Sacred City

A second night under the Orian sky. Sleeping with the enemy. Not quite but close enough, to slit his throat. Once again precautions were taken, in the eventuality that Arvun might have a change of heart and slits his throat while he sleeps. Iris was sharp. Sharper than his blade. In the time he'd spent training with her, he discovered that she was quite skilled and cunning. More than she let on. Under those beautiful features, lay a fierce woman with nothing to lose. Something he didn't account for when he made his plan. She'd already lost everything she held dear. Grunting, he rolled on the bed and sighed. The ruckus outside was the only thing that kept him company. The palace otherwise, was quiet as a tomb. He could still hear the faint heartbeat of the guard posted outside his door, through the thick sandstone walls. Other than that, nothing. Arvun was either biding his time, waiting for Simele to pass, and then ending them. Or he was considering hearing what they had to offer? Mind games. It was far too late to think about it, and he was too tired to waste any more of his dwindling elan on the matter.

Unable to battle with the weariness, he drifted off to sleep. His thoughts were washed away by the darkness of his unconscious mind.

As it did the night before the tug on his foot came and he was up on the bed with his blade in his hand. The string tied on his foot tugged again, and his eyes went to the lanai door. She'd crept up again on the guards. She must've found a gap in their patrolling pattern. He cut the string, as she pushed the door open and slipped inside the room. He perched on the bed, and she stood by the door, with pursed lips.

" Missed me already?" He quipped as he sprawled himself on the bed, tucking his arm under his head, smiling.

" This place is strange," She took a step forward. She wasn't wrong," Do you think he will see us on the morrow," She took another step forward into the light that crept from the outside.

" I don't think so," He took a deep breath in, trying to decide whether he should or shouldn't share his concerns on the matter with her. After a few moments," Simele has a no-violence rule. It is a time for celebration when all the castes gather and enjoy themselves. In these five days, there are no ranks among them," He pushed himself on the bed," Simele is ancient, and has survived many Kings of all kinds. It has been preserved to keep the spirits of the people docile. A little crumb for those who labor throughout the seasons. That rule applies to everyone, including Arvun himself. Sit down," He beckoned when she remained rooted in her spot, " He is waiting for those five days to pass, and as soon as the celebration is completed he will have our heads on a silver platter before we even have a chance to lay our eyes on him," The most probable explanation and the simplest. And most likely true.

" It was to be expected, " He took a deep breath," Our ancestors, long before I came along have successfully allied with Oros and the king that ruled at the time. Many have lost their head until that alliance was made. This might be the case. K'arali are not famous for showing leniency towards the enemy," He took a deep breath when her shoulders slumped, and turned her attention towards the window.

" Why wait? He could've easily poisoned us the night before and no one would have known, nor cared," It was a good point. Indeed why wait?

Nodding," I'm merely speculating at this point. It could be for any number of reasons or no reason at all. Rest assured that I will do my best to prevent it," He calmly said, but there was a certain flicker in his eyes that contradicted the calm exterior. She'd seen it that day in the forest as he reached to catch the tear.

" If that moment comes," She turned to him, determined, " You need to run," She lifted a knee on the bed, and locked eyes with him," I have nothing to lose but you do," She added with the same determination, fiercely looking at him. He nodded in agreement. But it was something he wouldn't be able to do. Leave her behind to save his hide. It was a ridiculous thought but if it made her feel at ease then, so be it.

He had every faith that she would be able to hold them off long enough so he could escape, but he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he did.

" Are you still hearing the whispers?" She looked up at him at the question and nodded.

" Can you understand what they are saying ?" He pried further. Getting her to say anything was akin to pulling teeth.

" It is difficult," She sighed," Words of old, and new, voices are both young and old, man, woman, and child. All at once, saying different things," She confessed and turned her attention to the window once more. To have so many voices in your ear at once must've driven her mad.

" Have you tried focusing on just the one," He cleared his throat when she shot him a gaze, nothing short of murderous. A yes and at the same time I wasn't born the day before.

" It was just a thought," He raised his hand in surrender," No need to get all hot and bothered over it," He quipped and inwardly chuckled. The constant whispering was taking a toll on his throat.

" Let's have some rest," He slipped back down on the bed and rolled onto his side. She wavered for a good few moments. It was better for them to be in the same room. Between the two of them, they could hold off a small group without any trouble.

It took Iris quite some time to decide, but eventually, she crawled up next to him and snuggled under the covers.

A good night, before he'd make another attempt to sleep. Waking him at all hours. She was worse than a child. He stifled a chuckle at that thought and settled for a deep breath. He would make sure to mention it to her the first chance he got.