Shadows of Deception

Cedric turned to the other side and nestled on the floor, as if he desired to sleep longer. Gideon was extremely worried, observing how the prince seemed to have lost his reason. His words didn't make sense, and Gideon knew he needed to persuade him to snap out of this state.

"My prince, the king requests everyone's presence at breakfast today. You can't simply skip it," said Gideon, his voice filled with apprehension.

"And who told you I can't skip it? I am the prince here, I do as I please," Cedric retorted, with a challenging tone.

"The king has guests. Your presence is necessary, my prince. If you don't go, it will reflect poorly on me with the king," argued Gideon, trying to find a reason that could convince Cedric.

Cedric sighed, aware of what his uncle was capable of doing to those who disobeyed his orders. Even though Gideon was not guilty, the king could decapitate his best friend just to hurt him. Gideon was the only one who had been by his side since the death of his parents, knowing the whole truth but never betraying him. This unwavering loyalty was something Cedric deeply valued.

"My uncle is looking to put on another show, actually," Cedric said, his eyes fixed on Gideon. The smile that formed on his lips was icy and cruel, revealing a dark side of his personality. "He surely wants an audience that applauds him standing."

Gideon felt a shiver run down his spine witnessing the sinister expression on Cedric's face. He knew the prince was capable of unspeakable cruelties, but seeing this facet manifest so openly was disturbing.

"In reality, I don't know what your uncle's intentions are. I just know he sent his personal servant to everyone in the castle," replied Gideon, his eyes briefly meeting Cedric's before averting his gaze, uncomfortable with the dark intensity emanating from the prince.

As the conversation continued, Cedric's thoughts flew to Eveline. His heart raced with frantic beats, mingling with a sense of restlessness and fear. He feared what she could do, believing she might have exposed him for what happened last night. Cedric was aware that his uncle, driven by his own thirst for power, was seizing the opportunity to humiliate him in front of everyone.

In a sudden movement, Cedric rose from the bed, his eyes gleaming with a dark determination. "Have my bath prepared. I need to leave immediately."

Gideon, surprised by Cedric's sudden change, observed him with a mix of apprehension and fascination. It was as if he was witnessing the transformation of a man into a monster. Cedric emanated an intimidating aura, with his firm steps and piercing gaze.

"Your Majesty, may I inquire about what you spoke of earlier?" Gideon whispered, his voice trembling.

Cedric turned to him slowly, a sadistic smile drawn on his lips. "She already knows about me," he replied, his voice calm and cold as ice.

Gideon felt a chill run through his body. He had known the prince for years, but he had never seen this disturbing facet of his personality. The mystery surrounding Cedric seemed to deepen with every moment, and Gideon wondered how far this darkness would lead him.

"What do you mean?" Gideon asked, his voice trembling.

"Eveline knows everything," Cedric said, his eyes shining with a mix of challenge and cruelty. It was as if he wished to instill fear in every word he uttered.

Gideon felt powerless in the face of this revelation. A veil of mystery and danger hung over Cedric. What would become of Cedric now? Was this the moment for Cedric to show everyone who he really was?

"Majesty, will you reveal your secrets today?" Gideon asked, his voice laden with anticipation and concern.

Cedric fixed his piercing gaze on Gideon, a mixture of determination and exhaustion visible in his eyes. He sighed before responding, his voice filled with a blend of sadness and frustration. "If necessary, yes. I'm tired of lying to everyone. I don't want to appear weak forever."

Gideon felt a wave of compassion and understanding infiltrate his heart. He knew that beneath Cedric's façade of coldness and cruelty, there was a man burdened by secrets and expectations. It was as if the prince carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, desperately seeking relief for his tormented soul.

"Majesty, please don't do this. We're so close to seizing power, even Luna Aldre has joined us," Gideon argued, trying to persuade Cedric to reconsider. There was a glimmer of hope in his voice, a desire for Cedric to find the strength to persevere.

Cedric let out a bitter laugh, his eyes momentarily shifting away before returning to Gideon's intense gaze. "I don't trust anyone, Gideon. You're the only one who knows about me and hasn't betrayed me so far. But what about the others? They can betray me at any moment."

A wave of mistrust and paranoia coursed through the prince, corroding his trust in the people around him. It was as if he was trapped in a labyrinth of distrust, unable to discern who his true ally was and who might turn against him.

Gideon felt a pang in his heart witnessing Cedric's loneliness and anguish. He knew that to face the looming challenges, the prince needed not only courage but also trust in those who surrounded him. Gideon was determined to prove his loyalty and help Cedric find a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that consumed his soul.

Gideon finished arranging the prince, feeling imbued with a sense of urgency and anticipation. He knew that morning could change the course of everyone's lives within that castle. Every step they took through the echoing corridors seemed to carry significant weight, as if they were walking toward an inevitable destiny.

Silence enveloped the surroundings, interrupted only by the muffled sound of Gideon and Cedric's footsteps echoing through the cold stone walls. The corridor stretched out before them, appearing longer and darker than ever. A palpable tension hung in the air, as if the castle itself was eagerly awaiting the unfolding of the imminent events.