Robert’s POV

  “Do you think he’s okay? I mean, it’s been a week," Evelyn asked, her voice tight with worry. She fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, her usual composed demeanor slipping. "I just know this has something to do with him making friends with us and saving you from that poison," she added, her words spilling out for what felt like the hundredth time since Jace had gone missing, the repetition doing little to soothe her obvious anxiety.

  When he didn’t show up on Sunday, I called my father to investigate, and that’s when I learned he had been trapped inside a Dungeon. Knowing how strong he was, I had no doubt he’d already completed it—after all, he could spar evenly with me, and my family had put me through more than a few intense training sessions. His strength wasn’t just remarkable; it was proven time and time again.

  Unsurprisingly, he had managed to beat the Dungeon, only to discover it was a transport type. Worse still, it connected to the bloody Elves. Of all possibilities, this was the most problematic. Honestly, it might have been better if it led to Heirarchon instead. At least we had trade agreements with them, and there might have been a chance to negotiate some kind of arrangement.

  Jace being sent there wasn’t necessarily the end of the world; Elves typically avoid harming children. Their philosophy rests on the belief that fostering understanding in the next generation of humans might curb the greed and destruction of the past. It’s an unusual blend of idealism and pragmatism, rooted in a hope for a future where coexistence is possible. However, this time was different. Not only did they fail to send Jace back, but they took him outright.

  The situation escalated quickly when Marian, known as The Pugilist, broke through the Dungeon in a desperate attempt to retrieve Jace. She managed to incapacitate five Elves guarding the entrance before coming face-to-face with over a hundred more on the other side. Her ferocity was unmatched, but even she couldn’t overcome the sheer numbers alone.

  They returned the favor, knocking her out and dragging her back into the Dungeon and tossing her through the entrance. Only for the scene to repeat itself with Guard Captain Ralph. Marian breaking through the line of Elves was not very surprising. She was known for how powerful she was and had gone out to fight many bandits in her day. Ralph, however, was a surprise, he was known to only have a barrier talent.

  Yes, Jace and I both have defensive talents as well, but apparently his fight was almost more spectacular to watch than Marians. Needless to say, he was eventually beaten back. If that had been the end of it, the Elves might not have done anything else however, Julliane showed up next. Not much was known about her talent, but when she showed up, Marian, Ralph, and Julliane went in together. Over one hundred Elves were taken down and it seemed like nothing could stop the three of them.

  Until one Elf showed up and took them down together. According to reports, the Elf was an ancient Elf and seemed to have gone through several revelations. Able to take a punch from Marian as though she were a toddler throwing a tantrum.

  Once this Elf had them subdued and he found out that they were only after Jace he knocked them out. Tossed them back on our side of the Dungeon made sure no one was inside, any who were received the same treatment. Then collapsed the Dungeon so we could not get through anymore.

  While Jace was a good friend we could not wage a war for him. We could however, go to see his family today, as it was the weekend, and offer what solace we were able.

  “We should hurry, I am pretty sure that something is going to be happening soon. Hopefully, its Jace and we can send Edith home. I know she is making sure we don’t get poisoned, but she scrubs way to hard when bathing me.” Evelyn complained.

  That was another thing that had changed, my father sent Edith, Evelyn’s lady in waiting. She has an analyze talent that allows her to be able to identify if something is poisoned or many other things. I didn’t have the heart to tell Evelyn that father had decided that trusting someone ten years old with the responsibility of making sure that the royal children are not poisoned was just not happening.

  “You are the one that is slowing us down. If you would just let me carry you, we would already be there.” I said, making fun of how she was weak. If anyone else was to make the same joke she would probably take it as a snide remark or something, but she knows that I respect her for what she can do.

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  It didn’t take us much longer to arrive at his house. It was modest in size, with a quaint, weathered charm that felt inviting. The wooden shutters were slightly faded, but freshly potted flowers on the windowsills added a touch of warmth and care. A stone path led to the front door, framed by a small porch that seemed perfect for quiet evenings. Compared to the grandeur of the palace, it was simple, yet it radiated a sense of comfort and belonging, like a home built on love rather than opulence.

  Knocking on the door, it did not take long before, who I assumed was, Jace’s mother answered the door. “Can I help you?” she asked in a somewhat understandably restrained voice.

  “Good morning, ma’am. I am Robert and this is my sister Evelyn—” Before I had a chance to finish, she interrupted me.

  “Oh my, I am so sorry.” She said before giving a curtsey. “Welcome to my home your highness’, is there anything I can do to help you?”

  “There’s no need for that Lady Obexis. We are here to see if there is anything we can do. Jace has become a good friend to both of us and we are hoping to help in some small way.” I said, reaching out to bring her up from her curtsey.

  Evelyn beat me to the punch though and was there grabbing on to her elbow and guiding her inside the home. Walking behind the pair I shut the door and started looking around. My sister had taken the lead on speaking with Julliane as she insisted we call her, and I was fine with letting her have it.

  Upon reaching the kitchen there was a maid there that was making lunch for an excitable little girl. It was obvious by looking at her that she was Jace’s sister. Similar dark hair, long legs, body and arms. Tall for her age and having sparkling hazel eyes. The moment she saw us, her mouth started moving and just didn’t stop.

  One question after another came and went by so fast that I didn’t even remember the first question before her mother interrupted her. “Ayla, sweetie, you need to slow down and wait for them to respond if you want to have your questions answered. Now go get washed up for lunch, Prince Robert and Princess Evelyn will be joining us and you know Miss Marian will probably be by as well.”

  As though summoned by her words the front door opened, and The Pugilist came through the door. She looked much better than most reports had said. Most saying that she had the beginning signs of aging, however, now she appeared in her early thirties with black hair, a smooth face and the brightest blue eyes I have ever seen. Not only that, but the palpable presence from her was astounding.

  “Marian, we have guests, control your aura will you, they are not used to it and Ayla still has not complete grown accustomed yet.” Julliane stated.

  As Julliane finished her statement the door slammed opened and in marched Ralph Obexis, Jace’s father. He looked pissed, his blonde hair swaying in front of his anger filled green eyes. Noticing the hair and eye color for everyone in the family, I couldn’t help but wonder where Jace’s striking purple coloration came from. It stood out so distinctly, almost like a marker of something extraordinary. Was it tied to his talent, his heritage, or perhaps something else entirely? This wasn’t the time to ask, but the mystery lingered in my mind, adding another layer to the intrigue surrounding him.

  “They dismissed me from working on the investigation! Can you believe that they dis- Oh, sorry, who are you?” Ralph started shouting before realizing that he had guests.

  “That is Prince Robert and Princess Evelyn.” His wife stated, and before anyone could say anything he was down on his knee, head bowed before us.

  “Please stand Ralph, this is your home, and we came by unannounced. Even though it’s a somewhat empty gesture, we wanted to at least offer our assistance in any way we can.” I said trying to get him to treat us normally. “More importantly, what do you mean you were removed from the investigation? Do you mean the investigation for who had been hiding the Dungeon?”

  Ralph went on to tell us that they had been able to find out who was hired to conceal the Dungeon, but that they were no longer a viable source of information. Probably to sugar coat the fact that he had been killed off would be my guess. After that, they started to try and find who did the hiring, when all of a sudden, orders came down that the case had been taken over by a senior investigator. Even though Ralph was a guard captain he was not an investigator and was removed from handling the case anymore.

  Looking at my sister I tried to gauge whether this was the thing that was supposed to happen, only for her to shake her head. Ralph seemed to notice the exchange but did not ask us about it.

  While Ralph had been telling his story, Julliane and a maid had been finishing up lunch and placing it on the table. Julliane and the maid both apologized for the meager meal, but honestly it looked amazing to me.

  Ayla took the opportunity when everyone started eating to excitedly tell us all about how amazing her big brother was. Her face lit up as she recounted story after story of the games they used to play together, her hands gesturing wildly to emphasize just how much fun they had. She described how Jace patiently taught her the rules, often inventing little twists to make the games even more entertaining.

  "He’s the one who showed me how to win without cheating," she said with a grin, her pride in him shining through every word. Her infectious enthusiasm drew everyone’s attention, painting a vivid picture of the bond they shared and making it impossible not to smile. She also mentioned him telling her stories that started to pique my interest, when all of a sudden Ralph stood abruptly, shouting.

  “I am going to kill him! Where do they get off arresting my son?” Before storming out of the house.

  Evelyn and I stared wide eyed at the scene before we quickly got up and chased after Ralph.