The Cursed Prince

Chapter 944: King Draco's Plans

After Liam's conversation with Rowena turned out to be more successful than the prince thought was possible, Liam couldn't help but look for King Draco discreetly afterward.

He visited King Draco's chambers to ask for more advice on what to do.

Fortunately for him, King Draco welcomed him quickly and Prince Liam conversed with him.

"...If people figure out that my father is currently not in the best state of mind—after what happened to my mother poisoning a number of people, I'm not sure what will happen next," Liam confessed.

"Naturally, the next course of action is taking the throne for yourself, boy." King Draco said. "If people figure out that not only your mother has been treacherous, but your father as well is insane—won't they question your family's capacity to lead the kingdom?"

Liam who had been stuck trying to reach through his father realized that Rowena's father was right.

He was so focused on his personal problems, the weight of the fact that he lost both his mother and father, that he failed to see the bigger picture.

"I... It never crossed my mind that as everything is burning down around me, some people will transpire to go after this throne," Prince Liam rubbed his face worriedly and then looked up at King Draco in awe. "Your appearance and guidance are truly at a good time."

"When you're preoccupied with matters in front of you—it becomes more important to check what's happening around you. That is what you need to have advisers for," King Draco said.

"You need to get your father's seal and then prepare for your coronation—by then, you will be adhered to and there will be no one who will disrespect you."

"But my father—"

"Tell the people that he finally abdicated and decided to pass it on to you. It's quite simple enough to spin a story—and those closest to you would certainly agree rather than cause chaos over Verona."

Liam took a deep breath and nodded. "O-okay, I'll do as you suggested. I'll make the arrangements secretly. Since your daughter is not interested in burying Julian, I guess... a coronation wouldn't seem too bad."

"Don't hesitate and simply act." King Draco said. "If you continue to second-guess yourself, others will quickly come in and attempt to take the throne for themselves."

"Thank you so much, I will get going now." Liam nodded and then left.

Once the young prince was out, King Draco couldn't help but scrunch up his face and shake his head. "Bah, what a pathetic prince—a pathetic kingdom, rather. I wouldn't be surprised if this collapses after a couple of months with that boy's ineptitude."

Right now, King Draco chose to keep away from Rowena, if only to let his words sink into her head so she could perform the necessary steps in seducing Raphael by herself.

Instead, he focused on the next set of plans. He took out a map and encircled the mountain he had spoken to Rowena about.

"While the brat's focuse

d on his coronation—I need to get that bargaining chip out from Verona. If she's so concerned about this Julian, then no matter where she goes, she'll simply come and find him."

***

When dinner time finally came around, as promised by Liam to his guest of honors–it was a small banquet for them. A sumptuous and private dinner for the Roseland family, for him and Prince Jadeith.

Prince Liam had done his best to dress up, bathe and wear something nice as he hoped that Rowena and he would finally be able to have a more normal conversation.

However, Rowena didn't turn up for dinner and neither did Raphael. It was something that worried Prince Liam and even Prince Jadeith.

"Where is my niece?" Prince Jadeith asked. "Shouldn't she be here by now?"

While he was aware that the Seventh Prince had accompanied Rowena, he was concerned about his niece's condition and wished to talk with her more.

"I can ask my men to check the infirmary, I think she's still there and just didn't notice the time?" Liam said and wondered if he needed to go there himself.

Unfortunately, King Draco dismissed the worries of the two princes as he cut his sirloin steak and simply ate.

"If Rowena wishes to spend the night alone and miss dinner, then you should let her. No need to find the girl–she can take care of herself."

Liam frowned. "But…"

"No buts–I mean, please do not worry, Liam," King Draco faked a smile. "After everything that transpired today, I'm not surprised that Rowena wished to have some time alone. No need to kick up a fuss. How are your coronation plans?"

"I… well, they're going along well?" Liam said. "Maybe sometime next week—"

"Next week?" King Draco raised a brow. "People will talk and already discover the condition of your father if you let it linger that much. Besides, I do not think that I'll be here next week, move it to tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?!" Liam's eyes widened.

"You don't need too many decorations or grand designs and events–this is supposed to be a simple affair. Your father's health failed after the events of your mother's poisoning attempts and chose to pass the title to you."

"I… I guess you're right. There's no need for anything special," Prince Liam sighed as he looked down at his reflection.

He hoped that if he appeared regal or mature, it would make him look more adult.

Maybe make him more attractive, but there was no time for that.

"Good." King Draco drank some of his wine. "Around that time, perhaps you can try to present my daughter and express your interest in courting her."

"Court my niece? What nonsense are you saying, Draco?" Prince Jadeith glared at the king then at Liam. "This is a preposterous idea–"

"It's simply courting. What's there to be upset about?" King Draco chuckled. "If you want to throw the gossip of the people away from the inc

ident of Queen Serena, you must give the people something to chew on."

"So this is simply an attempt to help this young lad?" Prince Jadeith glowered.

"Where are your manners, Jadeith?" King Draco raised a brow. "We're in Prince–soon to be King Liam's palace and yet you continue to mock his aspirations? Give the boy a fair chance."

"Do you think it really would work?" Liam asked.

"There's no harm in trying." King Draco smiled.

If Rowena didn't make any quick decisions, King Draco would make them for her.

This would also make the Seventh Prince finally act as well.