Kingdoms In Ruling <Jamilton>

Chapter Eight..."Oh, my~"/

lol

•••

\Reynolds POV/

I was absolutely terrified.

It took me a moment to realize that I was lost. The trees looked unfamiliar, but then again, I'd only ever stayed in the kitchen.

I didn't know where the river was. I didn't know where the people were. I didn't know if the King was still alive. Rogues might've gotten to him, migh'tve taken him and-

I froze in place when a thought rushed into my mind. Memories.

Her.

Maria and I, both of us young and hopeful, holding hands as we dance along the street.

Maria looking up at me with adoration, holding a small bundle in her arms.

Me peeking around a corner to see our daughter, Susan, chasing Maria and giggling loudly.

The memories full of hope and love soon faded away, leaving the most broken ones.

A body found at the bottom of the lake. A young girl, with bloody marks around her throat and wrists. The culprit was never found.

Maria locking herself in the bathroom when I found out. She was supposed to be taking care of her, but she lost our daughter, my daughter.

Maria crumpled on the floor with black eyes and broken limbs, my chest heaving and my hands bloody.

The day Maria disappeared, leaving me to rage, alone.

She turned into a fucking rogue.

It was her fault my daughter died. Yet, I still love her. She just needs to be disciplined.

It was her fault.

She killed my daughter.

I love her.

I love her, and so I must punish her.

•••

\Thomas POV/

When I finally arrived at the river, my people were fine. Nobody was hurt, just a few lost kids here and there that went the wrong way in the woods, but otherwise, everything was okay.

"See," Eaker huffed beside me, out of breath from trying to keep up with my long legs. "They're fine. See?"

"Yes, I have eyes." I snapped, pushing him aside. I heard him mutter something under his breath before stalking off, but I didn't care. I hated him, why did I ever appoint him to lead my army?

I surveyed the area. My people looked lost, their eyes lifeless. Mothers were nursing their children, trying to calm them down, to kiss the pain the licks of fire left behind on them. It wasn't working.

I heard wheezing from behind me, and saw James. He was hunched over with his hands on his knees, struggling to breathe.

"Shit," I quickly went to him and held him close as he took deep, ragged breaths. "You okay, Mads?"

James pushed me away with a small huff after calming down, nodding once, looking around. "M-...Maria? Come the fuck out, will you?"

I heard a snicker and saw the supposedly captured rogue step out from behind a tree, her dress seeming to be in worse shape than before. She looked unfazed from the cold stare I gave her.

"James-"

"We couldn't just leave her in that cell!" James bit out, seeming to have expected what I was going to say. I growled softly, crossing my arms. James mimicked me.