Grapevine (Zetheria Series #1)

Chapter 12: Path of Escape

Prince Damian leaned on the backrest with his arms crossed, wearing the expression of someone who is constipated. Beside him sat Sanjiv who had a dejected look on his face.

Seeing their gloomy state, the man sitting across the table put his quill down and gave them his full attention. He was a man with dark hair and ruby eyes. His movements were soft and elegant, as if all of it were calculated down to the smallest details.

For someone seeing him for the first time, he might give off the impression of a young scholar. Intelligent and meticulous.

He bore some resemblance with Prince Damian, but it's also not hard to spot their differences. His lips do not curve the same way, and the dimples on his left cheek show even with the slightest smile.

While Prince Damian had a semi-bald hairstyle. This man had luscious dark hair that was perfectly brushed. His face screamed with nobility, strength, yet he also radiated a sense of softness or playfulness.

He flashed a radiant smile at the two.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Sanjiv sighed heavily. His shoulders were down and his expression showed signs of stress, not mentioning the everpresent dark circles under his eyes which were dominant physical traits of the House Rosseficent. His cheeks were a bit hollow than usual. In comparison, Prince Damian's face was stiff and tensed as if he's on the verge of breaking the table in two. Despite it, his voice was calm.

"A Royal has been captured."

Prince Reagan's expression turned grim.

"Yes, I heard about what happened. Royals. Two of them were captured."

With a sigh, Sanjiv said:

"She is my responsibility. I deeply apologize for my negligence. I'm afraid I will have to trouble you with this."

"Our foes act in ways we can't predict. Their motivations are convoluted." His face was calm, but if one looked closely, they would see the hint of exhaustion hidden beneath it.

Sanjiv and Prince Damian, like everyone else seemed to have missed this subtle sign.

"So, I assume you have a plan?"

Sanjiv looked away. "That's why we needed your highness' help."

"Let's just invade and destroy their base like what they did. A tooth for a tooth."

Prince Reagan gently shook his head.

"No, Damie. We have no means to determine the exact location of the captured Royals, we cannot recklessly attack a base and spend resources for nothing."

"I know of a way to locate my sister."

The two princes turned to Sanjiv upon hearing his words.

"We have a relic that can be used to determine the location of those who had the Rosseficent blood."

"That is good. But, I guess you don't have it with you?"

He scratched the back of his head. Sanjiv let out another sigh.

"It's in Zurham."

"Then, I will help you get access to it. We might need to send out a request letter. What was the relic called?"

"Essence of Antonia."

---

The butler headed to the duke's study with hurried footsteps. His knock screamed of urgency, alarming the duke inside the room.

"Your grace, a royal decree was sent to us from the emperor."

The duke's face darkened. He stood from his seat and headed out swiftly, followed by his butler.