Chapter 36

"Kayla, you are free to roam the castle. But the second floor is out of bounds," the king says in a bored tone. My spoon covered in corn flakes stops mid-air. Free? I’m not free. The thick brambles and deadly thorns hold me in place. However, I am one step closer to leaving this dull and deadly castle behind. I consider having freedom to walk the halls and not having my door locked a small victory.
"Thank you," I respond, knowing he is waiting for an answer. He nods and begins eating again. His black eyes dance with a smug look. We are clearly playing a new game; one I am yet to learn the rules of.
"What are your plans for today, Father?" Cole asks, leaning back in his chair. I can tell by the look in his eyes that he is not interested in what his father will be doing. Yet he still asks.
"I have a wedding to arrange for the end of the month. There are still many guests to arrive. Security to organize and of course decorations and food to plan." He pauses and looks up at Cole. I raise an eyebrow slightly. The decorations should be easy for him bare and bland. Why the king wants me to marry his son is still a mystery. I’m betting there is an ulterior reason behind his motives as he seems too eager and excited to get the wedding underway. Whatever his motives are, I know they’ll not be good for me.
The servant’s whispers of me becoming a puppet play on my mind. I won’t allow that to happen. I can’t.
The king glared at Cole. “You should take more interest in your wedding, your future." Fire leaps in is black irises. My stomach drops. He has been more tolerant lately. The upcoming wedding has distracted him from dishing out unnecessary punishments and kept his anger at bay.
"Of course, Father. I will, erm, I do. But first I would like the pleasure of getting to know my bride." Cole gives his father a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. He’s playing the same game as me. Pretending to be interested when running and hiding sounds far more appealing. I watch the relief on his face when his father nods. Why is there never a large rock around when you need one to crawl under? If I could, I would hide under a rock until this nightmare was over. I can’t run or hide. I have to fight. I must be smart and plan my moves.
"Yes, yes,” his father replies submissively. “Why don't you two take another walk." It takes all my strength not to storm out the room like a teenager who can’t get her own way with doors slamming and feet stomping. But I stay seated with what I hope is a neutral and dignified look on my face. I don’t want to play their game. I just want to go home. Wherever that is.
***
"There’s no way I’m marrying you," I declare with my arms crossed as we enter the sunroom.
"Huh, you think I want to marry you?"
"Then call it off!" I near enough yell as I snatch the book I was reading before from underneath him and dramatically drop on the sofa, flinging my legs over one of the arms.
"Yeah, sure, that will work. I’ll just say, Father, I want to call the wedding off." His tone is sarcastic and grates on my nerves.
"Good. I’m glad we have an understanding," I hit back with equal sarcasm and find my place in the book.
"If we call it off and disobey him, Father will start by torturing the staff, and by the way, they’re all humans. Then he will go after everyone you love and have them slaughtered. All before he burns us alive." He looks at me with deep sadness in his eyes. I believe what he says. I’ve witnessed his father’s evil firsthand. For Christmas, my gift from him was being gagged and hung from metal chains while I received whips to my back.
"It's best to just go along with him; my mom learned that the hard way." Cole looks away and stares thoughtfully out of the window.
"Yeah, well, someone should stop him." I think about asking what he means by his ‘mom learned the hard way,’ but think better of it. The haunting look in his eyes makes my heartache.
I try to read the book, but my mind is wandering too much. I read the same line over and over again. I have to get out of here. With each day that passes I lose more of my hope. More of my will to fight. I’m afraid if I don’t, I’ll become like the staff. A zombie that lurks in the shadows until I’m called forth.
"Come, we must get back." Cole drags me from my thoughts and holds out his hand. The faint tingle of electricity greets me as I lock my hand around his.
We reappear inside my room. I scream and wrap myself around his neck. A foot away is a big, huge half beast/half dog monster with yellow eyes, and it is growling at us. The scariest part is the razor-sharp spikes sticking out of its back. I’ve seen them out of the window and lurking in the darkness but never up close.
"Shut it,Hunter," Cole demands. The dog snaps its mouth shut and lies down at the side of my bed. The low rumbling of growls can still be heard.
"What the hell is that thing?"
"A hellhound.”
Slowly, I detach myself from Cole and take a good look at the creature, who seems to be studying me too. The dog’s head tilts to the side.
"Well, tell it to get out!" What’s it doing in here anyway? Hunter lets out a louder growl showing off his sharp teeth. I take a step back.
Cole laughs and shakes his head. "Did you really think my father had given you freedom?"
"What are you talking about?" I snap, irritated at his cryptic words.
"He may have given you the freedom to leave your room, but the hellhound will make sure you don't run or go to places that are prohibited. “Huh? Well, this is great. I was so close. But now I find the king is one step ahead of me—again.
"So, that thing is going to follow me about?" My voice rises as panic sets in.
"Yes." Amusement dances in his eyes. I’m so glad he’s enjoying my discomfort. I mean, I have a killer dog in my room. What’s not to worry about or dislike?
"Go wait outside," I order the hellhound, who responds with a growl and a snap of his jaw.
"He won't leave your side," Cole says out as he heads for the door.
I grab onto his wrist. "You're not going to leave me with that thing, are you?"
"What do you want me to do?"
"Make it wait outside." He’s the prince after all. Therefore, the hound should follow his orders.
"My father is the one in charge. I have no control over them."
"Great, this isn’t how I want to die. Eaten alive by a big mangy mutt while I sleep, this is beyond a joke." I storm past Hunter and into the bathroom, slamming the door.