WMMAP: ℜ𝔢𝔟𝔦𝔯𝔱𝔥

Chapter 3

Anastacius narrowed his eyes. "What did you say?"

The head Royal Magician flinched and continued nervously. "T-There is one cure in the d-dark forest, your majesty. If you don't get the cure, the Prince will die." He gulped nervously.

"I see." Anastacius said coldly and glanced at Athanasius, who was sweating profusely while few royal magicians tended to him. Anastacius looked at the head royal magician again and left without another word. As soon as the Emperor left the room, the royal magicians sighed and started murmuring.

"He didn't even worry about the crown prince's health." The brunette magician said.

"I knew he was ruthless, but I didn't expect him to ignore the Prince. He's his son and heir to the throne after all." The black-haired magician whispered back.

"The Prince saved his life, but it seems it was all for nothing." The head magician said.

They looked at the Prince with pity.

"Where is the dark forest?" Dimitri asked.

The royal magicians looked towards the voice and flinched at the cold eyes.

"W-Who are you?" The head royal magician asked.

"I'm the Prince's right-hand man, Dimitri. I asked you a question, and I expect an answer from you." Dimitri said as he narrowed his eyes.

"I-It's in the Dark Forest. But you must know that the Dark Forest is a place no one should go. Anyone who has set foot on that forest has not returned alive with their lives!"

"The Prince is dying! The cure is in that so-called forest. Which means someone is going to go to that godforsaken forest one way or another." Dimitri growled. "Now, give me the directions or die!"

The royal magicians flinched at the redhead's cold glare.

"V-Very well."

Anastasius's Office

"Athanasius is your son. Why have you not send someone to get the cure!" Claude said while glaring at Anastacius, who was calmly signing documents. Completely ignoring the fact that his son was on death's door and could die at any moment.

"Everything happens for a reason. And that goes for him as well." Anastacius said without looking at his little brother. "I didn't ask him to save my life. He did. So it's not my problem."

Claude could not believe that his nephew saved his elder brother's life, and the only thing that he was doing right now was signing documents as if the attack had never happened. A few days ago, he was beginning to think that his elder brother had some fondness for his son, but now that he's seeing him without care, it made him angry.

Claude gritted his teeth in annoyance and left with a slam of the door.

Anastacius looked up at where Claude was standing and sighed.

.

Athanasius's Bedroom

Athanasius slowly opened his heavy eyelids.

"You're awake!" Dimitri said as he looked at the Prince.

"D-Dimitri?" Athanasius asked weakly.

"Yes, it's me."

"W-What happened? Is father, okay?"

"The Emperor is fine. The dagger that you were hit with was poisoned. There is a cure, but it's in the dark forest." Dimitri said. "The royal magicians informed the Emperor as well. He should-"

A weak chuckle left the blonde's mouth. "He won't get the cure. I'm sure of it." Athanasius interrupted hoarsely.

"Bu-"

Athanasius ignored the redhead and continued. "You should inform everyone to prepare for my funeral. That is if I'm allowed to have one." He said weakly before coughing. Dimitri's eyes widened when he saw blood drip down the Prince's mouth.

"You are not going to die!" Dimitri said stubbornly.

Athanasius smiled weakly before closing his eyes and falling to unconsciousness once again.

Dimitri looked at the unconscious Prince and made up his mind. "I'll save you. I promise!" Dimitri said before leaving.

.

.

Athanasius's Bedroom - Midnight -

Anastacius stood next to his son's bed and looked at the unconscious Prince, who had a pained expression. He hesitantly brushed away a blonde strand of hair to the side. To his surprise, Athanasius's pained expression turned to calm. "Why? Why did you save me?" He mumbled as he retreated his hand. He sighed before leaving. A voice stopped him in his tracks.

"B-Because y-you're my f-father."

Anastasius's eyes widened in surprise and looked back at his son.

"F-Family protects each ot...h...er." The Prince said before going back to unconsciousness.

"Family, huh?" Anastacius mumbled. He bit his lip in frustration.