Villain's Oath

Chapter 2

Lucien stood at the center of the courtyard, the sun casting long shadows over the polished stones.

He caught the servant and guards watching from a distance.

But when he turned, they flinch and divert their eyes.

He narrowed his icy gray eyes “ Am I truly that hated” he muttered 

The name Eryndor Kaelen echoed in his mind as he remembered how he laughed with solders , shared food and stories with them 

Suddenly, the sword in his hand felt heavy.

He forced himself to swing his sword but every muscle in his body was screaming for effort.

Just as he was about raising his sword for another swing, a sharp pain hit his stomach.

He gasped, his knees giving away, his sword slipped form his trembling fingers and it crashed to the stine floor with a sharp clang.

“ My Lord!” A panicked voice cried out as Lucien fell to the floor, clutching his pain.

Lucien's eyes snapped open, his breath quick and shallow.

He tried to move, but pain shot through.

A figure knelt beside him.

Lucien gritted his teeth.

“ What happened to me and who are you?” he asked

The man looked around nervously 

He leaned closer to Lucien with a serious eyes “ You have been poisoned my Lord, slowly and skillfully ” he said , avoiding the second question 

Lucien's body tensed 

“ poisoned?”

The man nodded

“ The symptoms are subtle, meant to eat you away slowly instead of killing you”

Fear clenched Lucien's chest

He stared at the man, narrowing his eyes on him ” I asked you a question ” he said , his voice low and calm “ Who are you?"

The man hesitated, avoiding Lucien's gaze

“ Forgive me, my Lord. I'm the physician of your household” he said quickly before bowing his head “ 

Lucien scoffed , trying to sitting up despite the pain but couldn't 

“ How long have I been suffering from this?” Lucien asked, curious.

“ For a long time, my Lord ” The physician answered, his head still down

Lucien studied him for a moment 

“ Tell me more”

“ My Lord, the poison made you weak that you stopped breathing for two days”

Lucien body tensed.

“ Who ” he asked

The physician hesitated, hands trembled slightly 

“ I have no idea my Lord, but it must be someone close to you and someone who knows your food schedule ”

Lucien's breath caught, his vision sharpened 

He sat up slowly, this time he succeeded making the sheets fall from his chest.

“ So, I'm eating death one bite at a time?” he asked asked

“ it's being done carefully ”

Lucien swung his legs off the bed, rising despite the weakness in his limbs.

He stumbled as he move, but he caught himself using the wall, then dragged himself to the window.

He stared out in silence, the wind brushing against his face.

“ Tell no one ” he said without turning around, his voice low but sound sharp.

“ Yes, my Lord ” The physician whispered, bowing quickly before hurrying out of the room.

Lucien remained by the window, his jaw tight, his hear racing.

Lucien sat on the edge of his velvet chair, eyes sharp as his brother Aric, strolled into the room carrying a bottle of wine and wearing that too easy smile Lucien had begun to hate.

“ Brother ” Aric said cheerfully “ You have locked yourself away in here for too long, I thought we could share a drink, like old times”

Lucien didn't return the smile “ How thoughtful of you ” he says flatly, watching his brother every move.

Aric grabbed two glasses from the nearby table and sat across from Lucien.

He poured the deep wine carefully, and handed one to Lucien.

Lucien took the offered glass slowly as Aric lifted the other.

“ To strength and family ” 

“ To family ” he said, voice quiet but firm

“ To family” Aric repeated as he took a generous sip.

Lucien brought the lips to his mouth.

Then he paused.

He set it back down gently on the table.

“ You didn't drink” Aric said with a tight smile 

Lucien met his eyes “ Still recovering ” he said coldly 

Aric nodded quickly “ Of course, rest is important ”

But Lucien saw it, the flicker of something behind his brother's eyes.

Just then, Lucien's eyes caught a flicker of movement 

He turned slightly 

At the far corner of the room, half hidden behind a pillar, stood selene. Aric's wife, he saw her the first day he woke up.

She was still, quiet , her gaze locked on Lucien.

Lucien's jaw tightened as he turned back to talking Aric, but his mind kept wondering why she was looking at him.

With a slow breath, Lucien leaned back in his chair, his experience very calm.

“ Strange how poison always comes with a smile” he muttered loud enough for Aric to hear.

Aric paused, his glass halfway to his lips

“ What do you mean?” Aric asked, brows rising.

“ Just thinking out loud Aric” Lucien said smoothly picking up his glass again.

He didn't drink, he only stared at the deep red wine, swirli

ng it gently.

He set the glass back down without taking a sip.

Trust, it was a luxury he could no longer afford.

Not even with the family.