The air in the training camp was loaded with tension. The moonlight bathed the area with a silver glow, illuminating the figures of Magnus Grimwood and Cadec Saint Richmond, who were preparing for a duel that the Empire would never forget.
The nobles, eager for the unexpected spectacle, had gathered in a semicircle to observe. Some murmured about the imprudence of the duel, while others could barely contain the excitement.
Magnus wielded his sword firmly, his crimson eyes shining with a mixture of rage and determination. Before him, Cadec maintained a lofty posture, even with his body still weakened by the recent wound.
"I'll give you one last chance, Cadec. Give it up now and spare yourself the humiliation."
"I never run away from a battle, Magnus, especially when it involves honor."
The two stared at each other for a moment that seemed eternal before Magnus advanced.
The swords crossed with a metallic sound that echoed through the field, drawing sighs and exclamations from the audience. Magnus, more agile, pressed Cadec with fast and precise attacks. The First Prince, however, did not give in easily, blocking blows with mastery and counterattacking whenever possible.
The sound of metal echoed through the field, each blow was a symphony of rising tension. Magnus, though confident, felt something clench his chest. It was a feeling, a hint of discomfort that he tried to ignore. His eyes, always attentive to the opponent, looked for Lucian among the spectators.
But your husband was not there.
"You're distracted, Grimwood!" shouted Cadec, delivering a blow that Magnus blocked with ease.
"And you're panting, Saint Richmond!" replied Magnus, forcing the opponent to retreat with a vigorous movement.
The nobles' murmurs increased as the duel unfolded. While Magnus dominated with his strength and precision, his mind wandered. Where was Lucian? He should be within sight of his eyes, offering a reassuring smile.
The duel was a spectacle of skill and strength, but also a confrontation of personalities. Magnus attacked with the intensity of a hurricane, while Cadec responded with the resistance of a mountain. Those two who were known to have the same strength, being both commanders of their own troops of the imperial army, made the audience arfar in each movement of that duel.
Despite Cadec's ability, his physical condition betrayed him. He began to gasp, and Magnus saw the opportunity. With a quick movement, he disarmed the First Prince, pointing the blade at his chest.
"Surrender, or I'll end it here and now" said Magnus, his low and threatening voice.
Before Cadec could answer, a firm voice cut the air.
"Enough!"
All present turned to see Cassander, the Imperial Consort, advancing through the field. His expression was of concern and authority. When Cassander interrupted the duel, Magnus' relief was immediate. But the moment of pause gave way to a growing despair as Lucian's absence was highlighted.
"What do you think you're doing, Magnus? A duel between two of the most important men in the Empire, in the middle of a celebration?"
Magnus lowered his sword, but his expression remained hardened.
"I'm defending Eugene's honor."
Cassander shook his head, frustrated, but his expression soon changed, becoming more serious.
"And where is Lucian?"
The question made Magnus' heart stop for a moment. Hell, Magnus had completely forgotten what they had planned before that stupid dance. If it wasn't for the situation of Eugene's bite, they would be on a secret mission to catch the person behind the damned contraband.
"He was with me... he should be here" said Magnus, his voice full of confusion and concern.
The murmurs began again among the nobles. Cassander, however, seemed to know more than he was willing to say.
"Something is wrong. We have to find him now" Cassander then turned to Eugene "Take Cadec inside the palace, treat his wounds. We will talk about you later."
Cassander took the lead of that space. The imperial knights helped Eugene and Cadec, keeping guard between them. The Emperor also took the lead to guide the guests without alarming them about Lucian's disappearance. Everything was under control at one point... But the despair of Magnus began to increase as the knights seemed to have no sign of the Eighth Prince.
Magnus did not wait for further instructions. He dropped his sword and began to run towards the palace, his heart racing.
---
A few moments before the duel
According to what he remembered, the villain of that story still wanted him on their side. Lucian was a key player when it came to political power, so at any moment the villain would approach.
Even had discussed the matter with Magnus, creating a plan where everyone could be close and ensure the safety of both. But everything changed when Magnus announced the pregnancy, and now the duel. Unforeseen events occurred that night, leaving Lucian hesitant to proceed with the original plan.
He wanted to catch the villain, get evidence of his crimes and make sure everyone got out alive.
Was he going the right way this time?
"Haa... what do I do?" Lucian faced his husband going to the training camp where the duel would take place "What a sensation of deja vu."
When they got engaged did not go through the same thing? Certain things did not change. While all the guests seemed anxious for the outcome of that succulent story with gossip, Lucian observed back making signs for the knights to increase their guard around Magnus.
Now that the omega was pregnant, Lucian wanted his safety and the baby above all.
The knights agreed to the order and organized themselves to keep the security of the training camp where their second duel would take place. Lucian stood back alone, sighing heavy still feeling dizzy by the epidemic disease.
"All right, let's keep an eye on Magnus and..."
"Don't resist" whispered a hoarse voice, while a cold blade touched Lucian's neck.
Lucian tried to fight, but the fake servant was quick. He covered Lucian's mouth with a cloth soaked in a numbing liquid, and within seconds the prince fell unconscious.
When Lucian opened his eyes, the first thing he felt was the cold of the stone floor against his skin. His head hurt, and the smell of moisture and mold invaded his nostrils. It took a few moments for his vision to return to normal, and so he could evaluate in his turn to find out what had happened. Lucian was in a vast and gloomy hall, lit only by a few torches. The familiarity of the place struck him like a punch.
"The Abandoned Palace..." whispered, his voice hoarse.
He knew that place. It was where he had grown up, neglected and forgotten. Now he seemed even more empty and oppressive than in his memories. His body shuddered when the memories of an alternative future came to light. The nightmare that made Lucian experience in his own death several times made him tremble as a warning that he could experience it at any moment.
Lucian gasped lightly, his lungs trying to adjust to the heavy atmosphere of the Abandoned Palace. The place that once was his home was now as decadent as his memories. The faded walls seemed to whisper secrets of a childhood marked by isolation.
"I will not die here" Lucian murmured to himself, testing the strength of the strings on his wrists.
His gaze went through the room, memorizing every exit and object. Despite the numbness in his limbs, his mind remained sharp. He needed a way out.
"Ah, trying to escape?" The voice of the false servant brought him back to reality.
Lucian looked at him with cold eyes, hiding the dread that threatened to consume him.
"My husband will come for me" Lucian said, the firmer voice of what he felt.
The false servant just smiled.
"Maybe he'll come. Or maybe he'll find something more important to protect."
The words were a clear provocation, but Lucian kept his composure. He knew he could not afford to show weakness.
"Do you still remember this place?" the voice of the false servant cut the silence, his intonation charged with derision.
Lucian gave him a penetrating look.
"Who are you? And why did you bring me here?"
The man took a step forward, the glow of torches highlighting his rigid features.
"My name doesn't matter. I'm just here to follow orders. But rest assured, I'm not allowed to hurt you... much."
"So you're just another petty henchman."
The provocation was deliberate, an attempt to destabilize man. But to Lucian's surprise, the servant just smiled, bowing his head as if he was appreciating the prince's audacity.
"You have great power in your hands. But you are supporting the wrong person in power."
Lucian raised his head, his eyes focused on the figure emerging from the shadows. He was the false servant, but now without the disguise. His smile was cold and calculating. In the end the subject was always the same.
"Support the person in power? What makes you think I'm supporting someone?"
"Your husband supports the First Prince..."
"But I don't, and everyone knows it." Lucian sighed trying to get his limbs back to normal without that tingling sensation "As temple's Saint, my position is neutral and separate from the Grimwood."
"Well... that's something you can discuss with that person."
The villain... Lucian felt his body tremble as he sat on the floor and looked at the henchman carefully. It was not someone he remembered, but he would remain alert to avoid greater dangers.
After that, the fake servant left Lucian tied to the floor of his old office. That empty library that only had a bookshelf and no book to fill its shelves. It was there that Lucian remained much of the time alone, trying to think of a way to alert some knight about his whereabouts.
After all, he had prepared for the new year's ball. Lucian had alerted Magnus to the possibility that the person behind the smuggling would show up and try to talk to you. Now... would all this work?
However, the false servant lit an incense in that library, spreading a sweet and intense aroma that made Lucian feel increasingly sleepy. His eyes began to weigh, making it difficult to keep an eye on. His vision blurred and even if he fought against it, it was hard to stay awake.
The last thing Lucian saw before losing consciousness was a pair of golden shoes.