Chapter 49: chapter 49

Ivar stormed into the castle hall, his presence like a raging tempest. His dark cloak billowed behind him, tattered at the edges, and his usually composed face was twisted with fury. The guards and servants froze in fear. His piercing eyes scanned the room, sharp as a blade, and the air grew thick with tension. Servants lowered their heads, afraid to meet his gaze. But the real shock came from the woman who silently followed behind him—Amelia.Daisy, the young maid, froze where she stood, her hands trembling as she clutched her apron. Her face drained of color as her wide eyes locked onto Amelia. It was as if she had seen a ghost.Alvin, his most trusted advisor, hurried forward, his concern evident. "My lord, what happened to you? You are hurt!" His gaze swept over Ivar’s torn sleeve, revealing a deep gash along his arm. Blood seeped through the fabric, staining his already battle-worn attire but he paid no heed to the pain.Ivar’s voice cut through him like a thunderclap. “I told you to keep an eye on her, Why was she wandering near the lake? It looks like I can trust no one.”Alvin stiffened, swallowing hard. “My lord, I was accompanying her in the garden, he stammered. “But I was called away to attend an urgent matter. Before leaving, I asked her to come with me, but she refused. So I sent Daisy to look after her.” His voice faltered as he glanced at the terrified maid. “But when Daisy arrived, Amelia was already gone. She… she just vanished. I immediately sent people to search for her.”Ivar’s jaw clenched, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. “She fooled all of you,” he said coldly.His gaze landed on Daisy, who flinched as if struck. Her knees buckled, and she fell to the floor, her voice trembling. “My lord, please forgive me! I—I don’t know how she slipped away!”Before Ivar could respond, Amelia stepped forward. Her expression was calm, but her voice held quiet authority. “She wasn’t at fault,” she said, meeting Ivar’s gaze without flinching. “Daisy took the utmost care of me. If you must blame someone, blame me.”Ivar’s eyes darkened as he stared at her, his rage momentarily shifting into something unreadable. The hall was deathly silent. Then, his voice dropped to a dangerous tone. “I will deal with you later.”He turned back to Alvin. “She is not to leave the castle until I say so. Do you understand?”Alvin bowed his head. “Yes, my lord.”Without another word, Ivar turned on his heel and strode out of the hall, his anger trailing behind him like a storm.Alvin exhaled sharply and turned to Daisy. “Take Lady Amelia to her chambers. Do not leave her alone. Keep an eye on her at all times.”Daisy hesitated but nodded, stealing a wary glance at Amelia before gesturing for her to follow.Alvin hurried through the dimly lit corridors, his footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls. The Sanctum of Eternity lay ahead, its ancient doors slightly ajar, allowing a sliver of crimson light to spill into the hallway. Taking a steadying breath, he stepped inside.The chamber was vast and eerie, its high ceiling adorned with celestial carvings that shimmered under the glow of the Blood Stone. At the center of the room, bathed in its ominous red light, stood Ivar. His figure was rigid, his hands clenched at his sides as he stared at the pulsating gemstone embedded in the altar before him. His expression was unreadable, but something about the way he stood—so still, so lost—sent a shiver down Alvin’s spine.“My lord,” Alvin called softly, hesitant to disturb whatever trance had overtaken him. “Is something troubling you?”Ivar blinked as if waking from a dream. Slowly, he turned to face Alvin, his sharp features cast in shadow. A small, weary smile ghosted his lips—one that did not reach his stormy eyes.“I am making the same mistake my mother did,” he murmured.Alvin frowned, stepping closer. The cryptic words sent a wave of unease through him. “I don’t understand, my lord,” he said carefully. “What mistake? I—” He hesitated, studying Ivar’s face. “I am truly worried about you.”Ivar let out a quiet chuckle, though there was no humor in it. “It’s nothing,” he said, shaking his head. “Don’t trouble yourself over me.” His voice was softer now, almost… distant. “I’m just tired, Alvin. I need rest.”He turned on his heel, his cloak trailing behind him as he strode toward the exit.Alvin hesitated before following, his concern deepening with every step. “But, my lord,” he pressed, quickening his pace. “Please, at least tell me how you got hurt. What happened out there?”Ivar stopped abruptly. The flickering light cast long shadows on the chamber walls as he turned back to face Alvin. His expression was blank—utterly devoid of emotion.“I kill the King,” he said simply.Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, his figure swallowed by the darkness of the corridor.Alvin stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat. His mind reeled at the weight of those four words. I kill the King.His hands trembled slightly as he clenched them into fists. Whatever had happened out there—whatever Ivar had done—it was far from over.The moon cast a pale glow through the arched window, bathing Amelia’s chamber in silver light. The air was thick with silence, save for the occasional crackle of the dying fire in the hearth. Amelia paced near the bed, her mind racing. She couldn’t sleep. She needed to speak with Ivar—needed to make him see that she don't belong here.Her eyes darted to Daisy, who stood near the door, her hands folded nervously in front of her. The younger fairy maid had been kind to her, but she was bound by duty, and Amelia knew convincing her would not be easy.“Daisy,” Amelia began, her voice pleading yet firm. “Please, I need to talk to him. Take me to him.”Daisy shook her head immediately. “My lady, I cannot. This isn’t the right time. He is… not himself.”Amelia took a deep breath, trying to keep her frustration at bay. “If I could just talk to him, maybe I can change his mind.”Daisy glanced down, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her dress. “If I let you go anywhere, he will be furious,” she whispered. “I cannot do that, my lady. You don’t understand how—” She hesitated, then met Amelia’s gaze. “He’s dangerous when he’s like this.”Amelia stepped closer, reaching out to take Daisy’s hands in hers. “I will take full responsibility,” she promised, her voice unwavering. “No harm will come to you. I swear it.”Daisy bit her lip, torn between loyalty and compassion. The seconds stretched between them, heavy with uncertainty. Then, at last, she sighed.“…Very well,” Daisy relented. " hope you know what you are doing."Relief flooded Amelia’s face as she gave Daisy’s hands a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you.”Quietly, they slipped out of the chamber and made their way through the dimly lit corridors. The castle was eerily silent at this hour. When they reached Ivar’s bedchamber, Amelia was surprised to find no guards stationed outside.Daisy turned to her, worry flickering in her eyes. “I will wait here,” she murmured. “Go inside.”Amelia nodded, her heart hammering against her ribs. She placed a hesitant hand on the door, took a deep breath, and pushed it open.As the heavy door creaked, she stepped inside, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her shoulders.