Jade's life had never been simple, but this… this was something else entirely. The royal castle had become his new home, a place where every corridor held secrets and every face masked agendas. He was no longer the child in the shadows, hidden from the world—he was now a piece on the prince's chessboard.
But Jade never allowed himself to be anyone's pawn.
The prince's invitation had come with conditions—too many conditions—and Jade knew this was a game where even the smallest misstep could cost him more than he was willing to pay.
For the past week, Jade had undergone extensive training, not in physical combat, but in the delicate art of politics, manipulation, and knowledge. He had been tutored by the prince's royal advisor, a cold man named Eryk, who seemed to enjoy drilling Jade with endless lessons on the history of the kingdom, its royal family, and its hidden enemies.
However, it wasn't the lessons that consumed Jade's thoughts; it was the dark aura surrounding the prince. There was something almost palpable in the air when the prince spoke to him. The prince's words were carefully chosen, designed to create an unbreakable bond, but Jade saw through the mask.
The prince was not to be trusted.
Jade was no fool. He had lived through too much to blindly follow anyone, especially someone as dangerous as Prince Eldric. But Jade also knew this was his opportunity—his chance to gather the power he needed to survive, to never be controlled again.
Today, the prince had summoned him once more.
Jade entered the lavish hall, his footsteps echoing in the vast space. Prince Eldric stood by the grand window, staring out over the sprawling castle grounds. His back was turned, but Jade could feel the weight of his gaze, even without seeing his face.
"Jade," the prince spoke, his voice smooth, as if he were speaking to an equal. "You've been a quick learner. Eryk tells me you've been absorbing everything we've taught you."
Jade didn't respond, his silence carrying more meaning than any words could.
"I've been watching you closely, child," the prince continued, turning to face him. "Your intelligence is unmatched. But there's more to you than meets the eye, isn't there?"
Jade's mind sharpened. More? What did the prince know?
The prince smirked, his dark eyes gleaming. "I know what you're capable of. You think you're hiding it well, but I can see the flickers in your eyes. The way your mind works. You're not just a mute child anymore. You're something much more."
Jade's stomach tightened. He couldn't afford to reveal too much. Not yet.
"Why me?" Jade finally asked, his voice low but steady. He wasn't here for pleasantries. He wanted the truth.
The prince chuckled, a sound both charming and chilling. "Because you're special. You have potential. I've had my eye on you for some time now. You didn't think I'd notice a child who had such a curious mind, did you?"
Jade's pulse quickened. He hadn't expected the prince to be so direct.
"I've chosen you for a reason," Prince Eldric said, stepping closer. His gaze was intense now, burning through Jade. "I want you to be my confidant, Jade. I need someone I can trust. Someone who can see things from a different perspective. Together, we can reshape this kingdom."
Jade's thoughts churned. Reshape the kingdom? What did that mean?
"Not everyone who works for me is loyal, but you…" Eldric's voice dropped to a whisper, "You will be. I'll make sure of that. You'll have power, wealth, anything you desire. But in return, I need your unwavering loyalty."
Jade stood motionless, his mind spinning. What was the prince asking of him?
The prince took a step back, his smile widening. "There are forces within the kingdom that threaten everything I've worked for. I'm not just the prince—soon, I will be king. And I will need allies who can act swiftly, who can think quickly. You, Jade, are the key to my plans."
A shiver ran down Jade's spine. The prince was playing a dangerous game.
Jade met his gaze. "What's the catch?"
Eldric laughed softly. "You're smarter than I thought. The catch, Jade, is simple. Trust me. And, in return, you'll get everything you've ever wanted. But if you betray me, if you dare cross me…" The prince's voice dropped, his tone icy. "There is no place in this world that will keep you safe."
Jade's pulse pounded in his ears. This was no ordinary offer.
The prince extended a hand toward him, an invitation and a threat all in one.
"I'm giving you a choice, Jade," the prince said softly. "Walk beside me, and you'll become more than you ever thought possible. But betray me, and I will make sure you regret it for the rest of your life."
Jade's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. His instincts screamed at him to refuse, to walk away from this dangerous game. But the pull of power, the chance to rise above, to claim control of his own fate—it was too tempting.
He took a deep breath and extended his hand to meet the prince's.