❄️ FLAKES FELL
Medieval Era
Reign of King Halvorn
Harlin
I shot Ronric a glare as he stood stiffly, hands tucked behind his back, looking like he'd just delivered the most ordinary news in the world.
"The ritual to summon the Marked One will be held today," he said.
Seriously?
I didn't ask to be the firstborn, of course, I have my step sister, Aeloria, she only lived, doesn't exist in the sight of father... But.. Still, why should I be forced into some ancient tradition?
In our kingdom, it's expected. The first royal child must marry the Marked One. Tradition, duty, destiny, blah, blah, blah.
Don't even ask me who the Marked One is. I wouldn't know. The moment I turned eighteen, I ditched every sacred class they enrolled me in. All thanks to Varek, my royal bodyguard and former partner-in-crime. That was before Father replaced him to the cold, stone-hearted shadow, Ronric, feared among the other knights.
These days, I can't breathe without him trailing behind me like a curse.
"I need to see Father. Now." I snapped.
Ronric didn't budge. "I'm afraid not, my prince. His Majesty has ordered you remain in your chambers. For your safety."
Yeah right. More like house arrest. Father's scared I'll try to escape again.
This was their third failed attempt at summoning the Marked One. And still, they wouldn't stop.
"Are you trying to defy me? The prince?" I scoffed, eyes narrowing at him.
Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee, head bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the floor.
"Behead me, if you must. I was only following my liege's orders, my prince."
Oh, really?
Was that supposed to make me feel guilty? That little line was tying my hands with silk and calling it loyalty.
I stayed silent, letting the moment stretch, then slowly walked to the bed and sank onto it, pretending like I had just played my final card and lost.
Dramatically, I pulled my animal-skin blanket over my head like some defeated empress.
He didn't move. Didn't speak. I couldn't even hear him breathe.
Good. He thought I was done.
"Get me water," I snapped from under the blanket.
"I'll send the maid," he said, his voice flat.
"Damn the maid. I want you to get it."
A long pause. Then footsteps. The door creaked open and shut.
Bingo!
I threw off the blanket and rushed straight to the window, it was locked. Of course.
But I had my real exit.
Dropping to the floor, I slid beneath the bed and opened the hidden trapdoor. My secret escape hatch. One I'd made sure no one knew about.
I slipped in, pulled it shut behind me, and crawled through the dark tunnel that ran beneath the palace walls.
I had somewhere to be.
I needed to see Thalira.
***
HALVORN
"WHAT?!" I thundered the moment Ronric uttered those cursed words, Harlin was missing. Again.
Oh, heavens. That boy.
I must've been a fool to think locking him in his chambers would work. I should've had him thrown into the dungeons instead.
I shot Ronric a sharp glare. "You were supposed to keep watch. What trick did he pull this time?"
Ronric dropped to one knee, eyes down. "I'm sorry, my Liege. He asked for water, but refused the maid. I stepped out to fetch it myself, was barely gone a minute, when I returned, he was gone."
I scoffed. "And I'm supposed to accept that as an excuse?"
"We'll search for him immediately, with your command, my Liege," he said quickly.
My anger rose like fire licking dry wood.
"You find that boy before the ritual begins, or don't bother returning."
He bowed his head and stormed out, cape trailing behind him.
Right after that, Calista, my wife, strolled in like it was her stage. Her favorite moments were when Harlin gave her something to scold. Aeloria, her daughter, Harlin's step-sister, followed a few steps behind.
"My Liege, may I speak?" Calista asked, feigning courtesy as though she ever needed permission.
Something about her tone told me she was in a very good mood.
"You may," I said flatly.
"I planned to tell you later," she began, barely able to hold back her smirk. "But since Harlin is meant to take part in the ritual today… well, it seems appropriate now."
I folded my arms. "Just say it, Calista."
She glanced at Aeloria, then turned back to me, voice smug. "Your daughter, Aeloria, bled this morning. And it's a shame you forgot... today also happens to be her birthday."
I stared at her for a long moment.
She bled?
HARLIN
I dashed into the market, eyes flicking left and right—palace guards were scattered at every corner.
Ah. Right.
They were looking for me.
Without thinking twice I dashed towards a corner and gently hopped on my horse.
I wouldn't make it to Thalira...