Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Branock
“Would you care to explain what that was all about?” my father asked, glowering at me as he threw his cane behind his desk and crossed his arms.
I scrubbed my hand at the scruff on my chin, guilt mingling with my vexation.
We’d had this argument before. I still didn’t understand why they were forcing this onto Evadine Faelan and me, when it was obvious neither of us wanted an arranged marriage.
Just thinking about the way she looked at me made my hand curl into a ball at my side.
“I’m sorry, Father. But you know how I feel about this charade.
” I pointed toward the closed door of his office.
“And I shouldn’t be eating finger sandwiches and drinking tea with some girl I barely know.
I want to be out there. Seeing the empire.
Learning what I’m supposed to be doing for our people.
You say you want to prepare me to take over the throne, and yet I’m not allowed to step foot outside the palace without an army of guards. ”
He sighed, his shoulders dropping slightly. “Branock, you know why we must be careful. The last time you—”
“Not this again,” I grumbled. “The man was beating his son. What was I supposed to do, stand there and watch?”
“You are the heir to the Veridian Empire, son. You cannot make examples of our citizens out of anger! There are ways that we uphold the law, ways that we keep our people accountable, that don’t involve publicly thrashing strangers on the side of the road.”
I twisted my lips, feeling shame creep up my neck.
I knew what I’d done two years ago was ill-advised.
I knew my temper got the best of me at times.
But I’d been barely twenty years old, practically a boy with an ego the size of the palace.
When I saw things that were so blatantly unjust, when I saw people in my empire being treated wrongfully, I just… reacted.
My father sighed again and put a frail hand on my shoulder.
I met his gaze, taking in the faint gray patches of hair shadowing his chin.
“Listen, Bran. Your mother and I know you. We know you have a big heart. That’s going to aid you in ruling this empire, but it must be honed.
It must be disciplined and directed effectively.
And take it from someone who knows—you won’t get there on your own,” he said with a wry chuckle.
“We all need someone to keep us in line. That young woman in there isn’t an obstacle we’re throwing in your path.
She’s someone we think can help you lead our people. ”
I looked away and shifted my jaw. I didn’t want help.
I wanted to act. The capital had already spread wild rumors about me and the kind of emperor I’d be after that spectacle—rash, cruel, temperamental.
I wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted to prove I wasn’t the immature boy on a rampage they painted me as.
I was a man who looked out for the defenseless, who desired justice and fairness, who wanted to make others feel safe and protected.
At least, that was who I wanted to be. I still had a long way to go.
I took a deep breath. “I understand, Father. I want to be better, I just…” I swallowed hard. “I wish you’d show that you had some faith in me. I’m not the same kid I was two years ago. Give me a chance.”
His gaze softened. “I know you aren’t, Bran.” He paused for a moment, then released me and slowly walked to his desk. Examining a piece of parchment lying on top, he said, “Do you really want that chance?”
Curiosity sparked inside of me. “What’s that?”
“The Royal Guard received intel that there’s a rogue Alchemist developing illegal potions to sell on the black market.
Hallucinogens, dreamwalking serums, other concoctions that haven’t been tested by the Veridian Alchemy Division.
People have reported their loved ones taking some and never waking up, or having wild hallucinations that put them in danger.
We need to find this Alchemist and bring him in for questioning. ”
“And you want me to go?” I asked, unable to stop my grin.
He nodded, and my excitement grew. Until he added, “You and Lady Faelan.”
My lips fell. “You’re kidding.”
“I don’t kid, my son,” he said with a beam.
I scowled. “You’re really proud of yourself for this one, aren’t you?”
“It’s perhaps my best idea to date,” he said jovially. He grabbed his cane and swung an arm across my shoulders. “Now, what was that you said about finger sandwiches and tea?”