~ Prologue: A Prince's Promise ~

  "Tell me the story of how you and Father united the borderlands!"

  The little boy's eyes gleamed. He clasped his hands together, leaning forward with excitement. His pudgy cheeks puffed as he begged, "Please, please, please!"

  Above him, the woman laughed softly. Delicate fingers stroked through his fluffy hair. On her crown of braids sat a silver tiara, the symbol of the queen of Eburean. The fond warmth in her eyes rivaled the crackling fire behind them. The royal study was warm. The fire shielded them from the chill of the winter night.

  The queen leaned forward. She swept her young son into her arms with practiced ease.

  The boy squealed with delight as she blew cold air against his skin. His shrieks of laughter were infectious, and she couldn’t help but join in.

  Taking ahold of his small face, she turned it towards her. "How many times do you want to hear the story, child?" scolded the queen with a mix of affection and exasperation. She sighed, shaking her head. “I’ve told it to you a thousand times by now.”

  Her chiding was met with a toothy grin. The queen rolled her eyes. It was all the boy's fault. Ever since he learned the words, "please", she found it near impossible to deny him anything.

  “Please, mother,” Nikolai begged again. The boy pouted, eyes widening to dangerous levels.

  The queen covered her eyes to block the adorable view. "Stop it! Your eyeballs will fall out, Niko!"

  The warning only spurred the boy on. His eyes grew impossibly larger. And he let out an exaggerated, “Pleaseeeee!" dragging out the last letter for as long as his little lungs could before dissolving into giggling gasps.

  The doors to the study burst open with a thunderous crash. They slammed into the wall. With a startled yelp, the mother and son both looked up.

  A teenage boy strolled in, movements cocky and assured despite his abrupt entrance. He wore the best leather and wool the kingdom had to offer. Despite his young age, his casual confidence gave him an aura of authority. His features mirrored the younger boy’s so closely there could be no doubt that the two were brothers.

  The older boy yawned. He stretched, joints popping at the motion. The crown prince walked into the room with all the confidence befitting the heir to the throne of Eburean.

  Catching sight of his little brother perched on their mother's lap, he smirked knowingly. "I bet Nikolai's begging for the Borderlands story again, wasn't he?" He crossed his arms. “You know there are other stories, brat.”

  “Mama, Kai is bullying me!” Nikolai cried, jutting out his lower lip into a pout.

  “Your brother merely teases, Niko.” The queen patted the boy's hair soothingly. Her gaze, however, was trained on her elder son. "How were your lessons, Malakai?"

  "Boring,” the crown prince replied with a shrug. “The grand scholars had me recite lineage trees all day!" He rolled his eyes. "What use does a king have in learning the lineage of noble houses?” He raised his fists and burst forward, striking out at imaginary opponents. “I should be learning strategies! Sword-fighting, war plans, things of that like!”

  The queen's hand paused mid-stroke. Her expression hardened as the warmth in her face was replaced by the steely gaze of a monarch.

  "Unless you wish to rule over a kingdom of ash," she said, her voice cutting through the air. "Battle strategies are just as important as the titles of every major family within our kingdom. A strong king fights for a kingdom of peace.”

  "But how is knowing that the Vellwards share second cousins with the Langards any use?" Malakai shot back, a frustrated trace to his tone. This wasn’t the first time they were having this conversation.

  "The Vellwards head the court, while General Langard commands our armies," the queen replied cooly. She clasped her hands together. "If they were closer relatives, you’d risk one family holding sway over our army and laws."

  “But…” Malakai faltered, confidence faltering. “They hate each other.”

  The queen pressed on. "They may hate one another now,” she warned. “But if someone were to unite their two factions, they could turn on us as easily as the sun sets in the west."

  Malakai looked away. His proud posture wilted under the weight of the queen’s steady gaze. Noting the chided look on her eldest son's face, the queen softened.

  "A kingdom's strength comes from its people, and you must govern the balance of your ministers,” she continued. “Malakai, you will be no king if they do not support you."

  From his mother’s lap, Nikolai watched the exchange with bated breath. His elder brother was at the age where he and their mother were locked in a perpetual battle of wills. Malakai had a knack for finding himself entangled in philosophical arguments, his views often strengthened by the confidence of youth. Still, it seemed that the queen's words had won. This time.

  Seeing the chastised expression on the crown prince's face, the queen gestured for the older boy to sit by her.

  With a huff to show he was reluctant, Malakai sank into the chair. His defiance diminished… for the moment.

  Squeaking eagerly, Niko nestled into the older boy's side. His smaller frame pressed up against Malakai as he beamed at him.

  "Brat," the older boy muttered fondly. He ruffled the kid's unruly hair. Despite the significant age difference, the two brothers were inseparable. The younger was like a shadow, always trailing close behind the elder’s heels.

  The queen observed the two with a smirk. A mischievous gleam lit her eyes. "Perhaps I will tell the story of the Borderlands..."

  The older boy groaned in unison with the younger’s cheers.

  “My father’s ancestors have long held seat in the lands of Feldgrau,” began the queen, voice echoing as the two boys settled down. “The border between our kingdom and that of-“

  “The barbarians!” cut in Nikolai, eyes alight with excitement. “Vicious warriors who knew only of bloodshed and revelry!” He got to his feet, punching his brother playfully. The older boy rolled his eyes, fending off the small strikes with ease.

  The queen shook her head. “They are men just like us, Niko.” Leaning over, she flicked her youngest son’s forehead. “My best friend was the chieftain’s daughter. We used to play by the borders and sneak back to our fathers when the sun set."

  The queen’s smile was bittersweet. "She taught me to sing and I taught her to write and read. I still think of those days fondly. ”

  Nikolai glanced up at his mother, innocent expression filled with curiosity. “What happened to your friend, Mama?”

  "The Great War." The queen’s eyes clouded as her shoulders fell. “By the end of it, she was the Chieftess of the Wenge tribe and I was queen, married to your father. Our people clashed and bled on the battlefield. It was no longer appropriate to... stay in touch.” Her voice trailed off.

  Malakai’s brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued. “How did the war end, mother? They speak of the great Duel of Feldgrau, but what led to it? Why would enemy nations agree to a duel?”

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  “Friendship,” replied the queen, her voice soft but firm. “ Don’t roll your eyes, young man. Yelani and I set up a momentary truce. It was then that your father challenged the chieftain of Wenge, Fadye, to a single duel. The winner would decide the fate of the war."

  She paused, thinking back on the days that seemed like a lifetime ago. “Most thought it was a suicide mission. Fadye was said to have the strength of ten wolves and the foresight of a hawk.”

  “But Father still beat him!” Nikolai piped up eagerly, practically bouncing on his toes.

  The queen sighed, eyes sharpening as she fell into a lecturing mood. “Your father may have won the battle, but Fadye took his ability to ever lift a sword again.” The queen shook her head. “Your father sought an end to the war so that he could ascend the throne of your grandfather, and Fadye honored the agreement of the duel. As a sign of good faith, we pledged to one day wed our children to one another.”

  She ruffled the two boy’s heads, playful smile returning. “But who knew both Yelani and I would birth little brats instead of princesses!”

  The queen’s gaze fell on Nikolai’s sullen expression. She reached a hand out to caress his cheeks. “What is it, Niko?”

  In a small, wavering voice, the boy asked, “Does that mean there will be war again... Because I wasn’t born a girl?” His lips quivered, on the verge of tears.

  The queen’s heart squeezed even as she held back her laughter at the boy’s earnestness. This small child of hers was so precious. He may have a face like ice, but he had a heart unlike any she knew.

  Pulling him out of his brother’s lap, she held him close and peppered his small face in kisses. “Of course not, love,” smiled the queen. "We have since changed the treaty to have our eldest sons pledge brotherhood to one another.”

  The little boy blinked up at her in awe. "Really?"

  “Of course it wasn’t ended, brat!” Malakai crossed his arms. “They have more to lose if our treaty was called off.” He began listing on his fingers. “Trade routes, stability on their eastern front…”

  “I see someone has been paying attention in classes,” teased the queen.

  The crown prince dodged the incoming hair ruffle, puffing with pride. “Of course!” He crossed his arms once more. “But if it were to come down to war, we would win, of course!”

  This eldest son of hers... The queen rubbed her forehead, exasperation slipping into her features.

  "I'd lead the charge and send them running in fear!" declared the teenager. "Let the barbarians come, I'd fight them any day!"

  “Stupid boy, do not speak of war so lightly,” she snapped, throwing her arms up in frustration. “Do you know the destruction simple words can cause?” Her eyes flashed with disappointment. “How many times must I tell you? As the crown prince, you must be mindful of what you say-”

  “I was just joking! Either ways, the treaty fixed the peace!” Malakai's stubborn frown hid the hurt in his eyes. "What else is there worry about?” He felt a tug at his sleeve.

  The crown prince glanced down at his little brother staring into the flames. Nikolai’s face was blank, eerily so. It was the same mask he wore when he wasn’t around his mother or brother, a stark contrast to his bubbly demeanor. Malakai shared a look with his mother. He would never admit it but Malakai found the blank expression unnerving.

  The queen sighed, her features creased with worry. “Niko?”

  The younger boy finally spoke, voice quiet but steady. “One of the maids said that the evil Wenge will send assassins after us.” His gaze didn’t waver from the flickering flames. “That is why we always have a guard at our door."

  "That is not true, Niko. The guards are there in case you need help." The queen paused, her expression clouded with concern. “It is sad that even though the war is over, both of our peoples still distrust one another.”

  With a heavy sigh, she placed a hand on each of her sons’ shoulders, her tone heavy with emotion. “Many will try to usurp the peace as a means to gain power. You must swear it to me, boys." Her eyes burned with urgency. “Swear that you will protect one another and always choose the betterment of our people! Swear it!”

  “Mama, you’re hurting me!” cried Nikolai, squirming under her grasp.

  Malakai grimaced, "Mother, stop. Please."

  "I'm sorry," she gasped, regret pooling in her eyes. The woman held a hand against her throbbing temple. "I... I don't know what came over me." But deep down, she knew the truth.

  A sense of foreboding had been bearing down on her for weeks. She couldn't let go of the feeling that was something was coming. Something beyond her control. Her sons needed to be prepared. Especially if she was no longer there to protect them.

  Before she could apologize again, the doors to the room burst open. A sharp gust of wind swept into the room. Along with it came a figure draped in flowing dark silks.

  Their intruding guest lounged by the door. A small tiara sat atop her intricately styled hair, a stark contrast to the queen's crown of braids. The woman's figure might have been willowy, were it not for the noticeable swell of her belly.

  “Consort Rewanna,” greeted the queen, forcing a courteous tone despite the disdain that filled her. If her husband had to take a second wife, why couldn’t it be someone more tolerable?

  “Apologies.” Rewanna's thin lips curled into a sneer. “Was I interrupting something?” Her voice dripped with false politeness and she continued without pause. "Arganus requests your presence. He was hoping we could enjoy dinner together… as a family.” The words twisted mockingly on the consort's tongue.

  Malakai burst to his feet, chest heaving with rage. He pointed an accusing finger at Rewanna. “We are no family!”

  “Malakai,” said the queen sharply. “Mind your manners.”

  “Oh, it’s quite all right," Rewanna waved a hand, dismissing the older boy's outburst. “The young prince hasn’t quite grasped the situation."

  Stepping forward, her hand brushed over her rounded belly. "It is my duty as his stepmother to teach him.”

  Malakai's eyes burned with hatred. By his side, Nikolai watched the exchange with his usual blank expression.

  “Crown Prince,” said Rewanna, caressing her stomach. “It is your younger brother I am carrying. Your father has named me as his consort and my son will be the son of a king.” Her sweet voice dripped like poisoned honey. “When he is born, you must educate him on the ways of being a prince as you have Nikolai.”

  “You lie!” Malakai’s brows darkened. He stalked forward and snarled, “A few weeks ago, you were my mother’s lady in waiting, and now you expect us to believe-“

  “Malakai, if you say another word, you will be grounded in your chambers for two weeks.” The queen placed a firm hand on her son’s shoulder. She whispered harshly. “Enough of this.”

  Turning, Malakai shrugged off the hold but held his tongue, seething in silence.

  “You have much to learn, Crown Prince,” Rewanna smirked triumphantly, her posture radiating smugness. “As I was saying, Arganus has requested-“

  “You shouldn’t call Father that,” a young voice interrupted.

  Rewanna froze, eyes wide with shock. This was the first time she’d heard the second prince address her directly. Even his mother and brother stared in amazement. The boy’s tone was bored, almost dismissive.

  “Except for the queen and her children, all others are to address the king as His Majesty.” Nikolai recited perfectly. His young gaze was frosty and unyielding. It was no wonder the servants secretly called him the ice prince.

  “Excuse me?” stammered the consort.

  “You must teach your baby well." His blue eyes sharpened, locking on Rewanna’s in silent challenge. "It would be silly if my younger sibling used the wrong title. People might think Consort Rewanna is… a bad mama.”

  The room fell into a stunned silence.

  Rewanna’s face paled, lips parting soundlessly. Though the words were spoken with childlike innocence, the implications were a dagger to her pride.

  So long as Rewanna was only a consort, her children would refer to their father as His Majesty. Even if she bore a son of the king, their claim would be weaker than a royal cousin or legitimate uncle.

  Nikolai stepped forward, icy gaze unwavering. For a moment, Rewanna shivered. No child of three should speak so eloquently, so coldly.

  “It seems you have much to learn as well, Consort Rewanna,” the boy said softly.

  Turning around, he quietly clasped his mother’s hand. “Come Mother, Brother," he chirped, tugging at his brother's hand. "Father awaits us!”

  The queen and Malakai allowed themselves to be led from the room. Neither spared a glance at the frozen consort as they passed. Behind Rewanna, the maids exchanged uncertain glances.

  A polite cough snapped Rewanna out of her stupor. Her head jerked towards the source. She shot a glare at her lady-in-waiting. Despite the fury simmering beneath her skin, the consort could only grit her teeth and bow her head in submission.

  Rewanna lowered herself into a stiff curtsy as the royal family passed and her retinue followed suit.

  Ahead, Nikolai walked with his back straight and hands clasped tightly on his family. His blue eye flicked upward to catch his mother and older brother bickering anew about some random tapestry and its value. His mother’s eyes sparkled with renewed pride and his older brother wore an easy smirk, enjoying the banter. It was then that the ice prince swore to himself.

  I swear it, Mama, Nikolai vowed, I will protect my family and my people.

  Baby Nikolai: Thanks for checking out this story! ??

  (Glances at a scowling Malakai)

  Baby Nikolai: Big brother? ??

  Malakai: (sighs dramatically) And please, leave a comment or just say hi. ?? (pauses, then adds with a smirk) Or Niko might get sad. ??

  (Malakai ruffles Baby Nikolai's hair)

  Baby Nikolai & Malakai: See you next time! ?