A hand on his shoulder, made him look over to his father. He was still pale, but no longer shaking as he beamed proudly.

“Well done, my son.”

Those words paused Valerian. How long had it been that he had received his father’s unwavering approval for anything?

“I only acted as needed.”

The King huffed in disregard as he moved to his throne. Not giving any attention to the High Priest, who stood awkwardly off to the side until he bowed gracefully and started down the steps. His prized scrolls in hand.

“Come, have a drink with me.”

The King pointed Valerian at the second stone throne, one that had been his mother’s long ago. Sitting down, his father waved over an attendant who offered them two cups of red wine.

“You managed to grasp the upper hand in a situation where you were at a disadvantage. An act that deserves praise.”

Valerian simply nodded. Not knowing how to respond to the sudden compliment. However, he was glad to see that his father was not yet too far gone, to miss these kinds of political moves.

“So tell me. What is all this nonsense concerning that Valkyrea girl? I didn’t entertain those groundless rumors, but now you are even escorting her? Is she truly carrying your bastard?”

Valerian sputtered in his wine. Ungracefully covering his mouth as he coughed the fluid out of his lungs.

“Don’t you know me better, father?”

The King studied his face for a moment before breaking out in a boisterous laugh.

“I thought so. There was no way that a virgin like you would have slept with that fox.”

Valerian tensed at the insult he hurled at Alana. Didn’t she deserve some respect? If not for being human, then at least because she was the daughter of his best friend and a woman that Valerian considered a sister.

“But it is a pity. Though the girl was far from an ideal consort, it is about time for you to have an heir.”

The Prince went from tense to anxious, as he licked his lips. Awaiting the conversation which he had expected to happen so long ago.

Most of his contemporaries were either married or engaged already, but his father had never seemed too hurried about setting up his son’s love life.

For the longest time, Valerian had become convinced that his father had given him the freedom to find his own wife. Perhaps he had, but the lack of any progress on that front might have made him reconsider.

“Do you have any girl in mind? I can’t give you either of those Valkyrea girls, but any other is free game.”

The thought of marrying Alana or Lidea disturbed him, but as he looked at the ladies mingling in the ballroom, he couldn’t raise interest in any of them either. Once again, he was keenly aware of how odd he was for not holding a fancy to anyone.

“Can we discuss this another day?”

He uttered in discomfort. Fully expecting his father to turn angry, but he didn’t.

“Just give it some serious consideration, Valerian. War is dangerous and I won’t live forever. You need an heir, just in case.”

There was a warm concern in his eyes that the prince hadn’t seen in decades by this point. Telling him without speaking that he didn’t want to force his son into a loveless marriage like what had been done to himself. Even if he had grown to love his queen over time.

Valerian’s throat felt thick as he struggled to swallow the emotion before replying softly.

“I will Father. Thank you.”

A genuine smile broke the King’s court mask but as soon as he had seen it, it was gone. The King’s eyes focusing back on the dancing nobles.

Feeling that the moment was over, Valerian enjoyed a moment of peace as he looked over the ballroom. Knowing it was his duty to go and mingle, and mentally preparing himself for the onslaught of nobles that liked to grow closer to the recluse Prince.

Without meaning to, his eyes found Van Caemelbeke. He smiled warmly as he danced with a young lady who giggled at something he whispered in her ear. As he swirled her around, Valerian was reminded of the drawings in his fairy tale books. Where the handsome prince, danced with a common girl and fell in love. He had admired those figures, how noble and gallant they had been. Making him try to emulate them, even though he was incredibly flawed.

Now seeing Van Caemelbeke, dressed in a suite of white leather which was adorned with the fur of silver foxes, he wondered if this had been how the ladies of court had seen him in the past. Before he had started to distance himself and become more morose. The sense of guilt weighing down his mind.

He was sure that Alana was wrong in her assessment of him being the most desirable bachelor of Lynoes. Perhaps he had once been, but now, he was certain that Gauthier had long replaced him. Despite his reputation as a fool, he was handsome, kind, and great at flattering ladies with his words.

An image that contrasted greatly with the arrogant man Valerian had met.

Making him wonder, if it all was for show, just as it had been for the Prince in the past.

“Let me go!”

A feminine scream reached his ears, and he was up and moving before he even saw what had happened.

All attendees had turned to stare at the scene unfolding at the back of the ballroom. Khaleel, the rich Deloshran merchant, who had always seemed like the perfect gentleman, was now holding onto Alana’s wrist forcefully while yelling.

“I deserve an answer! How dare you come in here with him! Haven’t you caused me enough shame!?”

Valerian was saddened by the anger he displayed toward the woman carrying his child. Though he also understood, that Khaleel was under the impression that he had been betrayed. Without a second thought, he stepped between the pair. Staring down the shorter man as he put determination into his words.

“The Lady asked you to let her go.”

Khaleel didn’t listen, he just glared at Valerian with bloodshot eyes. Shaking due to anger that coursed through him.

“You bastard! Acting like such a saint, while you were sleeping around with my wife!”

Valerian could smell the wine on his breath and knew that he wasn’t sound of mind. The alcohol making him act in a way that he would never when sober. He needed to de-escalate the situation, quickly.

“Let her go. I don’t believe you intended to hurt her.”

The angered man paused, looking at the wrist he was holding in befuddlement, as already Alana’s pale skin had the faintest trace of blue. As if struck by a whip, he loosened his grip and Alana swiftly stepped away.

Making sure she stayed out of reach as she soothed her painful wrist.

“Go and let someone look at that, Lady Chasseur.”

He spoke without releasing his gaze of Khaleel, seeing the man tense. Ready to pounce as she tried to get away.

Behind him, Alana didn’t move and he could hear her breathing in deeply. Knew she was about to protest, but he didn’t want to hear any of it.

The merchant would only become worse with her around, and he wanted her safe in her chambers before he had to release the man.

“That is an order. Leave this situation to me.”

He dared a quick glance, pleading with her to trust him with his eyes.

A flicker of annoyance went through her, but then she curtsied and left the room without another word.

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

“Alana! I’m sorry, Alana! Come back!!”

The merchant started yelling again and Valerian moved to block Alana from his view. His face etched by confusion and sorrow, turned to anger at his interference, but Valerian ignored it.

“Thank you, Khaleel. Why don’t I have you escorted to your chambers too? I feel like there is too much on your mind at this moment.”

Valerian immediately knew he had made a mistake, as the brown-skinned man whipped his eyes to him. The anger turned to fury with a flash.

Before he could react, a fist connected with his nose. The bone audibly crunching and the pain caused his vision to go white for a moment.

He grunted, but as he tasted blood on his lips, his senses came back to him and he quickly hid the injury with his other hand.

“I will kill you! How dare you touch her! She is mine!”

It laid on the tip of his tongue to reply that she never was. They had only been engaged after all, but he knew better than to agitate a drunken fool.

By now his guards had caught up, and they grabbed him with little effort. If Valerian was to hazard a guess, the drunkard merchant had never fought a day in his life. It stung his pride, that Khaleel had even managed to punch him.

He could feel his magic starting to repair his nose. Another loud crunching sound, causing him almost to panic as those around him, looked over at him in confusion. Probably questioning if the noise had just been in their imagination.

Valerian needed to resolve this situation and retreat to his rooms, swiftly. Before any bright mind, would start asking if he was all right.

“Don’t treat him too roughly. The man is lovesick. Just bring him back to his chambers.”

“But my Prince. He hurt your royal body!”

The guard’s well-meant concern only caused Valerian more of a headache. But before he had a chance to respond, another intervened.

“Guard, do as the Prince commands. It isn’t your place to question his orders.”

Gauthier came to stand beside Valerian. Looking down at the guards, who visibly paled at his appearance.

“Of course. My apologies, General, My Prince.”

Recognizing his mistake, the soldier rectified it quickly and started dragging Khaleel outside. Only for Gauthier to speak up again, just as Valerian dared to sigh in relief.

“Just a moment. I must speak my truth, to help solve this misunderstanding and clear up some of the rumors concerning his majesty Prince Valerian.”

Valerian almost shot the general a poisonous glare but contained himself at the last moment. All he wanted, was for the man to shut up, so he could leave.

The guards halted, looking nervously at Valerian who simply nodded to give his agreement with the change in command. Waiting for what the two-faced person beside him had up his sleeve this time.

“He fucked my wife!”

Khaleel had recovered from his shock of being taken down and started ranting again. Even using vulgar language this time. Making Valerian frown at his sister’s taste in men.

“No, he didn’t.”

Gauthier spoke with a grin on his face that clearly irked the drunken man.

“I know he did!”

Khaleel almost growled but Gauthier’s smirk only grew.

“Because he bought her a house? I fear that you might have misunderstood his noble intentions. Everyone knows that our Prince is close to the Chasseur family. Alana sees him as a younger brother, and from what she told me, he feels the same in return. So it isn’t surprising that he would want to ensure her safety. Going as far as to not deny any claims on his paternity of the child. After all, it is safer for the Lady to be carrying a royal bastard, is it not?”

Valerian stayed quiet, even as he could feel all eyes turn to him. He wondered why Gauthier bothered revealing all this.

Khaleel’s stare was the heaviest. The merchant looked even more confused, as his gaze hopped between Valerian and Gauthier, before settling on the general.

“How do you know!?”

At this exclamation, the prince-like figure started chuckling before trying to look contrite.

“Because she has been spending most of her time between my sheets.”

That confession caused a new stir to go through the attendees. Already Valerian could hear the gossip forming on their tongues, as he studied Gauthier. Trying to guess his motivation for making such a claim.

The heartbroken merchant started shouting all over again. This time, aiming his insults at the brown-haired general at his side. Yet he didn’t look bothered as he turned to Valerian.

“Shall I escort you, my Prince?”

A hint of amusement shone in those amber eyes and Valerian accepted without hesitation. Too intrigued by this figure to pass up a chance to speak to him in private.

While they left, he could hear his father order the ball to be resumed. As per usual, the man had let Valerian deal with the issues on his own. His twisted way of testing his heir’s capabilities.

Relief filled him as the door closed and the noise reduced drastically. They both stayed silent as they made their way to Valerian’s chambers. That was until they were completely alone with no servants or guards around.

“How is the nose?”

His question added to Valerian’s irritation. The last thing that he wanted to discuss was anything related to his damn magic.

“I’m fine. Why did you state that you were the father?”

Gauthier side-eyed him before smiling broadly.

“It was what the lady and I had first agreed upon. Besides, it was amusing, wasn’t it?”

Valerian frowned. He had a very different sense of humor. One that didn’t involve the hurt feelings of those around him.

“You made it into an even bigger spectacle. Your poor mother will have a heart attack”

Gauthier started laughing.

“Don’t you worry. My mother is so venomous that she wouldn’t die just to spite me. But instead of glaring at me like that, shouldn’t you be thanking me?”

“Thank you? For what?”

“For saving your reputation, of course. The rumors about you haven’t been very positive lately. Valerian the mad prince, a religious fool that has lost any sense of morals.”

Valerian suspected the kind of gossip that went on about him. Even fanned the flames of those rumors on purpose. But hearing them be mentioned to his face, he couldn’t help the hurt that blossomed inside him.

“I didn’t think it was right. Considering none of it is true.”

Valerian paused. Suddenly feeling anxious. How could this man know that he wasn’t loyal to the church?

“You seem to have been mistaken. I might not be the father of Alana’s child, but I am loyal to the Pleberien faith.”

Gauthier who had stopped and turned back a step later, started laughing again. Wiping away tears of mirth he shrugged his shoulders.

“Sure, if that is what you want me to believe, I will grant you that favor.”

As Valerian wanted to respond, he was startled as the general suddenly lunged for him. Pulling a hidden dagger and pointing it straight at his chest.

In an attempt to defend himself, he moved his arms but as soon as he did so, Gauthier stopped.

He stared at Valerian’s face and whistled in admiration. Causing Valerian to grow alarmed as he knew, what the man had seen.

“All better already! I must say, I didn’t expect your healing abilities to be this strong. Tell me, what would happen if you lost an arm? Does it crawl back to you and reattach? Or do you simply grow a new one?”

Valerian’s world started to crumble. His breathing accelerated due to his anxiety, as he started to grab for a sword. Only to realize that he had none. Weapons were forbidden during feasts.

I need to kill him.

But though he knew, he didn’t move. His mind racing as he considered how he could have been found out. There were only four people who knew. His father, and the three Chasseur women.

“Slow down your breathing, you will make yourself lightheaded.”

A hand-held his as soft words brought him back from the edge of his anxiety attack. Now seeing amber eyes full of concern watching him.

“There you are. Feeling better?”

His grip loosened and the general stayed at a mindful distance from the Prince.

That he hadn’t killed Valerian, given the chance he had, was a meager consolation. The question thus became, what else this man wanted from him?

“How did you know?”

It stayed silent as Gauthier considered him, seeming to discuss something in his mind before deciding on his answer.

“Lidea told the rebel leader. He asked me to confirm. Although, we both knew that girl wouldn’t lie.”

The betrayal sent Valerian reeling before he reigned back his anger. Who was he to find fault for her spilling his deepest secret when he had almost caused her death in the first place?

“You are the informant for the rebels.”

He didn’t ask. Didn’t need to, as the truth stared him death in the face.

“I expected you to be angry. Odd man that you are. But of course, you are correct.”

Gauthier didn’t elaborate as he continued walking. Causing Valerian to hurry and catch up.

Curiosity mingled with anxiety inside his chest. Not yet sure what to make of the spy before him.

“Why did you tell me now?”

The man sighed as if exhausted before answering.

“Normally, you don’t ask so many questions.”

Irritation flickered through Valerian but it left him as he breathed out through his newly healed nose.

“I’m used to knowing more than those around me, so I don’t have to. You are different though. I can’t figure out, why a newly instated noble family like yours would turn against the church. Moreover, even if you are connected to the rebels, I don’t understand why you would disclose that fact to me.”

Gauthier stared at the walls they passed by. Almost looking melancholic at the sky blue paint that covered the history of the castle.

“It isn’t because I have no magic, that I cannot decipher right from wrong. I saw what they did to those they capture. What they call rehabilitation, is nothing but torture.”

He spoke harshly, making Valerian still as he considered how he could have seen such a thing.

“As for why I entrusted this information to you. That is simple. You are too noble to betray me. Besides, I thought you deserved an ally in this nest of vipers. Especially after you performed that blood oath. You did well though. I almost thought Lidea might have been mistaken by the fact that you didn’t even flinch. But then I saw how quickly you wrapped a bandage around your hand, and I knew.”

Valerian studied the odd man’s features. The promise of an ally was alluring. At the moment, the only person he could speak to freely had banned him from her chambers until she had cooled down her wrath.

It made him realize, just how alone he truly was.

“I took a risk telling you, that what you do with that information is your decision. Take care, my Prince.”

Valerian hadn’t even noticed that they had arrived at his chambers. He wanted to continue talking, but the one glance he had taken at his bedroom door, was all it took for the man to disappear in the darkness. Leaving Valerian feeling anxious but also intrigued, as he entered his quarters.