The Secrets of the Castle

Chapter 7

Authors Note (cont. after chapter):

There is some cursing  with in this chapter, so you have been warned.

Chapter 7

Dead silence. That's what consumed everyone at the table. Dad sat at one end, picking at his food. Mum sat at the other end, muttering to herself every time Aryn took a bite. Finally, she had had enough.

"Aryn, my little doll, you should, how do I say this, ease on the rolls."

"Of course, Mum," Aryn muttered.

"You know I'm only trying to keep you healthy."

"Ajay?" Everyone fell silent as Dad spoke up. This wouldn't end well and everyone knew that. I took a deep breath, mentally placing the armor on.

"Yes?" I responded.

"You're meeting with Princess Lilith later this morning," he said, "she's the daughter of the Lojian Kingdom." 

A small dig. A kick to the chest. Tearing the defense I had. It could be masked by his business tone. That was the only way he knew how to talk, though. All he was ever fucking concerned with. I wish I could-

"Alright, I understand," I say instead.

"Good. The two of you will have an opportunity to walk around without either of us. I trust you won't do anything...unseemly during that time."

"I won't." 

You fucking-

"And Aryn," he turned towards him, a lighter hint in his voice, "show Eroi around, would you."

"Of course."

"Now, where is Arwin?" 

Where was that little-?

"They weren't in their room when I went to get them," Aryn said.

"Probably in the library," I shot up out of my seat, anything to get out of this, "I'll go get him."

"I'll go too," Aryn called out, hurrying along besides me.

Here we go again, every fucking morning. We walked down the halls to the library. I threw the doors open, making a grand entrance. There he was...n't. The boy was nowhere to be seen.

"By the Spirit! They went out again!" Aryn sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple, "I'm going to kill them."

"What do we do?" I asked.

"I mean, why, why, wouldn't they tell us!"

"Aryn-""And this early? Why would they be out before sun-up?"

"Aryn!"She stopped pacing, finally looking up at me.

"You and Eroi can sneak out. Look for him."

"I—yes. Yes! I gotta—I need—where's Eroi?"

~~~~

I walked into the room, trying to mask the frown on my face. Your own parents setting you up with some random person from across the world was never fun. Not like I hated her or anything, she's a decent person. Yet, the pressure from both parents to have you married by the end of a week made everything worse.

"Greetings, Prince Ajay." The princess stood up and curtsied towards him.

"Good morning, Princess." I bowed towards her, forcing a smile onto my face.

Dad patted the seat between him and Mum, "Take a seat." 

 I nodded, sitting down. The hours passed by with friendly conversation as we feasted on the variety of foods. A bit before sundown we were finally free to go. Princess Lilith grabbed my wrist and practically ran out of the room. I only protested as she started walking aimlessly.

"Princess, Princess-!"

"Use my name, Ajay. We're not with our parents," she snapped, a contrary tone compared to the peachy one earlier. "What's around town? I'm dying to get out of here."

"There's a, a, uh, well, um," I stammered, "oh! There's a lake! You must've passed it while coming into town."

"Right, I remember catching glimpses of it. Let's go!"We smiled at each other and ran off towards the castle doors.

Authors Note:

Ahhh. I can't keep up with schedules. Chapters are going to be uploaded at random points throughout the week. Maybe twice a week, maybe once, maybe not at all. I've officially given up with scheduling.

Anyways, I hope y'all are enjoying this story and enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to interact if you like it and feel free to give feedback where needed. It really helps and shows support. Stay safe, stay healthy, and know that you're loved. Until next time.