Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

Chapter 8

Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

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Alric walked into his father's chamber, his fists clenched as he stared at King Authur, who was seated behind his desk. The king barely glanced up from his papers before removing his glasses and addressing his son.

"Alric, what are you doing here? The wedding is about to start. You should be with your bride, not here."

Alric stepped closer, his heart pounding as he tried to steady his voice. "Father, I need to speak with you."

King Authur looked up, surprised by the serious tone in Alric's voice. He leaned back in his chair, gesturing for Alric to continue.

"I don't want to marry Princess Ava," Alric said firmly.

The words hung in the air for a moment before his father's expression shifted from surprise to anger. "What did you just say?"

"I don't love her, Father," Alric continued, stepping closer. "I'm not a child anymore, and you can't decide who I marry. I won't go through with this wedding. It's best to cancel it now, while there's still time."

Before he could finish, King Authur rose from his chair and slapped Alric across the face.

"How dare you say such foolish things?" the king roared. "Do you have any idea how many kingdoms have gathered to celebrate this marriage? You're a prince, and you will marry a princess. That is the law!"

Alric stood in stunned silence, his cheek stinging from the blow. He felt a mix of hurt and anger boiling inside him. Without saying a word, he removed the crown from his head and placed it on his father's desk.

"If that is the law, then I don't want to be a prince anymore," Alric said quietly but firmly. "I'm tired of you treating me like a child. I'm not a boy, Father. I'm a man, and I refuse to marry Princess Ava."

As he turned to leave, King Authur's cold voice stopped him in his tracks.

"You are my son, and I make the rules," the king said, his tone sharp and unyielding. "You will not leave this castle, and you will marry Princess Ava. That is final."

Alric froze for a moment, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His father's words echoed in his mind as he stormed out of the chamber, his anger getting the best of him as he punched a nearby wall.

---

Meanwhile, at the wedding reception, Cater stood in the shadows, his gaze fixed on his aunt. She raised her glass in his direction, a sly smile on her lips that made his blood boil. He knew he had to act before it was too late.

"Cater," Jane's voice interrupted his thoughts as she appeared beside him.

He turned to her, guilt flashing across his face. "Jane, I…" He paused, then grabbed her hand and whispered, "I'm sorry. I yelled at you earlier, and I shouldn't have. Can you forgive me?"

Jane looked at him for a moment, her expression softening. She nodded. "It's fine, Cater. But what are you going to do now? Your aunt is going to marry Alric while pretending to be Princess Ava. I know you won't let that happen. Do you have a plan?"

Cater hesitated before nodding. "I'll need your help with something," he said quietly.

---

Alric walked through the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps echoing against the stone walls. He was still fuming over his father's refusal to listen to him. The thought of marrying someone he didn't love made his chest tighten.

Suddenly, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the hallway into darkness. He stopped, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword.

"Who's there?" Alric called, his voice steady despite the unease creeping over him. "Show yourself!"

The sound of footsteps echoed from all directions, growing louder. Alric gripped his sword tightly, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Come out!" he shouted. "I am Prince Alric, and I'm not afraid of you!"

Before he could react, something struck him from behind, and everything went black.

---

"Did you really have to hit him?" Cater whispered, glaring at Jane, who was holding a wooden stick.

Jane shrugged, lowering the stick. "Hey, this was your idea. You told me to knock him out."

Cater sighed, placing his hand over his face in frustration. "Let's just get him somewhere safe."

---

Back at the reception, King Authur sat at the head of the table, his gaze scanning the room. He frowned when he noticed Alric was still missing. He sent guards to look for him, but they returned empty-handed.

As the king prepared to make an announcement, Princess Ava rose from her seat, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

"It's alright, Your Majesty," she said sweetly. "Perhaps he's just nervous. I'll go look for him."

The king nodded, and Ava left the reception hall, her calm smile hiding the malice brewing inside her.

She walked into the empty hallway, her steps echoing softly as she glanced around. Once she was sure no one was watching, her smile widened into a sinister grin.

"I know you're here, nephew," she said, her voice carrying through the darkness. "I can smell you."

A faint sound behind her caught her attention. She turned to see Cater standing there, a sword wreathed in flames in his hand.

"I warned you, Aunt," Cater said coldly. "I won't let you marry Alric. No matter what."

His aunt's grin widened as her form began to shift. Her eyes darkened to black, her skin rippling as she transformed into her true demon form.

"Oh, Cater," she said mockingly as she stepped closer. "You really think you can stop me? I think someone needs to be taught a lesson. Don't you agree?"

The tension in the air was palpable as they stared each other down. Just as Cater prepared to strike, Jane appeared beside him, her stance firm.

"I don't think he needs to learn a lesson," Jane said, glaring at the demon. "But you definitely do."