CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

Alone in the heart of the forest, surrounded by an oppressive darkness that seemed to seep into every crevice of my being, I stood still, contemplating the events that had transpired. My men, loyal and vigilant, had been dispatched by me to secure the palace perimeter, their duty clear as we approached the end of the grand feast. Yet, despite the sense of security their presence offered, an unsettling feeling lingered in the air, a foreboding shadow that I could not shake.

Closing my eyes against the enveloping darkness, I sought solace in the depths of my own mind, reaching out to embrace the darker aspect of my nature that lay dormant within. As I surrendered myself to its embrace, a profound transformation overtook me, the very essence of my being shifting as my eyes turned to pools of inky blackness.

In that moment, I became something else entirely, a creature of the night, attuned to the whispers of the shadows that danced around me. It had been too long since I had allowed myself to tap into this primal force, to acknowledge the darkness that lurked within, and now, with the weight of recent events pressing down upon me, I found myself drawn irresistibly into its embrace.

In the realm of darkness, I communed with forces both ancient and malevolent, their whispered secrets echoing in the recesses of my mind. It was a dangerous game that I played, tempting fate by delving into realms best left unexplored. Yet, in that moment, the allure of the unknown was too great to resist, and I cast aside my doubts, allowing myself to be consumed by the abyss.

For a time, I forgot the chaos that surrounded me, the pressing concerns of the outside world fading into insignificance as I delved deeper into the darkness. Here, in the heart of the forest, I was untethered, free to explore the depths of my own nature without fear of judgment or reprisal.

With a deliberate effort, I withdrew from the shadowy depths, returning to myself once more. As I blinked, my eyes shifted back to their usual state, the darkness receding to reveal their familiar hue.

With a deep breath, I shook off the remnants of the dark embrace and turned my gaze towards the path that led back to the palace. The thought of a drink beckoned to me, a small comfort in the midst of the turmoil that surrounded me. Luminaberry wine, with its rich, vibrant flavor, seemed like the perfect antidote to the lingering echoes of the darkness that had enveloped me.

With purposeful strides, I made my way through the forest, the sounds of the night serving as a soothing backdrop to my thoughts. The journey back to my wing was swift, each step bringing me closer to the promise of respite and relaxation.

Upon reaching my destination, I wasted no time in retrieving a bottle of luminaberry wine from the well-stocked cellar. The deep crimson liquid seemed to shimmer in the soft glow of candlelight as I poured myself a generous glass, savoring the aroma that wafted up from the glass.

As I took a sip, the tangy sweetness of the luminaberries danced across my tongue, banishing the last vestiges of darkness from my mind. In that moment, there was nothing but the simple pleasure of good wine and the comfort of familiar surroundings.

Settling into a chair by the fire, I allowed myself to relax, the warmth of the flames chasing away the chill of the night. For a brief moment, the chaos of the outside world faded into the background, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment.

I sensed someone approaching, setting down my glass, I turned my attention towards the door as it swung open, admitting Mathias into the room with a respectful bow. His presence was unexpected.

Mathias, I acknowledged, rising from my seat to meet him. What brings you here at this hour?

My prince, he began, his voice low and measured. You've been summoned to the throne room by the king. Your companion has already been taken there.

Arriving at the throne room, I was met with a chilling sight. My family, along with members of the council, gathered, their expressions a tableau of disdain and thinly veiled hostility. It was a familiar scene, one I had grown accustomed to over the years, though it never failed to unsettle me.

Approaching the throne, I bowed respectfully to my father, before taking my place beside my companion.

Father, I addressed him, my tone even despite the tension in the air. You summoned me?

His gaze bore into mine, cold and unwavering. Indeed, he replied, his voice a measured rasp that sent a shiver down my spine. There are matters of grave importance that require your attention.

Cleon I've been informed you've been frequenting the forest lately and just yesterday you in the company of an unknown individual together with your companion Eve and Cedric went into the forest. Now Cedric has been questioned about the events of yesterday but he seems to have gone mute all of a sudden the same thing goes for your companion as well and the individual accompanying you has yet been identified and neither Cedric nor your companion seems to recall who it was. So perhaps you can tell all of us gathered here what you are planning and who this individual is.

Father, I began, meeting his gaze with a steady resolve. I understand your concern, but I assure you, my visits to the forest have been nothing more than moments of reflection and solitude.

As for what I am planning, I continued, my voice unwavering. I can assure you, Father, that there is no scheme or conspiracy at play here. I seek only to serve our kingdom with honor and integrity,

I understand your concern, but I must implore you to trust me when I say that the individual in question was simply a friend who wished to visit me."

The tension in the room seemed to thicken as I spoke, the weight of my father's suspicion pressing down upon me like a heavy shroud. Yet, I refused to waver in my conviction.

I understand the gravity of the situation, and I am willing to accept any consequences for my actions, but I cannot betray the trust of a friend by revealing their identity, especially when they have done nothing wrong.

What of my son, asked Margaret what was Cedric doing with you? you've bewitched your companion and now you want my son as well? My king the prince should be held accountable if anything happens to my son.

Lady Margaret, I interjected gently, meeting her gaze. I understand your concerns, but I assure you, Cedric's involvement was solely at my request, and I meant him no harm.

With all due respect my prince, I want my son far from you and I beg you to lift whatever hold you have on him. You have men at your disposal to do your bidding I don't see what use my son is to you. My king, my queen I ask for your help in this matter.

My king if i may speak, said the queen.

Of course my queen.

Thank you my king, as a mother myself I understand where Margaret is coming from and her worry and plea is understandable. Cleon you've been warned to contain that evil of yours we don't want you spreading it to our children. from warning us of doom and gloom now you are trying to recruit our kids? To think we are in a period of celebration after what prince Casper displayed out there today and now we have to deal with this? My king the feast will soon be over, we will deliberate on his punishment and punish him after the feast. For now we can't afford to draw attention to ourselves.

True words my queen, said the king.

What do you have to say Cleon.

Your Majesty, esteemed members of the council, I humbly apologize for any disruption my recent actions may have caused.

I fully understand the gravity of the situation, and I am prepared to accept any decision that you deem appropriate. I pledge my full cooperation and compliance with whatever measures you see fit to ensure the stability and prosperity of our kingdom.

Good, now you may leave with your companion, said the king.

Yes father i said as i took Evelinde's hand and turned to leave.