ALDRIC;
I was still staring at the spot where Astra had been standing moments ago.
A faint smile rested on my lips.
Strange.
The door creaked open, and firm footsteps echoed through the room before stopping in front of me.
"Aldric," a stern voice called.
I looked up slowly, my face turning unreadable.
"Not now, Isolde."
"Why?" she asked sharply. "You're playing a dangerous and ugly game, Aldric."
I let out a quiet scoff.
"Dangerous?" I muttered, shaking my head. "It became ugly the moment they both chose to betray me."
"The girl has nothing to do with your past," Isolde replied firmly. "Don't drag her into this."
I stood up slowly.
Silence fell between us.
"She doesn't belong in your war, she's innocent" Isolde said quietly.
My eyes darkened slightly.
She stared at me for a long moment.
"You're driven by revenge, letting your anger guide your decisions."
"But don't let it blind you, don't end up doing what you'll regret.
"Get out!" i yelled
Isolde stilled.
ALDRIC;
I scoffed, slamming my injured hand onto the table.
It stung… but it couldn't compare to the pain I felt in my heart.
"You know exactly how it came to this. I would never have been like this if that backstabbing friend of mine hadn't—"
"What in the name of— what's going on here?" a voice interrupted.
I turned quickly, my fist clenching tighter. I could feel warm liquid seeping through my fingers.
"Take her to the guest room. Lock her in. Don't let her out until I say so," I ordered coldly.
"Excuse me? You can't do that! I want to leave!" she yelled.
"Shut up!" I snapped, turning toward her.
"Isolde, do as I said."
ASTRA;
Who does he think he is?
What right does he have to do this?
Isolde grabbed my arm and began pulling me along with her.
"Wait!" I suddenly shouted as my eyes landed on his clenched fist.
My eyes widened.
"You ungrateful being! I just treated that!" I yelled, pointing at his bleeding hand.
Behind me, I felt Isolde's grip slowly loosen.
There was a soft sigh.
Then retreating footsteps.
And finally, the sound of the door closing.
"Watch the way you speak to me, kid," he warned, his eyes blazing.
"Kid? A kid?" I snapped. "Who are you calling a kid? I'm fifteen!" I yelled.
His angry gaze slowly shifted into something else.
Amusement.
He chuckled, a deep sound that echoed through the room.
He stared at me like he was studying me… like he was thinking.
But I didn't care.
I was boiling with anger.
ALDRIC;
Is she being serious?
That fool didn't even bother to tell her.
What a joke.
"How long have you been fifteen?" I asked.
"Wha… what do you mean?" she stuttered.
I walked forward slowly, my eyes glinting with amusement.
"How long has your family made you believe you were fifteen?"
I watched her expression shift, confusion first, then realization slowly creeping in. Her eyes widened as the pieces began falling into place.
"It's… it's been long," she whispered. "It always took a long time to celebrate our birthdays."
"Our?" I repeated, confused.
She nodded.
"Yes. I have a twin. His name is Kael."
Perfect.
"What do you need to go back for?" I asked coolly. "The male always rules. He will be king. Your presence isn't of much use."
"Get away from me!" she shouted. "I have duties as a princess, and I will not let you keep me imprisoned here!"
I laughed softly.
"You think I'll let you leave? You can try… but you'll never escape. It's useless."
"Why?" she yelled, frustration clear in her voice. "What do you want from me?"
"You'll find out soon," I replied, turning toward the door.
"Oh, and one more thing…"
I glanced at her over my shoulder.
"You're one thousand five hundred years old, not fifteen."
Then I walked out and slammed the door shut behind me.