It was getting late and I didn’t know how much longer we were doing this. My only job now was making sure I was drinking less or else I won’t be able to keep my eyes open when it was time to do what Thomas needed from me. I was glancing at Roland who was smiling widely leaning comfortably on his chair and was conversing with Selene in low voices. He’d be our new Emperor someday and making all the important decisions for his citizens. A future Emperor obsessed with himself.
Cheers to that! I thought sarcastically.
It was midnight when we finally returned to our own chambers. Amelia was assisted by two footmen after she fell asleep on her chair and Karina was having a hard time standing and walking. I was in my chambers feeling tired lying on the bed waiting for the time but I needed to stay awake for Thomas and his men.
When the clock almost strikes two, I could barely keep my eyes open. I stood up and changed into a more comfortable clothes. I went barefoot, slowly opening the chamber door and peeked outside. The manor became eerie at night when there was no one around and everything was dark and silent. I slowly closed the door behind me and tread lightly across the hall going east then I was a little dizzy all of the sudden, I realized it must’ve been the wine. I leaned on the wall to keep myself from falling.
Get a grip Ellie, I told myself.
I took a deep breath through my nose then let it out and proceeded to the dark hall with only the light from the moon shining through the windows as my guide. I kept my pace near the wall in case I ran into someone then I’d have time to hide. My heart was pounding with every step I made on the cold floor and once in a while I’d stop and listen if anybody was approaching but everything was clear so far.
It took a while to reach the stairs going down to the servant’s quarters. I halted on the top steps listening, it was empty. I tiptoed down and when I reached on the last beam, I leaned on the wall and kept an eye on both sides of the dimly lit hallway searching for any presence.
When there was nobody around, I hurriedly turned to the left until I reached the end of the hallway and found a door. I slowly unlocked it then opened a little crack and looked outside but there was no one out there, just the garbage cans leaning against a small shed. Where were they? It was dark except for the night patrol lights and no sound was heard. Did something happen? I hope they were alright. A dark figure suddenly presented itself in front of me from the left. I startled and made my heart leap.
“My Lady?” a male voice whispered. It was Thomas.
“What took you so long?” I whispered back with slight frustration. Without waiting for the answer, I opened the door wide for him to enter and one of his men followed and I shut it quietly.
“Where’s the office?” I urgently asked whispering.
“This way,” Thomas replied and I followed him.
We came by the stairs where I came down and turned a corner after it, revealing a dark narrow hallway leading straight to the kitchen. We passed a couple of doors until we stopped on the third on the right. Thomas took out a set of keys from his pocket and tried it one by one on the doorknob with his one hand and the other grasping tightly the dangling keys preventing it from jingling noisily. The man with him kept constant watch over his shoulders and I stood on the other side with my back towards the kitchen.
Then suddenly there was a click and a light flickered farther down the kitchen. We turned our heads alarmed to the direction of the light, standing perfectly still, holding our breaths. It was a maid getting a drink of water. I motioned Thomas to keep on trying the keys. He understood and continued with sweat started to form on his brow.
We were going to get caught if he took too long, the suspense was killing me while Thomas fumbled with his hands. I looked over my shoulder where the maid was still slowly drinking her water. I turned back at Thomas silently mouthing him to hurry up.
After several attempts, he finally found the right key and slowly turned the doorknob, pushed the door gently and it gave a low creaking sound. He gripped the door tight to a stop, fearing it might push itself and creaked more. I involuntarily slouched and swerved my head wide eyed down the hall, searching for signs she heard the noise.
My feet wanted to run away, not waiting to be caught but she seemed to be undisturbed while she took sips from her water. Thomas then proceeded to slowly push the door farther and we piled hurriedly into the office with only the patrol lights outside intermittently shining through. Thomas’ man stood guard inside by the door and peeked through the small opening while we scanned for the route plan on the unkempt desk full of papers.
“I think this is it,” Thomas whispered, holding up a black journal.
He flipped through the pages and said, “I found it.” Scanning the written plans.
“She’s coming this way!” the man by the door urgently warned in a hushed voice. He closed the door immediately but didn’t shut it completely.
I crouched down on the floor and Thomas did the same holding the edge of the desk. We heard the maid’s light footstep passed by as we waited in anticipation. My jaw hardened as I clench my teeth waiting for her return, counting the seconds that felt like hours. I placed my hand over my mouth trying to control my nerves, if she didn’t pass by again, we’d be stuck here.
Thomas glanced at me and put a finger on his lips then gesturing me to stay low and sure enough the maid came back and passed by again. We waited for a while after the footstep subsided and then the man, who stood guard, slowly opened the door and took a peek outside.
“She’s gone,” he quietly said.
I was relieved but we were not safe yet while Thomas continued to skim through the pages.
“Alright, I’m done, let’s go,” he said eventually and closed the journal, returned it where it was originally placed.
The man by the door stuck his head outside to see if the hallway was clear before we went out. When he gestured for us to follow him, we left the office and Thomas locked the door then we tiptoed back to the servant’s quarter exit. I let them out without saying a word, closed and locked it behind me.
I hurriedly went up back the stairs and felt like sprinting through the hallway but I controlled myself, trying to be cautious. I crossed the familiar corners and walls until I was near my chamber, it was then I made a slow run for it with the sound of flesh flopping on the marble floors.
I opened the door when I reached my chamber and went inside then closed it shut, leaning on it for a second catching by breath before I leaped on the bed and hid under the blanket relieved it was all over.
CHAPTER 4: HOUSE OF RECTNER
CURTIS
The engine roared to life as soon as I started the car, feeling its power stepping on the gas pedal. Its shining red color made it more impressive while driving on the highway under the hot sun.
I was starting to miss Ellie since she left yesterday and my constant worrying of her kept me awake last night. Thinking about her made me wished I could enjoy Sunglow with her. She’d love it here with all its splendidness. I pictured her beside me thrilled and mesmerized by this place. Her green eyes glowing with excitement and her curly auburn hair flowing freely with the wind in this roofless fast car, and her laugh like a pleasant melody was something I could never get over. And her kiss… I stopped myself, imagining her with me made me even more miserable.
Tightening my grip on the steering wheel, I shifted the gear to a higher speed and the car went faster and faster drowning myself with the thrill of the acceleration. I turned corners without slowing down, swerving and passing cars that were too slow. The car’s engine roared loudly as I stepped on the gas pedal all the way to the floor until I finally reached a giant golden gate in a residential area not far from the city.
I stepped on the brakes and the wheels screeched, the car stopped with ease like an obedient beast. A guard wearing white and gold uniform came over, clearly startled by my reckless driving. I glanced at him aloof, in a foul mood not looking forward to this day.
“What’s your
name and purpose?” he asked sternly.
“Lord Curtis of Pinewood, here to see his grace, Duke Rectner,” I declared sounding bored, not bothering looking up at him.
“Wait here my Lord.”
He went back to his guard post and made a call. After a while, he opened the gate gesturing me to go through. Duke Rectner’s residence was beyond the ordinary, with trimmed green lawns I found to be unusual since it didn’t grow on the desert, and there were trees I knew wouldn’t survive in this heat but they were here aligned on each side of the dark asphalt road.
When I reached the driveway, the manor was humongous with the color of white and gold. It was magnificent but I felt no envy. This was where Stephen resided and I’d rather stay in a small cottage than breathe the same air as him.
I dreaded this day the most, seeing Stephen again and groveling at his father’s feet or probably his too just so Andrew could have his wish. The three of them should get together, they had a lot in common and one of those was enjoying torturing me.
I got off from the car and glared at the manor. It was a large house to match Stephen’s huge ego. Two footmen opened the large door and what looked like their butler went down the steps to where I was.
“Welcome my Lord, his grace wishes you to join him, may I escort you in?” the butler offered.
I nodded and followed him. He led me inside the manor where everything was covered in gold with a hint of white decors and moldings. The wall pillars were sculpted with graceful curves all the way from the top to the floor, and the furniture and carpets were either white or black.
The butler continued to head straight forward until we reached a wide glass door leading outside to a white concrete platform overlooking the vast lawn and more trees. We went down again a few steps. I looked up and amazingly there were clouds in the sky.
“Why are there clouds in here?” I inquired curiously.
“It’s a weather simulator my Lord,” the butler answered while we continued to walk. “We can make it rain or the sun shine inside the compound making this place adaptable to all forms of vegetation, hence the grasses and the trees,” he said, happy to answer.
Everything was amazing that one would forget we were in a desert. We crossed a lawn and I heard intermittent gunshots from a distance. The sound grew louder and as we approached, two figures with their back towards us holding hunting rifles were firing at white disks being released up in the air. I had a clear view of them when we arrived. The figure who stood closer to us holding a rifle downwards was Stephen. He turned when he took notice of my presence then sneered.
“Your grace.” The butler bowed to the figure farther away, firing a rifle to a disk flying in the air. “Lord Curtis of Pinewood,” he announced amidst the sound of gunshots.
Duke Rectner stopped, pointed his rifle down and pulled a handle on top of his rifle causing an empty bullet shell to jump out from the barrel.
He turned to the butler and dismissed him, “That will be all.”
The butler bowed and left us. The Duke turned towards me. He was a tall, lean stern man with black hair slicked backwards and had a short dark goatee.
“Lord Curtis, I am surprise to see you,” Duke Rectner said in a deep and refine tone.
“Forgive me your grace but the Duke of Pinewood sent me here with a request…” I was interrupted when the Duke stopped me by raising his hand.
“Not yet, we do not talk business here,” he said calmly but authoritative. “You know, firing a gun sometimes has a relaxing effect. It releases the tension especially for men like us. Do you shoot Lord Curtis? ” he asked.
I heard Stephen snickered not far from me. I briefly glanced coldly at his direction then turned back to the Duke. “Yes your grace.”
“Good! Give him a rifle,” he ordered a man standing behind us who obediently gave me a loaded rifle. “Go ahead,” the Duke offered.
I walked forward, checked the rifle and cocked it, aimed it upwards with the barrel in line with my eyesight.
“Pull!” I shouted.
A white disk flew through the air. I pulled the trigger and shot the disk which exploded in midair. I cocked the rifle again, still aiming and shouted, “Pull!”
The second disk exploded.
I cocked again. “Pull!”
Another disk flew and broke into smaller pieces once I shot it right at the center.
I pointed the rifle down then turned to face the Duke who was smiling and nodding.
“Impressive,” he commended. Behind him Stephen was frowning.
“It is your turn Stephen,” the Duke said.
Stephen came forward smirking and I took a step back.
He aimed his rifle upward and shouted, “Pull.”
The disk exploded in midair after he took a shot. He did this again the second time with ease but on his third, he missed then hurriedly cocked again to take another shot before the disk reached the ground.
He fired the second time and he successfully broke the disk into two. Stephen was frowning and shaking his head when he returned to where we were.
The Duke didn’t say anything. Faced me and offered, “Well enough of that, how about some refreshments?”
We were in the parlour. I sat on the white long comfortable couch while the Duke was on his large cushioned armchair opposite where I was and Stephen sat on the other beside him. The footmen served cold teas in clear tall glasses placing it on the low white table between us.
As I sat in front of the Duke and Stephen, I couldn’t resist comparing them both. The Duke was definitely more dignified looking than his son, although they had some similarities physically except Stephen had brown hair. It was clear the Duke was a man of power and his persona was truly intimidating. Stephen was unusually quiet though, his father’s presence might have this effect on him, but sometimes I’d catch him giving me a smug look.
“How are you Lord Curtis?” The Duke started the conversation, crossing his legs and sat upright.
“I’m fine your grace, thank you for asking,” I responded.
“We missed you at your father’s funeral,” he said.
I wasn’t expecting him to bring that up. Ever since our grief over mother’s loss, father and I became more distant until his own untimely death. I resented him for a lot of things so I was sure there was no need for me to be there.
“Your father and I were close…” he revealed, sensing his grief but only for a short moment and he added, “So what can I do for his son?”
“Your grace, I’m sure you’ve heard about our predicament at Pinewood, the Defiers and the explosion at the Steel Plants, and now the riots.”
“Yes, news has reached me,” he affirmed calmly.
“Our families had known each other for a very long time your grace, as you said so yourself, you were close to my father, and the Duchess was well acquainted with mother even before I was born. I wouldn’t be here if the situation back in Pinewood wasn’t dire and we’ve no one else to turn to for help.” I paused then continued, “That’s why I’m here asking… to send reinforcements to Pinewood. We need more guards or Protectors to quell the riots that are already destroying the dukedom as we speak. My brother and I would be in your debt for your kindness.” I hoped I sound convincing enough masking my true intentions.
The Duke sighed and looked directly at me. “It pains me what is happening in Pinewood after your father worked so hard for it but…” he paused then uncrossed his leg then took his glass from the table and drank his cold tea and returned it, he leaned back on his chair and continued, “I cannot help you and your brother for your own failures. Your brother got careless and now he is paying the price. Did he think enslaving more of his people to work at the Steel Plants would go through without resistance?”
Stephen gave an evil laugh. “I do not think Curtis knows about that father, he is just a spare to his brother.”
He was wrong, I knew all about it from Olfren, and it was the reason why I became a Defier in the first place.
Andrew was enslaving his people to work for his Steel Plants by accusing them of petty crimes they never committed. Instead of sending them to jail, they were sent to the Steel Plants to work for food and water, and nobody could do anything about it because he was their Duke. But I was here, pretending I had no idea because my brother wasn’t aware I knew.
The Duke smiled then said, “Well now he does. If you want to be a great Lord someday, you should know everything what is happening in your dukedom. This will be a very useful lesson to you Lord Curtis.” He leaned forward and added, “And tell your brother to handle his own mess, and maybe he could learn a thing or two from me on how I handle my problems with my own people… Let us just say not all are indispensable...”
He stared. His eyes went dark. He leaned slowly back with a wicked smile. I didn’t completely understand what he meant but the way he said it was disturbing. Everything in me sensed he was terrifying as Andrew or even Stephen but he knew how to be subtle with it and it made him cunning in a more dangerous nature.
“So I apologize for wasting your time but since you remind me so much of your mother who I was very fond of, I am not going to let you leave here empty handed… I am sending your brother a gift in a form of gold bars. He can do whatever he wishes with it if it would help him,” he said resting his elbows on the arm rest and entwining his fingers.
Andrew wasn’t going to be pleased with this, gold wasn’t what he wanted and it wasn’t the answer to his problems. I was relieved when the Duke refused but I still had to face Andrew’s wrath when I’d tell him the bad news.
The conversation ventured further and then became one sided when Duke Rectner eagerly talked about Sunglow and his plans for it while I patiently sat there listening to him bragging about his accomplishments and connections.
The Prevalence: Sequel and Final Book of The Premortals (The Premortals Series 2) Page 6