The Exception

Turned out Oziyat's idea of helping him was not very different from political campaignings. He wanted the local vampires to know that the new Protector or chosen one was on his side, so he would give Chris a tour of the Titian forest and she just have to talk to some people and keep up the great mighty act. In return, Oziyat will officially help her with her fight with Malgino, the vampires will openly support her. It was a good deal so Chris agreed but . . .

"Oziyat, is this *really* necessary?" Chris said inspecting her new clothing in the mirror, next evening. She was wearing black pants and a white shirt with a designed golden thread stitched brown long jacket. A grey belt hung from her waist which could carry a sword.

"Yes. You look simple yet sophisticated, fearsome yet kind, a witch and an adventurer. In other words, absolutely perfect," Oziyat gave a big smile looking at her through the mirror.

"Thanks," Chris couldn't help but smile at his over-enthusiasm and added, "Are you sure you are ready to be the king? I mean you are still a lot young, no?"

"Hey I have excellent age to rule, thank you very much," Oziyat smiled knowing that Chris was just teasing.

"But no, seriously, do I need to carry the sword?" Chris asked adjusting her clothes for the final time.

"You have asked twice and no, my answer has not changed. You have to carry the sword," Oziyat said seriously.

"And I can't meet your mother before leaving the castle?" Chris asked turning around and facing him.

"No, Christina. I told you it's too early for her. She is old now and she needs blood and proper care before she could talk about stressful stuff. We will meet her tonight after we are back from the town, okay?" Oziyat calmly explained.

Chris sighed and picked up the sword from the table and tightly secured it in her belt. She was feeling restless after last night. She felt she was so close yet so far from her goal. She needed to go to the southeast part, she knew in her bones that that place had answers. Answers she desperately needed.

"Christina." Noticing her frowning face Oziyat stood in front of her and put a hand on her shoulder. Surprised Chris looked up. "I know you are worried, you want answers, and I promise I will do everything in my power so you get them. But first, I need your help. Can you focus on this first? Please?"

"Of course," Chris gave a strong nod. "I already promised you I will help. It's just --"

At that moment, Gweneth walked into Chris's room. She looked very surprised as she eyed Oziyat's hand on Chris's shoulder and the small distance between Oziyat and Chris.

"Oh, sorry, I came to check if you are ready to go, didn't mean to interrupt," Gweneth said stiffly.

"No, you are not interrupting anything," Chris quickly stepped back from Oziyat. "As I was saying, Oziyat, there is no need for . . . this talk."

"Okay," Oziyat gave his usual amused expression to Chris then turned to Gweneth. "Are you coming with us, Gwen?"

"Yes, for safety measures, of course," Gweneth said coolly and gave a side glance to Chris but Chris didn't pay her attention. She was busy checking if she was missing something.

"Alright," Oziyat turned back to Chris. "Christina, do you have everything you need? Shall we go?"

Chris took her small bag and crossed it over her shoulder, checked her pockets to make sure that her wand was there, and again looked around the room to make sure everything was with her.

"Ok. I am ready. Let's go."

As the three of them started walking through the hallways Oziyat slightly glanced at a few guards. It was so subtle that Chris could have missed it if she hadn't known that Oziyat was about to do that.

Last night, Oziyat had told her how a lot of vampire guards or guardians were loyal to Volker and how they were already bending rules. That is why he was furious when he found out vampires were using magic on Chris at their first meeting (which was against their rules). Apart from that Chris found out it was Volker who was creating problems for her, from spreading rumors about her among the servants to urging the Queen not to trust her. He even told the Queen how much Oziyat was unfit to rule for being naive and befriending a witch.

So there was only one solution to this, they needed to recreate the history, at least something like that. They already had two candidates for the throne, one bad ruler and one good ruler, and now a protector. So whoever the Protector choose to side with, was going to get the locals' support and will become the next King.

Oziyat was so open with Chris about this stuff that she was feeling suspicious. In her experience, nothing good comes from trusting someone blindly. But Oziyat looked so earnest as he spoke to her, so for now, she decided to go with it.

⁂

Chris was prepared for nothing because she didn't get to see the actual forest at all. The town square was full of vampires when she, Oziyat, Gweneth, and another guard walked in. And instantly Oziyat and Chris become their focus. The vampires circled them and started talking over one another. Chris missed half of the things they said, someone introduced their kids to her; someone told her how lucky they were to witness a legendary war; some questioned her about the wizarding world; some just fawned over her clothes and the Gryffindor's sword on her hips. Chris remembered the first time she had walked through this place like a prisoner but now everyone knew her and she was practically a celebrity. Also by the looks of it, Chris realized Oziyat was already famous with the locals. Every vampire in town seemed to love him. They even told Chris a story about Oziyat when he was young and there was a shortage in blood supplies and of humans. Despite being the youngest he had helped the people a lot.

After a lot of stories, laughs, and drinks, Chris decided to head back. The air around the castle felt fresh to Chris as she held her head high and stepped inside. For the first time, she really felt like a guest in the vampire castle.

"Christina, that was a huge success. You were great out there," Oziyat said excitedly walking through the hallways.

"I barely did anything," Chris said truthfully.

"But you listened and you gave them hope for a better future, where we don't have to hide from the wizards," Oziyat gave a bright smile. Then lowered his voice, "Brother would have got the news by now . . . about what we are doing. I am sure he will try something stupid and that will be the final straw for Mother."

"That's good."

Just then a guard approached them.

"I have some news, Your Highness." The guard bowed deeply.

"What is it?" Oziyat asked looking uncomfortable.

"Her Majesty doesn't feel good enough to meet Lady Christina today. She had sent her regrets and arranged a meeting the day after tomorrow."

Chris's heart sank at the guard's words. She felt frustration bubbling inside her but before she could ask anything Oziyat spoke,

"The day after tomorrow? Is she alright? Her health? Is it declining again?"

Oziyat looked worried but the guard shook her head.

"You know Your Highness, that is all I am allowed to say."

"Okay, I will personally see her later."

Oziyat nodded and the guard bowed before walking away.

Chris took a few calming breaths and didn't say anything. Oziyat looked very anxious and so did Gweneth, which made Chris think that maybe there was more to the Queen's health than just the old age, or she was just avoiding Chris again (which seemed unlikely now). Chris stopped walking as they reached the hallway leading towards her guest room.

"No, wait." Oziyat protested before Chris could walk away. "You promised to help and you did, now, it's my turn. I can't make mother talk to you but I want you to meet someone."

"Who?" Chris asked surprised.

"You will see. Follow me."

As Oziyat stepped forward, Gweneth and the other guard began to follow. Chris had almost forgotten they were still with them, and so did Oziyat. Because he frowned as soon as he saw them following him.

"No, no. You two can just go on for your normal work." Oziyat ordered and the other guard left but Gweneth hesitated.

She whispered to Oziyat very quietly, "What are you planning to do now?"

"I know what I am doing Gweneth," Oziyat said coolly and turned to Chris. "Let's go."

This time Oziyat led Chris to a familiar path through the Royal quarters. They walked deep into the castle and the number of guards decreased. They passed by Rosaline's hallway and turned to the opposite hallway, which was almost empty except for just one guard. He bowed as he saw Oziyat and Chris.

"Is he inside?" Oziyat asked the guard.

"Yes, Your Highness," The guard replied and Oziyat signed him to leave.

After he was gone, Oziyat started walking towards the end of the hallway where only one closed door could be seen.

"Remember, once I told you that no one came back from the South-East alive?" He asked just before they approached the door.

"Yeah." Chris felt her heart beating widely. She had a good feeling about this.

"So . . . it was a half-truth. No one came back alive except for one." Oziyat sighed and knocked on the door.

"What? You mean --"

Chris was stunned, to say the least, and she wanted to ask Oziyat who it was but she held her breath and waited for the door to open.

She just stared at the door for a long time and just when she thought she will just ask Oziyat what was going on, the door slowly opened. Chris's eyes went wide as she gaped at the person opening the door.

"Wait, I know you!"

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To be continued. . .