The art of killing has never been perfected by anyone as far as Akemi knows. Sick minds were uncommon in Soleil, emerging from the fissures of their dark solace only when they were looking for vengeance or a quick way to die. Reportings of death and how they met it were similar in similar forms. Either of war, sickness, or a knife to the gut. Having no experience in battle, he could only conjure the pain flashing before King Kharis’ face once he got the chance to go for the kill. Years of imagining have sort of prepared him for the day. To the weapon, he will use down to how he shall escape from the fury of the king’s loyal subjects. But for some odd reason, his hands won’t keep still.

Akemi didn’t daydream about how to kill a crown prince.

Sprawled out on the bed, the quiet prince’s eyes shifted from the ceiling to the noise behind the bedroom door. The lord of the house has been buzzing around all day, carrying out orders to his men. Tonight, was the night when they would hold a small feast for Crown Prince Dion at the guest house. Tonight, he would be putting the knife he smuggled out of the kitchen to put an end to the crown prince's life.

“Do you think we’ll be able to eat after the small banquet?”

“I hope so. All this work is making me hungry.”

Servants murmuring with themselves outside his door, Akemi rubbed his eyelids. Eliciting a soft sigh, the prince couldn’t help but be bored as he waited for the opportunity to sneak out. With Lux buzzing around like a busy bee the entire day, it would be akin to finding a needle in a haystack to decide on the perfect time to come out and secretly follow them. It was now getting dark outside, the sunset glow disappearing as the night fell. Biting back a yawn, Akemi sat up and stretched his legs across the mattress. The sudden rise made him lightheaded.

Just thinking of walking a long way to get to wherever Lux’s guest house is making my legs ache. Maybe I can sneak into the carriage? How? Should I walk like I first planned? Yet my legs will hurt if it's so far. Could I even keep up? Maybe I shouldn’t go? But if I don’t, I’ll be missing such a great chance—

“Akemi? Are you awake?”

A knock on the door caused him to hurriedly go back to lying on the bed, pretending to be napping. Without hearing a reply, the door creaked open and light flooded through the crack. Akemi could smell the perfume mixing with Lux’s scent, the floral smell tickled his nose as he continued to appear sleeping. He felt eyes boring into his skull.

Lux glanced at Akemi a few times, checking to see if he was truly unconscious. “That’s odd. He usually eats dinner with us… he must be exhausted to eat and retire early.” Seeing the prince fast asleep, the lord stepped back with a small smile. “Sweet dreams, Akemi.”

The moment the door clicked shut, Akemi waited for a few minutes before sitting up again with determined eyes. There was no time to waste. He can't stay and ponder over what to do forever. If he was going to assassinate Crown Prince Dion, he had to do it tonight.

Grabbing the scarf Lux gave to him, Akemi tucked the knife into his vest, away from prying eyes. The scarf wrapped around his head to conceal his identity. He can't be spotted heading out, much more holding a knife. No witnesses nor anyone should know of his little secret rendezvous.

Lux and Count Rowan shouldn't even suspect me now. They'll think I'm back here, sleeping when I've been following them from the start. I'll just hope no one comes to find me and see that I've gone.

Stacking his pillows together under the blanket to have an illusion of someone sleeping underneath it, Akemi silently slipped out of his room through the window after saying a little prayer to the Goddess Amaterasu for safety. Landing on top of a bush, the omega prince swiftly moved towards the garden, hoping to leave there unspotted.

The plan was simple in his head. To sneak out of his room and to the garden's gate. Wait for them to leave, follow quietly from behind, and decide the next steps upon arrival at the guest house to achieve the goal of killing Dion. Simple, but putting it into action is the hardest part.

Wait, what if he'll be so heavily guarded even after the banquet? But I'm sure his men would be too carefree after a few drinks. When is Lux and Count Rowan leaving the party? They never said anything about leaving after dinner.

"Those barrels are heavy so ask some of the men in the back to carry them! They contain wine so be careful not to spill any or we'll get a scolding from Lord Lux."

Hiding behind the bushes, he watched as the servants emerged from the kitchen door carrying boxes of fruits. They were then followed by men carrying barrels, grunting at the heavy load as they made their way to the cart off in the distance. Immediately, the idea of boarding the cart and hiding behind the barrels seemed favorable, yet he had to act quickly.

They'll find out it's me if I just run up there... My clothes are from Lux and even if they don't memorize every piece of clothing of their lord from his stockings to his ruffled shirts, they won't be fooled.

Deciding to wait longer for the servants to head back in to take the goods, he sat in quiet trepidation. Once the coast was clear, Akemi ran in the direction of the cart with purpose in every step he took. The sound of chattering followed by footsteps hastened his pace. As soon as his behind touched the cart's wooden floor, he was sure he felt his soul fly out of his body for a brief second. Releasing a breath of relief.

T-thank goodness!

❘༻᯽༺❘

Oh god, this may have been a very bad idea from the start!

The cart ride was bumpy and it had been for a good fifteen minutes until it came to a full stop, relieving Akemi from dizziness and nausea. Yet, his troubles didn't end there until Lux's men started to unload the goods. The hairs on his neck stood as he sat there with great fear. To be discovered would blow his whole plan. Additionally, he would see the disappointment on Lux and Count Rowan's faces after being presented on a silver platter similar to food.

"I can't wait for the banquet to start. We haven't had one since the last festival the other month. Plus, we get to eat with the crown prince."

“Imagine, nameless betas eating with the crown prince! Not everyone could be in our positions, my friend.”

Please go away. Please go away. Please go away.

“I know… you either have to be a royal yourself or be a part of his harem to eat with Crown Prince Dion. To have him as our future king, I’m positive our kingdom shall be as prosperous as ever!”

“Who do you think is going to become queen?”

No one will be after I’m finished with him this evening.

“Shh! Keep your voices down,” A feminine voice hushed them with urgency. “You both can start squealing around like little girls after but we have work to do and dinner is about to start. Keep working!”

Mumbling under their breaths, Akemi watched in secrecy as the men walked away with a few barrels with them. For once since their arrival, no one got into the cart again. Striking while the iron was hot, Akemi instantly jumped out and stared at the house behind him. It wasn’t huge nor as grand as he thought it was. The guest house seemed smaller than Lux’s main home, he figured it would be easier to navigate and hide while inside.

Time to find Dion’s room...

Avoiding soldiers patrolling near what seemed to be the gates, Akemi trudged near the garden where the sounds of merrymaking and men cheering were loud enough for even people passing by outside the manor. The torches flickered brightly as a soothing melody coming from a harp filled the night. Spotting Lux and Count Rowan at the edge of the table, he observed the couple eating and conversing. After scanning the other guests present at the banquet, Akemi’s eyes narrowed down at Dion speaking with his fellow men.

Just you wait…

Into the manor, Akemi searched and looked into every room, trying to find out which room he was using. Hiding from the occasional guards passing down the hallway, three women emerged from the room at the end of the hall, giggling to themselves.

Are they a part of his harem?

Hot-blooded and ready to pounce on Dion for the kill, he kept his urges at bay and approached the room. Instantly, at the sight of gold garments laid out on the bed and chests filled with other expensive objects owned by the crown prince, he knew this was the room of the bastard. Now, he has to wait. Wait for the naive man to be intoxicated, wishing to sleep. Unknowingly stepping into his death.

Hand twitching, the knife tucked in his vest has never weighed heavier than ever. Out of all the reasons he could come up with, the one that stood out was that Dion is the only son of King Kharis and is treasured. If he dies, King Kharis will be heartbroken. The thought brings satisfaction to Akemi. However, a part of him screamed not to do it.

What would happen if he dies? Will I be satisfied? Why am I doing this? What could I gain other than the satisfying news of King Kharis’ heartaches? Is it worth it? The life of one? Will I be happy? Will Mother be happy? Will Hanako be happy? Will Father be proud?

Contrasting his thoughts and feelings earlier, Akemi suddenly had second thoughts.

“Tell the general I’ll be down in a moment. I forgot to bring Lord Lux’s gift with me.”

Damn it!

Not expecting Dion to come up here, the prince ran to the nearest velvet curtain and stood still. Hidden behind the thick cloth, he shuddered. The door slammed shut followed by rustling and footsteps. Dion seemed to be finding Lux’s gift hastily from all the things he brought.

“I’m sure I placed it here somewhere…”

Peeking out, Akemi’s lips parted at the sight of Dion’s unguarded back at him. Licking his dried lips, his hand slipped into his vest and took out the knife. His head was empty of thoughts as he stepped out of his hiding place, wrapping both hands around the knife. They were shaking, yet his conscience was clear.

It’s now or never…

I’m sorry, Dion.

“Akemi, what do you think you’re doing?”