Oliver kept his hood pulled over his head, trying to avoid the curious eyes of the Bierzens. He observed the crowds and tensed as he saw the roads lined with guards. Many were young, barely old enough to wield a sword, yet they were dressed in glittering gold armor. 

The streets were filled with vendors and celebrating citizens, uncaring that their King had just passed. There was no sign of mourning for their recent loss.  It was callous and vulgar.  Although Oliver had not considered himself a Bierzen, he was still embarrassed by their attitude, especially in front of a King like Draco.  

Oliver and the others picked up parts of the chatter of the people as they passed.  Most were talking about the crowning ceremony scheduled for the following week. However, some made their procession stall their steps. 

"I heard the disgraced Kardos son was attending as well."

"Didn't he die?"

"He was banished, but our future King has a forgiving heart."

"Now it feels like I returned," Oliver said to the others with a chuckle.

Gallio swept the crowd with his eyes and frowned. "Is there something wrong with the citizens of Bierze? Are they all suffering from a disease that eats away at their brains?"

Oliver shook his head helplessly. "Have you already forgotten my reputation? With me being gone for nearly a year, it's only natural that it would get worse."

"The folly of the ignorant," murmured Draco as he glared into the crowd. 

Oliver leaned toward Draco, placing a hand on his arm. He lowered his voice, so the conversation was just between the two of them. "They will probably house you in the Golden Lion estate. I will go to my family first and meet you there when I have convinced my family to leave."

"Do you think they will fight you?"

Oliver frowned. "Ewen may, but I have confidence that everyone else will leave without argument." 

"Should I go with you?" Draco asked with an unexpected flash of nervousness in his eyes. 

Oliver smiled. "You will be comfortable with that?"

"Comfortable?" Draco laughed. "I whisked away a Kardos son, bedded him, married him in the middle of the night, and declared him King without their knowledge. I'm quite the opposite of comfortable, but I would still escort you and meet them. I would face their wrath gladly."

Oliver's smile widened. "They will love you almost as much as I do."

However, before they could break away from the others, a large group of royal guards approached them.

"Sirs, we're here to escort you to your residences while you stay in Bierze. The diplomats of Rucrea can follow me to the Golden Lion estate." A guard said with a bow.

"I think we can find our way," Draco responded with a tight tone. 

"Unfortunately, I will have to insist. We have received several threats and want to ensure your safety."

Draco's jaw clenched. "We can handle ourselves."

The guard bowed low, "Please do not make this difficult."

Draco turned to Oliver, knowing he was anxious to meet with his family. "I have business in the city. I will send several men into the city, and the rest can follow you."

"Unfortunately, I must insist I escort all of you. When we can assure you that once the threat has been nullified, we will allow you to roam freely."

Draco chuckled, but it was low and menacing, like his growl. "Allow? You think you have the power to restrain me?"

"Sir—"

Draco dismounted, and Oliver and the others followed suit. "I can just leave instead. I care little about your King's crown and poorly-mannered city."

The guards became agitated, and their hands reached for their swords. However, the guard who was addressing Draco bowed again. "Please, we do not wish to insult you. However, we are responsible for your noble lives and refuse to risk anything."

Draco looked around at his men, who were upset but waiting for his orders. He then rested on Oliver. However, Oliver was not focused on Draco's gaze but behind their procession. Palace assassins were hiding in the crowd behind them.  

"We're surrounded," Oliver whispered.

"Fuck." Draco glared at the guards. He closed his eyes and decided to comply for now. "Stop wasting time with your groveling. Show us the way."

The guard nodded. "I will happily lead the Rucrean representatives to the Golden Lion estates.  My cohorts will escort the Abrorgeans and Osmelans to their estates."

He turned and started to lead Draco. 

Draco stood close to Oliver as they followed behind. "Do you think you can slip away?"

Oliver checked his surroundings.  There were still assassins hiding in the crowd, but they had split up to follow the other kingdoms' representatives.  Oliver nodded. It would be possible.

"Then go, but I will only give you one night to bring them out or send word to me. If I do not see you in the morning, I will break down the Kardos' door to find you." Draco warned. 

Oliver chuckled. "I promise."

Draco grabbed his hand and held it tightly. "I mean it, Oli."

"I know," Oliver smiled and tightened his hold on Draco's hand briefly. "I'll see you soon."

He slowed his steps and let the other Rucreans pass him. He melted into the group and moved slowly to the side. He kept his eyes on a clothing shop with wares on the side of the road.  One woman was looking at a cape, letting the breeze pick it up.  Oliver stepped behind the fluttering cape and out of the assassins' view.

He turned while no one was paying attention and slipped a blue cape off the rack. He discreetly wrapped it over his shoulders and walked into the crowd. 

He kept his footsteps light and in pace with the mingling crowd, avoiding standing out. He started to move through less busy roads and began to hurry his steps.  Sometimes, he would run through the alleys, ensuring no one was following him. 

He finally reached the walls of the Kardos manor and was exhausted. The city was massive, and he had doubled the length of his journey by taking every precaution to avoid someone following him. 

He went toward the back of the estate with thick foliage coverage and climbed the wall.  Before jumping over it, he watched the manor.

It was quiet, with a few guards walking the perimeter. He watched the house for a while, his eyes peeled on the balcony of his old room. When the guards had passed, he climbed over the wall and rushed to the manor.  He scaled the vines that crept up the exterior and pulled himself onto his balcony. He crouched in the corner and listened for any noises but was greeted with more silence.  

He snuck into the room. It had become stale in the room, only visited when it needed to be cleaned. However, it wasn't his concern.  He opened the door to peek into the hallway, but it was also empty.

Oliver felt uneasy.  Not only was the silence uncommon, but there was something else in the air... fear.

When Oliver stepped into the hallway, he could practically taste the fear in the manor. 

He stepped into the hall and ran a few doors down, pausing at a door.  He heard footsteps coming up the stairs, so he quickly opened the door and shut it behind him.

A small gasp sounded from the center of the room, and then a small bundle in white came rushing towards him and slammed into his legs.

"Brother, you're back!" Avery cried out in a meek voice.

Oliver hushed him quickly and turned his attention to the sounds in the hallway. Although it was quiet, he felt tension permeating.

He picked up Avery and hugged him tightly. He rushed back to the door, his hand paused on the handle. If there was a threat in the house, he could only take this one chance for Avery. 

He trembled and shut his eyes in pain. Did he have to choose between the members of his family? He clenched his teeth so hard he could hear them crack under pressure.  He ripped open the front door with Avery in his arms.

However, as he opened the door, five unknown guards were standing at the end of the hallway, waiting for him and blocking his path. 

"Lord Oliver, it would be best if you came with us," one man said to him.

Oliver reached for the sword behind his back. "Stand down, soldier."

However, the guards approached with swords out. Oliver held Avery tightly with one arm and reached for his sword on his back. 

"We know how close you are to your family by the many letters you have exchanged over the year.  We knew you would come here." The guard explained. "We have been expecting you for a while now. There is no way we will let you go now."

If Piers had been working alone, he would have never bothered with such strategies. However, the Ravager King is different. 

Oliver had made a mistake. An unredeemable mistake. 

He neglected to account for his enemies' disgusting habit of using his family against him.

He showed affection towards his family, exposing his weakness. Then Ewen fed this information to Piers, and the Ravager King laid out the snare. 

Oliver scoffed as he recalled how people called him the greatest tactician, always finding ways to save more lives. But he had fallen pathetically for this trap.  

Now he was facing the consequences.

Oliver observed his surroundings. He could escape, but this meant that he would leave Avery vulnerable. He spat out a curse. 

"At least let Avery leave," he attempted to negotiate and protect his brother.

The guard held some sympathy in his eyes but still shook his head. "I'm sorry, Lord Oliver. No one can leave."

Oliver practically growled and turned back into Avery's room, slamming the door behind him and locking it. He ran to the balcony and found a large group of royal guards waiting below.  He looked up to see if there was any chance for him to climb toward the roof, but there were no footholds.

Trapped.

He moved Avery to a corner, sat him down, and knelt so they were at eye level. 

"Are you still sneaking out of the house?" Oliver asked quietly.

Avery hesitated. "...no..."

"I need the truth now. Is there another way out for us?" He urged him.

Avery sniffed and shook his head. "It's too small.  I can fit, but you can't."

Oliver breathed out, feeling some relief. He moved his hand to his dragon heart shard hanging around his neck. He pulled at his necklace, broke the chain, and stuffed it in Avery's pocket.

There was harsh banging on the door, and the guards yelled at him to open up.

Oliver kept his eyes on the door. "I have a mission for you, but it's going to be dangerous."

Avery would usually giggle or brag about Oliver treating him like a soldier. However, this time he tensed and listened intently.

"I just gave you my necklace. No one can know about this item, not even mom and dad." Oliver warned.

He knew there was no magic in the stone, but Piers didn't know. It would be best not to let him know that the Anima Wish had already been used.

"Watch the house and the guards, but trust no one. If you get the chance, sneak out of the house."

"What?" Avery was surprised by this order.

"Draco—someone I trust—will be coming tomorrow morning. Use that to your advantage and sneak out. But only do so if you are absolutely certain that you will succeed. I'm already putting you in danger, so I will not allow you to take an even bigger risk."

"But—"

"No but's. You must promise me you will only leave if your chances are absolute." He hugged Avery tighter. "If you cannot escape, just hide my necklace and keep yourself safe. Please, promise me."

Avery nodded and clung to Oliver's shirt with his shivering fists.

"If you leave, cover yourself and do not let anyone see your eyes or hair. Find a way to meet Draco at the Golden Lion estate where the Rucreans are staying. Only trust him."

Avery's eyes widened, and he gasped with surprise. "Rucreans?"

Oliver tiled Avery back so he could look him in the eyes. "Golden Lion estate—Draco. You got it?"

"Hide the necklace. Sneak out. Don't let anyone see my eyes or hair. Golden Lion estate. Draco." Avery repeated with a slight tremble in his young voice. He nervously looked at the door, starting to buckle under the pounding.

Oliver gave him a small smile, but it was sorrowful. He was breaking inside for putting his young brother in this position.

"Draco is tall with red eyes. He has long black hair. He has a mark on his hand." He pointed to the one on his hand. "A mark like mine, but it's white instead of black."

Avery bit his lip nervously. "What if he doesn't trust me?"

Oliver sighed lightly. "If he is stubborn, tell him that the old ghost sent you."

Avery nodded, soaking up each word.

He tried holding back his emotions as he crushed Avery against his chest in a hug. "I'm sorry for asking this of you."

"I can do it. I'm brave, just like you." Avery patted Oliver's shoulder to soothe him.

Oliver smiled weakly. "Don't be too brave. A good soldier knows when to retreat and value his life."

Avery gave him a salute. "I promise, brother... but... why aren't you sneaking away?"

Oliver kissed his forehead and struggled with his words. "The people outside will be taking me with them."

"They're taking you too?"

Oliver felt his blood turn cold. "Too? Who else did they take?"

"Uncle Antony a couple of nights ago."

"Shit." Oliver spat out. But when he felt Avery flinch, he relaxed and tried to calm Avery with a smile. "I'll make sure he's fine when I'm there."

"I don't want you to go. I don't like those people." Avery sniffed with watery eyes.

Oliver's eyes focused on the door as it started to splinter. "Neither do I." He said quietly.

Avery noticed it as well, quickly wiped his tears, and ensured the necklace was safe in his pocket. He knew that he couldn't let anyone know about their conversation.

"Enough!" Oliver yelled. "I'm coming."

The guards outside settled down a bit and stopped their efforts.  Oliver cupped Avery's cheek affectionately. "Remember what I said. Do not take unnecessary risks."

Avery pouted. "What about you?"

"I'll be fine," he said with a smile. 

He unlocked the door and opened it. Swords were immediately pointed at his throat.  Oliver rolled his eyes. "Take me where I need to go."

They marched him down to the foyer.  A man with a deep scar on his cheek walked out of the parlor room to meet him. 

"Lord Oliver." The scarred man said with a sneer, and a dark aura surrounded him. He was a palace assassin.

Oliver's turned a sharp glare his way. The air in the foyer turned cold, and the assassin swayed from Oliver's terrible pressure. The assassin reached for his sword, but Oliver appeared in front of him within moments. One hand stopped the assassin's sword from being unsheathed while the other hand gripped the man's chin roughly.

"If you draw your sword, you should prepare to gift me your life."

The man hissed. "You wouldn't dare."

Oliver laughed coldly, his nails biting into the man's jaw.  He let go of the man and took a step back, holding out his arms. "Shall we test my resolve?"

The man gritted his teeth and pulled out his sword.  However, Oliver released the full extent of his killing intent. The air was ice cold and caused even the bravest man to shudder.  

The man dropped his sword, letting it clatter to the ground.  Oliver withdrew his aura, picked up the sword, and held it out of the man.

"Don't foolishly swing your sword at anyone," Oliver's voice was heavy with condescension. He handed the sword back to the man. "You never know what monster you will pit yourself against."

He turned from the man and walked into the parlor without another word.

Oliver immediately noticed the five men standing around the parlor, all their hands were on their weapons, and they observed his every move. 

He could tell these were assassins, the ones hidden inside the palace. He didn't greet them but instead fixed his eyes on his mother.  Sophia looked at him tearfully and quickly stood up and rushed to him. The hood of his cape fell back and revealed his blood-stained hair and cheek.

She fussed over the blood. "What happened?"

"We ran into a band of Ravagers. Nothing too serious." Oliver explained, trying to calm her.

"Were you hurt?"

Oliver shook his head. "My soldiers and I sustained no injuries or casualties." 

Sophia sighed and hugged him, ignoring the blood on his clothes. His father quickly followed and hugged him as well. 

"You have grown quite a bit this year," Aaron said.

"How was Wynter? Are you planning on returning there soon?" Sophia asked with hopeful eyes.

Oliver's smile fell a little. "I like it up north and hope we all can go as soon as we're able."

They were interrupted when the door was ripped open, and Conrad came running in.  He pulled Oliver into a tight hug. 

"Be careful. It's Piers pulling the strings." He whispered in Oliver's ear in hopes of warning him.

"I know," Oliver replied. He patted him on the back and broke away from the hug. "Ewen?"

"He's... in his room." Conrad's eyes swept across the group of men in the room, but he looked uncomfortable.

Oliver sighed and faced the assassins with his arms crossed over his chest. "I already came per the Crown Prince's summons. Having you here is unnecessary."

The leader of the group of assassins stepped forward and bowed. "Lord Oliver. My name is Johen from the Royal Palace.  The Crown Prince has requested your company."

"If I leave with you, will your men leave my family alone?" Oliver asked.

"My men will leave, but the Royal Guards will stay until you return."

Oliver laughed. "So my family is being held hostage?"

"Guarded." Johen tried to justify their actions.

Oliver rolled his eyes. "The Crown Prince and I have cut ties already."

"I'm still here to escort you. It will be easier for all of us if you come peacefully."

Oliver removed the swords from his back and handed them to Conrad. "Keep these safe, brother."

"Oli, don't. Run." Conrad whispered between clenched teeth.

Oliver shook his head.  If he ran now, his family would be cut down... again. 

However, he wasn't in a hopeless situation because he wasn't alone anymore. Draco will discover the truth, protect his family, and search for him. He didn't doubt this for a moment. 

In the meantime, Oliver would not be compliant and would find a way to escape.

The assassins surrounded him and escorted him out of the manor and into a plain carriage with blocked windows. 

He climbed in with Johen and sat leisurely. 

Survive and escape. It was entirely possible. 

He just needed to survive whatever torture was in store for him.

••••••A/N••••••

....

Weapons are not the answer, my friends (please put the knives away).

😭