Damion's POV
I used to be invisible, to everyone here now anywhere I go people smile to greet me.
It feels overwhelming, this sudden attention. I never expected my active participation in the kingdom affairs would result in such a significant change in how I am perceived. It used to be so easy for me to blend into the background, observing the world around me without anyone taking notice.
But now, things are different. The moment I step foot outside my chambers, I am greeted with warm smiles and friendly hellos from people I that never even met, and also from people who never acknowledge me before. It's as if my mere presence brings about excitement and curiosity, making it nearly impossible for me to slip away unnoticed.
And yet, amidst all this recognition, there is one person I am longing to meet – her.
But how can I sneak out to meet her? The Palace is in constantly abuzz with activity, and the heightened awareness of my presence makes it even more challenging. It seems as though every corner holds curious eyes, ready to report my every move.
When I am finally alone in my room, I use the only way I have to remain close to her. Sometimes I feel bad to be always looking at her like this, but I will later apologize properly to her, when I finally get a chance meet her.
As I take a glance in the mirror I see her leaving the lady Cramer's chambers once again.
My heart pounding with every step she takes. She is enchanting, with her long, flowing hair and graceful movements. There is an air of mystery surrounding her, which only adds to my fascination.
Rahua, what are you doing meeting Lady Cramer so frequently? I have asked Loyd to gather any information about Lady countess Vilahna Cramer and her family. I need to know what binds those two together.
He told me rumours says that Countess Vilahna Cramer was a complex and cunning woman, willing to go to great lengths to win the heart of Ceaser. Rumors of her manipulative nature and ruthless tactics had been spread among the high society. I have my doubts about those rumours I don't believe that Rahua would engage conversation or even have any kinds of dealings with someone like that.
My mind is filled with questions to which I can't get an answer to, because my means are not the most nobel.
A knock on my door brings me back to my room.
"Your Highness, I am sorry to disturb you. " Dipper, my Caretaker enters. I look at him and wonder what do I need him for, he is cunning, he made me look bad so many times in order for my father to scold me and he would smile while my father did so.
I quickly compose myself and put on a polite smile, "It's quite alright, Dipper. What can I do for you?"
Dipper bows slightly before addressing me, "Your Highness, Lord Marquess Ceaser has requested a meeting with you."
My eyebrows furrow in surprise. Ceaser is here to meet with me? This is unexpected. We have been away together for so long is true but before he never came to visit me, or even care to talk much when he would be summoned by the King, I thought he would go back to his old ways."Why does he want to see me?"
Dipper hesitates slightly before answering, "He did not specify, Your Highness. He simply requested a private audience at your chambers."
I can't help but feel a wave of curiosity wash over me. I am glad that he came to see me but it may not be a good thing what he wants to discuss.
"Very well, Dipper. Please inform Lord Ceaser that I will be expecting him" I reply, my voice filled with determination.
Dipper nods and starts to leave, but before he goes, he turns his head slightly, I could see a grinn on his lips. I wonder what is that all about. I ignore him for now I will get rid of him once I have a chance.
I quickly make myself presentable and ready for the meeting. As I await Ceaser's arrival, I try to steady my heartbeat. We have a complicated history, and I can't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension at the thought of seeing him again. I do see him as a friend I am not sure if he shares the same feelings.
When the knock finally comes at my door, I take a deep breath and steel myself. "Enter," I say, my voice steady, masking any nervousness that may be present.
The door opens, and Lord Ceaser walks in, his confident and regal presence filling the room. I can't help but admire how commanding he looks. The memories of our time together floods my mind, some good some painful, as I wait for him to speak.
"Damion," Ceaser says, his voice smooth and measured. "Thank you for granting me this audience. I hope I am not intruding."
I give him a small smile, trying to hide my inner turmoil. "Not at all, It is a surprise, but I am eager to hear what you have to say."
He nods, acknowledging my response. There is a brief pause before he continues. "I have come to discuss a matter of great importance, one that involves the rebels and how they managed to know so much about our operations."
Intrigue washes over me, and I lean forward, my curiosity getting the better of me. "I would think that this matter could wait for tomorrow, but please, Ceaser, do tell me more. What is this matter that has brought you here?"
Ceaser's gaze meets mine, and there is a flicker of emotion in his eyes. "How much do you trust and care for your Caretaker?"
My heart skips a beat, and I feel a mix of excitement and unease. "Dipper, my caretaker?" I wouldn't say I care for him, even though I have been in his care since my mother passed, he never showed a hint of love or even any type of affection.
"As you know we have brought some of the survivors of the rebel army, we kept investigating who would be the rich backer for the army, but none of them knew it's name, but one thing that they all said, it was someone close to the Prince."
My eyes narrowed as I took in the information, the only person I would say that is close to me ... Is Loyd, but can't imagine him .. betraying me.
I guess Ceaser could see my conflicted emotions, he approached me,"there's so many people around us that we must be careful, I am sorry my friend that I didn't protect you before." Even though is words were to comfort me, I was angry, angry that I actually needed protection, I wasn't able to protect myself. How would I protect her?
I laughed bitterly. Ceaser looked at me, concern evident in his eyes. "Damion, what's wrong?"
"I appreciate your concern, Ceaser," I said, my voice filled with frustration. "But I am tired of being protected. I am tired of being the clueless prince, oblivious to the dangers around me. I want to be able to protect myself and those I care about."
Ceaser sighed and took a step closer to me. "Damion, I understand your frustration, but you must remember that you are still young. You have a lot to learn, and sometimes, it's necessary to rely on others for guidance and protection."
I looked down, my anger slowly dissipating. He was right. I couldn't expect to navigate through this complex web of politics and danger without any help. But that didn't mean I didn't want to try.
"You're right, Ceaser," I finally admitted. "I know I have a lot to learn, but I want to be more involved. I want to understand what's happening, and I want to help."
Ceaser smiled softly at me, his eyes filled with compassion. "I believe in you, Damion. And I promise to do everything I can to help you. We will find the truth behind the rebels and protect our kingdom."
As we continued to discuss the rebels and devise a plan, I couldn't help but steal glances at Ceaser. Despite everything, I realized that he had been there for me, during the campaign he never gave me special treatment, nor did he gone easy on me when I messed up.
I told him all about my reservations and how I trusted Loyd, and that Dipper was only one complication that I intended to dispose as soon as possible.
Together, Ceaser and I devised a plan to attract the person responsible for backing the rebels. We orchestrated a prison break from one of the rebels and sent personalized letters to those we suspected could be involved, asking for their support and help in escaping. The letters included different meeting dates for each individual, giving us the opportunity to gather information on their involvement in the rebellion.
It was a simple plan, but who knew that would be so effective. The first letter that I sent was to my most trusted man, Loyd, I braced my heart, for what was to come.
Before the planned time , Loyd,my ever loyal and dependable servant, came to meet me personally, in his hand he had the letter. As we stood together in my private chamber. Loyd looked at me with concern, sensing my unease.
"Your Highness, I think something happened? I received a letter, but I must admit, I am confused," Loyd said, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. "Apparently there was a prison break from one of the rebels, they seek to escape, and I think he mistakenly sent me a letter..." Before he could finish explaining my eyes swelled with emotion, I hugged him.
My voice filled with gratitude. "Loyd, I cannot thank you enough for your unwavering loyalty and dedication to the truth. You have proven yourself to be not only a trusted server but a true friend." I apologised for doubting and testing his loyalty.
Loyd smiled, a faint glimmer of pride shining in his eyes. "Your Highness, it is my duty and privilege to serve you. I have no doubt that you will be a great King, who will lead our kingdom with wisdom and strength."
I was touched. Ceaser proceeded with plan and sent the rest of the letters.It seems that our plan resulted in the capture of the conspirators and nobel men.
It had a significant impact, causing a ripple effect throughout the kingdom. The news of their actions and the consequences they faced quickly spread, leading to the apprehension and seizure of their possessions. Many nobel men were caught in their own mistakes, and at last my Caretaker was also caught.
Interrogations took place, loyalty wasn't indeed their strong point, they told us everything we needed to know. The main founder of the rebels, that was the person we wanted to know who it was.
To our suprise, it was revealed to be a very influencial Count of the house Rangston. It was a shocking revelation, as Count Rangston was known to be a trusted ally of the royal family. But it seemed that power and greed had corrupted him, leading him to support the rebels and attempt to overthrow the kingdom.
With this new information, Ceaser and I knew we had to act swiftly to bring justice to Count Rangston and ensure the safety of the kingdom. We devised a plan to apprehend him and put him on trial for his crimes.
As we prepared for the operation, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. It was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking to be at the center of such important events. I knew that all eyes were on me now, and I had to prove myself capable of handling the weight of the crown.
The day of the operation arrived, and the entire palace was in a state of heightened tension.
Guards were stationed at every entrance, ready to prevent any potential escape or interference. Ceaser and I led a team of skilled soldiers, prepared to confront Count Rangston and his remaining loyalists.
As we entered Count Rangston's manor, we searched for his chambers, we never expected to find him in the way we did. He wanted to escape the judgement, and the humiliation, so he ended things in his own terms. We did not expect such outcome we underestimated him.
The knights were cheering that we put an ending to the rebel uprising but all this didn't sit well with me, I could see in Ceaser's face that it didn't with him too.
As we left Count Rangston's manor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of defeat. Maybe because we couldn't bring him to justice.
However from this I had became someone different, I was no longer just a clueless prince, but a leader who had to make difficult decisions and face the harsh realities of the world.