WonderWall (Completed)

Chapter 3: Silver lining

"Father asked to see her," Xavier stated, smoothly stepping in front of Ebony, blocking the guard's view of her.

The guards cautiously lower their weapons, keeping their trained gazes on Xavier.

"Your father is attending to your mother, Your Highness."

A muscle in Xavier's jaw twitched, causing Ebony to wonder why. What was he angry about?

Ebony's eyes traveled down to his hand, now clenched into a tight ball, before it slowly relaxes.

"Could you please tell him that Miss Blackfoot has arrived?"

The second guard locks eyes with Xavier before motioning for the others to open the door. The other three men push the double doors open and step aside.

"Wait in the drawing room, your highness."

The second guard's eyes travel down Ebony's body before resting on her face. His thin lips morph into a cruel smile, making Ebony squirm under his scrutinizing gaze. She doesn't protest as Xavier cups her elbow and leads her into the castle. Disgusted shivers ran up and down her arms at the sound of the guard licking his lips. Instinctively pulling her cloak tighter around her, she let Xavier guide her until they reach what she assumed to be the drawing room.

Ebony's eyes widened not for the first time that day at the sight before her. Thick, red, velvet curtains hung from the ceiling high rods, draped over impossibly long windows. Five intricate golden chairs, with blood red velvet cushions sat in a circle around the crystal-clear table resting on three golden legs. Her eyes traveled down to her muddy boots sinking into the lush forest green thick carpet. A thought crossed Ebony's mind; though she was the Haven's most notorious and sought-after thief, she had never robbed a place as nice as this.

Xavier beckoned for her to sit in the chair at his side. She obliged, for she hadn't the slightest idea what else to do. Settling into the seat, she laid her fingers on the armrest, her fingernails caked with dirt, an unsettling contrast to the luxurious room. I don't belong here, she thought. She was snapped out of her daze as the sound of footsteps echoed on the stairs.

A middle-aged man with a slightly wrinkled forehead and tousled grey hair appeared at the bottom, offering Ebony a warm smile. As he reached up a hand to rub his jaw, she noticed his bruised hand. Flecks of something red speckled his knuckles, resembling paint splatters on a painting of the dawn sky. She was considering whether or not it was blood when Xavier stood up and came to position himself behind her chair.

The man reached Ebony and offered her his hand. She took it and immediately determined it was blood on his knuckles. She knew how it felt all too well. The hairs on the back of her neck stood guard as all of her senses went on high alert.

"Welcome to Silver Lining, Miss Blackfoot," the King said as Ebony slipped her hand out of his.

The King motioned for Ebony to sit again before placing himself in the chair opposite her and daintily crossing his legs. After a moment of taking in Ebony's appearance, the King leaned back into his chair.

"I've been watching you for a long time," he stated.

Ebony folded her arms cautiously as he pulled something out of his pocket.

"Recognize this?" he asked, flipping open the compact mirror.

Her eyes grew wide. "That's..."

A smile played on the King's lips.

"It is what brought you here, by way of the Wonderwall."

Looking down at the mirror, the King continued.