Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

Chapter 10

The Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

One Week Later

"Cater!" Alric's voice boomed through the halls.

Cater hurried into the room, a folded cloak draped over his arm. He found the prince pacing anxiously, his expression tight with impatience.

"My party is about to start, and there's a hall full of guests arriving," Alric said. "Where's my cloak? Why isn't it ready?"

Cater remained calm, laying the cloak gently on the bed. "Your Highness, it's ready now. Do you need anything else?"

Alric sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yes. I'll need you by my side all day. Since it's my birthday, everyone will want a moment with me, and I can't keep track of it all. But first..." He grabbed a folded piece of parchment and handed it to Cater. "Take this to the new healer in town. My father seems to think highly of him. He claims the man is gifted with herbs and remedies. I don't know what's written here, but I'm sure he'll understand."

Cater nodded, tucking the note into his pocket. As he turned to leave, Alric added, "And Cater, don't be late. I need you back before the party begins."

With a slight smile, Cater left, heading toward the healer's cottage. He wondered why the king needed another healer when the castle already had a skilled one.

The healer's hut stood at the edge of town, a small wooden structure surrounded by thick forest. Cater approached the door, feeling an odd sense of unease. He knocked lightly, but before his hand fell a second time, the door creaked open.

An elderly man with clouded, unseeing eyes stood in the doorway.

"Hello, sir," Cater greeted, stepping inside hesitantly.

The man turned away without a word, moving toward a table cluttered with jars and herbs. Cater followed. "I'm Cater. The king asked me to deliver this letter to you."

The healer turned abruptly, his milky-white eyes somehow locking onto Cater's. "I know who you are," he said, his voice low and steady.

Cater froze, caught off guard. "Oh... well, that makes this easier." He held out the letter, but as the man reached for it, his hand closed around Cater's wrist instead.

The grip was firm, almost unnervingly so. "Tell me, boy," the healer said, his tone sharpening. "What is the son of the Dark Lord doing in a place as dangerous as Avalor?"

Cater's blood ran cold. He yanked his arm away, trying to keep his expression neutral. "I don't know what you're talking about."

The man chuckled, settling into a worn chair and gesturing for Cater to sit. Cater ignored the invitation, staying on his feet.

"You can hide it from others," the healer continued. "But not from me. I may be blind, but I see more than most. You think the prophecy makes you a savior, don't you?" He shook his head. "You don't understand the cost of your mission."

"What do you mean?" Cater asked, his voice low and wary.

The healer reached into a bag and pulled out a tattered book. Flipping through its pages, he stopped and handed it to Cater. "You've read the prophecy, haven't you? The part that says you'll protect the prince from danger?"

Cater nodded stiffly.

"Then you missed the rest," the healer said grimly. "Read this."

Cater's eyes scanned the page, his heart sinking as he read: 'The protector's actions will awaken a fate that could lead the chosen heir to ruin.'

"What kind of nonsense is this?" Cater demanded, slamming the book shut. "How would you even know what's written here? You're blind!"

The healer smirked. "Blind, but not powerless. I have more than one way to see, boy. But don't take my word for it. Keep going, and you'll see for yourself what this prophecy truly means."

Cater glared at him, his hands clenching into fists. Finally, he turned and stormed out of the hut. The healer's words echoed in his mind, chilling him. Could the prophecy really mean that protecting Alric would endanger him?

By the time Cater returned to the castle, Alric was waiting for him near the grand hall. "There you are!" Alric exclaimed, grabbing Cater's arm. "What took you so long? Come on—the party is about to start, and I need you with me."

Cater pushed the healer's warnings to the back of his mind, forcing himself to focus on the present. "Apologies, Your Highness. I'm ready."

The party was already in full swing by the time they entered. The hall was filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. Nobles and knights mingled, their festive attire glittering in the candlelight.

Cater stayed close to Alric, quietly assisting him throughout the evening. But no matter how hard he tried to ignore it, the healer's words lingered. Was his presence here truly putting Alric in danger?

He watched as Alric moved through the crowd, laughing and chatting with guests. For a moment, Cater let himself relax. Seeing Alric like this—happy and carefree—made him question the healer's dire warnings.

Hours passed, and the guests began to leave. Alric, however, had drunk far more than usual and could barely stay upright. He stumbled back into his chair, laughing loudly at something Cater couldn't hear.

"Alright, Your Highness," Cater said, helping him to his feet. "Let's get you to bed."

Alric mumbled something incoherent, leaning heavily on Cater as they made their way to his chambers. Once inside, Cater guided him to the bed and gently eased him down.

As Cater turned to leave, Alric grabbed his hand. "Don't go," he whispered, his voice softer than Cater had ever heard it.

Cater hesitated, looking down at the prince. "You've had too much to drink," he said lightly. "Rest now. You'll feel better in the morning."

But Alric didn't let go. Instead, he pulled Cater forward, catching him off guard. Cater stumbled slightly, finding himself pressed against Alric's chest.

Alric wrapped his arms around him in a loose hug, his breath warm against Cater's ear. "Stay," he murmured.

For a moment, Cater froze, unsure of what to do. Then he slowly relaxed, letting himself lean into the embrace. He looked up at Alric, who was already half-asleep, and allowed a small smile to tug at his lips.

Maybe, just for tonight, he could let his guard down.