Chapter 43: Meeting of the Traitors
An Unknown Bar in Verdaselles
Edward headed to the bar, accompanied by his uncle and bodyguards, for a meeting. He was dressed entirely in black: a finely tailored button-up shirt beneath a sleek black suit, with polished black shoes that gleamed in the dim light. His mid-length hair, slightly wavy, was tied back in a loose man-bun, giving him a sharp, commanding presence. The look made him stand out, almost like a mafia figure, with a long scar slashing over his eye and a smaller one at the corner of his mouth. He walked with a majestic air, exuding authority as he moved to meet his guest at a reserved table.
The bar itself had an old-world charm, tucked away in a forgotten corner of Verdaselles. The dim lighting, cast by amber sconces, flickered off the worn wooden tables and leather-clad booths. It had the feel of a place where secrets were exchanged in hushed tones. A smoky haze lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of whiskey and tobacco, while the lively chatter of patrons bounced off the stone walls. The faint notes of jazz drifted from a gramophone in the corner, clashing with the upbeat tunes playing from the stage where female dancers swayed to entertain the male guests.
At the bar's center, Benjamin, Edward's uncle, stood out as much as his nephew. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his military training still visible in his firm stance. His white hair was neatly combed back, and his stern face bore lines of both wisdom and ruthlessness. He wore a dark overcoat over a deep burgundy vest, the metal chain of his pocket watch glinting in the low light. His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the room as if always on alert for a threat.
The two men, a striking duo of youth and age, power and experience, made their way through the smoky room toward their waiting guest, the soft murmur of the bar fading in the wake of their presence.
This guest was a strikingly handsome man around Edward's age. He had short black hair with wavy fringes combed to the side, and in the midst of the dark strands was a distinctive streak of white—reminiscent of Victor Brusward's similar black-and-white streaked hair. His blue eyes were sharp and focused, and though he had a less bulky build than that of an athlete, he was tall and lean. He wore a light blue buttoned shirt with the sleeves neatly folded, paired with well-fitted trousers. On his shirt was a customized diamond brooch in the shape of the letter "K," representing his powerful family, the Khardes.
Khardis, the young master of the Khardes family and the current head as heir, sat at the table, legs crossed as he sipped his drink. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the edge of the glass, a subtle sign of his impatience. Behind him stood two bodyguards, tall and stern, keeping a watchful eye on the room. A female dancer approached, her gaze lingering on Khardis. She flirtatiously caressed his shoulder and twirled gracefully, her fingers trailing down his chest. Khardis watched her closely, his blue eyes darkening for a moment as he gulped, the alcohol on his lips momentarily forgotten.
But as her hand ventured lower, he swiftly grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but controlled. Staring into her eyes, he said coldly, "I won't be gentle next time you touch me." His voice was calm but laced with warning. He released her wrist and, without breaking eye contact, tossed her a small bag of coins as a tip. The dancer, both surprised and humbled, took the money and swiftly left, brushing past Edward as she disappeared into the crowd.
Khardis' appearance was elegant yet dangerous. His features were refined, his jawline sharp, and his presence commanded the space around him. The streak of white in his hair added a unique touch, giving him a slightly rebellious air that mirrored the quiet power he exuded as the leader of the Khardes family.
Edward walked toward the table and called out, "Hello, friend… it's been a while." Khardis raised his head, seeing Edward approach.
"Ah, Edward, you're here," Khardis responded, standing up to shake Edward's hand before sitting back down. Edward took his seat as well.
"You've heard the news, haven't you?" Khardis sighed, taking a sip from his drink.
"Tsk, I have… that younger brother of mine always ruins everything I work so hard to put together," Edward replied in frustration, rubbing his forehead. Khardis pushed an empty glass toward him, along with a bottle of alcohol.
With a chuckle, Khardis remarked, "It seems Dominic is more fond of Evangeline than Miss Venison," teasing his friend. Edward's fists clenched at the comment.
"Eliza and Dominic are history. That lucky bastard always finds a way to get on my nerves. I want to tear him and his marriage apart," Edward muttered through gritted teeth, rolling his eyes as he poured himself a drink from the bottle.
"Well, Evangeline is quite the beauty. She's like the blooming flower of Verdaselles every summer. Trying to kill her is like walking into a lion's den," Khardis remarked, swirling the glass in his hand and watching the alcohol ripple.
"Indeed she is… I'll never forget the humiliation her family caused us," Edward replied, slamming his fist on the table, the impact causing the glass to rattle.
"Dominic's doing everything in his power to protect his wife. You better watch your back, Eddie," Khardis teased again with a grin, causing Edward to scoff and turn his face away in annoyance.
Just then, Uncle Benjamin approached, interrupting their conversation. "I saw Lady Evangeline at the auction last month. She spent 2 million Yewen on a useless book, competing with other families over those auctioned items… Pfft, what a spoiled princess," he scoffed, folding his arms as he recalled the scene. "I found her leaving with some brown-haired woman afterward. Makes you wonder what she's really up to," he added, shaking his head.
Edward grumbled under his breath, the failed attempt to use Evangeline's peach allergy through the tea still fresh in his mind. "I thought we had her," he said, frustration simmering. "Everything was set up perfectly. How did Dominic find out so fast?"
Khardis leaned back, smirking. "That's the problem with someone like Dominic—he's always one step ahead. Either someone tipped him off, or his obsession with Evangeline makes him more careful than we anticipated."
Edward scowled. "It's infuriating. If it wasn't for him, Evangeline would've been out of the picture by now." He downed the rest of his drink and slammed the glass on the table. "We need another plan, something less obvious."
"Agreed," Khardis said, eyeing Edward. "But next time, let's make sure it's foolproof."
"Bethany's dead, and her accomplice—disguised as one of the family's guards—is rotting in jail... but that won't stop Dominic," Benjamin muttered, his voice thick with frustration. "He's still out there, collecting information, working in the shadows. He's using my brother's training against us, just because he's the Viceroy of the country and wants to protect that weak, frail, cheating woman." Benjamin grabbed Edward's glass, took a gulp of alcohol, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before placing the glass back in front of Edward.
Khardis scoffed, rolling his eyes. "What matters now is that we clear our name from this mess Dominic caused. We'll deal with the rest later. Let's wait for our next guest—he'll be here soon."
Edward tapped the glass lightly against the table, frustration building in his voice. "Dominic could be spying on us right now, for all we know. He's always lurking in the shadows, acting mysterious."
Benjamin let out a bitter laugh. "Dominic? Mysterious? That boy's nothing but a simp, bending over backward for that frail little flower of his. You'd think the way he's protecting her, she was some kind of treasure—when all she does is run around causing trouble. It's pathetic."
Edward clenched his jaw, gripping the glass tighter. "Same way we're keeping an eye on Evangeline through Magdalene," he muttered. "At least this bar is safe. No one knows we meet here. We've got some time before our next guest arrives."
As Edward took a sip from his drink, his eyes flicked toward the entrance. "Speak of the devil..." he murmured as he saw a familiar figure approaching their table.
A tall, attractive man strode into the bar, holding hands with a woman as they made their way toward Edward and Khardis' table. It was Sein Vorenforth, accompanied by his sister, Herna, and two bodyguards close behind them.
Sein, with his platinum blonde hair tied into a sleek ponytail, had two loose strands framing his face. His mid-length hair gleamed under the dim lights of the bar. At 6'1", his presence commanded attention. He was dressed in an elegant purple suit that perfectly highlighted his status, with a brooch pinned to the left side of his jacket—a symbol of the Vorenforth family crest. In his hand, he carried a silver-tipped walking stick, completing the distinguished appearance that marked him as the young master of his powerful family.
Beside him, his sister, Herna Vorenforth, looked just as striking. Her blonde hair flowed down her back in soft waves, complementing the deep purple gown she wore, which matched her shoes. Herna was known for her grace and beauty, but her demeanor softened considerably in Edward's presence. She hadn't seen him in a while, yet her admiration for him remained strong.
As they approached the table, Herna's eyes drifted across the room, and she immediately spotted Edward. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the man with the strawberry blonde hair, streaked with a few silver strands. Her eyes widened, and a soft gasp escaped her lips. Her cheeks flushed red, a clear sign of the crush she had nursed for Edward for so long.
Without letting go of Sein's arm, she stole another glance at Edward, unable to hide the excitement and nervousness that washed over her at the sight of him. Her hand tightened around her brother's arm as they reached the table, but her gaze lingered on Edward, her thoughts swirling as she remembered the last time she had seen him.
"Ah, it's Sein…" Edward chuckled, turning his head with a smile as the siblings approached.
"No need for formalities. Let's get straight to the point," Sein said plainly, withdrawing his arm from his sister's grasp as he sat down, gripping his walking stick and resting his head on it for support.
Meanwhile, Herna made her move, walking toward Edward with a flirtatious sway. She giggled softly, placing her hands on his shoulders and caressing them in a playful, almost possessive manner. Edward glanced at her, a subtle grin forming on his lips. He knew of her lingering affections but was careful not to react too much in front of the others. As he locked eyes with Herna briefly, her intentions were clear—she wanted to make her presence known, to remind him that her feelings hadn't faded.
Sein, noticing his sister's behavior, shook his head with an amused chuckle. "It seems like she's taken quite a liking to you, Edward. You might even be her future husband—if not for Eliza Venison, of course," Sein said, his words carrying a teasing edge. Herna's playful touches froze at the mention of Eliza.
Her eyes widened in surprise, and she turned to Edward, blinking in disbelief. "Edward… you're not single?"
Edward sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I'm not married to Eliza yet… that's a story for another day," he replied, his voice trailing off as he shot a quick glance at Herna. Her shoulders tensed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure, resuming her gentle massage, though now with a bit more subtlety.
Sein cleared his throat, shifting the conversation back to business. "Now that we're all here, we need to discuss how to wrap up certain matters quickly. We don't want to face the king's wrath."
Khardis nodded, turning to Sein. "About the accomplice, I assume. He's in jail, and it's only a matter of time before he spills something about our arrangement. Especially you, Sein—your family is one of Evangeline's family's honorary committees at the Serenity Hotel."
Sein's hands tightened around the walking stick, his knuckles turning white. The tension in the room grew palpable as he mulled over Khardis' words.
"Killing him won't fix everything," Edward interjected, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "If we silence him, they'll know we're involved. They'll suspect we had a hand in his death, and we'll suffer the consequences."
As Edward spoke, Herna's hands gently massaged his shoulders again, her fingers lingering just a little longer, hinting at her unspoken desire to comfort him—or perhaps to gain his attention. Her touch was playful, but her eyes held a depth of longing, as though she hoped her presence would sway him away from thoughts of Eliza and closer to her.
"We've touched a member of the Royal family. It's obvious they won't let it slide," Sein said, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the walking stick. "King Claude is retired now, and he can't do anything to bring us down. That window of opportunity to get rid of Evangeline has closed. But now, Prince George is handling the situation, and he'll be crowned king soon. He's the one we need to worry about."
Khardis raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Prince George... you mean the one who defended Dominic at the conference? When they ridiculed him for being a matrilocal husband?"
"Exactly," Sein replied with a smirk. "But thanks to Edward, we can clear our names. The blame will fall entirely on the culprit in jail, and when that happens, we'll be free of suspicion."
Sein's confidence was clear, and Edward shared the same smug look. Benjamin, sitting quietly until now, stood and approached the table. He placed a small, intricately carved wooden box on it, sliding it toward Edward. With a click, he opened the lid, revealing a collection of forged documents.
"Uncle Benjamin is a master at mimicking handwriting," Edward explained as he gestured to the papers inside. "Thanks to Bethany, we discovered the prisoner's handwriting style. We can create letters that look like his, and once we send them to Prince George, it will shift the blame in our favor. We're just waiting for the day of the court."
Edward pulled out one of the forged documents, handing it to Khardis, who carefully examined the piece. His eyes scanned the handwriting, and after a moment, he nodded, impressed.
"This is brilliant," Khardis murmured, running his fingers along the edges of the paper. "It's practically identical. Prince George will have no reason to question it. But," he paused, his voice lowering, "how confident are we that this will go unnoticed?"
Edward grinned slightly. "That's where you come in, Sein. Your influence with the committee at Serenity will help push this through without much scrutiny. Once the document is in Prince George's hands, it will be difficult for anyone to contest."
Benjamin, leaning back with his arms crossed, added, "And as long as Dominic stays distracted, especially with Evangeline and whatever marriage drama he's caught up in, he won't have time to investigate. We just have to stay one step ahead."
Herna, who had been quietly standing beside Edward, subtly placed her hand on his shoulder again, her fingers brushing the fabric of his jacket. She smiled softly, as though attempting to remind Edward of her presence while he discussed the risky plan. Her eyes flicked between the men at the table, but her gaze always lingered on Edward, betraying her desire to be more than just an observer.
"Everything is falling into place," Edward concluded, his eyes glinting with a sense of satisfaction. "Prince George will believe the evidence. The court will side with us, and Dominic will have nothing to fight back with."
Sein nodded, but a flicker of concern crossed his features. "Just make sure we don't get too comfortable. Dominic's not one to be underestimated, especially when it comes to protecting Evangeline."
Herna gave Edward's shoulder a playful squeeze, whispering under her breath, "Just don't let Eliza hear any of this, Edward. She might take matters into her own hands."
Edward chuckled softly but kept his focus on the task at hand. "Eliza has her own role to play. Right now, she's not my concern. We're too close to victory to be derailed now."
"How's it going with Magdalene? I thought you sent her to gather some information for us..." Khardis asked, raising his head and giving Edward a sharp look.
Edward scoffed, taking a slow sip from his drink. "She's falling behind. I had to remind her who's in charge. Taught her a lesson she won't forget," he said coldly, his words laced with a hint of cruelty. "She really let us down. Hopefully, this won't blow up in our faces, but everything's going to come out in court anyway. I just want to deal with Dominic when he returns."
Khardis and Sein exchanged curious glances, sensing something more behind Edward's tone.
"Where did he go?" Sein asked, leaning in.
"Political matters, what else?" Edward replied, rolling his eyes. "As long as he's around, we can't touch Evangeline. And that Serenity Hotel of hers is outshining my business. I want to tear it down."
"Or perhaps you want it for yourself?" Sein smirked, watching Edward closely. "Taking control of the hotel isn't too hard a task."
Edward's hand clenched around his glass at the suggestion, but his mind wandered for a moment—back to Magdalene.
He remembered that day vividly. Magdalene, trembling under his gaze, had failed him one too many times. Edward had ordered her to gather critical information, but she had come back with little to show for it. The disappointment in her eyes only fueled his frustration. When they were alone in his dimly lit bedroom, he cornered her, reminding her of the debts he had paid, the favors he had done for her family, and the power he held over her.
The way she looked at him—fearful, submissive—triggered something dark inside him. His words became harsher, accusing her of incompetence. And when words failed to bring the desired obedience, he resorted to force. He pressed her against the bed, ignoring her protests, his grip tightening around her wrists as he took what he wanted, his movements rough, punishing. Magdalene's tears didn't soften him; they only made him more resolute in breaking her spirit. He had claimed her that night, not out of love or passion, but out of control.
Back at the table, Edward shook off the memory, his expression hardening. He glanced at Sein, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Taking the hotel isn't hard, but keeping Evangeline out of the picture is the priority. Without her, the hotel will crumble. Then it'll be mine."
Sein chuckled, clearly amused by Edward's ambition. "It sounds like you've thought this through. But Evangeline isn't your only problem. Dominic's not going to sit idly by while you play these games."
Edward's jaw tightened at the mention of Dominic, the ever-present thorn in his side. "He may be a political figure, but that won't stop me from toppling him. Once we remove Evangeline, he'll be vulnerable. And when that happens, I'll make sure he suffers just as I have."I'm also thinking about that... Look, let's just deal with this fly in prison, and then I'll plan the next steps." Edward chuckled, leaning back casually.
"Well, make sure Magdalene does her job properly... We don't want to end up on the losing side. We need to find a weak spot in Evangeline," Khardis said, his tone sharper as he carefully placed the paper back in the box and closed it.
Edward smirked slightly. "That would be easy. It's probably Richard," Sein chimed in, turning his head toward Khardis, who was clenching his fists under the table.
"Richard? Who the hell is he? Evangeline's lover? Isn't she married?" Khardis rubbed his face in frustration. "I've been away on a trip. I don't keep tabs on every little thing in Verdaselles, especially this mess. So, tell me, who is this Richard?"
Edward rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed with the situation. "He's nobody. Just a servant who worked for my father, and now he's playing the role of Evangeline's 'lover.' His real name isn't even Richard; it's Henry Berbill."
Khardis's eyes widened in disbelief. "A lover? Evangeline has both a lover and a husband? That lucky bitch!" The words came out harsher than he intended, and suddenly, his hand clenched tightly around the cup in his grip, shattering the glass.
The sharp crack of the breaking glass drew attention, and Edward and Sein both turned toward Khardis, their eyes narrowing. The tension was palpable, and though Khardis tried to play it off, his jealousy was obvious. He couldn't stand the thought of Evangeline being adored by not one, but two men, while he, with all his wealth and status, was left on the sidelines.
Edward raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "It seems like this bothers you more than you're letting on," he said, a teasing grin tugging at his lips.
Sein chuckled softly, watching Khardis's reaction. "Don't tell me, Khardis... are you jealous? You barely care about anything, but Evangeline? Now that's interesting."
Khardis's jaw tightened as he wiped the blood from his palm caused by the broken glass. "I don't care about her. She's just... inconvenient," he muttered, though his tone betrayed him.
"Sure," Edward said, voice dripping with amusement. "Just remember, Evangeline isn't your typical woman. She's got more men wrapped around her finger than you think."
Khardis scoffed, avoiding Edward's eyes as the conversation moved forward. But the irritation in his gaze remained clear. It wasn't just about Evangeline being untouchable—it was about his own pride. How could someone like Richard, a nobody, hold such power over someone Khardis secretly desired?
As they continued talking, Khardis's jealousy simmered beneath the surface, and though he tried to mask it with indifference, it was clear that his growing obsession with Evangeline was becoming more than just a passing frustration.
"This girl rejected me when she wore gold at the ballet competition. I had tried to persuade her afterward, but I was stopped by some mysterious boy who grabbed my hand, asking me to leave her alone. I didn't recognize him then, but I was sure he was just another admirer of Evangeline. We were young, so I let it go." Khardis sighed, recounting the memory to Edward and Sein, his eyes narrowing as he vividly recalled the moment.
Some Years Ago -Ballet Competition.
Evangeline had been breathtaking in that ballet competition. She wore a shimmering gold dress, her graceful movements enchanting the audience as she danced effortlessly across the stage. Every pirouette, every leap, was executed with perfection, and by the end, it was clear she was the favorite. When her name was announced as the winner, the crowd erupted in applause. Young Evangeline stood proudly on stage, holding her trophy with a soft smile, her golden hair tied back in an elegant bun, her cheeks flushed from the performance.
Khardis had been one of the many captivated by her beauty and talent. He had seen it as the perfect opportunity to approach her, convinced that his charm and status would be enough to sway her affections. But as he made his way toward her after the competition, a boy—about their age—appeared from the shadows and firmly placed his hand on Khardis's shoulder.
"Leave her alone," the boy had said in a calm yet commanding tone. Khardis had been caught off guard. The boy's identity was a mystery, but there had been something in his gaze—protective, unwavering.
Khardis shook his head, pulling himself back to the present. "I never found out who that boy was, but I should have known better. Evangeline never gave me a second glance after that. She just smiled politely and walked away with her trophy, as if I didn't even exist."
"Could've been Dominic," Sein suggested with a chuckle. "He always attended Evangeline's ballet shows, even after Zard's death."
"It's possible," Khardis mused, his eyes narrowing. "Dominic always had a way of lingering around her, like a shadow."
Sein laughed lightly. "It's no surprise. A lot of people adored Lady Evangeline. Even Azielle had plans to marry her off to handle the country's matters. But, unfortunately for all of us, she fell into Dominic's hands. That lucky bastard. Now the woman we all adored is in the arms of another man, and her husband, Dominic, does nothing about it."
Edward, who had been quietly listening, clicked his tongue in irritation. "He protects her all the time, and now he's married to her. Dominic's a weak man. That's why their marriage is so complicated. Evangeline's actions are like karma for him. He's been competitive with me in everything since we were kids, and now he has to deal with a wife who's caught the eyes of others."
"That girl's always been surrounded by admirers," Khardis added with a touch of bitterness. "But none of us could get through to her. And now Dominic's got her, and yet he still can't keep control of the situation."
Edward stroked his hair absentmindedly. "He'll never fully control her. She's always had a mind of her own."
"I'll handle the rest of what we need before the court," Khardis said abruptly, standing up from the table. "But for now, I have other matters to attend to at home—personal issues." His voice was tense as he gathered his things, the memory of his rejection by Evangeline still lingering like an old wound. With a nod to Edward and Sein, he left, his bodyguards falling in step behind him.
As Khardis walked away, a sense of unfinished business hung in the air. His envy of Dominic ran deep, and the memory of Evangeline rejecting him only fueled the fire of his resentment. He couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if that mysterious boy hadn't intervened that day. Would things have been different? Or was he always fated to be on the outside, watching the woman he desired slip further out of reach?
Edward yawned, stretching slightly as he leaned back in his chair. "I'm tired. I need to sleep. Got work tomorrow," he said, standing up. Just as he began to leave, Herna grabbed his hand, gently stopping him. Benjamin, meanwhile, closed the box, carrying it off without a word.
Sein, lounging comfortably in his chair with an air of indifference, raised an eyebrow. "Edward, my sister likes you. I think you two should spend more time together, get to know each other," he said, his voice casual, almost lazy. Herna, upon hearing this, let go of Edward's hand and walked back to stand beside her brother, her gaze lingering on Edward.
Edward nodded, acknowledging Sein's suggestion. "Agreed. She's welcome to visit my house anytime. Though, right now, I've got some family matters to handle. You know how it is—being the head of the Brusward family comes with a lot of responsibilities."
Sein sighed dramatically, tossing his head back in a spoiled, carefree manner. "Being the head of the family sounds exhausting. I'm glad I don't have to deal with that. Honestly, I just want to be a free man. I've got younger brothers who can handle all that nonsense."
Edward chuckled, shaking his head. "You must be joking. It's called being a man, Sein. The women marry, and we lead. That's the way it works—at least in families like ours." He slipped his hands into his pockets, his expression slightly amused by Sein's attitude.
Sein rolled his eyes, clearly uninterested in the notion of responsibility. "Ugh, whatever. I don't like heavy duties. I prefer to live without all the burdens. Let my brothers handle that headache."
Herna, clearly amused by her brother's carefree approach to life, leaned against him, wrapping her arms around his and crossing her legs with a satisfied smile. She looked at Edward as if expecting him to agree with her brother, but he merely scoffed.
"Tsk, your cup of tea..." Edward muttered with a slight smirk, turning to leave. As he did, Herna, not wanting to let the moment pass, winked at him. Edward glanced back and, with a charming smile, acknowledged her gesture before walking out with his guards.
Sein watched him leave, his expression unbothered but honest, as though the weight of expectations others carried meant nothing to him. He sighed again, shaking his head. "I'll never understand why people want to live their lives chained by duty "
The Khardes Family Manor loomed in the moonlight, cold and uninviting. Khardis, accompanied by his bodyguards, returned home. As he walked through the grand entrance, the servants bowed their heads respectfully, but he paid them no attention. His face was a mask of cold indifference, devoid of any emotion. Without a word, he made his way down a hidden stairwell at the far end of the manor, his steps echoing ominously.
The secret stairway spiraled deep into the manor's belly, leading to a place known only to a few—a basement that held a far darker secret. Flanked by four bodyguards, Khardis approached a prison-like room, its walls damp and cold, the air thick with the stench of decay. Inside, sitting in the shadows, was a man who had once been proud and powerful. Now, he was a shell of his former self—Khan Khardes, Khardis's father. The man's clothes were torn and filthy, his body littered with scars, remnants of the torment he'd endured. His eyes, once sharp with authority, now held nothing but hollow despair as he tapped the cold stone floor absentmindedly.
The heavy iron door creaked open, and Khan's head jerked toward the sound. His sunken eyes met the icy gaze of his son, Khardis.
"We meet again, old man..." Khardis said, his voice dripping with venom as he strode into the room, hands casually resting in his pockets. Khan, refusing to look at his son, turned his head away in silent defiance.
Khardis's expression darkened. He hated this pathetic display of resistance. Without hesitation, he grabbed a fistful of his father's graying hair and yanked his head back violently. With a sneer, Khardis swung his fist, landing a brutal punch across Khan's face. The sickening sound of flesh meeting bone echoed through the room as Khan's head snapped to the side, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
"You still think you can ignore me?" Khardis spat, his grip tightening in his father's hair. "After all these years, after everything, you still think you can avoid facing me?" He shook Khan's head, forcing him to look into his eyes.
Khan groaned but said nothing, his face twisted in pain. The man who had once ruled the Khardes family with an iron fist was now reduced to this—a prisoner in his own home, broken by the very son he had once groomed for greatness.
"I made this family what it is today," Khardis hissed, his voice low and dangerous. "You were weak, a disgrace. You were unfit to lead, so I took matters into my own hands. And this is your reward—rotting in the dungeon where you belong."
Khardis released his grip on his father's hair, letting Khan's head fall forward. He watched with disgust as the man before him struggled to sit up, his body trembling with exhaustion and fear. Khan's spirit had been broken long ago, but Khardis enjoyed reminding him of his place.
Khardis stood over his father, his eyes cold and unforgiving. The dim, damp prison room reeked of rot and despair, but the scent of gasoline was quickly taking over as a bodyguard handed him a can of petrol.
"Do you think you can ruin my plans just like that? By running your mouth to the Royal family about my dealings with Edward Brusward? You've ruined everything!" Khardis snarled, his voice dripping with venom. He towered over Khan, who sat on the floor, clutching his bruised face where Khardis had struck him. Khan winced in pain but refused to back down, even in his wretched state.
"You'll regret this, young man," Khan rasped, his voice barely above a whisper. "You brought this on yourself, obsessed with power..."
Khardis's lips curled into a cruel smile as he unscrewed the petrol can, the pungent liquid splashing over the cold floor and his father's ragged clothes. The old man's defiance meant nothing to him. As the fuel soaked the room, Khan's eyes widened in horror.
Khardis ordered his men to chain Khan's legs and hands, and without hesitation, the guards moved in. Metal clanked loudly as they shackled Khan, binding him to the floor. The old man's protests grew weaker as he realized what was coming, his strength waning, but he glared up at his son with all the contempt he could muster.
"You should've known better," Khardis said, his tone casual as he finished pouring the last of the petrol. "If not for the Bruswards, we'd be begging on the streets. You're the one who was always too stubborn, too blind to see the future I was building. So now, I'll send you to hell where you belong."
Khardis pulled a lighter from his pocket, the small flicker of flame dancing in the dim light. He stepped back, a twisted smile playing on his lips as he watched his father's expression change from defiance to fear.
"No... no, you'll regret this!" Khan shouted, struggling against the chains, but his voice broke, and the desperation was palpable.
Khardis flicked the lighter open, the tiny flame casting a haunting glow on his face. "I'll regret nothing," he said coldly, dropping the lighter onto the petrol-soaked floor.
The flames erupted with a sudden roar, quickly engulfing the room. The fire licked at Khan's body, and his screams filled the air, his voice raw with agony. The blaze raged around him, turning everything it touched into ash.
Khardis stood there, watching his father burned alive, the reflection of the fire dancing in his eyes. He squinted slightly as the heat intensified but showed no sign of remorse or hesitation. To him, this was justice—his justice.
The old man's screams grew fainter until they faded completely, leaving only the crackling of the fire as it consumed the last remnants of Khan Khardes. Not a single piece of him remained untouched by the flames except his bones and skeleton.
Khardis turned away from the inferno, his expression unreadable. "Evangeline Sarogath," he muttered under his breath as he strode toward the exit. "I'll destroy you next."
With that, he walked out of the dungeon, the blaze still raging behind him, leaving only death and destruction in his wake.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Joeclaire
Joeclaire Dominic is not a member of the Sarogath family by blood, but his marriage to Evangeline Sarogath has brought him into their powerful circle. This alliance not only elevates Dominic's status but also strengthens his political influence within the dual monarchy of Venian and Verdaselles, both ruled by King Claude. Through his marriage to Evangeline, Dominic gained the trust and favor of the king, leading to his appointment as Viceroy of Verdaselles.
As Viceroy, Dominic manages the day-to-day governance of Verdaselles, ensuring that the kingdom remains stable and aligned with Claude’s interests. Though he isn’t a Sarogath by birth, Dominic’s union with Evangeline ties him closely to the Sarogath family’s vast power and influence, allowing him to wield authority over Verdaselles while representing King Claude’s broader interests.
Meanwhile, King Claude directly rules Venian, the smaller but strategically important kingdom, with its capital serving as the political center for both nations. From Venian, Claude oversees the entire dual monarchy, keeping a close watch on Verdaselles through Dominic's viceroyalty. The borders of Venian are well-guarded, ensuring peace and security for the capital, while Venian itself plays a pivotal role in Claude's reign by acting as his seat of power.
In this complex political landscape, Dominic’s marriage to Evangeline not only solidifies his role within the Sarogath family but also enables him to maintain the delicate balance of power between Verdaselles and Venian under Claude’s dual reign.
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