Dorian of the Valtier clan
The bedchamber was cold, almost void of light. The walls plain, the curtains, silk bed spread a deep crimson and black color.
One would think no one resided in this part of the Valtier castle if not for the figure that sat at his study, wine in hand.
He was lean and well toned. His dark violet eyes staring blankly at the walls as he took small sips from the wine. His jet black hair was slightly tousled which was quite bizarre since they were always styled in place. His skin was pale, almost ghostly and it seemed to be the brightest light in the room.
Dorian Valtier, heir to the Valtier clan was always seen to be caught in a daze most of the time. Always in his own world. Shutting everyone else around him out. He barely left his chambers and when he did, he always wandered like a ghost. To the library, the cemetery, the underground caves and sometimes the top of the roof.
An overall perspective of him by others was that " he was a shadow of himself."
His fingers gripped the wine glass lazily. A sigh escaped his lips, tired. Always tired.
" Dorian?" a deep voice called from the door that was slightly ajar. It was familiar, familiar enough to make Dorian shift slightly on his seat.
" Yes, father?" he answered.
Zareth Valtier stepped into the room. His presence commanding and filling the void of the room entirely.
" You are keeping yourself locked in here again." he said, sitting at the edge of the bed as he looked at the back of his son.
" You came to see me yourself. I suppose there is trouble." Dorian said, unwilling to hold a conversation with Zareth.
" Is that what you think? You won't even look at me?" Zareth asked.
Dorian turned, slowly, as if granting Zareth a rare audience. His eyes locking onto Zareth's neither holding hate or affection.
" So there isn't trouble?"
Zareth hesitated, eyes darting away from Dorian's. Somehow, his son's gaze made him feel small. He despised how easily he could read him, how he acted as if he knew it all but at the same time… He marvelled at this cold, detached son of his.
" I won't call it trouble. But it is a situation that needs to be handled." he replied.
Dorian took a sip of his wine. Waiting for the next words that would escape his father's lips.
" It is concerned with Valemorra academy." he said.
" It still doesn't tell me what the problem is" Dorian said.
He knew Zareth was taking it slow on purpose. He didn't want to seem desperate or weak in front of him. That was his father's pride.
" The other clans are suddenly going there and it is all because of…." he paused, looking at Dorian as if he was expecting him to know the reason.
Dorian simply sipped his wine again, with elegant poise.
" Why are you being hesitant. Don't you want my help?" he asked.
" When you say it like that, it feels as if I can't handle the situation myself." Zareth said, displeased.
" Well…can you handle it yourself?" Dorian asked, his voice cool and controlled.
" If you could, you wouldn't be here"
Zareth exhaled.
" I need you to go to the academy. Compete with the other heirs if needed and get what they are after." he said.
" Why is it so important?" Dorian asked, twirling the wine inside the glass.
" You should know." Zareth replied.
With a single gulp, Dorian downed the entire glass.
" How so? If you want my help, then you should give me a detailed reason behind it." he said.
" Dorian, I know you are reasonable but I too am unclear about their motives." Zareth lied.
Dorian narrowed his eyes. He knew his father was lying, he didn't need anyone to tell him that.
" It's okay if you don't want to tell me but don't lie to me as if I am a fool." he said, his voice dangerously low.
" Will you go then?" Zareth asked.
Dorian looked at zareth for a moment before nodding slowly.
" I want to satisfy my curiosity. Besides, it would be a bit of adventure." he replied.
" Don't you think?"
" If what you mean by adventure is creeping in hidden places then why not." Zareth said.
" Don't get to associated with the other heirs. Only use them when needed."
" Hmm… it has been a while since I've seen them. They must have grown up." Dorian said.
Zareth gave him a pointed look.
" You are aware that you are the youngest among them, right?" he asked.
" There is no superiority in age when it comes to power." Dioran said
" Don't overestimate yourself. My advice, you should watch out for Raelen, Eryndor and Soren the most." Zareth said.
Dioran nodded. He didn't give it much thought but he didn't dismiss it either. He waved his hand in the air, a signal of dismissal to his father.
Zareth sighed, standing up. He was angry about that gesture but he acknowledged it anyway.
As soon as Zareth was out of the room, Dorian poured himself another glass of wine sipping it as his gaze went blank again.