Everything Under The Covers (Plastic Wrappers)

Bone Magic

"So Dev hadnt purposely drawn these two here to get their motives. He had rushed to protect me, Fearing for my safety at the hands of these sociopaths". They were clearly enjoying my discomfort.

Quite suddenly the car stopped and the door was opened again by a henchmen. Ralia and Konrad moved out, leaving me in the dark car. Feeling relief at being left alone, I struggled to become calm and think of an escape. I had to pant to stabilize my breathing. I prayed silently that i would be left alone while those two did whatever business they had and not bother with me anymore. As I managed to get calm, the car door was yanked open and a blonde henchman stuck his upper body into the car. I screamed in terror as we began tussling. The man trying to drag me out.

I fought as hard as I could. But it was futile, I became exhausted in no time. Panicked tears streamed down my face as he successfully dragged me out and carried me out the car. Closing my eyes in defeat, I felt him walk over gravel and felt him carry me up some steps. He walked for some distance and gently dropped me on a chair.

He shaked my shoulder, urging me awake. He probably thought that I had passed out. I'd stubbornly kept my eyes shut, Hoping he'd go away. The shaking stopped as, his presence moved away. Trying to focus over the raucous beat of my heart. I strained to hear around my surroundings. I cracked one eye open, and then the other, shocked at finding myself in familiar surroundings. Looking around in confusion; I jammed my eyes shut, as I heard somebody walking towards me. I could feel the figure come towards me. I had goosebumps as it leaned towards me and whispered in my ear.

"Wake up precious, your brother is looking for you".

I woke up with a start to see the duke grinning down at me. I sat up and saw Dev's prone form sprawled on a garden chair. I made a sound of distress at his pale palid complexion. When he opened his eyes briefly; Purple storms warred inside, before he closed them back in disappointment.

"Why is she still here, she has nothing to do with this" he groused roughly

"Dear cousin, your sister was in such distress believing that I had killed you. I merely brought her back so she'd see you back in your spirits, eh"

Recovering from shock in seeing him alive, I jumped out of the chair, skinning my knees as I fell to the ground, scrambling to reach him. I held the fabric of his trousers, my head on his lap. "Dev. Oh my God. Oh my God, you're alive... I babbled as i began to sob, Relieved at him being okay, I felt so grateful.

I felt him touch my head "shhhh don't be upset. I need you to be calm please." I looked up into his eyes and noted the storms in them had dissipated. His parlour had improved a bit and I felt reassured when he smiled gently. We stared at each other for what felt like eons until the Duke interjected

"Now that you are feeling better dear cousin, it's time for us to have a discussion" Dev frowned, looking above me to where his uncle stood. I could taste the fury in as he glared across.

"What are your terms uncle" he asked calmly as he motioned me to my feet and stood up, slowly holding me to his chest. I held on tightly. Worried of another trick by the Duke, happy to feel safe in his arms.

" I suggest you voluntarily abdicate your claim of the throne to me, and stay here in exile, here in the west until your days end" he suggested airily

" I'm not even next in line to assume the throne. You are uncle. Why are you here to prevent me from gaining something that I've not even been guaranteed" he countered

"The king had no heirs to carry out his bloodline and since i am a ward of his estate, the inheritance fell to me as it should be. Afterall, I am definitely more suited to rule but the counsel rejects such ideals, stating that I am not fit to wear the crown. It seems, dear cousin, the cousel would prefer someone with a purer blood line, a direct direct descendant. You seem to carry the blood of the sky men and will soon be of age. I'm not stupid. I'm aware of your father's contact with the elite to will install you as a better candidate, bypassing my claim. I'm here to simply disabuse you from such ambition".

"You came here to kill me, threatening my family as bait" Dev responded angrily. I moved my head to study our surroundings. We were right back where we had started, at the back patio of my yard. The duke sat in his original position from before. Handsome, Regal, cold and deadly, a king of his circumstance. With a cunning smile, he continued speaking.

"You're quite right. I had come here intending to kill you. But that's proving quite difficult. You seem difficult to kill and recover faster than I would have preferred. So, i wondered to myself. If i can't harm you what else could I used to hurt you. Ralia..."

Her name was called casually but in a manner of seconds, Everything dissolved into a fit of agony. I fell to the ground spasming in pain. It felt as if all my bones were cracking at the same time. Blood gushed forth from my nose, and I could feel the pressure from my eyes. I felt fire move from from all parts of my body towards my skull. My head felt like it was breaking pen and my heart felt like it was tearing apart. I was being spilt in two

The pain suddenly stopped as I gained conciousness to find myself on the floor. I stared blearily at Dev whom knelt beside me, looking down stonily at me. I remembered the sensations and began gagging,my stomach recoiling, trying to force out the contents from an empty stomach.

"I hope now, that you're more open to negotiations afterall, Ralia is an expert on bone magic and she enjoys playing with dolls" I sat up, terrified at experiencing that feeling again.

"Bone magic is prohibited " Dev challenged

"Yes. But effective in making a point. Ralia has a new a doll. One so pretty. Made to resemble this beauty's eyes and hair. A doll she's eager to play with. Especially at my command"

"How can I be sure that you won't harm her. Even if I give you what you want".

"You can't be. Neither can I be certain you won't attempt to take the crown regardless of any agreement. With her life on the line. I'll make a bargain. A signed contract; a blood vow between us, sealed by magic.

We'll give up the doll ofcourse. There won't be an opportunity to make more; as my dear needs some... materials to make the dolls. And they are quite taxing to use. Simply put, The throne for the doll. We would leave her alone, promising never to harm her"

Dev fought internally. I could feel it. It was his heritage. Signing a contract was legally binding and had severe consequences for those who broke it. Not to talk of one that was gorged with blood and magic. Even if Dev challenged him at a later date. It would be difficult to make an acceptable claim as he'd have signed his rights away.

"It seems that you are still not convinced. That's not a problem to fix. Ralia.. " Everything went dark.