Shadows of Destiny

Chapter Nine

Chapter 9 : Bound by Courage

Desmond spent most of his days watching the military train, fascinated by their precision and discipline. However, on this particular noon, his attention was drawn to the court where the ladies of the castle were gathering. Among them stood Millicent, his crush, a vision of grace and beauty.

As Desmond tried to catch Millicent's eye, his heart raced with nervous excitement. He longed to speak to her, to express the feelings that had been growing in his heart, but every attempt to approach her seemed futile.

Frustration gnawed at him, but he refused to give up. He devised a plan, hoping to create a chance encounter that would allow him to talk to Millicent without raising suspicion.

Hiding behind a pillar on the busy corridor, Desmond patiently waited for Millicent to pass by. He knew it was risky, but the thought of missing this opportunity fueled his determination.

Finally, he saw her approaching, her elegant figure moving gracefully through the crowd. His heart skipped a beat as he prepared to execute his plan.

As Millicent drew nearer, Desmond stepped out from behind the pillar, pretending to be absorbed in his own thoughts. The corridor was bustling with activity, and he strategically positioned himself to "accidentally" bump into her.

In that moment, time seemed to slow as Desmond's plan was set into motion. He "accidentally" collided with Millicent, causing her to stumble slightly. As he reached out to steady her, their eyes locked, and a blush crept across both their cheeks.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Desmond exclaimed, feigning embarrassment. "I didn't mean to bump into you."

Millicent smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's alright," she replied, her voice warm and gentle. "No harm done."

Desmond took a deep breath, seizing the opportunity to strike up a conversation. "I hope you're not hurt," he said, his heart pounding with nerves.

Millicent shook her head, her smile growing more radiant. "No, I'm perfectly fine. Thank you for asking," she replied graciously.

They stood there for a moment, a comfortable silence enveloping them. Desmond's nerves seemed to dissipate as he found himself lost in Millicent's presence.

"I've seen you watching the military train," Millicent said, breaking the silence. "You seem fascinated by their drills."

Desmond nodded, relieved to have a topic to discuss. "Yes, I find their discipline and precision remarkable," he replied. "It's like they move as one."

Millicent's eyes lit up with interest. "It's a sight to behold," she agreed. "But I've often wondered what it would be like to have the freedom to choose our own paths, not bound by the rules of this place."

Desmond's heart leaped at her words, realizing they shared similar thoughts about the constraints of Iron City. "I often dream of a life beyond these walls," he admitted, his voice tinged with longing.

As Desmond and Millicent continued their conversation, their words flowing effortlessly, a newfound sense of joy and comfort enveloped them. 

But just as the conversation between them seemed to grow stronger, a loud beckon echoed through the corridor, jolting them both from their enchanting exchange. Millicent's face paled, and her eyes darted towards the source of the call — Commander Ali's office.

"I have to go," Millicent said hurriedly, her voice tinged with unease. "It's the commander; he's calling for me."

Desmond's heart sank at the abrupt interruption. He wanted to ask her to stay, to continue their conversation, but he knew that defying the commander's orders was dangerous for both of them.

"Be careful," Desmond urged, his voice filled with concern. "I'll see you again soon?"

Millicent nodded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Yes, I promise," she replied, trying to mask the turmoil within her. "We'll talk again soon."

With that, Millicent turned and hurriedly left, disappearing down the corridor. Desmond watched her go, a mix of worry and longing in his heart. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, that their conversation had been cut short for a reason beyond mere coincidence.

As he stood there, lost in thought, he noticed a group of guards heading towards Commander Ali's office. Their expressions were stern, and their movements seemed urgent. Desmond's curiosity piqued, and he decided to follow them discreetly, keeping a safe distance.

As he approached the commander's office, muffled voices reached his ears. He hid behind a nearby tapestry, careful not to be seen. Through a small gap, he glimpsed Commander Ali speaking to a group of his trusted guards.

"The prisoner, Desmond, seems to be getting too close to Millicent," Commander Ali said, his voice laced with anger. "Keep an eye on her interactions with him. I won't tolerate any defiance."

Just as he left to his room, he heard a scream which he ignored. It was getting too much, what could possibly be happening ?

Desmond's heart raced as he heard the screams and slapping sounds coming from Commander Ali's office. Without a second thought, he sprinted towards the source of the commotion, his mind consumed with fear .

As he burst into the office, the sight before him filled him with rage. Millicent, his beloved crush, stood there, her face stained with tears and terror, while Commander Ali loomed over her with a cruel smirk on his face.

"Leave her alone!" Desmond's voice thundered, his fists clenching in anger.

Commander Ali turned to face him, his eyes ablaze with fury at the interruption. "You dare to interfere?" he snarled, raising his hand as if to strike Desmond.

 Desmond was afraid but with adrenaline coursing through his veins, he dodged Commander Ali's incoming blow and retaliated with a powerful punch to the commander's jaw. The impact sent Commander Ali stumbling backward, momentarily dazed.

Seizing the opportunity, Desmond rushed towards Millicent, grabbing her hand and pulling her behind him protectively. "Are you okay?" he asked urgently, his concern evident in his eyes.

Millicent nodded, her voice trembling. "Yes, I'll be fine," she managed to say, her grip on Desmond's hand tight with fear and gratitude.

Commander Ali, now recovered from the surprise attack, lunged at Desmond, his anger fueling his assault. The two engaged in a fierce battle, each blow echoing through the office as they fought for control.

Desmond's determination to protect Millicent gave him newfound strength, but he was no match for Commander Ali's size and training. The odds seemed against him as he struggled to hold his ground.

Just when it seemed that Desmond would be overpowered, the door to the office burst open, and several guards rushed in. They were drawn by the noise of the fight and the commander's screams for help.

Seeing the guards, Commander Ali's rage intensified, and he made one final attempt to strike Desmond. But before he could deliver the blow, the guards intervened, restraining the commander and pulling him away from Desmond.

"You'll pay for this!" Commander Ali yelled, his face twisted with anger.

The guards ignored his threats, focusing on restoring order and securing the situation. Millicent stepped forward, her voice steady despite the lingering fear in her eyes.

"Commander Ali was attacking me," she spoke firmly. "Desmond came to my rescue."

The guards exchanged glances, and one of them nodded in acknowledgment. They had long suspected that something was amiss with Commander Ali's behavior, and now, Millicent's revelation confirmed their suspicions.

As the guards escorted Commander Ali away, Millicent turned to Desmond with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Desmond smiled, feeling a sense of triumph in protecting the girl he cared for. "I'll always look out for you," he vowed.