Thief of Twilight

Part Two: Chapter 53

"We were unable to find her." Captain Cheong knelt before the emperor. His brown hair fell over his shoulders as he waited for a response. He was aware of Emperor Kang's furry and made it his mission to locate Zurine and return her to the palace.

Emperor Kang sighed before pinching the bridge of his nose.

"We have searched the villages along the shore to the south. Tomorrow, we will begin our search in the east within the territory."

The emperor waved his hand to dismiss the captain.

Captain Cheong pursed his lips before standing. His green eyes watched the emperor closely. He noticed dark circles beginning to form under the emperor's eyes.

"Have you seen any women who match the description?" Emperor Kang questioned.

"No, we have not. We have not seen anyone with copper skin or ivory eyes and hair."

The emperor leaned back his head.

"I apologize for the outcome. I wish I had better news for you. But please be a little more patient. We will not rest until we find Lady Abedayo." Captain Cheong rose to his feet before walking out of the imperial study.

The emperor turned his head to gaze out the window. He began to wonder what went wrong. He wondered what happened to have made Zurine want to run away. He gave a heavy sigh at the thought of her disappearance.

"Emperor Kang..." a servant cautiously walked into the study carrying a tray of tea with a plate of sliced apples.

The emperor turned to her and held up a hand.

"I understand, but you should at least eat." she placed the fruit and tea on the table. "Lady Abedayo would not like it if you did not eat something. It would-." when the servant looked up, she noted tears trickling down the emperor's face. "E-Emperor Kang!"

The emperor stood before walking out of the room.

The servant covered her mouth with her hands.

Emperor Kang walked along the stone path that led to Zurine's bedroom. The windows and doors were shut. He dared not to open them. He was afraid her scent would disappear into the air. Two guards were stationed at the doors of her bedroom to protect her belongings.

"Emperor...Kang..."

The guards looked at one another through the corner of their eyes. They had never seen the emperor so heartbroken.

"...Thank you..." the emperor turned away before walking off. The two guards looked at one another before tightening their grip on their polearms.

"Yes, Emperor Kang."

___

It's been a few days since I've been staying in this village. Most of the villagers have praised me for staying at the temple. It wasn't a big deal. They believed my presence has calmed the restless spirit. There isn't a spirit at all. It's just a superstition. But who am I to say otherwise? Not only that, but they also bring me food as offerings. But I don't want to take advantage of the people who live here. I'm sure that most of the food they bring me is all they have for the most part. I'm sure they have to wait for the rations that are delivered from the city.

My days are pretty simple. I wake up. I bathe. I walk around the market. People look at me with both wonder and fear. I had one lady say that I was an omen. I've never heard that one before. That's new. But overall, it's nice here. But I still feel like my chest is tight and I have trouble breathing every now and then.

A woman walked past me and bowed her head. I nearly jumped when I thought she recognized me as Lady Abedayo. But she was one of the women who thanked me for appeasing the spirit at the temple. I simply lowered my head in response. There's no reason for me to be so jumpy. No one here knows who I am. They think that I am an omen but they also accept that I am in some way helping them. With that being said, I can't stay here for long. I should leave once I get my bearings together.