Chapter 183: Carl's Frustration

The door to Prince Carl's chamber slammed shut with a thunderous bang. His face was tight with fury, a smoldering rage that hadn't diminished since his last visit with Eirik. How much more could he do for that stubborn prince? Carl's patience, if he had any left, was teetering on the edge. He had been lenient, gentler than he'd ever thought he could be, and yet Eirik still had the nerve to resist him, to flinch away as if he were some monster.

Carl paced the room, hands clenched, mind racing with thoughts he couldn't contain. In his mind, he'd shown Eirik every form of kindness possible, at least by his own standards. He could have been harsher, and sometimes the urge to demand what he wanted without hesitation was almost unbearable. But something in him held back each time, just barely. No more, he decided. Next time, he'd remind Eirik who held the power.