[ [ Arren's POV ] ]
Since the age of 5, I knew that, in this world, everyone who came near me held a secret agenda. Too busy to determine whether that agenda is good or bad, I've found it much easier not associating with those who seek me. In fact, unless I go to them and decide to choose them first, their existence will be like air to me. As for those who I choose…, unfortunately, most have turned out to be fools who don't seem to care much about their own lives.
Before making the decision to come here, one fool got himself killed while protecting me from an assassination attempt. On our way North, another fool tried to show me his worth by taking a dagger to the heart during a stealth attack. As much as I repeat myself, stating that I can protect myself, each of them happily head toward their deaths like a moth to a flame. Since I could remember, fool after fool has died in an uncanny amount of ways, all of them declaring that it is their duty and honor. That is why, rather than allowing these fools to die in vain, I continue on without them, vowing that the ones who caused their deaths will suffer greatly before I send them to the after-life.
"'Loyalty. Trust. Nobility. None of it matters if they are on a losing side.' Those are the words you told me four years ago at my parents' funeral. I didn't know what you meant at the time, but a few times of witnessing its implications, I understood."
The silver haired man sat across from me, his face unconcerned by my visit
I studied thin, yet burly face. It was uncannily similar to someone I once knew. A part of me wanted a reaction from it, from those familiar eyes. "You're the only one who didn't give me condolences at the time."
"My apologies. I didn't think you needed it considering how you didn't shed one tear during the whole service." He taking a sip of hot tea, he casually explained.
"I only didn't want to give satisfaction to my parent's killers," I scoffed.
He set the cup down and leaned back in a relaxed manner. "Prince Arren. Why did you come here?"
To my side, I can hear Collins', my aide, grumbling at the man's behavior. Ignoring it, I continued, "To tell you that I am not on the losing side."
With a raised brow, he asks, "And why is that?"
"Because as you can see, I'm not dead yet." Brows lowered, displaying his lack of interest. "In actuality, they believe they can kill me and take everything for themselves, but they can't. I will not die. They think that a mere assassin can kill someone who inherited my eye color. It's the same for you. We both know that the legends are true. How your family and mine possess an odd power that is incomparable to the magic or strength of any other."
The man sits, still. Not even a tick in his jaw.
"I don't plan on jumping in the grave that my Uncle has dug for me. Therefore, it is best that you don't assume I am already dead, Duke Argyris."
Slowly, the man's lip curls upward. And, as if he was releasing all his tension he squeezed his forehead with his hand. "ARGH! I thought that you were going to be just a snot-nosed brat who was going to beg me to come and save you! God dammit!" I take a mental note of his insolence. He lowers his hands from his face and sighs heavily. "So, was this why you came here? To tell me how I was wrong?"
"No. I came here to tell you about the upcoming war."
To my words, the man's eyes turned dark. Even if the Northern territory was vast and prosperous from the rest of the kingdom, it would still be affected if hell broke loose at the borders. "With whom?"
"Praxton."
His face becomes a great scowl. "And for what reason?"
Pointing to the ingrained map on the short table before, I recounted, "As of these past few years, Praxton has been fighting in the east to expand their territories. Right now, they are working on assimilating their new domains into their Kingdom. It's believed that after assimilation is over, they will expand again."
"My uncle was advised to wait for this time of expansion so that Praxton would be unprepared for us, but really, if that was the case, he should have done it years ago when they were still at war. Carnath has been in a peaceful era for about 15 years already. When my uncle plans to begin a war, it would be about 20 years. We may be a larger Kingdom, but I don't believe an army of greenhorns will be able to go against an army of seasoned ones. Carnath will only be losing, which is why My uncle plans to disguise the reason for war as a 'War of Defense.'"
His scowl lessened as he lets out a heavy sigh. "That is a long-winded prelude to a simple question."
"I just thought it'd be good to fill you in with the important details first," I counter. "The reason as to why all this is happening is happening in case I live. It's a war he plans to start just to stay in power. Strangely, the 'royal couple' believes that all I am good for is fighting, killing, and being a pain in their sides." Mentioning, I can feel a heat flash behind my eyes. The thing loves the mentioning of all things related to blood.
"So, naturally, they believe that this war will be a great interest of mine. And, I believe that they are hoping that by instigating a war, I'd run off and kindly get myself killed before my succession. Of course, they are right about me being a bit of a lunatic, but they are wrong to say that being insane is my only strong-suit."
"Hmm... insane you say? I think that you seem fairly charming. In fact, the way you are taking matters into your own hands makes me think that you are even a worthy enough candidate for my daughter."
My mouth twitches as I scoff, "You would be willing to give your daughter to someone who is about to ask you for access to your money, army, and power?"
With an irritating smile, he disputed, "Why not? If you're my future king and son-in-law, then it's only right that I share that with you. Also, I believe that your future is quite promising. If it's with you who had survived quite a bit at such a young age, I really doubt anyone will be able to touch her easily later on."
"I think staying in the North for so long has made you forget how gory and backstabbing a peaceful life in the Capital could be," I remind him. There was nothing worse than having to deal with monsters in human skin. "It's hard to believe that you are the same man who called me snot-nosed brat a moment ago."
"You're right. I shouldn't place my entire bet on some kid just yet. And I do apologize for assuming your personality by the situation, Your Highness. I knew that the rumors weren't actually true, but-"
Kindly, I cut him off. "Duke Argyris, I will remember this debt I owe you. There is much to discuss and plan. For now, please inform only those who need to know about my intentions." Standing up from the seat to take my leave. Once I reached the door, I turned back to the man who in reality, had more power than me. "Choose them wisely. I don't want to have to kill them later on."