March 23, 1096 

Blood seeped through the sheets while dripping to the ground. Hands covered in red dropped the covered knife in them on the lifeless body. The person didn't look back as they slipped off the now dirty bed. 

They walked into the bathroom, washing their bloody hands before taking off their clothes, throwing them on the ground rather than the bin. Walking towards the shower, the person turned on the warm water, stepping inside as they started cleaning off. 

Blood mixed with water as the person ran their hand across their face and towards their long, silver hair before grabbing soap to clean their body. Their hand moved down their perfect, clean ivory skin before advancing back up to their six-pack and toned flat chest. 

The person was male as his other hand cleaned his flaccid length before going back to his toned legs. 

Once he finished with the soap, setting it aside as he let the water cleanse everything away, the man turned off the water, stepping out of the shower.  

He grabbed two towels, one drying his hair before wrapping it while the other dried his body. When he felt dry, the man put the towel away before reaching for his unscented oil, rubbing it all over his body. 

Closing the bottle and grabbing a robe that looked whiter than anything before, the man put it on, sloppily tying it close as his chest peeked through. 

When he stepped out of the bathroom, the room was clean. The staining blood and dead body disappeared. The marble floors shone throughout the room, reflecting the hanging lights while the king-sized bed looked untouched. Even the knife used before was wiped sparkly clean. 

"Prince Cyn, I have finished what you've asked." A person landed on one knee, bowing their head. The voice sounded deep and male. The said man wore all black, covering every inch of their skin—he even covered his head and face, leaving only his dark brown eyes to view the world. 

Prince Cyn walked over to the edge of his bed, facing the closed window as he crossed his legs. He noticed the tray of breakfast there as he grabbed the fruit first. Tossing the apple in the air before taking a bite into the juicy apple, Prince Cyn peered at the man on the ground. 

"I heard my father has made a trading deal with King Galot over our diamonds and even gave the stupid man a discount. Is my father stupid? We produce about 18,000 diamonds from the mines every six months, and my father only wants to charge the man 15% in trades? 

"Tell me, Ghost, what would my father lose if we decide to take back the trade or up the price?" Prince Cyn took another bite of the apple, letting the juices slip between his fingers. 

Ghost stayed in his position, not once picking his head up as he answered Prince Cyn's question, "A sustainable relationship. King Galot has the largest army out of the four territories; we need his warriors, especially since we are looking at war with King Regin." 

Snorting, Prince Cyn set the apple down, grabbing a napkin as he wiped his fingers. He grabbed his fork, twirling it around before stabbing his eggs, causing Ghost to finch from the abrupt move. 

"We don't need anything. You know, Ghost, men are fickle beings. There won't be any war, yet, if King Regin finds himself busy with another child, if you know what I mean. And it will be a mystery if the workers transporting the diamonds to King Galot suddenly disappear. 

"Who would be to blame: my father or the shady workers they hired to transport the diamonds?" 

Ghost finally stood up, bowing as he spoke, "Understood." 

It took one blink from Prince Cyn for Ghost to disappear without a sound. Prince Cyn hummed, finishing his food as he enjoyed the silence. Because once his plans start coming to fruition, the noise will consume every quiet area. 

A few minutes passed when a knock sounded at the door. "Prince Cyn, it is time to dress you, and your father wants to see you in the meeting hall." 

Prince Cyn changed his cold, calculating look to a cheery, ditsy one. A fake smile took over his face, almost causing his eye to twitch as he happily said, "Come in." 

The maid entered with clothes in her hands. She closed the door, making her way towards Prince Cyn, who started to stand. She reached towards his robe, getting ready to pull it off, when a hand tightly gripped her wrist. 

She looked at Prince Cyn, who gave her a shy smile, "Ah, is it okay if I dress on my own? I am a shy person." 

The maid did not know what to do. She was new to serving Prince Cyn and had heard the others saying how Prince Cyn liked dressing without help. It was her job, but she could not deny a prince's request. 

She cleared her throat, "If that is what you want." 

The hand let her wrist go, setting her free. She flinched at her bruising wrist. At first, the pain did not register with her, but now that it did, she held back from making a noise. The pain was something that the maids grew used to when they started working here. 

Before she could excuse herself, Prince Cyn grabbed the clothes from her, leaning close as he took a whiff. She stood still, turning into a statue. Even if the King does not touch the maids because he has concubines, the princes and princesses do not follow the same rule. 

If they wanted, they could do anything to the maids. And the maids are powerless to say anything. 

Prince Cyn moved towards her ear as she took in his scent and held back her gasp of surprise. The alpha smelled of nothing. 

"You should wear heavy perfume the next time you come; your pheromones stink." His voice sounded cold, striking a chord in the maid's heart. 

But when Prince Cyn pulled back with a bright smile, it felt like she pictured what happened a few seconds ago. "Thank you. You are dismissed." 

The maid weakly nodded, quickly leaving the room. Prince Cyn watched her go with a cruel, natural smile on his lips before taking off his robe. 

As he did, his large, back tattoo reflected on the full-length mirror in the room. The shining light peeking through the closed blinds made it hard to make out the tattoo. But if the King knew his son's skin had markings on it, the man would blow a fuse. 

Prince Cyn entered the meeting hall, seeing that his whole family was already there. When he entered, they turned and looked at him with different levels of disgust and disgrace in their eyes. 

He ignored the stares while giving his best, cheerful, fake smile. "Father, you called me!" 

"You are late. Take a seat." His father harshly responded. 

Prince Cyn took a seat away from his siblings, who took one more glance at him before looking back towards the father. Except Prince Eibhear gazed a second longer with a smug smirk on his lips. Prince Cyn knew that his brother sent the maid to his room late to get him in trouble. 

Such a dumb and childish man, Prince Cyn thought. He gave his brother a loving smile as Prince Eibhear looked disgusted by it. 

"Tomorrow, we are going to the Colosseum for Wyot's birthday. He is turning into a fine man, ready to take the throne. It is only right for him to receive the best gift." King Yvet stated as he glanced at Prince Wyot with proud eyes. 

Prince Wyot stood up straighter, showing off his feathers as he arrogantly smiled. The others looked jealous, while Prince Cyn couldn't care less. 

Although, he was excited to see the slaves fight. He always wanted to go to the Colosseum, so did his other siblings. But, their father made them focus on royal duties rather than succumbing to pleasure. 

"Father," Princess Kaja's annoying voice echoed through the hall, "did my dress come in today? I want to wear it tomorrow." 

King Yvet pointed out his hand, causing Queen Swan to step forward with a beautiful, dazzling dress in her hand. "Sweetie, follow me; I want to make sure it fits." Queen Swan beckoned her daughter over. 

Princess Kaja happily walked to her mother as they left the room to try the dress. 

King Yvet turned towards his remaining children, "Remember, essential people visits the Colosseum, do not embarrass me." The King's narrowed eyes fell towards his son, Cyn. Even his siblings looked at him. 

Prince Cyn internally chuckled. Reputation, reputation. Prince Cyn does not care for it—especially, if it dealt with his father. But, he put on his best smile, causing the light to hit against his white, clean teeth, "I would never try to ruin things for you, father." 

The others did not believe him, but Prince Cyn did not care. Because one day, the only eyes they would stare at him with are lifeless ones.