10.3 Divulge

The evening proceeds as planned, including a lavish feast and plethora of guests. Despite the festivities, your mind remains distracted by thoughts of your previous opponents. Though you have not seen either of the men, you're certain it can only be a matter of time before they show. Ideally, in times of distress, you would turn to your guards for protection. However, given their lack of support during your last unwanted encounter, you're all but certain they cannot be counted upon. Considering the less than ideal circumstance, you've instead taken to keeping near the edge of the group. Having a wall at your back brings some comfort, though the large crowd moving about does little to dissuade your anxiety.

"Empress Kora."

The sound of an unfamiliar voice quickly catches your attention. Swiftly looking over, you're somewhat taken aback to see a young, rather attractive man. He appears to be roughly your age if not a few years your senior, though he carries himself with an air of one much older and more seasoned. His dark brown hair hangs in loose curls around his tan, chiseled face. Dark, deep set eyes fix onto yours as the tall stranger approaches you. His clothes appear to be a slightly different style than what you've grown accustomed to seeing, signaling he's from one of the more distant regions. Something about his demeanor indicates he's either impatient or irritated, if not both. An unseen guard suddenly positions himself between the two of you, shielding your view of the guest.

"State your business." The guard demands, showing they're at least still willing to perform their duties in public.

"My business is with the Empress, not with you." You hear the man reply bitterly, his deep tone sending a slight shiver down your spine. "Step aside."

"Hispanus scum." The guard snarls as he reaches for his sword. "Be gone before-"

"Stand aside, guard." You snap sharply, acutely aware of the wave of eyes that have turned to view the scene. "This is an eve for celebration not for swords."

The sentry turns to face you, seeming ready to disagree before he quickly is reminded of the trove of guests around. Tight lipped, he silently nods in response before slowly moving out of the way. Though you manage maintain your composure, you cannot help throwing the man a sharp look when he steps behind you. Focusing your thoughts back to the present, you turn your attention to the stranger before you.

"Yes, what can I do for you, civitus?" You greet the man as though he were a citizen despite your suspicions otherwise.

"Dispense with your formalities, I must speak with you." The man demands and takes a step forward. "It is urgent... and private."

"I am certain it is." You reply cautiously, hiding your disdain at his lack of decorum. "However, as you can see I a rather occupied."

As you gesture towards the crowd behind him your movement stops short. A sharp breath catches in your chest as your eyes unwillingly lock with Nereus' sharp one. Suddenly feeling quite overwhelmed, you swiftly move away. Without a word to the stranger you turn and **** your way through the crowd. You're not entirely certain where you're heading, you just feel a great need to put distance between yourself and the dark adversary. It's with considerable effort that you make your way to the other side of the large room. Despite your reclaimed title it appears you still lack respect from those around you. It's as if you are no more than a guest, rather than their ruler, as they make little effort to accommodate your path. Once through, you swiftly head down one of the many lengthy hallways. Though you were certain you knew all the passages after your long stay here, you're slightly alarmed to now find yourself lost. The turn you presumed to lead to the garden instead turns out to be a dead end, forcing you to turn back around.

"Empress." A low tone speaks, stopping you in your tracks.

Wide eyed, you stare in fear as Nereus rounds the corner you had been heading towards. His dark eyes pierce into you, sending a wave of repulsion through you. Regardless, you cannot help retreating back until you're stopped by the end of the hall.

"What do you want?" You spit out as he begins making his way towards you.

"Now, now." He scoffs brusquely, his tone dripping with scorn and ridicule. "You should watch your tongue, lest I show you again who is truly in charge here."

"Then why are you here?" You demand, trying to stifle your own angered tone. "Am I not allowed one night of peace to celebrate my 'victory'?"

"No." Nereus states swiftly, now standing before you. "Not when you dare make mockery of this event. Inciting the crowd in such a manner with talk of those inferior to us. The gods put us in our positions to govern over them, it is their job to thank us. The thought of our 'ruler' all but groveling to those not fit to even conceive our life."

"I thought you of all people might have appreciated my words." You breath out in apprehension, pressing closer against the wall behind you. "Have you no pride in your service?"

"Pride in service? What concept do you have of such a thing?" He sneers bitterly, the stench of wine lingering on his warm breath. "As if it were my desire or even choice to enlist. No, I have no pride for a life **** upon me by those like you."

"Do you mean Alexius' father?" You reply softly, your brow furrowing as you continue to regard the man warily.

"Do not act so surprised." Nereus chides callously as he leans down and speaks the last words. "Now it is time I exact my final vengeance on him."

Your eyes widen in terror as the man straightens up and reaches for his robes. Unable to run, and certain your screams will be muffled by the sound of the crowd, you find yourself trapped. Breathing deeply, you try to rationalize what might be happening. However, the unmistakable flash of metal confirms your worst suspicions. Closing your eyes, you brace yourself for the inevitable impact.

"There you are, Empress." You're surprised to find a voice reaching you rather than the sharpened end of a blade. "I must speak to you-"

Your eyes slowly reopen as the deep, urgent tone slowly tapers off. It's a mixture of confusion and relief to see it is the man who confronted you earlier. His dark gaze is fixed on the figure before, particularly on the large dagger in his hand.

"This does not concern you." Nereus hisses, lowering the object slightly. "Be on your way, plebeian, before I send for the guard."

"Send for them." The man replies, appearing unbothered by the threat. "They should arrive just in time to watch you take your last breath."

Nereus hesitates for a moment, his eyes now locked in with the stranger's sharp stare. Your own gaze slowly shifts between the two large figures as you wait for one of them to make a move. Finally, it seems that Nereus is the one to break. Shrugging casually, he holds his hands up in a surrendering motion before his eyes shift back over to you.

"Very well." He answers before a vicious sneer spreads over his face. "You can either save her or capture me."

Moving with lightning speed, he suddenly lunges forward into you. A silent gasp escapes your lips as cold metal slices into your flesh before Nereus pulls away.