[Brinley's POV]

It was now evening and concurrently, I am in the dining room, having a meal with Royal Father.

Royal Father is quite the unusual King. For 40 years, he remained single and spent the rest of that time developing the Kingdom.

Many people, especially the nobility, has raised complains about him having to marry and have a successor.

But, nevertheless, Royal Father remained unwavering and continued his way. And his efforts never betrayed him, for our Kingdom – Edowell – has flourished and advanced from being one of the lowest ranking country, to the third most powerful in the whole of Equra.

After achieving his goal, he only married when he was 45.

It's a story Royal Mother – who's now in heaven – told me so before with pride.

Now, I'm 25 and Royal Father is now 72. His former domineering and powerful self is now gone and became a memory of the old. His current visage, is that of an old man, tired of life and is just waiting for death.

I would sometimes caught him staring at Royal Mother's paintings with longing. Royal Father's love for her is genuine and deep, and had only married her for love despite her having come from a Baron's family. Which, in turn, earned a lot of protest from the higher noble families.

Though, as expected of a man who brought a poor country into greatness and into one of the continent's strongest, he never changed his mind and acquiesce.

"How has your day been, son?" my Father started, his wisened voice echoing in the room.

"It's been wonderful, Father. How's Father's day been, then?"

"Like usual. Papers, papers, papers, papers." He replied tiredly, his wrinkly hands gripping a knife and fork whilst cutting a steak. "And a day wouldn't be completed without dealing with pesky nobles."

I giggled lightly at my Royal Father's remarks. "Well, should I order the knights to ban and block nobles from entering the palace?"

"Bah! I've already done that before. They just became more pesky instead!" his nostrils flared up as he thought about his dealings with nobles.

They've been disturbing him ever since Royal Mother passed away. And have been trying to get their daughters marry Father. When it didn't work, they came to me – the one who would be King one day – and tried introducing their daughters.

I was just 10 at that time, and when Father heard of it, the Kingdom's nobles experienced hell, as Father threw a fit of rage.

He believes – that just like him – I should marry someone I like instead of a political marriage.

"Anyways." Royal Father changed the topic. "Are you still seeing her?" he questioned ambiguously, though I know who he was referring to.

"Yes, Father." I answered him honestly and without hesitation.

"Haaa~." He exhaled a long breath, his countenance age more. "You do know the implications of the relationship you two have, yes?"

"Yes, Father."

"Hmm. I have a lot to say. But given how serious you are about this matter, I've been letting it slide. But son, you are to be a King of a Kingdom. Of people. You must know your responsibilities and uphold your, and most and foremost, the Royal Family's dignity."

"I understand, Father."

"If you decide to make her your woman, then do so. As long I'm still standing in this mortal world, I will do everything in my power to make you do what you want." Father stated, his razor sharp eyes that he use to deal with work, gone. Replace it, is the loving gaze of a father and not a King.

"Besides, it wasn't the first time a King have concubines. But you cannot make her your principal wife for she is nothing but a commoner. Just her – a commoner birth – being a concubine of a Royalty – much less one who would soon be a King – is already unheard of." Royal Father's words cut through the room as I listened silently, slightly flinching as he stated those comments.

"Also, you have to be prepared for the consequences of your decisions and the backlash that would soon follow the moment the whole of Edowell knows of this." Royal Father continued with his reminders.

"Yes, Father. This son of yours understands. And like always, Thank you very much for being a good Father to me." I replied with a smile full of gratitude, though I couldn't help but still be despondent and bitter.

I'm already grateful at Royal Father's understanding of me and Eliza's affair, despite knowing the fact that it would sully the Royal Family's name, and give a leverage to the other noble families to hold against us.

But the fact that I can't marry Eliza, have a wedding and walked down the isle together, have our children be the successor to the throne, and the fact that I have to put her through the life of a concubine, just breaks my royal heart.

Though, I couldn't be too greedy. I should be positive and thankful instead that I have a Father as understanding as my Royal Father.

"Mhm. As long as you understand your duty, all is well. You're the only  remembrance I have of your late Mother. I'd do anything to make you happy, my son. However, don't be spoiled too much, for if you do, a hundred beatings it is." he raised his clenched fist, a playful smile hang at his lips.

I laughed at my Royal Father's joking threats. "This son of yours does not dare, Father."

"Good. Still, I do hope you act like a spoiled brat, so that I'll have a reason to beat your ass up. Hohohoho!" Royal Father laughed heartily. On the contrary, I trembled, shiver ran down my spine, remembering the old days whenever I did something bad that Royal Father didn't like.

Royal Father's boisterous laugh echoed in the room, not minding my inner turmoil. But I just let him be, for it is the only source of happiness my lonely Father has in this world.