THE UNBREAKABLE PIECE (FIRST BOOK OF THE HIDDEN WORLD) English version

CHAPTER TEN: POWER

"I have an observation." I walked forward and weakly leaned on the pale pink chaise lounge where my father was sitting. "Albus means white in Latin... Don't you think you might be overusing the color white here?"

My father sighed, his frown clearly indicating that I shouldn't speak to the kings of Alba that way. However, the shadow of a smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. Since I was little, I had learned to identify the small gestures my father made when he wasn't really angry. Moreover, beneath that frown, I knew he was happy to see me alive after having brushed the edge of death.

I stood behind him, motionless, afraid to breathe too loudly, like a scared child on the first day of school.

In the middle of the room, next to a large window framed with white wood and more inscriptions in Latin, stood a grand desk of cold and chilling white marble. There were few things on it: a golden pen, some white sheets with scribbles, and a green leather-bound book. In a small throne-like chair, my grandfather, the king of Alba, lay stretched out. His eyes, the same color as my father's, that grayish hue that colors a cloud about to release rain, were tinged with clear boredom. His hair was full of grays, and he wore a large black coat that, as he stood up to approach me, I noticed reached down to his knees. Small roses embroidered with golden thread covered his neck, accentuating the muted color that portrayed him as a merciless tyrant.

On the other hand, my grandmother gracefully rested on a golden chair next to my father and hadn't taken her eyes off me since I set foot in the Lyrical Hall. I could feel her gaze examining every inch of my skin and every open tip of my hair. A faint smile had formed on her face after hearing me speak, somewhat easing the nervousness that had taken hold of my body. There were not enough words to describe her; she was simply beautiful. She possessed the kind of beauty that endures over time, and you would never tire of admiring. Her hair was also white, but she kept it neatly cut, just above the shoulders. She wore a lilac blouse and a matching skirt, the blouse covering her thin arms, and just above her wrists, two bows were delicately tied. However, the first thing that caught my attention about her was the silver tiara composed of small, engraved lilies.

"Your Majesties." Eamon broadened his chest and gave a small bow to us. I observed the formality of his gesture, and my mind was still trying to comprehend how it was possible that he was the same guy who had taken me on his motorcycle the day before. "Your Highness."

Once again, he gave a brief bow and was on his way to the exit when my grandfather's deep, resonant voice filled the room.

"Eamon, thank you for taking care of my granddaughter and bringing her to Albus. Send our regards to your family."

Our eyes collided; there was something inside me that longed for his presence. The green of his eyes immersed me in an inexplicable peace, and his way of walking beside me told me that he could protect me from anything that stood in my way. A weapon or even a throne. However, I avoided his face; it terrified me to think that if I followed my heart, I would end up with a dagger plunged into it.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will convey your message."

He nodded slightly and disappeared behind the large yellow door.

"Amity." My father approached me and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Why aren't you in Axis?"

"The question, my dear son, is why isn't she in New York?"

My grandfather kept his arms hidden behind his back, and his whole presence indicated that I should be terrified. His upright posture, broad shoulders, and iron gaze. There was no trace of affection toward me in them. Perhaps he was pretending; I wouldn't be able to distinguish what was real or not, even if they hit me in the face with it.