Pride is something that can lead us to great heights when flattered, but it can also be a huge wall when wounded. He is able to prevent you from going into a world of possibilities when he holds your feet in place.
Lucian knew that Magnus had not done it out of malice, that it was something related to his work and was a matter of utmost importance. It was understandable, indeed, but he had the right to be angry. After all, it was his honeymoon.
It was one thing for them to travel to the mine and solve a problem, since it was close and they would spend only one day of that trip. Lucian could very well enjoy the remaining days with his husband, and everything would be fine.
Now, dedicate the whole trip to work...
Lucian did not like it at all.
So his pride trapped him behind his wall and began to ignore Magnus and Cadec, who were talking near the fireplace. Lucian just took a book and sat on the chair on the balcony and read without really being interested in the story. Just to think that he would always remember that honeymoon as a disaster for having fought with Magnus already left a bitter taste in his mouth.
It seems that men remained obtuse regardless of time and space.
After getting tired of reading the book, Lucian left his room and went to venture through the hotel. He knew that avoiding Magnus would only add to a small problem. Basically he was running away from talking about his own feelings and how frustrated he felt. Only that it was still an escape route he took.
At least Lucian managed to clear his mind a little by observing the common area of the hotel and seeing an entire wall being dedicated to tell the story of the Baydenn Port and the hotel. Not that Lucian was genuinely interested, but...
Crossing his arms, he stood there ignoring the curious glances. Probably everyone recognized him now. Everyone knew that he was the Roveaven's Eighth Prince, the one who remained untouched in his own palace for years, leaving only to marry the sole Grand Duke of the Empire.
Lucian could even hear the whispers full of gossip.
Still, he stood staring at the paintings on the wall.
Would your pride have imprisoned shame too?
"Lucian."
Looking over his shoulder, the prince saw his older brother approaching. He was not happy to see him so soon, although it's been a while since he left the room.
"Have you finished?"
"Yes. And I'm sorry, once again, for interfering with your trip. It wasn't my intention."
"Intentionally or not, you've already screwed up."
The cold response of the younger prince made Cadec sigh low. He even reached out his hand about to caress Lucian's shoulder, but the coldness in Lucian's expression made him hesitate. Lucian was angry, and chose to show his irritation with indifference. A blow as sharp as a sword.
"Please, I understand you're angry with me, but don't extend your anger to Magnus. We are following our father's orders."
"I'm not asking for explanations now, am I?" Lucian looked at him again "Should I be angry with the Emperor? Which one of you three lacked some kind of sense in your head?"
"It is a matter of utmost importance for our Empire. Our father certainly knows this and also felt very much when he gave the order to Magnus, but..."
"Oh of course, I forgot that absolutely nobody really cares about what I feel or think. After all, I'm the renegade."
Cadec's eyes narrowed. Lucian would throw on the table the fact that he was a prince abandoned and forgotten by all. He was keen to see that expression full of remorse and guilt on the face of those who said they loved him with all their might. The place that Lucian is today was purely driven by his own desire to survive.
If it wasn't for that, not even Magnus Grimwood would care about Lucian.
The First Prince stepped forward, whispering to his younger brother. That intense presence that made anyone tremble in front of him certainly took a few drops of sweat from Lucian. However, the Eighth Prince remained still and with a cold face, pride embracing his stubbornness not to lower his head for anyone.
"Don't say that. It's a fallacy, since you were the one who got away from everyone and never allowed us to get close."
"And it's clear why." Taking a few steps back, Lucian crossed his arms. "I hope I don't have to see you again, because this was the second time you ruined something that was important to me."
And so he turned his back, taking firm steps of the purest irritation. His will was only to leave Cadec behind thinking about what he did wrong, but it was too much to ask that the people of the imperial palace really give such importance to the matter. I mean, did they really care about Lucian? Do they really realize how much they were ruining his life?
Probably not.
Before he actually left the hotel lobby to return to his room, Cadec held his wrist firmly.
"Can we talk in private? I think it's time you heard something."
Lucian didn't want to hear anything, however Cadec held his wrist strongly hinting that it was not a really friendly request. Without much choice, he just followed the First Prince to an empty rest room, where Cadec did not delay in resuming the matter when his brother closed the door.
"I know I was wrong about the duel. But I must say this was Magnus' idea and not mine."
The prince sighed heavily holding strongly the will to roll his eyes.
"I find it kind of hard to believe when what you did was witnessed by many people."
"I'm just saying that it was all staged... at the request of Magnus."
The diamond eyes widened slightly of unbelief.
"What? As if it was... some kind of circus show?"
"That's right. Magnus was worried about who would have sent the mercenaries after you. So if the intention was some ally because of the throne, surely the person would appear to think that I and Magnus were fighting."
It made some sense, thought Lucian. Because in fact he was now the most advantageous person to have after being married. The one with the best connections, especially after Skyler pointed him as Saint. With Cadec out of play, the villain would seize the opportunity. And even started to move, sending people to sneak your mine.
Even so...
"Are you telling me, then, that your fight was a mere performance? And that all this time you were still talking to each other?"
"It's hard not to keep in touch because of work" Cadec crossed his arms "We only avoid each other socially to feed the rumors, otherwise nothing has changed."
"Do you think telling me now will make me feel better?"
"I don't want you to think that Magnus is being selfish or that he doesn't care about you, Lucian. He is the one who is leading all the investigations that may be related to his almost kidnapping. And from what I heard this morning, it seems that there were other dangers around you."
"Other dangers?"
"I heard about the inspector of your mine."
So he already knew. Well, it was to be expected. Cadec and Magnus were great commanders of the imperial army, each having their own squad. It was natural that they would tell each other about work matters. However, Lucian felt a little left out. I mean, damn it happened the day before! How did they manage to put the conversation in day so fast?! Lucian could only imagine how much those two were exchanging information while pretending not to talk to each other.
"Sure, I'm very grateful for the help", Lucian whispered looking away ."However, it doesn't change the fact that I'm the only one who really cares about this moment. What was to be my moment of happiness with my husband is being used as a front for... secret missions."
It was getting harder and harder not to feel bad about your little tantrum. However, the wounded pride was still standing, trembling and about to fall. Your brother must have noticed in his expression, and considered it a chance to approach Lucian and stroke his head lightly.
"Lucian, I would never harm you. I know that I got carried away by my duties to our Empire, and that this caused a huge rupture in our relationship. But I would never harm my brother."
Why did that bastard have to have such a warm and comfortable hand? Lucian found himself unexpectedly feeling good with that touch.
When their eyes met, Lucian felt something tingling inside his chest and spread through his body. In mind, he had a glimpse of playing in front of a mirror when he was a child next to another child with features similar to Cadec. The two hand in hand as they ventured into the toys with a third child who looked younger.
And just like the time he saw a memory of the Eighth Prince at the touch of Cassander, Lucian felt that nausea and sweat arising when he saw another memory showing that in the past, Cadec and Lucian were really very close and happy, with a third brother whom Lucian did not know at all.