Page 42 of The Curse Between Us

“What is this about?” Alec asked, glancing sideways at Edric, his brow furrowing with the same suspicion he had been carrying since Edric’s sudden request to leave the castle.

Edric gave him a sideways glance, offering a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I know,” he said, his tone apologetic. “I’m acting strange. I promise, I’ll explain soon enough. I just wanted to be outside the castle for a moment. It’s been... too much inside lately.”

Alec’s frown deepened as he studied his brother, but he didn’t push further. They continued walking in silence, the sound of their boots crunching over the gravel path the only noise between them. Edric could feel the weight of his brother’s curiosity hanging in the air, but it wasn’t until they entered the bustling market square that Alec finally spoke again.

As soon as they stepped into the square, the vibrant sights and sounds of the market hit them—a cacophony of voices haggling over goods, the colorful displays of vegetables, meats,and fabrics, the smells of freshly baked bread and roasted meats filling the air. It was a far cry from the quiet, tense halls of the castle. The energy here was alive, palpable.

Alec rounded on him the moment they were inside the square. “Explain,” he demanded, his eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms.

Edric, though taken aback by the suddenness of his brother’s demand, took a deep breath and gestured around them. “Look around you,” he said, sweeping his hand out to indicate the market in full swing. “What do you see?”

Alec’s eyes narrowed, but he obliged, taking in the scene before him. “I see the market,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “people selling their wares, trading goods, and conversing. What’s your point?”

“Precisely.” Edric smiled slightly, his tone turning more earnest. “This is Rafria, Alec. All these people, and so many more. In some ways, their lives have changed very little since we ended the war. But in others…” He trailed off, his voice quieting as he observed the merchants and townsfolk chatting easily with one another, their faces bright with smiles. “There’s more joy in the air, can you feel it? There’s no need to bargain for a better price on grain, always wondering if your supplies will run out because we’re besieged. No need to visit the blacksmith for new weapons to hide in case of an invasion.”

Alec, still tense, seemed to consider this for a moment. Slowly, his posture softened, and he nodded. “Yes. I can feel it.”

Edric nodded with a satisfied look, but as they continued walking through the market, a thought crossed his mind. His eyes caught the attention of a pretty girl at a nearby stall, and he winked at her with a mischievous smile. The girl blushed and quickly looked away, and Edric chuckled to himself as he guided Alec by the elbow through the crowd.

“And when you’re on the training grounds with your troops, do you feel joy there too?” Edric asked, keeping his tone light but probing.

Alec stiffened at the question, then whirled around to glare at Edric. “Edric—” he began, his voice low and warning.

Edric held up his hands, stepping back in apology. “Please, Alec. Just listen to me.”

Alec’s jaw tightened, but after a long pause, he finally gave a reluctant nod, signaling for Edric to continue.

“We have far more soldiers than we have need for now,” Edric said carefully, his voice neutral. “Many of them have never known any other life, but now is their chance to do so.” He felt a lump form in his throat, thinking of the countless battles his brother had fought, the times when he’d feared for Alec’s safety. “I’m asking you to consult with them, to find out their wishes. If they want to stay, good. If they don’t…” He shrugged lightly. “Help them find their joy.”

Alec’s expression softened, his voice quieter as he acknowledged the truth of Edric’s words. “I know. We’ve discussed this before, Edric.”

Edric shook his head, determination hardening his features. “Not in enough detail. We can’t go on pretending nothing has changed. We can’t keep looking over our shoulders like we’re waiting for the treaty to be broken. It’s a lack of faith in what we’ve accomplished.”

Alec considered this for a long moment, giving Edric a slow, sidelong glance. “True,” he finally admitted. “So what are you suggesting?”

Edric looked at him intently. “You know the troops better than anyone. You’ve seen them grow, trained them, fought alongside them. I’m asking you to find out where their hearts truly lie. Some of them will want to stay, yes. But others will not. And that’s where we need to step in.”

Alec hesitated, but then nodded. “Of course,” he said quietly. “I’ll speak to them. I’ll get a sense of where their minds are. But…” He looked away, swallowing roughly. “What about me, Edric?”

Edric felt his stomach drop. It was time to address the real question, the one that had been hanging between them for days. “And you?” he asked softly. “Where will you find your joy, Alec?”

Alec stumbled slightly, then came to an abrupt halt. Edric, sensing the shift, guided him to a quieter street, away from the bustle of the market. “Are you dismissing me?” Alec asked, his voice strained and hoarse. “Is that what this is about? You wish to disband the army and remove me from my position?”

Edric cursed himself for his clumsiness. He reached out and placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder, trying to steady both of them. “No,” he said firmly. “Not at all.” He exhaled sharply, letting his breath escape in a rush. “I had an interesting conversation with Hadley last night.”

Alec blinked, confused. “I don’t follow.”

Edric stood there for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before speaking again. “Do you remember when you were about seven?” he asked, his tone quiet and introspective. “You told me about how you saw your future?”

Alec’s expression flickered, and he shrugged, clearly uncomfortable. “No,” he said, but there was a trace of humor in his voice. “But I sense you’re about to remind me.”

Edric smiled slightly, despite the seriousness of the conversation. He nudged his brother gently with his shoulder. “Indeed. You told me you wanted to devote yourself to the study of ancient texts, to become a priest. Perhaps even the High Priest one day.”

Alec’s face shifted, his gaze falling to the cobblestones beneath them, his voice softening. “That was a long time ago.”

“I know,” Edric said gently. “Within two years, you were training with the soldiers every day. When you turned thirteen and were already taller than me, Father was so pleased. An heir and a commander, he said.”

Alec let out a bitter laugh. “I remember. I was so proud to have pleased him.”

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