Chapter 12 Chapter 11
Evelyn.
I'll have no choice but to report you to the Alpha King and you know what happens when I do." Amaris threatened, her eyes filled with fire. Her words hung in the air, a warning that silenced the bullies.
They realize she's not joking with her threats and reluctantly let me go but not before dropping a final warning. "We'll come back for you. And when we do, you'll regret being alive." He promised as he turned around and walked away.
My eyes brimmed with tears of anger but I quickly blinked them back, my body still trembling.
"Just ignore them." Amaris said, holding my hands. "Let's keep working so we can find some gems and leave this hell hole." She added and I nodded, going back to dig the earth. Still, I couldn't help the tears that threatened to make their way down my cheeks, causing my gaze to grow blurry, my heart hurting.
Is this how my life is going to be like? Constantly being harassed by different kind of people? Oh, Elizabeth. Why did you die?
Luckily for us, we found quite the number of gems and got to leave the mines earlier than before. Washing off at a stream, Amaris continued to bemoan our fate while I just sat there quietly washing. Amaris noticed my distress and, without a word, placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"Hey, are you alright?" She asked softly, lowering herself so she could be at my level.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I replied, but my shaky voice betrayed my true feelings. Despite my efforts to put on a brave face, the tears I had fought to suppress welled up in my eyes and trickled down my face. I quickly cleaned it off, not wanting to appear weak. There's just something in my eyes."
"I don't think so. Come on, you can talk to me." She prodded gently.
"I'm fine, really." I insisted.
A sad smile hits her face as she stared at me, pulling me close for a hug. "Don't let them get to you. We'll be fine and we'll find out way out of this." She comforted me, patting my back reassuringly. Her words were a lifeline, a reminder that beyond the confines of the palace and the mines, there was still a world where we could find solace and joy. I finally calmed down, cleaning off the tears on my face.
"Oh, I have an idea." Amaris said as we washed the grime and dust from our bodies.
I looked at her, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
"After our duties are done," she began, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "how about we go for a walk in the village? Have some fun, forget about this place for a while."
"We can do that?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
"Of course. Slaves are allowed to leave the palace to the village. Just don't venture into the woods or try to run away. If the rogues don't catch you first, the guards will."
The prospect of a brief escape, of laughter and camaraderie outside the palace walls, filled me with a sense of longing. "I would love that," I replied, my heart lighter than it had been in days.
"Great. We should leave this instant so we can return early." Amaris suggested, stepping away from the steam. I gazed at her gently, my heart filled with gratitude for meeting someone like her.
"Thank you for being my friend, Amaris." I suddenly said and she gazed at me, surprised. Soon, a warm smile hit her lips and she walked over to hug me.
"And thank you for allowing me to be your friend as well." With a grateful smile, I took her hand, feeling a sense of belonging wash over me. As we walked side by side, the weight of the palace's judgment seemed to lift, replaced by the warmth of a newfound friendship.
I already can't wait for the few hours away from the palace and it's troubles.
Duke Ethan.
The council room of the Alpha King's palace was a grand chamber adorned with intricate designs that depicted the kingdom's history in vivid detail. The polished marble floor reflected the warm, golden light of chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling, casting a regal glow upon the gathered nobles and palace workers.
As Duke Ethan Ravenwood, I stood at the threshold of this room, the weight of responsibility settling upon my shoulders like an old friend. I was no stranger to diplomacy and negotiation, having governed my own territory with a firm yet fair hand. But today's meeting held more significance than any other. It was a day I would be meeting my long time ally and friend and wondered how it will all go down. Finally, the long awaited Alpha King, Keiran, walked into the council room, his presence commanding.
I immediately bowed at his arrival, keeping my gaze low as he made his way to his seat, his aura spreading across the room, dominating and menacing. His dark cloak spread across the floor, added to his mysteriousness and his long jet-black hair was braided by the side, cascading down his shoulders. Big jeweled rings coated all of his fingers and a visible scar on his lips, giving his ethereally handsome face a vicious look. The title 'Ruthless' lived and breathed on him but there was a time when he was just human and had emotions. Seating at the head of a long, ornate table, his presence commanding the attention of all who were present.
I raised my head up and stood straighter, glancing at him as I felt his intense gaze on me. I approached the table with measured steps, my finely tailored attire a testament to my station. His silver eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the room as he waited for me to speak. "Good day, your Majesty." I said, my voice loud and clear for him to hear.
"Welcome, Duke Ravenwood," the Alpha King greeted me, his voice resonating with a subtle undercurrent of authority. "I trust your journey was uneventful."
I inclined my head in a respectful nod. "Indeed, Your Majesty. The roads were clear, and my journey here was without incident."
I took my seat at the council table, my eyes sweeping over the empty seats that should be filled with nobles from other territories. Today, it was just me and the king. It reminded me of old times, but the old times were much simpler, as we were just young lads without the weight of the world on our shoulders. Now, our individual duties and responsibilities, coupled with the recent tragedy had kept us apart, making meetings like this rare. And as I met the Alpha King's gaze once more, I knew that he was aware of the weight of the matters we were about to discuss.
"Shall we proceed, Duke Ravenwood?" the Alpha King inquired, his tone businesslike.
I nodded, a sense of determination settling within me. "Indeed, Your Majesty. I have come to discuss matters of diplomacy and the safety of our territories."
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