Bright One | Empire of Blood and Swords Series

35. Latibule

-35-
-Latibule-

It's been a month since the interrogation. The attacks and dahmatis died out, thanks to the help of the Eldars. But the royals still have to go around double-checking the cities and towns, offering water, food or gold. They spend most their days going to tend the people's needs, building their houses and donating for the healers to find a cure. I could only watch as they walk out of the castle before the sun rise and walk home when the sun has set hours ago.

Ava, however isn't doing so well. Saoirse told us at dinner that Herman sent a letter regarding the situation in Ava. Attacks increased, towns and cities held under siege. Their people are in fear, unable to cooperate when told to. We need a cure for the dahmatis' poison, and fast.

"At this rate, they'll lose money and soldiers," Paul said.

Kim sighed. "We're already facing a lot right now. Can't help them even if we want."

"You want to help them, brother? Jimenez kicked us out, he'd not have the face to have us aid him," Sun argued.

"How many men does he have left?" Sapphire asked.

Saoirse sighed and stabbed her food. "I don't know. Not enough to last if this keeps going on for a few more moons."

And after dinner—yes, I started eating with them again. I couldn't bear Connie's absence, and I was quite lonely—Seth brought me to the castle garden. As I left my seat, I turned back to look at the people I've grown attached to. Their faces were full of wary for the possible future attacks.

But the entire time eating, Suzie's eyes were shooting daggers, her lips bent deeply. She munched on her food like she was eating her enemy's fingers. The saddest part was that no one noticed, they talked and chatted about war and politics. Little did they know their youngest princess was breaking into pieces.

We walked through the other door, not able to pass through the throne room since it brings back memories of Athos. Speaking of Athos, Thompson decided it would be best if he started doing some housework to redeem himself. And he would start by grooming the horses and cleaning their dung.

But either way, he started to regain the royal's trust.

The castle garden was full of beautiful plants and trees. All of them looks healthy and strong, except for that one dead plant on the way in. Seth only shrugged it off saying it was one of the older plants his siblings planted. This was the first time I got to wander around the castle grounds, since on one else is in the castle these few weeks. The maids and guards were anxious about their family members, so the royals sent them back.

It was kind of them, to think of other's families. And I felt warm down in my heart.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"There's a small pool somewhere, surrounded by trees," he said, pulling me with him. "I'd like you to see it."

We walked pass some trees. If I didn't know better, I'd say we were in a forest. The sound of rippling waters pulled my attention. We walked into a clearing, and the waters were topaz-blue, glowing even. Koi fishes swam around the pool, spluttering away when I got too close.

I turned back to see Seth sitting on the grass, so I sat beside him.

"What is this place?" I asked.