Anger (2)

Isaac and the two other people appeared outside, dragging the wounded man with them. Upon seeing them Alex stepped forward and stood in their path, feeling a sense of betrayal. He had thought they were being freed by the King's friend of a higher caliber just as the King, only to be captured by his loyal knight.

With one glance, Alex recognize Isaac and the woman he had seen at the ceremony and he immediately signaled the knights who had followed him to apprehend them. The captives were bound and taken away, causing a commotion that quickly drew a crowd in front of Valley Inn.

However, once the people realized that they were the King's knights, they dispersed hastily, not wanting to be associated with the situation or questioned about it.

The Valley town was suddenly jolted as the ground started to shake, causing a momentary but powerful disruption. The impact was felt throughout the area, with glasses in the Inn shattering and drinks spilling, and even the most sturdy individuals struggling to maintain their balance. Some were knocked off their feet entirely, while others teetered dangerously.

Rico gazed at the serene figure on the ground, tightly clutching the girl with bulging veins all over his body.

Drey stayed in that position for a full ten minutes before abruptly storming out of the room, with Rico following close behind.

He observed as Alex rode away with King in his carriage, Rico let out a deep sigh and scanned the area, before reluctantly returning to the Inn.

As the first corner emerged just beyond the Inn, two figures stood observing the scene in attire befitting wealthy merchants, with their flowing hair obscuring their features.

"Why did you allow them to take Isaac, master?" questioned the diminutive man, his voice quivering in fear. "You could be walking into a trap," he added, expressing his concerns.

"I'm known as Spark for a reason, Moss. I am the boss who brings my foes together like sparks," declared Spark with a victorious grin, dismissing his foolish servant as he strode away with a sense of grandeur. 'Winning feels fantastic,' he mused to himself, relishing in his accomplishment.

Unbeknownst to them, their conversation was heard loud and clear by the unflappable Rico. With his hands in his pocket, he gave the impression of observing Spark and Moss disappearing figures, before calmly striding back to his horse and hastening towards the castle at a brisk pace.

As soon as Drey placed Kira on the bed he immediately called out, "Treat her!" Old Winger, who was standing behind him, brought a bowl of herbal water without delay. Despite Drey having already tucked Kira under the covers to keep her warm, he refused to leave her side and instead held her hands as his grandfather attempted to treat her, his lips curved at what he was witnessing.

Old Winger took Kira's hand and placed his thumb on her wrist to check her pulse. Her heartbeat was faint, and he knew that immediate treatment was crucial to prevent her from losing her life. As he furrowed his brows in concern, he deliberately avoided meeting Drey's intense gaze, which was fixed on him.

"Prepare warm water and wiped her clean," after applying the herbs to her wounds, Old Winger instructed his grandson knowing that Kura needed to be tended carefully.

As Drey followed his grandfather's words, he caught a whiff of an unpleasant odor eliminating from Kira's body for the first time. Though he was distracted and preoccupied he nodded absently and made his way to the bathroom.

With utmost care and tenderness, Drey wiped Kira's body, skillfully avoiding the areas where she had bruises. Once he had finished he changed the sheets and replaced them with fresh ones, ensuring she was comfortable and well-rested.

As he looked at the peacefully sleeping form of Kira, he couldn't resist placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, he walked to the window and gazed into the darkness, lost in thoughts. Someone knocked on the door continuously.

Before Drey could respond to the knock on the door, Jerome barged in uninvited, but his entrance was met with a stern glare from Drey, silently signaling for him to leave the room. Despite the clear indication, Jerome stubbornly stomped his feet in annoyance before finally exiting the room with a pout on his face.

While they were having breakfast, Rico noticed Jerome's somber expression and inquired, "What's with the long face? Little Kira is safe now."

Jerome sighed and replied, "Drey wouldn't let me stay with little Kira. He only allowed Chard to be with her."

Driving tears Jerome thought Rico would take pity on him and convince Drey to let him in to see Kira.

"Are you trying to compete with Chard now?" Rico questioned his younger brother, slightly exasperated. Jerome's behavior sometimes made him seem much younger than his actual age, causing Rico to let out a small sigh.

"Heartless," he muttered under his breath.

Jerome huffed with a fence of disdain before turning to face their grandfather at the opposite end of the dining table.

Jerome turned to Old Winger wiry a pleading look on his face, "Grandfather," he implored, "Could you please ask Drey if I can spend some time with little Kira?" But the old man simply stared back at his food unresponsive.

As drey descended the stairs in his pajamas, he fixed Jerome with a stern gaze, "You're not going to see her with your noisy mouth, Jero," he declared.

Rather than taking his usual seat, Drey sat down opposite Rico at the table.

Jerome's face lit up upon seeing Drey at the breakfast table. Quickly finishing his meal, he made a beeline for the King's private chambers, a smile still spread across his face.

Upon reaching the King's private chambers, Jerome was met by Alex who was blocking the door. He briefly considered engaging in a verbal altercation but knew it will only disturb little Kira. He also knew any physical altercation would result in miserable defeat, so he turned and walked away, head hanging low.