Her King Of Shadows

Chapter XXV.

Servants were gone to do their duties. She was alone now. She took a long shower, finally enjoying the warm water. And here there were no limits on how long she could take. She changed into her modest black dress and brushed her long hair. She checked before and the doors were unlocked. Slowly and carefully she stepped outside into the corridor. The entire place was a maze with so many different passages and stairs. As servants, they were placed at the back of the ground floor. Now she was making her way towards the grand hall. The girls staying with her described the place as a huge hall with stone walls and a large oval desk in the middle. There was a gallery on the top where leaders could stand if they didn’t wish to talk. The hall was lighted with dozens of torches and candles. On the side was a great fireplace and next to the walls were glass cases filled with weapons. She listened to her own footsteps echoing as she walked past the guards. Nobody paid attention to her. She was a nobody. She bowed her head, hiding her face with her long hair. She passed some people carrying books and letters but they didn’t give her any attention. She was like a ghost.

Finall,y she reached the hall. It was almost empty. The meeting finished a long time ago. And her heart sank in her chest when she saw that there were no black uniforms inside. But even if they were, there were only two of them. If she told them who she was, how would they protect her from Rishon's wrath? Two warriors against a whole army of his guards. She stood at the door, her heart finally realizing how desperate her situation was. There was nothing she could do. She will go back to the palace. She will end her life in Rishon's home cleaning floors or worse. Her eyes started to fill with tears. She had not cried in three years. Resisting sorrow and despair. But one look at this empty hall was enough to kill every ounce of hope she ever had. Her mind was telling her to go back to her room before anyone noticed she had left. Before, they decided to punish her for disobeying their orders. But her feet refused to move. What is the worst thing that could happen? Will he kill her? She took a deep breath and turned herself to the stone staircase. Trying to look calm before the storm that was threatening her heart. This was it. Her last chance was done. Tomorrow she will have to stand in front of all the leaders and say what? Araphel wasn’t here. He didn’t show up. He didn’t care for her. But no matter how many times she said that to herself, she knew she could not speak the words Rishon wanted her to say. She didn’t have the power or the heart to break the bond that they once shared.

-Alexandra, what are you doing here?-she heard Rishon's voice full of anger. He was just entering the main door coming from outside. There were a couple of people in the lobby and they all looked at her. She could imagine him coming to her hurriedly. He will grab her hand soon and drag her away from everyone. Her eyes sweeped the stone staircase one more time as if looking for a way out. Even if she knew there was nothing. But that is when she had seen it. A warrior in a black uniform. Was that real? Did it really happen? Her mouth open as if she wanted to speak, but Rishon was already in front of her. He tried to grab her hand but this time she pulled it away. Something in her mind started screaming at her to run away. Ordering her to fight and pull herself away from Rishon. Piercing green eyes were looking at her.

Einar saw her standing on the steps. She reminded him of someone who he knew a long time ago. But it was impossible. She was dead for a long time now. He was ready to turn his back when he heard the name coming from Rishon's lips. Alexandra. No, that wasn’t Alexandra. But who would be using that name? He looked again at the girl now surrounded by Rishon's guards and she was looking at him. As if begging him. Pleading him. Asking for mercy. But her lips didn’t say anything. She was almost taken by them. They will drag her away. He knew just another second and he would not see her again. But there was something. Some strange feeling. Just an echo of a connection that was there one moment and gone the next. Then it hit him. He knew who that really was. And the idea. The thought. The fact that Shana was standing there surrounded by Rishon and his butchers made his blood boil. Shana didn’t move. If they wanted to carry her away, they would have to do it. Rishon was looking at her. His blue eyes became dark with rage and hate. He sensed something was happening.

-Hey you!-he heard someone calling him. When he turned around, someone hit him in the head with all his strength. It caused him to step to the side. Now Shana had enough space to move. Like in a haze, he saw hands pulling her out of his grip. Hands in a black uniform. He looked up and saw Einar pushing Shana behind him. As if protecting her. From who? Protecting her from what? Why was Araphel's emissary protecting her? He shook his head for a second, coming to his senses and, raised his eyes. Even if he was trying to protect her or take her or do whatever he was ordered to do. He didn’t stand a chance. He was only one. Not even his other friend was there to support him. He looked at his guards who were waiting for his orders.

-I know I made an oath not to spill any blood here. But I will enjoy killing you so much that maybe I'm not going to be able to stop.-he said in a hoarse voice. He saw her hiding behind the warrior's back. Why was she doing that? It made him even angrier. Einar put his hand behind Shana, making her pull back towards the wall. There were no words exchanged between them but Shana trusted him more than she ever trusted Rishon. He smiled at Rishon as if he already knew how their story was going to end.

-You should know something about the world of shadows, Rishon. All this time and you have learned nothing.-his voice was calm. But he was still watching all the guards. Making sure Shana was safe behind him. Nobody could reach her. -We are never alone.—he almost whispered. There was a gust of wind and a shadow entered the lobby. A wall of darkness positioned itself between them. And Shana observed as the darkness transformed into a row of warriors. Each of them carries a sword ready for battle. There were more than twenty of them. They stood like a live wall covering every inch of space in front of them. She heard Rishon's screams as his guards started to fight. Einar turned towards her, looking her in the eyes. He watched her for a few seconds, as if seeing someone else for a moment.

-Are you injured?-he asked calmly. She waived her head. She was fine. He didn’t care for the warriors that were defending them. He acted like the battle was already finished. He knew who was going to win. He raised his hand but he didn’t touch her. He pointed to the stairway. -After you, Eadlin Shana.-he said calmly. She stepped onto the staircase not sure where they were going. The warrior just pointed to the top. The fight in the lobby had stopped. Some of the other warriors came and separated them. She heard raised voices but decided not to look down. She didn’t want to see Rishon and his rage. On the third floor, Einar showed her to stop in front of the black door. He opened them and let her into a nice and spacious living room. She entered inside carefully looking around. Her mind was full of questions but she wasn't sure if she had the right to ask them. Shana observed the warrior in front of her. He had defended her. Without a word she saw him hit Rishon so hard that she thought she was dreaming.

-There is a bedroom on the right side with a bathroom. You will be alone on this floor. I will position guards in front of the door which we have just entered. There is no need to worry. You shall be safe. We are planning to leave early in the morning.-he informed her. His voice brought her back to reality.

-Leave where?-she asked anxiously. His green eyes looked at her. -Araphel has ordered me to bring you to him. He is waiting for us in a sanctuary close to this city. It is more than a 6-hour drive.-he said. She winced at the mention of his name.

-Why is he not here?-she dared to ask. Einar expected that question.

-If he had come, Rishon would be dead and there would be no assembly but war.-it was the truth. She could see as much in his eyes. -If there is nothing else, I will leave you to rest, Eadlin Shana. Please let me know if you need anything. Warriors will bring your things shortly. Please do not try to leave this place. I am concerned for your safety. Araphel has told me that he will not allow you to go anywhere before talking to him.-he said, going towards the door.

-But I have to stand in front of the assembly tomorrow.-she just remembered. He nodded his head.

-Yes. Tomorrow you will stand in front of everyone in the new sanctuary. Araphel will be present also. All the leaders will follow you there.-Shana never imagined that this could happen. All the leaders are now coming to the new sanctuary just because Araphel refused to come to this one. Was he that powerful? Einar left, avoiding any more questions from her side. She was left standing in that room thinking it was all a dream.