Crown of Silken Chains - Episode 2 – A Blade in the Crowd

[The Royal Courtyard – Morning]

Sunlight spilled over the palace gardens, glinting off the polished tiles of the grand courtyard.

Courtiers in silks and nobles in embroidered coats filled the air with chatter, their laughter as fake as the jewels they wore.

Prince Alaric stood on the marble balcony, his white uniform immaculate, every detail perfect for the royal address.

But his gaze wasn’t on the crowd—it was on the black-clad figure standing below among the guards.

Kael. The man who dared to stand too close.

The man who dared to speak of guarding not only his life… but his heart.

Alaric pushed the thought away as the court herald’s voice boomed:

Court Herald

“Presenting His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Alaric of the House of Veylor!”

The crowd erupted in polite applause.

Alaric began his speech, words flowing with practiced elegance, when suddenly—

A flicker of movement in the crowd. Too fast. Too deliberate.

Kael’s eyes sharpened instantly. A man dressed as a servant was pushing forward, his hand hidden inside his sleeve.

Before the guards even reacted, Kael was already moving. He crossed the courtyard in three powerful strides, shoving aside startled guests.

The “servant” lunged forward, a dagger flashing in the sunlight—aimed directly at the prince.

Steel rang out.

Kael’s sword was at the attacker’s throat before the blade could even touch Alaric.

The man froze, trembling under Kael’s cold, lethal stare.

Commander Kael

“Wrong target,” Kael growled.

Gasps echoed through the courtyard. Guards rushed in to seize the would-be assassin, dragging him away.

The crowd buzzed with whispers.

Alaric kept his expression calm, but his hand—hidden inside his sleeve—was clenched tight.

Later, when the court was dismissed, Alaric found Kael leaning casually against a column in the hallway.

Crown Prince Alaric

“You moved faster than my guards,” Alaric said, his tone almost accusing.

Kael shrugged.

Commander Kael

“They protect your title. I protect you.”

Alaric studied him for a long moment.

Commander Kael

“You’re reckless,” he said. Kael stepped closer, his voice dropping to a murmur.

Commander Kael

“And you’re worth the risk.”

For the second time since meeting him, Alaric’s heart betrayed him with a single, dangerous thud.

[To be continued…]