𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭

~𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬~

Shortly after we've entered the castle ground, a guard offers to take our horse.

This isn't the same entrance as the one I've seen earlier. Though it's just as exquisite.

Upon entering, we meet with some guards, but no one dares to utter a word. Some walk with us, but merely to protect Fredrick.
He has his sword pinned to my throat, and he's back to his old cold self. Walking and talking with absolute power, like he owns the place - which he does.
I do quite admire his confidence, and I find it rather... attractive.
I'm also very glad he's this way. Absolutely demanding when it comes to strangers and those who don't know him well, while soft and gentle when it comes to people he trusts.
Like a soft marshmallow with a hard impenetrable coating, protecting the precarious fluff inside it - which you soon discover is the best part about it, and you have absolutely no regrets reaching it.

One of - what I assume - the royal guards direct us to an interrogation room.
It's all still very grand. High ceilings, long windows, curtains covering every inch of the wall vertically, murals, moldings, and what not.
Though it's scarcely furnished, with only a table and a couple of chairs perched in the middle of the room.
The rest of the guards await at the far end of the room, as though they've just been summoned.

"Shows us what you've go, your highnes." Says one of the guards.
Something about him stands out. His egotistical posture, full of pride indeed.
But what's there to be proud of? A crusty ass man, with a patchy beard and a terribly sculpted jaw.
He also says your highness as if it's a curse. I wonder why he even works here.

Fredrick speaks up, "Remember the girl who murdered my mother?" He gently gets a hold of my hair, as if pulling it. "Well," he looks at me and smirks, and for a moment I fear the Fredrick I've known is so deeply and undeniably lost.
"I've found her! And she'll pay the price indeed."
On demand, he look as though he's hurt. And he truly is, though he'd never actually show it if it wasn't for this act.

"Oh! Your father will be delighted, your highness."
Fredrick's nostrils flare, his chest accelerates, though he never shows any other signs. Perfectly concealing all his emotions, as always.
"Indeed!" He says.