Moonfall | Book Two

CHAPTER 18

After returning from the Woodlands, Michael was on a mission as he stormed through the castle: find his mother as quickly and as quietly as possible.

Quickly because every second that ticked by was another second she was allowed to enjoy the comfort of her deceit. And quietly because if he were to cross paths with anybody after everything that had just happened, whether they deserved it or not, they just might become a casualty in the war he was about to wageupon his mother.

He was managing to make the trek undetected until he was stopped by his name being called after turning down a corridor.

He knew who it was without having to turn around—the shadow that seemed to come and go as it pleased, revealing itself whenever Michael least expected it. But he was in no mood for their never-ending game ofhide-and-seek. So when he heard Lukas approaching, he started to walk off, hoping the guard would get the hint and return to wherever he had come from.

"You have come back from the Woodlands. Again."

Michael stopped again, but that time he turned around and glared at Lukas standing about ten feet away. His brown hair was pulled back in an impeccably neat braid without a strand out of place, and his black attirewithout the slightest wrinkle.

"I am quite certain I told you to stop keeping tabs on me."

"I wish only to help. I serve you, Michael."

"Do you serve me?"

Lukas nodded.

At that point, everybody was an enemy and nobody could be trusted. His mother had appointed Lukas as his guard, and there had to have been a real reason why—one different than the one she told him. But no matter how much he wanted to dismiss Lukas right then and there, he would do as the saying said and keep his enemies close.

"Then do as I say and go away."

Michael turned to continue down the corridor, but was stopped again.

"If there is something to be handled out there, I will handle it. If there is something you wish me to take care of, I will take care of it."

He whirled around and walked up to Lukas, reminding himself to use his words and not his hands as he got in the guard's face. He knew what 'handled' meant, and the thought of Lukas anywhere near Ellette made him see red.

"You are my guard only because I allow it. If you no longer serve a purpose, I have no qualms about getting rid of you."

As to not draw attention to the contrary, Michael did not come out and say there was nothing to be 'handled'in the Woodlands. But despite knowing Ellette had taken precautions to protect herself, he had to eliminate all risks of her being discovered.

"As you said, you serve me, so you will do nothing I have not commanded you to do. Do I make myself clear?"

Lukas nodded, but Michael was no longer naive enough to trust or believe him. Now more than ever, he had to be careful.

"Good. You may leave. I am off to see my mother and wish not to be disturbed."

Michael did not wait to see if Lukas obeyed his command before turning and walking off.

There were no further interruptions on his way to his mother's chambers. Not even a guard stationed at the entrance of the corridor where her chambers were located, nor a single attendant outside of her door.

It was not unheard of for her to dismiss them when she wanted to be alone, but he did find it odd that she seemed to prefer solitude more often these days.