Chapter 165: Audience (1)

At the conclusion of the council meeting, the members were dismissed, leaving Magnus and King Maxwell remaining within the throne room. They stood in silence for a while, an unspoken tension between the two.

“It looks like you’ve had a tough few weeks.” The king spoke, his deep tone containing a sense of warmth that was missing just a few minutes earlier.

“I will be fine after some rest, my king.” Magnus bowed his head slightly in response.

Instead of replying, Maxwell rose to his feet and approached his son. Without a word, he placed a hand upon the teen’s head and ruffled his hair, “You did well. The old you would have probably just yelled at Tyrell and Samuel.” He said with a small chuckle.

At this, Magnus felt a grin tug at the corner of his lips. “That was three years ago father… I’ve matured since then.”

“Three years…” The king muttered, his eyes growing distant. It was as if he was remembering something that brought him sadness—yet Magnus didn’t interrupt him.

After a little while, Maxwell shook his head, coming to. “How long are you staying? Melissa has been complaining you don’t visit her enough.”

“The final semester of my fourth year has already started, at most I’ll be able to stay tonight before I have to head back.” Magnus admitted.

“I see.” The wide-shouldered man looked a little disappointed, but it didn’t linger. “I take it your decision still hasn’t changed from back then?” he probed.

At this, Magnus shook his head. “Elder brother has already shown to be a much better candidate for crown prince than me, father. He has much more influence within the noble circle than myself as well.”

The king opened his mouth slightly to respond, but he closed it shortly after. “If that is your wish, then I will not force you to compete.” He said after a while.

“You look like you could use some food, how about we head to the gardens for some tea and snacks?” Maxwell suggested, an easy smile painted on his face.

“Mmm.”

However, just as they turned to leave the empty throne room, the sound of hurried footsteps entered their ears. Turning to the source of the sound, they saw a woman dressed in a maids outfit, looking slightly panicked.

“My king… There’s a Brian Winterborne here requesting an audience with you.” She said, dropping to one knee at a reasonable distance.

“Hmm? Brian?” The king turned to Magnus, his expression showing some surprise.

“Let him in.” He ordered, watching as the servant swiftly turned around to do as she was bidden.

Magnus wanted to ask why the man had personally traveled all the way to the capital to meet with the king unannounced, but he decided better. “Shall I leave father?” he asked.

“No it’s fine. If he’s here for what I think, it might even involve you.” The man stated mysteriously, causing Magnus to raise his eyebrow in question.

The two turned back towards the platform and took a seat, waiting for the arrival of the sudden guest. They didn’t have to wait long before a handsome man with blue hair arrived, garbed in a formal suit.

With a certain grace and ease, he stopped below the stairs and dropped to one knee, “My king, prince Magnus—thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”

“Mmm, rise Brian.” The king said deeply.

Brian Winterborne did as he was told, his expression calm despite his rushed arrival.

“Now tell me, what is so important that you need to see me in person? I imagine it took you most of the night to travel here.”

“Your majesty, it’s about my daughter Melody…” he stated, receiving a nod of understanding from the king.

However, while the king appeared to know why the girl was brought up, Magnus looked confused. He had been in Newhold since the week after midterms, so he was unaware of the recent movements of the noble houses.

“I’m sure you’re aware of what I did, and the reasons for it my king…” Brian stated, his expression calm.

“Mmm, I cannot blame you Brian. It is only natural for a father to want to protect their child—even if it means putting others in harms way.” He replied, a mysterious look in his eyes.

At these words, Brian paled slightly. “It was a rash decision. I had thought I would be the one to receive pressure from the noble houses, but never thought they would commit such acts within the walls of the academy…” he admitted.

“I’m told this boy you used is a servant of yours?”

The king’s expression remained the same, but there was a coldness that pervaded the room, making it difficult to breathe. Magnus had now caught onto the situation, but he was in no position to speak up.

“He is no longer a servant, and is now under my protection, your majesty.” Brian said impassively. “In fact, he’s already stated his intention to create a noble house in the future…”

At this, Maxwell raised an eyebrow, “I’m sure you know the requirements for creating a noble house, Brian. What makes you think this boy is capable?”

Instead of getting worked up, Brian smiled. “I have faith in the young man.”

“I see…” the king said noncommittally. “Though I take it you didn’t come all this way just to tell me this.”

The blue-haired man nodded, “I’ve come to ask for your assistance…”

Magnus watched from the side as the two men spoke, trying to remain impassive. However, the implications of their discussion revealed some things he had not expected.

Not only was Michael not actually Melody’s fiancé, the guy had actually been a servant of Lord Winterborne. This fact alone was shocking, and what Brian had done was despicable by his standards.

He was not surprised that his father looked a little angry.

“Melody will be a great asset to the world once she awakens her bloodline, but I’m worried that this constant attention by the noble houses are affecting her studies—and quite possibly her ability to reach her potential.” Brian stated in a practiced tone.

“So what are you asking of me?” King Maxwell asked, though it appeared he already knew the answer and just wanted Brian to state it directly.

Unwilling to beat around the bush any longer, Brian replied with finality. “Prevent the noble houses approaching my daughter until she graduates from Arcadia. After that, your majesty can decide which house is most suitable for my daughter to marry into.”

Magnus’s eyes widened in surprise at the daring behind the move. While it was structured as a request for assistance, this was a trade instead. For the protection of Melody for these next four years, the king would have the last say into which house she’d be married into.

He looked to his father who was currently wearing an impassive expression.

The man contemplated a while before responding seriously. “I will think about it and give you a response in the following days.”

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