The carriage door slamd shut. THUD.
Clip clop. Clip clop. Clip clop.
Draven stared out the window. Didn’t see shit. Mind racing.
The King just offered him the throne.
The fucking THRONE.
Mara sat across from him. Watching. Waiting.
Finally. "You gonna tell what happened or just brood all night?"
"King wants to be Crown Prince."
Silence. Dead silence.
Then. "WHAT."
"Yeah."
"Like. The Crown Prince. Future King. That Crown Prince?"
"That one."
"He just... offered it? To you?"
"Yep." Draven rubbed his face. Fuck. This was insane. "He Said Aldric is guilty. Investigation’s gonna prove it. He Needs a new heir. Wants to be CrownPrince."
Mara stared. "Holy shit."
"Yeah."
"What’d you say?"
"I Said I’d think about it."
She laughed. Couldn’t help it. "You told the King you’d THINK about becoming his heir?"
"What was I supposed to say? ’Yes please daddy make King’?"
"Fair point." She leaned back. Creak. "So. You thinking about it?"
"Can’t stop thinking about it."
System: HOST HOST HOST
Did that really just happen?!
The KING
Wants YOU
To be CROWN PRINCE
Future KING of the whole damn kingdom
This is INCREDIBLE ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Say yes!
ULTIMATE POWER~
"Shut up," Draven muttered. Then to Mara. "What do you think?"
"? I’m not—"
"You’re smart. Forr Inquisitor. You know politics. What’s your take?"
Mara paused. Thinking. Then. "Pros and cons."
"Hit ."
"Pro. You will get everything. Authority. Power. Military. Laws. The whole kingdom. Nobody can touch you. You’d be untouchable."
"Thats Sounds good."
"Con. Everyone will tries to kill you. Every noble house. The Church. Foreign kingdoms. Assassins every fucking day. You will have Zero freedom. Every move will be watched. Every choice will. Be scrutinized. And if the King dies early? Civil war. Guaranteed."
Fuck. Thats Also true.
System: She makes good points~
But also
KING
You’d have a HAREM of princesses
Queens from other kingdoms
Noble daughters throwing themselves at you
Royal orgies!
Just saying ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Draven pinched the bridge of his nose. "System.fuck you always do this. Not helping."
System: I’m ALWAYS helping
Helping you get LAID ♥
"What would you do?" Draven asked Mara. "If you were ?"
"Ask my family. People I trust." She gestured at herself. "I’m just so Church girl you have sex with four days ago. I don’t count."
"You count."
"Do I?" Mara looked away. Voice quieter. "I quit everything for you. Still figuring out who I am now."
Shit. Right. She was dealing with her own stuff.
"Okay," Draven said. "I’ll talk to Mother . The others. Get their opinions. Then decide."
"Smart."
"Yeah."
Carriage stopped. SQUEAK.
"Arclight estate, my lord."
Guard opened the door. CLICK. Cold night air hit them. WHOOSH.
They got out. THUMP. THUMP.
Ho.
Draven breathed deep. Tried to clear his head. Didn’t work.
Inside. Warm. Quiet. TAP TAP TAP.
Servants bowed. "Welco ho my lord. Lady Mara."
"Where’s Mother?"
"The library, my lord. Reading as always."
Of course she was. Woman lived in that library.
"Thanks."
They headed that way. TAP TAP TAP TAP. Long hallways. Paintings. Expensive shit everywhere.
Library. Three floors of books. Fireplace. CRACKLE CRACKLE. Warm. Slled like old paper and leather.
Elise sat by the fire. Red dress. Hair down. Goddamn beautiful. Book in her lap.
She looked up. Smiled. "How was the party?"
"Complicated as fuck ."
"How complicated?"
"King-offered--the-throne he wants to be future king ."
The book dropped. THUMP. Hit the floor.
Elise stared. Just... stared.
"What."
"Yeah."
"The throne. King Aldwin. Offered YOU the throne."
"Crown Prince yeah
. But yeah. Future King."
"Are you... are you fucking joking right now?"
"Nope."
She stood. Fast. RUSTLE. Walked to him. Grabbed his face. Both hands. Looked in his eyes.
"Tell you’re joking."
"Not joking."
"He actually..."
"Yep."
"And you said?"
"Well i Said I’d think about it."
Elise let go. Stepped back. Started pacing. TAP TAP TAP TAP. Fast. Thinking hard.
System: Ohhh she’s WORRIED
Look at her pacing
She knows what this ans
Political shitstorm incoming
But also~
If you’re King
She’d be Queen Mother ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Mother-son King-Queen dynamic
SCANDALOUS ♥
"System," Draven said quietly. "Read the room."
System: Fine fine
But I’m RIGHT
Mara picked up the book. Rustle. Set it on the table. Quietly.
Mara picked up the book. RUSTLE. Set it on the table. Quiet. Awkward.
Finally Elise stopped. Turned. Looked at him.
"This is enormous. You understand that?"
"Yeah."
"If you accept. Crown Prince. Future King. Ruler of everything. Every decision. Every war. Every peace. Every fucking thing. On you." Her eyes were intense. "Are you ready for that?"
Honest question. Deserved honest answer.
"I don’t know."
Elise’s face softened. Walked back. Took his hand. Held it tight. "Nobody is. Kings aren’t born ready. They just... do it. Or they fail and die."
"That’s very Super encouraging."
"I’m being real." She squeezed his hand. "You’re eighteen. S-Rank. Powerful as hell. But ruling? That’s different shit. Politics. Diplomacy. Economics. War. Managing nobles who hate you. Dealing with the Church trying to kill you. Foreign kingdoms wanting you dead."
"I can learn about it."
"Can you? While everyone’s trying to assassinate you? While noble houses rebel? While the Church declares holy war?"
Fair fucking point.
System: She’s not wrong~
Being King is HARD
But also
You’re OP
S-Rank High
Twilight core
You can handle it
Plus imagine the PERKS ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Royal harem
Claiming queens on the throne
Power and pussy ♥
Draven sat. THUMP. Chair by the fire. Elise sat too. Next to him. Mara stood nearby.
"What do you want?" Draven asked Elise. Direct.
"What I want doesn’t matter. This is your choice."
"Bullshit. You’re my mother. My lover. Your opinion matters."
She smiled. Sad smile. "If I’m honest? I don’t want you to take it."
"Why?"
"Because being King will eat you alive. Every second. Every thought. Every choice. You’ll stop being Draven. You’ll beco the Crown. The symbol. Just... authority." She touched his face. Gentle. "I don’t wanna lose you to duty."
Heavy.
Draven looked at Mara. "You said talk to family. You’re here. What’s your take?"
Mara hesitated. Then. "You’re not suited for it."
Blunt as fuck.
"Explain."
"You’re asceher,manipulater. You do what you want. Sche. Manipulate. Break rules. Take what’s yours." She gestured. "Kings can’t do that. Kings gotta follow protocol. Play politics. Balance factions. Compromise. Restrain themselves."
True.
"You’d be miserable," Mara continued. "Trapped in etings all day. Dealing with bureaucrats. Signing papers. Managing nobles. All the power in the world but can’t use it how you want."
"What if I change how Kings operate?"
"That will cause Civil war. Rebellions. Chaos." Mara shrugged. "Maybe you win. You’re strong enough. But is that what you want? Fighting constantly? Forever?"
They both make GOOD points
Elise: Too much duty
Mara: Wrong personality fit
But COUNTER-POINT
You’d have ULTIMATE POWER
Reshape the whole kingdom
YOUR way
Make your OWN rules
Be the VILLAIN KING ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
That’s pretty hot ngl~
Yeah. It was tempting.
Total power. Nobody above him. Do whatever the fuck he wanted. Change laws. Destroy enemies. Build empire.
But.
At what cost?
Draven stood. Walked to the window. TAP TAP TAP. Looked out. Dark grounds. Trees. WHOOSH. Wind.
"I need more info," he said. "Before deciding. What does Crown Prince actually an? Day to day? Responsibilities? Limits? Benefits?"
"Smart," Elise said. "Research about it first. Then Decide this later."
"Also." Draven turned. "Aldric. Vivienne said he’s planning to run. Within a week. If he runs? Proves he’s guilty. Makes the King’s choice easier."
"You wanna stop him?" Mara asked.
"Maybe. Or let him run. Either way. Need to know his plan. When. Where. How."
"Vivienne gave you her address," Elise said. Voice flat.
"She did."
"You gonna use it?"
"Yeah. She’s useful. Info. Access. Evidence." Draven t her eyes. "Political. Not romantic."
"For now," Elise said. Dry as hell.
System: Vivienne’s PART of the quest tho
Political Seduction
You seduce her
Get MASSIVE VP
Plus she’s hot
Cold rich girl aesthetic
Blonde noble beauty
Bet she’s a screar ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Just saying~
Later. Deal with that shit later.
"I’m contacting her tomorrow," Draven said. "Get intel on Aldric. His escape plan. exactly when . Resources. Then figure out what to do."
"And the throne?" Mara asked.
"Three days. I’ll research this . Think. Talk to everyone. Then decide this is big ." He looked at them both. "Fair?"
"Fair," Elise said.
"Works," Mara agreed.
[DING! QUEST UPDATE: Major Decision]
[The Crown’s Weight]
[Tiline: 3 days to decide]
[Option A: Accept throne → Crown Prince → Future King]
[Option B: Refuse throne → Stay independent → More freedom]
[Both paths have MAJOR consequences]
[Choose wisely Host~ ♥]
Draven sat back down. Tired. Long fucking day.
Elise moved. RUSTLE. Sat on his lap. Arms around his neck. "You’ll figure it out."
"Yeah."
"And whatever you choose. I’m here."
"I know." He kissed her. Quick. SMOOCH.
Mara cleared her throat. "I should... uh. Go. Let you two—"
"Stay," Elise said. Didn’t look away from Draven. "We’re just talking."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. You’re part of this now. Family etings include family."
Family. Interesting word.
Mara sat. THUMP. Across from them. Still awkward but stayed.
System: HAREM DYNAMICS
Elise accepting Mara
Building trust
Getting comfortable
Soon they’ll be SHARING you ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Threeso incoming
I can FEEL it ♥
"Okay," Draven said. "Strategy. Three days. What do I need to know?"
Elise thought. "History. Previous kings who got adopted. How it worked. What went wrong. What went right."
"Political structure," Mara added. "How much power Crown Prince has. Before becoming King. What you can do. What you can’t."
"Also about my potential Enemies," Draven said. "Who opposes . Besides obvious ones."
"Besides Aldric, Church, every noble house with grudges?" Elise counted fingers. "Foreign kingdoms. They’d see you as threat. Youngest King ever. S-Rank. Unknown. Dangerous."
"So everyone."
"Welco to royalty." Grim smile.
Fantastic.
System: Don’t stress
You’re OP rember
S-Rank High
Twilight core
System backing
Skills for days
You can handle ALL of them
VILLAIN POWWWERRR ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Maybe. But still heavy.
"Tomorrow," Draven said. "Royal library. I’ll research about kings. Adoption laws. History. All that shit."
"I’ll dig into politics," Mara said. "Current factions. Who supports the King. Who’d support you. Who’d rebel. Still got contacts. Info networks."
"I’ll talk to Duke Valerius," Elise added. "He’s been in politics forty years. Knows everything. He’ll be honest."
"Perfect." Draven stood. Elise moved with him. RUSTLE. "Three days. Full info. Then I decide."
"Logical," Elise said.
Mara stood. THUMP. "I should actually go now. Late. You two need rest."
"West guest room," Elise said. Not offering. Stating. "It’s ready."
" This IS your ho now."
Mara’s eyes got wet. "Thank you."
"Family," Elise said. Softer.
[DING! RELATIONSHIP UPDATE]
[Elise → Mara: Acceptance 25]
[Mara → Elise: Gratitude 30]
[Harem Cohesion: 45% → 60%]
[They’re bonding! ♥]
[Soon they’ll bond over YOUR DICK ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]
Mara left. TAP TAP TAP TAP. Door closed. CLICK.
Alone.
Elise looked at him. Long look. "King."
"Maybe."
"You’d be good at it. If you wanted."
"Think so?"
"Yeah. Smart. Strategic. Powerful. Charismatic. People fear you. Respect you. You make hard choices." She touched his chest. Over his heart. "You got what it takes."
"But?"
"But you wouldn’t be happy."
Truth. Raw fucking truth.
Draven pulled her close. RUSTLE. Held her. She lted.
"Three days," he said.
"Three days," she agreed.
Stood there. Quiet. Fire crackling. CRACKLE CRACKLE. Warm.
Tomorrow was research. Planning. Info gathering.
Tonight was just... this.
System: Big choices coming
Crown or freedom
Power or flexibility
Authority or independence
This shapes EVERYTHING
Your whole story
Choose wisely Host~ ♥
Yeah. He knew.
Draven closed his eyes. Breathed.
King.
Crown Prince.
Ruler.
Authority.
Prison.
Which?
Three days to decide.
Morning .
CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP.
Fucking birds. Too loud.
Draven woke. GROAN. Sunlight everywhere. WHOOSH.
Elise already up. Dressed. Reading at her desk. RUSTLE RUSTLE.
"Morning," he said. Voice rough.
"Morning." Didn’t look up. Focused.
"What’s that?"
"Royal succession laws. Started already." She held up pages. "King can adopt ANYONE. Literally anyone. Commoner. Foreigner. Criminal. Doesn’t matter. Royal decree makes them legit."
"Seriously?"
"Yep. King Aldwin’s grandfather did it. Adopted his best friend’s son. Made him Crown Prince. Worked great. Kingdom prospered." Flip flip. RUSTLE. "But great-great-grandfather adopted war hero. That guy started civil war. Tried to seize power early. Killed thousands."
"So fifty-fifty."
"Pretty much." She set papers down. "Point is. Been done. Always risky."
Draven got up. Got dressed. RUSTLE RUSTLE. Formal wear. Gotta look good.
"I’m heading to palace," he said. "Library ti."
"Mara left two hours ago. Checking contacts."
Efficient as fuck.
"You?"
"eting Duke Valerius. Noon. Lunch eting. Politics talk." Elise walked to him. Fixed his collar. RUSTLE. "Be careful. There are Eyes everywhere at palace."
"Always."
She kissed him. Deep. Claiming. SMOOCH. "Mine."
"Yours."
Sweet mont
But also GET MOVING
Three days tir
Research ti
Info = power
Let’s GOOOO ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Draven left. TAP TAP TAP. Carriage waiting outside. CLIP CLOP CLIP CLOP.
Palace district. Busy as hell. Guards. Nobles. Servants rushing around.
Royal library. CREAK. Door opened.
Massive. Five fucking floors. Thousands of books. Quiet. WHOOSH. Dust in sunlight.
Librarian ca over. Old guy. White beard down to his chest. "Lord Arclight. How may I assist?"
"Royal succession. Adoption laws. Precedents. Everything you got."
"Ah. Section three. Second floor. Follow please." TAP TAP TAP.
Climbed stairs. CREAK CREAK CREAK. Old wood.
Librarian pulled books. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. Stack growing tall.
"Succession Laws Volu One through Four. Historical Precedents. Case Studies. Royal Adoption Treaties. Political Analysis of Failed Transitions." He gestured at the pile. "This should suffice."
"Thanks."
"Ring bell if you need more my lord." Left. TAP TAP TAP.
Draven sat. THUMP. Opened first book. RUSTLE.
Started reading.
Boring as fuck.
But necessary.
System: RESEARCH MONTAGE TI
Let summarize for you~
Because this is DRY stuff
Royal Adoption Success Rate: 60%
6 out of 10 worked fine
4 ended in disaster (civil war, assassination, rebellions, coups)
Requirents:
King’s decree (you got this - he offered)
Noble support (need 70% - UNCERTAIN)
Church blessing (LMAO NOPE - they hate you)
Military backing (maybe - you’re S-Rank so soldiers like you)
Powers of Crown Prince:
Command royal guard (500 soldiers)
Sit on royal council (voting power)
Issue minor decrees (King can veto tho)
Control so budget (with approval)
Lead military campaigns (if King says okay)
Limitations:
Can’t make laws alone
Can’t declare war
Can’t fire nobles
Can’t change taxes
Basically King’s bitch until he dies
Dangers:
Every noble house becos enemy or target
Church escalates to full war
Foreign kingdoms send assassins
Internal rebellions
Constant security needed
Soone tries to kill you DAILY
You get SO power
Not FULL power
Until King dies
Then EVERYTHING is yours
But EVERYONE tries to kill you
Worth it? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Draven closed books. THUMP.
Heavy shit. But good info.
He needed more though. Needed to know what Aldric was doing. His escape plan.
Ti to use Vivienne’s card.
Pulled it out. RUSTLE. Fancy paper. Gold trim. Elegant handwriting.
Corvus Estate. West Quarter. Private entrance. Co tonight.
Yeah. He was going.
[DING! QUEST PROGRESS: Political Seduction]
[Next step: Contact Vivienne]
[Gather intel on Aldric’s escape]
[WARNING: Entering enemy territory]
[Rewards: Information Seduction progress VP]
[She’s WAITING for you~ ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)*
Draven pocketed the card. RUSTLE. Stood. THUMP. Left library. TAP TAP TAP.
Three days to decide.
Two and a half left.
Clock ticking.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
———
you like it support with power stones, golden tickets etc . your support are appreciated 👏 💐 🥳 💛 ✨️
User Comments
0 comments from readers