Chapter 40 Between Two Bridges

[Nari's POV: The Same day]

As the crown prince continued to speak, his eyes fixed on me with a sadistic glint, I clenched my fists and felt a deep frustration building within me. I didn't want to be here, to be caught red-handed in this moment of vulnerability and uncertainty.

I knew that if Hector found out about this encounter, he would be angry and do something to get back at me. He had always warned me about the dangers of getting too close to those in power, of exposing myself to the dangers of their machinations, and yet, he was one of those too…

"How ironic…" I murmured. And yet, here I was, face to face with the crown prince himself, feeling like a fly in a spider's web. I tried to keep my composure, to keep my emotions in check, but it was difficult. His words and his gaze made me feel small and powerless, like a leaf in a tempest. I wanted to speak out, to tell him that he had no right to treat me this way, but the words caught in my throat.

I was afraid, afraid of what he might do if I angered him, afraid of what might happen if I exposed myself to his wrath. In the end, I simply nodded, my gaze glued to the floor. I didn't want to be a pawn in someone else's game, to be treated like a puppet by those in power. I wanted to be my own master, to control my own destiny. And yet, in this moment, I felt anything but in control.

His eyes were still on me as he stepped closer and closer, his gaze focusing on my waist. This dress was already tight enough and it restricted my movements, but he made a point of going right up to the edge of the fabric—so close that I felt like I could feel his breath. He shifted again, this time bringing one hand from behind me, resting it against my spine, sending shivers all over my body.

His lips came closer and closer until they were only a few inches away from mine...'disgusting!' It was nothing like that time when master Rowen was behind me. This man was mischievous, with a wicked glint in his eyes and what's more, the crown prince was allied with Hector, my biggest enemy. He pulled back, smiling at me in amusement before striding around the room towards the window.

I looked down at myself, trying to conceal the arousal that was building inside me. I clenched my fists and bit my lip to keep myself from reacting too obviously.

"About the magic that you saw…" The crown prince's sudden question made me flinch. Was he trying to intimidate me? I wondered, looking back at him.

"I don't know anything about it, your royal highness…" I lowered my head and replied.

"The black magic that only a person with royal blood could control for now… But the magic comes from a bowl of demon's blood…" The crown prince's words sent a chill down my spine.

I stood there in silence, my eyes meeting his as he spoke about the dark magic. my palms grew sweaty with nerves.

As he continued speaking, a knot formed in my stomach. The prince's words were chilling, and I couldn't believe that such evil could exist within the palace walls.

Despite my fear, I knew that I had to report the truth to my master Rowen. The prince's willingness to reveal everything to me shocked me. Despite my desire to disappear and report everything to Rowen, I stayed and listened to the prince's explanation.

As he spoke, I felt a swirl of emotions within me - anger, fear, and disgust all vying for dominance. I couldn't believe the prince's twisted justifications for his actions. Instead of simply stating how I felt, I clenched my fists and ground my teeth, my frustration building with each passing second.

Finally, as he finished, I knew I had to act. It was time to report everything to Rowen and expose the truth, no matter the consequences.

With a steely determination, I asked him, "Are you telling me this so that I can report everything to the Duke?"

He paused and a mischievous smirk appeared on his face. "Yes, you're his dog, aren't you?" he said, his tone laced with condescension.

"Report it to him and then tell him to request a meeting with me. You may go now," he waved his hand dismissively.

As I walked away, biting my nails in anxious thought, I remembered the mention of black magic. I knew nothing about it, but perhaps Rowen did. I needed to hurry.

The ball ended quickly, and Lady Irene and I returned to the mansion in no time. Despite the short ride back, I felt a heavy weight in my chest, and my heart was beating painfully fast. I couldn't decide who to report to first once we arrived.

I knew I had to inform Rowen about what had happened immediately, but I also didn't want to rush things. Sneaking into the bedroom to tell him everything seemed like a good idea, but the fear of it being too soon lingered in my mind. Besides, I had to prepare myself to lie to Hector, and I wasn't ready yet.

I sat inside the carriage, clenching my hands tightly in my lap as it rumbled over the cobblestone streets. Sweat dripped down my forehead, even though the carriage interior was cool. My nerves were shot, and I felt more nervous than I had ever been in my life.

As I tried to gather my thoughts, I realized that I needed to go to Rowen first.

But the idea of confronting him with the truth made me feel sick. Rowen was still a child compared to his father, and he was not well-liked throughout the kingdom. What if he didn't believe me? What if he refused to take action against the prince?

The carriage hit a bump in the road, causing me to grab the armrests to steady myself. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm myself down.

I reminded myself that I had seen the dark magic with my own eyes and that the truth needed to come out, no matter what.

pαndα,noνɐ1,сoМ However, despite my attempts to prepare myself, a sense of unease settled deep in my gut. The carriage ride seemed to drag on forever, and my nerves only grew worse with every passing moment.

By the time we arrived at Dragon mansion, my hands were shaking, and my voice was hoarse from rehearsing what I would say. "What if Rowen misunderstands my intentions?" I bit my lip.

As I stepped out of the carriage and made my way towards Rowen's front door, my heart raced faster than ever before. But I knew that there was no turning back now.

The truth had to be told, and hopefully, it would help to end Hector's tyranny.

"Where are you going?"