The Royal Treasury

Ashley opened her eyes with a heavy feeling. She wasn't able to sleep properly and realized she cried for two straight nights that's why her eyes were slightly swollen. She wouldn't be surprised if she looked like she was in a bad-shape. 

She stretched her weak arms and yawned. The sky was still dim but the sun was slightly peeking from the heavens. It was still dawn. 

She woke up especially early this morning. Today was the day that Ramier will take her to visit the Palace Museum. It was where all legacies given to the kingdom were stored.

Ashley rang the bell and called the servants in. They immediately responded to her call. They went inside her room with her breakfast and clothes in hand. The head court lady wasn't present this time which is a relief for her. She didn't need her hateful stare at the moment. She was already feeling down. 

Her mind was blank the whole time the maids attended to her needs. They dressed her up in a new dress and left when it was time for her to eat. Ashley didn't have the appetite so she ate less. The maids wondered how'd it happen but they could only shut their mouths. It wasn't their place to ask the legacy any questions. 

She waited for Ramier to arrive in her room. She was deep in thought. She tried to prepare herself for the worst. Afraid that what happened last time would occur, she was too confident that there would be other humans in this world. However, the truth only crushed her self-esteem. If those items in the museum wouldn't give any clue about her chance to go back then, she could do nothing. It could be game over for her.

That's why she was hesitant if she wanted to go.

Minutes later, Ramier came knocking on her door. He looked dashing in his simple shirt that had lace ruffled on the front. It reminded Ashley of the attires of typical noblemen wore in medieval themed movies she used to watch. Though it looked simple, when he wore it, it looked exquisite. However, Ashley wasn't in the mood right now to appreciate it. She was disoriented and only cared about going to the museum.

Ramier looked at her indifferent expression and didn't dare talk to her. He understood that she was currently not in the mood to talk. He guided her, exiting her room. He just led the way while Ashley quietly followed behind him. They walked to the innermost part of the palace which took them a lot of time.

Ashley knew that the palace was wide but seeing that there was a place hidden deeper within it amazed her. The area was so wide you could compare it to a mall or maybe a bit larger. 

They stopped in front of a door that was currently guarded by two guards. The guards were like giants making her feel like she was just an ant. They bowed before Ramier and slowly opened the giant door. 

'What is this?', Ashley asked in her mind. Her heart started to beat quickly. She sighed in relief when she found out that the door only led to stairs.

'The museum must be underground.'

She never thought that there would be an underground floor in this Palace. The whole place was wide enough. The architecture was really unique. You'd get lost for sure if you wandered around the Palace.

Ramier glanced back at her then turned his gaze down. He slowly descended to the marble stares while she was behind him.

Ashley didn't have trouble walking down the stairs. The stairway wasn't dark because there were lights on the ceiling. This reminded her of the spiral stairs in the tower she climbed two nights ago. Both were very long and extremely tiresome. She almost lost seventy-five percent of her energy just by walking and descending down the stairs and they didn't even arrive yet. Good thing the walls were made of concrete, the air wasn't hot so it was quite bearable though she was sweating a bucket. 

When they were already underground, they came across an expansive empty hall. The area could be compared to an auditorium but nothing could be seen. Far away were giant golden double doors carved with intricate patterns. Rubies and other gemstones adorned the corners and the handle of the door. There was a keyhole in between. It stood more like a gate than a door. 

Ashley gulped when she saw the golden double doors. It was beautiful and priceless but most of all, it looked intimidating. The doors gave a sacred vibe. It looked like something one mustn't touch.

Seeing her reluctance, Ramier wanted to chuckle. If she knew what's inside then...

"This is the Royal treasury. The Royal museum is inside."he spoke as he gazed at it with indifference. "It would take a lot of a lot of time before we reach the room where the legacies are stored. It's because it's in the deepest part of the museum."

She only looked at him with wide eyes. This person... How can he normally look at that thing like it was just a normal door? Those gates—doors look like they're holding some kind of monster in there. It was too scary. Just looking at those doors made her want to run away. 

She was about to ask something but she instantly closed her mouth. 

He picked up his pace and stopped a few steps away from the double doors. Of course, there were guards stationed here. 

The Royal treasury was a secret place nobody knew about except for Ramier and a few high ranking guards. Ashley was now included to the list of people who knew where it was.

This place was well hidden since it contained items that held great importance to the kingdom and its history. It would be a great disgrace, if the artifacts and treasures stored here were to be stolen or damaged.

Ramier's ancestors fulfilled their duty of safeguarding the Royal treasury. Until now, not a single incident happened regarding the treasures inside. He vowed that he would also protect the treasury at all costs.

The guards showed their respects to their Emperor but narrowed their eyes upon seeing Ashley behind him. Ashley couldn't help but tremble as she watched them. The guards this time were a lot scary looking compared to the previous guards they met earlier. The atmosphere around them was suffocating. It was like there was a fog of bloodlust enveloping their bodies. 

Ramier spoke immediately. "It's okay, she's with me."

They retained their stares but still remained vigilant towards her. It is the first time that the Emperor came here with someone. It wouldn't be bad if they stood their guard against that person. Besides, they trust no one besides the Emperor.

It was one of the things taught to them before they were assigned to guard the Royal Treasury. It was part of their oath.

Ashley stiffened behind Ramier when she saw them clenching their gigantic spears tightly. They were so tall they loomed over here. In addition, seeing them up close made her see that they had scary faces. Their aggressive auras sent a shiver to her spine.

Ramier looked at her tensed expression and decided that it was best for them to enter quickly. He didn't want his companion to faint suddenly under the pressure from the guards. He retrieved a big golden key in his pocket and walked towards the door. He used the golden key to unlock the golden doors.

*Kachack

He slowly pushed the golden doors before looking back to Ashley.

"Come.." he said.

Ashley nodded and walked towards him without glancing at the guards. They were looking at her like she was some kind of a thief. She snuck behind his back and lowered her head. The guards were still attentively watching her while Ramier acted like it was nothing.

"Calm down." he said.

Ashley raised her head to look at him. Maybe, it was obvious how nervous she was. She nodded at him but retained her stare on the floor.

He sighed at this and pushed the big doors swiftly. The door was actually very thick like an arm's length. It was obviously heavy because it made a sound when pushed. 

He entered the treasury with Ashley tailing behind him. She raised her head to survey the surroundings.