Right Outside My Window (ErrInk)

Chapter 6 - Followed

Ink's POV

  I walked through the elegant hallways of the castle while becoming quickly confused by the several twists and turns. Maids and butlers walked past me, seeming to know the layout perfectly.

  When turning a left, I saw a door made of black oak. There were specials carvings which made me intrigued. My hand pushed open the door.

  The room was darker than others. A desk was centered in the middle of the wall. Its surface was neatly cleaned with stacks of paper set to the side.

  I couldn't help but want to look around for a few minutes. I walked behind the desk, seeing a few books and bottles of ink.

The only sounds that filled the room was the flipping of pages as I looked through one of the books.

???: It is not polite to intrude on one's privacy.

  A deep voice startled me. I dropped the book as I quickly turned to the doors. There was a tall man leaning against the door frame. A cloak hid his appearance but I knew it was the king.

  My breathing picked up as I went to the floor into a regretful bow.

Me: My king. I did not know this was your office. Please spare me.

  I felt tears start to pour from my eyes in fear that the king would kill me for looking through his office.

King: Why would I kill you? 

Me: Because I am where I should not be.

  He walked towards me, causing me to flinch. I expected him to crack my neck but it never happened. He kneeled on the floor before putting a finger under my chin. The king made me look at him.

King: I cannot blame a child for being curious.

  He said with a calm tone in his voice. He motioned for me to stand. I followed his command and looked at him. He lightly pushed me towards the door. I walked next to him in the halls.

King: You are my advisor's son, are you not?

Me: Yes I am, my king.

King: You should join us for tea once you are done with your studies.

  He led me to two doors that led to the library. I bowed to him before entering the room. The king soon left me alone to my own devices.

  My eyes looked around the room, taking in the brighter scenery.

Bookshelves climbed to ceiling, each one filled with hundreds of book. There was a seating area in the center with ottomans and luxurious chairs. Everything seemed quiet in this room but in a calm way.

  I walked around the selves and eventually picked a piece of literature to study.

(Time Skip)

  I entered the forest once more. Even though I had visited this place for the past couple of days, I was still terrified.

  Shadows swallowed the tree trunks and pairs of eyes glinted under the moonlight. I couldn't understand why I wanted to keep coming back.

  Error's voice spoke from the darkness, almost reminding me of how the king spoke.

Error: You must like me, Ink.

Me: No I don't.

  I scoffed, moving around as I tried to spot the kid. He appeared behind me but I was able to prevent myself from getting scared.

Error: Then why do you keep coming back?

  He said slyly with a wide grin.

Me: I... I don't know.

  I said with a shockingly quiet tone. Blush appeared on my cheeks as I looked away from Error.

  He smiled, taking my hand in his. It surprised me that I didn't want to pull away.

  We had spent hours exploring the forest. I was actually beginning to enjoy hanging with Error. Once we were done, we sat under a tree.

  As we were speaking with each other, Error suddenly turned towards the trees. I was going to ask him a question but he put his hand over my mouth. I tried to push him off however, he was too strong.

Error: Don't make a sound. There's something here with us.

  He said in a whisper. Fear sparked up in my soul from his statement.

  I noticed that the edges of Error's irises were tinted a slight blood red. He quietly growled as he turned to me.

Error: Get in the tree. It's coming closer.

  I moved a trunk and began to climb it. Error followed after and sat on the same branch. I slipped for a second however, Error saved me.

  The boy wrapped his arms around me as he watched the ground maliciously. The stare seemed almost primal.

  He rested his head against my shoulder as he observed our surroundings. I felt his breath on my neck. For some reason, I liked being held by him and feeling his breathing.

  Suddenly, two men appeared. Error's grip on me tightened as his eyes seemed to become more red. They looked around but luckily, the leaves of the tree hid us from their sight.

  I saw that both of the men were...

Royal guards