The King of Darkness | ✔️

Chapter Five

I am not welcomed by the warm rays of the sun this morning... no. I am welcomed by an endless parade of chirping and a constant moonlit sky. I brush my long dark locks out of my face as I sit up in the far too comfortable bed. My mind feels foggy as I try to comprehend what time it is.

The floor-length curtains frame the windows that hold such a rare kind of beauty. Darian's kingdom is much more picturesque than I would ever admit.

I slip out of the warm sheets and wrap the silk gown around my body to stop the chill from running through me. I pad towards the bathroom and decide on running a warm bath. Steam hugs the air as the water begins to slowly rise. A few drops of lavender and I already feel as though I am back home.

I inhale deeply and let the incense fill me full. The rich smell does wonders in relaxing me as I gaze towards the snow-capped mountains. I can't shake the thought that just across those mountain tops beholds my family, my court... my people. The thought alone pains me.

The gown slides down my shoulders and pools at my feet - my naked body on full display. I step into the bath and let the water engulf me, let it dissipate any unease and anxiety that builds in my bones.

Closing my eyes, I bask in the warmth of the sweet liquid and let it calm me.

I can't help but let my mind wander towards Easton - about what they're doing to him, where they're keeping him... if he's hurt.

My eyes snap open at an odd whooshing noise. I look around me and see the several candles throughout the room aglow and dancing gently in the soft breeze coming from the open window. My heart skips a beat at the sight.

Slowly lifting my hands out of the lukewarm water, I open my clenched fists - revealing my palms. The palms that will be the death of me in this court.

As I focus on the soft flesh... I see the glow anew and I am in awe as to how this is happening. Why they are going so haywire all of a sudden - I haven't the slightest clue. My chest tightens and I sink my hands back into the water, pleading for my body to stop playing with my survival.

Heaven knows what Darian would do if he found out. The mere thought sends a shiver down my spine despite the warmth that surrounds me.

I see something flicker in the corner of my eye before a small note appears on the small stand beside the bath. My eyebrows furrow as I take the note in my hands. My wet fingertips dampening the corners.

Be ready for breakfast, I know you must be ravenous after last nights predicament. - D

I ball the note up and throw it towards the corner of the room. I'd rather starve than be in the same room with him again. Another flicker... another note.

I know you don't mean that.

My eyes widen in confusion, my eyebrows knitting together. He can't... another note.

Yes, I can.

All I feel is fury as I grab the note and the pen that lay beside it.

Get out of my head you ignorant asshole.

I scribble onto the note and watch as it bursts into flames before quickly disappearing.

I inhale a deep breath and slowly slip under the water, letting it wash over me. I lay there for a while until my chest begins to burn and my lungs beg for air. I break for the surface and gasp for even a sip of oxygen. The breath seems to be knocked out of me all over again when I see him.

I thank the heavens for the bubbles covering me from his view. Darian is facing away from me, staring out of the overly large window... probably admiring his kingdom. The view is quite literally the only noteworthy thing about this place.