The Realm Of The Abyss

Chapter 12: Discovery

Quinn’s POV.

My throat had become parched. I couldn’t say anything. I was at a loss for words. All I could do was shift my gaze to the two princes next to me, who hadn’t yet removed their serious stares at each other.

“I’ll do it, father,” Alvaro asserted. “I’ll go with Princess Emerald.”

When he turned away from Alfaro and faced the king, the tension between them dissipated, and it was only then that I felt relieved. I nearly passed out earlier. I was terrified by the look in their eyes. It was too sharp. It was as if they were about to punch each other in the face.

“Aren’t you going to accompany our father to another town?” Alfaro told his brother.

I could hear his desire to annoy his brother in his tone. I couldn’t tell if he was reminding him of that or if he had something else in mind.

“Oh, yes. I forgot about it,” His Majesty said, turning to face Alvaro. “You must accompany me to the town of Azalea at three o’clock in the afternoon. The people are asking for a response to the gathering that will take place in our kingdom this week.”

“But, father–” Alvaro began, only to be cut off by His Majesty.

“Alfaro, accompany the princess to the Kingdom of Borza.”

“Will do, father,” Alfaro said, a sly grin curling into his lips.

Alvaro gave me a reluctant look before glancing at his brother and exhaling a sigh. I knew he didn’t want to leave me with Alfaro, but he couldn’t do anything but obey His Majesty’s order. Even I was uneasy around Alfaro. I don’t trust him because, aside from the fact that I don’t know him well enough, I noticed that their behavior was nothing like each other’s.

It was as if we were in our own world after lunch. His Majesty and Prince Alvaro said their goodbyes, but the queen was the first to leave the palace because she had stated that she was also going somewhere.

“Are you certain it’s fine with you to have my brother accompany you, princess?” Alvaro inquired, his tone tinged with skepticism.

Even though I wanted to say no, I just agreed with a nod. Even if he insisted on being the one to accompany me, he can’t because his father, the king, gave him an order that he cannot refuse out of respect.

I forced a smile to make him stop worrying. “Don’t worry, I’m fine with it. After all, he is your brother. He’ll keep me safe.”

He was about to say something when the king interrupted him, saying, “Let’s go, Alvaro. They’ve been waiting for us for an hour.”

“His Majesty has called you, which means you have to leave. Take care on your journey,” I said goodbye, smiling a little.

I had no idea why my voice had to sound like that of a wife waving her husband off to work. The thought made me grimace.

Alvaro gave a nod. “You should also be cautious. Somehow, I believe Alfaro will protect you if you come across an opponent on the way.”

Despite my confusion over what he said, I chose to trust him. Alfaro and his pet horse approached me as soon as Alvaro turned away and left with the king. His pet’s color is black.

“Didn’t you just meet my brother?” he remarked. “It’s only been a week, but you’re surprisingly attached to each other.”

I drew my arms to my chest and cocked my brow at him. Is he suspicious of what’s going on between me and Alvaro? Is he thinking we’re in a relationship? Can’t we become close? We are friends. That’s how I see Alvaro, but I’m not sure if he considers me a friend.