Chương 44: The Laugh of King Oscar Hawk

The night had fallen over Virelia. Leah paced back and forth across her room, her heart beating too hard to let her stand still. When she heard three knocks at the door, she froze. She opened it immediately. Felicity stood there, motionless in the shadows.

"Let's go", she whispered. Leah nodded and followed her. They moved silently through the palace corridors, their light footsteps echoing against the cold marble. They stopped behind a large column, watching the changing of the guard. Two soldiers exchanged a few distracted words, lowering their vigilance. Felicity moved first. Leah followed right behind her. The door was locked. Felicity pulled out a small knife and began working on the lock, her hands steady despite the passing seconds.

"Hurry up, Feli…they could turn around at any moment", Leah muttered, never taking her eyes off the guards. One final metallic click. The lock gave way.

"Go", said Felicity. Leah looked at her, confused.

"What do you mean, go?"

"I need to retrieve my swords. You leave the palace and hide. I'll find you".

"No. I'm not leaving you alone". Felicity saw the guards finish their conversation and begin turning around. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Without another thought, she shoved Leah through the doorway, shut the door behind her and ran. The throne room was silent. Felicity's swords rested upon the throne like trophies. She looked around but saw no one. Slowly climbing the steps, she grabbed them. Then she heard heavy footsteps, the unmistakable sound of armor.

She turned.

"Shit". Meanwhile, Xia found herself in an endless desert. The carcass of a giant scorpion lay behind her. She continued drawing symbols in the air and pressing her hands against the ground, but the world answered only with faint tremors. Wiping sweat from her brow, she struggled to catch her breath.

"Every second here equals twenty, maybe thirty years in the real world…" she thought.

"My regeneration is working nonstop. If I keep this up, it'll consume me until I die". She looked up.

"I need to find a way out. Now". Felicity was kneeling in the throne room, disarmed, her wrists bound by rough ropes. Oscar entered, followed by Teresa. He sat upon the throne. Teresa remained standing beside him.

"Felicity", the King said calmly, "I've been told that you helped your friend escape and attempted to flee as well. Is that true?"

"Yes, Your Majesty".

"And why? Were you planning to leave without even giving me an answer?"

"I meant no disrespect". Oscar raised an eyebrow.

"No disrespect? Why is that?"

"Because I refuse your marriage proposal. And I kindly ask, in the spirit of your generosity, that you return my swords and allow me to leave". Oscar smiled.

"I am the King of Valeron. I command millions of soldiers. My name is known everywhere. I can decide who lives and who dies with a single word. I can determine the fate of entire species, and yet you refuse my proposal? You refuse the chance to become Queen?" Felicity nodded.

"Yes, Your Highness". Oscar burst into laughter. At first it was brief, but it grew louder and louder until it became uncontrollable. Teresa and the soldiers stared at him in confusion. When he finally calmed down, he coughed and straightened himself.

"You truly are a strong woman, Felicity".

"Thank you. Will you grant my request?"

"No, I cannot. As my mother says, I must behead you and your friend. For the sake of my title". The doors opened. Leah was dragged inside by two soldiers.

"I'm sorry, Feli…they caught me right away". Felicity fixed her gaze on Oscar.

"You're a coward". Teresa stepped forward.

"How dare you speak to your King like that? Guards, take this savage to the square". Oscar raised a hand, stopping them.

"A coward? Me?"

"Yes. Because of a rejection, you're killing two women without even giving them a chance to defend themselves. That's the act of a coward".

"Don't listen to her, darling", Teresa said.

"She's only trying to provoke you". Oscar looked at both of them before slowly drawing his sword.

"Then let's do this. A duel. If I win, you'll marry me. If you win, you and your friend may leave unharmed".

"I accept", Felicity answered without hesitation. Oscar smiled.

"Oh, but I won't be fighting you. I wouldn't want to damage your body…in case I win". He turned toward Leah.

"Your friend will duel me instead". Leah's eyes widened.