Chapter 1

The streets of Kingston's Blade were completely packed with people that Sunday despite the strong heat that had been unleashed throughout the kingdom that morning

The crowds that walked very quickly through the beautiful streets did not stop before the scourge of the sun to achieve their objectives. Many noble women also walked around looking at the small gadgets that the merchants hawked with strong frankness, some workers who were finishing the remodeling of the Church stopped at several inns for lunch time while from a small cafe on the bank of a small river almost Outside the noisy streets full of life, a man and his friend were enjoying the tranquility and coolness of the terrace of that place

— It's a shame that this beautiful weather once ruined my horseback ride — the pale-skinned man exclaimed heavily

— I don't understand you, good friend. Sunny days are supposed to be perfect for all kinds of actions and yet you think the opposite — the other man sitting in front of the blonde scoffed politely and with some boredom

— The sun and I have never been good friends. I remember that when I was little my mother forced me to perish for minutes under the warm sun of the beaches of Morera, according to her that would take away my paleness a little — the memories hit his mind with a little bitterness and dryness, which made him feel even more thirst

— I would have recommended to the Duchess at that moment that she take him to visit a doctor. I've never really seen the extreme paleness of him, I even once thought you were sick — Florian groaned in disgust before taking a sip of his lemonade for the second time

They both looked at each other for a few seconds before they burst into somewhat contagious laughter. Caspian claimed that his best friend had spent too much time reading books and that he had forgotten the faith of a fine day while Florian mocked the cold his summer-loving friend must endure in the cruel jaws of the north

— But well — the man in black suspiciously cut the silence that had formed between them — Aren't you calling me here just to talk about your extreme paleness? I think there's something more important you want to tell me to get out of your mousetrap on a fascinating day like this — Florian chimed as soon as Caspian finished speaking

— My great friend, Duke Caspian Dimitrov and his imminent sense of deducing the actions of others. I must congratulate the emperor for decorating you as a General, you are an extremely entertaining being — Florian snorted impolitely

— Dear friend, when you speak that way I can't help but think that you are sharing your gift of using sarcasm in many situations, but hey, I appreciate your supposed flattery, now tell me what this meeting is about — Caspian defended himself and­ Florian laughed joyless, staring at the ice melting into what was already just some tasteless cold water

He made a hand gesture that was more ridiculous than elegant and shifted lazily as he settled into his seat. He had chosen for that day a black suit that was somewhat loose and comfortable knowing the weather situation, Caspian watched every movement

— Do you know about the great news that has reached the kingdom from door to door? — Caspian settled down with absolute incomprehension

— I don't like gossip and I'm always too busy to pay attention to that or this — A loud snort escaped the bored-looking noble's lips when he heard that response

— What a boring man. Caspian Dimitrov, you are a demon without hell — he mocked with wit, achieving the desired grimace in his opponent

— Continue and then you can insult me again — Caspian mocked his friend

— Ah, you take the fun out of my conversations, but well, since you don't know the town gossip, let me inform you a little — he said and then he immersed himself in a story where Caspian found him decadent with emotions — Someone very close to you has A terrible misfortune happened. A woman to be exact, and I'm afraid this will cheer you up a little — He took a sip of his lemonade

Caspian raised an eyebrow as he called to the girl who was running around the place carrying wine glasses to order another drink of that whiskey he loved. He had to be prepared for the stupidity that Florian  would say

— You better drink and be happy. The young woman is none other than the now widowed wife of Marquis Davier, that modest and elegant young woman that you once told me you met at a party —­ Florian smiled victoriously

— I see. I knew Marquis Davier, I'm sure of that, we went to some battles together when I was younger, however I don't remember his wife — the conversation fell into a stalemate until Florian decided to resume his interrogation

— Your bad memory is surprising. A year ago before leaving for the North we both attended a ceremony given by the church, there we agreed with Baron Dreig who invited us to the coming-of-age party of his only daughter, a charming girl indeed. And after that night you said that you had crossed paths with the supposed wife of Marquis Davier — Caspian raised an eyebrow uncertainty

— Impossible. I remember leaving early that night — Duke Dimitrov denied with absolute vehemence

— Ahhh, you are such an annoying man, Caspian. You mentioned this and that about a beautiful woman with almost white golden hair who crossed your path and then you mentioned Marquis Davier running after her — Florian snorted with typical egocentrism of his

— I don't agree, I never met any woman at that dance, I even left the crowd to avoid commitments out of obligation — Caspian continued denying with oppressive negativity

Florian negotiated patiently in the face of his friend 's complex ignorance. Caspian touched the ring on his fingers

— Was that your big news? — The sarcastic tone of the question made Florian wrinkle his eyebrows impertinently

— In my mind, if you would be surprised and have a more human and pleasant reaction, that night you told me about the encounter you seemed somewhat excited and happy. Anyone who had seen your face that night would say that you seemed possessed by someone else — Caspian moved his glass of whiskey with some elegance

— This is absurd on your part, there was no supposed meeting — Florian looked at him like someone looking at an old enemy or a new rival

— Really? — He asked in a contemptuous tone, causing a somewhat temporary fury in his companion

Caspian looked suspiciously at Florian and he smiled mockingly as he prepared to start a long conversation again about his mother's new flowers. Outside the restaurant, the streets of Kingston's Blade were still completely flooded and the sun seemed to have risen higher, summer was approaching and with it an overflowing story

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