[EPISODE 1.2]
Method Acting
Episode 1 Part 2
"Your Majesty, a letter for you has arrived."
Frederick placed down the paper in his hand and took the envelope his servant gave him. He opened it with no thoughts in mind, and finished it within a minute. It was short and had five stanzas.
"This is from the spy I sent, correct?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Frederick leaned his back as he a laugh escape from his lips.
"You're telling me there is a financial issue in the Northern Residence when there's not much to manage?" He mumbled himself before ha laughed. "This thing sure is hilarious."
"It seems like Prince Caspian is acting the usual."
"He is."
Frederick had a great laugh because of the letter.
"It also looks like the spy is doing his job properly. It wasn't a mistake to send him in the North."
Frederick Emil Percival sent a spy in the Northern Residence to observe Caspian's move four months ago. After four months of observing both the spy and his son's movements, Frederick was sure that man is someone reliable.
'It's a relief the Prince is still acting the usual.' He smiled a smile that didn't reach his eyes. 'That's right. Do the Kingdom a favor and let your older brother shine.'
"How about the letter? Have you sent it?"
"I have, Your Majesty."
* * *
"Your Highness, a letter from the King arrived."
Caspian's eyes widened while he choked on the water he drank.
Talk about perfect timing.
"What? Are you serious?" Eliana didn't respond and based on her expression, she wasn't joking. Still, Caspian can't believe the words she uttered. "Is my father gravely sick? Is he dying?"
Eliana faked a cough because of the words he said. Thank goodness it was only them.
"I'm pretty sure he isn't, Your Highness. A knight from the Royal Palace personally came here to deliver this letter. It must be important."
Caspian took the envelope from the tray. He opened it with a bright expression that left Eliana with a bitter taste in her mouth.
After reading the first line, "Actually..." he put back the paper inside and stood up from his chair. "I will read it in my room. Tell the others to clean the table up and bring the pie to my room."
"Yes, Your Highness."
* * *
'Prince Caspian looked so happy when he heard his father sent a letter.' While pushing a tray, Eliana recalled the expression the Prince made. 'The Prince must have waited for this moment a lot.'
She felt happy Caspian was finally getting attention from his father. However, she also felt bitter by the fact it took this long.
'I wish the King would send more letters. I'm sure Prince Caspian will appreciate it.'
This is what Eliana thought.
While currently, the exact letter she was thinking of is burning in flames.
* * *
'It's not Father's handwriting.'
When Caspian read the letter in the envelope, he knew it right after reading the first line. The handwriting was clea and flawless, but it wasn't the King's handwriting. Even though the father and son duo wasn't close, Caspina knew the King to this extent.
Regardless, this doesn't mean this letter isn't from the Royal Palace. It also doesn't mean this letter isn't from the King.
The stamp and signature on the bottom proved it.
'The King probably made someone write down the letter since a useless prince isn't worth his time. Based on the calligraphy, it's most likely his secretary.'
A chuckle escaped from his lips.
"You almost got me there, Father. How can you trick this dumb son of yours?"
A father who can't write a single letter to his son with his own hands. A father who, for years, hasn't said a single word to his son, can't write down a one-page letter.
It was cruel.
If Caspian didn't know the King's handwriting, maybe he would've fallen for it.
'He could've just written down 'You're invited to the birthday party two days from now. Make sure to come since the celebrant invited you herself.', instead of writing a bunch of nonsense and fake 'i miss you's.'
'I would've believed it more if it was like this.'
Caspian started folding the letter into an airplane before making it fly straight to the fireplace.
It was an accident.
Caspian stared at the burning paper with a slightly panicked expression.
'I didn't know it will burn? No one told me a paper from the Kiing isn't fireproof. I thought it was?'
After a few seconds with a dumbfounded expression, Caspina decided to stop thinking about it. It already happened, so what's the point? There is something more important that requires his small brain. Something more important than the letter.
Faelynn Fitrei's birthday is two days from now. The main character of the story The Faithful Encounter. Based on the story and letter he read, it will be held in the Royal Palace Ball Room. Hosted by the Royal Family themselves.
It was a very special occasion in The Faithful Encounter. Not only because it's the main character's birthday, but because this will be the first time the protagonist and second lead meet.
According to the story, Andreus will introduce Duke Azriel to the birthday celebrant. The two introduced themselves to each other before the main couple went on their way to the center of the ballroom.
Andreus was Faelynn's first dance.
Azriel felt a pang in his heart every time he saw them together. Although, it was something he decided to ignore to not ruin the night.
And so, this will be the day where Andreus realized what Azriel felt.
The man was in love with his knight.
Andreus decided to ignore this knowledge for the rest of the story. The knight never mentioned his unrequited love, not even once in The Faithful Encounter. Not even to his death.
'How cruel.' Caspian already thought this while he read that part, but it was indeed cruel. Andreus should've at least addressed the situation properly.
And....
'The story never mentioned I was invited to the party? I never saw my name nor my title.' He thought it was weird. 'Maybe I'm an extra? Someone who blended in the crowd... Or maybe I just didn't attend?'
The latter was most likely.
Caspian stood up from the couch and rang the bell to call a maid. Specifically, his maid.
'The ball is an important event in the story. I should be careful since, with a slight mistake, it might change the ending for the worse.' He started walking to his desk. 'But, if I want to change this tragic fate, I need to attend the ball.'
Caspian gathered his thoughts for the upcoming event. He had to put every part of his small brain in use.
As Caspian waited for Eliana, he leaned on the table behind his back.
It didn't take too long for her to arrive.
"You called for me, Your Highness?"
He smiled, "I did."
Caspian walked towards the drawers in the desk and opened one to grab an envelope, before walking in Eliana's direction.
"Send this to Father. It's my response to his letter."
Her eyes widened a bit before lowering her gaze to the envelope in his hand. Her gaze softened as she thought, 'His Highness has been prepared for the King's letter all this time...'
Eliana was closed to tearing up but she needed to keep her composure.
"Yes, Your Highness."
She grabbed the envelope carefully, afraid of accidentally folding and damaging it.
"Also, I will be attending an event in the capital. Prepare the best and fancy clothes I have."
"May I ask what type of event?"
"It's the birthday party of the Marquees' daughter. The King said the celebrant invited me herself."
Eliana was a bit taken back. It was because it has been years since the last time the Prince went to a party. It also has been years since the last time he went to the capital of the Emerence Kingdom.
"I will check on the clothes later tonight."
"I shall get your things prepared, Your Highness."
"Alright. Remember to prepare yours too since you'll be coming with me." Her eyes lit up. "We'll be staying at the Royal Palace for one week."
"Yes, Your Highness." Eliana bowed her head. "I shall get everything done."
"Before you go, bring the papers first."
Eliana knew the exact 'papers' he was talking about with no other explanation.
"As you wish."
Once she raised her head, I turned my back away and walked to the large window to admire the view.
The sun was shining above the clouds.
The tip of my fingers met the glass.
'If I have to change my fate, I will need to step up my game from now on.'
***
The ballroom tonight was crowded, and everyone's eyes were focused on the two people dancing in the center of the room. Both of their movements were graceful, while the woman's hair and dress fluttered in the air like waves. It was a beautiful sight, but one person in the ballroom is focused on one man.
Unlike every other people who studied the dance movement, Caspian eyes were focused on Azriel. Taking note of every movement he made.
Caspian didn't fail to study his face, to the small movement he made. He didn't fail to take note of how his face turned sour watching the man lean his face closer to the woman's face. Even though Azriel himself probably didn't notice it, he had been clenching a fist as he stared. His eyebrows were also furrowed.
From upstairs, where there was a balcony on the second floor inside the ballroom, Caspian was alone. He mumbled to himself, "Why do you have to hurt yourself, when you can choose me instead?"
Caspian leaned his head on the pillar to his right as he crossed his arms.
Normally, Azriel will notice someone starring at him since he is a swordmaster, but he was too busy staring forward at the two people dancing.
"Now I need to wipe that gloom off your face." He sighed as he brushed his bangs away from his face with his fingers.
Caspian can never afford to see his saddened face.
Without anyone noticing his presence, he went downstairs and headed straight in Azriel's direction.
As for Azriel, he never left his eyes away from the man dancing with Faelynn at the center. He wanted to move his gaze away, but as if he was bewitched, his eyes remained on that one man.
However, he immediately returned to reality after flinching from someone's touch. Caspian, who was behind him, touched him on the shoulder suddenly. Causing him to flinch in surprise.
"Long time no see, Azhole."
"You...."
'As always, he is wearing his annoying smile.'
Azriel was more taken back seeing Caspian attending the party.
"Why are you here?"
"I was obviously invited." Caspian raised an eyebrow. "Why? Do you think I barged in?"
Azriel crossed his arms. "That's not possible."
In the corner of his eyes, Azriel saw Caspian roll his eyes. After seeing this, he almost let out a laugh.
The both of them remained quiet for a few seconds, only staring forward. None of them said a word, while they were one step apart side by side.
"You're jealous, aren't you?"
"Of course not. Who the hell said that?"
Even though they weren't looking in the eyes, Azriel still avoided his gaze by looking at his side.
"If you're not jealous look at me straight in the eyes and say you're not jealous."
Azriel then turned his head to Caspian. He looked at him straight in the eyes as he said,
"I'm. Not. Jealous."
For a couple of seconds, they remained to stare at each other in the eyes. As if they were having a contest on who will look away or blink first.
If it was a contest, it was Caspian's loss. He turned away from his gaze as he smirked.
"How about dancing with me instead?"
With a disgusted impression, Azriel turned his head to him.
"Dance with whom? Are you joking?"
With the same exact disgusted expression, Caspian turned his head to him.
"You thought I was serious?"
Azriel rolled his eyes. However, his next offer caught his attention.
"How about a spar to death tonight?"
With no hesitation, Caspian responded with his eyes lit up.
"I accept."