CRUEL KING

Disturbing resemblance

Chapter 3: Disturbing resemblance

The fortified gates leading to the city were impressive in size, as were the ornaments that had been carved into them.

Anisha and her sister, who had seen them only a few times, passed through them with an unconcealed excitement.

Their sparkling eyes never left the stone archway as they made their way towards the walled city.

Judging by the floral decorations forming a sort of hedge of honor and the crowds in the streets, Dalia thought the city was preparing to welcome a special event. A big event.

Anisha, for her part, had returned to her thoughts. she was very anxious about their father.

_ There are guards everywhere, said her sister, looking around curiously. Do you think we'll see any royal person passing by? Can you imagine? I'd love to see Prince Noram's future wife... From what I heared, she's gorgeous...

With her head full of questions about what was to become of them, Anisha belatedly replied to Dalia.

She simply pulled her hood down over her face as soon as it slipped back a little.

Her long, full cloak drew attention, but she knew that her physiognomy would do so much more if she showed it.

And it was common knowledge that human traders sought out atypical people to sell them at a better price.

_ Mira is said to be the niece of Prince Sarod's wife, continued Dalia, who had a keen interest in nobility and its incredible stories. Noram saw her at a ball given by the King of Orburg in Targat, and he immediately asked permission to her father. They're getting married this spring...

_ Yes, said his sister mechanically, without interest.

_ I'd love to turn into a mouse and attend the festivities. Are you listening?

Dali grew impatient as Ani continued to walk with her mind in a daze.

_ You've got a dog turd stuck to your sandals and you got it all over your coat.

_ Yes, continued Ani, still absorbed in her own thoughts.

_ Ani! rebelled the young girl. I feel like I'm walking beside a sleepwalker!

_ What?

_ Forget it, you're incorrigible.

Belatedly realizing why her sister had lost her temper, the girl followed suit.

_ Dali, wait! I'm sorry, she apologized. It's just that...

_ ... It's just that ever since Father spoke to you, you've gone completely off the deep end...

Anisha was speechless. Had her sister heard something?

_ Don't make that face, will you? she asked, walking backwards to face him. It's been a good week since her condition began to decline. Things are obvious, except for you...

_ What do you mean?

And just as she was about to give him an explanation, she tripped over an iron wheel, which was lying half in the way.

Dalia wobbled and tried to regain her balance until she found herself back on the road. At the same moment, soldiers and a carriage came galloping towards her.

_ Dalia look out! cried Anisha, trying to help her.

The sound of iron and wheels on cobblestones grew louder and more menacing.

Just as when she was diving into the sea, Anisha held her breath and threw herself at her sister to push her off the road.

Expecting to be trampled in her place by the hooves of the horses hurled at her, she curled into a ball and placed her hands above her head to protect herself.

_ Will you get out of the way, wench?! shouted an impatient voice.

Anisha looked up to see that she was still in one piece.

Her hood was back down, a multitude of eyes were on her and murmurs began to rise above the crowd.

_ If you don't move immediately, I'll have you arrested, scolded the rider standing on his mount just above her, glaring down at her.

Despite the shock she had just suffered, the young girl stood up and stepped aside from the way

_ I beg your pardon, messir..., the word faded from her lips as she thought she caught a glimpse of Lori at the carriage window.

The man was a little older and very richly dressed, but his features were identical in every way to those of her friend.

_ Lori?! exclaimed Dalia, who had taken up position behind her. Ani, look! It's Lori!

At these words, the young man turned his head in their direction. he had a surprise expression and with a lively hand, he pulled back the window curtain.

_ Hey, both of you ! shouted the knight menacingly as he climbed down from his saddle. Didn't anyone ever teach you to bow your heads face to a prince? You'll pay for your impertinence right away!

And just as he was about to draw his sword, a young man in a less affluent suit stepped out of the carriage and laid his hand on the knight's.

Let them go this time. We're in a hurry, and these kids don't seem to be in their right mind.

_ Good," nodded the man who knew this intervention was actually an order. Did you hear what I said? Get out of here before I change my mind, he said to the sisters, who seemed to be still reeling from the threat they'd just been subjected to.

Anisha bowed her head in obedience and pulled on her sister's arm.

_ But Ani, it's Lori! protested the young girl, pointing to the door the valet had just cross.

_ Are you trying to get us killed? Put that hand down!

As she pulled Dali away, she turned towards the stagecoach, which had just resumed its journey, flanked by the royal guard.

That boy looked just like Lori, she thought, confused.

Maybe it was him...