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An Alliance for the Dead (1)
Kaiden felt both amusement and irritation as he met Berenice’s amber eyes, wide with surprise.
Even though this was the capital, the back alley they were standing in wasn’t exactly known for good security.
Walking around here alone, without guards?
Her disguise to conceal her identity was commendable enough, but no matter how skilled she was, a woman wandering the alleys alone at night was something he could never approve of.
“How are you here, Your Highness?”
“Isn’t that my question?”
“I haven’t heard anything about your return… Don’t tell me—you came secretly?”
“That also sounds like something I should be asking. Does your father, the Marquis, know that his precious daughter is sneaking around the backstreets?”
The way her gaze flickered aside was answer enough, and Kaiden sighed without realizing it.
She had been surprising since the first time they met, but running into her like this—that he truly hadn’t imagined.
Was she fearless, or just scheming something?
—or perhaps both.
As he pondered what to do with this young noble lady who hadn’t even had her coming-of-age ceremony yet, someone spoke up behind him.
“Your Highness, is that her?”
It was Ben, the captain of the Black Lions and Kaiden’s foster brother.
Kaiden had brought him this time instead of As, since what they needed was agility rather than stealth.
“Sir Gibson?”
Berenice finally noticed Ben standing behind Kaiden.
Ben removed his hood, brushing back his neatly cropped lavender hair.
“You recognize me right away. Pleased to meet you—Ben Gibson.”
“There aren’t many people who accompany Prince Kaiden personally,” she replied.
Was it that her answer pleased him? Ben burst into a sheepish laugh, and Berenice flinched.
Kaiden could see why—Ben might just look like a bashful bear to him, but to others, he probably seemed like a ferocious one.
“Ben, don’t laugh. You’re scaring the lady.”
“Why does everyone keep scolding me for smiling?”
“Because you’re a bear.”
“I’m human.”
“Fine. Then call yourself a bandit.”
Defining Ben so casually, Kaiden turned back to Berenice.
Her body, which had tensed up earlier, seemed to relax slightly at their meaningless banter. She straightened her back and looked him in the eye.
She really is an interesting woman.
Not only was she unpredictable, but she also regained her composure quickly—he found that fascinating.
“When did you arrive?” she asked calmly, unaware of—or ignoring—his interest.
“Today.”
“Why?”
“There were things to check unofficially before making a formal arrival in the capital.”
“…You’re being unusually honest this time.”
“If I said it’s because your expression amuses me, would you be angry?”
Oh, she’s annoyed.
Kaiden barely suppressed his laughter as Berenice frowned prettily.
She was usually good at hiding her feelings, but whenever he teased her, her honest reactions were far too entertaining.
He wondered how she’d react if he told her she was the most amusing person he knew.
Still, seeing her trembling slightly—clearly restraining herself from saying something—he decided not to push too far.
“Are you thinking of hitting me?”
“…What?”
“Nothing. Talking to myself.”
Somehow, he had the distinct feeling she might actually do it.
He studied her quietly. Perhaps because he was used to seeing her in mourning clothes, the sight of her now in plain commoner’s attire felt strangely fresh.
Come to think of it, wasn’t she dressed entirely in black the night she snuck into my chamber?
He hadn’t seen it himself, but As had described it vividly enough. Imagining it now, Kaiden found it oddly intriguing. Then, belatedly, he asked the question he should have led with.
“What are you doing here, dressed like that?”
“…That’s a secret.”
“…”
“Why?”
“You’re still as bold as ever.”
She acted as if she’d forgotten he was royalty. Kaiden shook his head.
He had a strong feeling she wasn’t going to give him a straight answer.
“But how did you recognize me?” she asked.
She refused to tell him anything, yet wanted her own curiosities satisfied. It should’ve been annoying—but instead, Kaiden was simply curious about her reaction.
“Your build gave you away.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Your stride too.”
“…”
“And that little habit you have when you walk quickly… You didn’t know?”
How could she not know?
For Kaiden, this was a genuine question.
Before she could answer, Ben—who had been listening behind them—spoke up.
“Your Highness, normal people can’t identify others from that.”
“You do.”
“Well, neither of us are normal.”
“Fair point.”
Kaiden tilted his head slightly, catching sight of Berenice sighing and shaking her head.
Her white hair shimmered as it moved. Then he sensed a faint movement behind him and smiled.
The ones who usually tailed him were elite professionals—they would never be this clumsy.
That left only one possibility.
“Berenice, those rats over there… are they your guests?”
“Your Highness, should you be calling the lady by name so casually?” Ben murmured.
“They already know who she is anyway. Don’t they, Berenice?”
“…Yes, they’re my guests. And as for the name—call me however you wish.”
“So they were waiting for you.”
She didn’t reply, but that was answer enough.
Kaiden noticed the small bundle she held tightly in both hands—her expression like someone protecting a precious treasure.
He immediately understood that the intruders’ goal was that package… and that Berenice herself had prepared it as bait.
“Do you want me to protect it?” he asked softly, stepping in front of her and drawing her behind him.
In response, he felt her trace a small X on his back with her finger.
Carrying bait without any protection, luring the rats out on purpose…
Should he warn her it was dangerous? Maybe—but the situation was too entertaining for him to care.
“A moonlit sword dance sounds fun.”
“Your Highness,” Ben muttered behind him, “I told you before—that attitude isn’t proper.”
Ignoring the scolding, Kaiden drew his blade in a flash as the enemies charged.
Steel clashed, the sharp metallic sound slicing through the still night.
As one assailant fell instantly, the rest hesitated.
Then—
“Don’t!”
A desperate cry rang out, echoing through the alley.
He turned just in time to see Berenice collapse, the small bundle rolling out of her hands across the ground.
Kaiden deliberately shifted aside, giving the attackers an opening. One of them lunged toward the bundle.
“Ben! After him!”
“Yes, sir!”
As Ben took off, Kaiden blocked the remaining enemies, cutting them down swiftly before lifting the fallen Berenice into his arms and fleeing in the opposite direction.
“I have to get my brother’s keepsake!” she cried.
“No.”
He couldn’t help laughing at how convincingly she played along with the act.
He had pretended before to deceive enemies, but somehow, this time felt different—he couldn’t stop laughing.
“You acted beautifully,” he said.
“So did you and Sir Gibson.”
“Not Ben.”
“…What?”
Sensing the enemies’ presence fade farther behind them, Kaiden adjusted his hold on her and replied with a grin in his voice.
“Ben’s chasing them for real.”
“…Will that attacker be all right?”
Kaiden laughed again—her concern for the enemy only made her all the more amusing.
