The way to his study was made in silence, the sound of their steps only being interrupted by the cheerful voices of the servants, oblivious to the situation in the castle. They laughed and chit-chatted without a problem.
For Markus, the whole situation seemed like a circus. The guilty one was free, most likely enjoying herself and laughing at their stupidity while he was escorted by a war hero back to his room. He peeked at Daemon from the side.
He towered over him. On the other hand, he towered over everyone. Yet he was walking with grace. Not even the war changed how handsome he was. His raven dark hair was styled in accordance with the latest fashion, slicked back so that his whole face could be seen and his cold grey eyes didn't miss a thing.
Damn, the war probably only made him more desirable due to his status.
Duke Hastings' son offered himself to accompany his cousin, the crown prince Magnus when the king ordered the latter to take up arms and join the war. Both came back as heroes, but the young lord didn't seem glad for any praise or party or girl.
Nothing seemed to shake the man walking beside him but Markus thought that he would at least be surprised by the news. Alarmed or worried for his cousin at least, but his face remained unhinged.
Those thoughts went away when he reached the wing in the little castle prepared for him. They made their way to the study where his best friend was already waiting for him, laying on his sofa with his feet on the table.
"Markus, my friend, you're early," his friend Christian started but stopped and stood up when seeing his companion. "Good day, Lord Daemon."
Markus felt a little uncomfortable for the respect Daemon received wherever they went, especially as both of them were the sons of important dukes. Yet he knew Daemon did in his 23 years more than he did in his slightly longer life.
Daemon only nodded at the greeting as Markus was ready to tell him the news. "Have you heard about the prince?"
Christian's face turned half serious and half joking . "I heard."
"You did?" Markus could not believe his ears. "About him being cursed?"
"Wait, what? Not about him and Lady… Nevermind. Cursed?" His slim figure sat again on the sofa, wide eyes with his mouth opened.
"Now you know," Markus added and continued without waiting for the full impact of his words. "And it's obvious who is the culprit although our lord here wants to deny her doings."
His friends sighed. "It's about Lady Ivalyn, I suppose. Why are you so obsessed with her? I understand your displeasure with Duke Everglow since he was involved in the tragic death of your uncle, but why his daughter?"
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. And she was there as well. It wouldn't surprise me that she was part of it as well."
"What happened to your uncle?" It was Daemon who asked, the only one in the room who didn't know the details.
Markus felt his heart tighten. "He died."
Christian explained. "There was a problem with the trading paths and Duke Everglow could not have his way. Your grace was at war at that time. In the end they came to an agreement and had a party to celebrate. The next day Lord Martel, the uncle not the duke, was found dead."
Daemon looked from one man to the other. "Was it Duke Everglow?" When Markus affirmed, he continued. "Why wasn't he arrested?"
"Because those dogs of guards were not doing their jobs," Markus bursted.
"There was no proof," Christian explained again. "Most people believe it was the duke, but Lord Martel fell over the high balcony at his chambers in the High Castle on the rocks below. He had a few drinks and was seen as a little happier than usual but it is unlikely for a warrior like him to just fall over the balcony."
Daemon looked serious at the two men. "So you think he was pushed."
"Pushed, drugged, killed in any other way and then disposed of by throwing the body over. The castle is at the peak of the High Coast," sorrow and anger could be heard from Markus' voice.
The High Castle was built on top of the High Coast which received its name as the highest point where the sea meets the land on the whole continent. His uncle's body was barely recognizable. It was a miracle it wasn't washed up by the waters.
"What does that have to do with Lady Ivalyn?"
"She was there," Markus said as if that explained everything.
His friend seemed filled up with the story. "So was I, was I not? And you didn't shy away from making advantages towards the lady."
Markus' anger seemed to grow and he felt his cheeks and ears burn. "It was only a moment of weakness," he defended himself. "It doesn't change anything she has done. Anything she still does. She bewitches people and draws them in her plans. Like a witch."
He paused, ready to receive the others' complaints but when the two men didn't say a word, he continued.
"Did you hear her talking today with Lady Cecilia?" he asked incredulously before adding in a sickly high voice. "Please call me Ivy." he paused to look at the men. "Poisonous Ivy maybe." He split the last words.
"I think you should stop, Markus." Daemon warned him the second time that day. "Lady Ivalyn is not her father and shouldn't take the blame for his deeds. Until any of these accusations are proven, the lady is innocent."
The words were scratching on his ears and Markus closed his eyes as if to stop them. Seeing as no one agreed with him, he chose to change the subject.
"The prince is cursed now, regardless of whose fault it is. What does this mean? Will he die?"
Christian was shocked by the thought of it. "Die? That would be a disaster. He is the only heir of the throne. Direct heir at least."
Markus knew he referred to Daemon who was considered second in line. Yet the lord never showed any interest in power and was a close friend and confidant to the prince. Many said that he might be the only one who will always fight for the prince and not the king.
"He will remain the heir," Daemon explained. "A curse doesn't usually kill, not any more. Maybe a hundred years ago when magic was at its peak it could have."
"How will this affect the prince?" Christian inquired.
"He'll most likely never be able to use spirit." Daemon concluded and all of them remained silent.
The spirit was the only power remaining after magic almost disappeared. And, in spite of magic which was only a shadow of itself, spirit grew with the crown prince. Prince Magnus' power bloomed, and the dying spirit of the royal family flourished after so many years.
With spirit gone, the royal family would be similar to the others.