Chapter 57

Julian was having a private meeting with his father, the king, when he brought up the matter of changing Katrienair's assistant. Roger believed his son would be glad to hear this; more reason why he broke the news to him first before discussing it with the council chiefs but Julian was rather in great fury.

 "Father, you can't let Raleigh assist Claudia. It's my position!" Julian was in rage when his father made known to him his plan about changing Katrienair's assistant. Roger seems to trust Raleigh even more than his son now.

" You were her assistant as a punishment. You should be grateful to me. You've been relieved of your punishment." Roger grinned at his son.

" It might be a punishment but I've discovered there's more gain being her assistant. Punishment or not. " Julian would always find ways to manipulate hos father. " I'll would be able to watch her every move. You can't entrust your kingdom to strangers father."

" Raleigh is not a stranger. " He said non-challantly with that i've made up my mind effect on his voice. " he can watch whoever I want him to watch."

"No he can't! " Julian challenged. " he's just a prodigal son, a bastard. Someone who willingly betrayed his own blood. How much more us?"

Roger was silent. 

" You can't tell me that you now trust strangers more than your blood. I am the heir of this throne. I will do nothing but to protect it."

Roger began to laugh. It started as a slight chuckle then as usual a roar. A roar that's only peculiar to him.

" you are just a young man Julian. I know what I'm doing. You, relax and see." he said amidst his laughter."i have my own plans. No one can take my throne. No one."

" What do you mean father?" Julian arched a brow.

" I can't tell you things Julian."

" But I'm your son!" Julian cried.

He laughed. "Calm down. " he licked his lip. " you know, you're still very young in things like this. I am just protecting you. I would not want to lose you in a war. We never can tell what your cousin and his family is planning. Placing him as her assistant will definitely spoil their plan. I can't explain beyond that."

Julian snorted. " I won't leave my position for Raleigh. He would lead his own army not ours." he said. " I also have a say in this."

" do whatever you like." he said, his voice deep with indiscernible emotions. It was visible that he's been pissed off. " but do not come running to me when trouble comes cause I won't help but rather punish you. "

" Yeah fine!" he stormed out of the private room to his chamber.

On getting to his room, he saw the Emiliar sitted in a corner. He pulled off his coat and sat on the couch opposite hers.

" Hey witch, it's really been a while. " he said. " I doubt if you still live here."

Emiliar chuckled. " of course, I do. It's you who never visit." she paused. " Are you okay? You look terrible."

"oh ..." he smirked. " you look more terrible really. What you doing here?"

Emiliar giggled. She got just the response she expected. " you will never change."

She watched him, unbuckle his boot and keep them in place.

" war is near. When were you planning to tell me?"

He arched a brow. " you are closest to the army head anyway. Why should I?"

" you should be a good neighbor. I live in your chamber and you still keep me in the dark about happenings here."

He sighed. " where exactly is this conversation heading? I believe you fly around, so you know everything."

That hit Emiliar's soft spot. How dare he? She hates it when people tag her a witch and then used gross adjectives to describe it. She began to regret why she even visited. She just wanted to be friendly but it's high time she believed that she and Julian can never really get along. She quietly cautioned herself, Sylvia's words ringing in her head. ' Do not fight each other.' if not for that, Julian would have been her worst enemy here.

" You know about Katty's plan. I just wanna ask some questions. To be on a safe side." she paused. " you mentioned something about demons detecting witches sometime ago. Katrienair asked me to represent her at war. Do you think that is possible?" she pursed her lip hoping she didn't sound weak. His expression broke her heart.

" Are you scared?" he grinned.

What's it with all of you?! She screamed in her head. Who wouldn't be scared?

" Don't ask me." she hissed.

" You should concentrate on your training Emily. " he said. " Katrienair would not give you a duty that would expose us. You won't be detected if you are careful enough." he stopped.

Curious, Emiliar questioned further. " Explain Joel, you should explain. That's why I'm here."

He smiled at her. " You should be able to fight like Katrienair since you are representing her. You can only be detected by your blood. You must not get injured during the fight. Your blood will expose us. They'll kill you on the spot, trust me. And Katrienair won't live too."

Emiliar shuddered within. " This is too risky...ehm.." her throat ran dry. She swallowed."we can't take this kind of risk for something we ain't even sure of."

" Are you scared?"

" it's...I ... it's just that..." she stammered.

" You should not be scared Emily or you'll be taking your friend's trust for granted. On that battle field, she's placed her life in your hands. Are you going to repay her with your fears? Isn't she training you already?"

Oh my...you just don't understand! Emiliar screamed in her head. 

Be strong, you can do it. At least... for Katty. Her subconscious consoled.

" I remember clearly when you said you don't want to be useless here. Here's time to show that. Go to war and fight like your mate."

It's true, Emiliar would not want to be useless. But this risk...