Chapter 41
Chapter 41
I stepped away from the railing as my mind went back to the origin of my face off with Caius.
Queen Lyssa’s invitation. That hologram had showed giant towers and weapons that could cut through bone like butter.
It was all impressive to see. I had said no to that offer, but I couldn't stop thinking if that was a wrong move.
Her tech could destroy the witch. I should have given it a shot. . .instead of backing of.
Footsteps sounded close to the door and then it swung open. Darius bowed as his eyes locked with mine.
“My lord,” he said, bowing.
“What?”
“We need to talk about Caius.” He stepped closer. "He is going too far and I think you shouldn't let him defy you like that.”
The disrespect was too much.
I folded my arms on my chest. “You think I don’t know that, huh?".
Darius paused. “I know you do. I'm just waiting for you to act."
"Keep waiting."
When you're tired you can stop.
Cauis has eventually made me look so weak in front of my people.
Imagine Darius giving me an advice on what to do like I don't know.
"Time is of the essence. Caius is trouble. He always has been. But now it’s worse.
He is testing you in front of everyone. You need to stop this out as soon as possible."
“Okay, how do you want me to do?”
Darius rubbed his chin. “You need to push him out.”
"How?"
“Give him an order he can’t refuse. Send him after the witch. Tell him to bring her back or not come back at all.”
“That is so perfect.
“How did you come up with that?.
Do you also hate Cauis like I do right now.
Not really Lord Ronan. I just hate to see you worried.
I stared at him. What a suggestion? It was ruthless and perfect. Caius would be gone, chasing a ghost across the lands.
If he failed, he would be out of my way for good and if he succeeded, I would have the witch terrorising my kingdom and a possible solution to the curse haunting me. Either way, I would win. My lips twitched with a smile.
“You know what? That’s an excellent idea,” I said. "Draft the executive order. I want it done tonight.”
"I’ll handle it right away, my lord."
Darius left me alone and I turned back to the sky.
My chest felt lighter.
Who would have thought he can come up with such a brilliant idea.
Caius would be gone. Most likely forever. His defiance would be buried in the pain of hunting a hex-wielding witch.
A sharp knock broke my thoughts. “Yes?”
The door creaked open and two guards stepped in.
Lila stood between them. They held her arms and her hair was messy, but her eyes still blazed with defiance. I wonder what the problem was now.
"What's wrong?" I asked the guards.
“My lord, she defied your orders,” one of the guards said.
"How?"
What do you mean by that.
"We caught her sneaking around after ten and we asked where she was coming from.
You again ?.
“What actually do you want.
“What's your problem,?.
“I mean what exactly do you want from me.?
She was coherent. We tried to search her and then she ran.”
Lila’s eyes flicked to me. I saw guilt in them. Yes, she was definitely hiding something.
"Explain yourself," I said to her.
“I wasn’t sneaking. I got lost.”
“I had to run away because I had to pee.”
“I already explained myself to them but they wouldn't just listen.”
“They kept treating me like a stranger which is so unfair.”
The door opened and Darius walked in with a piece of paper.
"That was fast!" I remarked.
"It's a matter of urgency, my lord."
You wish is my command.
Why did I feel he had drafted it already and only needed my approval to bring it out?
The politics of this wasn't lost on me. Darius and Caius were also rivals in the court.
Which was my biggest advantage.
"Tell General Darius what happened," I told the guard.
He nodded and explained everything about Lila's arrest to Darius.
"Why did you run?" Darius asked Lila.
"I was tired and scared."
"And that's why you locked yourself behind a door twice?" I growled. My chest burned with fierce anger.
At this point, I wanted to grab Lila, shake her violently and make her beg. My hands itched for my whip, to make her cry.
I turned away. My breath was short. I couldn’t do this again. Not after I promised myself to steer clear of her.
I badly wanted to punish her and make her pay.
But on the other hand there was no use.
They were other things to deal with than Lila.
“Darius,” I called.
"My lord?"
"You deal with her.”
Whatever you can do to keep her obedient just do it.
Darius raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure, my lord?”
This is Lila.
I'm fully aware.
I nodded. “I’m done with her games.”
The more I keep giving her chances the more she won't stop.
Lila’s eyes widened.
“What? You’re just passing me off?
Just like that.
You're just a Coward.”
“You'll never change your ways.
“Your just full of empty promises.
My blood boiled and my hands clenched.
Her words cut like a razor. I wanted to lunge at her, to silence her, but I stayed still, instead turning my back on her.
She'll make me weak if I ever have to face her.
"Darius, deliver your judgement and get her out of here."
I don't want to see her screaming into my ears.
"You are banished to the dungeons until you confess what you were up to." I firmly said.
Lila’s breath caught.
“The dungeon? For what? I didn’t do anything!”
“Why is it so hard for you people to listen to me.”
“It's simple English okay?.
The first guard grabbed her arm. “Move, human.”
“Get your hands off me!”
The second guard raised his shock lance. Its tip sparked blue
Darius waved his finger in her face.
“Don’t make this harder. Follow the guards. Enough of the drama."
If you're really innocent like you claim you won't be resisting.
I turned away from Lila and the guards and peered into the sky. I felt a wave of happiness.
Once again, I had stood my ground and refused to get involved with her punishment.
"What are you waiting for? Take her to the dungeon now.” Darius' voice echoed in my head.
The guards dragged Lila out, but she wouldn't stop kicking and clawing .
“You are a weakling, Ronan!” she shouted.
“Why can't you judge me yourself?"
You've always been a coward right from day one.
You can't just take responsibility by yourself .