"Wow," Kevin said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, still dizzy. "Why didn't you do that since?"
"You didn't trust me," Kael replied, frowning as he walked to the locked gate, which had a sign that read "No guests allowed." With a light scoff, he added, "Like they ever get any guests."
He pressed the buzzer, and a beep was heard before a harsh, abrupt voice spoke. "Didn't you read the sign?"
"It's me, Kevin," Kevin said, stepping in front of the buzzer. "He's here with me."
"Really? Well, then I'll go tell Sir Julius," the voice replied. A buzzing sound was heard, and the gate, adorned with intricate metalwork and majestic pillars that exuded luxury and security, swung open.
Kevin went in first, gesturing for Kael to follow. "Come on in," he said. Kael walked into the castle with an alert spirit, every step taken with caution. As he entered, he stared at everything as if it was his first time there, taking in every detail. He admired the marble fish fountain at the center of the castle compound, the orchard garden to the left, and the magnificent pool to the right.
As they entered the castle, they were greeted by Julius, who wore shimmering blue knight's attire adorned with medals. "We meet again, Kael," Julius said, stretching out his hands to shake Kael's.
The grand hallway's high, vaulted ceiling towered above, its stone walls adorned with majestic paintings that seemed to tell stories of old. The soft glow of candelabras cast a warm light, illuminating the details of the artwork and casting a regal ambiance throughout the hall.
"Yeah, we meet again," Kael said, walking past Julius and ignoring his outstretched hand. Kevin gaped and apologized, "Sorry about that, sir," bowing slightly.
"Whatever," Julius said, pulling back his hand and twisting his wrist. "Don't touch anything," he warned Kael, who was about to touch a beautiful painting of a girl with nine fox tails.
"Sorry," Kael said, rolling his eyes. "That painting is fake anyway." He reached for the stairs railing.
"Where are you going?" Julius asked.
"To meet the queen, what else?" Kael shrugged. "It's the lobby, she'll meet us there," Julius said, pulling him back. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Kael let go of the railing and turned around. Kevin was right behind them, listening and giggling.
"What do you mean the painting is fake?" Julius asked curiously. "And how did you know the queen is up there?"
"Senses, duh. I have extraordinarily great senses. Have you forgotten I'm not human?" Kael showed off his white, sharp, pointed fangs.
"Wow, very sharp and sparkling," Kevin said to make his presence known, but Julius ignored him.
"What about the painting?" Julius asked again. "Yes, what about it? It cost millions," Kevin added, curiosity getting the better of him.
"If you must know, the painting is a replica of the real one," Kael replied. They had already reached the lobby, and Kael sat down on one of the sofas.
"The real one is with us; it's at home, my home," he said with a wink. Julius kept a stern face.
"I'll let the queen know about your presence," Julius said.
"She already knows; in fact, she's here," Kael said, pointing at the lobby doorway. There stood the queen in a beautiful red plush gown, its soft and velvety fabric falling just above the knee. The fitted bodice and flowing skirt created a casual yet elegant look.
"Your Majesty," Kevin bowed lightly, and Julius joined in, prompting Kael to follow awkwardly.
"Thank you," the queen said, taking a seat. "You can all sit, but Kevin, can you get a maid to bring us some tea?" She turned to Kael, who was about to object. "And no tea for this gentleman. You can return to your post when you're done, thank you."
"Okay, Your Majesty," Kevin bowed and left the room.
"Come on now, sit please," the queen urged Kael. Both Julius and Kael sat down at the same time but on different sofas.
"I'm so glad you came, Kael. How are you doing?" The queen smiled.
"I'm doing great, Celine," Kael said, earning himself death glares from Julius.
"Queen," Julius corrected, staring daggers at Kael.
"What?" Kael's confused look made the queen chuckle. "I know she's a queen."
"You call her 'Your Majesty' or 'Queen,' not 'Celine.' She's not your age mate," Julius gritted his teeth, his hand curling into a tight fist.
"I'm older than her," Kael said, turning to look at the queen. "She knows."
"You punk," Julius stood up, about to charge at Kael, but the queen stopped him just in time.
"It's okay," she laughed lightly. "He's funny too. I already love him."
"That's good to know, Celine," Kael smiled slowly, turning to look at Julius's pissed face. But Julius already knew what he was doing.
"It's alright, Julius. He's right. He's older than me, and I don't mind someone treating me casually and not all high and mighty," she giggled. Julius nodded, smiling a little.
"So, Kael, I'm sure you already know why you're here. Will you still do it?" the queen asked.
"Of course, Celine. I will gladly do it. I'll do anything for Pene," Kael replied.
"You've given her a nickname that's cute. And once more, I apologize about the king; he's just protective," the queen spoke softly.
"It's fine, I'm fine. I also apologize if what I said was bad," Kael said, bowing his head slightly. The queen smiled.
"Where do we start looking for Penelope?" Julius's voice and face also softened.
"The forest is HUGE, but I already covered a third of it and found nothing except for this. That's why I came the other day," Kael said, bringing out the hairpin.
The queen gasped and reached out for it, tears streaming down her eyes as she stroked it. "It's her favorite," she whispered.
"It's her lucky hairpin," Julius said, his voice cracking slightly. "She can't take a risk without it." The queen sobbed, and Julius was clearly crying, trying to hold back his emotions.
"I can't believe I didn't know this about her," the queen said between sobs.
Kael sat there looking awkward. _I miss her too, but crying isn't going to do anything_, he thought, sighing inwardly. Luckily, a maid walked in, easing the awkwardness with a cup of tea for the queen. Julius walked out to dry his tears, while the queen just said "Thank you" without looking up.
"Celine, it's going to be okay," Kael tried to comfort her. Meanwhile, the maid, who was leaving, looked back at him like he was a ticking time bomb. _Did he just call the queen by her name, or am I being delusional?_ the maid thought to herself, staring his head off before leaving.
"I will look for her. I will try my best, and with your strong and brave knights and my powers, we will find her," Kael said, pausing and hesitating. "I don't like to make promises, but I promise you." His voice had a hint of seriousness.
"Thank you so much, Kael. I don't know what we would have done without you," the queen said, forcing a smile that made Kael's expression twitch.