The Rift Between Duty and Love

Chapter 20

The Rift Between Duty and Love

✴⋆⋄⋆✴

One week later…

Cater stood at the edge of the castle courtyard, his figure partially hidden in the shadows as he watched Alric walk beside King Arthur. The two were deep in conversation, their heads bent as they discussed something Cater couldn't hear. For a fleeting moment, Alric's eyes flickered in Cater's direction, but the prince quickly looked away, his expression cold and distant.

Cater clenched his fists, the memory of Alric's words replaying in his mind like a cruel echo:

"I don't want you or your friend near me. Your room will be moved out of the castle, and you are no longer my servant. I won't say anything to my father, but I never want a demon near me again."

Those words had cut deeper than any blade. Cater could handle his father's wrath and rejection, but Alric's hatred—that was a pain he couldn't suppress. For the first time in his life, Cater felt truly broken. Even when his father disowned him, it hadn't hurt this much.

The darkness inside him stirred, sensing his vulnerability. It clawed at the edges of his control, begging to take over. Cater closed his eyes, struggling to suppress it, but the ache in his chest only grew stronger.

"Cater."

He turned abruptly at the sound of Jane's voice. She stood behind him, her eyes filled with concern.

"You're losing control," she said softly. "Calm yourself, or you'll do something you'll regret."

Cater took a deep breath, focusing on steadying his emotions. After a few moments, he opened his eyes, and the inky darkness that had been threatening to consume him began to fade. Jane moved closer, studying him carefully.

"You need to stop this, Cater," she said, her tone firm. "At least Alric didn't banish you from the kingdom. You can still protect him. Isn't that what the prophecy says you're supposed to do?"

Cater let out a bitter laugh as he turned away. "He hates me, Jane," he muttered, his voice heavy with pain.

Jane followed him as he walked toward a nearby bench and sat down. She sat beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe he does right now," she admitted. "But hate isn't permanent, Cater. You can still prove yourself. And if you don't… what happens to Avalor if the prophecy isn't fulfilled?"

Cater didn't respond at first. He stared at the ground, his jaw tightening. After a moment, he shook his head. "It's not your fault, Jane," he said quietly. "If you hadn't done what you did, none of us would still be here."

Before Jane could reply, Cater's attention shifted. He spotted Alric emerging from the castle, accompanied by several knights. The prince was dressed in armor, his sword strapped to his side. He looked ready for battle.

"Where's he going?" Cater asked, standing abruptly.

Jane sighed as she followed his gaze. "I heard rumors," she said. "The Flesh Eater is still out there. Everyone was so focused on Vera that they forgot about it. Two guards were killed last night—half of their bodies eaten. It was… horrifying."

Cater turned to her, his eyes blazing. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"I didn't want to trouble you," Jane admitted. "You've been through enough already. I thought you deserved a break."

But Cater wasn't listening anymore. His attention was fixed on Alric, who had mounted his horse and was preparing to ride out with his knights. Without another word, Cater took off, running toward the group. He stopped directly in front of Alric's horse, forcing the prince to pull on the reins.

"Cater," Alric growled, dismounting his horse and walking toward him. "Move. Now."

"I need to talk to you, Prince Alric," Cater said firmly.

Alric's face darkened as he stepped closer, his voice low and sharp. "I told you to stay out of my way. Get out of here before I make you regret it."

But Cater didn't budge. Instead, he stepped even closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. But it's my duty to protect you. I know I'm not your servant anymore, but I'm still your friend. Please… take me with you."

Alric's anger flared. He grabbed Cater by the front of his shirt, pulling him close. "Don't make me kill you, Cater," he hissed.

For a moment, the two locked eyes. Cater could see the anger and pain swirling in Alric's gaze, but he also saw something else—something he couldn't quite name.

"Well," Cater said softly, a small smile playing at his lips. "Why don't you? Go ahead and kill me. But know this—I'll keep coming back to protect you, no matter what."

Alric froze, his grip loosening as he stared into Cater's eyes. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. Then, the sound of one of the knights clearing his throat broke the tension.

"Sir?" the knight said hesitantly, glancing between the two men.

Alric released Cater with a frustrated sigh. He stepped back, running a hand through his hair as he tried to regain his composure.

"Fine," he said finally, his tone curt. "You can come. But if you step out of line, I won't hesitate to end you myself."

Cater nodded, a genuine smile breaking across his face. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Alric mounted his horse once more, refusing to look back at Cater as the group prepared to depart. Cater fell into step behind them, his heart lighter than it had been in days.

Jane watched from a distance, her arms crossed as she shook her head. "Well," she muttered to herself, "at least he's persistent."

As the group rode off into the distance, Jane sighed. "Good luck, Cater," she whispered. "You're going to need it."

✴⋆⋄⋆✴

Hello lovely Readers, if you have gotten to this point please leave a review on this book.

Also your Golden ticket, stone and gift can make this book stand out.

Show me love guys, hoping for a dragon gift..