Dragonbound: Birthrights (Book 2)
Adviser's Deception

The throne room was always an irritating room to replace himself in. The crown was uncomfortable, the chair even more so, and dealing with people? Today was not the day for that.

Davin paced the room, his boots thumping quietly along the carpeted dais. Walter stood in the room as well, holding his bearded chin thoughtfully.

“Something must be done to correct everything Rishana’s destroyed in the past decades,” Davin said lowly. “The first and second Murdocks were evil...They have broken so many things, and I’d rather Rishana be known as the good country it is. It shouldn’t be known by its corrupt kings.”

“You are on a good start with that,” Walter said. “You’ve done much over the year. What else is to be done?”

“I am not sure,” he rubbed his scarred shoulder as it throbbed in dull pain. Several months back, he had injured himself while fighting off a bear. “Perhaps I could see to the Chastins. The criminals that Murdock had sent to death.”

“They did help during the war,” he nodded. “A good place to go. Keep your ties with them, they are valuable assets.”

“Not only that, but they are deserving of respect,” Davin said. "After all, they were only sent there because they were immigrants from Avestitia. Only a handful were real criminals."

"...Also true," he hummed lowly.

That evening he sat on his bed, listening to the wind whistle through the window. He leaned forward, his elbows resting across his thighs as his fingers locked together.

His mind had gradually become lethargic, swarming itself with a since of urgency. He had to do whatever was on his mind. There was no ignoring it. It clouded his thoughts and he had no rest until it was done.

He sighed heavily as he groaned. His mind seemed cluttered at times, and he often found himself confronting his own thoughts, having to convince himself that the only way he could focus was if he breathed. He’d close his eyes, breathe, and clear his thoughts...But even that was becoming difficult.

It had gotten to the point where he had deemed everything else as unimportant. He had forgotten about his own brother’s wedding. Then, he found himself sending Walter in his stead to Kiaran’s celebration.

He sighed heavily; something didn’t feel quite right.

Davin, along with ten guards, ventured into the Exile Desert. He met with Lorelei, the leader of the Chastins. It was a pleasant conversation, one Davin hadn’t had in quite some time. They spoke for a few hours, and Lorelei seemed surprised by the new king.

“You are wise and caring, young King,” she had said. “We accept your gratitude for our assistance, and we will continue to assist you when necessary.” She made sure he understood she was not helping Rishana, for Rishana is a corrupt kingdom. However, she would help King Davin Holloway. He was a good man.

That kept in his thoughts for the rest of his stay. Rishana was a corrupt kingdom...What did she mean by that? It was the king who ruined the land, it wasn't the kingdom itself.

After staying the night in the desert city, they headed back. They had stopped for the night, the ground now covered in lush grass and the trees thick around them. Davin sat at his own, personal fire, drowning out the sound of the talking guards in the background. But someone approached, and he looked up to replace an old woman.

She was short and hunched over a bit, her hair long and wild. She bowed her head to him, saying, “King Holloway.”

“May I help you?” he asked lowly.

“Perhaps not,” she smiled. “But I can help you.” His brows lowered skeptically—who was this woman? She touched a finger to his forehead and it felt like his mind splintered with ice shards which instantly melted back into nothing. It left his mind as calm as ever.

She sat across from him, smoothing out the cloak as it fell into her lap. “I am an old woman, your Highness, but I am valuable.”

“It seems as such,” he said cautiously. A mage, perhaps?

“You have many worries: Will you be assassinated? Will someone betray you? Is your kingdom safe? Those are very legitimate fears,” she said. “But one thing you must be aware of is the truth behind those fears. And sometimes...those closest to you are the ones to watch.”

“Walter?” he asked sharply.

“You should watch out for him,” she half-smiled, which twisted Davin’s gut. “Davin—King Holloway...do you believe in magic?”

“Yes,” he said simply.

“Good,” her smile widened. “It will save you.”

He opened his mouth to reply, but she was gone. He blinked, looking around, but she was nowhere to be seen. She wasn’t walking away or running even. Just simply gone.

That was enough to make his heart race and his mind began swarming again. Was he going mad? Was Walter double-crossing him? He wouldn’t...would he?

Upon reaching his castle, he avoided most people, doing very little but locking himself away. He spent most of his time either in his chambers, the library, or the locked throne room.

Eventually, he called for the blind girl, Serah, to come to him. He sat on his throne, staring out the window beside him, the sky a bright blue with massive, white clouds.

The door crept open as the girl hesitantly entered. Once the door closed behind her, she bowed. “Thank you for coming, Serah,” he said.

“Of course, your Highness,” she said weakly. “Sh-shall I sing for you today?”

“Perhaps in a moment,” he said lowly. He walked to her and held her gently by the elbow, guiding her to the dais. “Sit with me,” he said. They both sat on the stairs and he released his hold on her. She sat stiffly, her arms to her chest. “I have some questions for you.”

“I will answer them to the best of my abilities,” she replied. Her hair fell over her eyes and she tucked it away.

“I am sure you’ve heard some rumors in your time with the servants,” he began. “I want to know if you’ve heard anything about Sir Walter.”

She grew even more tense and cleared her throat. “I-I am not sure, your Highness.”

“You either have or have not heard something,” he said. “I understand it may just be a rumor, but I need to know.”

“A woman visited in your absence,” she began cautiously. “From a far away kingdom.”

“Avestitia?”

“Um...no,” she shook her head. “Someplace else. But she spoke with Walter.”

“What about?”

“Speculation, your Highness,” she replied. “We heard rumors that it was over a treaty or over a throne...but she was very adamant that you not...know she was here.”

“Who was she?”

“I do not know her name.”

Davin tightened his fists and he slowly stood. Anger washed over him and he paced the floor. “Leave now,” he said lowly. “Send me Brick.”

She left and he rotated his shoulders, pacing the room. Was this happening? He couldn't believe it. He paused at the tall, glass window, looking down to his kingdom. His kingdom. He had to protect it. Even from Walter.

“What is the problem?” Brick asked as he entered the room.

Davin faced him, wearing a deep frown. “What has Walter done?” he demanded. It was rare that Davin appeared so intimidating, and when he did, it put people on edge. But Brick was strong. And he knew Davin well enough to trust him, so he was not so easily intimidated.

“I don’t know,” he said slowly. “What has he done?”

“Has he met with a woman from another land? Do you know about this?”

“Oh, I saw her as she left.” He hesitated, then said, "She wasn't just a visitor?"

“What did she look like?”

“Tall, thin, long hair and plenty of expensive robes. She could have easily been royalty,” he answered. “I believe she was from Trindal-VinCar? I could not hear very well. She did have a broach with an unusual seal. A two-headed snake with a sprig of mistletoe.”

Davin stared at him for a moment. "You don't know much, but you remember her broach?" he asked in confusion. Instantly, he shook his hand at him, saying, "Never mind that. Do you know what she wanted?”

“I am unsure, but she and Walter seemed to be very...descrete,” he answered. Davin cursed and Brick added, “Perhaps you could simply talk to Walter about it? Maybe it is all just a misunderstanding. Perhaps she was here as company.”

“Do you believe that?” Davin asked.

“...No,” he admitted lowly. “I’ve never seen Walter cross anyone before. He doesn’t seem like a traitor,” he said.

“Those are the ones you should watch most,” Davin replied lowly.

It was late into the evening, a small celebration taking place. Davin sat back in his tall seat, the table splayed out before him, stretching long and far down the hall. It was adorned with food and silver and blue ribbons of fabric.

People chatted and laughed and spoke happily as they finished their plates of food. A band of men played music from across the room, uplifting their spirits.

Despite the atmosphere, Davin was still fuming. All he could think about was Walter betraying him. His brown eyes shifted to the seat near him to the man as he smoked his pipe. He smiled as someone spoke with him, his eyes framed in wrinkles.

Serah's voice filled the room as the music softened. Most of the people in the hall quieted and faced her while she sang. It was warm and beautiful, but sounded really quite sad. The words were foreign, but it sounded like a tale of depression.

Davin watched her, his heart weighing heavy. Everyone was in such high spirits. They listened, enjoying the young lady's song. He felt alone. The only one in the room who was uneasy. He was the only one in all of Rishana who didn't trust Walter.

And that was enough to break him. The longer he sat beside Walter, the angrier he became. It swarmed him, heating his blood. His ears hummed, numbing to the sound of Serah's songs.

"...that right, King Holloway?" Walter faced him.

He stared at the man, having no idea what was said. Walter chuckled, facing the man he was just talking to. They continued their conversation casually.

Davin smoothed his hand over his hair, his eyes gliding across the room to Serah. She finished her song and bowed, stepping away. She disappeared into the room somewhere.

Frowning, he wished he at least had his brother with him. He missed Alana, and she would have been a much better leader than Davin. And a much better adviser than Walter.

As the room began to clear of people, only a few were left sitting at the tables. They were relaxed, smoking pipes, drinking wine, chatting and laughing. The band had retired and was packing up for the night.

Davin watched the large, open doorway, wishing to see his parents. But they never came to any ceremonies. Just the first few.

He couldn't understand their distaste for his position as king. They were uneasy, and they couldn't voice what was on their hearts. Of course, they were pleased when he visited, but he couldn't remember the last he was over there.

Sighing, he stood. Walter and the others stood with him, but before they could bow, he gestured for them to sit and return to their relaxation. Then, he left the room, heading down the halls.

"Oh--you stupid girl," a woman grunted under her breath.

"I-I'm sorry, Liea," Serah stammered.

Davin rounded the corner to replace Liea picking up pieces to a broken statuette. Liea was an older woman, one with an attitude but was always busy. She scowled as she sat the statuette on the stand beside her.

"How can I follow you around day in and out?" Liea asked scornfully. "Just to clean up your mess? It's like a child. A pup who makes a mess with every step."

"I'm sorry," Serah whispered. She stood meekly, holding her hands together, her head bowed. Her hair was pale in color, hiding most of her narrow face away.

"Liea." Instantly, the woman whipped around to face him. She bowed, Serah bowing as well.

"...Your Highness," she greeted him uneasily.

"I don't want to hear you speak like that to her," he said. "I'll replace someone more suiting to look after her."

"...Yes, Sir," she muttered.

As he walked away, he could hear Serah whisper another apology. He shook his head, turning toward his chambers.