The Old Man Lurks the Castle

Lucas frowned and abruptly dropped the tablet on his hands.

The prince's right hand man didn't trust this princess not to fall into peril.

Hopefully, she isn't unfortunate to come by the old man.

***

In one of the castle's storeroom, Lucas met the princess speaking to a servant.

"My lady, please come with me."

Rain's eyes lit up on seeing him. She readily recognized this grumpy man of the prince. "You are Lucas."

Lucas nodded gently.

"Well, I'm in dire need of assistance. I seem not to be in the position to ask, but I really seek the prince."

Lucas's face creased.

"My lady, you cannot meet the prince like this. His highness will surely summon you at the right time."

At the right time? When was the right time?

Rain knew how this went. She insisted, "What if it's urgent then?"

Lucas was unmoved."Please do return to your chambers. The castle is quite in a mess and isn't safe to move around."

Rain understood the firmness in his gaze. She couldn't refuse to if she wanted. It was an order which he'd only spoken politely out of respect.

Without a word, Rain returned to her chambers under the guide of Lucas who followed until she'd entered the doors. Then he shut it close.

The door rattled from outside and she heard his steps receding.

Reminiscence brought a painful pang to her heart as the room returned to silence and she slumped dejectedly onto the bed.

The locked door brought back memories from Cradya.

King Elric Attor would have her confined in her chambers for going against him for weeks. Most time it went for as long as the seasons. It was a mental torture and the thought of having to go through the same ordeal caused fear to creep into her heart.

She'd only wanted to meet the prince.

Perhaps it was rather too late to get on his good side. He didn't trust her and even had his servants tight lipped and his righthand man to watch her like a captive.

Was he trying to tame her?

A light knock on the door interrupted her thoughts and she immediately stood to stare at the door.

She went closer and leaned over. "Stella? Is that you?"

"I hear you wish to see the prince," a hoarse male voice whispered into the gap between the door frames. He was neither genteel nor formal, but spoke like one without an iota of care for anything.

Sluggish and impassive. It wasn't like the bearing of a servant or guard.

Rain was skeptical but still responded. "Yes?"

"I can take you to him."

"You can? But…"

The door knob twisted as she spoke and the door opened to reveal the aged face of a stout man with long grey hair.

Rain could say no more. She looked at him in surprise.

"I know where the prince is and will take you to him," he proposed with a smile and stroked his moustache.