Chapter 24 - Dungeon

Fujimura Kasumi grows more worried by the second. 'What did that evil glint mean? Where are we going?'

Ryota ignored Kasumi whose face showed all different kinds if emotions. They walked further and further into the palace until they reached their destination.

Ryota opened the door like a gentleman before saying, "Welcome, to the dungeon."

Kasumi walked inside bravely, trying to show that she's fine with walking into places like this. When she walked inside, she nearly hurled. The smell was a mixture of urine, throw up, spoiled food, and rotting flesh. The walls were made of stone which looked gray but it seemed that overtime it turned to a rusty red-green. Long black bars closed off each cell, which looked like a murder scene. Each person in the cell was huddled in a corner only wearing a white sheet that has turned brown with use. Men and women alike were in the cells with rats scurrying around and guards standing next to each cell.

Kasumi stopped next to the entrance to steady herself while Ryota walked casually in, "If you want to throw up, feel free to do so."

Kasumi clenched her stomach at his comment, refusing to give in to the smells. She straightened her back and walked into the dungeon where the smell got worse and worse with each step.

One guard walked up to the prince and bowed, "My prince, why are you here today?"

Ryota looked at the guard, "Where's the man who tried to steal from the treasury?"

The guard stood up and lead them to the last cell. A man crouched in the center rof the cell with closed eyes. He wasn't old, nor young. He had thick hair the color of wheat with pale skin. He had bumps all over his body and his pale sheet was wrapped tightly around him for warmth.

When the group came in front of the man's cell, they waited a moment for the man to open his eyes. When what didn't happen after a few seconds, Ryota got impatient and kicked the bars. It gave out a large sound that made the man shake, startled, and open his eyes. His eyes were bloodshot with a dirt brown color right in the center. He had heavy bags underneath the dark eyes that made him look like he hasn't slept in years.

Kasumi wanted to leave the moment she finally noticed that he pissed himself. A yellowish liquid dripped out from underneath his legs and onto the dirty, slippery floor.

Ryota walked up to the cell and leaned into his face, "Hello, I heard you were trying to steal some money, correct?"

The man didn't respond, he only stared at the prince. Ryota banged the bars again with a cold grin, "Not talking, huh? Are you sure you want to do that? It will end badly for you."

The man didn't speak again, instead he looked at Kasumi. She flinched when he looked at her and she walked backwards and behind the guard fearfully. The man chuckled and looked at the prince, "Is that your fiance? I know you brought her today, word travels fast."

The man's voice was gravelly, like he hasn't used it in a while.

Ryota smiled, "Nah, she's not mine. My fiance just left, I would've brought her down here if you wanted to meet her."

The man chuckled once again, "I knew she wanted yours, she's too emotional and weak for you."

Kasumi flinched again and glared at the man, 'Who does he think he is? Insulting me!'