The Cursed Princess Club fanfic: The Secret of The Plaid Family

Ch. 8

Ch.8

(Whitney's thoughts)
*Frederick's thoughts*

The early dawn light beamed through the windows of the colorful interior of the Pastel Castle. The soft gentle colors that lined the extravagant furniture and fixtures of the grand home awakened with a smile as the servants of the palace quietly bustled around the dimly lit halls; The maids set the table, careful to not clink the flatware, and cooked the meals with the same diligence to abstain from noise. These precautions were made so as to not awaken the four young Pastel children slumbering in their rooms; Their father would scold the maids for ruining his precious children's sleep, albeit in a more whinny manner then a harsh one. It seemed like the beginning of another regular day. But in the cozy office of the eldest member of the royal family, today promised to be full of sorrow and grief. King Jack's wizened hands shook as he ogled the letter that was sent to him this morning from his dear friend, King Leland of the Plaid Kingdom.

He couldn't believe it.

Prince Frederick was dead, slaughtered and replaced by a despicable blood craving monster. His hand reached out behind him for his chair, needing to sit down. He gripped the arms and let his legs go limp as a multitude of emotions came over him, sinking into the chair as they came down on him with their heavy burden; A weathered hand covers his mouth as tears of grief ran down his cheeks. "That poor boy... How horrible..." King Jack choked out, his heart aching in sympathy. He couldn't even imagine the pain his friend was feeling right now; To have your youngest child taken away from you in such a violent and cruel way. As a father himself, he knew that this tragedy must be tearing Leland apart. He would have to see him right away and attend the funeral. When his body could move again, he got up and exited from his private office to inform his children.

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Whitney cracked open his silver eyes, forced to by the sun's piercing glare on his thin lids. They narrowed at the sight of the river's blinding glint. Its light rivaling the brilliance of the most pure diamonds. He saw by the sun's position that it was around eight in the morning. The pale man rose from the grass on his hands and knees with a tired moan. He arched his back and rested his bottom half on his haunches, stretching like a cat would after its nap. "Wow, I slept like a log last night... Strange, I'm normally a pretty light sleeper. Was I that tired?" he said as he scratched his head and got to his feet. He turned to the tent and his drowsiness faded away as he remembered the events of yesterday. "Oh, crap. I forgot about him." He walked briskly over to the tent and lifted the flap to see inside.

"Where did he go?"

Whitney turned his nose to the air, trying to pinpoint the youngster's scent. A trail led away from the campsite and deep into the woods. His colorless eyes narrowed into slits as he hissed through gritted teeth,

"Damn kid."

He sprinted off into the woods at top speed, leaping over large roots and deep ridges. His rapid steps fluttered across the ground, sending leaves and twigs flying through the air. The wind whistled in his ears as the teen's scent twisted and curved through the trees; The erratic pattern along with the sharp scent of frenzy made Whitney's heart clench. Then the boy's ink and paper aroma mingled with a sharp coppery tang that nestled into the back of his throat.

Blood.

The cursed man quickened his stride, becoming a monochrome blur flashing through the verdant maze; A sickening dread squeezed his chest as spurs of anxiety racing through his bloodstream. He came to a stop before a massive circle of sentry like trees that guarded his view of its center. The stench of blood reached its pinnacle as the sharp odor pooled in the middle. Whitney stood at its edge, his heart thumping against his rib cage. He swallowed hard as he took in a few breaths to calm his uneasy heart. He stood there for a few moments before finally stepping past the enormous trees and into the clearing.