THE THIRD MAGE 32 Feelings

"Denaire," he called out.

Denaire froze, but quickly recovered herself in fear that she might be found out.

"Hiro, why are you still here? I thought you're having a meeting with the King at the Palace today?"

"The meeting has been postponed. It appears the King has heard your sentiments."

Denaire blinked. "He did what?"

"You did know the meeting today was about attacking Perifaenia. Apparently, the King thought that we are not yet ready in fighting them. It is as you said, they are good in a.s.sa.s.sination. Their a.s.sa.s.sins are way at the top. And since you pointed out that some of our captains were taken down by mere Oniro a.s.sa.s.sins, it sends an alarm that we are not ready. So we have to train more people that could counter those a.s.sa.s.sins."

"And now, you s.h.i.+fted on attacking the remaining Onirons in an unknown island," Denaire said sadly.

"Denaire, my dear," Hiro stepped closer to Denaire and held her arms. "I know you're upset that one of your fellow Oniron sang you out. But I couldn't prevent the King from his bloodl.u.s.t."

"I know Hiro. But isn't it enough that he just deposed us from our own country? Why can't he just leave them at peace in that island? They couldn't fight back!"

Hiro hugged the upset girl. "Sshh darling. I only follow orders okay? I couldn't fight, or else, we're both going to be beheaded."

Denaire snuggled close to Hiro's chest. "Hiro, if ever I go away, will you get mad at me?"

She felt Hiro sigh dejectedly. "I don't know Denaire. But I'll be very disappointed."

"And if you see me with an army against your country, will you kill me?"

"Oh Denaire," Hiro pulled the girl closer, as if he wants the girl to be buried within his body. "If that happens, I will definitely protect you. h.e.l.l, I would even change sides just to be with you."

"But you would be executed for treason!" Denaire exclaimed in horror.

"I don't mind Denaire. If it's the only thing that would let me be with you until I die, I will do it."

Denaire was conflicted. She surely loved her Crown Prince, but the love the general has been showing her left her doubting her feelings. But she was sure that she doesn't want the general to be hurt because of her. She was sure of that.

Denaire only hugged the general in answer, hoping that the hug would convey what she truly felt.

***

Denaire sat beside Hiro in the pavilion outside the mines. They were waiting for the miners to get out and give their spoils. The King was with them too, although he was surrounded by his concubines.

"Hiro! My best general! Why don't you let yourself loose with my girls here? They'll give you so much pleasure. But I know your wife-to-be is much more pleasing for you."

Hiro looked at Denaire first then to the King. "Your Majesty, I can't bear to touch the women you are very acquainted with. I am afraid that I may taint them."

"Ah no, no, boy. I would surely be proud of having you when we are having a party. I'm sure you will enjoy having so many of these girls giving you pleasure. You can take Denaire too."

Unconsciously, Hiro clenched his fists because of the untethered rage he felt inside. He surely wanted to kill this evil King in front of him for the things he is saying. He was about to lash out when he felt a tiny hand hold his clenched fists. He looked at that someone, and immediately his anger slowly subsided.

Denaire smiled at him and leaned in, "You can't do that in the open Hiro. We are surrounded. And I surely can't protect you. It's treason."

Hiro lovingly stroked the girl's hair, thanking the G.o.ds that she was such an angel to his demons. "I'm sorry. I honestly think I have to control this anger of mine."

"Tell me how I can help you Hiro."

Hiro smiled at that genuine gesture Denaire has been showing to him lately. It made his heart soar towards the heavens.

Suddenly, they heard collective moans on their right. When they looked, a woman was sitting on the King's lap. She was moving up and down, her undergarments were below her knees, her face showing constant pleasure. A woman was also kissing the King while his hand was ma.s.saging her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. On the left of the King was another woman bellowing moans of ecstasy. The King's hand was in between the woman's legs, going in then out.

Hiro and Denaire cringed at this display. They stood up together and went to the entrance of the mining site. They agreed that it was better to wait for the miners standing than sitting with that wicked king.

But their wait wasn't too long, for only a minute has pa.s.sed when the first group of the miners went out in a single file. They placed what they found within the cave in a cart beside Hiro and Denaire. Most of them found quartzes, while some were lucky to unearth gold.

The miners filed out one by one, all tired of the day's toil. Denaire really wanted to give them water and talk to them comfortingly, but there were eyes everywhere. If she so casually talks to these miners, who are mostly Oniron, she might be executed for treason. So she just smiled and nodded at them, wis.h.i.+ng they understood her predicament.

On the last batch of miners, there she found Emong. Emong looked at her briefly, and when he neared the cart, Denaire subconsciously slid towards Hiro's side, acting as if like she was getting cold. Hiro looked down on her and draped her arms on her shoulders, pulling her near. Mission accomplished; she was near the cart now.

She watched as Emong came close and watched as his other arm drop something near the hem of her gown, which she so swiftly took under her feet. She picked it up using her toes and placed it inside her shoes, all the while feigning being cold on the outside.

Emong glanced at Denaire and Denaire nodded at him.