The Twilight Line

Chapter 7 Aftermath

A/N: This is the second chapter in a single night. That's not easy to pull off so I expect to see some votes and comments. I also hope this makes up fire the slow updates lol. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!!

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Chapter 7

The King’s Chambers May 1, 2786 8:40 a.m.

Krys smirks. So Laney has requested to see him. He chuckles to himself. He knew she’d come to him. He sensed their connection. Though he was ashamed by how he handled himself the last time he was sure this time would be different. She may not know it yet, but she is his.

A knock interrupts his thoughts, “Enter!” A small man opens the door. His personal assistant wasn’t built well, nor was he attractive. However, he got the job done. “What is it?” He trembles as he hands me a message, “It’s concerning on of the students. A Lady Hostetler.” I rip the envelope open. The news inside is troubling, but the timing is impeccable.

“Thank you, Wesley. You may go now.” He bows and exits the room. I stare at the letter with concern. This may put a kink in my plans, but she has a right to know. I only hope she can handle it. I toss the letter on a desk and attempt to push it out of my head. Instead I fill my head with thoughts of Laney. She is truly an attractive young woman. Her eyes are exotic with one purple and the other green. They stand out, but they do not outshine her true beauty.

Yet another knock disturbs me, “What now?!” Wesley enters again, “I’m sorry sire. There is a man here demanding to see you. It is the Earl of the Grey Line, Lord Hostetler.” Interesting. Laney’s father pays a visit he same day I am to see his daughter. “Bring him in.” I dismiss him with a wave and he scurries away.

Moments later I am greeted by the man himself, “Your highness, thank you for seeing me on such short notice.” I motion for him to be seated. He moves with confidence, but I can tell it is just an act. Beneath he is deeply shaken. “What can I do for you Earl?”

“I have a request. I wish to see my daughter.” I am not surprised by this. He wouldn’t be the first concerned parent to ask such a thing. Normally it is refused immediately, but I take a moment to consider it. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt anything. She is to be visiting me this afternoon. Once we are done speaking I will arrange a meeting.” His relief is evident. All at once his confident exterior is broken. He truly loves her, and I am filled with envy. “Now, I have matters to attend to. I will send a man to collect you when it is time.”

He bows, “Thank you sire. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” I ignore him and he leaves. My mind wanders again, but I can no longer ignore the troubling news I must deliver to Laney. I can’t help but wonder how she will handle this.

Potentia Academy 12:30

As the final bell rings I step out to be greeted by a group of knights. “My lady, the king has granted your request. We are to escort you to him.” I nod at the men, “One thing first, I must change. If you will follow me to my chambers.” I leave without giving them a chance to refuse. There is no way I am meeting the king in my uniform. Besides, I have to let Laya know what is happening.

Students gawk and whisper as I lead the group of men through the halls. I imagine this is a spectacle. Once I arrive at my chambers the knights attempt to follow me in, “I don’t think so. You wait here.” The largest of the men speaks in a gruff voice, “My lady, we are ordered to stay by your side.” I glare at him, “I don’t think you need to watch me change, unless that is you are some kind of pervert.” He blushes and it seems awkward on such a man.

“My lady,” He bows and I enter my room. Laya is waiting with lunch. “I ordered the roast for you. I know it’s one of your favorites.” I push the plate away, “No time. My request is accepted. Find me something nice to wear for the king.” She gawks for a moment, “You mean you were accepted in a day? That’s unusual.”