Archer's pov:-
Despite my ruthless nature, I can show incredible loyalty to those closest to me. I has a protective streak a mile wide for the people I loves, and will stop at nothing to ensure their safety and well-being.
But when it comes to anyone who threatens my loved ones or stands in the way of my goals, I can become cold and calculating, showing no mercy and leaving destruction in my wake.
Once, when I was eighteen years old, someone had attempted to assassinate my mother through poison. The identity of the culprit was discovered, and my wrath knew no bounds.
I tracked down the person responsible, who was a servant within the castle. In a fit of anger, I took the person deep into the castle's dungeons, where they would be isolated and cut off from the outside world.
I did not kill the servant immediately, but first tormented him greatly. I killed him by cutting off his head. I enjoyed torturing and killing that servant.
🔸🔸🔸🔶🔸🔸🔸🔶🔸🔸🔸🔶🔸🔸🔸
In my chambers, I stood by the window, looking out at the vast expanse that lay before me. I could see the castle grounds, the training grounds where my knights trained, and beyond that, the rolling hills in the distance. I took a deep breath.
As my eyes scanned the landscape, I noticed a carriage approaching the castle gates. I narrowed my eyes, trying to make out who was inside the vehicle.
My attention was fully focused on the approaching carriage. My gaze sharpened as I tried to discern who the visitors were, but the distance made it difficult to see the people inside clearly. I continued to watch, my mind racing with possibilities and potential scenarios.
As the carriage came to a stop and the doors opened, I immediately recognized the figure of Asher Celestino, the third prince of Surlian. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I saw my best friend emerge from the carriage, looking as confident and charismatic as ever.
I felt a rush of excitement and happiness at the sight of Asher. Without a moment of hesitation, I quickly made my way out of my chambers and sprinted towards the castle courtyard where the carriage had stopped. My steps echoed loudly as I ran, my heart swelling with the joy of reunion.
As I reached the courtyard, my eyes immediately found Asher. A smile of genuine happiness spread over my face, and I quickened my pace. "Asher!" I called out, the excitement in his voice unmistakable.
Asher heard my voice and turned towards my direction. A wide smile spread across his face as he saw me hurtling towards him. "Archer, you psycho !" he exclaimed, opening his arms wide to embrace me.
I enveloped Asher in a tight hug, slapping him heartily on the back. "It's been too long," I said, pulling back to look at him. "I've missed you, you bastard. I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me."
"Forget about you?" Asher laughed. "Please. You're like a bad habit I can't kick."
"I saw you at that banquet in Sinsk castle," I said, his tone laced with a hint of teasing. "You were practically glued to Aurora's side, dancing the night away."
Asher smirked. "So what if I was?" he retorted, his voice dripping with mock indignation. "She was a beautiful princess, and a charming dance partner."
"I was about to come and talk to you after you finished dancing with Aurora," I said, a hint of annoyance in my voice. "But by the time I tried to find you, you had disappeared. It's like you vanished into thin air."
Asher and I began walking inside the castle as we continued our conversation. We strode through the well-maintained corridors, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the stone walls.
Later, as we lounged in my private chambers:
I leaned against the edge of my desk, arms crossed as I eyed Asher lounging on the couch. "So, what's the real reason you're here? Don't tell me you came all this way just to see my gorgeous face."
"Is it so hard to believe?" Asher countered, propping his feet on the armrest. "Maybe I just missed you, Archer. You're my one source of entertainment in this dull world."
"Oh, stop it, Asher," I said, placing a hand over my heart. "You're making me blush. I never knew I was that entertaining." I paused, glancing at Asher with a teasing grin. "But hey, if I'm the highlight of your life, I'll try to keep things interesting."
Asher rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Oh, stop being such a drama queen, Archer," he teased. "You're not fooling anyone."
Then, leaning forward, his expression shifted to one of genuine curiosity. "So I heard that you've known the Knox family for a long time," he began, his eyes fixed on my face. "That means you know a lot about Aurora, right?"
I raised an eyebrow, picking up on Asher's interest. "Yeah, I suppose I do," I replied, studying Asher's expression. "What exactly do you want to know about her?"
Asher shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just curious, I guess," he said, feigning nonchalance. "I mean, she's the youngest princess of Sinsk and all. I want to know what kind of person she is."
I raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of my mouth. "Ah, I see," I said, leaning back in my coach. "You're interested in Aurora, aren't you?"
Asher tried to maintain his composure, but the slightest flush crept up his neck. "Yeah, right, I am interested in her. She's beautiful, charming, and... Well, there's something about her that's just captivating."
I smirked, clearly enjoying Asher's admission. "And here I thought you were just coming over to see me," I teased. "But it turns out you were really coming to gossip about Aurora."
Asher couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head at my comment. "Hey, it's not gossiping," he protested. "It's just getting to know her better. And if you're my best friend, you should be helping me out, right?"
I chuckled, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, I don't know," I said, my voice laced with humor. "Maybe I can help you by kidnapping her, locking her up in your dungeon, and then forcing her to marry you?"
Asher's eyes widened, clearly shocked by my suggestion. He let out a nervous laugh, trying to play it off as a joke. "Ha, very funny," he said, his voice a bit shaky. "You know I'd never do something like that. That's... that's not my style at all."
"I'm just kidding, buddy," Archer said, patting him on the shoulder. "Of course I know you wouldn't kidnap her. You're too much of a gentleman for that. If you really want her, I have no problem kidnapping her for you. Just say the word, and I'll make it happen."
Asher looked at me with wide-eyed, his heart rate probably quickening at the realization that I am not joking. . "You can't seriously be recommending kidnapping her," he protested, his voice shaky. "That's insane. That's not how you win a girl over!"
I said, "Relax, man, I'm not actually going to kidnap her. Although it does sound like a thrilling adventure, doesn't it?"
Asher sighed with relief, "So, back to Aurora," he said, trying to change the subject. "What can you tell me about her? What's she like?"
I leaned back, folding my arms across my chest. "Well, for starters, she's not someone you just charm with a few clever lines. Aurora's sharp, independent, and stubborn. She's the kind of person who'll respect you, if you prove you're worth it."
Asher nodded, absorbing the words. "I can handle stubborn. It's the independent part that worries me. What if she doesn't need anyone?"
"Need?" I said, sitting forward. "You don't chase a woman like Aurora because she needs you. You do it because you want her, and you show her why she should want you too."
Asher grinned. "When did you become so wise about women?"
"I've always been wise," I said smugly. "You've just been too slow to notice."
Asher chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, I noticed, alright," he replied with a smirk. "I just didn't realize you were some kind of love guru now. Who knew you had all this wisdom hidden beneath that tough guy exterior?" He leaned back, his grin widening. "Maybe I should start taking notes from you."
"Yeah, you should." I said.