A Bastard's Allure-Chapter 96: Spare Him!

From the vantage position in the Eldorian castle, Brandon Sinclair could see the knights practicing below in the courtyard. He prided himself as a great swordsman but not as great as Gabriel. The thought alone brought a pang of jealously in his heart. Why did he have to be better than him in everything?

"Some good knights you have there, Your Majesty," Tieron said walking towards the young king.

"None of them can hold a candle against Gabriel," he admitted. "He’d slice through them like thin ice, not a single drop of sweat on his face." He spoke with pride but spat in disgust.

"Speaking of Gabriel, I have some exciting news from Mysthaven." Brandon focused his attention on his uncle.

"My birds got information regarding prince Charles. The Althenian prince assassinated the king of Mysthaven in the eve of his wedding."

"Tragic," Brandon voiced, grabbing an apple from a passing maid.

"What’s even more tragic is who he was getting married to."

"Is it some beautiful human girl from the wastelands?" Bran asked, taking a bite of the apple.

"Elena Thornhart," Tieron corrected. Brandon halted in his chewing almost choking on it in disbelief.

"As if anyone would lay their hands on Gabriel’s wife if he still breathed," he said, swallowing the lump in his throat.

"That’s where you’re wrong, Your Majesty," Tieron said following Brandon as he left the hallway. "Gabriel was locked in a cellar as the feast took place."

"What would Gabriel be doing in the human realm?"

"His wife is human, so the safest place he could stay was in Mysthaven. My theory is he wanted an alliance with Andrian but the man had other plans for his sister now that the truce was broken."

Brandon stopped his chewing abruptly. "Did you say the truce was broken?" He asked, his face flashed in anger.

"You didn’t know?" Tieron asked, surprised as well.

"Mother!" Brandon crushed the apple in his hand. "Who does she think she is?" He asked, his nose flaring in anger.

"I’ll teach her a lesson she’ll never forget!" He declared, ready to go and serve Jessica a hot platter.

"Don’t be rash My king." Tieron said, keeping him in position. "Your mother might have made the wrong decision but it led to this moment."

"What moment?" Brandon asked, his brows creased in confusion.

"The wastelands are open to attack and so is Mysthaven. With the capital grieving the loss of the king, don’t you think this is the perfect opportunity to subdue the human race, once and for all. Gabriel too!"

Brandon’s eyes lighted in excitement. Finally, he’d have something to do other than staying in a palace. He’d kill the bastard and take the throne, rightfully! This way, he’d feel less guilty.

As long as Gabriel had the crown prince title, Brandon knew his tenure as king was on a thin line.

"When do we attack?" He asked jovially.

"I’ll draw the battle plans, Your Majesty." Brandon clapped Tieron on the shoulder.

"It’s really good to have you by my side," he said before leaving and dropping the shapeless apple on the floor.

Tieron’s lips curled into an evil smirk. Everything was going just as he had planned. All that was remaining now was killing Gabriel. Little did he know Gabriel had something in store for him that would ruin his whole plan.

*****

Gabriel had been walking down the hallway and he couldn’t help but notice someone following him. He looked back to see a knight hiding his face. Taking a corner, he camouflaged into the dark background and yanked at the figure.

"Any last words?" He asked, his claws resting on the Knight’s neck.

"You wouldn’t want to kill me before I do," the man replied, earning an expression of realization from Gabriel. He let go of his neck and walked to the front to search his face.

"Darion!? You’re alive?"

"Sorry to disappoint you," Darion deadpanned. Gabriel’s genuine smile dropped on noticing Darion’s expression.

"You’re not happy to see me?" He asked.

"Oh, you don’t know how thrilled I am!" Darion unsheathed his sword and launched on Gabriel. Though caught by surprise, Gabriel dodged the attack effortlessly before his back crashed against the solid wall.

Darion didn’t give him the luxury to compose himself. His sword came down on him, creating sparks when it met with the wall. Gabriel rolled over quickly before he could get turned into chunks, quickly regaining his foot.

"I’ll kill you bastard!" Darion yelled, swinging his sword aimlessly. Just one slash and he’d bring the man on his fours. He was wise not to give him a chance to compose himself.

"I deserve to know the cause of my death at least," Gabriel said, jumping back to avoid a cut.

As if filled with a new surge of rage, Darion swung his blade crazily. "You left me to die! I gave up my life to serve you and what did you do? You and your wife left me to die!"

"I looked for you everywhere," Gabriel voiced. He hesitated for a moment, the sword scratching him on his arm. His eyes glowed a shade redder. He’d been trying to hold back but Darion left him with no choice but to be on the offensive.

"If you searched well enough, you could have found me!" Darion yelled, bringing his sword murderously at him.

Gabriel moved so fast one could not track him with the naked eye. Or did he just teleport? All Darion knew was there was no one standing in front of him. Before he could search sideways, a blow landed on his back, knocking the sword off his hand. Another blow landed on his thigh forcing him on the knees. Was this the Gabriel he knew?

Gabriel walked to Darion’s front and knocked the sword far from him. "Is this how you greet an old friend?" He asked, his eyes still red. His claws dangled right in front of Darion’s eyes.

"If you have to do it, be quick," Darion said.

"Prepared to die, aren’t you?" Gabriel asked, smirking his lips.

"Please spare him!" He heard someone scream at the end of the hallway, a feminine voice. Gabriel lifted his eyes to see Jophiel standing there, her face sweaty as she panted heavily like one who had just finished a marathon.

He saw Darion’s lips thin before they pressed together in regret. These two were in love!