A fight for dominance and nobility

chapter eight : the art of truth and reason

'Miss Zadie.' Ludwig called and I abruptly woke up. My mind was still hazy from sleep and I almost gasped when I saw the mess in the library. It was still dark , and the clouds were still gloomy like the previous night.

'Ludwig.' My voice still raspy from sleep and I almost yasped when I saw the mess in the library. It was still dark , and the clouds were still gloomy like the previous night.

'Ludwig.' I called out his name , my voice still raspy from sleep.

' I looked everywhere for you. Breakfast is served and Lady Crowe has been questioning me about your whereabouts.'

'Oh , I am so sorry I was reading last night, and I dozed off.' I stood up while picking up my heaps of books on the ground and struggling to put them back on the shelves.

'Leave them Ms Zadie I will take care of it.' Ludwig smiled at me , and I smiled back. There was a moment if silence between us, never awkward but more comfortable.

Suddenly, Ludwig clutched tightly at his chest and owed his eyes shut. He fell on his knees , and I rushed to help him.

'Ludwig are you okay ?' I brushed his shoulder,  but he pushed me to the side with so much force I hit the wall with my back. A sharp pain traveled down my spine , and I gasped.

Ludwig turned to look at me with darkened eyes. He grabbed my wrist and looked at it.'He is coming.  Leave now.'

I started trembling , confusion clouding my mind and my eyes starting to water. 'What do you mean?' I stood up slowly , helping him get yp but making sure to keep good distance between us to avoid the incident that occurred a few minutes ago to happen again.

'Your bruise , there is a meaning behind it!' He snapped.

'Then what is it? It is just a simple bruise that was caused by Alexander's gasp!' I shouted at him , and he glared at me.

'Then why has it not healed yet?' He spat , slowly walking towards me.'Then why has it created this mark?' He pulled my hand and looked at it.'He clawed you Zadie. You were clawed.' He said in a monotonous manner.

I jerked my hand away from his grasp and strode to the other side of the room.'Why are you concerned? Why is everyone interested in it?' I questioned.

'You must have defied him.'

'Yes , I did , and I am not shaken. He does not scare me.'

Ludwig shook his head.' You must leave. He is coming for you. Once he finds you , it will all be over. Stop living in a delusional world young lady.'

'How about you stop living in a cruel world, joining the wicked!'  I shouted, emphasizing on the word you.

'Listen, the-' Ludwig was cut short by Quincy who stood at the doorway. He looked at both Lirsiwg and I as well as the books scattered on the floor.

He strode towards me and took my hand into his. 'Are you okay?' He asked , ignoring Ludwig.

'I am perfectly fine.' I lied.

Quincy kissed the top of my forehead clearly wanting to mark hsi territory. He must be glad I am not in any mood to entertain him or else I would have gladly smacked him with my parasol.

He smiled at me.' Good. Alexander Blanchet arrived , and I want you to get ready. He wants to talk to you about a particular raid. He claims you are the witness , and you have information about it.'

My heart began racing.'i-i will come.'

Quincy nodded at Ludwig before leaving the library. I looked at my hands that were shaking uncontrollably from fear. 'He knows.' I whispered more to myself , but I know Ludwig heard.