For the first time since he arrived in that world, Lucian was busy with something. Until then, he could enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the silence of his empty library, take some walks in the shopping or even just think about the original story. Now, because he had said that he was in a hurry to marry Magnus, such a lull was withdrawn.
"The tables have arrived, remember to put them in the center of the hall, we need to leave room for the larger table where the cake will be."
"The curtains also arrived!"
"Hold on! We need to clean the windows first! Call the cleaning team to leave their chores and focus on the windows now."
The whole palace was a real mess, reflecting the emotion of an announcement. The engagement party of Lucian and Magnus was being prepared for weeks and the big night was coming. Although it was only about their engagement and not their marriage was a point to gain attention, since it made expectations increase on the day of the wedding.
If with the engagement, the Emperor granted his hall to hold the party, what could the noble guests expect from the wedding itself? Mainly because it is the eighth prince to go up on the altar, the first child — among the five living — to marry? Everyone's euphoria was justifiable.
It was amazing how Lucian could see the rush of the servants in his palace. His palace was in the "back doors", where it was common to see carriages with goods coming. And that afternoon was no different, this time tables made specifically for their engagement had arrived and now another carriage arrived with another load.
From the window of his living room, Lucian just watched that coming and going.
"Your Highness, raise your arms and maintain composure, I need to take your measurements."
Extending his arms to the side, Lucian tried to stay still while the stylist took her measurements to get his suit. The last adjustments needed to be made thanks to a small detail that suddenly appeared.
"I had no idea that a prince had a specific costume to be worn at ceremonies like weddings", Lucian commented.
"Now, His Majesty also wore the same costume when he got engaged and married Lord Cassander. The point is that this costume will not fit you, Your Highness, since your shoulders and chest are smaller."
"But what's different about this costume? I mean, why is it so important?" Argus asked, watching the stylist take notes.
"This is a royal dress code. You can compare the uniform that army officers wear, displaying their medals and insignia that determine their high social status. In the case we are taking care of the marriage of no less than the eighth prince."
"Probably if I were the heir to the throne, such a costume would be even more pompous", added Lucian.
Argus agreed with the head.
"And, being the first royal member of this generation to get married, we hope that this can make your siblings... arouse interest in getting married too."
"Indeed, now that I noticed, His Highness is already thirty years old and is the youngest son of His Majesty. Why is the emperor not pulling his hair out of concern that no son has married yet?"
"Today you are curious, Argus."
"Forgive me, Your Highness, it was just a detail that I realized now."
"All right, this is not a big secret", Lucian lowered his arms and dressed a model that the stylist gave him, so that new measurements were made. "But answering your question, I believe there is something that weighs more than marriage: the throne's heir."
The stylist looked up at Lucian.
"Do you really think that's the reason?"
"Only a person who has no interest in imperial affairs would not know that", Lucian replied humorously. "Considering that many expect Raven to take the throne because she is the first daughter of the Emperor, and also considering that Cadec, the first son of the Emperor and an alpha, is gaining political power, we can say that we have a battle for the throne ahead. Who will win?"
"But in that case, marriage would serve as a great political ally, wouldn't it? If Her Highness the princess were to marry a man of great possessions and allies, she would have no advantage?"
"That is precisely why they should not marry anyone, Argus. After all, we are talking about a consort, the highest position there is socially. For this reason that is not strange the reluctance of my brothers to marry, they are being careful in the right measure."
"In addition, in previous generations it has happened that a prince used a noble ally of his to marry the heir to the throne", commented the stylist, fitting a pin in the fabric and adjusting the coat on Lucian's waist. "This way he ruled behind the curtains and the reigning emperor acted as his puppet."
"My goodness, something like this happened in the history of our empire?"
"Several things have happened in history, which shows that for those who aspire to the throne, are risking their lives in a strategic and political game from which they can hardly escape."
" In that case, Your Highness is free to marry whomever he wishes since he does not desire the throne."
"That's right, Argus."
The servant smiled content to understand the reason for his Emperor's euphoria, although Lucian does not pay so much attention to such detail. Perhaps the author of
"It seems that Your Highness has gained some weight since the last time I checked his measurements."
"Well, should I take care of my diet?"
"Certainly not, Your Highness, you remain elegant. I'll just have to adjust your shirt a little, considering you need to be comfortable for the dance."
Lucian made a slight grimace upon hearing that damned word. Dancing was too strange, he completely lost control and his body moved on its own in strange and elegant movements. It was very uncomfortable feeling, as if he was invading the body of another person... which was true, but he ignored such detail."
Also, until then your experience with dances was always with Raven. It would be different if he could dance with Magnus, but none of them liked to dance.
"No use make a grimace, Your Highness, it is out of the question to take the first dance", warned Argus.
"Can't we negotiate?"
"No."
"Damn."
"Very well, I have finished the measurements, Your Highness. I imagine that after today, we won't need to make any other changes, but I need to know the jewelry you will wear to make the details of your coat."
"Unfortunately I have not yet had access to the jewels, but as soon as I have them, I will call you to see them."
"Don't leave it for the last minute, Your Highness."
"Trust me, even a little."
Knocking on the door caught all three's attention. An inexpressive maid bowed respectfully as Lucian looked over his shoulder and without wasting time the taciturn voice of the maid sounded through the small visiting room.
"Your Highness, I was sent to fetch you."
"Fetch me? And where will you take me?"
"The imperial consort wishes to speak with Your Highness."
Lucian's body petrified in place.
Why was a character who never made an appearance in the original story was calling him?
"The consort?"
"That's right."
Acquiring a more serious posture, Lucian adjusted his clothes and followed the maid who guided him through the corridors of the small palace of the eighth prince. On the way, he tried — at all costs — to remember who was the consort.
In
Lucian was the perfect example.
Who was his mother? And why was he a renegade prince? Why did the Emperor forget his existence and allow his own youngest son to live hidden to the point of almost not existing? Lucian had a tragic end to die at the villain's hands after it was used throughout history, where were your parents who let this happen under their noses?
The Emperor clearly did nothing, but what about Lucian's mother? Is she alive?
It was a trifling coincidence that a maid of the consort called for him just when Lucian was talking about the political game his "brothers" were playing.
The maid guided Lucian through the silent corridors, passing a walkway next to the emperor's garden. Despite the bright sun outside, the shadows created by the columns made that path somewhat gloomy, as if Lucian was going to meet with his own demon or villain of that story.
To Lucian's surprise, they did not enter a new palace, but rather the south wing of the Sun Palace. Does this mean that the consort lives with the Emperor?
The sudden change was noticed, if the courtyard of the palace was already agitated it was not even compared to the zum zum zum inside the Palace of the Sun. The decor seemed to change completely in the social areas, and the servants stopped their paths to bend quickly to Lucian and then run back.
The south wing of the Palace seemed quieter and quieter. Only when they stopped in front of a huge door did the maid finally say something.
"Your Majesty, His Imperial Highness is here."
A male voice sounded behind the door, which surprised Lucian.
"Come in."
The huge door was opened and the maid made a bow before moving away. Lucian stared at her for a few seconds before looking at the door and sighed down. He should not be afraid, should maintain neutrality and avoid giving answers that gave rise to misinterpretations. Regardless of the reason for which the consort wished to see him, he should only avoid enmity.
Entering that room, Lucian came across a bright environment rich in blue and silver decorations. For a moment he had the impression of actually being in a palace, especially by seeing a man with long black hair and dark suits sitting on a chair drinking tea.
The instant that the dark eyes of that man turned to Lucian, he immediately stood up from his chair and ran towards the prince. His long arms wrapped the boy in an unexpected and cozy embrace, making Lucian blink sometimes with surprise.
"Lucian... my boy..."