Ch 2: The Prince’s Fall
The corridors of Alistair Castle stretched long and shadowed, cold stones echoing the faint whisper of footsteps. Outside, thick clouds pressed low against the battlements, casting the entire fortress in a dull, unyielding gray. Inside the north wing, the air was heavy—weighted with silence and unspoken tension.
The hallway stretched endlessly before him. Cold stone beneath threadbare boots. Shadows clinging to the walls like silent watchers.
Caspian Lucas Alistair(ml)
“One step. Then another. Keep moving, Caspian. Don’t fall behind. Don’t be noticed.”
The north wing of Alistair Castle was colder than the rest. Not just in temperature, but in spirit. It was where the forgotten rooms were. Where servants moved like ghosts. Where quiet was both expected and enforced.
Prince Valerian Alistair
(Voice sharp, echoing back.)
“Do you always walk that slowly, or is today special?”
Caspian Lucas Alistair(ml)
(He flinched, quickening his pace. His breath fogged the air.)
“No, brother. I’m coming.”
Prince Valerian didn’t wait. He never did. He was the embodiment of everything Caspian was not—tall, confident, adorned in tailored velvet and polished boots that never touched mud. Caspian trailed behind like a shadow that didn’t belong to anything.
Caspian Lucas Alistair(ml)
(Whispering to himself.)
He doesn’t even look back. No one ever does.
Outside the narrow windows, the sky hung low, heavy with clouds the color of bruises. The wind whistled through the stone, curling beneath the boy’s cloak like cold fingers. Winter had come early.
They arrived at the study. The heavy door groaned open under Valerian’s hand. Caspian followed, unnoticed, like smoke.
Inside, Queen Isabella sat behind her desk, posture rigid, expression carved from porcelain. Her gown shimmered like frost. Her gaze was colder.
Queen Isabella Alistair(ml mother)
(Coolly, without looking at the younger prince.)
“Prince Valerian. Your brother will observe your drills today. Ensure he learns something useful.”
Prince Valerian Alistair
(A smirk.)
“Of course, Mother. If he can keep from tripping over his own feet.”
Caspian stood at the edge of the room, unsure if he was meant to speak, or breathe, or simply vanish.
Caspian Lucas Alistair(ml)
(Softly.)
“I… I’ll stay out of the way.”
Queen Isabella Alistair(ml mother)
(Stern gaze flicking to him.)
“You always do.”
Her words struck harder than any slap. No anger. No love. Just indifference.
Prince Valerian Alistair
(Voice smooth like silk over steel.)
“Come, little ghost. You wouldn’t want to miss the fun.”
He moved toward the balcony, the high arched windows open to the biting wind. Beyond the stone railings, the courtyard sprawled below like a game board—knights, squires, horses, all moving in tight formation.
Caspian Lucas Alistair(ml)
(Dragging his feet forward, drawn by that fleeting hope—maybe today he’d be seen. Maybe today he’d matter.)
Maybe today I’ll be more than just… a mistake.
He stood beside Valerian, the wind tugging at his worn cloak. The scent of steel and horses drifted up from the courtyard. Below, the soldiers sparred, swords clashing like distant thunder.
Caspian Lucas Alistair(ml)
(Gasping.)
“Wait—!”
The stone beneath his boot gave way. His balance vanished. There was no railing. No hand to catch him. Just empty air and open sky.
The world spun violently. His heart surged up into his throat.
Caspian Lucas Alistair(ml)
(Screaming.)
“No—!”
Down past banners that flapped like wings. Past windows he once stared from. Past a family that never saw him.
The wind roared in his ears, then vanished in a sickening crunch.
Prince Valerian Alistair
(Above, unmoving. Eyes wide.)
Queen Isabella Alistair(ml mother)
(Still inside. Not rushing. Just standing.)
“…How unfortunate.”
Blood spread across the courtyard stone like spilled ink. Red against gray. Silence fell over the castle.
Cherrie
thank you for reading. If you’re enjoying the mystery, the betrayal, and the emotionally damaged royalty (because who doesn’t love those), go ahead and tap that like button and comment below! Tell me your theories. Or just say hi. I love hi’s. Hi’s make my day.
Cherrie
Until next time: stay sharp, trust no one, and definitely avoid balconies. They’ve got an agenda.
Cherrie
Your friendly neighborhood plot gremlin
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