Grapevine (Zetheria Series #1)

Chapter 12: Path of Escape

Outside, a grandiose carriage attached to four, red wyverns stood in all its crimson glory. Despite the wide space of the frontyard, its presence made it seem as though the space was not quite enough to accomodate them.

A man in a stylish suit stepped out of it.

The duke looked at him with dread. All sorts of things floated in his mind. Each one worst than the other. House Rosseficent had always expressed their neutrality. When the current Emperor was yet to ascend to the throne, they didn't actively support him like the houses under his faction.

To put it simply, House Rosseficent and the Royal Family had a strained relationship. They never openly expressed enmity towards each other, but they were not on good terms either. So, this Royal Decree was bad news to the duke. However, his daughter had a romantic relationship with the second prince. He must cooperate no matter what they ask of him.

With the duchess' death and the war, their position is quite precarious as of the moment.

As he thought of its contents, the messenger rolled out a scroll and said aloud:

"I, Gerard Vincent del Fuego hereby command the duke of Rosseficent to hand over the Essence of Antonia for it posed significant importance in the Empire's Magical Studies. Your cooperation will be greatly re ...

Shaking his head, the duke approached. He didn't bother to fix his facial expression.

"This... What did you mean the Essence of Antonia?"

"It's exactly as what is written in the royal decree..."

"Preposterous!"

"How dare you call the Emperor...

The duke looked away for a moment. The empire's Magical Studies played a crucial role in the war. Refusing would be tantamount to treason. The emperor didn't give the duke a choice in this matter. Resigned to his fate, the duke said with a heavy sigh:

"Very well."

He turned around and stopped.

"I'll let you have it for three days. After that, I will summon it back."

---

The bell rang and the girls in their white robes scurried into their bedspaces. The lamps were extinguised the next moment as darkness swallowed the hut.

All the noise and chaos was replaced by dead silence in an instant. The sound of the insects and the whispers of the wind lorded over their sense of hearing, allowing them to feel relaxed after a long, busy day.

Selene turned over to the other side, trying to find a more comfortable position. While the others fell asleep almost immediately, Selene's eyes were wide awake as she stared at the veil of darkness.

Hours ticked by. She was sweating under the thin comforter. She kept on shifting in her bed, causing the girl under it to stir awake and let out a frustrated groan.

Thoughts swirled on Selene's busy mind. The urge to get up and go somewhere else was so strong, it kept her awake despite the glaring pain of her muscles.

Standing up noiselessly, she swiped the blanket off and descended.

She walked through the rows of double deck beds with light footsteps.

Reaching the door, she pushed it gently. But, it didn't budge, which is understandable. These Dark Arts practitioners wouldn't be stupid enough to leave it open especially at night. They might as well give the girls some ideas.

Selene breathed in and went back to her bedspace.

She lied down and waited for her mind to clear up. She did feel a bit calmer. However, her mind was still restless. Sleep seemed to be impossible as of the moment.