Chapter 9 — Secrets in the Castle

Kael sat across from Lyren, his chair tilted slightly back, hands resting behind his head. The morning light streamed through the curtains, glinting off Lyren’s long green hair.

“So,” Kael began lazily, “you never told me how you ended up here. In a human kingdom, no less.”

Lyren hesitated, her hands fidgeting in her lap. “I… was exiled from my village,” she said quietly. “The elders said I broke a sacred rule by venturing too deep into the forest. I wanted to learn more about the spirits and Dryads… but when I returned, they cast me out.”

Kael tilted his head slightly, eyes half-lidded. “And the slave traders?”

Her voice wavered. “After wandering for days, I was captured near the border. I tried to use my magic, but they used a nullifying spell… and that collar.”

Kael frowned, his thoughts drifting. Forest elves have immense mana control — greater than humans. For her to be caught means they used something powerful… or forbidden.

But he didn’t pry. Not yet.

Lyren’s stomach growled suddenly. Her ears twitched in embarrassment.

Kael blinked once, then smirked slightly. “Hungry?”

Lyren’s face turned red as she nodded.

“Alright, stay here. I’ll bring something.” He stood up, stretching. “And hide. Don’t let anyone see you.”

Lyren nodded and began casting her illusion again — but Kael stopped when he sensed something off.

Her mana fluctuated wildly, unstable, almost… corrupted. Lyren’s face twisted in pain as the illusion shimmered and collapsed.

“Your mana…” Kael said, frowning. “It’s unstable. Is it all your magic, or just illusion?”

Lyren held her chest, breathing heavily. “I… I think it’s all of it. The collar—it changed something inside me.”

Kael sighed softly. “Figures.”

He left the room quietly, heading for the kitchen.

When he entered, the maids immediately noticed him.

“Oh my, Sir Kael! Are you hungry? We’ll prepare something right away!” one of them said cheerfully.

Kael waved them off. “No need. I’ll do it myself.”

They blinked. “You’ll… cook? Yourself?”

Kael grabbed a pan. “Yeah. Easier that way. Less talking.”

The maids exchanged glances, whispering to each other. “The lazy one cooks?” “The world must be ending…”

Kael ignored them, muttering, “Should’ve stayed in bed…”

After making a simple meal — bread, roasted meat, and soup — he headed back to his room.

⸻

Back in Kael’s Room

Kael pushed the door open — only to freeze.

Aria was sitting on his bed, happily chatting with a very visible Lyren.

Aria beamed. “Oh! You’re back! Who’s this beautiful lady, Kael?”

Lyren looked panicked. Kael sighed internally.

“She’s uh…” Kael scratched the back of his head. “…someone I met at the tavern.”

Aria’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Ooooh~ So that’s why you’ve been sneaking around!”

Kael groaned. “Aria. Listen. You can’t tell anyone about her, alright?”

She pouted. “Why not?”

“Because if your father finds out — or worse, if Roland finds out — I’ll be cleaning stables until I die. Keep it a secret and… I’ll play with you and train like you keep asking.”

Aria gasped. “Really!?”

Kael nodded wearily.

“Deal!” she said, jumping up and giving him a thumbs-up before skipping out of the room.

Kael exhaled. “Finally, some peace—”

BANG!

The door flew open again.

“Commoner!”

Kael’s shoulders slumped. “Oh, great. You.”

Prince Cedric strutted in, arms crossed.

“That’s Prince Cedric to you,” Cedric corrected smugly.

Kael leaned against the wall. “Right, keep telling yourself that. What do you want?”

“Where’s my brother?” Cedric demanded.

Kael shrugged. “No idea.”

“Aren’t you his servant?”

Kael blinked. “No, I’m his friend—” He paused, realizing what he just said. “Wait. Did I actually say that out loud?”

Cedric scowled. “Whatever. Just tell him I’m looking for him.”

“Why don’t you do it yourself?” Kael said flatly.

Just then, Julius appeared in the doorway, cheerful as ever. “Oh, you’re here, Cedric. What’s wrong?”

Cedric’s tone shifted to smug. “I’ve decided to ask Father for a marriage proposal to Lady Lelia Valium.”

Julius blinked. “…Wait, what?”

“Yes! I’ll request her hand in engagement!” Cedric declared proudly.

Kael stared blankly. “You’re serious?”

Julius sighed. “Cedric, you’ve only spoken to her once—”

“Details,” Cedric interrupted.

“Can you two take this outside?” Kael said, rubbing his temples. “I have a headache. And a guest.”

Cedric frowned. “Guest?”

Kael froze. “…Figure of speech.”

Julius tilted his head slightly, noticing Kael’s tone. “You okay?”

Kael gave a tired grin. “Never been better.”