Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

In a world where words often fall short, a simple "Okay" said it all.

Jaired handed Kenzo the antidote, his voice steady but laced with concern. "Come back safe," he said as Kenzo turned to leave, a brief nod the only acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation.

Kenzo's knack for deception, even fooling someone like Dustin, had never been in doubt. His talent for subterfuge and strength meant that this mission, too, would likely end in success.

Once the others had left, Jaired's gaze shifted to Brielle, still unconscious on the bed. Chaos was brewing, sparked by Arthur's explosive statements to the press. The royal family was in turmoil, divided between loyalty to Irene and the crown. Irene's faction had always been a cornerstone of the nation's achievements, but Arthur, riding on a wave of fortune rather than merit, sought to exclude the princess from the royal lineage, igniting unrest among her supporters.

Arthur's iron-fisted approach to consolidating power left no room for dissent. He threatened the families of those loyal to Irene to ensure silence. The royal discord simmered down only after a long night of unease.

Arthur, despite lacking the unilateral authority to disinherit a senior royal member, had played his cards in front of the media to quell the immediate fires. His real challenge lay in navigating the palace intrigue, a task he was prepared to undertake by any means necessary. "Meredith," he called out, summoning his sister, who had been standing guard. She entered, ready to report on the situation.

"Brother, it's all quiet now. You can focus on preparing your inauguration speech. I won't release their families until you're securely in office," Meredith informed him. This was a risky gambit, with everything riding on Arthur's ability to secure public support through his upcoming tours.

Relieved but mindful of the lingering threat posed by the Lynch family, Arthur knew his rift with Dustin was beyond repair. His initial plan to scapegoat the Lynch family had backfired spectacularly, thanks to

Myles' unexpected betraya

Arthur's anger flared at the thought of Myles, but he had to put aside personal vendettas. Dustin's successful rescue meant Myles' survival was unlikely, a small solace in the grand scheme.

"Brother, the inauguration is your

priority now. As for the Lynch family, perhaps there's a chance to mend fences. I tried to charm King, but with him back in Saudi, that's off the table. Yet, I believe getting closer to Dustin could be our best move. After all, I'm not exactly hard on the eyes, am I?" Meredith's confidence shone through, her beauty and charm undeniable assets in the political chess game of royal alliances.

Arthur considered her proposal. A union between Meredith and Dustin could indeed turn the tide, transforming enmity into a powerful alliance.

"Meredith, this is in your hands now."

When King arrived at the tempestuous sea two days later, his expression was unreadable. The search for Brielle had brought him here, to the heart of the storm, his clothes soaked by the relentless waves.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"Don't worry, brother. I'm sure I can win him over."

Surrounded by fishing boats, the

search had yet to yield any sign of Brielle. Lighting a cigarette, King's stoic facade gave way to a moment of vulnerability, the weight of guilt

heavy in his heart. It was his fault.