Amity: The Peaceful

Chapter 25

Adeodatus' eyes are close while leaning on the man's chest, both are riding the same stallion they rode yesterday. They will now go to the crew member's hometown, the Amicus Region.

Up until now, he still feels bad he couldn't carry Finn while going back to their region, when the kid ran towards him earlier, Horatius declined for him and explained to the kid that he should just join Loverne or Sayyida because he's hurt and tired. He wants to say no and carry the kid, but his aching body answered for him already.

Even though tired and sleepy, Ade didn't forget his mission and forced his eyes and brain to function, while leaning on the man he silently observed their route back home, from the dune, dried hills, and lands.

His eyebrows met when he saw a lot of dead trees approaching again, just like yesterday when they were going towards the camp, but this time the trees are way too many than yesterday. Their speed slowed down when they reached the ruins, he looked up and saw a tower on the other side.

So, this region is really hidden. He thought when they arrived passed the trees. His shackles made some sound when the horse's stopped, "Remove his shackles." Horatius demanded.

Ade was surprised to hear the man's command, but he was too tired to move. The crew who are left in shock as well stared at the back of their captain. Loverne shook his head when he saw no one move, so he went from his horse and snatched the keys from one of their men, he walked towards them and softly removed the man's shackles.

Ade raised his brow and swayed his feet a little, now this is really a good opportunity, his problems lessen.

"I don't want to scare anyone here by seeing your feet shackled. You can be tagged as a violent captive here. And don't you dare escape, all my comrades are here, they're scattered in the whole region, you get no escape route."

Ade rolled his eyes. He also scoffed after they entered the Amicus region, the palace was so small, it's like half of the west region in his empire. Surprisingly, the place is clean, the people look nice as well, all are wearing commoners' clothes. Neither fancy nor rag looking.

He gasped when the people started to run and approached Horatius as well as the others, he even gripped on the man's hand when some kids started to tug the cover on his head.

Horatius felt the man tense, so he asked, "Are you uncomfortable? Should I talk to the kids?"

But Adeodatus shook his head, surprisingly, "No it's fine." he answered.

The kids didn't stop from tugging the cloth, and so it was successfully removed by some bunch of kids, Horace released a heartily chuckle after seeing the kids expression.

"Woah!"

"An outsider!"

"A handsome outsider."

Adeodatus was too surprised to move, it wasn't the first time receiving a compliment, he actually received them every damn time especially from the other aristocrats, but he guessed this is the first time receiving some from kids, who are really genuine. He bet that it was because of his white complexion which is now he noticed that uncommon in this region, most shared Horatius complexion, tan skinned. Is it because they lived near the desert?

"They are dirty." he whispered when he saw some were wearing worn out clothes with dirt on some parts of their body.

"It's normal, they're kids. They love to play outside."

"I don't remember being that dirty when I was a kid."

"That's because you're sheltered, your imperial majesty."

Ade twisted half of his body to glare at Horatius, he was annoyed already and now more annoyed that he can't read the man's expression due to the mask, covering half of Horace's face.

"Fuck you." he whispered.

Horatius shook his head, "Sayyida."

They heard some horse galloping towards them, "What is it?" the lady asked while staring directly at Adeodatus.

"Distribute the goods equally, we'll be heading to my house first."

"What? Together with that-"

"Do you get my command?"

"...Yes." Sayyid answered in a defeated tone.

"Very well." After that Horace gripped the horse's rope and maneuvered it towards an alley.

Ade, being conscious and focused as he is, didn't forget to observe the way they're heading.