"You're not going to speak?" I frowned turning my head slightly to the side. I decided not to reveal the culprits. I don't think I'll be happy if something bad happens to them.
"Very well then. I will take my leave" I didn't know exactly what he was thinking. I could only wonder if I disappointed him, or I made myself look like some kind of idiot, all of that which I already am.
Mary stepped forward with a grin as she helped me get back on my feet. That moment I thought I had finally been accepted and they could see me as a good person but, In seconds, she drew her hand back and launched a heavy punch at my stomach. I dropped to the ground coughing and I ended up vomiting.
I looked up to see mother, her eyes full of disgust as she left and Mary did the same also. Tears began to flow out ceaselessly, as I crawled to a corner.
"Why did you protect them?" That voice was recognizable. I glanced around however nobody was there. Maybe I was just hearing things, the walls can't talk, that's impossible.
"You're so innocent it disgusts me" Out of nowhere, The king formed from the shadows and he moved towards me.
"Look at you… they've been doing this to you and you didn't say anything even when you had the chance" He lifted me up in his arms and proceeded out of the store room.
My heart was racing, who and what was he? I was sure I saw him walk out of the door before, how did he get back in without me noticing?
The other girls were in shock when they saw me in the arms of the king, and i was just as surprised that I could have such privileges. He placed me on the chair and took a seat beside me.
Mother had her mouth open as they all watched him feed me. I was too embarrassed and simultaneously too frightened to even consider looking into the eyes of Mary.
The food was intended for him yet he was giving everything to me. I was full but he demanded taking care of me since I looked badly underweight. The young ladies were all envious and I was certain the reality of the situation was clear. I'm the one who the king intends to marry.
He commanded his guards to arrest Mary and Mother Elise. I felt bad, but they deserved it for everything they've done to me. "The next time you'll see me is our wedding day. Take care wife" with those words, he left with his men, Mary and mother also followed in chains.
Back at the castle, Gilbert Frost, the brain behind the affairs of the Kingdom of Ekver, looked all over for his king. They had a lot to talk about concerning the girl he decided to marry. He looked everywhere but couldn't find him. The next place to focus his attention on was the hidden dungeon not everyone knew about.
He rolled over the carpets of the King's bedroom floor and opened up a seal. The next thing he saw was a ladder and he made his way down.
He lit a torch and ventured down the dark path of the room. With every step he took, there were echoes. He stopped as soon as he reached a dead end, and traced the inscriptions on the wall before saying it out.
In seconds, the wall vanished and a large chamber was uncovered. He spotted the king eating the fugitives from the maiden academy. He ate so noisily, slurping the blood from their hearts and taking a massive bite from their torso. If he could turn into his real form, he'd open his mouth wide enough to eat them in a single bite.
Gilbert wasn't astounded, he was furious however he wasn't going to condemn the King. It's been a long time since he last ate. At any rate he improved. In those days it was a human for each day.
"My lord" Gilbert bowed and the king turned back still munching on the bones "I'm sorry that you have to see me in this form. I tried not to…" he wiped the blood from his mouth trying his best not to eat anymore In front of Gilbert because it was a terrifying thing to see.
"It's alright my Lord. I'll pardon you to wrap up your dinner" Gilbert turned around and the King continued to eat the remaining parts of Mary and Theresa then belched as soon as he was done.
Gilbert had his worries. If he continues to eat, he'd loose his humanity and remain in his demon form forever. And if that happens, they'll be putting the young girl's life at risk. Here and there Gilbert wonderd about whether the King thinks by any means. At whatever point the King settles on a choice without including Gilbert, it never failed to be a fiasco. This time around, Gilbert considered what was going through the mind of his Lord.
The king met up with Gilbert in his throne room, told all the guards to excuse them because they had something secret and important to discuss.
"If it's about me eating humans...I—"
"For what reason did you decide to get married?" Gilbert asked but it appeared as though he wasn't finding an answer any time soon, the King didn't react.
"I'm just looking out for you my Lord. You should know you can genuinely rely on me. I'm here to help"
It seemed like persuading him wasn't going to get him to talk.
"What if she dies? You know you're endangering her life! What do you know about loving a woman!!?" After Gilbert put more pressure and blurted out words that were rude, he dropped to his knees and had his hands on his neck as he stifled.
The king watched him struggle to breathe. He was more than angry, clearly nobody would ever peruse the feelings behind his mask that's why Gilbert kept on yelling without thinking if it would affect him.
"Mind your own business. I know what I'm doing okay!" He snapped his fingers and Gilbert could breathe again. Gilbert glared before bowing then he eventually left. He was going to leave the King to do whatever he thought was right. He just hoped that he'd be able to fix everything in case something goes wrong.
The King was sure marrying her was a right decision and he'll try his best to protect her and understand humans again.
Meanwhile . . .
"This is where you'll be staying for now" I stood in front of a small cottage which was roosted on the plain close to the forested areas, so old and poor that it was amazing how it was still standing. Regardless of its vibes, it appeared to be somewhat inviting and energetic.
The bad side of it was that I was going to adjust to a building that was twenty times smaller than the maiden academy and probably cramped on the inside.
An old lady stepped forward hunched beneath a red cloak with a moon crescent around her neck. she'd hit her cane on the floor each time she took a step. Her long silver hair clouded her face and with the uncovered skin of her hands, I could tell she'd seen a ton of ages.
"Welcome my Queen" She said to the man who the king sent to escort me to her home.
"Ma Lari…" the man said rather awkwardly and the old lady laughed "forgive me...where is she?"
Probably she was blind...
I stepped forward and placed my hand on her shoulder. She caught me unaware and swiftly placed a hand on my chest. "I know what you look like" she said, trying her best to smile despite the wrinkles of her face.
I wondered what she was, Her status in this kingdom and how she knew the lord. Was she his great great grandmother?
She hummed as she proceeded slowly towards the small building "come my dear. Make yourself at home" The man waved goodbye before getting on his horse.
I walked into the building and closed the door behind me. The cottage was full of flower pots and figures of gnomes around each corner of the walls. Paintings were also hung up the wall and they had compositions I was unable to decipher.
I could see a canvas of The King's previous mask but on a lady. I squinted my eyes to look at the artistic creation, the lady's face was the mask.
"Don't pay too much attention to the paintings, you wouldn't understand them unless he explains to you himself" the old lady said. She went to the kitchen and I followed her. "I'll prepare some tea for you"
"No, I'm fine. Thank you" I said with a smile. I wouldn't like to see a woman her age treating me too much like a guest. She wasn't generally in the state to cook for me and do errands while somebody like me was near. I was eager to work while I remain here, and I'd prefer to begin by cleaning and revamping a place. Something in me was certain I'd make some great memories in the forested areas. The main issue was the evil spirits.