Green embers

chapters 38 - 40

Chapter 38

It felt like I’ve slept for days when I woke up. It was night from the looks of it and so I stayed lying down till morning, thinking of everything that happened the other day. To me it was a great experience and at the same time; a dream. By the time the light outside my room changed to brighter colors, I got up, dressed up, took the bandage off my forehead yet still running the details of the battle in my mind. Before I left my room, I noticed my sword on the table. I realized I needed to bring it back and dispose of my clothes to make sure nobody would know of my little escapade. However, I looked at the sword for the longest of time, wondering what kind of strength it possessed to be able to shatter the general's sword. I came up blank right until I took the sword and brought it back to Haku's room, leaving it where I found it. It occurred to me that maybe Haku left his spirit in his sword to guide me. Wasn’t he always saying that he sees me a king? Immediately, I shook my head. The idea just sounds impossible.

I hid my battle clothes under Haku's bed and after that I went downstairs, ready for breakfast. However as I reached the bottom of the stairs, someone called my name. I turned around and there were two men towering over me. They were wearing the king's royal guard uniform.

''Your highness, his majesty the king wishes to speak with you.'' one of them said. I swallowed. This was unusual. My father has never done anything like this before. Does he want to have breakfast with me?

''All right,''

The men stepped aside as I walked between them. To my surprise they headed toward the throne room. ‘Perhaps he isn’t in the mood for breakfast.’ I thought.

The first thing I noticed as I entered through the gold doors was none other than Reif. His back was to me, and he stood between two of my father's guards. In front of him was my father, sitting on the throne and sipping a glass of wine. To his right stood Conrad and to his left stood Merek. As I approached, I started to wonder at this strange gathering, made even more stranger by my addition. I walked until I stood adjacent to Conrad. The two men stood behind me. No one had looked up at me when I entered, not even Reif. I looked at Conrad's face and he sure looked anxious. I wished at that moment I could read his mind so that I would know what was going on. I then noticed my father glance at me.

''Good morning, f...'' I was about to say when he interrupted me.

''The only reason I brought you here,'' father said, looking at his glass. ''Is because I know this boy is lying to me.'' He pointed to Reif. ''However, knowing that you fear me, I will without a doubt know the truth.''

I swallowed. I looked back and forth between him and Reif, who was looking at the ground.

''I don’t understand.'' I said. I noticed Merek grin.

''You disobeyed me, Hatsuharu.'' father said; his tone wary. ''You sneaked out into battle yesterday and fought, even though I’ve made it a law that forbids you to do such an act. I never thought you’d actually give me a reason to punish you.'' He said, almost amazed. ''Are you that desperate for my precious attention that you’re willing to risk the infliction of pain and death at my hands just for a gentle touch from me? How naïve!'' he shook his head. ''And truly befitting no son of mine. I suppose that’s what makes you dispensable to me. Do deny it…if I'm wrong.'' He said smoothly.

I couldn’t think as I trembled like a leaf. He’s really willing to kill me? Punish me to death? How did he know about me sneaking to battle to begin me? Who told him? Was it Reif?

‘Of course not,’ I thought. That was the only question I could answer. I looked up, trying to figure out the situation when my eyes landed on my half-brother and his cheeky grin. ‘He knew. He saw Reif walk out of my room. He probably even heard everything. It was his footsteps I heard. It was him who told on me. It was him who...’ all this thoughts made the situation fall into place. I then realized why Reif was here. Merek had put him in trouble. He didn’t just tell on me. He told on Reif too. I know exactly what to do now...