Chapter 25: 25: A Deal?
For a second, they were quiet. Glaring at each other. There was silence amongst them.
The only sound that could be heard was the violent knocking from the door. It was as though it was going to be torn down anytime soon.
"Think fast" Eden finally spoke up "There’s no time left. Soon they’ll barge in. And you’ll be forced to either stand with me. Or stand against me while losing all you love"
Eden smirked "Are you sure you’ll be okay with the latter?"
"So you’re blackmailing me?" Elvis questioned.
Eden smiled "Sure. You can see it like that. However you wish to"
Elvis said nothing. He still had his swords on Eden’s neck while glaring at him.
But Eden could tell that there were thousands of thoughts running through his head.
Eden could read through him now.
The door was almost opened. They could feel the door being broken down any minute. And Eden saw the need for a deal to be reached soon.
He couldn’t be killed now.
"You know what" Eden stepped away from his sword "If you’re not willing to do it. It’s fine. I guess I can find my way out, you should also find a way to save your lover..."
He was about stepping away when Elvis suddenly said "For how long?"
Eden paused, a smile curling up at the corner of his lips as he turned to meet Elvis.
"How long is this so-called deal going to last?" Elvis finally asked.
Eden smiled. Indeed he was right. Elvis likes Helen so much that he would do anything for her.
He couldn’t tell if it was his independent genuine love for her. Or he was acting based on the characterization given to him by the author.
But either way, Eden was glad it was working all in his favour.
"For how long? I don’t know yet. Let’s say, until I’m safe" He raised an eyebrow.
"You know you’re an enemy sought out by all. Everyone wants you dead. So asking this from me..."Elvis paused and soon continued
"Asking me, a crown prince to protect an enemy instructed to be killed by the emperor, don’t you think that’s a bit wild?"
Eden folded his arms "I know"
"You’re just setting me up to be ruined. To be an enemy in the eyes of all. And what image do you think that would bring for me as a crown prince to be a king soon?"
Eden shrugged "Well. As long as everyone’s alive and happy. The image shouldn’t be too important, should it?"
Eden knew images and reputations were most important for these nobles.
"Besides..." Eden started "Today you were going to go against your royal family and potentially the imperial family by refusing to marry the imperial princess and taking a commoner as a lover"
Elvis was shocked.
Eden smiled and continued"So... If you were already bold enough to go for that. You might as well do that for me"
"How the hell... Did you know about that?"
Eden smiled "Come on, I’m not a mere human like you. So don’t even think too much about it"
Elvis paused. He guessed the wizard still had it in him."But it’s a different case. At least she’s not a wanted devil who committed various atrocities"
Eden sighed "But if she was the devil and also your lover. I’m sure you’d go against the whole world to protect her"
Eden stared at him "So picture it like that. With me. I’m a lover you’re protecting against the whole world"
"That’s despicable" Elvis said "I don’t like guys. And I’ll never like someone like you"
Eden laughed softly "I never said you should love me. I said picture our situation like that. And I’ll be easier for you to act on. That is if you wish to protect all you hold dear. It’s a sacrifice for the greater good. Don’t you think so?"
Elvis was silent. Endless thoughts running through his head. He knew he had to think and act fast. There wasn’t much time left for him to think.
"Or let’s make this easier for you" Eden folded his hands, gently pacing around the room "We could come up with a lie"
Eden continued "Something that would make it seem like you’re actually also plotting"
He turned to meet Elvis’s confused and curious eyes on him.
"You could tell them that I lost my memory or something. And that you have me under control or something. Or that you’re using me for a future plot to kill me. At least that would make them feel that you’re actually onto something smart"
Elvis’s eyes on Eden didn’t seem friendly at all. It was an eye that could actually kill.
But Eden continued nevertheless "I’m helping you out here. It’s a deal that we’ll both benefit from. I stay safe from them and you protect what you love. That’s a fair deal"
But after a while of keeping silent, Elvis said "But you’re a wizard with unmatchable powers. You can kill at will and end anyone you want. So why would you even need me to protect you?"
Eden paused. He didn’t think about that. He never thought Elvis would think in that direction. But he knew he had to cover up.
He smiled "You sealed my power, remember?"
"But you were powerful enough to escape your death. You don’t seem like one who needs protection" Elvis pointed out, his eyes locked on Eden.
Eden hesitated, also staring at Elvis. "I don’t think I should let you in everything happening to me or whatever I do. Should I?"
"All you have to do is agree to the offer or refuse. As simple as that" Eden said "If not, then I could leave and find another person"
"And... Why does it have to be me?" Elvis was just throwing questions at Eden. And it made Eden skeptical about his choice of Elvis.
"You know what?" Eden stared at Elvis, smiling "Let’s just forget about this deal and everything"
He continued "You can return to your lover and family and enjoy your last moments with them. As for me, I’ll be on my way"
Eden turned to the door, and immediately it broke open.
The guards outside had successfully torn down the door and had now stormed into the room.