𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅

chapter forty-one

Emriana

No.

No.

No.

Not again.

It can't be.

"Come on Emriana, we'll be late," Miss Adelina called for me as she unloaded the caravan. I unconsciously shook my head as my legs refused to work properly. I didn't want to go there, I couldn't after everything.

I stared at the large doors ahead of me, frozen. I knew it wasn't the same place, but the flashbacks kept coming. What if the same thing happened?

"Come on! We're exp— are you okay?" She must have taken notice of my horrified expression because her eyes filled with worry as she came closer.

"I-I," I couldn't even speak clearly, my mind racing with questions.

"What's wrong?"

"Y-you didn't tell me the n-next client lived in a... c-castle," I barely mumbled under my breath but by her frown, she had heard me. My skin burned as I glanced back at the intimidating grey palace up ahead.

"I didn't think I needed to tell you. Why?" What could I even say? Oh, it's just that I have drama with the Princes from Ekudal. Don't worry about it!

"Mm?" She seemed irritated by my lack of response but I would endure it over having to explain everything.

"Is it going to be a problem or do I need to find another assistant?"

That took me back to reality as I shook my head and stood up quickly. She stared at me for a few more seconds before walking toward the entrance without saying another word. Great! Now she was mad! Good job, Emriana!

I followed her from a distance, each step bringing me closer to something I loathed. The tall towers hid the sun from reaching me as I walked unto the stone path. Shivers ran through my body and my breathing accelerated as I spotted some guards up ahead. Royal guards. This was all too familiar and I knew I shouldn't be here.

Miss Adelina made it to the front door before I did and talked to the few guards. They moved aside to let us pass through. As I neared the door, the few men turned their attention to me and shivers ran down my whole body as I felt them watching me. I moved my eyes to the very interesting floor.

Flashbacks kept coming off my first time going to the castle in Ekudal when I knew almost no one in the city. I was so scared. Scared to make the same mistake and put me in danger. I didn't have anyone to rescue me anymore and I had to accept that.

I slowly moved my eyes up at the majestic hallway we had just walked into. The beautifully detailed column of white marble along with the colorful paintings on the wall made me feel lonely all of a sudden. I wanted to be able to share this with someone. I had lost everyone dear to my heart because of my bad decisions, and I was paying the price.

"Emriana, come this way. We'll be late!" I glanced to my left to see Miss Adelina waiting by a tall man with short black hair holding a door open.

I shuffled quickly over that, my cheek overheating over their stares.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah," I felt like I had to answer that even if it wasn't true. We walked into a smaller hallway, and I could barely see the end of it. It went on for what seemed like forever.

"While we get there, I'll brief you on our next client," she started and my heart skipped a beat at the thought of finally knowing who I was about to face. We were in the castle so my guesses were probably going to be on point.