The Story of Justice

Chapter 26: Threats and Promises

Three hard knocks could be heard on the large oak wood door.

"Enter."

Demetri stepped inside, using his long legs to stride towards the desk that his father was sat behind.

He knew why he'd been called but feigned ignorance.

"You called for me?"

"Has she told you anything more since our little talk?"

He was referring to Justice.

It had been some weeks since her incident with the witch.

After Luc had informed them that Justice was awake, Demetri all but ran to see her.

He'd be lying if he said he hadn't been worried. Hell, they all had been. Demetri especially felt responsible for what had happened to her and he would've never lived with himself had she been seriously hurt.

He had checked on her and then let her rest for a day or so before questioning her on what had happened. He knew that his father was aware of what happened and would want answers. He wanted to get in there first so that if he needed, he could protect her.

But she barely remembered anything. She spoke of how the witch had grabbed her and tried to show her something and how she had felt a force in her mind but got scared and blocked it out like she usually does. Then when she had exerted all her energy, she passed out.

And that was exactly what she had told his father when he'd requested an audience with her. She'd told him what she could remember but the king just couldn't seem to let it go ...

Nevertheless, Demetri was glad to see that she was unphased by everything that had happened to her. Nothing seemed to shake this girl, he had noticed. Nothing except Luciano.

Demetri often wondered what had happened between the two of them while they had been alone for all that time.

Luc had been acting strange.

He was tamer than usual. He'd gone several days without losing his temper and was doing what he was asked when he was asked to.

He made appearances with Justice when he needed to. Accompanied her to etiquette classes if when he wasn't needed to and even made sure she had an escort whenever she left the castle grounds.
Granted, he was still as cold towards her as he usually was, but that didn't stop her from yearning for his attention.

Demetri almost rolled his eyes at the very thought of it. Instead, he fixed his gaze upon his fathers stern face and answered the question.

"No sir. She is still quite adamant that she doesn't remember anything."

He watched his father stroke his chin in thought and growl to himself.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because," his father leaned forward clasping his hands together. "The girl lies, Demetri."

There was a malicious tone to that last statement that Demetri didn't like.

"What do you mean?" His brow furrowed. "If she says that's what happened then that's what happened."

"Don't be an idiot," His father spat. "She stood before me and lied through her pretty little teeth. Do you honestly think that the witch would've slit her throat had she believed the girl would not remember anything she'd seen?"

Demetri was unconvinced.

"But if she was lying, surely you would've have been able to see the truth?"