《The Purge》 Chapter 1 The silver moon was shining into her window, the sound of a battle being fought down stair sipped through her door. Tears of fear were streaming down her face, her hands, no her whole body trembled. Her father, Biran Giora, who was head of one of the nine mayor houses in the empire, had ignored all the signs. Her stepmother, Aviv Giora, had chuckled it up to be a sick joke. But she knew what was waiting for them, as soon as they were not allowed in the Temple of the Volaris, the Goddess of Honor and Strength. She knew it when one of the servants found a boutique of bloody black roses at the front door of the Giora mansion. The subtle jet clear warnings, and still no one, not even the servants listened to her. Which was not surprising, she was the daughter of a servant, who had crawled into their masters bed. Even when they knew that her mother didn¡¯t had much choice in the matter. But that didn¡¯t matter, she was nothing more then the bastard daughter of the duke, and what did she know about politics. What did she knew about the PURGE? It was something that didn¡¯t happen often, and could only be done when the Emperor, Chezi Oran, himself gave permission. She slowly shook her head, and her long black hair waved before her head. She knew enough, she knew that Chezi Oran was the nephew of the current head of the House of Eldar, and that he, the Emperor, didn¡¯t have any backbone when it came to his uncle. And she had hoped that her father knew that too, Unfortunately for her, this was not the case. She sighed and tried to calm herself down. The guards would stop them, who was she kidding. Apparently herself. Most of the guards, if they were smart, had either deserted their duty, shifted their allegiance, or were fighting to the death. And she couldn''t blame them, either. She only wished that she had the same luxury. The nine mayor houses of the Empire were, Eldar, Oran, Moriel, Barkai, Tzviel, Shilo, Cherut, Aharon and Giora. But now this house was about to fall, wiped out not only by name, but their name will be removed from the History of the Empire. Screams from people, maybe her spoiled half siblings, echoed through her mind. The scream only lasted for as long as it did, followed by silence. Dead silence. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE. ¡°I am the dukes bastard.¡± Ginat nodded towards the dagger in her hand which trembled like a leave in an autumn storm. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE ¡°PURGE ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 2 ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE was an order from the Emperor¡­¡± His father started. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE, do you know how?¡± She wanted to shake her head, she didn¡¯t know what he was talking about. But then again she had heard about members escaping the PURGE of their family, all of them were women and all of them changed names by¡­ She gasped, no that can¡¯t be it. The Black Wolf would never ¡­ ¡°I already hoped that you were a sharp one, good I can¡¯t stand stupidity. That is maybe why I couldn¡¯t stand your father. But yes, he is willing to marry you, so that you can life. Only if you are willing of course, but to be honest with you. What other choice do you have?¡± ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 3 ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE. But that means that those dresses are for you,¡± he said and started to clap in excitement. ¡°I have waited for this day for so long, I love what you are wearing now. Simple but efficient, a blouse with a loose skirt, but I do not see the belt that is holding the skirt up. Oh, I see, it is under the loose fabric, very cleaver. Alright, if you can stand up for me, then I can take your measurements for your wedding dress and all the other dresses as well.¡± She stood up and he looked at her with a frown. ¡°Oh now I see why this combination was chosen. It is worse then I remembered. I am going to make five dresses with a bust that I can replace over time.¡± She nodded, and he went to work with his a measuring tape. The perfume merchant was busy placing all his merchandise on the coffee table. One of which was the same blue bottle with a dragon head on top. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 4 Ginat jumped up as the emperor Chezi Oran, entered the room. With his face as red as his hair, the sky blue eyes of the young man were burning with unanswered hatred. Who landed on Meyda, his hand went towards his sword and draw it. Meyda jumped up from her seat as well but she tripped over her long skirt. Ginat was to cut up with the emperor, to react in time. All he heard was a loud bang behind him and when he turned around he saw her laying on the ground with a wound on her head. She had hit her head against the coffee table during her fall, her eyes were closed. ¡°Meyda!¡± he screamed and knelt down beside her. The emperor behind him snorted, but he didn¡¯t pay his cousin any mind at all. Once again Meyda was hurt, but this time it happened in his own house, with him right beside her and he was not able to protect her. ¡°Mister Artel, get the doctor.¡± ¡°On it,¡± Mister Artel replied. ¡°Excuse me your highness, but there is a damsel in the stress.¡± ¡°That bitch is no damsel and you should watch your mouth.¡± Chezi snapped towards Mister Artel, Ginat shock his head and softly picked Meyda up. ¡°Where do you think, you are going with her? She is going to die! Just like the rest of that Giora scum,¡± Chezi screamed, while blocking the door. ¡°She is no longer part of that family, cousin. You just interrupted her dress fitting, and tomorrow she will no longer be a Giora. She will be a Eldar.¡± Ginat said, trying to stay calm. Chezi was always a person that let him self control by emotions, ever since they were young. But right now he was going to the extreme. Which was understandable Meyda¡¯s father was behind the murder of Chezi¡¯s fianc¨¦e, Amirit Nir, only because he wanted her for himself. But she had rejected him, so the Old Crow killed her for it. That was the final push the Emperor needed to sign the PURGE warrant, something the other major houses had begged him to do for years. ¡°Meyda is a victim of the Giora family, just as much as the rest of us.¡± ¡°How can she be a victim of the Giora family, she is one herself and you will kill her here and now, cousin. Otherwise I will consider you a treator of the crown.¡± Chezi snapped at him. Ginat narrowed his eyes and looked at him. Now he was acting like a spoiled child that didn¡¯t get his way, throwing threats around like a fool. Ginat asked Meyda for forgiveness, he placed her on the ground and started to loose up the buttons of her blouse. ¡°Ginat, stop that. I will talk to Chezi, just take her to her room and let doctor Ortal look at her latest wound.¡± his father said. Ginat nodded, picked Meyda up again. ¡°Let him through nephew.¡± Chezi stepped aside and Ginat could walk passed him. Meyda lay lifeless in his arms, and this was all Chezi¡¯s fault. He walked the stairs for the second time in two day, with her in this state inside his arms. He entered her bedroom, and Shefi, the maid with blond hair, rushed towards him. ¡°My Lord, what happened?¡± she asked, he was not able to answer her, because the doctor Ortal entered the room. He didn¡¯t ask, probably Mister Artel had told him the whole story, but went straight to work. Ginat clenched his fists, it was strange. Never before in his life he had felt so useless, not when his mother died during childbirth, which also resulted in the death of his youngest brother. Not during the war, when he got hurt and almost lost his leg. He sat down on a chair and looked at the woman with night sky blue hair and pink eyes, some buttons of her blouse were still open. The necklace he had given her this morning lay on her chest. He looked at the girl and then sighed. He kept staring at her in the hope that his gaze alone would wake her up. ******* ¡°What in all the Gods names were you thinking!¡± Sayar shouted, the boy in front of him might be the emperor. But he was also his beloved sisters son, and he had just shown how much growing up he needed to do. The perfume merchant saw this as the opportunity to leave the room, which was a smart move on his part. ¡°But uncle,¡± Chezi said, in a whimpering voice that resembled a child. He has risen to the throne far to soon, all because his parents left him far to soon. But now it was up to Sayar to beat, verbally, some common sense into him. Before he makes a mistake that could lead to an uprising. ¡°She is¡­¡± ¡°As much a victim of that family as Amirit was.¡± He finished his nephew¡¯s sentence. ¡°Or were you so overpowered with anger that you overlooked the fact that she resembles more the walking death, then a living person.¡± Chezi slowly shock his head. ¡°Be assured that the lady was mentally, and fiscally abused by every member of that family, even the servants.¡± And he then started to tell Chezi, what Ginat has told him. ¡°I hope you are lying, uncle. Otherwise that Old Crow was more sick in the head then we first thought.¡± Chezi said. ¡°I wish that I could, but I have seen the brushes myself. I have to confess, that I have not seen the scars with my own eyes. But I believe the doctor, my eldest son and the two maids. But her whole behavior was all the prove that I need, she those not look someone in the eye. She was overwhelmed by the fact that she was allowed to chose five dresses and three perfume scents. You know what she said when Ginat gave her the necklace?¡± Chezi again shock his head. ¡°I do not know if I am worthy, to wear such a beautiful thing. And please tell me that you saw that she was not wearing any other jewelry besides that and those small hairpins.¡± This time Chezi nodded. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°That was indeed something I noticed. But even so uncle, that those not change that Genat had refused my direct order. To kill all who wear the name Giora, this girl is still wearing that name. If she wished to escape that fate then she should have done so long before that order fall.¡± Chezi said, he was right about that. It was indeed something the girl could have done. ¡°Do you honestly think that the Old Crow would have allowed that?¡± he then asked Chezi, hoping that the boy was able to use that brain of his. Chezi placed his hand against his chin, and really took his time to think about the answer. But shock his head. ¡°No, I do not think that he would have let her go. But still uncle she asked to marry¡­¡± Chezi started, but Sayar raised his hand up, which made him stop. ¡°She was prepared to die, nephew. She knew what was going on, and what Ginat came there to do. And she asked him two things, is it going to hurt and if he could give her a huge.¡± Sayar said and he looked at Chezi how now looked shocked. ¡°He replied to the first one, just a little. And yes he has given her that huge. And from what he told me, that is when the girl released all her tears and after that collapsed. Which leads us to the here and now, the girl still lives and tomorrow is going to be Ginat¡¯s wife. Because he has simply not the heart to kill this poor young woman, who as a final request only wanted a simple hug.¡± Chezi walked towards one of the sofa¡¯s, the one that was being used by Meyda and Ginat, before he barged in. ¡°I can not believe it. Ginat¡¯s sense for duty was broken, by a request for a huge.¡± Chezi said, disbelieve was audible in his voice. But Sayar saw on the boy¡¯s face that the truth of this all finally sunk in. ¡°No not only by that, she is quiet beautiful as well. Even if her skin is a bit to pale, and fallen in. But that can be cured by some time in the sun and a good diet. But uncle, a cunning man like you most know that I, am not the only one who is going to raise his voice. The woman will not be completely safe. You menaced to talk me down, but I highly doubt you are able to do that with the other houses. Especially Karniel, or have you forgotten that the wife of Mazor Karniel, Sharon Karniel, was after all Amarit¡¯s older sister.¡± ¡°That is why I sent those invitations, for a small banquet and reception for all the heads of those said houses. Including the Karniel family. It was to place all those things out an in the open. So that they can see the mistreatment for themselves. And I know that even that will not be enough, but that is all I am willing to put that girl through. What she need right now is some peace, quiet and some extra meat upon those bones. After that a tutor to teach her etiquette, bookkeeping, dancing, horseback ridding. I already covered how to drink tea properly, so that is something.¡± Sayar said, and also he sat down. His right hand on his temple, ¡°but the girl is smart, and that will be a huge bonus.¡± ¡°And what about the consummation?¡± Chezi said. ¡°I doubt that some major families wouldn¡¯t except this as a paper marriage only. I have to be honest here uncle, I wouldn¡¯t except it.¡± Sayar nodded. ¡°I already told her, that it is going to expected of her. That was late last night, when Ginat was not in the room. And before he proposed to her, so she excepted him with this knowledge.¡± Sayar said with a sigh. He looked over his shoulder to one of the windows. ¡°But even with a white sheet covered in a virgins blood, she will not be excepted as a woman of her own. She will always be known as that Old Crows, bastard daughter. That man has committed so much crimes, forcing himself upon women, and killing Amarit were only the top of the iceberg. And she has probably witnessed, her stepmother and half-siblings doing some crimes as well.¡± ¡°She has,¡± Mister Alter said, when he entered the room. ¡°I am sorry to barge in like this, and interrupt you my Lord. I just came here to tell you that the doctor has looked at the girl¡¯s head wound. It is not deep and would not leave a scare, Meyda is also awake and as far the doctor could tell has no lasting damage from hitting the head. He wanted to tell you this himself, but I offered to do it instead. Because I would pass by this room on my way to the front door.¡± He bowed. ¡°Meyda, has seen many horrors in that house. She told me once I treated one of her wounds, after she got beaten by her younger brother, with a belt. I have to confess, that I am a coward and was not in the position to help her when that happened. But she will tell you, all their dirty secrets once she is ready to open up.¡± ¡°What did her stepmother do, when she got beaten by the son?¡± Chezi asked. ¡°She laughed, together with her daughter. The Old Crow came in later and stopped the boy. He forbade it, but he didn¡¯t punish the boy. Or helped Meyda standing up, he only commented about the mess she was making with her blood.¡± Mister Artel said, and he bowed his head. Sayar could see some traces of disgust on the man¡¯s face. Disgust for what happened, and the disgust for himself because he was not able to help the girl at the time. ¡°But I have to go, my workers are already working hard on the wedding attire of both the Lady and the Lord. It will become night work, but it will be worth it.¡± He said and left. Sayar watched the man¡¯s back. Mister Artel was the most beloved designer inside the empire. And his ability to write down stuff with his mind, even when the paper was not in sight came in handy when his workers were already working on an order and were still in need of the measurements. ¡°I am going to check upon my future daughter in law.¡± Sayar said. ¡°Please sit down and take some tea, before you go home. But I think it is for the best if you leave her be for today.¡± Chezi nodded. Sayar left the room with a sigh. This small interruption of their otherwise peaceful day, was only the foreshadowing for things to come, from that he was sure. Chapter 5 The morning came a bit to early to her liking, today would be her wedding day. A day she never hoped to dreamed of, but today it was finally here. Meyda slowly opened her eyes, and looked around the ivory, blue and golden room. Her eyes fall on a sleeping Ginat, while he sat in a chair. He was wearing the same simple black shirt and trousers as yesterday, not all the other stuff gentleman would wear. Her gaze took him in, she was now able to do that with out him noticing. The man had the build of a warrior, brought shoulders, strong arms and legs, but his face was soft and had gentle features. The door of the room opened and Aleen stepped in with a tray in her hands. The brown haired woman wanted to say something, but Meyda placed quickly her finger before her lips, while she pointed with her other hand towards Ginat. Aleen nodded, and then motioned with her head towards the bathroom. Meyda nodded and quickly rushed out of the bed, something she was not allowed to do yesterday, after she bumped her head against the coffee table. Ginat didn¡¯t even allow her to sit on the balcony with a good book, come to think of it, she was only allowed to read after Sayar Eldar brought her some books and told Ginat to light up. Meyda closed the door behind her with a sigh. Aleen snickered and placed the tray on a small table that was normally used reading in the bathtub. ¡°I am going to prepare your bath, my Lady.¡± she said, and went to work under the watchful eye of Meyda, who in turn eat her breakfast, which was the same as yesterday. Boiled egg, broth, fruit, and a piece of bread with a red meat pasta. Her both was full, by the time she placed the last bite of the bread in her mouth. She undressed herself before stepping into the tub, again the warm water welcomed her body. And small pains, she didn¡¯t knew she had, were starting to diseapper. She didn¡¯t know how grateful she could be for just warm water. Aleen started to wash her back when a knock landed on the door. ¡°Meyda are you in there?¡± It was Ginat, he had woken up and found her bed empty. ¡°Yes, I am in here, with Aleen.¡± she replied, ¡°and yes I have eaten breakfast.¡± she quickly added before he was able to ask anything more. ¡°Go get ready, I will meet you at the bottom of the stairs.¡± There came a strange sound through the door, was he laughing? She looked over her shoulder and saw that Aleen also reacted to the strange sound. ¡°Alright, I will see you then.¡± He said and then he walked away. The two women looked at each other, but there were no words being shared. Bath time was not as long as it was yesterday. Aleen rubbed her dry, and wrapped her hair. Aleen guided her to the vanity table and started to brush her hair. A knock landed on the door. ¡°Wedding dress delivery,¡± mister Alter called and Aleen let him in. ******* Meyda stood on top of the stairs in her black wedding dress, and it was growing on her with every step she was taking. It was a layered dress and the top had a heavy golden embroidery, with some small hints of a wolf in them, the crest of house Eldar. Her back was complete open, so that her scars were visible for anybody to see. This was according to mister Alter, Sayar¡¯s idea to create sympathy by the members of the other houses. Her jewelry set was selected by Ginat, all of them were golden with night sky blue sapphires. She however didn¡¯t wear the hails mister Alter had prepared for her, she didn¡¯t know how to walk on them and with her recent fall, she simply didn¡¯t want to risk it. Luckily for her mister Alter agreed, and to her surprise he had back-ups. Her gaze went down the stairs were she spotted Ginat waiting for her, in a suite that matched her dress. Black with golden embroidery, he was wearing a cape over one shoulder, on there the crest of house Eldar. He was looking at her with an emotion she didn¡¯t rekonize, She looked down the stairs and placed her feet on the first step, then he rushed up and took her arm. ¡°This is your first time wearing a dress of this size, so you might not being used to it. Lean on me and everything will be fine.¡± He said softly, she nodded and let him guide her down the stairs, and out of the door. The carriage ride was uneventful, they stopped at the temple park. The temple had always being a symbol of hope for her, every month she was allowed to step out of the house, to join her family on their visit to the Temple of the Volaris, the Goddess of Honor and Strength. It was the moment that she was able to breath, feel the sun on her skin and her stepmother and half-siblings were on their best behavior to safe face. How many times has she visited the place in the hope that a member of a major or minor house noticed how skinny she was, how many times she had hoped that her family would slip up and their abuse to her became visible to the world. But besides Dorian Eldar, nobody noticed it, and her family never mistreated her inside this park. Ginat stepped out of the carriage and offered her his hand. A small crowed of gentlemen and ladies gathered around them, the man were wearing similar capes as Ginat, all with the crests of their houses. The Emperor was there too, and also he had his hand out stretched to her. She took both hands and stepped carefully out of the carriage. The Emperor leaned towards her. ¡°I am sorry, about me behavior yesterday.¡± He whispered, she nodded towards him. Not knowing why he was that angry, but he had probably a very good reason for it. Some people in the crowed started to murmur among themselves. ¡°She is very pretty, I can see why Ginat was being seduced.¡± ¡°That girl, is a Giora, it those not matter if she was the Old Crows bastard.¡± Those were only the few sentences she was able to pick out, but Ginat ignored them. He simply placed her hand on his arm and started to head for the entrance of the temple. That is when her back was towards the crowed, and now some of them started to gasp when their eyes fall upon the scars. And her very bony back, this is what the Grey Fox, Sayar, wanted them to see. A priest with long black hair met them at the door, his eyes were not iron grey like Ginat or his father, but they had a small hint of green. But this was the friendly priest, Dorian Eldar, Ginat¡¯s younger brother. ¡°Welcome, inside the house of Volaris, the Goddess of Honor and Strength. Who has come before her servant?¡± ¡°Ginat of house Eldar,¡± Ginat replied. ¡°Meyda of the fallen house Giora,¡± Meyda followed him. ¡°I ask that her servant to look past my shameful families name, I might be my father¡¯s daughter, but he and the rest of the Giora family were not good to me.¡± Dorian nodded with approval, Sayar had taught her what to say. ¡°Her servant, will look past your name, daughter of the fallen house Giora. Please enter and state your business before the Goddess.¡± Dorian said, with a simple nod and motion of his hand. The priest who was wearing black robes with golden embroidery only the symbols were a lot smaller and almost not noticeable. The temple was completely build out of the purest of black marble stone. Meyda remembered how she sat on the wooden benches, looking up towards the statue of the Goddess, who with her stone cold gaze stared at her. Judging her for her lack of strength. ¡°She didn¡¯t judge you for your lack of strength,¡± could Dorian read minds. ¡°No, I can hear however the Goddess, who can read minds. She didn¡¯t judge you, she judged your family for their lack of honor. You have shown more strength in your short life then most men that are now walking behind you. That is why I, after I told your father the news about the excommunication, asked you how you were doing. The Goddess knew the fate that would await you if you stayed, but you embraced that fate with a shinny spine. Volaris, is very proud of you Meyda.¡± She lowered her head just a little bit and sighed. ¡°I am grateful to the Goddess,¡± she replied. She then looked up towards the large marble statue of the Goddess, her statue was of a young woman, with long hair. In her hands she was holding two swords, one the blade was upwards towards the heavens which resembled Honor. Only the heavens can judge who is honorable or not. The other blade, pointed towards the floor, resembling Strength. Strength was more then only physical, it was also mentally. And not all battles could be won with the sword, some are won with the mind. It is funny how Sayar embodies both of those aspects, and that both his sons were divided. The Black Wolf a warrior, and Dorian the priest. She then glanced over to Ginat, how in return looked at her. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Just wait a few minutes, and after that you are free of your families name.¡± he whispered in her ear. If it was only this simple, she wanted to glance over her shoulder. Knowing that some of the people behind her, would hardly disagree with him. Dorian turned around and the people behind the couple took place on the benches. ¡°The Goddess, who is the protector of this Empire and creature of this temple, is rejoiced about the fact that those two are standing here together. Ready to join hands, and build a life with each other. They entered this temple as two different people, they will leave as a unit.¡± Dorian stated. ¡°Lets hear the vows.¡± Meyda and Ginat turned towards each other. ¡°Meyda, you are the strongest person I ever met. Not physically of course, but mentally. We met when I entered your filthy and rather cold room in the tower during your families PURGE. And you were ready to die. Instead of begging for your life, you asked me if it was going to hurt, and if I could give you a huge. You didn¡¯t ask me to marry you, you didn¡¯t need to. Because in that short period of time, I knew that I was not able to kill you. I knew that your only option was to marry someone, and that someone was going to be me. With my honor, I will serve you. With my strength, I will protect you.¡± Ginat said. She bit softly on her lip, knowing full well why he said all those little details about what happened, in his vows. Sayar had told them about what the Emperor had told him, the simple rumor that she had asked him to marry her. ¡°Ginat, I honestly do not know you that well. And how could I? I was not allowed to leave the house, besides my monthly visit to this temple. But from the brief moment that we spend together, I have learned how overbearing you could be. I might be naive, and the farthest of a perfect Lady. I will learn and try to be a dutiful wife to you. And a Lady of house Eldar. With my honor, I will serve you. With my strength, I will protect you.¡± She didn¡¯t look at him, she looked at the pin on his tie. Which was golden with a night sky blue sapphire. There was a small chain connecting the pin with the pin on his chest, which was shaped like a wolf that was holding the chain in his mouth. It was a fun, but small detail. But then she became shocked by a bright white light that surrounded her and him. ¡°The Goddess, herself has approved of this match. There is no one who can protest against it,¡± Dorian said, surprise was audible in his voice. So this was not something that happened often. Now that she thought about it, she never heard about a couple that was blessed by the Goddess. Only individual people, and even that was rare. Not even the first Emperor that created the nation was blessed by the Goddess. The white light subsided, and they were left standing baffled. What those this mean? ********* Music was filling the ballroom, there were some couples dancing, some people were eating the small pieces of food that were provided by the Eldar family. Sayar¡¯s gaze went over the guests the day went as he had planned, a lot of those who came for Giora blood were taken a back by seeing Meyda¡¯s scars. Even more were shocked after hearing what really transpired inside that tower room, he knew that a lot of Meyda¡¯s future battles were won with that alone. Some more battles could be added, but not by his actions. The Goddess decided to bless this marriage, which was the first time in history. He would love to know why, maybe Dorian could tell him when he got time. His gaze fall upon his youngest daughter Katelin and her husband, Mozmor Aleem. Mozmor was the head of his family, a minor house who always showed loyalty towards the Giora family, until Mozmor took the position and bend his knee before him. His reasoning, was that the Old Crow couldn''t be trusted. He was right of course, but that was neither here or there. Sayar walked over to them. ¡°Hello father,¡± Katelin greeted him with a smile. Mozmor simply nodded and took another sip of his drink. ¡°I thought that I would never see this day coming, my big brother married.¡± Sayar nodded, Ginat never showed interest in marriage before. ¡°The right woman, can change a man¡¯s mind and view on things.¡± Sayar said. Mozmor said something along the line of an agreement. ¡°But,¡± he added, ¡°I never thought that it would be the Old Crow¡¯s bastard daughter. I remember my father¡¯s word about this girl very well. ¡®That poor thing, Zohara is turning in her grave.¡¯ I only do not know what that means.¡± Sayar frowned, those were indeed strange words. Then something hit him, Mozmor¡¯s grandfather was not a saint either, and had married multiple women. One of his last wives was pretty young when she gave birth to a daughter. Sayar remembered the bride as a woman with red eyes and night sky blue hair, she passed her hair onto her daughter. Who had pink eyes. He tried to think about what happened to the daughter, after Mozmor¡¯s grandfather passed away and his father took over as head of the family. It didn¡¯t matter for now, now he wanted to discuss something else. ¡°Katelin, I want to ask a favor of you?¡± he started. ¡°Meyda does know nothing about etiquette, bookkeeping and all that other stuff that would make her a lady. Ar you willing to tutor her?¡± his daughter looked at him, as if he became a mad man. But then her gaze shifted toward Meyda. Who looked like a lost puppy inside the ballroom, to afraid to offend anybody, so she was silent, her gaze cast towards the floor. ¡°She will be an easy student, she is pretty smart.¡± His daughter shock hes head and sighed. ¡°I will start with her the day after tomorrow, first etiquette, then bookkeeping.¡± she said. ¡°She is after all family now.¡± He nodded and smiled, he knew that his daughter would say yes. ¡°But, father am I crazy or is Ginat pretending to be drunk?¡± His gaze snapped towards his eldest son, who was wobbling on his feet. While he tried to make his way towards his new wife. ¡°He is, a lot of the people will not except Meyda¡¯s marriage until it is consummated. But the girl has been through hell and back, so he is pretending to be drunk to give her a way out. At least for tonight.¡± Sayar said. Katelin shock once again her head. ¡°The things we do for love.¡± she said with a smile. ¡°I better get over there and help him with his act, as a responsible younger sister.¡± She walked of, and grabbed Ginat by the arm. ¡°Meyda, can you help me. I think my brother had one to many.¡± Meyda looked up and rushed towards them. ¡°Just take his other arm, and we both guide him out of the room.¡± ¡°My wife is an incredible woman, loving, dutiful and smart. I still do not know why you gave your consent for our marriage.¡± Mazmor said. ¡°Easy, she would have married you anyway. It was either that or lose her, so that choice was not hard at all. I love my daughter, and I am able to see that you are treating her like a queen. But Mazmor if you ever think of straying¡­¡± Sayar said and Mazmor nodded. ¡°Sir, I fear the wrath of my wife more then I fear you. And I know what you can do. I am not my grandfather, or my father.¡± He said, and this at itself was already a good quality in Sayar¡¯s mind. ¡°Speaking about your grandfather, I wanted to ask you about some details.¡± Sayar started and then he started the whole story about one of the young brides of his grandfather and their daughter. ******* ¡°Thank you for your help, Katelin¡± Ginat said, as soon as they were out of ear shot. He could have known that she would figure out that he was faking it. He knew his limit when it came to alcohol and if he was honest with himself, he would say that he was not far from that limit. But he was not as drunk as he portrayed himself to be in the ballroom, but he hoped that he sold it pretty well. ¡°It has being my pleasure, big brother. And I think you sold it, take Meyda upstairs. She has being through quiet the event, and Meyda.¡± Katelin turned now to his new wife. ¡°Your lessons in etiquette, will begin the day after tomorrow, I will be your tutor. Father didn¡¯t want to invite more strangers into your life, so he asked me.¡± Meyda nodded and smiled. ¡°I hope that I will be a good student,¡± she said softly, this melted his heart. She was just so unsure of herself, that was something he needed to change. He needed to lift her up, and make her see that she is worthy. She is no longer the bastard daughter of a dead man, she was now his wife, a Lady of the Eldar family. She was beautiful and smart. ¡°You will be a very good student,¡± he interjected with a passion he didn¡¯t knew that he had in him. ¡°Again thank you, sister. Now I am going to take my wife upstairs.¡± Chapter 6 Meyda slowly opened her eyes, it was early in the morning. The sun was just beginning to rise, the birds in the garden were not even awake yet. She lifted her head and saw that she had fallen asleep upon Ginat¡¯s chest. Her mind just went back what happened last night, he was so mindful and careful last night. He kept reminding her that she was in control, even when he was entering her and shot of pain went through her body. But they needed to consummate this marriage, and after the shot of pain, she had entered the sea with waves of pleasure. Something she hadn¡¯t suspected that it would feel this good. She looked for the second day in a row at the sleeping face of the Black Wolf, he was rather handsome. And the rhythmic sound of his heartbeat and the slow rising and falling of his chest brought her back to sleep. ****** The next time she opened her eyes, Ginat was staring at her. With a huge smile on his face, she gave him a smile in return. ¡°Good morning, did you sleep well?¡± He asked his voice was still thick of sleep, his iron gray eyes were a bit foggy as well. She nodded as a reply to his answer, his bare chest was a very good pillow. ¡°So we are free today, no meetings, dress fittings, lessons. What do you want to do today?¡± She played with her mouth for a few seconds, that was a very good question. There were so many things she wanted to do, laying like this for the whole day was among them. But that could be viewed as lazy, and that was a word that didn¡¯t fit her. ¡°I think breakfast on the balcony, then you help me with my bath and a stroll through the garden.¡± She replied, his grin widened a little. ¡°A stroll?¡± he asked, playfully. ¡°Alright that sounds like plan, lets do it.¡± He pushed of the sheets and grabbed his pants that lay besides the bed. Quickly put it on, before he left the bedroom he turned around to say. ¡±I am going to warn the servants.¡± In other words get dressed, before they enter. She chuckled softly put on a robe, and opened the door to the balcony. A couple of Goldcrests, a small bird with a yellow golden cap on top of their heads, were sitting on the banner. Not paying any attention towards her, while singing their love song in the golden rays of the sun. She sat down as softly as she could and listened. Ginat knocked before he set foot on the balcony, quickly she placed her finger in front of her mouth and pointed towards the birds. He nodded with a smile and also sat down, they stayed silent until the servants scared the birds by setting foot on the balcony, with loud voices. ¡°Do not worry, Goldcrests are very common inside this garden and they nest here often. You will see them, again. Or another couple of the same species.¡± She nodded slowly, while Aleen placed the breakfast tray on the small round table. It was the same type of food as the previous days, which she didn¡¯t mind. Everything was better then plain old bread every two days. Only Ginat was not amused by this, ¡°I know she need to eat well to gain some more weight and strength, but what happened to a variable diet?¡± Aleen bowed. ¡°I do not know, my Lord. I asked the cook the same question, and he said that this were the good doctors orders. But he is willing to change it up a little, have the eggs baked instead of cooked, another type of broth.¡± Aleen said. ¡°It is fine Ginat, and Aleen thank the cook for me. His food is the best food I have ever eaten.¡± Meyda said, which didn¡¯t say much, but she hoped that the man would take the compliment. ¡°Ginat and I are going to stroll through the garden later today. Can you arrange some tea and snacks in one of the pavilions?¡± She glanced over to Ginat who started to gleam with pride, not knowing why, but she was willing to take it. ¡°Yes, my Lady. Do you have one of the pavilions in mind?¡± Aleen replied and she shook her head. She has never being in the garden, so she wouldn''t know which pavilion to choice. ¡°Oh, what a stupid question. Never mind, I will inform my Lord which one is ready for use. I am going to confirm this with the gardeners first.¡± Ginat nodded, didn¡¯t he have a preference? Maybe not, otherwise he would have voiced it. She was sure about that. She picked up her spoon and started to eat her breakfast, the ¡­ came back and started to sing right away. Meyda placed some breadcrumbs on the palm of her hand, which were picked off rather quickly. ¡°That is your breakfast,¡± Ginat joked. ¡°You will never grow up, if you give it all away.¡± She chuckled softly. ¡°I am not going to die, if I give that little bit away,¡± she said and he nodded. ******* Ginat and Meyda were walking down the double staircase, Meyda was wearing another one of PURGE ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 7 ¡°Sit up straight, Meyda,¡± Katelin said in a stern voice. Meyda was already a week in her lessons, and it was to describe it, a lot. The various etiquette, for addressing someone above you, below you, how to speak to servants. Drink tea, eat a simple biscuit, how to dress, which jewelry to wear to which event. If she wanted to hold a tea party, who to invite, who not to invite. What kind of tea there needs to be served, what kind of snacks to serve. Then there was the history behind each major house, a ¡®brief¡¯ lesson in the current politics, horseback ridding, archery, self defense and then at last the dance lessons. And Meyda doubted if she was able to remember all of it, it was so much and normally this all is learned over time. But she needed to learn all of this in a few weeks. Katelin shock her head in frustration, Meyda could only hope that it was not aimed at her. She was doing her best, even though she fought an up hill battle of information. ¡°What was that old fox thinking. You are indeed smart there is no doubt about that, but sending towards a ball inside the Imperial Palace, were not only the nobility of the empire will be. But also guests from neighboring kingdoms.¡± Katelin placed her hands on her temples and started to rub them. Meyda gave her sister-in-law a sweet smile. ¡°Katelin Inaam, you are the Lady of the minor house Inaam, better known as the house of the stars. Your husband is not only the head of the house, but he is also responsible for the spice trade. That is why the Inaam estate is so close to the boarder of the Empire and the kingdom of Sodora. A kingdom well known for their spice industry, fabric¡¯s. Your husband¡¯s little brother is married to one of the princess to establish a better deal.¡± Meyda said, and Katelin nodded with a large grin on her face. ¡°That was pretty impressive. Do you know the name of my brother-in-law, and sister-in-law?¡± She asked. Meyda frowned slightly, she knew that Katelin told her this during the lesson earlier this week. But their names have slipped her mind. ¡°It those not matter, because this piece of information gives you enough ground to start a conversation with someone inside the Inaam family. And if you remember as much about the other families, well your conversation fountain will never run dry.¡± Meyda looked towards the light blue carpet that lay on the floor. They were sitting in the lounge part of her bedroom, a space she hadn¡¯t noticed in the first few days she lived here. Not until Katelin showed her, and it added a whole other layer to the room itself. ¡°Alright that is one part of the long, checklist we can check off. But then there is the another mountain of other information we need to address. All what Meyda could do as a response was nod, it was indeed a lot that needed to be done. ¡°Shefi can you bring in some white lotus tea, with some nutty tarts. It is pretty warm outside.¡± Meyda said, also remembering that Katelin loved the nutty tarts of their cook. Katelin shook her head with a grin. ¡°Well, that is another thing we can cross of the list.¡± both of the women started to laugh. A knock landed on the door, and the door of the room opened. It was Ginat, who always popped up during the lessons. Just to check in, and to see the process Meyda was making with his own two eyes. ¡°Ah, big brother I was already wondering when you would be dropping in.¡± Katelin said. ¡°Your wife is in need of a dance partner, and I need you to teach her horseback riding.¡± Ginat¡¯s gaze went towards his sister. ¡°You are know that I do not have a clue about how that thing you call a saddle works, why aren¡¯t you teaching her?¡± Ginat asked, Meyda was wondering this as well. Katelin opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted by the stream of servants entering the room with the tea and nutty tarts. She breathed out a sigh of relief when they were out of the room. ¡°I am not allowed on a horse for a couple of months,¡± Katelin said softly. ¡°Doctors orders.¡± Meyda, and Ginat both narrowed their eyes. Why would a doctor tell her not to ride a horse? It didn¡¯t make any sense in her mind. But then she gasped, when she was a bit younger she heard the doctor say the same thing to her stepmother when she was pregnant. ¡°Katelin, are you telling me that you are going to make me an auntie?¡± Meyda squealed. She knew that she would not be allowed to say such a thing if they where in another setting. But they were currently in the privacy of her own room, inside the Eldar manor. So she could act a little bit more freely. Katelin grinned at her, and slowly nodded. Meyda sighed, she was happy for her sister-in-law, a baby always was the beacon of new hope, a brand new beginning. Ginat sat down next to Meyda and looked a bit gloomy. Probably contemplating if he was going to congratulate his younger sister, or to kill her husband. He took a sip of the tea, and still hadn¡¯t said anything. ¡°Oh come on, she is a married woman. So she does not do anything different then we are.¡± He almost spit out tea. But Katelin started to chuckle loudly, and placed her hand on her lower abdomen. ¡°Big brother, did I already tell you how much I like your wife.¡± Katelin said, trying to calm herself down. ¡°But let we drink our tea, and then transfer towards the dance lessons.¡± ****** ¡°One, two, three, and one, two, three.¡± Katelin was repeating the rhythm from the comfort of the sofa. Even looking at the couple twisting and turning made her feel sick, but Ginat was not able to keep his eyes from Meyda. Who in Katelin¡¯s mind was a beautiful and smart girl, a bit timed at times. But the remark about married couples activities, was funny and complete unappropriated. But the respect that she had for the girl only grew with every interaction. She was shocked at first when she saw the dark blue brushes on Meyda¡¯s arms, one of the reasons why the girl was wearing long sleeves, even it was quiet warm. Then there were the scars on her back, an image that would never leave her mind, after she had seen them on Meyda¡¯s wedding day. Katelin knew that her father wanted to install sympathy in the members of the other houses, to let them know that this girl was a victim of the Old Crow. And she believes with her whole heart that the reason why Meyda soaks up information, like a woolen cloth soaks up water was to escape a beating. Meyda stepped on Ginat¡¯s foot, and started to apologische, another surviving tactic. Trying to do everything right, and admit a wrong doing right away. Which would be something she, Katelin, need to keep in mind and softly beat it out of her. Not literally beating her, but¡­ she sighed. Does her father really think that it was only enough to educate this poor girl? There were some things that needed time to unlearn. ¡°Do not worry about it, my feet are used to it.¡± Ginat said. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Katelin.¡± She nodded and he started the dance once again. Katelin didn¡¯t pay much attention towards the dance steps, and just watched Meyda¡¯s posture. It was a bit to stiff, again the fear of making a mistake and risk a beating. Which made the risk of the mistakes more present. Katelin stood up and walked over towards the couple. ¡°Stop for a second,¡± she said, and gave Meyda a smile. ¡°You are to tense, a waltz is not learned in one day. You will step on his toes, you will miss a step, in other words you will make a mistake. But it will becomes easier over time. And one more thing, it does not matter if you make a mistake, so long you keep on dancing. Follow Ginat, trust him and everything will be fine.¡± Meyda lowered her head, and Katelin could already heat the apology. But she lay a hand on the girl¡¯s shoulder. ¡°There is no need for that, you are here to learn. And I will not raise my hand to beat you, neither will Ginat, Mizamor, Dorian or our father.¡± Meyda raised her head slightly and Katelin saw the tears in the large pink eyes. So much trauma to unpack, and all of that takes time. ¡°Thank you,¡± Meyda whispered so softly that Katelin was almost not able to hear it. But she did and it made her own heart swell up. She was going to become a mother herself, and she couldn''t imaging that something like this would happen to her child. Even if she would die during childbirth, even if she gets sick a few years into her baby¡¯s life. But now after Meyda entered her life, and after she found out that she was with child, it was the only thing she could think off. She will have a proper talk with her husband about this, during the evening and she will encourage her other sister-in-law, Princess Isabel of the Sodora Kingdom, to have this conversation as well. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°It is alright, now from the beginning.¡± Katelin motioned towards her brother and he took the lead. ******* Katelin was a gem, and Meyda really liked her more and more. After her whole speech about that it was alright if she made a mistake, helped her a lot and she was able to enjoy the dance more. Now that the need to do it right was gone, she even dared to smile and giggle about a joke that Ginat made during the dance. When he made a mistake on purpose, to show her that it was really alright. A knock landed on the door, and Shefi entered. ¡°My Lord, ladies. Mister has arrived with the dresses, and he wants to see if they all fit Lady Meyda.¡± Shefi said, while bowing. Meyda had completely forgotten about the whole ordeal of her not able to pick anything, before the Emperor barged into the room. She was curious what Mister came up with, she didn¡¯t doubt that they would anything else then beautiful. ¡°Bring him in,¡± Meyda said, and Shefi did just that. Mister ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° didn¡¯t order the same dress. I am not a monster.¡± She exclaimed. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 8 Sayar Eldar, stepped out of his black carraige. Dark clouds were packing together above the Temple of Volaris. And the black, white and gray park that surrounded the temple. It has being a while since he has being here, the wedding of Ginat and Meyda to be precise. That was also the last time he had seen his second son Dorian, which was not surprising, both of them were very busy. Sayar with running the estate, and the household. A responsibility that normally belongs to the Lady, but that Lady busy to learn years, upon years of education in a couple of weeks. And Dorian was busy running things inside the temple. It was not strange that the second son of a family joins the cleric, it is either that or the army. This all because the eldest son will inherit the whole estate, which in Sayar¡¯s mind was a stupid rule, but there was nothing he could do about it, and he have looked for those ways. Not that it would have mattered, Dorian was born to be a priest. Volaris the Goddess of Honor and Strength, had chosen him to be her voice on earth when Dorian was only ten years of age. Which was to young, but there was no one on earth that is able to go against the Goddess¡¯s will. Sayar¡¯s gaze went over the Volaris trees that were planted on both sides of the path that led towards the temple. The looked so similar to birch trees, but their bark was black with white spots, and their leaves where dark gray. These trees were as old as the temple itself. ¡°Father!¡± Dorian¡¯s voice cut through the silence, and Sayar¡¯s thoughts. His son who looked so much like him, except for his eyes. He had his mother¡¯s eyes, gray with a hint of green. His beloved Orphaz, died a couple weeks after giving birth to Katelin, which was a huge blow upon Sayar and his young sons. But he tried to be there for all his children, and he still hoped everyday that he did a good job raising them. ¡°Father, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?¡± ¡°Do I need a reason to visit, my son and the temple. A reason then that I missed you, that is?¡± Sayar asked, and Dorian shock his head, a large grin on his mouth. ¡°Good,¡± ¡°But we both know that this is not the only reason,¡± Dorian said, he was just like a dog that wouldn''t let go of a new toy. And he was right, it was not the only reason why he came to the temple. But he didn¡¯t lie about missing his son. ¡°You want to know about the blessing?¡± ¡°Yes, and I want you opinion about some things Mazimor and I have discovered.¡± Sayar said, ¡°But it might be better if we talked inside, I am afraid that Nytena, Goddess of Thunder and Wind is going to release her anger upon the world.¡± Dorian also looked up towards the sky. ¡°I am inclined to believe that you are right,¡± Dorian replied. He turned around and went in the same direction from which he came. ¡°It is funny, I was actually on my way to see you. How is my brother and his blushing new bride?¡± Sayar sighed. ¡°Your brother is turned into a love stricken fool,¡± ¡°Which I believe is a good thing, that means that he takes good care of her.¡± Dorian implied, and Sayar nodded, that was indeed true. But that also meant that Ginat didn¡¯t attended his other duties as he did before. Which will change as the marriage goes on. ¡°Meyda on the other hand is doing well, she is as sharp as Ginat¡¯s sword and takes up information like a woolen cloth those water. According to your sister, and I have seen some things for myself as well.¡± Sayar said. ¡°She will become a fine Lady of the house, she is going to make her debut in society during the Imperial ball.¡± Dorian stopped with walking and looked shocked towards his father. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit to soon?¡± He asked. ¡°I understand that she is smart and all of that. But she is still a girl¡­¡± ¡°You two are the same age,¡± his father cut him off. ¡°And I know where she is coming from, and I know that not everyone will except the fact that she is still breathing.¡± Dorian nodded slowly and they went on with their journey towards his small office. Which had a simple desk with chair, two chairs oposit from the desk, and large bookcase filled to the brim with books. There was no windows, so a simple selection of lamps were lighting the room. Dorian closed the door and pressed a button, which activate a magical device. A device that was made by Dorian himself, Sayar still didn¡¯t knew how it worked, but he knew that it prevents sound to travel outside this room. It was the first time that Sayar saw that Dorian used it, after demonstrating how it worked and this brought on an edge. ¡°Is it that serious?¡± He asked as he sat down in one of the chairs. Dorian simply nodded, and he took place on his desk. ¡°It is, but I first want to hear what you have to say.¡± Dorian added. Sayar sighed. ¡°Well you know that Meyda has blood of demons, that is clear to see with her strange hair and eye color. I only knew one other person who had those features, and that was a young bride of Mizmor¡¯s grandfather, I now know that her name was Elia. Elia Oran, the youngest daughter of Chezi¡¯s great grandfather. Her daughter ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE¡° Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 9 ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 10 ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 11 ¡°He groaned and fall down next to her on the bed, wrapping his arms, who were covered with sweat, around her. Pulling her naked, and also sweaty body against him. ¡°I love you, Meyda.¡± he whispered. ¡°I love you with all my heart.¡± She chuckled, placing a hand on his arm. ¡° ¡°But the rest of it all made it so unclear, was this a vision of the future? No, no this couldn¡¯t be. She didn¡¯t have that kind of power, or rather she didn¡¯t had it before this dream. But it was so real, she opened her mouth and told Ginat all what she was able to remember, which was all of it and she shivered. He placed a soft kiss on her cheek. ¡°I am not going to say that this is a vision from the future, but a battle between the houses is not so far fetched as you might think.¡± He said, she looked at him. The blood red curtains were not closed, so the silver moon light had free rein to light up the whole room. He was thinking about something, maybe he knew something she didn¡¯t. They were living with a man that is called the Silver Fox, a name he didn¡¯t get for nothing. So her not knowing the full picture under the cover of protecting her, is not as far fetched. ¡°Come try to get some sleep, you are going to need it.¡± She nodded and let herself sink upon the pillow, the warmth of his body loured her back to sleep. Although she wanted to fight it, afraid for another dream like this one. Only this was not the case, Weayr the God of Dreams and Lotyx the god of Nightmares, spared her this time. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°But she wondered what the Eldar men were keeping from her, was it something similar to the secret about what her father had done? ¡°Mizmor and I have discovered something about your lineage. Your mother was by the way not a maid, she was your father¡¯s first wife. They were legally married, when you were born. So you are not a bastard, but that meant that your mother was a daughter of one of the houses.¡± Meyda¡¯s eyes grew, her parents were married! So that meant that she was her father¡¯s firstborn, but why did he tell her that she was a bastard. She was a girl, he probably wanted a boy and her mother was not able to give him one after she was born. That was why he married Aviv. But now she was wondering about her mother¡¯s background. ¡°Mizmor¡¯s grandfather, was married to a lot of women. His last wife, a much younger woman, had sky blue hair and red eyes. Treats of a person with the blood of the demons. She passed away right after giving birth to a baby girl, who had sky blue hair and pink eyes. Does that sound familiar?¡± She nodded, according to Aviv she had none of her father¡¯s features. So she always wondered what her mother looked liked, it was good to know that her stepmother didn¡¯t lie about that. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°Sayar said, and he pointed towards Ginat. ¡°You are Chezi¡¯s cousin, by blood, what is giving you Meyda even a bigger treat. But right now he is not able to touch you directly.¡± She nodded. If the Emperor knows about all of this, then her father¡¯s crime was just an accuse to get rid of¡­ ¡°The current suspects are, House Tzviel, house Moriel and House Inaam.¡± Ginat jumped up. ¡°Yes, we already informed Mizmor, and Yofiel. They are planning to go to Sodora for the time being, under the cover of a business trip. So Katelin and our unborn nephew or niece will be safe.¡± ¡°are just to loyal to Chezi.¡± Sayar said and he shock his head. ¡°Dorian has also warned them, about the rumors and the heads me included will attend every social gathering from now on.¡± All of them nodded. Now Meyda closed her eyes. ¡°She asked. ¡°I have been close to death all my life, and I do not fear it. But I will not be placed in the same situation as before, especially if there come a war between the houses.¡± He sat down and looked at her, worried. But she was serious about this, she will no longer be a damsel in the stress. And if she is able to fight, she will also be able to protect others. Sayar nodded slowly. ¡° Chapter 12 PURGED ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 13 ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°alone.¡± she said, Shir nodded and left the room. Dorian looked at her, and lowered himself on the bed. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°Meyda opened her eyes, to see Dorian nod as a response. ¡°Well then I will respect your decision.¡± He then looked at her. ¡°Meyda, you are awake. How are you feeling?¡± That was a very good question, and she was not sure how to answer that. Instead she pushed herself of the bed. The dizzy spell was gone, but a wave on nausea washed over her, luckily there was a wooden bucket next to the bed. She didn¡¯t know why that was there, but still it didn¡¯t matter. As long she was able to use it to relieve herself, from this uncomfortable feeling. ¡°That is the answer to my question.¡± She wanted to smile, but that would come later, as another wave made it impossible. ¡°Brother fetch a doctor. I want to know what is wrong with her.¡± ¡° ¡° ¡°But then again it was not outside the realm of possibilities. She looked at Ginat, who looked like he was frozen in shock, probably expecting everything, but not that. So Dorian took over. ¡° ¡°Just to be sure.¡± the doctor said. ¡°And with that out of the way, I am going to take my leave.¡± The man stood up and left. That is when Ginat seemed to come to his senses, bowed and lifted her up from the bed. ¡° ¡° ¡°Meyda replied, and the girl nodded. Meyda was sure that this was not the last time she would lay eyes upon the girl, especially after what Harel had said about them meeting once again. The ride home went by in a blink of an eye. Or that was only the case, because she had fallen asleep again. When she woke up, Ginat was carrying her towards her bed room, followed by a whole parade of people. Sayar, her maids, doctor Ortal, Dorian and Harel. But only her maids and doctor Ortal entered her room. The doctor did a few tests to confirm the pregnancy, and then left the room. Allowing everybody else to enter. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°He started to chuckle. ¡°Shefi, Aleen, at least one of you please show Milly to her room. Then the other can devote herself to get this new member of our family a bath and some of Dorian or mine old clothing.¡± The maids bow and left to do their jobs. Ginat placed a kiss on Meyda¡¯s forehead. ¡°No more sword, and horseback lessons for you my dear. You need to focus on your health and that of the baby.¡± She hated the fact that he was right, she had found some freedom. But now she was going to pay for the kindness he had shown her, with an heir. And she was looking forward to the day she was able to meet this bundle of joy. Her child, someone she would love, protect and do everything in her power to make it happy for as long as possible. Chapter 14 ¡°PURGE! PURGED!¡±PURGE PURGE ¡° ¡° ¡°great ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°madness. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 15 The months have crawled by, and Meyda felt like she was caged up like an exotic animal. Her belly had grown and she was not even permitted to take a walk inside the gardens, not that she listened. Ginat was never home these days, traveling the Eldar estate. Which was more then a weeks travel ¡°reallyPURGE ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°Nava ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE ¡° ¡°only ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°her. ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 16 why why not. It didn¡¯t matter, Medya was inside and he needed to get to her. Beyond that he didn¡¯t care what would happen to the rest of his men, to the rest of this army of various houses. Meyda needed him, and he was going to make sure that he was there to protect her. Shir and the rest of the pack slammed into the first line, with their horses. The sound of clashing metal, and the screams of those who are dying filled the air. The war between the houses, has begun and nobody not even a seer like Harel can predict the out come. Quickly the scenery changed in a mess of colored cloaks soaked in blood, the smell of the midsummer breeze tainted with copper, pis and shit. Ginat was not sure how many died by his hand, but he was making his way through the crowed. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. PURGED.¡± she replied, again she saw no reason for playing dumb. That would make him more angry and with that even more dangerous. He chuckled, and sighed. She didn¡¯t know how she was able to run this long, with a large pregnant belly. But she somehow did it, only for a contraction to stop her. This one seemed worse then those who came before, and it also lasted longer. She looked around, hoping to find a place she could hide in. Until her gaze fell upon a familiar door. Wasn¡¯t that the door that lead to Nava¡¯s chambers? It was worth the shot, she gathered herself and pushed through the pain. She closed the door softly behind her, making sure that Chezi wouldn''t have heard her. It was indeed Nava¡¯s room, the curtains however were closed and the candles were not light. Still Meyda slowly stepped further into the room, where was Nava? Her eyes started to adjust to the lack of light, and that is when she saw Nava. She was lying on the ground in a beautiful sheer white dress, her golden hair laying around her like a halo. Her once sparkling eyes were dull, and stared into oblivion. She was dead, her lower abdomen was slightly rounded. They, the second princess of Sodora and her unborn child, were both dead The large gap in her forehead was still bleeding, tainting the golden halo. Meyda felt a pit in her stomach, this shouldn¡¯t have ended like this. Nava should have survived all, Harel has told her as much. The Princess of the land filled with silk and spice, has lived a happy life. Until she fall prey to the griffon¡¯s whims. She will be fine once the dust of the war settles.¡± But then again, most of his visions of the future were not set in stone, Brandon has said as much. Even her own future wasn¡¯t set and her unborn child¡­ She now wished that Ginat was here, but he was somewhere inside or outside the palace, fighting off Chezi¡¯s men. Chezi the one who killed his future wife and their unborn child. Sayar had once compared him to the Old Crow, her own father, but although the man had many flaws hurting a pregnant women was outside his comfort zone. She sank down towards her knees, while pushing away a new contraction. Tears from pain were rolling down her cheeks, she didn¡¯t hate Chezi. He was just a man who led himself be overpowered by fear. She didn¡¯t want to hate him, only now that she saw Nava¡¯s lifeless body, this mindset was changing. The door behind her opened. ¡°Come out, come out where ever you are.¡± Chezi¡¯s voice echoed through the room, of course he already had seen her. ¡°Ahh, yes what a pity. She was beautiful and smart too, but she betrayed me.¡± His footsteps came closer and a hand wrapped around her neck. ¡°She betrayed me and supported you, you are the one who got her killed.¡± No, he was the one who killed her. She had nothing to do with this, nothing. His hand started to squeeze her throat, making it almost impossible to breath. And of course, a contraction cut through her body like a knife. Her water hasn¡¯t broken yet, but that was only a matter of time. ¡°Ah, I know see why my cousin didn¡¯t want to leave you alone with me. You are about to give birth.¡± She could hear the smirk inside his voice. ¡°A new edition to the Imperial bloodline, and another treat to my crown.¡± He was going to harm her baby, he was going to harm her unborn child. Just like he has harmed Nava and hers. No, no this was not going to happen. She didn¡¯t know how she did it, but she pulled out the dagger, turned around and stabbed him inside the throat. Blood spat out of the wound as soon as she pulled out the knife. Chezi fall towards the ground, choking in his own blood. She killed him, she has killed the Emperor. And her water broke. ********* Ginat rushed through the hallways of the palace, covered in blood. ¡°Meyda!¡± he screamed. ¡°Meyda!¡± His brother and Aleen had joined him, after he found them trying to break into Chezi¡¯s office. Which was locked by magic. Not that it stopped him, but all they found was the dead commander. The door on the other side of the office was open wide, the only problem was that this cursed palace was massive. But again that was not going to stop him. ¡°Meyda!¡± A scream replied, was that her? What was Chezi doing to her? He didn¡¯t think twice, and rushed towards the screaming. An open door, and another scream. ¡°Meyda!¡± ¡°Ginat!¡± Thank the Gods it was her. ¡°Ginat, the baby!¡± Fuck, he entered the room. Willingly ignoring the two lifeless bodies that were laying on the ground. ¡°The baby is coming!¡± She screamed once again. Aleen shot passed him, grabbing Meyda¡¯s hand. ¡°Her water has broken, she is not lying the baby is coming. Brandon get some water and clean towels. My Lord carry her towards the bed, there is no time to waste.¡± Aleen said, Ginat picked up Meyda and lay her carefully on the bed. Her hand was soaked in blood, but he didn¡¯t care, she was alive and she was about to give birth. And all what he could do right now was to hold that hand. If Aleen didn¡¯t kick him out of the room that is, like custom dictated. Custom be damned, he was not going to leave her side, not again. Not even when her ladies maid insisted. Brandon entered the room with a large bowl water, followed by their aunt Lady Moriel who was holding a large pile of towels. ¡°Thank you, My Lord.¡± ¡°No, I am staying.¡± he said. Aleen only nodded, and went to work. Brandon was send away by their aunt, before she took Meyda¡¯s other hand. ¡°It is alright Meyda, you both are in safe hands now. All you have to do right now is to focus on your breathing.¡± His aunt said, and she was breathing with Meyda. Ginat found himself doing the same thing. Meyda clutched his hand so tight that it almost broke under the pressure, which was in his mind only a small price to pay. ¡°Push, My Lady, push,¡± Aleen said from her position. ¡°I see the head, push.¡± Seconds later Aleen was holding a small baby. His aunt stood up and wrapped the child in a clean piece of cloth. ¡°Congratulations, to the both of you. It is a baby girl.¡± She said, Meyda looked at Ginat. She was covered in pearls of sweat. A picture of exhaustion and happiness. She have given birth to a daughter, but soon after that her facial expression changed. ¡°By the Gods, there is another!¡± Aleen screamed. His aunt looked shock. ¡°Push, My Lady, push,¡± The sound of their daughter crying filled the room, and only moments later another small body lay in Aleen¡¯s hands. ¡°It is a boy!¡± His aunt rushed towards the door, opened it. ¡°Brandon, be a dear and hold your niece for me.¡± She said, and rushed back. Taking the baby boy out of Aleen¡¯s hands wrapping it in another piece of cloth. ¡°Twins, she has given birth to twins.¡± Aleen pushed some towels under Meyda¡¯s dress. Meyda herself stretched out her arms towards their baby boy. ¡°A son, and a daughter.¡± she whispered, her voice was so faint. ¡°Artal and Nilith.¡± Those were the names they had picked out. His aunt gave Artal to Meyda and directly let him drink from her breast. Normally the children would be fed by a wet nurse. ¡°The first feeding is the most important feeding of all, this way the mother¡¯s body heals a bit faster.¡± His aunt explained. ¡°Artal and Nilith, beautiful names.¡± She said. A knock landed on the door and his father entered. ¡°Thank the Gods, they are safe.¡± he said, and he looked surprised by the baby in Meyda¡¯s arms. ¡°Two?¡± Artal was done with his feeding, and Meyda gave him to Ginat. How looked proudly at her. ¡°Aleen, Auntie make sure that she gets some rest. She has earned it.¡± He said, and they nodded. He took Artal out of the room. His men were standing outside the door. ¡°Princess Nava, is dead. Chezi probably killed her, and he himself has paid the price for it. Take those bodies out of the room and inform the king of Sodora.¡± His men nodded and went to work. ¡°Do you mean that Chezi is dead?¡± his father asked. Ginat nodded, before he looked at the sleeping Artal inside his arms. ¡°I am a father,¡± he whispered. ¡°I have a son and daughter.¡± Brandon closed in, with Nilith in his arms. ¡°I have a son and daughter.¡± he repeated over and over. Chapter 17 ¡° ¡°nobody, not even the Karniel family blamed her for it. ¡°Is this your daughter?¡± The Queen asked, while pointing to Artal. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGED.¡± ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE my family,¡± she said. Quickly looking towards Lady Karniel, whe was already to say something. ¡°And my father, and the rest of my family has paid for that crime with their lives. But Chezi¡¯s goal was to kill me all along. My mother, Zohara Inaam was my father¡¯s first legal wife. My stepmother was his second, and yes, I said Zohara Inaam. My mother was the aunt of the current Lord Inaam. But that is not all, my grandmother was Elia Oran, the youngest daughter of Chezi¡¯s great grandfather.¡± She looked around the room. ¡°I was born with ties to the Imperial throne, a fact that was not known to me before I met my husband, and was discovered by Mizmor Inaam and my father-in-law after they smelled something fishy.¡± ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 18 The sound of large explosives were heard near the palace, which woke the two littler babies up. Meyda who was standing a front of the large mirror, being dressed by Aleen. Shot towards their cradles, Milly took Artal and she took Nilith. Slowly rocking them back to sleep, mister Altar stood by the mirror shaking his head. ¡°I really can¡¯t blame the little ones for crying their lungs out. Those scared me,¡± he said, and all of them nodded. ¡°But now that they have calmed down let us finish my masterpiece shall we. I can¡¯t believe that I am dressing the Empress right now.¡± ¡°I am not just the Empress,¡±Meyda countered, he rolled with his eyes, while placing some pins inside his mouth. Meyda laid Nilith back in her cradle and let Milly do her thing. She was truthfully a wonder with small children, probably from all that time spent inside the orphanage. Mister Altar circled around her, the long black dress with small hints of turquoise and gold fitted her still healing body perfectly. But she had expected nothing less from a genius like mister Altar. The dress itself wasn¡¯t heavy despite the many layers. A knock landed on the door, she didn¡¯t have to guess who was on the other side of that door. Ginat has checked up on her every half-a-hour and those explosives from earlier has speed up the progress slightly. He entered together with Sayar. ¡°Is everything alright in here?¡± they both asked. Meyda nodded, Sayar made on direct line towards the cradles. He was a devoted grandfather, to all his grandchildren to which she was very grateful. Even though Artal is no longer the heir of House Eldar. Neither was Ginat, and Nilith was a women. It was not impossible for a women to become the heir of a house, Lady Moriel was the heir to her house, but that was after it became apparent that her mother was no longer able to get more children. And her father was not planning to marry another, younger, woman. But will that also be in the cards for Nilith? Or would she be able to give birth to another son? That was still not out of the realm of possibilities. She hoped so, she loved both her children and wanted to have more in the future. Only with a slightly less dramatic birth. She sighed once again, Shefi placed a large golden necklaces to see if it didn¡¯t class with the dress. ¡°No, no. That one is to bulky.¡± Mister Altar said, and sighed. ¡°You need those night-sky sapphires, you wore on your wedding day.¡± Shefi nodded, rushed back towards the jewelry box, picked the jewels and then rushed back. ¡°Perfect,¡± it was if he planned it all along. Which wouldn¡¯t surprise her. Now the dress was done, the jewelry picked out. Aleen was already waiting for her hair and make-up. Another knock landed on the door, this time it was Harel and Brandon. ¡°I see that her Royal Highness is almost done,¡± Brandon said mockingly. ¡°If those people outside didn¡¯t insist on ceremony, then this wouldn''t have taken so long. Those explosives, the shouting and all that, woke up the royal children. And the Empress as a dutiful mother needed to calm them every time. Despite having a maid that is very capable handling the childcare.¡± Mister Altar said. ¡°Which is a compliment,¡± was it a compliment? If he said so, well she was going to take it anyway. Aleen stepped away from her and nodded, her hair was woven into a single braid and her light make-up matched the dress. ¡°She is all done, all hail the Empress.¡± Aleen said. ***** Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. The streets leading towards the Temple of Volaris were overcrowded with people. All of them wanted to see the new Imperial couple. They waved at them with all their hopes and dreams of a better tomorrow, no pressure there. Meyda and Ginat waved back at them, while holding their hands below the window. Both of them were nerves, not knowing what the future may hold. The carriage stopped, and Ginat jumped out in his suite that complimented her dress. He reached out his hand to help her out of the carriage. The crowed behind them shouted their names, cheered. Small flower peddles in various colors covered the long road towards the Temple, but they also rained down from the sky. Which was a nice touch of magic, most likely provided by PURGE ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°PURGE