Into The Abyss

His Name Day (2)

"The fires did not reach the Queen's chambers, Your Majesty. Her favorite apple tree, however, was torched to the ground," Aleff reported stiffly, his left hand resting at the hilt of his sword.

I was surprised when I heard that the Queen's tree was destroyed. I only told Kai and Victor to create a small diversion so I can sneak out quietly.

"Were she alright?" the King asked, his sight fixed to the direction of the South Palace.

"The Queen was quite shaken when she was woken from her slumber. I already asked the head to escort Her Highness to the side palace while the servants clean up the garden. I also added some people to guard her and patrol the area."

The King hummed a sound and did not speak again.

A dull pain rose from my chest when I heard him inquire about his Queen's welfare. Did he worry like this for me when I left? Does he even remember me at all?

No. I can't act this way, when clearly, I was the one who left and refused his hand.

I sighed quietly and snuck a glance at the person beside me, elbowing his side when the King was still preoccupied by his thoughts.

Aleff looked at me with naivety written across his face, as if he can't understand my actions. I rolled my eyes and mouthed,

'Don't tell me I can't leave?'

'My apologies but the King is still here.'

I elbowed him harder when he said that. I need to leave now lest I get caught!

Aleff, who was taken by surprise, stumbled sideways, almost falling to the floor. I immediately closed my eyes and bit my lips to stop myself from laughing.

Why the heck is he acting this way? He should not lower his guard like, even when around people he knows. It's too dangerous. How was he protecting the King like this?

Aleff regained his composure and straightened his back, acting as if nothing happened, when the King glanced back to him. I remained motionless, my gaze fixed to the ground.

"Would you like me to escort you back to your chambers, Your Majesty?"

"No need. You go to the South Palace and investigate that incident, Captain. I want a detailed report on my desk first thing in the morning."

"As you ordered, Your Majesty."

The King sounded a noncommittal grunt and left the chambers in a flurry of steps. Both Aleff and I breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.

"Let me escort you to a secret passage, My Lady."

"You don't have to. I know my way around here. You can just go and do what the King ordered you to do."

"I will. After I assured that I've escorted you safely outside the premises. There are shadow guards everywhere, My Lady. It's not safe."

"But those guards were only around the King, right? I can move quicker alone."

"My apologies, My Lady, but I can't leave you alone. Please, let me bid you goodbye,"

"Aleff..."

"I might never see you again after this," he whispered, softly tugging my sleeves like a child.

What kind of a person I am if I were to refuse, right? He will just escort me anyway.

"Fine."

So with that we also left the room, with me walking behind him with my head down, acting the part of a subservient guard. We only got to take  ten stops when he abrubtly stopped.