The sword and the white rose

Chapter Seven

When I woke up the following night, Amolio was standing above me with a smirk. Korrack remained seated on the Morifirer’s side of the bed. I shut my eyes, attempting to clear my blurry vision. It took a small amount of effort. Once my vision became completely clear. I elevated myself in my bed.

“Good evening Rozetta. Had a good sleep.”

“If you take into account the incident when I was 16 and got hurt, then that’s good.”

“Your back injury or the moment I left.”

“My back injury Korrack.”

“I won’t count that, Rozetta,” Amolio, also known as Alaric, said confidently.

“No, I didn’t.”

“There’s an issue we need to address.”

“Korrack, there’s no need for discussion. You’re going to allow her to do what she believes is necessary to win him back. You will remain chained until it’s finished.”

“Amolio, I won’t just stand by and witness her self-destruction.”

“You are left with no choice. Do you?” Amolio said this with a cocky tone in his voice.

“Be quiet, Amolio.”

Amolio’s actions were causing Korrack’s anger to rise. It was bringing Amolio joy. I lifted my legs and rested my head on my knees, gazing downward. Engaging in this foolish fight was not advantageous for me. I was still far from getting Morifirer back. With a great effort, I managed to avoid listening to their constant arguments. I reach my breaking point and forcefully hit the bed with my hands.

“I’m standing right in front of you. Quite talk like I am not here. I am sure of what I need to do and how to go about it.”

They both mentally retreated for a moment. If I continued to get angry, they would end up paying for it, either one or both of them. There was no response after I shared my words. I finally managed to get up and go downstairs to Brutus, while Korrack and Amolio were either shouting and fighting or attempting to maintain silence. Upon my departure, I overheard Amolio saying, “See, you caused her to leave. Can’t you just do what you are supposed to do and shut up?” I simply shook my head and continued downstairs. The moment I descended to the basement, I encountered a bone-chilling cold. Disregarding the cold, I descend the stairs.

“Good evening.”

“What’s the reason for me being down here?”

“The person I love is with you and I want them back.”

“This is regarding Morifirer.”

“Yes, it’s regarding him. About whom did you think it was?”

“I don’t have any information to provide. I’m clueless about his whereabouts if he wasn’t found in the theater.”

“Brutus, you can’t fool me. I read the letter you wrote. This is your last chance to inform me of his location. Otherwise, it’s over.”

“You can’t intimidate me. You are not going to take any action. Cold-blooded killing is not something that can be done.”

I responded with a cold, maniacal laugh directed at him. He widened his eyes. Swiftly, he stood up. He exuded an aura of fear. I was able to perceive the scent.

“Yyyy… your… nnnnnn…. not her.” He stuttered.

“No, I’m not, but I’ll give you another opportunity. Where can he be found?”

“I… I don’t know. I…”

While he’s in the middle of taking a hit, I cause him to scream in pain by clenching my fist. I maintain my grip on him while his screams echo through the basement. I wished he would just disclose the place they brought him to. Eventually, I released my grasp on my hand. Witnessing his descent to the ground. Amolio dashes down the stairs.

“Will you disclose his whereabouts, or must I inflict more suffering upon you, Brutus?”

“Rozetta.”

“Yes Alaric.”

The size of Brutus’ eyes expanded beyond their previous state. He attempted to stand up, but ended up falling.

“I have a hunch on where Brutus brought Morifirer as well.”

“Really. Can you explain how you arrived at this conclusion?”

“Brutus has three spots, that’s why. He likes to involve others when he does things like this.”

“Brutus, is that really true?”

“Yes. However, I won’t disclose any information to you.”

“Either you tell me, or I’ll squeeze you until you explode, Brutus.”

“Feel free to do whatever you like. I refuse to disclose it, and resorting to murder would only make you just like me.”

My hand tightens and rises above my head. Once Brutus reached a sufficient height, I released my grip on my hand and let it fall to my side. As a result, he plummeted to the floor with force. He made contact with the wall using his head. I direct my attention to Alaric.

“Are you aware of the location of those spots?”

“I’m aware of the location of one, but I’m uncertain about the other two. Korrack could have information about the whereabouts of the other two.”

“Does he now.” I press my lips together in anger.

I quickly ascended the stairs to reach Korrack. He remained on the same side of the beds where Morifirer sleeps.

“You could have information on Morifirer’s whereabouts.” I yelled at him.

His head drooped down. “Yes.”

I felt a rush of betrayal throughout my entire body. Approaching him, I widened my eyes. I keep my hands by my side.

“How is it possible for you to do that? Why did you keep this from me if you knew?”

“You refused to listen to me.” He yelled back.

Just say “I believe I know where he is at” - that’s all you had to say.

“I didn’t want to raise your expectations unnecessarily.”

“The disappointment of having my hopes crushed pales in comparison to your recent betrayal, Korrack. I can bear the burden of shattered dreams. You’ve been disloyal to me. That’s too much for me to handle. I thought you considered me as your own daughter.”

“My little star, you are my daughter and bring me immense joy. Presently, all you are aware of is the feeling of hurt. It’s impossible for me to communicate with you when you’re acting like this.”

“If you don’t reveal those places, you won’t be happy with me.”

“Child, don’t you dare attempt to intimidate me?”

“What’s the reason for not doing it? There’s nothing you can do to harm me. Apart from using unfair tactics.”

“Is that some kind of challenge?”

“Korrack, that is indeed a challenge.”

“Release me from these chains so we can resolve this definitively. If I emerge victorious, you’ll be expected to sit, be quiet, and allow me to assist you.”

“What’s in it for me if I emerge victorious?””

“I’ll move aside so you can do what you need to do. Not a single word will escape my mouth. Even though I strongly dislike it, it remains the same. Deal.”

“Deal.”

I went up to Korrack and set him free by removing the chains. He clasps his wrist and starts to rub it. We descended to the training room on the lower level. Amolio was alerted when Korrack called his name. He appeared suddenly, his head appearing around the doorway.

“Yes.”

“We need to go to the training room immediately.”

“Can you please explain why?”

“Training room. NOW.”

“Alright, don’t bite my head off. I believe Abigail won’t be pleased with that.”

“Oh, shut up. Get your arse in the training room.”

Upon entering the training room, Korrack and I made our way to the mats. Alaric arrives shortly after we do. I removed my trench coat, boots, and set down my weapons on the ground to show Korrack that I was unarmed. Korrack did the same.

“Alaric, you’ll be the one who makes the final call. If either of us taps out, they automatically lose. There is going to be a fight. There’s no room for negotiation, it’s a strict no 2 out of 3 rule. A single fight to resolve everything. Got it.”

“I comprehend, Your Majesty.”

Korrack inhaled deeply. It’s been revealed that Amolio was Alaric the entire time. With a single finger extended, he turned and stared at him.

“You better not even think about offering her any help. You treacherous, slimy excuse for a human being.”

Alaric made a gesture of surrender with his hands.

“While I might possess certain qualities, I have no intention of aiding others. This is between you guys, not me.”

Korrack faced me once more.

“Are you prepared, child?”

“Ready Korrack.”

Korrack approached me, concealing one hand behind his back. I elevated my hands and assumed the correct stance. In the beginning, Korrack and I were hesitant, carefully sizing each other up, anticipating the first strike. With just one hand, he blocked the majority of my kicks, while I defended against his hits using my arms. Korrack realized that unless he intervened, our efforts would be fruitless. He brought his second hand forward after concealing it behind his back. It was Korrack who started the fight by swinging first. I managed to escape him by swiftly taking hold of his arm and swiftly flipping him onto his back. I positioned myself above him, preparing to strike. He rolled me over his head and then stood up. I rose to my feet and whirled around, poised to strike at him. Fairness is a defining trait of Korrack—he never engages in backstabbing or attacking opponents from behind during sparring. We continued in that manner for some time. When he attacks, I either block or evade. Korrack managed to grab hold of my arm after I made one mistake. With a tight grip, he yanked my arm and compelled me to descend towards the ground. I collapsed to the ground under both our weights as he maintained his grip on my arm. He forcefully twisted my arm and pressed his knee into my back while I was on the ground. For a moment, I expressed my pain through crying. However, he held on tightly. His intention was for me to surrender. I won’t allow that to happen. With great force, he twisted my arm, causing a loud cracking noise. Korrack’s expression turned to concern.

“Admit defeat, little one. If you don’t listen, I may end up breaking your arm.”

“Never Korrack.”

He maintains that position until I reach my limit and tap out due to the pain. He relinquished his grip on my arm and climbed off my back.

“Are you going to listen to what I have to say?”

“Korrack, you know a deal must be honored.”

I shift my position to face him. Korrack extends his hand to help me stand up. I took it. He embraced me tightly, enveloping me in his arms.

“You’re aware that I detest hurting you. What’s the status on your arm?”

“Fine. Can you assist me in locating Morifirer?”

“There are three specific locations that Brutus would bring him to. You’re familiar with all three.”

“Alright, what three?”

“Our previous residence, the theater, and the nearby cabin in the woods.”

“We can eliminate the theater as a possibility. That has already been examined. The last place I would think to check is our old house. We need to investigate that one.”

“Yes. Let’s go see the spot tomorrow night. What do you think?”

“Agree.”

“La Mia piccolo Stella. Please allow him to go.”

“I refuse to proceed until Morifirer is in my possession again.”

“Have faith in me, child. He is not worth your anger.”

“But Korrack.”

“No, but Korrack me, let him go now.”

“Someone is about to face some consequences.”

I forcefully grabbed Alaric’s throat and tossed him against the wall. With a loud thud, he struck it and it landed on the floor.

“FLORENCE!!”

“Whaaatt. He was annoying me.”

“It doesn’t matter to me. Take a moment to calm yourself and consider things rationally. If you had been thinking straight, you would have forced me to tap out. Your judgment is hindered by anger, my child. Either calm down now or I’ll make you calm down.”

“Fine.”

I can’t stand the fact that I’m constantly losing to him. I really dislike hearing him like this. Although I am not a child, he treats me like one. Carefully selecting my throwing dagger, I approached my weapons. I turned around to locate Korrack’s whereabouts. I noticed that he was not facing me, but had his back turned. With a swift motion, I grab one and swiftly throw it towards Korrack. In a single rapid movement, he blocked it as if it were nothing. Hoping to finally hit him, it landed on the mats. I observed that Korrack’s eyes were different from their usual Emerald green as he spun around. I could tell I had made an error the moment I saw those eyes.

“You’re testing my patience, child. You better calm down, or I’ll make sure you do,” he spat out.

I exited the training room, leaving them behind as I got up and walked away. Go to my garden if you need to unwind. In my garden, I find solace to regain mental clarity. I spent the majority of the night outside. I felt ill once I finished. Without wasting time, I rose abruptly and dashed inside to the adjacent bathroom. Upon hearing me run and the door slam, Korrack followed my footsteps.

“Rosie, how are you feeling?”

“Korrack, yes, I’m okay. Nevertheless, I had a headache.”

“You can count on me being here if you need anything. I refuse to budge from the door.”

Before opening the door, I experienced a few more instances of getting sick. I clumsily exited the bathroom and ended up in his embrace.