Everything is just boring and pointless. How much longer is left? How many more years do I have left? It doesn't feel like it's that long.
It's not that long till the power struggle becomes serious.
Why did I even agree for a knight? In the end, they'd manipulate everything and give me someone they can control or get rid of easily. Not like I'm a threat or anything.
"Your highness, the knight is here," Therma said from behind the door. I looked at it but didn't feel like moving.
It's pointless anyway.
"Are you the knight?" I asked, turning to look at... her?
This has to be a joke, right?
"Yes, I am, your highness," she said, bowing.
Everything about her demeanor and expression was just intimidating yet impressive. I didn't know my knight would be a girl. They outdid themselves, but it's not like it matters.
"What is your name?" I asked, standing up slowly.
"Cady," she replied.
"Cady, I'm Alvin," I said, bringing out my hand for a handshake. I should at least be nice.
I have no idea how this works.
She stared at it and bowed.
Wow.
"I am at your service, your highness," she said.
"Please, you don't have to be polite," I said, hoping to ease the awkwardness.
"Then can I ask a question, your highness?"
"Go ahead." Didn't she hear me?
"I was told I'd be serving the eighth princess," she replied.
That's their way of making all the knights refuse. No wonder she was the only one that agreed—not that I'm complaining.
"There must have been a misunderstanding. She has a knight already. I'm the fifth prince," I said.
"How old is the princess?" Is that important?
"Seven," I replied. I must have been imagining it, but she looked relieved.
"And you?" she asked again.
"Nineteen," I replied, and she sighed. Why is she relieved?
"Thank you," she said.
For what? I'm not sure what she means anymore.
"Therma will show you around. You can get acquainted with the place," I said, and she nodded, turning to leave.
She's an interesting character.
...
It's harder having a knight than I thought it would be. I really admire Cady, maybe because of her demeanor or because I heard she's a really formidable knight—Therma knew a lot about Cady and seemed to admire her a lot.
Hearing that made me wonder why she agreed to become my knight, or did she not? Why would a person like her be sent here?
I tried starting a conversation a few times but failed.
I continued my usual routine, but it was hard to concentrate on anything with someone following me around.
I stared at the mirror, willing myself to stand up, but I didn't want to. Father's dinners were just an excuse to cause a fight among his children—I know he enjoys it. My foolish siblings fall for it and give him what he wants.
I hate those fights and arguments.
I walked out, not feeling in the mood for it. I didn't want to go; I didn't want to be a part of the imperial family.
Cady walked up to me as quiet and mysterious as always. We went to the hall as quietly as the last week had been.
...
My mind wasn't on the table; I wanted to glance back at Cady for some reason. I couldn't wait for it to be over. The usual arguments started, and I just stared blankly at the window.
Someone said something to me, but I didn't know who or what he said because I wasn't listening.
"That's just immature," Krysen said, and I wanted to tell her to shut up. She should know better than to respond; the thing is, she doesn't.
Unlike my youngest sister, Rosalind, Krysen talks out of turn and gets herself in trouble all the time.
"I'm not feeling too well today, Father. May I ask to be—"
Our attention was drawn to the door, and Rosalind's statement was cut short. A maid walked through the door looking sick. Her eyes were distant and her movements unstable, most of all was the blood on her mouth. It was faint, but I noticed it.
A few knights tried stopping her, but it became a commotion.
Pointless.
She bit one of the knights, which was shocking but amusing to see; she was that desperate.
The knight screamed in agony, and I clenched my fist to resist going to heal him. Any skill I have will just draw more attention to me. He soon stood up and attacked the next person.
What's going on?
Everyone was as shocked as I was.
Cady appeared next to me, and I looked at her, unable to school my expression.
"What's going on?" I asked, still in shock.
"I don't know, but it seems like dinner is over," she said, dragging me past the door.
I wasn't sure what to make of everything. I wasn't even thinking anymore.
She led me to my room and shut the door, leaving me inside. I sat on the bed and stared into space quietly.
I heard a knock on the door; it was quiet and slow. I ignored it, but the door creaked open slowly as someone slipped through.
"Therma?" I called, looking at her. She approached slowly, but as much as I tried ignoring it, I couldn't. She was walking in slow, unstable steps.
I made to move away, but I just didn't. She reached me and tried biting me, but I pushed her away even as she climbed the bed. I struggled hard to avoid getting bitten, but I just lacked the motivation to really fight back.
What's the point?
Something slashed through her head, and she fell off. I was shocked. I turned and saw Cady standing by the window.
How did she kill her from that distance?
"We have to go, your highness," she said, and I snapped back to reality.
Her demeanor was still cold and aloof, but she seemed really serious.