CHAPTER 22: THE PRINCE WHO POISONED THE KING

Alvaro shivered as he stood in front of an old hut. To avoid the secret soldiers, they had to walk a long way until they finally found the place.

The hut, which Alvaro believed to be the original one, now had only a wooden roof full of holes and looked fragile. The supports were still sturdy, thanks to the tree roots surrounding it.

Though extremely tired and sleepy, he couldn’t afford to rest. He kept checking outside to make sure the soldiers weren’t chasing them anymore. For several hours, they remained safe.

Alvaro yawned. He looked at Sylas, who was sleeping on a palm leaf. If he hadn’t forced him, the man probably wouldn’t have wanted to sleep at all. He even had to pretend to sleep beside him. He didn’t understand why the man had no survival instincts.

At a time like this, resting together was dangerous. But he knew Sylas must be starving and exhausted. So many unexpected things had happened in the past few days.

He sat on an old tree root that was protruding and damp with dew. He didn’t care if his pants got dirty from moss. He had to think of a way to return to the palace.

He had sent a secret message to the general. But now he began to doubt whether it would reach him—or worse, whether the general was even on their side.

The enemy?

What were they actually facing?

Alvaro bowed his head. He felt his hands tremble slightly. He had to be strong—he knew that. But right now, he was a little scared of the danger lurking around them. What would happen to Sylas if something happened to him?

"Damn," he muttered softly under his breath.

"Alvaro, go to sleep," Sylas’s voice echoed. The man rose from his sleeping spot and walked closer.

Alvaro turned to see the prince’s pale figure. Even without his royal attire, his face still carried the aura of royalty. How could they possibly stay safe?

"It’s not morning yet. Go back to sleep," Alvaro said.

"You haven’t rested since yesterday. Get some sleep—I’ll keep watch," Sylas replied, sitting on another tree root in front of him.

"No, I can’t sleep. You should sleep more. I’ll stay here."

Sylas stared intently. "I’ve slept long enough. I know how to fight. You don’t need to worry about leaving me awake for a while. You need your strength if you’re going to keep protecting me—how can you do that if you’re exhausted?" he said firmly.

Alvaro nearly covered his ears. "Sylas, I—"

"I’ll wake you up if I hear anything," Sylas cut him off.

Alvaro was hesitant, but Sylas stared at him so sharply that he eventually leaned against the tree trunk behind him. Before Sylas could say another word, Alvaro raised a hand to gesture for silence.

"I can sleep in any position," Alvaro reminded him.

Sylas finally let him be, watching as the man fell asleep sitting up, arms crossed. Whatever the position, as long as Alvaro was getting some rest, that was enough. They would face a lot tomorrow.

A few hours later, the morning sunlight filtered through the leaves. Alvaro was startled awake by the movement of his body. He sat up quickly.

Looking around, he realized the surroundings were clearer now. He quickly stood, scanning for Sylas. But no one was inside the hut. He gripped his sword tightly.

Alvaro rushed around the area but found no trace of him.

"Sylas!" he called out, loudly but cautiously.

"Damn! Where is he?!" he muttered, anxious. He ran in every direction, looking for footprints or anything that could give him a clue.

He noticed some bushes were trampled and cut. That instantly made him uneasy. What had happened? Why hadn’t he heard anything?

Alvaro followed the trail with a pounding heart. He slashed through branches in his way, emotions high and thoughts scattered.

After walking a while, he saw movement in the distance. He immediately became alert and moved closer to a large tree. But he sighed in relief when he saw Sylas standing under a banana tree, picking something up.

Alvaro clicked his tongue and walked over. "What are you doing here?!"

Sylas looked up and smiled. "You’re awake? I was looking for food. But this is all I found," he said, opening his hand to show a few berries.

Alvaro didn’t look impressed. "You’re standing next to a banana tree, and you’re looking for berries?"

Sylas stood up and looked at the bananas, which were clearly ripe. "We can’t take them. I saw someone walking nearby. I think this place is close to someone’s home."

"Do you still care?" Alvaro pulled off a few bananas and tossed them to Sylas.

Sylas stared blankly.

"You really wouldn’t survive out here," Alvaro scoffed.

"That doesn’t mean you can just steal them."

"Eat. We have to leave immediately."

"Don’t you want the berries?"

"No. You eat them."

"I feel bad."

Alvaro sighed. He picked up a few berries and popped them into his mouth.

Sylas felt better after eating. With a full stomach, it was as if he could face the world again. Once they were done, they headed in a different direction—toward the edge of the forest.

They tried to cover their faces like soldiers from an organization. It drew some attention from passersby, but they walked as normally as possible. They needed information quickly.

In most towns, the best place to gather news was at the tavern. That’s where they went. Alvaro cursed under his breath—most of their coins and supplies were still with the horse. He only had a few coins left in his pocket.

They entered a small building that looked like an inn. The smell of fresh bread and hot coffee greeted them. A few people were eating and chatting.

Sylas and Alvaro sat in a corner, trying to blend in. But everyone still glanced their way. A waiter came, and they ordered simple food: boiled potatoes and hot drinks.

After a while, the patrons lost interest and went back to chatting. The conversation of three men at the next table caught Sylas and Alvaro’s attention.

"Did you hear the news from the capital? They say King Adrien was poisoned!" one of them whispered.

Sylas listened closely, his heart pounding.

"Poisoned? Goodness... who would do something so awful?" another replied.

"They say... his own son."

Sylas froze. His eyes immediately turned to Alvaro, who signaled for him to stay calm.

"His son?" the man’s voice dropped. "Prince Sylas?"

"Who else? He only has one kid. Besides, if he didn’t plan to continue the bloodline, why would he need a queen? The king likes handsome men!"

Sylas clenched his fists. How dare they gossip about his father like that?

"Shh! Don’t talk recklessly!" one of the others warned.

"They say His Majesty’s younger brother, Prince Virouse, caught Sylas poisoning the king. Now the prince has run off in fear," another added. His words drew everyone’s attention, and soon the table was surrounded by curious listeners.

Sylas was furious. Who dared make up such nonsense?! Why would he poison his own father?!

"Isn’t he supposed to be the heir? Why would he do that?" asked a woman nearby.

"Don’t you know? His Majesty once killed Sylas’s lover. They say the prince still holds a grudge."

Sylas cursed under his breath. He wanted to shout. There was no way he would poison the king—especially not over that.

"Everyone’s gone mad..." the man sighed. "It still a rumor, but I heard they’ve even put a bounty on the prince’s head. Anyone who sees him is supposed to report it immediately."

"If it’s a rumor, how can we know we’ll get a prize? Only a fool would fall for that."

Alvaro gave Sylas a sharp look. "We have to leave. Now."

But before they could move, a heavy, cold voice echoed from the door.

"Search this place!"

At the doorway stood a man in black robes with the royal crest on his cloak. Behind him were three armed soldiers.

Alvaro grabbed Sylas’s hand.