Chapter 51: The Restricted Section
Later on that day Anberine walked towards the library with the prince who remained emotionless as usual, despite the fact he was worried about any unwanted eyes catching them in the act.
However as the thoughts continued to swirl around him he glanced at the girl who remained very calm to his surprise.
'How is it that this isn't bothering you?!' Skye almost snapped before swallowing quietly as they approached a wooden door that contained gold handles, on the doors had two inch beams connecting from door handles to the other side horizontally.
Despite it's plain appearance there contained a sense of power emanating from behind it leaving Skye uncomfortable, even as Anberine opened one of the doors and entered it without any trace of fear.
Something Skye was left feeling both envy and shock, how did she even manage to stay calm even though they were going to be doing something dangerous?
"Ah Anberine and... your highness?" an elderly man with a long white beard spoke with surprise in his wise elderly grey eyes.
His yellow robes almost shimmered thanks to the sunlight even as it started to sink into the mountains due to the time.
Stroking his beard slowly he observed the pair.
"What can I do for you?" the man asked softly as he watched them.
Anberine who he noticed right away smiled before grabbing a book before the man could pick it up, watching her carefully he smiled as he saw her put it on his desk.
'Such a kind child' the man marvelled kindly while walking towards her.
"Thank you child" the man said softly now patting her head affectionately. Anberine in turn smiled warmly and released a small giggle to Skye's surprise.
"You've been overworking again sir?" Anberine noticed as she watched books floating in a distance before they went into shelves.
Hearing her question the man released a throaty weak laugh.
"And you are any better young lady?" the man asked with mirth in his eyes.
"Don't think I don't know about your little extra practice, besides working here allows me to help young minds grow and become respectable adults. Now what do I owe you the pleasure with entering this humble library?" he asked before staring at the prince in surprise after all, the prince hardly came to this place even during his youth.
"I wanted to check out the restricted section" Anberine's words confused the old man before he remembered her visits.
At times he worried about how such a young witch could not be affected by the dangerous magic only his worries washed away from seeing how she behaved responsibly with what she learned.
"I see, but what does the prince require in such a place? If I remember correctly this must be your first time visiting such a place" the man commented while stroking his beard slowly.
Swallowing the prince felt a cold prickle touch the back of his neck leaving him more uncomfortable than ever.
"I have a deal with the potion's teacher to teach the prince" Anberine's words caught the librarian's ears surprising him more than ever, stunned Skye turned to look at Anberine.
Who would have thought after everything he had done to her, he was now witnessing her helping him now.
"Hmmm... I see, it does make sense given your highness' hobbies" the elderly man mused while stroking his beard once more.
"Do you want me to show you to a section containing potions?" the man asked as Skye tensed up causing the man squint his left eye slightly in suspicion.
"Actually Mr. Daynes, If it's okay with you I'm going to be teaching him in the restricted area on how to fix scars" Anberine quickly intervened confusing the librarian.
"Ah, is that so?" Mr. Daynes asked as he observed the pair. "Anberine, I know that you are a regular here. But I do worry about bringing the prince to such an area" Anberine nodded with an understanding look.
Skye seeing this felt his stomach drop.
'Does that mean we have to cancel the plan?!' Skye felt sweat form on his brow but dared not wipe it, lest he alerted the librarian.
"I know sir however if this can help him not only get his act together but help him improve then isn't it worth a risk?" Anberine asked kindly.
"Even I am worried however you must admit he has shown some interest otherwise he wouldn't agree to let me tutor him" the man hummed with a small nod.
"Very well, however sire please be warned that this is a sacred place. Do not betray my trust" Mr. Daynes warned softly even though his grey eyes showed he was serious, swallowing Skye nodded.
"Thank you sir" and with that Skye walked briskly behind Anberine who thanked the librarian for the key that would allow them access to the restricted section of the library.
What greeted the area were large bookshelves that appeared to reach near the ceiling, no books moved or made any noises leaving those who entered assuming that they stepped into a graveyard thanks to the utter silence that greeted them.
A few orbs and windows glinted thanks to the sunlight that touched them from the right side of the room leaving a somewhat warm ambience to anyone that would enter.
Despite it's silence peace filled the room while wards were hanging from either bookshelves or the ceiling, preventing evil to enter the room allowing some to feel at ease.
Once they were inside Skye sighed heavily as he gripped his bag strap tightly.
"That was terrifying" Skye admitted as Anberine closed the door behind them, eyeing him oddly she shook her head causing her tresses to move side to side.
"If you weren't so tense and panicking he wouldn't have suspected you" Anberine commented now placing her bag on one of the tables.
"He was already suspicious of you already, but you made it worse" Anberine added to Skye's chagrin.
"It's not my fault, he is intimidating" Skye muttered coldly as he placed the bag down on the same table.
"Now let's get looking for the secret area" Skye ordered causing Anberine to fold her arms.
"Don't order me around, I'm not your servant" Anberine said sharply.
"You should be thankful you were even allowed to come with me to this place. Mr. Daynes doesn't trust anyone so easily and even with prince privilege it wouldn't get you inside" Anberine added as he huffed crossly.
"Fine, I'm sorry" Anberine eyed him blankly as she kept her arms folded leaving Skye twitching slightly.
"Okay... fine, I am sorry" Skye said softly, however Anberine kept her eyes on him for a few minutes which left him uncomfortable at how she could cause such an affect on him.
How was she even able to do that?
"Let's just look for clues, it's twilight hour now" Anberine said coldly as she walked away from the stunned prince.
Frowning Skye leaned on the table with a conflicted look.
'What's going on with me?' Skye muttered wearily.
"'(Ever heard the magic of guilt?)' the voice asked with a sarcastic tone that grated on the prince's nerves.
'That doesn't exist and you know it' Skye remarked angrily as he began his search.
'(True but guilt does exist)' the voice replied as Skye observed an area containing bookshelves. Eyeing the title 'otherworldly potions' Skye eyed it weakly while pushing the voice's comments away from him.
'(You can't deny that you've been an ass to her)' the voice commented as Skye took a book and skimmed it lightly.
'Who writes a book about what is inside a snake?' Skye shook his head before placing the book back.
'(Those who want to know what parts can be useful)' the voice said sounding as if they were shrugging.
'Whatever' Skye looked around the area carefully, there had to be a clue somewhere but the question was what were the hints?
"Did you find anything?" Skye called out as he peeked out between the bookshelves, hearing nothing Skye's brow furrowed.
"Oi! You did you find anything?" Skye called out now walking down the row of bookshelves.
"There's no way-" Skye tried to find Anberine as worry filled his mind even as silence filled the area.
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LilWhiteFox
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