The gates to the Major courtyard of the imperial palace was unlocked as expected.It had always been that way ever since the Empress passed away for some reason Carolene didn't know.
As she stepped in and her eyes scanned her surroundings then caught sight of some knights from far away,they all lay on the floor at their various duty post asleep, could it be this demon's doing?
She walked in Gerald's line of sight as they had planned,her feet moving in slow motion as if walking through molasses as her whole body trembled.
Gerald had warned against her going but she protested,the urge to see her family one last time propelling her and clouding her mind that she wouldn't listen to reason.She had completely ignored the risks involved.
Gerald hid outside the courtyard gates,at a good distance,monitoring her every move.
Demons could perceive other demons he knew and he had come with more than enough fripgu lilly to prevent the Demon inside from percieving his scent.
Gerald crouched at the gate, peering through the iron bars,his back to the wall,head turned to one side.
From this vantage point he could still see Carolene as she walked further away from the gate.Thankfully the moonlight above eased him of the burden of not seeing her clearly.
So far,she was keeping to his plan and walking in a straight line till she finally came to a halt and yelled out,
"Am here!"
At first nothing happened,no one came,no noise was heard and not a single leaf rattled.
When she repeated the same words a tall Demon appeared in front of her wearing a black hat and dressed in black from head to toe with only his eyes exposed.
He was six-six and from his body statue, Gerald could tell he was no ordinary demon.
His huge broad shoulders were twice of his and his hands were so huge they could crush a skull.
This demon had just appeared out of no where and only high rank demons could do that,even he had just learnt that trick.
Could it be a lord or a Duke but what would they want with Carolene, what could they possibly get from her?
His brain searched for answers till it finally settled on one,The imperial prince.
Gerald knew Carolene nursed the child but other than that he know nothing about him.He had never once seen this child,he knew the Emperor had his reasons but it was all too odd now that he thought of it.
Even the Empress demise,the Emperor had refused sharing details with him, something was going on that he was not aware of.He had asked Carolene thinking she knew something but she refused mentioning anything to him other than the child's name, Ramses.
Why would they want the imperial prince dead and what for? whatever it was,Gerald knew it was no good and their coming here was a mistake.
Gerald fought the impulse to run in there and grab Carolene so they would make a run for it but he didn't have a death wish yet neither was he planning to put her at risk.
He decided to wait and watch patiently for the right moment to make a move but deep down he felt unsure he could take on the monster before him.
"You are late"Came the loud thick voice from the tall Demon.
"I apologize,I got delayed you know the guards around the palace_"
The demon held out a hand to stop her from talking.
"I don't need your filthy explanations,I am here to cut a deal with you,in return I will bring your family back to life"
"What deal?"Carolene asked sounding interested.
"Bring me the imperial prince"
"Go to hell!"Carolene spat and turned to leave but stopped when she heard someone call her name.Her eyes widened as she recognized malvin's voice.She spun around to see his little figure emerge from the darkness.
The four year old boy stood next to the demon who placed a hand on his head.
Carolene went limp as her knees dropped to the ground.
"Bu_but how?I su_saw you die"she stammered.
Gerald stared startled as well by the gates.He had never heard of such,the dead being raised,how was that possible,As the boy drew closer to Carolene he took a closer look at the child and saw his eyes were black with no pupil and his skin was pale like that of a corpse,he even smelt like one,how could Carolene not notice that, Gerald wondered if she was also affected by some enchantment spell for it appeared she no longer saw things as they were.
Carolene clasped her hand on both his cheeks as she sobbed.
"Carolene,I missed you so much,you left me"
"No baby I didn't leave you,am so sorry I missed you too".
She pulled him into a hug not wanting to let go.
She pressed her hand against his,and kissed his forehead.
Gerald felt uncomfortable, she wasn't seeing what he was seeing if not she wouldn't go near that thing.He would never let her take the child to them.
"Enough with the family reunion!"the demon barked."Bring the Emperor's son and have your family,not just the boy, your parents as well,it's a simple exchange,how simple depends on you"
"You can do it Lene"came her mother's voice Carolene looked up to see both her parents her father holding her mother's hand and smiling down at her.Lene,that was what her mother always called her even as a baby.
"Listen to him Lene,just get the baby and we will be waiting for you he will let us go and we can be together".Her mother said again.
Carolene released Malvin from her grip and rose to her feet.
"Ok mama,I'll get him"
"What!"Gerald almost said out loud.
"Wait for me mum, Malvin,dad..."
She turned to the demon who stood pleased she could read that from the look in his eyes,he seemed to wear a broad smile underneath the black mask he wore.
"I will get the child"she repeated.
"Well get on with it!"the demon barked.
She squeezed marvis hand again as tears seeped out her eyes wetting the clothes she wore.
She held malvin's hand and they both walked towards her parents.
The demon quickly stood in between them blocking her way.
"The child first"he demanded.
Carolene nodded slowly,still holding the boy then she turned to leave.
"The boy stays,get the prince to me and have them three".
She turned her head and eyed him over her shoulder.
"Promise?"
"Of cos...I have no use for them anyway,you give me what I want,take what you want and everyone goes home happy"the demon said spreading out both hands.
Carolene began walking towards the courtyard gate,
"Wait for me".