Confessions: Derek and Five

“Why did you do that?” Derek questioned Five. “You weren’t like that when we sparred. It really looked like you wanted to kill her.”

“...maybe a little bit.” Five admitted quietly.

“What?” Derek was flabbergasted. “Why? Did Taya offend you somehow? No, even if she did, trying to kill her is a bit much. I don’t even want to image Demi’s wrath.” Derek shivered at the thought. Aside from feeling bad about the potential death of a comrade, his highness was truly frightening. Derek had seen it a few times, how possessive Demi was of his partner, and how ferocious he became when she was in danger. Goosebumps climbed their way up his skin just thinking about it.

“...that’s why I did it.” Five looked Derek square in the eye as she explained. “I have also noticed how attached his highness is to his partner. There’s no doubt in my mind that he would die for her if the situation called for it. As a shadow, I have done plenty of unsavory things for the royal family. But I never complained. I never disobeyed. Every shadow has someone they care about working in the palace. It’s a type of insurance policy so we don’t turn on our masters. One day I was sent on a mission, to observe Duke Silvester and try and catch his weakness. I’ve done plenty of things like that before, so I thought nothing of it and simply obeyed. While I was away, my brother made a mistake while serving the crown prince. He tripped and tea splattered on the prince’s robe. Do you know what he did? He cut off my brother’s hands and threw him in prison. By the time I returned, my brother had already died from infection. After that, I ran away and came here, where I met others with a grudge against the royal family. It may sound cruel, but the kingdom doesn’t need Taya. It does need prince Demetri. I figured if Taya was dead or severely injured, I wouldn’t have to worry about his highness potentially dying in her stead. But I underestimated her. His highness used his aura sparingly so I had no idea what a significant difference it would make.”

A moment of silence passed before Derek spoke up. “You’re right; that is cruel.” Derek watched as Five lowered her gaze and clenched her fists. “A broken man cannot be king. You don’t seem to realize how destructive someone is when they have nothing to lose. You are a good example of that. You attacked Taya regardless of the consequences because you have nothing left to lose. Had your brother still been alive, you might have thought twice about taking away someone else’s precious person.”

“Ahh, you are right. I was short sighted. I just really want Demetri to become king.”

“If that’s the case, your best bet is to help Taya increase her chances of survival. That way, what you’re worried about won’t happen. You better be nice, she might become your queen.” Derek half joked. Five’s expression went blank and Derek laughed. She’s ruthless but kind of cute, Derek thought to himself.