C20 CHAPTER20

Devon gazed at his brother, grappling with the words he was hearing while simultaneously trying to make sense of the bewildering sensations coursing through his body. Why was he inexplicably drawn to the sight of his brother's neck and the tantalizing rhythm of his pulse?

"What in the world is happening to me?" Devon wondered in dismay.

"Third Brother! The Forbidden Spell has struck you!" Liam exclaimed, his voice laced with concern. "Guards!" At his command, six robust guards swiftly entered the throne room.

"At your service, First Prince!" they chorused, bowing to Liam.

"Excellent. Escort my brother to his bedchamber and ensure he remains there until further notice. Understood?" Liam directed, his tone brooking no argument. The guards promptly escorted Devon from the throne room to his quarters.

"Liam, what's happening to me?" Devon's voice was tinged with confusion as the guards ushered him away.

"Don't worry, I'm on it, okay? You'll be fine," Liam reassured him, mustering a brave front despite the turmoil within. He had a suspicion about what afflicted Devon, but the thought was too grim to accept.

It was highly probable that Devon had been ensnared by the Forbidden Spell.

****

In the solitude of his chambers, Devon lay on his bed, wrestling with the inexplicable reactions he had towards his brother. Liam's words echoed in his mind—the possibility of being under the spell's influence, which meant it must have occurred during the Autumn Hunt.

The Autumn Hunt was a celebrated tradition among the Devil Clan, akin to the war of expansion, designed to test the mettle of Royal Father Christian's sons. Unlike the war, however, the Autumn Hunt was more an exhilarating challenge than a battle for survival.

The princes would venture into the Devil Clan's forests to hunt formidable creatures—wild beetles, cockatrices, elks, and wolves. The prince who captured the most beasts in the shortest time would emerge victorious, earning an expanded territory and the company of three new maidens to indulge him in his chambers.

During the previous autumn, Liam had triumphed over Alexander in the hunt. One might wonder about Devon's whereabouts then. He was present, standing next to his father, Christian, merely an observer. His insufficient Devil Energy barred him from such an arduous event. So absorbed was Devon in the spectacle of his brothers' prowess that he failed to notice the deep-seated disappointment etched on his father's face.

How did the Forbidden Spell come into play?

To ensure the princes remained truthful, Royal Father Christian ordered the imperial guards to cast a spell that would prevent cheating. Anyone who violated this rule would be cursed with a bloodthirst and suffer torment for several days before making a full recovery.

"Why am I craving blood? I didn't even join the hunt, let alone cheat. What's happening to me?" Devon pondered.

As he mulled this over, someone knocked on his door.

"Who's there? What do you want?" Devon demanded.

"It's me, Sia. I have a message for you, Third Prince," she relayed.

With a heavy sigh, Devon conceded, "Come in."

"Master?" Sia entered and approached his bed.

"What is it?" he replied.

"Forgive the intrusion, but Royal Father has sent word that he expects your presence at the Mansion for dinner in one hour," Sia conveyed.

"Are you certain?" Devon questioned, taken aback. His father rarely extended such invitations, especially not after their earlier confrontation.

"Absolutely, Master," Sia affirmed.

"Very well. I'll be there," Devon said, turning his gaze away. Noticing Sia still lingered, he inquired, "Is there something else?"

"Master, may I assist you with a bath before dinner?" Sia proposed earnestly.

Devon was stunned. "What did you say?"

"You seem quite worn out, Master. I'm confident you'll feel refreshed after I bathe you," Sia offered optimistically.

Devon eyed her skeptically. "You're quite sure of yourself. Have you done this before?"

"Yes, Master. I, along with other servants, bathed you during your coma after the accident," Sia replied, her expression unchanged.

Devon was momentarily speechless, his gaze sweeping over Sia. The temptation to accept her offer flickered within him, but he knew it wouldn't end there. He preferred to bathe on his own terms.

"No, you're free to go. I'll let you know when I'm ready to leave," Devon said, and with that, she promptly exited the room.

Devon strode to his closet and selected a pair of black trousers. He then chose a matching black shirt and a pair of sleek black shoes. After preparing himself, he stepped into the shower for a quick, soothing bath. Once dressed, he made his way to the door to leave.

However, as he emerged, he found himself confronted by no fewer than four guards.

"Third Prince, where might you be headed?" inquired one of them.

"Why does that concern you?" Devon snapped back, frustration evident in his tone. Today was proving to be particularly trying.

"My apologies, Third Prince, but we have strict orders from the First Prince to keep you confined to your quarters," the guard responded with due respect.

Devon let out a derisive snort. "You can't be serious."