Author's Preface
That night, Samuel and Ryan sat with Auntie in the main room of their suite. Samuel looked across the table at Ryan. "Did you have to go that far?"
"He had disrespected you since we got here. He pulled a dagger, clearly trying to kill me. And yet, you still have sympathy for him?"
"I believe everyone, deep down, is good. Whatever led him down the path he was on can always be changed."
"You're naive. Evil is evil. Sure, some can change. But will you stand by waiting for people to change as they stomp their way through life? Killing, trampling on the weak on their way to your so-called change?"
Ryan sighed and grabbed some fruit from the bowl sitting on the table between them. "I mean no disrespect, Sam. Maybe that's what makes you fit to be a king and what makes me fit to be a soldier."
Samuel glanced at his aunt, whose eyes had widened slightly. "Either way, King Aldemere cannot challenge the outcome. My father will speak to the summit directly tomorrow, and we can carry forward with the proceedings." Samuel paused for a moment and stared at Ryan. "I appreciate what you did for me. I will take your advice as well, but I hope, Kade, that you will also listen to mine. The heart is a fickle thing. People do atrocious things merely out of survival. Next time you decide someone deserves the pain you so willingly give, take a step back and ask why that person is doing what they're doing. You may be surprised by the answer you find."
Ryan lowered his head. "I will do my best, Prince. Although, I'm making no promises."
At that moment, Thirty-Seven walked in and took a seat next to Ryan. Ryan tilted his head and looked at her. "Where have you been?"
"Around."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm not sure why I even ask. I find it funny that Vaelor disappeared after the duel, and around the same time, you also disappeared."
Thirty-Seven shrugged. She grabbed a piece of meat off the table and held it above her shadow. Fido's head popped out and took a bite. As he chewed, he saw Ryan out of the corner of his eye. He stopped chewing and stared at him with the meat hanging from his mouth.
"Seriously, man, what kind of assassin gets caught by belly rubs?"
Ryan brought his hand up, but as he moved his fingers to snap them, Thirty-Seven gave him a look that needed no words.
"Fine. You can keep him... for now." Ryan shook his head. "On a serious note, Sam, do you know where your brother ran off to? I watched him leave after the duel."
"I don't, unfortunately. My father may have already taken care of it. Or he left and sought out the second prince."
"Why would he do that?"
"Vaelor is strong, but his most fearsome ability is his tongue. He fights with words and manipulation. Our second brother... he is, uh, different."
"Different how?"
Auntie cleared her throat. "He is a brute like you. To him, violence solves everything. I suspect Vaelor may have sought him out for protection."
"Victor's grandfather is the head of the elder council. So Vaelor will most likely give up the crown to Victor as a way to escape punishment." Samuel lowered his gaze to the floor. "Honestly, I'd rather see Vaelor as king than Victor. Victor is a tyrant. He lords over people with brutality strength."
"You shouldn't sell yourself short, Prince. You would make a hell of a king. I wouldn't mind serving a king like you." Ryan smiled at Samuel.
"If it were only that easy." Samuel stood. "I'm going to get some rest. I suggest you all do the same."
"All this political talk is making me drowsy anyway. Goodnight, Prince."
The next day, the diplomats sat around the meeting table once more. King Aldemere was visibly nervous. Samuel stood and placed a communication crystal in the center of the table.
A voice came through from the other side.
"Is this thing working?"
"Yeah, Father. We can hear you."
"Great." The King of Elyndor cleared his throat. "First, let me apologize on behalf of Elyndor. What the crown prince did was outrageous. I am sure it has delayed discussions and proceedings." There was a brief pause. "King Aldemere."
"Yes." Aldemere hung his head.
"We may not be on the best of terms, but I fully intend to find out exactly what you and my son were conspiring to do. You had better pray there were no ill intentions. Remember this, King of Aldemere. If it is a fight with Elyndor you want so badly, we will gladly answer that call and march on your kingdom. We will have your war you are so intent on starting."
"No, no. That is not what was happening. Aldemere wishes for peace with Elyndor."
"Very well. Now, Zareth."
Zareth, the demon prince, immediately sat up straight. "Yes, sir."
"Elyndor supports your proposal to have the restrictions lifted. You should not bear the sins of your ancestors. Tell your father I will see him in five days' time. We will discuss trade then. Stay strong, young demon. Your people are not finished yet."
"Thank you, sir. I will, sir."
"I shall take up no more of your time. Have a productive meeting."
Later that evening, the King of Aldemere slammed his gavel down. "That concludes the summit. You are all welcome to stay as long as you'd like. I, on the other hand, have business to attend to."
The delegates stood as the king walked out. Zareth made his way over to Samuel and bowed his head. "Thank you. You acted considerably kind toward my people, and we won't forget it."
Samuel smiled. "Raise your head. You are a prince, same as me." He stuck out his hand. "I hope we can be friends in the future."
As Zareth shook his hand, Samuel leaned closer to him. "I fear you may need friends. That beastkin looks like he's ready to snap you in half."
"Oh, him? He's mad because he wants to and can't. I look small, but this is just the form my people use around others. I am much stronger than him, Prince Samuel." Zareth turned toward Ryan. "In fact, I'd like to see how strong your guard is."
Ryan's eyes widened behind his mask, and a smile tugged at his face.
Samuel shook his head. "I'm sure he would like the same thing. Maybe next time."
"Awww," Ryan muttered.
Zareth walked over and took Ryan's hand. "I know you did what you did for Samuel's sake, but thank you. It also helped my people. Come to our country one day, and I will treat you to demon hospitality. I owe you that much."
"First, he's not my prince. He is." Ryan pointed toward Prince Cedric and scoffed. "I'm from Isvale. Though I'll gladly take you up on your offer."
"Very well. See that you do, Mr. Kade." Zareth handed him a deep red plaque with the head of a demon engraved into its surface. "It is a symbol of the royal family. When you make your way to my land, that will make it easier for you to find me. Or for me to find you."
Ryan bowed, and Zareth walked away.
Samuel looked at Ryan. "Take the night off. I'm going to do my duty and mingle. Be sober and ready to depart as soon as the sun touches the sky."
Ryan smiled big enough for Samuel to see it even behind his mask.
"I'm serious, Kade."
"I know, Prince." Ryan bowed and walked away, grinning as he rubbed his hands together. "I'm gonna drink those dwarf bastards under the table tonight."