Call of the Night

Part 7

Diao Chan's chamber is far from the king's court yard, far from me. It's like we're in a completely different world. Or is it like Lin Shao said before that since the castle is a portal to two realms. Is that why I feel that we're so far apart? Is it because me Diao Chan was never close to begin with? How big is this castle? There is still parts that I have not explored.

Lin Shao walked briskly in front of me, leading me. He was walking so fast that it seem as if he's running away. Trying to occupy myself with something else other than the King running my head, I picked up every little thing about Lin Shao. Was he always this tall? Wasn't he a head shorter than me? I have not been paying attention on how much he's grown since all I think about is the King and Diao Chan. Now he is a head taller and leaner.  He looks more like a man now. Now that I thought of it he treats me completely different now since I became the King's wife compare to when I was a prisoner. It's like he cares more and he is much more comfortable to be with other than when he was talking about my death before.

We finally reached Diao Chan's after taking many turns, going up and down the stairs and walking through multiple corridors. My heel is aching as much as my chest. I feel dizzy from exhaustion. How could the King check on Diao Chan's quarter first when mine is just in his own  backyard?

Hesitant, I reached for the sliding door. Before my skin good graze it, it opened by itself. The King appeared himself. Eyes glazing red and strands of silver hair. Behind the King was Diao Chan sitting at the edge of the bed, clutching her clothes together and blindfolded. The King glances at me to Lin Shao then at me again.

I feel my lungs become constricted. It's was hard to breath and difficult to take in the sight before me. My legs moved on its own as I try to walk passed the King and try to keep my composure. My head is repeatedly screaming Diao Chan needs me. Before I could take another step further, The Demon Knight King grab my arm. My eyes landed at the nails that is digging on my skin but not enough to draw blood. He glares at Lin Shao as if he was to blame. I tried to shook him off but his grip stay secured.

The Demon Knight King grabbed me by the waist then swung me over his shoulder. "What are you doing?!" I clench my fist and hit his back with all I've got "Let me down! You creep". My eyes seek Lin Shao for help but he didn't look back. Lin Shao closes Diao Chan's door then turn around, heading to the opposite direction where we came from.

We entered a huge terrace where an ominous being awaits. A dragon. It's golden eyes with a slit of black watches me while we approach. The dragon's height was to the roof. When we were close enough it lowered its head. The Demon Knight King easily raised me up ti its back. I was frozen in fear. I forgot to struggle and cry or I just chose to surrender since for this dragon I am just bite size.

We flew high around the palace. I wrap my arms around the king, holding on for my dear life. The wind was cold and wet in my skin. The water below us was glistening from the reflection of the moon. It would've been beautiful if I was not trembling from fear because of my last experienced with it and we're flying too close to the water. We descend again which was a relief.

"There are things other than that thing living in the waters. Much more bigger and vicious" the Demon Knight King's voice sounded like a cold hymn. It made my insides cold. I tightened my embrace in his back, seeking for warmth and reassurance." I'm sure you've met the harpies?" He points at the far distance where beings that looks like birds floats.
"There's more but I don't think I can name them all overnight"

We ascend again, faster. My claws dug deep on what I presume was bricks but actually his tensed stomach. He's really nicely build up. He smells fresh like a fully bloomed cherry tree and I can feel his warm skin through his thin robe.

We flew over the wall. My quarters were clearly visible from above. The scene was breathtaking. I've never seen it from this side before. It's so wide and illuminates greatly from the lantern lit.

The dragon landed gracefully in the kings quarter. It bowed its head to make way for us to get down. The emperor hopped down first then extended his hand towards me.

Feeling the anger coming back inside, I slapped his hands away. I hit him so hard that the back of my hand start to swell and sting. The dragon flinched from underneath me. He must've felt threatened by my presence that he shook. Without any effort the dragon fling me off of him. Before I could hit the ground two sturdy arms caught me.

"You shouldn't make any sudden movements or sounds when you are behind a dragon. Their vicious animals. When they are caught off guard, their first instinct is to defend.

I pushed him away "What you've done to my sister will come, snapping back at you"

"What?" Now it was the King who flinched.

I tried to turn away from him but he grabbed my arm and pull me towards him so I'd look him in the eye.
"Let go!!!" My voice was trembling.
"You'll ran if I do, won't you?" He says under his breath.
"I need to know something"
"And what would that be?"
"What have you done to Diao Chan?"
"I needed to talk to her" he's expression darkened.
"What did you talk about?"
He didn't answer right away.
"It's... something.... you should ask your sister"
"Yeah, It does not involve me, of course"
"It's not what you think"
"I don't know what I think anymore."
"Calm down" he tightened his grip.
"So it's something that can't wait in the morning?"
"No"
"I'm sure why else would you forget me who is just behind you, hit the bath first then run to her room. You're telling me it's not what I think? When you're still in your robe? Naked underneath?"
I tried to get him off again but his grip is getting tighter every time. My wrist is hurting.
"It was a coincidence. Are you jealous?" He smirks.
"What? You sick bastard. My sister is heavily wounded because of you" my hand swung across his face.
"NOTHING HAPPENED THAT SHOULD CONCERN YOU!!!" Now it was him screaming in my face.
Deep inside I can't accept his words. Only Diao Chan's appearance keep appearing in my mind and the things that might've happened beyond my control.
"Since I came here I have become concerned about everything because of you" I say almost in the verge of bursting.
He frozed and tight grip loosen. Finally I was able to break free from his hold.