Alex.

The time before lunch flew by unnoticed. Lady Price and I decided to have breakfast together while Rainn and Sebastian locked themselves in the study, even refusing to eat. But it was impossible to refuse Lady Price, and she still brought them breakfast.

To distract myself from worrying thoughts about the reasons behind Sebastian's sudden visit, I decided to make a pie while Lady Price prepared lunch.

Soon, the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods filled the house, blending with the scents emanating from the kitchen.

When lunch was ready, Lady Price, with her usual confident stride, headed towards the closed study door. Her stern and concerned expression made it clear that she, too, was not willing to remain in the dark about the reasons for Sebastian's unexpected visit.

Since Lady Price knocked on the study door, there was a tense anticipation in the air. I stood nearby.

The door opened slowly, and Rainn appeared on the threshold, wearing a serious expression. He let Lady Price inside and closed the door behind them, leaving me alone in the hallway.

My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to imagine what was being discussed inside the study. What could be so important that Sebastian returned so suddenly, and what were they talking about?

The waiting was unbearable. I stood there, listening to the silence seeping from the study. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Lady Price emerged, her face expressing a mixture of relief and worry.

She approached me and leaned in to whisper, "Everything is fine, my dear. They're almost done. We'll have lunch now."

Questions started swirling in my mind again. "Done with what? Why is it so difficult with Sebastian, and what game is he playing this time?"

Lunch proceeded in an atmosphere of tense silence. Sebastian sat at the table, his expression serious and contemplative. Next to him, Rainn was also lost in his thoughts, his eyebrows slightly furrowed with worry.

Lady Price, despite the atmosphere, tried to maintain a friendly ambiance. She enveloped us with her warmth and care, smiling and conversing with us, but even she couldn't hide her underlying concern that seeped into every word and movement.

I sat at the table, feeling the growing nervous tension within me. My hands trembled, and I had no appetite whatsoever. Every glance and silence was filled with unspoken questions and anticipation.

Time dragged on slowly, and the meal felt never-ending. The act of eating was accompanied only by the quiet sounds of cutlery and our occasional glances crossing in the air.

Lunch was coming to an end.

Lady Price: "Sebastian, you've hardly eaten anything. You're worrying me, my boy. Pay attention to this wonderful cranberry pie that Alex made. You must try it. Show some respect to your fiancée, won't you?"

Sebastian raised an eyebrow in surprise and looked towards the pie, then shifted his gaze to me. "A pie? Alex, you know how to cook? That's news to me," he said, examining me closely. A shiver ran down my spine from his intense gaze.

Rainn couldn't help himself and, trying to hold back his laughter, decided to warn Sebastian. "Take your time, my friend. Maybe you should take an antidote first. You never know what Alex might have added to it."

I rolled my eyes at Rainn and shook my head. "Ha-ha, very funny, Deni! Be careful, or retribution won't make you wait," I said playfully, with a threatening tone.

Rainn grinned, dramatically placing his hand on his chest. "Oh, of course, Alex, I'll be waiting for that moment. From your hands, I'll gladly accept poison too," he winked at me, still smiling.

The open flirtation between me and Rainn didn't go unnoticed by Lady Price and Sebastian. Lady Price frowned, while Sebastian narrowed his eyes and looked attentively at me, and then at his friend.

Judging by the way Rainn coughed after their eyes met, Sebastian didn't like our way of interacting, and he intended to discuss it.

Sebastian looked at me with tension, causing another wave of shivers, and spoke in a steady voice, "Well, if MY FIANCEE has put effort into it, how can I not try this marvel?" His gaze shifted to Rainn, emphasizing the words "My" and "Fiancée." I could only roll my eyes at such a statement. After his departure, the possessive undertones in his voice sounded amusing to me.

Sebastian took a small piece of the pie and, after studying it carefully, broke off a bite and placed it in his mouth. I watched his movements, which resembled some kind of ritual, frozen in anticipation. For some reason, it was important to me that he liked my creation.

I saw Sebastian close his eyes, savoring the taste. It seemed like he enjoyed it, and even the corner of his mouth twitched, hinting at a satisfied smile, but he held back. Then he opened his eyes, scrutinizing me once again, as if trying to find a catch. I was just about to exhale with relief when he surprised me once again with his ability to play.

He put on a mask of a polite smile, although there was a hint of wariness in his eyes. "Quite decent! Your pie has exceeded all my expectations, Alex," the prince said in such a cold tone that it hardly sounded like praise.

I was disappointed by his reaction and was about to respond, but Sebastian beat me to it. "I think we can conclude lunch here. Don't be offended, Nena, Rainn and I still have some business to attend to," he said. With that, Sebastian and Rainn stood up, bowed, thanked us for the delicious meal, and locked themselves back in the study.

I helped Lady Price clear the table, and then she wanted to go to the garden. The rain had stopped, but my patience was running out. I couldn't bear being in the dark any longer.

Excusing myself with a headache, I left Lady Price in the garden and headed towards the study. They would answer my questions, even if I had to break down that stubborn door and use magic. My anger was building up, and I dug my nails into my hand to restrain the raging emotions.

I flew to the study, but trying to control my emotions, I took a deep breath and knocked. The door opened slightly, revealing Rainn's figure. He looked puzzled, and Daniel glanced at me in surprise.

Not giving him a chance to react, I bypassed him and entered the study. Rainn silently closed the door behind me. Inside, a mix of anxiety and determination boiled within me.

Sebastian looked up from some document and, with the same surprise, first glanced at me, then questioned Rainn, who approached the table and leaned against the edge next to Sebastian. They exchanged glances, engaging in a silent conversation, and then both looked at me with astonishment.

"Alex, you're here? What happened?" The prince put on his icy mask again, seemingly indifferent to my presence, although Daniel, who stood beside him, was clearly agitated.

I tried to control my emotions and calmly addressed Sebastian, while looking at the serious Daniel, "I can't stay in the dark anymore. Why are you here? What is happening?"

Sebastian sighed and furrowed his brow, "Alex, it's not that simple. There are things we can't openly discuss. We're doing everything we can to protect you," he said, still avoiding my gaze, but occasionally glancing at me and then at Rainn.

Daniel was visibly tense and didn't take his eyes off me, which made me wary. They were hiding something important. I had spent enough time with Rainn to know that he was acting strangely.

After Sebastian's words, I averted my gaze from Daniel and looked at Sebastian, unable to contain my anger. "Protect me? Protect me from what? I'm not a child! I want to know what's going on! I have..." My anger was welling up, but then I stumbled upon the letter in Sebastian's hand, and I recognized our family crest.

My eyes widened, and I shifted my gaze between Sebastian and the letter. "What is this? This is our crest, Sebastian," I approached the table.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Sebastian and Rainn exchanged glances.

Sebastian became visibly nervous. "It's a letter, but it doesn't matter for now. Rainn and I are dealing with it," he attempted to put the paper in the desk drawer.

I acted more on instinct than reason. As I approached the table and leaned on it with one hand, I drew strength through the artifact, reached out my hand, and whispered, "Lavito MAS." The letter instantly appeared in my hand, and I recoiled from the table, gripping it tightly. I looked at the shocked men, who seemed prepared for an attack, and instinctively backed away until I felt my back against the door.

My heart was pounding wildly, and my hands trembled with tension. I couldn't believe what I had just done. But now my full attention was on the letter in my hand. The crest on it was clearly from our family.

Sebastian and Rainn exchanged glances, as if deciding on their next move. Sebastian nodded almost imperceptibly.

Rainn began to approach, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. He spoke calmly and softly, as if afraid of scaring me. "Alex, we didn't keep it from you intentionally. It's a complicated story, and we just wanted to protect you. Please, give me the letter back. It could be dangerous. Alex, please, give it to me," he almost caught up with me.

But I couldn't allow them to take the letter. I held my hand out in a warning gesture and firmly said, "No, not one step closer," drawing strength through the artifact, I surrounded myself with a shield. "Either you tell me everything right now, or you take the letter by force," I said, shifting my gaze from Rainn and looking into Sebastian's eyes. He had to understand that I wouldn't give in so easily.

Rainn still didn't give up; he frowned and said more firmly, "Alex, you shouldn't resort to force. We don't wish you any harm, but this letter could have dangerous consequences. Please, give it back to us."

I looked at Daniel, locked eyes with him, and smiled sadly. "There's no need to treat me like a foolish child. The games of affection are over, I suppose?" I lowered my head and glanced into Rainn's eyes, which flickered with surprise at my words. Yes, we had grown close over the past month, but it seemed he had also removed his mask and firmly sided with the prince, easily swayed by Sebastian's lure.

"I'm not resorting to force; I'm defending my interests. The de Savoyar crest is on this letter, and it is intended for me. Were you planning to tell me anything at all?" I observed how Rainn lowered his gaze and how Sebastian tensed. If they could read it themselves, they probably wouldn't have told me. It seemed they intended to make me a puppet, telling me only what was deemed appropriate.

I clenched my fists, suppressing my anger, and turned to the prince. "If this letter is so dangerous, then all the more reason for me to know its contents. I won't allow the truth to be hidden from me. Either you tell me everything right now, or you take the letter by force."

My determination was unwavering. I stood there, protected by a magical shield, ready to stand my ground. I no longer wanted to look at Rainn, and I fixed my gaze with an angry glare on Sebastian. I wanted him to understand the seriousness of my intentions. The outcome of this situation depended on him.

Sebastian sighed, realizing that I wouldn't back down and no trickery would work. He stood up from the table, his expression showing a mixture of amusement and bewilderment.

Sebastian: "Fine, Alex. You're right. I'll tell you everything. Ask your questions."

I breathed a sigh of relief but didn't rush to trust the prince. "Where did you get this letter, and why did you suddenly return?"

Sebastian smiled slightly, and the tension gradually faded. He leaned on the table, crossing his arms over his chest. "I thought you would be glad to see me," he said, realizing that he couldn't simply evade the situation and deciding to employ his charm.

It didn't work on me, but I responded in a similar tone, "Don't worry, Rainn also provided me with plenty of entertainment." Then I squinted my eyes and pointed to the letter. "The letter, Sebastian!" I asked louder and more sternly.

The smile vanished from his face, and it turned serious again. He understood that playing the flirtatious game wouldn't work, and my reference to the time spent with his friend had clearly angered the prince. With barely concealed hostility in his voice, he said, "The letter is from Seme, it's protected by ancestral magic. Rainn and I are trying to read it and bypass its defenses."

I felt like I could kill him after those words. I felt the power instinctively surging through me, gathering in reserve. But I had to control myself. I would deal with them later; first, I needed to find out what was in the letter.

Lowering my shield, I hid the letter in my décolletage, causing both men's eyes to widen simultaneously. "Yes, yes, I'm curious to see how you plan to retrieve it," I smiled to myself. Maintaining an expression of righteous anger, I smoothly walked up to Sebastian, deliberately ignoring his friend, and whispered, "Take a walk with me to the sea, Your Highness," without waiting for a response, I headed towards the exit.

We walked in silence towards the sea, Sebastian keeping a graceful predator's distance slightly behind me. When we reached the shore, I sat down on a large log and gestured to Sebastian to take a seat beside me. He looked around and sat at the other end, maintaining a respectful distance.

For a few minutes, I gazed out at the sea while Sebastian observed me, giving me the space I needed to calm my anger and gather my thoughts. Finally, I took out the letter and looked at the crest without turning to Sebastian, finding my inner resolve.

Alex: "You should have shown me Seme's letter right away."

Sebastian looked at me with a serious expression and let out a deep sigh.

Sebastian: "We didn't want to take any risks. It could have been a magical trap."

Still not facing him, I pressed my finger against the seal to disable the protection. "Let's find out now," I said, as a bluish flash illuminated the letter, indicating that the protection had been lifted, and the text started to appear on the page.

With each new line, I trembled, recognizing my father's handwriting. The letter wasn't from Seme; it was written by Roger de Savoyar.

With every passing line, my hands shook more intensely, and tears streamed down my face. I hadn't even noticed when I started crying.

Seeing my reaction, Sebastian's expression changed, and concern filled his eyes. He moved closer and shifted his gaze between the letter and me, as only I could see the text.

"Alex?" His voice was filled with tension.

I turned my tear-streaked face toward the prince. "This isn't Seme's letter. It was written by my father, Roger de Savoyar. I'm sure it's his handwriting. Give me a minute."

Sebastian nodded but continued to watch me closely. I focused intently on the familiar handwriting of my beloved father.

Dear Alessandra,

If you are reading this letter, it means I am no longer with you. I am sorry that my death came so early, and I couldn't bid you farewell in person. But I must convey the truth to you, which led to my demise.

King Christoph betrayed my trust and the trust of your mother. Not long ago, I realized that he is willing to go to any lengths to increase his power and expand the borders of the Kingdom of Seas. To achieve this, he plans to use dark artifacts.

As I have learned, they will use the Rift for creating these artifacts. Such recklessness can bring ruin to the kingdom, and it is uncertain who it will affect. The Rift is a source of powerful forces that can be used for both good and evil purposes.

The king himself won't be able to harness the power of the Rift; it can only be controlled by the Keeper. Somehow, the king has become aware that the Keepers can draw magic from the Rift and channel it, including into specially prepared artifacts. The true extent of the power of these dark artifacts is unknown to us, but the king intends to use them to swiftly establish his dominion over the entire continent.

Clearly, I came too close to the truth and started to expose his sinister plans. Before I could present my evidence before the Council, the king sent his men to kill me. My deepest fear is that he intends to subjugate you and use your power for his own purposes.

Alex, I implore you to be cautious and vigilant. You are the last one in whom the power of the Keepers resides. The slumber of the Rift was not a coincidence, and you must discover the cause before it inflicts irreparable harm.

I trust you, my dear Alessandra. Take upon yourself the burden of our legacy and protect the kingdom. I will watch over you from above, and my spirit will always be with you.

With love and hope,

Your father

P.S. I have left some evidence and information about the Rift in a secure place that only you can access. Look for the key in the heart of our castle, there you will find the answers you seek.

Having read the last line of the letter, I could no longer hold back. Despair washed over me, and I slid off the log onto my knees. Grief gripped my body, and I clenched the letter tightly in my fist, sinking onto the sand. Sobs escaped from my chest, and I repeated the same phrase over and over again: "He killed them! Christoph did kill them after all. They're gone, he killed them. Killed them..."

Desperation overwhelmed me, and I dug my hands into the sand, as if searching for salvation within it. I didn't notice when Sebastian sat down next to me on the sand, and I didn't resist as he pulled me towards him. Silently, he embraced me and held me close to his chest. In his arms, I felt support and warmth.

I continued to cry and repeat the same phrase, while he gently stroked my back and head, as if soothing a child engulfed in a tantrum. He didn't try to console me; he simply allowed me to release all the pain and despair.

I don't know how long we sat there on the sand. It could have been an hour, or perhaps several hours. My sobs subsided, and I looked at Sebastian, uttering in an exhausted voice, "He killed them, Sebastian. Christoph did kill them after all."

He gently caressed my tear-streaked cheek and said with determination, "And he will be held accountable for it!" Sebastian stood up and lifted me into his arms. "You need to rest, my little princess. Hold onto me around my neck, I'll help you." With determined steps, he headed towards the house.

I did as Sebastian instructed, wrapping my arms around his neck, and buried my head in his wet-from-tears shirt. He whispered something in my ear, and I felt darkness engulfing me.