Uncrowned

Ch 8: Drunkards and Drugs

Hey guys, sorry I haven't uploaded in so long. These past couple of months have been really stressful for me. Thanks for being patient!
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"Take me with you," Ben wraps himself around my torso, giving me a determined stare.

It is mid-morning, sun perched high above the ever malleable clouds. His Majesty has finalized our plans for travel, all that remains are our, hopefully temporary, farewells.

I pull him from my waist with great reluctance, and crouch to his height, my mind already made up.

"You will be safer with the king's guards and Marie," I glance at the golden haired woman, and she gives me a curt nod.

I would be foolish to trust her completely, however, Marie seems to have taken a great maternal liking to Ben. Though I have yet to solve the enigma she embodies, my instincts have confidence in her ability to protect my brother.

"I don't want to be safe, I want to be with you!"

The iron fortress around my heart begins cracking, but my resolve stands strong and impenetrable.

"Ben, there is no guarantee that I can keep myself alive, let alone you."

His gaze wavers, as he realizes the possibilities of my potential and likely death. But he catches himself and becomes more unfaltering than ever.

"No, you will not die. You will save the world and come back!" Taking a step back, my brother removes a pendant from his neck and places it gently in my hands.

It is a pentagon carving of a dove hanging from a twine chain. Our family emblem, and a symbol of hope.

"Papa gave it to me for before..." Ben trails off, blinking away the glistening moisture in his eyes, "He said he felt something bad was going to happen, and he wanted me to guard it."

My father's premonition skills never ceased to amaze me. Remembering him causes a great sorrow to rush through my body.

Holding back tears of my own, I caress his cheeks, clutching onto the emblem with great strength, "You've been stronger than I thought. I'll return this to you soon," I ensure with a soft smile.

Ben's eyes widen, then slightly crinkles as he presents me with a large grin, "I'll be waiting, Lulu!"

~~~

Night has fallen, blanketing the open skies with an almost serene darkness. The temperature has dropped dramatically, leaving me eager to remove myself from the cold as we enter an inn. Samuel conceals his identity with his hooded cloak, lowering his head.

The warm air from the fire pit instantly warms me, though I can not help but angle myself away from the flames. In the corner, I notice two drunkards guffawing by the bar. My eyes narrow as I recognize their attire, Lucians. The red haired soldier slams his mug against the wooden counter and smirks at his fellow comrade,

"It won't be long until the Dark Bastard falls," He slurs, "What kind of idiot king would let his allow his castle to be under siege?"

Besides me, the said king clenches his fists in anger, crimson eyes flashing an almost murderous glow beneath his cloak. Dark tendrils appear by his side ready to kill as he begins to step forward. I quickly grab his arm and hiss into his ear,

"You really will be an idiot if you give up your presence so soon."

Samuel snarls before dispersing his threads, I release my hand and resume listening to their conversation. Perhaps something useful will come up.

"If he thinks he still has a chance, wait until the Seven Kingdoms turn against him."

I turn to Samuel, meeting his clouded eyes. He seems to understand the circumstance of the situation and formulates a stratagem.