“The only humans that we’ve had contact with all this time are the wizards of the Celestial Order,” King Bakdrel, ruler of the dwarves, yelled from his glistening burgundy throne. His voice reminded Alaris of his father’s voice at church: loud and bold. “So to what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?” King Bakdrel was dressed in silky black and red garments and wore a red band around his black hair.

Alaris and the others currently stood inside the Emperor’s Quarters. The windows, which were covered with dark red curtains, let in enough sunlight to illuminate the entire room, bouncing off the black and white tiled floor. Dark wooden dressers and bookshelves that were tall enough for the dwarves to reach were placed against the stone walls, which were framed with wooden pillars. Between some of those were doors which lead to bedrooms or other parts of the castle.

“My kingdom,” Princess Rosepost began, “has been invaded by Frostland. We came here to request your aid.”

“And what do you call your kingdom?” Bakdrel questioned.

“Rosepost.”

The dwarf raised his eyebrows as soon as he heard the name. “Rovere Rosepost, is that you”

Everyone was just as confused as the Princess was, each of them exchanging looks of narrow eyes and tilted heads. “Yes,” she answered slowly. “Have we met before?”

“Your father and I used to be great friends,” he began. “I never cared too much for his laziness, but it didn’t matter to me. After he adopted you, his laziness increased and neglect for the residents of downtown Rosepost increased, despite his lack of involvement in your upbringing. That was enough for me to see him for how he truly was: an egotistical, lazy brat. I began to distance myself and my kingdom over time, which is probably why you don’t remember me.”

He then stood up from his throne.

“If you’re here,” he began, “then Charles must be dead.”

Princess Rosepost nodded.

“I wish I could say I’m shocked,” King Bakdrel sighed. “I would be happy to provide any aid you all need to free your kingdom from Frostland.”

Alaris and the others all began to smile, all relieved their home would have a chance at being saved.

“But I do request something in return,” Bakdrel continued as the Princess’ smile faded. “Allyship from you. I have to admit, I’ve been on edge ever since that wizard showed up here threatening us with war. It would be nice to have somebody on our side.”

“Of course.” the Princess said.

“Alright,” Bakdrel said as he began walking past Alaris and the others, toward the two brown wooden doors. The doors weren’t that much taller than the humans in the room, but compared to the height of the one dwarf, it was quite tall. “All of you may feel free to explore the castle.”

“Where are you going?” Princess Rosepost asked

“Your kingdom needs saving, does it not? I would tell you all to come with us so you can fight, but our armor does not fit you. Therefore, you all must stay here,” Bakdrel stated. “That is, unless you have the skills to fight without armor.”

James and Aviar exchanged looks.

Before Braya, Alaris, James, or Aviar could even think of responding, Princess Rosepost had already begun talking.

“No,” she immediately said. “It’s too dangerous.”

“With all due respect, Princess, our chances at saving your kingdom might be better if there’s a wizard there.” Aviar stated.

“I agree with him,” James blurted. “I should go as well.”

“No, James. You’re staying here. You’d die out there without armor.” Alaris quickly stated. He can't truly be thinking about going with them.

“I’ll be fine, Alaris. King Rosepost sent me on two missions without armor, remember?”

Alaris squinted his eyes a little. For as long as he could remember, the one thing James had always wanted was peace and to be left alone. But now he was debating with the Princess if he should go to war or not when he could be severely injured, or worse, die. Something about James’ behavior choked Alaris’ suspicion, and his anxiety.

Princess Rosepost sighed. “If you die, I will never forgive you.”

“If you both are coming, please, follow me now. Daylight is not infinite.” King Bakdrel stated.

James and Aviar began walking after Bakdrel as he walked through the doors. But before James could step out of the room, Alaris grabbed his arm and whispered, “Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“I’ll explain it later. I promise.” James said.

Alaris let go of his arm and James walked out of the room, shutting the doors behind him.

Immediately, Alaris was drowning in fear. His heart was beating as though it wanted to escape the confines of his chest. And his breathing grew faster no matter how much he tried to slow it. Why would James put himself in a situation as dangerous as that? Did he want to get hurt? What was he planning? What did James need to explain?

He’s going to get killed, Alairs thought as he rubbed his eyes with his shaky hands.

All these questions and thoughts weighed on Alaris’ shoulders, wrapping their hands around his neck and squeezing it so tight he could barely breathe.

“Maybe you should sit down.” he heard the Princess suggest.

When he took his hands off his face he saw the Princess looking at him and Braya, oddly, was nowhere to be found.

“I’m fine,” he said, his vision becoming narrow as he did his best to hide his uncontrolled breathing. “I’ll be right back.”

Alaris quickly opened one of the doors in the room, walked through, and slammed it shut behind him. Almost instantly, he fell to his knees, breathing rapidly through his mouth as tears started racing down his face.

The possibility of James being killed made Alaris’ mouth and throat dry. He cared for James more than he did for himself. If something were to happen to him, he would never forgive himself, even if he had no part in it.

Alaris began to shiver as he buried his head in his hands.

It was as though he could see everything happening in front of him. The grayness of the stone used for James’ grave, Merlis’ sword-like words of blame directed towards him, and the tree in Butterfly Grove were repeating in his head endlessly. All of it reminded him of his mother’s death. Something he never wanted to go through again.

He’ll be fine, Alaris thought in an attempt to comfort himself.

Though his forced thoughts of positivity didn’t help much, eventually his breathing and heart slowed. Once his vision returned to normal, he saw a bed in the room and realized he was in King Bakdrel’s bedroom.

He rose from his knees, wiped the tears from his face, took a deep breath, and exited the room, still worrying about James.

After closing the door behind him, he looked around the throne room but didn’t see anyone. Did the Princess leave?

It was quiet enough for him to still hear his heartbeat as well as someone talking.

Someone talking.

If nobody was in there with him, who could have been talking?

He saw the door ahead of him was slightly open, with a scaly green tail sticking out of it.

Eyebrows raised, he slowly began walking over to the door. With each step, the talking became louder.

What is that?

Once close to the door, he listened to the voice. It was Braya’s voice. A voice he didn’t expect to hear at all.

Who is she in there with?

To him, she sounded upset.

Watching the tail closely, his curiosity got the best of him as he listened to her conversation.

“You of all people should know what happens when my orders are disobeyed.” an unpleasant, unfamiliar voice said.

“I know,” Braya fumed. “But you said my brother and I had until the end of the month.”

“And you still do. But if there’s been days without any sign of progress, then my property must be disobeying me.” the voice told Braya.

“I’m not your property.” Braya mumbled.

Alaris could hear the faint sound of something metal sliding against leather and Braya’s gasp.

“Do you mind speaking louder? I’m afraid my hearing has grown defective.” the voice requested.

“No.”

“Good,” said the voice, the sound of metal sliding against leather briefly returning.

“I can’t just steal the wizard’s belt. Even if I do it while he’s sleeping, I’m sure he would still know. They all would. This isn’t simple.”

Surely, she isn’t a thief, Alaris pondered.

“You’re in a castle, Braya. One that is currently unguarded because its guards went off to war.”

“And?”

“You are not here to make friends or find love. You’re surrounded by things of value. Find something. You know what will happen if you don’t.”

Alaris watched as the tail vanished, every scale slowly becoming nothing. After Braya sighed, the door opened a little more and out she walked.

“Hey,” Alaris said. She jumped slightly and turned around, her eyes wide with fear. “Who was that?”

“Nobody,” she said. “Were you spying on me?”

“Answer me.” Alaris demanded.

Braya folded her lips in as though she wrestled with the words in her head, deciding which gets the privilege of coming out her mouth. “Tell anyone and I’ll slit your throat.”

“With what?” Alaris questioned. “Your hand?”

Alaris couldn’t believe it. This criminal was the girl he’d pulled from the dead body of her brother to save her from either burning in the flames or getting slaughtered by one of Frostland’s soldiers.

“Alright then,” Braya began. “James.”

Alaris’ heart immediately sank to his knees.

“He’s fallen for me,” Braya continued. “It’s a shame how easily love can blind the heart of a man. He’d barely believe you if you told him. But if you do, then you’ll be trading his life for yours. I’m sure that isn’t something you’d want to do since you two are so close. You don’t want to be the reason for James' death, do you?”

Alaris couldn’t tell if Braya was just trying to scare him, or if she was serious. She looked almost disgusted by her own words. But Alaris wasn’t going to take her words lightly. Not after seeing the coldness in her eyes.

“Is everything alright?”

Braya and Alaris both turned their heads to the two doors and saw Princess Rosepost standing there, closing the doors behind her.

Alaris glanced back at Braya, and she reciprocated the gaze.

“Yes,” he said. “Everything is fine.”