All The Kings Men

Chapter 31 Felix's Thoughts

I stood as still as I possibly could. It had take. Me several hours to get this close to the castle undetected. I could not mess up now, there would be more eyes to see me then ever if I were to get caught. The castle seemed buzzing with movement, more so then usual. Maids ran in and out to the well pump. Scooping out buckets of water as fast they could and taking as much as they could carry. I watched as one accident dumped hers on the ground and got yelled at to quickly fill it again. Bloody sheets were being washed. I wondered who had been wounded and I prayed that it was not one of my family members.

Several Guards clustered together clearly taking hits off of some substance they must have chipped in to share. Rolling my eyes I couldn't believe this was being allowed in broad day light. Never the less, I saw my moment. Dashing through the shadows of the castle wall I made my way to the guard tower and let myself in. Really Silas ?! Have you not kept on the guards to have a constant watch of the back gate ? I shook my head. That was almost too easy. Why was there not a guard manning this door ? What on earth was going on ? I could hear screams of pain. I couldn't even look around the corner because there was a constant flood of foot steps echoing through out the hallway.

All of a sudden I heard men shouting outside, I glanced through the window just in time to see the guards start to dance and jolt their bodies.

One cried "hot! My body is on fire ! Hot!"

I stood a few seconds in shock at the display.  Clearly whatever they smocked was laced with something not good for the human body.

Quickly ducking into a closet I held my breath as several guards rushed by me towards the men. Seriously what on earth was happening ?! Are they so unaware of their surroundings they did not see me? I should be relieved but it made me fear for the safety of those living at the castle. Of course it has been more then 5 years since I had been here and given most wouldn't think to look for me I guess I couldn't be too upset.

Sneaking up the tower I dashed into the library just in time to avoid a few maids carrying clean sheets toward Fiona's room. I wondered if she was here visiting for the holiday or at her own kingdom. I think I read somewhere her husband passed under mysterious circumstances....shocker.

A loud gasp caused me to jump and spin around. My heart pounded so hard I swear it would explode. She has always been so petite I did not see her curled up in a chair with a book.

Rosemary stared at me with wide eyes. "Oh dear God in heaven the rumors of our castle being haunted are true." I couldn't help but give a small chuckle. "Please be gone Ghost I mean you no harm !"

"Rose." I said glancing around to make sure no one else was here. "I am no ghost."

"I knew I stayed up too late reading last night...I'm delusional." She said jumping up. "No stay back!"

"Rose....it's me." I said in a soft voice.

"No....I went to your funeral." She stated just above a whisper. "I watched them...put you in the ground."

"I know this seems like alot." I said slowly approaching her. But that was an empty grave. I did not die in war. I am Felix. I am your eldest brother. "