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It was like walking into a lion's den.

The room its self was absolutely breathtaking. The sides were lined with pure white pillars that stretched all the way to the ceiling, and in front of each pillar stood men standing tall with swords on their hips. The armour they wore was light, each embedded with a crest on the right side of their breastplates.

I couldn't see it well, but from what I could tell it was in the shape of a Dimond, split in half vertically with one side white and the other red. In the middle was what looked like a dragon head maybe? It was coloured yellow, the outline of it drawn with black. It could be the symbol of the kingdom, or just for the royal family not that I cared much.

The emblem appeared many more times throughout the room. On grey banners that hung from the large windows in which light filtered through to brighten the room, and on the dark red carpet that stretched from the door all the way to the base of the raised platform where the throne of a king was proudly presented. It was glorified, framed with gems and made with pure gold by the looks of it.

But honestly. How wealthy were these people to have such riches lining a fucking chair of all things? Sure, that place was where the king no doubt sat but in the end, it's a seat. It makes me wonder if the kingdom is just that well off where they could afford to decorate things like this so carelessly. Hopefully, the people aren't in poverty. . .

Now although the room looked like something out of a fairytale with how glamorous it was, my first thought was not about its beauty at all. The air within this large yet confining space was heavy. So heavy it could very well crush a small child's bones into dust. It's hard for me to breathe and it was like terror was gripping at my heart and squeezing it tightly.

Why is the tension so dense in here? Well, the answer laid in front of me. Remember how I mentioned the throne and all? Well, there was actually a man sitting on there and he may be the cause of this god awful atmosphere. For fuck's sake- if looks could kill. . .

His hair was blonde and face filled with wrinkles. He seemed like any old man if it hadn't been for his build. This guy was ripped. Even under the fancy armour and cape that he wore it was as clear as day. He's been through many battles no doubt. But other than his body, his eyes were another problem altogether. He didn't have the eyes of a king. Not one bit.

They were predatory. It was like he was trying to pick me apart piece by piece and take the bits he liked, throwing away the rest. Those horrid sharp green eyes never left mine the moment I entered the room. I was scared to look away. If I did I had this feeling that I'd-

I'd die.

I was so caught up in the authoritative man's gaze I hardly noticed that he was not the only one staring.

"Arso?"

My teacher seemed shocked to see me and so did many of my other classmates, all of them gazing upon me from where they stood at the bottom of the platform stairs. Although most looked very confused as if they didn't have a clue to who I was. It was understandable. I'm not a sociable kind of guy so I really doubt more than half of them know I'm even in their class. Still, seeing them all here was absolutely relieving although I didn't let it show. I made my way over and stood among them, sighing silently with ease.

It was only then that the intimidating ruler had started speaking. I wonder. . . Was he waiting for me to arrive? 'Well, no use in thinking about it. Just listen and pay attention.' I scolded.

"My name is Rolland Druet. I am the leader that oversees this kingdom and those who live within it." His voice projected through the room loud and clear and I felt my knees going weak. This man- he was powerful! No wonder he was king, he's so strong. However, after Rolland had introduced himself the guards around the room seemed to become iffy as they glanced at us newcomers who all remained in quite the shock from the king's voice.