Devil’s Bodyguard

Asura Castillo watched the ugly block of gold called the emperor on the throne as he stared back at him.

The wealth and power of Phoenicia were reflected in the figure through his golden clothing and through the luxurious palace.

Precious stones, rare wood, and carved crystals made up the four walls of the throne room and even the plush carpet on the floor came from the skin of a nearly extinct creature.

So much wealth that was wasted on luxury, Asura almost clicked his tongue wanting to trample the palace to bits. Just the other night, he had seen villages with houses made of nothing more than straw and stone. Just the other week, he had seen villagers starving out on the streets.

Yet, here was an emperor who couldn't b.a.r.e to not spend his wealth on his palace. Once he got what he wanted...He would change that…

That was the only thought in his mind as he turned from the throne room and walked out. Royal guards shut the door behind him and Asura didn't even give them a glance.

He continued walking past beautiful lush gardens full of precious blooming flowers and over the cherry wood bridge flanking a pond full of fat koi fish. Until the residence granted by the emperor of Phoenicia came into view. It was luxurious but Asura could hardly care about the details as he hurried into the residence.

"Have you replaced all the servants?."

"Yes my lord," the familiar voice of Sebastion spoke out from the shadows.

"Alright. Which city after Carlisle? "

"After appearing in Carlisle, she went to Malo. We believe she will head to Blazing Phoenix City due to the appearance of a rare herb that is being promised in exchange for treatment."

"Oh, what herb?" another amused male voice asked.

Asura's head immediately turned to the source of the voice as Sebastion stepped out of the shadow to defend his master.

A handsome man leaned against the wall. His brown eyes displayed his amus.e.m.e.nt as his powerful aura clashed with Asura's aura. A bewitching smile hung on his thin lips that contrasted with his pure and elegant white robes.

"You again."

"Yup, I'm here again princeling! I'm surprised to see you in Blazing Phoenix City."

The man walked closer to Asura as his black hair fell over his shoulders in an inky waterfall. His movements were seductive and bewitching as if you could get lost in him just by watching.

However, this didn't affect Asura or Sebastion whose guards were up.

"Why are you here?" Asura's words were spat out between clenched teeth. He was tired of being played by this powerful man who came and went as he pleased. He never knew when his plans would be ruined by this man.

"I was bored and found something interesting in the city so naturally I came here to visit!"

There was a gentle smile plastered on the man's face as he casually walked around the residence, his hand tracing different pieces of art.

The worth of each piece was no less than six figures but he played around in the residence carelessly as if everything was simply common furniture that wouldn't be worth a single copper coin.

"I heard that you're looking for my darling, Sage?"

Asura's brow wrinkled upon hearing the word darling. He quietly wondered about the relationship between this man and Sage before tossing his theories into the trash.

This man was simply not trustworthy. Who knew if this was the Sage they were looking for? Even if he knew Sage, why would he give others this information?

Sebastion, at his side, carefully stared at the mysterious man and waited for his master to speak. There was silence for a moment before it was broken.

"If you're worried about my trickery, then simply pick the location and time. I will ask Sage to go there. It must be important if my princeling is looking for her so urgently."

Asura pondered for another moment before speaking, "What do you want in return?"

"My, aren't you a smart little princeling?"

The man grinned happily before he took out a painting and unfurled it. A young girl was drawn on the off white paper. Silver hair tumbled down her back and her purple eyes gave her an otherworldly aura. Her clothes were simple but made from exquisite materials, the light purple embordered with orchids complimenting her perfectly.

She was beautiful with the distinct features of the original royal family. Fortunately or unfortunately, the traits of the royal family were becoming less and less important so who knows what kind of life, the girl in the painting lived.

Asura stared at the painting for several seconds before realization hit him.

"She's from the royal family. The only connection I have with them would be the marriage to Phoenicia. Is she my fiancee?"

"Perhaps. She only comes of age in about two years but I do not find the nobles in Blazing Phoenix City pleasing. I can manipulate the situation of the royal family so that she becomes your fiancee though. I want you to take care of her. I am not asking you to love her. As long as she lives happily, it is fine."

"You are handing your weakness by allowing her to marry me. You understand that, correct?"