I froze, uncertain as to how I should answer him. The Second Prince had made it clear what would happen to me if his brother discovered the truth, but how could I dare to lie to my future King? Either way, I had no way to explain my situation to him. All I could tell him was yes or no. I looked back up at him, daring to meet his gaze, begging him with my eyes not to make me answer. 

“You needn’t look so concerned,” the First Prince said, “The sound barrier is secure, and no one will know what we discuss today. I imagine my brother must have you under some kind of threat, but I can assure you that no matter how you answer, you are under my protection and safe from consequences. So I'll ask you again, did you really choose this?”

I still didn't know how to answer him. If I said no, would he send me back to my father? I couldn't go back there. Anything would be better than being handed over to Albrecht. But to say yes would be a lie. I was so tired of being afraid. I just wanted to be sent as far away from my father's house as possible, somewhere that I wouldn't have to feel afraid anymore. What answer could I give him that would guarantee that?

Not knowing what else to do, I shrugged and averted my eyes once more. 

“Your Highness,” Amelie interrupted carefully, “If I may?”

“Amie, of course,” the First Prince replied with surprising familiarity, “This is why I asked you to be here. I’d prefer for it to come from Marquis Julien directly, but it doesn’t seem like that will be happening.”

I stiffened at their words. What were they planning to do to me? 

Amelie closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, then opened her eyes and grabbed my unsuspecting hand. She stared intently at me for a moment and shivers ran down my spine once more.

“He doesn’t hold any hostility toward the beastmen, but he isn’t a willing party in this either,” she told him, confirming the very thing I had wanted to hide, “However, even if he was taken from the Duke's home as a prisoner, he does not wish to return there. I’m also inclined to believe that he really is under some kind of threat if this doesn't work out the way your brother, the Second Prince, desires.”

Panic began to set in. How could she possibly know all that? I pulled my hand away from her, grasping it as if it were wounded.

“My Lord,” she continued, addressing her words to me, “I understand your hesitation but I promise we are here to help you, not hurt you.”

Lord Erris chuckled and said, “Amie, the poor boy doesn't know about your abilities. The more you speak, the more uncomfortable you're going to make him.” He turned to the First Prince and asked, "Your Highness, if I may?” 

“Yes, yes, yes,” the First Prince responded, “I’ve told both of you countless times to stop asking permission to speak freely.” 

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Lord Erris responded, unbothered by the light scolding, “Julien, like myself, Amelie here is a magic user. She’s a cousin of mine, actually. However, her powers are very different from mine. I use my magic to affect the things around me, but hers is a more passive ability. You've already noticed that she knows far more than she should, right? Well, that’s exactly why His Highness sent her to you.”

I had definitely noticed. I looked at her with fear in my eyes. How much did she know?  

“I can’t directly read your thoughts,” she clarified in response to my wary look, “I’m a high level empath. I can read emotions clearly and I can occassionally sense the thoughts of those around me. But the thoughts are often incomplete and rarely accurate. Although I admit you are easier to read than most. I'm inclined to believe that, since you cannot speak, your inner voice is stronger than most.”

So that was it. What an incredible and terrifying ability. The more I thought about it, the more surreal it seemed that I was seated at a table with a Royal and his two magic users. I looked between the three in awe.

“Julien,” Lord Erris continued, “I have served his Highness since he was a young lad and I know him well. I can tell you with confidence that he will protect you from whatever consequences you fear.”

“Perhaps it would be best if I explained more about our current situation,” the First Prince interjected, “It is a bit much for me to ask for your trust when I haven't done anything to earn it. First, let me say that peace with the Beastlands is of the utmost importance to me. My father, the King, experienced great pressure from certain ducal families to start this fruitless war, which has caused nothing but suffering for both humans and beastmen alike. I have spoken with General Rastari about this turn of events, and he is willing to overlook your father’s tricks. The Beastlands have no desire to continue this war. They had no grievances with Vrayna before this, and they have fought to protect themselves, not to win. The beastmen are not dangerous monsters and they are certainly not our enemy; they're just different from us. It is my hope that this treaty will help convince the nobles of that.”