Demons, Witches, and Toads (BoyxBoy) - Chapter 83: Chapter 83

"Wheeler!" the Grand Emperor's voice boomed as the trio approached. A pleased look came over his face as he took in Wheeler's new appearance. "My, you look absolutely spectacular!"
Wheeler bowed his head, a happy flush spreading across his cheeks. "Thank you, Father."
"And these must be your advisors," the emperor said with a smile.
Priscilla's heart nearly lept from her chest knowing the Grand Emperor had just actually acknowledged her existence. Ha! Violet would be so freaking jealous.
Priscilla and Mulock immediately curtsied and bowed.
"It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty," Mulock murmured, bowing even lower.
"The honor is all mine," the emperor replied. "My son has spoken very highly of you. It will be a joy to have you both around the palace." As he said this, he offered them a gentle smile.
Priscilla had never noticed the striking resemblance between father and son before. Now, with Wheeler's changed appearance and their matching smiles, Wheeler looked almost like a miniature clone of his father. No wonder the emperor seemed to have instantly grown so attached.
"Father," a voice called from behind them. "A servant said you wanted to see us."
They turned to see a stream of blue-eyed, blond princes approaching, all dressed almost identically. The prince at the front stepped forward, giving his father a small bow. Priscilla recognized him as Emeric instantly. The eldest prince was even more handsome up close, soft waves of golden hair framing a frustratingly flawless face.
"Ah, so this is our talented little brother," Emeric said, flashing Wheeler a perfect smile. "It's a pleasure." The prince extended a gloved hand which Wheeler eagerly accepted, shaking it with perhaps a little too much vigor.
"The pleasure is all mine!" Wheeler exclaimed, nearly bouncing with excitement. "It's so nice to finally meet you!"
The Grand Emperor grinned, slinging an arm around Wheeler's shoulder. "Now, let's get you properly introduced to everyone. You've just met Emeric." The eldest prince offered a small nod. "He's a gifted magic user, just like yourself."
"I greatly enjoyed your performance at the tournament," Emeric said, his perfect smile never once faltering. "It was quite... enlightening."
"Thank you!" Wheeler beamed.
"Next to him is Avery, who's without a doubt the most energetic of the bunch," the Grand Emperor said with a laugh, gesturing to the prince at Emeric's side.
"Hiya, little brother!" Avery shot him a crooked grin, waving enthusiastically. He was almost as tall as his elder counterpart, golden hair falling to his shoulders which he'd skillfully tied back with a scarlet ribbon.
"Following Avery is the ever-studious Bartram," the emperor said, continuing down the line of princes.
The son in question pushed his glasses up the rim of his nose, bowing his head. "Greetings."
"Then there's Roland and Radley." The emperor gestured to two princes standing a little further back, half hidden behind their brothers. Both looked identical and stood in silence, a mop of blonde hair obscuring their eyes, making their expressions unreadable. The emperor laughed. "Don't mind them. They don't like talking. It's a rare occurrence when we can even get a full sentence out of them. Isn't that right, boys?"
Unsurprisingly, the question fostered no reply.
"And finally," the emperor said. "The once-baby of the family, now turned older brother." He gestured to the final prince at the end of the line. "This is Osmund."
"Hi there!" Osmund said, his voice almost unnervingly childlike considering he was older than Wheeler. The prince couldn't have been more than five feet tall, with a round face and even rounder eyes. If Priscilla hadn't known better, she would've mistaken him for a twelve-year-old.
"And there you have it," the emperor said so cheerfully that his voice sounded nearly identical to Wheelers'. "That's the whole family." He leaned over, giving Wheeler's hair a light ruffle. "Now, I'm sure you boys want to get further acquainted without your old man hanging around." He let out a deep rumble of a laugh. "And unfortunately, there's a swarm of nobles and advisors waiting to speak with me which means I sadly must take my leave." His gaze drifted across the line of princes. "Wheeler's your baby brother now. I expect you all to look out for him, understood?"
The princes bowed their heads. "Of course, Father," they replied in almost perfect unison.
"Good," the emperor mused. "And Wheeler, if anyone at court gives you any trouble, let me know immediately."
"Of course, Father!" Wheeler beamed. "Thank you. I don't deserve your kindness."
"Awwww, Wheeler, you're so adorable!" the emperor exclaimed, pulling him into a bear hug. "Promise you'll join me for breakfast tomorrow? The chief makes these amazing parfaits you just have to try!"
"I will, Father!"
As the playful father-son exchange occurred, Priscilla couldn't help but notice something dark coming over Emeric's gaze.
At last, the emperor released him. "Alright, boys, I'll see you soon. And remember, take care of your brother." And with that, along with a whisk of his cloak, the emperor returned to the ball.
The moment his father vanished, the pleasant expression on Emeric's face dropped. "So," he said, crossing his arms. "I heard you're nineteen? Is that true?"
"Yep, as of this spring!"
"I suppose that means father wasn't terribly torn up about mother's death, seeing as he produced an offspring only a few weeks later, " Emeric stated coldly.
Wheeler froze, swallowing hard. "I'm, uh...I'm sorry..." he stammered.
The other princes exchanged a series of uncomfortable glances, but didn't say a word.
"No need to apologize," Emeric replied icily. "I just never thought Father would stoop low enough to fuck a peasant."
The words came so bluntly that Wheeler simply stared back in shock.
Priscilla's blood was boiling, and it took everything in her power to hold her tongue. Judging from Mulock's current expresion, she knew she wasn't the only one.
The other princes looked on, mortified, but still remained dead silent.
"Still, credit where credit is due." Emeric smirked. "The tramp who birthed you must have been a truly amazing fuck if my father enjoyed it enough to legitimize you."
Priscilla felt Mulock tense beside her, his hands curling into fists as a murderous look took over his gaze. Like Mulock, Priscilla wanted nothing more than to pummel that asshole's face in. Unfortunately, regardless of how furious they were, there there was nothing they could do. Emeric was the prince.
Looking smug, Emeric crossed his arms, eagerly awaiting Wheeler's reaction.
"I completely understand where you're coming from." Wheeler bowed his head as he said this, keeping his gaze downcast.
A stunned silence followed the statement.
The eldest prince stared down at him, his eyes widening in shock. Emeric had clearly expected Wheeler to cry or get angry, making a scene. It seemed Wheeler reacting calmly had most certainly not been part of the plan.
"I can't imagine how hard it must be to suddenly learn you have another brother, especially one of common birth," Wheeler continued. "And I know I'm not nearly worthy enough to stand among you." He took a deep breath. "But despite that, you're my family, and I'll do everything in my power to become someone you can proudly call your brother."
Emeric didn't seem to know how to respond, something unreadable flickering across his gaze. Finally, however, he seemed to collect himself, that dark expression slipping over his features once more.
"Blood only goes so far," Emeric said coldly. "And I can assure you— I will never consider a bastard masquerading as royalty to be my brother."