I'm no trooper

Chapter 24: Darkness Revealed

F/N's perspective

The sound of steps echoed across the marble halls of the castle. Beside me strode the Jaegers, all of them having steely expressions, shoulders tense as we passed by sets of guards. However, I'd very much like to be anywhere but here, as the general yanked her hand forward, a leash looped around her palm. I gaged a moment as the collar around my neck pulled me ahead, nearly making me fall onto my face, which would have been worse with my hands chained to the leash.

Esdeath's plan to keep me in check keeps me on a literal leash so that I couldn't attempt to leave. This was stoking the fires of hatred for this woman; I still let it happen. The only reason being that any escape attempt would end in my demise, be it blade or any other of the Jaeger's abilities.

So here I was dragged along, forced to walk these marble halls, alone among.... no, I can't say all enemies, but indeed a few. Despite this, though, I noticed Wave slightly increase his speed, subtly matching my stride. He didn't look at me but kept his attention forward.

F/N: "So..... how are your legs feeling?"

Wave didn't respond for a moment, my question hanging in the air before a small smile crossed his lips.

Wave: "Hurt like hell.....

F/N: "Oh... yeah, I bet.... my fingers still hurt."

Wave: "Well, you were nearly an ice cube."

F/N: "Well, I am normally pretty 'chill'."

The pun wasn't even that funny, but it got a dry chuckle from the blue-haired man. Though our little chat cut short as another hard yank nearly made me fall over again, Esdeath was looking back upon us with a glare.

Esdeath: "Wave, don't talk to the prisoner."

Wave: "Yes, ma'am."

He said, flashing me a sorry look as he fell back a bit, leaving me alone again, though it was pleasant nonetheless. Thankfully for my 'walk of shame', we made our way in front of a large set of ornate doors, a pair of heavily armored guards stood at attention.

Guard: "The Minister is waiting inside."

Esdeath: "Good."

She said before the great doors opened, what lay within, was a great throne room. A large red carpet covered the floor from the door up to the golden throne. Artistic renditions of the history of the empire covered across its walls. This was all stained sadly by the man that sat alone on the throne.

A man I could only describe as a rotten Santa Claus looked down upon us. His great grey coat hiding a large fat stomach, his mangy grey beard and hair complemented his wrinkled and gruesome features that made up his face.

Minister: "Ah, General Esdeath, I have been waiting for you."

He said and rose off the throne; the Jaeger's all bowed in shows of respect, a notion I did not reciprocate before Esdeath yanked the leash down. I fell to my knees with a grunt, the large man's attention shifting to me as his eyes laid upon my person.

Minister: "Ah, so this is the friend of that traitor."

Esdeath: "Yes, I have made sure that he won't-

Minister: "Release him."

His request stunned us all for a moment, Esdeath and I looking up at him in unison to see if this was some joke.

F/N / Esdeath: "What?"

Minister: "You heard me, release him."

He said, his voice sounding kind and gentle. I felt as if this was some façade. However, I played along as Esdeath growled under her breath before she brought out a key and unlocked me from the chains and collar. Standing up, I let out a sigh of relief and stretched out my arms and neck a bit. The Minister was gesturing the others to stop bowing as he placed a hand on my shoulder.