Chapter 21: The Prince Consort’s First Day

Chapter 21: The Prince Consort's First Day "And here we are..." Mikhailis muttered, his voice bouncing off the walls of the royal chamber. Alone. Completely alone. He let out a small chuckle, though it was more from disbelief than humor. The large, grand room seemed to mock him in its emptiness, the heavy silence pressing down like a weight on his shoulders. Well, this wasn't exactly how he pictured his first few days as Prince Consort. "But well, it can't be helped, I guess?" Rewind a bit—this wasn't a surprise. Elowen had warned him about it before she left. The memory of their conversation still felt fresh, almost like it had just happened. "I'm sorry, Mikhailis," she had said, her golden eyes filled with a rare mix of regret and determination as they stood at the edge of the chamber's doorway. "Don't worry about it," Mikhailis had waved it off with a smile. "I know this is all part of the fun game we call politics. I'm just disappointed I don't get to enjoy more of your company, honestly," Elowen had smiled faintly at that, but the weight of her words hadn't lifted. "It's not that simple. For the next three days, you'll be confined to this room. It's a strategy—a maneuver. Politically, it's crucial," Mikhailis had raised an eyebrow, pretending to playfully mock her, though he understood what she meant. "Confined, huh? What's the matter? Afraid I'll charm the whole kingdom while you're gone?" Elowen had let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "In a way, yes. That's the issue. The title of Prince Consort isn't just ceremonial. Here in Silvarion, people are always looking for ways to take advantage of those in power, and with you being so... unknown, people will wonder how much influence you have. They'll start thinking of ways to use you, to align themselves with you, hoping to sway the crown's power." "So this is your way of keeping them off my back?" Mikhailis had asked, his teasing tone giving way to genuine curiosity. Elowen had nodded. "Exactly. If they think you're stuck in this room, out of the loop, they'll drop any plans to conspire with you. And once they believe you're a harmless, no-good prince consort... well, that's when we'll strike. By the time they realize you're not what they thought, it'll be too late." He had grinned at her then, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "I get it. You don't have to explain everything. I might look like an eccentric anime-loving goofball, but I'm not clueless, Elowen. I'll play the part, and I'll play it well. You have my word," Elowen had looked at him for a moment, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Mikhailis," she had said quietly before leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. "I'll return every night, but it might be very late. Until then... well, try not to get too bored." Mikhailis grinned. "Ah, perfect! My little bug friends are gonna be happy with that. Any issues with the temperature control in the aquariums?" He nodded, satisfied. Everything was exactly where it needed to be. His research, his entertainment, his lab—it was all here, perfectly organized and running smoothly. It wasn't the worst place to be stuck for a few days, after all. As he let out a contented sigh, Mikhailis moved to the window, looking out at the garden where the solar panels lay beneath the dappled shade of Silvarion's towering trees. The world beyond felt distant, but he knew that, for now, this seclusion was necessary. It was all part of the plan. "I guess it's time to start work," he said, turning away from the window and stretching his arms. Rodion's voice chimed in again. Mikhailis smirked. "Yeah, why not? Hit me with the plan, Rodion." Mikhailis blinked. "Economic reports? Really? You know me, Rodion, I'm more of a 'watch anime until my eyes bleed' kind of guy." Mikhailis sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. What's next?" Mikhailis chuckled. "You know me too well, Rodion." "Of course she does," Mikhailis said with a grin. "She's always thinking ahead. But I believe she's not as harsh as you, Rodion," Rodion replied, completely ignoring him. "Yeah, go ahead. Let's make this day as productive as possible."