Chapter 84

I got back to the spot Julian waited just in time. Most of the new recruits were already asleep. Tsk...they really do not know what they are in for. I was glad anyways, that they were safe.

"We can leave now."

Julian kicked his horse into motion.

When we got to the castle, we were surprised to see the king and his guards outside, probably waiting for us. Then I knew something was wrong. I and Julian retreated from our horses and bowed. He just stared at us in solemn silence. The silence spoke a lot. A lot that I understood. It's disheartening, things will get really awry for me. I know that.

Julian broke the silence. " We are back father. It was a long journey and we need rest."

"Take her!"King Roger ordered his guard. I was disarmed and held by four mighty guards. I didn't struggle with them. It would be a waste of time anyway. I was glad that I didn't take Luna along with me. So I have nothing to worry about.

The truth is, I've sensed that something was off all this while, just could not place my finger on it. Julian was in rage. His face sparked with anger in dim light.

"Father, what's the meaning of this?"

"Son, you are welcome. You can go to your chamber now." His father replied, a grin on his face.

"To the dungeon!"He commanded.

I struggled with the guards for a chance to have a word with Julian.

"One minute please. I need to speak to my assistant."

The king chuckled. "Your assistant huh?" He gazed at his son. "Let her."

The guards left me. I walked over to Julian, my confidence still intact. I was close to tears. I don't know how long I'm going spend in that dungeon. I'm gonna miss him badly.

I bit my lip. "Don't worry about me. I saw this coming." I tried as much as possible to whisper. "You didn't answer my question. What happened last night?"

I can remember now that he was in my room when I came back. I was drunk and went to have a bath. That's all I can get from my dumb brain. It took hard thinking to remember that.

"You don't remember?" He asked.

"I was drunk."

"I'm sorry Katrienair."He walked away. I felt crushed. What the heck did he just do? The guards grabbed my arms and took me away. I don't know what fate holds for me but all I could think of was Julian and his strange attitude. A guard brought a black cloth upon my face and my world went blank.

*

"Father!" Julian followed his father into his inner room to question him. "Why did you do that?!"

"Do what son?"He spoke like he's done nothing wrong.

"What did Claudia do this time?"

He sat on his throne, signaled to his son to have his seat but Julian ignored.

"Why are you so concerned son?"

"She is innocent. She does not deserve any of this treatment."

"Oh really!"He growled. "Tell me child, how you know an innocent being. Tell me!"

Julian was in rage too. He just didn't care about his father's anger.

"I know innocent people father!"He yelled. "My mother didn't deserve to die either. You killed her!"

He paused as he watched his father relax.

"All in the name of 'not innocent'! How cruel?!"

"Shut up!" He yelled at him. "You don't talk to your father like that."

"Oh really?!" Julian smirked.

"And do not bring up that issue about your mother ever again!"He warned. It was a command.

" You're such a child. Have you lost your memory or something. Or let me remind you. I own Claudia and I can do whatever I want with her. I don't trust her. The key and the prisoner went missing all of a sudden..."

"She knows nothing about that and you know it!"Julian interrupted his father.

"Shut up Julian!"He yelled. "I thought I trained you enough to think like a king that you are. When did you get a heart?! What is it with her? Can I still trust you as my son?"

"You choose to trust me or not. I don't care. I only want justice father. I would not let you hurt that lady like you did to my mother. You should stop being a cruel king father. Be just for once."

"Oh just...you say just?"The king had an evil grin on his face. "Let me remind you that she's a rogue. If I want to be just I'd have gotten her killed."

"You tried, didn't you?"Julian faked a chuckle. "Should I teach you more about politics father? I thought you understood. I thought you had everything all planned out. You kept her not because you wanted to be nice. You wanted to use her!"He paused to catch his breathe. "What caused the sudden change of mind? She have not accomplished her mission yet."

"She is no more useful to me Julian"Roger announced.

"She's useful to the army!"

The king arched a brow. "Are you obsessed with your commander, Julian? Why are you so concerned? She has charmed you huh?"

"What you saying father?"

"You should ask yourself that. Aye! Whose side are you on? A damn rogue. You always disappoint me son. I have observed you lately. I know that girl can be a goddamn seductress but you should not give in to her. She is a bad blood."

Julian clenched his fist. He felt like someone needed a punch in the face. How dare he?!

"Mind your words Father. She never did anything to me." He said. "I am not into anyone either. I've always fought for the innocent..."

"No one is innocent!"He cut in.

"What are you planning to do to her father?"

"I'll do what I should have done the very first day she entered my territory uninvited." He gave an evil chuckled.

"Oh you feel so good, right? It's nice your goal will be accomplished. Hail ye the king!"Julian spat sarcastically.

"Oh that's my son speaking!"Roger laughed. If he has seen his son's face, he'd have seen just how much his look could kill him on the spot.