She's the Prince

Chapter 33

The Journey Begins

"Tomorrow?"

Callan's brow furrowed as he followed Ares into the armory, the clinking of metal echoing through the dimly lit room. The cold air smelled of oil and steel, hanging thick with the weight of past battles. Ares paused, rolling up his pant leg to reveal smooth, unscarred skin where an injury had once been.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Ares said, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ninazu gave me some of his concoctions. I grabbed a few extra for the trip."

Callan raised an eyebrow. "Good thinking. We didn't have that luxury last time we headed into Skull Land. Ended up in a real mess."

Ares took a bow from the rack and easily pulled the string back to test its tension. "Think this would be better than a gun?" he asked, turning the bow over in his hands with curiosity.

Callan blinked, staring at him. "Gun?"

Ares mimicked holding a pistol, squinting one eye and pointing his fingers at Callan. "Like this," he said, grinning as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Callan looked unimpressed. "What kind of ridiculous gesture is that?"

"It's famous where I come from," Ares explained, clearly entertained by the confusion. "Men carry them on their hips like badges of honor."

"Famous?" Callan huffed, narrowing his eyes. "What's so impressive about carrying a weird metal thing?"

"It's cool," Ares said, the word rolling effortlessly off his tongue.

"Cool?" Callan repeated, frowning at the unfamiliar term. After a moment, he shrugged. "Your world sounds like it's full of strange nonsense."

"It is," Ares chuckled, setting the bow back. "But I don't think I'll need this." He paused, his gaze lingering on Callan as though waiting for something unsaid.

Callan shifted under the scrutiny, scratching the back of his neck. "Do you think Ninazu's warnings earlier were serious?"

Ares tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The way you're avoiding eye contact and touching your nose... you're lying."

"Lying?" Callan laughed, throwing his hands up in mock protest. "What makes you think that?"

"It's psychology," Ares said, his grin widening. "Where I'm from, it's a subject that studies how the mind works. It helps you know if someone's lying based on their behavior."

"Psycho-what now?" Callan's confusion deepened his expression resembling that of a curious pup.

Ares' grin widened. "It's a subject where I'm from. It helps you tell lies from truths. And Captain Callan..." he leaned in slightly, "...you're lying."

Callan threw his hands up again in surrender, laughing. "Alright, fine! I don't want to live in your world. People there know too much!"

Ares' chuckle filled the armory, easing their anxiety.

***

"You're sure that wound's completely healed?" Samiya asked, folding Ares' clothing as Alora organized his trip luggage. Ares stood beside them, arms crossed, watching the process with mild impatience.

"Completely," Ares insisted, pulling back his sleeve to show his unmarred skin. "Not even a scar."

"It looked awful before," Alora murmured, her brow furrowed as she inspected the packed items.

"You're both being OA about this," Ares said, a sly smile pulling at his lips.

"OA?" Samiya and Alora echoed in unison, turning to him with matching expressions of confusion.

"Overacting," Ares explained, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You know, making a big deal out of nothing."

The two women exchanged baffled glances. "What is he talking about?" Samiya whispered to Alora, who could only shrug.

Ares chuckled and stepped closer, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "Relax. I'll be fine. Just keep the palace standing while I'm gone, alright?"

Samiya blushed faintly at his touch, trying to maintain her composure. "You can count on us, Prince Ares."

Alora nodded in agreement. "We'll keep everything under control. Lord Zodor's in good hands."

Ares had a rare sign of vulnerability in his eyes. "I trust you both. More than anyone else here." His voice grew quieter, more serious. "There's been a lot going on behind the scenes... Lord Morgaine's clan—something's brewing."

Samiya straightened, her eyes sharpening. "You think they'll move while you're away?"

"Let's just say I wouldn't be surprised," Ares said grimly. "That's why I need you both to stay sharp. If anything feels off, tell Ninazu or Wezn immediately."

The tension in the room thickened, the air heavy with unspoken concern. Samiya and Alora nodded solemnly.

"We've got this," Alora reassured him. "Don't worry about a thing."

Ares exhaled slowly, his usual lighthearted demeanor returning as he offered them a smile. "Good. I knew I could count on you."

Before they could respond, a knock at the door broke the moment. Alora moved to open it while Samiya cast Ares a final, worried glance.

***

Midnight approached, the moon casting a faint glow over the city's gates where Ares and Callan stood, their breath fogging in the crisp night air. Behind them, Captain Wezn gave them a last, reluctant inspection.

"We should be bringing more men," Wezn said, his arms crossed in disapproval. "You know what we faced last time."

Callan's tone was firm. "We've done this before. We know what to expect."

"And that's why we need to be more careful," Wezn countered, his eyes flicking to Ares. "Prince Ares, it's too dangerous for you."

Ares waved off the concern with a dismissive hand. "I've dealt with worse. Besides, too many soldiers attract unwanted attention."

Wezn sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration. "Then at least be—"

A sudden voice from the shadows interrupted him. "Leaving without saying goodbye?"

Ninazu emerged into the moonlight, his face serious as ever. He approached Ares, holding out a small talisman.

Ares raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"

"A charm," Ninazu said. "It'll protect you from dark magic."

Ares chuckled as Ninazu fastened the necklace around his neck. "Always watching out for me, huh?"

Ninazu's stern expression softened ever so slightly. "Just make sure you come back in one piece."

Ares grinned, adjusting the necklace. "You're starting to sound like Wezn."

Ninazu turned, fading back into the shadows. "Don't make me regret giving you that," he called over his shoulder.

Ares glanced at Callan amusedly before looking forward.

"Alright, let's move out," Ares said, his tone steady, yet carrying an undercurrent of anticipation. Their journey had only just begun.