"I didn't expect this from you, Pyriom. Just because that stupid wight has been added to the crew of finding Celestiana, doesn't mean our plan is going to fail," Lord Nikolus stated firmly. As they walked in vampire speed through the spacious hallways of the Palace.
In every ten steps, a royal guard was stationed, clad in dark green and some in navy blue. The guards bowed as the lords sped past them, paying them no heed, but they knew better than to risk not showing their reverence.
"Is that girl worth this trouble?" Lord Pyriom asked with distaste, running his index finger over his goatee.
Nikolus halted, making the other lord stop as well. Pyriom stood with stiff back, his protruding blue eyes searched Nikolus. He fidgeted with the button of his basil coloured suit jacket
He looked dead in Pyriom's eyes, "What do you mean?"
The scent of his friend's fear wafted in the corridor for a moment. "You know exactly what I mean," the Lord replied in a firm voice, not a hint of his a second long fright left in him.
"You are my best mate," Lord Nikolus began, noting his pale features and the faded red and blue at the tip of his dark brown hair, indicated the lack of blood consumption in the recent days. But he had resolved, and therefore the plan had to be executed no matter the cost. "But as of now, I'm the High Lord and you are my advocate and my right hand. You must do as you're ordered, without the permission to question it," he asserted, his tone showcasing his authority and daring anyone to challenge him.
"Apologies, my Lord, I did not intend to offend you. But as your adviser, I am speaking. You have always opted for the wise choice, a solution in everyone's best interest. However, each time the matter has something to do with that witch, your decisions become more careless and her comfort and happiness become the core. Is she worth it?" Pyriom expressed, but didn't dare meet his glowing green eyes.
"I am well aware of my actions," Nikolus snapped.
"But are you?" he challenged and settled on holding the Lord's glare. Finding the opportunity on elaborating the issue, he continued, "Melckom wants to prove that you've had a hand in Celestiana's scarpering, and still helping her. If he discovers valid proof, no one can prevent the consequences from carrying out and we cannot eradicate him. The Prince will recognise the move has been made from your side and he'll take his cousin's revenge in the worst ways possible. Hence you are betraying your Prince and taking part in high treason activities. Even if we assume you eliminate the Prince, it will displease the King. All Melckom needs to get us dancing on his fingertips is a single trace leading back to you and we all will be damned,"
"A proof against me?" he scoffed.
"This game you are playing is dangerous, it's reckless," he reasoned with exasperation. "Nik, Celestiana is Prince Lyonaurd's betrothed. That witch hates the Prince and is in love with a human. You and your feelings have no place in this mess of relations." He paused, and the Lord shot him a warning glare, but he ignored it. "No, you must hear this. You helped her run away only to convey you're more than just a blood-sucking vampire. You betrayed your kin, your Prince, your ha- never mind, you don't even respect him as a royal. And doing all of this in hopes of earning her trust and one day winning her heart. But at what cost?" he exclaimed. "I beg of you, be practical before it ends in a messy bloodbath," he finished, panting as he scanned the Lord's features.
Lord Nikolus pushed his hands into his pants pockets, kept his expression blank, and held his gaze with vacant eyes. He had mastered the skill, having over a millennium of practice. But he knew Pyriom for most of his life. He was like a brother to him, even closer. His concern was intelligible to him. But what else could he do? Watch Celestiana wither away in this cage Lyonaurd has created for her? No, he couldn't do that.
Lord Pyriom's trepidation was perspicuous. Though he had agreed to be a part of his plans, he was privy to his fear of death. The singular thing mortals and immortals had in common. The longer they stay, the more tempted they get to prolong their lives.
The High Lord was conscious of the consequences of his actions, and also mindful of Pyriom and his other friends' directly being affected if matters didn't favour them.
But midst these factors, he was well aware of Pyriom's averse to anything regarding her. It was true that he had undefined and obscure emotions concerning Celestiana, but he did not fancy sorting through them any time soon. There were much more pressing issues that needed his undivided attention than such trivial things as his sentiments towards a girl.
After a long pause, the Lord recited the words he had been using in the past five months, "I'm doing my duty. Queen Melisande gave me direct orders to keep her safe."
"Her highness requested you," Pyriom pointed out.
"I do not decline Queen's requests, especially when it's the first time she has ever sought something from me. I am fulfilling my obligation and it has nothing to do with anything else. But if you have made your mind to label it as love or any other nonsense, then I cannot stop you. We have already wasted a substantial amount of time on this absurd topic. This discussion ends here, once and for all." Lord Nikolus declared and set on walking in vampire speed, forcing Lord Pyriom to follow him.
High Lord Nikolus was cognisant of the fact that there were indeed deep emotions involved and his movements were never out of pure duty. But he hoped if he repeated the recited phrase one too many times, it would become his reality.
After walking for a minute longer in vampire speed, they reached the gigantic mahogany double doors.
The two Lords share a final glance before Pyriom knocked on the door. They open by themselves, letting them into the spacious room.
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