23. dream

Draco pov I can’t believe that I had fought with the princess. I was scared that I might hurt her, so I was hesitant. But it was obvious that she was way better than me, I could hardly keep up with her pace. She had created attacks, one after the other, she certainly was well trained.  When she tackled me to the ground and sat on my abdomen, in a straddling position, I couldn’t help thinking how hot she looked. Her smirking lips seemed to taunt me, but greater was the shock I was in. I was not expecting her to be so skilled.  By the time she left, I was completely exhausted. But I had to drag myself out of the arena so that I could do some gardening and finally retreat to my room to get some much-needed rest. As usual, I was drenched in sweat, and while I watered the plant I felt so tempted to cool off under the cool water that sprayed from the water hose.  Not thinking much about it, I removed my shirt and poured the water over my head. Yes. This is more like it. The refreshing water seemed to take some of the stress away. It streamed down from my hair down to my chest and abdomen. Turning the water off, I wiped off the excess water using my hands.  That felt refreshing. Now I would just have some food and then go to my room to rest for some time. Perhaps take a nap to give some rest to my sore muscles. Then I would be well rested by dinner.  “ooof!”  I heard a female voice from above, making me snap my head in that direction. The princess was on her balcony and looking down as if she had dropped something. She then looked in my direction with concern. I was certain that her eyes grew wide but she was quick to mask her emotions and put on a neutral one.  What was she doing? I wondered but then I looked away from her and walked away. Whatever it was it most certainly was not what I should be concerned about unless they order me. I’m supposed to do nothing except following orders. And I’m lucky that I got the chance to do something other than just cook and clean.  I went to my room to change and lie down on my mattress. It wasn’t long before I drifted off to dreamland. “Draco!”  A deep throaty voice echoed in the atmosphere. I turned around and searched for the owner of the voice. But all that surrounded me was darkness.  “Who is it?” I called out, trying to mask the fear and anxiety.  Suddenly, a bright purple glow blinded me, making me shield my eyes using my hands. After some time, I peeked through my fingers, allowing my eyes to adjust to the blinding light. When I slowly removed my hands, I saw the purple stone I had found earlier in the room. Its glow seemed to be brighter than before. I noticed that it was rotating on its axis and I felt as if I was being pulled towards it.  I took slow and cautious steps towards it, as I kept my gaze fixed on the levitating gem. My hand slowly reached out to touch it. Just as I was about to touch it, I felt as if someone was watching me.  I heard someone clear his throat. I was right. I was being watched.  “Who is there?” I questioned, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Who was it and why was he watching me?  “The last time we met we didn’t get to speak, did we?” the voice said, startling me.  “Huh?” I turned around to come face to face with the well-built man I had seen earlier. The man who resembled the present king of this realm.  I stared straight into his enchanting eyes.  “You are on the right track Draco.” He said. I furrowed my eyebrows. What in the world was he talking about? He must have read my confusion. He chuckled and smirked before continuing. “You are preparing for something really big. I am counting on you Draco. I know you can do it. Save my kingdom. Don’t let my sacrifice go to waste.”  I couldn’t understand a word he was saying. What the hell was he talking about? Something big? Sacrifice? What sacrifice?  I paused my lips and shook my head, not quite understanding what he meant.  “Excuse me. But what are you saying?” I asked.  He just chuckled in response and once again started to fade away.  “What? You can’t leave me hanging!” I protested. However, he was soon gone and once again darkness surrounded me. Even the purple stone was now gone. But then, a roar made me cower. All I hear was heavy footsteps right before I looked in the direction of the roar, just in time to come face to face with a ferocious animal with razor-sharp teeth and yellow eyes. Its menacing grin told me that I was dead meat. I saw it raise its sharp claws high up in the air, to scratch the hell out of me......... I woke up startled. When I did, I was drenched in sweat and my heart raced with fear. What the f**k was that? I lay on my back for some time to analyse what had just happened. It sure was a nightmare. But the purple stone and the man I saw could only mean that there was some truth to it.  The purple stone......I wonder what that was? Should I tell the king about it? I thought for some time but then I shook my head, deciding against it. No. It was not worth it. I better just shut up and wait for what was meant for me. He had said I was on the right track. So that should mean nothing could go wrong, right?  I just hope I don’t come face to face with that monster I just saw in my dream. I thought about the room that was connected to my room concealed behind a sliding door. Was it possible that there were more secrets to that place? Well, it was possible. I didn’t spend much time investigating the place. I had taken the scroll and left as soon as possible.  The scroll! My eyes widened when I remembered about it. I had gotten so busy and excited with my training that I had forgotten to check it out the past couple of days. Scrambling up to my feet, I scurried towards the drawers where I had carefully hidden the scroll. It was the best place to keep it undamaged since the king had upgraded this room for me, which I was immensely grateful for.  I opened it and stared at its content in amazement. Gone was the chart of the palace. It no longer showed where the treasure I had unearthed was buried. Once again, the poem I had recited earlier once again was written in cursive. This time, unread the poem with care, trying to make sense of each word.  “Worst of the beings will rise again And try to complete what they had begun But couldn’t end cause I had them shunned But they will come and then will begin Destroying the most prestigious of all the kingdoms There will be one, Who is chosen But when will he come? Is still known to no one There is a mole Who needs to be gone Will he succeed? In ruining it all? I Lord Tristan lay this in here Which will stay hidden until the time comes Cursed is the one Who chose to do treason.  Painful and slow shall be his end.” Worst of the beings? I had a bad feeling about this. What if it had to do something about the monster I saw today? Whoever this chosen one is, he or she better come soon. Because I most certainly was not interested in getting eaten up by a hideous monster.  Wait, there is a mole in the kingdom? Who could that be? Why do I have a feeling that this would be related to Killian? But I don’t want to blame him just because I don’t like him. I wonder if I will ever find out. Whoever that was, is sure of a bad end.  Painful and slow shall be his end. Wow. I wouldn’t want to get trapped in that.  But was it my business? I am not even from this world. Why should I care? But then, I thought of how the king and his daughter had helped me numerous times. They were the only ones who treated me like someone and not trash.  No. They didn’t deserve to be destroyed by the worst of the creatures. I would help them. Even if that meant that I might die in the process.  I put the scroll back in the drawer. As I closed it, my gaze lingered on the wall that would slide to reveal the hidden room. Narrowing my eyes, I got closer to it and pressed the tile that would open it up. As expected, the wall slid aside, revealing the dark staircase, which now I knew would light up on its own as I moved along it.  Should I enter?  I stood at the entrance contemplating it. But then I stepped away. No. It is late already. I better go and set the table for their dinner.