The Third Prince Of Darkness

*Ethan's POV*

After exiting the dark space with Roxanne, we arrived at a cabin just outside the capital. I had sternly instructed Roxanne not to move, and now, seeing her standing still beside me, I was momentarily terrified. I feared she would turn to dust just like that bird, but I had no other choice to get her out of that dungeon.

After making a deal with my father, I learned that Roxanne was to be executed in the capital's square in a few days. I had no option but to carry out such a risky plan to get her out.

With concern, I reached out to remove the dark clothes I had dressed her in, starting with her face. I quickly uncovered her head, and at that moment, I saw her emerald eyes staring at me with curiosity, much like a cat. I sighed with relief and then held her by the back of her head and kissed her forehead.

"E-Ethan?" Roxanne stammered, blushing, which made me smile. Despite the fact that she had risked her life for me, she still blushed at my touch.

"Alright, are you okay now? Do you feel any issues anywhere on your body?" I asked as I let go of her, looking at her still-flushed face.

"N-no, I'm fine," she said, shaking her head. Then she looked around and realized we were in a small cabin. As she glanced out the windows, it became clear that we were now in a forest. "Where are we?" she asked.

"We're in the forest just outside the capital. Within a few minutes, the capital will probably turn into a war zone, so let's hurry up." I quickly helped her to her feet and took her by the arm. I had to protect her and get out of here safely. "Come, we can't waste any time," I said, heading towards the cabin door. Roxanne, still startled and a bit hesitant, followed me.

As we made our way through the dark forest, the silence surrounding us made me even more alert. At any moment, we could fall into an ambush or face an attack from a creature.

After walking for a while, I noticed Roxanne's breathing becoming labored. "Can we slow down a bit?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. It was hard to refuse, but I knew time was running out. I slowed down a little and let go of her arm, taking her hand instead.

"Just a little longer, Roxanne. We're almost in a safe place," I said, trying to encourage her. She nodded slightly and clung to me tighter.

We remained silent for the rest of the journey. There was a hint of fear and uncertainty in Roxanne's eyes, but I gave her a reassuring look, trying to make her feel that everything was under my control. Finally, we arrived at a cave deep within the forest that I had been using as a safe haven. It was hidden and secure enough that no one could find it.

And it was the rendezvous point with the servants' guild.

Once inside the cave, I patted her back to reassure her. "This place is safe. You don't need to worry anymore," I said. Roxanne looked around before her gaze locked onto mine again.

"Ethan... What are you planning to do?" she asked.

I turned to her, took a deep breath, and began to explain. "Listen to me carefully, Roxanne. In a little while, a group will arrive here, and you will have to go with them," I said, and my words shocked her.

There was evident surprise and fear on Roxanne's face. "A-are you leaving me?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. In her eyes, I saw a mix of trust and reluctance; she didn't want to leave me, but I had no other choice.

I nodded affirmatively. "Yes. I'll leave you to them because there's no other way" I said, looking into her eyes. I took a step closer to her and held her hands. "Listen to me, Roxanne, you have to leave here. If they find you, we won't have another chance to escape.

And these people won't harm you; in fact, they'll protect you."

"But... But you said you'd never leave me..."

Her words brought a pang to my heart. I didn't want to leave her, but in our current situation, there was no other option. I took a deep breath, clasped her hands, and tried to persuade her.

"Roxanne, I'm not leaving you. I just have to do this to keep you safe. And don't worry, I will come back to you."

Roxanne's eyes filled with tears, but I knew how strong she was. I didn't want to leave her in a difficult situation, but this was the only way we could survive. "I promise, as soon as this is over, I'll find you," I said, adding, "This is just a temporary separation."

Roxanne slowly nodded, wiping away her tears as she gathered herself. "Okay, my Dar-...I trust you," she said, her voice still trembling but now resolute.

"Now, I need you to do one thing for me. In a few months, I'll be going to the Dragon Academy, and if you want to be with me, you must get in there too. So, follow the instructions of the people who will take you and let them help you get stronger. There will be a man where you're going who will teach you and make you stronger.

I want you to give everything you have to get stronger and not think of anything else. Can you do that?"

A glint of determination appeared in Roxanne's eyes. "Yes, Ethan. I will do this for you," she said. The tremble in her voice had given way to a firm tone. Seeing her recovery so quickly eased my mind a little, but there was still a heaviness inside me. I felt guilty for having to burden her with so much, but I had no other choice.

"Good," I said, appreciating her courage. "Once you enter the Dragon Academy, no one will be able to harm you. After you go there, our Union will grow stronger, and when I return, I'll seize the kingdom and bring you to my side. Then we'll be together as much as you want, Roxanne."

Roxanne nodded, this time with hope in her eyes rather than fear. As I held her hand tightly, I paused for a moment and looked at her face once more. This could have been the last time we were this close for a while. I wanted to etch every moment with her into my memory. But time was running out; it was time to say goodbye.

Soon, people from the servant guild would come here, and we would have to part ways. So, to make the most of these last moments, I pulled Roxanne close, holding her tightly by the waist, and kissed her passionately on her pink lips without caring about her surprised expression.

When the kiss ended, Roxanne's face was completely flushed, and her eyes were slightly widened in surprise. But seeing her like this only made me more determined. Now I was ready to do anything to protect her. I stepped back and looked into her beautiful green eyes once more.

"This isn't a farewell, Roxanne. It's just the beginning. Stay safe and grow stronger. Survive and never give up until the day I can be with you again," I said, looking deep into her eyes.

At that moment, there was a movement at the entrance of the cave. Members of the servant guild had arrived to take Roxanne away. As they entered, each one approached us with silent but determined steps. The leader, a large woman, looked at Roxanne and asked, "Is the girl ready, Your Excellency?"

Roxanne gave me one last look, then nodded and stepped towards them. I felt an emptiness inside, but knowing she would be safe was somewhat comforting. As they took Roxanne away, I watched her figure disappear into the distance. Then I turned and began walking into the depths of the forest.

After a while, I reached the cabin we had just come from and tried to ignore the growing emptiness inside me. I guess, especially after the beautiful, intimate moments I had shared with Roxanne, I had come to accept it. I had always thought Roxanne would be one of the beautiful women who would always be by my side, but now, facing the reality of being apart for a while was a bit hard.

I shook my head and reminded myself that there was no room for weak feelings now. Inside the cabin, I summoned my dark armor once again and quickly entered the dark realm, heading straight to my room. After ensuring that no one was there, I reappeared in my room and dispersed my dark armor.

I massaged my aching neck and watched my eyes, which now resembled those of a dead man, reflected in the mirror.

"Now... where should I start?"

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