Derrick

Three.

This chapter has 870 words in it, and probably contains countless spelling errors because it is currently 1:47 in the morning and I've been up with the stomach bug since yesterday night. I've been alternating between writing some of the chapter, getting sick, and groaning about getting sick, and then writing a little more. Therefore, the chapter may seem a little patchy, and it does take a big shift near the end, but please bear with it. It is completely necessary, I promise :')

Thank you for reading, and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukka, Happy Monday, and Happy Any-Other-Holiday you may or may not be celebrating!

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On the seventh day, Derrick insisted I stay in his office with him until it was time to leave. I sprawled across a couch against the wall, not bothering to be ladylike. I highly doubted his ability to get angry on the much anticipated day that he'd planned so meticulously. He spent the first part of the day filling out numerous forms and taking calls, making sure his kingdom would stay in order while he was away.

I allowed myself to doze. I must've fallen completely asleep, because in what seemed like seconds, I was being shaken awake.

"It's time." He said. "I need to go pack things for you and I. My private guard will escort you to your room, where you'll be helped into your hunting gear."

My heart thudded unsteadily, and I nodded and stood.

Just as I reached the door, Derrick's phone rang. There was a moment of confused silence, and Derrick eyed the phone suspiciously. It rang again, loud and shrill, and he walked over and grabbed it.

He stared at the desk as whoever was on the other line spoke, nodding to himself here and there. Suddenly, his gaze snapped to mine. He stared at me, his eyebrows drawn over his eyes, and spoke quietly into the phone. After a few long minutes, he muttered something else and placed the phone back on its base. 

"Gavin," He said without breaking our stare. "We need to make a stop along the way. You, Elizabeth and I will break off east at Trinton, and head to Gresial. Let our men know."

The guard, Gavin, left immediately. Derrick continued to stare at me, and I stared at him.

"There's a kingdom, east of mine." He murmured, his voice low and dangerous. He jerked his chin towards the couch, wordlessly ordering me to sit. I did. Derrick rarely got so mad he was calm, and when he did, it was a different kind of evil. Worse than breaking things and physical abuse.

"Somewhat recently, a new king has ascended the throne by vote of the people. I knew his predecessor well. But I do not know this man, and I do not know if he intends to uphold the trade agreement the previous ruler created with me." He still spoke quietly, an edge of anger in his voice.

"His kingdom is quite larger than mine, so you understand my worry about our trade being cut off."

I nodded, wary. 

"Because he knows just as much about me as I know about him, it's a surprise that he knew how to contact me. But surely you understand that as well. Being contacted by someone you don't know, but knowing that that someone could ruin everything you are."

I nodded again, slower, not understanding where he was going but getting the reference. At Lake Village this was the exact case with Sebastian.

"None of that shocks me as much as the actual call itself. Would you like to know what the most surprising thing about it was?" He asked softly.

I was certain that I didn't want to know what the most surprising thing was. I had the familiar feeling of nervousness in my gut, and my brain was noting the way he looked at me like a predator looked at its prey. 

"I'm not sure," I said slowly, carefully. His eyes flamed lividly, and he trembled very slightly.

Derrick crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes, his gaze never once leaving my face. A lock of his auburn hair brushed his forehead, making him look boyish. Despite the hatred I held for him, the look was strangely endearing.

There was a quiet knock on the door, and Derrick jerked his head to the side. Suddenly, the door shot open, and I shrunk back in my seat, horrified.

"Did you-"

"We're leaving." He spat, seething. I stared at the guard, Gavin, wide-eyed, desperate for an answer. He didn't meet my eyes. I stayed where I was, my heart beating wildly.

"Elizabeth." Derrick snapped. He held out a hand, and I took it, afraid of what would happen if I didn't. He yanked me to my feet and pushed me in front of him.

As he forced me forward, my thoughts raced.

Did he open that door? He didn't even touch it!

I let the seamstress dress me in a confused haze. There was no way that kind of thing was possible. People couldn't just move things with a jerk of their head. 

The outside air brought me some clarity. As we made our way to our horses, I deliberated.

He had massive strength. He could hear for miles. I'd never actually witnessed him eating anything; did he need to? He moved a door without touching it. He was extremely fast. 

What was he?

Derrick wordlessly spread his hands, palms forward, and took a step toward me. I didn't protest as he lifted me onto the horse and seated himself behind me, grabbing the reins.

"Pay attention." He said simply. I made sure to watch his hands as he nudged my horse into motion. Gavin led the way, and soon, the palace began shrinking as we departed.

Derrick pressed his lips against my ear as we rode, and I froze.

"The most surprising thing," He whispered, "Is that the new king asked for you."