CADELL AND GUNTHER had now moved to the knights quarters near the Ruby Palace. They had been training under Felix and were busy throughout the day.
Arius and Athanasia would frequently visit Claude for tea and breakfast. And this day was no exception.
They were sitting in the Amethyst Garden. Athanasia eating her cakes, Claude drinking lippe tea. And Arius eating cookies.
Amethyst Garden.
It had been a while since Arius was able to admire the garden's beauty.
He would come here often to sort out his thoughts, but always be too deep in his thoughts to just look at the flowers.
Purple Roses.
They looked heavenly. And smelled heavenly as well. Arius couldn't help but be happy as he stared at them while munching on a cookie.
The tea time ended quickly or did time fly ? Arius didn't know. Athanasia and Claude were the ones conversing throughout. Arius was just...there.
"Thank You for your time, Daddy!" Athanasia said while smiling brightly.
"Thank You for your time, Your Majesty." Arius also spoke with a smile.
4
Claude nodded with a blank expression before walking away.
'He looked a bit thinner. Dark circles underneath his eyes.' Arius noticed and glanced at Athanasia who seemed to have noticed as well.
They walked back inside Ruby Palace while talking about it.
"Has dad been sleeping well?" Athanasia asked.
"Doesn't look like it."
"..." Athanasia looked a bit sad.
"Are you worried about him?"
"I ...don't know. What about you?"
"...Same."
Worrying about him.
It felt foreign.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
NIGHT TIME WAS HERE and Arius just left Athanasia's room after checking on her mana levels. He went out to look at the moon and take a midnight stroll. If Olivia found out she'd be mad.
She had tucked him in bed an hour ago, but Arius had so many thoughts that he couldn't sleep. His list of worries were endless, but the top one on his list was : Claude.
'He didn't mind me calling him by his title. He seems so out of it these days. Something is wrong. Has he been drinking? I don't get it. There's a wall between us. A wall I tried to stop while it was being constructed but I was too busy with the slave traders...'
"Hey! What're you doing out at this hour?" A shout came from behind him.
"oh Cadell, and Gunther.."
"Just call us Cad and Gun!" Cadell spoke.
"Sure, How's training? I hardly see you both."
"Training is fun and tough. we're also taking lessons on manners and formal speech so it's hard to find any free time. " Gunther spoke.
"Jeez , being a knight is hard, especially with all those unnecessary things we're being taught!" Cadell complained.
Arius chuckled at them. "What about you? Why're you out here? at this time? "
"Just came out to look at the moon."
"But you were facing the ground." Said Cadell with a smile.
"..."
"Is something bothering you?" Gunther asked after smacking Cadell on the head.
"Not really. I was just thinking about something."
Gunther's eyebrows raised in curiosity. "Oh I know," Cadell began making the other two look at him.
"You–" Cadell suddenly stopped. Arius was about to say something but Gunther also began looking around cautiously. Arius then sensed it too.
Someone was watching them. They were near. In the forest. And he could sense their bloodlust from all the distance.
Gunther and Cadell went into stance and placed their hand on the hilt of their sword. "Assassins." Arius stated.
'Shoot! Felix left the Palace an hour ago. My mana was resealed under Felix's supervision. But in 'Who Made Me A Princess' Athanasia was never chased by assassins, which means , they're after me. Felix would be at the Garnet Palace right now. I have to get to him...'
"Arius..." Gunther spoke in a questioning tone.
"I need to get to Garnet Palace. They're most likely after me , but just in case, Cadell stays here to protect Athanasia. And Gunther , let's make a run for it to the Garnet Palace." Arius ordered.
They nodded.
Swoosh!
Wind rustled and it began. Cloaked men. Black Cloaks. Similar to his first assassins. There were six of them.
"Now! "
Arius and Gunther began running while Cadell firmly stood in his place. Almost all of the men began following Arius.
"Oh no...You don't!" Cadell charged at two of the men, but the men dodged his attack.
"Tsk"
The two men were now left behind while the other four followed Arius and Gunther.
"I'm your opponent." Cadell told them as his eyes began glowing a bright red.
One of them jumped in the air and took out a dagger for an aerial attack while the other simply shot daggers to keep Cadell distracted.
But Cadell deflected the daggers and clashed his sword with the aerial guy's dagger.
Clang!
The sound resonated. The man was a lot larger than him , thus had more strength and was able to push Cadell back as their blades were engaged. The second man threw another wave of daggers at Cadell while he was engaged with the first man.
The first guy was already putting so much strength on his dagger that Cadell's hands were trembling from keeping his sword connected with it.
But if Cadell hesitated for even a slight second he would be slashed by the dagger of the first man. But if he didn't move then he would be stabbed by the wave of daggers.
What was his advantage in this fight?
His energy. His Speed.
He didn't need strength. He had speed. But will he be able to win with just speed alone?
'Let's try and see!'
He shifted all his energy to his legs and waited for the moment.
Now!
He kicked the hand of the man in front of him with his knee(making him lose grip on the dagger), and quickly moved to the side and hit the man's dagger in a way that made the man shift to the area where Cadell stood a second ago. And,
Splich!
The daggers which were aimed at Cadell now landed on the back of the assassin. He slowly fell to the ground.
Cadell's face was stained with blood. His eyes glowed like rubies as his gaze then shifted to the other assassin. And he smiled.
1
"You're next."
ARIUS AND GUNTHER were running towards the Garnet Palace. The assassins shot daggers every time they got, but Gunther would surprisingly deflect each and all of them.
'They really were training hard' Arius thought.
Suddenly two of the assassins jumped in front of them and took out their blades. "Keep running!" Gunther shouted as he ran up in front of Arius to take care of them.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
Arius ran ahead amongst their clashes. "Don't worry about me! Just run!" Gunther shouted as he saw Arius hesitate. Garnet Palace was right in front of them.
Gunther was fighting off two of the assassins while the other two were now running behind Arius. Their daggers were visible in their hands and they were almost a step away from Arius as he was running in the halls of the Palace.
Arius took a few turns and lost one of the assassins but the other was right behind him.
"Help! Someone! Felix!" Arius shouted.
Garnet Palace didn't have any staff. Claude preferred it that way. So no matter how much Arius shouted, no one could hear him.
"Felix!"
Felix wasn't there.
'Why! Where is he!'
"Ah!"
The man suddenly grabbed Arius's collar from behind. The moon shone through the windows in the hall. The dagger in the man's hand sparkled in the light.
The assassin lifted Arius up from the collar of his shirt and pointed the dagger at him.
This is it?
He's gonna kill me?
I'm gonna die ?
Arius closed his eyes.
That's... okay
1
I've died before too.
It's fine I was an extra from the start.
1
It's okay
Suddenly, memories of the past five years flashed through his eyes.
When he met Athanasia.
The fun they had.
Olivia tucked him in bed.
Him teasing Felix.
His time with his friends.
Cadell
Gunther
And then finally
Claude
When they met
When Claude forbid his coffee
When Claude hugged him and told him that...
That he...
That Claude loved him.
That he wanted to protect him.
Unknowingly tears streamed down his cheeks. It felt wrong.
Why, I'm just an extra.
I was never a part of their story
2
And yet I got attached
And now
I don't wanna leave
I wanna stay
Athy and Dad
I want to stay with them
I love them both so much
I'm scared
I don't wanna die
I don't...wanna die
Dad...
Help me.
"...Dad! " Arius cried out as his face was red and tears fell down without any hint of stopping.
"Dad! I'm scared! "
"Dad!"
The assassin suddenly stabbed Arius in the chest. Or at least that's what he thought. But there was no sign of blood.
Click!
Click!
Click!
A figure approached them from the shadows of the hallway. His icy blue eyes made the assassin drop his dagger and Arius.
But Arius didn't fall. He floated. Mana surrounding him. His eyes were shut close and tears were flowing all over his red face.
Claude stepped out of the shadows.
"How dare you touch my son with your filthy hands."
5
The assassin ran away into the hallway to try and escape. Claude didn't bother with the assassin and instead went and grabbed his floating son.
Arius suddenly opened his eyes to see him in Claude's arms. "D–Dad..." his tears stopped for a moment.
Jeweled eyes met each other. Claude patted Arius's head and said, "Don't be scared, Sleep. It's gonna be okay." Claude was about to put him to sleep.
Arius suddenly clutched on to his night robes. "Dad!" Tears flowed uncontrollably.
"Dad! "
"Dad!"
"Dad!"
"Yes... I'm here, Arius." Claude spoke softly as he caressed his trembling son's back. And Arius kept sobbing on Claude's shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Arius. I'll let you go through that." Claude said as he patted Arius's back. Arius only cried louder.
Arius looked up at Claude and noticed his pained expression. It wasn't the same blank one, instead he looked genuinely worried about him. He could tell that Claude seriously felt bad. He tried to control his tears for a minute and spoke.
"I–I was so scared...I thought I was going to die..." Arius spoke as his voice cracked from the tears which he kept trying to control.
"Dad...I love you." Arius said as he formed a smile through his tears.
Claude's lips drew apart slightly and his eyes widened at the words. Arius gripped Claude's robes tighter and tried to smile wider this time.
1
"I love you."
"I love you and Athy so much."
His smile slightly began to fade.
3
"I ... don't wanna..hic!...die " Tears once again flowed through the porcelain skin the young prince possessed.
7
Claude placed his hand on Arius's head and slowly the young prince's body leaned on Claude's shoulder.
The sound of crying soon stopped. Claude lovingly held Arius in his arms, and kept caressing his back.
Click!
Click!
A figure approached from the darkness. Claude narrowed his eyes as he looked through the darkness.
"Blessings and Glory upon the sun of the Obelian Empire." Gunther greeted as kneeled on one leg.
"The Assassins?" Claude asked as he turned and began walking outside. Gunther followed behind, while answering.
"Six of them. Four Dead. Two were left at Ruby Palace. Another knight was fighting them and protecting Princess Athanasia. "
"Make sure they're dead and go get Felix, I will send him to the prison cells."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Gunther ran off to do as he was told.
CADELL STOOD ON THE bodies of the assassins. One was dead and the other was unconscious. He had tied the unconscious man and was now quietly heading to Athanasia's bedroom.
Click!
The door opened softly and Cadell slowly and carefully stepped inside so as to not wake up the princess.
After reaching the bed he saw Athanasia peacefully sleeping. He sighed in relief and then went over to the window which was strangely open.
He scanned outside the window before closing it.
Click!
"Uh- Who's there? " A small voice asked.
Cadell turned to see the cute princess sitting up straight and her eyes were glowing amidst the darkness.
The moon which was hidden by the clouds finally was revealed and its moonlight came through the window, illuminating the room and also allowing Athanasia to see Cadell's face and sighing in relief.
"Oh it's just you Cad!"
"Ehe, I apologize for disturbing your slumber, and intruding into your chambers without permission." Cadell spoke as he bowed.
"Woah, the formal speech classes are really doing magic right now... " Athanasia spoke.
They both shared a small chuckle before Athanasia asked him the reason for his 'intrusion'.
"..." Cadell was wondering whether he should tell a seven year old about assassins and killing and all those things.
"Assassins?" Athanasia asked, her eyes filled with worry.
Cadell seemed surprised to say the least. Well, Athanasia was a smart kid.
"So I'm right?" Athanasia asked.
Her tone had changed from her usual bubbly one to a more mature one.
"Six assassins attacked Arius in the garden. Two of them are dead, the rest follow him to the Garnet Palace."
Athanasia stayed quiet for a while before getting out of her blanket.
"Wait princess where are you-"
Athanasia gave him a look saying 'You really don't know where?'
" Ahem! Prince Arius will be okay, Gunther went with him. And Felix would be at Garnet Palace as well."
Athanasia still looked worried.
"Your life might also be in danger. But don't worry! cause the greatest swordsman in the whole empire is standing right in front of you!"
"I am, oh, so honoured by thy presence." Athanasia replied leaving Cadell slightly confused about her use of archaic words.
Athanasia then stared out of the window and thought if Arius was okay right now.
'Daddy and Felix are at Garnet Palace so he'll be okay!'
Click!
The door to Athanasia's room opened and Cadell immediately stood in front of Athanasia with his sword in hand.
"Sheathe your sword. " Claude ordered and immediately Cadell did so upon recognizing his voice.
1
Claude walked over to Athanasia's bed and saw her awake. Athanasia on the other hand saw Arius sleeping in Claude's arms.
"Is brother okay?" She asked Claude.
Claude nodded before sitting on Athanasia's bed. Athanasia would usually be thinking about Claude's intentions , but currently she just scanned her brother for any injuries.
She sighed in relief when she saw none.
"Your report." Claude ordered.
"Six Assassins. Four Followed His Highness towards Garnet Palace. Two stayed behind. One dead, One unconscious. They did not reach the Princess."
"Take the one alive to the prison cells."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Cadell left the room after smiling at Athanasia.
Claude's hand suddenly reached Athanasia's cheek and she flinched by his action.
"D..Daddy?" She asked.
"You're not hurt."
Athanasia just stared at him since it sounded like a statement and not a question.
Claude touched Athanasia's forehead and she suddenly fell asleep. He then laid down Arius on the side of the bed and watched his children as they slept ; occasionally caressing their heads.
2
Soon Felix arrived at Claude and began apologizing for his carelessness.
"You're not the only one at fault." Claude spoke and Felix's eyes widened in surprise.
"No, actually it's not your fault at all." Claude mumbled but Feix heard it.
"Your...Majesty.."
"Theyll be sleeping in my quarters tonight."
Claude picked up Arius and ordered for Felix to hold Athanasia.
1
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
THE PIERCING RAYS of the sun awoke the prince and princess early in the morning.
1
Arius felt tired so he simply turned to another side to go back to sleep. But when he turned he went into contact with something.
Arius opened his eyes in annoyance to see what it was and before him was Claude. He almost screamed before sitting up straight.
From the other side Athanasia also jolted up and they gave each other a confused stare.
"You're awake." A voice spoke.
Both of their eyes shot to Claude's.
Claude slowly sat up and spread his arms around his two children.
"G–Good Morning, Daddy! And Brother!" Athanasia greeted him.
"Good morning Dad, Athy." Arius greeted them and he smiled.
A genuine smile filled with happiness.
He was glad that he could wake up again and beside those he loved.
"I love you both very much." Arius suddenly started leaving Athanasia and Claude quiet for a moment..
2
Athanasia suddenly jumped on Arius with a hug. "We love you too brother!" Athanasia said as she tightened her hug on him.
Claude also placed his hand on Arius's head and mumbled, "I...love you too, Arius. "
And once again Arius became a crying mess. His eyes swollen red. But one thing about Arius crying was that his crying was cute, pretty and beautiful. Not like the typical ugly crying.
'He looks so cute when he's crying.'
Athanasia thought before realizing she sounded sadistic.
Arius had finally decided that this was his home. The place where the people he loved were.
The place where he experienced the most positive emotions.
He was beyond happy to have been reincarnated.
And he sometimes felt it was wrong for him to be there since the original Arius deserved these things.
But if the original Arius was here, he would've died by the first assassins and would've ceased to exist.
He decided that he no longer wanted to leave and travel the world, but instead , he wanted to stay in Obelia.
With his family.
And this time Arius wanted to change everything he had been doing up until now. Just like Cadell and Gunther found a new beginning, Arius too had resolved for a few changes. Starting with being more honest with Athanasia.
THE THREE ROYALS shared a warm embrace with each other before being interrupted by a knock.
"Your Majesty, May I come in?" Felix spoke from outside.
Claude's face immediately had a frown on his face but he allowed his entry.
"Good Morning Felix!" Athanasia greeted him.
Arius did the same, but both of them were quite surprised by Felix's appearance. Dark circles underneath his eyes.
His eyes were closing from exhaustion.
And when he spoke he mixed up the words.
"What is it so early in the morning?"
"Sire, the assassins were sent by the... Feradinies."
Athanasia and Arius looked at Felix with sympathy.
'Poor Felix probably stayed up the whole night interrogating the assassins. I feel bad now.'
"I see. It seems those fools really are asking for it. Felix goes to the ruins of Feradona and seeks these pests out and brings me their heads. Take as many knights as you may need."
"As you wish...your Majesty. When do I leave?"
"Right now–"
Arius clutched on Claude's robes and Athanasia did the same. They looked at him with puppy eyes.
"Tonight. Until then Prepare and rest for the journey." Claude changed his answer.
Felix's eyes suddenly brightened and he looked at the royal siblings with utmost gratitude and even though he didn't say it they could tell by his eyes that he was praising them and thanking them in his mind.
"Leave, and ask the maids to prepare breakfast on your way out."
They just smiled at him and waved him goodbye as he ran out of the office straight to bed probably.
Arius suddenly remembered Cadell and Gunther, and tried getting off of bed but Claude stopped him with his arm.
"Where are you going? "
"To see Cadell and Gunther, they protected me last night."
"Your Knights? They're not injured. They seem to be quite skilled."
Arius smiled as he felt proud when Claude praised his knights.
"And about them..."
"Yes?" Arius asked with curiosity.
"I will discuss it during breakfast. Now you both may go and fresh up."
"Okay!" both replied in unison.
ARIUS AND ATHANASIA were now making their way to the dining area, accompanied by their respective maids.
Arius tried finding Gunther and Cadell but they weren't anywhere. Arius was worried but since Claude said they're safe he didn't think too much about it and instead thought about the Assassins.
Feradona.
His mother's homeland. He wanted to see it, even if it was in ruin. He wanted to meet Feradinies, even though they're literally trying to kill him. But he still wanted to at least see them. Curiosity, I suppose.
But Claude would never allow him to go with Felix and he didn't want to get in a new argument with Claude when they finally patched things up.
He decided to stay in Obelia after all. Not to mention, soon Lucas was going to be introduced and Athanasia's mana explosion was also only a few weeks away.
The doors to the dining room opened and revealed Claude sitting on the seat in the middle with Gunther and Cadell standing a few steps behind his throne.
"Blessings and Glory upon the star and the future sun of the Obelian Empire" Both said in unison, when Arius and Athanasia were seated.
They both nodded in acknowledgment of the greeting and Claude began.
"Since Felix will be leaving tonight and since I had also previously temporarily appointed Felix as your guard. I have decided that Knight Gunther Soliva will be Arius's personal knight."
Gunther stepped forward and kneeled before Arius's seat.
"And Knight Cadell will be Athanasia's personal knight."
2
Cadell stepped forward and kneeled before Athanasia's seat.
"Will you allow that , Arius?" Claude asked.
Arius had a confused look on his face, why ask for his permission? However, he still replied.
"I do." Arius gave his permission.
"Are you satisfied now?" Claude asked as he faced Cadell. And Cadell smiled in acceptance.
1
"You both may leave and wait outside."
The two said their greetings and left the dining room. Arius immediately gave Claude a stare of confusion.
"I ordered those knights to serve you both, but they told me they're your knights and will only follow your orders. "
Arius had a proud look on his face. The maids quickly came and placed the food on the table. They all began picking up their utensils to start eating.
"I apologize if they offended you Dad."
"Not at all, it's been a while since I've seen such bold and loyal knights."
"Athy, are you okay with Cad being your knight?"
"Yes! Cad is super fun to be around!"
Arius just smiled because he felt proud. He was definitely going to tell them about Claude and Athanasia's praise for the two.
"One more thing." Claude said as he placed his fork down.
"Starting today, Athanasia will be residing in the Emerald Palace and Arius will stay in Sapphire Palace."
Their jaws fell down.
"R-Really, Daddy!? " Athanasia asked.
Claude nodded and the room fell quiet for a bit as they were processing what he said.
"Daddy, living in different Palaces will be boring, I wanna stay in the same Palace as Brother" Athanasia asked with a pout.
"The Sapphire and Emerald Palaces are quite close to each other. The only reason I'm sending you to different Palaces is for your own safety. Those Palaces are located near the imperial knights quarters. " Claude reasoned.
"It's okay Athy , I'll eat all my meals with you and we have our lessons together as well. I'll also come everyday to play with you!" Arius promised.
Athanasia gave him a big smile, before focusing on her meal.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
THEY BOTH EXCITED the dining room and were greeted by their knights, who were now escorting them to their respective Palaces.
On their way, Arius told Gunther and Cadell about the praises he heard from the Emperor and also asked them about what Claude had told him about their loyalty.
"I didn't think you guys would be able to talk back to the emperor." Arius stated.
"Well, we weren't wrong were we?" Cadell grinned.
"I was the one who talked back and Gun just kept nodding and supporting my words. "
1
"I spoke too!" Gun defended himself.
"Yeah Yeah..."
ATHANASIA AND ARIUS along with their newly appointed knights were making their way to their Palaces, when they met someone on their way.
"Ah! Mister White!" Athanasia spoke.
"My Lady, My name is Roger Alpheus..."
Since Felix was no longer with the royal siblings they were now walking instead of being carried.
So currently, four minors were walking alone. And Duke Alpheus wanted to take advantage of this situation where no adults were with them.
That being said all the children were quite smart and Arius already knew what that man was gonna bark about today.
He didn't like the fact that the man didn't even bother greeting them properly.
The Duke felt a cold gaze on him, like the emperor's and noticed the prince staring at him, with a smile.
"Blessings and Glory upon the future sun and star of the Obelian Empire. " The Duke bowed slightly.
"Greetings Duke Alpheus, I believe you came here for an audience with Dad. "
"Yes that is correct, but before I went there was something that had been bothering me."
'Ah here we go.'
"Is there someone who can serve as your Highnesses friend or companion? I worry you may get lonely... "
"Friend?"
"Thank you for your concern, Duke, but as you can see our knights are close to us in age and so having friends is the least of our worries."
"I have a son two years older than you prince, he's a very bright and mature child. I understand you enjoy the company of your knights but perhaps you should widen your social circle." The Duke stated.
Now that, is some good advice. Widen your social circle. There's nothing wrong with doing that. And Arius might even benefit from it, after all Ijekiel isn't like his father.
He is the son of a Duke so his status could be helpful. If the Duke is so willing to offer his son's time for Arius then how about Arius manipulate Ijekiel into benefiting Arius.
3
'I sound like a hella twisted villain.'
3
Arius went quiet over the proposal as he was thinking of the pros and cons. Meanwhile Athanasia declared she needed none.
"Athy has a brother! And Cad and Gun!"
"I'm glad to hear that, but perhaps for the princess someone who is of the same gender might be more fun company." the Duke said as he smiled.
"Are you referring to your niece ?" Arius asked and Athanasia was physically freaking out.
"That's right. She's the youngest daughter of my cousin. What do you think about princesses? And you, my prince? "
Arius and Athanasia looked at each other and gave each other a knowing smile.
"We don't want a friend that's more stupid than us." they both replied in unison, leaving the Duke speechless.
"Your highnesses...you don't have to worry, their quite bright children."
"If that's the case then..." Athanasia looked at her brother.
"How much social theory have they studied?" Arius asked.
"If they're smart then they should already be up to the second volume. " Athanasia added.
"Athy, if you still have any problems with Max Berlinger's theory of Functionalism , maybe his niece can help you? " Arius asked her.
1
"Nope! After my brother explained it last time, all my confusion disappeared. Although, Athy is finding Ronald Dworkin's theory of interpretivism quite confusing." Athanasia said and both siblings turned to Roger, to see his reaction.
"My lady..."
"Have they already studied Bill Roitz?" Arius asked.
"How are her other studies? Magic? Philosophy? History?"
"Can she speak Arlanta? What about the official language of Pascal?"
"The Heavens know of everything, the truth cannot be hidden." Athanasia spoke.
"Saicana's Sacred imperial language is fairly easy so they must already know that. " Athanasia asked with a smile.
"May God punish those who deceive with a thousand punishments. " Arius added.
The Duke looked quite shaken as he didn't speak for a while.
"Although, they are interested in their studies... I don't think they're at the level of your highnesses." Duke Alpheus stated before remaining quiet.
"If that is all Duke , then let us be on our way, and you mustn't keep Dad waiting either."
"My son."
"Hm? "
"My son has studied the theory of interpretivism. And he has also been learning swordsmanship. He might even learn a thing or two from your knights. "
The siblings looked at each other.
"What do you say , Your Highnesses?"
"Isn't your son going to Arlanta soon?"
The Duke flinched over Arius's question.
"You seem very updated , Your Highness. Yes he will be going to Arlanta, but there are still more than a month left for him to leave. "
Athanasia was already firm with her decision of not having any playmates but Arius was thinking of his benefits from this.
"Then I will ask permission from Dad and in case I accept your son as my companion, I will send you a letter."
"I am honoured." The Duke bowed before leaving the royals.
They began walking to their Palaces once again.
"Brother, are you sure about this?"
"That man is up to no good!" Cadell stated from behind.
"I know right. And the look in his eyes was ominous too." Gunther added.
"Okay , okay. We'll discuss this when we get back to our Palaces. There are too many eyes on us out here." Arius reasoned.
Athanasia looked around but saw no one. The same for Gunther and Cadell.
"Whose eyes exactly?" Athanasia whispered.
"Look, there in the left outdoor corridor."
"Huh?" Athanasia looked as hard as she could. The corridor was quite far from them since they were surrounded by forest.
Cadell and Gunther also had to try hard to see exactly who stood in that corridor.
A man with black hair. He looked like a noble. He was looking in their direction. That's all they could conclude.
3
"Brother, do you know him?"
"No. Anyway , let's just get going."