Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

• 48 •

Cecil froze, paralysed, staring wide-eyed at the sharp tips of the javelins that aimed at her.

Though, she wasn't the only one they were aiming at.

The tip glinted dangerously in the light, and Cecil slowly raised her hands up in surrender, kicking her legs in the water to make her float.

She couldn't even form any words in her mind, she had escaped from a near-death experience only to meet one again.

The royal spring pool was befitting of its distinguished status. Its pristine, smooth tiles and stone fences and pillars, along with a small fountain in the centre of the pool, it was a sight to behold. There were even decorative rocks carefully placed around the pool.

The waters was extremely clear, one could even see all the way to the bottom, where not even a speck of dirt was found in the pool. A refreshing scent, like aftermath of a rainy day, wafted past Cecil's nose.

Alas, the three of them seemed out of place in this pool, especially with the soldiers surrounding them.

Xue narrowed his eyes, and Zasiok eyed the soldiers, clicking his tongue.

"Get out of the water, Zasiok."

Cecil recognised that voice, it belonged to the king.

"Why are you pointing those weapons at the two of us?" Xue questioned coldly, not bothering to address the king.

The king glanced nonchalantly at Cecil and Xue, sneering.

"Oh, pardon my rudeness, I didn't realise you were the queen's invited guests from afar," he apologised indifferently. "Guards, withdraw your weapons, and help the esteemed guests."

The guards aided Xue and Cecil, disregarding Zasiok who had to push himself up, his body still covered with injuries of all kind.

At that moment, thunderous footfalls were heard behind the king, followed by the queen reprimanding in an authoritative voice.

"Halt! What do you think you are doing? How dare you point those weapons mindlessly, put them away this instant!"

Zasiok caught a glance of the king clenching his jaw, before plastering an apologetic smile on his face as he moved past the guards. He greeted the queen affectionately, like a husband would, explaining the situation.

"Pardon me, the royal spring pool is a sacred area, with those big splashes, I assumed they were intruders," the king sighed, sounding guilty. "Please forgive my rude manners, I never meant to treat our guests this way."

The queen sighed at his words, immediately fussing over the three of them. "Someone get some blankets, hurry!"

"Right away, Your Majesty!"

Kian, who was standing beside the queen, cast a furtive glance towards Zasiok. He furrowed his eyebrows, biting on his lips, distressed.

He made the entire situation worse for Zasiok.

***

The three of them were covered in blankets, and Cecil marvelled at the smooth material of the blanket. Compared to Cecil and Xue, Zasiok did not receive a rather coarse blanket, though, he remained stoic.

"My dearest, I'm sure you have received the information by now." The king stated, standing beside the queen.

"I...did..." the queen furrowed her eyebrows. "Have you really found conclusive proof?"

"Yes, I have. Even witnesses."

Cecil wore her haughty mien, observing the king and queen, her thoughts wandering about inside her mind. She wondered if the name for the queen and the king would ever be revealed.