Chapter 14 : The Rumors

Cassian and James's eyes widened as they heard Ana's words clearly. The shock was evident on their faces. It was as if the ground had shifted beneath their feet, and both of them were left speechless. They were unable to process what she had just said.

Ana giggled when she saw their shocked expressions. "Believe me, I'm telling the truth," she said with a smile.

James was the first one to react and said. "Then what are we doing here? Let's go before someone finds us," he said with some urgency in his voice. And without waiting for a reply, he grabbed Cassian's arm and started dragging him away. Cassian followed willingly, his expression mirroring James's fear and confusion.

Ana was left speechless for a moment by them And just stared at their retreating forms. She hadn't expected them to react so strongly. But when she realized that they were actually leaving, she hurriedly ran after them.

"Hey! Hey! Wait! Listen to me first!" she called out, trying to catch them up. But Cassian and James didn't slow down. The fear in their hearts was far greater than any curiosity they had about what Ana was trying to explain.

Anna started running behind them while shouting, "It was the prince's room! I said was, that means not now! So stop running away and listen to me first!"

Cassian and James froze in their tracks at her words. They exchanged a glance before turning around to face her. Cassian was the first to speak, his voice tinged with confusion. "What do you mean, Ana? We can't understand. First, you say it was the prince's chamber, and now you're saying it's not?"

Ana took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She reached out, grabbed both of them by the arms, and dragged them back inside the room. "Look," she said firmly, "you need to understand my words before you jump to conclusions."

Cassian and James exchanged uneasy glances but allowed themselves to be pulled back into the room. They could see that Ana was serious, so they waited for her to explain.

"This room was the prince's chamber when he was younger," Ana began with her patient tone as she explained. "But when he left for the barracks, he stayed away for ten years. When he finally returned, he didn't want this room anymore. He had a new palace built for himself. This room hasn't been used as his chamber since."

As Cassian and James listened intently to Ana's explanation, their attention shifted toward the figure of Prince Dorian, a man whose reputation was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The first prince was more than just a member of the royal family; he was a legend in his own right, a figure whose name alone could command fear and respect across the kingdom.

Prince Dorian was known as a god on the battlefield, he was a warrior of unparalleled skill and strength. His prowess in combat was the stuff of legend, it was whispered among soldiers and courtiers alike.

They said that no one was born to defeat him, that he could take on entire battalions by himself and emerge unscathed. At the age of just 23, he had been named the youngest general in the history of the kingdom—a title he had earned through sheer determination and an uncanny ability to outmaneuver his enemies.

It was said that when Prince Dorian led his troops into battle, his very presence could turn the tide of war. His enemies trembled at the sight of him, and his soldiers fought with renewed vigor, knowing that victory was assured with him at their side. Tales of his exploits spread far and wide, which painted him as an unstoppable force, a man destined to lead his kingdom to glory.

But alongside these tales of heroism were darker, more sinister rumors—whispers that suggested his strength came at a great cost. There were those who believed that Prince Dorian had sold his soul to the devil to achieve his unmatched power and a fearsome reputation on the battlefield.

Some said that his eyes burned with an unnatural fire during combat and that he could summon the forces of darkness to aid him in battle. Others claimed that he had made a pact with a malevolent spirit, trading his humanity for the power to conquer all who stood in his way.

These rumors only added to the prince's mystique, making him both revered and feared. People were drawn to him, unable to resist the pull of his mysterious aura, but they also knew that getting too close could be dangerous.

The palace was filled with stories of those who had tried to approach the prince, only to disappear mysteriously or quit their jobs the very next day. No one knew for certain what happened to these individuals, but the fear of crossing paths with the prince was enough to keep many at a distance.

Yet despite the dangers, Prince Dorian's beauty was said to be enchanting—so much so that it could captivate both men and women alike. He possessed a rare allure that transcended gender, a physical and charismatic magnetism that made it impossible for others to look away.

His striking features, combined with his commanding presence, made him irresistible to many who found themselves inexplicably drawn to him, even after hearing the terrifying rumors.

His admirers flocked to him, hoping to catch a glimpse of the prince or, if they were lucky, exchange a few words. It was as if his beauty and power cast a spell on those around him, luring them in despite the danger that came with being near him.

For some, the risk was worth it; they were willing to take their chances, believing that being close to Prince Dorian, even for a moment, was a privilege that outweighed the fear.

But for Cassian and James, the prince was a figure they wished to avoid at all costs. They had heard enough stories to know that the prince's attention could be a double-edged sword, one that could bring about both favor and ruin.

Cassian, in particular, felt a deep unease whenever the prince's name was mentioned. The idea of drawing the attention of such a powerful and unpredictable figure filled him with dread.