Nico awoke to find himself on his side with his arms and legs bound together. He jerked up and started trashing around.
Someone kicked his stomach and he hissed.
"Keep still." a voice growled.
Nico was pulled up into a sitting position and he glowered up at the guards that roamed through the room and King Kojo who stood before him with his hands held behind his back.
"Welcome back."
Nico seethed. Murderer.
"Have you found anything?" King Kojo asked, addressing his guards. "If not, keep searching. There must be something. You. Tell me what happened here."
As Nico scanned the room, his heart raced when he noticed puddles of blood scattered across the floor. His fellow elves were nowhere to be seen, leaving him with a sense of dread and uncertainty.
Zander.
"Where are my friends?" Nico growled.
"That's what we're trying to figure out, son." King Kojo cocked his head. "And you must know something."
"I don't know anything."
King Kojo laughed and crouched in front of him. "You can't expect me to believe that you had nothing to do with this. My daughter is missing as well as Prince Xavier." he grabbed the front of Nico's shirt pulling him close until they were nose to nose. "Things could get worse from here. So I'll ask you again. What. Happened?"
"Oh. Worse how?"
"Torture. Death. Who knows? Depends on the day, really."
Nico snorts. "Oh. So, you were having a bad day when you snapped my sister's neck?"
"I've snapped many necks."
I imagine so.
"Over some dung that splattered over your nice clothes." Nico snarled, his voice dripping with venom. "Then flung her aside like she was nothing. Yet, we're the animals."
King Kojo's eyes flashed, and he raised his hand to strike him, but one of the guards said, "Sir, we found something!"
With a growl, King Kojo tossed Nico to the ground and approached the guard who held out a small weapon to him.
"It was found in one of the bodies."
King Kojo blinked. "This belonged to my daughter." he whirled toward Nico again, this time brandishing the dagger. "WHERE IS SHE?"
"I don't know."
Nico's heart was pounding with worry as he desperately tried to recall any information that could help him find his missing friends, Kaya and Xavier. But try as he might, he drew a blank. Who was this Xavier, and what could have happened to them? Nico's mind raced with worst-case scenarios, but, had no leads to follow. All he could do was hope and pray that they were safe.
"Lock him up. Maybe a day in the dungeons will loosen that tongue of his."
...
Luca was sitting on his bed flipping through a history text while listening to Foster repeatedly throw the silver dagger into the target.
Finally, slamming the book shut he shot a look of pure hatred toward him. "Yo, what's your problem?"
"You're telling me that you didn't hear what happened?" Foster asked.
Luca raised a brow.
"Princess Kaya's companion was accused of kidnapping Kaya, Xavier, and killing the other elves." Foster went to fetch the blade. "He's now in the dungeons."
"What?"
"I know, right? That's just crazy. Rumor has it that the companion was bound by the wrist and ankles when the guards found him." Foster sheathed the weapon.
"What?" Luca repeated. "How is that possible?"
Foster shrugged. "I don't get it either." he plopped down on his bed and pulled out a locket that his mom had gifted him on his birthday. "I miss her."
"Me too."
"I think I know why our mom was down there," Foster whispered. "It's a long shot, but I think she went to save those elves that were going to be executed."
Luca's eyes widened. "How could you say such a thing? Such an act is treason! Mother wouldn't be crazy enough to do something like that!"
"Growing up, my mom was a bit of a rebel. She didn't believe in following rules just for the sake of it. What she did care about was fairness and equality for everyone." Foster looked up at him, eyes glistening. "That was her mission. To make sure no one was left behind."
Luca grimaced, and his eyes widened with regret as he realized the unintended impact of his tone. He watched as Foster's eyes welled up with tears, and his heart sank at the sight. He had never intended to hurt anyone, least of all Foster, whose happiness meant the world to him. Luca preferred to face a thousand glares rather than the tears of someone he loved. He knew that his words carried immense power, and he vowed to be more mindful of his tone and language.
With a deep sigh, he pushed himself up from the chair and walked over to the bed where his brother was sitting. He took a seat beside him and noticed that Foster was holding a picture of them with their mother. The way Foster was holding the photo was affectionate as if the picture was a precious keepsake. The two of them gazed at the photo together, immersed in memories and emotions.
"Do you remember that one time mom had us feeding the homeless?" Luca asked.
Foster laughed, wiping at his nose. "Of course I do. I also remember you complaining and whining the whole time."
"Do you remember what she said to me?"
Foster recalled what she had told him "She snapped at you about behaving maturely and observing your surroundings. She advised you to take notice of the people around him, regardless of their background, age, or accomplishments. Whether rich or poor, young or old, human or elf, you should always be willing to help those in need."
Luca nods. "Spot on."
"So, what are we going to do?"
"We're going to clear Kaya's companions' name."