Rose of Deception

chapter no 6

Keres

“I had no intension of doubting you minister.” The old elf was getting furious. “What I am saying is your guards are not loyal to your people, some of them have let the snakes in.”

“Something big is happening. You have to keep eye on your guards. Appoint new ones, we don’t want any kind of damage in both blood lines. Understood.”

“Yes, Prince Keres.”

“You may take your leave, ledger.”

It was time for his practice. The Arena was a whole block away from his chamber. He met Eloise on the way, “What happened yesterday?” He asked.

“You fainted. So I had to carry you to the nearest brothel, then we took the carriage and rode to the castle.” Her steps as large as his.

“What about the one following us?” She looked hesitant.

“They… we lost them.” They reached the ring. She handed him the piece of cloth she had been holding.

“This can advantage you in many ways. Your sense of hearing can increase so if you’re fighting you can still know your opponent is attacking you from behind. You can easily defeat snakes as their real weapons are their eyes. Thirdly if your dumb opponent tries to mess with your eyes by throwing sand at your face you won’t feel useless in the battle field.”

“I wasn’t expecting that.”

“What?”

“You’re kind of good at teaching.”

“Believe me I’m not, that's just my personal experience that I am sharing with you, your royal highness.” she assured.

Darkness flooded his eyes, he unsheathed his sword. Helpless, he swung the sword in the air but was knocked down.

“Ah.” He stumbled backward.

“Concentrate, level your breathing. Stay focused.” He could sense her moving around him. “And then strike.” This time his blade hit hers, blow not strong enough.

His feet drew back.

“Repeat your trainings.” she added.

Eloise was right. There was nothing new except that he couldn't see at the moment.

“Imagine your opponent unaware of fighting. Give him what is least expected.” Before she could deliver the sentence fully he felt her charge towards him, she was quick. Her leg made him stumble and fall.

“You are not supposed to use your legs” He pulled the cloth off his face. Her hair fell in front of her face, blindfold still on. Breath steady.

“Why did you stop? Get up, be a man.” She gave him her hand. “Grab on.”

Was she able to see? He waved his hand in front of her face.

“What are you doing?” She asked, confused.

“Nothing. We should start the practice.”

“You think I was joking before this.” Her eyes still covered.

“Was that it, then?” He asked.

“Are you willing to practice more?” But before he could reply, Cora stepped in.

“Your highnesses have arranged a trip for me and Keres so he won’t be able to rehearse.” She took his arm.

“I can’t go. Not right now.” He complained.

From behind, Arthur and Blaze popped in. “Cora will be leaving tomorrow. I decided you may spend time with each other.” Arthur gave him a smile.

“Yes brother but it would be a lot more fun if Blaze and Eloise joined us.” He turned around to see Eloise busy with her solo combat.

“We wouldn’t dare to interfere your couple time, now would we. My king.” Blaze would never stop getting on his nerve.

Keres would make sure to kill him. He had enough of him already.

“Where is it we are heading for?” Keres asked.

“The same place we used to visit during childhood.” She jumped in excitement.

“Ok, keep your cool. I’ll go with you if my friends tag along.”

“You make us sound dogs.” Blaze complained. “I’ll go if my dogs are willing to tag along.” He tried it in Keres’s voice.

“Blaze.” The King’s voice was serious. “Nobody can tell you work for me.”

Arthur was right, due to his behavior no one could tell he was the king’s assassin. That he had killed millions of enemies and even returned from the demon world where you lose track of time.

“Then I’ll go get myself changed His crazy friend spoke. “Are you not going princess?” Blaze asked Cora whose nostrils were flaring.

They all left except for him and the skilled swords girl.

“We’re going He took the sword from her.

“But I am not She replied.

“You heard?” he asked.

“Of course, I am not deaf

“You’re coming along, after all I claimed you as my friend

“You are The Prince. And you should know I respect you so don’t force me to be a third wheel."

“If you respect me then as well as my orders."

“Yes Prince Keres."

“I told you not to call me that.” He turned to walk away but stopped. “And go change. It’s cold outside.”

Was it fair to force her into coming with him? But his time was not worth her, and her alone. He admitted he was friends with Cora but he hated the fact that his parents wanted to see them as one. And so stupid of his brother that he still wanted his parents’ wish to come true.

Standing in front of the mirror he unbuttoned his tunic getting rid of it on the floor.

His ice hued hair and the scar he carried on his brow reminded him of his mother. How could he forget the bloody night? A vision appeared before his eyes.

“Mother.” The little prince squeezed his eyes shut, the Queen stood between him and the blood thirsty wolf.

The amber eyes.

Flesh ripped, the sounds ringed in his ears and then he fainted.

Keres still remembered those fearful nights without his mother. Late hours he woke up screaming.

The cracking sound of fire bought him back to reality.