Chapter 62

A wave of silence swept through the room. It all looked like the time stopped for a moment. I was frozen beneath his hold and we were both thinking. Well, I was just being realistic and I should be commended for still keeping a straight face. I was having mixed feelings—wanted to cry, scream, stay, hold, touch, do something dirty. I have my own fantasies and it's taking a lot from me to control it.

He was about to talk when we heard a knock on the door. I eased myself away and went to answer it, the king's messenger at the door bowed.

" Milady, the king summons you."

" Okay I'll be there in a sec." I retied my hair and wiped off a lingering tear from my eye. I picked up my coat from its stand and addressed Julian.

" I'm going out. Remember to lock the door when you're ready to leave." He just nodded. His expression made me feel guilty— like I've never seen him this broken before.

When I got to the King's private room, he was sitting on his royal stool, an evil grin on his face. Poor King, he must have thought I willingly helped with reconstructuring. Dear Emiliar, what can I do without you?

" Milord'. " I bent a little. " you sent for me."

" Claudia, you did a very good job at war and even after. I must commend you." he chuckled, that evil croaky chuckle. 

" I'm honored, Mi...lord." I might never get used to saying that. It's quite strange that he's commending me. He's never done that. I just...hope.

He frowned.

" Also due to your negligence, we lost our most precious possession. A prisoner and the key! " he shrieked.

Shit! I thought he was happy a while ago. This damn king and his mood swings.

" You must have heard of the key from your assistant or haven't you?"

" I have"

" And you know it's worth."

I nodded.

" You commanded all soldiers to be at war— even those at the dungeon!"

Oh Raleigh, that dog!

" I wanted us to win the war. I also commanded that the castle be protected all round to prevent anyone from coming in." I defended.

" That Is not enough excuse!" he yelled.

" We needed them. I didn't want to put the younger legion at any risk. " I added." Besides, there was enough soldiers at the dungeon. Not all of them went to war." 

" They were killed! They were outnumbered! Our enemies striked when we least expected. Whoever those people are, you must find them and bring back those things to me. Or I'll slay you myself!" he ordered.

" Milord I have a suggestion."

" I do not want to hear a word from you!" he yelled. "i do not know you and do not trust you. I kept you for your potentials. I own the life that you live and can put an end to it whenever I please. If you're no more useful to me, I'll eat you up myself. Find them! Or there will be war. The war you must win and is likely not to. You know why?" he snarled. " we can't break their shield and you know what that means..." he grinned wildly. " you will be dead meat... and wine."

I was quiet. There was nothing to say. I can't apologize. I'll never.

"Find the girl and the Key! Or die!"

" Milord..." I trailed off. " May I know how the key looks like?" I teased. Sometimes, it's nice watching the devil in rage 

" Ask your assistant. It's his punishment. " he said. " Now leave!"

I stalled myself and walked out.

***

When I got to my room, I sat on the couch, first angry that Julian didn't shut my door as I asked, then frustrated at how all has turned out. I rested on the chair arm only to fall into a trance. I saw a youngster, probably in his teens. He was of average height — let's say five feet. His hair was long and tangled and greasy, and hung down, and you could see his eyes shining through like he was behind vines. It was all black. He was dressed in a warrior's armour that seems too big for him but he was fighting a war— and fighting skilfully. Suddenly he got stabbed in the heart. Then he fell to the ground, and miraculously used his last ounce of energy to stab his attacker back in the heart, so they both collapse and die.

***

When I snapped out of my trance, I remembered it wasn't my first, I get to see faces of people or rather beings most times nowadays. I picked up a pen and began to draw them. I've not gotten the essence of those faces but I know I might find them if they truly exist—just like I found my sister.

" you don't have wine in your chamber." I heard Julian's voice. Surprised he was still here, my heart jumped.

"i don't drink wine." that black bloody shit!

" fine! " he sat by my side. " what you drawing?"

" Never mind." I shoved it away. " What's this talk about 'punishment' I hear your father say?"

" huh.. which punishment? "

" Like, I'm your punishment or something..." I trailed off, already regretting why I brought up this kind of topic.

" Yeah, being your assistant, it was my punishment. I'm the heir, I should be at the upper chamber."

" punishment for what?"

 " it's the past. Forget it." He hissed. " What did he say?"

" No I won't." I insisted. " Explain to me."

He winced. " it's no big deal. I offended my father once and he punished me. I'll be your assistant. That all. He must has presumed it as a tedious job."

But is isn't. I completed his statement in my mind. I had more questions but I made a mental note to ask him later... someday.