CHAPTER 006
1190 Words
In the morning, the court alarm shattered the morning.
Bells rang without rhythm and servants dropped trays while soldiers ran barefoot down marble steps, half-armored, half-awake.
Adam was already moving when the doors burst open.
“What happened?” someone shouted.
The answer waited in the courtyard: The water reservoir was gone.
The space it had occupied was empty; bare stone, broken chains, deep tracks where wheels had been dragged hard and fast toward the eastern gate.
Prince Eric was gone, so was the water.
However, Adam was somewhat pleased his sister would survive if only Eric would keep his side of the bargain.
“How long had the bastard been gone?”
Emperor Snotlehon thundered, robe thrown over armor like an adopted child. His face was hardened.
“At midnight, I think.” The commander replied.
“He ran,” The emperor said. “With my city’s water?”
The commander nodded. “Before dawn. He left no guards behind.”
Good. Adam was more pleased.
“Track him. Bring me his head.”
The order sent soldiers scurrying like arrows.
“So that’s how it ends?” Soso laughed suddenly, a sharp, broken sound.
Adam turned to her. “You didn’t know?”
Her eyes met his, raw and furious. “If I had known, I would’ve left with him.”
The words stung anyway.
Adam looked back at the empty space where the reservoir had been. He was hopeful, at least for now.
Snotlehon turned to Soso, the closest person who had been with the bloody traitor.
“Arrest her!” Snotlehon commanded, pointing at Soso.
Soldiers moved instantly and held down a bewilded Soso.
“What is this rubbish?” Soso snapped. “The hell with you, I was abandoned.”
“Why is she arrested, sir?” Adam asked.
“She came with the traitor,” the emperor replied. “And for breathing in my city.”
Adam stepped forward. “Your Majesty, sir, This is wrong.”
The word landed heavier than the alarm had.
Snotlehon turned slowly. “You forget your place.”
“My place,” Adam said evenly, “is to protect Whumcastle. You said so yourself.”
The emperor studied him. There it was again, that calm defiance dressed as duty.
“Throw her into the royal prison.”
“No,” Adam replied. “Her movements should be restricted. Nothing more.”
The court froze.
“You dare oppose me?”
“I’m sorry, sir.” Adam begged. “But throwing her into chains helps no one.”
The court nodded in agreement. Everyone loved Adam, it seemed.
Snotlehon studied Adam for a minute. “Very well. Restrict her movement, but if anything goes wrong, your head rolls.”
It sounded like compromise and threat rolled into a command.
“You must swear your allegiance to this city… this empire.” Snotlehon added. “And protect it from enemies outside… and confusion within.”
Adam nodded. “Your majesty, I SWEAR.”
“And you are a commander now, act like one.”
Adam accepted the title without pride and joy. Power, he knew, always came with strings; but his mind was on Eric, the water, and his sister.
Suddenly, the gates opened and trumpets sounded unnecessarily loud, welcoming a man who rode a silverback horse. Ammunition belts on his waist and a gun on his hip, he low key resembled a man who just found wealth.
“Zooro.” someone murmured.
The bastard. Adam’s eyes narrowed.
Zooro dismounted with a grin polished by wealth. “Emperor, sir, Whumcastle grows finer every time I visit.”
“You look richer than your last visit.” Snotlehon observed too.
“Trade has been kind,”
“And stealing… kinder.” Adam added sarcastically.
“You double-crossed me.” Adam went at him.
“You were slow.”
“You were a thief.”
Snotlehon waved Adam aside. “A man who prospers understands power.” He clapped his hands. “Prepare a feast. Tonight, we dine.”
We'll know about that soon enough, Adam thought, this snake is here for more than just dinner.
Within minutes, dinner unfolded in excess. Silver plates, warm bread, wine thick enough to stain judgment, and laughter rose and fell like emotions.
Adam sat where the emperor had placed him, close enough to be seen, far enough to be controlled.
“You don’t smile when people praise you?” Hilda asked, concerned.
“I don't trust Zooro.”
“Did he take what was yours?” Her fingers lingered on his wrist, light, unafraid. Adam didn’t pull away.
Across the hall, Soso watched painfully. She was beginning to regret why she had left him for the cockroach, Eric.
She watched women laugh too easily at Adam’s quiet replies; and men nod to him with respect and fear.
And so when Hilda unashamedly left, she rose and went to him.
“You look well, Commander Adam.”
Adam didn’t turn. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“You never minded before.”
“That was before you dumped me.”
“Adam darling.” Soso’s smile faltered. “I loved you.”
Adam looked at her.
“I saved your head today, don't make me change my mind.” He gestured subtly and guards appeared at once. “Take her to her chambers, and ensure she doesn’t leave.”
Soso stiffened. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“I just did.”
As she was led away, humiliation burned brighter than rage. This was revenge.
From where Adam sat, he watched Zooro moved through the hall like a man of the people. He was cracking dry jokes and telling fake tales of what never happened.
When he reached the high table, he bowed deeply. “Your Majesty.”
Snotlehon waved him closer. “You bring prosperity with you.”
Zooro smiled. “I bring what is welcomed.”
With a snap of his fingers, a one eyed magician stepped forward, robes shimmering in pettiness. He waved and Illusions bloomed in the air: golden beasts, floating sigils, fire bending into shapes that bowed bein adoration.
“Impressive.” Snotlehon laughed while Adam watched in irritation.
Zooro noticed and came to him. “You seem unconvinced, Commander.”
Get lost! Adam screamed in his head.
He turned then, producing a golden lantern, amd offered it to Princess Hilda.
“For beauty that needs no magic.”
“Thank you.” Hilda accepted politely.
Zooro’s eyes lingered a moment too long on the princess.
Take your damn eyes off that woman.
“So, Adam, tell me, why give your loyalty here?” He faced Adam.
“What do you want in this city?”
“What about Gamoth?” Zooro pressed. “Your people are falling and your sister is dying.”
Adam didn’t answer.
“Loyalty is expensive, y’unno.”
Before Adam could respond, Friday the goblin slipped beside him, breathing in heavy gulps. “Found it, water. Hidden deep.”
Adam's eyes glinted “Prepare, we move tonight.”
He wasn't taking any chances with Prince Eric. Never.
- Writer
