Her King Of Shadows

Chapter XXIV.

Guards never allowed her contact with other people in the grand sanctuary which was supposed to hold the assembly. There were so many different delegations. So many representatives from families all around the world. This kind of event doesn’t happen often. She would spend her time sharing a room with two other servants and waiting for her to get the call to be able to come outside. But that call never came. She was locked in a small bedroom with three beds and a window that looked across the courtyard. She would stand and look for everyone arriving. Hoping to see a warrior in a black uniform, but it never happened.

Araphel sent only two representatives. Sending a message of this assembly not being important enough for him to appear. Even if she could step outside of her room. What could she do? It was impossible to approach these people, who were heavily guarded. Even if she could convince the guards to let her through, they would never receive her. They didn’t even know who she was. Her position was not as simple as she thought it would be. Feeling sorrow and a desire to see her family, she put her hand on the black stone. It had become a source of comfort to her. To feel the cool surface of the stone. Hold it near her heart. It had calmed her. Made her stronger. Even now, in the dead of night when all her companions were sleeping, she was staring at the darkness. Praying that she will not go back to the desert. Ready to do anything just to spend her life away from the sand and the sun and the torture of Rishon's guards. Even if she accepted his offer, he would still take her back there. She would spend her life not seeing the city, not going to school, not learning about the world around her. That kind of future terrified her. She was hungry for knowledge. Experience. A place she can call home. She was begging for friendship, trust, and an opportunity to see her brother again. He was the only person who cared for her. With heavy heart, she went back to bed, but she started to think not being able to sleep. She had to come out of her room. She had to find a way to reach Araphels representatives and ask for their protection. Even if he didn’t want her back, he would not allow for Rishon to take her away. She belonged to the world of shadows. He had to protect her at all costs.

Shana didn’t believe in an illusion that her life would be better with Araphel. Both leaders were ruled by hate and rage. She only had a feeling that he wouldn’t hurt her. Not on purpose. And he wouldn’t let others hurt her. She could be safe with him. She would be safe.

Rishon was standing in the hall after the meeting finished. There were many things that they needed to discuss but many leaders didn’t even bother to show up. And one of them was Araphel. He watched the two warriors with hate in his eyes. They came here so close to his home after all the crime they had done, showing no respect. They refused to even talk during the meeting. As if this wasn’t important enough for them. He knew the warriors well. He had met them in battle. One of them had long brown hair with piercing green eyes. Araphels favorite emissary. He would always send him to get the job done. They looked at each other for a second as if they could feel what the other one was thinking. And it was only hate.

-Last time I saw you. You were on the ground with my arrow in you.-the warrior spoke to him, not hiding contempt. Einar did remember that battle where he almost succeeded in killing him. Rishon smiled bitterly.

-You should check your aim then. Since I m still standing. Where is your master? Too scared to show up in front of everybody?=he insulted him. The warriors didn’t answer. They didn’t want to lower themselves to his level.

-There is a rumor that you have a new love in your life. Do we know her? Do you wish to check if one of us had her?-green eyes were challenging him. He didn’t like to involve her name yet. She was supposed to stand in front of the leaders in two days. Einar noticed how close to the truth he was. And it hurt him more than he expected.

-I can see how fast you have forgotten our sister.-his voice was low. He made a step forward not caring about his own safety anymore. -But we have not forgotten what you have done to her. We will never forget. And very soon another arrow will find a way to you. Very soon, Rishon, and you will meet your maker.-he will take care of that. Rishon kept standing, not caring about his threats. -Why wait? We can finish things right now if you are brave enough.-he offered. Other leaders were listening to the exchange.

-There will be no challenges. We have all made an oath that no blood will be spilled during this assembly. You are free to kill when we are done.-one of the elders reminded them loudly. It was the only way they could do things in their world. Einar stepped back, not ready to break the rules yet. Not without an order from his leader.

-Saved one more time, Rishon. I will see you soon.-he said, leaving with his escort.