The Relentless Past

Ch. Nine

Ch. Nine

William was running late.

He was speeding through the traffic on his bicycle, hair messed up in an odd way. He had seen people cast weird looks at him for 15 minutes now. Obviously. He was riding a bicycle whilst wearing a suit. A goddamn three piece suit.

The pants were way too tight and at one point he thought he might rip them off if he kept going at that pace. He checked his watch, it was a quarter to 8.

William really didn't know why he accepted Maddie and Audrey's invitation to tea when he had a family dinner to attend to later. Maybe it was the adorable way Audrey flushed? Or maybe he was too distracted by how small her hand looked in his. Either way, he had said yes and brought this mess upon himself.

He noticed a tall building across the way and increased his pedaling. It wasn't a building, it was a hotel where he was supposed to meet his family.

He parked his bicycle, straightened the crease of his suit, styled his hair in a decent manner and entered. The guards let him through and bowed.

He found the reception lady as soon as he entered. She recognized him and led him to the elevator to the top floor. She wished him a good evening and returned to her desk while the elevator closed in on William.

William checked his watch once again, there was 2 minutes left. He was sure he would make it, and if not, there's always an excuse. Amber can defend him from his mother. Speaking of her, had she arrived already? She must have.

As soon as the door opened, he dashed to the farthest door at the end of the hallway. He'd been here since he was 10. He knew this hotel as well as he knew his bedroom. He reached the door and glanced at his watch. Great! 30 seconds to spare. He saw his reflection on the door and he looked alright.

With a heaving sigh, he pulled open the grand doors. It was mersemerizing.

A grand table was kept on one side of the room, where sat almost 30 of his father's colleagues and subordinates. The women chattered and danced on the other side of the room. His own feet lay standing on a red velvet carpet. A chandelier hung from the top of the room, golden and silver. Just right in front of him, a glass window showed the view of the entire Nashville. It was a sight to behold but it was a sight he'd seen plenty of times, but it still amazed him to think he belonged here of all places.

A small child ran towards him and held his right leg, " Willie!" he called.

" Az, you're supposed to behave here" William spoke gently as he ruffled the child's hair. It was his cousin, barely 4 years old.

" Me has seen you after so long!" The child emphasized the "so long" with his hands, trying to reach out his hands as much as possible.

" Did you miss me?"

"...No" the child puffed out his cheeks in an adorable manner which made William want to squeeze his cheeks.

" William, my boy, you've arrived." A lady came towards him. Her face was sharp but her eyes were soft as she smiled at William. She was his mother, Mrs. Windsor. Through the corner of his eyes, William noticed a woman pulling the child away, " Azrail, you can't bother people here!" They both went away to sit at one side of the table.

" You're not late, I'm glad." Mrs. Windsor spoke in a formal manner after they were gone. Her tome was sharp, since they were outside, and had a reputation to maintain, but that never hid how much she loved and cared for him. It was all obvious and evident in her eyes.

" I had to attend this dinner." William bowed a little, his mother straightened out his suit a little, buttoned up one of his shirts all the while lecturing him to be decent and well mannered.

After that, she led him to the dining table, seating him right near the head of the table. There were all hushed tones, people wishing good evening and enquiring about him. Matters of business. The chair near him dipped, it was his uncle who sat by.

Although he was his uncle, his and William's age didn't differ a lot, a mere 2 years gap.

" heeeey" his uncle greeted.

" Rich, mum said to behave" William said, kicking Richard under the table.

" of course! Also, you're not supposed to call me that. I'm your professor." Richard said, the air around him smug.

" Quit bragging about that, you're just a professor for a year and It's all thanks to Mrs. Smith. Also, I'm not in your class." William grabbed two fruits from the table and tossed Richard one.

Richard laughed, then spoke in a grim tone " The death of Mrs.Smith was sudden. No one saw it coming."

" I know. Azrail has been lonely since Mrs. Smith passed away," William said, he pointed his hand at the child earlier and at the woman near him," You see that woman? She's Mrs.Smith's sister. She's been taking care of the child but it's evident that Azrail keeps asking for his mother. How long are they going to keep him calm by just saying his mother is out on a trip? He's not that dumb, you know" William finished his fruit.

" Mhm, it's hard on a small child, but Mrs. Smith was just so strong and powerful, totally capable of handling herself. Sure enough, she was old and we all know how embarrassed she was to give birth to a child at that age but I don't think she would've passed away. It's almost like it's..."

" Murder. I know. We've got thousands of jealous officials here. They were simply envious of Mrs. Smith's position, they must have plotted." William and Richard nodded their heads in agreement.

" You too, stop spouting nonsense always. " Mrs.Windsor hushed them.

Right then, the grand door opened once again. This time, the chatter of the woman, the dancing, the gossiping, everything stopped.

In a few moments the room was silent. It was almost suffocative and you could hear the woman trying to keep Azrail quiet. William looked at the child and signaled him to keep quiet. The child nodded his head and sealed his lips.

They all turned their heads towards the door and a man, dressed in golden attires, a heavy furry coat, long suit embedded with pearls, and a long trail of assistants walked in.

It all felt too much of a show to William, but he knew this had to be done.

The man took his seat at the head of the table and leveled his stare with everybody almost checking if everyone were present. He looked at William and smiled.

A guard at the door spoke in a loud voice,

" All hail King Windsor. " The entire room bowed.