After all the work arrangements on his end were finished, Prince Theron returned to meet his father in the King’s study to receive more detailed instructions. However, Queen Theodora was seated inside when he came in, seemingly expecting him to arrive.

“Father, Mother.” He bowed before his parents. “I guess since Mother is here, you must have received news of my deployment to the western territory.”

“Here I was planning to begin the selection for the position of Crown Princess, but you have to leave for war.” The Queen had a heavy expression on her beautiful face, looking at her son who was wearing newly polished armour with his sword hung to his waist. “When are you leaving?”

“I believe it will take about two or three more hours for the military supplies to be secured,” he replied. “However, the troops who will be in the vanguard are prepared to be dispatched as soon as Father gives his speech.”

“Learn well from the generals, my son. Protect our lands, and may you return with victory and great accomplishments,” she said with a forced smile.

“I will, Mother,” he assured before looking at King Esteban. “Father, I have something to ask from you.”

Both parents grew curious. It was so rare for Prince Theron to request something from his father. “What is it, son?”

Prince Theron kneeled in front of his father which startled his parents even more. “Father, if I return with the victory, I wish you to listen to my one request.”

“What is this request that seems so heavy you need to act this way?” the King asked.

“That…” Prince Theron let out a soft smile. “I will tell when I return.”

King Esteban shared a baffled look with his wife. He then cleared his throat. “Fine. I will give you whatever you ask for as long as you achieve some merits during the war. You must not shame the glory of our family, the Ivanovs.”

His wife and son simply threw knowing smiles his way. They were aware that what the King said was pure nonsense, as he was already planning to reward his son simply for going to war. The war against their kingdom’s sworn enemy, Thevailes, was a dangerous one and it could cost his son’s life. Despite knowing the danger, the Crown Prince volunteered to go to war. The King expected nothing more but for his son to return unharmed, regardless of war merits and military achievements.

——

It was her first day assuming official duties as a custodian. Esther should have been familiarizing herself with the new environment, especially the contents of the books in her assigned section of the library, but after Prince Theron’s abrupt exit, she could not focus on anything. She remembered hearing his knight mention ‘military’ and ‘war’. Although she was trying to tell herself that she must be overthinking things, she could not help but feel worried.

‘It’s already past noon? I am yet to eat a meal. I wonder if I should ask permission from the Head Custodian, or if I am allowed to simply leave for lunch…’

As she was heading out, Esther heard people talking in lowered voices. It shouldn’t be surprising, as it was normal for people to converse in whispers within the royal library. However, what caught her attention was that they mentioned Prince Theron. She immediately changed her direction and approached the custodians in charge of other sections who seemed to be in deep conversation, unaware that there was someone else in the vicinity.

“Prince Theron is leaving for the war? Truly?”

“I heard the situation at the border is bad and His Majesty didn’t wish Prince Theron to go there but the Crown Prince insisted on going.”

“Everyone is worried about the situation at the border, but I am more worried for the Crown Prince’s safety. He is so young, and it is his first war deployment, isn’t it?”

“We can only hope for him to return unharmed.”

“Indeed. May the dragon blessing the Ivanovs continue to look after Prince Theron…”

Esther felt her chest tighten at the mention of Prince Theron leaving for the war. Although he would probably be there on a strategic post, who knew if he had that sudden urge to join the soldiers on the frontlines? What if the enemies target those with high positions to cause confusion among the ranks?

‘What if someone targets him again?’

She could not forget the previous assassination by the river. Back then, Prince Theron was about to lose his life, and in the end, she had to share her soul with him to save him. This time, he would be on the border of the kingdom while she would be staying in the capital.

‘What if something happens to him? I am too far to help. Why did His Majesty allow him to go? Did they forget they are yet to capture the mastermind of that assassination? What if the mastermind takes advantage of this situation and sends a wizard to harm him once more?’ Her mind was filled with worry and anxiety.

Without realizing this, she went towards the custodians and asked, “Mister, when are they leaving? I mean, when is Prince Theron leaving for the border?”

She no longer cared what others would think about her openly asking about the Crown Prince’s situation. Rumours about her and Prince Theron had already spread everywhere after their dance at the ball. After what happened last night, it would only grow worse. She was sure it was only a matter of time before the entire city was filled with stories of the Crown Prince’s night visit to Baroness Burton’s residence.

“Baroness,” one of the custodians greeted in surprise. “I am not sure, but I heard they are preparing to leave within the day.”

As soon as she heard that, she turned away. Esther didn’t even think of asking permission from the Head Custodian as she left the royal library. All her thoughts were on Prince Theron and how she needed to see him before he left.

‘Are you leaving without even bidding me farewell?’

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