Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

Chapter 7

Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

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The music was loud, and the air was filled with the sound of laughter and celebration as the guests reveled in the joy of the wedding festivities. Cater stood in the shadows, his eyes fixed on his aunt—disguised as Princess Ava. His mind raced, unsure of how to stop the wedding or protect Alric from marrying a demon.

"Cater, are you alright?" Jane's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present.

He turned to look at her briefly. "Yeah, I'm fine," he whispered before turning back to the scene in front of him.

Jane crossed her arms, watching him closely. "You know," she began softly, "you could just forget all of this. Walk away and return to your life. You said that woman is your aunt, and now she's pretending to be Princess Ava. But if you try to tell anyone, they'll think you're insane."

Cater turned to face her, his expression blank, saying nothing. Jane followed him as he began to walk away.

"You know I'm right," she pressed. "This is pointless, Cater. Why don't we just leave? This isn't our fight anymore. We can go far away and forget this ever happened."

Before Jane could finish her sentence, Cater grabbed her by the neck and slammed her against the wall. His eyes had darkened to an inky black, his voice a low growl.

"No one tells me what to do. Got it?"

He released her, stepping back as he clenched his fists and walked away in anger.

---

Cater slammed the door to his room, his chest heaving as he leaned against it. The sound of the festivities outside only fueled his frustration. He stalked to his small bed, sitting down heavily and burying his head in his hands.

The image of his aunt standing beside Alric burned in his mind, her fake smile and deceitful words taunting him. His hands shook with rage as he fought to keep his demon side in check. He wanted to stop the wedding, to confront her, to expose her. But if he did, his secret would be revealed.

Just as his thoughts spiraled, there was a knock at the door. Cater ignored it, keeping his head in his hands.

"Go away, Jane. Not now," he growled.

But the voice on the other side wasn't Jane's.

"Cater."

Cater froze, his breath catching. He stood up slowly and opened the door to find Alric standing there, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Your Highness?" Cater asked, his voice quieter than usual.

"Why are you here?" Alric asked, stepping inside before Cater could respond. He closed the door behind him and turned to face Cater.

"I saw you leave the party," Alric said, his brow furrowed. "You didn't look happy. Is everything alright?"

Cater's heart raced as he avoided Alric's gaze. He didn't know why, but every time he looked at the prince, he felt exposed, vulnerable.

"Cater? Hello?" Alric's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Sorry, Your Highness," Cater said quickly. "I was just… busy. Do you need help with something?"

Alric looked at him closely before sitting down on Cater's bed. He patted the spot beside him. "Come on, sit. I want to talk."

Cater hesitated but eventually sat down, his hands resting awkwardly on his knees. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Just as Cater opened his mouth to say something, Alric beat him to it.

"I don't want to marry her," Alric said suddenly, his voice quiet but firm.

Cater turned to look at him, his expression unreadable.

"My father thinks following tradition is the best choice," Alric continued. "He wants me to marry a princess to keep the legacy alive and pass it down to the next generation. But I don't want that. I want to find someone who's right for me—someone I love. I'm not just a prince, Cater. I'm also a knight, a warrior who fights to protect this kingdom. Soon, I'll be king, and I want to spend my life with someone who truly understands me, not someone chosen for me."

Cater took a deep breath, his chest tightening. For a moment, he felt a flicker of happiness knowing Alric didn't want to marry his aunt. But sadness quickly followed, knowing he could never tell Alric the truth about himself.

"Then why don't you talk to your father?" Cater whispered, his voice barely audible.

"What?" Alric asked, leaning closer.

Cater turned to face him, his voice slightly louder this time. "Why don't you tell him how you feel? Maybe he'll understand. I know I'm just a servant, and I have no right to give advice, but… take me as a friend for a moment and listen. Sometimes, people don't know what you want unless you tell them."

His voice softened at the end, almost a whisper. "I wish I could do the same with my father…" The last part was so quiet, Alric didn't catch it.

For a moment, Alric stared at Cater, processing his words. Then, a small smile appeared on his face.

"You're right," Alric said finally. "I've been so caught up in thinking of ways to stop this marriage, and the one person who has the power to change things has been right there the whole time. I was just too stupid to talk to him."

He stood up, looking down at Cater with newfound determination. "Thanks, Cater. I appreciate it more than you know."

Cater stood as well, watching as Alric turned to leave.

"Thanks again, friend," Alric said, pausing at the door. "I promise I'll repay you for all you've done. And… I'm sorry if I've ever been a spoiled prince to you."

Cater chuckled lightly. "I'm happy you've learned that," he said, his tone teasing.

Alric smiled, pulling Cater into a quick hug before stepping out of the room.

For a long moment, Cater stood frozen, staring at the closed door. Finally, he sat back down on the bed, his emotions swirling.

"One day," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible. "One day, I'll tell you everything, Alric. And I'll prove my feelings to you."