Chapter 221 - The King's Secret Visit

"Is the desert to your liking, Faustina?"

Faustina blinked, lifting her gaze to Ezekiel who had just asked a question. "Huh? Ah—yes," she simply answered.

"I see," Ezekiel smiled gently to her before standing up. "I'll be going somewhere else for a bit. Anakin,"

Anakin nodded, standing up as well. He had this strange look on his face, in which Faustina couldn't really discern. 

"Alright," Anakin answers.

"Faustina," Ezekiel then leans to Faustina as he kisses the back of her palm. "I'd be back soon."

"Lilianne," Ezekiel smiled gently as well before he and Anakin left.

-- 

The two went for a walk to the streets of Magierstadt, without any word said to each other. Anakin doesn't know what else to say, though they have decided earlier they would be needing to talk. And it was Anakin who had initiated them to do so. Yet, he was the one who couldn't evoke a single word.

The streets were busy, and lively at the same time. It was a lot similar to the festivals in Feuersturm, except the festivities would usually be flooded with nobles. Here in Magierstadt, all walks in life seem to thrive. And that marks as a huge difference.

Here, people from both Zuerst and Zweite could ignore their differences while being drowned with music and lights. Everything was lively and brimming with a vivid, and lively air. Even so, Anakin and Ezekiel didn't feel the fun at all. They recognized it, but none seemed to feel the joy, especially when they are next to each other.

Anakin tolerated Ezekiel back then, given he was the next schoolmaster of Mageirstadt. In fact, he didn't mind him. This guy was Lilianne's ideal man. Although Lilianne was to be wed to the king of the country, she still feels she needs to conquer Ezekiel. And the past Anakin pushed her to do that; after all, power, beauty, and fame that Lilianne would hold when she acquires the position as a queen and with a schoolmaster as a lover, then Disfiegro's house would rise. 

And when it rises, so will he.

Or so he thinks.

Anakin never knew Ezekiel Unsterblich, who was all smiles, could be this annoying. He never thought he would get to his nerves. Before, Anakin thought they were quite similar. Their expressions are fronts to deceive people and their smiles are used to bring a sense of comfort. They were both wolves on stealth, ready to catch their prey.

However…

Faustina happened.

Anakin wasn't himself anymore, and so was Ezekiel. Who knew, that the person Anakin considered to be the most similar to him, would turn out to be this irritating? Of course, with that given, Anakin didn't want to associate himself with Ezekiel.

"Why did you take her here?" Anakin asked. "You knew she wasn't feeling well."

"And when did you feel concern for her?" Ezekiel retorted. "I consider her health to be the top priority, so I took her here to replenish her strength."

Anakin scoffed.

"What a flimsy excuse,"

Ezekiel only smiled. 

"So why did you bring me here, Lord Disfiegro?"

--

Ezekiel waited for Anakin's response. He was looking at him with a smile. And Anakin, who was collected all throughout, smiled as well.

"Why are you with her, really?" Anakin asked.

'So he went straight ahead,' Ezekiel wanted to chuckle.

"Is there any reason for me not to be with her?"

Ezekiel decided that if Anakin would face him head-on, then he might as well return the favor. 

"Faustina probably felt pressured because you are the schoolmaster." Anakin smiled gently. "Isn't that abuse of authority?"

How noble-like.

Ezekiel stares at Anakin. Clearly, this young man belongs to high society. And Ezekiel knew that very well; after all, he was Lilianne's friend. He had met Anakin several times, especially after the meetings of their brother Ruenti. Ezekiel would always see the two tagging along their brother, who was an excellent alumni of the school. Ruenti Disfiegro is very much unlike them, though. He was righteous and an honest person. In fact, he wasn't very noble-like, who would hide what their real intention is with the pretense of flowery compliment and sarcasm.

"Abuse of authority?" Ezekiel chuckled. "But she's my friend."

"Friend?" Anakin exclaimed. "You only met her several times."

"We danced at the capital, Anakin," Ezekiel said, smiling still. "I had met her several times already. We talk casually."

"Perhaps…" Ezekiel started. "You do not have friends, that's why you don't know how to distinguish which are those you think of ruling over, and those your equal?"

The statement seemed to take Anakin aback, given how his lips twitched along with his brow.

"Are you implying I don't have friends?" Anakin beamed, masking his annoyance. "If so, you are clearly mistaken. The Disfiegro household is a powerful family. Our friends are spread all across Feuersturm."

"Is that so," Ezekiel smiled. Of course, Anakin would retort in this argument, given his noble origins. And that makes it easier to taunt him. However, poking around and dwindling would just be a waste of time. Ezekiel knows that every minute counts. The night is still young, and he would like to seize this opportunity to talk to Faustina.

"Well, I said what I said." Ezekiel exclaimed. "I went here with Faustina because we're friends. What are you so wary about, calling me here just to talk?"

Ezekiel got a feeling about the answer to his question, but he'd rather not say it out loud. It's not like he needs to; and it's better not to. 

"I'm worried about her."

"Worried?"

This is what confused Ezekiel.

What was his purpose? Why does he need to call him and talk at the middle of the street? This just shows how he doesn't trust him at all. And it's not like Ezekiel trusts Anakin, too. He was a greedy, young man who tried to frame Faustina and set her up to fail. Of course he couldn't trust him. And much likely wants him to back away.

"I—"

"Oh! You're here!"

"He's returned!"

"You never visit! It's as if you've forgotten about us!"

A familiar laughter then made Ezekiel halt.

"No way. Things are just busy in Lothlorien,"

"Here, have some boar meat kebab! In the house!"

Ezekiel slowly turned his head to the source of the commotion. Walking in the aisle was a bespectacled young man, with a familiar look and a familiar air. He was being crowded. 

Every mage knows about him. The said 'prodigy of this generation', the one who he had met with Faustina in the capital—

Orwell Lotheringwood!

**

Faustina couldn't believe who she was staring at.

Is she… dreaming?

They stared at each other's eyes, unsure of what to say. And for a few moment it persisted. 

It was the king who first averted his gaze.

Faustina blinked, seeing how he was red on the cheeks, which had spread into his ears. 

"Y-your majesty!" Faustina immediately stood up and bowed down. "I'm sorry for my insolence—um—what—what are you doing here?"

This was the first time Faustina had seen the king ever since she departed from the palace. 

Or so she thinks.

Somehow… Faustina feels like this wasn't the first time.

Faustina shook her head. Of course, THIS is the first time she had seen him for a while! She was always in a trance-like state lately, so perhaps she got mixed up the dreams from reality.

The king was still staring at Faustina with sheer disbelief, confusion, and an emotion Faustina couldn't distinguish. His sapphire, blue eyes were glimmering against the dark, like a pair of jewels in the night. The king looked the same, but there was a hint of change in his air. Faustina couldn't quite describe it, but she was feeling it.

"Faustina…" The king muttered. "What are you doing here?"

Faustina blinked.

"I—"

"Your majesty—"

Faustina's eyes widened, hearing a woman's familiar voice.

Before Faustina could utter a word, the king seized Faustina's hand at then began to run towards the alley. Faustina was surprised, and perplexed. But she let the king run and take her with him.

Maybe it was because his hand felt cold yet she was feeling warm inside.

It was an odd feeling, and foreign for her. 

The king ran, as if he knew well where he was going. And soon they reached a place that Faustina never thought she would see in her entire lifetime.

"This…"

It was a view of the city below them. The light from below which was like patches of sunshine underneath the cold, blue moon made Faustina feel as if she was seeing something otherworldly. She turned her head towards the king, who leaned into the railings. 

"That's… Sheila, right?" Faustina asked. 

"Yes,"

"…Why did you run away from her, Your Majesty?"

Why are you here?

Why did you take me?

Why did you hold my hand?

Faustina had more questions, but she knew she couldn't ask all of them to the king. 

She would only need to ask what is rational and logical enough.

Instead of answering her, the king ambled his way towards Faustina.

He then offered a hand to Faustina. "Do you trust me?"

Faustina blinked.

"…I do," Faustina exclaimed, placing her hand to his palms.

He delicately held Faustina's hand, as if it was breakable glass.

"Then," the king smiles gently.

And as he kissed the back of her palm—

Faustina's glamour…

…began to fade.