[ MARIA I ]

  Nicholas knitted his brows in sheer annoyance, crossing his arms tightly. "Can you not sleep in another chamber?" He directed his frustration at Liam, who had shamelessly occupied a corner of his room, intent on staying. "No. I like your room," Liam replied simply. Nicholas let out an exasperated sigh, setting his book aside with a sharp motion. "If you are so set on staying, I shall allow it," he remarked, a corner of his lip curling into a chilling smile. "But only if you answer my questions."

  Before Nicholas could even begin, Liam had already sprawled across the bed, lounging with an air of complete indifference. He gestured with his hand, inviting the interrogation. "Is your true objective really a pendant, as the Prince claimed?" Nicholas started. Liam nodded lazily. "And you caused all this chaos... just for that?" Nicholas added. Another nod. Nicholas scoffed, "Are you insane?" Liam grinned. "Absolutely~"

  "It must be a vital artifact then," Nicholas commented. Liam’s response was a succinct "Indeed." Nicholas gritted his teeth, his lips pulling into a frustrated pout as he studied Liam’s features. "This pendant is magical... it will be of immense aid against the Kingdom of the Golden Chrysanthemum," Liam clarified.

  Nicholas raised his eyebrows at the mention of magic, tilting his head curiously. "Aside from this 'binding' you’ve placed on us... do you wield any other magic?" Liam’s brow furrowed slightly as he answered. "It isn't exactly magic... but it is something akin to it." His tone was unnervingly calm, devoid of the playful energy he had displayed while chasing Nicholas around earlier.

  "Regarding the pendant... what kind of power does it possess to deter the Golden Chrysanthemum?" Nicholas pressed, arms still crossed, waiting for a piece of information that might finally shed light on their situation. Liam cast a sidelong glance at him before turning his back, settling into the bed. "I will tell you when the time is right." Nicholas noted the sudden shift in his demeanor and gave a quiet, resigned nod. "Very well then." He took a step toward the door. "At the very least, promise me you'll be honest when that time comes." He then left the room, leaving Liam alone with his thoughts. In the silence, Liam bit his lip hard, lost in a deep, brooding contemplation before sleep finally took him.

  ____________________________________

  Though Nicholas burned with a desire to unearth more truths, he chose not to press Liam. Instead, he left him to the solitude of his own thoughts, allowing the boy space to reflect before the storm of the journey began.

  Nicholas made his way to the dining hall, where the rest of the group had already gathered for dinner. James, having just set down his spoon, wasted no time. "Did he reveal anything useful?" he inquired, leaning in with a sharp curiosity. "I assume you presented every possible question."

  Nicholas began filling his plate, carefully explaining what he had gathered during their private exchange. "He is searching for a magical pendant, an artifact of such power it could bring the Kingdom of the Golden Chrysanthemum to its knees." He set the plate down and met James’s gaze. "When I pressed him on its specific functions, he went silent, telling me only that I would know when the time was right."

  James’s face darkened, and Yasmine mirrored his disapproval. "Why didn't you push him harder?" she demanded. James nodded in agreement. "Make him talk, Nick! He doesn't seem like the type to keep secrets forever—especially not from you." Nicholas rolled his eyes at the suggestion, his voice firm and unwavering. "As reckless and barbaric as he may seem, he is still young. I cannot simply force his hand."

  James let out a bitter laugh, his tone laced with malice. "A 'young boy'? The man is twenty, isn't he?" Nicholas merely shrugged. "How should I know? But he carries himself with a certain youthful immaturity; his actions are often... childlike."

  James rested his hand on his wrist, his eyes gleaming with intent. "If your conscience stops you, then let me handle him." Jenny, who had been listening quietly, intervened. "No. Let Nick manage him." James opened his mouth to protest, but Nicholas cut him off. "He may be difficult, but he will cooperate of his own free will. There is no need for coercion."

  James narrowed his eyes, frustrated. "Why are you so certain?" Nicholas frowned, wondering if James was truly blind to what was unfolding. "James, this boy has already laid himself bare in his own way. If there is something we truly need to know, he will tell us when the moment demands it."

  Yasmine chimed in, her voice tight with lingering resentment. "If it’s the pendant he wants, why take you by force?" Nicholas knew her anger toward Liam was far from faded, but he had no answer for her. "I didn't ask him that."

  "How can you be so indifferent?" James snapped, his irritation boiling over. "He bound your soul to his and is dragging us into a death-defying adventure all for a trinket!" Nicholas stood up calmly. "Do you oppose the orders of the Prince and His Majesty? Were we not commanded based on Liam's words?"

  Max, sensing the air grew thin with tension, tried to soothe the brewing conflict. "James didn't mean it like that, Nick," he said, his voice trembling slightly. He knew that when Nick and James clashed, things rarely ended well.

  "Besides," Nicholas added, picking up his plate and heading for the door, "we are searching for a pendant; it shouldn't be an impossible task. And as for the bond... as long as it doesn't harm me, is that not proof enough of his sincerity?"

  Before crossing the threshold, he offered a neutral "Goodnight" and retreated to his room.

  The group turned to James with collective disapproval. "Really, James?" Jenny was the first to speak, leaving him embarrassed. "Come on, you’re all just as worried about him as I am!" he stammered. Alice crossed her arms. "I am worried. That boy is recklessly impulsive beyond reason."

  Alice spoke again, softer this time. "We are all concerned, but do you not trust Nick's judgment? Even the Prince sees something in him... perhaps he truly is a sign of better things to come." Jenny smiled. "The Prince’s decision wasn't made in a vacuum. Let’s not jump to conclusions."

  James sighed, the weight of their stares heavy upon him. Everyone looked to Max, who had been quietly finishing his meal. "Max," James said finally, making the poor man jump as he became the center of attention. "What’s your take on this?" Max swallowed hard, his voice nervous but steady. "I think... I think the Prince saw something we didn't."

  He straightened his posture. "Wasn't it the Prince who ordered his execution the moment he confessed? And yet, here we are, about to embark on a mission for him. The Prince is no longer afraid to have Liam near him... they must have shared a conversation we aren't privy to."

  The table went silent as they absorbed his words. "Even your worry for Nick is a bit much," Max added, causing James to arch an eyebrow. "Didn't you see what he did to him?" James asked harshly. But Max didn't falter. "Liam doesn't seem to truly intend to harm Nick. In fact... he treats him quite differently than he treats the rest of us."

  It sounds logical, though I still can't fathom why," Yasmine grumbled. Jenny patted her shoulder. "As long as he’s safe, it doesn't matter how close they are."

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  Alice smiled and gave Max a thumbs-up, whispering, "Nice work, You calmed the storm before it broke." Max offered a shaky, relieved smile.

  "I suppose I owe him an apology," James muttered, standing up at last.

  ____________________________________

  Nicholas entered his room with a look of lingering frustration after the heated clash with James. James had always been cautious and skeptical, but this solved nothing—his behavior borderlined on questioning the Prince's direct orders. What is his problem! Nicholas grumbled, setting the plate on the table near the balcony.

  He stole a glance at Liam’s sleeping form and tilted his head before approaching with cautious, silent steps. He knelt by the bedside, leaning in to face the youth, only to notice that Liam’s lip was bleeding. Startled, Nicholas reached out to place a hand on his shoulder to wake him, but Liam’s eyes snapped wide. In an instant, the world flipped.

  Liam pinned Nicholas to the bed with brute force, gripping his hand so tightly he couldn't move. He used his full weight to stabilize him, while his other hand held a dagger aimed straight at Nicholas's throat. A dangerous flicker in Liam's eyes sent a jolt of tension through Nicholas, though he remained remarkably calm despite the threat.

  For a moment, Liam stared intensely into Nicholas’s eyes, as if searching for the very soul behind them. Suddenly, the predatory glint was replaced by a soft shimmer. Liam’s brow furrowed, and his lips pulled into a faint pout. "Nicky...?" He loosened his grip and cast the dagger aside, yet he made no move to get up.

  "If I had known you were craving more blood, I would have brought you some instead of dinner," Nicholas joked. Liam noticed a drop of blood had escaped his lip and slid onto Nicholas. "You would have been at my mercy then," he countered softly.

  Nicholas raised an eyebrow, his tone light with sarcasm. "And is that not exactly where you have me now?" Liam hesitated, a slight tremor running through him. "But... I won't do it." A quick flash of light sparked in his eyes once more before he finally pulled away.

  "Did you want to ask me something?" Liam inquired, wondering why Nicholas had approached him in the first place. Nicholas crossed his arms and gestured toward the plate of food. "You haven't eaten a thing since you arrived..." Liam’s lips parted in surprise, but before he could respond, a knock echoed at the door. "Nick! Let’s talk," James’s voice called out.

  Liam’s eyes narrowed in annoyance, though he quickly masked it with an involuntary, crooked smirk. "Won't you eat with me? Surely you haven't eaten either after everything that’s happened. No?" Nicholas offered a faint, tired smile as he stepped toward the door. "I’m not hungry. You eat."

  Before opening the door, he whipped the blood had fallen on his cheek and add, "I’ll be back once I’m finished talking." He crossed his arms as he came face-to-face with James, who looked more than a little embarrassed.

  ____________________________________

  James led Nicholas into the outer gardens, where they wandered through the crisp, cool air amidst the blooming beauty of the flora. "Nick... I apologize for my behavior earlier," James spoke with sincere gravity. "I realize my approach wasn't the best, but my fear and concern for you—and this mission for a mere pendant—were genuine." Despite the apology, it was clear he still harbored doubts about trekking across the world for what might be nothing more than a simple gemstone.

  Nicholas smiled, delivering a series of heavy, rhythmic pats to James’s back. "Fine, fine. It seems your pride is still wrestling with the situation, James." James tried to dodge the onslaught, but Nicholas pursued him, returning the playful strikes with interest.

  After a few moments, Nicholas paused, his gaze settling calmly on the flowers. "I understand that fear. I won't say I'm not surprised or even a bit wary, but what if this truly is our last hope?" James’s brow furrowed as he watched Nicholas speak from the heart.

  "The Prince told me he fears we are on the brink of a war that could end our kingdom... I understand his dread. He is a leader who has always sought peace for his land; tranquility is what truly matters to him."

  James tilted his head. "But isn't Prince Hans the Crown Prince now? Shouldn't the weight of these concerns rest on his shoulders?" Nicholas turned his head, looking at James out of the corner of his eye with a knowing smile. "True, but isn't our Prince the master of negotiations? Is it not because of him that most kingdoms align and cooperate with us?"

  James shook his head inwardly—how could I overlook something so obvious?—and offered a dry, self-deprecating chuckle at his own oversight.

  "I never doubt his decisions, James," Nicholas added, his eyes drifting toward the ducks gliding across the lake's surface. James stepped up beside him, watching the ripples. "It’s not him I doubt. I simply do not trust that man."

  Nicholas scoffed. "Let’s not be hasty in our judgment. Though, if anyone should be annoyed, it’s me—he’s practically my shadow wherever I go." He laughed before adding, "He’s even occupied my room now."

  James rolled his eyes mockingly. "And yet, you allow it. Also, stop playing the wise sage; it doesn't suit you." Nicholas crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Really? And what role would you suggest I play instead?"

  James’s eyes crinkled into a smirk. "Weren't you always my little brother?" Nicholas made a face of pure disgust. "Just because you’re older doesn't make you my big brother."

  James began to tease him relentlessly about his role as the elder sibling; since Nicholas wasn't born with one, James was determined to create that atmosphere for him. The two began to reminisce about their shared past with smiles on their faces. "Oh, do you remember when..."

  ____________________________________

  While Liam was taking his third bite, the sound of distant laughter drifted in from outside. He rose and moved toward the balcony, looking down to see Nicholas and James in the garden, lost in conversation and shared mirth. Liam rested his arms on the stone railing, leaning his head down as he watched them with a dry, unreadable expression.

  His brow furrowed before he straightened up, stealing one last glance before retreating inside. He ignored the half-finished plate, his appetite eclipsed by a restless wait for Nicholas.

  "Didn't he say he’d return the moment he was finished...?" he muttered skeptically, pacing through the room. The space was grand, befitting Nicholas's status. A vast library stood against one wall, flanked by a desk cluttered with volumes. "Does he truly love reading this much?" Liam wandered toward the shelves, noting with surprise that the collection wasn't merely political; it spanned from classic literature to sweeping tales and complex philosophies. He smiled as his eyes skimmed the open page of a book left on the desk. "How intriguing."

  He hovered a hand over the page, tempted to turn it, but hesitated—he didn't want Nicholas to lose his place. Leaving the desk, he explored the other corners of the room. In a cozy nook bathed in moonlight sat a wooden easel holding a medium-sized canvas. A spark ignited in Liam’s eyes as he studied the painting. "Does he even find time to paint?"

  He stared at the artwork in genuine admiration. "Is there anything this man cannot do?" he whispered to himself. He then moved to the wardrobe, which turned out to be a walk-in chamber dedicated solely to attire. He took a quick survey of Nicholas's taste, noting a clear preference for certain styles. After finishing his tour, he closed the wardrobe doors, looked toward the balcony, and let out a long sigh.

  Pulling a book from one of the shelves, Liam sat at Nicholas’s desk to read while he waited. Eventually, sleep claimed him right there, his head resting on the very pages he hadn't expected to find so captivating.

  Nearly two hours later, Nicholas returned, stunned to find Liam slumped over his desk amidst a pile of books. "What is this fool doing, sleeping at the desk?" He sighed and approached cautiously, expecting Liam to bolt awake as he had before. To his surprise, the boy remained still. With a resigned huff, Nicholas decided to move him to the bed. He strained under the weight, struggling to carry Liam across the room. The moment they reached the bed, he dropped him unceremoniously. "Good grief... have I aged so much that I can barely lift this lad?" Nicholas wheezed, his words broken by desperate gasps for air.

  Nicholas pulled the covers over Liam and noticed the balcony doors were wide open. "I don’t recall leaving those open." He went to shut them so the boy wouldn't freeze to death, and as he turned back, he saw the unfinished plate of food.

  He looked at Liam with a flicker of concern. "What could have happened to leave him in such a state...?" Nicholas wondered, sensing a lingering restlessness in the boy that seemed far from simple.

  Moving back to his desk, Nicholas found another book lying beside his own. "Was he reading this?" He glanced at the contents—a story of a young boy embarking on a quest to find himself. Nicholas offered a small smile. "So, you’re that type, hmm?" He set the books aside, being careful not to close them, and took his own volume to the chair by the window. He read until his eyes began to heavy of their own accord, and he drifted into a deep, peaceful slumber.

  The following morning, Liam stirred early. He rose from the bed, his eyes narrowing against the intrusive glare of the morning sun. "When did I end up here?" he murmured softly, casting the duvet aside as he stood.

  He scanned the room, a brief flicker of tension crossing his face until he found Nicholas asleep in the armchair. A sense of relief washed over him. He picked up the fallen blanket and draped it gently over Nicholas before slipping out of the chamber in search of the Prince, who was likely already at his desk.

  The guards’ expressions darkened as Liam approached the royal study alone, but they had no choice but to let him pass; the Prince had already granted him audience. "Good morning, Your Highness," Liam announced.

  Prince William offered a faint smile, shifting his gaze from the documents in his hand. "Good morning," he replied calmly, setting the papers aside and gesturing for Liam to take a seat. "What brings you here so early?" he asked with genuine kindness. Liam settled in, answering, "I wished to speak with you before our departure."

  The Prince frowned slightly. "Do you not form attachments a bit too quickly?" To him, such a trait seemed like a vulnerability that could lead to Liam's downfall. "Not at all," Liam countered. "I simply treat those I choose exactly how I wish. Shouldn't you be pleased to be among such a limited circle?"

  The Prince let out an involuntary, dry chuckle. "Oh! And why wouldn't I be? Are you not a most intriguing individual, always full of surprises?" Liam nodded, not bothering to offer a verbal retort, his lips curved in a subtle smile. Then, he touched upon the true reason for his visit, a hint of uncharacteristic hesitation in his voice. "In the end... I will be worthy of your trust, will I not?"

  "Liam, I believe you are sincere, yet you are still shrouding something in shadow," the Prince observed, noting the boy's reaction. "Do not think for a moment that I haven't noticed." He smiled—not as a threat, but as a clear indication that nothing remained hidden from him for long.

  "As expected, one cannot keep secrets from you," Liam mocked himself, though a surge of gratitude toward the Prince welled up within him. "I wanted to disclose my plan for the destruction of the Kingdom of the Golden Chrysanthemum." The Prince tilted his head, then gave a gentle, encouraging nod. "Is that why you came?"

  The Prince gestured for him to continue. "Please, I am all ears." Liam didn't hesitate this time, but before he could speak, the Prince added, "I have all the time in the world to listen. Take

  your time."

  "To bring that kingdom to its knees, as I mentioned before, the pendant plays a fundamental role in my strategy. It will be..."