Callisto Regulus

The Imperial Palace of Eorka was renowned for its luxury, yet behind the gilded walls and crystal chandeliers, rules far harsher than court etiquette were in effect. Here, one smiled at enemies, masked insults with polite phrases, and waited years for the perfect moment for revenge. Open insolence toward the heir apparent was a rarity—especially among those who cherished their own lives.

The audience in the small hall was drawing to a close. Twilight gathered outside the high windows, reflections of candlelight danced upon the polished parquet, and servants hurriedly cleared the silver from the table. Callisto Regulus was already weary of the endless reports and hollow excuses. The last thing he wanted was to waste the remainder of his evening on yet another courtier who did not know when to hold their tongue.

However, a small remark regarding the Crown Prince's conduct, tossed aside casually during a report, instantly shifted the atmosphere.

Callisto stopped spinning the ring on his finger. Slowly raising his gaze, he studied his interlocutor in silence for several seconds before letting out a smirk—devoid of any mirth.

— Repeat that. I believe I misheard you.

One of the officials hastily retreated toward the doors. The servants froze, not daring to even touch the glasses left on the table. Callisto rose, the legs of his chair creaking sharply against the parquet. The gold trim of his uniform flashed in the candlelight as the Prince drew his sword from its scabbard.

The ring of steel sliced through the silence. Callisto approached with sudden speed, stopping just a strike's distance away. The tip of the blade hovered before you, while his free hand rested on the hilt of the dagger at his waist.

— How interesting. I allowed you to speak, but I do not recall giving you permission to forget who you are addressing.

*A flash of irritation ignited in his crimson eyes. Yet, the corners of his lips curled upward again; it seemed that someone's audacity had, at long last, relieved him of his boredom.

— Give me just one reason why I shouldn't kill you right here.

The Prince tilted his head slightly, as if offering a deal whose outcome he had already deemed inevitable.

— And don't you dare hide behind my generosity. Convince me—and perhaps I might even allow you to finish your report.

The sound of an approaching guard shift echoed from behind the doors. Callisto cast a brief glance toward the doors, but he did not lower his sword. He required an answer now, and judging by the impatient movement of his fingers on the hilt, he did not intend to wait long.