The Final Farewell

Chapter 1

In the early 18th century, amidst the opulence of Europe's royal courts, two princes from rival kingdoms met under circumstances that would change their lives forever. Prince Alaric of Dunmere, known for his commanding presence and valor, was visiting the court of Prince Caleum of Westmark, a prince equally renowned for his skill in diplomacy and his keen intellect.

Prince Alaric and Prince Caleum were both prominent figures at this festival. Their presence was not just ceremonial but symbolic of the fragile alliance between their two kingdoms. Their interactions during this time would be closely observed, not only by their respective courts but also by the whispers of those who sensed the underlying tension between them.

The occasion was a grand masquerade ball, where Alaric, masked in elaborate gold, and Caleum, who was dressed in a dark, regal outfit and an ornate mask, found themselves amidst the chaos of a grand spectacle—an elaborate re-enactment of a historic battle. The event was filled with actors, jesters, and lavishly decorated floats, and both princes were expected to make ceremonial appearances.

As the noise of the crowd surged, Alaric noticed Caleum standing alone, away from the main festivities, observing the scene with a thoughtful expression. Alaric, using the chaos as a cover, approached him.

"Your Highness," Alaric greeted, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of urgency. "I see you've found a moment of solitude amidst the spectacle."

Caleum turned, recognizing Alaric beneath his ornate mask, his expression a mix of confuse and surprise. "Prince." He said, in manner tone like how it should be. "I didn't expect to see you here.""Nor I you," Edward replied. "This spectacle is more chaotic than I anticipated. I've been searching for a moment of quiet."

 "Then what are you suggesting?"

Caleum didn't know that Alaric can smile so freely behind that mask, when the prince shows his teeth in that manner, "follow me then." He said before fleeing carefully like he did anticipated this. 

Prince Caleum studied Prince Alaric for a moment, the air between them charged with the uneasy tension of their rival kingdoms. Despite the grand spectacle around them, the quiet and isolated corner where Alaric had led him seemed to cocoon them in a different world, away from the prying eyes of their courtiers and the relentless din of the masquerade ball.

Caleum shifted his gaze from Alaric to the distant scene of the ball. The colorful floats and dancers appeared as mere blurs in the distance, their sounds muted by the distance. Yet, this temporary reprieve was surprisingly soothing. He took a deep breath, the cool night air mixing with the faint scent of blooming flowers that surrounded their secluded spot.

"Why did you bring me here?" Caleum asked, trying to mask his curiosity with a formal tone. His eyes, however, lingered on Alaric with an intensity he hadn't intended to display.

Alaric's gaze remained fixed on the scene before them. "Sometimes, it's better to view the chaos from afar. It provides clarity." His voice was smooth, almost soothing, contrasting sharply with the intense energy of the masquerade.

Caleum nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. As he observed Alaric, the prince's demeanor seemed less like that of an adversary and more like someone who sought genuine connection amidst the pomp and pretense. There was a vulnerability in Alaric's posture, an openness in his eyes that Caleum hadn't expected to see.

"Tell me," Caleum began, trying to break the awkward silence, "What do you think of the festival? Is it always so... chaotic?"

Alaric chuckled softly, a sound that was oddly disarming. "In truth, I've seen more chaos in the battlefield than in a masquerade ball. But sometimes, the spectacle is just a distraction from the real issues at hand."