Kingdom Buried in Silence

Blood-tainted Snow

Crown Prince's Office

"You look tired, Your Highness. Should I cancel your appointments this afternoon?", Avniel noticed. "Preparing for my sister's coming of age and choosing a fiance is both tiring. "You cannot love who you do not know, have you heard of that, Your Highness?", the assistant neatly piled the papers. "Another line from that book, the author must be earning a lot if the son of the Royal Advisor is reading it as well", the Crown prince leaned on the chair. "Rather than reading about them, why don't you meet them in person?", the secretary suggested.

"If it's for the sake of the Empire and your happiness, I pray that you can have them both, Your Highness"

"About Sir Kirstein", Edel found himself interested. "What about him, Your Highness?", Avniel raised his spectacles making Edel feel that he was teasing him. "He's is still awkward with the Imperial Knights. He accompanied the Captain to join the ladies for an afternoon tea party but rumors started that the two were caught having a serious conversation. Based on my observation, they don't seem to have bad blood between them. I heard that Sir Traun and Sir Kirstein were childhood friends", Lance reported. "That's good to hear. I'll set a meeting with all these noble ladies, make sure Sir Kirstein is present", the prince instructed. "You're meeting them all at once?", Avniel clarified.

They heard a knock on the door. "I am reporting as the Captain of the Imperial Knights. May I enter?", Ciaran stood behind the door. Avniel opened it and gave a smile before leaving them together. "How have you been Ciaran? You barely visited ever since Sir Kirstein was assigned to be my knight", Edel leaned on the chair. "Your Highness, your knight had been following me these days. He's like a leech", the man informed. "Of course, he's your childhood friend. How many years have you not seen each other?", the crown prince crossed his arms. "The truth is-", Ciaran was interrupted when Raziela opened the door without knocking. "My apologies, Your Highness. There were some sightings of the West Rebel's sigil inside the Capital. Allow me to assist the Capital guards to pursue them", Raziela knelt.

I might be wrong but I believe Ciaran was about to tell His Highness something I fear. They're friends. I had been keeping a monitor on him for him not to cause suspicions.

"This is the work of the Captain of the Imperial Knights. You have to remember that your task is to remain on my side all the time", Edel gave an intimidating look towards him. "I will make sure not to make the same mistake, Your Highness", the knight bowed her head.

It took just one family to start a rebellion until an empire was taken over.

"I understand your worry, Sir Kirstein. It wasn't a mistake to be alert when rebels started moving. Although, there is a vow you made in front of the throne and that represents an oath to the entire kingdom, that you will be the shield of the next Emperor. If you do anything that will trample that vow, it will cost your life, Sir Kirstein", Edel said with a calm voice. Raziela's eyes warmed. She was more than sure that the crown prince was showering the knight with the kindness of warning her.

The Crown Prince was loved by his people. He doesn't usually laugh like his father, the Emperor but there was something about him that his men respected. I want to know more about the future of Arden, at least until next year, before my death. 

Palace Corridor

"It is not proper for a knight to interrupt a conversation between the Captain and the Crown Prince", Ciaran stopped walking and turned to look at Raziel's worried expression. "I will take note of that", Raziela nodded but was still on her toes. "You don't look well. Are you sick?", the Captain stopped and gently pulled her on the side.

"Ciaran, I'll be fine so maybe we need to refrain from acting this close. People will get suspicious", the lady whispered. The man pinned her on the wall. "I cannot take this. Tell me where that clown is and I am going to drag him here", he said burning with anger. "Sir Kirstein?", they heard a voice. It was Arabella. Raziela found her as an excuse to get away from Ciaran.