Carmine (Completed)

Chapter 14

So that's what happened. It infuriated me to some extent, but it happened too quickly. They should have been in bloody confusion for a good while.  

“Not sure,” The King of Earthen said. 

I stepped forward. “King Johnson, I come to you as a humbled Princess not yet given the chance to speak on these terms.” 

His eyes widened. The woman moved closer to him. She was wearing a thick pinkish shroud that rolled off one shoulder and swept the back of her legs. It was under the knee, but she was of a lighter tone like me.  

He said, “Princess Carmine, to meet in these circumstances is unfortunate. Any men who dare to touch you, say the word and I will see to them dead in your name.” 

I looked back at Valor. He gave me a quizzical raise of his brow. Bishop Kello was smirking widely. I looked ahead and licked my lips. “Sir, I have not had the pleasure of finding out my enemy’s names, yet. I assume they start in Ascus. Someone does not want me to come home.” 

“Yes, you deserve to bury your father at least, but I am sure they would rather keep the power for themselves. I received a letter some days ago from the regent mother of her son, it was co-signed by two other officials. I do not know the boy’s name. But it was a decree of sorts, I say of sorts, because I cannot regard it a decree since they have no authority. But it was declaring this—boy as the leader of Ascus.” 

“The regent, sir?” 

“Lunia. The name sounds familiar to you?” 

“No, it does not.” I waved my arms forward in thought. At least I knew who was the most likely suspect, Lunia, where have I heard that name before?

I breathed out. “I am asking, King Johnson if I can get safe passage to my home. I would also like it if you could offer safe passage to my Terison friend imprisoned here to his northern family.”

I turned and gestured towards Valor when his cold eyes hit me. 

Ah, so that was it. He was pissed I went this route. Let him get angry. 

Like I was going to go with him anywhere. I need to get home. 

I faced the King. The impure Queen I presumed whispered in his ears. He did not react to her words. 

I continued, “I would like this request to be granted to me. I would be thankful.” 

“That is a dangerous request. If people want your head you might be walking into your own grave. That Terison however will not be my responsibility. I leave him to the Erot faithful.” 

I groaned at his words. True and there was the Tiam King, but I wanted to visit Ascus first and deal with my father's passing before I meet with my old love. “I, like my father. I do not run away. I may not be much of a leader in their eyes, but that is my country of birth and I desire to return to it.” 

“Why should I do this? I have no reason to oblige to this. Besides, how do I know you are who you say you are? You could be an impostor for all I know.”   

“My King, you acted cordially just a second ago...” 

“Acted, I was observing your request. You don’t feel like a Princess to me. Your curtsy is—deplorable.” 

I have not done it in ages old man! “I have lived much of my life beyond the crowns and jewels of my status. I was living on a hill near Kelwood for twelve years before my father’s death.” 

“How quickly you unlearn your birthright.” 

I gritted my teeth and choose swiftly to not retort about his distrust in me. My distraught was pushed down as he whispered something to his Queen. She might have given him doubt about me. Was she Asconian?