I sat at my office, doing paperwork since that is what a prince should do. Alex sat on the couch, reading things I didn’t pay attention to. For the first time this season, I found the summer heat annoying. This heat was astonishingly unbearable. Removing my jacket, I placed it on the hanger, drank a glass of water, and continued my work. A thought formed inside my head.

Should I include Alex in my plans later? Can he be trusted?

I stared at him, wondering what kind of person he was. Apart from his name and occupation, I knew nothing about him.

[Edmond]: Alex, do you have a family?

Alex’s face turned pale. He looked at me, then he looked at the floor.

[Alex]: I once had a family, but the gods have taken them.

He coolly answered, before continuing back to his work.

[Edmond]: Good, I guess you have nothing to lose.

Alex’s face showed displeasure at my blunt answer. His right hand clenched tightly into a fist, then he placed the paper on top of the table.

[Alex]: I never knew that the crown prince was so cold.

[Edmond]: Did my answer not satisfy you?

[Alex]: Please, Your Highness. Don’t take that path.

[Edmond]: You should have an idea of the kind of person you are protecting. Will you stop doing your work?

[Alex]: I believe that you have your reasons for being this blunt. I don’t care what type of person you are. I must protect you.

[Edmond]: I plan to revolutionize this country. Will you leak this to the king?

Alex was shocked by this sudden confession. I stood up, walked over to him, then sat in the seat across from him to face him.

[Edmond]: You once told me that you will follow me to the afterlife. Will you stand against the empire when the time comes?

[Alex]: I see. So that’s what you meant by your blunt answer. As you said, I have nothing to lose. According to a knight’s honor, I never go against my word.

[Edmond]: Looks like you’re now my partner in crime. You might die in the process.

[Alex]: This is all too sudden, but you can trust me, Your Highness.

[Edmond]: Your first mission is very simple: find me a female mercenary.

[Alex]: Why do you need someone like that? I reckon some female knights might reach your desired qualification.

[Edmond]: I need someone who is not blinded by honor and nobility. Knights may also be pawns, who might destroy my plans, but mercenaries only care about money.

[Alex]: Fair enough, if that is what you wish. I will notify you when I find a suitable candidate.

I smiled at him, but doubt still lingered. Maybe I should send some eyes to notify me of his next moves. Soon, a butler knocked, then entered and announced a summoning from the queen. I grabbed my coat and left the office. Soon after, Alex followed me from behind. That woman must be plotting something again. I wonder what it is. Once I have reached her quarters, I told Alex to wait for me near the door, then entered.

[Edmond]: Mother, I heard you were looking for me.

[Elena]: Please, call me Queen Elena. You’re not my son.

[Edmond]: You’re so polite nowadays. I wonder why.

[Elena]: Enough of this cat and mouse game. I have a proposition.

[Edmond]: I decline.

[Elena]: Don’t be so arrogant. Someone might just have an accident.

[Edmond]: A threat, I see. Whatever. Tell me, what do you want?

[Elena]: Officially nullify your position as The Crown Prince and I, in return, will leave the north to you. I will also offer you a hefty sum.

[Edmond]: I decline. If that son of yours becomes king, this empire will fall in a week.

[Elena]: I will also spare the life of that girl, Lucia, whom you adore so much.

[Edmond]: What are you waiting for? Go ahead and kill her. I will just find another woman.

[Elena]: Everything that will unfold will be your responsibility.

[Edmond]: I should say the same for you, Dear Mother. Enjoy your tea.

I stood up and headed for the door, remembering to bow towards the Queen when I reached the door. After leaving the room, I saw Alex again, pacing around the hall. As soon as he saw me emerge from the queen’s room, he came running.

[Alex]: Did something happen? Are you okay?

[Edmond]: Please, stop already. Let’s go.

That night, I called for James. As usual, he was waiting for me in my room.

[James]: How may I help you?

[Edmond]: Protect Lucia from danger until I find a suitable bodyguard. Also, get me some eyes on Alex. Make sure I receive reports of his activities.

[James]: As you wish.

* * * * *

I don’t know much about the crown prince’s plans, but I was ready to follow him to the deepest pits of hell. After all, I swore my life to him. This was part of a knight’s honor. That evening, I exited the palace, heading for the only place I knew, where I could find someone with the necessary skill. It was a mercenary guild, located in the slums of the capital, where only the worst of the worst lurk. To remain inconspicuous, I wore a hood that hid my appearance. I took a series of alleyways until I reached a bar. The bar was an old and quiet one. As I entered, I found some people drinking, while other people silently played cards. I passed by all of them as I approached and sat at the counter.

[Bartender]: What drink should I serve?

[Alex]: Old rum, with two ice and some ground nuts.

[Bartender]: Shall I add the customary lemon on the side.

[Alex]: I prefer it strong.

Finished taking my order, the bartender left to serve someone at the other end of the counter. Just then, someone arrived and sat in the barstool next to me. He ordered his drink while glancing around. I whispered to him.

[Alex]: This bartender never gets your order right. I know a better place. Want to join?

[Merc]: No, this bar has its charm. What is the Thunder Beast doing here?

[Alex]: I need a top female mercenary. Money is not a problem.

[Merc]: Mmmmh... I have the right person for the job: Ezra Walker. She is a brute for a human. She has never lost a battle, and she has the scars to prove it.

[Alex]: Where can I find her?

[Merc]: Come again tomorrow, same time. Don’t keep her waiting. This is a matter of life and death.

I stood up and left the bar. The alley was indeed very dark but, still, I felt the eyes of someone spying on me. I did my best to lose him, but he still followed me from behind, as if tailing me. I then decided to confront him. I deliberately walked down a narrow street, then quickly threw my knife towards the figure. Unexpectedly, I did not hear the sound of a body falling.

[James]: Only the crown prince can sense my movements. With a little more training, you may learn to throw a dagger straight.

I looked behind me but, oddly enough, he appeared in front of me.

How did he do that?

[James]: My name is James. Soon, we will be coworkers.

[Alex]: You work for the crown prince?

He nodded, then looked up at me. Unsheathing his sword, he confronted me.

[James]: I will judge whether or not you can truly stand next to the future king.

[Alex]: What if I fail to impress you?

[James]: Then, consider your life forfeit.