Chapter 10

“To hell and back.” Aramisius cursed under his breath.

The men bowed deeper.

“Sit.” Aramisius ordered at last.

They obeyed.

A commander cleared his throat, his armor clinking as he leaned forward.

“My lord… the princess is a golden force. She will be sought after very soon. I hope… her purchase remains a secret.”

Aramisius laughed dryly. “Anyone who tries to come for what is mine will be ripped into shreds. The world knows.”

There was silence again. 

Then the head of soldiers, Ser Dekanthros, rose slowly. His voice was steady, but edged with warning.

“Prince Aramisius, my lord of the Outboards and Theartera. I still believe we should keep our lights burning, our ears open, our shields ready, and our eyes wide. War will come. Like never before.”

Aramisius leaned forward, eyes burning. “We are the head of warforces in the world, Dekanthros. We are in alliance with the timetravelling scientists’ clan. When it comes to war, we do what is needed. Do not forget that.”

The court bowed low again.

****

****

Aeryl sat cross-legged on the edge of her bed, the strange book from her first day open in her lap. Its leather cover was worn, the pages torn by the eagle, yellowed and dusty.

Words she didn’t fully understand waited to be read.

After a long silence, she set the book aside and rang the small, silver bell by her bedside.

“Yes, my lady?” Nena’s voice came through the slightly ajar door.

“I want… I want to walk.” Aeryl said, rising to her feet. Her voice shook at first, but then steadied. “Around the city. I cannot sit here any longer. I will not rot inside these walls.”

Nena’s hand froze on the doorframe. “My lady… the prince will not allow it. You should not....”

“I know, Nena.” Aeryl interrupted, stepping closer. Her gaze was firm, her voice urgent. “But I am not going to waste my time hiding behind curtains and locked doors. I need to move. I need to see outside.”

Nena hesitated, her brow furrowing. “Your haven't eaten....”

“I am well than you think, Ma Nena,” Aeryl said softly, yet firmly. “I can endure things. I am stronger than you give me credit for.”

Nena bowed her head, and turned toward the door. “Very well, my lady. I will inform a guard.”

****

****

The guard moved swiftly through the stone corridors, the echo of his boots loud against marble. He arrived at the long hall where Aramisius was seated with the courtiers.

“My lord.” The guard said, bowing low. “Princess Aeryl requests permission to walk the city.”

Aramisius’s eyes flared, and his voice cracked like thunder across the chamber. “Tell her she will go to dinner before I arrive. That is her only errand until I come. She will not wander beyond what I allow.”

The guard bowed again and left, the echo of his footsteps fading as he made for the chambers where Aeryl waited.

****

****

Aeryl’s fingers traced the cover of the book. Every creak of the castle, every distant footstep, made her heart jump. 

With a soft sigh, she got up and moved toward the door. She reached for the handle, ready to explore the halls outside.

Just then, the door opened. Nena stepped in, slightly out of breath, a look of quiet urgency on her face.

“My lady.” Nena said, bowing her head. “The prince commands that you come to eat.”

Aeryl turned, her eyes flickering toward the candle.

****

****

Aramisius gaze burned across the room, dark and sharp as the murmurs of the court reduced.

One of the judges cleared his throat and spoke. “On behalf of Prince Aramisius Knighte of the Outboards, we invite the witches to speak to the court.”

The chamber doors opened, and four witches glided in, their robes whispering across the marble. They bowed low, heads almost touching their knees.

One stepped forward, voice measured. “My lord, we seek your confirmation on preparing the princess for her nature’s cultivation.”

Aramisius shook his head, eyes flashing with frustration. “She doesn’t need to be prepared for anything. You will all do your jobs. We are all enough.”

The witch hesitated, lips parting. “My lord....”

“Enough.”

The first witch recoiled, and the others stepped back, silent and obedient.

A judge spoke next, cautious yet firm. “My lord, we believe it is true from here that the princess needs to be cultivated. Her special abilities might be necessary in unforetold cases.”

Aramisius slammed a fist on the table. “It is not needed! She is to be kept safe, and that is all I expect from her!”

Another judge tried, voice careful, heavy with warning. “My lord, you know the terms and conditions that apply to her fertility. War may come.... or disaster. Even before she bears a child.”

Aramisius’ chest heaved. 

He looked at the witches. “Leave! Do not dare go near the hybrid girl.”

They bowed low and left, the doors clicking shut behind them.

Aramisius leaned back in his chair, hands trembling slightly.

“ALL I ASK....” He bellowed, voice echoing off the walls with fury. “....IS FOR ANOTHER WAY OUT OF THIS FOCUS. I'M NOT A VICTIM!!!”

The court fell into a stunned silence, every head bowed, every eye wide. Even the flickering torchlight seemed to shrink away from the tempest that was Aramisius Knighte.

****

****

Aeryl stood in the center of her chamber, fists clenching the fabric of her gown. 

“I will never eat! I’d rather starve than remain in this room!” She shouted, tears streaking her face. “I cannot breathe here. I cannot live here!”

Nena’s eyes softened with worry, her hands trembling slightly. “My lady…” she said gently. “I understand… I truly do. But I cannot take you anywhere without the prince’s consent. You would be punished if he knew you disobeyed.”

“I don’t care!” Aeryl cried out, her voice breaking. “I will not stay here! I cannot!”

Nena stepped closer, placing a hand lightly on Aeryl’s arm, but it barely calmed her. “Please… consider the consequences. You might sin against the prince’s will, and you could face grave punishment. I beg you, think of what might happen.”

Aeryl’s tears fell harder, her sobs echoing against the stone walls. “Ma Nena… I… I can’t…” She whispered, her voice choked.

Nena hesitated, eyes full of sorrow, then stepped back. “I cannot force you, my lady. I must leave,” she said softly. With a heavy heart, she moved to the door and locked it from the outside.

Aeryl’s cries filled the room. She sank to the floor, pressing her face into her hands, trembling and silent except for the frustrated, hopeless sobs that shook her body.

The chamber was quiet once more.

****

****

The room was silent, the last flickers of fire casting shadows across the stone walls. Aeryl had just been tucked into bed, the warmth of her bath still clinging to her skin. The maids had left, shutting the door with quiet finality.

Twelve minutes later, the door creaked.

Aramisius stepped inside, his dark eyes taking her in.