His eyes grew wide when he realized that his body was paralyzed. He noticed the queen’s terrified face. His eyes turned to the king to see his smile of satisfaction. From his side, he could hear whispers from the man and the weight of Ariadne's hand on his other shoulder.

  ‘Don’t worry, Edmund; this is just for the treaty; you know that slavery is illegal, but I will not give one of your siblings to them.’ Rufus looked into the young man's eyes.

  ‘Edmund, you can only imagine how surprised I was to learn that you are the king's son, given that I was about to trade one prince for you. I’m going to be an excellent master. Don't worry.’ Ariadne nudged Edmund's shoulder while whispering into his ear.

  Edmund could move, and Ariadne pressed his shoulder downward when he tried to get up.

  ‘Don’t move, peasant; just speak your mind from where you are.’ She spoke.

  He looked at his family, anger showing on his face. His brothers looked down when they saw his expression, and his sister was ?shocked, looking at him with wide eyes. The queen? was not looking at him, her eyes switching between her sons and the table?. Only his father was looking at him with a grin on his face.

  ‘Why did you do this to me, Father? I could have shown you more like what I have shown you...’ Edmund ?stopped talking.

  ‘Silence!!!’ Ariadne shouted.

  It was confusing for Edmund, but ?all he could do was stare at his family with tears streaming from his eyes. But not that he couldn’t speak; it was more like he didn’t want to talk anymore.

  According to a book he had read, slavery was prohibited on the continent because of how it was carried out on people. You had to obey the orders; it ?became your will. A nobleman could only use this magic once in his lifetime, which is a drawback; even with this, it was outlawed.

  ‘Edmund, respect the king's choice; it is in the best interest of all concerned, even yours.’ Ariadne caresses Edmund's cheek from behind.

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  ‘You know how this spell works, huh? If he dies, the treaty is null, so be careful.’ Rufus pointed at the princess.

  ‘We will take good care of him, so don’t be alarmed. We will have long-lasting peace between Velvent and Lavan.’ The archduke spoke as he signed the documents.

  The archduke got up and walked toward the door. Rufus just observed him leave, and the others got up from the table. Ariadne looked at the royal family and came closer to Edmund's ears.

  ‘Come, peasant. We will get your belongings; it will be a great partnership; follow me.’ She whispered.

  As he followed Ariadna, he remembered his mother, who looked sad to see him in that state, and his father, who was pleased with everything while stroking his chin.

  As he passed Gustav and Lucia, a smile could be seen on his face. The maid was surprised by Edmund’s unexpected hug, and as she was about to return the favor, Edmund started to follow Ariadne again. All Lucia could do was stand there with tears in her eyes.

  Once out, Ariadne passed the carriage she was supposed to exit and started to walk toward the warehouse. Her guards followed her, but she ordered them not to, with Edmund behind her with a hand motion.

  ‘You may now speak, peasant. But first, remember that I am in charge; think before you speak.’ Ariadne looks at the young man.

  ‘What will now happen to me? Am I going to prison?’ He lamented.

  ‘Don’t be silly, peasant. Your task is to finish your creations so I can gain power in my kingdom.’ She spoke to him in a commanding tone.

  ‘But you are a princess; why do you need more power?’ Edmund looked at Ariadne's back, puzzled.

  ‘Are you blind? How can you fail to notice the distinction between me and my father? I am a Chatzi, a half-breed; my mother was an A-dam; she died giving birth to me.' The princess looked at her own hands.

  ‘I’m sorry, the outside world is a mystery; nobody can talk to me; my worldview comes from books.’ Edmund clenched his fists.

  ‘Hump, I can’t expect you to know everything; after all, you are a peasant. Don’t worry; I’m not going to treat you poorly, but don’t expect the same from the citizens of the kingdom, even if I hear whispers.’ She spoke to him while her ears lowered slightly.

  ‘I understand, but I have something to say to you first.’ He got next to her.

  ‘What? Before that, I must say that you are accepting being a slave well; I believe that the transition from beggar to slave status is not difficult.’ She chuckled.

  ‘I can leave this place and keep working on my things; that is all good for me. Thank you for this, as my father didn’t give me a chance. I am not going to let you down, Your Highness.’ The young man smiled.

  He stopped in front of her and bowed to Ariadne. She was intrigued by the idea that he might be using her. Edmund didn’t like his situation, but it could be an opportunity if he pushed the right way.

  ‘You know flattery; that is interesting. I only expect the best from my subjects; we have much work to do; I have an empire to build, after all.’ Ariadne continued to walk

  ‘What if I told you that everything I build has only one reason? The old stories about the hero and demon lord were real; he would return, but the hero is not.’ Edmund followed behind her.

  ‘What a silly thing to say. My empire will crush the demon lord if he comes; there is no need for a hero, a peasant. You will make me invincible.’ She grinned.