Chapter VIII.

25 5 0
                                    

The banquet was automatically thrown into chaos as guests started to panic. Some tried to help and while others panicked and left immediately. Even Charlotte Page had left the room, looking the most horrified of all. Lucien screamed out as another spasm of pain racked his body.

Evalyn: Augustus! Do something!

Augustus helped Lucien to his feet and supported him on one side and he quickly motioned to me.

Augustus: Arthur, see to our guests. I shall be done as soon as I can.

Arthur: Very good, my lord.

Augustus: Jasmin, please help me get Lucien to his bed.

Jasmin: Okay.

Augustus was clearly pleased that he did not had to argue with me. But more importantly, so is Lucien.

Lucien: T-Thank you.

His words came out quite weak, I helped Augustus to carry Lucien from the banquet hall and just as we managed to arrive in the entrance hall of the mansion, I briefly caught sight of Charlotte  just before she headed back to the kitchen. Is that fear in her eyes, or just sadness? Some of the guests are heading out of the front door while others were congregating in the entrance hall, who talked in hushed tones as I walk by them with both Lucien and Augustus. Augustus sighed with disappointment.

Augustus: This was not how my wife hoped her son's celebratory banquet would go. She is sure to be in a foul mood tonight.

Jasmin: Since when do you care about Evalyn?

Augustus: Oh please, don't get me wrong. It is not about caring her per se, but about the impact her sour disposition may have on me.

Jasmin: Got it, still selfish.

With Augustus's help, I carefully help Lucien upstairs. Despite my best efforts, the journey appeared to have taken a lot out of Lucien. He howled in pain once more.

Augustus: Your room is closer and he seems uncomfortable enough already. Let's put him in your bed.

I nodded. As we entered into my room, I helped Lucien into my bed. Just in time, he howled and clutched his stomach as another spasm of pain hits him.

Augustus: We make quite the team, I know we had a rocky start-

Jasmin: When you threatened me with a knife, you mean?

Augustus: That's right. However, I like to think that since then, we have become firm friends. So as a friend, I hope you will be honest with me. Has something happened to Amelie that I should know about? She seems different today- less interested in fulfilling my every desire.

Well, I don't want to tell him that Amelie might've fallen for Kurtis. If that's true, I don't want to be the person who would betray both Kurtis and Amelie's happiness for one another. The cost is too much, I don't want to risk it.

Jasmin: I've got nothing to tell you.

Augustus: Nothing at all? That's quite disappointing. I suppose my friendship does not mean much to you after all.

Friendship?! What planet is he on?!

Augustus: Now, I should get back to the party.

Augustus left the room, I turned to face Lucien whose face was deathly pale but I could see that there was a sense of hope glimmered ever so slightly in his pair of storm of gold colored eyes. Lucien reached towards me.

Lucien: P-please, hold my hand.

Lucien gratefully took my hand in his. His grip is so weak. 

The HourglassWhere stories live. Discover now