Investigation has been going on about the break in. And still, no lead. Axel's sometimes invited for questioning; but there's no still any lead apart from the insignia from the Queen's chamber.
All the workers working for the Queen have been investigated thoroughly but there's no main lead.
Amidst all these, the preparation for the conclave is also going on in the sidelines.
It's a very important event, so even the break-in can't stop the preparations from happening.
The festive season was already in the air, different patterns of designs are already in the palace. It's just five days to the conclave.
Beta Orion had resumed after his leave, but he's still fuming about the fact that he wasn't fully involved in the preparations of the conclave.
Ace had been partially right. The King already started the preparation before he resumed back to work; and that still infuriated him.
"I've never seen an Alpha that doesn't rate his Beta" He muttered.
"So, you know he doesn't rate you?" Orion's wife, Layla replied, as she concentrated on the clothes she was folding and Beta Orion clicked his tongue.
"Why are you just the odd one?" He turned to her, and she rolled her eyes.
"Well..maybe we'll be even if you can stop hating on the Alpha and stop planning to take over the throne either" She fired, and Beta Orion burst into laughter, and Layla shook her head.
"I didn't get to tale over the throne during Kaden's father time. And thankfully, I'm still alive now; so why can't I take over the throne from the son.
That'll be a waste of service" He answered, and Layla sighed.
"I just hope you don't do something drastic" She said, going out of the room.
Beta Orion sighed as soon as she left. "I wonder why the moon goddess mated me with someone who isn't of like mind with me. She's too meek"
*
"Father, why would Axel be the one to bear the conclave's fire?" Darius asked, his chest rising but Alpha Kaden didn't even spare him a glance.
The conclave's fire is usually lit at the beginning of the conclave to mark the opening.
And it is usually done by the first prince; but between Axel and Darius there's no first, neither is there a second.
One can say they are twins from different mothers.
However, everyone had believed that Darius would be the one to bear the fire since he's the true legitimate son of the throne.
"Father!" Darius called again, raising his voice slightly. His face was contorted in a frown, and his hands shook lightly.
"Darius, I'm busy as you can see" The King said, finally looking up, and staring at Darius with his eyes behind his spectacles.
There were stacks of paperwork placed in front of him, and most of them were documents relating to the conclave.
He needs to review them, before he can sign and stamp them. It's really a lot. And although, it's something he can easily ask the Beta to do; he's someone meticulous and would make sure he does his part—no matter how long it takes.
"Dad, Axel is a guard. Or have you forgotten? You can't just take my sole right and pass it on to Axel" He fumed. He had no plans of leaving the room until the King grants him audiences.
He can't accept it. Never.
"Fine"
The King said after a short while, and Darius head snapped up to meet the eyes of his father.
Fine? Did the king just say 'fine'? Or did he mishear.
"For real?" He questioned.
"Isn't that what you want?" The King asked with a monotonous tone, that Darius couldn't help but try to affirm again.
"Yes..yes that's what I want. But I never expected you to agree so fast, since you were the one who said Axel would do it in the first place."
"I'm also the one changing my mind now. You can bear the fire, there's no big deal about it. It's something that should be done by the first prince, and since that can't be differentiated among you guys; then either of you can take it up" He says, returning his gaze back to the paper-works in front of him.
Darius didn't like that he didn't take the fact that he's the heir into consideration.
Yes—heir.
Pftt.. that's obvious.
But then, he isn't going to push it; at least not now. His father already agreed to allow him bear the fire, and he doesn't want to do something that would warrant him to change his mind.
"Thanks Father" He bowed, and left the room.
He met Axel on the way, walking with a group of guards and he paused just in front of them.
They all gave a short bow in respect.
"You" He directed his gaze to Axel, who looked at him with a bored expression on his face.
They were literally standing in front of each other. And for fifteen year olds; they were both quite tall—but Axel was taller.
"Follow me" He said, and walked ahead, not waiting to see if Axel responded or not. But then, he's the prince and Axel's a guard currently; of course Axel has no choice.
Axel walked behind Darius who walked gingerly to his room. Darius went in, while Axel remained at the door.
"I know you are such a lowly person; but for today, I'll give you the permission to come in" He said, with his chin held high.
Axel didn't say a word, he just stepped in.
Darius walked to the window, turning his back on him.
"A prostitute's son to a prince to a guard..tssk.. isn't that such a rollercoaster?" He chuckled, finally turning to him, but somehow, disappointment flashed in his face as met the look on Axel's face.
He had thought Axel would be pained, especially after calling his late mother a prostitute. He thought he had struck a chord..but it seems not.
Axel just stared at him with a plain expression like he was bored to death.
"Why am I here?" He asked.
"Well.. because I called you here" He scoffed. "Have you heard? I'm the one bearing the fire at the conclave. I know you'll have been on top of the world when Father said you'll he the one to do it. But i guess father forgot who his true heir is for a moment" He said with an air of triumph and Axel sighed.
"You really did a good job in hiding your ugly side for a while. At least..you hid it well better than your mother. And then, just so you know; I'm not petty like you Darius. I'm not. And that's why you envy me a lot.
"The fact that you don't possess the same composure, aura, and standards as me is eating away at you, Darius. You're just a wannabe.
And as I said, unlike you, I don't concern myself with petty trivialities. Even in a guard uniform, I exude effortless dignity, don't you think...Your Highness?" He asked with a smirk, his eyes glinting with amusement as Darius's eyelids fluttered rapidly.
For like a minute straight, his mouth couldn't form a word.
His words hung in his throat, and he stood there, stupefied.