Some are born great
Some achieve greatness
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Vladimir listened intently to the conversation that went on between Kael and Seraphina, though he feigned disinterest. He remained silently at Aindreas’ side, sulking until he was told elsewise. Afterall, he had been made fun of enough at this point, and though he was not always bright, he was smart enough to keep his lips shut at this point. Anger bubbled up deep from within him, but he bit his lip and pushed it down - with Aindreas’ sudden strong armed show of power, there would be no fight. Anger, although helpful to push adrenaline through him swiftly, was not necessary at this junction. But still he listened acutely with jealousy pouring from him as the two Ethiopians talked quietly amongst themselves, easing into conversation as if they were old friends. But that was the thing, wasn’t it? They were old friends. And he couldn’t deny it… they looked like they belonged together. She was so different, so unique from everyone else in the pack that Vladimir had not ever though about how odd he must look next to her - wolves the same yet breeds apart. And then, just then, the Prince nearly exploded, for Kael had peered back at him and Vladimir’s optics had caught sight of the hint of a smirk. It made it even worse, perhaps, that Kael knew exactly how much he was bothering Vlad. That Vladimir was that transparent. Surely he had never thought himself as subtle, but now he appeared as a blatant fool. That had been when Vladimir had switched to drawing lines in the dirt with his paw, before rolling his eyes at yet another of Aindreas’ polite remarks.
When they began the tour, Kael moved forward to walk side by side with Aindreas. Vladimir felt the urge to run away, not wanting to hear what Seraphina had to say about the situation. He did not move from his spot, but instead listened to Kael easily conversing evenly with Aindreas, asking about his new position. Aindreas was once again polite in his remarks - ‘It was not an expected change in my life, as my mother was not queen, nor was Kalgalath Alpha of Aurora Borealis when I was conceived. It will be… a change in what I am used to, to say the least.’ Vladimir shook his head angrily and began to stomp after them. Why had his father not told him about this before? Why Aindreas? Why was father leaving at all? Were Castiel and Vladimir going with him, or were they expected to live under Aindreas’ rule?
He bristled his hackles as she neared him but did not move away from her, but it did not go without notice that she kept far enough away from him so that their hairs would not touch. It was odd, considering they had always walked shoulder to shoulder in the past. If felt stranger, cold, distant. As if suddenly it was he and she who were strangers. ‘Vlad, I… I didn’t know they were going to come.’ The prince did not look at her, even for a second, and made no change in his physique as he walked. ‘But we can’t just send them away. Kael… well… He’s my betrothed.’ Vladimir sharply looked at her but found that she no longer was staring at him. “Oh, of course he is. I should have expected for you to have one, with parents like that. Oh, wait, I didn’t know about your parents.” He spoke forcefully, with more cruelty than he intended, but Vladimir had always been one to wear his heart on his sleeve and could not hide his pain. ‘You shouldn’t have to find out like this and I’m sorry. I should have told you, Vladimir. If anyone deserves to know, it’s you.’ She reached out to him but Vladimir danced away from her, flinching as the tip of her nose grazed his retreating shoulder. “Why should I know? It’s not like I care. You said we would always be friends, but you didn’t really mean it, did you? You just wanted not to be bored until Kael came back and saved you from this horrid place.” He glared at her, his heart aching and immediately regretting the words as he poured them out but it was too late - the words were said and the damage was done. Before she could respond, a call reached their auds - his father’s vocals. Vladimir winced and immediately changed direction, taking off at full speed through the underbrush. He ran from what he had just done, from his pain, from it all. Aindreas stopped and looked back at Seraphina.
‘I believe you know the way, Seraphina. It may be best if you go, as this may be your last meeting and it will certainly be Father’s.’ Aindreas swept his gaze back to Kael. ‘If it is alright, we will continue this tour after the meeting. There are a few things I must attend to before I go to the meeting and get crowned. Kael, if you would like to attend the meeting you are more than welcome and Seraphina will lead you to it. Elsewise, please relax by the lake’s edge.’ Aindreas smiled at the two of them and ran off.
By the time that Vladimir had arrived, he saw that a few had already shown their faces. Panting, not from the effort of the run but rather from his emotion distress, Vladimir managed a smile toward Chenzii and Khaleesi before settling himself firmly between his two parents. He did not rub against either, but instead mumbled under his breath. “You two should have told me.”
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Some have greatness thrust upon them
~ Vladimir ~ Brother to Castiel ~ Kalgalath x Sebring ~ Heir of Aurora Borealis ~ Azura ~
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