Aria's POV
I left the archives earlier than usual as I was planning to go for a walk.
Elara hadn't returned yet since she delivered my lunch but she had said that she had informed Kael about my plans for the evening.
A knock sounded at the door, followed by a soft click. I looked up expected to see a new guard only to find Kael standing in the doorway.
"Elara said you were looking to take a walk outside the castle," he said, probably as a way to explain his sudden appearance.
"I thought I was going to get a new guard since Ryker was unavailable." I said.
He raised an eyebrow, "The condition for you leaving this castle is that either I, or Ryker accompanied you. Wasn't that what we agreed on?" Kael said pointedly.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling a sense of uncertainty wash over me. I had been looking forward to a walk outside the castle, but definitely not with him.
I let out a huff, still uncertain if I should go or not. I needed a moment of peace and quiet, the stone walls of this castle was suffocating, coupled with my nightmares and the looming threat of the A'shae. I needed to clear my head but I still didn't trust Kael and as much as I wanted to deny it, a part of me was scared of him. No, terrified.
"You like watching the sunset don't you? Let's get going before we miss it" Kael said interrupting my internal debate.
I looked up at Kael "How did you know that I love watching the sunset?" I asked, feeling a wave of apprehension wash over me.
Kael ignored the question, "Shall we?" he said instead.
"I appreciate the offer, Kael," I said, trying to sound polite. "But I think I'll have to pass. Maybe some other time?"
Kael rolled his eyes. "Be ready in five, I'll be waiting outside." he said. "I don't like to be kept waiting princess".
We stood there for a moment, looking at each other. A rush of anger coursed through my veins. His eyes were filled with amusement which only seemed to anger me more.
Who did he think he was to order me around like that. Before I could open my mouth to give him a piece of my mind, he exited the room.
"Five minutes, princess" He called out behind the closed door.
....
As we walked through the castle grounds, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The grounds were beautifully manicured, with lush green grass and vibrant flowers blooming everywhere. But despite the peaceful atmosphere, I was uncomfortable.
Every person we met along the way bowed to Kael, their faces filled with respect and deference. But when they looked at me, their expressions changed. They gave me strange and curious glances, while others looked at me with clear distaste and contempt.
I felt like a specimen under a microscope, with everyone studying and judging me. It was unnerving, to say the least. I tried to ignore it and focus on the scenery, but it was hard to shake off the heated glares and hatred being directed my way. This was the first time I had seen so much people in the castle.
The wing of the castle I occupied hardly had anyone but the occasional maid here and there. Sure, I had encountered some people when I went on walks in the gardens with Ryker but most of them hadn't spared me more than a glance.
I realized that this was probably why Kael had insisted on having Ryker or him accompany me out of the castle.
I schooled my features trying to ignore them as we walked by which was extremely hard but I managed.
I turned my attention to the surrounding noticing that the castle grounds were heavily guarded. There were soldiers stationed at regular intervals, their eyes scanning the surroundings constantly as if waiting for danger to spring right out of the next corner.
I wondered now, how I had ever thought I could've escaped from the castle. It would've been an impossible task, with so many guards stationed around, I would've never been able to escape.
As if sensing my unease, Kael quietly placed his hand on my arm giving it a soothing rub after a few moments he dropped his hands when we arrived at the gate.
After leaving , he led me to the woods surrounding the castle.
I stopped abruptly almost crashing into his back, "Where are we going?".
Kael turned, expressionless. "You'll see when we get there"
"That isn't an answer Kael, are you planning on killing me?" I said, unsure of his true intentions.
"I have more creative ways to do that, princess" He replied dryly.
His reply only managed to agitate me more.
He let out a tired sigh, "I thought we were past this,"
"I'm not going to kill you, don't you trust me?" He said his eyes glinting with amusement.
"I don't trust you." I answered without any hesitation.
"Good."
"Now hurry along before we miss it"
"Miss what?" I asked, my curiosity peaked.
"You'll have to follow me to find out, princess" He said, his eyes glinting with what seemed to be mischief but I wasn't completely sure as he turned around and strode off, disappearing behind the thick vegetation.
"Wait!!" I called out chasing after him.
It wasn't until I had caught up with his large strides that I realized by using my curiosity against me, he had manipulated me into following him.