DILEMMA

The harbingers of the morning, the rays shining in the gray sky, were bringing the blue sky back to the world as if it were a new breath. The birds were chirping, the gently blowing wind caused the branches to hit each other, the harbinger that it was cold at dawn and the leaves rustled. Adrian was waking up from his sleep, again watching the sunrise from his balcony, which he made a ritual every morning. He began to constantly inhale and exhale fresh cold air. Insomnia was causing his mind to become blurred and his body to lose control. His nightmares caused him to wake up in blood sweat from his barely diving sleep.

He rubbed his burning eyes with his hands. The air tangent to his warm body did not even vibrate. He turned around and entered. Today he was going to the palace for the first time in a long time, and the atmosphere of the palace had already strained him.

Even though the palace looked flawless as ever, the scent of rotten intentions and personalities spread into the air, covering every stone of the palace like soot. He took a deep breath and it was something he did more reflexively to prepare for battle.

He crossed the area where he once trained swords with Alex. And the old table in the rose garden where father and king sit and drink tea. As memories fell before his eyes, he felt an indescribable bitterness. As his companion took him to the meeting room, he saw that his inside and outside had not changed at all. Heavy curtains made of special atlas covered the glass and the workmanship of the historical vases put together was again fascinating.

The accompanist stopped in front of the wide double-sided door and opened it. He made his name known to those in the room and stepped aside and stretched his hand inward. Adrian made his upright posture even higher and moved his neck left and right. The sudden heat radiating from his neck relaxed his whole body. As he stepped in, intense tension hit his face. Even though the prince had not yet arrived, senior executives had already taken his place. He replaced after a short nod. He felt the gaze lingering on him.

"I would like to congratulate you again, Your Highness, on your engagement." The harsh charismatic voice was sitting opposite the old marque Micheal Ramonoff, causing interested glances.

"Thanks for your congratulations, Mr. Ramonoff" his disinterested casual voice was the pioneer to get around.

"How's Lady Scarlet?" Adrian fixed his sharp gaze at the marquis. "I had a chance to have a short talk at the ball. I must admit that I was amazed by her intelligence and beauty. " The sincere smile that formed on his face was the kind that showed his satisfaction.

"She is resting well"

"Oh then give her my greetings please."

While Adrian was going to approve, the door opened and the servant called the prince's name.

Everyone stood up and greeted the swift replacement prince. Prince Alex stood at the table with all his grandeur and solemnity. His piercing eyes rolled across each person's face. He sat down and watched the others sit down.

The rather large map of the country in front of him was marked in some places.

"The reason why I am calling you here today is that the small town raids have been increasing recently." The echo of his serious voice hit everyone like a slap. He put his hand on the spot where the red marks were.

"Even barbarians who do not attack and just steal kill people. " He ran his eyes over the four men. Adrian took his eyes out of the red area and looked at the prince.

"Your majesty, as I have informed you before. We think that bandits committed these crimes under the influence of a certain person or group. " He put the written expression on the table. "The statement of one of the bandits we captured alive. At the time of my questioning, he informed me that a person in a cape had visited their leader and then ordered the leader to carry out the attack with a sudden change of mood. He pushed the expression towards the middle. "He was brought to the royal dungeon to be punished after interrogation."

They looked at the black ink on the paper as if it were an ominous item.

"You were lucky to be able to catch someone, Mr. O'neill. Before my men could catch any of them alive, the bandits killed themselves. I saw another bandit they caught dodging their hands and impaled their head. "Duke Andreas, who ruled the west of the capital, revealed in his full voice.

"At one point I agree with Duke Andreas. They told me that the attackers were insane and when they could not find a living creature to kill, so to speak, they killed each other. " said the ruler of the east, Marquis Micheal.

"The purpose behind the collective attacks is that they planned the main attack by drawing the attention of the kingdom in this direction. Simultaneous mass attacks are attempts to weaken the kingdom," said Nicholas, the Duke of the south. Nobody objected, as if they all agreed on this issue.

"The magic that triggered these attacks and caused abnormal movements of the attackers" A sharp astonished voice rose from the 3 lords. Adrian fixed his gaze at the prince, and a quiet conversation passed between them. The prince continued to speak. "I verified that it is not one of the wizarding institutions the kingdom allows. The only wizards who dare to use the forbidden magic are fugitives who left the capital long ago. " The prince leaned back. The solemn expression on his face intensified with a half-smile.

"I will not let history repeat this time", his death-smelling voice and cunning grin made the prince's always soft face tremble with fear.

After a long, planned meeting, Alex and Adrian retreated to the study, sipping their relaxing tea. The seats they sat opposite each other were comfortable and wide. Alex looked at Adrian's tired, thoughtful face. his custody was black and his eyes seemed to be out of focus.

"Looks like you're having insomnia again?" Adrian looked up at his friend, who was sitting in front of him with anxious eyes. For Alex, even though many say cold and cruel, he turned into a lion on the battlefield. It was a fact that he was very protective of his loved ones. Adrian took a deep breath and smiled cheerfully.

"Nightmares have started again. I could sleep a little, now I count myself lucky if I could sleep for an hour, "he rubbed his burning eyes.

"I'll call the palace doctor for you."

"No, there is no need for it, the doctor who gave medicine for me, but it affects my next day very badly so I drink it when I can no longer bear it" There was a brief silence.

"Actually I want to talk to you about something else." Adrian frowned curiously and waited for his speech.

"Are you sure you want to marry Lady Scarlet?" When he heard Adrian Scarlet's name, he was startled for a moment. He didn't tell Alex the facts. His attitude towards sorcerers was strict and certainly did not approve of the spell. If Scarlet's core business was revealed, Alex's attitude towards her would completely change. He leaned back without showing that he was tense. He was aware, even if sleepless, that Alex's sharp suspicious eyes were looking open.

He was content with saying "yes". Alex smiled.

"Frankly, my thoughts about the lady were in a negative way. The fact that you were engaged so suddenly made me suspicious and I thought your lady had a trump card on you "he hesitated for a moment. "But I realized I was wrong. She said that during the dance I could talk to her, the two of you were connected with real love and that I wouldn't see it. I must say that your words are quite serious. Also, her understanding of my true intentions and speaking wisely according to her shows that she is an intelligent woman. " Alex smiled.

Adrian listened to Alex in surprise and his eyes narrowed, but this time it was not because of the pain of insomnia, but because his heart was pounding with hope. Adrian smiled happily, surprising Alex.

"I must mention that you surprised me, Adrian. It's been a long time since I saw you laugh like that. And if even her name can make you so happy, you really love her." Raising an eyebrow, Alex hid his wicked smile behind the cup.

Adrian smiled wistfully this time. He had known long ago of the existence of this sensation that spread from his heart to his entire body and numbing him, but he mercilessly learned that his feelings were unrequited by accepting desperately.

"Yes, I love her more than anything. When the flame smiled in her eyes, her hope was all. I love the mercy of her heart the most. " He stood up. "I have to go to the training ground of your majesty with your permission." Alex also stood up. Adrian bowed before him and turned and climbed through the side door into his reality.