Dark Lord's Obsession

Chapter 9: A Guard?

Louisa’s Point of View

The uncertainty of the weather of this castle was swallowing everyone. With my every step here, I could realise how scared everyone was. The incident with Arak was a huge blow on us. And above all, the majority in the Royal council agreed with the King’s proposal, which worsened things. They wanted to use the women for negotiation with the dark emperor.

It had been half a month since the incident with Arak, and none had heard anything about Kayla. A shiver went down my spine as the thought of her being in the Midlands occurred in my mind. Would she be okay? What if those sloppy, cold reptiles harm her?

Sitting in front of the mirror in a silver frame, I was looking at my reflection blankly. My mind was sunk in the thoughts of our future while my hand kept brushing my long golden-brown curls with the wooden comb. A sudden knock on the open door broke the chain of my thoughts, bringing me back to reality.

“My lady,” the warrior standing by the door spoke. His head was hung low, looking towards the marbled floor.

Putting the comb down, I stood up from my position. Then, straightening my gown, I addressed him, “yes?”

“The Duke has summoned you to the hall.” He informed again with a soft tone.

My last encounter with my uncle was the day I learned about Arak. I wondered what uncle wanted from me.

“I understand,” I replied, and the guard left my doorstep soon after that.

With a sigh, I left for the hall. An uneasiness filled my heart. Since my birthday, every gathering with my uncle had brought only disasters in my life, making it harder than before. My slow steps crossed the long corridor. Leaving the royal resident behind, I walked towards the staircase which led me to the hall. The noises coming from there was enough for me to understand it wasn’t just my Uncle; instead, other members of Narodnye Council had also gathered here. But what was the reason?

As I walked into the room, my eyes fell on my uncle, the Duke, sitting on a massive chair in the middle of the room. Soon, my eyes fell on the other members of the council, sitting around in two rows. Then my gaze shifted towards a man standing near my uncle, holding a scroll. His attire was enough to tell me he wasn’t from Narodnye. Then my eyes moved towards a pale girl standing afar from that man. Her shabby appearance and timid face were enough to tell she was a slave. With a frowned face, I made my way to the middle of the hall.

“Good afternoon, my Lord,” I showed courtesy.

“Good afternoon, my sweet niece,” Uncle spoke with a bright smile.

But his smile didn’t touch my lips. On the contrary, the sweetness of his voice disgusted me. I glanced at that foreign man and the girl once again as I asked, “why have you summoned me, my Lord?”

“Ah, I’m glad you asked. The king has sent a gift for you.” He clearly pointed towards that girl. I could hardly believe he sent me a slave. It wasn’t out of odds, but I detested it. Why would someone have to be always submissive and bear all those consequences? She was just as human as me, and she had every right to live a life with freedom.

The girl was standing just to my left. Peeking another glance from her, I declared, “I don’t need a slave.”

My words made everyone standing up from their position. The foreign man, who was undoubtedly from the King’s palace, gasped.

“How dare you insult the king?” Uncle spoke in fury.

“Pardon me, Uncle, but I can never accept the freedom of another as a gift,” I mumbled under all those raging gazes.

The king’s messenger was staring at me with confusion at first, and then a smugly smile appeared on his lips as he commented, “no wonder my brother wanted her so badly. After all, it is not just about your beauty.”

So, he was the king’s brother. I tried my best to keep my composure, swallowing my fear. Suddenly that girl dragged her feet near me and sat on the floor, making me step backwards.

“Please, my lady, accept me.” She spoke, whereas her head was hung low.

Gently she moved her head, stealing a glance from me as a whisper left her mouth, “it’s not the king who sent me. I’m here for you.”

Her voice was too low for others to hear. The king didn’t send her! Her words confused me, while those angry gazes made me uncomfortable. What was her agenda? Would it be safe to keep her? I couldn’t help but smile in my head. My own family wanted me dead. What else could be more dangerous?

With a bitter smile, I declared, “I accept you.”

“Thank you, my lady,” that girl replied.

“Well, then, it is settled here.” The king’s brother added. “I will express your special gratitude to the king, lady Louisa.”

I wanted to say no to him. I never wanted to show any gratitude to the king, but Uncle’s glare kept me quiet.

“It is time for me to leave,” that man left the hall after exchanging formalities with uncle.

As soon as the lord from the kingdom left, uncle requested loudly, “may I have a moment with my niece alone?”

I looked at him blankly as others left the room quickly, along with that girl. Another servant took her away to clean herself, and she would be waiting for me in my room later. Uncle instructed her.

As they all disappeared, uncle stepped closer. Then, putting his hand on my shoulders, he spoke, “Louisa, the situation out there isn’t good.”

A sigh made its way as he continued, “so, it’s better for you to be with the king. Please trust me on this. I meant no harm.”

I glared at him, unable to hide the chuckle, “wasn’t it you who wanted me dead only a few weeks ago?”

He moved his hands from my shoulder on my words and turned back, “the situation has changed, and I hope you will understand it soon.”

With his words, he made his way out of the hall. I turned to return to my room as well. The king was the least of my worries now. My mind was all over on that girl who arrived and said, ‘wasn’t sent by the king.’ Who was she?

I returned to my room with a puzzled mind only to find out that girl standing by the patio door. Closing the entrance, I strode towards her. Her light blue eyes were vacant and looking towards the courtyard aimlessly. The last rays of sunlight were touching her face. My presence gained her attention as her lips formed a sweet smile.

“My lady,” she greeted me, bowing her head.

“Who are you?” I questioned, without any inauguration.

“I am Miriam, my lady.” She answered obediently.

“That wasn’t what I asked,” I replied impatiently.

“You said the king didn’t send you. So then, who are you?” I repeated.

“I am a warrior, my lady, and I am here to protect you from the attacks. Furthermore, I am here to teach you element control if you want.” She smiled again.

Protect me? From the attacks? Teach me element control?  Never did I imagine her to be a warrior in the first place. Her slender body and lean muscle were hidden behind her shabby clothes. But who could have sent her? No one knew about the attacks except an uncle and Duke Albert! Was this his doing?

“How do you know about the attacks? And who sent you?” I asked, expecting her to take Albert’s name.

“Please forgive me, my lady, but I cannot give you all the answers right now. It is not my place to talk.” Miriam replied politely.

We both stood in silence. Why couldn’t I get the answers? Finally, breaking the uncomfortable silence, I questioned, “Was that Duke Albert?”

My eyes were glued to her, whereas she lowered her gaze. I tried my best to read her every action. She kept quiet for some reason. But I got my answer soon enough.

“Is that the name that appears in your mind whenever you are in trouble?” A deep sarcastic comment shook me from inside. I knew who he was. My eyes fell on the door by the courtyard. That tall frame was standing there with that haughty smile on his lips. But, as expected, that mask was covering his face again, only revealing his enticing blue eyes.

“You! You sent her!” I gasped.

He chuckled. Then his eyes fell on my neck. Slowly stepped closer, and his long finger rubbed my neckline, holding on to the chain I was wearing. The one he gave me on my birthday. Though the chain was around my neck, he took the pendant on his palm, and he smiled, “she will guard you.”

His eyes were still stuck at that strange locket.

I snatched the locket from his hand and stepped back, “I don’t need a guard. Especially from one who hides his face behind a veil.”

Hie eyes were fixed at me. Gradually the side of his lip twitched again.

“This is a mask.” He chuckled.

Then his smile disappeared, “And you need her more than you can imagine, Louisa.” His voice was laced with worries.

“Who are you? Why are you helping me?” I couldn’t help but ask.

He stepped closer. His eyes were warm this time. Leaning over my face, he smiled again, “you will know when the time is right.”