All Chapters of The Kings Captive: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

DEREK'S POV:It was a blur walking home. Thoughts raced through my mind, outweighing even the chilly night air that slashed like razors. Indeed. I kept thinking about her, imprisoned in that castle and under Sylvester's control. None of this was fair to her. My heart raced as I thought of her being shackled and how I had let her down, and I balled my hands. As I got closer to my home, each step felt more significant and served as a reminder of the agreement I had made. The chance I was taking to overthrow King Sylvester, the one who had robbed me of everything.However, the issue went beyond revenge. It has to do with her. Everything was always about her.The cracking sound of the wood didn't really disturb my trance as I pushed the door open. The only light in the otherwise gloomy house was the dim moonlight that filtered through the windows. My home was a modest, lonely place that reflected my life as it had become. After entering, I sank into the chair by the window and began to go

DEREK'S POV:For several hours, I had been stationed outside the castle door, feeling the chilly wind pierce my flesh through my clothes. It was getting closer to night, and I was always nervous about the silence that comes with it when it gets twilight. However, this anxiousness wasn't the typical kind that comes from watching over King Sylvester's stronghold's borders. There was something unusual about tonight. I was unable to pinpoint it exactly.Above me, I could see King Sylvester, in all his regal haughtiness, walking back and forth while speaking with Ryan through the enormous windows of the castle's opulent foyer. The monarch had the broad shoulders and silver-threaded hair of someone born to reign. Ryan, on the other hand, I never trusted. His sly, analytical eyes always seemed to be working extra hours, taking in data that he could utilise to his advantage. Their features were barely visible through the shadows created by the enormous chandelier above them, as they appeared

Sims's boots crunched on the gravel courtyard path as he fell into step beside me as I made my way back from the cells. His stillness carried an unsettled weight, an underlying strain to his normal stoicism. As we passed, I could feel the other guards' eyes on me and hear their respectful murmurs. But to me, it was all meaningless. My thoughts were exclusively focused on Vera.Finally, with a quiet voice, Sims added, "King Sylvester wants to see you." I was aware that we would be meeting. No one had overlooked my achievement.I looked at Sims; his countenance was as blank as usual, but I was getting used to it. He was stoic, yet there was a sense of loyalty in his actions, a begrudging respect for me, a loyalty to the King. He had fought with me, witnessed the carnage, and now that we had won, I could feel that respect growing. It didn't alter the fact that I detested the person I had turned into while working for King Sylvester.We arrived at the courtyard. The high stone walls of th

DEREK'S POV:I was heading to the training fields when a thin little lad with a weak voice and fretting eyes caught me.He said mildly with an undercurrent of urgency, "Lady Annalise requests your presence,”I followed him through the stone passageways of King Sylvester's fortress, feeling my stomach twist into knots. Although Annalise and I had never had a private meeting, her influence was as strong as it was dangerous. When she talked, the King's council paid attention, and when she walked into a room, something changed. She had asked for me, and I couldn't get rid of the impression that it wasn't just a polite request.The boy came to a halt in front of the sturdy door of Annalise's chamber. He nodded and rushed out of sight, leaving me standing in the dark hallway light. After a brief pause, I gently knocked.She said, "Enter," in a calm yet firm tone.The smell of incense filled the room, strong and confusing. With her back to me, Annalise stood by a window, appearing as a shado

DEREK’S POV:As I swung into the back seat of the convoy, the engine hissed like a beast under the hood. There was already Annalise sitting in the centre with a cigarette hanging between her fingers and her knees crossed. The leather and metal of the armoured vehicle blended with the strong tobacco odour that permeated the inside. Her piercing emerald eyes showed no emotion as she cocked her head slightly, silently accepting my arrival.After a beat, she murmured, "Help yourself," pointing to the little bar embedded at the rear of the exotic car located across from me in a low, nearly humming voice. In the dimly lit space, a variety of spirits bottles gleamed, but my attention was drawn to the crystal decanter she was holding. She was already filling two glasses with something strong and dark.For a moment, I pondered whether it was prudent to drink at this time. Vera was on the line, King Sylvester was breathing down my neck, and every minute that went by only made me feel more and m