AllFreeNovel
Share Us
All that occupies the space is a long wooden table that looks like it’s been burnt, charred to the point of blackness. Surrounding it, there are uncomfortable chairs made from thousands of twigs. Thin sticks are woven together to make the wicker-like structures, but they’re spiky and riddled with large splinters.
Despite the fact that they’re poorly done, I assume it would’ve taken a very long time to craft furniture like that.
And isn’t that sad?
Imagine working that hard to make a chair only to get a stick in the ass every time you sit on it.
Turning away from the unoccupied room, I head in the opposite direction. On the other side of the foyer, open double doors lead to a large empty space.
The vastness of the long room gives off a daunting, intimidating vibe. Grayish light comes through the cloudy glass of the windows, creating ominous shadows. The high ceilings and all the corners are shrouded in darkness.
There are no tapestries, the sconces on the walls have no candlesticks in them, and the chandeliers are just rusted shells of the opulent fixtures they once were. And the dirt. My boots have left prints in the filth like snow tracks, and the musty smell in the air is overwhelming.
What a shithole.
I can’t believe this is someone’s home. How could anyone live in this?
Right as I’m about to leave and check out the second floor, a quiet clinking draws my attention.
I’d recognize that sound anywhere.
Shackles.
The noise came from the far end of the room, and when I look that way, I see the dark outline of a large wicker chair.
Not a regular chair. A throne. It has a tall back that must reach six feet high, and whoever is in this room with me is taking cover behind it.
I’m not alone like I thought.
Moving toward my company, I rest my hand on my sword.
I palm the hilt, ready to remove the weapon and swing if necessary. “Don’t hide like a coward. Show yourself.”
A soft, rhythmic shuffling starts up, then a female responds, “I’m working as quickly as I can. I’ll be done soon.”
That voice. So smooth and pleasant.
She has an interesting lilt to her words. She’s got the Valora accent, but it’s combined with something else. A hint of Portuguese, Queen Ro’s original language.
Satisfaction douses my soulless body because I’ve located the woman I’m looking for, and I didn’t even have to try.
Kai
My grip on the weapon loosens and my tone becomes gentler. “Come out. I won’t hurt you.”
“Please give me a few more minutes. I promise I’m doing my best.”
She’s so patient. So placating.
Soft.
I’ve heard people talk of Queen Ro’s kind nature. Some have called her weak because of it. They claim her compassion is a human flaw. A hinderance.
But it’s that very characteristic that made the Day Realm citizens love her.
During her rule, she was like an angel, unseen while sprinkling blessings on her people. From behind the scenes, she routinely sent aid to the villagers suffering from the plague that ravaged their lands. If someone couldn’t work because they were too busy caring for sick loved ones, she made sure they had food and medicine. When there were deaths, she arranged funerals and sent flowers.
She was a silent savior, the opposite side of the coin to King Zarid’s blatant neglect.
