How to Live as the Enemy Prince

Calian knew that caring for the rose gardens was Randell’s hobby, but at the moment the expression on his brother’s face was not one of happiness.

Randell’s servant stood behind him stone-faced as he held up the prince’s red cloak from the ground, similar to the one worn by Calian, meanwhile, Randell was on his knees as he trimmed the bushes.

Calian let out a hollow smile, Randell normally wouldn’t have dared to work on his garden dressed like this. ‘King Rumein is truly astounding – to think he could have shaken up Randell to such an extent.’

The battle for the throne occurred several years after the original Calian’s death. A tragic accident occurred when the axle of the carriage carrying the King and Crown Prince of Tensil broke, and the carriage tumbled down a cliff. The King and the Crown prince were both killed at the same time, leaving Randell as the only remaining Tensil heir. And so, he immediately left Kyris to succeed the throne.

‘With even Rumein like that – he had little attachment to the kingdom of Kyris.’ He remembered hearing of this and thinking that Randell seemed to have made the decision without a moment's hesitation.

Now, it was an understandable decision. If Calian were in that position, he would not hesitate to leave this country as well.

“Your highness, Prince Calian,”

A voice broke him from his thoughts, and he looked up and saw Randell standing and facing him. The one who spoke was Randell’s servant, who was eyeing him expectantly, and Calian realized that he had been standing in a daze.

“My apologies.”

Calian bowed towards Randell and offered his greetings.

Randell took off his gloves and handed them to his servant, then looked silently at Calian, his deep blue eyes contrasting against Calian’s red gaze.

Randell didn’t scold Calian. He wouldn’t know why Calian was here alone.

“It’s alright.”

Randell left him with only a single word and headed back to Chermil Palace.

—

Rumein was fair. He treated all three of his sons equally.

From next to him, the pungent smell of liquor that rose from Franz was enough to prove it. Calian was almost dizzy with it and turned to Franz with his eyebrows furrowed. 

‘This crazy young thing – even though I’m holding back on alcohol!’

Franz’s eyes seemed even cloudier than usual. Though Calian knew the reason for his drinking, that didn’t mean he would excuse Franz’s unsightly behavior.

It was the moment before they would go outside to meet the crowds. All Calian had to do was stand wordlessly behind the king and maybe wave a little – but he was still worried that Franz might try to do something crazy.

Fortunately, Calian did not remember a story of a Kyris prince rioting at a ceremony outside of the royal palace, so he figured in the end nothing too unexpected would happen. 

As if he had noticed Calian’s thoughts, Franz glanced towards him – when he saw the frown on Calian’s face, he grinned but Calian did not notice his gaze. 

“There are 10 minutes remaining – the event will soon begin,” an official announced to the royal family. Calian, who was seated in a chair near the main gate, took a breath to mentally prepare himself. It may be a familiar occasion for the others, but not for him, and he couldn’t help but feel his nerves prickling underneath his skin.

There were so many people gathered inside the square that there was no place to step. Security forces mingled among crowds, as well as knights from the first division of the Royal Guard’s First Battalion. Some knights sat in a cafe or restaurant building surrounding the square, monitoring for any suspicious movements among the people.

Soon the two large crystal displays lit up and began to project images of the empty platform. Anticipation of the start of the event rose and filled the square.

“The palace doors will now open.”

At the announcement of those words, the main door of the palace slowly opened on both sides. People began to cheer as the Kyris crest, proudly engraved in the centre of the door, split in half and the door opened, revealing the palace inside.

Before long, the doors of the royal palace, normally tightly closed, were wide open. That door wouldn’t close for three days now.

“Five minutes to go.”

Kaela, the royal spokesperson, began a long speech to the crowd.

There was not much time and the royal family, including Calian, rose from their seats as the servants moved busily about them. Yan, too, quickly made a last minute inspection of Calian’s uniform then moved away.

“One minute remaining,”

There was a red carpet stretching from the main gates of the palace towards the platform, with knights lined up at either side of the way. Their swords stretched high above their heads, as though ready to pierce the sky. 

The weather was sunny and the sunbeams reflected off the blades of the knights with beautiful sharpness. The royal family’s procession was ready. 

And then it was ten o’clock.

Rumein stepped forward, and the booming voice of the Kaela announced the procession. A step behind him, Silica slowly followed – then Randell and Franz moved forwards behind them. 

‘It’s my turn.’

Calian started walking after them. He closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them. 

He straightened his back and raised his chin.

He lowered his gaze to where the people’s eyes would be, and smiled.

It was only after he had become the embodiment of the perfect Prince of Kyris –

He took his first step outside.