Chapter 121: The revelation
Ceremus let out a slow breath, his gaze sharp but unreadable. "Do you truly believe that you have been set free, Meliše?"
Her smile twitched, but she did not falter. "What else would you call it? I am here, am I not?" She spread her arms wide, as if to emphasize the point. "Your ever-loyal advisor allowed me to slip through his fingers. I wonder—was it carelessness or intentional?"
Ceremus' expression remained impassive as he stared the woman down. Unfortunately for her, Anemone had already told him about their brief exchange prior to his departure. As soon as he had returned, Anemone pulled him aside and explained the situation to him. How he can strike up a deal with Meliše in order to ensure his safety?
The king wasn't happy to hear that one of his prisoners had left the confines of the dungeon, but he understood why Anemone did what he did. As a matter of fact, Ceremus had sensed the sorceress' energy many times throughout the journey but did nothing to address the issue, as it was not a pressing matter. His sole focus was on finding Tiresias and recovering the plant.
Looking at the sorceress now, he couldn't help wondering why she wished to cause strife since someone had already ensured her so-called "freedom." She could've made her escape the moment they had arrived in Trojas and they would be none the wiser. So why was she back? Why had she returned? His eyes narrowed as a sudden idea came to mind.
"Alright then. You are free, as you say. There is nothing holding you back here. You have completed your mission, done as Anemone asked and received your staff in return. You may go on your merry way." Ceremus said, his void devoid of emotion.
Meliše's brows furrowed, and for a moment, something flickered across Meliše's expression. Doubt.
"...What are you talking about?"
Ceremus raised a brow. "Did I not make myself clear? I said you're free to go. Leave the kingdom, leave the country. Hell, leave the mortal realm for all I care."
Hael stared at Ceremus, and a sudden look of realization fell on his face. His gaze then turned to Meliše, who looked more skeptical than before, but this time, there was a hint of something else buried beneath the layers of doubt. Loss.. and fear?
"Your arrogance is suffocating," she muttered. Then, her eyes flicked to Hael, and her expression turned thoughtful. "Do you seriously think that by sending me away now that your beloved is awake and, well, Dicaeus won't come seeking more retribution?" She exclaimed, her voice wavering slightly at the mention of his name.