The Return

Chapter 8

The man sat on the balcony and let hot, stale air blow against his face. He was lanky with chestnut curls and chalky-grey eyes. He had sharp features that could send a chill down anyone's spine, even in the blistering heat.

"Master," said a plump, blonde woman that walked onto the balcony, "wouldn't you like to come inside and get out of this dreadful heat." The man smiled a cruel smile that was filled with pointed teeth and took a deep breath. It was strange that he didn't gag. The air was heavy with the stench of pollution and bodies.

"No, I think that I'm fine out here, but call the boys out. We have some business to discuss."

"As you wish, master," said the maid with a hand over her mouth and nose. A few moments later, 2 young men came out onto the balcony and stood on either side of the man. They looked just like him, but both of them had brown eyes.

"You called, father?" said the older of the two men.

"Yes, we have business to discuss." His words were smooth and his tone was laced with venom. The older of the 2 straightened up while the younger one played with the hem of his dark shirt.

"Is it about the girls? Are they on their way here now?" questioned the older man eagerly. His father let about a sigh and growled.

"No, they aren't, because the two idiots I hired let the first one get away. Well, one gave his life and the other was captured."

The younger of the two let out an aggravated sigh.

"I told you to let me pick the men for the mission, but no one ever listens to me." whispered the younger man harshly. A small, sly smile crept across their father's face.

"Don't worry, the girls won't be coming soon because we must go and get them ourselves. Even though one of my men are captured, he is still useful. Don't underestimate his tricks. Tell the maids to go and pack your bags up and start preparing you for travel. I'm sure that you've both missed your cousins very much. Now go." And with that, his sons when inside to start preparing for the trip. The blonde maid came back outside.

"Your highness, the boys have started preparing for the trip. Would you like to go inside and prepare as well." It took him a few moments to answer, for he was staring off into the distance. Looking through the thick smog and past all of the outlines of the Lords' homes, he saw a small village. They had small, dome-shaped houses with holes in the front for entrance. They were made of hay and chunks of wood. He made a mental note that when his nieces arrived, he would make sure to pass that village before entering the capital city of Runia and Runia Palace.

"Yes", he said sharply,"please draw me a bath and pack my things, then we can leave.

"As you wish, King Wilhelm." And with that, he headed inside his chamber to prepare the next stage of his plan.

A/N: Sorry for such a short chapter, but I wanted to give an extra bit of information. This will give you a peek into what's going on with the king. I hope you enjoyed and I will try to start updating more.
~Hannah