Noble, majestic, imposing, but equally cold.
Great King Ronan, Ronan who saved the kingdom, tell me, Ronan.
If I want to escape from this prison, I need an official document.
Escaping would be suicide, and I don't like gambling and games of chance.
Because luck has never smiled on me.
There are about 37 soldiers, 8 shadow guards, and 1 wizard in the palace.
So even if I am not caught by the soldiers, there is a high chance that the wizards will notice me, and as soon as they realize I am missing, the shadow guards will find me and take me back to my father without leaving the kingdom.
The shadow guards are like masked bandits; they hide in the dark, and no one can see their faces. They have been specially trained by the king and are loyal only to him.
The biggest difference between them and bandits is that they are muscular and strong; otherwise, these bat-like creatures would have no meaning.
"Prince Noan, what is the purpose of your visit here?"
I hadn't realized I had reached my father's room until I encountered the useless guard who had been waiting at the door for hours, thinking he was special.
Until
"I want to see King Ronan."
"The king is not available at the moment."
Nonsense! His meeting ended half an hour ago!
"I demand an urgent meeting with the king. You don't want to be held responsible if something happens to me, do you?"
Hmph, using my curse as leverage sometimes works.
I smiled when I saw a crack in the guard's indifferent expression. This is it.
"I'll inform King Ronan."
Great.
"Go inside and don't cause any trouble, little prince."
I wish I could punch that smug face of his not once, but twice.
I quickly passed by him and entered the room. The room was filled with gold-plated items as usual, you insatiable bastard.
"What could be so important that it would disturb the king?"
You're getting straight to the point, aren't you, you bastard?
"I want to leave the palace and go to the city."
He doesn't even lift his head, staring at the documents on his desk as if they were more important than his own child.
"Leave tomorrow morning and return before dark."
Hmph, that was too easy.
"With your permission, Your Majesty."
I'll have everything I need ready by tomorrow morning.
"My little brother Noan's appearance in the shadowed corridors of the palace was an unexpected surprise."
Here comes the queen of intrigue herself: Elira.
"What's this, my dear prince? Won't you greet your sister, or has that curse blinded you?"
Elira's venomous voice echoed through the marble halls, the rustle of her silk gown adding a menacing air. Who did she think she was talking to with that haughty attitude? It was time for a little fun.
"My apologies, dear sister," I said, lacing my voice with mock courtesy. "The palace torches must not have illuminated you enough for me to notice."
That vile smirk vanished from her face, replaced by a scowl. Hmph, you deserved that, Elira.
"What's a rat like you doing at our father's side?" she hissed, her voice dripping with poison. "What if that wretched curse spreads to him as well?"
The servants beside her giggled, but that infuriating, mocking glint still lingered in Elira's emerald-green eyes.
"You're right, sister," I said, feigning concern. "Truth be told, I'm feeling quite unwell. My curse is worsening. What if it spreads to you too?"
I lunged forward and grabbed her hand. You shouldn't have crossed me, Elira.
"Sister, sister, I'm so ill!" I pleaded, my voice dripping with false desperation. "My head's spinning—please, hold me."
"Let go of me, you filthy creature!" she shrieked, yanking her hand away. "I said let go!"
The servants shoved me back, but Elira's face still bore that look of disgust.
I knew that scornful gaze all too well. Yet, each time, it carved a fresh wound in my heart, as if the curse gnawed not just at my body but my soul.
"Now I'll have to bathe and burn these clothes because of you," she spat, her voice a mix of rage and disdain as she flicked her silk fan irritably.
Yes, it had been a long day. But this small victory? It was worth every moment.