25 Fire (1/2)

Erwin was writing a letter to one of his subordinates in his room . Zen and Neil were coming out of the royal Chamber . Alisha stood before them with her long hair waving left to right .

”Do you need something ?” Zen questioned removing his eyeglasses .

”No.... actually yes . Erwin keeps complaining that you don't give him much time . So I was hoping if you could meet him like he came all the way from Edolas to meet you right ?”

”Now is not the time for that . I'm busy I have an important meeting with the vice chancellors. I'll talk to you later . ”

”But .. Zen ! I know . You can just postpone it right you are the king after all !” Her eyes glowed . Neil sensed she wanted to say something . Zen was in a hurry he sighed and marched forward .

”Come on Neil we are getting late !”

”Yes My lord . ”Alisha caught Neil by his sleeve and flashed 2 fingers indicating she wanted to talk to him something . Neil managed to avoid Zen noticing him not following him .

”What is it My lady ? Is there something you want to talk to me about ?”

”Oh yes . Neil I know this is out of the blue and you will probably not believe me but this is just a hunch ,  an internal feeling . I want to support for this . Will you perhaps help me out ?”

”My lady ! What's on your mind ?” Neil stood there speechless. What Alisha said was something nobody would even attempt to think about. Worst comes worst she would have to face Zen's wrath if she were to be wrong.

*******************

It was dinner time . Zen was exhausted with meetings and addressings . The grand dining hall was quiet . Everyone took their seats. Mihaya prepared a delicious looking dinner . Salad and desserts also not to mention the side  dishes smelled good. Lamb was the key ingredient . Earlier dinners were considered to be just times or means that would full stomachs and satisfy the basic physiological functions but  now it meant much more . It was to spend times , share one's events of the day . Meals would seem incomplete if Alisha wasn't present.

All of a sudden....Something happened . A strange smell. Smell of cellulose . Burning paper. There was smoke covering the walls of the palace . Zen realised it was a fire . Neil ran towards the approaching smoke . Black . With great difficulty to breathe he went in and shivered . A fire in the most crucial parts of the palace . The forbidden place . The department of royal Intel and heritage was at fire. Neil froze but seeing Alisha take action put off the fire he gave her a hand as well. With a fire extinguisher the fire couldn't calm . Erwin used his powers to completely shut down the burning flame. He was proficient in the use of ice and water . Complete contrast with Zen.

”What the hell happened here ”

Zen spoke clenching his teeth he couldn't begun to imagine the loss .

The maids stood aside .

”How did a fire broke out here ? Wasn't the safety already ensured ?” He asked looking at Neil .

”Your Majesty ! This can only happen if someone else other than yourself has access to this room . ”

”How can that be ? The lock to this room is Saraha's. ... and only Erwin and I are the only ones who have it then how is it that it was unlocked ?”

”Then could it be that Sir Erwin tried to open it . Or should I say that all this was your doing ?” Alisha spoke folding her arms.

”Excuse me ! Are you blaming me ? How dare you ? If it was someone else I wouldn't care  their life for putting such a blame on me.  How can you even think of it ?” He said raising his brow .

”Obviously you have the key . Zen wouldn't possibly want to burn all his treasury . Who would want to do it unless they hold something against him ?”

”Miss what are you plotting ? It's utter nonsense !”

”Alisha ! I'm not speaking doesn't mean you blabber anything !”

”But Zen... I have ....”

”Just shut up ! Go to your room at once ! ” He said pointing  on the other side .