Ethan
Messing around with Romeo was fun like back then, back then when we were comrades. I know he doesn't remember me, which is no use as he was selfish and self-centered. Romeo and I met during the 18th century when we were continental soldiers. Our team was sent on a mission to raid war on the Velmora Kingdom and seize all their resources. The plan was to go travelers in disguise, but our cover was busted to the princess who later fell for Romeo. It wasn't supposed to happen
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'Kael, let's take a rest in an inn. I can't move any longer', I called out.
'Alright, when we see one, we'll stop by and rest for a day or two', he replied. 'You've done a good job so far Cassian', he praised as he shoulder bumped me.
I'll do anything for you sir, I answered back.
We walked for a while before reaching an inn.
'Sir, why don't you have a seat inside as I make the preparations with the inn owner.
'Sure, thing, and let me know if you need my help' he said
As I was talking to the annoying inn owner, a cloaked figure joined me at the reception. I became alert for any danger but what I heard next resolved my alertness.
'How much for a room please? the voice asked.
'10 vaelins for a night, food and a bath is included. Are you interested? the inn owner asked
'Yes, I'll take it for a week. Can you show me the room now? the cloaked lady asked.
'Sure, after I've shown this gentleman his', the inn owner pointed at me.
That was when she turned at me and I was captivated by her eyes. Her eyes were hazel with a swirl of gold. Her whole face was covered except her eyes, and I knew she was a total beauty even though her face was covered.
After the rooms were showed to us, Kael joined me quickly and we discussed our plans. Night came shortly and because I couldn't sleep, I decided to head outside and take a stroll. During my walk I heard whispers coming from the barn and I decided to go take a look. There, I saw the cloaked lady with another young lady who seems to be a heated whisper argument with the cloaked lady.
'My lady, what are you doing here? the young one asked
'I'm just taking a break to cool my head, that's all. You didn't need to come all the way from the capital, the cloaked lady replied unhurriedly.
'My princess, you can't do that. The King will notice that you're missing after a week, the young one whom I assumed to be the cloak lady, now a princess, - maid.
'Then that settles it. I'll stay here for a week till the Majesty notice my absence.
'What are you saying my princess? If anyone notices that you're missing, I'll pay with my head'; the maid whisper shouted.
'No one will notice. I'll come back before you know it, the princess assured her maid. 'So, go back quickly before sunrise, okay?
'Okay, my princess, the maid answered reluctantly.
Feeling I've heard enough I decided to go back to my room and discuss this with Kael tomorrow.
Jackpot...
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The next morning when we were having breakfast the cloak lady - I mean, the princess came down and sat not too far from where Kael and I were sitting. We both planned to get closer to her and get information from her. So, I got up to clear my tray but when I got nearer to where she was seated, I intentionally trip so the leftover food will get on her.
'Oh, I'm so sorry, forgive me, I'm sorry, I apologized.
'It's fine, just be careful next time', she said softly and left to her room.
Instantly I felt bad but I had to do this so we can go through with our plan. Later, I knocked on her door, my heart beating with anticipation. The moment she opened it, her hazel-gold eyes met mine, wary yet curious.
"Yes?" she asked softly.
"I just wanted to apologize again for earlier," I said, keeping my tone humble. "Please, let me make it up to you. I can get you something from the market?"
She studied me for a moment before nodding. "That's not necessary but thank you. Would you like to sit?"
I hesitated just enough to appear uncertain before stepping inside. The room was modest yet elegant, a stark contrast to the rugged roads Kael and I had traveled. I glanced at her, noting how she removed her cloak, revealing cascading dark curls framing her delicate face.
"So, traveler," she said with a teasing lilt, "where are you from?"
I spun a tale, mixing truths with carefully placed lies. She laughed at my exaggerated adventures, and I found myself drawn in. The way she smiled, the way her fingers tucked a stray curl behind her ear—it made me forget my mission for a moment.
Over the next few weeks, Kael and I subtly gathered information about the Velmora Kingdom. I used every interaction with Aurelia to my advantage, learning of the kingdom's weaknesses, guard rotations, and trade routes. Yet, despite my intentions, I felt something strange—an unfamiliar tightness in my chest when I saw her with Kael.
At first, it was subtle. A glance here, a lingering touch there. Kael had always been the charismatic one, the one people gravitated toward. But Aurelia was supposed to be my connection, my way in. Not his.
I watched them steal moments in the garden, whispering under the moonlight. My fists clenched as I saw her laugh at something he said, a soft smile reserved just for him. The realization struck hard—I was losing her. No, I never had her to begin with.
Jealousy burned within me, twisting into something darker. Why did Kael always get the best of things? The admiration, the trust, the love? He was supposed to be my brother-in-arms, yet here he was, taking something that should have been mine.
One night, Cassian followed Aurelia to wherever she went. His blood boiled when he saw her slip into Kael's arms, their foreheads pressed together in an intimate moment.
He clenched his fists. She was slipping away from him.
And so, Cassian made his decision.
The next day, he slipped out of the inn and rode straight to the king's castle.
"I bring news," he said to the guards, his voice firm. "About your princess's love affair with a revolutionary'.
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"Aurelia!" A voice called out from behind her.
She spun, her heart leaping. A man emerged from the shadows, dressed in the torn uniform of a Continental soldier. His face was partially hidden by the low brim of his tricorne hat, but his eyes burned with intensity, locking onto hers as though she were the only beacon in the chaos around them.
"Kael..." she whispered, his name falling from her lips like an incantation she hadn't known she remembered.
"You can't be here," Kael rasped, his voice a mix of anger and desperation. He stepped closer, shaking his head as though he could will her away. "Do you have any idea what they'll do to us if they find you?"
"I couldn't stay," Aurelia insisted, her hands trembling. "They expect me to marry him tomorrow. To stand before those loyal to the Crown and bind myself to their chains forever. I refuse to live a lie while you..." her voice broke, "...while you fight alone."
Kael's jaw clenched, his anguish clear in the flicker of his expression. He reached for her, his calloused hands cradling her face. "Aurelia, this isn't about me. It's bigger than us. If they think you've betrayed your family, they'll brand you a traitor. Do you understand what that means?"
"I don't care," she said firmly, tears glistening in her eyes. "I only care about you. About freedom."
Their world seemed to collapse inward as he pulled her into his arms, crushing her against him as if she might disappear. The thunder of approaching hooves broke the moment, Kael's body tensing.
"They've found us." His voice was barely above a whisper, heavy with despair.
Before she could respond, the trees parted, and armed Redcoats on horseback encircled them. Aurelia instinctively pressed closer to Kael, his body shielding her as the soldiers dismounted.
As the Redcoats encircled them, Cassian stepped forward, a smug smirk on his face.
"Well, well," he drawled, his arms crossed. "Looks like I caught a little reunion in progress."
Aurelia's eyes widened in betrayal. "Cassian... You—"
Cassian only shrugged. "I warned you, Princess. You should have chosen me."
Kael snarled, positioning himself in front of Aurelia. "You'll regret this, Cassian."
But Cassian only laughed as the soldiers closed in, knowing that his name would forever be written in history—not as a forgotten soldier, but as the man who shaped the future of Velmora.
One man stepped forward, sneering. "Kael Morrow, the infamous revolutionary. Surrender now, and we'll ensure the lady's safety."
Kael smirked grimly, his arms tightening around Aurelia. "We both know that's a lie."
The soldier's expression darkened. "So be it." He raised his musket, leveling it at them.
"No!" Aurelia screamed, stepping forward, but Kael caught her wrist and pushed her behind him.
Kael collapsed, blood blooming across his chest like a crimson rose. His fingers weakly sought hers, finding them in a final act of devotion before his body went still.
Aurelia dropped to her knees, clutching his hand as the Redcoats dragged her away. Her sobs echoed through the forest, the golden locket dangling from her neck and catching the fading sunlight, its promise left unfulfilled.
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It's funny how I'm here in this life with Kael - I mean Romeo. Let's see how this life will end.
Jackpot....
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Ethan, Ethan, Ethan. What do you think of him?