The waves stretched endlessly.

  A blue so deep it felt like the sky had sunk into the sea, swallowing everything between. The horizon was sharp, almost unnatural, as if the world ended there.

  I stood on a cliff overlooking it all. The wind carried salt and silence.

  Beside me stood a man, taller than me by a head, draped in a heavy black trench coat. He stood there, unmoving. He didn’t glance my way. Didn’t speak. Just stared at the ocean like it held every answer he refused to share.

  The same man I had seen at the ceremony before Charlotte had taken over.

  A man I was too used to seeing.

  I shoved my hands in my pockets, glancing out at the same view.

  “This dream again,” I muttered. “You always drag me here. And I still don’t get it.”

  His reply was the same as ever. Cold. Heavy.

  “The Empire must survive, or everyone will die.”

  I sighed, dragging my eyes away from the sea. The grass crunched under my boots as I walked toward a hill not far from the cliff. At its peak stood a lone tree. Its blossoms weren’t green, weren’t white - but black. Silken petals drifted down with the wind, landing softly in the grass.

  On the other side of the hill, the world opened into a field. An endless spread of white blossoms. Bright. Gentle. Serene. Beautiful.

  Peaceful.

  I stared for too long, the temptation to linger pulling at me.

  But I turned back. Lay down under the tree instead. The petals brushed against my face as I leaned back, hands behind my head. A blade of grass found its way between my lips, and I chewed on it, letting the sun and shade wash over me.

  “Don’t keep staring so long at the ocean, or you might scare it away.” I called lazily, watching the man’s rigid back.

  His voice came again, unchanging.

  “The Empire must survive, or everyone will die.”

  I exhaled through my nose, letting the grass stem bob against my lip.

  “I’m trying my hardest. Trust me.”

  Again, the same words.

  I let my eyes fall shut, muttering, “You always say the same thing. Every time. A hundred times, maybe more. But you’re not exactly guiding me on how I’m supposed to save the so-called Empire.”

  This time… silence.

  I cracked an eye open. Raised a brow.

  “No retort? That’s new.”

  The ocean beyond shimmered with light reflecting from the pale sun, the black petals moving like waves in the wind towards the horizon. I smiled faintly despite myself. “Well. At least the scenery never gets old. Wonder where it is…”

  Silence still.

  I sighed. “You know, not answering is starting to feel lonelier than repeating yourself.”

  The black petals drifted across my chest. My eyelids grew heavy. “Guess this place matters to you somehow. Doesn’t matter. I’ll figure it out someday, maybe then you’ll start an actual conversation...”

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  Sleep tugged at me again, deeper this time.

  “Gonna have to deal with a lot of bullshit when I wake up,” I muttered, staring at the endless blue sky. “Almost wish I could just stay here forever.”

  That was when I felt it.

  His eyes.

  I turned my head slightly. He was looking at me now - finally - those tired, determined eyes fixed on me. But for once, they weren’t lifeless. They held something softer. Something that almost hurt to see.

  His lips parted.

  “The Empire must survive, or everyone will die.”

  The same words. But this time, I heard it. A small vibration in his tone. Something melancholic.

  I blinked. A bit stunned. Then, with a half-hearted smirk, I raised two fingers in a lazy salute.

  “…I’ll try.”

  I laid my head down for the final time, and the world fell away.

  —

  I woke up with a groggy feeling.

  Soft sheets tangled around me. A cool cloth weighed across my forehead. My body trembled faintly, not from pain - from exhaustion.

  I wasn’t in Arthur’s estate.

  This room was different. Luxurious and gaudy compared to Arthur's taste for modesty. Ivory curtains drifted with the morning breeze. Sunlight bled gold through the window, carrying the smell of fresh air and candle wax.

  A maid sat at my side, dabbing my brow with a wet cloth. Her eyes widened when I stirred.

  “Sir Damian… you’re awake. How do you feel?”

  I cleared my throat. My voice came out hoarse. “Like I’ve been hit by a train. How long was I out?”

  “Only the night, sir. You’ve been asleep since yesterday’s… incident.”

  Relief washed over me, though I didn’t let it show too much. I gave a faint nod. “…Good.”

  She hesitated, then rose and smoothed her apron. “If you’ll excuse me.”

  “Whatever you wish.”

  Alone again, I sank deeper into the bed. The cloth on my forehead was still cold. The curtains rippled gently. The peace, for once, didn’t feel fake.

  It was almost… nice.

  That was, of course, until the door opened.

  I groaned audibly and let my head flop against the cushion with a dull thud.

  Mary stepped in, her expression cold as frost.

  “That’s no way to greet a princess of the Empire.”

  I stared at the ceiling. “That’s no way to talk to someone who saved your life.”

  She didn’t rise to it. Instead, she crossed the room and sat in the chair the maid had left behind. Slowly, she raised her hands over me.

  Light bloomed between her palms. Ethereal, soft, almost holy. It spilled across my chest and sank into my skin. The weight I carried lifted slightly, and for the first time since the fight, my body felt whole again.

  “You’re fine,” she said flatly. “But you should rest another day.”

  I smirked faintly. “Surely that wasn’t the only reason you came.”

  “I suppose not.”

  “I’ve got no reason to tell anyone anything. I’m in the same boat as you, after all.”

  That made her pause. Then, quietly - “I’m glad to hear it.”

  Her gaze flicked down, sharp. “So. Debt repaid, then? You saved me. I healed you of your grievous wounds.”

  I glanced down at my hand, which now had only the trace of a small scar.

  Not bad. The Path of the Hollowed sure has its perks.

  I chuckled. “”Grievous wounds" is an overstatement, especially since they were sustained saving your highness. Gonna take a lot more than that to pay me back. Especially from someone in your position.”

  Her eyes narrowed, a slight click in her tongue didn’t escape me. “What do you want? Promotion? Noble status? Money? I’d rather get this over and done with as soon as possible.”

  I met her glare with a lazy gaze. “Don’t know yet. I’ll let you know.”

  Her lips pressed tight. She stood abruptly, her tone louder now.

  “Then take care of yourself. The Regent has declared martial law in the city. I’d advise you not to waste the time you’ve been given.”

  She didn’t wait for my answer. Just turned, skirts brushing the marble floor, and left with the same chill she carried in.

  The door clicked shut.

  How cold…

  Then again, with the blade we both hold over each other's necks, I don’t necessarily blame her.

  Especially since she has so much to lose.

  I stared at the ceiling again, and a quiet laugh slipped out of me thinking of the favor.

  Nobility or wealth. Which vice should I satisfy?

  The windows curtains continued to blow with a beauty that was hard to come by. I admired every second of it as I smirked lightly.

  “Maybe risking my life for some royal brat wasn’t that bad after all.”