for legal reasons, i do not condone theft [part 2]

by avantika verma

It was on a particularly breezy autumn night that Aster found himself standing patiently outside the King’s study, slightly confused.

“Come in, Aster.” Aster opened the door, entering the room. As usual, not a thing was out of place, every book lined up in alphabetical order. He opted to ignore the King’s use of his real name instead of his nickname, making his way over to the King and bowing.

“My King, you called for me?” The King waved his hand in a sort of dismissal, and the prince stood up straight. On his way here, he’d run over every scenario in his head, trying to imagine why he’d been to suddenly called to the study; He’d ensured every servant had been paid their half-yearly salary, he’d allocated all the funds as the King had instructed, and the newspapers were filled with nothing but praise for the brothers.

So what had he done this time? As far as Aster was aware, there were no guests arriving at the palace for the next month, save for a few of the poorer noblemen, who were being handled by one of the ministers. Perhaps the King had nitpicked Aster’s work for an excuse to take his anger out on him again-

He shook his head slightly. It was rude of him to think so resentfully of his majesty when the man was simply ensuring everything ran perfectly.

“I recently received a letter from the Emperor of the Hollow Empire,” The King began, and Aster blinked in surprise. Emperor Kieren? “We have been invited to the celebration for the Paris prince’s coming of age.” 

Oh.

It wasn’t as though the two territories were on bad terms, but they didn’t have the friendliest of histories, and were both situated on opposite ends of the continent. There wasn’t much reason for them to be invited to such an event, especially when it would usually be limited to allies and nobles.

Realizing that the King was staring at him expectantly, the dark-haired boy cleared his throat. “Understood. Would you like me to send delegates over to-”

“No, Aster, I want you to go.” The King cut in, catching Aster by surprise once more. He opened his mouth to speak, but his brother beat him to it. “Do not worry about your work. I can handle it, and if not, my aide can assist me. This is our first opportunity in almost a decade to visit the Hollow Empire, and I would prefer to send someone I can trust.”

‘The King trusts me.’ A small smile bloomed on Aster’s face at the indirect praise, though it was quickly wiped away and replaced with indifference before the King could notice. It was unbecoming for a prince to show excitement, after all.

He nodded. “I would be more than pleased to go, as long as your highness doesn’t mind.”

“Please, Aster, I’m the one who suggested you go in the first place. Why would I mind?” The ginger remarked dryly, and Aster’s face went hot in embarrassment.

“Of course, my King. Apologies.”

The King took a sip from a glass of what he could assume was water, and set it down. “Oh, and, I just have one more request for you before you retire for the night.” Aster nodded expectantly, and the man leaned forward.

“I want you to take the Holy Gemstone from the Empire.”