Tyrone and Matt, Book 3: The Mystery Bros.

Chapter 65: Imani

Chapter 65: Imani *

*The following chapter contains very strong triggering moments. Reading discretion strongly advised

The main hall was packed with Sword Warriors getting medical attention and Imani was helping an individual with his wounds. As she was cleaning up a rag that had blood on it, Thomas came in. When Imani saw him, her heart started to sing. Thomas's face, his calm approach towards Imani and his gentle features were making her feel comfortable.

"Imani, the robot is destroyed. But Zakariak has escaped with the help of Moss." said Thomas.

Imani didn't say a word. Instead, she nodded.

"Do not worry. I will gather a few Sword Warriors and we will go hunt them down." said Thomas.

"That won't be necessary." Imani said softly.

"Imani, they intend to come and attack again. Who knows what tricks they are coming up with." said Thomas.

Imani then put her hands on Thomas's. "We won today. They won't attack now. Let us rest first. Tomorrow, we will talk." she said.

Imani turned around and Thomas went after her. As that happened, Uriel, Destiny and Tyrone walked in. Uriel saw Thomas walk behind Imani as they entered the library. Uriel's face hardened and both Tyrone and Destiny noticed in an instant.

"You two stay here and get treated or something." said Uriel.

"Where are you going?" asked Tyrone.

"To speak with the Queen." said Uriel.

"Uriel, perhaps you need to rest." said Tyrone.

Uriel turned around and shook his head. "You two are dismissed for today. I have things I need to do." said Uriel.

He walked away and headed towards the library. Tyrone and Destiny exchanged glances and they decided to follow him. There was something not sitting right in their gut.

As Uriel opened the library doors, he saw Thomas sitting on a chair and Imani opening a book.

"I was coming to get you." said Thomas.

"What for?" asked Uriel, relieved to see that Thomas was just a few feet away from Imani.

"I need to speak with Joshua and Emmet. Do you know where they are?" asked Imani.

Destiny and Tyrone walked in and Imani smiled. "Do you two know where Joshua and Emmet are?" she asked them directly.

"Emmet's with the other kids." said Destiny.

"And Joshua is gathering up the other warriors." said Tyrone.

"That's good. Can you get him for me?" asked Imani.

Tyrone and Destiny nodded and left the room. Uriel didn't leave with them and stayed. Thomas stood up and bowed his head.

"I'll go with Tyrone and Destiny. I need to speak to Joshua as well." said Thomas.

"Okay." replied Imani. Thomas excused himself and left. Now Uriel was alone with Imani.

"Don't pretend that I don't know." said Uriel.

"What?" asked Imani to Uriel.

"You wanted to be alone with Thomas. You wanted to have your lips locked with his." said Uriel.

Imani was taken aback by Uriel's sudden accusations. "Excuse me?!" she asked.

"Imani, have you forgotten that your love with Thomas was what started problems here in your house? Your father was dead set against it from the start and he was willing to kill you and Thomas." said Uriel.

"How dare you mention my father. Perhaps you have forgotten that he is our enemy and the reason why we are standing here right now, fighting off his servants!" said Imani, raising her voice.

Uriel stood up and walked up to Imani. "Since we were children, I have always protected you from bullies. I even protected you from your father from time to time. Thomas was there, yes, but when did he ever speak up? When did he ever give you what you want? Imani, I can give you what you need. What you desire. I can give you peace of mind." said Uriel.

"What are you saying?" asked Imani.

And with that, Uriel kissed Imani on the lips. Imani stood frozen, processing what was going on. After Uriel kissed her, he stood back. "You need a King to protect you. No. A man. A true man who can break down walls to protect you. Imani, I love you. I love you to the moon and back." said Uriel, his voice trembling and his body shaking nervously. And with that, Imani slapped him across the face.

"HOW DARE YOU!?" she shouted.

Uriel looked at Imani in disbelief and Imani stood in front of him with supreme authority.

"I DID NOT GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO COME AND KISS ME. WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! I AM THE QUEEN OF ALL ROOD BRIDGE PARK AND YOU ARE FORBIDDEN TO EVER BE ALONE WITH ME! LEAVE MY SIGHT AT ONCE!" ordered Imani, pointing a finger at the door.

Uriel tried to apologize. "Please Imani. I don't know what came over me. I beg your forgiveness. But you and I were friends since childhood! You should know I had feelings for....

"We may have had a beautiful friendship as children, Uriel. But we are adults. We are not children. I'm a woman. You're a man. There is a line that must not be crossed. And you crossed it by kissing me without my consent. Do you think it's okay for you to do something so vile? No Uriel. I cannot be alone with you. Leave this room. If you don't, I'll order my guards to lock you away and I'll strip you of your Sword Warrior status. Leave my sight now. I will discuss your punishment with Thomas at a later date."

Uriel turned to leave, but not before giving one last glance at Imani who was looking at him with disgust. He then left the room.

Once Imani was alone, she felt tears roll out of her eyes. She fell on her knees and covered her eyes. And then she heard his voice. That sinister voice. She looked up to see the Duke's shadow standing by the fireplace. His arms were folded and he didn't say a word.

Imani stood up and threw a book at him. The book went through the shadow's ghostly figure.

"Imani. The crown you wear is hurting you. The more you rule, the more you will impale others through the heart." he said.

Imani screamed and threw more books at the shadow, but to no success. It wasn't Thomas and Natalie came in and the Duke vanished.

"What the hell?" asked Thomas.

"Thomas, Natalie. Please stay with me!" cried Imani.

Natalie ran towards Imani and embraced her.

"My dear Queen. What has happened? We saw Uriel storm out of the room. Did something happen?" asked Natalie.

Imani nodded and told Thomas and Natalie what had transpired.