Instantly a ripple rings through the room. The elite guards standing on both sides move at once. Golden Blade also readies himself.
But I only stare at the emperor's eyes. I demand an explanation!
I see it clearly. A flash runs through those unfathomably deep eyes. A bright light like a judgement from heaven.
"Stop!"
This is the first time the emperor speaks. All movement halts. No one dares to defy the emperor's prestige.
"Send the second prince and Lady Somme to jail. Further investigations are in order."
I can feel by body shiver. I can't read the emperor's mind. But his majesty didn't order our execution. Is this a good sign?
I don't resist further. Golden Bell personally leads me away. Lady Somme stays by my side.
With a glance I spot the third prince standing to the side. His face is strangely pale. And his eyes, why are they so... ruthless?
I don't have much time to think about it. We leave the throne room and soon enter jail. I am once more separated from my beloved.
Golden Blade shackles me again. Chains bind me to the wall, limiting my movement. With a click the gate shuts. Runes light up on the sturdy metal. The security they offer can cause even the most heinous criminals to despair. I know I won't be able leave.
With the cold wall against my back, I watch the days pass by. Light, dark, light, dark. My only interaction with others is getting a meal once a day.
Sometimes I am not sure if it is worth eating. But then I think of Lady Somme. I need to know how my beloved is doing!
It should be about a week later. Everything is covered by darkness. Even the moon doesn't show its face.
I notice something. Steps. Extremely covert yet not quiet enough.
Suddenly everything happens in a flash. Dark fog seeps through the little 'window' into my cell. A figure darts towards me, a dagger targeting my heart.
"You!"
I shout in surprise. Anger burns in my heart. I recognize him. The assassin! How did he infiltrate this place?!
There is no time to think. The dagger is about to reach me. I hastily turn my body away.
Pain. Pain clouds my mind as the dagger enters my chest. Did it hit my heart? Am I about to die? Blood streams down my chest but I can't even see it. I also don't notice the sinister black energy spreading in my body.
The dagger didn't hit my heart but if the dark magic reaches it, I will die anyways. This might be the end.
A face flashes before my mind. Lady Somme. Right! I can't give up! If I kill the assassin here, we have all the evidence! I will be able to free my beloved!
The fire in my heart, which was almost about to die out blazes more ferocious than ever. It resembles the flame cultivated by Flame of the South.
After forging a connection with the sword, I have comprehended its secrets. The important part about Flame of the South is not the magical flame on the outside. But the intent hiding within. The intent to slay all evil.
My will moves. I invoke the same intent, drawing power from it. If I don't do so now, I might never see my beloved again!
As the fire in my heart blazes brightly I feel a certain connection. I instinctively tug on it.
"AHHH!"
An anguished cry echoed through the silent prison. I slowly recover, my eyes finding the assassin. Bright, white flames burn down from the man's neck to his back. It is exactly the place where I wounded him before.
The flames are relentless. Soon his armor begins to burn as well. The assassin thrashes, trying to get rid of the flames. The fibres of his hood snap one by one. Finally, the black cloth falls to the ground.
I stare at the face which enters my vision. I can't even describe my emotions at this moment. Pain, shock, disbelief…
Everything coalesces into two questioning words:
"Thid brother…?"
The flames affecting the assassin dwindle as my will wanes. I still can't believe it. I can't get myself to see my third brother as evil.
Although his ugly grimace right now surely looks the part. His gaze at me. The bloodshot eyes. His mouth twitched before crazy laugher pours out of his throat.
"Second brother. I didn't want to reveal this to you before your death. But alright, you asked for it!"
"Third brother! Stop this craziness! What happened to you?!"
"Craziness? Yes, this might indeed be crazy. But I am only doing what is expected of me!"
"What do you mean? Why are you… why are you trying to kill me? If you have been bewitched by a devil we can help you! At least father can! Just confess to him!"
"Confess?! HAHAHA! How naïve of you, second brother! Do you think anything happens in this castle without father knowing of it?! Yet he lets it happen. He lets my entire plot happen. And why?
Because only strength matters to him!
If I am capable of getting rid of both my brothers, then nothing stands between me and the throne! NOTHING! But… even though I played all my cards perfectly, even though I delivered him the perfect reason…
He. Did. Not. Execute. You!
That b*… he gave you a last chance! Why?! Just because you showed some strength? He never cared! He never, once, cared! Why does he do so now?! I always knew of your potential! I should have acted much sooner! This was my own mistake! But now I am about to correct it!"
I don't recognize this monster pretending to be my brother. Its face is so ugly. So, so ugly. It gets another dagger from somewhere. It slowly walks towards me step by step.
But I am ready. The monster is seriously injured and so am I. But I can use the chains as weapons. If it gets closer, I will strangle it.
Almost. Almost. One more step…
Suddenly the cell trembles. The metal gate bursts open. Brilliant runes flash but they die out quickly.
A person enters the cell. It is Lady Somme! I can't believe my eyes. The monster turns around in shock. Lady Somme waves her hand. The door slams into the monster, pushing it against the wall and burrying it beneath itself.
I don't know if the monster survived but I doesn't matter. All that matters is that my beloved stands in front of me. Alive and unharmed.
"You… how…?"
An incredibly soft finger lands on my lips. Lady Somme speaks gently:
"Don't talk. You are injured. Let's first get out of here."
I nod in agreement. Lady Somme takes her finger away moving swiftly. I don't even see how she does it but all my chains break.
Standing on my own feet, I suddenly become dizzy. I look down on my body, vaguely recognizing the dagger sticking out of my chest.
Lady Somme moves hastily. She mumbles something as she draws a magic circle under our feet. It looks so complicated.
My head is so heavy. I hear a voice. The emperor? Did he come?
A bright light flashes. Teleportation? I have to ask. After waking up.