The plateau was wrapped in silence.
Illaria still couldn’t believe how close she had come to death. She had come here to calm herself, and everything had gone terribly wrong. In fact, things always seemed to go wrong whenever Prince Marcus was around. Her gaze suddenly fell on her left hand. It was deep red. Even her sleeve had changed colour. Only then did she remember — this was his blood. She quickly turned toward him and saw his left hand. It was bleeding as if it had never stopped. His light-coloured sleeve had already been dyed that ugly shade of red.
Illaria said quietly, “Your hand… it’s bleeding.”
Marcus replied calmly, “Don’t worry about it.”
He pulled out a few bandages from inside his robes and began wrapping them around his left hand.
Illaria frowned. “You are very eccentric, you know that? Why did you jump so recklessly like that? You could have let me die. No one would have known what happened today. No one would have suspected you. Why did you risk your life for a mere princess?”
Marcus smirked. “Then you should answer this too. When you flipped over, you could have let go of my hand. Why risk saving me? You would have still lived, and I would be vulture meat by now.”
Illaria snapped, “We just faced death. How can you even laugh?”
Marcus smiled lightly. “The situation is over. We’re both alive. Injured, yes, but alive. Since we faced death together… we’re partners now.” He said with his annoying glee.
Illaria replied instantly, “No, we’re not.”
Marcus said, “Yes, we are—”
She cut him off, exhausted. “Only you can talk so much nonsense after almost dying. We can’t be partners. You know our identities. You know our responsibilities. Just… stay quiet for a while. I don’t want to argue.”
Marcus fell silent. The smile faded from his face. He turned away, looking strangely hurt, and began bandaging his right hand.
After a moment, Illaria spoke softly, “But… Thank you for saving my life. If it weren’t for you, I’d be dead. I owe you.”
Marcus replied quietly, “You saved me too. You didn’t let go of my hand.”
There was a brief moment of silence. Illaria suddenly remembered the cause of everything. The dagger. It was still hidden in her robes. She pulled it out and held it toward him. “Here. Your dagger.”
Marcus looked surprised. “Giving it back so easily? Our fight didn’t have a clear winner.”
Illaria shook her head. “I was wrong. I had no right to keep it. Your sword is gone now too. You don’t even have a weapon. This dagger is yours. Keep it safe.”
Marcus took it, then said, “Since you gave it back, I’ll satisfy your curiosity.”
He held the dagger carefully. “This dagger wasn’t forged by me. My mother gave it to me after I returned from Kelzar. It once belonged to my grandfather. Long ago, a highly trained fighter used it to kill countless people. It gained a reputation among assassins and passed from one killer to another. Over the years, it absorbed so much blood that it formed a spiritual core of its own. It no longer needed a wielder — it hunted on its own.
One day, a soldier brought it to one of our ancestors, a great magician. But magic couldn’t tame it, because the dagger had a spiritual core. So he devised another solution.
A spiritual energy user had to form a blood contract with it.
Once bonded, the dagger would protect its wielder at any cost. No matter where it was thrown, it would always return to the one it was bound to… until that person died.”
“In exchange for that,” Marcus continued, “whenever the wielder wants to attack something, the blade attacks automatically, aiming for its life, fulfilling its own bloodlust. That day, I didn’t know it was you, so I let it attack you. But you surprisingly caught it. No one has ever caught my dagger before, so I was shocked. Since I already have a contract with it, you need to apply spiritual energy to stop it from returning to me.”
Illaria asked, “How do you fulfil its bloodlust?”
Marcus replied, “I usually hunt beasts. They have higher energy than humans, so the dagger remains satisfied.”
Illaria said, “So this is a prized possession because your mother gave it to you, or because it has stayed in your family for years?”
Marcus shook his head slightly. “Both are good reasons, but the real one is different. From childhood, I’ve always been interested in Myrenn. Auren is stronger, yes, but magical energy is broader and more diverse. There are so many types of magic.
I’ve always wondered—what if someone could combine both? What if a new, stronger form could be created?”
Illaria replied, “They are like two tigers in the same forest. They can’t coexist. A person who forms a spiritual core usually can’t master magic at a high level. Even in your case, your spiritual energy is stronger than your magical energy. There will always be an imbalance. One will always dominate.”
Marcus said, “And yet, we have this dagger. A perfect balance. Driven by a spiritual core, but controlled through magic. This dagger might be the only object in the entire continent that combines both energies. Since I want to unite them, this dagger is extremely important to me. That’s why I keep it close and try to learn more about it.”
Illaria nodded. “I see. My apologies for taking it. We should go back now.”
Marcus said, “Yes.” He stepped closer, about to touch her.
Illaria asked sharply, “What are you doing?”
Marcus replied, “Your feet are injured. Let me carry you back.”
Illaria tried to stand. “No, I can walk.”But the moment she put weight on her leg, pain shot through her body, especially the ankle she had twisted earlier.
Marcus said firmly, “Princess, if you walk like this, you could break a bone. That means three months of rest. Why do you insist on making things worse?”
Illaria protested, “I can take responsibility for myself. And your hands are injured—”
But Marcus didn’t listen. He lifted her up in his arms, one arm under her knees, the other supporting her back.
“You don’t have the strength to resist right now,” he said. “Since you won’t listen, forgive the offence, but I don’t want to see you in a chair next time I meet you. And it will be morning soon. I don’t want us to get caught.”
Illaria tried to speak. “You—”
“Hush,” Marcus said. “You can thank me later, when your anger cools down.”
And with that, he began running down the hill. It was incredibly embarrassing for Illaria. No one had ever carried her like this, especially not for so long. But she had exhausted herself completely. As they made their way back, her cheeks stayed flushed with anger, yet she couldn’t deny that she felt moved by his actions. He wasn’t calculating like Prince Lyn, nor cold like Prince Willem. He was warm, reckless, sincere—the kind of person one could trust, if only he weren’t a prince of a foreign kingdom.
Marcus moved swiftly, and once they entered the palace grounds, Illaria quietly guided him through the paths. They finally reached the spot beneath her window. She worried he wouldn’t manage to jump up while carrying her, but he did it effortlessly. He was strong. That much was undeniable.
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When she looked inside her room, relief washed over her. The pillows were still under the blanket. No one had discovered she was missing.
Marcus gently set her down on a chair.
Illaria said urgently, “Go back quickly now!”
But instead of leaving, Marcus stepped further into her room and said, “Though it’s a little empty, it’s a nice room, my lady. Now, where is the medicine box?”
Illaria frowned. “What do you want? Just leave.”
Ignoring her protest, Marcus said, “It would be easier if you just tell me where the herbs and medicines are. Or do you want me to break into your royal physician’s house and steal some?”
Illaria realized he was talking about treating his own wounds. They were deep cuts, after all. She replied, “Father has taken away all my books, weapons, and everything a regular princess isn’t supposed to own for this week. I don’t think you’ll find anything.”
Marcus sighed. “Oh my god. Fine.”
He bent down near her foot and gently lifted it onto his knee. Then he took something out from inside his robes.
Illaria asked, alarmed, “What are you doing?”
Marcus replied calmly, “I can’t leave your injury untreated. It needs immediate care. I’m using this—a rare plant leaf. I use it when I get badly injured. It will hurt, but it will relax your muscles and reduce the swelling. Torn muscles will also heal faster, but you’ll need to rest for the entire day tomorrow.”
Illaria looked at the leaf and recognized it immediately. “This is Gingseng. One leaf can cost up to five hundred silvers. Why are you doing this for me?”
Marcus answered, “Because you’re injured and I like helping people. Besides, I’ll need your help too.”
Illaria asked, “What help?”
Marcus said, “My sword fell down the cliff. I’m going to search for it tomorrow night.”
Illaria stared at him. “You want me to sneak out again? With you?”
Marcus shook his head. “No, no. You’re badly injured. You should rest. I just need a map of that area and some guidance about what I might encounter down there. I’ll come tomorrow night. Keep a map and anything else ready.”
Illaria said, “Fine. Now go back. It’s already almost morning.”
Marcus smiled. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, you worry so much, I am going. Okay, see you later.”
Marcus told her to not worry but of course she was going to worry. Illaria sat tensely in her chair for the next thirty minutes. What if he did not find his way back, or got caught, or worse told everyone what had happened the previous night.
After nearly an hour passed with no alarming news, she finally relaxed a little. He must have made it back safely. She let out a quiet sigh of relief.
“Dany!” Illaria called.
“You are up early today, Princess,” Dany said, bowing.
“Bring me these ingredients,” Illaria said, handing her a paper.
“Princess, the emperor—” Dany began, but Illaria cut her off.
“I don’t want them for testing or studying. I want to make a tonic to improve my health. I’ll prepare it myself and consume it immediately. Don’t worry.”
Dany nodded. “Yes, Princess.”
Now that the danger of being discovered had passed, Illaria could finally focus on her body. She had taken more damage than she realized. Despite using Gingseng on her sprained foot, both feet had swollen badly. Even the slightest touch hurt. Her back muscles ached constantly. The fall had been brutal—without her spiritual energy protecting her, she would have broken several bones. A frightening thought crossed her mind. If she hadn’t been strong enough, her spine might have been damaged so badly that she would never walk again.
She had sent Dany to fetch medicines and herbs from the physician. Cleverly, she added extra items to the list so no one could guess how badly injured she really was.
“Princess, here is everything you asked for. I also brought water,” Dany said, placing the tray down.
“Thank you. You may leave,” Illaria replied.
Before leaving, Dany said, “Princess, the emperor asked if you would accompany the Northern princes today.”
It was the fourth day of their visit. Father had decided to show them around the capital—to promote cultural understanding and give them a pleasant outing.
Illaria replied, “No. I don’t feel like going.”
Dany looked at her closely.
Illaria sighed. “What is it? Say it.”
Dany said gently, “Princess, you are grounded for a week. This is your only chance to step out of the palace during that time. Are you sure you don’t want to go?”
Illaria felt a pang of guilt. If she hadn’t sneaked out the previous night, she would never have missed this chance. But fate had decided otherwise.
She said, “These clothes are unbearable. I can barely walk in them. And Prince Lyn will be there. I rejected the marriage yesterday—how can I face him today? You expect me to make small talk after that? No. I won’t.”
Dany bowed slightly. “I understand. I will report this to the emperor.”
Illaria said quietly, “Alright, go. And let me be alone today as well. I need some time.”
Dany bowed and left the room. Illaria finally had the chance to prepare her medicines. After drinking them, she collapsed onto her bed. Staring at the ceiling, her thoughts slowly drifted to Marcus. He was a complete misfit for the Northern palace. Everyone from the North carried a cold, distant air, but he was different. He was warm. He laughed easily. He felt… alive. Intensely alive.
She wondered about his life—about the nights he spent outside, hunting beasts, living freely. And then a strange thought crossed her mind.
What if he had been the one to propose?Would she have married him?
Illaria immediately scolded herself. “Looks like your injuries have reached your brain,” she said to herself. “Or maybe I just have too much free time.” Soon after, exhaustion took over and she fell asleep.
It was already evening when Dany came in and gently woke her.
“Princess, wake up.”
Illaria groaned. “Why are you inside? I said I wanted to rest.”
“The emperor has asked you to come to his room immediately.”
The mention of her father jolted her awake. She sat up and realized she felt much better after resting. Only her sprained foot still hurt, but the pain was manageable. Everything else felt fine. That was one of the advantages of being a spiritual energy user—injuries healed much faster with proper care. She quickly dressed and headed to her father’s chambers.
As soon as she entered, she froze. Her father was seated, as usual, with Robert and Edric standing beside him. But two meters away sat another figure— the Northern Emperor.
Behind his chair stood his three sons. Illaria glanced at them. The emperor looked cold and unreadable. Willem and Marcus looked confused, clearly unaware of why this meeting had been called. Prince Lyn, however, showed nothing at all.
She moved quickly and stood beside her father’s chair. Robert stood close to her, while Edric stood on the other side. Ryan spoke, his voice steady.
“Emperor Elmar, all members of both our families are present. May we know why you requested such a secret and urgent meeting?”
Illaria’s heart tightened. A secret meeting meant whatever was about to be said could not be spoken in court.
Elmar asked, “Are you certain no one can eavesdrop?”
Ryan replied, “This is my private chamber. No one enters or leaves without my permission. The walls are soundproof, the guards are stationed outside. Not even an insect could pass unnoticed.”
Elmar nodded. “Very well. Then it is time I reveal the real reason behind our visit.”
Ryan’s expression darkened. “The real reason? Then what was the marriage proposal?”
Elmar replied calmly, “You love your daughter deeply, Emperor Ryan, but surely you did not believe that the Northern Emperor and his three sons would travel this far only for that.”
Ryan’s patience snapped. “Stop circling the truth. Tell me plainly—why are you here?”
Elmar’s voice lowered. “We seek your assistance in a war. We plan to launch an attack on the Western Kingdom, and we want the South as our ally.”
Silence fell like death itself. Illaria felt her breath catch. She turned toward Marcus and Willem. They looked just as stunned as she was. Clearly, they hadn’t known either.
Only Prince Lyn remained calm.
Ryan finally spoke, his voice cold. “If that is your reason, then let me be very clear. The South will not join you. Our policy is non-interference. We do not wage war unless absolutely necessary. We do not spill blood for ambition.”
Just then, Prince Willem stepped forward.
Willem said, “My apologies for interfering, Father, but if you want to launch a war against the West, then why do we need the South’s cooperation? Our army is four times their size, our kingdom is twice as large as the West. We are more than capable of leading this war and winning it ourselves. Why must we ask for the South’s help?”
Edric nodded. “I agree with Prince Willem. We will not attack anyone unless we are provoked, and the West is definitely weaker than the North. If a war breaks out between your kingdoms, we will not participate in it. You can win easily. So why must you come here?”
Elmar let out a slow breath. “Answering all of your questions myself would be too troublesome. So I will let the person who convinced me to come here explain the real situation to all of you, including Marcus and Willem.”
He turned slightly.
“Yes, apart from Lyn and myself, no one— not even my closest wife, the empress— knows why we have truly come here. Lyn, step forward and tell them everything.”
So that was why he hadn’t looked surprised when war was mentioned.
Illaria finally understood. She remembered what Prince Lyn had said days ago— that by the end of the week, she would agree to the marriage. Now was probably the moment she would finally learn how.