Half Complete

special chapter-1

Clarie's voice went on and on , mixing with the king's. The lady was fast asleep , her breathing smooth and calm. I was content to sit and listen. I was never much of a talker anyway. It was more pleasing to listen to Clarie's explosive words.Her hyperactive voice and the way it rose with joy and sank with despair intriguied me . How I wish to see the girl behind it!It was amazing to see her growth, from that timid, bitter thing from years ago to the personality she was now.There was a fire ,a flame inside her that changed from a stifling heat hot enough to sear your flesh to the glowing embers of a dying flame, refusing to give up the flair inside.

Steffan's voice interupted my thoughts.He was earnest but nervous.There was a slight tremble in his tone as though he was sacred to talk. Clarie called him arrogant and I'd overhear the village girls fawning over his so called good looks.He was considered a player.I'd faked sleep in the carriage, despite almost chocking with my grief.No...Don't think about him.I had to control, not let anybody know my feelings.Dorian just was another person who joined the long list of those who left me.

Clarie squeezed my hand.She was on an edge too.I forced my distracted mind to concentrate on Steffan's words.His speech amazed me.But do I even believe in myself?And if i agree, would I only drag Clarie down?

When we finally got out of the room he placed his hand on my shoulder."How's the hand, kid?" his deep voice reached my ear. "It's fine, now"I said.The bandages had greatly reduced the pain and I was on edge.I was a confusing ball of emotions now and I was itching for some way to vent my stress.

"Up for a spar then?Or sacred that I'd wipe your arse?"He said.I was shocked.The King speaking in such a common tongue?"Ummm...okay"I replied warily."That's super"He said ,thumping my back.I coughed, he was strong for sure.He then proceeded to take my arm and drag me after him.

"Are you sure you're not sacred kid?I know you act brave around the ladies but 'll keep quiet if you decide to act like a coward."He said in a consending tone.One that I had heard a thousand times from the soldiers who had tried to harass me when Dorian wasn't around.Well i'll show him.I was not like Clarie.I just listen to their words silently and make them eat them later.

"Kid, you there?" he asked me.I just gave one of the smiles that Clarie says is secretive at him.My attitude generally unnerved people a lot and I liked it.The only person who could speak with me normally was Clarie."I'm all ready sire"I said emphasising the 'sire' part.

He huffed and pulled me along."Ya got your weapons with ya,right?And didn't I tell you to stop with that sire crap? huh?"His tone suddenly changed and his grip seemed a bit relaxed too, as if he had shed a mask.

" Steffan, please don't take offence but do you always change your mannerisms? " I asked hesitantly. Kind or not, he had the power to cut off my head if he was annoyed with me.
The man laughed."Oh kid! Such a pure one..... and that too a boy! No wonder Kat alloys you to walk with her sister! I just can't believe it! You're a bit of a prude, ain't cha?"
I stiffened and felt blood rushing to my cheeks. Claire used to call me that, tease me that I was more reserved than her. God! The king was as annoying as Clarie said. But what have I got to lose?

I felt my lips curve upward."I've got that on more than one occasion. But isn't it unbecoming for the king to use a commoner's tone?" I snickered then shut up. There was no need for the king to see my real self and his 'kid' talk was starting to get on my nerves.

"Ah yes , kid . I always preferred fighting to politics, much less dirty. Spent too much time with the soldiers and used to sneak out of the palace a lot, ya know? The ladies like it when I talk this way." He said and I could actually feel that stupid grin on his face. He was gruff and seemed to be tall and well built from his voice and footsteps. He seemed to care for lady Katrine and him irritating Clarie was funny. But I should really stop thinking of her.

He came to a stop."We're here! ", he said. We were in the middle of a field by the sound of the wind. " Ready kid? " His voice came. I took a deep breath and wrapped the bandages around my hand tightly. Then I felt for the daggers hidden in my long sleeves. They fell into my arms. I whirled them and bent my knees a little, dropping into a fighting stance. I really needed this outlet or I'd go crazy. "I was born ready" I whispered.

There was a clang as Steffan drew his swords. "We'll see about that" and charged. His steps were light but not inaudible. I swiftly moved to the right as his sword came down inches away from my body. I blocked his strike with my daggers. He was strong, really strong. His breathing was even and steps unhurried. An uppercut , parry , turn, swwop , duck. He was good , insanely so. I made myself drown in the perpetual darkness as the sounds became more clearer.

I faked to the left and left my right flank open. He took the bait! I was about to strike when....no that was not a sword's sound. I jumped and blocked his strike to my right and kicked the stick or whatever it was that he threw at me away. We separated and stood. He was breathing calmly and was trying to be as quiet as possible but it was enough for my sensitive ears.

I rushed forward , my daggers swiping a deadly arc and crouched and swept one leg in a half circle. Thump! A muffled curse. Yes! He fell down. I jumped on him, my daggers pointing at his neck." Yield" I hissed.

"Oh really? " he said and tapped the back of my neck with something sharp. The man had maneuvered himself to point a concealed dagger at me. "Fine" I said and flopped on the ground. I was breathing heavily. He sure was good at this.
"That was a great spar."he said. His tone was pensive, thoughtful. "I had a younger brother,died along with my ma in childbirth. Father was devastated. He lost his mind with grief and became almost a raving lunatic in the end. I think I lost my entire family that day. So lad, I do know what it feels like to lose someone, see?"

I gulped, my throat suddenly stinging. The things I said in my rage..... Dorian would've been disappointed. "I.... I don't know what to say" I said in a low voice. " Saying sorry won't help and..and.."

"Oh , it's okay" he said and put his hand on my shoulder. " Your family are the people who help you the most , not the ones you have a blood bond with. Blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb after all.As long as you have your friends to help you, no sorrow becomes unbearable. "His tone changed and I could practically feel the mischief radiating off him.

"After all, you're quite chummy with that Clarie kid ,ya want to make her your own family, heh?" I felt my cheeks grow hot. That man! But Clarie was......she just thought of me as her brother. And even if she liked me, she was a noble. There was no way she could go with a bastard like me.
"No wonder Clarie growls when she swes you . You're such an idiot old man!" I said hiding how his words really affected me.

"Old Man? You impudent brat!" I felt a tug on my hair. "I'll have you know that I'm just 28 and not at all old, got it? "
I laughed out loud. "Well you're the king and Kings are supposed to be old and grumpy. "He didn't say anything. It was silent.

"Steffan, you there? I felt someone messing with my hair. "What is with you and my hair" I screamed jumping to the side. But I landed on a stick or something and slipped. With a yell, I fell down.

That idiot's loud guffaws could be heard a mile away. "Little help, blind person here." I said dryly.

"Hey kid, don't say that like it's some kind of curse. And one more thing. Don't blame yourself over Dorian's fate. You have to move on. That's life. It's hard. Thw world is cursed. But you still have to find reasons to go on." He said.

This man was strange. But he was nice. Dear God, don't take him away if I let myself get close to him. Lady Katrine doesn't deserve that fate. Please don't let my curse transfer to him.

"Fine, you silver tongue. You've won me over. I'll help you if Clarie decides to join you. After all my first duty is to protect her." I said.

He patted my back. "Come it's late, let's go" and took my hand. I decided to let him help me. Maybe it was time I leant to depend a little on others. No matter what I couldn't protect Clarie all alone by myself. I'll do anything even if it meant sacrificing my pride and anxiety. Steffan seemed a good man. I took a deep breath. "Could you take me to the balcony first? " I asked. .....

Hey!!!! Sorry it's been such a long time. Ciel's ch was so difficult to write. But I wanna know how it was. Shout out to atroxity.. Thanks so much for your cover.... Please vote and comment.