Winter Festival in Theapan (Part 6)

"I have not met the vampire here with us, but I have heard that you have taken in Drethia's executioner?" Duke Heket asked as if he was curious about Vorbuk's motives for accepting that vampire. In fact there were not many who would consider staying under the same palace roof with Aoki.

Duke Heket as one of the Drethia guardians had met Aoki many times before he'd gone into hibernation. It was natural for him to be aware that Aoki was difficult for others to remain around. He had never had the patience to remain close to him when they worked together. Once Aoki started killing it was like he'd lose control of himself; It was due to his emotional instability from his past trauma. No matter how decent he looked outwardly all the other guardians learned from personal experience that Aoki was worse then a feral beast.

The reason Aoki was assigned to the palace prison in Drethia was because every guardian was given a location to guard and work. The royal prison in Drethia was a isolated location where others could easily keep their distance from Aoki. It was cold and damp but kept Aoki from losing his mind in front of the others. When he was in front of others Aoki often got into fights that lead to him blacking out and killing royal servants. No matter how much Aoki regretted his black outs that resulted in his violence Drethia's royal family was unable to afford letting him wander around. Prison executioner was Aoki's duty because the royal family was tired of letting him wander around freely and cause them problems.

If it had not been for that bastards ability he would never have lasted long enough in Drethia to get his chance to leave. They would have killed him for all the problems he caused them. Duke Heket thought as he recalled when he was once weaker then Aoki. He use to be scared of the executioner but that motivated Duke Heket to get stronger til he eventually surpassed Aoki.

"Yes, he's working for Theapan's royal family now." Vorbuk stated bluntly at Duke Heket as if he was refusing to let go of something valuable that he'd gotten his grasp on. There was no way Vorbuk would consider letting someone take away his servant that knew Drethia best among them. He could consider Duke Heket as knowledgeable in Drethia since he was currently serving their king but that was also a problem. It was impossible to trust Duke Heket's every word when he served two of Vorbuk's enemies even if he was willing to hand over useful information on them.

Duke Heket thought for a moment before asking, "Would it be alright if I met with him? It has been a while since we have been able to greet each other."

Vorbuk felt like there was something deeper behind his intention to meet with Aoki. There is no way you want to meet him for a simple greeting.

"I have no interest in kidnapping your new prison captain, right?" Duke Heket quickly added on noticing the look in Vorbuk's gaze from his sudden question.

Vorbuk slowly began to respond, "I am certain Drethia would have no interest in reclaiming someone who once threw everything he had in Drethia behind to sleep in the distance mountains of Theapan."

Duke Heket felt like his conscious had just been stabbed. He knew those words were directed at him for the sudden request.

"Yes," Duke Heket replied to him as he forced the words out as kindly as he could, "The Kingdom of Drethia has no interest in Aoki. I simply wish to meet with him for personal matters between us."

Vorbuk looked down and saw Daryl on the banquet floor with others who were dancing to the music with their partners. It was not something unfamiliar for Daryl to dance at gatherings. He was a man who had experienced many things and places over the years. Dancing was a talent he had learned over his time. The thing that caused Vorbuk to slightly pause was seeing Daryl dancing with Zoe. She looked beautiful and seemed entranced with Daryl as they danced.

Does Daryl really not realize the way she looks at him? Vorbuk could not understand those two. After noticing the two of them dancing his own mind couldn't refrain from wandering just as his eyes did til they landed on her; Princess Isis. Dressed up to match her royal title made her look even more pure and beautiful. Though her outward appearance did not match with her personality in his opinion.

Vorbuk hesitated before speaking out loud to the duke, "Prince Leo will accompany you for a while, Duke Heket. I still have other matters that take importance."

"Does that mean you agree to it?" Duke Heket asked once more.

"I do not see the harm in allowing you two to meet." Vorbuk replied to him.

Aoki was silently moving around the banquet hall so chances are they would run into each other regardless. At least with a warning he could keep Prince Leo close to the duke while they met. It was obvious the duke was asking intentionally. The duke either had not realized Aoki was wandering around or he wanted to test Vorbuk's reaction.

"I understand, your majesty." Duke Heket bowed respectfully as Vorbuk stood up from his seat.

Prince Leo rushed up beside Vorbuk and whispered. "Are you sure you trust him alone with Aoki?"

"No," Vorbuk whispered his answer back honestly, "That is why I am sending you with him to meet with Aoki."

"I will keep an eye on them both." Prince Leo said as he disliked the idea of letting the two of them talk alone. It was impossible to know what Duke Heket would want to talk with Aoki about. The two of them had history together in Drethia and they were not sure how close or distant they were to each other.

"If so, we have nothing to worry about." Vorbuk reassured the prince. "I will head back down now."

"Ashley." Vorbuk called out to his servant as he began to head to the stairs leading down.

"Yes, master." Ashley replied instantly while following him.

Grand Duke Heket watched as Vorbuk left in silence. The only person left beside him was Prince Leo of Cadirade. It was not the person he had taken interest in but he knew that his king had interest in the prince. There was no way he wouldn't be aware that Prince Leo was considered one of those that threatened his god. Glancing at Prince Leo had to suppress his killing intent towards the prince.

"Shall we get going?" Duke Heket asked Prince Leo suddenly when the others were out of sight.

Prince Leo flinched as he felt like he had a sudden chill down his back. He had no trust in Duke Heket and could tell that he was a dangerous man.

I was not imagining that just now. Prince Leo told himself as he'd felt the sudden but brief killing intent that Duke Heket had released towards him.

"Yes, we should get moving." Prince Leo replied to Duke Heket calmly.