Rise of the Malactric Heir

After the queen apologized, Adora assured them that everything was fine and that she understood why they had sent Max, and they all began eating their lunch.

Alix noticed the king was uneasy while eating.

"Adora, his hand is kind of trembling," Alix said and Adora looked at the king and then sipped a bit of the orange juice she had poured for herself.

"Are you okay, your highness?" she asked and the king looked at her then lowered his head as they exchanged glances.

"It's complicated; we've had too much to deal with recently, and our ways have gotten a little off track," he replied.

"Are you talking about your ways of ruling the kingdom?" Alix asked, and the king nodded.

"How is that? Can you explain a little?" Alix inquired as Adora stared at him before smiling.

'This was unexpected, but it's good for him,' she thought.

"My ways are a little older, this world is becoming more modern, and to be honest, all I can think about is relaxing; it's been years of hard work and this is making things worse; I don't think I will benefit the kingdom in any way," the king responded.

"I believe the same, a lot has changed, but you kids already know that the world itself," the queen said.

"I see, that's understandable, and your points are valid," Alix replied.

"How about giving someone who is great with modern things but also understands the old ways?" Alix and Adora both suggested it at the same time, and they looked at each other as the others smiled at them.

"Uh... We've been thinking about it, and we believe it's the only best thing to do in order to see the kingdom flourish now and in the future, you guys are the next generation, a lot more has to change," the king said, and they smiled.

"Well, we wish you guys luck with that, and if you want to discuss it further with us, we will assist you in any way we can, but for now we have other things to handle as well," Adora replied, and they smiled as someone entered the dining hall and they looked at him as he smiled at them.

"Hello," he said as his gaze fell on Adora, causing her eyes to narrow.

"Princess Adora?" he asked as he approached and sat beside her.

"Yes," she confirmed.

"I am Lance, their son, and it is a pleasure to meet you, your highness," he said.

"Nice to meet you as well," she replied.

"You finally took off your mask, that's great, mom and dad, I want to take the throne now," Lance said, as everyone turned to face the king and queen.

"Are you capable of managing the kingdom?" Adora inquired, and he smirked as he looked at her.

"Yes, I am, I once took care of it for a while and a lot went well, I even got praised by other kings and queens, I try my best and give it my all, I am familiar with the old ways and great with the new, while my older brother isn't," he replied, and the king and queen sighed.

"How old are you?" Alix asked.

"I'm twenty," Lance responded.

"Then I think you're fit to take care of the kingdom as long as you're like that and responsible," Alix said.

"I agree with him," Adora continued, "but I understand your parents are concerned because your brother is older than you."

"Age doesn't matter; what matters is who is better at doing the job," Alix said, and Adora and the others agreed.

"Dad, you know I'm right," Lance said, and Adora sighed before turning to look at the king and queen.

"You can't think about how your older son will feel; that has nothing to do with this; it's your responsibility as king and queen to do what's best for your kingdom; you can't let emotions get in the way," Adora said as Lance looked at her, then the king smiled.

"I know, and you are correct; we will appoint Lance as King soon," the king replied, and Lance smiled brightly.

"Really? You're not messing with me?" Lance asked as Adora and her friends smiled.

"We're serious, son, we know what needs to be done; I'm surprised a carefree person like yourself actually wants to do what's best," the queen responded, and Lance grinned.

"Well, congratulations on your achievement," Alix said.

"Thank you both very much," Lance replied, looking at Alix and Adora.

"You're welcome," they replied, and Adora sighed.

"Do you want me to assist you with your current situation?" Lance inquired.

"Do you know of any ancient sites associated with the war back then?" Alix asked.

"The war, eh?" That's difficult to even think of, because most of the places were destroyed. "I did my research, and no, I don't know of any such place, and even if there is, it could be hidden somewhere we don't know about," Lance responded.

"You are correct, it could be that way," Alix said as Adora smiled.

"You're building something, I don't know what to say, this might be good for him, he thinks like a royal sometimes," Ifrit said quietly to Adora, and she sighed, knowing Ifrit was correct.

Since everyone had already finished eating their lunch, Adora looked at the king and queen.

"Thank you for lunch," they said and the king and queen smiled.

"You're welcome, and will you guys keep looking for the crystal? Do you believe you'll be able to locate it in time?" the queen asked.

"Don't worry, we'll find it, we'll get its location tonight, it'll hurt a little, but I have a way," Adora responded as the others looked at her and then at each other.

"You do?" Alix asked and she looked at him with a smirk and his brows furrowed.

'That smirk, I can tell she is up to something, what the hell is she thinking this time? Whatever it is, it might not be good," Alix wondered then Adora sighed, knowing that they all wanted to know what way she came up with but that she can only show and not tell.