Claimed by the vampire prince

Chapter 144: Chapter 144

As the scheduled meeting with the king drew to a close, the courtiers began streaming out of the throne room one after another, their hushed murmurs echoing faintly beneath the high arched ceiling.

The scent of burning incense lingered in the air, mingling with the smell of autumn that drifted in from open windows. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Lord Falein Tomar was among those in attendance. He moved with the quiet dignity befitting his station, the sound of the other court members growing distant as he stepped out into the wide corridor.

He had only just begun to make his way down the long passage when he noticed someone fall into step beside him. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

He turned slightly and found Laheir walking leisurely at his side, hands clasped behind his back in his usual composed manner.

Falein didn’t bow. He didn’t even slow his steps, as courtesy might have demanded upon noticing the king’s chief advisor. The exchange between them was brief, a glance and nothing more but the tension that sparked in that moment was palpable.

He and Laheir had never truly seen eye to eye on anything. Their relationship had always been one of quiet animosity, a rivalry born from differences that ran deeper than politics.

Falein’s disdain for the queen and her growing influence over the court extended naturally to anyone who aligned themselves with her or openly supported her and Laheir was a repeat offender. He was also one of her most outspoken supporters.

Falein had never voiced it aloud before, wary of what might happen if he were proven wrong. But for years, he had suspected that the queen had a hand in Luria’s murder.

Yet being a queen meant Falein couldn’t simply come out and accuse her outright.

There was also the matter of how Laheir had risen to power. The manner at which he amassed such immense wealth had long been a source of whispered speculation among the nobles.

It was a subject most people in the kingdom avoided discussing. One could never be sure of who might be listening or reporting back.

To even mention it could be dangerous.

But despite the silence surrounding the topic, everyone knew what was left unsaid. It was almost impossible to ascend the way Laheir did in such a short period of time without being involved in unscrupulous activities.

From anyone else, refusing to bow to the king’s chief advisor would have been considered a grave insult. But Falein was of high enough rank that such a slight could be overlooked.

"I truly don’t know how you live with yourself," Laheir said at last, his tone deceptively mild but laced with venom. "Supporting your daughter’s murderer so willingly. Poor Luria would be rolling in her grave if she could see you now."

Falein did not stop walking. His expression didn’t so much as flicker. He had long since learned that indifference was often the best shield against men like Laheir.

"Those are very heavy accusations coming from you, Laheir," Falein said evenly, his voice calm. "You seem rather fond of bringing this up, even after more than a decade has passed. Yet for all your claims, you have never managed to provide any proof that Prince Ragnar was guilty of that crime."

Laheir’s lips curled faintly, though his eyes remained cold.

"He never cleared his name either, did he?" he asked, his tone light but the words coming out of his mouth were sharp as knives. "Had it been anyone else, they would have spent the rest of their life rotting in a cell. But because he’s a prince, he gets to walk free and even the victim’s own father is willing to sweep the truth under the rug."

"That’s not how our kingdom’s justice system works," Falein countered, his tone still measured. "And as the king’s chief advisor, I’d expect you to know that. There was never a trial so there was never a verdict. Just as I can’t accuse your son of aiding a rebellion against our king simply because of a few rumors I’ve heard. Without a trial, such accusations would never hold weight. I would only end up sounding foolish."

He said it without breaking stride, his gaze fixed ahead, every word deliberate and pointed. The warning was clear.

Falein saw the change immediately. It was subtle, just a flicker in Laheir’s expression, a tightening of his jaw but it was enough.

Laheir’s calm mask slipped for only a second, revealing something darker beneath the surface.

"We are both far too old to be beating around the bush like this," Laheir said after a pause, his voice sharper now. "If you have something to say, then say it." There was a dangerous glint in his eyes, the kind that made lesser men falter.

But Falein remained unshaken.

"You’re the one who started this awfully dull conversation," he replied calmly, the faintest trace of disdain touching his tone. "Perhaps I should be saying that to you instead."

He slowed his pace slightly, turning his head just enough to meet Laheir’s gaze. "We both lost our daughters, Laheir. Both of them once promised to princes. That kind of pain never fades, I know. But tell me, how would poor, innocent Iliana feel, knowing there are rumors about her own brother conspiring to sow rebellion in Lamora? I imagine she would be devastated."

Laheir’s composure cracked. A muscle in his jaw twitched, his eyes narrowing as he regarded Falein in silence.

Laheir stayed silent for a few more moments as they walked, their footsteps echoing down the corridor. Then, in a calm but deliberate tone, he spoke.

"You should be careful what you choose to imply, Lord Tomar. Rumors like that tend to grow teeth when they reach the wrong ears and I would hate for your name to get caught up in something better left alone."

Falein didn’t look at him.

"A fair warning," he said. "But I could say the same to you. Some things in this kingdom don’t stay buried, no matter how hard you try."

Laheir gave a faint, humorless smile. "You’ve always been clever with words."

He slowed his pace, letting Falein move a step ahead. "One day, your loyalty to that prince will cost you more than you expect. When it does, remember this conversation."

Falein stopped and turned towards him again.

"I don’t take kindly to threats," he said evenly. "And I recognize one when I hear it."

They stared at each other briefly, both too proud to back down.

Then Laheir inclined his head, his tone turning polite again.

"Then consider this just a bit of friendly advice," Laheir said. "Give my regards to the prince."

With that, he turned and walked away.