Sinner Series Book 1: Sins of a Forgotten King
highlight_author
Silver Taurus
highlight_reads
253K
highlight_chapters
26
A Curious Heart
ZION
I stood on the tallest cliff in the Lumia Kingdom—the place I hated and called home.
“It hasn’t changed all that much, right?” My brother spoke from behind me.
I cast a sidelong glance over my shoulder.
The Lumia Kingdom was ruled by my brother, King Noah. He succeeded me a few years ago when I was unable to continue ruling these lands.
“Should we make our way back now?” Noah squeezed my shoulder. “I prepared your favorite food.”
I nodded at him and grabbed the horse’s reins. We returned to the castle, followed by the guards.
I had been away from this place for a few years.
To tell the truth, I didn’t miss it at all. It wasn’t my choice to return; my brother had wanted me to.
I glanced over at the busy square as we rode back. Those in attendance all directed their gaze toward us.
Before long, rumors began to circulate as we went by. I kept a poker face, as I was not in the mood. I knew that word would spread quickly when I came back.
The sinner who nearly destroyed the kingdom.
I pulled my hood closer and hid my face. As we made our way to the castle, my brother’s expression became increasingly anxious.
Noah is aware that it’s better if I enter the castle as soon as possible.
My gaze strayed to the entrance’s guardian towers.
My brother seemed to have altered the castle; after all, security was required here, particularly considering the previous occurrence.
We all paused as my brother shouted a command. We were greeted by several guards and servants, but I didn’t feel comfortable.
I silently got off the horse and picked up my backpack. Even though I heard Noah call for me, I entered right away.
As soon as they saw me, all of the servants promptly bowed.
I still retained the authority to rule even though I was no longer king. My brother merely took my position, not my crown, after all.
“Hey, Zion, hold on!” Noah called when he caught up to me.
“What, brother?”
“I know you’re not comfortable being here, but I hope you can stay this time,” he replied. “This is your home, Zion, even though it’s not easy.”
I halted in place and turned to face him. With a groan, I rubbed my face.
“Noah, it wasn’t because I wanted to return; it was because you asked me to,” I said. “And I can’t promise you I will stay,” I added before turning to walk away. “Plus, I no longer belong here.”
“Zion!” he called, but I completely ignored him and continued up the stairs.
The last thing I wanted to do was talk about my life.
I walked up the great staircase to the bedroom hall. Noah had clarified that my bedroom was ready to use after being cleaned. The chamber that belonged to the king was still mine.
“Hello, King Zion,” a well-known voice greeted me. I smiled at her.
The handful of individuals that remained after the tragedy a couple of years ago were Rosa, the head maid, and our nanny.
“Hello, Rosa. Have you been well?” I asked as she opened the double doors.
“Yes, Zion,” Rosa replied. “You’ve grown up.”
I laughed. “I’m already old.”
“Old? You’re still young, child. Are you happy with your room right now, or do you need anything else?” she questioned me while I surveyed the space.
The place was the same, with its simple white walls, dark blue drapes, and wooden poster bed.
From afar, I could see the view of the mountains through the open doors leading to the balcony.
“Yes, everything is well,” I mumbled as I neared the window. I peered down at the town.
“You know, you ought to pay the old man a visit,” Rosa noted. “I bet he’s glad to see you now that he knows you’re back.”
“Is he?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder.
“Yes, go ahead and take a look around. You must miss spending time at the market. Furthermore, I’m sure there will be something to your taste since the new exotic fruits are arriving today,” she added.
The idea appealed to me, but would anyone recognize me?
“Zion,” Rosa said from behind, “even if you choose to return to that place, I hope you can still have fun here, even though I know it’s not easy.”
Gripping the window rail, I bowed my head. While my heart and mind were at ease, I understood what Rosa meant when she said I wanted to stay. But everything that came to me was a reminder of what I had done.
“My child, stop pulling that face,” Rosa said, patting my shoulder. She whispered, “No one blames you, Zion. I thought I had forgiven you?”
I swallowed and nodded in response. Rosa just grinned warmly and watched me for a moment.
“Well, I hope you have a good time here, okay?” she declared. “Now that your food is ready, go change and take a bath. After your meal, head to the marketplace. Remember to bring me something.”
At her request, I laughed and turned to watch her go.
I looked back at the busy town. Even though I had been gone for a few years, coming back still plagued me.
I let out a sigh, moved away from the window, and made my way to the bathroom.
***
“You’re going to the market, then?” Noah asked for the fifth time.
He had been probing me with questions, and I was getting irritated.
“Yes, what’s the issue?” I replied.
Noah said nothing.
“Look, I’m only taking a short trip right now. I’ll be back. I wish to avoid creating discomfort for others.”
Noah nodded, clearing his throat.
“All right, just watch out,” he said.
I took a swig of my wine and got up. I excused myself and went to where my horse was tied. I mounted and took the reins, setting off.
I made sure my glove was in my hand and that my hood covered my face.
The guards at their posts simply gave me a nod. I sensed they were uncomfortable having me around.
I chose to disregard them and headed to the market instead. I glanced around the slopes as my horse galloped.
Perched atop the tallest hill in the area stood the castle. From above, you had a good view of the entire town and the surrounding lands.
I looked over my shoulder and saw the massive castle, erect in all its splendor. I looked back to the front, then turned and moved in the direction of the plaza.
It took me a few minutes to get there.
It was nice that no one had noticed me. I pulled my hood lower, patted my horse, and headed for the market.
It was packed with people and stalls, as one might expect.
Nothing had changed here.
As Rosa had mentioned, there were numerous stands offering rare fruits.
I went up to a few of them and began purchasing some to bring back. I completed my errands quickly and made my way to the fishermen’s area.
I moved over to where things were busiest. Like every other time I had come here, I shuddered at the smell of fish.
I searched the area for Rosa’s husband. He was one of the top sellers in this market.
When I noticed his stall, I felt something following me, but I chose to ignore it and carried on with the task at hand.
“Well, now look who is here!” Rosa’s husband greeted me. I felt a presence draw closer. “Hey, kid, how have you been?”
“I’ve been good. How about you?” I turned to face him.
“Excellent, so glad to have you back,” he said.
I managed a grin and explained why I’d come over. Rosa’s husband had some fish prepared in a bag.
“Take this to your brother, and I hope you enjoy these buns too,” he added.
I thanked him and promised to drop by again soon. Especially because I could feel someone was following me, I was itching to get away.
After saying my goodbyes, I tried to lose the person, but as I was pushing through a throng of people, I heard a curse.
When I looked back, I saw a girl lying on the ground.
I reached out to help her up. The instant I touched her, my stiff hand relaxed. I shrugged off the strange feeling.
“Are you all right?” I asked as I held her. When she just stared, I repeated, “Hey, are you all right?”
“No!” she answered with a frown.
I stared at her for a moment in surprise, swallowing.
She had the most stunning black hair and gray eyes I’d ever seen. Though uncommon in the area, it was nonetheless a striking sight.
She abruptly stopped and glanced between my arm and then my face as I was about to apologize.
She whispered something and her grip on my arms tightened. I detested people touching me.
As my stiff hand began to feel normal, I withdrew my arms and began to turn away.
Although the girl appeared surprised, it didn’t deter her. She clutched my sleeves tighter.
Something seemed off, and I didn’t like it at all.
“Hold on! Please don’t leave!”
“Let go!” I said.
She said something else, but I yanked my cloak out of her grasp and began to run toward the castle. For some reason, there was a smile on my lips.
***
“Oh, you’re back?” Noah called from his office.
I flicked my eyes over the open doors.
“How did the market fare? Have you brought me anything?”
Facing away from him, I replied, “Yes, Rosa’s husband sent you some fish and buns.”
Noah followed me as I turned away.
“Don’t you have work?”
He shrugged. “I can handle that at a later time. So how did it go? Any issues?” His curiosity was obvious.
“None,” I said in an icy tone.
Noah scowled and moved to block my path. “Did something happen?”
I let out a sigh and tried to push him aside.
“Nothing,” I retorted.
From behind, he laughed.
“So, something happened. Is it a girl?”
I rolled my eyes and let myself into my room.
“Noah, get back to work. You have responsibilities,” I told him.
“Yes, but I’m the one in charge, not you, brother,” he chuckled.
I sighed and removed my hood. I could sense Noah’s eyes watching everything I did.
“So,” he said, looking up, “it’s a girl?”
“No,” I said, frustrated.
I thought Noah would keep being so persistent, but all he did was hum.
I was relieved he didn’t ask for more.
“All right, I’ll be heading back,” he remarked slyly. “If you’re bored, feel free to help me with the paperwork.”
I raised an eyebrow but nodded in his direction. Then I let myself drop onto the mattress. My gaze shot up to the ceiling-mounted crystal chandelier.
“Oh, by the way,” Noah added as he jerked open the doors, “you’re coming with me to the plaza tomorrow.”
“What?”
“Yes,” he said with a smile before closing the door.
I sighed. Then I lifted my left hand and glared at it. Though I hated to be here, I was stuck here for the time being.
My thoughts went back to the interaction with the girl. Why did she calm me down and, more importantly, restore the feeling of warmth in my hand?
I began to undress and made my way to the bathroom, full of questions.
I chuckled as I looked at my reflection in the mirror.
I was still in shock that I had been touched, and I wasn’t at all uncomfortable for the first time in a long time.
I was unsure if that was a good or bad thing.
