Chapter 9

*Eleanor's POV*
I walked into the castle to assist other servants to clean the palace. I can say it again that yesterday was another worst day of my life. After the prince ordered me to get dressed, I went to my room and got dressed in another of my slave wears, which was neater and did not stink of sweat like the one I had on.
I still wonder how I'm still alive today because yesterday my heart was pounding hard like it wanted to break out of its ribcage, and the deadly look the Queen was giving me did not help matters at all.
I can't say the Royal family is one interesting family because the so-called 'party' or 'dinner' they were having went in total silence. Only the King and his brother were making small talks.
It was just once Prince Luciano spoke, which was when his uncle 'Lord Elliot' was trying to be a good uncle and asked Luciano how he had been, he was like "Luciano! It's been so long since I last saw you, you've grown into a big man now." And Luciano's reply went thus "you've only been away for fourteen months, I've been a man since you left. Another try uncle."
I almost burst out laughing, if I were Lord Elliot, I would have hide my face in embarrassment, but well, 'Attack leader' did not know how to keep his shame, instead he laughed it away and kept on trying to talk to Luciano, but Luciano being the man he is, totally ignored him.
I was actually thinking it was supposed to be called a surprise feast not 'party' cos the food was enough to feed the entire kingdom. I couldn't even keep count of how many times my stomach betrayed me by grumbling out loud. But the creepiest part of the whole dinner was the mischievous stares Lord Elliot kept giving me.
He would look at me from time to time and give these creepy mischievous smirks. I don't even know what to think, why was he looking at me in such a way?
Well, the good thing was Prince Luciano did not spend much time at the dinner, because after a few minutes he stood up and left. That was a real good decision he has ever taken to me because afterwards Madam Helen gave me a very good meal to feed my growling stomach.
Now, I'm back at the castle to join other slaves to clean it up, continuation of a tough day.
*
*
"Nothing's really changed since I left," Elliot said, standing on the balcony with his hands crossed behind him, looking at the entire kingdom. "Still the same as ever" He continued staring ahead into the village.
Axel moved forward, resting his hands on the railings. "I'm still not satisfied"
Elliot turned his head, looking at him with confusion in his eyes. "What?"
"I'm still not satisfied, I want more revenge" Axel explained looking down at the slaves working in the palace. Elliot placed his right hand on his shoulder.
"You almost wiped out an entire kingdom, Axel, you killed Conrad with his wife and unborn child. You've had enough revenge brother, you've had enough" He patted his hands on Axel's shoulder affectionately.
"Bastard murdered my first son, he deserves more than just an ordinary death" Axel growled, anger emitting from his voice.
"You should keep your calm brother, he's gone, gone to rot in hell"
Axel tried to calm his already furious breathing "he's gone to rot in hell, but I don't trust his people. I don't trust them at all, and Luciano is going against my will."
"What did the lad do this time around Axel?" Elliot asked, focusing back on staring at the servants in the castle.
"He chose one of the Narvas' to be his personal slave" He groaned out angrily causing Elliot to burst into a fit of laughter. After a few seconds he stopped laughing. "So what's wrong?" Elliot asked, looking at his brother with an amused smile on his face.
"You shouldn't be asking me that Elliot. These people murdered my first son, this is another opportunity for them to continue their devious plans." Axel explains trying to get Elliot to reason with him. "They are all betrayers. This is a golden opportunity for her to kill him"
"I don't think so, Axel, she wouldn't -" Elliot began.
"Why wouldn't she?! Luciano made it easier for her! She has access to his room! Food! and everything! So tell me why wouldn't she!!!" He yelled in fury.
"Don't tell me a common slave is giving you such a scare" Elliot asked looking at his brother quizzically with his brows arched.
"I'm not scared, Elliot. This is me just trying to be careful. I can't bear losing another child, Ariel can't bear it." He said with bitterness in his voice.
Elliot once again returned his hands to Axel's shoulder and patted him soothingly.
"Nothing would go wrong, as long as I'm here."He said to his brother reassuringly.
"I know Elliot, just talk some sense into that lad's head" Axel spoke through gritted teeth.
"It's alright, everything would always be alright when Lord Elliot is here"
Axel turned around and left the balcony. Elliot stood straight and stared farther into the kingdom. "You can bear it, Axel, you would bear it. You would learn to bear it all"
*
*
I closed the door behind me and walked into the hallway, down the stairs. I have just finished from the Prince's room and was currently heading to the slave quarters.
"Eleanor!" I had already reached the last stair when I heard Madam Helen call my name. I turned to the left and saw her standing there with a napkin in her hands.
"Madam Helen, good evening" I greeted, walking to her.
"Good evening my child. Well, I just got orders from the Queen saying you should not just serve the prince alone but now work in the entire castle" She said fidgeting with the napkin in her hands. "So your duties include washing the dishes, cleaning the castle, and errmmm.." She paused look around nervously "doing the laundry of everyone in the palace including the maids''
"What??!!!!!" I queried in shock.
"Yes, that's the order from the Queen. Do not worry dear, you would have other slaves worked with you. So, I think that would be less stressful." She said finally.
Less stressful they say, I mean why would I have to do all that "because you hate slave Elly" Lady subconsciousness reminded.
Okay, this is official. The Queen hates me.
*
*
Luciano's mind was focused entirely on the book he was reading about some ancient rulers of Cordenia, when he heard a disturbing knock on the door. It wasn't a knock you would call disturbing but at this moment, it was disturbing to his ears.
"Who is it?"
"It's Killian my prince" He answered
"Come in" The door creaked open and he stepped in.
"Good evening my prince"
"What is it Killian?" He groaned in pure annoyance
"Your father requested your presence in his chambers," He said. That was definitely the last thing Luciano wanted to hear at the moment.
What is it that the old man wants to say? He stood up from his chair and walked out of his room.
*
*
"You requested to see me," Luciano said as he stepped into his father's room.
"A little greeting would still never hurt Luciano."
"Greetings father," Luciano said sarcastically.
"That's quite an improvement," Axel said, glancing at his son one more time before closing the book on the table in front of him and resting back on the chair.
"Well, you see, I'm not an impatient man Luciano, and you've wasted enough time" He paused and stared at his son. "Where is your bride?"
Luciano stared at his father signing exasperatedly, running his hands through his hair." I haven't found a bride yet."
King Axel leaned forward on the table with his hands resting on it. "I would have taken matters into my hands, but let me try to be merciful. I'm giving you two weeks to find a bride."
"What?!!!" Luciano snapped his head to his father in shock.
"You heard me right Luciano"
"I can't find a perfect bride within two weeks"
"That's your problem, not mine. I've given you enough time."
"This can't happen..." Luciano trailed off.
"It will. I'm giving you fourteen days Luciano, go find a bride"
"That's not enough time father!"
"I don't care," Axel said dismissively.
"At least give me more time."
"No."
"Father-"
"No" He deadpanned
Silence filled the room as father and son stared at each other. "I think this conversation is over Luciano. You may take your leave."
Luciano stared at his father one last time before storming out of the room.