I noticed the crown prince who seemed drunk stood up and walked out from his seat, with all eyes on him, walking along with the table in slow stride, as if trying to increase the tension and suspense of what he was about to say.
"Am sure everyone has heard of the rumor of our dearest brother, being a demon, the sworn destroyer of humanity. What do you think? It's not like I am trying to berate our dearest younger brother but why does he wear a mask? What is he hiding?" He said, cruel mirth and intention clear his voice and glare.
I could see the usually composed and calm Briareus eyes were beginning to be filled with rage, Briareus kept clenching his fist under the table.
"Your Highness the crown prince, just as you have said it's just a rumor, and am sure he has his reasons for the mask." I replied.
I didn't know what came over me, but I didn't care if he was the crown prince or not, and simply defended Briareus. It was a strange feeling and protectiveness I didn't understand.
As the tension simmered in the air, the Crown Prince leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing maliciously. "Just a rumor, you say? But rumors often have a way of having a shred of truth, don't they especially with such ominous mask he often wears?" he sneered.
Before I could respond, Briareus interjected, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Brother, why must you persist in a baseless accusation?" He said trying to keep a calm and composed demeanor, but only seemed to fuel the Crown Prince's animosity.
"Basement accusation you say? Surely we all know what's truly baseless and whatnot." The Crown Prince's voice dripped with bitterness and resentment.
I could feel the tension escalating, and I knew I had to tread carefully. "Your Highness, it is not right to place value on rumors. The matters of your brother are a private affair."
The Crown Prince's eyes flashed with anger. "Private affair? Our brother's heritage is a matter of public interest, especially if it tarnishes the reputation of our esteemed bloodline."
Briareus' eyes remained stoic, but his grip on the table betrayed his inner rage. "My heritage, as well as my reputation, should be of no concern to anyone."
The Crown Prince's nostrils flared, his frustration palpable. "Well, we shall see, won't we?"
The crown prince had a scrutinizing glare, but he probably wasn't going to give up that easily. He was probably thinking of insult and mockery to make of his brother Briareus.
Even if he was the crown and Briareus elder brother, he still had no right to say such things in front of everyone.
"Have you forgotten Briareus? Even your own mother didn't want you and abandoned you after she gave birth to you,"He suddenly added.
His words struck a chord in my ears, my eyes widened in shock. I couldn't believe what he had just said. Was the crown prince out of his mind? How could he utter something so cruel and wicked to his own brother?
I felt Briareus's entire body tensed up at that moment, ready to dash right at the crown prince, even if he made cruel taunts at me I wouldn't have said anything but to Briareus I felt the urge to protect him from doing something regrettable.
I quickly reached out under the table and gently laid my hand atop Briareus, I could tell he was about to spring up, to stop and counter his brothers actions.
The room fell into a heavy silence as all eyes turned towards Briareus and the Crown Prince. Briaeus's fiery eyes transformed to anger. My heart ached for him, knowing the pain he must be feeling at that moment.
With a deep breath, Briareus pulled his hand away from mine and rose from his seat. His voice was laced with a mixture of coldness and anger as he addressed his brother. "How can you speak such words, brother? We may not always see eye to eye, but I never expected you to stoop this low."
The Crown Prince's expression hardened, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "It's time you faced the truth, Briareus. The rumors won't go away, neither the fact even your own mother abandoned you, no matter how much you try to hide them." His voice dripped with venomous triumph.
Briareus's eyes flashed with defiance. "The truth is what we choose to believe in, brother."
The Crown Prince scoffed dismissively, his arrogance reaching new heights. "Truth and belive? Tell me, Briareus, where was this truth and belive when our mother abandoned you? When father cast you aside?" His words hung heavy in the air, poisoning the atmosphere with bitterness.
I couldn't bear to see Briareus being subjected to such emotional torment. Rising to my feet, I stepped forward, my voice firm and unwavering.
"Your Highness, should I?" I said in a challenging tone, clear mock sweetness laced in my voice.
The room fell into a heavy silence as both brothers turned their attention towards me. Briaeus's eyes softened with gratitude while the Crown Prince's gaze held a mix of annoyance and surprise.
I continued, my voice unwavering. "Prince Briareus deserves respect and loyalty, regardless of rumors. I thought it was our duty as family to stand by one another and protect each other's honor."
The Crown Prince clenched his jaw, unwilling to back down. Yet, there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, a momentary glimpse of hesitation. Without uttering another word, he turned on his heel and stormed towards his seat.
As the room gradually returned to normalcy, I turned towards Lucian, offering a comforting smile.