Adamus IV

37 - Rose

I decided to revisit the poor Princess, in an effort to regain her trust and get to know her for who she truly is. I still felt bad about turning her in, although I'm sure in the end it'll be for the best.
"Princess, visitor." The guard announced as I entered the room.
"Oh..." she trailed off. "I thought you'd be Archibald."
I shook my head. "Unfortunately not, I don't think I'll ever be him." I tried to laugh to kill her awkwardness but it didn't seem to work. She just sat there, frowning.
"Why're you visiting me?"
"I wanted to come and talk, get to know you."
She cocked her brow in judgement. "Get to know me? Hah, funny. If that were true you wouldn't have turned me in."
I sighed and crouched down, to be at the same level as her.
"I did what was best for the King, and I like to think you would too."
She averted her eye contact, looking off to the side.
"You didn't really like being around those people did you?" I continued. "They were brutish and simple minded. Doesn't seem like your type of people."
"Of course I didn't like being around them," she replied in a snarky tone. "I was doing what I thought had to be done."
"Trying to kill your brother?"
She scowled. "I was never going to let that happen."
"You asked me to do it for you." I continued.
"That was a front so you wouldn't suspect me."
"So you thought when the moment had come that you'd be able to stop me somehow?"
She shook her head in anger and spoke. "I thought you'd be dead before you'd get the chance."
I pressed my lips together and sighed. She's made things here quite difficult for us, but I suppose we cannot expect her to change in two days.
"So he came to speak with you last night?" I changed the subject.
She nodded. "He brought your sister, too."
"Sheera? That's good."
"She's the one you told me about?" Eva continued.
I nodded and looked to the ground.
"Well, I think my brother likes her."
I cocked my brow again. "He's definitely fond of her, who wouldn't be?"
"I think he loves her." Eva clarified. "I haven't seen him look at anyone else like that before. In my whole life."
I pressed my lips together and sighed, considering her words. It was true they spent a lot of time together, and Sheera has always admired him and spoke of him fondly. But I fear it will only end in heartbreak for her.
"I think you're right." I agreed.
"So let me guess, you're similar to my brother in that you think you should live for God each and every day, right? Why else would you be here working for him."
"Well yes that's one part of it, but your brother is a brave and almost legendary man. You know this, he's saved countless people from your so called friends. How can you disagree with that?" I retorted.
"I only rebelled because I didn't want him to be endlessly let down by his God." She fought.
"God has never let him down, that's what you're missing. Perhaps, it was you who did."
She pressed her lips shut and looked worried as I said this. Maybe I had struck a nerve with her, I didn't meant to come off that mean about it.
"D- do you think I've let him down..?"
I had to answer this carefully, as I did not want to further push her away, I liked her company in all honesty.
"I think that you misunderstood him, and lashed out."
She breathed a shaky breath and looked to the floor. "Is that why you're here, to fix me?"
I shook my head. "No actually, I rather enjoy your company."
She seemed totally caught off guard at what I said but I meant it.
"Why?" She uttered. "I am the enemy..."
"See I don't truly believe that." I replied. "I don't really look at you like a monster, like the rest of those people. You may have done monstrous things, but you're not my enemy. I think you're strong, and bold, and maybe a bit reckless."
"Hm," she laughed to herself. "Archibald used to call me reckless."
"He was definitely right about that. Why don't you tell me some memories from when you lived here? I'd love to know how it used to be."
"Not much happened, I was cooped up since the war started when I was still young. We would host dinners for those wishing to marry my brother or I but his illness prevented him and I was picky."
I nodded as she spoke.
"What about you you're not of Noble blood right?"
"No, I'm not." I replied. "Just a lowly Knight."
She pressed her lips together. "Well... that explains why you're so down to earth I suppose. Not that I should be complimenting you, you were a rat."
I looked away and sighed. "I think the word your looking for is mole. And you can't be mad at me for being good at my job, it's my duty."
She huffed and I stood up, ready to excuse myself for the day.
"What're you doing?" She asked quickly. She stood up and watched me with a bitter expression.
"I was going to leave," I replied.
She narrowed her eyes at me but looked away, not saying anything more. I got the impression that she did not want to me to leave her all alone. I don't blame her, she's got nobody in here, and who knows how long it'll be that way.
"I'll visit you tomorrow." I continued. She turned and walked towards the far end of the cell, not bothering to say goodbye so I took that as my sign to leave. At some point I also need to find Graham and bring him to the King, I know he wants to thank him personally for his achievements.
"Adamus!" I heard a man call from further down the hall. I turned around and saw a guard waving his hand to me. "Fletcher wants you!"