บท 334: A knight's pledge

"Between the crown prince and I, whose orders will you follow?" 

The lines on Climaco's forehead deepened, staring straight into the crown princess's eyes. His breathing grew slower, aware of what sort of question this was.

It was a test of loyalty; a decision he must live for the rest of his life. 

Between the crown princess and the crown prince... whose orders weigh heavier? 

The answer was obvious. Climaco was originally a young knight, hoping to climb the ranks and impose the law of this great empire. He had served the crown prince and fought for his honor — even though he was once those young recruits who were mortified at the crown prince's inhumane nature.