FERDINAND
It appeared as if we were leaving as soon as we came. The god Alais was kind enough to send us on our way with gifts and a portal back home. If we had to go back the same way we came, I could guarantee I wouldn't make it back in one piece.
Once all packed up, we waited for the Circe. I didn't know if we were going to see her again. Even if we did, she was sure to be upset with me. She was going to be the one who would drive the dagger into my chest.
The doors parted open and she walked out. She had a neutral expression on her face and...another outfit I'm sure she never owned. She wore a bright blue dress and wore a crown. Behind her, a small face peeked. When Circe saw me, I could see the desire to murder me peek for a second before she schooled her expression and turned around. She bent till she was the child's height.
"Thank you for your hospitality, your highness."
{You're really not coming back, Circe?}
"Unfortunately, I have already pledged my entire life to a careless man. If I didn't, I would stay here with you, your highness."
{Then I wish you safe travels. Use my gifts as you see fit}
The girl leaned in and kissed Circe on the cheek. She waved at us and walked back into the castle. The doors shut behind her. Before us, a portal slowly opened.
"Circe? Are you still pissed that I sent you off?"
"Your highness, that word isn't enough to describe just how much anger I feel inside right now. But please, let's go home before she decides she wants to keep me."
I walked through the portal first and waited. We didn't end up near the desert or the palace. We ended up at the mansion. It was very weird because I was clear when I said we were going home.
"Why are we at the mansion, your highness?"
"I don't know but at least we don't have to go through that desert. Let's go in."
"About that, your highness...I think we should stay away from each other for a while. I've been thinking of several ways to end your life in your sleep and my hands are eager. I'll be going home from here. Good bye, your highness."
She left and so did my other knights, one by one. It was far and I didn't dispute them leaving. I decided to enter the mansion. It was a while since I saw Winifred and Darryl and I wanted to see them both, so badly. Even Winifred's words won't be as scathing after hearing Circe's.
"I'm ba…what's going on? Why does everyone look like there's a funeral happening? Did you all think I was dead and planned a funeral? Oh my, how thoughtful."
"Nobody planned a funeral, your highness. The way you jump into conclusion should be studied professionally."
Scathing remarks, just how I liked them. She looked the same as ever, with the exception of the bird that sat on her shoulder. I don't remember giving her a bird.
"You got a pet, Winifred?"
"A companion, yes. I see you brought something else home too, your highness."
"I…did?"
"Yes. What's that in your hands?"
There was nothing in my hands. But when I looked at my hand, there was a glowing blue symbol on it. I had no idea it was even there before she said anything. How could she…
"How did you see that?"
"I'm a Saintess, remember?"
Suspicious. But, I'll let it slide this time.
"A symbol from Alais, huh? I guess he agreed to your request. Well, that was easy. I thought you'd definitely be gone for a year. It hasn't even been a month."
"About that, Lord Silver, we need to talk."
"Yes, there are a lot of things we need to speak about, your highness."
"Bishop Matthew? What are you doing here? Why does it feel like something went horribly wrong when I wasn't here?"
"Right on the mark, your highness," Winifred said, petting the bird.
I thought the situation with Circe and my knights was the last I would have to deal with that day. Apparently not.
NATHAN
This wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It felt like I was being interrogated by them both but it was a battle they were bound to lose.
"Lord Silver, what…are you?"
"You'd have to ask more than that for me to understand your question, your highness. I mean, I am a human being, if that's what you're asking."
"The god Alais told me of a Saint of Yon who had obscure knowledge no one else had, even till this moment. How do you know about it?"
"I've read a lot of books, your highness."
"You're lying!" Bishop Matthew immediately declared. I smirked and turned to him.
"How do you know that? Aren't you just naturally distrustful because men older than you have been nothing but liars and thieves?"
"Don't try to speak like you know everything about me! You know nothing!"
"You think so, don't you?"
"That's enough, the both of you. We're not here to argue. Lord Silver, you need to tell me the truth. Are you the man the god was speaking of?"
"Your highness, you are openly admitting to consorting with another god in front of a Bishop. Isn't that something to think about? Aren't you committing blasphemy?"
Oh, that shut him right up. Now they won't only be able to focus their attention on me. Causing confusion in the midst of allies has continuously proven to be effective in war.
"It's not blasphemy. Aren't I right, Bishop Matthew?"
"Your highness, as much as I'd hate to admit that he's right, he is right. Why would you do something like that?"
"I did it because of the pantheon."
"Your highness! Are you trying to get yourself killed?! The pantheon is very dangerous! There's a reason why only the first born sons have access! You're the hope of our Empire! Why would you do something like that?!"
"You already said the answer to that, Bishop Matthew," the prince smiled wryly. "I have risked it all to be the ruler of this nation. I cannot fail."
"Desperation like that is delicious to the gods. You'd fit right in there, I promise."
They both glared at me. I shrugged my arms and tapped the table. While they were interested in asking me several useless questions, I was more interested in knowing how Winifred could tame that beast. It's nothing I had taught her about neither was it something available to her. But ever since the second time we dived into her consciousness, she'd been acting different, more confident.
"Lord Silver, I need to know if you're friend or foe. It's getting harder to just trust your words alone. Please answer me sincerely."
"If it's getting harder to trust my words, then even if I answer, you won't believe me unless you hear what you want to hear. I'm not falling for it."
"If you say you're not falling for it, then you're guilty."
"You believing in your own logic is comical."
Hardly was there anyone who could best me in the art of talking, except Winifred. It was like a natural talent to her. I wondered if her beast taming was also a talent.
"The truth is a dark monster always lurking above, waiting to feast on your darkness and fears. I guarantee you that you do not want to know the truth now. You couldn't handle it. Direct that desperation to the right place. But if you don't want to become king, then by all means, challenge me."
I was content with waiting till he was ripe enough to enact my revenge. But if he was going to be nosy, then I shall get rid of him right away. I didn't need him blowing my cover. As for Alais, hmm…how troublesome. Even with him, I couldn't find what I was looking for.