The Caspian Hale that Xion remembered was the son of Viscount Hale, barely more than a passing footnote in the political ledgers of the aristocrats.
However, the floating whispers that drifted past his ears along the way told him something different.
This older Caspian had somehow clawed his way up to the title of Marquis, far surpassing the modest rank of his father.
He was now the right hand of the Crown Prince. Loyal lapdog of the Empire. And, most baffling of all, his kidnapper.
To his own surprise, Xion had fallen asleep again inside the carriage, only waking from the rough jostling as he was picked up.
Were they entering an inn? A mansion? He couldn't tell.
While patiently waiting for Caspian to leave him alone in this new abode, he stared at the system interface. Five more hours had gone by now.
The silence returned and it took Xion a few moments to truly process what had happened to him.
He had actually been kidnapped on his own wedding day.
