Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

Chapter 4

Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

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Cater knocked twice on the door to Alric's room, the sound echoing softly in the quiet hallway. When no answer came, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The prince was still sprawled across the bed, sound asleep. His hair was a disheveled mess, and his breathing was slow and steady.

"Cater, not so loud," Alric mumbled groggily, sitting up too quickly and nearly falling off the bed. He caught himself, gripping the edge of the mattress for support.

"It's a big day today, Your Highness," Cater said, standing a few feet away with a faint smirk. "Lady Ava is already awake and waiting for you to escort her around the kingdom. Do you need me to prepare anything?"

Alric ran a hand through his messy hair, still sitting on the edge of the bed. His eyes met Cater's briefly before shifting away. After a moment of silence, he sighed heavily.

"Cater, do you think it's right to follow my father's rules?" Alric asked, his voice quiet but strained. "I know it's a stupid question, but I don't have anyone else to ask."

Cater's brow furrowed as he stepped closer, cautiously sitting on the edge of the bed beside Alric. "Your Highness," he began carefully, "soon, you'll be the king of Avalor. That means you'll have to make your own decisions—ones that come from your heart, not your father's."

He hesitated, glancing down at his hands. "I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn. I think I should—"

Before Cater could stand, Alric reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him in place. The prince stood, pulling Cater to his feet and looking him directly in the eyes.

"I don't love Princess Ava," Alric admitted quietly. "I'm only trying to love her because my father wants us to marry. But I don't want this. I don't want her."

Cater took a deep breath, resting a hand on Alric's shoulder. "Then don't," he said simply. "It's your life, my prince. Only you can decide what's right for you."

They stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of Cater's words settling between them. Alric's gaze flickered down to Cater's hand on his shoulder, and Cater noticed, quickly pulling it away. He smiled awkwardly and stepped back.

"I'll leave you to get ready," Cater said, bowing slightly before walking out of the room.

---

Cater headed to the market, his steps purposeful despite the turmoil in his mind. The streets were busy with the morning hustle, and the smell of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy scent of the market stalls.

When he reached the pig farm, he spotted Jane waiting near the corner, leaning against a wooden post with her arms crossed.

"You're late," she said with a teasing smirk as Cater approached.

"Alric will be out soon with Ava," Cater replied, ignoring her jab. "What's the plan?"

Jane grinned mischievously. "We wait."

The minutes passed slowly, the noise of the market becoming a dull hum in the background. Cater shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting toward the castle gates.

Finally, Jane grabbed his arm and pulled him behind a nearby cart. "They're here," she whispered.

Cater peeked out and saw Alric walking beside Princess Ava. She was all smiles, her movements graceful and calculated, but Alric's expression was forced, his discomfort evident in the stiffness of his posture.

Cater's jaw tightened as he watched the pair. The sight of Ava's hand brushing against Alric's arm sent an unfamiliar surge of anger through him. He turned away, muttering, "I'm leaving."

Jane grabbed his arm again, her grip firm. "Where do you think you're going?" she hissed. "We're supposed to find out if Ava is a witch or not."

Cater hesitated before nodding. Together, they followed Alric and Ava through the crowded market, staying hidden among the stalls and carts.

---

Alric walked silently beside Ava, his eyes fixed on the cobblestone road ahead. He hadn't said a word to her since they'd left the castle.

"So, Prince Alric," Ava said suddenly, her voice breaking the tense silence. "Tell me, what do you like in a woman?"

The question caught him off guard, and he stopped walking, turning to her with a mix of confusion and uncertainty. "I… I don't know," he admitted after a pause. "I've never been with a woman before."

Ava's smile widened, and she stepped closer to him, her hands brushing lightly against his arm. "Then you're in luck," she whispered. "Because you've just found your woman."

Cater watched from a distance, his fists clenching as he felt his demon side stirring. His blood boiled, and his breathing quickened.

"I need to go," Cater muttered to Jane, turning away abruptly.

Jane stepped in front of him, her eyes narrowing as she studied his face. Her gaze dropped to his eyes, widening as she noticed the edges of his irises darkening to black.

"Cater," she said sharply. "You're losing control. If anyone sees you like this—"

Cater closed his eyes, taking a deep, shaky breath. After a moment, he opened them again, and they had returned to normal.

"Sorry," he said quietly, trying to step around her, but Jane blocked his path again.

"Is something wrong?" she asked, her tone softer now. "Are you upset because I brought you here?"

Cater shook his head, forcing a weak smile. "It's nothing. I'm just not in the mood right now."

Jane's frown deepened as she stepped closer, her expression serious. "You're hiding something, Cater. I can tell."

Cater avoided her gaze, his fists clenching at his sides.

"Cater," she continued, her voice steady but firm. "You've been my friend for as long as I can remember. I've seen you angry, sure, but this is different. You're not just angry. You're… sad. Defeated. Like someone's taken all the fight out of you."

She paused, searching his face for a reaction. "Tell me the truth, Cater. Do you love Alric?"

Cater's breath caught, and his head snapped up to look at her.

"I'm not talking about the loyalty a servant feels for their master," Jane said, her tone gentle but insistent. "I mean real love. The kind of love that binds two people together. So, I'll ask again: do you love Alric?"

For a long moment, Cater didn't speak. His hands trembled as he tried to find the right words, but nothing came.

"Jane…" he began finally, his voice barely above a whisper.