After a brief scan of the place by the five guards, they found something.
"The guards found this," Cole explained, showing me a loose hole in the wheel that had rolled off. The screw must have detached.
"Send the guards back to get me another ride back"
Walking towards the horses, I made my way elegantly towards the meeting place which wasn't far anymore.
Upon arriving, it was the same as always. The four tall pillars stood at the front of the historic building. The building is said to be over a century old and I'd be the judge of that…
I walked into the building with Cole and as expected, the old paintings and sculptures hung on the walls and sat on the floors. With my hands behind my back, I made my way to the grand hall where the meeting would be held.
Cole opened the large doors and three pairs of eyes turned to me…
"We would appreciate it if one of us isn't always so…fashionably late" I heard Colin say but I had nothing to say to him as I walked to my seat.
With all leaders and captains sitting, the meeting commenced.
My eyes darted over to Colin, the Black Phoenix clan leader who had a smug look on his face as he stared at me. Not in the mood to deal with nuisance, I turned my eyes to Jacob, the leader of the Crimson tribe who seemed to have something to say.
"We manage to get peace for over five years since our reign began and since the fifth time's a charm…."
"...third time's a charm, Jacob" Isaiah, leader of the Lunar empire corrected with a smile and Jacob chuckled as English wasn't his first language.
"Ah…sorry folks, I just mean we can do something different this time," he said in realization, rubbing his clean-shaven beard.
"How about an idea from Alex.." Colin suddenly said, a smirk on his face and all eyes turned to me.
"Hmm…how about we make it a three-day event with games, music and fun but we keep it to our theme of celebrating our heritage. Also, we could try to avoid 'explosives' so 'people's lives' aren't at risk, don't you think so, Colin?" I fired back specifically referring to him and the leaders and Captains chatted agreeably among themselves. The smirks soon switched places from him to me.
The meeting went on and all through I could see Colin glaring at me. He never seems to get tired of rivalry.
After concluding, the meeting of the clan leaders and the decision was made that the gathering this year would be a big festival.
"Colin is up to no good…" Cole said
"I know that" I replied as we made our way outside and just then I heard…
"Alexander Hayes…" I turned to see…
"Isaiah Mcarthur…" I said and he laughed.
"I see you and Colin have issues.." Isaiah said, always so observant.
"Oh no…he's got issues with me, there's a difference," I said as we walked outside.
"I know you're a man of valour and…" he sighed looking behind him as though he didn't want anyone to hear it.
"...and you know what you're doing but I'd advise you not to pay any attention to Colin" He said, his tone getting serious.
"He's only trying to stir up trouble. Jacob doesn't see this but I hope you do. Now all we can do is…"
"Isaiah..Alex. Good I found you"
I looked behind Isaiah whose eyes were closed as though regretting what he had been saying.
Colin wrapped his arms around Isaiah, smiling at him, while Isaiah couldn't help but smile in return. Something's going on.
"What're you two on about?" He said, giving Isaiah a playful punch.
"We were just talking about the festival plans…you know" Isaiah said but his eyes said something else.
"Hmm…Alex my friend, can I talk to you?" Colin said, looking at me.
"I'm afraid, I'm very busy," I said, turning away from him.
"...but I'm sure you'd be very interested in what I have to tell you," he said, catching up with me and putting his hand over my shoulder.
Cole made to bring out his sword but I stopped him.
"I wouldn't normally say this but you're a pain in my neck and…" he said moving closer to my ears.
"...I would like to get rid of you" He whispered in my ears.
I finally got fed up and gently pushed his hands away from my shoulders.
"I'm sure you would have done that a long time ago," I said as I continued walking.
"Well, maybe I just needed time to gather myself and the people's trust," he said following behind me.
"Congratulations"
I said walking towards my carriage which was just a few steps away from me.
"..recall this?" He said and I was forced to look behind me.
He was holding on to something small in his hands and when I looked closer, I saw it was the loose screw from my carriage.
"That's just a warning. You know I always get what I want…" he said, turning away from me.
I felt anger rising inside me. I always knew he worshipped power but this is low.
Entering my carriage, I slammed the door, still pissed.
It wasn't long when we arrived back at the manor and all I could think of was a way to relieve my stress.
"Send her in," I said to Cole and he left immediately.
Karen entered the room walking seductively towards him in her red robes. The fabric slid off her shoulders, revealing the delicate lace of her undergarments underneath. She met his gaze with a knowing smile, a silent invitation hanging as she strolled towards him.
As she approached him, her fingers skillfully moved to his coat, slowly sliding it off his shoulders. The cool air brushed against his skin as he watched her every move.
"Bad day?" She asked as she tiptoed to plant a kiss on his neck but he didn't say anything as he lifted her effortlessly and carried her to the bed, setting her down roughly.
He took off his shirt without hesitation, revealing his toned bare chest. His lips traced a path from her delicate neck down to her stomach, drawing out a soft moan from her lips as she arched towards him.
Her hands reached for him, wanting to be on top of him, but he had other plans. With a sudden tug on her hair, he asserted his dominance, a growl escaping his lips as he made his intentions clear.
"I told you…I like to be in control," he murmured, his voice low and commanding. The tension between them crackled like electricity, desire and power playing out in the dimly lit room. Karen's breath caught in her throat, a rush of anticipation flooding her senses as she surrendered to his touch.