Floating Stars

Chapter 39: Nasty Tricks

Pugnum and Jeremai stood in the main lobby of Lux Palace. The interior of it reflected its name. It had bright white walls accented with golden vines, as well as the Royal Seal scattered amongst them. The furniture was mostly made of gold to match the theme of light. A great number of the items displayed had red and purple upholstery; red represented King Lux and purple represented Queen Davìa.

Straight in front of them stood a grand staircase that glittered under the many twinkling lights from a large diamond chandelier. It hung in the centre of a beautiful ceiling that had a skilfully painted illustration of a forest.

Each quarter of the painting depicted what those trees looked like in each of the four seasons. On the left, behind the chandelier, the trees were adorned with light greens and pale pinks of Earron. Beside Earron was Samhtas, which was painted with many shades of green, vibrant reds, purples and yellows. In front of the chandelier, the trees had orange and golden brown leaves to show Foghna. Lastly, directly beneath Samhtas the trees were painted bare with light blues and bright whites to show the coldness of Geimheim. 

Deep anger grabbed at Pugnum's insides at the sight of such luxury given to such undeserving individuals.

What have the Royal Family ever done for me? All they have ever done is order my father's exile after they heard of the glimpse of darkness you displayed through him. Pugnum's thoughts communicated to the dark one in his mind. What makes you think that Queen Davìa will comply? 

I don't think that she will. Noir Astra replied nonchalantly.

The shrug that Pugnum could hear in that deep voice, caused him to roll his eyes in frustration. So what are we doing this for?

You'll see.

Jeremai looked at Pugnum's battling facial expressions and his eyebrows raised with confusion. "Is everything alright, My Lord?"

"Don't talk!" Pugnum commanded, making Jeremai start and sink back.

Having heard quiet footsteps approaching from various directions, Pugnum stopped and listened carefully to the air around him. Jeremai hid behind him as he saw palace workers and guards emerge from all corners of the large room that they stood in. 

"M-m-my Lord?" Jeremai squeaked in panic.

A low, haunting laugh suddenly bounced off the tall walls, and countless black vines rushed out in every direction. They struck the eyes of each member of the palace staff and they all halted where they stood. Everyone of them hypnotised, and under Noir-Astra's power. 

Pugnum looked at them. They all stood to attention. The black chasms in their eyes focused completely on him.

His mouth stretched into an evil grin and he clicked the fingers of his good hand, making them all fall onto their faces, in deep bows. He then made his way towards the staircase, stepping on the workers that lay in his way. Jeremai danced awkwardly between them as he followed.

Noir-Astra, remembering where he once defiled the Queen, directed Pugnum to her bed chamber. But before they got to her door, they came face to face with King Lux in the large, beautifully decorated corridor.

"Guards! Guards!" he desperately called out. He backed away from the menacing figure that was slowly approaching him. A threatening grin and blackened eye sockets stared into his soul.

"Help me! Anybody! Jameh Fiosolim!" 

"Go ahead, call my father! He can't stop this!" Jeremai sneered from behind Pugnum's shoulder.

"Who are you?" King Lux asked, looking blankly at the cowering Fiosolim.

This made Pugnum laugh. 

The sound of that mocking laugh caused a fire to flare within Jeremai. He stepped forward from his safe place, behind his master, and screamed at the King.