บท 24: spades
chapter 23|Cas
I followed all the other vehicles to a parking spot beside a large hall. When I got out of the car I just kept my head down and followed the rest of the people I was walking with. I tried to keep my gawking subtle but that didn't stop my jaw dropping when we entered the building.
Suites of armour lined the halls along with countless weapons.
The only thing that lit the walls were the natural lighting and candles that were scattered down the hallways. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling but instead of a regal, royal feels they looked terrifying as they were designed around large intimidating spikes.
A dark blue carpet was draped down the hallway with bronze intricate markings, only to be seen if the light shifted slightly. In fact, most of the decorations stuck to that colour scheme of blues and bronze as the castle designs kept true to the Kingdom's royal colours.
I'd never been here before and it was already safe to say that the Kingdom stuck to its reputation of being fearsome as the reoccurring factor of the castle had a leaning towards a more warrior theme.
It seemed I was the only one that was amazed by the magnificent architecture as everyone just continued down the hallway as the engaged in mindless chatter, most of it was just shits and giggles but as I leaned more into the crowd I heard bits and pieces of what was going on just a few hours ago.
"Can't believe we went all that way for a fucking girl!" One grumbled, not bothering to hide his irritation.
"She put up a hell of a fight too" The other one agreed, rubbing the side of his neck that showcased a dark pink bruise that was noticeably turning blue as the seconds passed.
"You ain't seen shit lads, if Hibiscus was there I doubt half of us would still be here" My ears perked up at the mention of my friend. "Now that's ones a beast, almost beat ol'Adaora herself if I remember correctly" My eyes widened in disbelief.
A dark-skinned fairly tall guy let out a bark of laughter "Beat the Queen? Ha! I'll believe it when I see it" Others joined in the laughter making the old guy shake his head in disappointment.
"Nah that fight was a once in a lifetime experience, I'm lucky enough to even have been there considering I snuck in" His eyes shined with recognition "It was a close one too, in fact, the only reason Adaora beat her was because-
"How come you don't got a scratch on you?" A voice questioned besides me. I gritted my teeth as I realised I had to respond in order to not be seen as rude but I also didn't want to miss the rest of the story. "You didn't get close enough for the action huh?"
I looked down to see a youngish guy with chestnut hair and a charming gap between his teeth. Other than that he looked horrible as he was coated almost entirely with dust and had wounds of all sorts.
Did he stand directly next to that bomb?
"Don't look at me like that 'tis but a scratch they say where I come from. The explosion got me good huh? No worries though I'll pop into the infirmary and be good as new before dawn" I raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"Didn't you 'yere? The queen called for an assembly down by the judgement halls" This time it was my turn to be confused.
"The queen? I thought she was up by the South" I tried not to put too much disbelief into my words but I couldn't help it.
Aunt Adaora is here?
The blonde shook his head "She came back last night, not surprised either. She's good at getting things done without hassle".
So I've heard.
I nodded but it was more to myself than anyone else. So she's here. Just peachy.
Fuck Hibi I told you this wouldn't work.
"Who she judgin?" The dirty one asked. The other guy kissed his teeth.
"Don't really know, heard it's one of her prisoners so it could be anyone really" He shrugged nonchalantly. The dust mite sighed.
"Fuck I guess being healthy will have to wait then" My brows came together in confusion.
"Why? Can't you just go quickly?" The guy looked amused by my answer.
"Ha! Pop in quickly the lad said" He chuckled "When Adaora demands an audience she demands the whole castle boy, she likes us there up close and personal so we can taste the sweat on her victim's necks" I winced.
He sighed "And knowing the queen, this might take hours".
Shit, she was really there.
I made sure to cast my gaze at the floor to avoid catching her piercing one. There she was, sitting comfortably on her throne that was made of knives and bones (all probably from her enemies too). She glared at whatever her eyes touched as she looked upon the crowd.
I don't know what she was looking for but she didn't find it.
And all the cocky arrogant smiles I saw on the hall on the way here were gone too. Everyone's face was blank but I could see the fear that hid behind their eyes. It was admirable that they could all stand here and sweat with straight faces.
She struck fear into everyone.
Minus me.
Whilst everyone saw a respected War Goddess I saw the lady that used to frolic with me around my castle, playing knights and princesses with me when I was just a boy. I saw the woman that used to feign defeat to make me smile when we'd spar. I saw the lady that'd light up the castle with her bellowing laugh whenever she'd visit.
She was indeed the life of the party.
A powerful woman with a soft and loving smile. She'd lift everyone's spirits when she arrived, even though she wouldn't admit it I knew my mother enjoyed her company too.
But here she was.
Looking at her loyal subjects as if they were dirt beneath her shoe. And they are.
Every single last one of them was under her control. Under her rule and beneath the feet that they all seemed to worship.
"Bring in the prisoner" She demanded in a harsh but firm tone "I do not have all day".
Immeditaely people tripped over their own feet to run to the large door that I assumed the prisoner was coming out of. In my boredom, I took the opportunity to slowly shuffle towards the exits. Shooting a sheepish smile to the guards standing by them.
Maybe I can bribe them.
My train of thought was interrupted by the screeching of the large door opening. Everyone unconsciously leaned forward to take a look at the prisoner and I found myself doing the same until I finally saw them and my blood froze all over.
Irina.
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