After asking about my age, the king turned back to Ray and spoke again, this time with a mix of calm and seriousness. "Ray, I need to talk about this with your mother, brother, and sister. This isn't something I can just decide on the spot. You get what this means, right? And it's good he hasn't even gone through the ceremony of keys yet "
Ray didn't answer right away, but his eyes never left me. There was this silent promise in his gaze that I couldn't quite figure out.
I just stood there, my face as blank as always. Why do they care so much? I wondered. This whole scene felt like complete chaos over something I didn't even understand. But again the ceremony of keys the name that I had heard when I was inthat ancient place..and now I was getting curious about even more ! But for now i could afford to question anyone
The room stayed tense, heavy with things nobody was saying, while the king's decision hung over us like a storm cloud.
"It's almost noon. Let's eat together," the king announced, his deep voice cutting through the room with authority. "Until then, wait here."
His sharp gaze flicked to Valenor, who gave a subtle nod, clearly understanding some unspoken command.
I broke the silence with a question that came out cold but respectful. "What... what is Royal Adoption?"
The king's eyes shifted to me briefly, his expression were unreadable like a flat piece of paper. Instead of answering, he turned back to Valenor with that same commanding look. Valenor gestured for me to follow him without saying a word.
As I started following, taking delebrate and measured steps, but suddenly Ray's voice rang out, stopping the king in his tracks.
"Father! Where are you taking him?" Ray asked, concern obvious in his voice.
The king turned slowly, his calm demeanor unchanged. His tone carried the weight of authority as he replied, "Like I said, he reeks of blood, Ray. And look at him he hasn't bathed in days. I've simply ordered for him to be cleaned up."
His words were blunt but didn't seem mean-spirited, just matter-of-fact. Satisfied with his explanation, the king kept walking, his cape sweeping the floor behind him.
Valenor led me out of the room, the air thick with tension. As we reached the doorway, Ray's voice broke through once more.
This time, he was talking to me.
Ray's lips curved into a bright smile, his tone warm and oddly cheerful despite the heavy atmosphere. "Don't worry! My father is much kinder than he looks. He won't hurt you."
I turned my head slightly, my expression as blank similar to my voice completely " Is this entire family crazy? " I thought. " And how the hell do I belong with this idiot? "
Without saying anything, I kept walking, my footsteps echoing faintly in the huge halls.
The path through the castle was this grand display of art and wealth. The walls were covered with intricate carvings, and the golden chandeliers above cast warm light over the cold marble floors. But I kept my gaze straight ahead, not really caring about all the fancy stuff around me.
Eventually, we got to these massive double doors. They were huge, carved with elaborate designs that screamed power, authority, and centuries of history.
Valenor stopped and turned to face me. His voice was formal but had this subtle warning in it. "This is the grand hall. Wait here for further instructions."
I nodded slightly, my face showed no emotion. Still, my mind was spinning with questions I couldn't ask out loud. " What exactly is this 'Royal Adoption'? Why am I here? "
As Valenor opened the doors and stepped inside, leaving me standing alone, I stared at those enormous doors. Despite all the mystery and weight of the situation, my face stayed as blank as ever, even though there was this silent storm brewing underneath.
I stood there in stunned silence, my eyes scanning the guest room in front of me. I had expected something, but this... was way beyond anything I could have imagined. The room seemed to breathe with luxury and grandeur.
Valenor, standing at the door, paused and spoke in his usual calm tone. "I'll send some servants to clean you up. I'll be back in an hour."
With that, Valenor turned and headed back the way we came, his footsteps echoing as he walked away.
I stepped further into the room, still trying to take in all the luxurious surroundings. The air felt thick with comfort and elegance. My eyes traced the high ceiling with painted designs, which made the whole room feel expansive and almost otherworldly. The walls were covered with rich, deep red silk tapestries embroidered with intricate gold patterns.
In the center of the room stood this grand four-poster bed, its sheer curtains flowing gently like soft whispers. The fine sheets were perfectly arranged, offering an invitation of peace and quiet. Next to it sat a polished wooden nightstand with a crystal bottle and delicate cup both shimmering under the soft light from the huge, arched windows.
My gaze wandered toward the windows, framed with velvet curtains. Through them, I could see the sprawling palace gardens, lush and green, giving me a brief moment of peace in the middle of all the chaos I'd been thrown into.
Just as I started to actually enjoy the view, a soft knock interrupted my thoughts.
"Come in," I said, my voice flat and cold.
The guest room was buzzing with activity. Servants scurried around carrying trays of water, fancy soaps, and clean clothes. I sat on the edge of this massive bed, watching them move around like ants. My face probably looked as blank as a piece of paper - that's just how I am.
Valenor had given them clear orders: "Get him ready. Don't miss anything."
Soon enough, they led me down this ridiculously ornate hallway to what they called the royal bathing chamber. The place was huge - golden railings everywhere, a steaming pool that looked more like a small lake, and chandeliers hanging way up high. The walls had these fancy mosaic tiles showing gods and heroes or whatever. Honestly, it was all a bit much.
I stood at the edge of the pool in my raggedy old cloak, staring at the steaming water. Didn't feel anything about it one way or another. The servants kept looking at me weird though.
"Step forward," one of them said, trying to sound calm but firm.
I looked at her for a second, then did what she said. Let the cloak drop to the floor. Underneath, my body was pretty beat up - thin, covered in old scars, but I was still standing. That's something, I guess.
"The bath is ready," another servant said, her voice getting softer. "It's just water. Nothing to be scared of."
Scared? I stepped into the pool without hesitation. The warm water hit all my cuts and scrapes, stinging like hell, but I didn't let it show on my face. Just sat there while they scrubbed away years of dirt and grime.
As the filth washed off, I could hear them whispering. My hair turned out to be black - really black, like a raven's wing. My skin was pale underneath all that dirt. I caught one of them staring.
"Look at his eyes," she whispered.
I turned slightly, and they all just froze. My eyes were red - not normal red, but like rubies or something. People always get weird about them. These servants looked like they'd seen a ghost.
After the bath, they dressed me up like some kind of doll. Navy blue velvet coat with silver embroidery that looked like stars. White silk shirt underneath with this high collar that felt stuffy. They pinned this phoenix brooch to my throat - the ruby eyes on it matched mine, which was probably not a coincidence. Grey pants, shiny boots. The whole nine yards.
When Valenor knocked and came in, I thought the guy was going to have a heart attack. He just stood there staring at me like I'd grown a second head.
"Rudra...? Is this... you?" His voice was all low and suspicious.
I met his eyes without blinking. "Why do you stare? Was this not the outcome you desired?"
The man looked genuinely shaken. "It's... more than that. The grime and rags hid something far greater. This is not just beauty. It's... unnatural."
Unnatural. I tilted my head slightly unnatural haa.."
The servants were still whispering among themselves. Valenor waved them away, and once we were alone, his whole demeanor changed.
"Tell me, boy... Have you ever known of your family? Your true lineage?"
I stared at him. "No I don't remember i think my grandpa told me they died when I was young "
He waited, like he expected more. When I didn't say anything, he pressed on.
"And ?"
"I was living with my grandfather until I turned eight." I stopped there. Let him figure out the rest.
"And after that?"
"He vanished. You can say he abandoned me." Simple as that " there was no point in getting emotional about those things that had happened in the past
Before he could ask more questions, a servant burst in.
"Sir Valenor, Your Grace has ordered you to bring His Highness, Ray, to him immediately."
Valenor straightened up, back to business mode. He headed for the door but turned back to me before he got out of the room
"Wait here. Someone will come to call for you. Do not move from this room." He looked at the remaining servants. "All of you, follow me."
And then I was alone.
I looked around the fancy room. "What is happening here? No one explains anything. Every answer skirts around the truth. This royal adoption nonsense... why bother involving me?"
I walked over to the big bed and just lay down. The sheets were soft and warm - way softer than anything I'd ever slept on.
"Soft and warm felt somewhat unnecessary but good " I said to myself.
But honestly? After years of sleeping on hard ground, it felt pretty good. I stared at the ceiling, trying to make sense of everything.
"So this is what they consider luxury. A waste of resources... yet functional in its design."
I closed my eyes. "It seems waiting is all they expect of me"
---
I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, someone was knocking on the door. I didn't move. They knocked again, louder. Still didn't feel like answering.
I heard the door open and footsteps coming in. A servant's voice, talking to herself and for me i pretended to sleep
"No answer… He must be asleep. This child… looking at me she shiged " Sleeping so soundly, while causing such an uproar across the kingdom. News of his royal adoption has already spread everywhere. Who knows... he might even become my new highness. I should be respectful to him from the start. Someone like him..."
She got closer to the bed. "Sir…?"
How can this child… be this good-looking? It's like he came straight from heaven's..he is going to be a popular one among girls...
I continued to ignorer her and pretended to be sleep after a while, she kept calling again and again... Finally, just as she was about to touch my shoulder, I opened my eyes suddenly. She gasped and jumped back i think i gave her a suprise
Pretended to be sleep while making sleepy eyes i asked "What is it?"
She straightened up real quick and bowed her head. "Your Grace has ordered your presence. You are to come immediately."
Someone was shouting her name from the hallway. She got all flustered.
"Sir, please, let us go quickly!"
I got up, adjusted my coat, and followed her out. Just another day in this weird place, I guess.