The Rebelero Brothers' Curse

Twenty-six

"He's out there, hunting down that amulet." Jessamine said pointing at the opal in my hand.

"What should we do? Clearly the warriors cannot stop him and I certainly cannot in my current state," I said in frustration.

I watched as Jessamine paced around the room. A perplexed look made residence on her face ever since we got back from the Liadka garden. I could see an idea brewing in her head, but I had a feeling I would not like it.

"You could hide it inside the tunnels of the palace. No one but you and I would know, Adrian would never find it there. "

"That would mean going back to the palace, I am not sure I would be willing to do that. We must find somewhere else."

"Anywhere else and he will find it. You know it may be the only place he will not have access to. Only you know how to open them and he won't be able to break through that stone without catching everyone's attention. It has to be in the palace."

"Fine, but as soon as I do, I am coming back here." I said as I put the amulet back in the leather bound book.

"No, you should return to the palace."

I looked at her in shock. "You are asking me to return to that hell?" I scoffed, "I would rather face Adrian again."

She sighed and shook her head. "You don't mean that. I am asking you to return for your own safety Luke."

"I can handle myself. I refuse to go back. I want nothing to do with my father." I said angrily.

"Lucian! For once, do as you are told!" She snapped at me. "I am your guardian. For your safety--no, your survival, you need to listen to me!"

I stood there, stunned. She has never spoken to me that way. My face must have said it all for her next words were pleading and apologetic.

"Luke, please. Just listen to me. The palace is the safest place for you and the amulet until convergence. Adrian will not stop until your dead. Please Luke. I could not live with myself if anything to happened to you."

She hugged me tightly and my arms instantly went up to reciprocate her affection.

The palace meant suffocating rules, being the perfect soldier and prince, and worst of all dealing with my father. Despite the unpleasantness, I knew she was right. I would have to set aside my pride. Adrian may still be able to find me, but even the tunnels would be able to best Adrian. I could also keep an eye on my father. I know he is itching to conquer Rolon, but King Daniel has to make the first move so he does not look bad in the eyes of his people. My father is many things, but he is intelligent. He knows better than to lose the support of his people.

"Okay Jessamine. I'll go back. I know you are right. Some things are greater than my pride. Besides, it is best if I keep an eye on my father. Strife feeds Darkness and I know war is brewing between our homeland and Rolon."

"What do you mean?" She pulled away enough to look up at me.

"I never did get a chance to tell you the reason I was whipped publicly."

"Ah yes. Something about treason right?"

I scoffed. "Hardly. Treason to my father,yes, not my country." I recounted the events of the day I discovered what my father was really hiding. He's taken Queen Rose of Rolon in order to provoke a war.

"This means humiliating myself in order to set foot back there, you know that right?"

She gave me a cheeky grin. "Oh but what a small price to pay to save all of humanity."