CHAPTER 33: PRINCE

They moved up the broad stone steps in a line, the three of them flanked by soldiers who watched every face that passed with automatic suspicion. Seraphine’s fingers found Edward’s arm and curled around it; she squeezed once, as if seeking something steady. The tightness in her grip made him oddly aware of the weight of the tokens warm in their pockets.

Before they could even reach the heavy doors, a half-dozen guards barred their path. Helmets gleamed under the sun, spears catching the light like a forest of thin stars. One of the sentries stepped forward with a curt, professional air and blocked their way.

Aeris, never one for needless delays, slid her hand into her pocket and produced the chief’s token with a quick, practised motion. She held it up without a word. The soldier’s eyes flicked to it, then to her, then to the chief’s residence behind them. A silent conversation passed between the men—glances, a hushed murmur—and finally the lead soldier inclined his head.

"Go on," the guard said, whipping his head to the side to indicate for them to move.

They were stopped two more times, and each time they had to present the token. But before long, they were finally allowed entry into the Chief’s office.

The guard knocked twice on the wooden door before swinging it open. Inside, two figures stood framed by the sunlight piercing through the windows.

One of them was Chief Warren, whose face looked a mixture of confidence and nervousness. Beside him stood a younger man who had the look of spring sunlight—blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a smile warm enough to thaw frost.

"Ah, Edward, Aeris... you’re here. Please come in," Chief Warren said, stepping forward to greet them. "This is Prince Arthur, heir to the throne and the only son of King Rowan."

Aeris inclined her head in a crisp, respectful bow. Edward and Seraphine offered curt nods, their posture more cautious than deferential. Prince Arthur’s smile was easy. His presence filled the room like a pleasant breeze, at once confident and disarming.

"Aeris..." the prince said from across the room, his curiosity warm and easy. "The same Aeris who bested one of your Royal Guards?"

Aeris’ jaw tightened slightly.

"Yes," she answered.

Chief Warren’s eyes flicked away for a heartbeat at the mention, worry creasing his features. For a bright moment, it looked as if the prince might bristle, but he only laughed softly.

"The chief has filled me in on everything," Arthur said. Then he turned his gaze to Edward.

"You must be Edward. I’ve heard you were the one who gathered all the information. I do have to admit I expected someone... older."

Edward inclined his head before speaking in an even tone.

"Your Majesty’s arrival was... rather loud. The Church of the Crimson Oath was sure to take note."

Prince’s eyes widened slightly before he gave out a low chuckle.

"You are a very straightforward person, Edward. Yes. My arrival was nothing short of loud. I suggested to my father that I should arrive in secret, but he rejected the idea, saying the prince must be seen as he purges all evil."

A moment of awkward silence filled the office until Aeris’ voice cut through it.

"We must act before they change their meeting location," she said. Her voice was low and urgent. "Striking now is our best chance at success"

Prince Arthur nodded quietly, then his gaze moved to Edward as if expecting him to object to the idea.

"We can mask the prince’s arrival," Edward said, noticing the Prince’s gaze on him, "We can create some public announcement—an event they’ll expect the prince to attend. Make it loud, make it visible. If they’re led to believe the arrival of the Prince was purely for that event, they’ll assume we don’t know their location. If we can ensure their meeting isn’t called off because of scrutiny, they’ll attend the same place as always. Then we strike."

Aeris’s brows rose. The prince’s smile tightened into something analytic while Chief Warren remained quiet.

"That could work," Prince Arthur said slowly, responding first. "An occasion that demands presence—a proclamation, perhaps an engagement announcement. It’s unwise for an heir to hide, yes, but if I announce something public and we use that to anchor their expectations..."

Edward met his gaze. "If they’ll still meet in the same place, two days from now, then we can strike them all at once."

"Two days," Arthur repeated, and then he brightened as if a plan had lit up behind his eyes. "Excellent. I will announce my engagement today. Tomorrow we will hold a ball—an ornate, public affair. Then, the day after, we strike."

The moment the Prince finished speaking, a thousand small movements followed. The Chief sent a flurry of orders to his servants, putting the sudden preparations in place.

Edward felt the plan anchor in his stomach—two days. It was enough time to prepare, and not enough time for the Crimson Oath to suspect anything. He allowed himself a thin nod, accepting the idea in his head.

Prince Arthur excused himself with a smile and a curt bow and left to make arrangements to announce his engagement. While the Chief was calling servant after servant, giving each a different set of orders.

Realising it was their cue to leave, the three of them left the chief’s residence, though this time using the rear exit.

The streets outside were choked at the front of the building. People pressed shoulder to shoulder, craning to catch glimpses of the royal convoy and to whisper gossip about the prince. It would have been reckless to push through the throng with Seraphine at their heels—her face plainly known to any present member of the Church.

For a moment, Edward wondered why the girl even had to come along, but he didn’t voice the thought.

Instead, his mind focused on the matter at hand.

In two days, they would strike the lair of the Church of the Crimson Oath.