TIGERESS EMERALD

Caspian stood by the grand window, his gaze distant and unseeing, as the dagger in his hand spun effortlessly between his fingers. Something about that girl tugged at the edges of his memory—a faint, stubborn familiarity. She had recognized him too; he had seen it in her eyes.

But why? And where had their paths crossed ?

One fragmented image lingered in his mind, but it felt misplaced, like a piece of a puzzle that refused to fit.

" Your Royal Highness, " Malcolm's voice broke the silence as he entered, his presence calculated yet respectful. He observed the prince emerge slowly from his reverie, the weight of his thoughts evident in his furrowed brow.

" What news do you bring ?" Caspian finally turned, his tone calm but commanding.

" Your Royal Highness, His Majesty has departed from Mythoria " The crown prince's expression darkened, his frown deepening.

Of course.

The King had used Mythoria as a pretext. Whatever his true intentions were, they likely had dire implications.

This recklessness could only mean one thing: the king was pursuing something of great significance—perhaps even a threat to the throne itself.

Caspian understood the stakes all too well. His father had always been a man who clung to power like a miser clung to gold. For him to leave the kingdom, to entrust it's reins to Caspian, was no small gamble.

It was almost an invitation, daring the crown prince to sieze absolute authority as regent.

He had been watching all four kings of all four kingdoms for a few years now. And they just gave him the impression that they belonged in a secret cult or organization.

The way they always gathered on specific days once or twice in six months, to others it would look like a normal meeting between kings but Caspian had a knack for seeing beyond appearances.

He wasn't the crown prince for nothing.

His thoughts circled back to the legendary theif, Leo caud' von .

To him it all just felt like everything was linked and interwoven with each other. Perfectly planned out occurrings, carefully carried out seamlessly as though natural, for plans he felt were bigger than the Empire itself.

And as far as he would take over this kingdom sometimes in the future.

Everything concerning it was his business and his headache to carry, he would definitely get to the bottom of it all.

Especially that of all four kings, it just felt like they had a big plan and his father's behavior strengthened his suspicion.

Caspian sharply exhaled. His thoughts were becoming a tangled mess.

' He needed to take a stroll to clear his mind '

He waved, and Malcolm ever perceptive, understood. Following the crown prince, one step behind.

" Malcolm, what do you make of this untenable predicament ? " He questioned as they strode through the marbled halls, his voice betraying a rare note of irritation.

Malcolm knew just what the crown prince was referring to, he just didn't want to answer to it.

Giving opinions in a palace teeming with power hungry officials was always a dangerous gamble.

He cleared his throat feigning discomfort. But his prince knew him too well.

" Malcolm, that old trick won't work. Answer me " A smirked had crossed the prince's face at Malcolm's silly attempt.

Malcolm sighed inwardly. There was no escaping his master's sharp eye.

" What situation your highness ? " He feigned ignorance, praying for the crown prince to let go off the matter.

" Has my right hand man become so dense " Caspian sneered amusement dancing in his eyes and Malcolm's mouth twitched.

He hesitated, before answering

" Your Royal Highness, I believe the lord Paramount has been adequately dealt with. As for the girl....If indeed she was coerced into servitude, perhaps she ought to be freed " Malcolm began pouring out his knowledge which had the prince smiled in return.

He just knew it, the one thing Malcolm hated was insults. The man's pride soared higher than the palace roof, yet his wisdom and power as one of the most formidable Mages in the four kingdoms were undeniable

Hurl one insult— just one—and he was already doing his best to counter the attack.

" You think so ? Almost every official, wants him gone. You think they'll let him off easily ?"

He had always kept a close eye on the lord Paramount and found no redeeming qualities in the man. If the official had proven useful, Caspian might have speared him.

" And about the girl... You think too kindly of her circumstances. Once within the palace walls, none can leave. Remember that" His voice had now dropped an octave lower, his gaze flickering with something interesting.

Malcolm almost raised a brow, questions swirling in his eyes alongside confusion. There was no such rule that allowed keeping people against their will.

" Your highness—" Caspian raised a hand before he could complete his statement.

" I do not wish to hear it "

again this was the first time the prince shut him out completely of a decision.

" Crown prince Caspian, " A soft melodic voice called out, breaking the stillness of the corridor.

Caspian stiffened

' He had totally forgotten the palace had received guests '

He bit his tongue at his own foolishness before turning , his usual composed expression firmly in place. The imperial princess stood before him, radiating an air of practiced grace.

Her movements, from her bow to the delicate tilt of her head, was laced with deliberated charm.

" Imperial princess Mai, " He greeted her, inclining his head in a measured bow.

" To what do I owe this pleasure ? " Before those words could completely escape his mouth, the princess had moved closed snaking herself too close to him.

Caspian's body stiffened, the very same perfume his mother used filling his nose. His brows twitched in annoyance but more than anything, he had a reputation to maintain.

" Your imperial Highness, do you know what it means to be this close to a man ? . We wouldn't want a stain on your ever pure reputation " He carefully picked his words, trying to untangle himself from her wrap.

She smiled coyly at his words, though higher than him as her father was the Emperor of all four kingdoms together. He still spoke to her without fear, like the future king he actually was.

This was what she wanted. A man who wasn't intimidated by her background or rank and treated her like the lady she was.

' We would get married soon anyways, i don't see why we should hold back ' She internally concluded, not daring to say those thoughts aloud. It could make her come across as desperate, but indeed the crown prince of Alcheria was the most eligible man for marriage across all four kingdoms.

Either by looks or power, he was just unmatchable, he was every noble lady's dream .

" I don't mind, your Royal Highness. This princess wants to take a stroll in the garden. As i do not know the way, if you would be so kind to escort me? " She politely asked, knowing he couldn't refuse.

" Mai , are you imposing on our dear crown prince again ? " Someone loudly scolded from across the hall.....

The voice, though casual, carried weight that sent unease swirling inside Caspian. He knew that tone too well. It belonged to someone who always arrived unannounced, carrying news that could topple even the most stable plans.

Caspian turned slowly, his polite mask intact but his grip on the dagger in his sleeve tightened...