CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

That was quick, Cleon said to me as i entered the garden to see him watering his numerous plants as usual.

Hmmmmmm, i hummed in reply.

Is anything the matter? Cleon asked as he set aside his watering pot.

Walking to one of the long benches in the garden i sat down, as did Cleon.

Cleon, something happened yesterday at the tavern Cedric took me to, i said looking at Cleon who sat quietly and listened to me.

I saw a boy around our age, very beautiful in an effeminate kind of way. The thing is i think he is friends with Cedric, however their interactions seems intimate to me. And today i saw the same boy at the arena, and anytime this boy appears Cedric seems to follow him immediately. He is beautiful yes, but he has this charm and allure to him that seems unreal, i really don't know how to explain it.

So what is it exactly you are concerned about? asked Cleon.

I won't say concern, let's just say i'm curious about the boy and his friendship with Cedric?

Why don't you ask him then? Cedric i mean.

I have thought of that, but i feel he won't tell me anything.

Evelinde, within our kingdom, alongside humans, dwells a myriad of fascinating creatures. Some of these beings possess features akin to our own. Among these creatures are the Feykind. They are renowned for their extraordinary beauty, particularly their males, who possess an effeminate grace that is simply mesmerizing.

What sets the Feykind apart is their innate ability to charm and beguile. Even without actively using their powers, their mere presence exudes a certain allure that draws others to them like moths to a flame.

I think the person you saw with your friend is Fey.

So does that mean Cedric is under some sort of charm?

I don't think so, despite their extraordinary ability to charm and mesmerize, the Feykind are inherently peaceful and loving creatures. They don't seek to hurt or harm anyone, and they go out of their way to promote harmony and coexistence.

The Feykind possess a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings. They believe in fostering relationships built on mutual respect and compassion, and they actively work to maintain a harmonious balance within our kingdom.

Whoever this person is with your friend, you can be rest assured that he is safe.

Then why does it seem as if Cedric is hiding their friendship, or at least that's what it looks like to me.

Evelinde, you have to understand the complexities of coexistence here in Aegalia. It's likely that your friend is keeping his friendship with the Fey a secret to protect them.

His parents, as members of the Aegalian Council, hold significant influence. They, along with the majority of Aegalian society, subscribe to the belief of their own superiority over other beings.

If his parents were to discover his friendship with a Fey, the Fey would be in grave danger. The Council's wrath knows no bounds when it comes to those they deem beneath them.

I don't know what to say.

There is nothing to say, just keep what you know to yourself and unless he tells you himself, i suggest you say nothing to him.

Now come, let's go see what my father wants.

As we stepped into the throne room, my eyes widened in surprise to find not only the king, but the entire royal family and members of the council present.

Father, you sent for me, Cleon said with a bow to the king.

I followed Cleon's lead, offering a bow to the royal family and the council members.

Cleon, you've been summoned because your men were questioned, and they all claim you were responsible for their recovery, the king stated, his voice carrying an edge of suspicion. What all of us present here want to know is how you accomplished such a feat?

It was through a combination of herbal remedies and healing magic, Cleon responded.

In the tense atmosphere of the throne room, the queen's voice cut through the silence, her words dripping with skepticism and hostility.

So you want us to believe that you healed them, something our healers couldn't do, all by yourself? she questioned, her tone laden with doubt.

Cleon said nothing in reply.

As murmurs rippled through the tense air of the throne room, Cleon's silence seemed to amplify the unease that had settled over the assembly. The queen's words cut through the hushed whispers like a blade, her hostility palpable as she directed her accusatory gaze at Cleon.

Cleon, you may be cursed since birth, but that does not mean we all have to suffer your curse with you, she declared, her voice laced with disdain. Prince Casper brought glory to us yesterday with his victory, and I will not allow you to ruin this feast for us. If you know what's best for you, you'd better remain invisible.

Cleon's expression remained impassive, his silence a stoic response to the queen's vitriol. Around them, the courtiers exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the queen's words hanging heavily in the air.

In the solemn hush that followed the queen's words, murmurs of agreement rippled through the throne room like a quiet tide.

Enough, the king's voice boomed, cutting through the murmurs like a clarion call. Instantly, silence descended upon the throne room as all eyes turned to the king.

Cleon, you've heard what the queen said, the king continued, your job is to remain in the shadows and do as you are told. None of us wants to be a part of your darkness, and it will be in your best interest to heed our instructions.

Yes, father, Cleon replied.

With a dismissive gesture, the king signaled the end of their audience. You may go, he said, his tone final.

With a respectful bow, Cleon and I exited the throne room, leaving behind the oppressive atmosphere of suspicion and hostility.

As I moved to offer Cleon some solace after the tense encounter in the throne room, he surprised me with a sudden shift in focus.

There's a tree close to where the feys live, It produces a rare and delicious fruit and it's currently in bloom. I think we should go and get some.

Okay, I will go with you, but Cleon, are you alright? I asked, concern lacing my voice. I mean, after what happened in the throne room just now, are you alright?

I'm fine, Evelinde, Cleon reassured me, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. This is not new to me. I've been used to verbal abuse since I was born. Nothing anyone says can hurt me now. Come, let's go.

I nodded, though a pang of sadness tugged at my heart. It hurt to see Cleon bear such burdens with such resilience.

Together, we set off toward the Fey's dwelling, however I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered, a reminder of the injustices Cleon faced simply because of who he was.