Alex kept laughing, and William frowned. "Did I say something funny?"

"No, it's just… You tell me everything you think, without any filter. It's strange."

Different. Almost freeing. As if they were old friends. Few people dared that far, and Alex considered them all family.

The doors of the hall opened, and a middle-aged man with a small beard on his chin and a coat limped toward them.

The gamekeeper.

Alex didn't remember his name, but recognized the gruff face and shifty eyes. He looked older than the last time Alex had seen him.

The man bowed. "Your Highness, did you wish to see me?"

"My father sent me to investigate, together with my mage, Master William Traver. I'd like to hear from you what happened to the deer so we can get a clearer picture and start the investigation tomorrow."

The gamekeeper shot the mage a glance and nodded, moistening his lips.

"There's not much to say. I found about twenty carcasses in a clearing not far from here, in the heart of the hunting reserve. No signs of bites or claw marks—it wasn't wolves, boars, or bears. Those are the only predators in the area."

"Were there any signs of weapons or arrows?"

"No, nothing. It looked as if they were asleep."

"Poison?"

The gamekeeper nodded. "I thought the same, Your Highness, but the poisons I know always leave traces."

William furrowed his brow. "Do you still have the bodies?"

"A couple. We're keeping them in the icehouse to prevent decomposition."

"You were cautious."

The gamekeeper shrugged. "The Lord Castellan said it was the best thing to do. He said that if the king sent someone to investigate, he might want to see the evidence."

Alex turned to William. "Can you do anything?"

The mage nodded. "Magic is like poison: it always leaves traces." He touched his chin thoughtfully. "But I'd also like to see the place where they were found, if possible."

"I don't think that will be a problem. The gamekeeper can guide us. We'll go tomorrow right after breakfast, is that okay?"

William gave a small nod, and Alex dismissed the man. Once alone, he faced the mage again.

"Do you have any ideas yet?"

"I prefer not to draw conclusions before seeing it myself."

"But you at least have some theories, right?"

William hesitated. "Poisons always leave a trace, and that man is knowledgeable. But he's not a mage; he can't see magical traces."

It was the same conclusion Alex had reached. It could only have been magic.

"Do you think it's a message to the crown?"

"After the ambush, I have little doubt. They didn't seem like brigands and were dead before we could extract any information from them."

"As if someone deliberately killed them to keep them from speaking."

They had risked their lives and survived only due to a string of lucky breaks. And because the mage was truly as powerful as he claimed.

Alex rubbed his forehead. "What a hassle! I wasn't ready to get into such a mess."

"I'm lucky that His Majesty ordered you to accompany me."

"Ugh! He just wants us to patch things up. My father is cunning."

"In any case, without you, I would have died." William bowed. "So, thank you."

Alex scratched the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. The thanks he usually received were little more than formalities, spoken to earn his favor rather than out of genuine feeling. The mage, however, was truly thanking him.

"I only did what I had to."

"That's not true, and we both know it. A prince doesn't risk his life for a subject. Protecting me was not among your duties."

"I told you. As a prince, I'm a disappointment."

William looked at him and pressed his lips together. He raised a hand and brushed the wound on Alex's arm. A tingling ran along their skin. "May I tend to your wound?"

Alex felt his cheeks warm. "If you want, but it's not necessary. It's just a scratch."

The air between them thickened until it felt almost unbearable. A faint warmth spread from William's fingers into the wound. A moment later, the skin was whole again.

Alex rubbed his forearm, still feeling the heat of the magic. "Thank you."

"I only did my duty."

The doors opened, and Lord Lynden walked in, a broad, satisfied smile on his face, rubbing his bejeweled hands together.

"Your Highness! I've had the baths prepared. I'm sure the hot water will help wash away the day's fatigue. Of course, your mage can join you—I've even arranged a surprise."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "A surprise?"

"Yes, yes, I'm sure you'll like him. He's gentle and very skilled."

What on earth was he talking about? Some high-class prostitute?

William's expression darkened. "I'll retire to my chambers."

Oh no, he wasn't getting away that easily! Alex grabbed his wrist. "You don't want to go to bed all sweaty and dusty, do you?"

"I can wash in my room."

"And miss the hot baths they've prepared? They're a tonic after a day on horseback." Alex's lips curved into a victorious smile. "And your prince is ordering you—surely you wouldn't disobey?"

William furrowed his brow, his gaze colder and sharper than usual. He didn't like it and would let him know as soon as they were alone, but Alex didn't care.

He was starting to enjoy his company.