Freya stood before the full-length mirror inside her private chambers, the soft glow of lanterns highlighting her pale face and braided golden hair. Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword as she breathed softly.
Her armour shimmered under the soft glow. But no amount of steel could calm the storm inside her.
"It's alright. Everything I'm doing is to find out the truth. I'm not betraying my kingdom."
"I-I'm trying to fight for justice."
She muttered to herself for the umpteenth time as if trying to convince herself. Her jaw tightened as she took one last glance at the mirror before walking away.
She had begun investigating, reopening the case of her father's death and visiting a few of the people she trusted. She had to be careful else she could end up like her father... dead.
But she wasn't ready. Not yet. She still needed time. Time to confirm the truth. To decide whether justice means standing beside her brother... or against him.
Though she had little doubt of Alexander lying to her. Letting out a sigh, she rounded the stairs and into the grand halls.
...
Alexander and Ren walked at a steady pace behind the guards.
Their footsteps echoed across the cold walls as they walked through the passage. Torches flickered along the wall, casting long shadows that danced beside Alexander and Ren as they were led toward the throne room.
Walking along, Alexander wasn't fully focused on the path. Nor of his fate that was hanging in the hands of King Arkan.
He was thinking.
His plans were going smoothly.
He had pretended to be captured by Freya earning them entry into Drakarhold. Allowed himself to be humiliated and locked in a filthy cell with a beast.
The king thought he had everything in control. How wrong he was.
They never thought it was all part of the game. His game.
He glanced sideways at Ren, whose casual expression belied the sheer aura around him. Even still restrained, no guards dared to walk too close to him.
Alexander could have escaped. So could Ren.
But they didn't need to break out.
He was just probably a day?... maybe a few days away from gaining control of Drakarhold.
Why fight a kingdom when you can make it hand itself over? Alexander mused with a wry smile. The best conquests weren't won by force.
He didn't want to damage his soon-to-be kingdom due to infighting.
Letting out a chuckle, he finally raised his head. Just at the moment, they rounded up the stairs. The scent of mold gave way to faint traces of fragrance.
They were now in the grand hall and nearing the throne room.
A golden light greeted them before the throne doors.
Freya stood there. Radiant in her golden armour, which fitted perfectly to her frame. The light gathered around her as if acknowledging her authority.
She waited patiently for them.
Alexander straightened his shoulders. 'This is it.'
"You look radiant as always... General Freya." He said with a small smile.
Freya stepped forward the moment they reached her. "I'll take it from here," she said coolly to the guard, ignoring Alexander's remark.
Without another word, she pushed open the heavy doors, letting them inside.
'She's calm.' Alexander thought as he walked into the grand chamber. He was here once again. To see the idiotic king's face and hear his ramblings.
"Hold on... he isn't here... yet?" Alexander muttered with a frown.
The throne was empty. Only the royal advisors and members of the council had arrived. They stiffened upon seeing Alexander and Ren but said nothing.
Lu stepped forward with a polite bow.
"My Lady. The king was delayed. Urgent matters came up."
"It's alright," she said with a nod. Turning to the prisoners, she stared at Alexander as if trying to peer into his soul and then said in a stiff voice:
"The King will arrive soon." Then, staring at Ren, her aura flared for a moment. "One wrong move..." she said, her voice sharp.
"And... I won't hesitate to cut off his legs."
Ren gave her a small smile but remained silent.
"I wonder if she's found out the truth," Alexander muttered to himself. He was getting tired of acting the prisoner. "And he'd better show up."
"I'm not sleeping in that damn place with a beast tonight," he thought with a frown before shaking his head.
They didn't wait long.
The double doors flung open once more. King Arkan strode into the room, his head held high. He stared at Freya, his expression hardening for a moment before glancing towards Alexander.
"My Lord." The council greeted him in unison with a bow as he walked towards his throne.
"Let's get this over with." He said with a frown. "I don't have much time." Sitting on his throne with a grunt, he forced a sigh before addressing them.
"Your father was contacted. Details of your whereabouts and what will be needed for your release. And yet... no response."
"It appears your father is playing hard to get. "Or..." He leaned forward slightly, with a cruel smug tugging at his lips.
"Perhaps your father doesn't consider you worth saving."
"I don't have much patience. Maybe I should send him something. A limb. Or those pretty eyes of yours?"
Rising from his throne, he walked towards Alexander. "But... there's been a new development. Someone willing to pay in exchange for your head."
Freya raised a brow as she stared at her brother. "Brother. I beg you... don't do anything stupid." She said, stepping forward.
"Anything stupid you say!! I think you should listen to your own words." He fired back, staring at her with a deep scowl.
Turning to Alexander, he continued. "Someone's offering a fortune and protection... just for that pretty head of yours."
"You see. Just your head, then the deal is done." He said, clapping his hands with a smile.
Alexander ramined silent. Their gaze locked in.
"So... I'm giving them what they want. Your head. Tomorrow... at dawn. Your servant would have a swell job delivering your headless body to your father."
"Take him away from my sight. I'm done with him."
Alexander had his head down as they were escorted towards the door. "In the end, I'll have to get my hands dirty again, huh?" He muttered with a frown.
Freya frowned, glancing at him.
"Hey!" Arkan called out. "You don't need to think too much... about it. I'll make sure it's swift. You won't feel the tiniest pain." He said with a devilish smile and then waved his hands.
Alexander shook his head as he walked past the door. "Indeed, I won't feel the tiniest pain. But... same can't be said about you," he muttered, gritting his teeth.