The night air in Eldoria was thin and cold, but the fire in Zen's eyes could have scorched the earth. She stood tall, her voice trembling with disbelief. "He called me... what? Coward? He dared to call me a coward?"
Kaien held up a hand, his expression weary. "Stay calm. I will tell you everything from the very beginning. But first, answer me this: Why did you flee Royal Ford without a single word to anyone? Do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused?"
Zen let out a sharp, jagged laugh. "I didn't flee Royal Ford, Kaien. I escaped from their prison. You speak as if I've committed a crime, but I simply chose my own path. Besides, I eventually reached the place Father wanted me to go, didn't I? And I did leave a letter."
"It is exactly these reckless antics of yours that keep everyone on edge," Kaien countered, his jaw tight.
"Stop lecturing me!" Zen snapped. "Just tell me what happened at the palace. Every detail."
Kaien sighed and began the long recount—from Ezekiel's entrance to the final, disastrous negotiation. Zen listened, her fingers curling into fists. "So, Father told him I was shy and timid? He couldn't find a better lie? And Ezekiel... he actually pretended we never met in the forest?"
"No," Kaien replied gravely. "Only I know the truth about your encounter. But listen to me, Zen—do not ever throw yourself into such danger again. I am telling you plainly: you are weak. If you truly fought him, the probability of your survival is zero percent."
The word weak hit Zen harder than any physical blow. Her eyes darkened with a new, fierce resolve. "Then I will work harder. Starting today, I will push myself until I prove to you—and to him—that I am no one's victim."
"Does it not bother you?" Kaien asked, watching her closely. "Ezekiel is going to marry both of your sisters."
Zen turned away, her gaze cold. "That was Amelia and June's choice. I cannot save those who do not wish to be saved. But tell me, Kaien... do you believe the promise Ezekiel made to them?"
Kaien looked at the distant stars, contemplating. "The words of a Prince and Princess carry the weight of a kingdom. I believe he will keep his word."
"I fear the same," Zen whispered.
The silence stretched between them as they sat against a massive, weathered rock. Suddenly, Zen felt a heavy weight slump onto her shoulder. She turned her head slightly to find Kaien fast asleep, his strength finally failing him after the long night. A rare, soft smile touched her lips as she looked at him. It's been an eternity since I've seen you sleep like this, she thought. Slowly, her own eyelids grew heavy, and she allowed sleep to take her as well.
Miles away, the morning sun glistened off the surface of a rushing river where Ezekiel's army had made camp. Ezekiel sat beneath the sprawling shade of an ancient tree, watching his men pull silver fish from the water.
The carriage door creaked open, and Amelia stepped out, looking weary but demanding. She marched up to Ezekiel. "My Lord, I am famished."
Ezekiel looked up, a calculated, charming smile gracing his lips. "Would you care for the snacks your kingdom gifted us for the journey?"
"Certainly not," Amelia huffed. "I want something proper. Something freshly prepared."
"Then you must be patient, My Lady. My men are only just beginning to cook."
"I don't eat fish!" Amelia complained.
June arrived just in time to hear her sister's protest. She looked toward the dark treeline of the nearby forest. "My Lord, why don't you go on a hunt for us? A fresh kill would be much more suitable for a royal meal."
Ezekiel's smile widened, though his eyes remained cold and predatory. "A hunt? As you wish, Your Highnesses. But tell me... do either of you know how to track a beast?"
Amelia laughed, a high, delicate sound. "Of course not. We've never had the need. Our father raised us with every luxury."
"Then it is my duty to teach you everything you have missed," Ezekiel said, his voice dripping with false sweetness. He signaled his General. "Bring a sword and a crossbow for the Princesses. They join me on the hunt today."
June's face went pale. "My Lord, there is no need! I... I've changed my mind. I can eat the fish. Take Amelia if you must, but let me stay."
"Nonsense," Ezekiel chuckled, his tone Brookline no argument. "We shall go as a family. You wouldn't want to miss such an exciting opportunity, would you?"
They ventured deep into the emerald shadows of the forest. After a while, Amelia pointed excitedly at a tree. "Look! A squirrel! Let's catch that!"
"A squirrel will not fill a royal stomach," Ezekiel remarked dryly. "Look to your left, in the thicket. There."
A massive wild boar, its tusks sharp and its eyes full of rage, stood rooting through the dirt. Amelia and June recoiled, the sight of the beast sending a shiver of pure terror through them. "It's huge!" Amelia whispered. "If we hit it and it survives, it will kill us!"
"In this world, Princess, you either kill or you are killed," Ezekiel said, his voice dropping to a low, chilling register. "Take aim with the crossbow. If you miss, and it charges, you must use your sword to end its life."
June scrambled behind a thick tree, trembling. Amelia, fueled by a desperate need to impress Ezekiel, raised the crossbow and fired. The bolt whistled through the air, thudding into the ground inches away from the boar.
The beast let out a guttural roar and charged. Amelia stood frozen, the heavy crossbow slipping from her numb fingers. Just as the boar was about to gore her, Ezekiel moved. He was a streak of lethal silver. With one fluid, violent stroke, his blade severed the beast's life.
He looked back at Amelia, his expression a mask of perfect concern. "Do not be afraid. I am here. Nothing can harm you while you are with me." He turned toward the tree where June was hiding. "And you, Princess June, you may come out now. The danger has passed."
He hoisted the heavy carcass onto his shoulder with effortless strength. "Go on ahead, both of you. I shall bring the feast."
Despite their terror, Amelia and June felt a surge of adoration. To them, Ezekiel wasn't a predator—he was their magnificent protector.
Back in Eldoria, the morning sun beat down on Kaien's face, pulling him from his dreams. He blinked, realizing he was still leaning against Zen. She was still fast asleep beside him, the rock acting as their pillow.
As he watched her, he noticed the faint, purple bruise on her cheek from their fight the night before. Guilt flared in his chest. He reached out, his fingers hovering just inches from her face, wanting to touch the injury he had caused.
At that exact moment, Zen's eyes snapped open.
Panicked at being caught in such a vulnerable gesture, Kaien's hand jerked instinctively. Instead of a gentle touch, his hand landed with a sharp clack—he had accidentally slapped her across the face.
Zen gasped, clutching her cheek as she stared at him in pure shock. "Kaien! Was the beating you gave me last night not enough for you?"
Kaien sat frozen, his own eyes wide with horror at his own clumsiness. "I... I... there was a mosquito!" he blurted out, his face turning a deep shade of red. "A huge one. Right on your cheek."
Zen narrowed her eyes, clearly not believing him for a second. "Fine. Whatever. Let's go home. I need to say goodbye to Grandfather, and then we are leaving."