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Atlas took a step toward the man. “Not only is he a captain, but he is also a prince . You will speak to my brother with respect, regardless of how the king treats him. He is royalty. Draevyn is above you in more ways than one, you measly little guard .”

Draevyn thought his brother’s defense of him was barely merited, knowing the guard’s unpleasantness was likely demanded by the king.

“Very well. Apologies, Prince Atlas.”

Atlas scoffed. “Your apology isn’t even directed at the correct man. Do better. We’ll meet our father in the throne room, but you’re dismissed.”

He went to step around the guard, but the man stopped him. “He’s only requesting Captain Draevyn.”

Atlas’s shadows surged then, his eyes becoming a swirling haze of grey as he bent down and looked into the gaze of the now terrified guard.

An audience of onlookers formed around them.

Atlas lifted a hand as shadows danced around his fingers, exuding from his palm. “Are you now saying I cannot accompany my brother to a throne that is to be mine one day?”

“Of c-course not, Prince,” the man stuttered.

“Then remove yourself from my sight.” Atlas’s back straightened as the darkness drew back into his palms. Draevyn watched on with a smirk, enjoying the show alongside everyone else.

The man couldn’t get away fast enough, nearly tripping over his own feet as he backed away.

When Atlas turned to Draevyn with a wide grin, he let out a huff of a laugh. “Was that necessary?”

“Just because you’ve accepted the way people treat you, doesn’t mean I have to, Drae,” he answered as they moved toward the throne room.

Draevyn’s eyes softened at the words, knowing his brother meant well. Atlas always meant well, looking out for Draevyn as the protective older brother he was—especially after that dreaded day he’d lost control of his flames.

The remainder of their walk was in silence until they reached the doors.

King Rowe looked anything but happy to see the two of them together. “Only one of you was required.”

“Yet here we both stand,” Atlas challenged. “What is it you want with Draevyn now, Father?”

The king’s cheeks flashed a deep red. “Watch your tongue, boy . You are the heir. I am the king. It isn’t what I’ll be demanding of your brother, but what I demand from the captain of my armada.”

Draevyn stepped around Atlas. “Is there something I can assist you with, Father?” He could feel Atlas’s disappointment in him as he stood at his back.

“The elven high families of Sumnae have arrived, and they brought news.”

“And what might that be?” Atlas chimed in.

The king pointed a chubby, swollen finger at his heir. “One more outburst and I will have you removed, Atlas!” He returned his gaze to Draevyn. “A ship was spotted several miles away in the sea, anchored between our kingdoms.”

“A fishing vessel, perhaps?” Draevyn guessed.

“No.” A wicked grin grew from ear to ear on the king’s face. “They stated it was The Night Wraith .”

Draevyn’s brows lifted in surprise. “And Blackwood didn’t move to attack?”

“Perhaps there were too many ships from Sumnae for him to try to challenge them,” Atlas wondered aloud.

Draevyn knew that couldn’t have been the case, knowing the beast could take out as many ships as its master desired.

His eyes lifted back to the king. “What are you asking of me?”

“I think you already know, boy.”

A heavy exhale escaped Draevyn’s lips as he grasped the horrifying truth: his father was sending him on a suicide mission. It was the perfect way to eliminate him for good.

“Are you out of your fucking mind?!” Atlas boomed.

“Remove yourself! Now!” King Rowe bellowed back.

“He’s your son !” Atlas screamed, his voice bouncing off the walls. “No one can survive an attack from The Night Wraith . It’s a miracle he did the first time, and the elven were lucky to have arrived unharmed! Yet you send one of your heirs to fight an unwinnable battle in the sea.”

There was a weighted silence in the vast room as the echoes settled. Draevyn worked to hold his tongue, processing what he was about to be ordered to do. He knew there wouldn’t be a way to defeat a creature made of the sea—not when his power derived from flames.

“If we’re the kingdom to finally bring down Blackwood, we’ll be the most respected and powerful in the realm! Do you have no faith in Lephyrin’s Phoenix?” the king challenged his heir.

“I have all the faith in the realm and every god that rules over the kingdoms. It’s you I have no faith in. All you seek is more power and influence. Let us not forget that Irah didn’t deem you worthy of being granted such power. It was us he did.” Atlas gestured to both himself and Draevyn .

A cruel smile spread across the king’s face as he stared down at them both. Draevyn’s hands balled into fists at his side as he watched, trying to suppress the flames dancing along his fingertips.

“You forget your place, Atlas,” the king stated calmly. “He’s not my heir, you are. And though he is my son, he’s also the captain of my sea fleet. It’s his duty to our kingdom to rid us of any threats.”

Draevyn stepped in front of his brother. “It’s quite alright, Atlas. His decision is made. As is mine.” He paused for a moment as he forced his eyes away from his brother’s and turned his attention back to the king. “My crew will ready the ships and we’ll leave at dawn.”

Before anyone could say another word, Draevyn turned on his heel and stalked back toward the doors, slamming them behind him as he took his first steps toward what would surely be his demise.