Chapter Three

Marissa

"She is the only one he listens to." 

I found that hard to believe. 

The Demon King dances only to his sister's tunes, Isn't that interesting?

  For some strange reason, I suddenly wanted to hear more.

"Why is that?" I asked. "It's a known history that he killed his father or did he slay his mother too? Why does he only listen to his sister?"

Since we had nothing to do, I see no reason why we couldn't gossip a little. We could at least do that before the monster king arrives.

Besides, if I'm going to kill this tyrant monster, I have to know all there is to know about him.

"Killed his father?" Maria gasped. "Why is your head full of news that could get you killed?"

"Did I say something wrong?" I shrugged. 

  Maria shook her head and chose to ignore my question. "After the death of their father, King Ilyas had to step in his place. That is the news you should fill in your head," Maria advised.

Ilyas. So that's his name. 

I found myself repeating his name in my mind.

"What about their mother? Is she alive?" I asked further. 

I don't know why I was so interested in the King's life, but I just couldn't stop myself. I found myself wanting to know all about him.

"Of course. She is alive. Who is occupying the Queen seat if she's dead, huh?"

"Oh… I see," I said in a whisper. "Then why does he only listen to his sister when their mother is still alive?"

"That's because he....."

Before Maria could reply, we heard someone call out to us. 

"Hey, you two!" The voice yelled. 

Our eyes met with Sophia, the girl who got scolded by Madam Yolanda earlier.

"Yes?" We answered in unison.

"What are you doing over there?" She pointed at me. "Quit being lazy and go sprinkle water on the roses around the entrance of the palace before it withers."

I scurried to the said place and immediately did as told. Maria chose to help me. Soon the work was also done. 

"The flowers are beautiful." 

I couldn't help but admire the flowers and the scenery.

"I bet the one who would walk on it would make it rot just like his reputation," I added. 

Maria sighed and shook her head. She heard what I said, and she wasn't too glad with my statement.

I know she told me how dangerous it is to speak like that in a place that's filled with people loyal to the king and his household but I just can't help it. I loathe the king too much.

That instant, a horn blared. Maria and I stopped walking immediately and looked up. The gate opened, and we heard the announcer declare the King's arrival.

"He's here," I said and Maria nodded, affirmatively. We both went to the side and watched a beautifully decorated horse trot in with troops of armed warriors around.

I raised my gaze and it fell on the King, who was also looking at me. He stopped his horse as soon as our gazes locked. My heart flew, and I gasped, wondering why that happened.

Maria suddenly grabbed my arm and tossed me to the corner of the wall. I guess she also noticed the king's gaze on me and wanted to protect me. 

Could he have heard what I said?

No. I said that before his arrival.  He couldn't have heard what I said from such a distance.

  I could hear Maria's rapid breaths from the other side. She was panicking as the king approached. 

I hope he didn't notice where I was hiding.

I just had to avoid the King to avoid getting killed. His cold and scary eyes kept appearing before me even as I hid. 

Curiosity surged inside me and I peeked, my eyes looking around carefully, scanning to see the King who was looking around like he was searching for something. 

My eyes went to Maria who was looking very nervous, her head hung, and her hands were folded behind her.

I sighed deeply and returned my sneaky gaze to the King, who had a sinister smile on his face. He made his horse jerk and instantly, the horse started riding off, passing Maria.

I heaved in relief and came out of hiding. I held Maria who was still trembling from the King's scorching gaze. 

  Perhaps, he didn't hear me. Maria hugged me and checked me out for possible wounds. Seeing her so worried made my eyes tear up. No one has shown so much care for me and even though we've only just met, she was willing to suffer in my place. 

I hugged her without thinking. "Thank you," I muttered.

"Are you alright?" She asked, worriedly. "I had no choice but to shove you to safety."

"You shouldn't be bothered about me. I should be appreciating you instead. Thank you so much," I replied as I wiped my tearing eyes.

"It's fine," She smiled. "Thankfully he didn't hear you. Let's just stay hidden behind the crowd till he leaves," Maria whispered and peered.

She pursed her lips and widened her eyes as the King's horse suddenly came to a halt.

"What's going on? Why did he stop?" Maria asked nobody in particular.

My eyes widened in shock when I saw the king turn his horse around and come our way. 

"Oh no," I cussed. "Leave my side, Maria."

She looked at me like I just uttered some jargon. "Why?"

As much as I appreciate the fact that she was looking out for me and was willing to sacrifice herself just to save me, I just couldn't stand by and watch someone else suffer for my mistake. 

If the demon king wants to punish anyone, then he should punish me not her. 

"Why should I leave?" She repeated. 

I shook my head and closed my eyes. How do I explain to her that I do not want her to get hurt because of me? 

She is the first person that's shown me love since I became a slave, how can I sacrifice her?

"Look," I pointed and motioned at the king's horse which was almost reaching us. "The king is coming back."