The Moonlight Garden shimmered under the silver glow of twilight, its golden arches casting elongated shadows over the cobblestone paths. Fragrant blooms released their evening perfume, mingling with the crisp night air.
Prince Kai stood before his father, the weight of impending matrimony pressing heavily upon him. The engagement had long ended since morning, and the only thing left from making Kai and Anna become couples was the marriage that won't be happening until the next three months. This was an opportunity for Kai to set out his huge plan.
King Valorion reclined on a marble bench, holding a swirling brandy in a crystal glass. His eyes, though weary, held the sharpness of a man who bore the crown not out of desire, but of duty.
"Father," Kai began, his voice imbued with a gravity he seldom employed. "Before I marry, I seek but one favor."
Valorion's brow arched, skepticism could be seen on his face. "If this pertains to that peasant girl with the six chickens again…"
"No, no," Kai interjected swiftly, a hint of exasperation in his tone. "This is of greater import. I wish to traverse our kingdom, to acquaint myself with its lands and people before my marriage."
He placed a hand over his heart, adopting the posture of a knight pledging fealty. "How can I be a just husband or a wise king if I remain ignorant of those I am to serve?"
The king regarded his son, the flickering moonlight reflecting in his contemplative gaze.
Unbeknownst to them, Queen Seraphina stood concealed behind a tapestry, with a goblet of wine in her hand. Her eyes widened slightly, and she mouthed, "Oh damn, that's a good idea, son."
King Valorion's fingers combed through his grey beard, the coarse hairs whispering against his calloused skin. His gaze lingered on the horizon, where the last hues of dusk surrendered to the encroaching night. The garden's silence was punctuated only by the distant chirping of crickets and the soft clink of ice in his brandy glass.
"You spoke like a true ruler," he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of years spent on the throne. "Very well, Kai. You have my blessing to journey through the kingdom. Naturally, you'll be accompanied by a contingent of guards…"
"No guards," Kai interjected, his tone earnest yet insistent. "Just a modest carriage. Perhaps a small wagon. A discreet horse, even. And I plan on leaving tonight."
Valorion's brow arched, a silent testament to his skepticism. He studied his son, noting the determination etched into his face.
After a pause, he nodded slowly. "So be it then. I'm proud of you, son. I never thought I'd say this, but you're beginning to show the potential of a great King. I'm glad I'll be leaving the kingdom into your able hands."
"Thank you, Father," Kai replied, bowing deeply, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in a restrained smile.
As soon as he exited the garden's embrace, Kai's composure shattered. He sprinted through the palace corridors, his footsteps echoing like a drumroll heralding mischief. Servants and courtiers pressed themselves against the walls, startled by the whirlwind prince.
Reaching his chambers, he flung the door open with theatrical flair, the hinges protesting with a creak. He could see sir cuddlebottom, his butler, waiting for him in the room.
"Father finally agreed, I can leave the palace tonight." Kai said, posing triumphly.
"How did you manage to convince him sire. Does he know about your plan?" The butler asked.
"Nope, I gave him a believable excuse." Kai then inform him of what he had told the king. And the butler could only open his mouth wide in surprise. He couldn't believe Prince Kai could be so daring to lie to the king.
Meanwhile, Kai had started approaching his bed, then, with his arms outstretched, he yanked out a suitcase hidden beneath the plush mattress. Dust motes danced in the air, illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the stained-glass windows.
Then, proceeding to open up the suitcase, he brought out a map, unfurling it till it cascaded to the floor, revealing a tapestry of names adorned with lipstick marks, caution signs, location of where each Aunts would be found, and also, a suggestive sketch of alluring silhouettes.
Sir Cuddlebottom had weathered four decades of royal service, enduring assassination attempts, plagues, dragons, and even a bewitched cheese that emitted an ear-piercing shriek when sliced. Yet, nothing in his extensive experience had prepared him for the spectacle unfolding before him.
At the top of the map, in bold red calligraphy, it read: MISSION: AUNT CONQUEST (A.k.a. Seducing my Aunties)
Sir Cuddlebottom blinked slowly, as if hoping his monocle would shatter and spare him the sight.
"Sire," he said with a dry voice, "Are you seriously planning to woo all your aunts?"
Kai wagged a finger with a grin. "No, no. Not just woo. I plan on wedding them."
Kai sauntered across the chamber, his boots clicking against the polished marble floor as he halted before a full-length mirror. He then started adjusting his half-buttoned shirt to reveal just enough of his chest to suggest roguish charm. He packed his curly black hair to a jaunty angle, then strucking a pose, he winked at his reflection.
"I'm going to marry all my aunts, who are spread out in all the towns of my kingdom." he declared, "Once I marry them, they will be able to aid me in my plan to conquer the Orc kingdom. Since father won't ask for their help, I'll just go ahead and ask them myself in my own way. Besides, who would want to refuse a marriage to the future king."
Sir Cuddlebottom, standing nearby with a stack of freshly laundered garments, pinched the bridge of his nose. "You are a menace to monarchy, sire." he muttered.
Kai turned, a smug grin spreading across his face. "And a gift to womanhood, especially older women." he added, his voice dripping with self-satisfaction.
The butler just kept mute as he continued to fold silk boxers embroidered with tiny crowns and then place them into Kai's suitcase. His eyes narrowed as he held up a small bottle labeled 'Wild rose perfume'
"Do I even want to know why you've packed this?" The butler asked.
Kai snatched the bottle and held it aloft. "It's for Auntie Slayana," he explained. "She only responds to strong scents like this perfume. It seems like the perfect gift for her."
Cuddlebottom sighed so deeply that a nearby candle flickered for a moment before eventually going off. "Sire, this entire scheme is blasphemous, not to mention treasonous. Possibly illegal in three regions."
"Four actually," Kai corrected, pointing to a spot on his elaborate map. "East Danglemoor just updated their marriage laws. Milf marriage is prohibited."
Sir Cuddlebottom's complexion turned ashen, the color draining from his face as if he'd aged a decade in mere moments. His eyes widened, and his mouth opened slightly, but no words came forth immediately. He clutched the edge of a nearby table for support, his knuckles whitening.
"And what happens when the King and Queen find out?" he finally managed, his voice a strained whisper, barely audible over the crackling fireplace.
Kai, undeterred, wrapped a crimson scarf around his neck with a flourish, the fabric catching the candlelight as it settled into place. He adjusted it with practiced ease, the epitome of a seduction bandit ready for his grand escapade.
"They'll be too preoccupied orchestrating my royal wedding to notice what I'm doing." he said, his tone dripping with confidence. He extended a hand, fingers wiggling expectantly. "Now, hand me my gloves, and my charm pouch. It's time to ride."
With a dramatic sweep of his cape, Kai strode toward the door, each step echoing with purpose. The fabric billowed behind him, a crimson wave trailing his determined march.
Sir Cuddlebottom watched him go, his shoulders sagging under the weight of impending doom. He muttered under his breath, the words barely escaping his lips: "If the kingdom doesn't burn, it'll be a miracle."
Resigned, he followed after his prince, dragging about three different bags and luggages behind him. The ornate chest creaked with each movement, its contents clinking softly.
The MILF conquest had officially begun.
And the Kingdom would never be the same again.
Did the King just say he was happy to hand over the kingdom to Kai, he doesn't know he's handing the kingdom to a great abomination.