Hello guys, I hope you are fine. My book is going to be a bit dark from now on, if things are to much for you, take care of yourself and read something else.
I hope you'll enjoy today's chapter.
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"One's dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered."
Michael J. Fox
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-Captain Morlon of the brotherhood of shadow knights-
Awoken by the birdsong, I sighed. A new day had begun. I was supposed to prepare myself and train in the brotherhood with my soldiers, but the memory of what happened the few days kept me in bed.
The crown prince was unstable.
A knocking sound from the window pulled me out of my thoughts.
I slowly got up from my bed, stretching my limbs. I directed myself toward the window and opened it. A small yellow and green bird appeared. It tweeted and turned its head to the side.
"Greetings, my friend," the small animal tweeted back at me. A smile formed on my face. I extended my index to him and he jumped on it.
"Now, Vincent, what is it?" I asked the bird.
His small head turned to the right and he flew to the top of my bed.
"New information has arrived from the borders. Cargo of unknown objects has been authorized to roam free in the empire without the knowledge of the brotherhood or the army under the orders of the regent," said the deep voice of a man coming from the small bird. My friend, Sergeant Murad—or Vincent—specialized in metamorphosis.
"Well, that's interesting," I responded as I started to dress myself. The regent really didn't care about keeping faces anymore.
"Some of our men have claimed to see humans and drugs on the cargos, but without authority, we cannot be sure. What should we do, Captain?" This was our work, and we were extremely good at it. The purpose of our existence is to protect our people, which is why we are not ordinary knights.
The brotherhood was created after a king, centuries ago, went mad and started killing his own people.
His most trusted knight couldn't stay blind to these atrocities and put the king in prison to be judged by his people.
After this, the kingdom declared that the army was not sufficient to keep them safe; they needed more. Hence the creation of the brotherhood of shadow knights.
"Make sure to stay down low. He is careless, but not stupid. Tell our men who went to search for the new arising drugs to stay put and wait for my orders. I'll talk to the commanders before making any decisions." The regent knew what he was doing. New drugs appeared from other kingdoms the moment he took power. They were powerful and destructive—a way to keep the population submitted.
"Alright, Captain. But won't you wash before you come?" Vincent asked. I could almost see his smirk.
"You are dismissed," I chuckled. He couldn't stay serious. The bird flew away and left some feathers behind.
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As I walked down the stairs, I could hear the sermons of Dad and the laugh of the twins.
Our baby brother had sparred with them and unfortunately broke the vase of our grandmother. Though Dad hated the vase, it was the only gift she had ever given her since he got married.
I went to sit down at the dining table to eat my breakfast and enjoy the show.
"You are no longer a child, Anwar. You are twelve years old, therefore you have to be more careful. As for you two, my sons, a good beating will certainly put your brain cells in their right places," said Dad before glaring at Mehdi and Samuel. They both ran away as soon as Father entered the room, his sword on his hip. If he weren't my father, his imposing figure would surely make me tremble.
He was dressed in the family's attire, a black and gold emblem on his chest. Well-groomed as usual, his hair tied in a low bun.
And Dad was wearing a white tunic, his hair braided and decorated with gold. Their couple was crafted by the gods.
Father, like a reflex, put his hand on the lower back of Dad and asked him if he was okay. He would always look at him with so much love and devotion; I could only envy them.
Anwar, seeing them distracted, took the bread that was in my hand.
"You! Dad should definitely knock some sense into you too," I said, glaring as he gobbled the bread.
"Hum, you know he won't. I'm still his baby in his heart," he said, his mouth full. And he was right. If my parents hadn't had a sudden desire for one last child, Anwar would forever be Dad's little baby.
"Are you going to the citadel today? Can I come with you, big brother?" he asked.
"Stop eating like a pig. No, you can't. You know Father doesn't want you there after last time's disaster," I responded. He grumbled and pouted.
Only six months ago, he and the twins had accompanied us to the citadel of the brotherhood. These rascals managed to ruin half of the new equipment by flooding a room while playing with water. For seventeen years old, they acted like toddlers.
Our parents were furious and had to replace the equipment with their money.
The three boys were sent to Grandmother's estate for a month as punishment. I don't know where they took their playful side from…
"Hassan, the coach is ready," Father said. I took my sword and we left the house.
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-The crown prince Alexander-
The pounding in my head wouldn't stop. When my eyes opened, the room was blurry. I screamed for Lorel, who rushed into the room to help me sit on the bed.
"Gosh," I whined. This was the first time my hangover was this bad. I could see the worry on my secretary's face.
"Your Highness, should I call for a doctor?" I waved him off and he sighed. He put his arm around my waist and helped me stand up. Nausea came over me and I ran toward the bathroom to vomit. Lorel held my hair while my face was sweating into the smelly bucket.
"Your Highness, you went too far this time. Your body may not get addicted, but the drugs are very strong. What about the surgery?" I turned to glare at the black-haired man.
"You know why I have to be under this disgusting substance. Refrain yourself from sermonizing me, Lorel," I said, wiping my face and taking off my pants. "You heard the doctor. I am in perfect health, and my body is ready for the surgery. Now call for a maid. I need to wash this stench off me." He nodded and left the room.
I felt disgusted by myself…
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-Captain Morlon of the brotherhood of shadow knights-
"Now, what happened between you and the prince?" Father was straightforward, looking me deep in the eyes. This man could be scary at times.
"…he took me by surprise in a … brothel and had me locked up in his dungeon." My father looked shocked before a roaring laugh left his mouth.
"Now, my boy. What is wrong with you? Are you playing with your head?" My Father's laugh disappeared. "The royal family doesn't play with infidelity. You are to father a child with the crown prince; you cannot be seen in a brothel."
"I know, Father. I was just mad—" He raised his hand, and my explanation died in my throat.
"Hassan, you are brilliant, a skilled strategist—but a fool in politics. Give him the attention he needs. Act like he needs you. Give him the baby. And when he no longer requires your services… leave." My Father's voice was firm. He brought me back to reality. This was not a sweetheart love story. This was the future of this empire.
"Like your Dad said to your brother, you are no longer a child. What you lived with this woman is a memory that will remain within you for the rest of your life. But with the crown prince, the love you felt must never exist—and if it doesn't, bury it. I care for you, son. Don't die foolishly." I felt a pang in my heart. He was right.
The push and pull game I'd played with the prince couldn't go on anymore.
"Alright, Commander. I have received news from the regent's movements. Can I proceed with the plan?" Father nodded.
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To be continued...