Page 9

CHAPTER 9

P rince Darcel reverently lifted the fragile parchment that had fallen dormant, its vivid images once more reduced to mere symbols. His fingers gripped the edges protectively, as though it contained his heart’s deepest desire. I couldn’t keep my gaze away from him as he stared at the inscriptions, brow furrowed like he meant to decipher them by sheer willpower.

He looked up, his intense gaze locking with mine. With a slight incline of his chin, he beckoned me closer. “Does it give instructions for finding what we need to defeat the curse?” He watched me expectantly.

Should I reveal the full truth of the legend, or continue to safeguard it? This nagging question that had haunted me since the beginning of our quest overshadowed my thoughts as I pored over the ancient scroll for additional information about the curse’s origins, blurring my focus.

“I…hope so,” I responded lamely, undecided on how much to share.

Determination blazed in Prince Darcel’s eyes as he discussed the ingredients necessary to craft the spell that would dispel the darkness. I nodded in vague response, yet though his words echoed the urgency of our quest, unease churned within me as I studied his intent profile. The legend of the celestial dragon intertwined history with my family, while the ingredients he cited were closely guarded secrets of my lineage, adding layers to the already burdensome legacy I carried.

Though Prince Darcel's earnest demeanor had tempered some of my initial reservations, seeing the legend myself reignited my doubts about his true intentions. Could I truly entrust him with secrets that my family had protected for generations? The risk was immense, affecting not just our mission but the very essence of the legacy we were sworn to uphold.

Thanks to the connection forged by my lineage between my thoughts and the sentient lantern, these turbulent thoughts possessed a single audience. Lumis’s whisper gently nudged my silent contemplation. “Your concern makes you a worthy guardian of your legacy, though might I suggest you resolve your worries by testing the prince to determine his true character?”

A test?

Its glow flickered in soft confirmation, a comforting yet poignant reminder of my responsibilities. I considered the idea the lantern had proposed. While I had subconsciously scrutinized the prince’s motives since our journey began, my measurement had been nebulous and intangible, more a pretext to keep him at a safe distance than a true examination of his heart.

I knew my initial judgment had been harsh. It was unfair to hold our first tense meeting against the prince forever—especially considering our current relationship was between him and my masquerade as “Ren”—yet now that I’d finally found the means I’d been seeking to formalize my assessment, I found myself hesitating.

Can you use your magic to illuminate his true intentions? I voiced the question I’d been pondering since discovering the enchanted lantern, my words heavy with implications that could either mend the chasm between us or further widen it irreparably.

“While my abilities allow me to perceive much, the nuances of the prince’s heart require more than magic to discern, especially for one who is not linked to me as you are,” Lumis responded. “I can see that he has both good and evil in his heart, as does every human, but whether he approaches this quest with pure motives is not for me to determine.”

I frowned in puzzlement. What do you mean?

“While your caution to trust him is admirable, are you certain your hesitation stems from genuine concern for your duties as keeper, or is it perhaps influenced by your wounded pride after he questioned your capabilities at your first meeting?”

Lumis’s tone carried a hint of smug knowing. The lantern appeared to not only possess access to my current thoughts but also my memories tinged with irritation from my initial encounter with the prince.

Annoyance clenched my jaw. I’m capable of assessing His Highness impartially. Though the lantern’s words stung with their accuracy, exposing my secrets with the very illuminating magic I’d wanted directed towards the prince instead.

“If that is actually true, then I will leave the judgment of his character to you.” Though Lumis appeared to concede, I sensed the challenge in its words, carefully chosen knowing my pride would compel me to accept the challenge it subtly posed.

The problem consumed my thoughts as night deepened, weighing each step as we ascended the stairs and prepared to rest in one of the temple's spacious antechambers while I wrestled with a way to subtly test the prince’s integrity without revealing my true intentions.

Slowly I constructed a careful test of integrity, orchestrating a moral dilemma that would not only reveal Prince Darcel’s true nature but also clarify whether he was fit to wield the power of the spell that was my duty to protect. Crafting a scenario that would force him to choose between personal gain and the greater good would provide the insight I needed to decide the level of trust I could afford to place in him.

The prince sat apart from us, brow furrowed in concentration as he went over the scroll we’d recovered from the hidden library. He looked up at my approach and offered a rare but warm smile that momentarily caused my steps to falter—both in surprise and at the way the gesture softened the harsh lines of his handsome features.

“Do try to conduct your test without the bias of your attraction.” Lumis’s wry tone drifted from beside my pillow where I’d left it.

Defense immediately stiffened my shoulders. I am not attracted to this odious man!

Though it remained silent, I could sense Lumis’ skepticism drift across the enchanted thread binding our thoughts. It took every ounce of willpower not to send the lantern a glare that would be within the prince’s notice.

“Are you alright, Ren?” Prince Darcel’s voice drew my attention back to him and the off-putting concern that further softened his expression. My heart fluttered against my will and I silently cursed. That blasted lantern was right: I was attracted to the man. That didn’t mean I had to like him, and I possessed enough sense not to allow those aggravating feelings to influence whether or not he was worthy of my trust.

“I’m fine,” I lied, the irony of my dishonesty not lost on me when I was about to try the prince’s own character. I forced a smile, a nearly impossible task beneath Prince Darcel’s searching perusal. I resisted the urge to touch my cheek and ensure that my disguise held.

“If you’re certain.” He held up the scroll. “I wanted to thank you again for your help. Without you, we never would have found this temple, nor recovered this valuable clue about the curse still lingering within the kingdom.”

I couldn’t bring myself to speak under the weight of his uncomfortable praise, so I simply nodded.

“I’ve been poring over this legend to see if there’s anything we might have missed,” he continued. “If you had time, I would appreciate your looking over it again to see if you have any additional insights.”

He’d unknowingly presented the opening I had been hoping for, almost as if he sensed my need to test his character and was determined to meet the challenge head-on.

“That’s actually what I wanted to discuss with you,” I said.

He set aside the scroll, giving me his undivided attention. The intensity of his soulful dark eyes sent a wave of lightheadedness that almost left me dizzy. I took a deep, steadying breath, gathering my courage like I would adorn myself with armor for an upcoming battle.

“The spell we discovered within this legend…I know something about it, even if I can’t read it yet. My family are actually the guardians of the magic that should be able to heal the cursed darkness’s lingering hold upon the land.”

I paused to monitor his reaction to this confession but he didn’t appear surprised, confirming my initial suspicion that he had been fully aware of what my family protected when he recruited us. I braced myself for the pending confrontation, but rather than press me for details, he simply nodded, encouraging me to continue.

I chose my next words carefully so as not to arouse his own suspicion; the prince was far more perceptive than I often wished to admit.

“Part of the legend that has been passed down is the knowledge of a secret ingredient that I am certain could be useful in crafting the spell. This component actually resides within this temple. While not essential as it can be created without it, this ingredient is said to amplify the healing properties of any herbal concoction tenfold, thus enhancing its power and effectiveness.”

Prince Darcel eagerly leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued. “What is this component?”

“Silverleaf.” I held my breath as I awaited his reaction. Prince Darcel had already demonstrated an impressive knowledge of herbal lore—enough to even catch me in a lie during our encounter by the stream—meaning there was a possible risk he would detect my current deceit.

His eyes bulged, a break in his usual composure that confirmed the significance of the herb I’d chosen. While it was a fictional element of the recipe the legend alluded to, the ingredient itself was not only real, but well known for its rarity and value…enough to be tempting for even someone as wealthy as a prince.

“The legendary silverleaf is here , in this temple? But of course…” His voice trailed off as he pondered the possibilities, his eagerness almost tangible. I felt a pang of regret, revealing a truth I hadn’t wanted to acknowledge even to myself—despite my cynicism, I found myself wishing I didn’t have to distrust him.

With a heavy heart, it took every effort to continue setting a trap I no longer desired, yet deemed necessary to discern his true motives and determine if he was worthy of the duty entrusted to me in aiding his quest.

“This silverleaf is stored in a hidden location within the temple, guarded by a sacred pact that forbids its removal. Taking it without respect to the proper rites could bring misfortune or disrupt the peace the temple guards.”

His eyes narrowed, his first sign of suspicion. “If it’s forbidden to be removed, why are you telling me this?”

Guilt seeped over me, but I hastily suppressed it and forged ahead. “Because it is my duty as the herbalist whom you’ve entrusted to present all the knowledge at my disposal for your judgment. Having the silverleaf could significantly aid our quest and even ensure our success after we gather the other elements required to prevent the return of the cursed darkness.”

I could almost see his moral dilemma play across his stoic expression as he weighed the options: the dishonorable act of stealing the silverleaf under the rational of it being necessary for the greater good, or respecting the sacred traditions of my craft despite the potential benefits ignoring them would offer.

After a tense pause, he heaved a deep sigh. “As beneficial as obtaining such a valuable ingredient would be, I cannot in good conscience do so now that you’ve outlined the full consequences. Are you absolutely certain it’s not a necessary component in dispelling the last of the darkness?”

“Correct, though without it our path ahead will prove much more challenging.” I gauged his reaction to this further complication—he had already demonstrated a sense of urgency in combating the curse before it could further tighten its hold over his kingdom, so this admission would deepen the test I’d laid out for him.

His noble determination momentarily faltered at my words before resolve hardened once more. “As unideal as the circumstances are, we must take the longer road, pressing forward regardless of the increased difficulties. Thank you for your honesty; you have given me much to think about.”

Though he concluded our conversation with a note of finality, I remained suspicious of the ease with which he had abandoned the idea, leaving me wondering if his hasty dismissal was merely a mask for his true sinister intentions.

Part of me yearned to investigate further to ensure that my test had indeed concluded in my favor. Yet beneath that practical need, a softer, more personal desire whispered—a longing to continue our conversation not just for insights into his character, but simply for the pleasure of his company. This thought surfaced unbidden, even without Lumis’ probing into my soul; I hastily suppressed it before it could take root.

He turned away, effectively ending our discussion, but my lingering confusion made the matter feel anything but resolved. “You’re truly not going to pursue an herb powerful enough to potentially save countless lives?”

The prince glanced back, expression solemn. “It is indeed a grave dilemma. The temptation to use every tool at our disposal is strong, especially when the stakes are as high as they are. Yet if we compromise our values for short-term gains, we risk losing more than we might save by eroding the very principles that define us.”

I could see the internal struggle reflected in his eyes as he earnestly grappled with the weight of the decision, rather than immediately seizing the opportunity for gain as I had anticipated. His response was not that of a man driven by greed or a disregard for sacred traditions, but rather one guided by a strong moral compass.

Although this was the outcome I had secretly hoped for, a lingering unease still clutched my heart. I had no time to dwell on this emotion as his piercing gaze returned to me, demanding my full attention.

“Considering your heritage carries its own burdens and expectations, tell me how you would handle such a situation.”

I hadn’t expected him to turn the inquiry back to me. I hesitated beneath the weight of his question. “I believe in protecting our heritage, which connects us to something greater than ourselves. However, I also value the wisdom of our ancestors, who understood that true preservation requires adaptation.”

Prince Darcel nodded slowly. “Such a wise perspective speaks of deep respect for both the past and the present challenges.”

I observed him closely, searching for any hint of duplicity or a mere performance of integrity. However, his responses throughout our discussion appeared genuine, marked by a respect for tradition and a measured approach to the moral complexities we faced.

My initial determination to test him began to wane, overtaken by a burgeoning respect and perhaps the first threads of trust. His replies not only demonstrated a depth of character that aligned with my own values, but also hinted that he could indeed be a capable guardian not just of my family’s secrets but the broader welfare of the kingdom.

However, true trust extended beyond a few articulate responses; it was ultimately defined by one's actions. As we finished preparing for the night, I positioned myself between Sir Jiang and Kael, keeping a vigilant watch on Prince Darcel as he took up the first watch. If he harbored any dishonorable intentions, the quiet of the night would present the perfect opportunity for him to reveal them.

I sensed someone staring at me and turned to find Kael still awake, watching me through narrowed eyes, as if trying to solve a complex puzzle. The look vanished the moment he caught my gaze, replaced with his usual smile that for all its friendliness stirred the anxiety that had accompanied his presence ever since our interaction at the stream after he caught me bathing.

Throughout our trek up the misty mountains I’d anticipated a confrontation about my disguise as a man, but his behavior was as it always was. Yet though his good cheer remained, his sharp scrutiny seemed to follow each of my movements; I sensed a shadow carefully concealed behind each friendly gesture, an unease similar to a prisoner awaiting execution.

Kael’s careful observation created the sense that he was privately conducting his own test on my character, making me feel like a hypocrite for the one I’d laid out for the prince. The guilt haunted me as sleep settled over the others and I was kept awake observing Prince Darcel to see whether he was tempted, torn between wanting a reason to continue to dislike him while also yearning for him to prove worthy of my trust.

Though darkness cloaked the chamber, Lumis provided enough light to reach the prince, illuminating his internal conflict evident in the longing looks he frequently cast down the corridor in the direction where he believed the rare silverleaf herb resided. Yet for all his yearn-filled glances, he remained at his post.

“He’s not taking the bait,” Lumis observed.

I sighed. I suppose he’s not .

“Strange that he passed your test and yet you seem so disappointed.”

I startled at the lantern’s insight, one I didn’t want to acknowledge, especially when I had no reason to feel such an illogical emotion. With all that is at stake, why wouldn’t I want to trust him?

“Perhaps as a way to rationalize the deceit you yourself are guilty of.”

I flinched. At least I have a reason for my actions: to protect my father . I felt a sharp stab of sadness and worry, deeply missing the man I’d never been separated from before, and struggling with anxiety over his fragile health. I couldn’t regret taking his place on this quest, but fought against fear that he might not be waiting for me when I returned.

Lumis’s voice softened slightly as it responded, yet it still felt compelled to point out my inconsistency. “And how is that motive any more important than His Highness’s desires to protect his people? You’re simply seeking a reason to keep him at a distance because you’re afraid of what might happen should you get too close.”

Lumis’s observation illuminated parts of my heart I hadn’t known existed, leaving me unsettled. I tried to ignore my lantern, but it was impossible to escape its haunting insights.

I continued to watch Prince Darcel. The longer I studied him, the more I discovered a fascinating side of him—the man beneath his stoic persona when he thought no one was looking. The more I stared, the weaker my resistances became, especially when I began to notice subtle similarities: like myself, his true self seemed to be behind his own disguise. I felt a strange urgency to peel back its layers and peek at what was hidden on the inside.

A deeper, more unsettling desire slowly began to take root within me—I yearned not only to lower my disguise and allow him to see my true self as a woman, but to engage in open and meaningful conversations with him so that we could come to truly know each other, beyond the facades we maintained.

And no matter how long I waited, he didn’t stir from his post to retrieve the silverleaf, making me wonder if he was worth placing my trust in after all.