THE SEARCH CONTINUES: PRINCE ERIC’S DETERMINATION

**Prince Eric POV**

I sat in the dimly lit brothel surrounded by beautiful women. The air was thick with the sweet scent of perfumes and incense. The ladies fawned over me, their fingers trailing over my arms and chest as they whispered all manner of suggestive things in my ear. I savoured the attention, basking in the warm glow of their adoration.

In the midst of this intoxicating atmosphere, one of the guards burst into the room, interrupting my moment of pleasure. I scowled at the intrusion, but kept my cool, willing myself to stay calm and composed. The guard’s eyes flitted nervously over the women, clearly taken aback by the scene before him.

“My prince,” the guard stammered,

“Have you found Princess Alivia?” I ask in an icy tone.

“No,” he stammers, his eyes still fixed on the ground “But...”

My expression hardened “Then what are you doing here get out” I said through gritted teeth.

The guard shifted uncomfortably under my stare, his eyes flickering between me and the women before him. “But my prince,” he said nervously, “there was...”

I cut him off with a fierce glare, my voice rising with anger. “I said leave!” I growled, my tone brooking no argument.
The guard flinched visibly under my wrath and quickly bowed his head in submission before retreating from the room and closing the door behind him.

I turned my attention back to the women, determined to lose myself in their beauty and forget the troubles that lay ahead. As the guard left the room, I let out a frustrated sigh and leaned back into my chair. I closed my eyes and let the soft laughter and gentle touches of the women wash over me, trying to push the thoughts of Alivia and the search for her to the back of my mind.

**The next day**

The guard from the night before shuffles into my chamber, head bowed low.

“My prince.” His voice trembles.

“What is it now?” I snarl.

“There was an incident at the bar.” He squeaks, not daring to make eye contact.

I slowly turn and glare at him, icy daggers shooting from my eyes. “What incident?”

“When we arrived to search the bar there was a young man – he looked really frightened and ran away as soon as we got there. I think he might know something about the Princess.” He stammers.

My rage boils over and I let out an ear-splitting growl. “Why am I only hearing about this now?!”

The guard cowers under my fierce gaze, his voice barely above a whisper. “I tried to inform you last night my prince. “

I take a step forward, my arms coiled and ready to throw a punch. The guard’s eyes widen as my fist flies towards him, catching him square on the nose. He doubles over with a cry, blood spilling from his nostrils. My rage boils over and I tower over him, my arms shaking with fury.

“You incompetent fool!!,” I hiss. “I do not tolerate such incompetence. You had one job, to find the princess and bring her back. Yet here we are, days later, with no sign of her.”

I take a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. My voice rings out with authority. “Get out of my sight,” I bark. “And don’t you dare come back until you have some useful information.”

The guard cowers, still clutching his nose. He looks up at me with fear and hurt in his eyes before turning and scurrying out of the room.
I pace back and forth across the hardwood floors, my hands clenching my hair in frustration. A ticking clock seemed to hang in the air, counting down to the moment the Queen would lose her patience with me.

I stopped in front of my desk, my gaze focused on the scattered documents spread across its surface. My eyes pinpointed each map and report, scrutinizing it for any hint of the princess’ location. The memory of her punch still burned in my mind, a deep wound to my pride and honour. I was determined to find her, not to bring her back to the palace, but to make her pay for her disrespect.

The guards’ words of a suspicious young man ringing through my head, my brows furrowing in thought. I straightened my back, my eyes narrowing in determination. Yes, the bar might be a good place to start my search. I grabbed my cloak and sword, strapping it on before marching out of my room and stepping outside.

The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the town. My mind was more focused on the task at hand, and I barely noticed the servants scurrying out of my way as I made my way to the stables.
I mounted my horse, kicking him into a gallop as we rode towards the bar. My mind was racing with thoughts of revenge, the desire to make the princess pay for her actions driving me forward.