Melody of Strength novel

A few days later, after court had adjourned, Salvador retained Rafael for a private conversation.

Ignoring the stack of documents left untouched, Salvador signaled to Derek to set up the chessboard.

“It’s been a while since we last played chess together,” he remarked.

Rafael adjusted his belt, and sat down comfortably. “After days of poring over case files until my head felt like it was spinning, it’s a blessing to have a reprieve. I’m deeply grateful for the leniency, Your Majesty.”

Salvador watched Rafael’s actions with a furrowed brow. “You’re still clinging to those old military habits? How rude. You are now head of the Supreme Court and a high–ranking member of the court. Remember to maintain your dignity and composure.”

“Why worry about appearances in front of my own brother?” Rafael replied with a bright grin.

“Do you act so freely in front of your princess consort as well?” Salvador said, placing a white piece on the board with a deliberate motion.

Rafael held a black piece, and his expression was inscrutable. “In front of my own princess consort, I would be even more unrestrained.”

Salvador studied him with a smile on his lips. “I’ve heard that someone expressed interest in becoming your concubine at Aunt Helen’s birthday banquet?”

“That such rumors even reach your ears must be an offense, Your Majesty,” Rafael said, placing a black piece on the board.

“Well, I usually disregard idle gossip, but since you are my brother and Mother is concerned, I must ask–are you considering taking a concubine?” Salvador inquired.

“I have no such plans.” Rafael flashed another wide grin. “Your Majesty, after so many years of warfare, my health is in pretty poor shape. I am still under Sebastian’s care. Even managing one wife is somewhat overwhelming, and

I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle the additional burden of a concubine.”

Salvador shot him a disapproving look. Nonsense. You are a trained soldier, strong and robust. How could you be overwhelmed? Are you implying that I. with my numerous concubines, might suggle to manage them all?”

“I would never dare criticize your harem, Your Majesty. Besides, as king, you have the duty to expand your lineage. It’s only natural to have more concubines. Even ordinary officials keep several concubines, don’t they?”

“Expanding the family lineage,” Salvador repeated, glancing at Rafael. “As a member of the royal family, it is also your responsibility to ensure the family’s continuation.”

Rafael chuckled. “I had initially planned to remain single to avoid too many entanglements. With the current arrangement–having a wife and with my mother now out of the palace–I find that too many concerns are rather unsettling. So, I don’t plan on having any children for the time being.”

Salvador stared intently at Rafael while holding a white piece, lost in thought. After a moment, he said, “Let’s stop for now. Return to your duties. I hear there is a major case awaiting review at the Supreme Court.”

“You’re right,” Rafael replied. “A woman killed twelve members of her husband’s family, including her own children. The case occurred in

Brightmoor District. The local governor has sentenced her to death by execution, which the Ministry of Justice has approved. I have yet to finish reviewing the case files.”

Salvador frowned. “Such a cruel woman should not merely face death by execution. She deserves immediate beheading.”

Rafael responded, “I will review the case files and make a fair decision according to the law.”

“Alright, get going!” Salvador waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away a fly. “You’re being so rude! I find it tiresome to deal with you!”

Rafael smiled. “Then, I shall take my leave.”

As Rafael exited the hall, Salvador grabbed a handful of white pieces and scattered them across the chessboard.

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After a while, Salvador’s face grew pale. “Derek, have I been too harsh? He’s afraid to even have children.”

Salvador constantly had people watching Rafael. Did he really think Rafael couldn’t sense his lingering mistrust?

However, Derek dared not voice his thoughts. He only smiled and said, “Your Majesty, you are overthinking. Prince Rafael may simply not wish to have children at the moment.”