Dawn of Arcane Destiny

Chapter Thirteen

Well they weren't beheaded, so that was a plus.

Caelum and Drayce made their way up the stairs to Lillia's quarters. Drayce knocked on the door and they waited for an answer.

After a moment, the door was opened a crack. It was Lillia's lady's maid.

"What be ye needin'?" She asked in her slight Slavhokam accent.

"I would like to talk to Lillia." Drayce said.

"She doesn't want to be seein' anyone." The girl said.

"I think she'll see me." Drayce said.

"Forgive me, Highness Shalddwell, but ye are the last person she wants to be seein'."

"What about me?" Caelum asked. "Would she be willing to talk to me for a moment?"

The girl looked back and closed the door. A moment later the door opened again. "She said she'll see you for a moment. Make sure ye be makin' it brief."

Drayce gave Caelum a look as he passed him. "I'll be right back." Caelum whispered.

The door closed behind them. Drayce took to leaning on the wall. In a moment he'd be telling them his most closely guarded secret. Should he tell them everything?

The door opened a few minutes later. Caelum exited and Lillia was behind him. She wore a simple day dress. She avoided Drayce's eyes. They made their way to the library.

***

This was the last place that Lillia wanted to be, but she was intrigued. Something weird had happened at the betrothal dinner and Caelum said that Drayce had answers. So, even through she wanted to throttle Drayce, she had to hear what he had to say.

They entered the library. Drayce turned on the guards and the servants in the room to leave immediately or he'd have their heads.

"Do you think that was a little harsh?" Caelum asked him.

"Nah. I would never actually behead someone for annoying me. Unlike my Uncle. Caelum, I think we barely escaped his study with out lives!" Drayce responded collapsing into a chair.

Lillia and Caelum took their seats as well.

"Well?" Lillia said curtly. "I came here for answers. What is it?"

"Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today." Drayce said. He had a teasing glint in his eyes, but Lillia was not in the mood.

Caelum coughed. "Better get on with it Drayce."

Drayce seemed to get fidgety. "Should I go get a snack first? I'm famished! I—"

"Drayce spill it." Caelum said.

Drayce sighed, resigned. "You both have to understand that my secret has gotten people killed. I don't want anyone else dying because of my mistakes." He said grimly.

Lillia glanced over and saw Caelum's face darken. "Drayce, is that how..."

Drayce nodded. "The story I've told. The story they broadcasted, about my parent's death is completely false."

"Would you both please stop talking all mysterious and tell me what in Zavian's name is going on?" Lillia demanded.

Drayce looked down at his hands. He actually looked... He looked heartbroken.