A Dance Of Crowns & Thrones | Book I

Chapter 85 | Carrying Heavy Burdens

Timeline - October 3rd | ( Evening)

Having left Eko in the sanctuary of his shower, ensuring that she had been thoroughly fucked, sedated, and satisfied. This was one part of his strategy to ensure there were no lingering thoughts she might have had about Luke, effectively silencing any internal debates she might have entertained about spending time with him after the ceremony. 

His protective instincts were at an all-time high, fueled by jealousy and a desire to maintain control over the situation. By planning their day in such a way that Eko would be with him off base, in their own secluded world, Matthew ensured that she remained distanced from Luke's influence. He had even gone as far as to ensure that Eko would tell Luke she would meet him at the ceremony, further minimizing any direct contact between them.

The timing was precise when they arrived back at Allegiant, allowing Eko just enough time to return from her dormitory, where she had retrieved her dress, where she had met the man in the shower as he took her body to new pleasurable heights. He had then left her to get ready in his room, effectively isolating her from Luke finding her.

In all honesty, his jealousy and protectiveness could only handle so much at this point, and now that phase one was completed, the arrangement with Jasmine was a crucial element. He had carefully orchestrated with Jasmine for her to accompany Eko to the auditorium. 

Despite the playful teasing he endured from the vibrant, pink-haired girl, Jasmine was more than happy to oblige, displaying an unexpected level of cooperation, understanding, and, to Matthew's slight apprehension, enthusiasm.

With these arrangements in place, he traded a moment of picturesque tranquility for one of concern and hesitation as he stepped into the Headmaster's office.

***** ******

Matthew found the elderly man in a black suit pacing up and down alongside the room, fingers clenched at his tie as if he had been muttering to himself.  He assumed he was lost in thought with his obligations for the day. Knowing that the old man wasn't the greatest at writing speeches, he suspected that, once again, the task had been left until the last minute, much like the previous year.

"What's with the pacing?" Matthew interrupted Cid's thoughts, forcing the man to cock his head, noticing the sullen look, indicating that there was more on the Headmaster's mind than just the stress of speechwriting. "What's happened?"

Cid's silence and the subtle readjustment of his tie did little to reassure Matthew. As he stepped forward, he could see a flicker of vulnerability in the headmaster's eyes, a rare sight that hinted at the gravity of the situation.

"It's been a long afternoon. Sit, Matthew," Cid said, gesturing to the chair at the end of his desk. But Matthew, sensing the urgency in the air, waved off the offer.

"Cid, speak to me?"

Cid shook his head, as if trying to dispel his own doubts before he spoke. Matthew noticed a hesitation in the headmaster's demeanor, a departure from his usual confidence. "Of course, of course," Cid murmured, more to himself than to Matthew.

Taking a deep breath, Cid finally met Matthew's gaze, the seriousness in his eyes unmistakable. "I have something to discuss with you," he began, his voice heavy with the weight of his words. "I wish we had more time to talk about it beforehand, but I only just received advice from the solicitors a few moments ago."

Urm, what the fuck?

"Solicitors?" he echoed, his confusion evident as he finally took the seat he had initially declined. The formality of the situation demanded his full attention now.