Evening had fallen over the Sean estate, and preparations for Travis' departure were complete. His destination was Drakerol Forest's outer perimeter — more precisely, a remote outpost where only the toughest were sent.
Inside his private mansion, however, things were not going quietly. Aria, now 18 and no longer the meek maid from years before, clung tightly to Travis. Her arms wrapped around him, her tears soaking into his shoulder as she cried wordlessly for the better part of an hour.
Travis had remained calm, letting her emotions run their course. At first, he found comfort in the fact that someone genuinely cared for him. But time was running short.
"I already sent my mother back to the main estate," he muttered to himself, carefully patting Aria's back. "Too much attention would be dangerous." Of course, he doubted anyone would raise eyebrows over their closeness — not when half the noble families were tangled in more complicated scandals. Still, discretion had its uses.
Aria sobbed a little harder. Travis exhaled and gently rested his forehead against hers.
"Aria," he said softly, "you'll be joining the best academy in the kingdom soon. Vlad too. I've already arranged everything." He lifted her chin with one finger. "You two will have your own paths to walk."
She pulled away just slightly, enough to look at him through teary eyes. "Then why must you go alone? We could've enrolled together. You'd be safe. There are noble classes—"
Travis smiled faintly. "Safe isn't always better."
Before she could respond, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I meant what I said before," he whispered. "No matter how far I go, I will return for you."
Aria blinked. A flicker of determination lit her eyes, drying her tears. "Then I'll wait," she said quietly. "But only if you promise not to forget me."
"I couldn't, even if I tried," Travis murmured.
She gave a nod, then stepped back, brushing her sleeve over her cheeks. "I'll see you again, my Lord."
Outside the main estate, a carriage stood ready. To Travis' surprise, the driver was none other than Cameron, the Guard Captain. Clad in a worn cloak, he was calmly munching on a snack and pretending to ignore the tension in the air.
Next to the carriage stood Vlad, trying very hard to hide the fact that his eyes were glistening. Travis approached and gave the younger boy a pat on the shoulder.
"Do you know what lies beyond the horizon, Vlad?" he asked, staring toward the setting sun.
Vlad hesitated. "No, Young Master."
"That's exactly why I have to go find out," Travis said, his tone thoughtful. "Whether we're driven by desire or simply reacting to the world, the act of seeking itself matters."
He turned toward the boy with a grin. "So, until I return... hold the fort."
Vlad's lip trembled, but he nodded firmly. "Hold the fort. Got it."
A beat passed before he added with a scowl, "Also, I'm still older than you. So technically, I should be the big brother."
Travis smirked. "Then why'd you call me that in the first place?"
Vlad: "..."
Chuckling, Travis stepped toward the carriage. "By the way, where's the Duke?"
"He's... not feeling well," Vlad replied quickly. "He sent word — said to be safe."
Travis blinked. Then he smiled. "Oh, I'll be safe. But I wonder if he will be."
He opened the carriage door — and immediately froze. Inside, seated with practiced poise, was Tatiana Sean.
Her golden hair shimmered in the lantern light, her expression unreadable as always. Yet her blue eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper — wariness, pride, and something else entirely.
"You?" Travis asked flatly.
Tatiana tilted her head. "Yes. Is that so surprising?"
Travis climbed in without another word and sat across from her. He unwrapped a small packet of peanuts left on the seat — no doubt a discreet gesture from Cameron — and began eating calmly.
Tatiana narrowed her eyes. "Aren't you curious why I'm here?"
He didn't answer.
She leaned forward slightly. "Is it because of the poison? Did you figure it out? No... you couldn't have, not without outside help. Lady Darcia wouldn't have—"
Her words stopped, her hand flying to her mouth. Travis glanced up, eyes sharpening.
So she had confirmed it.
Yet instead of satisfaction, a frown tugged at his lips. Inside the packet, hidden beneath the snacks, was a slip of parchment with four ominous words scribbled in faint ink:
Second Prince Maverick Norma
His expression darkened. Trouble was already brewing.
Tatiana misread his silence and pressed on. "So, who helped you? Who taught you to resist it?"
Travis didn't answer. He leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes.
'Second Prince...' he thought grimly. 'Why am I not surprised?'
He cracked one eye open, staring out the window as the estate slowly disappeared from view.
'I haven't even left the borders of House Sean... and already, someone's pulling strings.'
* * *
[A/N: Hey readers, The power stone voting on my second novel has been finally, enabled?
For some reason before it didn't support the ps voting.
Now it is open for power stones. Guys vote power stones their cause I am participating in the WPC contest from that novel, only about 5 days are left before the final ranking ;)
Thank you for reading.]