As he looked at me and my lips... why do I feel this? I'm under a spell. Must be. I looked away shyly and saw we were in the dining area.
Thank god.
He set me down near the chair and pulled it out for me. I sat in the chair and a maiden came over and set food in front of me. I said thank you quietly and she nodded.
The table was a long wooden table. He was at the end of it and he had me sit next to him.
I waited till he started to eat till I started.
"Please, eat." He motioned for me to eat and pointed at my food.
I nodded and started to slowly eat.
We didn't say anything the whole time we were eating.
I ate everything on my plate and felt full.
He looked at me and asked, "are you full my dear?"
I nodded my head.
He put his napkin on his plate, and stood and walked over to me.
He held out his hand, "I want to show you something."
I took his hand and stood slowly.
"W-where are we going?" I stumbled out.
"You'll see." He said smiling softly. He held out his arm and put mine around it.
We walked out of the dining hall, and down this long hall. It felt like we took every turn in this place. Finally we stopped in front of double doors.
They were gold from top too bottom.
I looked at him, and he looked at me with this look of.. sadness.
"I want you to know why Jason hates me. In this room, I will tell you and show you."
He opened the doors and brought me in.
This room was... amazing. The doors were open to the balcony, and the view was like the one at Jason's. You could see his town glowing and the moon above shining down.
The walls had murals all over them, just like the room I was in.
There was 2 sets of couches, an area that had a big Matt off to the side, a table with 4 chairs, and a little kitchen area.
"This... this is where Jason and I trained." He said as he walked me over to one of the couches and sat me down.
"Would you like a drink? I have mortal wine if you like."
I nodded and he poured me a glass and handed it to me.
He sat on the couch but on the opposite end.
"Jason's father trained both of us. It's your typical story where he favored me instead of him because I was stronger and faster than he was. Eventually he stopped training with us and trained with our other uncle. I'm not sure what they did in training, but he got just as strong and fast as I."
He said, his face not changing.
"That's why Jason hates you?" I asked confused.
"Part of it. At the time; his father was king and he was next in line. He thought his father was going to make me king instead of him. So he started to resent me and his dad."
That made me feel sad, I looked down at my wine glass and took a small sip.
"I am younger than him, so it was him to be next to the throne anyway. I didn't really want to be on the throne to be honest, too much pressure. I just enjoyed being around my uncle and Jason. My dad wasn't really into being with me. He'd rather just go behind my moms back and cheat on her with every maid in the house." He said softly and looking down.
"I-I'm sorry Sir. Richard." I said looking down at my glass again.
"It is what it is. Jason was closer with our other uncle anyway. But he died last year. I'm sure he blames me, but I had nothing to do with it. I had no issues with him." He said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"I care for Jason, very much. He's always been like an older brother to me. Once Uncle John died, he cut off all ties with me. We grew up close because our fathers were close. We did everything together, trained, school, even down to our hobbies. Once His father died 5 years ago, that's when we started to drift apart because he became king." I could tell he was hurt by this, I wish him and Jason could talk things out.
"I'm sorry to hear that Sir. Richard..." I said rubbing my glass and taking another sip.
"Call me Richard." He said with a gentle smile.
"O-Okay, Richard I have to ask..." I looked at him, nervous on his response but I needed to know.
"Go ahead Princess."
"Who are you using my blood for, and how does it help?"
He looked down and then ran his hand through his hair. I could tell he didn't want to answer the question but I just... needed to know.
"Well Princess, That person is a weakness to me. Here in our realm, you don't let people know your weaknesses because your enemies are quick to use them against you." I could tell he started to get uncomfortable.
"I don't mean to pry, I just... the person who kidnapped me before wanted to use my blood as a weapon to hurt people. I just don't mind using my blood for good reasons. You know? I just don't see how my blood is really that... valuable. At least not as much as everyone is making it seem.." I said quietly not really making eye contact.
"Well that is understandable. I am using your blood to help create a vaccine for my nephew."
My eyebrows went up and locked eyes with him, "Did you say nephew?"
I could tell he was nervous and uncomfortable about this. I just needed to know, I would be willing to help him and his nephew. I don't mind using my blood for good things.
"It is not Jason's. he does not have any children. Well... not that I am aware of anyway."
"Phew, you had me worried.. Then, was it Uncle John's kid?" I felt relief, even if Jason did have a kid I would still love him. Having a kid is something you tell someone usually on a first date.
"No, it is not... my mom had a sister. She has a son who is 17. He is very ill. They say he will not make it to 18... I trained him when he was 12 until he started to get sick at 16. He is like a little brother to me. We were told that Royal Blood could help cure him. And well... that is where you come in. I knew Jason would not... willingly help me, so I had to take you. I hate taking people. I would not have done so if this wasn't a life or death matter, Isabelle. I knew you wouldn't have helped me if I asked." He said with this apologetic, but somber tone.
"I understand. I am so sorry about your nephew. I am happy to help. How much more blood do you need?"
"Well, the amount we have I sent off to be tested. I have some of the best Wizards/Doctors in the country helping me find a cure for him." I could tell he really cared about his nephew.
I just don't understand... this is not the person I thought he would be. I guess maybe Jason is just holding a grudge? I guess one day he will tell me his side of the story. Oh how I miss him.
"When will you know If it worked or If you need more?" I asked, because I want to go home. But I also don't mind helping him.
"That, I am not sure. The last update was a few hours ago and that was that they made something and gave it to him. We will know in the morning if it has helped."
"Well, let me know. I don't mind helping you and him." I said giving him a genuine smile.
"Why thank you Isabelle, I appreciate you cooperating and understanding." He said with a shy smile and looking back down at his hands.
I yawned and realized I was really tired.
"Are you tired? I can take you back to your room to rest." He said standing up and putting his hand out to me.
"Yes, I would like to rest please." I said looking at him and taking his hand.
We were standing so close, I felt my heart start to race and felt my face turn red.
No No No No NO! Isabelle WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!
I turned around and headed for the door. I felt him behind me and he came beside me to open the door. I had to put some distance between us, I did not like where things keep heading when we get close.
I walked ahead and out the door. As soon as I turned the corner I saw Julie and a Knight head our way.
"Sir. Richard." She and the Knight bowed to him and then to me.
"Yes Julie?" He asked curiously.
"There is a gentlemen here to see you. He said he has a bargain to make with you." She said very quietly.
"Okay. I will be there in a moment, please tell him to wait in the court yard and I will meet him there."
"Yes Sir. Richard." She said as she bowed.
"Oh and Sir. Richard... If I may say, I do not get good feelings with this man. I feel bad energy when he is near." She said in the bowing position.
I froze. "Julie, what does this man look?"
Richard and Julie both looked at me confused.
"Well, he is handsome but when he speaks it is like... a demon. He is average height, blonde hair. Blue eyes." As she continued to describe the man I could feel my stomach turn. I couldn't help but back away...
"Isabelle?? What is wrong? Do you know this man?" Richard asked, looking worried and got to my level and put his hands on my shoulders.
"Y-yes... I need to hide.. now.. before he finds me... please, I need to run and hide..." Flashbacks kept coming as I stood there. This cannot be happening, I need to run. I need to run far... far away.