea what kind of monster they had just invited into their kingdom.

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