Flower

Chapter - 27

(ICARUS'S POV)

It has been two days since Lily's last visit. I heard from Mother that Eryx has fallen ill. Hoping he feels better soon, I go to the Imperial Library. I can almost smell her lingering fragrance as I walk through the shelves.

She brings me solace in these turbulent times. Even though the threat named Raven still looms over the Royal Family, I can not help but think of her beautiful eyes and delicate frame.

I remind myself that I cannot afford to be distracted right now. If the Royal Family falls, it'll render the Empire vulnerable for any one to attack. We managed to catch Siegel, but it was futile. It is almost as if Raven disappeared along with my fake death.

Was he targeting me? But what could he have against a 14 year old child? And I do not remember causing any issues back in the past. So all of it leads back to my lineage. Does he not want me to ascend to the throne?

But the biggest question now is,

“Will he return now that I have?”

As I was going through the testimonials of Lei, Siegel and the assassin, none of them had seen his face and there's absolutely no clue except the Raven seal.

Damien walks in and bows, “Your Highness, we've failed to locate the seal maker. It's either the seal maker is no more or the seal was made somewhere else.” I take a deep breath, my eyes flickering between Damien and the letters.

The situation infuriates me, how could he simply disappear? Just as I was about to punch the wall, I heard a soft knock on the door. “Who is it?” I ask, controlling my inner rage.

“It's me, Raya,” her voice comes in faintly. My brows furrow as I signal Damien to leave through the back door. He leaves without a question and once he's out I tell her to come in.

As she walks in, worry is visible on her face. Seeing her like this, I wonder if Caius has hurt her again. The thought is enough to make me clench my fists. I calm down a little and ask, “Lily, is something the matter? You look tense.”

She hesitates for a while and finally speaks, “Your Highness, you were talking about catching a criminal. May I know what crime they committed?” She's avoiding my gaze and fidgeting with her ring.

“It is a confidential matter, why do you ask?” I observe her facial expressions, she seems to be struggling to make up her mind. I rested a hand on her shoulder, “Do you know something about it?”

“Your Highness, I need to know what the crime is,” she mumbles weakly, “I…I might be able to help you.” She looks up at me pleadingly. This is the only option we have right now, all our investigations have reached a dead end.

I let out a sigh and looked at her, “Fine, I'll tell you. But this shouldn't go out of this room,” I warn her to be careful. It could bring danger not only to us, but her too.

She nods and I start, “You must've heard about my supposed death 10 years ago in a carriage incident,” I start with the common knowledge to make it easier for her to understand the situation.

“Yes, I remember Mother telling me about it,” she says thoughtfully. I intake a deep breath and start the real story.

“There was no accident that day. Someone attempted to assassinate me,” she gasps in shock and looks up at me with her big doe eyes. “We were going through a forest when a group of Bandits attacked us and killed everyone accompanying me. But I was saved by my trusted guard and they faked a corpse of me to keep me safe till my time of ascension,” I explained the situation to her.

“But, if they were bandits, how is that an assassination attempt?” She asks curiously.

“My guard analysed their formation and behaviour. For Bandits, stealing is first priority. But they didn't even attempt to steal, their goal was to kill,” she nods, understanding the situation. “One of them almost got me,” I touched the scar on my face, “This scar reminds me of the day I understood the burden of the throne.”

She starts fidgeting nervously, “Is this criminal, related to that?” I nod and ask, “Now tell me, what do you know about this?”

“Before I tell you, you must swear something to me,” she looks me dead in the eye, seemingly determined. “What is it?”

“Please swear on your name and title that no matter what happens after today, you'll protect me and my son,” the unwavering attitude behind her eyes is intriguing.

“Fine, I trust you Lily. You must have your reasons for doing this,” I take her hand and look deep into her eyes, “I, Icarus Hennil Kalev, Crown Prince of Terranova, swear upon my name and title that I'll protect you and your child.”

She takes out a piece of paper and shows me the Raven seal, “I found this seal in the Lord's office.”

I take the paper from her and match it with the one in the letters, they're identical. “Caius Von Atticus…what game are you playing?” I think out loud and turn towards her, “How did you discover this?”

“I saw it when he asked me to bring the family seal to approve the budget. Back then I simply found it to be unique, but after I saw that seal on the letter, I decided to sneak in to investigate,” she explains her situation with the seal.

“That's a dangerous situation, you should have come to me first. What if he found out and did something bad to you?” I look at her worriedly, hoping Caius isn't suspicious of her.

“I know it was dangerous, but why'd you believe me without proof? Hence I had to take the risk,” she says in her usual soft tone. I pull her close, “I trust you. Don't ever put yourself in a situation like that again. That man can do anything,” my hands instinctively go up and cup her cheeks, observing her delicate face.

“Why? Why do you care so much about me?” She whispers out, her eyes full of uncertainty.

I look into her eyes with determination and honesty, relishing in her warmth as I whisper back,

"Every moment we share feels like a beautiful dream, and I find myself falling for you more deeply each day. I love you, not just for who you are, but for who I become when I'm with you.”

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