'The meeting' 'Dlak'
'The hell! What that old man thinks of himself?!'. Thor slammed the table on it with fist. The table vibrate dangerously than crack. 'Clam down...Thor. You are overreacting'. Beside my right side. Carlem say calmly to Thor. Who is burning with anger. I am worried about him burning the whole meeting room. I don't blame him to be furious. When Thor ger furious. He is like out of his sense. 'What you expect me to calm down? That old shit thinks he can rule on us again!? Never'. 'I agree with Thor. Of course, not for his anger. The Kingdom of Millray always try to find out our weakness so they can control us again'. Raftel said. Kester silently listen the conversation. His eyes is sparkling with unknown emotions. Anyone can't read what Kester is thinking. But I can predict. After all, I know him from childhood. But I can tell he couldn't pry attention much to his emotion. It's not his fault. It is his ability why he like this.
'I don't understand. Why they are trying to be annoying us that much'. Another slam and crack.
I look out the window and think of Heyeri. I did gave bodyguards to her protection but I think I should had prepared more. Pan had already gave her the letter. I would much like to escort her by myself but she is not much comfortable around me so I shouldn't pressure her much... not yet. I hope she is okay. After I finished this meeting, I will go to meet her.
'That old m-'. 'Thor...'. I said his name calmly with command. The voice of mine heavily vibrate in the room. Everyone flinched. Thor, who was nagging and complaining, now is stood silent like stature. ' Sit down, Thor. We are in a meeting room. It is not a place for your complains. If you want to be nagging. The door is open'. My tone is calm and demanding. 'I apologize for my behavior. Your Majesty. I should have punishment for this'. Thor sat down. Downing his head. I sigh. 'It's not time for this now. We have more important things to discuss. Court of darkness. Carlem Rick, speak'. I look at him under my mask. He clear his throat. 'As you all already heard the rumors. That said Kingdom of Millray is trying to play plots of something. But rumors are born by sight. So after investigation, a spy was capture. He was told to find secret information and murder the king but It failed'.
'Well, they always try to find advantages to grain power. It's not new. But this time, they get to far.' Micheal yawn while talking. 'We thought to take out more information from him. Like what exactly is there plan? But unfortunately, he killed himself at this morning'. Carlem said. His voice steady and calm but I can sense the tension on his shoulder.
'Well, looks like they wanted to take revenge for denied the marriage proposal'. Now everyone is staring at me. I sigh again. 'I hope I don't need to tell. No?'. I know what they are trying to say. After I take over the throne, The Kingdom of Millray's king offered their princess to marriage for make a peace treaty. Obviously, I reject. He just trying to possess us again. Not for a chance..
Besides, I already have someone.....Little Lily. It's been a hour since she left. But I feeling something.....bad. Really bad.
'Your Majesty?'. Carlem questioning voice pull me to my sense. Agh.....what are you thinking Dlak...It's not the time for this. 'You look so absented mind today. Is everything okay?'. Carlem is a damn nice observer from all of the Court of Councils. His dark gaze can see anyone's soul like trying to see any little hole to fill them with his darkness. But he never dare to see my soul because he know. If he try...he will see something in me that can hurt his eyes and lost the power of observation. 'Everything is fine'. I said. 'So, what should we do now? Try to search more information about it?'. Thor speak finally. Gazing me with his amber demonic eyes. As a Court of destruction. He mostly do things with his anger nature. I lost the count of how many meeting tables he broke and cracked. Every meeting, I first need to deal with his anger issues. It gets annoying sometimes.
'Where is Lockill? He is not usually miss meetings. Kester said. Kester Mith. As Court of Lustiness. He has a cruel flirty nature. Like a beautiful flower but inside.....it has poison that can glamour you with it's charm and can kill you with his beauty. He has the ability to glamour anyone for having their soul to his before they would realize. He and Lockill have nice friendship. 'Probably, walking Alkarled again for find any spy or clues to beat them'. Micheal said with another yawn. His name is like a angel name. The name can be innocent but in personality....he is opposite. He always tries to sleep. If it has to be serious talk. He always the same. After all, his title is Court of Slothness. He is very sloth that he can be a sleeping beauty rather a Council member. But in ability.....he is untouchable
'Let's not talk about this. You all keep your eyes in your city. If anything, unusual happened. Report me. I will take care of the rest'. I said with clam tone. 'You're looking so clam Dlak. Did you have anything in your mind'. Raftel asked. I smirk. They sense my expression and looking at each other. Knowing that what my intentions are. After few hours of talk. The meeting end.
'Heyeri'
I step out from the carriage. It's already dark outside. I touch the cut on my face. Ouch! It's not hurt much but when I touch it. I feel a sudden pain. I sigh heavily. I smile. If it hurts, I don't feel sad or regret. Because I know, I gets this cut for did something good, nice, beautiful .
Like football players who wins the trophy but doesn't care about the pain in their legs...like the happiness has healed their pain. I am not a football player. Not any others. But I feel like them. It nice to do better things. The smile of other people, their eyes sparkling with happiness and gratuities. It feel.....warm, tender , happy, desire for doing many things like this.
If every people in this world and outside world had known this how it feel to be warm, gentle, pure happiness. Then the bad things would never happen.
'Your Majesty?'. Meili's questioning voice snapped me in reality. She told me that she wants to call me "Your Majesty" in public and "Heyeri or Miss Kay" in private. I agreed. I don't want her to feel uncomfortable. Now I think about it, where is other bodyguards?
I look around. I just saw the carriage and castle guards. But something is off about the carriage guards. Is it my imagination or.....they really is looking at with predator gaze. Strange. I scan them carefully. Guards and soldiers always has state looks, but something is off..... 'Is there anything bothering you? Your Majesty'. Meili asked carefully. She is smart enough to look at them. She wave her hand slightly. The guards look at each other. They nod and leave. 'Did you tell them to leave?'. I asked. She look at me. 'Yes, I thought your feeling uncomfortable. There are many demons that don't accept you. But they can't do anything about it'. She said. 'Why?'. I amazed. I know anyone would not accept me. A human like me. But Meili accept me. And Dlak too? 'Well, It's obviously for his Majesty. Have you seen his gaze when you arrived here?'. I look at her with confuse. 'No, why? Did he tried to be threated them?'. I joked. 'Hmm. I will say... yes'. I look at her. disbelief. 'He....what?'. 'Oh. You don't know? When you just arrived in front of castle. Many maid and butlers were whispering. Why the dangerous ruthless king who never ever spare a glance any elegant women, would bring a normal human girl as his wife?'. I listen her statement attend. Well, I was wondering it too. Why me? He can have anyone. He can eat me or make me a slave. I wanted to ask it. But I don't have enough guts to tell. Maybe.
'I thought it too. But when I first met you. I understand'. She smile. 'Understand what?'. I feel like a stupid to ask like this. But I want to know. I really need to know. I don't know why? My heart is racing. 'That he might be in love with you'. She finally said. I think I didn't heard correct. Right? She look at me like she think I can't hear. I doubt if it really is. 'I said. It might be he is in love with you'. Nope. I don't have hearing problems. 'Wait...what? He love me. Me? Why?
I couldn't believe in my ears. 'Your kidding'. 'Obviously not. It's about love after all'. I want to hit my head. Seriously I want to. I want to know if I am really awake. If it's not really a dream. A nightmare . But I know. It's not a dream. I touch my check. Why my face is so hot? 'Oh my. My Lady. Are you blushing?' Meili study me like a book. Her eyes is sparkling with mischief. I turn away my head. 'N-no. I am not'. I am. 'I know, I know. why would he glared everyone with that much intensity. Like he would kill anyone if they dare try to harm you. That pretty romantic. Isn't it!'. No. It's not. Defiantly not! How came someone would glare like that? I didn't saw his face in that moment. I was to focus on my surroundings and thoughts. More importantly, Is he really in love with me? Why? Someone vulnerable like me?
Meili looks at me with knowing eyes. 'I know you it's shock for you but trust me, My Lady. He is ruthless as much as he is a kind man'.
'Dlak' '15 minutes ago'
I step out from the meeting room and see Pan is leaning on the wall. In front of the door. Sleeping. The other members already left but this guy is sleeping like he never slept enough. 'Pan...wake up'. My voice is barley a whisper. Still sleeping. I touch his shoulder. Shaking him slightly. Still sleeping. I sigh with annoyance. Then I hit his head with much fist it enough to break a normal person in two. A normal person He collapsed and groan in pain. 'Hey! That hurts!'. 'Your lucky that I didn't use much force. Sleeping like a child'. He gets up and straighten his tie. 'Well, Everyone needs interval after all'. 'Not sleeping in middle of work'. I sigh again. I always need to deal with Pan's sleep. When he bored. He fall asleep any place. He clears his throat. 'So, how does the meeting go. Good? I suppose'. He asked. 'Same'. If it's Court of Council meeting. Then it always ends up as normal or mess. Today is normal. Pan is much smart to know what I mean. 'Whatever, we need to go now'. I said and start walking in the hallway. Pan follows me. 'Is Little Lily returned?'. I asked. Pan looked at me like he seeing a rare thing. It doesn't matter me how he takes this name "Little Lily" as. 'She returns safely'. He answered. I will meet with her before I go in my business. 'I pretty shocked when you announced of Miss Kay as your bride'. He spoke. 'What do you want to say'. I spoke. My voice is not question. It is command. I know Pan well that what he intends to say. His intention is opposite to his words. It's just a child play for me to know what they intend. After all, I am the king. 'Don't take it badly. I am not going to kill her'. He says with chuckle. ' If you have attempt or thoughts. You would be in the grave'. My voice is serious. I took a quite glance on my shoulder to see his expression. Pan shivered. but he recovered quickly. 'I know, I know. It's fascinating to see the ruthless king, behaving like a possessive man who kill anyone if they try to touch a single hair of his lover'. He finished.
'Love is not for kings. Remember it. If a king in love. He will see just the distraction. It . Is. Rule'.
I shake my head sightly. It not time to remember this. 'It's not like that you are thinking. It's my duty to keep her safe and a king never forget his duties'. I say calmly. Almost a whisper. Yes. I shouldn't forget it. I don't need kind, care or... love. I was taught with it since my childhood. I took a deep breath. Exhale. Why I feel so...strange. Like my heart is denying something. I don't need to understand. I don't understand. Love is not for me. Not someone like me. I am don't deserve it. Every people in kingdom are controlled by king and the king is controlled by crown. 'It's not your business to worried about my personal life'. He waves his hand. 'I am not. But it feels obvious that you just change the whole land into a amusement park for making Miss Kay to know it. Didn't you?' 'Yes, I did. She would know eventually'. I spoke. Yes, I did it for realization. I remember how she looked at me. Her face was confused. When she got angry when I said the truth. But I believe her. She is strong. In mentally. Humans' emotion is their power. I have feelings that she will much stronger that I expect. It's not my duty to predicate it. I will try my best to give her all she wants. 'Oh. Looks like the fate is much unpredictable then I expect'. Pan said with smirk. I look at front direction and see....Heyeri. With her maid.
My heart had already left from my chest before I caught.
'Heyeri'
I don't know how to react when I see Dlak. I and Meili was walking on the hallway by talking love interest of Dlak. It is a pure.....coincidence. I never expect to see him right here and right now. I am already flushed but after seeing Dlak. I can feel how hot my face is. Even hot water is not much hot compere my face now. Meili and Pan greet formally. I can't see his face because of the mask. There was few silent on the air. Neither of us didn't expect this. Pan and Meili didn't talk either. They just staring at us then each other.
'You returned much earlier than I expect'. He breaks the silence. 'Y-yes. I returned.... much quick then expected'. I messed up. I should speak more nicely. Then suddenly, I feel something...warm, kind. On my right-side cheek. I look up. He is touching my cheek. Dlak is touching my cheek? What?! 'Your face...' His word is barely whisper but I can sense enormous dominate from it. Then I realize...his fingers are rubbing the cut. Ah-oh! 'Who did this?' He asked. Meili flinched. Even Pan forehead is sightly sweating. Although, he had a tight smile on his face. 'I just...have a small cut'. I spoke. Not able to find proper words. I didn't answer his question. It's not like I don't know that who that guys were. I just feel like.... nervous?
Dlak seem to see my hesitant. ' I hope you can explain me this'. He turns at Meili. I can't see his face but, his deep dominance voice is enough. She seems to feel uneasy at first but now, her face looks much emotionless than before. I think she is trying to maintain her expression. 'I was left Her Majesty to buy some grocery. Her Majesty was nearby from the shop, but when I came back. I didn't saw her. I ran to the nearby area and saw her...but when I saw her. She had cut on her face'. Meili paused. Her face can be stone, but her eyes are saying another thing. Guilty, regret, confidence, desperation. 'Then?'. Dlak questioned. 'Then-'. 'Then I said her why I gets this cut'. Meili look at me with surprised. I didn't look at her. My gaze is just fixed on him. Dlak. He turns at me. Pan looks at me with curious expression. Wanted to see me how I can handle this. I know Meili is trying to cover me. Cover me from the uneasiness.
'He can be ruthless as much as he can be a kind person'
Her words echoing in my ears. I took a deep breath 'I was trying to save a child from some bad guys when I gets this cut'. I hope my voice is not shaking. 'I see'. He spoke. I am surprised. He believes my words that easily. I thought he would me much, but he didn't. I think...he doesn't care much about me. It should be okay with me but why...I am feeling hurt? No, no I shouldn't. I don't have the right for this. I feel his palm rubbing on my cut gently. The cut I didn't touch from the carriage because for the pain. I don't...fell any pain now. I feel so much better.
'Do you feel any pain now?'. 'No'. I said instant. His finger is still rubbing my cut. 'Good'. He take off his hand from my face. I almost try to take his hand and put his fingers on my face. I touch my cheek and then cut. What? I don't feel it. Like I never have a cut on my face. It banished. 'I hear it. It now can hurt or leave a scar anymore'. He said with soft whispering voice. I feel so calm by hearing his voice. I would like to hear his voice every day.
Before I will say something. I hear a sudden sound. Like a gun shooting sound. I flinched. Meili positioned herself before I would know. Pan is gone. I gulp and look behind.
Dlak is hugging me. Not hugging. He has protected me. I look down. The sight I welcome with arrows. Multiple arrows are on his arms. Not on. In him. Blood is dripping from his arm so much. I freeze. My eyes are wide with horror. He injured by arrows because of protecting me. My dress is stained with blood. I want to scream but I can't. Like my voice is stuck in my throat. The more important thing is Dlak is injured. He cannot survive from such a dangerous condition.
'Don't feel scared'. His voice is deep and calm. Whispering on my ear
'I am here. I am not letting you gets hurt. No matter what'.
-TO BE CONTINUE