Chapter Eleven
Darian stepped out of the dining hall, heading towards the main entrance when his ears caught the sound of heels clicking behind him. He didn't bother asking who and just paused, turning to look at the queen who was walking up to him in quick strides.
"Your majesty." He bowed as soon as she stopped in front of him.
"Whatever it is you are scheming, Darian, take it out of this family. And whatever you have done to my husband, quit your manipulating act." She warned, her voice dangerously low while keeping a calm face.
Darian knew the type of woman she was. She wasn't the type of queen to go against her husband in his face but she pulls the strings in the background using her sons. And one thing she hated was not being in control of things.
"I have no idea what you are talking about, your majesty." Darian responded calmly. "I am simply serving as the commerce bridge for the kingdom of Zephyr and nothing more."
"I don't care. But stay as far away from this family as you always have. I would very much love it if I don't have any issue with you." She said, turning to leave.
"I would love to leave it at that, your majesty." Darian bowed gently as she walked away. He caught sight of Anthony who joined her in her walk but not after their eyes met.
Without a word, Darian stepped out of the palace building. His car was already waiting alongside his driver. "I'd drive myself." He said to the driver, taking the keys before slipping into the driver's seat, driving out of the palace environment.
Darian was the illegitimate son of King Greig and of all the illegitimate children the king had, only Darian was known. Darian knew there was a long list of them, but for some reason, the king found interest in him the very first day they met.
Although it wasn't a favourable environment they met, Darian would never forget Greig's sin. The sin which led to Darian's name being engraved in the family line.
The car sped off at high speed through the hallway. It took ten minutes before he could fully drive into the city and only one location was in his mind.
"You're here." Lior tapped against the window before slipping into the car in the passenger's seat.
They were in the low class residential part of the country and this was the first time Darian would ever be bothered to come here. And for what reason?
"Why are you here?" Darian asked Lior who had fully taken his seat.
"You see that building over there?" he pointed towards an old run-down apartment with damp walls. It was obvious that the house was in bad condition and might collapse soon.
"These kind of places still exist in this country? I wonder what his majesty is doing." Darian mumbled to himself.
"Samantha stays there with her aunt." Lior filled him in, handing him a folder. "Apparently, she is being abused by her aunt but she won't leave because she owes the couple her life. She works so hard to pay her uncle's hospital fees and deal with Sonya's addictions."
Darian remained quiet as he read through everything Lior had given to him. The silence stretched between them, Lior waiting for him to say something. But nothing came.
"So what's your command?" Lior finally asked.
Darian shifted his gaze from the files, tossing it to the back seat. "There is nothing I can do since you said she's human." He mumbled, tapping his fingers against the wheels as he kept his eyes on the house.
As if Samantha could tell someone was out, she stepped out of the building. Darian's posture shifted as he set his eyes on her. She was casually dressed with her long hair in a messy bun as she stepped down to throw out a black trash bag.
From afar, he could tell how stressed out she was. Suddenly, her gaze came towards their direction. Darian didn't even flinch, he just stared in her direction. Not seeming to notice them, she yawned lazily before heading back into the apartment.
"His majesty ordered me to represent the royal family at the blood moon masquerade ball this weekend." Darian filled Lior in, leaning into his seat.
"I thought crown prince Julius would be suitable for that." Lior asked with a raised brow.
"Apparently, I have to show I am part of the royal family more and more. And I am going there with a woman." Darian stressed the last word as if trying to emphasize it.
"I hope it's not what I am thinking, your highness?" Lior asked, glancing towards the apartment and back to Darian.
"She will be going to the ball with me."