Caged (Book One)

Chapter Sixty-Five

Eveleen sat at the docks, watching the sun rise. It felt more than peaceful to be home again, to watch the sunset. Noah stepped down the docks, joining Eveleen.

"I knew you'd come." Eve smiled at him.

"Of course. I missed this." He admired the sun as well. They both sat in silence, before Eve took a long breath.

"Prince Fred killed King Malik." Eve confessed. Noah turned to her, waiting for her to explain,

"The night of the Alecario party, Fred lured me away. He killed the king with my dagger, it's got the engraved symbol."

"He blackmailed you." Noah sighed. Eve nodded,

"It's the only reason I stayed in Selle. I was with Aiden spying on an interaction with Fred and that man Odie. Aiden recognized him, and next thing I know we both woke up in a cell." Shivered, it feels weird. It wasn't that long ago, but it feels like it's been months.

"Kristine called me to Selle for help. She recognized Odie as well by eavesdropping. She called Leo when I refused to let her torture him instead of making a deal with him." Noah filled in.

"I am so happy to be home." Eve felt the tears burn again. Noah reached around to hug her,

"Believe me, I'm glad to have you back."

Eveleen breathed into Noah, not wanting to leave yet.

"I got to go meet with Max, care to join?" Eve pulled back, wiping a tear. Her and Noah stood up,

"Of course I am. Are you gonna tell him Fred killed the king?"

"Honestly, I'm scared to tell anyone. He's still a prince, he still has power." Eve walked with Noah.

"True, but we'll figure it out." Noah gave her a smile.

~~~~~

Aiden stepped out of the guest rooms, patting down his jacket. When did it start getting so cold?

"There you are." Philip appeared in front of him, holding out the letter. Aiden scowled, but took the letter.

"It's from Leo. He went home last night." As Phlip informed him, he walked away. Rolling his eyes, Aiden tore open the letter, quickly reading it.

"Damn." His shoulders slumped, he should have expected this. Crumbling the paper, he threw it away. Better go meet with everyone.

Kristine stood outside of the building, waving at Aiden. He scowled more, pushing past her to go inside.

"I'm sick of this bullshit!" Eveleen shrieked, causing Aiden and Kristine to storm into the room.

Eveleen had pinned Max against the wall, holding a dagger out. Noah rolled his eyes, rubbing his face in frustration.

"What's going on?" Kristine asked. Aiden made his way over to the siblings, pushing them away from each other.

"This maniac wants me to return to Selle! Return to the fucking castle. I did not go through a very eventful, very painful adventure to end up back at that palace!" Eve shouted.

"What I said was maybe it'd be a good idea for you to play along to get your knife back! Do you have any idea how easy he can snap his fingers and have you executed?!" Max shouted back.

"Her knife?" Kristine questioned, but Aiden understood.

"He would never give it back, I don't even have the slightest

clue where he could be hiding it!" Eve still argued.

"I'm fucking scared for you Eve!!" Max shoved Aiden away, stepped closer to Eve.