Chapter One

       Prince Maximus prowled through the great hall as everyone made way for him in terror, his footsteps the only noise echoing inside the gigantic room. Any traces of music have vanished, the whole world watched the tall man making his way towards the golden throne and listened to the soft swish of his fur-sewn cape across the floor. He was a man of power— a man of wealth and status; that much was obvious as he walked gracefully and searched the eyes of his people as if almost daring them to challenge him.

"The king," He declared, his back facing his people, "is dead." Everyone gasped as he suddenly turned, his cold charcoal black eyes staring blankly at the horrified audience. His imposing posture domineered the room and the long scar that ran across his left eye intensified his intimidating stare.

He gazed for long at his people and then at last, he sat on the throne, resting both of his arms on the machete.

"I shall reign from now on." His advisor approached him.

"But your majesty, you cannot declare yourself King until you find a brid—"

"No." The prince thundered. "Not until I revenge for the King and have the heart of his killer as my dinner. And then, I will find a queen. Now, abide." And with a snap of his fingers—long pale fingers adorned with silver rings and jewels—his advisor came and placed the infamous crown on his head. 

"I am the new king." Everyone exchanged questioning glances and whispers exploded inside the Royal hall as the new announcement took place. Their king—their beloved and cherished king of Volkeii— is deceased. Shock turned into fear and whispers into yells as they stared at the young man—aged no more than seven and twenty—whose face was hidden by his dark long hair as he looked down. His hand was clenched around the grip of his throne, but unbeknownst to them, he was listening to their complains silently. Like a predator, he always knew when to strike. Like a prey, they thought, it is only too late when they decide when to run.

He was for them a boy— a mere boy— who possesses no heart, no humanity but gold and land. To them, he was a murderer; a merciless killer who attempted so many times to poison the mind of his father only to be met with failure until he had no choice but to dispose of him. A son of a mistress, a boy kept in the dark and brought out only because his father –their oh-so beloved king of Volkeii—had no choice but to. The only son of King of Volkeii, Prince Maximus was destined to be a ruler. For people of Volkeii, however, he was nothing but a cold-blooded murderer.

It was so sure of him being the killer, that they needn't question their notion. It was decided. 

Prince Maximus scoffed at his people's ridiculous reaction. Despicable as they are, he was forced to control his temper around their presence. After all, they were his people as he had just declared himself king. He was not by any means going to allow an uproar on his first day of ruling the kingdom. He was well aware how everyone would accuse him for the murder of his father, hence why dwelling on the subject was of no use. He was not loved, he was not liked. Of that, he was sure. He announced the unanticipated news when his audience had calmed down and then watched their outburst calmly yet again.

"I now demand silence." His booming voice reverberated in the great hall of his castle as he fixed his gaze on his people.

"Until the funeral happens which will not take place but after two days, I believe, I shall hear some of your petitions. Time shall not be wasted in Volkeii. As for the killer of my father, his head will be executed by my own sword when found."

"So will be the one who dares to defy me." He added as he considered what most of his kingdom think of him now. His advisor then signaled the start of petition taking.

Meanwhile, among the rich and wealthy, a middle-aged lady whose skin was withered from time and age, and back hunched from labor and pain, pushed through the large mass of people. She breathed heavily in defeat as her feet halted from running. The shocking news of the king's murder has reached her ears a few minutes ago and her hands shook from fear and angst. The king's son is a merciless, horrible, horrible man. To be a killer and a ruler must make a man powerful and inhumane.  Oh, my little Juliette, the lady thought as she wiped her tears with the palm of her hand, for who would look after you when you have but me, your auntie? Oh, my Juliette.

She has reached the gigantic doors of the great royal hall, and they were open as always. Instead of the merciful king of Volkeii, however, perched on the throne was Prince Maximus of Volkeii—who will not be considered officially king until married— but old Mabel doubted any sane woman taking this horrid man as a husband and decided to consider him as a mere murderer and not the son of a most beloved king.

She peeked through the silhouettes of people to catch a clearer glance of him: there he sat with all his glory, his imposing stature accentuated by his broad shoulders and daunting gaze. He was staring at a man; listening to his petition she realized as she the saw the man bow and leave. There was a long line of people waiting to be heard, and she didn't know whether to stand with them or to go back to the maids' chambers. She then thought of her little Juliette.

She imagined her angelic face smiling like she always does, of her golden yellow hair that was always curled and adorned with a white little bow and of her green emerald eyes, always innocent and fragile. Little Juliette would never survive by herself, no she wouldn't, and she would surely not be able to take care of the farm by herself. She was barely eighteen and she would not survive but with her, in Volkeii's castle.

She then looked again at King Volkeii's son. Dark long hair and eyes black as night contrasting against his pale face, he was undoubtly a handsome man. He had a slight resemblance to his late father, however, it was very hard to decipher that when he had so much blood on his hands.

"What about you in the back? Do you have a petition?" Her eyes widened as his eyes fixed on her. She hadn't realized the line had ended and that she was the last one standing in the back of the hall. She must have been caught off guard for so long, why she was sure the line was unending a few minutes ago. She shifted uncomfortably in her place. His stare was so imposing, she had to look down and break it. She felt everyone's gaze on her as she fumbled with her words. She was sure he wouldn't approve- he was deprived of mercy, he was—

"Well?"

"I—uh—I well hav—I" She looked up again at him. His mouth was pressed into a thin line as he signaled for her to continue.

"Your majesty," She bowed. "I am very sorry about King Volkeii. He was a very kind man."

"Yes, indeed." He replied coldly.

"Well uh, your majesty, you see, I know a young lady whose parents are deceased. She—she has no one but I. She's really little, my prince! Only eighteen of age!" The prince studied her with scrutiny, his hand resting beneath his chin. He gestured for her to continue.

"As you know, your majesty, a young lady shall not be left alone. Please, your majesty, allow me to let her live with me, in the maids' chambers. She is such a peaceful young girl. She wouldn't hurt the devil!" The prince choked out a bitter a laugh. Old Mabel swallowed her fear and persisted.

"I tried getting her inside the castle, but they—they wouldn't let me! The head master refused and you're my last chance left. Please, your majesty, please." The prince seemed deep in thought as he looked at her for a long while.

"Is the girl related you?"

"She's my niece, your majesty."

"You seem to have worked here for quite a while." He surmised as his eyes flicked to her clothes.

"Yes, your majesty, fourty years."

"You may let the girl into the castle." He frowned as she gasped in astonishment.

"Oh, your majesty, I can never thank you enough! Your majesty, I—"

"However, there's conditions to her stay."

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Hello, my loves ♥

I have finally been able to finish this chapter (and what a better day to post it ! Happy new year everyone!)

I hope you enjoy it and please let me know your opinion on this story and whether you think I should continue or not!

What do you think will happen next? Do like the characters so far?

Please be kind and vote and feel free to comment! (I love to read your comments so much! Your feedback on the summary was amazing!)

I love you! ♥

-theladyandthefox