The old man stood in front of Drayce, putting a certain distance between them, eyeing the young king with a gloating expression. He only had eyes for Drayce, ignoring the rest of the intruders. His evil smile and his eyes full of pride showed how self-satisfied he was to achieve what he wanted.
"Your presence is a pleasant surprise, Your Majesty...or should I say, I was not surprised at all?"
The old man signaled with his fingers, and two soldiers behind him dragged an injured man, only to throw it in front of Drayce.
Drayce recognized the man. He was one of his own men, a spy he had sent to collect secret information about the Thevailes army.
"This spy, do you think we wouldn't capture him?" the marquis asked.
"Good for you," Drayce replied.
Drayce did not enjoy conversing with an enemy, but he remained casual as he wanted to buy more time. He first wanted to be assured that Arlan and the Prince of Abetha were rescued, and then he could do what he wanted. Regardless of the situation, he knew Slayer would surely get back to him.
The old man smirked as he studied the young king's expression. "Seems like this much is not enough to surprise the King of Megaris."
"I would only be surprised if I couldn't kill you today," Drayce replied as he tightened his grip on his sword.
Marquis Percy laughed mockingly. "What weak people Megaris trained as spies. Do you know how we tortured him to get the information? Only a few rounds and he immediately confessed everything."
Drayce had already noticed the brutally harmed spy lying on the floor lifelessly, but he didn't show any emotions.
The marquis continued, "It just took my men to put one hot iron rod inside his rear. That scream… ahh… was a melody to my ears."
"I have a better plan for you," Drayce replied without much change in his face, but there was a hidden dagger in his tone.
"I know you would come here after what I did with your people at the border, and you didn't fail me," Marquis Percy glared at Drayce mockingly. "With a prince as bait, capturing two crown princes and the infamous devil of Megaris, it's like I have achieved the greatest merit in this war."
The old man laughed as his fierce eyes turned dreamy.
"How easy it would be for His Majesty King Samer to take over the entire continent now. Can you imagine what I would do with your people once we take over Megaris?" the old man taunted. "Once your kingdom becomes a territory of Thevailes, maybe I should ask His Majesty to bestow it to me? Hmm? What do you think? Duke Godfrey Percy, Lord of Megaris. Sounds like music to the ears."
Drayce remained impassive, and his gaze wasn't even looking at the old general.
Seeing there was no effect on Drayce, Marquis Percy spoke again. "You don't believe me? Let me show you an example of what I would do to your people."
He signaled his men, and another two soldiers dragged one severely injured man with them.
The injured man's legs were broken, looking like he wouldn't be able to walk again unless immediate medical treatment was given to him. His arms draped around the two soldiers with his head lowered down.
This time, the look in Drayce's eyes changed.
The injured man was more than familiar to him. He was someone close to him. One could even say he was one of the people closest to him.
The two soldiers pushed the injured man in front of Drayce.
"Slayer!" Sir Berolt exclaimed. Even the other knights from Megaris, who had remained unflustered even though they were trapped by the enemies, were shaken to see Slayer like this.
Slayer was infamous for his invincibility with the sword. His reputation on the battlefield was more of a grim reaper rather than a knight; hence, although not many knew his real name, almost everyone had heard of the name 'Slayer.' He was a renowned knight only below the King of Megaris when it came to battle prowess.
"Seems like, finally, King Drayce liked this surprise," Marquis Percy commented in glee after seeing the change in those glittering red eyes. "I thought about killing him but kept him alive to see how I would kill his king in front of his eyes. I have always wanted to crush his pride under my feet." The old man put his foot on the sword wound on Slayer's stomach and pressed it. "And see, he is here now."
Slayer coughed blood but didn't make a sound. He didn't even look at his king as he was ashamed that he had let him down.
If Slayer was here, then what about Arlan and the Prince of Abetha? This was unexpected for Drayce. Whatever happened, his priority was to get Arlan and the other prince safely out of the fortress. He wanted to refrain from taking drastic actions without knowing their situation.
Sir Berolt looked at Drayce as the two had the same worries in mind. Sir Berolt gripped his sword until his knuckles were white, his mind filled with thoughts of slaughtering this damnable old rag. But he couldn't act recklessly as there was still hope. The two princes were not with the marquis. He believed in Prince Cian's and Prince Arlan's ability to save themselves.
Marquis Percy was satisfied with the grimness on their faces. "Oh, and are you wondering where that Griven Prince is? Hah. Don't place too much hope. You have personally delivered that pretty boy to that perverted bastard. You're smart enough to guess what is being done to him now. I wonder if we could hear his screams here."
Drayce felt the calmness he had maintained till now starting to shake.
"That bastard Giles Seeiso is fortunate today to have two princes in his bed," Marquis Percy laughed loudly. "But do not fret. Soon, I will bring you to them, and you will get to see their dishonored selves."
With jaws clenched, Drayce let his gaze roam around, but there was still no sign of the agreed-upon signal that meant the two princes were safe.