Embers of Consort's Obsession
THE CAPTIVE PRINCE
The throne room was unrecognizable, stripped of its grandeur and reduced to nothing but the echoes of defeat. Blood smeared the once-gleaming marble floor, and the tattered banners of Augustine’s lineage hung lifelessly from the walls.
The young Crown Prince knelt in the wreckage, his armor battered. His hands were bound with thick ropes. Still, his face was serene, masking any sign of despair. The conquerors circled him like wolves, but he did not flinch.
At the head of the invaders stood Emperor Everard. Tall and imposing, he wore black and gold. He looked more like a god of war than a mortal man. His eyes bore into Augustine, as if trying to read the prince’s soul.
Everard {Emperor}
You must be Prince Augustine
The voice of the emperor echoed
Everard {Emperor}
I expected defiance, not silence.
Augustine raised his head. His emerald eyes met Everard’s with intensity.
Augustine
And what would defiance achieve, Your Majesty? My kingdom is lost. My people have surrendered. Resistance now would be as pointless as shouting at the wind.
Everard’s expression flickered with surprise, but it was gone in an instant.
Everard {Emperor}
A wise answer. But wisdom won’t save you.
Augustine
I don’t seek to be saved *calm*
Augustine
Kill me if you must. But spare the remnants of my people. They’ve suffered enough.”
Everard stepped closer. His shadow fell over Augustine like a dark omen. He studied the prince. The defiance in his eyes, the calmness in his voice, the strength buried beneath it all. Augustine was no ordinary royal. He hid his fire behind a mask of submission.
Everard {Emperor}
Interesting *murmurs*
Everard {Emperor}
You speak like a man who’s lost everything. Yet you carry yourself like a king.
Augustine
*Lips curved faintly*
Augustine
Perhaps because I was raised to be one, even in the face of ruin.
Everard narrowed his eyes, intrigued. There was something sharp about Augustine’s words. A man like him didn’t accept defeat so easily. He wasn’t one to kneel without purpose.
Everard {Emperor}
And yet, you surrendered without a fight,
Everard {Emperor}
*smirks*
Everard {Emperor}
What does that say about your royal strength?
Augustine smiled faintly, though his eyes stayed cold.
Augustine
It says I know when to strike and when to wait, Your Majesty. A sword unsheathed too early dulls. My kingdom may be lost, but I am far from defeated.
The room shifted, heavy with his words. Everard felt the quiet challenge in them. Augustine wasn’t broken. Far from it.
Everard {Emperor}
Is that so?
Everard stepped closer, the tension thick between them
Everard {Emperor}
What is it you wait for, Prince? *brings his face closer*
Augustine met his gaze. His voice was calm.
Augustine
I wait for an opportunity to prove my worth. To rebuild what I’ve lost—or become something greater.
Everard tilted his head slightly, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. He saw it now. Augustine wasn’t content to live in the shadow of defeat.
Everard {Emperor}
*small amused smile*
Everard {Emperor}
Interesting. You speak like your story isn’t over. Like you still have a role to play in this world.
Augustine
But that depends on whether you choose to grant me that chance—or end it here.
Everard was quiet for a long moment, the weight of his decision heavy in the air. Then, he turned to his men.
Everard {Emperor}
Prepare the prisoner for travel
*ordered*
Everard {Emperor}
He comes with us
The soldiers exchanged uncertain glances but obeyed without question. Augustine’s face betrayed nothing, but inside, a spark ignited.
Augustine
Why spare me, Your Majesty? *in low voice*
Everard glanced back at him. His gaze was sharp.
Everard {Emperor}
Because a man like you—one who claims to wait for the right moment—is either a fool or a danger. I intend to find out which.
Whispers of the Captive
The cheers of the crowd echoed through the streets as the carriage rolled into the imperial capital. Citizens lined the roads, their voices swelling in adoration for their emperor’s victorious return.
Inside the carriage, Augustine sat with regal composure, his hands bound at his waist, his dignity unshaken. His cold gaze met Everard’s.
Augustine
They cheer as if you’ve brought them salvation,Do they know their peace comes at the cost of others’ freedom?
*cold*
Everard remained calm, leaning back with a quiet confidence.
Everard {Emperor}
They know enough to be grateful, Your Highness. Their loyalty to their emperor is the price they have paid—and they pay it gladly.
Everard {Emperor}
*raises his eyebrow*
Augustine
Loyalty bought with the blood of my kingdom, I presume? Your majesty
*eyes fixed on Everard*
Everard {Emperor}
Blood is the currency of war.
Everard {Emperor}
It is not for the victor to apologize for the cost of securing peace.
Augustine
* leaned forward*
Augustine bound hands resting in his lap.
Augustine
*gestured to his restraints on his hands*
Augustine
Is your interpretation of protection? To treat me as a prisoner in chains, and to parade me before your people like a trophy?
Everard {Emperor}
*expression softened*
Everard {Emperor}
*sigh*
You are not yet free to move as you wish, Augustine, but I have not bound you in a way that dishonors your blood.
Everard {Emperor}
You remain a prince, even if a captive. For now, your safety is my responsibility—and I will see that it is maintained.
Everard {Emperor}
(My prince)
The carriage slowed, and the herald’s voice rang out as they neared the palace gates:
？？？
HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, EMPEROR EVERARD!
The crowd’s noise grew deafening, but Augustine kept his silence, a burning bitterness simmering inside him.
Augustine
Your Majesty. *sharp voice*
Augustine
You speak of protection, yet I am nothing more than your possession. A pawn in your game. Am I wrong?
Everard’s gaze remained fixed.
Everard {Emperor}
You are mistaken, Prince. You are alive because of me. Do not mistake my kindness for weakness.
Everard {Emperor}
You will come to understand that your survival is my interest. I will see to it that your dignity remains—at least until you no longer need it.
As the carriage came to a halt, Everard nodded at the attendants. One moved quickly to remove Augustine’s binds. With swift hands, the ropes were undone, and Augustine’s wrists were freed.
Everard {Emperor}
Your reputation shall not be tarnished, Prince Augustine.
Everard {Emperor}
You are not a common prisoner to be humiliated before my people. Your dignity will be preserved.
Augustine flexed his hands, but said nothing. He met Everard’s eyes and, with a measured breath, took the emperor’s hand.
Everard {Emperor}
*extends hand as he slowly steps out of the carriage*
Together, they stepped from the carriage.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
？？？
The herald : HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, EMPEROR EVERARD!
The people cheered, their loyalty to the emperor evident. Augustine, despite his circumstances, held his head high. There was no mockery from the crowd—only respect, for the prince of a fallen kingdom.
As they ascended the grand steps, Augustine’s mind was heavy. His father’s surrender, the emperor’s promises, and the weight of what was to come hung over him. But for now, he would endure.
Download MangaToon APP on App Store and Google Play
