Behind Locked Doors

The Meeting

I'm tired of people in this house underestimating what I can do, they all believe in my stupid sister. Oh well she's the heir to the crown so we must listen to our future queens orders!

"She's an utter imbecile... what good would her ideas be. oh my Ialys I hate it here!" I say to the only friend I have in this castle, Rylan, My personal guard.

"Sir Richard, just remember it's because of what you did years ago. Y'know the-" I cut him off.

"Rylan! I understand the cause of it but it was one time, AND unintentional!"  I roll my eyes at his previous comment. I rub my eyes, this day has been so tiring. First I impose an idea to the council, but get overridden by my idiot sister. Next my own supposed best friend reminds me of the mistake I made over ELEVEN years ago.

I begin to unbutton my shirt.

"My liege, w-would you like me to leave?" Rylan stutters.

"Don't be ridiculous Rylan, we're both men." I sigh. " just wait here, I'm going to take a nap and I need you to be on watch," I turn to the brunette sitting on the sofa in my room. "Do you understand?"

"Yes sir!" he salutes.

"Great," I toss him my discarded shirt as I get under my duvet. "Put this away for me will you? Thanks Rylan." I begin to shut my eyes and drift into sleep.

In my dream I see flashes of reds and yellows. Of course, he reminded me of that day, so I just had to dream about it. This scene has replayed in my head endlessly but one part always catches me off guard. "RICHARD!" I hear a familiar sturdy voice call my name. I turn and see my father holding my limp mother. "RICHA-"

I wake with a jolt.

Rylan is asleep on the velvet couch I have placed next to the door. I sigh as the distraught look on my fathers face escapes my mind.

"He just had to bring it up.." I mumble under my breath before walking towards the sleeping guard.

I sit down next to him and, needing to feel some form of connection, lay my head down on his shoulder.

"Life's not gonna get easier rylan." I speak his name as if he could respond, though he was dead asleep, I knew somehow he could hear me spew my troubles.

I smile, feeling secure, and begin to drift into a sleep again.

I'm awaken by a push.

I look up and see Rylan frantically.

"Sir Richard, erm your..." his sentence trails off.
"Rylan it's okay just SPEAK." I demand.

"Your sister wants to have a meeting with you!" He shouts in panic

My heart drops and I begin pacing around the room. "What does she want with me? Is this because I stormed out of the council room? Why would I stay there if I'm not even acknowledged! I swear I'm going t-" Rylan grabs my hand.

"Sir calm down! You don't have any idea what she wants you for, you're overthinking this." He says gently as he takes both my hands in his.

My breathing slows. "Oh my Ialys, Rylan.." my head falls onto his chest.

"Cmon sir Richard.. she called quite a while ago." I heed his words and begin to get dressed.

I walk down the castle halls, pictures of previous rulers on the wall. I stop in front of the picture of my parents. William and Cara Nuphone the gold plaque beneath it reads. I look to the left of the enormous photograph to see a stain on the wall where a previous plaque was. My plaque. It was removed soon after what happened, soon to be replaced with my sister's name.

I grimace at the thought soon to become reality.

I continue down the hallway until I see the grand door to what was supposed to be my office, but was now my sisters.

I knock on the door, soon after one of her personal guards opens it.

I walk to the middle of the room. "You wanted to see me criselda?" I bow to keep my head down and avoid eye contact at all costs.

"Rich why are your panties in a twist! Do I need a reason to talk to my brother?"  She laughs as she walks over to me and gives me a tight hug.

I squirm my way out of her grip. She definitely wants something from me. This is too kind, even for her.

"Just spit it out already Criselda." I groan in annoyance.

Her bright smile fades into a frown as she sighs. "So as you know I'm due to become queen soon."

She doesn't have to rub it in my face.

"Naturally , a proper queen needs a king, and as you know I have many suitors lining up to seduce me but.." she pauses and gives me a warm smile. "There's already someone I have in mind."

I don't understand why she needs to tell me this. I'm not here to listen to who she fancies. "And who may that be?" I ask, faking curiosity.

"Well.." she pauses, most likely for dramatic purposes.

"It's your gaurd, Rylan!" Her smile grows brighter than I've ever seen before, while mine fades.

"What?" I ask in disbelief.

"Oh it's just he's so charming, what a kind soul he has. And don't get me STARTED on his looks!" She prances around her office while fantasizing of him.

"Does he resiprocate these feelings with you?" I question her.

"Well.. not exactly but, he will soon! Anyone would love to be my king. We've also had many wonderful conversations while walking through the garden!" She sighs. "Oh how romantic it is!"

Yes, how romantic.
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Hoped y'all enjoyed that🤓 probably won't upload a lot bc I'm busy a lot with stuff. Also this is just like a hobby so yerppp.😇😇