The Empty Ones (Fantasy Romance)

62. Daddy's girl

"Do you want to talk about that now, though?" asks Theon.

"No. I, am not sure what's happening to me." I say, though I do know, at least partially.

"Do you want to talk about that and figure it out together?"

"No. Let's do what we came here for," I say, shaking my head to maybe shake out my thoughts.

"I doubt it's a singular visit. This place is huge. And I am certain Karim the restless had at least some interesting thoughts."

"Karim what?" I ask. The name takes me out of everything.

"The former owner of this place and library. He did a lot of research in many fields, was involved in politics, also visited the brothel quarter a lot. I know, I know, I am nobody to judge... The point is that he had many ongoing things at the same time."

"Much like you..." I whisper and realize it. Theon would be a brilliant Alsayid. Theon would be a son my father would be proud of. While I am not entirely sure what magic he possesses, he surely does; else he wouldn't be so unbothered.

"Yeah, he was pretty amazing. It's quite exhilarating seeing where he lived and worked." Theon smiles and looks around, not hiding the hint of giddyness.

"And died," I add.

"Yes, he was murdered in his palace. Such a pity and such a mystery at the same time. Mountain clans never had the force for actual attacks besides the usual border squirmishes, yet, that time they deployed a hoard of assassins, dressed them like soldiers and killed everyone of notice in this place. It would be interesting if Laini would be here. I am sure there are many untold stories buried in this walls about that day."

Certainly are... But I am not entirely sure I want to hear them.

"But, besides that I think we need to get to know each other better," he says while looking at me with a strange frown on his face.

"Why?" I ask and try to keep my voice stady.

"Because since we stepped in this room your eyes are fixed on that door and you are now shaking. And I cannot help you if I don't understand what's happening."

"It's fine," I mutter.

"Can you hold a pencil? Because I don't think you can right now."

"Please..." I whisper.

"All right." He is visibly displeased. "Then let's start with seeing what's in that room."

I freeze.

He presses on the door handle holding my gaze.

"Locked. As expected."

Thank the gods.

"Cannot be easy, can it?" he says looking somehow defying at me and calling for a servant.

The servant nods and goes away to let his master know.

"Are you doing this to torture me?" I say.

"No. Not at all. Though I am a bit irritated that you don't trust me, this has nothing to do with you. It's obvious that something important is in there. You can ignore this and look at everything else," he says, knowing most likely that I won't be able to do that.

I want to scream at him.

"Zara, I am not your enemy," he says in a calmer, to my ears more affectionate voice but it's too late. That strange feeling I have sometimes is kicking in again, that feeling when you cannot breathe or move and your heart is beating so strongly it feels like bursting out of your chest.