Chapter 59 - Searching for Solutions

Three days had passed since Serena's unsuccessful chase with the shadowy figure, and its presence was still looming over her. In the stillness of the night, as she lay in bed, she couldn't shake the sensation of its watchful gaze fixed upon her. Each step of her morning commute to work was accompanied by the unsettling feeling of being followed. And even upon her return home in the evening, the eerie presence persisted, though she could discern no tangible form.

Yet, despite her vigilance, she could see no one. It seemed as though the shadowy figure had grown even more cautious since their encounter three days prior, evading Serena's attempts to confront it directly. Serena felt uneasy; she knew she could defeat the mysterious figure if it confronted her directly, but it remained elusive.

In the evening, as Serena returned from her duties, she made her way to Aviva's side, her expression weighed down by uneasiness and uncertainty. "Someone has been following me for four days," she confessed, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Concern etched across Aviva's face as she inquired, "Have you seen anyone?" Her voice dripped with worry.

Serena proceeded to recount all the unsettling incidents, including her encounter with the mysterious figure. Aviva's eyes widened as if a puzzle piece had finally clicked into place. "Oh, that's why you've seemed so troubled lately," she murmured, a glimmer of understanding illuminating her gaze. "But why didn't you tell anyone sooner?" she pressed.

"At first, I thought it might be a thief," Serena explained, her tone troubled. "But when it became clear that they weren't after anything tangible, only following and watching me, my unease deepened. The intensity of their presence and their evident skill suggest someone with a mysterious background."

Aviva pondered for a moment, her brow furrowed in deep thought. "Who could it be, and what could possibly be their motive for shadowing you like this? You come from a humble background, Serena," she said, concern coloring her voice.

Serena's own thoughts mirrored Aviva's uncertainty. "That's what's puzzling me as well," she admitted, her voice heavy with frustration. "Should I report this to the palace security?" she wondered aloud. "But would they even believe me? I have no evidence, and the figure hasn't harmed me or taken anything from me. Moreover, for the past three days, I haven't even caught sight of it-I can only feel its presence. No one would believe me," she concluded with a sigh, resigned to the daunting reality of her situation.

Aviva expressed her distress, saying, "This situation, Serena, it's truly troubling. I wish I could offer assistance, but alas, I'm just a feeble servant. I lack any combat skills to defend myself, let alone aid you." Regret and self-doubt clouded her expression.

Serena responded with empathy, stating, "Your willingness to help means a great deal, Aviva." She then settled onto her bed, her tone solemn as she remarked, "Even with my expertise in martial arts, confronting that enigmatic figure would not be easy. It seems improbable that even you could provide assistance."

Serena's mind wandered to Prince Ethan, who had promised to visit her but left the palace without a word, leaving her in the dark. She pondered how his presence could have provided an opportunity to seek his aid.

As she contemplated her options, the idea of approaching Kai surfaced, yet the strict regulations of the guard training ground made it nearly impossible for unauthorized individuals to gain entry.

Then, another name emerged in her thoughts: Adam. "Perhaps I should seek his assistance," she mused. "After all, he holds the position of commander of the palace guard and is the most suitable person to turn to in this predicament."

Meanwhile in the outpost, Prince Victor sat in his chamber, his mind entrenched in the intricate pathways of sovereign routes, each line on the map a potential solution waiting to be discovered. The silence enveloped him like a cocoon, shielding him from the outside world as he delved deeper into his thoughts.

Abruptly, a voice shattered the tranquility, slicing through the thick walls of concentration cocooning him. Prince Asher's voice, muffled yet urgent, filtered in from outside the door, bearing news of an unexpected visitor. Prince Julian had arrived and awaited Prince Victor's presence in the meeting room.

Startled from his reverie, Prince Victor emerged from his chamber, a furrow creasing his brow as curiosity mingled with apprehension. His movements were deliberate, each step a calculated measure of his reluctance to be disturbed. As he approached Prince Asher, his gaze flickered with a mixture of intrigue and wariness.

"Prince Julian? At this hour?" Prince Victor's voice held a hint of skepticism, his posture rigid as if bracing himself for an unwelcome intrusion. "Is there a matter of concern?" he inquired, his eyes searching for clues in Prince Asher's expression.

Prince Asher reassured him, "No, brother. Prince Julian mentioned he heard of your presence at the outpost and simply wished to pay you a visit."

Despite Prince Victor's desire for solitude, he couldn't ignore Prince Julian's arrival. If prince Julian were merely his cousin, who had traveled from afar to see him, Victor might have disregarded the visit if he wasn't in the mood. However, as the crown prince of another kingdom, prince Julian's presence demanded prince Victor's attention, overriding his personal preferences.

Accompanied by their guards, Prince Victor and Prince Asher strode into the meeting room, where Prince Julian stood, idly examining the room's contents. As they entered, Prince Julian's gaze lit up, and he greeted his cousin warmly, a genuine smile lighting up his face. "How are you, Brother Victor?"

Before answering, Prince Victor glanced at his brother and the guards, then gestured subtly, "You all may go."

Prince Asher's heart sank at his brother's dismissal, despite years spent proving his strength and dedication on the borders. Yet, even with his unwavering efforts, he couldn't seem to earn his brother's approval and recognition. With a heavy sigh, he left the room along with the guards.

Seating himself opposite Prince Julian, Prince Victor inquired, "What brings you here, Julian?"

Prince Julian's reply was simple yet earnest, his voice carrying a note of concern, "I came to see you, brother. But you didn't answer my question about how you are."

Prince Victor, aware of his own pressing matters, responded, "I am well, albeit occupied. If there is nothing urgent, we can catch up later."

To this, Prince Julian expressed his disappointment, stating, "After embarking on hours of journey to meet you, it seems you are eager to bid me farewell so soon."

Prince Victor, reiterated firmly, "Julian, my time is currently occupied with matters of utmost importance."

Undeterred, Prince Julian's concern persisted, "What could possibly monopolize your attention to the extent of neglecting your family? If there's a challenge, share it with me. I may have insights to offer."

After a brief moment of consideration, Prince Victor relented, recognizing the potential value in his cousin's offer. With a controlled exhale, he disclosed, "You're aware of the impending expiration of the Aurelia-Elysia sovereign route alliance. I've been diligently exploring alternatives to circumvent the need for its renewal. However, given Elysia's current despotic ruler, securing an alliance without the prospect of a marriage pact seems improbable. The pressure mounts for Princess Sophia to marry the Elysian prince against her wishes. I ventured to the border seeking solutions, yet thus far, my efforts have proven futile."

Prince Julian furrowed his brow, considering Prince Victor's words carefully. "Marrying a princess for alliance isn't unprecedented," he conceded. "It's a practice as old as time, and even both of our own families has benefited from such unions. Remember, my aunt, your own mother married your father, the King of Aurelia to make an alliance between Eldoria and Aurelia."

Prince Victor's expression darkened, his frustration evident in his voice. "I understand the concept," he replied tersely, his tone tinged with bitterness. "But crown prince Orius is a different case altogether. His reputation precedes him. He indulges in vices, frequents brothels, and his ruthless nature has earned him the grim moniker 'Mortalbane' for a reason."

A heavy silence fell between them, laden with the weight of apprehension and concern. Prince Julian sighed, a flicker of regret in his eyes. "You're right," he admitted, his voice heavy with resignation. "I cannot ignore the truth of Orius's character. It would be unwise for sister Sophia to marry someone with such a tainted reputation."

Prince Victor's frustration simmered beneath the surface as he stood, ready to leave in search of a solution. "If you have no solution, then I see no reason to linger here," he declared, his tone clipped with impatience.

Prince Julian watched his cousin's resolve harden, a pang of desperation tugging at his own heart. "You can search for a solution, but the truth is, there may not be one," he admitted reluctantly.

As prince Victor turned to depart, Julian's words hooked him like a fish caught in a net. "But I do have something that might interest you," he offered, his eyes gleaming with a newfound intensity, like diamonds glinting in the sun.

Prince Victor's demeanor solidified, his expression etched with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, like intricate carvings adorning ancient ruins. "What is it? Tell me," he urged, his voice a fervent plea, akin to a thirsty traveler seeking water in the desert.

With a conspiratorial smile, Prince Julian rose from his chair and drew nearer, his words a whispered symphony in the hush of the room. "Very soon, there will be a new king on the throne of Elysia," he divulged, relishing the shock that registered on prince Victor's face.

Prince Victor's features stiffened as he processed the weight of prince Julian's revelation. "What do you mean?" he pressed, his voice a whirlpool of disbelief swirling in the depths of their exchange.

Prince Julian's smile widened, anticipation glinting in his eyes like sparks dancing in a fire. "There's a rebel brewing, led by none other than..." He paused, relishing the moment, as if savoring the aroma of fine wine before the first sip.

Prince Victor's patience wore thin, his body tensing with anticipation. "Stop with the suspense and just spit it out," he demanded, his body coiling like a tightly wound spring, ready to snap.

With a soft chuckle, Prince Julian leaned in closer, his entire body gravitating towards Prince Victor, as if drawn by the gravity of his revelation. His breath brushed over Prince Victor's ear like a whispering wind. "The rightful heir to the throne, the son of the previous king," he revealed. Withdrawing swiftly, his movements fluid like a shadow melting into darkness, he fixed his gaze on Victor, his eyes gleaming like a hawk's, waiting for Victor's reaction to this pivotal revelation.

Prince Victor's eyes widened like a sudden burst of light in the darkness, startled by the unexpected revelation. "But I thought the previous king's entire family was slaughtered by the current king," he exclaimed, his mind racing to comprehend the implications of prince Julian's words.

Prince Julian shook his head, a smirk dancing on his lips like a mischievous sprite. "Not all of them," he corrected, mischief glinting in his eyes like a hidden gem. "And now, he's quietly plotting his revenge. Although he hasn't confided in me directly, my spies have informed me that within this month, his success is all but assured. Soon, he'll ascend the throne as the rightful ruler of Elysia."

For Prince Victor, this revelation was like a bolt of lightning in a pitch-black sky, illuminating the path forward with electrifying clarity.