Walter, despite knowing very well the consequence of failing the crown prince twice in one go, was walking dejectedly towards the room.
His each step echoed throughout the corridor, hitting his eardrums and further intensifying his nervousness.
This area of the palace is the one which is completely devoid of any guard and maids.
The prince prefers to live alone with his thoughts.
Only few people are allowed to set their foot in this area, and Agatha Sinclair was one of them.
Despite being here everyday for almost two decades, Walter was struggling to move his legs towards that dammed door.
He was afraid.
It was as if his whole existence was rebelling against the "thing" inside the room. Every cell of his body was pleading him to run away, to escape from the dread that lurked behind the door.
Sweat formed at the back of his neck from the overbearing pressure he felt on his shoulder.
Walter scoffed at this, his eyebrows furrowing "so even I'm also not immune to his overwhelming pressure."
looking down at his pointing shoes, he pressed on "just.. How weak i have become". His voice threatened to break.
fixing his bow tie with one hand, he knocked on the gate ever so slightly. Getting no response from inside, he opened the door and peaked inside while entering without any further delay.
The room was dimly lit as usual, since the crown prince thrived in darkness. The stench of blood hit walters nose causing his heart to pound against his chest. His senses were on high alert, he felt a cold breeze brushing on his skin.
Adjusting his sight to the room's dim light, Walter squinted his eyes and looked towards the window, the only place from which light was filtering into the chamber.
The crown prince stood with his back facing the wooden gate.
He was wearing a long red coat, that reached till his knees, paired with black trouser, and a white shirt.
While his hands were tucked firmly in pant's pockets. His head full of black hair, a few strands of which fell on his forehead effortlessly.
The crown prince was watching something that Walter was unable to pin point. He tilted his head to his side, his handsome face looking more dangerous than ever, a small disappointed smile playing on his lips.
Air in the room thickened as Walter heard the prince calming voice piercing through the silence "you failed me again, Walter".
Prince's ever so deep voice hit Walter like a knife in his chest, sending Shiver down his spine. He knelt on the floor while keeping his head on the floor.
Zephyr's enigmatic presence threatens to break the last ounce of courage present within him.
"I'm pretty disappointed in your inability to handle such an easy task." The Prince muttered as he turned back and looked at him sharply, his bright red eyes piercing the darkness surrounding them.
He walked toward the chair, each step echoing through the chamber.
Walter took a deep breath, his breathing hitched when he saw prince taking his own sweet time in completing his sentence.
zephyr sat down on his chair, crossing his legs and resting them on the table. His hand moved towards the red liquor glass present on the table, he picked it up and drank it in one gulp.
Placing the glass back on the table, he leaned back in his chair. his hands resting on the either side of the handles effortlessly.
He pressed on "hmm, what should we do further?"
walter gritting his teeth looked down on the floor, remaining silent. His voice seemed like it was stuck in his throat. He never felt this weak in his entire life. He grappled with the weight of disappointment, unsure of how he was supposed to even explain himself in the face of his young master Zephyr's questioning gaze.
Taking Walter's silence as an answer, Prince chuckled lightly. His laughter hit every corner of the room and vibrated back. Zephyr Blackwell, -losing isn't his game to play.
Walter sighed heavily, with his shoulder slumping under the knots forming in his stomach cause of fear, with his head still touching the floor, he felt the weight of his own failure settle in the room.
Prince face grew serious, his voice frim "i see, just one more chance, be sure to present her in front of me this time."
"and yes" he paused for a moment as if remembering something. Zephyr looked straight into his eyes and continued "check the guard of the outer palace. Will you?"
walter was unable to believe his ears, he raised his head from the floor. He knew better than to test the patience of the prince, when he clearly showed his intention to be left alone.
Standing up from the floor he nodded his head and with a humble bow left the room and the area of the palace, as soon as possible.