Chapter 49: A Whisper

*Aspen*

I sat on the sideline, holding Mordecai's hand onto my arm. It was not hard to keep up the act, as every time I saw King Lucas attack Rilian, I lunged forward in desperate need to help him.

"Thank you, Mort…." I grumbled angrily to Mordecai, who kept me still.

"Just watch," said Mordecai, firming his grip

King Lucas locked his eyes on Rilian's, tightening his grip around his son's throat. I watched as Rilian coughed and blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth.

"YOU WILL OBEY!" shouted the King, inches from Rilian's face.

The room shook with his command, and I even had to crouch to cover my ears.

I watched Rilian flinch and then relax again, his expression calm as his emerald eyes slid up to lock upon his father's.

There was a look of resolve on his face, not quite calm but closer to exhaustion, like he was fed up.

"Dad," Rilian whispered, so soft I could barely hear it. He slid his hand up to hold the back of the King's head, "kneel."