Chapter 86

"I'm off to bed." Alistair announced. They just completed the day's training and settled at the living room to rest. 

"Come on, 'listair. It's still very early."Claire said. 

"Well, I'm tired" Alistair replied. "Need to rest."

"But, I have a scene on my mind and I'd love to watch it today"She dragged Alistair back to her seat. "Let's say the training is over and the it's the Masters turn to fight."

Emiliar who had a broken nose, gasped in delight. "Masters huh. I'd also love to watch. Hehe!"

Alistair looked puzzled. "What are you guys talking about?"

"I mean you and master Ethan should try a fight."

Alistair pouted. "Maybe some other time." She quickened her pace towards the stairs but Ethan's voice interrupted her.

"Are you scared of me?" He smirked.

Alistair clenched her fist. Scared? What on Earth...!

"You know I'm not. I'm not just in the mood."

"You should show us Alistair."Emiliar said. Alistair gave her a disappointing look. Of all people, why Emiliar?

"Oh my..." She hissed. "I'm not fighting with anyone."

"It's not a fight."Claire added. "Just for fun."

"Okay fine."Alistair realized she had no choice. By the way, it should not be a big deal.

The living room was already set in form of a field. Ethan, a grin on his face grabbed a sword, ready to fight with her.

"I really do not want to do this."Alistair murmured as she looked her sword.

Ethan began to swing his sword to Alistair. She avoided every swing swiftly while sending her own attack. They are both skilled warrior. It's visible from the start that it is going to be a long hard fight. They fought back and forth. Obviously, Alistair was taking it easy on him. She didn't even seem to try. It's just for fun anyway. And her mind just wasn't at rest.

Ethan swing his sword at her and just as she was about to block his attack, like she had a change of mind halfways, his sword cut through her arm. Blood seeped out of the wound. Ethan rushed over, a look of concern on his eyes. He never expected her to be hurt and he felt so guilty. Well Alistair was glad that the game was over, she made that happen anyway. She shoved Ethan's hands away and walked to her room. 

She slumped on her bed, tried to sleep away her harsh reality. To everyone Alistair is perfect. She really is. But these days, her brain lacks rest and focus. She laid on her back, staring at the white ceiling. She thought about her sister, Katrienair isn't safe. She can feel it. Katrienair has been marked but she didn't mention anything to her. Who marked her? And Ethan, why does she feel so strange around him? Gush! Her thoughts weren't leading anywhere. Then she heard a knock on her door.

"Who's there?"

"Ethan. May I?"

Alistair thought for a while. "How can I help you?"

"I came to apologise?"

"No need. It was just a game c'mon." She faked a chuckle.

"How's your wound?" Ethan asked, still behind the door.

"There's no wound anymore. So don't worry too much." She faked a loud my yawn. "Besides, I'll like to get some rest now."

"Okay, I'll like to have a word with you. After your nap anyway."

"Yeah." Alistair bit her lip. "Fine."

*

"Master Julian, you are not allowed to go in."The newly elected chief guard of the dungeon announced.

"Get the hell out of my way or I'll ride on you."Julian in rage, yelled at him.

"It's the king's order My prince. You are not..."

Julian kicked his horse into motion ignoring the old guard. He needed to see katrienair as soon as possible. He rode into the deep, searching each cage but he didn't find her. Then he remembered the only place left. The isolated caged where Alistair use to be kept. He cursed beneath his breathe.

As he crossed the borderline between the dungeon and the sacred one he got surrounded by the guard.

"Hail ye the crown prince."They echoed. A man in a brown khaki coat, quite different from the army green the others wore stepped forward. He looked like their leader. Huh...they got a new leader here too.

"What brings you here my prince?"

"I came to see someone." Julian said.

"The king...."

"I know that."He cut him short. "I am royalty myself and I have full right to make my own rules. I'm not here to make rules though. I'm here to see someone."

"His highness would be mad at us in if we go against his rule, Milord."

"I will be more mad." He responded.

"His highness is our king not you."

A smirk formed on Julian's faced. He was amused by the guards guts. "I'm not here to trade words with you."He walked towards the cage but got stopped by a iron gate that closed up automatically in front of him. He was awed. He never knew this king of protection existed.

"Open up that gate! "He yelled.

"We can not do that your Majesty. We are following orders from the king."

"You are sick!" Julian had to fight the urge to strike him with the hilt of his sword.

"You should leave."

He grabbed the guard by his coat. 

"Who is in there?!"

"A prisoner of course." The guard answered fearlessly.

"I want to see her. That's all I ask."

He let go of the man's coat. "That's all I ask. The king would not know you allowed me do that. Why make a big deal out of this?"

"I'm sorry my prince but..."

"Allow me, please."Julian suddenly became humble. He was desperate. He needed to see if Katrienair was well. He'll come back to take her away but he has to be sure she's fine to retain his own sanity.

"I'm begging you. I want to see that prisoner."

The guard looked downcast, confused on what to do. He has just received the greatest honor of his life. The crown prince begged him for a favor. He wanted to allow Julian but he remembered something yet again.

"You cannot see the prisoner Milord."

"why?"

"She was drugged last night. She has not woken up till now. "

Julian was depressed. He felt guilty for everything. And a lot of "what if?" ran through his brain.

"She should have woken up by now. Was she given an overdose?" He asked.

"No."The guard shooked his head. "We are worried here too. The king wants her alive."

"Is she alive? Who the hell drugged her?! Why did you have to drug her?!" Julian yelled.

"I can't tell if she's still alive Milord. You can't see her neither."

Can't tell...oh my!!!