Chapter Twenty-Four

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Tabitha

Demtra is broken into different sections, marked off by imaginary lines that residents know exist. They have no meaning other than dividing the realm into different areas. The only part marked off by something of substance is the castle. The walls are so grand, it's a miracle they were erected in the first place. Even with the help of magic, it took years to complete. Something so large takes time and patience. Something my parents, at the time, had plenty of. My mother would ensure the laborers were well fed, rested, and hydrated. My father chatted with them, making them feel welcome. Part of our family, even.

What a sick man he is.

The closer we get to the castle, the more likely we will run into someone hunting us. Or at least someone with orders to kill me. I'm sure my father has scouts throughout the realm looking for me. Considering he is my target, it would only make sense to have more men posted around the castle, since he must know that's where I am headed. We must really pay attention to what we are doing and be extra cautious as we get closer. Which is why we take our time getting there. We stop every chance we get. We eat a little something. Rest. Hydrate. Do everything we can to stay in tip-top shape. The woods are oddly calm, and the weather is wonderful. If we weren't on our way to kill someone, I think I'd have enjoyed this trip.

When we're half a day"s walk from the castle, we stop and make a final camp. I feed from Theodas. He fucks me under the moonlight while Kozzanth prepares a hearty dinner and Raisi naps. Once we are done eating, I sleep with Kozzanth while Raisi and Theodas take watch. When I wake, Kozzanth has been replaced with Theodas. Luparia was right when she said they work well together. They hardly need direction at all, and I appreciate that.

When the morning comes, we have a small meal. We're fully rested. We've done everything we can to prepare for what is ahead.

Yet no matter how many times I tell myself that, I'm not entirely sure I am prepared for what is to come. With each step closer, my confidence dwindles. Walking into the breeding center to purchase my men, I was on top of the world. I felt like nothing could stop me. But something about being sucked into that portal and taken by the ogres has rattled me. It made me realize how, even though we are prepared, there are many things beyond our control. Yes, we got out of there alive, but those ogres could have eaten us. We could have died in the desert. The time it took ruined our plans of killing my father's right-hand men, which could be another issue all on its own. One we aren't aware of yet.

Though my father does not have magic, he has magical people working for him. People who are trained to kill on sight. Well, kill my men anyway. I'm sure my father wants me alive. What he will do with me, I can't say. Torture me, perhaps. I doubt my life would be as simple as living in the dungeons again. That was hell then, but it won't be hell now. What he has planned will be so much worse. Not only for escaping, but for killing his men and trying to take what is his.

Though, it is not his. It is mine. That throne belongs to me. To someone good. Not that foul creature who belongs back in hell, where he came from.

If only there was a way to make sure he never returned. I'm not sure it's possible, but I do know if he escapes and ever tries to take my throne, I will kill him again. And again, and again. Each time, his death will be worse than the last. I will make it so he does not want to come back at all. I make it so he fears me. The person he created. And I will be proud of that.

"Are you okay?" I look up and find Kozzanth beside me, a frown on his face. Ahead, Theodas and Raisi talk quietly. I blink a few times, making sure I am seeing correctly. All of my men get along, but typically it is Theo and Koz who walk together in the front while Raisi and I are at the back.

"I'm fine," I finally say, giving Koz a smile. He doesn't return it.

"You don't seem it."

"Just nervous, I guess."

There is no point in lying to him. Admitting I'm nervous may help make me feel better. Getting it off my chest, so to speak.

"It's good to be nervous. It keeps you on guard."

"Or it holds you back."

Kozzanth shakes his head, smiling. "I don't think a horde of ogres could hold you back."

"Their smell may."

Koz laughs, a rich sound I've never heard before. It's heart-warming.

Our conversation stays light as we continue our walk to the castle. It's a distraction I didn't know I needed. I get lost in the conversation about things that have happened in our lives. Things we enjoy and don't. Things we want to do. It's nice to get to know Kozzanth like this, and I find he is very easy to talk to, and maybe even enjoys talking, though he seems the opposite. We're both so enthralled in the conversation we don't realize the other two have stopped—until we bump into them. Theodas frowns at Koz, but Raisi smirks as if he finds it humorous. Maybe it would be if I didn't see the first glimpse of the castle wall. Meaning we are close.

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