Voltaire's POV
We had only just returned to the farmland, yet ever since we left the brigands' hideout until the moment we arrived here, Aurein, Serena, and Rowan had remained stubbornly attached to me—as if I were some sort of moving fortress they refused to let go of.
"Grandfather! We're back!" Elric shouted cheerfully the moment we stopped in front of their hut.
The door flew open at once, and Elder Henderson appeared.
"Elric! My grandson!" he exclaimed, the relief and worry in his eyes unmistakable as he hurried forward and wrapped Elric in a tight embrace.
"Grandfather! We succeeded in our mission! We rescued the princess and the prince!" Elric announced proudly.
Elder Henderson pulled back, then looked at all of us. His eyes widened in shock before he immediately dropped to his knees in respect.
"I am deeply grateful to see all of you safe," he said, coughing lightly—no doubt from the surge of emotions more than anything else.
"Are you all right, Elder Henderson?" Rowan asked. "It seems your cough has worsened."
"Please don't concern yourself, Lord Rowan. I am perfectly fine," Elder Henderson replied with a smile. He slowly stood up, Elric supporting him at his side. "You must all be hungry and exhausted. If you would allow it, I would be honored to prepare a meal for you. And if you wish, you may rest here in our humble hut. It is not grand nor spacious, but I hope it will be of some help."
"General Voltaire, you may put me down now," Aurein whispered.
I did as he asked. He immediately approached Elder Henderson with a gentle smile.
"Please don't trouble yourself, Elder Henderson. I can cook instead, if you'd like," Aurein said warmly.
"Oh no! That simply won't do, Your Highness!" Elder Henderson protested in alarm. "It would be far too shameful of me to allow such a thing."
"It would be far more shameful if you tended to all of us alone," Aurein replied calmly.
"But, Prince—"
"Elder Henderson, don't worry. Once he decides on something, there's no stopping him, even if you refuse," Rowan said. "He's just like Elric."
All eyes turned to Elric, who was grinning at us with all his teeth on display.
Elder Henderson let out a helpless sigh, clearly defeated.
"Then at least allow me to assist you, Prince Aurein," he said. "I would be far too anxious to simply watch you work."
"Okay! No problem!" Aurein replied cheerfully. "Serena will help too, right?"
"Me? Absolutely not," Serena snapped. "I want to bathe. Don't drag me into this."
"There is a stream nearby where we usually bathe, Princess," Elder Henderson offered.
"Perfect. I just want to cleanse myself of those disgusting brigands," Serena said with a shudder. "I feel like they violated every inch of my skin. Ugh. I need my clothes first." She took a step forward, then abruptly stopped. "Where is my luggage?"
"I left it in front of the barn," I said.
"What? My things! What if they've been stolen already?" she cried in panic.
"I'll go get them," I said.
"No need. I'll retrieve them instead," Rowan said suddenly.
"Are you sure?" I asked. "I can come with you."
"You can stay here, General Voltaire," Rowan replied. "I'll bring all of your belongings here first. Then I'll prepare the place where the three of you will stay."
"If you wish, you may stay in my home for now," Elder Henderson added. "I also have another empty hut nearby that you may use."
Rowan turned to me. "What do you think, General Voltaire? You're in command of this mission. Your word is law. If you want to stay here or if you still want me to prepare a new place for the three of you."
I glanced at Aurein, who was smiling and nodding eagerly. Elric looked just as excited.
Serena, meanwhile, was inspecting her own skin as if dirt might still be hiding somewhere.
"Anywhere is okay as long as I can sleep peacefully." Serena uttered.
"I suppose it won't hurt to stay," I said. "This place is peaceful and far from crowds."
"Yes!" Aurein and Elric exclaimed at the same time, clasping each other's hands.
"Then I'll place your belongings there. I'll be heading out now," Rowan said.
"Would you like Elric to accompany you, Lord Rowan?" Elder Henderson asked.
"No need. I'll go alone," Rowan replied.
"If that is your wish, please take care," Elder Henderson said, coughing lightly once more.
"All right. Thank you," Rowan said before heading off.
"Hurry up, Rowan!" Serena called irritably. "I'm itching all over. I need a bath already!"
Rowan soon disappeared in the direction where we had left Serena's luggage.
"Well then," I said, "while you're cooking, Aurein, I'll prepare our sleeping quarters. You're sure you won't get kidnapped again, right? I'll only be out of your sight for a moment."
"Relax. Nothing will happen this time," Aurein replied lightly. "If I smell something suspicious again, I'll just run straight to you."
"Prince Aurein, with Elric and I will cook together, General Voltaire," Elder Henderson said. "Please don't worry."
"Good," I said, then turned to Serena. "Since they're handling the food, and we'll have to wait for Rowan to get your stuff, you'll help me fix the hut we'll be staying in."
She scowled. "Ugh. You're lucky you're General Voltaire. If you weren't, I would've refused immediately."
"I was afraid we'd end up arguing." I said with a grin.
"It seems the prince and princess are quite obedient toward you, General Voltaire," Elder Henderson said with amusement.
"As they should be," I replied. "They know disobedience comes with consequences they won't enjoy." I paused. "By the way, Elder Henderson, where is the hut you mentioned?"
"It's behind my own hut," he explained. "It's open but rather dusty, so it will need some cleaning."
"Serena and I will take care of it," I said.
"Do you want me to help you clean, General Voltaire?" Aurein asked.
"No," I said with a faint smile. "Just focus on cooking. It's been a while since I last tasted your food."
Aurein lowered his head, clearly embarrassed.
"There you go again! Flirting already!" Serena snapped. "Can we move along, please? Let's clean."
"Right away, dear princess," Aurein replied sarcastically, widening his eyes at her. "Apologies for the inconvenience."
"Hmph," Serena huffed.
* * *
We had only just stepped inside the hut Elder Henderson mentioned, and honestly, it wasn't half bad as a temporary shelter.
At least, that was my opinion.
The woman beside me clearly disagreed.
I glanced at Serena, whose face looked like she had just been personally insulted by the existence of dust, wood, and poverty all at once. The disgust on her expression was so vivid it could have been framed and hung on the wall.
"You wanted to join this mission, didn't you, Serena?" I said casually. "So you'll have to endure whatever lodging we have."
"Do I even have another choice?" she replied flatly, sounding like fate itself had betrayed her.
"Do you actually want to help me clean?" I asked. "Because if not, you can just sit somewhere and I'll handle everything."
"Really?" Her eyes immediately sparkled.
I nodded.
"Yes!" she exclaimed, promptly dropping onto a wooden chair as if it had been her plan all along.
So there I was, cleaning and organizing, while Serena supervised from her wooden throne.
"Cover your nose if you don't want to sneeze," I said. "There's a lot of dust."
"Okay!" she chirped, pulling her cloak up to cover her face like an overly dramatic noble fleeing a plague.
As I worked, I noticed that every time I glanced her way, she was watching me. Not helping. Just... watching.
"Do you want to say something?" I asked.
"Hmm," she said. "I'm just... baffled."
"About what?"
"Well—don't get me wrong, General Voltaire," she said quickly. "I'm not insulting you or anyone. I'm just wondering... why you settled for a man like Aurein when you could be with a woman. Someone who could satisfy your needs. Someone who could give you a child."
I stopped what I was doing and looked at her.
"Don't be offended," she added hastily. "I'm just curious. From what I've heard, you used to be quite the womanizer. So what happened? Why are you suddenly attracted to Aurein... who is a man?"
She didn't stop there.
"You're far too handsome and perfect for a man, General Voltaire. You could have any woman you want. Even I admit I'm incredibly attracted to you. I mean, who wouldn't want you as their husband? Aurein is unbelievably lucky that you love him so much." She tilted her head. "But what made you... you know... turn to the other side of the road? And is Aurein going to be the last man you'll ever love?"
For a moment, my mind felt like it was floating, trying to process everything she had just unloaded on me.
"Did I say too much?" she asked softly.
"A lot," I replied.
She sighed. "Fine. Let me put it this way. From your perspective, what led you to fall in love with a man? I'm just curious. No one would ever expect you to be in love with a man."
"Aurein isn't just any man," I said. "He's one of a kind. It was his personality that made me fall for him. And when I saw him dancing so soft and gentle for the first time, that was the reason it made me intrigued about him. A prince was supposed to be strong and commanding, yet, there he was, fragile and small."
"Really?" she pressed. "Or do you just not want to admit that you were also attracted to his body? I mean, you're both men, sure—but Aurein's body is... different. Not the usual kind. Don't you think that played a part?"
"I won't deny it," I said honestly. "That was part of it too. Seeing a man with a body like his was... unfamiliar. It carried a certain thrill."
"But doesn't it feel awkward sometimes?" she asked. "He doesn't have the body of a woman. Don't you ever miss that?"
"It doesn't feel awkward," I said, smirking. "It actually feels very nice when I look at him—if you know what I mean."
She narrowed her eyes. "So... is there any chance you'd fall in love with another man someday? Aside from Aurein? Let's say something happened to him. Like if he died—"
"No!" I shouted, my voice echoing sharply through the hut.
Serena froze.
"Sorry," I said quickly, calming myself. "That was just a reflex. I didn't mean to raise my voice. I just... don't like that thought. The idea of losing him."
She smiled softly then.
"You really love him that much, don't you?" she asked.
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "I would choose him over the world."
"That much?" she pressed. "As in—you'd turn against anyone if they harmed him? Even me? If I tried to hurt Aurein?"
"Yes," I replied. "Even you. If the entire world hurt him, I would become the enemy of the world."
"Don't worry," she said quickly. "I don't intend to harm Aurein. In fact..." She paused, then sighed. "If there's anyone in this world I would want as my husband aside from you, it would actually be Aurein. I just don't want to tell him directly. He genuinely cares for me. He's the only one who puts up with me and never speaks badly about me behind my back. He speaks badly of me when I am in front of him and that's what I liked about him."
She laughed lightly.
"But you two are hopelessly in love with each other. Who am I to stand in the way of that? I get annoyed sometimes because you're both so shamelessly affectionate—but honestly, seeing you in love makes me happy. And jealous. In a good way."
"But you'll still be recognized as Aurein's legal spouse," I said quietly. "That's the one thing I can't take from you." I frowned. "I'm a man. And a commoner. Our kingdom's laws forbid people like me from being legally bound—or married to him."
"That's true," she said thoughtfully. "But if I were Aurein and once I am the king, I'd change the law in Ardentia. That way, you could both be legally married. Well, once we are in the position, I will help him pass that law."
She smiled.
"But, it wouldn't be easy. People wouldn't accept it right away. There would be resistance, ridicule, confusion. But over time, they would adapt. People always do but it would be a challenge to make them accept it."
"But what about you?" I asked. "You're meant to be queen. Isn't that what you want? What would you gain from that?"
"If he thought of doing it, I wouldn't stop him," she said with a laugh. "I'd even push him to enforce it so he wouldn't overthink things."
I studied her for a moment. "Would you return to Grition, then?"
She let out a deep sigh and lowered her gaze to the floor.
"I have to," Serena said. "I don't have any other choice. If that happens, I'll be useless here in Ardentia anyway. It will be you and him who will rule this kingdom."
Her words landed heavier than she intended, even though she delivered them with that composed, princess-perfect calm she always wore like armor.
"I'm sorry about that, Serena," I said, my voice low, solemn.
"No—don't be sorry, General!" she laughed, light and musical, though I caught the sadness she tried so hard to tuck away behind it. "I had fun being with you guys. I just wish for the both of you to stay happy. And for your love to last a very, very long time."
"Thank you, Serena," I said, offering her a faint smile.
She squinted at me immediately. "Don't smile at me like that, General Voltaire. That's exactly why so many people fall for you. Those smiles of yours are dangerous." She laughed again. "Even Rowan has changed. I think you're his type now."
"Rowan..." I murmured, closing my eyes for a brief second.
"Oh, I can feel it," Serena went on, clearly enjoying herself. "The way he clings to you? He's so irritated and angry at you, yet look at him—trying so hard to stay close. Crying against your chest like he's about to steal Aurein's title as your lover."
I sighed inwardly. Gods help me.
She tilted her head, studying me. "Tell me. If you hadn't fallen for Aurein first—would you feel the same way about Rowan?"
"No," I said simply. "I wouldn't feel the same for him."
"Wow," she laughed. "That was fast. You rejected him without hesitation."
"Let's just say he's not my type," I replied. "I prefer someone soft. Endearing. Gentle yet brave. Someone like Aurein."
"So," she said thoughtfully, "someone who's basically like a woman—but in the body of a man?"
"...Something like that," I said, smirking.
"There you go again," she laughed. "Even that smug grin of yours is unfairly attractive."
I shook my head, amused, then sighed. "But you know... there is something I envy about you."
She blinked. "What? Don't tell me you want my breasts?" she said, gasping dramatically as she covered her chest.
I snorted. "Don't be ridiculous. No. What I mean is—you have the chance to bear a child with Aurein. Something we can never do."
Her expression softened. "Ah. That." She nodded slowly. "That's the hardest part of your love, isn't it? Having a child of your own."
"But it doesn't feel like a loss to me," I said honestly. "When the time comes and you have a child, I'll protect and raise them as if they were my own. As if they came from me."
She stared at me for a moment—then burst out laughing. "If you want, I can give a child to Aurein... and give one to you as well. Who would ever refuse you? I'm not joking."
"That's too much, Serena," I said firmly. "I can't do that to you. And besides—you are royalty."
"Well," she shrugged, "that might be forbidden here in Ardentia, but in Grition, love between commoners and royalty isn't taboo. I grew up with laws like that." She smirked. "Just give me time to rest after bearing Aurein's heir, okay? Then I'll bear your child next."
I stared at her, stunned. "Doesn't it sound like Aurein and I are using you for our own benefit?"
"You have my consent," she said calmly. "I'm willing to give a child to the both of you. That way, even though I couldn't get you both, as least those children have my blood. We are all still connected to each other."
"And what about what others will say?" I asked.
"Then keep it a secret," she replied easily.
I shook my head. "That wouldn't be right for the child. They wouldn't live freely. It's better not to do it."
She sighed, then smiled softly. "If you ever change your mind, General Voltaire, just tell me. Like I said—I won't refuse you. You know how much I admire you."
"Thank you, Serena," I said. "You can be stubborn, but the way you think... that's what impresses me the most."
"Careful," she teased. "Praise me too much and I might actually steal you away from Aurein." Then her expression shifted—lighter gone, seriousness settling in. "But joking aside... I need to be honest with you."
She stood, walked across the room, and closed the door. Then the windows.
"What are you doing, Serena?" I asked, frowning. "Are you planning something questionable?"
"What? No!" she laughed. "I like you, but, I'm not that desperate."
"Then what is it?" I asked.
She lowered her voice. "Do you know why I really came here with you here in the southern region when I can be relax in the palace back home?"
"...Why?"
"I'm not sure if you're aware," she said quietly, "but I came to confirm something. Something I don't know if it's true. I have a feeling this rebellion forming around us is tied to a lost—or erased—royal lineage."
My eyes widened. "You know about the lost royal lineage?"
She exhaled deeply and looked straight at me, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "I don't know if it's true. But I learned it from someone."
"...Who?"
"Dante."
My chest tightened. "Wait, Serena—don't tell me—"
"Yes," she said firmly. "I know Dante isn't someone we can trust. He's hiding something. Something we don't see yet."
I swallowed. "How did you find out?"
"By watching him," she said simply. "And that time—when Aurein slipped away from you to drink with Dante and the others? That was when I confirmed it." She smiled faintly. "I disguised myself and listened. When people are drunk, they tend to tell the truth."
"...That time," I murmured. "You were wearing a pink veil."
She smirked. "Be honest. You recognized me because my hair slipped out, didn't it?"
"Yes," I said. "And your eyes."
Her smile widened. "Then Dante knew it was me he was talking to. He just never said it. He's terrifyingly good at pretending to be innocent."
"What did he say?" I asked.
"He mentioned the erased lineage to Aurein," she said. "He asked what Aurein would do if he discovered that such a lineage existed."
A chill ran through me. "So Aurein knows about this erased lineage... and Dante?"
"He doesn't know who Dante really is," she said quickly. "And I don't plan to tell him yet. Aurein acts on emotion. If I tell him now, my plan to observe Dante will fall apart. Dante will disappear—and whatever he's hiding will remain hidden."
I nodded slowly. "You're right. Keep this between us. Don't tell Aurein. Dante needs to believe we know nothing. That's how we uncover his plans—and the rebellion tied to him."
Her eyes sharpened with vindication. "So my instincts were right. He is part of the rebellion." She scoffed. "No wonder. The way he fought during the war with Solyn—it wasn't the style of an ordinary warrior. It was... practiced. Experienced. Like someone who's been fighting far longer than he lets on. But why was he helping us that much?"
And in that moment, I knew—this was the beginning of something far more dangerous.
"And we still don't know what else he's hiding—or what he's truly capable of," I said. "For now, we keep him as close to us as possible." I paused, then glanced at Serena. "But what about the erased royal lineage? Has Aurein spoken to you about it?"
"No," Serena replied. "I don't think he's paying it much attention. He knows about it, but he doesn't dwell on it." Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "He's far more focused on you... and on becoming a strong king for Ardentia."
"That's good," I said. "Let him focus on that. I don't want this weighing on his mind. I'll handle it for him."
"I'll help you, General Voltaire," Serena said, her tone earnest. "I'll uncover as much as I can. And if I learn anything about them, I'll tell you immediately."
"Thank you," I said. Then my voice softened. "But promise me this—don't push yourself too far. If you feel even a hint of danger, you pull back. Understood?"
She nodded.
"This erased royal lineage tied to the rebellion is dangerous," I continued. "I've already seen their stronghold. Every single one of them wore black cloaks, their faces completely hidden. I wanted to end them right there—but I needed more information."
"Tell me where their base is," Serena said, eyes bright. "I'll sneak in and steal something valuable. Or uncover a secret."
"No," I said firmly. "I don't want you going anywhere near their stronghold. What I need you to do is research. Find out who came from this erased royal lineage."
"Alright," she said, then hesitated. "But... don't you think we're keeping too many secrets from Aurein? If he finds out we hid this from him, he'll feel hurt. Betrayed."
"I know," I said quietly. "But I don't want him endangered. This world is already cruel enough. If I can lessen that burden, even a little, then I will."
She sighed. "Aurein is incredibly lucky to have you. A man who would do everything for him." Then she tilted her head. "But let's be honest—when he learns we kept this from him, he's going to be furious. He wants to fight alongside you. With us. He'll think we see him as weak. That's what will hurt him the most. Are you ready for that?"
"I am," I said without hesitation. "If he has to hate me for his safety, so be it. Anger fades. Trust can be rebuilt." I swallowed. "But a life lost cannot be replaced. And that's what I'm trying to protect."
I clenched my fist.
"This rebellion is far more dangerous than it appears. The more I learn, the messier it gets. And Aurein's life is tied to it. They will kill him—because he is the next heir. They will also not hesitate to kill you. The fastest way to the throne is through spilling blood."
"Then we protect each other at all costs," Serena said.
"I will," I said. "No matter what."
She hesitated. "But if the worst happens, General Voltaire..."
"Then expect me to become everyone's enemy," I said calmly. "Even our own kingdom."
She stared at me. "I hope it never comes to that. I can't imagine you as the enemy. I can't imagine you as the villain." She frowned. "But if it does... who would possibly stop you? Who would the real enemy be, then? This is all so confusing."
Before I could answer, the hut door creaked open.
"This hut was completely sealed," Aurein said as he stepped inside—then stopped short. "Why is it so dark in here? Did you even clean? It still looks messy."
I glanced around, only now realizing how utterly neglected the place looked. Apparently, intense secret plotting did wonders for distraction.
He narrowed his eyes at us. "You two were doing something suspicious, weren't you?"
"N-No! It's not what you think!" I blurted out.
His gaze sharpened. "Then why were all the doors and windows closed? Are you hiding something from me?"
Aurein crossed his arms.
"Were you trying to seduce General Voltaire, Serena?"
I immediately moved to Aurein's side and slipped an arm around his shoulders. "Come on, let's eat. You cooked already, didn't you?"
"Yes," he said. "That's why I came to get you." His eyes flicked between us. "Though it seems I interrupted something."
"There was nothing going on," I said, rubbing his shoulder reassuringly.
"Grr—don't touch me!" he snapped, shoving me away.
"Aurein!" I said, startled.
Serena walked past us then, and just before leaving, she leaned in and said teasingly, "Your lips are delicious, General Voltaire." She flicked her hair and walked out.
My eyes went wide.
"General Voltaire," Aurein said slowly, his gaze turning lethal.
"Believe me! Nothing happened! Serena is just teasing you!" I said desperately.
Then he laughed.
I froze.
"Relax," he said. "I know you wouldn't actually do that with Serena."
Relief flooded through me. "So... are we good?" I asked cautiously. "Can I hold you again?"
"No!" he said. "That's your punishment."
"Punishment? For what?"
"For..." he said smugly. "I just felt like punishing you." Then he grinned. "Let's go. Rowan will arrive soon. We should eat together."
He walked ahead.
"Wait for me, Aurein!" I called after him. "We're sleeping beside each other tonight, right?"
"No," he replied sweetly. "You're sleeping next to Serena and kiss her."
That grin—gods above. It was the kind that could kill a man.
"Believe me," I pleaded as I followed him, "Serena and I didn't do anything bad! We didn't even kiss!" Please forgive me, my Queen Aurein!"
* * *
Rowan's POV
I was walking back toward the barn where we had left their belongings. Truthfully, I wanted to be alone—to think, to breathe, to untangle the mess in my head.
Because the truth was, I was completely confused about what I was feeling.
I lifted my gaze to the sky and released a heavy breath.
The man I once despised because of Aurein... I'm starting to like him now.
What was wrong with me?
"You can't fall for him," I muttered to myself in irritation. "First of all, he's a commoner—and you are of high birth. Are you really going to let yourself be dominated by a commoner?"
Yet when I remembered how clingy I had been earlier—how I had hovered close to him, practically glued at his side like some foolish maiden—I wanted to punch myself.
"This can't be happening," I said under my breath, thoroughly annoyed.
Why did he have to be so heroic—so commanding, so relentlessly responsible? And worst of all, why did he have to be so infuriatingly attractive especially when his voice turned sharp with authority?
He wasn't my type.
I wanted someone like Aurein—innocent, gentle, soft. Not someone rowdy, rough, and unapologetically masculine.
"Argh," I groaned.
Enough. This would pass. Whatever this was—whatever I felt for General Voltaire—it would fade. I was just emotionally vulnerable lately. I felt unwanted. Unchosen.
Aurein kept rejecting me. I felt like a nobody. Like I didn't belong to anyone... or anywhere.
I sighed again.
That was when I reached the spot where we had left our things.
From where I stood—still hidden from view—I noticed a man with his back to me, rummaging through Serena's luggage.
He was tall. Not in the rigid, disciplined way of a warrior—but in the way he moved. Relaxed. Unbothered. As if he were certain no one would dare catch him. His long brown hair was tied back messily, strands clearly claimed by the wind many times over. Instead of making him look disheveled, it only made him seem more dangerous.
His body was solid—built for motion and evasion. Not the kind of strength meant to be displayed, but the kind reserved for moments when it truly mattered. He wore plain and ripped clothes, the sort any common man might wear, yet there was an unmistakable confidence in every movement, as though he knew—without question—that he did not belong beneath anyone.
And even with his back turned, I felt something strange.
As though he owned this place.
And I was the one trespassing.
I moved closer, my hand gripping the hilt of my sword. When I reached him, I pressed the blade firmly against his back.
"Who are you?" I demanded. "Identify yourself, you audacious thief," I said.
He didn't react.
He continued rifling through Serena's belongings as if my voice—and my blade—meant nothing.
So I pressed the edge of my sword harder into his skin.
What he did next startled me.
He shoved the luggage aside with force, sending it tumbling away.
I stepped back instinctively.
Then he turned to face me.
And that was when I saw his face.
His eyes were sharp—dark, assessing, and carrying a glint of mockery, as though he were accustomed to looking at people as if they were all potential threats... or amusements. This was not the gaze of a warrior bound by orders, but of a man who followed only his own rules.
His jaw was firm, shadowed by rough stubble that suggested he didn't care whether it looked neat or not. His lips curved into a dangerous smirk—not friendly, not crude—but the kind that told you he knew he was stronger than you.
And though he held no weapon in that moment, I knew—instinctively—that he didn't need one.
He wasn't like General Voltaire.
There was no heroic dignity. No weight of title.
But there was a danger about him that was quieter... more intimate.
And I hated the fact that I didn't look away from his gaze immediately.
"You are disturbing me." he said, his tone deliberately threatening.
"Don't you know who I am?" I replied, my voice firm.
He tilted his head slightly.
"You're Rowan," he said.
"That's Lord Rowan to you," I snapped, pointing my blade at his face. "You're a fool for showing me such disrespect."
There is only one commoner I permit to call me Rowan—General Voltaire, a man who has proven his worth. Not a lowly thief who dares to carry himself with such arrogance."
"Respect?" he said with a smirk.
Then, without hesitation, he caught the blade of my sword between with his hand.
As if he weren't afraid of bleeding.
Slowly, deliberately, he pushed my sword downward as he stepped closer—one step at a time.
I stepped back.
Not because I was afraid—but because my body knew better than to let him get any closer.
"Strip away your wealth," he continued evenly. "Strip away your status. And you're just an ordinary man—just like me. So tell me... why should I respect you?"
Then he smiled again.
Not playful.
Not teasing.
Dangerous.
"I don't give respect so easily," he said softly. "But I can make you kneel instead. I can make you call me your lord, Rowan."
Who is this wretched thief!
End of Chapter 40