They Cannot Stay Here

ADAMOS

The moon has already relieved the sun of its duty, giving the light that the Edinians need at this time. Though one would think that the Edinians don't need it at all, given the light that they can harness through the Tree of Iviwon.

The Royal Healer has already treated Adamos. And he was at the windows of one of Paradis Towers, scrutinizing every movement as far as his senses could discern.

The only Edinians on the roads were those who were coming home from work. The noise of the children playing outside has already died down. He imagined they were already in their houses, helping their mothers prepare for their dinner.

His lips pressed together after he drew in a breath of satisfaction.

However, it was only momentary as he pondered on the events of the day, making his hand fly to his forehead as he felt his lungs constrict.

This is the first time that such an unusual thing happened to him.

A few hours ago, he was in Valethea, observing the land as he always does.

He has a routine schedule of going to each land in Edin to see if everything is at peace and, in order, with a few royal guards, wearing commoner's clothes.

However, his headache attacked again, which he didn't expect. So he asked the guards to go to the market and get a healer while he rests.

Unfortunately, the headache worsened, making his knees wobble and his body fell to the ground. His lungs almost run out of breath.

Thoughts of death entered his mind. But he refused to acknowledge it because he knew he was a powerful man. It is impossible.

He wanted to fight it. But darkness was slowly creeping, and his eyes were getting heavy, which his powers could not control.

He was about to close his eyes when, like a ray of hope, a strange light came out from the sky, slowly coming to where he was.

Adamos wanted to stand up with all the strength that he had since he didn't know if it would harm Edin or not. But his body could not do so.

His sense of vision gave up, making him completely engulfed in unconsciousness.

He thought that he was already in Edin sleep. But he woke up, and the next thing he knew, Lady Evie was there, peering at him.

Being reminded of her, a unique feeling rose in his compressed chest. Now his heart was already involved as it thumped at a faster rate than usual.

The word 'Hyouka' flew to his mind. But he quickly shoved it away.

'It is just a myth,' Adamos shook his head as he drink his chamomile tea.

Fortunately, Sefro appeared behind him, making him refocus on what needed to be done.

"The royal guards who have inspected Vathelea and Athesus have already come back, Your Majesty," he reported after he made his courtesy.

"And?" Adamos immediately responded as he swiveled to face him.

"They didn't see anything extraordinary at the location where the two women were found. And even a few perimeters away, Your Majesty," Sefro answered him at once, still bowing down.

Adamos pivoted and faced the window again before inhaling a lungful of air. "What do you think about it, Sefro? Do you think they have ulterior motives behind this?"

Sefro's scarlet hair bobbed up as he called him by his name. That means he was not considering him as the Duke of Athesus at that time. But as his friend and confidante.

He also looked at the area where the King was staring at. "Being with Lady Joyce for a little time, I think they meant no harm, Your Majesty."

Sefro was the one who found Lady Joyce and brought her from Athesus.

Adamos' attention darted from Valethea to Athesus as he figured out how the two were separated if they came from one place, when Sefro added, "But we should still be cautious, your Majesty. We don't know their kind or their people. They might be searching for them, too."

Knowing what he meant, Adamos nodded his head before putting his chin between his thumb and forefingers, "If they wouldn't leave Edin as early as possible, there is a greater chance of Edin being exposed to other realms. I cannot afford to make a mistake."

They have been living in peace for centuries. And they have no history of foreign invasion as long as he can tell.

As they were discussing, a sandy-haired lady emerged from the stairs and walked toward them. Her lips were pressed into a white slash with her jaw clenched.

But seeing the King must have calmed down her disturbing emotions. As soon as she was a meter away from the King, she quickly bowed down with a smile on her lips, "The ladies are now resting peacefully in their Chamber, Your Majesty."

Sefro stepped backward, but he remained in case the King still needs to speak with him.

Adamos didn't dismiss him and continued to converse with her. "It seemed like you are the one who is not at peace, Clio," he commented.

His eyes lit with an inner glow as he tried to guess what peculiar thing the two ladies must have done to upset her. Especially Lady Evie.

He couldn't help but recall how bravely she climbed up Acyon and jumped down by herself. Never has he seen a woman who acts like that.

Hearing the King's jest must have made her think she could pour out her thoughts to him freely as she muttered, "Forgive me, your Majesty, but I don't think it is not wise to let them stay here for a longer time."

With that, Adamos and Sefro glanced at each other in surprise. It was as if Clio has been eavesdropping on their conversation on what to do with their visitors.

But Echid seemed to have a different view in mind as he showed up out of nowhere and butted in, "But isn't it too early to tell? They haven't been here for a day."

He walked toward where they were while he lifted his hands in the air, his shoulders shrugged as if he were stating a fact.

Adamos narrowed his eyes at him as he crossed his arms over his chest. "And why is the Duke of Thurelis still awake at this late hour?"

"Forgive me, but I couldn't sleep, Your Majesty. I think her grace and I might extend our vacation a little longer. Our new friends might need our help, especially the duchess'. Don't you think so, Duchess of Miteia?" his smile went from ear to ear as his head slowly turned to Clio.

Clio's eyes rolled at him before she made a courtesy to Adamos, announcing her leave.

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Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something different.