Chapter 11 : A lotus pin

Clayton's POV

When the fire was out, we went back to the village to fix some damages that caused the fire. Some homes only had some minor damages so they slept the night there while those who had completely lost their homes and really damage homes were asked to stay at the palace for the night.

When everyone was settled, I sneaked out of there and looked for Vincent. I need to talk to him. I saw him walking back home with someone. It was Tryce, no, human Tryce. I'm not even sure if he was human or a dog with magic. I ran to them and cathed up.

"Vincent, wait!" I called out. They both stopped and turned around. Vincent was surprised and didn't know what to do while his companion was calmed and just looked at me. When I manage to catch up with them, I paused for a minute to catch my breath. I stood straight and looked at Vincent who was reluctant and averted my eyes.

"Vincent I know you know what I am here for. Please, tell me. I won't promise I won't be mad but I promise to listen to you and try to understand. Your my best friend and I am to you as well. You can trust me." I plead so many questions are running in mind that are waiting to burst out but first things first is what just happened then earlier.

"Well..." He scratched his neck when we heard someone marching this way and calling me. We all looked behind and I saw my father and Caspian with knights behind them. They all topped in front of me and the rest were circling us.

"Dad, what are you doing here? What about mom and the girls?" I asked. But just looked at me then at Vincent and the guy beside him just looked with bored eyes. Father coughed then spoke.

"Vincent, I would like to speak with you first. I'll be waiting at the palace. The fire didn't reach there so it should be fine. Oh, and bring Tryce, I mean, your friend with you." He said then walked away and everyone followed. I looked at Vincent and was about to say something when my father called.

"Tell me everything after you talk to my father," I said and ran to my father. I just followed him to the palace where Cora was waiting. Mom and Cassandra were helping to give out food and blanket for everyone. I wanna go and help but Caspian grabbed my arm and looked forward. I guess I have no choice but to wait for Vincent at the palace.

Vincent's POV

As soon as the king and his sons were far enough, I slowly turned around and was about to run away when someone grabbed my clothes. I turned around and frowned at him.

"What are you doing, Stefan? Let's run now while we can. I don't wanna face the king just yet." I told Stefan but he just stared at me with his cold eyes.

Stefan Toren Frost. The 3 years lost brother of the Frost siblings in Peacurin. He was disguised as a dog here in Aimosan because he was tasked to do something here.

"Where do you think you're going? Didn't you hear what your king said? Let's go now." He said then pulled me. I didn't resist because I am afraid that he might cut my throat if I do.

We walked past everyone and to the hallway leading to the king's office. Stefan knocked and we heard the king's voice letting us in. He opened the door and pulled me in. He bowed to the king and did the same. I saw Caspian looking stern and Clayton just stood beside him quietly. The king coughed which caught my attention.

"Let's make this short. I know you are itching to leave so I hope you cooperate well. I think you already know why I am here." He said and looked straight at Stefan. Stefan fixed himself and spoke.

"Forgive me for not introducing myself, your highness. You had always known me as the dog Tryce your daughter Cassandra loved so much, but I am Prince Stefan Toren Frost of Preacurin. 4th child of King Stephen Leon Frost and Queen Tyrell Elyse Myles-Frost. And you've already know Vincent. He is my second cousin on my Mother's side. That is all." He replied. I just smiled and waved to the king. He stared at Stefan and picked something under his table. He picked up his Map and placed it on the table. He was staring at his map looking for something then looked at us like we told him a lie.

"You're from Preacurin you say? I don't see them on my map. What's your kingdom's symbol?" He asked. Stefan opened his mouth to answer but someone already answered it for him.

"It's a black flag with two scythes crossed in the middle. There's a flame behind it and white paint splattered all over it." It was Caspian. I was stared at him in shock and so was Stefan. His father just looked at him curiously and Clayton was surprised as well.

"How'd you know? I don't remember you visiting our kingdom once." Stefan asked with one eyebrow up. Dang, he nailed it.

"I met your brothers once when I was young. I didn't really go to your kingdom, I just met them in the forest and they showed me their flag." He explained. Ah, no wonder he knows.

"Wait, my brother once mentioned that he met someone from the outside. Did you met at the lake in Misty Wilds?" He asked. Caspian just nodded. We were cut off when someone knocked at the door. The king asked them to come in. Cora and Selene walked forward and bowed to the king.

"Right on time, Cora. Let's discuss the matter about Preacurin later. For now, Vincent has something to explain. Cora." He ordered Cora. He coughed and tap Selene's shoulder. She took a step and spoke to the king.

"You asked how Cassandra and I got higher grounds safely, Cassandra and I were trapped in the fire with men in front of us. I also found out about my brother. He was the rat who ran at night to report to the enemies. He tried to save us but they were too strong. A griffin flew down at us and changed into a person and fought them. I didn't see the person clearly but I noticed a symbol on her cloak. She changes into a griffin again and flew us out of there. That is all, your highness." She explained. Dang, I forgot about that. She didn't cause trouble or anything did she?

"What was the symbol on her cloak look like?" The king asked. Selene acted like she was trying to remember something then answered the king.

"There were two crossed scythes and a flame behind it with splattered white paint." She explained. She wore the wrong cloak. The king looked at us with a serious face. He looked back at Selene and looked back at us and asked.

"Do you know this person?"

"The way she described this person's cloak must be one of our hunters. We have 4 different cloaks with different levels. The one she said is for hunters. Everyone is a hunter in our kingdom but we only wear that during the hunt, so I can't tell you for sure who it is." Stefan answered. The king groaned. He massages the bridge of his nose. He rose his head when someone spoke.

"It had a lotus pin." It was Clayton. The king looked at him and he looked at Stefan. "The griffin had a lotus pin." He repeated and picked something in his pockets. He showed us a purple lotus pin. Oh, no. I think she dropped it.

"Ah, I think I know who your griffin hero is." Stefan answered. I just stood there quietly and let Stefan do the talking.

"Then take me to that person." The king demanded. Stefan just coughed and looked at the king.

"I'm sorry to say but, I can't." He said. "You see, to enter our kingdom or to ask to meet someone is you need The king and my brother Sean's permission to enter." He continued. He's right there. Since Preacurin is a really secluded kingdom, you need to earn the royal highnesses' trust to enter. Though all you need is their permission and reason to enter.

"How do we get their permission?" The king asked. I breathe in relief when he asked that. I looked at Stefan and getting ready to leave here.

"We'll get that permission for you, so for now you need to let us go. I need Vincent to come with me. Don't worry we'll be sure to return with the permission." HE assured the king. HE looked reluctant and just sighed. He nodded his head which allowed us to leave. We bowed to him and Stefan grabbed my clothes from behind and ran to the window behind the king and jumped. He changed into a griffin and flew us to Preacurin. God, I miss that town.

Clayton's POV

We all stood up from ducking after the guy, Stefan, and Vincent jumped out of the window and flew away from here. Everyone was chattering something and I couldn't hear it. I just walked to the window and watched as they flew away. I looked at the pin in my hand and felt my heartached. I just released a deep breath and stuffed it back in my pocket.