Eldric's Legacy [MAGNUS] 'Fuck you, Magnus.' I can't get it out of my head. I just can't. The council meeting has been going on for the last few minutes, but I find myself zoning out every few seconds. My mind keeps recalling Elara's reaction when she entered my chamber earlier this morning. While Morgana was riding on top of me. Nothing could've prepared me for that. Not for when she entered. And definitely not for how she reacted. 'Fuck you, Magnus,' she mumbled, her voice too quiet due to the shock. After that she sprinted out and I haven't seen her since-she wasn't in my old chambers, or with Ruelle. That's probably a good thing because I don't know what I'm going to say to her. Morgana laughed about it; somehow it aroused her further. But there was no way I was going to continue. I asked her to leave right then-the disappointment on her face was something I couldn't miss. Alistair is not at fault, I knew that before he even tried to explain himself. Elara is stubborn. She'll do what she wants to do. And if it is to barge into someone's chamber despite being told not to, she'll do it. I feel embarrassed about it, but I don't understand why. It's not the first time someone has barged in on me, naked and balls deep into a woman. "Prince Magnus," someone calls out as I feel a tap on my shoulder. "Yes?" I prompt, glancing towards Lord Maykel, his eyebrows raised in question. I try not to look like I was just thinking about my wife's reaction on finding out I was fucking a witch. Creed, my wolf, mocks me. That's all he seems to do these days. "Should we start the preparations?" Lord Maykel enquires in a matter-of-fact tone. I lean forward, placing my elbows on the marble table. Clearing my throat, I ask, "Preparations for?" Lord Cedric snickers, twisting the end of his beard between his fingers. "You seem shaken since the court incident, my prince. Your repulsive wife seems to have taken up all of your mind. The attention is lacking here," he taunts. Stupid human. He has the audacity to taunt me. "I apologize for my lack of attention, Lord Cedric. And I'll much appreciate it if you answer my question next time." He tilts his head, his lip twitching. I wonder how he will want to speak with a dagger jammed between his neck. Lord Maykel informs, "Preparation for Prince Kian's funeral, your highness." I shake my head. "He's not dead yet." "But he will be soon. It's a wonder he has survived this long with his limb severed by silver," Jaromir comments. His voice is pitiful. "Why would the goddess put him through such pain?" All I think of is the queen. Her heart will be shattered, and to think I'll be the one bearing the news to her. "We wait until the news of his certain death reaches us," I say, adding a sense of finality to my tone. "Make sure I'm informed first. The queen mother shouldn't hear it from a mere servant." Lord Cedric nods. Even in Eldric's absence, he won't dare jest about his son. Has my uncle got an eye hidden in these walls, watching us closely? 1/3 "What of the matter about the rogue, Prince Magnus?" Cedric questions, stirring up the settled sand again. "Has he been put down yet?" "No," is all I say. Silence lingers in the air. A disapproving one. Cedric rubs it in further. "Having a rogue imprisoned along with other prisoners is not something that anyone will call wise, I believe." I sigh, feeling the need to explain myself, although I don't understand why I have to. "There's a reason the matter was kept hidden from the court and from the council. But believe me when I say I was going to bring it up the very day my wife made it the news." I look around, making sure I meet every pair of eyes, behind which lies brains that are plotting my downfall. The slightest slip, and I can fall into the abyss of death. Just like my father did. "Hydraliths are becoming a nuisance. Corrective measures must be taken. We weren't aware until now that they could induce rogueness. But we're the first to figure that out. Not the conclave of scholars-who have nothing to do all day but look after such matters. We did it. I believe it is my responsibility to investigate further," I say, my voice certain. Another period of silence stretches, filled with nods of agreement. All except from Lord Cedric. "Our King has a panel of excellent physicians. Betas from learned families that have proven their knowledge and worth. I suggest we involve them in the investigation. Relying on some woman you've just met... we don't even know where she comes from! The King wouldn't accept this. I'm sure King Eldric would want the physicians involved," he claims. Creed laughs. "Try and get rid of this one soon,' he tells me. Lord Maykel nods in approval. "I agree." "So do I," Jaromir adds. "I agree. I agree too. I do agree, Prince." "Alright," I say, pushing the chair back and removing the sand clock that indicates the time frame for a council meeting. "I'll look into it." "I'll bring you the list," Cedric assures me. And I have to keep myself from knocking his teeth out of his skull. As I storm out of the council chamber, Alistair joins me, his strides matching mine. "Prince, I have some bad news," he delivers, wasting no time. "What is it?" I ask, not slowing down. I need to keep walking. I need to calm myself down. Alistair hesitates, something he never does, before he finally reveals, "Elara has been bitten by the rogue." Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!