The dance hall was quiet once more.
The tea had gone cold sadly, and with no maids allowed in or out, we couldn’t change pots or get ingredients to brew another.
The cookies remained untouched though, so… that was something.
Father sure was taking his time. I could only hope he was okay.
With not much else to do, I had dedicated myselves to enjoy this delicate silence… When.
Screaming.
Again.
Clearer and closer than it was before. It was no longer something only Feyt’s ears could pick up.
I, as Feyt, stood up abruptly, hoping I could get a better listen. It was a clash of steel, mixed with the yells and grunts of familiar-sounding knights. And all of it was coming from just outside. The courtyard.
“Something’s happening!” I shouted, cutting through the tense stillness. “There’s fighting in the courtyard!”
That got the knights riled up. Some turned toward me, startled. A few looked like they were about to question me again. But I couldn’t allow it, or more like, couldn’t afford to.
If this attacker was just outside, we didn’t have much time. I didn’t know who they were, or why they were attacking so suddenly. But all I knew was we needed to act.
I, as Carine, surged to my feet and thrust my hand forward before anyone could speak.
“Someone’s making their way here! Hold the line!” I ordered.
The knights didn’t hesitate. They moved in unison, drawing their blades with smooth, trained precision. The ring around us tightened, some turning to face the large double doors at the far end of the hall, the entrance that led to the entrance lobby.
Both of my hearts were pounding loudly.
Leila walked past me and stood before the two of us, her arms subtly outstretched. It was like she was shielding us.
Feyt’s body was tense. Carine’s was still. But I could tell both bodies were anxious to the core.
Everyone held their breath as their gaze remained locked on the door before them. Even Leila, who always looked composed, braced herself for whoever was on the other side. Searᴄh the nôvelFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Soon, I heard someone entering the entrance lobby.
“Be ready!” I barked as Carine.
The knights tensed once more. The grip on their swords grew firmer form each second.
We expected the doors to burst open. Perhaps by a kick, or a body thrown through. Imagine out surprise, when it opened with a soft click.
The doors opened slowly, their creaking echoing around the dance hall. Then, our eyes finally met the culprit.
Mother.
My skin turned pale.
How was she here? Why was she here?
She still wore her dress from this afternoon. But it was torn to bits. The hem of her dress was ripped in half, and there were remnants of slashes here and there on the rest of her dress.
She held a sword in her hand. It didn’t have any blood on it, but the sound of fighting from before was clear. She had scuffled with the knights I had sent to investigate… and walked out unscathed.
I mean, that tracks. The knights we employed were mostly knights Mother and Father had trained personally, after all. Knowing Mother, she probably knew their movements and techniques in and out and overpowered them easily. But still, the question remained.
Why was she here?!
One thing I knew for sure, though, she was still not in her right mind.
It pained me to say this… No, it pained me to even think about saying this. But I had to.
I raised my hand and shouted, “Seize her!”
The knights sprang into action.
No matter how strong Mother was, she was still a single person. There should be no way for her to win against these many knights.
Steel flashed against light from every angle.
Five knights stepped forward. The few left behind quickly closed the gaps encircling us once more. The knights who advanced rushed forward, their pace hurried but not rushed. Still in formation, they quickly encircled Mother, who remained still with her sword drawn.
“Your Grace! We must ask you to drop your weapon and come with us!”
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
“So you would stand in my way of protecting my daughter?” she said. Her tone wasn’t angry. It was disappointment. “Then so be it.”
She lunged forward, and of course, she aimed for the weakest of the bunch. She rushed towards one knight in particular with the weakest stance, and he knew it too late. It gave her a free opening.
A single strike knocked the sword clean from his hands, clattering against the polished floor. Before he could react, her foot rose and slammed into his chest in one fluid motion. He flew back into a decorative vase, shattering it, and crumpled.
The other knights surged forward to help their comrade. But, even from here, I could tell. They couldn’t raise their blade fully.
This was the Duchess. The possibility of hurting her, or perhaps even killing her, would weigh heavily in their minds. But more than that, Mother was their former instructor and the one who had trained them even before they were squires.
Could they hurt someone such as that?
Even if it was justified, even if duty demanded it…
But of course, knowing Mother…
She would exploit that fact.
Her blade met with a knight’s, and she easily overpowered them, shifting their blade to the side. With one swift kick, she brought them to their knees and she kicked them to the floor before moving on to the next knight.
Every step she took. Every swing she did. It was like she was always two steps ahead. I… didn’t know if I should be mesmerized by her fluidity, or be terrified by it.
Before long, all five knights were down. Their groans echoed off the high walls, their swords kicked far out of reach.
Mother barely looked winded as she approached us. Her heels clicked loudly against the marble floor. Each click caused my breath to hitch.
I looked to the knights still forming the protective circle around us. They were shaking ever so slightly.
Anyone would if they had seen what happened.
I wondered if I should throw out an order. Should I order them to create an opening for me to flee? Perhaps try and overwhelm Mother? But before I could decide on anything. One person slipped out of the circle without hesitation.
Leila.
She walked slowly, unarmed, stopping just a few paces from Mother. Her hands were still politely clasped in front of her, her posture as graceful as always.
“I cannot let you go any farther, Your Grace,” she said.
Mother’s eyes narrowed. Her sword tilted, ready to strike.
“Stand aside, Leila,” she said. “You’ve done more than enough. I hereby relieve you of your duty to Carine Sareid.”
Leila bowed her head. “I accept your declaration, Your Grace.”
I nearly took a step back from her reaction. What was Leila thinking?
Then, she looked up. “However, I still cannot let you pass.”
Mother tilted her head slightly, raising the tip of her sword towards Leila.
“Move. Aside. This no longer concerns you.”
“But it does,” Leila said. “I have a duty far more important than my position.”
Leila took a breath, then her stance changed. She spread her feet shoulder-wide, her hands open to the side. It was as if she were ready to surge at any moment.
“I have a duty to protect the people I care about.”