Oath of the King-Chapter 25: The pride of Lionfelt - Part 3

All the Holy Knights surrounded him, swords drawn in a square-like formation. Alden met their gazes with icy resolve. "Father," he began, voice steady, "is this how you greet your son after eighteen years apart?"

The Patriarch raised a hand, silencing the knights. "Hold." He rose from his seat and strode toward Alden, eyes narrowing. "And who might you be?"

Alden stared unflinchingly into the Patriarch's eyes. The tension crackled like a storm—until suddenly, Alden dropped to one knee. He crossed his arms in a gesture of respect. "Patriarch of Lionfelt," he declared, "your unofficial son, Alden Lionfelt, has returned to reclaim his birthright."

The Patriarch's stern expression faltered, replaced by confusion. He snapped his fingers at a nearby Holy Knight. "Knight Corvin—step forward." The knight obeyed, trembling. "Did you not swear to me," the Patriarch growled, "that Alden died years ago?"

The knight paled. "I... I only followed the Matriarch's orders!"

The Patriarch backhanded him with such force the nearby wall crumbled. "Never hide the truth from me again." He turned back to Alden, retreating to his throne. "Cub Alden—approach."

Alden rose, determination blazing in his eyes. "Yes, Patriarch."

The Patriarch studied him head to toe, noting his hardened physique. "Why have you returned?"

"To reclaim my rightful place," Alden answered.

The Patriarch smirked. "The other Lionfelt heirs have already earned their stripes. They near knighthood. You, however..." He gestured dismissively. "You look like a pup fresh from the wilds. Do you truly believe you're not too late?"

Alden's gaze never wavered. "That's for me to prove."

The Patriarch leaned forward. "What fuels this arrogance?"

Alden smiled coldly. "A lion cannot sire a dog. Even a bastard carries pride in his blood."

Murmurs rippled through the knights—some sneered, others watched intently. One loyal to the Matriarch scoffed, "A mongrel with diluted blood can't rival true lions."

The Patriarch silenced him with a glare, but Alden retorted, "A rabid dog outlasts a lazy lion."

The Patriarch exhaled sharply, his aura thickening until the air itself seemed to crush the room. Alden's knees buckled under the pressure, but he forced himself upright, veins bulging. "This isn't disrespect," he gritted out. "It's the pride of Lionfelt."

The Patriarch's lips twitched—almost a smile—before the Matriarch burst into the hall. "Don't indulge this runt!" she hissed. "He's proven nothing!"

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"Silence!" the Patriarch roared. "You've overstepped for the last time." His gaze returned to Alden, calculating. After a tense pause, he barked, "Send him to Evelyn. Let her test his mettle." He glared at the Matriarch. "But cross me again, and you'll remember exactly who I am."