Chapter 27
Kastell Manor
"Necromancers are to be sentenced to death for their crimes in interfering with the balance of life and death.
To kill a necromancer is no easy task, the last and only person who was capable of killing necromancers was the old Queen of Duvessa.
She extinguished them from Terran, restoring the balance that was desperately needed. "
Duvessan Fae History.
The following text has been transcribed in an oath of truth by Volda Keely Darkblood of the Darkblood Witch Coven.
The original text has been destroyed upon command from the High King of Apollo, Solaire Gideon.
Ifelt the innkeeper's eyes on me this morning. I sat around the same table as I did last night.
The night dreams I had of whispering girls and the blue eyes of the innkeeper's daughter stared into my soul—until screams from women so loud in my dream were enough to make me plead for mercy, leading me to commit an act I so greatly regretted.
I had left the room before first light and relieved a silent Inanov of his duties, taking watch in his stead.
I braided my hair tightly, ensuring none slipped out of place.
My armour had dried, and I was wearing it on full display.
We were to leave the inn anyway, so the innkeeper might as well see a warrior instead of a maiden in need of protection.
“The only thing here that needs to be feared is me.” The dark thought crossed my mind and I blinked it away in surprise.
I looked her in the eye as I strapped my fire blades. One on each thigh. One in my boot. And two along my waist.
I wonder where she had made her husband take her daughter to... or rather—to whom.
The prince stood atop the stairs, seems like he also didn't care about being concealed anymore.
There were not any town folk outdoors to notice anyway.
His deadly red eyes in full display, making his way towards me, Inanov trailing behind him—I immediately tore my eyes away, feeling the shiver of embarrassment over my body.
The prince wore a black and gold tunic. Its colours similar to what my armour looked like. The gold as always, complimented him. However, the black made him look older, more mature—like a king.
"Couldn't sleep with me being next to you?" the prince teased slightly, as if we had not done anything sinful last night, but there seemed to be some genuine concern in his voice.
"I slept fine," a blush crept up my neck. "I just want to be out of this gods-damned land," I muttered and looked outside.
"On that, we can both agree," the prince answered and then looked to Agatha.
"We thank you for your hospitality, innkeeper.
" He handed her a few more gold coins. "Our gratitude," he answered.
This time, Agatha didn't bother checking to see if the coins were truly gold.
Without a doubt, she knew who stood in front of her.
"No accent today, huh?" She wearily looked at him. She was nervous, her hand fisting her apron.
"To my delight, no." He gave her a plain grin that didn't meet his eyes. The prince turned to the exit and Inanov and myself followed.
"Wait," the innkeeper said at last, pulling out a crumpled letter from her apron. Something dark stirred inside me at the sight. The prince stopped, his back still facing the innkeeper.
"This is for you. From the Lord of Litara." She handed over the letter. The prince's jaw tensed as he took out the already open letter from its envelope and read.
"Seems like the lord has eyes in places that we were not aware of.
" The prince looked to the empty streets outside and then burnt the letter with a spark.
The dark feeling inside me dissipated as the letter burned to ash.
“Once I am King, I will make sure that spoiled lords do not go unpunished for ruling their land inadequately,” the prince spoke with determination that had me admiring him without realizing it.
The prince exited with Inanov behind him.
I followed, until the lady grasped my hand and looked into my eyes. "Please save her."
I took my arm out of her grasp and rushed out the door, heart thundering.
Inanov had the horses stationed out front and relief went through me as I patted Fluffcake, the stallion that I had become familiar with.
I mounted him, trailing behind the duo who led their horses through the cobbled stone village.
The horse's hooves clicking loudly in contrast to how silent the village was.
"What did the note say?" I stared ahead. Dark clouds already beginning to form once again above us.
"The lord is aware that we are here. He invites me and all my men to a feast in his manor," the prince replied gravely.
"How did he know? Do you think the innkeeper...?"
"No, the innkeeper did not know who we truly were until today," Inanov confirmed which made the situation all the more mysterious.
"It seems the lord has many tricks up his sleeve," the prince acknowledged. This statement made me ponder.
"This doesn't sound like the lord of the land at all." I had not meant for my thoughts to be this loud.
"Enlighten me on that, warrior." The prince was now looking at me intently.
"The lord was said to be very closed off. Never attended performances and surely had no guests over at his manor. He was a very private man and seemed to be a good lord. He took care of his land, the last time I was here," saying this out loud had put an unsettling feeling in my stomach.
The prince laughed. "It does not seem at all that he looks after his people after hearing about the plague that spreads to the women in this land. He sounds like every other lord, my dear warrior, don't mistake the selfishness of a lord."
"Does that include self-righteous princes too?" I muttered softly.
The prince definitely heard that because his eyes narrowed at me, and Inanov cleared his throat in discomfort.
"Whatever it is that happens, this land will fall under the Kingdom of Apollo before midnight," the prince spoke with determination.
I couldn't help but feel it—with the wind in the air that swept past my cheek—that he spoke the truth.
***
The Kastell manor was gloomy and the grey sky gave it an extra effect of solemnity.
The edges of the walls seemed to have dark leaking marks along it, almost as if this very manor was crying.
The Apollon soldiers were here, along with Akiel, Hulin and most importantly Red.
I had immediately jumped off my horse to inspect him, which made him laugh and tease me.
His light-heartedness would have made me smile but a dreaded feeling sat inside me and it wouldn't leave.
There were no guards in the manor that would have welcomed us in, instead it was women.
Pretty women, who wore busty tight dresses.
They had big smiles on their faces, ushering us all in and offering purple wine to all the men.
Colfe was not sly in how he was touching and feeling the women who kept offering him wine.
I frowned at the sight and I politely declined the amount of attempts they made to get me to accept their wine.
Until I sighed in annoyance and took the glass, frowning at it.
My arm felt hot and cold all at once. A hushed whisper brushed into my ears: "Don't drink the wine.
" I turned around startled. However, no one was near me. Not even the prince—
I whirled around to find him and sighed in relief when I spotted him next to Inanov, who gave me a stare of disapproval. Not liking how far away I was from the person I was meant to protect. I rolled my eyes at him and joined them. "There are a lot of women here," I stated, looking around.
"Gotten used to being the only woman around my men?" the prince teased.
"Far from that," I answered. And just then that dreaded feeling in my body increased a tenfold.
Shadows were thrumming in my veins. I turned just in time to see the lord's entrance.
He descended the steps with arms around two women, wearing a velvet purple robe that did little to cover his chest or legs.
It looked almost disrespectful to be dressed like this in front of the royal prince. Like a spit to the face of Apollo.
"Welcome, Your Highness. I have been looking forward to your arrival," the lord exclaimed with a grin, making no move to bow.
The prince couldn't care less of the lord's entrance, he inspected his golden glove instead. "So you've made clear." The lord's grin faltered and then his gaze settled on me. Something devious went through his mind.
"And who might this be?" He let go of the women at his side and came my way.
I felt nauseous.
The prince growled, "My bodyguard. And if you aren't careful, she will kill you in the most creative way she finds possible. Consider it your first warning."
The lord still stared at me, his eyes raking over my body. He licked his lips, his tongue—nearly as purple as the wine they served here. I nearly jerked away when he released a sudden laugh.
"You must forgive my greed. As you can see, I have an abundance of wives, and I am currently in search of a new one. Someone with a bit more fight in her." He analysed me once more.
All these women... were his wives!?
Red's jaw dropped, not at the least hiding his expression. Even Colfe choked on his wine in surprise. My eyes met Inanov's and we shared the same look.
"I am here for a reason—" the prince finally spoke but was then cut off.
"Forgive me for interrupting, Your Highness, but I know exactly why you are here. You are here to make Litara fall under Apollo." The lord looked at the prince, smirking.
"Yes, I am." The prince was getting annoyed. I could feel it, as well as his power. The lord felt it too, his eyes widened when he took in how the prince's eyes blared red.
"Let us discuss it over the feast I've planned for tonight. For all your men to attend and especially your warrior." He gave me a sideward smile. I couldn't help but scrunch my nose in disgust.
The lord was attractive, with slanted hazel eyes and clear porcelain skin. But there was an eerie aura he gave of, something wicked and malevolent.
"My wives will lead your men and warrior to their personal rooms to freshen up." The lord's smile was charming. A woman with large dimples bowed down to the prince. "This way, Your Highness."
"I need a room next to my warrior," the prince ordered. Looking straight ahead as the women led us up the stairs towards a dark corridor. I looked down to see Inanov and Red being led away together. Inanov caught my eyes.
"Look after the prince." He almost seemed to say with his eyes.
"Look after Red." I emphasised with my own eyes. Inanov gave a shallow nod.
"Stop staring at my royal guard," the prince snapped.
"I wasn't aware you could command me as to what I can and cannot look at," I answered, not giving the prince a glance.
The prince's fingers grazed my own. "Oh, my pretty warrior, I can and will command you to do anything I please."
My expression stoned and he smirked at my anger. "Unless it's intimacy. That, I will never command. That is something I will give once you beg for it."
My face immediately heated. "Never in your royal dreams." I scowled.
The wife had led us to our rooms, twin doors next to each other. “I must tend to my husband, ring the bell if there is anything you require.” She made a bow, leaving immediately. The prince pushed the door open and nearly shoved me in it, I gasped and caught myself immediately.
"What is wrong with you—" I nearly yelled, but he came close and wrapped his hand against my mouth. He put a finger from his other hand on his lips.
"The lord's wife was listening intently to our conversation; I fear there are more listening ears.” He hushed.
"So you don't trust the lord either?" I asked.
"I don't trust anyone here." The prince leaned away, his warmth leaving my body.
"I think we should leave; I don't have a good feeling about this place," I spoke truthfully to the prince. He saw the concern in my eyes, his face nearly softened until it hardened to its usual expression.
"I am not leaving until my mission here is complete."
"You just said you do not trust him," I exclaimed. Adrion raked a hand through his platinum hair and then looked at me...
“I once asked for your forgiveness on how I spoke to you that day in the forest, but do not mistake my true intentions.
I still meant what I said in having to sacrifice what I need in order to get what I want.
" He looked intently into my eyes and then stroked my cheek, my jaw tensed in disapproval.
He placed his forehead against mine and closed his eyes.
"I am sorry for what I am. If it's a villain in your eyes, if it's a murderer you see.
My pretty warrior, please know that I am unable to help what is in my blood and nature.
" My heart stuttered, and I shivered as he placed a soft kiss on my hair.
.. his thumb rubbing onto the pulse by my neck.
A heartbeat and he was here. The next he left through the door behind me and now.
.. I was alone with his words still echoing in my ears.
I am sorry for what I am.