His Majesty's Devious Sin

Adeline was distracted by Elias's touch when in the corner of her eyes, something shifted. He reacted much faster than her, instantly turning around.

"Quinston," Elias said in a clipped voice but amicable smile. His smile never reached his eyes, not unless he wanted it to.

"Your Majesty," Quinston said whilst bowing his head. Everyone had departed from the meeting room, except for the twins.

"Speak. What do you want? The discussion has ended, surely you're not here to humor me?" Elias mused whilst leaning one hand on the table, creating a visible boundary line.

"Your Majesty, I'd like to request to have a word with Princess Adeline if I may—"

"You may not."

Quinston blinked. He had never been shot down like this. His years in the military had sharpened his presence, large and powerful. He was built like an aging soldier, with softening muscles and limp skin.

"It concerns Princess Adeline's bloodline and her parents."

At this, Adeline instantly turned her attention to him. Her parents? So her predictions weren't off. She knew she had heard that name before, in her childhood who's memories were still blurry. 

"What would you like to say?" Adeline asked. 

Elias held back an amused smile. He had told Quinston to politely fuck off. But she didn't seem to hear him. She was a curious little thing, but not that often. So he stepped aside, and let the two talk, but under his monitored gaze.

"Easton," Elias suddenly muttered to his disobedient friend.

"Your Majesty?" Easton asked even though he knew where he was wronged, but he still stood by his opinion.

"I believe the dungeons need cleaning. Go."

Easton's eyes went wide. He opened his mouth to plead his case, but his brother slowly shook his head. He clamped his lips shut and begrudgingly walked out of the door, with Weston following after him—no doubt, to give a lengthy lecture.

"... I knew your parents."

Elias's attention shifted back to Quinston and Adeline. He was standing directly beside her. Whatever must be said, he'd be able to hear and see it as well.

"Yes, I suspected as much when you called Duke Claymore by 'old friend,'" Adeline said.

"You seem a bit doubtful, though, Princess," Quinston said with a slight amusement to the edge of his voice. He reached into his suit pocket.

Elias's eyes flickered to the small action. If he needed to, he'd be able to slam Quinston's face onto the table. No one would get away with hurting his prey.

"I was good friends with the infamous trio of our high school and college days." Quinston pulled out an old and wrinkled photo.

Adeline's lips parted. She took the picture from him, careful to not damage the precious thing. A picture spoke a thousand words. And this one told a story. It was a picture of young Quinston, her parents, the Claymores, and another familiar man.

Adeline's heart stung and her stomach churned. A man was in the center of the photo, with his arms slung around her father and Mr. Claymore. The man was widely grinning whilst looking at her father who smiled back at him. She instantly recognized him, her eyes tearing with hatred and disappointment.

"See, there's me, right there," Quinston said whilst pointing towards the side of the photo. 

He was fresh-faced and standing beside Addison, someone he considered a good friend, until her unfortunate passing. A pity truly, that their famous love story ended in such a tragedy.

"What is your purpose for showing this to me?" Adeline asked.

Quinston liked that she didn't around the bush. He took the photo back from her. "Please pardon my impudence, I'd like to keep this photo, it is my last memory of all of us together as one."

Adeline dully nodded. She didn't need this photo. She had a better one. There was a picture in the Marden Estate of her and Lydia as a child, and both of their parents behind her. There was an entire album of photos with Adeline and her parents. She heard her mother always wanted their memories to be cherished as pictures.

"You must believe I am working against you, Princess," Quinston said. "I am here to dispel that thought. Truthfully, I'd love to support you but my hands are tied by my own beliefs that His Majesty should prosper with the Golden Rose."

Adeline raised a brow. "And your purpose for telling me this?"

"So that you do not despise me. I still carry the memories with your parents deeply. Seeing you grow up so well has eased my worries. I'd just like to let you know my allegiance might be pulled towards the Claymores, but I am neutral."

Adeline felt like there was more to it than he implied. She knew people like him. When someone tried to appeal to emotions right off the bat, it is suspicious. People don't just tell their life story without a purpose. 

Quinston made it seem like his purpose was to keep her happy and informed that he's neutral, but she felt like he was secretly planning something. Why else would he show the picture and lower her guard?

"Thank you for telling me this, I'll keep it in mind," Adeline said with a slight smile. Since he didn't plan on showing his cards yet, she didn't bother with him. 

"I am very glad that you're as understanding as your mother, she is truly an outstanding friend, the most loyal woman I've ever seen. Surely, you will be the same, Princess," Quinston said.

Adeline curtly nodded her head. He wanted her guard to be lowered, so she pretended to lower it. She'll pretend to be the weak girl his belittling eyes view her. She smiled brighter and innocently tilted her head.

"Please, Quinston, you're too kind."

Quinston merely smiled. He bowed his head towards the King and then to her. "Thank you for your gracious time today, Princess. Please remember I am neutral, but you will always have a soft spot in my heart for you are the only child of my best friends."

Funny. Her parents rarely spoke of him, except for that one moment in her memory. She wondered why.

Adeline finally saw his intentions. He wanted to bat for both sides, whilst pretending to be neutral. The last line showed his loyalty to her in a discreet manner, but she knew that wasn't the truth.

Even so, she played the image he wanted her to be. So, she clasped her hands together in delight, her face softening.

"I will keep that in mind, Quinston," Adeline said in a lighter, happier voice.

Quinston nodded. Without turning his back to the King, he walked out of the room and closed the doors behind him.

And soon, it was just Elias and Adeline.

Adeline's smile died down and her hands dropped to her side. "He wishes to make a fool of me."

Elias raised a brow. "You do that already, my sweet."

Adeline turned towards him, slightly frowning.

"But you're changing, so perhaps I will also acknowledge that," Elias snickered a bit. He stroked the back of her head, wondering if she knew the truth.

"That man," she suddenly said. "At the center of the photo, with his arms around my father and Mr. Claymore. I assume you know who he is?"

Elias raised a brow. How could he not?

"He's my father's younger brother, my only Uncle from my father's side of the family," Adeline coldly said. "The usurper to my throne."

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