Page 28 of I Ran Away to Evil
“Your Viciousness! You got a reply!” He stopped short when he saw me sitting across from Keith. “Ahhhhh. Beg pardon, Master, I’ll just—”
“Stop hesitating, Gimtak, and give it here,” Keith ordered. The imp dropped to the earth and scampered over. He handed over a scroll, bowing and scraping repeatedly. Keith waved a hand. “That’ll be all. Back to work.”
The imp flew away in a hurry.
I didn’t want to pry, but Keith had been so adamant about taking a break during break time, yet he’dstillaccepted the letter. And in the middle of our teatime, too. That was technically very rude, but I didn’t mind. I wasn’t one for rigorous adherence to etiquette, and even now, my curiosity got the better of me.
“Who is it from?” I hadn’t seen the seal before he broke it and had the scroll unfurled in front of him.
“Your parents.”
“What?!”
The imp had said it was areply, which meant this wasn’t even the first letter!
Wait, of course the king of Nilheim exchanged correspondence with the king of Drendil. I didn’t need to make everything about me all the time.
“It’s from your parents,” Keith repeated. He finished reading it over a second time and then tapped it, frowning up at me. “They want to know why you’re not dead yet.”
CHAPTER 18
Am I or Am I Not Your Prisoner?
Keith
What is the meaning of this, Monfort? That child’s body should have come back in pieces, but I’m told Henri is still alive and well instead? You only have one job as ruler of the Dark Enchanted Forest, and you can’t even get being an evil tyrant right. How hard is it to kill one measly Sword Master? Either combat our Hero of Justice or send them back.
Also, I don’t understand that nonsense you wrote about scones. You are trying to mislead us, and I’ll believe none of it. If Henri is rotting away in your dungeons, then kindly torture to your heart’s content, but at least have the decency to end things quickly. If I don’t hear good news by St. Veralyn’s Day in one month’s time, I’ll be forced to take drastic measures.
Good day,
Simon Doryn, Sovereign King of Drendil
Keith hesitated only a second before handing the missive over to Henrietta. He never wanted to hear her get called Henri again. Reading what this flagitious imbecile had written made his blood run cold.
Maybe a new nickname would be better? Something unique, like Hattie or Ria would be a nice fit. Pending her approval, of course. And all in good time. Keith had only just been allowed to call Henrietta by her first name, so he would have to wait until they were closer before asking her about a nickname.
He would choose to forgo pet names altogether if it meant any hint ofHenri.
Making a mental note to come back to this later, Keith watched her read the short letter.
She didn’t seem upset by it. When she reached the end, Henrietta shrugged, handed it back, and asked, “That’s Father, alright. So what are you going to do?”
Maybe Keithwouldgo to war with Drendil. Conquer all their lands, step on their nobles, behead their royals, and burn their palace to the ground before salting the earth.
“I’m going to tell him the truth,” Keith said aloud. “You’re living in my castle, and only visit the dungeon a few hours a week … Iwasgoing to say that all future letters could be addressed to you personally, but would you rather I not?”
“That’s very kind of you, but I’ll write home.” Henrietta shook her head, and Keith had a niggling of frustration that she still called that place home. He was being unreasonable, though; she’d only been here a week.
“As you wish.” He refilled her teacup, and in a blatant effort to change the subject, he asked, “Now, where are you wanting to visit next? Kith Bog is nice, but there are these dolostone caves beside Thistlecrick that have a few thermal springs. The Naga clans live there, and their warriors would love the chance to battle a Sword Master.”
“Really? I’ve heard about hot springs, but I’ve never been to one.” Henrietta flexed her arm. “It’ll be nice to work up a sweat on the practice field and then take a dip.”
Keith coughed at the thought. He said, “Aside from Kith Bog and Thistlecrick, Gren’s Keep is where most of the beastkin hail from, Plittsmouth is the underwater base below Lake Loria, and Frolin is the trading port to the northwest. We have an elven clan to the east, but it isn’t anything different from walking around the rest of the dark wood.”
Keith discussed the most scenic places to visit in the Dark Enchanted Forest until it was long past time to go back inside. He didn’t worry about it, though; he had completed all his important tasks. And he could always just break his rules and work late tonight if it meant spending more time with the princess.
He was contemplating whether they should head back when Henrietta said, “Oh! I almost forgot.”
