Basin P.O.V

As I read each line of the letter, I become increasingly more furious. Never in my life did I think she could sink this low. To threaten the Crown Prince's life. But here it is written down. The letter is not signed. But who else could be behind it?

But still, this letter it erks me. Something is wrong. I know Lorelei's hand writhing, the pressure on the paper, the spacing between her letters. Us guards are trained in a specific way to write. Not in the artistic way the nobles Write. Ours is straightforward and easy to read.

This letter is neither. The letters are rough, instead of the word being in a straight line they go downwards. I highly doubt her penmanship has changed in a few years. But the obvious clue as to her not having written it is my own name. Basen. Lorelei wouldn't have misspelled my name.

After folding the letter, I tell the two guards by my side "I need to speak with King Alfonso. Can you two make sure Ashley is taken to the castle within an hour? His Majesty wishes to speak with her." Both guards say I can count on them. "Good, in the meantime, get her something to eat. And a change of clothes, she can not meet his Majesty clad in a rag." I don't even think what she is wearing can even be referred to as clothes.

"Do you think she will go through with it?" King Alfonso stares intensely at the letter, awaiting my response. "I want to say no, But in truth, I do not know her anymore-" Everything I ever knew about her doesn't matter anymore. The girl I raised, is no longer. "Your majesty there is something else. I am certain Lorelei is working with someone else. I know her handwriting, and this is not hers."

"That would explain why your name is misspelt-" He scrunches up the letter. "Your child is caught in a hole, and she keeps digging trying to get out. I'd like you to make certain that she doesn't. We are ignoring this threat." It aches to hear the King refer to Lorelei as my child. It is a straightforward way for him to let me know that I am being blamed for her actions. He is right for faulting me, she was my responsibility. It is my fault that I did not raise her better.

"What about Prince Valor? This is risking his life." I couldn't hold my tongue, it's my entire purpose to protect him. "I am fully aware of the risk, and I am willing to take it. With the curse, it might be for the best if he never returned." I took a step back. That the King could say this about his own son. I look down, and breathed "As you wish your Majesty." I have no right to argue. He is the King, he knows what is the right thing to do.

We're soon interrupted by the two guards I ordered to bring up Ashley. She is dressed in a grey dress with long sleeves and buttons at the front. She seems nervous, with her arms wrapped around her chest in an attempt to shield herself. When King Alfonso first sees her, he smiles. That damned blond hair, and it's entrancing effect on people.

This conversation they are going to have, is not for me. As I have already spoken with her and obtained all the information I needed. Choosing to excuse myself by claiming I have duties to attend. King Alfonso, hardly seems to listen as I speak, his attention fixed on her. Nonetheless, he says I am free to leave.

In a way I understand the King, he loves his son. However, his curse has made him a threat to Martraigh. King Alfonso must consider every outcome of his choices. And what kind of choice is it to accept a cursed man as our future king? But I can't give up yet. It violates my pledge to protect the royal family. There must be a way to find out where he is being held hostage.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Returning to Pupillus, I walk by the young students who are being trained in the yard. The sound of their feet on the ground, their gasping breaths and swords clinging against each other blends with the birds' chipping. The weather is hot and humid, most of them are coated in sweat. They are dressed down in a way that on a normal day would not be appropriate. But at this time of year they cannot train while being covered up, or they risk succumbing to the heat. The instructors salute me as I walk by. Some of the children follow their example, but not all. As they are too engaged in their practice.

I go on, not pausing until I reach the entrance to the dungeon. The guards salute and greet me. "I have to speak with one of the prisoners, " I say while taking one of the torches hanging on the wall and lighting it. The dungeon only has one entrance. This is why the guards only stand here. This is the only place they are required.

I walk along the dark pathways, passing by several cells. Some minuscule criminals, yell at me as I walk past. They will be released when the time is right. The further you decent, the worse the crimes become. These are the ones to be executed or transported to work camps. The majority of the cells are empty. As the latest transfer occurred a few weeks ago. Neary is in one of those cells, far away from everyone else. She looks at me as I walk past. No one has wasted time with her. Why should they? She is unable to tell us anything.

As I stand in front of the torture chamber's shut door. I take a moment to prepare myself for what is within. Being here all alone, the silence is eerie. The heavy door squeaks as it opens. And a ghastly sight greets me. Narin is hanging from the wall, his hands locked in place and his feet dangling above the ground.

Despite the noise of the heavy door being opened, Narin does not even glance towards it. Is he dead or sleeping? His shirt is gone, and his naked chest is stained with blood. It pains me to see a child I raised in this place.

I have always been willing to die for my king. Throughout my life, I've witnessed numerous fellow guards die in the line of duty. I saw criminals in this place, I done the torture to them myself. After all that, I never thought there be anything left that could fill my heart with sorrow. But this does, I never imagined one of my children's lives to end this way.

I place the torch on its spot on the wall. On a table near it, various torture instruments are laid out. There is also a bowl filled with water. I study it for a moment, it looks clean. Taking out my handkerchief and drenched it in water.

As I begin to clean his face, Narin's eyelids open."What are you doing?" He sneered. "I care Narin, you may not believe it, but it is painful to see you like this." I expected him to try and push me away, but he remained still as I wiped his face. "I doubt it is as painful as my wounds.-" His voice is calm, but I can hear the suffering he's trying to mask. "But if this is so painful to you, what are you doing here?"

I take a step back, this is a serious situation. I can't let my emotions control me."Lorelei is playing a dangerous game. She has kidnapped Prince Valor and are demanding that we let you go-" Narin looked at me with wide eyes. "Narin, where is she and the man she is working with?"

"How should I know, I am dangling here." How can he make jokes in this dire situation? I take a few steps back, his body is no longer shaded by mine. Despite the poor lighting and even though his chest is covered in blood. I see it, or rather I don't see it. He doesn't say anything as I reach out to wipe off the blood on his chest. The wounds he has gotten are nasty to look at, the blood is still flowing out of them, but that is not what concerns me. The royal seal is gone.

There are no scars in its place. This means it was not cut out. I know Lorelei have hers, I saw it. "How?" Is all I ask. Narin has an enigmatic smile "You taught me to take my secrets to the grave."

In rage, I toss my handkerchief to the ground. "Refusing to help me save her, is a grave mistake." My face is flushed and I squint my eyes.

"Help her, as if you want to help us in any way. They are going to execute us as soon as she is caught."

"Narin, they want her alive, the Prince needs her."

"Why the fuck would the Prince need her?"

Ignoring the curse word, I ask "Did he not tell you about the curse?" Narin raised an eyebrow. "That was the Prince?"

"Now you understand that the best option for Lorelei is to surrender. The Prince needs her. The Kingdom needs her." I say trying to sound convincing.

"I do not know where they are Basin. I can not help you."