I Ignored the Protagonists, Now They're After Me

Ch 13

Staring at the doors with the intent of trying to find a way in, I didn't notice a presence behind me. So when I heard a gentle cough, my heart jumped as I whipped my head to see who called for my attention.

A friendly, older face that held a polite smile came into my vision. I was stumped at his appearance as he bowed towards me.

"Lady Maerie," he greeted, "It's been about five years since I last saw you. I'm glad to see that you've returned to the palace."

I continued to gaze at him, trying to place a name on his face.

"Sir... Albert...?" I mumbled, unsure if I spoke correctly.

Sir Albert brightened considerably. "Yes, My Lady. I'm honored that you managed to remembered an old face like mine."

His smile widened while I awkwardly returned one back, nodding my head at his words.

"You took care of me, I wouldn't forget Sir Albert." Fleeting memories passed through my mind, faint and hazy.

I barely remembered his face, if I'm being honest. The last time we've met was five years ago. No one can blame me even if I hadn't remembered.

"Lady Maerie, what are you doing outside of the Throne Hall?" Sir Albert continued to speak, not letting me delve into my thoughts any longer.

I paused, my gaze bouncing between Sir Albert and the big oak door. A lightbulb lit inside my head as I demurely appealed to Sir Albert.

"Fredrick and Allen were trying to show me something, but I lost them," I said in a distressed tone, stomping my foot, "I think they went inside cause Fredrick's dad is in there."

Sir Albert took a look at the door and seemed troubled. "That's odd. The door is locked because His Majesty is in a meeting with Captain Reynolds. I don't think the Young Masters are suppose to be inside."

"Right? They just left me here and went in without me," I continued indignantly, "I want to go in and drag them out here but I can't find a way inside."

Sir Albert chuckled. "You want to play with the Young Masters, I assume? Okay, let's go through the servant's entry and see if we can find them."

I brightened at his words, but my thoughts were at a halt.

Hmm? Isn't this a bit convenient? I think I remembered us being scolded for using the servant's pathways for our games of hide and seek. Is it alright if Sir Albert just lets me through them?

Apparently it was that easy, because Sir Albert took my hands and lead me through a smaller, more hidden door where servants were constantly walking about.

A few said their greeting to Sir Albert while we passed, only some giving me brief glances or outright ignoring me. After a few minutes, we stopped outside a door that Sir Albert pushed lightly.

Motioning for me to be quiet, he guided me out onto a small balcony where there was barely enough room for the both of us.

Glancing downwards, I stood dumbly as the King and Captain Reynolds stood chatting along with a small group of knights.

"Sir Albert," I whispered, "what's this balcony for?"

Sir Albert gave me a wrinkled smile before replying, "This is where the hidden elite soldiers are when the King meets with big crowds or unknown visitors. They wait here in case an assassination occurs."

I nodded my head before I focused on the conversation below.

Captain Reynolds stood before His Majesty, King Kingsley. He seemed to be in the middle of explaining his venture and His Majesty looked to be wary of the words spoken.

"Are they hostile?" asked His Majesty, somber green eyes trained carefully on the Captain.

Captain Reynolds shook his head. "Apparently not. We were welcomed with open arms, to say the least. The King of Tymeria was very collected and seemed to view us as guests instead of invaders."

His Majesty was silent for a bit. Then he leaned back and closed his eyes before speaking.

"I was worried about Tymeria being a place of savages, especially with their... religion. The concept of multiple Gods is unheard of and sounds like a naïve man's dream. It seems they're nothing but a country with obscured morals."

Captain Reynolds gave a small laugh. "Your Majesty, that's a bit harsh. The Goddess would reprimand you for your words. We must treat our neighbors with respect."

"Goddess Ophelia knows she's the only one who made this world. Not only is it disrespectful to her, but it's idiotic. A God who controls the sun? A Goddess who rules over wisdom and battle strategies? Goddess Ophelia does all those; there is no need for individual Gods for things such as that."

I felt a bit of discomfort hearing those words, but they intrigued me.

A sun controlled by a God? Wisdom from a Goddess? There are things such as that?

Then... does Tymeria have a God that controls time?

Kronos?

"Your Majesty, I believe Goddess Ophelia is the one and only, however we mustn't dismiss these teachings. While there, I've learned that these were only recently accepted and taught."

His Majesty looked up. "What do you mean by recent?"

"Well," continued Captain Reynolds, seemingly uneasy, "there's a preacher there. He resides as a Lord in the palace that practices these teachings to the King. He seemed very knowledgeable in these matters. I personally believe he thought of them in his imagination, but he insists that the religion is centuries old — older than Goddess Ophelia."

His Majesty's hand suddenly pounded on the chair's arm as he roared, "Older than Ophelia?! He must be delirious!"

I flinched back, bumping into Sir Albert. I looked up and mumbled, "Sorry."

He didn't seem to notice, as his eyes were fixated on what happened below.

I felt awkward at being ignored, so I turned my attention back downwards.

Captain Reynolds seemed a bit taken aback before he resumed his respectful stance. "Please, Your Majesty, don't be upset. They're just the silly words of a foreigner. We know who the true Goddess is."

I frowned at His Majesty's outburst.

Hey, hey! What's there to be so angry about? I'm pretty sure the Lord didn't mean anything by it.

Though, I wasn't there, so perhaps there were some underlying intents present.

His Majesty seemed to calm down, rubbing a hand over his face as he waved at Captain Reynolds.

"Alright, let's finish the report later. I'm tired, so I'll be returning to my chambers," His Majesty sighed, turning to a servant waiting in the shadows, "tell Her Majesty to join me, I want to drink some of her tea today."

The servant nodded before disappearing. Captain Reynolds saluted as he saw His Majesty off before turning and leading his own knights out of the hall.

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This author apologizes for being late in updating. Today her internet was restored! Here is a chapter for her readers. Please let this author know your thoughts!