203 That's Strange

CHAPTER 203

"It is nothing, ignore it."

"Alright, if you say so,' he said, before letting go of her hand. "Do you know a way out of here?"

His question brought her mind back to the situation they were at and she mentally face palmed herself again. She forgot, completely forgot.

How could she have forgotten they were still in a dire situation and have an argument about Jareth with her beast companion?

"I can sense a way out of here. Link my powers with the elements and find the right route out. It was the same way I found you."

"Oh! That would explain things."

"We need to stay close though, so no one gets drawn away again," Astrid informed him and darted her gaze to her beast companion. "Come on Snow, time to go."

It purred at her, before taking a leap and jumped straight into her waiting arms. Astrid looked down at her little beast and smiled at it, holding him close with one hand and the other draped down at her side.

'Yet someone said he wasn't a cub.' She thought to herself.

Astrid closed her eyes, ready to connect with the elements but stopped and looked to her side when she felt a hand holding unto her free hand.

Her black eyes stared into his green ones, emanating a dept she didn't know his could have. He smiled sweetly at her and gave her a nod, signifying he was ready.

She returned his smile with one of hers and closed her eyes back.

In a heartbeat, the air surrounding them changed, intensifying around them before converging at their feet.

Before Jareth could make sense of what was happening, they were already lifted four feet above the ground and suspended in the air.

He was about to witness flying for the first time and at the very moment, Astrid's eyes opened, their colours already changed.

With a sharp gaze was sharp she looked in front of them and immediately, the air began circulating around them giving them a boost as they flew straight, out of the valley.

****** 

~HUMAN KINGDOM – PALACE~

At about the same time, in the human kingdom, everything seemed to be going well there. The palace was as busy and quiet at the same time.

The maids were seen running up and down, tending to the needs of the Lords and Ladies, the Prince and Princess. 

Far in one of the unused rooms, the doors pushed open with a loud bang and a hooded figure staggered in, not bothering to close the door properly, leaving it slightly ajar.

The figured managed to get to the only table in the semi-empty room and dropped a bag on the table.

"Ahh!" The person let out a pained cry, holding the edge of the table tight.

"Ugghh~ ahh…" The figure threw his head back and shut the yes, revealing long black curls, cascading down the shoulders.

Down the hallway, far from the train of unused rooms, King Bayard was seen walking along the palace corridors with his advisor at his side.

"How is Owen's teaching going?" Bayard asked in a not too loud voice.

Ever since the challenge ended and Prince Owen lost, Gerald and Cullen were tasked with training and teaching the Crown Prince.

Day in, day out he was busy learning how to handle matters of state and be a better swordsman and archer.

"He is doing quite well, Your Majesty. Apparently, his highness is excelling faster than I had thought he would."

Bayard could tell Gerald was proud and surprised just from his tone. It really proved that Owen was making progress.

"Good, be tough on him. It is for his own good. I am not getting any younger, I need to ensure he has a strong backing in court."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will."

"What about his training with Cullen? He must be very angry with me hahaha."

Bayard let out a soft chuckle. He knew his son all too well and he knew he was angry at him but he also knew what he needed.

Owen needed the push in order to take things seriously. And him losing to Cullen was a huge blow. So in order to get his reputation back, he would sit up and learn more.

"According to the young general, he is mastering the arts as well."

"Good, keep an eye on things and also do not forget to watch Erwina and Ferdinand closely. We do not know what she is scheming but we must be prepared and be a step ahead of her always."

"Yes, your majesty. I have spies watching her."

"Good."

After some seconds he stopped in his tracks and turned to his side to look at Gerald. "By the way, have you caught sight of Lorelei? She seems to be hard to find these days."

"No, but I would drop by her chambers and tell her you sent for her," he informed Bayard and bowed his head to him. "If that would be all, Sire."

"Yes, you may go. I would be in my chambers shortly."

"Very well."

Gerald turned around on his heel and left Bayard standing there. He turned, now facing the path and continued walking.

By now he had come face to face with the corridor leading to the train of unused rooms.

"Arhh~"

His brows furrowed at the sound. It was a bit muffled since it came from afar and sounded like a woman moaning from pleasure.

"That's strange, no one should be here."

After a long pause he thought to himself, 'So, people make use of these rooms to do dirty things in the palace.'

All of a sudden another sound could be heard, it was a soft groan this time.

'What nonsense, I bet it is one of those palace maids and Paige boy riding off their lust. Oh, what punishment awaits them once I catch them, but if it is just a female, I can help in relieving her sexual frustrations.'

With his thought set in place, Bayard could not help himself but walk hurriedly and quietly towards the room the sound was coming from.

~~~~

\u003c\u003cOnce a naughty king, always a naughty king! Who is excited for what's gonna happen next? Is it a palace maid or an injured acquaintance?\u003e\u003e