The Red King [Book II]

XX

After curiously finding Eris abandoned in James' office on his return, Alex took her and went on a relaxed scout for the man. She was as cold in his grasp as any other sword, although significantly heavier, and it was deceptively strange to think she was capable of burning anyone.

ㅤ"I don't know," Fletcher told him after he'd gone there first. "Try Llwyd."

ㅤAlex hunted Llwyd quickly but, after confirming James wasn't with him, he didn't punish himself by starting a conversation with that man.

ㅤIt was odd. Alex traced all of James' usual nests he'd bristle in when restless, but nothing. He wasn't humming in his throne room, not skulking around in the library, nor glaring through the barracks.

ㅤAlex went as far as checking the bed chambers, slamming his door open hoping to see James lying on their bed without a care, raising his eyebrows in pleased surprise.

ㅤHe found it empty.

ㅤAt the foot of the mattress, his heart thumped against his rib cage, his heavy breaths rough in the silence. Panic was rising in his throat. James didn't disappear like this. As wilful as he was, he was conscious of how he impacted others.

ㅤBurning in fear, Alex tore down the palace corridors. His steps slipped on the polished tiles, his voice raw as he barked orders at every mercenary he passed, demanding answers.

ㅤEven the two stationed outside James' official residence stepped aside without a word, allowing him entry. He didn't stop to question what they might know—or think—about the two of them.

ㅤDespite his interrogations, despite the ripple of unease he left in his wake as he stormed into servant spaces not meant for him, no one had seen James. No one knew a thing.

ㅤHow was it possible, with this many men, for a palace to simply lose its king? How incompetent were they?

ㅤ"Ah, Lord Alexander."

ㅤThe voice came from behind, and Alex turned, stiff.

ㅤYufus' pleasant smile faltered once he saw Alex's face.

ㅤ"Have you seen His Majesty?"

ㅤYufus hesitated, then pointed, and Alex rushed forward, a hound on the scent. He pushed through a restricted area, where the mercenaries didn't stop him, once again. Tall windows streaked past, their fleeting light a blur as his eyes locked on the open archway ahead.

ㅤThrough to the other side, Alex flew and skidded to a halt, solid dirt beneath his feet. The air was cool.

ㅤOn the ground, James' body gleamed with sweat, his arm trembling as it held up his torso. Concentrating on the floor in front of his face, the other arm was bent awkwardly behind his back, his entire frame quaking with the strain.

ㅤAlex blew a breath of relief, going soft.

ㅤ"I recognise that husky panting," James remarked with a tight voice. He didn't lift his head, focusing. "I've heard it enough times in my ear. What can I do for you, dear?"