THE NEXT MORNING — Royal Palace:

Raphael, accompanied by Hallan, walked together through the corridors of the Royal Palace and headed towards the throne room to welcome nobles.

Raphael was dressed in a black royal garment with certain patterns, decorated with a golden chain connecting his top to his red coat, which proudly demonstrated Ingrissia's coat of arms.

Hallan, for his part, wore a blue set, with silver motifs.

As they walked, Hallan noticed Raphael's tired eyes, and said :

" Say, what did you do last night to have such tired eyes ?"

" Don't tell me you and Arianne did what I think you did ?" He said with a smirk.

" I understand your desires, my friend. You are the king, you have a beautiful woman... and you even refused to take mistresses. Respect, but..."

Before Hallan could add anything else, Raphael punched him on the head.

" Idiot. If you keep saying bullshit like that... get ready for a series of painful fights," he said in a slightly threatening tone.

Hallan felt a slight shiver through his body, but he coughed discreetly twice, then added :

" It's okay, we don't need to get there, you know. But if not, was the aura we felt yesterday... was the one I think ?" He said in a slightly more serious tone.

Raphael stopped abruptly, his face closed, and replied :

" Yes you're right, it's the one you think, he's back. "

After his words, Hallan felt a rage rise in him, but Raphael continued to walk calmly.

" You don't need to worry for now. Even if he is different than before, he will know how to stand in check." 

A few seconds later, they passed in front of a window, and Raphael gave it a discreet look. He saw Arianne, smiling, walking in the courtyard, with Dayvon, Layna, Lucas and some maids behind them.

Seeing this, a slight smile appeared on his lips. And as they continued to walk, Raphael looked at Hallan with a smile said in a provocative tone:

" In fact, I hadn't noticed your new cut, Hallan. You made a beautiful haircut, and you even shaved your beard"

" What wonderful event pushes my friend to make himself so beautiful ?" He added a smile on his lips.

" Well, last week I made a mistake, and tonight I invited my wife to the restaurant to make amends," Hallan replied in a slightly shy tone.

Then Hallan added calmly :

" But speak for yourself, you know that aunt will make you spend a dirty quarter of an hour if you present yourself in front of her with your long hair"

Hearing Hallan's remark, Raphael froze for a second.

" Wait... do you really think she wouldn't like my new style ?" He asked, looking worried.

Hallan looked at him, a mocking smile on his lips.

" Raph, you know how your mother is. If you arrive in front of her with this hair, she will throw you a dozen swords before even saying hello. "

Raphael quickly ran his hand through his long black hair, a drop of sweat running down his temple.

" No... no no no... I can't risk that, I care about my life, I thought I would come with this hair to the ceremony..."

He turned to Hallan, almost panicked.

" Can you invite the person who took care of your hair to the palace ?"

Hallan burst out laughing, then with a smile he said :

" Don't worry my brother. He is an expert known for taking care of the nobles. "

Raphael answered calmly :

" Perfect. Have him come to the palace tonight, and tell him that he will take care of a very special client. "

They exchanged a last complicit look, then slowed down their steps.

In front of them, the two large golden doors of the throne room. Guards stood on each side, straight like statues.

Suddenly, Raphael's face closed. His gaze became calm and icy. Hallan's too.

The laughter was volatilised like a trail of dust.

"It's time," Raphael simply says.

They advanced and the guards stationed at the entrance slowly opened the doors, while announcing their arrival. And behind his huge doors were strategists, nobles and counsellors were already waiting for them.

                                                            To be continued...