The walk was not that long. A few minutes or so, Nero was then able to see the mass of greens. Once he stepped out of the tunnel, he ceased his steps, taking in the scenery around him. No doubt, this was the palace.
The land alone for such a planned space was vast. There was a pavilion and if one would stand there, they will be overlooking a beautiful waterfall pond with a water so clear. The statues of what Nero assumed to be important religious figures. Most had wings, some had crowns while others just had their robes. The statues were made of marble and although they were scattered around, they looked aesthetically pleasing.
Nero rounded the intricate fountain and followed a stoned path. He continued walking until he reached the entrance. An old man stood under the topiary arch. His shoulder length gray hair was neatly tied in a half bun and he wore a thin gold rimmed glasses. The man was taller than Nero by a few inches so he had to look up in order to meet the other's scrutinizing gaze.
This man was Holmes, and just like his father and his father's father, he was the royal butler. Their family has been serving the imperial family for five generations. Holmes' clan actually came from the third duchy, Vermont, but as per the former King Henry VI's blessings, they have been gifted a land and a mansion of their own within the imperial palace.
Nero languidly took off the veil to show his face. Holmes was already stiff as a stone in his formal stance but he went impossibly rigid as he stared straight into Nero's red eyes. Nero returned the gaze in a calm manner. Wow, he thought as he was mildly impressed. Was he that loyal to the Crown to sacrifice his own sanity? Holmes was willing to bait himself just to confirm a rumor as long as it was for the safety of his master.
When nothing happened, Holmes eased up and he proceeded with his greetings. "Pardon for the late greetings," Holmes said as he lowered his head. "Welcome to the palace, your lordship. I am Holmes, the royal butler. His Majesty has sent me to escort your lordship."
The walk was quiet, the sound of nature and their footsteps mixing. Nero did not wear the veil again since there was no one other than them. His long hair had been tied into a braided bun and the tightness of its hold was starting to strain his scalp. Nero carefully undid the braids to ease the tension on his head. He still had to undo the braid by the sides of his head when he caught Holmes' glare.
Nero's hands froze for a moment before he slowly retracted his arms. Holme's also withdrew his glare. Nero rolled his eyes (one he realized that he was doing a lot more since he went out the estate). If he was to attack with a weapon he supposedly hid on his hair, it wouldn't be that obvious. Seriously, these people. . .
The two stopped in front of a large wooden door. Its size reached the ceiling and a circle of bright markings filled the center. There were no knights because security here was aided by auror. Holmes simply stood in front and after a second, a clicking sound was heard and the door creaked. Once wide open, Holmes gave Nero a glance. The young lord understood what it meant so he went inside alone.
Once blood met gold, Nero kept the stare. Even when he was at the front, he did not tore his gaze away. King Henry XI barked out a hearty laugh, clearly amused at his fearlessness. Nero really couldn't care less about His Majesty's opinions on him.
"You are really your father's son." The laugh died down and a cold glint swept his gaze. "How vexing."
The king started to tap his fingers adorned with diamond and gold against his cheek, the taps syncing with the clock as it ticked each second away. Nero stood still, the loose curls from the braid softly swaying at his back as cool breeze swept in.
"A hair as white as snow," the king muttered to no one in particular. "Eyes that glistened of blood." He kept on saying as he stared at the young lord's face.
The clock struck noon, and the loud ringing from the campanile outside filled the place. Birds flapped their wings, startled as they flew to another tree for safety. His Majesty snapped out of his stupor and he leaned in, and pointed a finger towards him, a cunning look glinted in his eyes.
"You, Nero Lanchaster, will be my eyes." The king said. He then chuckled as he nod to himself. "Yes, yes. You will seek the truth."
Nero opened his mouth. "And what. . . answers do you need, Your Majesty?"
The king paused before the end of his lips tugged its way up.
[Monrell] he mouthed sinisterly.
Nero paused. That. . . that would mean he will be intervening with royal affairs as Queen Sylvia was the face of the first duchy. He looked at the king and fought a frown. The was also quite unexpected. Sure, what the king and queen had was not love but they both honored their vows. Linda had never mentioned anything about the king acting out on his suspicions against the Monrells. He had left such affair to the duchies. If the imperial family really cared, they would have done something already a long time ago.
"I assume the second duke had informed you. Indeed, it is my plan to lift your confinement. However," he raised a finger. "In exchange for your freedom, you, Nero Lanchaster, will be my eyes. You will seek the truth about [them], what lies underneath their [own]."
Nero blinked as he understood the hidden words. The king wanted him to investigate about Monrell's spiritual affinity. Not only was he intervening with royal affairs, he would also be challenging the heavens. He blinked again. This. . . was too much of a development.
"What do you think, your lordship?" The king stood from his throne. "Do we have a deal?"
Nero weighed everything. He then sighed and spun to leave, but before he took his steps,
he answered.