Crossing Paths

20

Maven's POV
The clank of chains reverberated around the silent hall with each step I took. With the guards flanking me, my steps and their speed stayed consecutive. Always in time, because the guards didn't like to lag or lead me too far ahead. It was so...perfect that it made me want to squirm.
As we continued, I prayed for some change, for some abnormality in the robotic movement. I stared at the floor, dreading the moment when we finally stop walking. To stop thinking of this, I distracted myself with the area.
We weren't in the normal hallways. This looked to be some sort of secret passage. The floor intrigued me, not made of glass nor stone. In fact, it looked like topaz. I glanced up when I heard feet shuffle, a change to the melodic tapping of feet. Dorian turned his head and caught my eye briefly, but was shoved back around.
My hands clenched, my nails digging into my palm. We're in chains, obeying all they've said, and they think they can touch us?
"Permission to speak?" I bit out.
The man I asked looked to the king, and the older man nodded gruffly.
"May I ask why you've taken your son and your guest captive?" A gentle rush of cold wind passed us then . It was so faint that they perhaps didn't notice, but I did. It was Dorian's way of telling me to be careful. I must mind my tongue when around his father, and as we are already at his mercy, my life may depend on it. And his son's.

I took a shuddering breath to calm myself, awaiting the answer.
He turned swiftly, his cape billowing and I was now staring into his dark brown, almost black, judgmental gaze.
What does he know?
"I suggest you quit wondering where it is we are going, Prince Calore. You will know soon enough." He addressed, coming face to face with me. He expected me to flinch, to cower. That I know because of his gaze that seemed to squint at me, waiting for me to crumble. And then he looked at Dorian. Accusingly.
So I spoke.
"Perhaps if you had been acting like a King-" A hand shot out and struck my face, causing me to stumble and then the guards threw me on the floor when my feet splayed.

Dorian's POV
My father's hand contacted with his cheek and I saw red.
"Let go of him!" I thrashed against their grip, watching as they pulled him up just to throw him back down. Their grip felt like led but I fought.
"Filthy bastar-!"
"Dorian!" My father demanded. He glared at me and I glared back. If it weren't for my restraints I would've let my father know what being hit and humiliated felt like.
"You have no right to do this to us!" I seethed, my heart clenching at watching Maven bleed. He locked gazes with me, and I saw the fire being held back behind his eyes.
He is controlling himself, and I must too. This is my father, after all.
"Were you saying something?" He chided, his arms crossed.
I bit my lip, in hatred and to keep from screaming as the men holding me back dug their nails into my arms. Keeping me in place.
Like they are the boss of me.
Like it is right.
Like I am no longer who I am.
Even if I weren't, what gave them the right?
"You are nobodies!" I screamed, my attention focusing on the guards. "We are princes, you are merely guards-"
"And I am the King." My father mused. "Now, do shut up, will you?" He continued walking as if nothing were amiss.
As if this act isn't completely inhumane. As if he has every right to do this.

As if we deserve this.
Do we?

Maybe we do.
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Chaol's POV
Walking toward the stone castle was quite a task. My thoughts are still on Celaena, and as hard as I try, they will not go away.
She seemed so fragile, felt so delicate that it was hard to imagine her harming anything. Not even a fly.
Least of all murdering men for sport.

I shook my head, quickly banishing the thought. She has no choice. She hadn't then, and she won't now.
Getting her away from all this is the best thing, and yet is is impossible.
Because even if the King told her she is Lillian Gordaina, she is still Celaena Sardonthien, and you cannot forget a past like that if even one were to try.
My knuckles rapped on Dorian's door, knowing he has to be in there, and probably with Maven, because I already checked Maven's rooms and the library. Silence greeted me.
"Well, Dorian, I care for your well being, so you give me no choice." I hummed. Going into my pocket, I took out a key only I was given to open all rooms of the castle. I never had to use it before, and hopefully I will never have to again.
Everyone should have their own privacy, and that breaches that level of security. Of safety.
It creaked open, I and took easy steps inside. I am intruding, after all.
"Dorian, I've come to see if you're alright." I announced, entering his sleeping chambers cautiously.
My eyes scanned, but I didn't see either prince. Odd. So I eased toward the bathing room. Again, nothing.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. This concerns me, because they are no where to be found and there isn't a meeting or gathering being held because I was not informed.
Where are they?