Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 33: It is about pride.

Chapter 33: Chapter 33: It is about pride.

The large dining hall buzzed with conversation as nobles from both Aetherlyn and Drakonia sat around the long dining table. But the atmosphere between them was anything but harmonious, there was a calculating gaze everywhere and a hint of substle pride in their eyes, like another party was beneath them.

King Alaric of Aetherlyn sat at one end of the table, his face lined with the stern expression he always wore in political matters. Across from him, King Rhyzar of Drakonia seemed more relaxed, but beneath that casual demeanor, there was an unmistakable sense of authority.

The two kings had been exchanging pleasantries for some time now, but it was clear that beneath their words lay a subtle competition.

"Of course, we’ve seen remarkable growth in our trade routes," King Alaric said with a smug expression while taking a small delebrate sip from his goblet. "Our relations with the southern territories have been nothing short of a triumph. The people of Aetherlyn are reaping the benefits of our success."

King Rhyzar nodded, though the glint in his eyes suggested he wasn’t impressed. "Ah, yes, southern trade. Drakonia has also experienced great prosperity, especially with the northern mines. The wealth from our silver and gold reserves alone has strengthened our kingdom’s position tenfold."

A chuckle rippled through the table, but the underlying tension between the kings was hard to miss. It wasn’t just about trade or wealth—it was about pride. Each king wanted to prove their kingdom’s superiority, and neither was willing to back down.

Queen Selena, who was sitting beside King Alaric, smiled thinly and cast a glance toward Prince Vincent, who was seated further down the table. "Prince Vincent," she began with her voice light but laced with intent, "you’ve grown into quite the figure of leadership, haven’t you? Your presence alone commands attention."

Vincent’s eyes flickered toward her, a small, polite smile gracing his lips. He nodded but said nothing, his attention clearly elsewhere. His gaze drifted across the table toward Prince Dorian, who had been silently observing the entire exchange, his goblet of wine in hand. Their eyes met briefly—but they said nothing.

Dorian was not interested in taking part in this political talk, where every word from their mouth was nothing but obvious lies. He merely took another sip from his goblet, watching the interaction with quiet intensity.

Across from him, Consort Seraphina’s daughter, Lady Sanadi, was clearly trying to catch Vincent’s attention. Her eyes darted toward him several times, and her cheeks were tinged with a soft blush as she admired the Drakonian prince. Despite her best efforts to remain composed, her gaze kept wandering back to Vincent, though he seemed entirely uninterested.

Beside her, Consort Seraphina noticed her daughter’s glances and, leaning in slightly, whispered, "Do not be too obvious, Sanadi. You are making it worse." Her words, though, seem to be reprimand to her daughter, but it seems as if she already saw her daughter paired with the powerful prince. Lady Sanadi, flushed even more, nodded, trying to focus on the conversation at hand.

Further down the table, Consort Elara nudged her son, Prince Adrian, who had been absent-mindedly staring off into space. "Adrian, do pay attention," she hissed, her smile never faltering in front of the other nobles, but her words were sharp as ever. "It is important to make a good impression."

Adrian snapped out of his thoughts, blinking rapidly as he nodded. "Of course, mother," he mumbled, straightening in his seat. Elara then began to loudly praise her son’s recent accomplishments in the royal court, speaking of his intelligence and his many contributions, even if half of them were exaggerated. Adrian winced at his mother’s boasting, but remained silent, knowing better than to interrupt her.

The table is filled with murmurs and glances, shifting its focus back and forth between the two kingdoms. It was a delicate dance of politics, where every word had to be weighed, every glance measured.

Queen Selena continued her subtle comments directed toward Prince Vincent, her voice dripping with praise. "My daughter," she said while looking at Princess Aurelia with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, " She has been raised to understand the importance of loyalty and duty. She has shown great promise in all matters of court and kingdom. A fitting companion for someone as accomplished as Prince Vincent, don’t you think?"

Princess Aurelia, seated beside her mother, kept her head down, her hands folded in her lap as she politely nodded. She didn’t seem pleased with her mother’s words, but she knew better than to speak out of turn. Her mind, however, was elsewhere, focused on the fact that the draconian prince was staring at her like this. She couldn’t explain what the feeling was, but there seemed to be a dull ache in her heart, and her heart trembled whenever her eyes met his. The only thing she wants is to disappear from here.

However, Vincent remained unfazed. He turned to glance at Queen Selena but only gave a noncommittal smile. His mind was elsewhere too, he was more interested in something else. Vincent continued looking at Prince Dorian.

As if sensing the tension, Prince Dorian’s fingers tightened around his goblet, but his face remained unreadable. His sharp, protective gaze didn’t go unnoticed by Vincent. The Drakonian prince leaned back in his chair, giving Dorian a slight, almost mocking smirk.time

Vincent would not dare it, if it were his Lord, but knowing the Lord and Dorian have the same body, he feels like he was challenging his Lord, after all, his Lord also had given him tough times, now it’s finally revenge time.

The silent competition between the two princes was palpable. Dorian’s eyes narrowed just for a fraction, but he didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, he simply continued to drink from his goblet, and maintained his composure. But Vincent knew—Dorian didn’t appreciate the lingering attention he gave to Aurelia, whether it was intentional or not.

But Vincent find it quiet amusing to challenge Dorian, after all this opportunity did not come every day. And who know when will his supreme Lord will take domination on the body.

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