Page 32 of The Fifth Soul

“Too late for him, is it?” My grandfather asks me with playful concern in his eyes.

The familiar joking feels good. My grandfather has always loved picking on Jesse more than anyone else. Their relationship is unique. Roman has always known he wanted to be a soldier in the Royal Force. I have been the chosen one since I was a child. Jesse, on the other hand, always moved with the flow. He never needed my grandfather’s attention and guidance the way Roman and I did.

In Jesse, my grandfather found a loyal companion and friend who needed little of him. Perhaps someone who offered more than he took. We’re all he has left after my grandmother passed away a few years ago. Burying his wife almost ten years after he buried his only son started the downfall of my grandfather’s health.

I’m not the only one who noticed this power shift in my grandfather. That is why it’s incredibly important for me to remain alert. The Oscuro family is extensive if we include our close friends, but the number of people we can freely trust is few.

I need to keep myself focused on the tasks ahead and the tour stops to come. I cannot allow my mind to wonder about the thief regarding anything but her mission. That’s what I tell myself when I can’t help but ask about her day. At least I kept our interactions brief. My absolute focus is essential. I have five stops, five opportunities, and no room for failure.

I look over at the old man laughing with my brothers. So much more than I would like to admit is at stake. If an act of rebellion against my reign is rising, I need to be ready. Advisors trust the Fates to align with me and my ascension, but I don’t blindly trust things will come to pass. I remain wary of the world and the part I’m meant to play. The Fates choosing me have placed a responsibility upon me I don’t take lightly. How sure can anyone be that the Fates will not forsake us when destruction and death awake in the dark at the hands of our own people?

As I see it, it will be our own punishment to be left to their mercy for not stopping the advancement of evil. I am chosen by the Fates with the rule of our kind for a reason. What kind of leader would I be if I sat around waiting?

CHAPTER 11

BIANCA

The journey between the Black Castle and our first stop is about six hours of travel. At the forefront of the realm, the Black Castle stands between all others and its people. There is something poetic about how it stands guard, protecting all magic kinds from the outside world. The Hue Royal family it’s the closest neighbor by far.

I’m curious how the rest of the magical world lives. I hadn’t gotten to see much outside the castle walls, but the luxury in which the Oscuro family and friends live is evident. The five stops we’re making in five cities in Puerto Quinn will give me an inside glance at the representing royal families of each city.

Now, I’m packed up in a car with a few guards. We are all scheduled to pull over for lunch mid-way. The stop seemed unnecessary to me, but after three hours of a silent ride, I'm eager to get a break.

None of them made any conversation during the first three hours. I’m glad Roger and Al aren’t here, but by the wary glances I get from the other soldiers, they know who I am. I can’t remember all their faces, but they look familiar from the training circles. Some, if not all, must have been present on my first day. I’m sure by now the majority at least heard of me after my battle with Dora in the training circles.

When we finally pull over, I groan while taking my first step outside. The sun is high, and it feels great on my skin. Each guard moves off to the side of a lake to the shaded picnic area leaving the cars parked on the edge in a line. This must be a place they have stopped before, because everyone knows where to go except for me.

Isabel waves at me as she moves amongst the bodies with a large box in her hands. I realize she’s passing around lunch paper bags as I get closer. Each soldier murmurs their thanks without making eye contact with her. A few wait for her to pass before turning and giving her longing glances.

Following their lead, I take a lunch bag but move to a bench away from the crowd. I don’t bother looking at the main covered area in the middle of the park. The sizable crowd of people includes guards surrounding Brandon and his advisors.

I pull out the sandwich and snack bag from my bag. The sun beats on my skin like a nice, warm blanket. The water of the lake is clear, and the air is fresh. Despite my nervousness about the upcoming mission, I feel relaxed at this moment. I take a deep breath as I chew my food slowly. Tomorrow will be the first day I don’t see Matias. I haven’t allowed myself to dwell on that too much.

A shadow blocks the sun for a moment before an older man sits beside me. He moves to hand me something without introducing himself. I look closely and see it’s a medium-sized bag of white stuff.

“What is this?” I look closer at the bag in my hands.

His white hair shakes as he nods. “Cookies. The best kind.” He takes one out of his own bag and puts it in his mouth, closing his eyes in ecstasy.

I look around, but he seems to be alone. “What are you doing all the way out here?” I ask him.

“The water seems peaceful. Too many people are surrounding the picnic tables.”

I contemplate the water sitting a good distance to the edge.

He follows my eyes. “It appears that you are also in need of a friend.”

I give him a weak smile. “It’s not easy to make friends around here.” I shrug. “Mostly after the incident at the training circles.”

It's no surprise people are wary of me. The crown prince killed someone for me. I didn’t ask for it. Rumors are spreading, although the situation is far more complex than they think. I watched a few of Alejandra’s castle guards go out of their way to avoid me. Brandon’s display fed the rumors of me being the crown pet in the worst way possible. I’m uncertain if having them fear me is better than having them pick on me.

“Andres,” Amy Bee calls out as she approaches us. “It’s time to check your blood pressure.”

The sweet old man in front of me stands angrily. “I don’t need you or anyone else to check on me every twenty minutes. Can I please sit in peace and lecture some youth?” He gestures to me.

Amy Bee doesn’t look the slightest bothered by his outburst.

“Brandon’s orders,” she begins, but he huffs again and walks away. Amy turns back to me with a smirk. “You might think it’s old age, but he’s always been this way.”

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