The Prince’s Choice

Chapter 17

The Prince's Choice

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Jane carried a heavy basket of dirty laundry toward the washing house, her steps hurried but her thoughts racing. The words of the blind seer echoed endlessly in her mind. She didn't know how to explain what she'd learned to Alric—or if he would even believe her.

"The only way to wake Cater is for the one he loves to do the unthinkable," the seer had said. How was she supposed to convince the prince to kiss his servant?

Her pace slowed as she reached the castle hallways, her heart heavy. If Alric didn't act, Cater would die, and without Cater, Avalor would fall.

Jane paused abruptly when she saw Vera entering Cater's room. The sight made her blood run cold. Dropping the basket, she sprinted toward the room, her shoes echoing loudly against the stone floor. She pushed the door open just in time to see Vera standing over Cater's motionless body while Alric watched from the corner.

"Stop!" Jane yelled, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

Both Vera and Alric turned to face her, startled. Vera quickly composed herself, a smile playing on her lips as Jane stormed into the room. Without hesitation, Jane moved between Vera and Cater, blocking the demon's path.

"Let him go," Jane said firmly, her voice trembling with barely controlled rage. "Don't touch him."

Vera tilted her head, her red eyes glinting with amusement. "Do you really think I'm trying to harm him?" she asked sweetly, turning her gaze toward Alric. "Your Highness, I was only trying to help. But clearly, I'm not welcome here."

Jane glared at her. "Help? Don't lie! You're trying to kill him!"

Vera sighed dramatically, turning her back to Jane. "I see there's no reasoning with her," she said to Alric, her voice soft and full of feigned sadness. "Perhaps I should go. I wouldn't want to cause any trouble."

Jane opened her mouth to protest, but Alric stepped forward, his face hard with anger.

"Leave," he said sharply, but his words were directed at Jane.

Jane froze, her heart sinking. "Your Highness, I'm only trying to—"

"Leave!" Alric's voice thundered, his patience gone.

Two guards entered the room at his command, their armor clinking as they moved to flank Jane.

"Take her to the cells," Alric ordered, his tone cold. "I don't want to see her face again."

"Your Highness, listen to me!" Jane cried as the guards grabbed her arms. "She's not who you think she is! She's trying to kill Cater! Only you can save him, Prince Alric!"

Her voice echoed down the hallway as the guards dragged her away.

Alric hesitated, her words replaying in his mind. A flicker of doubt crossed his face, but he quickly shook it off.

Vera, watching him carefully, stepped closer. "Your Highness, are you alright?" she asked softly.

Alric looked at her, his jaw tightening. "I'll return shortly. Do what you must to save my servant."

He left without another word, his boots clicking against the stone floor. Vera's sweet smile melted into a wicked grin the moment he was gone.

"Don't worry, Your Highness," she whispered under her breath. "I'll make sure of it."

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Alric walked to the dungeon, his thoughts heavy. When he arrived at Jane's cell, she was already at the gate, her hands clutching the iron bars.

"Prince Alric!" Jane exclaimed, her voice desperate. "She's going to kill Cater. You have to stop her!"

Alric raised a hand, silencing her. His expression was unreadable as he stared at her. "What did you mean when you said I'm the only one who can save Cater?"

Jane hesitated, searching for the right words. "I met someone… someone who knows how to break the curse," she began carefully.

Alric frowned. "And?"

Jane took a deep breath, her heart racing. "The seer said the only way to wake Cater is… if you kiss him."

The words hung in the air, and Jane immediately regretted how ridiculous they sounded.

Alric stared at her, his brow furrowing. "What?"

"I know how it sounds," Jane said quickly, her voice trembling. "But it's the truth! That woman in Cater's room—she was sent to kill him. You're the only one who can save him, and you don't have much time!"

Alric's eyes narrowed. "Do you know I could have you executed for saying something so absurd?" His voice was sharp, but Jane caught the hesitation in his tone.

Before he could walk away, Jane blurted, "Cater loves you!"

Alric froze, his back still to her. Slowly, he turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "What did you say?"

Jane swallowed hard, her voice breaking as she spoke. "He loves you, Your Highness. Not just as a servant or a friend, but more than that. He's never said it out loud, but I can see it. I think you've seen it too, even if you don't want to admit it."

Alric stared at her, his thoughts racing. His heart felt heavy as her words sank in. "You expect me to believe that?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

Jane nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "I know it sounds impossible, but it's the truth. And if you don't do something, Vera will kill him, and it'll be too late. Please, Prince Alric. Save him."

For a moment, Alric said nothing. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.

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Back in Cater's room, Vera stood over him, her black eyes glinting with malice. She reached out to touch him, but the moment her hand came close, a surge of electricity erupted from Cater's body, sending her flying backward.

"What?!" she hissed, clutching her arm.

She tried again, but the shock was even stronger this time, slamming her into the wall. Vera growled, her anger boiling over.

"That witch," she snarled. "Does she really think her little spells can stop me? She'll regret ever crossing me."

Her eyes darkened to black as she summoned lightning into her hands, the crackling energy illuminating the room. "I'll destroy every obstacle in my path, starting with you, Cater," she hissed, turning toward the unconscious hybrid.

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Alric walked through the castle corridors, his mind a storm of conflicting emotions. Jane's words echoed in his head: "Cater loves you."

He shook his head, trying to focus. "It's ridiculous," he muttered to himself. "Isn't it?"

But deep down, a part of him couldn't ignore the truth in her voice—or the ache in his chest at the thought of losing Cater forever.

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