King Theodore sat tall on the golden throne of Eldoria. The gold inlaid arms gleamed under the chandeliers, but the old man's eyes weren't on the wealth around him. His gaze swept the ballroom once, twice. Nobles in velvet and silk, ministers with their polished smiles, foreign dignitaries calculating every word. The royal orchestra played a waltz, soft and steady, but the king didn't hear it. His grandson's seat was empty. A crease formed on the old king's brow, deep enough to make the butler beside him shift uncomfortably. "Where is the prince?" Theodore's voice was low, meant only for the man at his shoulder. "Any moment now, Your Majesty," the butler replied, bowing low. "His Highness sent word he was en route." The king grunted, unconvinced. Before the butler could retreat, a voice rolled through the hall from the main entrance. Deep. Confident. Familiar. "Happy birthday, Grandpa." Every head turned. Prince Albert stood at the top of the marble aisle, framed b
Last Updated : 2026-06-25 Read more