" So this is how you spend your free time, " Malcolm coldly spat—His eyes almost burning them to the ground .
" C....c ...c.. commander, " The captain stammered, trying to form a proper sentence while his legs almost gave out.
Malcolm couldn't believe the audacity of the guards, he had only been away for a short period of time and they had taken their time to find their own form of twisted entertainment.
Malcolm's black, souless eyes drilled into them, stripping away their courage like flesh from bone. With a single step forward, the soldiers collapsed to their knees, trembling. They knew what came next —instant death.
Their commander never wasted time, when it came to ending a life. The higher the person was in rank—the closer they were to death.
It was the rules of Alcheria , yet everyone still thrived to be at the top.
The captain kept mum but he was visibly shaking , he didn't know their commander had returned. The man always kept his affairs a secret especially when it concerns the crown prince but they had learned over time to notice his absence without getting in trouble and doing whatever they liked during that period of time.
The captain wanted to curse in his mind. The guard from the inner court had told them their commander was absent, they didn't expect to be caught red-handed. It felt as though the deranged slave had rubbed off some bad luck on them.
The captain knew very well not to dare utter a word of plea, it had been part of their training. His lips trembled with fear as Malcolm vanished from his spot where he had been standing
As the tower bell rang, just at the same time with lightening speed. Malcolm ripped out the captains core crushing the glowing ball between his fingers. As he watched the Captain's eyes lost it's light—his body falling limp.
All the other guards stiffened, fear gripping their entire body at what they had just witnessed. Yet Malcolm just lazily stepped aside turning around without a word, before turning to face them again almost giving them a heart attack.
" Finish with your assigned duties and report to the inner court " he ordered before walking off, evaporating like he was the wind himself. Of course only a high level mage like himself could pull off such stunt.
The soldiers, although pale faced as to what the future held for them with their commander now interested in their case . They still went about to complete their task as it would be even worse if they skipped work or slack off.
*****
Almost everyone breathed out in relief, as they heard the huge tower bell ring. They knew it was finally time to eat and sleep, it had been a long day for them and they just couldn't wait to eat and rest without fear.
Ravenna along with the others filed out, her back itching from the stare the red haired girl continuously gave her.
' Some people just can't mind their business ' she muttered, irritated before moving in line. Everyone maintained a good distance from her, scared of contacting bad luck.
When she passed by the guards they all glared fiercely at her. For them, she was the reason they had gotten into trouble. But she didn't know what had happened to them , poor Ravenna.
When everyone had received their share of food, Ravenna sat down in a corner pretending to eat so no one would suspect a thing. She absolutely detested the food here, the more reason why she needed to escape. Thanks to Maurice she had been able to feed well whenever she snuck to the court maids quarters.
Even though she could do without eating for days, she still needed to stay healthy and nourished so her wounds could heal without a trace. It was extremely important if she wanted to get her revenge....
Far away in the same tower where he had seized the life of a captain, Malcom stood lost in thought. Things were about to get complicated from all directions, and he had to be prepared.
The second prince had been a little too quiet.
The queen was forcing the crown prince into an abrupt marriage , the king —not just him , but all four kings —were being suspicious.
Now it was this girl, the slave girl. He couldn't believe he had been assigned the task of monitoring a deranged defiant slave, anyone could have been given this task but the crown prince had specifically asked him to.
Moving away from the rail he gently leaned towards the window watching everyone including Ravenna herself. He had his suspicions but he just wanted to watch her more closely for a while.
She froze, as if sensing his gaze before continuing to eat as naturally as possible. But Malcom wasn't just anyone, he was a mage, a powerful one and he had most definitely sensed her reaction for a split second before she schooled it. No random person could do that, he thought to himself.
What bothered him the most however was how unexpectedly dangerous creatures now lurked around the palace. He couldn't understand how or why they got into the palace and whatever had attracted them.
' He needed to see someone ' he evaporated as quickly as he came.
****
Finally it was night time and Ravenna couldn't wait to see Maurice. The moment all slaves were left alone to sleep, she sneaked out to the court maids quarters —jumping in through the window into Maurice's room.
The young girl wasn't in the room, but she had laid for Ravenna a tray of food with all sorts of fruits meat and vegetables. Even the ointment for her wounds was in there too.
Ravenna just sighed at the girl's kindness and attentiveness, she was just like her mother. Worrying extremely for strangers.
Without a second thought, she sat down. Her skills alone couldn't save her from this place, she needed as much help as she could get.
Ravenna had just stuffed her mouth when Maurice slipped in, her face clouded with sorrow.
Ravenna didn't want to ask what had happened, but knowing the girl took her time to take care of her, Ravenna questioned, trying not to sound cold.
" What's wrong ? "
" Ummm about the freedom thing, the crown prince didn't agree to anyone leaving the palace. "
She gently informed, as gently as she could. Scared of the girl's reaction.
" What ! " Ravenna's head snapped up, her pulse hammering against her ribs. Anger coiled in her chest , hot and suffocating.....
' How could this be ? '