Chapter 194: _Embodiment Of Drama Lucian’s POV
He couldn’t remember much about Elian Ashford. Okay, scratch that... He couldn’t remember anything about him at all. All he could do was sense the mate bond thrumming like a heartbeat between them, guiding him to the ultimate truth of his being connected to the Omega. Oh, and he also couldn’t remember who the heck captured him and almost killed him with that explosion... But at this point, that should be a side story. Not being able to remember anything about the man who was supposed to be his soul mate was messing with his psyche in more ways than one. Especially after all his sister told him: "No offence, but you were a real jerk to Elian." Aurora had said when he came back to Lunaria, folding her arms in front of her chest like a scolding mother. "You used your disdain toward Omegas and commoners to treat him like shit every chance you got." "But... But I can’t remember doing any of that." Lucian had responded, words which his sister scoffed silently at. "Something’s definitely off with this whole amnesia situation happening with you... But it doesn’t delete what you did." She retorted. "And poor Elian has to live with all that and the trauma that came with it. But I’ve got good news!" She walked closer to him, a sly smirk on her face.
He couldn’t remember much about Elian Ashford. Okay, scratch that... He couldn’t remember anything about him at all. All he could do was sense the mate bond thrumming like a heartbeat between them, guiding him to the ultimate truth of his being connected to the Omega. Oh, and he also couldn’t remember who the heck captured him and almost killed him with that explosion... But at this point, that should be a side story. Not being able to remember anything about the man who was supposed to be his soul mate was messing with his psyche in more ways than one. Especially after all his sister told him: "No offence, but you were a real jerk to Elian." Aurora had said when he came back to Lunaria, folding her arms in front of her chest like a scolding mother. "You used your disdain toward Omegas and commoners to treat him like shit every chance you got." "But... But I can’t remember doing any of that." Lucian had responded, words which his sister scoffed silently at. "Something’s definitely off with this whole amnesia situation happening with you... But it doesn’t delete what you did." She retorted. "And poor Elian has to live with all that and the trauma that came with it. But I’ve got good news!" She walked closer to him, a sly smirk on her face.
Lucian might not be able to recall anything about his mate, but he could recall damn well how mischievous his sister could be.
And she proceeded to prove that soon enough.
"You have to treat Elian like a prince now," Aurora remarked, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Make him feel... Wanted. Since you’ve done the opposite of that since the mate bond was activated."
Lucian’s jaw had tightened but he silently took her advice.
He at least thought Elian deserved that kindness from him.
How could he not treat him like a precious egg when he stayed by his side while he recovered?
So, a new goal for him: Treat Elian Ashford like the gift he was.
Shouldn’t be hard, right?
.
.
"Oh, come now, uncle. You can’t keep pretending forever." When Lucian heard those words roll off the Rogue king’s mouth so casually, his mind shifted.
The event hall stilled and everyone present stared at Kyren and Arian like they were stars fallen from the sky.
Lucian flicked his eyes to Aurora who lowered her head awkwardly.
Not in shock. Not confusion. Just awkward like someone who knew about this all along and was embarrassed now that it was out in the—
Hold up...
"Aurora." Lucian blurted, breaking the tension with his voice. "So, you... You knew about this as well?"
His sister’s silver eyes gleamed with guilt at first but she soon steeled her gaze. "Yes, but Dad said I should keep it a secret. For good reasons."
A few staff members still lingered at the extreme ends of the hall, focused on arranging seats and placing decorations.
But Lucian knew this could blow up quickly if anyone else heard it.
"Out. All of you!" He boomed, his voice rippling through the air alongside his aura.
The servants stiffened with fear but moved within seconds, rushing out of the hall like their lives depended on it.
When they were all out, Lucian dragged his eyes to his father, who now seemed ashamed.
"Kyren Nochthane is our half-cousin." Lucian drawled, taking slow steps closer to his old man. "And you didn’t think it was something the rest of us should know?"
Arian’s expression was calm, his eyes locked on Lucian despite the accusatory tone. "Boy, like I told Aurora... It’s a secret that couldn’t be let out. Can’t you see how it sounds? The Rogue king being of Lunarian royal blood?"
Lucian’s fists curled but he didn’t say anything, even when Arian went on.
"It would’ve caused anarchy that’ll spill throughout the entire continent. I—"
"I’m guessing my father was the older one between you two." Kyren interrupted with an amused chuckle. "That would mean he technically has a claim to the throne of Lunaria. And so do I."
The Rogue king brought his crimson eyes to Lucian, his lips curling into a smirk.
But Lucian was far from amused.
"You kept a secret involving my birth right away from me all these years." He faced his father yet again, this time with blazing emotions. "Then you just let it out to my sister while still keeping me in the dark."
Aurora furrowed her brows, stretching her right hand trying to get a hold of him. "Lucian, it’s nothing like that at all—"
But Lucian shifted away from her hold, glaring at all of them.
"Oh, but it is, sister." The Alpha Prince was livid. "As long as I live, I’ll always be second place to my own father. It’s happened multiple times with Beta Axel so I’m not that surprised that it’s happening with you as well."
As he spoke, his eyes settled on Elian momentarily.
The o—His mate. His other half.
Elian’s violet eyes shone with worry, concern and a plethora of other things.
Lucian couldn’t help feeling immense guilt seeing that look from him. He couldn’t help getting repulsed by the vulnerability he felt.
Why in the ever-living fuck was he repulsed by it? Was all his sister said about his view on Omegas really true?
"Lucian." The Luna Queen, his mother, walked toward him. "Let’s not let this disrupt things between us. I know your father isn’t the best—"
Lucian really wanted to hear her out. But the fact that she was defending her husband even though she knew first-hand how manipulative he was... Made him sick.
"Mother, please." Lucian raised his right hand, stopping her from doing anything more. "I’ll be retiring to my chambers. We’ll all see during the masquerade ball."
He was just about to turn away from them but then paused when he saw Elian’s face.
His mate’s scent lingered in his nose like incense. And that face...
By the goddess, that face should be able to topple kingdoms.
"I’m sorry you have to deal with the embodiment of drama, that is my family, Elian." He finally said with a wry smile.
As Lucian turned and walked away, he thought he felt a headache coming in. A headache which trailed alongside flashes of memories he couldn’t collect clearly yet.
Gods help him... Tonight was going to be a long one with his newly discovered half-cousin present.