The Last Offering

The invitation

Ultima

I woke up in the morning and noticed that Asier was still asleep in his bed. The sun shined for and it lighted up the room on the little opening between the two curtains. I saw the ray of the sun getting closer to Asier's face and decided to pull the curtains closed. When my hands touched the curtains I got pinned to the ground immediately. The sun shined and illuminated the room. Asier was pinning me down and with his eyes turning into a vibrating red color he snarled at me.

- What were you doing little snack? - he asked.

- I tried to pull the curtains closed so you don't wake up yet.

- Really? Because I think you tried to open them hoping that the sun might kill me and burn me alive! Well, guess what?! I'm totally fine! - he said and I didn't know why, it was clear that the sun didn't have any effect on him. His skin was really white, the eyes like rubies, his hair was short and black as a crow. I had no intention on changing his mind. He asked me what I was doing and I've answered. Asier got up and pulled me up like a rug doll. He pulled the curtains closed and dragged me back to the sofa.

- Stay. - he said and I sat down. He went back to his bed, I could hear him climbing on and pulling the blanket over him. Then silence came to the room. The only thing I could hear was the slow and soft breathing of Asier. After half an hour and angry growing came form the direction of the bed. Asier got out of it and pulled the curtains open. Then he looked at me and shook his head.

- Come. - he said and I followed him. We walked to the palace kitchen and the young maid who gave me food last night stared at me with surprise. Asier noticed her glance as well and in a rather annoyed voice he asked.

- What are you staring at? - she bowed deeply and I could see her cat ears.

- Please forgive me your Highness, I jist didn't expect to see the offering alive today as well. - Asier looked at me and there was a strange emotion in his eyes before he turned back to the maid.

- Give it something to eat. - he ordered and said.

- Once you have eaten, come to my office. Don't be late. - I nodded and the maid, called Oiris gave me some fresh bread and jam. I couldn't believe my eyes. I've eaten it trying to enjoy the food but the order of the Prince echoed in my ears. "Don't be late". I finished my food quickly and Oiris gave me some cookies and tea on a tray.

- Take this to his Highness the Prince. - I've nodded and headed towards Asier's office. On my way many stared at me but unlike yesterday no one tried to attack me. I've arrived to Asier's offie, put the tea and cookies on the desk and walked back to the corner I stationed yesterday. After a while he asked.

- Can you read and write?

- Yes, your Highness.

- Interesting, can you also read our language?

- Partially, your Highness. - he made a movement with his hand telling me to go there. He out a letter in front of me and said.

- Read it out loud. - it wasn't anything complicated, since it was a message from King Bartholomew.

- " Dear King Novak,

I, Bartholomew the Tenth, King of Adanford, would like to personally invite you to the celebration and ball to be held in three days' time. This ball is to celebrate the peace between our kingdoms and to lay the foundations for a future in which this peace can continue for generations to come.

I would also like to invite your honoured son, the future heir to the throne, and his entourage.

I hope that our sacrifice has pleased you and that you will honour us with your presence so that we can toast to a better future!

Yours sincerely

King Bartholomew X. "- Asier kept his glance at me the whole time I've read the letter and once I was done he asked.

- What do you think? - I felt my eyes widen a little bit before I answered.

- I have no thoughts regarding the letter your Highness. - Asier stood up and leaned over the desk. He grabbed a piece of my hair and with a handsome smile he said.

- Come on, you must have something to say regarding this! It's your homeland, your king. - I bowed with my hair still in his hand and said.

- King Bartholomew is no longer my king, your Highness.

- How so? - Asier asked and I lifted my glance looking into his eyes.

- I'm a mere offering to your Highness's kingdom. - he wanted to say something else but the door of the office swung open and Novak skipped in. When he noticed Asier holding my hair and looking into my eyes he caught his hand in front of his mouth.

- Oh silly me! I should've knocked! Look at this, now I've interrupted some precious bonding time! - Asier pulled away and sat back in his chair with a devastated expression.

- Seriously? Can't you act like a grown ass man for only one day? - he asked and Novak walked in. He waved to me and said to his annoyed son.

- It's not your birthday to make wishes son! I see you've read Barty's letter. What should we do with it? - he asked Asier and he looked at his father confused.

- Are you asking me? - Novak nodded and grinned.

- I can ask the little offering of ours as well if you prefer her answer over your own!

- Dad... I don't know what you expect from me. Couldn't you cut the slack and just be a little normal? - Novak's expression changed. He looked cold and distant for a moment, even the air got colder around us.

- Very well, son. I think this could be a good opportunity to ensure the kingdom of Adanford about the future peace between our kingdoms. At least this is what they expect, but that inconsiderate asshole never thinks of the fact, that what was thousand years for them, it was only a few decades for us! Your grandfather's adopted sister died because of their previous king. Our family's blood tainted their lands.

- I know, but they paid the price Grandfather set for them. Shouldn't we move on? - Asier asked calmly and Novak laughed.

- We can, if you want. But take in consideration that they never asked pardon for their sins. We never got Angelica's body back, and they had been sending innocent people for us for decades to die for this peace. - he looked at me and there was a slight hostility in his red eyes.

- Humans are the worst kind of monsters alive. - Asier looked at me and nodded.

- I cannot agree more. What are you planning? - he asked and Novak smiled mischievously.

- What if we shock them with an unexpected guest? - he asked and both pair of red eyes turned at me.