The Cursed Prince

Mars strode in a panic, leaving his father behind. His mind was in a mess. He didn't know that he could feel this scared in his life.

When he reached the room where Killian was locked up earlier, he didn't see the man nor Emmelyn, only the two soldiers who were keeping guard outside the door. They looked terrified.

"What happened?" he asked them furiously. The two soldiers immediately dropped themselves to the ground and begged for forgiveness.

"I am very sorry, Your Highness.  When I came to escort Lady Emmelyn out of the room and lock the door, suddenly the prisoner ambushed me and knocked me to the ground. Then he immediately overpowered Lady Emmelyn and held her hostage," said one soldier whose head was bleeding, obviously from the impact when Killian knocked him to the ground.

"He took the sword from Rob and used it to threaten Lady Emmelyn," said the other soldier to explain the situation more clearly.

"Wasn't he chained? How could he ambush you?" Mars asked again.

He immediately examined the chain. His brows twitched when he realized that the chain was already unlocked, and he saw a small pin on the floor. He took the pin and checked it.

Killian must have used it to open his lock earlier.

So, when did he do it? Was he already free from the lock before Mars left the room?

Yeah, that must be it. When Emmelyn was talking to Kiliian, under Mars' supervision, he didn't see any movements from Killian that indicated he was working with the lock.

So, it was more likely that he had unlocked the chain before Mars even came, and then, while the prince and later Emmelyn came to talk to him, Killian just kept pretending to still be locked in those chains.

Mars' heart skipped a beat. So, Emmelyn had always been in danger from the beginning because Killian was actually not chained when she entered the room.

Now, Mars felt so guilty for being careless. He didn't bother checking when he entered the room, seeing the chain on Killian's leg. He just assumed that their prisoner's chain was locked.

Gosh, he was deceived by Killian's skills as the man kept pretending to be chained.

Apparently, Killian just waited for a good moment to get out. When Emmelyn came, he realized it was a good chance for him to escape with a hostage.

Mars really hoped Killian was just bluffing and wouldn't do anything to Emmelyn. He didn't think he could recover from this if something happened to Emmelyn and their baby.

"Where are they now?!" he asked the soldiers in a thundering roar.

The soldier's faces looked pale. They were so afraid of getting punished even though it was not actually their fault.

"They are outside, surrounded by our soldiers," said the solder haltingly. "He demanded to be provided with two strong horses so he can leave. We are waiting for your order, Your Highness."

"What are you waiting for? Get those horses immediately!"

Mars was so furious. He pushed them out of his way and walked with long strides toward the direction they pointed at.

The big door was opened to the sides and he found himself near the stable. Under the glaring sun, he could see Killian was surrounded by at least 50 soldiers. The man grabbed Emmelyn's neck with one hand, while his other hand held a sword directed at her stomach.

"Don't you dare come closer, or else...!" He shouted at his enemy.

Killian's expression was fierce and ruthless. His movements looked like a wild animal who was surrounded by hunters and wanted to look for ways to escape.

Mars walked toward them and motioned his men to stepped back. They reluctantly did so.

Emmelyn was a really brave woman, Mars thought in admiration. She didn't look scared like most girls, which gave the prince a bit of relief.

If Emmelyn was scared and panicked, the prince would be affected more than her. So, seeing her calm, the prince became calm too.

Emmelyn clenched her jaws and stared at Mars pleadingly. It was obvious that Emmelyn still begged him to spare Killian's life, even after what he did to her.

"What do you want?" Mars asked Killian calmly. His eyes never left Emmelyn's face.

Killian scoffed. He tilted his chin toward the stable and said, "Two horses, the strong and healthy ones. If not, I will kill this woman."

"Okay, we are getting the horses for you," Mars replied. "But you cannot bring her."

"Tch...! You are not in the position to demand things from me." Killian mocked the prince. "I will need a collateral that I can get out of here safely."

"You can have your collateral. Just not her," Mars replied. "I am a more valuable hostage than Emmelyn. She is just a woman, an outsider in this country. I, on the other hand, am the heir to the throne. The whole kingdom will bow down under your feet if you have me."

Emmelyns' eyes went so round when she heard her husband's words, so did everyone around them.

"Gosh.. no! You can't do that! You are too important. Don't do that..." Emmelyn's calmness suddenly broke. "Don't give yourself to him..."

She cried and reached out her hands toward Mars, but Killian immediately yanked her body and shouted at her to be quiet.

"SHUT UP, WOMAN!!"

"Ugh...!" Emmelyn gritted her teeth, but she didn't say anything else. She was worried Killian would lose it and hurt her baby.

She only pleaded with Mars using her eyes, hoping the man would understand what she wanted.

After Emmelyn stopped struggling, Killian turned to Mars and sized the man from head to toe. Then, he chuckled.

"You are right. You are valuable for this kingdom, BUT.... she is more valuable to YOU," Killian said with a mocking tone. "If I have her, you will bow down under my feet and the whole Draec will bow down with you."