IV. The Impact of Her

~ Epilogue ~

His eyes remained still on the full moon.

In the darkness of the room, he stood silent.

He was still, almost a life-like statue.

He should be asleep. But he couldn't. He eagerly waited for news in regards to his plans.

Any misstep could lead to utter disaster.

Finally, a knock came upon the door. It creaked open and his page spoke, "My lord, Sir Hector has arrived. He wishes to see you."

"Let him in," the voice of the lone man echoed.

Silence entered the room once again as he waited for his visitor. Footsteps then approached him. Even though he wasn't sure it was the guest he expected, he remained unmoved by the window.

"Your Highness?" Sir Hector, his secret right-hand man, spoke from behind.

"Any news?"

"As you predicted, they went to the duchess' residence. But we were able to remove the girl before their arrival. We also left no trace of our presence within the grounds," Sir Hector delivered his report.

"Where is she now?"

"Where you want her to be, my lord."

The young man sighed out of relief. He held his breath the whole day. Finally, he could rest easy with this information.

He then replied, "Make sure that she is comfortable and provided for. No one is to disrespect her or touch her without my knowledge. Any person who attempts to disobey me and lie if they do will lose their life."

"Understood, Your Highness. I have sent that instruction to every member of your household. Rest assured, our guest will not lack anything," Sir Hector answered.

"Very well, then. You may go."

Sir Hector bowed and walked away.

As soon as the door was closed, the young man spoke out into the dark room, "Your accuracy is impeccable. I am impressed."

A hooded figure arose from the shadows. "The prince was too predictable," the figure replied, cunning but still respectful. "His love for that woman made him weak. She will be his biggest failure."

"For a moment there, I thought you were playing tricks on me. I was already prepared to have you slaughtered by early morning if my hunch turned out to be true," the young man replied.

"Why would I betray an ally?" the figure responded. "You and I both want the same thing. And that is revenge. Why would I do something that will also endanger my own life?"

The young man smiled to himself before he replied, "Rest assured that your services will be well-compensated after this ordeal. It has served me well."

"You didn't have to, Your Highness."

"I insist," the young man put a stop to the figure's protest. "I know that you don't want to be rewarded. But I insist that you accept the gifts that I will be giving you for your support."

"His Highness is very generous. I dare not go against it," the figure bowed in defeat. He added, "With how everything is going according to plan, you may rest your mind... Prince Benjamin."

The young man turned and faced the hooded figure. "There is no time for that. The games have just begun," he remarked.

A sly grin slowly appeared on his face.

This was just the beginning.