Rylen walked into the section allocated to the crown prince in the baron's residence. He had a whole section to himself, which was a good thing as it hid prying eyes from his shenanigans. Not that the prince cared. If it weren't that his good actions were more than enough to counter his bad ones, he would have more haters than loyal subjects in the kingdom.
There were two guards stationed in front of the room, each holding a spear. Torch stands were on each side of the guards; since it was still daylight, the torches were unlit. The guards bowed as they saw him. Rylen simply lifted his hand to them.
Rylen knocked twice and announced himself. "It is I, Prince Rylen, Your Grace."
"Come in," a voice said.
The guards opened the door, and Rylen walked in. The doors closed after him, and he was greeted with the sight of Caius lying on the long chair, a head and legs on each arm of the chair. He was still dressed in the attire he had left the manor with. His armor, his shoes, the cape—even his sword was still around his waist.
Rylen already had a briefing on what happened. Unfortunately, he hadn't been there in person as he had been overseeing what they actually came to Edenville to do while Caius had gone sightseeing. Rylen didn't mind this, as the decisions were usually made by Caius; all he did was be there in person. He trusted Caius with his life, and he knew it was vice versa.
"May I ask what's wrong, Your Grace?"
"Rylen," he groaned as he stared at nothing in particular. Caius often referred to Rylen by just his name when they were in private. "What is my title?"
Without even the slightest hesitation, Rylen started to speak. "You are Caius Ravenor, crown prince and heir to the throne of Velmount," Rylen announced proudly.
"Has any woman ever refused my advances?" he asked and slowly turned to Rylen, who stood behind him with his head bowed.
"Not that I am aware of, and I didn't think Your Grace made advances."
Caius narrowed his eyes at the last part but chose not to dwell on it. "Good. Now explain to me why I was refused."
"According to what I heard, she is engaged, Your Grace," Rylen said.
Also, according to what he heard, he wasn't the only one who had heard this. He still couldn't believe Caius would do something like that in a public place, but compared to half the things he had done, this was almost minimal. The king would not be pleased when he heard, and Rylen knew this was exactly what Caius wanted. However, this was the first time Caius would chase anyone, let alone someone who didn't want him.
"To whom? A lord, a baron, or some royalty?"
"No, Your Grace," he replied.
"Just another peasant, and she dares refuse me. How dare she?"
"Not everyone wants you, Your Grace," Rylen said without missing a beat.
Caius turned to Rylen. "Are you trying to be funny? If you weren't my cousin, I'd have your head."
"No, Your Grace. I understand you're angry." Rylen was completely unfazed; he heard this threat at least once every three days, and his head was still intact.
Caius touched the bridge of his nose. "This only happens when I am playing nice." He kicked his legs off the chair, dropping them to the ground with a loud stomp. "Find out everything you can about her."
Rylen frowned. "Your Grace, shouldn't you just forget her? You'll be out of Edenville by noon tomorrow; the redhead will be completely forgotten by then. There are thousands of women in the capital who will happily keep your bed warm."
Caius smirked. "You should know me by now, Rylen. I always get what I want."
"Even the one that doesn't want you?" Rylen asked.
Caius narrowed his eyes at his cousin. Rylen always found a way to get on his nerves. "What if she's the one that comes running?" he smirked.
Rylen sighed. "As you wish. I will have the information you need before dinner."
"Good, good," Caius said and got to his feet.
Rylen narrowed his eyes. He didn't like how the prince's mood had suddenly improved. Knowing him, he was definitely thinking of something he shouldn't be. He bowed and left the room.
He almost felt bad for the redhead, and what the prince said was no lie—whatever he wanted, he got. When Velmount had been invaded and they lost Redhill, one of the towns at the edge of Velmount, Caius had sworn to get it back, and he did. The battle only lasted a week, and just using brute strength too. He fought for a week without sleeping. After the battle was over, he didn't awaken until the third day. Caius was that resilient.
Caius smiled to himself as he sat for dinner. The dining room was filled with the old baron, his young wife, his first son and daughter from his first wife, and his young son. The latter wasn't older than two, but he sat at the table with them on his mother's lap.
The table was spread out with different delicacies. There was pottage of leeks and herbs, and for the main dish, roasted venison with berry sauce. However, it wasn't until dessert that Caius breached the topic with the baron.
"You want me to close off the forest?" the baron asked in shock. He wasn't the only one—even Rylen was looking at him like he had lost his mind.
"Yes," Caius said as he dug into the desert. "What's this?" he asked.
"Spiced honey cake," the baron replied. "It's a common dessert in Edenville, but it was perfected by my wife."
"Really? It's really good. You could sell this in the capital, and I'm sure it would be bought exponentially."
"Your Highness, we are just a humble town."
"You're more than that. I want the forest off-limits for tomorrow, and anyone who breaks the rule will be beheaded in the town square." Caius switched the topic without hesitation.
The baron gasped. "Such an extreme punishment. Your Highness, I beg that you reconsider a lesser penalty, and there is barely any time to make the announcement."
"Don't worry about that. I'll place guards at all the usual entrances to prevent anyone from entering. You have nothing to worry about." All he needed was to trap a certain person who frequented the forests.
"I see." The baron still looked a little hesitant, but he knew there was absolutely nothing he could do. "Is there perhaps a reason why you'd want the forest closed off tomorrow?"
"Yes, of course."
"Would it be impertinent for me to ask why?" the baron asked.
"No, not at all, but no need to rush—you'll find out tomorrow." Caius dropped the cutlery. "The cake was just delicious, my lady."
She blushed. "I am glad Your Highness likes it."
"Very much." He smiled and stood to his feet. "I will retire for the night. I've had a rough day, you see."
"Of course. I wish you a good night's sleep."
Caius was smiling as he walked away from the table—but not before he saw the look Rylen gave him.