Uncrowned

Ch 10: A Game of Cat and Mouse

A/N: Just a heads up, I might not update for a week or two. School has got me stressed out bruh :(
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Dismay shakes my bones, and I clench the hilt of the blade so tightly I fear it might shatter.

I meet Rowland's emerald eyes. He casts me an amiable grin, but I can see the arrogance lurking behind; a wolf ready to launch at its prey.

"I sent my Lieutenant to the Alredian king minutes before you arrived. His Royal Darkness is not the only who can hide his presence."

I begin connecting the dots, my instinct to flee immensely powerful.

"If you wanted me alone you should have asked," I reply with a false playfulness.

How could we have been so blind?

Frustration claws at the back of my brain, grazing its way down my back, taking any composure I have remaining. Animosity fuels my resentful glare, but the blonde sadist seems to absorb the anger, using it to kindle his own sick thrill. Disgust crawls up my skin, and I force myself to retain a serene posture, refusing him the pleasure of seeing me crumble.

"Why don't you join us?" Rowland invites, "Having the Champion along will do wonders for our continental campaign."

Bernard's words echo in my mind, "You plan to enslave others as well?"

The green hued man dons a condoling smile, "Such a naive girl. Our intentions are much more complex than that."

Understanding Rowland's character, deflating his ego and picking apart his peeves would come easily.

"Then why don't you explain," I say, a sinister smile perching itself on my lips.

Rowland blinks, caught off guard; and though it is fleeting, I permit myself a smug smile.

"Nice try girl," he says, catching himself, "But we don't give away our secrets so easily."

I simply shrug nonchalantly, "It can't be helped then."

Using those words as my farewell, I turn on my feet, attempting to flee. Rowland latches onto my shoulder and pulls me back roughly, causing a sharp pain to run through my body. I spin around, weapon in hand, face raving with indignation.

Pressing on my toes for momentum, I hold the sharp blade against his throat,

"Do not touch me."

The soldiers around me become attentive, their swords poised to attack, but their leader remains calm. Laughter escapes him, bubbling loudly, scraping my ears with its aggravating annoyance.

"First, you wanted me to join you in bed, now you don't want to be near me. I'm receiving mixed signals here Champion."

I give him my most crazed smile, "I'm complex."

He cracks a bemused smile, "You're an interesting one. All the more reason to join us."

"I do not plan on becoming a puppet for you."

"Yet here you are, a pawn in the Dark King's hand."

Narrowing my eyes, I snarl, "Who I choose to ally with is my own choice."

"Even if it leads to your demise?" He questions, emerald hues twinkling in delight, "We could give you so much more."

I hesitate, analyzing his words. If he is speaking the truth, then I could take use this advantage as an opportunity to keep Ben safe. He would not have to experience the harshness of humanity so early in life.