Chapter 42
William is the Queen’s adviser’s eldest son that’s why he knows things – profound knowledge of Ezmer’s district and its people, our crimes, but limited to what the Council had supplied his father – drug manufacturing and cultivation, assault, murder, obstruction of justice and perjury – and Kentron’s plan of seizing my dad.
But from the way he speaks and blankly reacts about our situation, I feel he knows more than what he’s supposed to know, I don’t know how but right now I don’t care.
“I can only take you until the market. You see Keesha, every power has their own limitations. I can only transport to places I’ve seen.” It’s contradictory to his plan of taking us to the farthest place in Ezmer.
“So you’ve seen Unda?”
“Yes on videos. Part of my father’s job is to know, assess and record all districts’ activities from time to time and thinking that I will follow his footsteps, he’s letting me meddle into his work.” He explains. My mom was once a Queen’s adviser, I wonder if she was as busy as William’s father.
“Then, does the Queen know about our market?”
“No. She doesn’t like to hear or know anything about Sapius. She said that your district is too little to cause any harm and too coward to threaten the peace of the country.” He then gives a wary smile. “But who would thought that Sages can cause such alarm to the Council. It may not be the Queen, but at least you’ve got someone’s attention, right?”
William transports me back to where my brother and Edward are resting. I made my mind to take all the blame and be selfless for once. But before I do that, I want to see their faces, memorise their smiles and embrace their breaking bodies.
“Hey.” I say. They’re both on their feet when I arrive. Edward injected my blood to James early this morning in plan to look for me. I’ve been gone for the rest of the night, of course they’ll worry.
James suddenly launches himself at me, relieve to see my thin, tired body. He notices my clothes and clean face but doesn’t say anything. I think there is no use in asking and wondering about little things when there’s so much bigger ahead of us to think. Edward just stares, assessing me. He must have sensed that I didn’t come alone. I asked William to stay hidden until I’m ready to go. I’m sure they wouldn’t trust a Kent or my decision to go back to Sapius.
“I should be the one protecting you, not the other way around.” James whispers, pulling my hair back. He looks more hurt in his human form than his beast’s. There’s a big deep wound in his left arm and his left leg is also pierced, but thankfully his wounds are not bleeding excessively.
“You are.” I assure him. “You always are”
James begins to scratch gently my lower back without saying anything. His fingertips slowly caress my back and I begin to feel calm. My mom’s voice echoes in my head, it’s okay honey.
“I’m tired James.” I whisper at my brother’s ears. My hands suddenly grip his body so tight that he let a small groan.
“It will be over soon.” He whispers back.
Both of us are startled from a loud cough from behind. “If I haven’t known you as siblings, I’d definitely think you two are lovers.” Edward forces to contain his laugh.
James pushes me quickly as he can and both of us give Edward a nasty look. The thought of James being my lover is so disgusting.
“I never hugged Valix goodbye.” He mumbles. His eyes stare blankly at the floor.
An awkward feeling instantly fills the whole building. It must be hard for Edward seeing James and I alive while his brother, the only family he has is now gone because of us.
“I’m sorry.” I apologize.
“Don’t be.” He says firmly.
We both run of words when William appears in a flash. “It’s time.” He informs.
Both James and Edward exchange looks, curious and alert at a Kent’s presence.
Leaving James and Edward here is not a good option either. Going to Sapius will definitely give them a head start but can they last a day running when they’re both injured and weak. I have to make sure their safety first before offering myself in prison. “Transport them first to a safe place before we go. Anywhere, but not Unda.” I order.
He doesn’t make an argument about it. He nods and stands between my brother and Edward. He places his hands on their shoulders and looks at me for confirmation.
“What’s going on Keesha?” James voices suddenly trembles.
I look both of them one last time and say. “I love you. Both of you.” Then, I nod at William and just like a pupped bubble, they’re gone.
