Previously...

"Lilah, I won't let anything happen to you." He thought of his beloved mate and cried.

The palace was quiet and peaceful. The servants were thankful that Hiram didn't suspect them. Till now, they hadn't found anything about his plans. They had to warn the King and Queen. But for what?

Only one thing was clear: Hiram wanted the Naag Mani desperately.
The question about its location was on many lips, but no one knew the answer.

Trying to decipher where the Naag Mani might be, Hiram was found sitting on the throne. With a map of the whole kingdom in his hand, he ogled at it in concentration.

"You must be hidden somewhere here only, my precious jewel. Come soon to papa," Hiram said.

"I have waited more than enough for my full powers! This is my only chance," he said loudly in a furious tone.

The butler watched Hiram from a distance. Stroking his chin, he thought that Hiram's plan had to be discovered soon. He couldn't let him ruin the royal family. He was disturbed from his thoughts when he heard a knock.

With a surprised look on his face, he opened the main door of the castle. In front of him, stood a man. The butler couldn't see the man's face clearly as it was covered by a scarf.

"Who wears a scarf in summer?" the butler thought.

"Who are you?" the butler asked suspiciously.

"I am here to meet minister Hiram," the man answered.

"Who are you?" the butler pressed his question irritatedly.

"Top man," was the curt reply.

With a questioning look on his face, the butler asked the man to wait outside. Reaching towards Hiram, he bowed down grumbling under his breath.

"What do you want?" Hiram's voice boomed in the silent castle.

"Your Majesty, a man says he is here to meet you. But I find him suspicious."

"Who is it?" Hiram asked curiously.

"He calls himself top man."

"Where is he?" Hiram asked happily.

"I told him to wait outside."

"You imbecile! He is my top man. He shouldn't be left outside. Bring him in."

"My apologies, I will bring him right away." He bowed hastily and ran to bring in the visitor.

The man entered and bowed down to Hiram.

"You may leave," Hiram ordered the butler, who left immediately.

Hiram was smiling very happily. It might look like a happy one to himself, but to the man in front of him, it looked eerie.

The man removed his scarf, revealing himself to be none other than Zuber...

"How is my beloved niece?" Hiram jeered. "I hope you are taking good care of her."

"I sure am, but that little monster is very stubborn." Zuber scowled.

Hiram laughed darkly. His expression changed to a dangerous smirk. His eyes blazed with fury.

"Stubborn or whatever, nothing will work for her."

"I will kill her if she defies you!" Zuber screamed angrily.

"Calm down my boy, we don't want anyone to hear us, do we?" Hiram said and patted Zuber's back.

"You are right, Master. What shall be done with her?"

"I will tell you that later. For now, show her your best hospitality. She won't get any later." Hiram laughed bitterly. "I need her for a very special job.

Zuber joined him in the laughter, his eyes sparkling angrily. "After she's done with you, I will kill her!"

"After I get what I want, she is all yours. Do as you please."

"I wish I could be like you one day, Master. You are a genius," Zuber said.

"I know that too. My foolish brother and his equally dumb wife. Haha! They left the whole kingdom to me. Imagine my luck!" 

"I don't know why I never got to be king. But soon, I will get the throne and my precious Naag Mani too," Hiram said, stroking the crown where the jewel missed. His eyes sparkled with an eerie light.

"What's Naag Mani?" Zuber asked, curiosity evident on his handsome face.

"You seem to be very eager, I must say."

"For you, Master, if I know what that is, I can help you in your mission. I am very fortunate to be under your command."

"Patience, my boy. Everything will be revealed soon."

Zuber bowed down to him. "As you wish, Master."

"You may leave now. We don't want our little bird to escape. Make sure she doesn't suspect you in any case."

"I will make that sure," Zuber said and turned to leave. His serious expression lightened down, breaking into a beautiful smile.

While walking away, he happened to notice a figure peeking into Hiram's room. He went forward, noticing the same man who had opened the door for him.

"What are you doing here?" Zuber whispered. Dragging him along with him, they reached the main door together.

"None of your business, intruder," the butler replied harshly, tugging his arm out of Zuber's hold.

"I have every right to know," Zuber said as his gaze softened.

The butler looked at him in surprise and asked, "Who are you? I have been watching your every word and move."

"What do you mean?" Zuber tensed up. 

"You are trying your best to be evil, but you can't fool me. I can see right through your facade."

"How do you know?" Zuber asked, bewildered.

"It's so obvious you like the princess. It's written all over your face."

Zuber stood with a shocked expression and dropped his jaw. He composed himself quickly, however, his cheeks still remained flushed.

"So, I was right in my assumption."

"How?"

"My boy, I was watching you attentively to analyze whether you were a threat or not. I can say surely that you are not a foe."

"What gave me away?"

"Your eyes, young man," the butler said and paused.

Looking around he said, "When your body language says one thing and your eyes another, it can only mean one thing-- you are lying."

The butler looked at Zuber intently. "Why are you doing this?"

Zuber smiled at the butler, reminiscing his father while looking at the old man. He cupped his mouth, motioning the butler towards him.

He whispered something in the butler's ear. The butler's face changed its looks from surprise to bewilderment and then to happiness.

Zuber then asked the butler for some drawing paper and colored chalks. "She will recognize her paints," he said thoughtfully. 

The butler nodded knowingly and rushed to get the materials. Returning shortly, he handed Zuber the supplies.

"Thank you, sir," Zuber said, smiling brightly at him. "She will love it."

"Anything for the Princess. Bring her home soon. Everyone is worried about her," the butler said sadly while opening the door for Zuber.

"I promise she will be home soon. Safe and sound."

"Good luck, top man," the butler whispered as he closed the door of the once happy castle.

Hey people! How are you all? I hope you are having a great time. Were you shocked to find Zuber in the castle? More importantly, he is working for Hiram! I know, I know he is on the good side. I wouldn't break your hearts by making him the bad guy.

The butler is a wise old man, he didn't fall for Zuber's act. Well, Hiram? Haha! Who says villains can't be dumb?

What do you think will be Kyrah's reaction upon seeing the supplies? Will Kyrah ever find out about Zuber's mission? Will she ever know about her beloved uncle's betrayal? Stay tuned to find out...

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