Chapter 54: Left
It was ironic to see the Entertainment District in a different view. Once when I was in a pit— in an aisle to the death with creatures looking down at me with those filthy stares, now here I was, sitting on the throne as everyone cowered with a single lift of my hand.
The district might have discovered an unexpected talent for creating a temporary throne for Kreios and I. The biggest house of pleasure welcomed us with an empty hall with a small three-stairs platform where two thrones stood. It had improvised chairs covered in red velvet cloth to make it look like our royal seats.
Even in rags, I tilted my head with grace in front of them, while Kreios was still in his overly exposed clothing, as one of the spoiled aristocrats a silk-like sash that did not even cover a small portion of his chest.
What an odd visit from the king and queen.
Kreios held his hand, and I accepted it as we sauntered on our throne.
The captured owners were still with us and probably some of their right hands and trusted attendants, Luna and her group, Rosh and Pryor. Surprisingly the two women who were once my father's allies in regaining the power of the high thrones stayed but they kept their distance. Beside them was Livius who still had chains tied in his hands.
At the corner of my eyes, I saw how Kreios' jaw clenched, trying to suppress his emotion. I knew how he wanted to proceed with our real business rather than this formality, but now that we had already introduced ourselves as their king and queen, we had to keep up our image tight, astute, and unwavering.
Lalo na't marami pa rin ang mga mata at tainga ang nakapaligid sa amin at handang makasaksi ng aming mga kahinaan.
Delilah stepped forward— our spy, the assassin, someone aside from Luna that I wanted to keep. I glanced at the remaining women who helped me in this journey, wishing that they would stay with me after this journey.
She dipped one of her knees and placed one of her hands on her chest with her head down. "You Majesty, I received a message that Prince's Tres troops from the palace have been dispatched to this location."
I nodded.
Sumunod si Luna na humakbang at tumabi kay Delilah. Kaiba ni Delilah ay bahagya niyang inangat ang tingin niya sa akin. "The barrier is still secured."
Alam ko ang ibig sabihin niyon at hindi lang iyon tungkol sa harang. She was talking about the jar in her care.
Muli akong tumango.
Hindi na ako nagsalita dahil pagkakataon na iyon ni Kreios.
"The sand soldiers are still stationed outside, maintaining the security and preventing any possible uproar in the district," panimula niya.
"Prince Pryor of Deltora, may we request that you welcome the castle's troops upon their arrival? Your utmost coordination with our soldiers would be a great help in ensuring the immediate recovery of this district."
Of course, Pryor looked offended. He was just casually standing there with his arms crossed, looking utterly bored as someone who I knew was not fond of formality as well. This unexpected address in him, and a command at that?
Gusto ko nang lumingon kay Kreios dahil alam kong tatanggi na si Pryor, para naman na hindi niya kilala ang prinsipe na tinawag niya, ngunit hindi ko inaasahan ang paghakbang ni Rosh.
With his perfect princely gesture, bowing his head and a hand to his chest, his voice echoed inside the small hall.
"Forgive me my intrusion, Your Majesty, as a concerned brother, the job is rather difficult for him as he has obtained a recent injury during his previous mission. Would it be bold to ask if he'd be accompanied by one of the queen's subordinates, particularly a witch who can heal his injury?"
