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—Select a larger number of people, but find her! James listened to his father's instructions to the head of the guard and suppressed his anger. The king still couldn't accept that his daughter was missing, not running away. Last night, afika told him that Inessa had told Him that she was planning to run away to Haystar. James couldn't let his own sister put herself in such danger. A fourteen-year-old girl who has never been out of the Neighborhood is going to run thousands of miles. Any fool will understand that this is impossible. But James knew the character of INES. He knew she wouldn't back down. Now he should have a serious talk with her about it, persuade her to come back on her own. If the Princess is found, her father's anger will be many times stronger than when she returns.The Deputy commander of the guard bowed and walked away from the king's private office. James waited until the door closed behind the man before turning to his father. Godfrid sat at the oak table, and there was not even a flicker of regret or concern on his face. He was calm and confident that Inessa would be found by his soldiers. Only James doubted that anyone would be able to find her. If only they could get their hands on it.—How long should I wait for your friend?" "I have a fencing class coming up, and I wanted to get there before it."..—My guest is all you need to worry about right now. You have no idea how important this meeting is for your future.Another stifled sigh of disappointment. James was very happy to send all these "useful acquaintances" to hell, but he couldn't. How many Dukes, knights, and other vassals his father had not introduced him to, the Prince could not remember a single face. He knew their names - the king was always talking about them, how many soldiers they had, what their crops were, and other boring things. James was bored every time his father started talking about it. Even now, the boy had no doubt that nothing useful would come out of this acquaintance."At this point, it's important that my sister is safe," James shot his father another angry look, " you think it's okay, but it's not. If something happened to her..."I'll tell you one last time, James , and so that I don't have to hear any more about Inessa and the word," godfrid said calmly, but James could sense that his father was annoyed, " do you think I'm such a worthless father and king?" That I would let someone steal my daughter? You know perfectly well that Inessa has run away. Don't even make excuses. I'm tired of putting up with her disgusting antics. She filled the Cup of my patience with her escape. Your sister should be grateful to me for turning a blind eye to her behavior for so long. But now, when she decided to make a show of running away, thereby shaming me in front of everyone... Now I can't forgive her. James stood looking down. He was sorry for Inessa, very sorry, but he also knew that his father was partly right. Inessa demonstrated her violent temper in every possible way, even when circumstances did not require it."I -" James didn't know what to say, " but if she comes back on her own, will you relent?"Godfrid looked at his son carefully. How ironic... In appearance he took after him, and in character he took after his mother. With Inessa, it was the opposite."Yes —" the king became calmer, " I won't punish Inessa too much if she comes back today.James a felt better. So he will be able to persuade Diana to return. Especially since her father had promised not to punish her for such an outburst. At times like this, James adored his father. After all, it immediately became clear - first of all, he is the father, and only then the king. And now the young Prince could hardly resist jumping on his father's neck and thanking him every second."I think the subject is closed," the king said dryly... "Lucifer Franklin has arrived, your honor," the guard's voice came from directly behind James a, and he started in surprise.—Come on, — Godfried leaned back in his suede chair.When the man entered the office, the Prince was afraid. Lucifer Franklin was tall and broad-shouldered, dark-haired, with a thick black stubble on his face. A broken crooked nose, a small but noticeable scar on the left temple, sunken cheeks and circles under the eyes. James had never seen a Punisher, but he knew what they usually wore. Dark shirt to the elbows, leather Cape and black trousers. Black was considered the color of death, which is why punishers often wore it. But this man was wearing ordinary torn peasant trousers instead of dark trousers, which made him look ridiculous. But James was still afraid of the man. Lucifer paid no attention to the fifteen-year-old Prince, who froze and was afraid to even breathe. The former Punisher's gaze initially fell on the painting that hung above the king's Desk. It shows the Queen holding a crown. Icy brown eyes that could have burned Lucifer alive. Her blonde hair is tied in two braids that hang behind the Queen's back. In life, she was different. Lucifer could still remember her wrinkled, withered face. How she lived in this state is not clear - maybe only anger kept her alive. It was this feeling that whispered to her that as long as she didn't ruin the life of Lucifer Franklin, her younger sister's son, she couldn't retire. Or maybe it's all the fault of the elven blood, which, according to legend, flows in the veins of this family."I'm glad to see you."After the king's quiet words, Lucifer looked down at him. In front of him sat his older cousin. Lucifer did not feel any warm feelings at the sight of his relative. Godfrid looked too much like a dead Queen. And the interior of the office has not changed much - the same oak table and red chair. A crystal chandelier that cost more than all the money Lucifer had made in the past fifteen years. Gold statuettes, expensive paintings, and other expensive trinkets were in this office, just as they had been in Godfrid's mother's time. Lucifer bowed politely to his king and said nothing. To say that he is happy to stand here in front of him is too hypocritical. If Lucifer has decided to start a new life, then it is necessary to exclude from it what he lived before. Godfrid rose from his seat, and, unable to restrain a happy smile, walked over to Lucifer ."You've changed," the king said, still looking at his younger cousin."So are you," Lucifer could only reply .All he wanted to do was find out what Godfrid needed. Creople is not a place where Lucifer felt comfortable, not a place where he wanted to live."I understand," godfrid paused for a moment, " I understand your feelings. My mother's crime wasn't discovered until years later..."and no one even offered an apology," Lucifer said coldly .I didn't need an apology. An apology won't bring Lucifer's parents back to life . All he'd wanted since he was fifteen was to kill the Queen. Before he went to sleep, he imagined her lying in a pool of her own blood. Her cruel eyes, which always looked at Lucifer with arrogance and disdain, are wide open and full of horror.—I'm truly sorry, Lucifer . And I'm ready to apologize. I promise I'll do everything I can to restore your reputation. Lucifer said nothing. He tried to deny it, but Godfrid's apology was welcome. However, the man was experienced enough to know that the king felt neither guilt nor sympathy. James stared at Lucifer . At first glance, the Prince knew that he should not trust this man. Why does my father need this Highwayman? He has a lot of guards, advisors, knights, and other smart and brave subordinates. James would never believe that his father would trust this tramp. The boy wanted to sink through the ground, disappear, hoping that his presence would not be noticed. "Iwant to introduce you to my son, James a, heir to the throne of Creople and all the surrounding Area.The stranger's gaze fell on the boy, who immediately started. He wanted to preserve the last remnants of his pride and bowed politely, hoping that Monsieur Franklin would reciprocate.But Lucifer looked at the boy indifferently, as if he were an ordinary expensive vase, of which there were plenty in Creople. So he just nodded and looked back at the king.—I would like to know the reason for my arrival, Your Majesty.""Sit down," godfrid said, nodding toward the chair. Should I order you to bring something?"No need, thank you," Lucifer grimaced, " I'd like to get this over with, if you don't mind.""Yes, of course," godfrid resumed his seat, coughed into his fist, and looked at James a, " I forgot to introduce you to my cousin." Lucifer Franklin, the best soldier you ever knew."Not surprising," - flashed in my head and James."Nice to meet you," the Prince bowed again, feeling humiliated.Lucifer inclined his head slightly."May I go, father?" James asked stiffly .—Yeah, we'll talk with you later, Godfried nodded, and his son rushed to leave the room.There was silence. Lucifer didn't understand the reason until the guard commander entered the room without knocking. Lucifer knew him. About twenty years ago, this man was an ordinary private who was so infuriated by Lucifer Franklin and Yulai Sadar. Now it has changed. Lucifer couldn't remember the name, but it was a face he would never forget, even though the commander had grown very fat over the past fifteen years."Davin," godfrid said to the man, " you know what to do.Davin nodded and hurried out. Lucifer was even a little upset - it would be fun to see how he would react. I wonder what Davin is supposed to do. But Lucifer checked himself - Royal Affairs were none of his business.—Perhaps you're wondering what made me call you so urgently?" the king asked.- Yes, it would be interesting to know."Then I won't keep you...James raced toward the Vulture's Nest. He thought that it would take a long time to persuade his sister to come back, but he was absolutely sure that he would succeed. Her father would once again turn a blind eye to the Princess's antics, and James would now keep a close eye on her so that she didn't even try to do anything wrong again. Right now, he wasn't thinking about anything - not the fencing class he was going to miss, or the strange Lucifer Franklin, or his father. All he thought about was his sister's safety. He should have taken Afika with him, she's older and more experienced, and a girl at that. She could have helped the Prince persuade Inessa to return, but James didn't want to waste time looking for her. Who knows how long the Princess intends to stay in the tower. Maybe she decided to run away last night. Just thinking about it, James panicked. If Inessa had already escaped, he would have no choice but to inform the king. But James certainly didn't want to do that.It was a long drive to the Vulture's Nest. James thought he'd get there faster. The sun was slowly sinking towards the horizon, and it was several hours before nightfall. Inessa will be able to return to the castle without being noticed. How to explain to Godfrid the reason for the Princess's escape, James did not know. But they will come up with something together. And the king is in a good mood about this Lucifer Franklin. The Prince was almost certain that they would succeed and that Inessa would be all right. James tried to convince himself that he didn't believe in any Evil that could live in this tower. He tried, but he wasn't very good at it. Looking at this tower, all he wanted to do was get as far away as possible. He didn't know how his little sister could hide in this terrible place. James wouldn't have been able to stand it by the evening of the first day, let alone stay here for the night. There was indeed a sinister aura about this place. In particular, this is due to the fact that few people visit this place. There are thin cobwebs on the Windows without glass, and dark bricks begin to crumble in some places. And the abandoned nests of swallows under the roof of the tower do not offer comfort. James hurried to his feet. He was afraid to shout out loud, so he called his sister's name softly, looking around every now and then. But last night Afika came here all alone in search of the Princess. Still, he was pleased that Afika was able to overcome her fear, was able to find Inessa. James doubted that he would have had the courage.— Inessa, I know that you are here, - the Prince looked around again — - I came to talk to you.The fear that his sister had left without waiting for him made James a even more worried. He already wanted to leave this terrible place, the dark, quiet room was too much pressure on his psyche.- James ?Right behind him, he heard his sister's small voice. The Prince was startled and startled, but as soon as he saw Inessa's pale face and her torn dress, his heart ached for the suffering of his own sister."Good heavens, Inessa," her brother hugged her as hard as he could, " I was afraid something had happened to you. We should go back to the castle as soon as possible, just look at you..."No, I'm not going back," Inessa's dark eyes filled with tears, " if you only knew how sorry I am that I ran away... But if I return, my father will never forgive me for this betrayal. Help me -"no," James a's heart broke at the sight of the torn and dirty gold dress the king had given her for the feast, " I have spoken to him. He said he wouldn't punish you if you came back.Inessa looked surprised and confused for a moment, but she tried to pull herself together."North, you don't understand," she said, no trace of tears left in her voice now. No matter what your father tells you, when I return, I will be a prisoner until I am married."I won't let you be locked up," James pleaded, looking at Inessa, "please..." the Girl turned away, wiping away her tears. The Prince touched her shoulder, but she shrugged it off, looking out of the window at the distant meadows and fields."You don't love me, and neither does your father," the Princess said after a few minutes of silence.—That's what I'm trying to do. What happens if you run away to Haystar? They are our enemies, Inessa. You remember how they came back from a hike on Sack and on the way looted our lands? They destroyed villages, killed children, abused men, and what they did to women ...- James ..."They cut their bellies open" — the hatred that had been kindled in the young Prince was coming out - " they behaved like monsters when they performed these rites. The screams of helpless women could be heard for miles around, children before they died saw their mothers suffer, heard their screams! What did the haystar people do? They just stood there and laughed! Now think, my dear, what you're running off to Haystar for, and what's in store for you!Just as he had finished his tirade, as a sudden silence stunned him for a moment. He had forgotten that it was better not to shout in this place.— We better get out of here, Inessa, - the Prince took his sister's cold hand in his, - I'll try to help you in any way I can."Alvarez owns haystar. He's the one responsible for everything. I'll kill him, and then...James was moved by his sister's naivety. Part of him was glad that Inessa was a child who believed that he could make a difference in the world. But this statement also scared the Prince. Inessa did not yet understand the meaning of her words. And that's what made James a worry."One day," James said, " one day our father will kill him, and then all will be well. We should go now. Ask you. You look tired, weak, you won't last that long alone. You need food and rest."I'm not coming back," Inessa said, her voice trembling."So," James took a deep breath, " if you don't come back on your own, your father's people will find you, and then you will definitely end up locked in a room." You must understand that you can't escape. I really want this to be over, but I know it's not going to work out for you.Inessa was silent. He didn't want to offend her, but apparently that's what happened."If I come back.".. Will you promise me that my room won't be locked? - Inessa's eyes are red from fatigue and shed tears — - you promise?- Yes, - James took his sister's hand, - let's go. The sooner you get back, the better.Hand in hand, the Prince and Princess descended the steps of the tower. James would have liked to cheer Inessa up, since her mood left much to be desired, but he couldn't. His heart ached when he looked at the Princess's pale face.When the children came out of the tower, James immediately sensed something was wrong. He grabbed Inessa's arm and pulled her toward him, intending to go back to the Vulture's Nest, but it was too late. The guard commander appeared right in front of them. The Prince felt his stomach turn cold."James, what's going on?" - Inessa pressed closer to her brother, and then recoiled, looking at him suspiciously — - did you do this on purpose?—Not at all, I swear, — James looked at his sister in confusion, and then back at Davin, who was standing right in front of them, — tell the king that...—Come on, — Devein grabbed James and the order of the king.What? James looked over at Inessa, honestly, I didn't do anything.Three more guards approached them. James knew immediately that he shouldn't even try to resist. It won't help them anyway.—I'm not going anywhere!" Inessa tried to pull away, but one of the guards grabbed her. "Inessa, it's better —" James tried to calm his sister, but she didn't hear him.She was clearly distraught. It struggled and bit like a wild, mangy cat trying to escape the clutches of an owl. Her loose dark hair was tangled into one big tangle, and her red, swollen eyes stared with hatred at the guard who held her."Come on, don't stay here too long," Davin said, squeezing James's hand harder as he walked toward the Central part of the castle.Lucifer looked around the office. He remembered every detail. He remembered standing on this very carpet when Queen Adele had pronounced the cruel sentence of banishing the boy from the castle. How the birds flew behind those Windows that took up the entire wall. However, now Godfried preferred to close them with curtains."I know you're surprised," godfrid said calmly,but the tension was still there, " you've been in exile for so many years, and now..." Don't take your time, you know how much I hate it."I know," the king tried to relax, but he did not come out — but I feel guilty in front of you. Lucifer didn't answer.—I think you're well aware of my strained relationship with Haystar. A war is about to break out, for which we are completely unprepared. People are not happy. If you don't take action, Haystar will allow himself more and more. For example, to ravage our land. —But what does it have to do with me?" I don't care about politics. I only do one job - I kill people. I don't see any connection."I can see it. Or rather, I know that you were one of Jerry Zeid's best students. You survived even after the Queen exiled you from Creople at the age of thirteen. You're smart, Lucifer . And if you're not smart, you're lucky enough. And I need such people in my environment. Lucifer raised his eyebrows, watching Godfrid closely.—Do you think, "he paused," that I will forget what happened twenty years ago?" Your mother killed my parents, just as she wanted to kill me. After everything that's happened, do you think I'll forgive you so easily?—I understand your feelings. I sincerely regret this and apologize again on behalf of my entire family. Our family."That's it?" Lucifer looked at his cousin almost mockingly. But there are some things I can't forgive. And the death of my parents falls into that category.—I know my mother was wrong about that. I want to at least partially make it up to you. You may think badly of me, but I want to change your mind about me. Just give me a chance — "godfrid looked at Lucifer pleadingly," I really need your help very much." If you refuse, I don't know what I'll have to do...Lucifer's Hand went to her pants pocket. He felt for his ring and asked:"Where's Adele's ring?" As far as I know, our mothers had identical rings.Godfrid closed his eyes and put his head in his hands. There were many rings on his fingers, but none of them had black jade."Adele gave it to Zarai shortly before she died. It's lost. A lot of things were missing – the ring, the furs, the food, but most importantly, my son. Many people suggest that he is alive, but some sense tells me that he is dead. There was silence. Lucifer didn't Express his condolences out loud, but he felt the pain, too. Their family is falling apart, and soon there will be no one left.—Do I have the option to refuse? Lucifer asked after a pause — " I thought I was dependent on you." And if you order me to do something, I must obey."You have no idea, you're right. But I want you to want to help me. I am sure that you will become a strong knight. In exchange, I can offer you the throne of castle Black. Then you will be a Duke again. Lucifer froze. Did he mishear? Is he being asked to return the throne that was illegally given to old Aiden? I immediately remembered my conversation with the wizard yesterday. He promised him black earth if he would help him find Sagittarius. Where can I find it? Why Lucifer is supposed to do that? There are too many questions that I would like to know the answers to."That's fair, Lucifer . You will prove your loyalty to me, and I will restore you to the throne, which should be yours justly.Lucifer wanted the black earth back almost more than he wanted revenge on the Queen. But the man knew perfectly well that this was impossible. Of course, the people won't protect Aiden if something goes wrong, but they won't support Lucifer either. The Queen knew what she was doing - if the boy hadn't died, as she thought, he would have become the Punisher that everyone hates and despises so much."I need time," Lucifer managed to say .—Well. I'm willing to give it to you, but only if you don't think too long.