The morning sun rises, but for Daker, it brings no peace. Wrapped tightly in a shawl, he moves like a ghost through the narrow alleys, constantly watching for King Argus's knights. He is a hunted man in his own city. After a long game of hide-and-seek with the guards, he finally reaches the edge of the city square.
Meanwhile, inside the castle, King Argus is a storm of rage. He paces the halls, his eyes searching every corner. He barks an order to his soldiers, "Find Daker! I don't care where he is hiding—bring him to me at once. Tell him his King summons him!" The soldiers scatter instantly, their boots thumping against the stone floors as they begin their hunt.
Near the square, Daker is slipping through a quiet lane when a faint sound catches his ear. He freezes near a stone house. Looking up, he sees a small ventilator high on the wall. With a sudden burst of power, he leaps, his fingers gripping the iron grille. He pulls himself up to peer inside.
Through the dust and shadows of the room, he sees a girl. I know her, Daker's heart thumps. She is one of us—a fellow trainee.
In that split second, their eyes meet. The girl gasps. Startled, Daker loses his grip, the rusted iron grille snapping under his weight. He crashes to the ground with a heavy thud. Shaking off the pain, he bolts, not looking back until he reaches the shadows of the main square, where the crowd is gathering for the announcement.
He tucks himself into a dark corner, gasping for breath, his eyes fixed on the announcer's platform. Suddenly, the world goes cold. A sharp blade touches his throat.
Daker doesn't flinch. He smiles thinly and says, "So, you found me after all."
"I did," a firm voice whispers in his ear. "Now, why don't you tell me why a Prince is peeking through windows like a common thief?"
The stranger drags him deeper into the alley's darkness. When she finally lowers her dagger, the light hits her face. It is her—the girl from the room. She is striking, with hair as red as embers, dressed in the silver-grey armor of a knight.
"Daki," Daker says, breathing a sigh of relief. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," she retorts, her eyes narrowing. "But you, Daker? Why are you skulking in the dirt like a criminal?"
Daker looks her in the eye. "I will tell you everything, Daki. But I have a condition. Take me somewhere safe—somewhere I can hear the announcement without being seen."
Daki studies him for a moment, then nods. "Fine. My house is close. It's the best place for someone who doesn't want to be caught."
They slip away to her home and head to the upper floor. Daki cracks open a window that overlooks the square. The sound of the gathering crowd drifts in. "Now," she says, leaning against the wall, "talk. Or I'll shout your name loud enough for the whole square to hear."
Daker's expression turns grave. "Daki, you are a true friend. We've bled together in training. But if I tell you the truth, and the King finds out you helped me, your life is forfeit. I don't want your blood on my hands. Let me listen to this announcement and I'll vanish. Forget you ever saw me, or they will kill you too."
Daki's eyes wide in disbelief. "Who will kill me? Talk sense, Daker! Who would dare touch you? The whole army looks up to you. You are the one who defeated Captain Seraphina! Why are you running like a coward?"
Daker takes a deep breath and lets the truth pour out. He tells her everything—the curse, the King's madness, and the fact that he isn't who everyone thinks he is.
Daki stands frozen. The "Prince" she had known for years was just a boy with no throne and a target on his back. Then, slowly, a smile spreads across her face. Daker shifts uncomfortably, a flush of shame creeping up his neck. "Daki... why are you smiling?"
"I'm impressed," she says softly. "It takes a real man to tell a truth like that. Anyone else would have clung to their royal pride until the end. But you... you're different. I like that about you, Daker."
She steps closer and claps him on the shoulder. "If the world is against you, then you stay here. I'll keep you hidden, and I'll keep you fed. No more running through alleys." She grins mischievously, "But consider this a heavy favor. When you eventually become King, you'll have to make me your High General!" She laughs, a bright, bold sound. "What do you think? A perfect plan, right?"
Daker claps his hands slowly, a small smile finally reaching his eyes. "Fine. It's a deal. But the crowd is ready. If you're done dreaming, 'Future General,' let's hear what the King has to say."
"Listen well then," Daki says.
"Open the window wider," Daker suggests.
"No," Daki pulls him back. "Stay in the shadows. I'll stand by the window; you stay on the floor. You'll hear everything just fine."
She pushes the shutters open. Down below, the sound of hooves rings out on the cobblestones. Men on horseback arrive, unrolling a heavy scroll. The square goes silent.
The announcement begins.
End of Chapter