affection chapter 6

“Yes.”

“…Why?”

“Because it was the right thing to do.”

“Throwing an inkwell at the Baron’s head?”

“Saving a child from violence!”

Damon’s words were so irritating, Sienna wanted to smack him if only the bars weren’t between them. Talking to him was both infuriating and frustrating. He seemed like a child lacking something fundamental, oblivious to his own well-being and pain. As if he’d never imagined anyone doing anything for him, he persistently questioned Sienna’s motives, exhausting her. It was maddening, especially since she had acted purely on instinct.

“Was the Baron your sworn enemy?”

“I’d never met him before.”

“Then why on earth did you do something so foolish?”

“Young Master, are you teasing me?” Sienna asked, suspicion lacing her tone.

Damon jumped. “Tease you? Of course not.”

“Then why do you keep calling me foolish? It’s offensive.” Figuring she might as well speak her mind, since she could be facing death, Sienna challenged his tone.

“S-sorry. I’m just… intrigued. Intrigued that you would do such a thing.” Damon offered a sincere apology. Sienna figured it was probably because no one had ever apologized to her like that before. With a sullen expression, she replied, “The reason I did it is simple. I thought you were going to die if he hit you.”

“That’s… a bit foolish. The Baron can’t kill me.”

Sienna was overwhelmed by the urge to smack him, even though she knew she shouldn’t. Before she could retort, Damon added, “I’m cursed.”

He spoke the fairytale-like words with utter seriousness. He seemed so much older in that moment, leaving a bitter taste in Sienna’s mouth. The curse Damon spoke of was a prophecy, one that permeated the beginning and end of their story. Thirteen years ago, on the day of the Emperor and Empress’s wedding, the oracle had delivered a prophecy: “This woman’s child will kill the Empire, and save the Empire.”

The nobles had opposed the marriage, fearing the ambiguous yet terrifying prophecy of an empire both destroyed and saved. But it was too late; the Empress was already pregnant. Killing the imperial heir was considered treason, and the Emperor, fiercely protective of his wife, ensured the safe delivery of their child.

Tragically, after two days of agonizing labor, the Empress died. From her womb emerged twins, an omen of misfortune. Distraught by the Empress’s death during the birth of the second child, the Emperor irrationally blamed Damon, the younger twin, for the tragedy. He raised his sword to end the infant’s life, but a second prophecy miraculously intervened. If either child died before reaching adulthood, the empire would be utterly destroyed. Unable to bear the thought of losing another child, the Emperor banished Damon to a remote estate without ever holding him. But banishment wasn’t the same as death. Damon was still human; he felt pain like anyone else. Had no one ever taught him that simple truth?

“That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt to be hit,” Sienna pointed out. Damon’s amber eyes widened. His dilated pupils, a result of the dim light, were clear and bright like mirrors. He finally looked human. Sienna offered a fleeting, almost imperceptible smile.

“You don’t believe in curses, do you?”

Well, Sienna probably knew more about this particular curse than anyone else in the empire. She knew about Kainan, Damon’s older brother, who would kill Damon, the destroyer of half the empire. And she knew about Elisha, the saintly heroine who would stand by Kainan’s side. But the Damon before her was just a wounded child, too hurt to even recognize his own pain.

“I do,” Sienna replied. Damon’s eyes flickered with disappointment. Undeterred, she continued, “If I were you, I’d want to destroy this wretched world that cursed me with such a fate.” Damon looked as if he’d been struck. A short breath escaped his parted lips, clearly surprised by her response.

“You’re strange. Like… you’re from another world.”

Sienna coughed involuntarily. This boy, despite his youth, had a knack for hitting the nail on the head. Her close friends, after working alongside her for days, hadn’t noticed anything.

“Another world? That’s a bit of a stretch.”

“Maybe. It’s just… you’re the first person to say something like that to me.” Damon gazed at her with dreamy eyes. The starlight reflected in his golden eyes glimmered even within the confines of the prison cell.

“Oh, I have something for you.” He seemed to snap out of his reverie, suddenly rummaging through his pockets. Could it be the prison key? Was he here to free her? Her heart pounded like someone newly in love. She hadn’t come for nothing after all. As she mentally crafted a daring escape plan, Damon exclaimed brightly, “Ah, found it!”