《The Child of Ebon》


 01 - The Ebon Wall

    <u>The Ebon Wall</u>


    The winds howl as the brooding clouds cover the azure sky in darkness, while the bombarding droplets fall from above one after the other, never seeming to cease its endless cries of tears.


    Below the dark sky rests a wall of terror.A wall which is high enough that simple ladders can''t scale. A wall so broad and lengthy that it stretches for a couple of kilometers, and at the wall¡¯s ends, mountains that reach the clouds, ascending to the Divines.


    Between the openings of the two separate yet connected mountains it stands. It is a sentinel that guards against intruders who seek to pass beyond its massive gates.A wall of legend, a wall that has been there for millennia. A wall that is pure; its foundation is made of the most spectacular stone, which disappeared into tales.


    It is from a long lost civilization that once stood on the high pedestal of Godhood of this world, but no more, only ancient catacombs, temples, and nature-covered remnants remain.In its glory over time has made it the gateway to endless success. Those who have it reigns triumphant, for beyond the unopened gates rule a Queendom where the most exceptional materials lie.


    Nourishment of the earth to give the farmlands nurture to bring out its fullest potential. Minerals embedded within the ground, caves, and mountains. The infinite colored gemstones and ores. It¡¯s a country of wealth and power that has its grasp on the wall. They feast on the land''s limitless resources.


    They control it to stop the endless hordes that seek to conquer it, to capture the Queendom for themselves. But since the nurtured lands have never suffered defeat, it has arisen to become the most prominent realm in this world.Though, through its many successes in defending the wall, it has also become the targeted land for war. A war that never ceases, a war that instills hatred in their enemy, for they throw their armies at it, time and time again.


    It has the blackestcolorof stonework and those who try to siege it, stain it with their quantity of crimson blood. Rivers of red dye has saturated the earth while the corpses upon corpses have rotten away, giving it fertilizers to grow the nature unnaturally fast, and the bones have rotted there, too, for ages and will lay there for the years to come.


    That lies in front of the wall. Death and devastation. It has a damaged landscape on the attacker¡¯s side, but yet it still grows woodlands from the cultivated demise of men and women that come at short intervals to die, again and again.


    The scarlet forest, it lies a couple of kilometers in front of the wall. It grows unusually. The red woodlands should¡¯ve disappeared ages ago, but it still produces trees no matter how many times it¡¯s cut to sunder.


    Many decaying siege weapons stand damaged in front of the wall as well. They¡¯re unmanned because no army is there to fix those broken constructs, only the silence of an upcoming battle that will befall the wall oozes in the humid air. A plain of quietness that awaits the thousands of stomping footsteps, hooves, and the grinding wheels of siege constructions, bringing the battle to the wall.


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    ¡°Haaa,¡± a young man breathes out his worries as his head droops. He¡¯s trying to stay calm, but the sight in front of his eyes awaken his uncertainties. He stands beside the countless men and women that guard the fortification against the enemy that''s coming out from the red forest.


    The allied siege weapons stand fully ready on the wall forty meters behind the young man; trebuchets that fling huge rocks at their enemies, crushing them to paste if hit.


    This young man, this¡­ human¡­ is on the rampart, holding bow and arrow in his hands. He¡¯s armored from top to toe with tightly fit tattered light plate armor that covers his whole body.


    His leather armor is dyed black while his plate armor that covers most of his body is in a scarlet-red color. No insignia, no markings that indicate this young man''s family. Though, the other people that surround him wear more expensive materials on their bodies. Armors of high-standing households engraved with their family insignia. However, not everyone is like them. Some are like this young man, coming to the Ebon Wall to make a living.


    The country is practically always at war with the incoming forces. It means that soldiers are still in high demand. Excellent payment can be collected by shooting out arrows at the enemy that would be charging beneath the rampart, down by the field of death.


    The young man squeezes harder onto his bow and arrow. But the bow he grasps differs from the other various people''s bows.It¡¯s made of the darkest material, and its bowstring is also black. A bow of supernatural elements. Those who look upon it would think that he is honoring the country¡¯s colors, for the flag of the Queendom is red and black. And black is its primary color.


    It represents the Ebon Wall, the reddened grass in front of it, and the scarlet forest.


    ¡­


    As he gazes out at the horizon with his blackened globes, he sees the rain that pours from the clouds. An endless flood of water. But he sharpens his eyes toward the forest where his fears awaken while he frowns with his dark eyebrows ¨C death comes.


    Tens of thousands of armed forces march toward the Ebon Wall as the sound of rumbling comes from their sheer number. The enemy is in front of him; the soldiers of different countries have begun preparing to attack this wall of darkness which guards the Queendom behind it.


    Since the forest ends a couple of kilometers before the wall, it makes the battle terrain a flat landscape, which has the newly grown crimson grass. A bed of blood moving with the soaring wind as the rain shower its hundreds of thousands of straws; the weather feeds it, making it grow and grow even more.


    He gulps in intervals, for an upcoming storm, which will be fiercer than the brooding sky above him, will commence¡­


    ¡­


    The rain keeps descending, showering the soldiers on the wall and in front.


    While the young man, he puts his arrow back into his brown-leather quiver, which is hanging on his waist.As his hand frees itself, he scratches and shakes his black hair that has been watered by the downpour of rain. It would usually be slicked-back, pointing backward, making him too daunting with his scarred left brow, though it¡¯s only a small scar, which didn¡¯t heal properly.


    His facial features finally harden as he frowns again at the scenery of soldiers marching obediently toward the gates below, to their own deaths.And since the Ebon Wall has three grand entrances, the Queendom has stationed her army there. Those doors'' thicknesses have made it so only once in history has a gate ever been destroyed.


    When that barrier was torn asunder by the enemy, they had rejoiced, but what awaited the enemy beyond the ruined gateway was another gate with the same thickness that the first one had, which shattered their hearts into millions of pieces.For those entrances have never been opened, they can¡¯t be opened by the current controllers of the wall. Because they weigh tons upon tons as if some power holds them completely shut.


    Almost like the doors aren¡¯t even doors.


    But as the controllers can''t open them,Those Who Came Beforemade small entrances that riddle the bottom floor of the Ebon Wall where the Queendom¡¯s army strikes from. They bring forth their own soldiers to guard the front gates so the enemy can¡¯t ever destroy one of the gateways again.


    Leaning forward, the young man gazes down from the steep edge, for he''s stationed at the very front of the archers. He sees thousands of soldiers that are below him; his own Queendom¡¯s siege weapons of smaller sizes than those on the wall have been brought forth to fire upon the incoming enemy¡¯s charge.


    *OOOUUUHHH!*


    The sounding horns of the men and women on the wall roar! Such dark tones that it makes people stiff and uneasy, but it¡¯s also a signal to the archers and siege workers to draw their bows and ready their constructs, so they''re prepared to fire upon command.


    The young man then draws out the recently put in arrow with a swift reflexing yank, to place it on his black bow. The shaft of the arrow rests on his thumb while he holds the nock of the arrow with two fingers.


    He does what everyone else does. He draws the black string to its max without breaking a sweat; it''s easy for him as if holding an imaginary bow that has zero pulling force, which would usually keep it in place. Practically bends to his will.


    ¡°On command, my soldiers! You volley down upon our enemies!!¡± a young woman commands at the top of her voice as she holds onto a sounding horn, bracing herself to give the go-ahead to fire. ¡°Give them no quarter! No mercy! Let the enemies of our great Queendom die a miserable fate when our arrows pierce their bodies! My squadron, be ready!¡±


    All of the different commanders of the wall are shouting out war-cries to rally the various squads of archers and siege workers. But nonetheless futile since they are at the safest place there is.


    *OOUUUUHHHH!*


    The horns echo once more on the Ebon Wall to let them know that their time to release everything upon their enemy below has come.


    A tremor of footsteps and hooves; the enemies charge forward as they run in a quickened haste of no-return.Only death awaits. If they retreat, they still die. Cavalries, foot soldiers, archers, and heavy-armored soldiers march onward to the wall. Thousands upon thousands of forces make their way, but as their eyes wander to the sky; shrieks, cries, and horrors rain down with no pity whatsoever.


    The shouts of alarm as the eyes widen to see the black cover of total darkness.


    The arrows shriek as they tear through armor and flesh, while the boulders smash the ground with tremendous rolling power, making most of the charging soldiers die in a blink of an eye. But the masses keep on running with maddening conviction as death surrounds them.


    As the soldiers retain their most accelerated speed, the first wave of cavalries come first upon the wall¡¯s gates. But panic shoots through them as they see what¡¯s in store for their puny, miserable existences.


    First, there was a line of soldiers that were standing guard in front of the three front gates, but now, they¡¯ve gone to the sides, revealing the small siege weapons; ballistae that shoot many large arrow-like projectiles at the same time.


    With the sound of blowing horns from the commanders down by the gates, the small siege weapons release their shrieking noises. Making the air itself cover its eyes from the upcoming slaughter of humans and horses.


    As the weapons shoot out and hit the targets, desperate cries call out in misery. Screams of horror from the holes of newly pierced bodies which the blood seep out of, and the total death that now lies there on the reddened grass in front of the Ebon Wall.Now the blood overflows the ground, making it even redder than its already reddened state, feeding it even more.


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    Almost every one of the first charging wave died a meaningless death. Those who escaped the endless darkness now fear for their lives, for they hide among the dead corpses of men, women, and mounts, covering themselves in their comrades¡¯ blood and guts.


    The projectiles shot with such force that they went in a straight line, and did not lose any of their speed even as they hit their targets; the missiles had continued forward through the spear-wielding foot soldiers and the arrow-shooting archers until they hit the shield-bearing soldiers at the back.Zero coordination in sight, almost as if their fates have already been decided, which it has.


    More and more waves go forth as they bellow their maddening roar because they see their fellow allies die beside them as they charge, charge and charge toward the gates, a never-ending cycle of wave after wave has commenced.


    --


    --


    ¡°I¡¯m out of arrows! And the buckets are empty over here! Runner! Fetch me some more!¡± a male archer yells as he snatches an arrow from one of his squad members that stands beside him, but no thankful word comes from him, only an arrogant voice from his teeth-revealing mouth. ¡°Shoot faster you complete amateurs, haven¡¯t you learned anything from your training?!¡±


    But before he can send away the stolen arrow, his one eye ticks as he catches the young man glancing at his direction, though the black-haired man sighs, looking upon the noble that¡¯s armored to the bone with plate armor in the country¡¯s red and black colors. It creaks from every move he makes, making it hard to get around in.


    It is exaggerated to the max, like most of the soldiers¡¯ armors on the rampart. Every single one is safe from harm, yet the exaggeration is unbelievable.


    ¡°What are you looking at, you dog?!¡± the man barks, seeing the peering eyes of darkness, which makes him uneasy as his brows lower to scowl.


    Without saying anything in return, the young man turns his black-haired head towards the army below while putting an arrow in place. ¡®He shouldn¡¯t fire off that many arrows so fast. He¡¯ll exhaust himself while wearing that armor¡­¡¯ Chuckling in secret, he draws and releases with such precision.


    *Swoosh*


    The arrow soars through the air and hits the head of a horse which throws the mounted man flying to the crimson ground. But right as the man hits the grass, his fellow cavalry runs him over, breaking bones and coughing up blood.


    It causes a chain-reaction from that single arrow because the charging horses that keep on coming stumbles upon the animal¡¯s massive corpse, sending even more mounted people to the ground. It halts a few enemies to give the soldiers at the gates breathing room. However, the young man¡¯s scarred brow raises in delight. ¡®Wow. Did not expect that to happen.¡¯


    The noble scoffs at the darkling that now keeps on firing off in quick succession. The young man tries to imitate the cause and effect of his previous arrow. With every release of his string, corpses start to form a barrier.


    Where the arrows land he sees, which is extraordinary, not ordinary, for he misses nothing. His eyes are so dark that the irises and pupils have the same color, but¡­ hiding deep is something that shouldn¡¯t ever be awakened.The untapped possibilities. Not even he knows why his sight differs from everyone else. He can see every movement from a far away distance, and it makes him too skilled in handling the bow.


    He continues to fire out his self-made arrows, though he slows down as his quiver begins to empty. Instead, he doesn¡¯t actually fire at all, just standing there to get paid. And when someone notices him, he starts again. His supplies aren¡¯t infinite, only the ones he brought from home to increase his pay since most soldiers are oblivion to saving money.


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    An hour goes by, and the young man still hasn¡¯t fired off too many of his remaining arrows. Likewise has his teammates. They¡¯re taking breaks on and off, even the now-silent noble who has strained himself from shooting too fast.


    But the battle is far from over.


    Leaning forward with bow and arrow in hand, he gauges the fighting in front of the gates. Though the intensity of the waves is diminishing because the enemy always puts their strongest to lead the charge, to break through the Queen¡¯s ebon shield wall. The thousands of allied forces that protect the three gates are the best of the best, as such, almost no casualties occur.


    ¡®So many bodies¡­ And for what?¡¯ He scoffs to himself, shaking his head in pity. ¡®I can¡¯t imagine the horrors that the enemy must endure before coming here. To suffer such miserable fates.¡¯


    Only those of the highest echelon in the realm know what or who controls these pitiable creatures. Their humanity is without a doubt real. But under the thousands of years, they have transformed into beings unlike their ancient kin ¨C the people they are currently fighting.


    Nevertheless, the objective of these¡­ slaves¡­ are that their lives must be sacrificed. A game or not, there is no return, only forward to death ¨C to peace.


    ¡­


    A sudden chilling stare pierces the back of his head, making him turn and bend down as if trying to act like he¡¯s refilling his quiver to scout behind him. But the yelling of commands and the hurrying of people, all around him, causes him to frown since he has felt that very stare for over four years, yet every time he seeks those cold eyes, he always ends up dissatisfied.


    ¡®Is it¡­? No, surely not¡­¡¯ He spins back to gaze at the field of death. But as his eyes squint in impatience, that coldness returns. He shouldn¡¯t feel it. However, he isn¡¯t precisely an average human being. He endures it, puts it out of his mind as he crouches to undo the string around his arrow bundle. ¡®Fifty more, better make it count.¡¯


    He fills his quiver until it¡¯s full, then without so much as breaking a sweat, he continues with his wall. A wall that has indeed saved someone from being overrun by slaves. Even one single less enemy can aid an ally down by the middle gate, below him.


    Just as he is about to draw his bowstring, a lioness roars, startling him, ¡°What kind of miserable louts are you?! Continue firing! I take my eyes away from you for just a minute, and you take breaks?! I won¡¯t stand for weakness! No matter how tired you are, you will not embarrass me! If you wish to sleep, go ahead and jump off the wall! Eternal slumber awaits you there!¡±


    He rolls his eyes because it¡¯s such hypocrisy. One spout out orders while sitting comfortably on a chair with a canvas in front. His commander is a lazy lady, only doing the most menial of work, that is, shouting at the top of her lungs when it suits her...


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    After a few more hours the battle ends. Undeniably it was a slaughter. So quick and so merciless.


    The enemy didn¡¯t stand a chance because the dead now lies on the reddened grass, and it isn¡¯t the Queen¡¯s soldiers. Corpses on top of corpses, blood mixing with blood, and cries echoing cries. It¡¯s a terrifying sight even for the most veteran pair of eyes.The enemy¡¯s siege engines and weapons have broken down before ever reaching the wall.


    Down by the gates, the Queendom¡¯s soldiers suffered less than the enemy, yet unfortunately, some died, and some will lose their lives from the lacerations that they sustained when fighting off the first horde.


    The unwounded soldiers and healers start to carry the wounded men and women through the small side entrances by the three massive gates. Though the middle gate is located further inside the wall, for the first layer had been destroyed years ago.Their siege weapons are also broken, yet they¡¯re still fixable, for the enemy only damaged them so they couldn¡¯t shoot out more piercing projectiles of death.


    It¡¯s still a victory for the Ebon Wall¡¯s army since the remaining enemy flees towards the red forest¡­ to their deaths as the roars of triumph echo throughout the armed forces on the wall and down by the gates. The Queendom has once again won with ease. Such scary might of an army that guards this wall of darkness.


    One can almost miss the rain which has also ceased its downpour, and from the distant sky displays a golden sunset that descends at the horizon. Soon it¡¯ll become the dawn of night.


    Though this is just a regular day for an archer on the wall; shooting out arrows one after the other, not knowing who they hit, not knowing who they killed.


    ¡°It is our victory, my squad!! You did reasonably well!¡± his commander yells as she looks around at the exhausting faces of her archers with a smirk. ¡°We have won! Our duty here today is finished! Until next time the enemy comes to seek our Queendom harm!¡±


    Her squad cheers, no, every single one on top of the ramparts bellows and brags about how many kills they got, even the young man breathes a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Yes, yes, I know! I have trained you all well! But listen up! Gather up at my family¡¯s payment stall if you want your earnings!¡± the woman shouts as she eyes proudly upon her subordinates, yet with a hint of arrogance showing in her smile. ¡°And no matter how much I hate saying this¡­ we will continue training in three days intheregular courtyard. You¡¯ve earned these days of vacation, spend them well! Because I will!¡±


    ¡°Dismissed!¡±


    As she finishes her speech, she begins to sway her hips towards the large stairs on the backside of the wall, alluring the men even the women with her strutting legs and well-practiced arms. A true noble to the bone.


    Her squad splits off and goes their separate ways toward their chosen locations; to the barracks to sleep, to journey home, or the other various activities that the army would do after a victorious battle on the wall.


    Archers are the rotten egg. The profession is useful, though it¡¯s the lowest kind of job in the eyes of the soldiers that battle down by the gates. Since not a single archer risks their lives as they do. Those who fight in the thickets of the clashing armies are always the first to boast; spilling blood with their own hands and not from the work of some tiny arrow that hits its targets at random.


    Though there is another group that stands above the gate soldiers. Magicians. But, they didn¡¯t show up in this battle, they rarely do, because it would¡¯ve been such a waste of an effort if they revealed themselves to give aid.


    Magicians are the last defense if the Ebon Wall''s gates would be breached. Only then would they show themselves to utter the words of magic, to save their Queendom from harm.To do what they''re supposed to do; to protect their country, for their orders come from the Queen herself. A figurehead, a Goddess who controls them with a chain around their necks.


    ¡­


    As the young man treads down the backside of the wall with all the other archers and siege workers of the various squads, he walks with an empty quiver. He doesn¡¯t have an appealing face at the moment. His dark eyebrows are frowning and his mouth, curved down because he wasted too many arrows in the fit of firing.He should have saved some for the next battle.


    He shakes his head as he sighs out in exhaustion.


    It''s arrows that cost money, the precious money that he needs for other things. Though only the arrow-heads is what he pays for because he makes the other components himself, instead of paying for them through his squad and get less compensation after every battle.


    ¡°Hmph, I should¡¯ve taken it easier,¡± the young man says, gazing down at his empty quiver, not even watching his step. From all the scenery that he had viewed, it would generally make him feel pity toward the enemy, but now, nothing, he¡¯s just tired and wants to go home.


    ¡°I hope I won¡¯t return too late,¡± the young man wishes as he keeps on descending the broad flight of stairs. He decides to quicken his strides toward the payment stall to get his well-earned due.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Standing there by the row of people, he sighs while rubbing his eyes. He should have sprinted down the wall because he¡¯s in the middle of the row and it will probably take a half an hour or an entire hour for the other squad members to get their wages.


    His fellow comrades also chat happily with each other, but not with him, for it was a glorious battle, a day of celebration, a day where one should feel proud to be in this Queendom. But he is too tired to feel anything but drowsiness that begins to sink in, showing on his eyelids.


    ¡­


    The archers get their payment one after the other, and finally, it¡¯s the young man¡¯s turn.He takes two eager steps forward as the archer in front bows, and thanks for being in the commander¡¯s grace then leaves to not take up her precious time.


    Bowing also for formalities sake, he meets her icy blue eyes while she greets with a broad smirk.


    ¡°Ah... Hello there¡­Xe''Reth.¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­

 02 - The Manipulator

    <u>The Manipulator</u>


    ----


    ¡°Ah, well hello there, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± a young woman says with a sinister grin upon her moistened scarlet lips while she sets down a teacup on the desk in front of her.


    The woman is his Commander, she gives out the money here at the fourth payment stall because that¡¯s also one of their duties as a leader of a squad. To take care of their unit, though only nobles get the privilege to be a Commander, unfortunately.


    ¡°Good evening, Honored Commander,¡± Xe¡¯Reth greets as he gives an arc of his upper body to show respect to his superior, but his curtsied manner only makes the woman sprout a frown on her thin arched eyebrows; glaring with such a stare.


    ¡°Hmm... An empty quiver? Well¡­ that will reduce your meager payment by one tenth of its whole sum,¡± the woman says with a slight smile on her rosy lips. She starts to go through the papers that she has on her desk. She skims them with uninterested puckering lips.


    ¡°Honored Commander, I beg your pardon, but the arrows I fired today were homemade. So that shouldn¡¯t reduce my estimated payment, right?¡± Xe¡¯Reth inquires as he peers at the woman who now flinches by the sudden words of insolence.


    ¡°Oh¡­ homemade you say? Don¡¯t try to trick me, Xe¡¯Reth. You think I¡¯m blind? I saw you take arrows out from one of the buckets. That¡¯s why I¡¯m reducing your payment now¡­ but since you just lied to me, I¡¯ll cut it by another one-ninth,¡± the woman declares as a smile form on her mouth as if she enjoys playing with him.


    The people behind Xe¡¯Reth are wide-eyed because this is indeed a rare sight. To see him in such a grave situation with someone so utterly dominant makes people taunt him. Some laugh and some just grin at him while he stands there in his pathetic frozen state.


    ¡°Though¡­ if you confess your deed to me, I¡¯ll take that as penance from your two-faced lying mouth and increase your pay, back to its original one tenth, which you would¡¯ve gotten before you dared lie to me,¡± she says while gaining a hideous upward curve as her brilliant white teeth displays.


    ¡®Have I ever done something to make her act like this towards me?Xe¡¯Reth ponders, seeming lost by this kind of behavior from her, but nothing comes to mind. He has always known how proud this woman is¡­ no, how this girl is. He always tries to stay away from the more prosperous people, to just stay with those who have the privilege to serve under such a person, the common folk.


    The woman herself has reached her twentieth birthday, and she is from one of the most esteemed noble families, an Honored Family, who rules the city where Xe¡¯Reth lives. He had heard that when she first introduced herself to her squad of archers, but Xe¡¯Reth already knew that because he knows everything that goes on in that city of his.


    She has blond hair that¡¯s tied to form an upper ponytail while her long bangs are on either side of her face, so they don¡¯t cover her appearance of splendor. Her azure-blue pearls of eyes are venomous, yet with a seductive sensation that can make any man want her, and her rosy lips seem so tempting, so alluring that anyone would want to push one¡¯s lips onto those two rose petals and taste the forbidden fruit that lies slumbering inside her mouth. The wetness of constant tongue against tongue.


    But, Xe¡¯Reth just frowns at this person that¡¯s sitting in front of him in a rather comfortable chair.


    Does he need to degrade himself by saying something that isn¡¯t true?


    ¡°Well? Are you going to confess your act of lying, Xe¡¯Reth?¡± she asks, licking her upper lip, waiting for him to say untruthful words.


    He did make those arrows at home, his home where he must quickly return to, because of someone that awaits for him which means more than his life or for that matter, his own pride.


    Xe¡¯Reth clenches his fists and hardens his teeth, so they grind together, but he gives out a sigh while he bows deeply, ¡°Please forgive me, Honored Commander, for I have¡­ lied to you.¡±


    ¡°Uhuhu, splendid, excellent. Here is your payment, ninety crowns,¡± the commander says with a face of victory while having such a charming smile on her lips, lowering Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s character, but yet her eyes show a hint of regret for what she just did.


    As Xe¡¯Reth is about to take hold of the pouch of crowns that she grips in her light-skinned hand, she pulls it away teasingly.


    ¡°What now?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks with a tone of impatience, but that just make her scowl with eyes narrowing, though she changes to a frightening gawk as she gazes at someone who''s walking to be beside him, coming out from the hidden place, an alley-like crack between the payment stalls.


    She gives the pouch to him all of a sudden, ¡°Nothing, here, take it!¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth shows a bit of a surprise in his eyes. She just gives him the pouch willingly as if she has already had enough of playing around with him, but that isn¡¯t the case. It¡¯s because of that someone who is looking at his Commander with such a face of utter displease.


    Another woman, standing beside Xe¡¯Reth, and she had heard every single word that the two of them had said to one another.


    Since Xe¡¯Reth was so infuriated, he didn¡¯t even notice the woman who came out from the alley to stand right next to him.


    ¡®Crap! Why is she here?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth goes alert with startling wide eyes as he recognizes the woman.


    ¡°S-Sister¡­¡± the commander says with anxiety, her whole face turning pale as she gapes at her elder sister who¡¯s beside Xe¡¯Reth, only the stall separating them.


    ¡°Wha-what brings you here, sister?¡± she asks with a newly lit face of deception, trying to hide her real arrogant expression that she had towards Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°Dear baby sister¡­ you¡¯re acting so shamefully. You can see that he wasn¡¯t lying, yet you made him say words that are untrue? Is this how you were raised to be, to be such a cunning woman? For you to do these things, have you no shame as an Honored One?¡± her elder sister asks with scorn, such a deep frown embedded onto her face, but she seems drained like Xe¡¯Reth as if she had just come back from death itself.


    She wears heavy plate armor which¡¯s stained with so much blood that it still drips off of her black and red colored armor.¡®She just came from the middle gate,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth notices as he gazes upon this woman who scolds her almost identical younger sister.


    Though the elder sister is more strong-looking, a beautiful battle-maiden, while the younger sister, less sturdy-looking, rather, she has more of a body of a girl who hasn¡¯t trained her whole life, she''s thin with no muscles at all.


    Under the elder sister¡¯s plated armor must be a place of wonder Xe¡¯Reth awes as he gives a quick up and down glance at her. Her face is like her sister¡¯s, a most stunning face with those thin arched eyebrows, her full lips, her lovely yet poisonous eyes, and her long blond let out hair that soars with the breeze.


    She¡¯s truly a Goddess of War, a real beauty, but for Xe¡¯Reth, this can only turn bad for him. Because his commander¡¯s elder sister is scolding her right in front of him, and he can see the younger sister¡¯s eyes that are filled with anxiety and complete anger.


    Next time he¡¯ll meet his Commander, she¡¯ll probably be more menacing towards him than she is now¡­


    ¡°Excuse me, my Honored Lady, but it is true what your younger sister said. I lied about the arrows being homemade, so her concern is well placed. I tried to gain more crowns by trying to trick your Honored Sister. Please¡­ I ask for your forgiveness,¡± Xe¡¯Reth pleads as he lies with an unreadable expression on his face while he bows deeply yet again.


    ¡®Bowing¡­ bowing¡­ bowing. These nobles are making me show such a shameful appearance,¡¯Xe¡¯Reth rages inside, but yet no angry expression is on his face, only closed eyes that seek forgiveness.


    Both of the women stare at Xe¡¯Reth with wide eyes of complete surprise, but the elder sister just sighs as she understands the situation of this young man¡¯s predicament. She shakes her head as she holds it with one hand as if she¡¯s giving a shaking face-palm, but he can see her tired expression which¡¯s weighing heavily on her with peeking eyes.


    ¡°Myyy lovveeely siiiisteeers!¡± a man¡¯s cheery voice shoots out for all to hear, and from that sound comes a crowd of heavy-plate armored men and women, like the elder sister, while the man himself has such proud look to him, an appearance of tranquility and charisma. He¡¯s way older than the two women that are beside Xe¡¯Reth.


    Following behind the man, rows of melee soldiers which are stained with so much blood upon their plated bodies. They fought in the thickets of the clashing armies by the gates; killing, spilling blood, that blood which now soaks the field of death with red dye.


    ¡®I need to leave¡­ now,¡¯Xe¡¯Reth worries as he gazes at the man walking towards his direction.


    ¡°I-It is the number one squad and their leader, the mighty Honored General of the middle gate!¡±


    ¡°Oh, Divine Queens, what¡¯re they doing here by the archers'' and siege workers'' payment stalls?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know? The Honored General has a sister here that commands one of the archer squads.¡±


    The archers and siege workers start to talk among themselves as they look in awe upon the melee soldiers that walk toward the fourth payment stall.


    ¡°Elder brother! Why are you here causing a stir? You know that it¡¯s forbidden to bring a squad of melee soldiers here to the side of the archers and siege workers, yet you still bring them?¡± the elder sister asks with narrowed eyes. She gazes around at the people that look at them, but thankfully, none of the archers nor siege workers show any malice, only admiration display on their various faces.


    ¡°Be at ease my fellow country men and women of the wall. I¡¯ve just come to see how my youngest sister is fairing at her post as a Commander; then I¡¯ll take my leave,¡± the brother says with a collected appearance that presents on his smiling mouth and gentle eyes.


    ¡°She¡¯s handling it¡­¡± the eldest sister¡¯s gaze wanders to Xe¡¯Reth because he had said that her sister wasn¡¯t lying about him taking the arrows from the buckets. But in fact, that was the lie, and she had caught that lie of his, though she fully understands why he did lie. ¡°She¡¯s handling it fine, brother.¡±


    The brother raises an eyebrow as his eldest sister peer at an ebon-haired man, but he turns his head towards his youngest sister, putting it out of his mind.


    As his eyes and mouth fixate on her, that¡¯s when Xe¡¯Reth makes his escape, right as the brother begins to talk to his youngest sister who witnesses Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s escape, but she keeps her silence, until the next meeting in three days.


    ¡®Humiliating me like this, in front of so many people... just you wait... Xe''Reth,¡¯ she promises.


    Xe¡¯Reth disappears into the crowd of people that have gathered here by the payment stalls to view the number one squad of the middle gate. As he gets far away enough, he begins to jog towards the city where he lives.


    He weighs the crowns in his hands while having a relieved look since things could have turned for the worse.


    The backside of the wall has no defenses, only a lot of buildings where people would go to buy merchandise, such as weapons, armors, food, or a bed to sleep on, and various other equipment. It¡¯s a large military city, but it isn¡¯t a place for living, it¡¯s a place for war and fighting to prove who''s the strongest in the kingdom.


    Buildings where various siege weapons are being built, those terrifying weapons of war; the armory with the most expensive weapons and armors which Xe¡¯Reth can only dream about getting.


    Xe''Reth has no mount that can take him to the city where he lives because he¡¯s not wealthy. Impoverished is what he is, even now when he has money to spend. All of his earnings go to a special place in his home. He needs to care for that unique entity with all his heart. Otherwise, he would become some other person entirely. His heart would be torn from his chest if that precious object of affection was to vanish.


    Xe¡¯Reth continues to jog past the hundreds of buildings, past the hundreds of people, and onto the road leading to the city where he lives. The woodlands that are covering the sides with its blooming green colors fill Xe''Reth''s eyes, and not that reddened color beyond the wall, just regular trees of dark emerald.


    He starts to move his legs faster and faster. He passes many soldiers of the wall, for they¡¯re going to their places of refuge.


    Xe¡¯Reth is running because he doesn¡¯t want to wait by the gate of the city where he lives, for it can take a while before he can get inside since it has a strict system where one needs a pass and inspection. His paper of being a citizen is inside a small pouch hanging on the waist.


    He clasps onto his ebony bow and holds his quiver, so it doesn¡¯t bounce around too much as he runs. In his bow hand, he also grasps the pouch of crowns. He sprints as he moves with the wind. His now dry hair has formed back to its slicked-back state, making him look rather vicious with his scarred left brow, his black eyes, and his striking yet malicious facial features.


    Fast moving hooves also resound behind him, but he keeps on running with such speed that makes it hard for any regular mount to catch up to him. He breathes slow and steady breaths as he passes the slow moving soldiers, carriages, and mounted people that ride on their thoroughbred horses at a moderate pace.


    The people just watch Xe¡¯Reth with startling expressions as he vanishes, because he runs with such a haste towardsthe City of Tertinum, which is the closest city to the Ebon Wall, where Xe¡¯Reth lives.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    He keeps on running for a while.


    The fast moving hooves that he heard before are still resonating behind him, so he stops dead in his tracks to do a quick spin of his body, to catch with his eyes¡­ the elder sister of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s commander riding on her thoroughbred white horse.


    As he stops, she waves with her plated arm and gauntleted hand.


    She had wanted to shout before, but she was surprised by the endurance of this young man that ran with such hastening speed, so she just kept on following him until now since he has turned around to look at her with his blackened eyes.


    ¡®What does she want?¡¯¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth worries while smiling to hide his inner feelings of fear.


    As she comes strutting on her white mare, she jumps off of it and goes up to Xe¡¯Reth; her face is beaming in a lovely mood.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ was it? I thank you for interrupting me earlier, if you hadn¡¯t, I think your life would¡¯ve become¡­ complicated by my foolish actions. I know that my little sister can be very¡­ noble-like. She does what she wants; insults whoever she wants, and that''s hard to handle I¡¯m afraid. But please don¡¯t feel hatred towards her, she¡¯s just a foolish girl, so I hope that you can forgive her, for her unfair treatment of you,¡± she says with a pleading voice while smiling with a gentle curve on her mouth, waiting for his answer.


    What Xe¡¯Reth can¡¯t understand is, why is she trying to implore his forgiveness for her sister¡¯s actions? He isn¡¯t an acquaintance with them, so why would he care about such a simple act of an arrogant noble, which he has seen so many times before.


    The younger sister is his commander, but no words have ever existed between him and her, other than the previous payments and today. He was surprised when she said his name all of a sudden as if she has known him for a long time.


    Why the sudden attention from her? He doesn¡¯t know, maybe a spur of a bored noble?


    ¡°It is alright, Honored Lady. I¡¯ve no hatred towards her; only disappointment is afflicting my mind, for I¡¯ve such a commander as her above me in rank,¡± Xe¡¯Reth affirms with such truth behind his words while bobbing his head to recognize her Honored presence.


    What Xe¡¯Reth said were words of disrespect towards an Honored woman, which make the eldest sister think of what he just said with a gauntlet holding her chin while her other hand holds onto her elbow, standing in a pondering stance.


    ¡°Good,¡± she whispers as she¡¯s pleased with that kind of response from him, even though that was a straight insult to her baby sister, but she takes it to heart and knows that it¡¯s true, for her sister is honestly not someone people like.


    ¡®She is a very tenderhearted woman... it seems,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth catches as he looks upon this stunning beauty in front of him.¡®Maybe she¡¯s too kind for her own good? Let me see.¡¯


    ¡°Honored Lady, you must care deeply for your sister because normal people wouldn¡¯t do these kinds of things; coming to ask a person to forgive one of their family member who you don¡¯t even know,¡± Xe¡¯Reth begins with gentle words while his curves turn into a reassuring smile.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. But I only want nobody to have ill feelings towards my dear sister. Because things can happen if she pushes someone too far, which happens to a lot of nobles that have too much greed and power to think that they can do whatever they want,¡± she says, sighing as she shakes her head in shame for her fellow lesser nobles.


    ¡°Thankfully there are people like you, Honored Lady. For you can see through the wealth and power that people have. To see what is important. That my Honored Lady, is truly a noble of greatness in the making,¡± Xe¡¯Reth praises while leaning slightly forward as he put on a little act as if he wants her to take in those words of admiration so she would lower her guard a little bit.


    ¡°Y-Your words are too kind¡­ but do you know who I¡¯m?¡± she asks, being slightly interested in his thoughts about herself. Though, she already knows he recognizes her because he heard the conversation between her and her sister. Also, the way he acts towards her is a dead giveaway.


    ¡°Oh, who doesn¡¯t know who you are, Honored Lady? You¡¯re the mighty Second-in-Command of the number one squad of the middle gate. You who fights with such beauty and elegance when you hold onto your sword and shield. You¡¯re Malinda of House Tertin, who controls the city where I live,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with such respect while showing a beaming face, but he doesn''t stop there, he sugarcoats it with more praiseworthy words. ¡°Your beauty is truly unmatchable by the other Honored Ladies that are around the kingdom, for you¡¯re a Goddess of Battle, a Goddess among ordinary women. You¡¯re determined, gorgeous, intelligent, and considerate of others who doesn¡¯t deserve your wrath. Who doesn¡¯t know your benevolent self?¡±


    Malinda¡¯s heart does begin to throb with ache as she hears those words of endless praise from this black-haired young man who she just met, her forbidden fruit even licks her now dry lips to moisten them.


    This emotion is indeed a first. But never has a mere commoner been brave enough to utter such elegant tones, rather, this young man''s bravery takes her aback as though his tongue is imbued with magic.


    ¡°But, who am I to speak to you with such esteem, you¡¯re unreachable by the common folk like the snow-capped mountains that stand guard around our precious realm. My Honored Lady Malinda, it pains me to say this, but I must sadly be on my way, for I¡¯ve things I need to attend to at home. I beg you an Honored farewell,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with distant lonely eyes while giving a bob of his head as he turns around and begins to walk away, but as he¡¯s facing his back toward her, he sprouts forth a slight ominous smile while he raises one scarred eyebrow.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, wait! Hold on a moment!¡± Malinda shouts as she grabs the reins of her horse to follow him.


    ¡®Malinda, you¡¯re very naive if only those words trembled your noble heart,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth pities her but becomes gladdened.


    If he can get someone like her around his fingertips as a friend¡­ or as a lover, his life would become easier to handle than his current state of poverty, or moreover, he¡¯d be set for life.


    He takes a deep breath and puts on his most unreadable mask of his very being. A cover of trickery that will take things to the limit to reach whatever height that needs climbing, because he desires money, he needs money for that individual that he has at home.


    His goal in life is simple, to be like those who stands with the royal family in the capital. Those Honored families! He doesn¡¯t want people to look down on him¡­ he wants them to fear him, for he wants much more than his current position.


    If he must step on people, trick people, even kill people to achieve his goals, he¡¯ll do it. He isn¡¯t kind nor is he forgiving; he¡¯s a schemer. He has lived his life with a smiling mask for over four years, yet that mask will be on for the years to come until he can take it off, and spread his tucked in emotions that are weighing him down immensely.


    He turns around to face Malinda while he puts on a saddened expression because those words he just said: That she¡¯s unreachable by ordinary men. If he can make her think that her high status saddens him, he can take advantage of it.


    ¡°Do you need anything else¡­ Honored Lady?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks with a tone of sadness, but not too much sorrow in the words since it would just seem suspicious for the sudden pathetic man to reveal himself.


    ¡°You¡¯re heading towards the city, aren¡¯t you? Because you said, you live there? If that¡¯s so, y-you don¡¯t mind if my presence is beside you on your journey home?¡± she asks with slightly flushed cheeks as she walks close to him, and she catches that glint of sadness on his face.


    She doesn¡¯t know why he has become filled with such an aching expression.


    ¡®Was it because we weren¡¯t going to see each other again?¡¯Malinda considers with unease, but with thankfulness.¡®Does¡­ Does he perhaps like me? ¡­Well, his words were¡­ they were¡­¡¯ She gulps as she flickers with her eyes thinking about those words that he had said to her.¡®Many have tried to seduce me but failed¡­ is he also trying or am I just overthinking it?¡¯


    She doesn¡¯t like to experience people with worrisome faces. Since she¡¯s years older than him, she does feel a somewhat duty to take care of this young man who¡¯s standing there beside her.


    She has been very strict on those she spends time with, rather, Malinda doesn¡¯t have any male friends, only the scarce females of the Middle Gate, who rarely converse with her since she isn''t the most social of women. But even they can be stale in her presence, for she has a stern look to her when she speaks about various important subjects, which makes her most unapproachable by the common nobles that are stationed by the middle gate.


    ¡°My Honored Lady Malinda, your presence will be most welcomed, and with your help, I can probably get through the city''s gate faster, heh,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckles as his expression then turns gloomier with eyes closing, ¡°But, I shouldn¡¯t let you¡­ You¡¯re one of the figureheads of the city, so being seen with a person such as myself is something I cannot allow. You¡¯re too precious to be seen walking beside someone as poor as me.¡±


    ¡°N-Nonsense! Do not belittle yourself, Xe¡¯Reth. I walk with those who I want to walk with!¡± she shouts because his praise makes her feel not so good about herself, but that¡¯s what Xe¡¯Reth wants, to make her guilty of her high status that follows her wherever she goes.


    ¡°But sadly that¡¯s how it must be because jealousy would just spread if people saw you with a male beside you all of a sudden. And if I may be so bold to say, my Honored Lady, you have never really been that interested in men, am I right?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as he gazes at her with questioning eyes, but behind Malinda¡­ people are coming.


    He needs to quicken his actions, so they don¡¯t come and interrupt them because they had gone far in front of the others who travel from the Ebon Wall.


    ¡°Ho-How did¡­ Is it that obvious?¡± she asks with scarlet cheeks that blossoms on her face. ¡°But so what! I decide who I want to walk with, and if you were to run into any trouble because of me, just come and visit the Citadel! Come, I demand you to walk with me!¡±


    She starts to pull her horse yonder towards the city, which¡¯s an hour away from where they¡¯re at the moment, though it depends on how fast they move. Xe¡¯Reth displays surprise on his face, for she just acted like an arrogant lady that wants her follower to follow...


    ¡°Then I¡¯m in your loving embrace, Honored Lady Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he walks up to her, to be right beside her, rather closely with a smile on his scheming mouth. ¡°Though I would much appreciate it if you would ride your horse instead. Because as I said, I need to return home before the sun is swallowed up by darkness because someone precious to me is waiting for my return.¡±


    She flinches as she hears ¡®someone precious,'' but she doesn¡¯t inquire about what person that might be. She turns her blond-haired head to stare at him while showing a disappointed downward arc upon her lips. ¡°Oh, I see. Let us make haste to the city then.¡±


    She climbs onto her horse with her plate armor, without any effort at all, and with a ¡°Hiya!¡± her horse gallops forward.A horse for someone as powerful as Malinda.


    Xe¡¯Reth begins to sprint to catch up to her with quickened strides. He¡¯s just tapping the ground with one foot after the other while he jumps through the air. Her wide eyes gaze at him in surprise that fills her whole face yet again.


    ¡®Who in the world is he?¡¯Malinda asks herself, riding on her horse as her heavy plate armor clatter with the galloping movements.


    They keep on going on the road for a short while.


    ¡°HIYAA!¡± she yells as she drives her feet into the horse, making it neigh loudly.


    The horse gallops even faster.


    ¡°Wow! He-Hey! Wait up!¡± Xe¡¯Reth yells because he can¡¯t possibly keep up with a full galloping horse, or can he?


    *Neigh!*


    ¡°Easy, easy there, girl!¡± Malinda shouts as she jerks her reins, which makes her horse slide on the ground with the metal hooved shoes that give off tiny sparks as they grind against the small stones on the road.


    ¡°Aaa¡­ Haaa¡­ Truly¡­ An excellent horse you have there, my Honored Lady Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he comes up beside her with heavy breaths. But he¡¯s just faking it, for he doesn¡¯t want her to know him that well.


    He has thought it through; he¡¯ll begin to court her, and that needs time to settle in. Her heart needs to be jerked into his embrace. He hadn¡¯t thought about trying to gain someone of higher standing before¡­ but now?


    ''This perfect opportunity that has come to me, I¡¯ll not let it slide away. Even if I have to use her,''he decides as he continues to breathe. She¡¯ll become his stepping stone to wealth; he needs to do this, even if she¡¯ll become a mere tool to him for his goals, his selfish, ambitious goals.


    If Malinda didn¡¯t come and interrupt the bullying that he suffered from her younger sister, she wouldn¡¯t need to mourn this fate that¡¯ll come upon her. But it all depends on how Xe¡¯Reth plays his part out. Maybe he¡¯ll mess up royally and get her to hate him?


    ¡°Come, Malinda! Let us go now,together, come!¡± Xe¡¯Reth shouts with a cheerful expression, a face of genuine fake attraction that makes Malinda¡¯s heart shake once more, for he didn¡¯t put any ¡®Honored Lady¡¯ in his sentence, and that causes her to let out a yell, ¡°Yes!¡±


    They then journey toward the city¡­


    ----


    Thanks for reading! I must warn you. If you don''t favor a manipulative, slightly evil and cunning Main Character, this probably isn''t a story for you. :P


    Until next time! :D


    Comment/Favorite/Follow!


    ----

 03 - The Mind of a Soldier

    <hr>


    <u>The Mind of a Soldier</u>


    <hr>


    As Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda comes galloping and running beside each other, they witness the city in front of them while the last sunlight slowly disappears down behind the massive mountains, making it glow in amber.


    The City of Tertinum has a water moat that encircles the whole city. Only the City¡¯s bridges connect to the landscape. They¡¯re sturdy, thick and long bridges that can be raised and lowered, a precaution if the enemy would break through the Ebon Wall, which is highly unlikely because the kingdom defends it with such ease.


    The City¡¯s fortification, extraordinary, probably because they don¡¯t want it to be inferior toThose Who Came Before.But as that priceless stone which''s the foundation of the Ebon Wall is long gone, they could only make do with a different material of stone, though it looks breathtaking with its whitened walls that have zero flaws in its stonework.


    Moreover, there are various carvings all around the fortification, making it a wall of art that¡¯s surrounding this City where Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda lives.


    Xe¡¯Reth peers at the towering buildings that peek out above the multiple layers, shining with small torches or candles, and the Citadel that¡¯s even taller than everything illuminates with lights as if the stars bless the City with its presence.


    Truly a place for the most esteemed and wealthy noble family to live in.


    ¡°Your Citadel is beautiful beyond one¡¯s own imagining,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he runs beside the galloping horse, though, he has seen it too many times to even count, but still, it¡¯s a place of wealth and power which he wants to be a part of.At the moment, they¡¯re surrounded by fields of farmlands and houses in the distance.


    ¡°Oh... It¡¯s just an old castle that¡¯s pretty much empty, except for me, my elder brother, my little sister, my elder brother¡¯s wife and my niece live there. Though there are those that come to visit from other noble families who tries to gain our favor. The city guards aren¡¯t even allowed inside the Citadel¡¯s inner gate, only the people and servants that work there has permission to be inside. To do their jobs in keeping everything tidy and well-regarded. Still, it¡¯s a very boring place, nothing happens, maybe festivities a couple of times a year, but nothing more,¡± Malinda says with a half-present voice as she gallops onward.


    Xe¡¯Reth knows everything about the rulers of this City, who doesn¡¯t really know about them? They¡¯re the family that runs this city with such conviction, rather generously also. The taxes aren¡¯t too steep, but that doesn¡¯t help if one got a house that¡¯s owned by a property owner. Though over the last four years, it has become worse for the City¡¯s poor people.


    As they continue toward one of the main gates of Tertinum City, the darkness now lies thick on this side of the spectrum. Though Xe¡¯Reth catches the fluttering black and red flags spreading around the fortification of whiteness. Guards who¡¯re on rampart-duty, yawning while holding their spears and shields, and the incoming portcullis that has large chains hanging down from above the stones'' holes which are attached to the bridge so it can be raised.


    ¡®They should¡¯ve made the fortification black like the Ebon Wall,'' Xe¡¯Reth had thought that many times but he keeps on thinking those words over and over again. For he¡¯s the embodiment of darkness, his hair and eyes are in the rarestcolor, black.


    Even though black is one of the country¡¯s colors, it makes the kingdom look rather evil-looking, but they keep it because they represent the Ebon Wall that stands as the sentinel of this great Kingdom of Ellenoria that¡¯s surrounded by the impassable mountains.


    The Kingdom was renamed in the memory of the Divine Queen, who changed things for the better millennia ago.


    Though Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s ebony features have only affected him ill since he¡¯s the only one in these lands that has black hair and eyes, and that has made him an outcast, but not really an outcast. People just look at him with sneering expressions while saying mean remarks in secret, although in the open too. Because dangerous animals and monsters that are stained with darkness are often the cause for those hostile eyes targeting him.


    The archer squad that he¡¯s in have even begun calling him ¡®darkling.''


    Only because of his hair and eyes are black? Ah, the simple minds of child¡¯s play had Xe''Reth thought when he heard the name-calling.


    ...


    As they come upon the drawbridge, they¡¯re greeted, or rather Malinda is welcomed by the city guards who¡¯re standing with torches in their hands because their occupation demands the remembrance of the faces of the rulers of the City; they¡¯re the bosses, the Honored Ones.


    While passing the guards, Xe¡¯Reth gets wondering wide-eyed faces directing at him.


    The hooves of the horse thuds on the wooden drawbridge in a rather relaxing sound. The horse itself struts in a coordinated and elegant fashion as Xe¡¯Reth walks beside Malinda.


    They come upon the gate of the City.


    Malinda is greeted once again by the city guards with faces full of admiration. Seeing this beauty ride with her mare and her full-bodied plate armor is a sight people must take in with generosity, because she usually doesn¡¯t show herself out in the open, but when she does display herself, it is always a spectacular sight.


    Though at this moment, her whole armor is covered with the blood of her enemies. She has no weapons on her because her equipment will be returned with all the other bounties that will be collected on the battlefield. For all of the various Honored Families are the ones who handles the Ebon Wall, they get rewarded with the dead enemy''s armors, weapons, and other equipment that comes along with them.


    Malinda had just secured her helmet, sword, and shield after the battle by her family¡¯s carriages, then she went to see how her baby sister was faring in her duties as a commander, which Malinda saw with shameful eyes.


    ¡°Oh! Welcome back our Honored Lady Malinda! Please do continue, let us not stop you!¡± one of the city guards yells in awe as he bows several times to show his total respect. He¡¯s the captain of this bridge, and he recognized her Honored Lady immediately when she had come to the gate with her graceful mare of a horse.


    A fat bastard that Xe¡¯Reth knows all too well, and he makes sudden eye-contact with him.


    ¡°Wha-What audacity!! You damned filthy scoundrel! Back away from her Honored Lady immediately!¡± the captain yells with a burning red face while his double chins quake as he catches Xe¡¯Reth standing beside her.


    But Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t move, he just grins sinisterly in his mind.


    ¡°Silence!!¡± Malinda shouts as her whole expression turns poisonous. Her teeth grind together as her upper lip raises itself while she scowls at the now frightened captain, who flinches terribly. ¡°You dare insult someone that I know?!¡ªGuards! Throw this¡­ this thing in a cell where he can stay for a while and learn how to speak correctly!¡±


    ''You truly are an Honored Lady,'' Xe¡¯Reth glees in delight as he peers at her new arrogant way of talking. Not in that gentle and considerate way that she had spoken to him, but in such a vile voice that makes people shudder before her very verses that come out between her alluring rosy lips. ¡®At least she treats those she likes with kindness...¡¯


    The guards, beyond baffled, they stand there for a couple of seconds with gaping mouths. However, the guards do as they¡¯re told. They take their captain who¡¯s dumbstruck toward the City¡¯s prison, literally dragging him away with feet making scrape sounds.


    Just a typical day¡¯s work from an Honored Lady, to throw her powers here and there. But what she just did was indeed illegal, even for an Honored One. Though she has the authority to quench the law if the need arises.


    This is working out perfect for Xe¡¯Reth. A nuisance that has been bothering him for years is now being sent to jail. But his face doesn¡¯t show his real laughing feelings. Instead, it shows a mask of concern.


    As Malinda turns her head to gaze at Xe¡¯Reth, her expression grimaces, a face filled with embarrassment because she just showed a side of her that she doesn¡¯t like. She isn¡¯t any better than her baby sister.


    She averts her head away to not reveal her closed eyes of self-pity and taps with her feet, so her horse will move. Xe¡¯Reth follows behind her with his baffled mask of worry.


    To know that she can act like this too¡­ He needs to be careful around her, so he doesn¡¯t make a slip of his tongue.


    As they disappear through the portcullis, the remaining city guards start to talk in uneasy voices, ¡°T-To think that he knows Lady Malinda. And that he¡¯s even under her protection. What has happened in these past few days?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah. To think that the Honored Lady would be associated with someone like¡­ him¡­ But, you don¡¯t believe that¡­ that they¡¯re involved with each other, right? ¡­Right?¡±


    The guards look at each other with different faces. Head scratching. Frowns. And closed eyes of wondering.


    ¡°To bethatclose to that kind of person, is she trying to ruin her reputation? He¡¯s just a mongrel on the street who''s so poor that he would do anything if money is involved.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he live in that area of the city, right?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, that sick mother of his¡­ It¡¯s such a pity to happen to such a beautiful woman. He should just put her out of her misery and find a new life. Trying to cure that kind of disease is beyond those who¡¯re poor. Even those who¡¯re rich can¡¯t fix it. Only the work of magic has ever healed that disease¡­ *Cough* I¡¯ve heard, of course.¡±


    ¡°Disease? His mother got a disease? Is it contagious?¡±


    ¡°It is not. You know that disease which happened years ago? It¡¯s that disease of death. But to think he has kept her alive for this long, he and her have dedication I tell you.¡±


    ¡°Ehem!¡±


    As the guards turn their heads toward the crowd of impatient people that stand there waiting for them to continue their inspections, their faces turn worse. They were too caught up in discussing the new happenings of their captain being dragged away by the two guards toward the City¡¯s prison, and the sudden Xe¡¯Reth who came with Malinda.


    They were so into it that they forgot about the people waiting on the drawbridge. They then continue with their work as gate-guards, to inspect the travelers if they¡¯ve permits, then if they have the passes, their belongings will be checked next¡­However, if they don¡¯t have one, they would need to travel to a nearby town to apply for one, which could take several days, weeks, months¡­


    ......


    ...


    Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda moves on a broad cobblestoned street; the horse¡¯s metal shoes clink on the stone as it walks while Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s red plate boots, too, make slight sounds as they hit the tiles, though the noise is lessened for some reason. He walks rather happily beside Malinda since he didn¡¯t need to show his permit.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for showing you such an embarrassing side of me. But... I can¡¯t stand when people do things like that. Who¡¯re they to call you with such names?! Ah¡­ Well, he won¡¯t be released from jail for a while, I¡¯ll make sure of that, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Malinda promises, first with an apologetic voice, but she changed her tone as she remembers those words¡­ which the captain said to Xe¡¯Reth.


    He gazes at her with loving eyes, eyes of gratitude, and as she turns her head, she hastily turns it back. Her one gauntleted hand goes to her plated chest as she clutches her fist tightly.


    She has never met someone who looks at her like this. Always the eyes of men in heat that only thought of her as some kind of sexual object that they wanted to gain control of.


    But¡­ from her skills and reputation that she had gotten over the years by fighting down by the Ebon Wall¡¯s middle gate, she destroyed those eyes that looked at her with lust. That¡¯s why she has never known love, never even thought about it. She only trained, fought by the gate, and handled some of the training schedules for her brother''s soldiers.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    No one has ever dared to show her those faces of lust anymore, though, Xe¡¯Reth''s face she doesn¡¯t really mind to be looked upon by.


    Now that she has met someone like him, maybe she can let herself loose a tiny bit? He¡¯s very handsome with those dark eyes, his slicked-backed short hair, and that body beneath his armor must¡¯ve been trained to its utter perfection. He¡¯s taller than her, though only by a little bit, for she reaches almost 1.8 meters so he must be around 1.85.


    Though how can she even think about this? She has never even thought about men these past few years. She¡¯s soon turning twenty-five years old, and he must be around seventeen or twenty since none in her sister¡¯s squad is older than her. He looks young but manly. He has a certain air about him that screams in her head, a scream that yells at her to indulge herself in the outlawed performances that she had put upon her mind to restrict such meaningless activities of weakness.


    For she has heard that people change when they find their affectionate one¡­ so she has been scared to change, to take that step into her own happiness, or into her own oblivion.


    As they continue down the now lit street of flickering streetlights, night has set itself on this side of the world. The stars shine in the cloudless sky. The two big moons that circles this planet are aligned. The smaller moon is showing precisely in the middle of the larger moon, and Malinda witnesses that phenomena that only happens every hundred years.


    It is as if the moons themselves push her to say the words to make him¡­ hers. Xe¡¯Reth the small moon ¨C the poor one. And Malinda the giant moon ¨C the wealthy one. She only needs to demand it of him, and he would be hers, without question, but of course, that would be highly out of her nature.


    The people walking on the same street gawk at Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda as they travel side by side toward one of the outer layer¡¯s squares at a relaxing pace. Her horse taps the ground with carefully placed steps while Xe¡¯Reth too walks with a new found mannerism filling his legs.


    Malinda¡¯s head turns several times to gaze at him, but only one side of her face shows so she can peer at him with one emotional eye.


    ¡®I just met him one hour ago, what is the matter with me?!¡¯Malinda yells inside her newly sensitive head.¡®I-I should test him a little bit so I can be sure that he just doesn¡¯t want me for my status¡­ my wealth. Or maybe he isn¡¯t interested in me at all¡­? Oh! How stupid of me, of course, he isn¡¯t, he just tagged along to get past the gate faster. But¡­ maybe he does like me?¡¯


    ¡°Malinda, this is where we must part ways. I¡¯ll remember you forever for your kindhearted way. I can see that those you hold dear is blessed with your compassion. But this is¡­ probably the last time we¡¯ll ever meet. I beg you farewell, my Honored Lady¡­ Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with painful words reaching Malinda''s now alarmed heart as he bows deeply, then with a spin of his body, he begins to walk in a different direction.


    Malinda with a completely frozen body stares at him as he leaves.


    He is moving away from her¡­


    She can¡¯t even speak out any words of goodbye. Xe¡¯Reth is just getting further and further away from her. She was tired after the battle, but now she has forgotten all about her fatigue. She bites her lower lip gently, but in a desperate way.


    Sitting there on her horse, he walks down the brightly lit street, the view of the two aligning moons is shining ever so brightly with its lightless light, urging her to take that single step into either doom or happiness.


    Her wearied chest start to pound in an emotional way more and more the further away he goes from her. A panic attack is what she¡¯s having. She just met him! So why is she feeling these kinds of emotions when she has never felt them before?


    As Xe¡¯Reth disappears from her sight, her eyes go wide with such anxiety¡­ she doesn¡¯t want to say goodbye¡­ she wants to¡­ go to him.


    The battle by the Ebon Wall¡¯s middle gate had been rough on her this time. The bodies had been piled upon each other, the blood that stained everyone, herself included. A gate soldier is something that isn¡¯t for the weak-hearted. But why now¡­ why now does she want someone to hold, to drown herself in a man¡¯s embrace?


    She has heard of the other soldiers who fights by the gates, that they¡¯ve someone to talk to, to spend time with ¨C their lovers. To ease their horrible experience which they don¡¯t want to remember.


    She feels sick to her stomach, and her head is making her dizzy, clouding her whole mind in disorientation.


    Even if she has trained her mind to think that she¡¯s protecting the people of her kingdom, sometimes it just doesn¡¯t help. One time at the battle by the gates, children had come with the enemy, andthatmade her so distraught. But she still had to slaughter them, she gave no quarter. Otherwise, she would be the one to die.


    She is a murderer of children¡­ She killed those children without a second thought.


    A monster is what she has become in her own mind, a monster of war that knows how to kill her enemies, but this young man, Xe¡¯Reth, looked at her with such affection that makes her heart want to seek out such a warm sensation, which would unfreeze her cold core.


    Those emotions which she doesn¡¯t show on her outer shell.


    ¡°D-Dammit¡­¡± Malinda whines in a shaking voice as she pulls her reins towards the street where Xe¡¯Reth disappeared to. And with eyes going wide, she yells, ¡°Hiyaa!¡±


    Her two plated boots drive into her horse''s sides. Not caring if it hurts the animal itself. But, through its discomfort, the horse raises itself onto its two legs and neigh in a painful wail, which causes her to lose her balance, making her fall to the cobblestoned ground.


    *Crack*


    As her whole plated body cascades down, the cobble of the street breaks a little as her horse begin to gallop away, toward another direction, surprisingly.


    ¡°Come back¡­!¡± she groans, but the horse doesn''t stop. She hastily turns her head to the direction where Xe¡¯Reth went.


    While frowning, she starts to run with her clattering plate armor.


    ¡°Making me like this Xe¡¯Reth¡­ how can you just leave me like that?¡± she asks as she runs like a madwoman towards Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s last known location. It isn¡¯t a pretty sight no matter how beautiful she¡¯s. That armor is not made for running, it¡¯s armor for protection.


    ......


    ...


    As Xe¡¯Reth keeps on walking down one of the streets, the rage that he should¡¯ve pushed her more burns inside him. He could¡¯ve gained some kind of affection from her, which in turn would make it so he can continue wooing her.


    But now he has such a frown while he walks, dampening his senses to everything. Xe''Reth wasted his precious time to play around with a woman when he could¡¯ve done something more important.


    Though, Xe¡¯Reth would¡¯ve still been at the City¡¯s gate waiting for people to go in, one after the other. And that fat captain would¡¯ve asked for something in return for letting him in, even though he has the pass, which he has lost many times because of the bullying he gets from the city guard. He has had to steal it back many times. A dangerous act to do.


    ¡°At least, she was useful for something. Now the city guard will probably not bother with me anymore. That is always a plus,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with a curve on his mouth. His wooing gained some puny result.


    He continues to walk with quick paces until he reaches his house, a rundown house, but it¡¯s a house nonetheless.


    Xe''Reth wanted to buy ingredients before returning home, but all of the herbalist boutiques have closed its doors at this hour, for the battle at the Ebon Wall had dragged on longer than he thought before the enemy retreated shamefully to their own deaths. So he didn¡¯t have the time to return to the City before all the shops closed.


    His one hand begins to unlock the many locks that he has fixed on the door to his house. As he finishes, his hand goes to the handle, but he hesitates to go in.


    He breathes in a deep shuddering breath as he opens the door to his house, which needs to be paid for; twenty silver crowns per month to the landlady he pays, with such hate towards the landlady.


    If the war didn¡¯t exist, he wouldn¡¯t even be able to pay the sum that''s needed every month. The landlady who owns Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house is a vile noble woman that purchases homes in this area of the City, only to raise the costs to gain back the money she lost from buying those estates.


    She squeezes out every crown that she can muster from the poor, especially from Xe¡¯Reth.


    He has no choice but to meet that sum. The expense of owning a house isn¡¯t pricey, but a noble woman like her who owns estates and ups the fees¡ªthe people doesn¡¯t really have any other choice than to pay that price.


    His very life depends on it. If he was to be thrown out¡­ His mother would¡­


    He shakes his head to remove the dizziness that¡¯s brewing inside because he has been awake for two days now. Though he has been awake far longer than that before, much longer. He has had days where he needed to work, work, and work to make ends meet of the house bill.


    Finally! A battle had happened on the Ebon Wall, and now he can relax for awhile as he peacefully works at the various jobs, which he can get throughout the city, towns, and villages. He also needs to train with the squad on decided days that his commander decides, otherwise he would lose his position.


    Three days of vacation until he must meet at the training yard in the Citadel''s outer grounds.


    He stands there in the opening while his gaze wanders to a closed door, but as he shuts the front entrance, he goes instead to a worn stove and places firewood inside. He lights it up with a fire starter¡ªsteel and flint.


    As the fire blazes in its fiery color, he walks to a big barrel that has a lid over it. He opens it up and scoops up the water that¡¯s in the barrel with his hands. He drinks five handfuls. With a swipe of his hand, he removes the droplets from his mouth while he walks to grab a pot that¡¯s hanging on a hook on the wall. He goes back to the water barrel and fills it, so it¡¯s half full; he sets it on the now warm stove to boil it up.


    His gaze yet again wanders to that door where his mother lies sleeping. He has drugged her with a powerful sedative that makes her knocked out for a whole day. If Xe''Reth had returned a couple of hours later, he wouldn¡¯t be able to live with himself.


    His mother would¡¯ve woken up in terrifying pain from her diseased body, that pain he knows all too well in his aching heart. His mother can¡¯t do anything by herself anymore, and that has made him very unemotional because his mother is his lifeline.


    If she were to die¡­


    He wouldn¡¯t know what to do with himself.


    He has to clean her, take care of her, and do everything for her, which she can¡¯t even do herself anymore. Her body has broken down over the years while his mind has gone deeper into darkness.


    Xe¡¯Reth has placed his ebony bow, brown quiver, and the pouches on a small table in the middle of his kitchen. He looks at his bow as he begins to take off his upper armor to show his well-trained muscled abs.


    He also places the garments on the table.


    *Knock knock*


    ¡®What¡­? Who can it be at this time? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s her¡­ wanting to ask for my payment personally again?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth growls moodily as he clicks his tongue, hearing the soft knocks on the front door.


    Xe''Reth walks toward it while frowning, and as he pulls down the handle, he opens the door.


    His eyes, wide to the point of popping out as he gapes with his mouth, trying to utter the name of the woman in front of himself, ¡°M-M-Malinda? W-What are you doing here?¡±


    .........


    ......


    ...


    <hr>


    Thanks for reading!


    What I thought was the post-traumatic stress of a soldier coming home from war when I wrote Malinda''s thinking.


    Until next time!


    Comment/Favorite/Follow!


    <hr>

 04 - The Unknown Father

    <hr>


    <u>The Unknown Father</u>


    <hr>


    *Knock knock*


    ''What¡­? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s her¡­ wanting to ask for my payment personally again?''Xe¡¯Reth growls as he clicks his tongue, hearing the soft knocks on the front door.


    Xe''Reth walks toward it while frowning, and as he pulls down the handle, he opens the door.


    His eyes, wide to the point of popping out as he gapes with his mouth, trying to utter the name of the woman in front of himself, ¡°M-M-Malinda? W-Why are you here?¡±


    ''Damn, damn, damn! Did she catch my attempts of trying to woo her?!''Xe¡¯Reth screams in his mind as he gawks at the¡­ fidgety Malinda.''Wait, she is¡­ nervous? Ah, I see.''


    ¡°H-Hello Xe¡¯Reth, I followed you after you left. I was¡­ curious to know where you live, and well,¡± she gazes around the dark neighborhood with blushing cheeks, but her sudden cease of blushing reveals her frame of mind. She scowls deeply as her eyes go to his. ¡°So this¡­ is where you live?¡±


    ''Damn you, woman, I didn¡¯t want this life, so don¡¯t look at me with such eyes of pity!''Xe¡¯Reth curses his inability of gaining a better house, yet he shows a forward tilting head of shame.


    ¡°Y-Yes, I live here, my Honored Lady. As you can see, I¡¯m but a mere young man that tries to make ends meet every month. I¡¯m underprivileged, unfortunately, but fate has chosen this life for me, so I can just go from where I am,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says in a calm but caring tone, showing a forced smile while also staring straight into her eyes with his. ¡°Now that you see me for what I am, is it disappointing? To know that you''ve spent your precious time with such a person?¡±


    ¡°What? No, no, absolutely not! It¡¯s just¡­ No! You are not such a person at all! Even though we haven¡¯t known each other for that long, I can see that you¡¯re a very caring person. So what if you aren¡¯t well-off? I know that you¡¯re a man of worth, someone built for survival. Your eyes look at me with such affection, which I hadn''t felt before, something that I sorely nee¡ª¡­¡± she interrupts herself as she gets out of her daze, so she doesn''t say anything embarrassing.


    She turns around with a quick spin to not show her face, that face of a gaping mouth, wide eyes, and a saddened frown. She said something that she shouldn¡¯t have said out loud. It was as if she was baring her feelings to Xe¡¯Reth, her emotional feelings that ache inside her heart.


    ¡°Malinda?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks with blinking eyes and a side tilting head.


    Never would he thought that she would come here to his house. He didn¡¯t even notice that she was following him when he went home. Did she follow him so quietly that he didn¡¯t sense her, hear her? His stare wander up and down as Malinda¡¯s plate boots catch his eyes, which would¡¯ve made a lot of noise, but it didn¡¯t. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve certainly heard her footsteps.


    His eyes dart around but no horse in sight, so something must''ve happened to it. Did Malinda tie it to some place perhaps? And followed him on foot?


    They stand there on either side of the opening of the door without saying anything; it feels like an eternity for Malinda since she isn¡¯t showing her face to him, only her plated gleaming rear of stained blood.


    ¡°Aaaaahhh!! Honey!! Where are you!?!? Wher¡ªiiihhh,¡± a woman shrieks out in petrifying agony that makes Xe¡¯Reth grind his teeth in worry. His now pale face turn to pure terror. A face even he can¡¯t mask no matter how much he tries.


    Malinda spins around as she hears the wail. Surprise fills her now wider than wide eyes, ¡°Who is that¡ª?¡±


    ¡°P-Please Malinda, wait out here! I beg of you, please don¡¯t come inside, I can¡¯t let you see this. I¡¯ll come back after I¡¯ve¡­ After I¡¯ve gotten my mother to sleep. So please stay outside Malinda, please¡­ I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± Xe¡¯Reth panics with such desperation as he pleads with his shuddering eyes.


    He closes the door right in front of Malinda¡¯s face, or more like slamming it shut.


    ¡°Xeee!!¡± the woman moans as she feels her whole body burn with extreme pain. Her shaking voice resounds. It¡¯s such a high-pitched noise that it goes through the walls of this rundown house and out to the dark street of poverty.


    He runs to the door where his mother is and grips onto the door¡¯s handle, but he hesitates¡­


    ¡°Ahhhh¡­! Xeee¡­¡±


    He opens it with haste as he hears that sorrowful and excruciating voice of hers while he cringes with a damaging grimace.


    There she lies on her bed, which¡¯s the only thing that¡¯s new in this rundown house of his. She lies there in a miserable sprawled state. His mother has tried to get up, but with pain weakening her strength she couldn¡¯t even move a muscle, and from her movements, her painful sufferings have become much worse.


    Her snow-white skin has burnt searing flesh upon it while clad in bandages all around her naked body that hides the rest of her broken state of being.


    It¡¯s as if she¡¯s a victim of a horrible fire.


    ¡°Xeee! It hurts¡­ Where¡­ where is thee¡­¡ªGuuhhh!¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth goes up to a table that stands beside the bed. It has many different ingredients and equipment that¡¯s lying on top of it.


    Herbs that is prepared for crushing with the mortar and pestle which he makes drugs out of, drugs that ease her mind and body; new bandages that he has placed there for his return, clean towels and a lot more is scattered around the room.


    One more bed is right beside his mother¡¯s, for that¡¯s where he sleeps, so he can always keep an observant eye on her. And it¡¯s where he moves her when he cleans her bed.


    ¡°Mother, try to be still. You¡¯ll just make your body feel further pain,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says while his mother tries to raise herself, but to no avail. ¡°It will soon be done, and you¡¯ll get your medicine, just stay still, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ O-Okay¡­ my¡­ lov¡ªHiiii!¡± she says, but a stinging pain causes her to squeal out in horror once again as she clenches her teeth, fists her hands, and curls her toes as hard as she can, to try to hold in her loud cries. The continual tears that run down her cheeks make Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s heart waver dreadfully as he fixes the mixture.


    His mother is shaking terribly as she holds herself in check, to wait for the soothing effect of the drug that he¡¯ll bring her. He has conjured up this drug many times before, and it¡¯s an illegal remedy that has been forbidden to be used in the kingdom, but he needs it to ease his mother¡¯s agony.


    That addictive feeling of lightheadedness, that sense of being in complete serenity; to fall asleep and not feel anything anymore. That traumatizing pain will be gone from her body.


    When his mother was inflicted with this disease, he didn¡¯t know what to do at first. He was in anguish because he couldn¡¯t help her then, but he studied herbs and their various effects as time went on. He found the mixture to make this drug by accident when he tried it on himself with a sample of the forbidden herb, a day he will never forget.


    A year had gone by when he decided to go to the City¡¯s public library, to rummage through books of herbalism, alchemy, and of forbidden herbs that had been branded illegal for they had been used to do horrible things to its victims. Though even to this day it is utilized by those who can acquire it.


    Xe¡¯Reth goes out to the kitchen and brings back a mug that¡¯s filled with hot water. In his other hand, he holds onto the mortar of various grind up herbs that are in a gooey state.


    He sits down on the bed beside his bandaged mother. New burn marks are showing on her body. He needs to rinse it quickly and remove all of the other bloody bandages.


    But first things first.


    He sits there beside his mother on the comfortable bed that has blood stains on it and skin pieces that have fallen off from her fire burnt body. That black, red, yellow, and orange colored skin¡­ He just gazes at her with an unaffected face, because he has seen this for far too long¡­


    For too long¡­


    This agony his mother must endure¡­ This painful existence! Why did this happen to her! Why!


    He has wondered that many times.


    A couple of years ago, the Fire-Brand disease spread throughout the kingdom, killing thousands upon thousands, but most of the medication was made from the most expensive and rare herbs; the forbidden herb was one of them.


    Since all of the right medicine were either illegal or pricey, people fell into their own deaths like the droplets from the sky that showers the soil.


    It is a disease no one can cure but with magic, thosewordsof healing which the royal family can use to no end, for they control the magicians and their powerful magic. A selfish way to keep the ancientwordsof magic from not spreading.


    But there were some who were like Xe¡¯Reth, using the illegal ways to keep their precious loved ones alive. Though the people who gave the herbs to their loved ones, still died. Because those that were infected committed suicide because the pain of that disease was too horrible for them to endure. Only the strongest minded people can undergo its painful stings.


    It¡¯s not a contagious disease, so the illness vanished within a year, but that year of not knowing what to do, that horror of seeing his mother scream in terror. He had cried, and he had begged for someone to help his mother, begged like the damned dog that he was. But no help, no one gave him their aid, for he was an outcast among its citizens of this glorious city where he lives.An ebony stained dog among regular dogs.


    He was thirteen at that time of the outbreak.


    His mother couldn¡¯t work anymore since she was running and owning a clothing store, so Xe¡¯Reth had to sell it, her boutique that she had earned from her own hard work ¨C Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s childhood home. He had vowed to buy it back when she would get better, but no recovery happened¡­ Every night and day she would cry in pain, that pain that kept her and Xe¡¯Reth awake. Only when she fainted was the time they rested.


    He hated himself more for every moment he needed to go and try to find a way to ease her suffering. He had left her in this very room where she is now, to let her cry herself to sleep as he figured out and learned everything that he had gotten to know to this present day.


    As Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t have a father, only a mother, life was hard on him. He was even tricked by the one who bought his mother¡¯s clothing store. He was outplayed by a woman who played him so effortlessly¡­ He was na?ve, such an innocent boy.


    He couldn¡¯t do anything about it, for the woman was a noble.


    All he could do was watch when construction men came to the building where his mother¡¯s store was; they razed it to the ground! Because it was a perfect place to set up a store. It was by one of the City¡¯s outer gates where most traffic was.


    His mother¡¯s store wasn¡¯t the finest, it was only for those who had little money to spend. That noble woman wanted to spread her own business of fashionable clothing, so she tore it to the ground and built upon the reminiscence of his mother¡¯s hard worked time.


    That noble woman showed no compassion towards the boy who sat there crying as he saw his mother¡¯s life¡¯s work being reduced to rubble. His mind had thought that people could be kind and fair, but oh he was wrong.


    All he got from that noble woman was one golden crown¡ªhundred lesser crowns. She had just seen the crying boy as she enjoyed the scenery of the rubble in front of her. She imagined how it would be built, and how it would look after it was finished, but her precious fantasy was interrupted by the boy who sat there weeping beside her.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    She had ordered her guards to throw away that child who dared to intrude on her imagination. Xe¡¯Reth was carried away by one of the guards and then tossed to the ground. The people just stood by, watching, and didn¡¯t do anything. They only said mean remarks as the boy lied there on the dirt, bleeding from a gash on his left brow.


    Under his thirteen years of life, he had lived with eyes upon him, looking at him with disgusting expressions, for he¡¯s indeed the darkling, but his mother had kept him away from such eyes since she was very overprotective of him since she knew how people regard those who¡¯re stained by the darkness. He wasn¡¯t allowed to go anywhere without her because instances could¡¯ve happened to him if he met with the wrong people.


    Xe''Reth had been homeschooled by his mother. He read countless books that she had brought home in rapid succession, books of education; history, language, and many other subjects.


    Those memories were the only happy times he had had. Now... it is only memories of hatred that he builds up, one after the other.


    Before she was a mother and a store owner, she was a warrior of the Ebon Wall, a melee soldier of greatness. But she was tired of that kind of excruciating life of war, so she had taken her well-earned crowns that she had collected over the years by being a soldier, to journey further into the kingdom to seek something else in the unknown.


    She explored through the vastness of this nation that''s surrounded by the righteous mountains that protect the country as a circle dome, reaching the Divine Sky. She had met many people in her travels. Both men and women but none of them really got her to feel at home. No man orwomancould sway her to stay in one place, for she was a hard-headed maiden that only did things she wanted.


    She had gone through dangerous times when she adventured in the forbidden areas where animals waited for their prey and monsters that were so terrifyingly grotesque that she had to retreat before death took her.


    Because of her outstanding beauty, many wanted her, many saw her in lustful eyes, for she was an entity of exquisiteness with her snow-white skin, her light brown hair and eye color. Her alluring oval facial feature, her perfect juicy lips, and her gentle but yet veteran eyes that can make any man or woman swoon over her, or fall to their knees in fear.


    She was a gorgeous woman in her youthful years.


    But that one time when she journeyed into the most dangerous forest there is... Changed her life forever.


    That one time, she had been followed by men who had seen her travel through a village, to go into the Fal¡¯kralin Forest. A forest of miracles where adventures go to seek their glory if they don¡¯t want it by the Ebon Wall. To bring back the bounty of rare monsters and rare animals that can be sold to various buyers, because the skins, scales, and the bodies of those creatures were in high demand.


    As she had journeyed in the dense forest where danger was, she had felt the following eyes throughout her traveling, and she was right. She dashed with full awareness to her surroundings to escape her pursuers, but they too kept up with her quickness, however, with her swift legs she managed to shake them off¡­ for a while.


    She ran deep into the dangerous forest while she looked around nervously. She ran so deep that she didn¡¯t even know where she was. Thick towering trees were all around her. Bushes of different barriers and vegetables riddled all around her as she stood there on the green ground feeling the air current that seeped through the foliage.


    She had thought that she shook them off, but her followers still managed to catch her sitting there on a log, breathing heavily.


    Her eyes went wide when she saw the men of different sizes and different ugly faces.


    Chill had run down her snow-white-covered spine as she saw their lustful eyes that stared at her. She dashed away again at her fastest speed that she could muster, but the men kept on following her, for they had a skilled tracker.


    ¡­...


    ¡­


    She stood on a cliff''s precipice overlooking the vast wilderness that was beyond counting. The thousands of kilometers of woodlands, the different birds that soared above the trees, and the heavy breathing men who were looking at her with eyes burning, smiles of lust, and tongues that moistened their mouths in a disgusting drooling way.


    She had thought: Was this her end? Is she going to be violated by such monsters?


    No!


    She¡¯d fight to her last breath before that would ever happen! She wouldn¡¯t let herself be a slab of meat for their enjoyment! If they want her! They can get her dead cold body to feast upon!


    Her weapons that were resting on her waist; her two gleaming silver swords revealed themselves which had been slumbering inside her two scabbards. The men too drew their weapons of different variety¡­ Bows, swords, shields, axes, and their armors weren¡¯t anything noteworthy, only leather in a brown color.


    There were ten of them and only her who was alone on the cliff face.


    All they could say to her were nonsense of lust. That she should just give in and be their toy, their whore that they can play with to no end. But her face just hardened to a fierce expression of survival which she had had for countless times down by the Ebon Wall¡¯s middle-gate.


    She had been a warrior that had fought in the clashing armies by the Ebon Wall! The blood that she had spilled, the bodies that she had cut asunder, and the breaking of bones that she had heard being crushed by the huge boulders which were flung down from the Ebon Wall. The multi-shooting ballista that was stationed by the gates, those projectiles that pierced the enemies¡¯ bodies with new giant-blood-seeping holes.


    How could they even match her?!


    She dashed forward with a shrieking war-cry which made the men stunned. They raised their weapons and yelled out to each other that they shouldn¡¯t hurt her body too much. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be able to live long enough for everyone to play with her.


    She came sprinting with the wind, a wind of survival, and before any of the men could react, she did a screeching double-slash that sliced into one of the men¡¯s throats; blood spewed out in quantity.


    She spun her whole body and with the momentum she slashed towards another man¡¯s throat, not giving them any pause to recover, but her sword was blocked by one of the men, which made her dash away from them, so she wouldn¡¯t be jumped upon.


    The men pursued her as they saw her attempt to run away; they yelled with faces of maddened rage for she had just killed one of their comrades.


    A swoosh came from behind her, so she tilted to the side as she pressed her feet into the ground, pushing her semi-crouched legs to have her tilting body dodge an arrow that was shot at her.


    She flew to the side.


    A barrage of arrows ensued upon her since three of the men stood there looking at her with mad frowning expressions as they quickly nocked and shot arrows at her, though she dodged them all with slight ease as she did her erratic movements.


    The other men who had only close-quarter weapons howled as they followed her. As they pursued her, she circled around the area, so the chasing men were still behind her, but the archers were now in front of her.


    Arrows swooshed by her as the men yelled furiously at their archers to stop firing, to run away instead, for she was baring her weapons towards them with terrifying speed. The three archers then scattered in different directions, to escape her, but she went towards one of them¡­ the one who seemed to be the best archer in the group, because his arrows had almost grazed her.


    He was also the one who had tracked her.


    The ground shot up earth from her very running speed; her goal was right in front of her. The archer turned around as he felt her baleful gaze upon him, but as he turned, an edge of a sword slashed into his face, making it split into two halves; blood made a scythe splatter as her sword did a quick horizontal swipe to get the blood off of her weapon.


    She heartlessly thought ¡®eight left¡¯ when she cleaved that man¡¯s head in two. She kept on running towards another archer, but she didn¡¯t expect that the other people were so close to her.


    As she detected the heavy footsteps behind her, she hastily turned around, but her eyes went wide; she raised her weapons to form a cross, to block a two-handed sword that came swinging with alarming speed.


    With a huge impacted *Klink* their weapons connected!


    Her body flung away from the sheer pressure from that man¡¯s swinging two-hander. But what the man didn¡¯t expect was, she was sent over the cliff¡¯s precipice¡­She fell and disappeared down the cliff as she screamed out in surprise with a reflexive shout, dropping her silver swords in the process.


    *Splash*


    ......


    ...


    ¡­A sound¡­ A surge of something¡­


    It was as if she¡¯s drifting away into the beyond¡­ She had lost consciousness, but in her deep unconscious mind, she heard a flow¡­


    Water¡­?


    Before when she had stood by the cliff, she saw the mighty forest of emerald and the cliff that was fifty meters high¡­ So how can she still be alive?


    What she didn¡¯t see was a stream down below the cliff, a huge river which coursed beside the bottom floor of the cliff, seeming endless. She floated there on the surface on her back as she glided with the moving water, slowly¡­


    How long had it been since she was sent over the precipice by that man¡¯s mighty swing?


    She continued to float on the river. Luckily she wasn¡¯t wearing any plate armor on her. Only easy to move leather armor¡­ thin armor, not enough for the water to seep in and drag her down to the bottom surface.


    After some time, she came to a stop on a rocky shore; small stones that were like sand on a strand.


    As she laid there for hours without waking up, footsteps began to echo in the far distance. The footsteps just came closer and closer, but the footsteps didn¡¯t sound like steps, more like some kind of creature that skipped from place to place on the ground.


    But no creature, no human, no animal, no monster, nothing that she knew stood loomingly above her, looking at her with such piercing blackened eyes of hatred. Pure black eyes; irises, pupils, and the sclera was of the darkest of black, an ebony color.


    The creature saw blood running down her one arm which was broken and had a protruding bone sticking out of it.


    The woman beneath the creature was indeed dying, slowly.


    Its Ebon eyes glistened as it looked upon her with not eyes of hatred anymore, but with eyes filled with regret.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    She had awoken hours later... her stomach was showing a slight swelled up bulge.


    She felt new life inside herself, both figuratively and literally because all of her wounds were healed. Her broken-bone-protruding arm was fully restored while all of her other wounds were as good as new. Nothing to indicate that she had suffered any damage... Other than her leather armor which was damaged to the point of her showing to much skin.


    She felt new life in her, but her mind was in complete and utter turmoil upon seeing her own belly.


    The bulge on her stomach could only mean one thing... She was pregnant.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr>


    Thanks for reading!


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    <hr>

 05 - The Sudden Confession

    <hr>


    <u>The Sudden Confession</u>


    <hr>


    As Xe¡¯Reth sits on the bed beside his mother, she weeps in silence as her excruciating pain upon her branded body causes her to shudder terribly. Her lips spasm as beads of tears start to form in her eyes while she lies on her back on the white-sheeted bed.


    She¡¯s completely naked under her bandaged body. Everything is revealing, but no embarrassment clouds them. Only a son who cares for his sick mother, and an ill mother who loves her son that has helped her through these horrible years.


    Xe''Reth pours the mug of steaming water into the mortar, which has the grinded-up herbs in it. He puts away the cup on the table beside him and leans toward his mother. He places his empty hand at the back of her neck to support her while she shakes from the pain of being moved.


    ¡°Here mother, it¡¯ll ease your pain as it always has,¡± Xe¡¯Reth comforts with a smile on his lips, a gentle smile that can lit up her entire world in bliss. She too gains a painful smile on her lips as his expression which she has seen so many times before, displays half a meter from her; the only thing that keeps her going, her son.


    At the beginning of her disease, she had seen her son in a miserable state when he was younger. But now he has grown up to be such a kindhearted, supportive, and striking son. But oh how wrong she is. All he has is a mask to hide his real emotions, and she can¡¯t even see that.


    His face turns into a whole other face when he¡¯s alone.


    A face of emotionless pain, a worn-out face, and a face of complete hatred towards those who live with such ease. He is indeed jealous of the nobles who have the wealth to do whatever they want¡­ And the people who live in comfort, they too he hates. They don¡¯t know the pain of poverty, the pain of screams, and the pain of one¡¯s own aching heart that never stops beating.


    In his mother¡¯s mind, she just sees her son as her savior, her baby boy that she had gotten out of nowhere.


    When she had awakened in the forest those many years ago, she saw the lump on her stomach; she was pregnant¡­ First, she had thought that she had been raped and kept under a deep sleep for her stomach to grow, but that wasn¡¯t the case when she had journeyed back to one of the cities to get an examination and to know what date it was.


    She was still pure, a virgin.


    Was it some kind of parasite that was inside her? Because that forest of wonder, the Forest of Fal¡¯kralin hides many terrifying creatures that haven''t seen the light of day, but she waited to see what would come out of her belly as it grew.


    She had been anxious beyond words, but she accepted the baby with happiness when she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. She thought that it was a blessing from the Queens of the Divine Sky. He was indeed beautiful when she birthed him, no flaws other than his black hair and eyes. She was happy even though no man was her baby¡¯s father. It was weird how she felt, it was as if something inside her willed her to love him more than anything in the world.


    She kept it a secret of how her son came into existence because when she first did the examination of her bulged stomach, she was indeed pure. That made the examiner worried about what was true; that she was pregnant, or that she was lying?


    But Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother kept her mouth shut as she gained too much suspicion directed onto her, so she had left the examiner there with a wondering face, to journey back to the City where she first lived.


    The City of Tertinum, where Xe¡¯Reth was born and raised.


    Xe¡¯Reth had heard that his father defended one of the gates of the Ebon Wall. He was a support archer that fought down by the gates, and he bore the Ebony Bow that had been passed down through the generations, to father to son. But he met his end when the middle gate was destroyed on that horrible day.


    That was what his mother told him. A believable lie, a lie even he believed was real.


    He was given the Ebony Bow on his fifth birthday. A bow his mother had gotten. It was lying there beside her when she first woke up in the Forest of Fal¡¯kralin with her newly bulging stomach, and arrows, too, lay there. It was weird, but she took them, to begin her journey back to civilization, but she was extremely careful, for it was indeed Fal¡¯kralin forest.


    Xe¡¯Reth was very young to be carrying a bow, but for a five-year-old, he drew it with such ease, even his mother was surprised for she couldn''t even pull it after she birthed him. Though of course, Xe''Reth didn''t use it because he was too short back then.


    Before, his mother could also draw it with ease, but then after Xe¡¯Reth came into existence, she couldn''t even pull the string of the bow. It was as if the line was made of the hardest steel there is. It was a mystery that she never got an answer to. The bow''s string is also razor sharp to those who tries to pull it. A tool that can be used beyond its terrifying shooting power.


    She knew her son was special, but then came the disease when he was thirteen years of age, that disease which made her into this very state that she¡¯s in now. This horrible state of sickness that Xe''Reth wants to cure, but yet can''t.


    ¡°Don¡¯t spill it, easy there mother,¡± he holds the mortar to her mouth, and she drinks the mixture with ultimate desire. She wants this pain to go away, she wants that addictive tranquilizing feeling of pain receivers to stop working, to give her the peace of mind.


    ¡°Mm¡­gulp, mm¡­gulp,¡± her face shows a sudden loss of pain after just drinking the mixture that¡¯s blended together with hot water.


    Is it just her imagination that it works so fast? Or is it that the medicine itself works so quick its effect shows immediately?


    ¡°My lovely son¡­ how is¡­ the clothing store¡­?¡± she asks as her mind clears away the dull pain that plagues her, giving her a very relaxing and tiring expression that show on her squinting eyelids. ¡°Are you¡­ keeping it in good¡­ condition?¡±


    ¡°Of course, mother. True, it¡¯s hard. But I¡¯m keeping the store in the best state I can,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with a convincing smile of accomplishment as he keeps up his mask.


    Back when that noble woman destroyed his mother¡¯s store, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to tell her about it. He just couldn¡¯t make his mother sad by telling of the destruction of her boutique¡­ so he had thrown out lies, lies of comfort, to make his mother believe that everything was alright. He hated himself for lying to his own mother, but her survival was more important than anything else.


    He must keep her from giving in to that thinking of suicide which has killed almost every single one of this disease. He has the hope that maybe there are others that share his own pains. That they¡¯re still keeping their loved ones alive through the same means?


    ¡°Ah, honey... I feel... tired¡­¡± she says as she licks her dry lips even though wetness just watered them when she had drunk the mixture. She can¡¯t even keep herself awake anymore from the medicine.


    Before, she couldn¡¯t stay awake for more than half a second. But over the years, her mind and body have started to show a side-effect from using this forbidden herb that has been given daily.


    Xe¡¯Reth has to give more of the dose as she gets more immune to its effects, which would¡¯ve cost Xe¡¯Reth a lot of money to buy from illicit stocks. But, he grows them himself in a nearby mountain; in an open valley where the sun shines upon the herbs, the rain that showers in intervals, and the earth that helps it grow into its grandeur.


    If he were to sell the herbs... That would indeed make him a drug dealer.


    It had been used to torture people, rape people, and kill people. It''s mostly used by assassins because if people have never felt its effect before, they would first be instantly knocked unconscious, then as the victim wakes up, no matter how much pain one endures, they wouldn¡¯t feel anything.


    But the side-effect for his mother is that she doesn¡¯t fall asleep immediately anymore, and when she falls asleep and wakes up, she will feel all of her pain return.


    It¡¯s such an illegal herb, but why would that stop Xe¡¯Reth? He neither rapes, tortures nor¡­killpeople. The only people he kills is when he¡¯s on the Ebon Wall. But is this torture what he does to his own mother? To keep her in this miserable state of pain? To keep her alive? Is that in itself torture?


    He has thought it through many times.


    The Kingdom isn¡¯t such a bad place to live in honestly. Nobles can¡¯t really do whatever they want because there are services that take care of those who acts without grace. For the Kingdom¡¯s royal family despise those who look down upon their realm¡¯s people. Many nobles have gone to prison for doing something that warrants an arrest, even executed.


    The people can go and submit a complaint if someone has done a deed of unlawfulness to the Department of Law and Order. An organization that was founded by a Divine Queen that had seen how the nobles acted in secret, and as she saw those¡­activities, she put a stop to it by bringing in law and order through that organization.


    Many were executed, many were sentenced to live in prison for the rest of their lives¡­ High-standing families reduced to the ground from a single word that the Queen said.


    The Department of Law and Order was named bythatDivine Queen.


    She reformed the whole Kingdom through her own principles, and she was hailed with greatness. She brought forth such an incredible era that kept everything in balance, and through her came a new thinking that changed its people... forever.


    Though nobles and ordinary citizens still had an unfair treatment of each other.


    Poor people were still poor, regular people were still regular, and nobles were still¡­ nobles.


    One¡¯s own wealth was still one¡¯s own wealth.


    Through the many years since her passing, her principles have still been set in stone in the Kingdom¡¯s foundation. The current reigning Divine Queen of this country studied everything and took everything of what that former Queen had done.


    A role model for the Kingdom¡¯s crowned head.


    But there are also corrupt organizations that take submissions which aren¡¯t a part of the nation¡¯s forces. Those people who want a more punishing justice done, other than prison.


    An assassin¡¯s syndicate.


    Xe¡¯Reth himself doesn¡¯t care about anything as long as his mother is alright.


    He doesn¡¯t put himself in danger which can hurt her; even if he has to bow, he bows. Even if he has to gravel on the ground, he will do it. But that mostly concerns nobles.


    The regular people that don¡¯t have such a wealthy foundation, they can be handled with a lot more ease. He has been bullied a lot by different kinds of individuals, but that was mostly nothing to worry about since they also have fear in them towards Xe¡¯Reth. Never anything above profanity from the mouth.


    He¡¯s different, unique in the human society. That is what makes him frightening. The unknown.


    The people had stood above him and looked at him with laughing faces when he was younger since Xe¡¯Reth was poor, and as someone poor, he couldn¡¯t actually fight back even if he wanted to. He just buried those laughs and taunts. While the poor, too, revered him as something unclean. Xe''Reth is like a magnet that pushes away his own kind, instead of attracting them.But maybe it also works the other way?


    He is alone with his mother, though now as he¡¯s a grown up, no one really dares to come near him with such intentions.


    Xe¡¯Reth has done things in secret to those who wanted him or his mother ill.


    Xe¡¯Reth has actually committed murder¡­ other than on the Ebon Wall.


    A person who sought out his ire through a horrible act. But that person never saw the light of day ever again. For Xe''Reth is a shadow in the darkness if he wills it. He knows this City through and through, every nook and cranny, every rooftop and alleyway, every house, inn, store, and all the other constructions of this spectacular City.


    He has done various jobs, so people know him, especially the city guards. They look down on him like everyone else. A bunch of criminals with the City¡¯s authority. They¡¯ve visited his house many times with inquiries of where he has been because those inquiries were of illegal business; robbery, murder, and rape.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    They¡¯ve thrown baseless accusations at him these past few years because Xe¡¯Reth has grown into an evil-looking young man. His black hair and eyes which no one in this Kingdom has but him. Through his trickery, he can get out of many situations without exerting himself.


    Though¡­ some of those accusations that were thrown at him were true¡­ but they didn¡¯t have any evidence on him. One needs proof to throw someone in prison or a lot of power and influence, though even that can sometimes backfire, royally.


    Xe¡¯Reth had murdered one person in cold-blood and robbed when he needed to at the most desperate times.


    Once, someone had broken into his house and opened the door to his mother¡¯s. But luckily Xe¡¯Reth came in through the front door right after the man opened it. His mother had been sound asleep so she couldn¡¯t hear the struggle of a man being put to death by Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s unmerciful eyes.


    The soundless cry of a man being choked to death by Xe¡¯Reth''s cold hands.


    What if Xe¡¯Reth wasn¡¯t there when the man opened the door to where his mother lay sleeping? She was drugged, so she wouldn¡¯t even be able to wake up if something happened to her.


    He has put precautions ever since that happened.


    Locks on the door, but is that enough? He doesn¡¯t want to think about it.


    ¡°Mother, let''s move you onto my bed so I can change your sheets,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says to his mother who¡¯s on the verge of falling asleep while her eyes open and close. But his soft voice reaches to her ears, enough to make her raise her hand. A scarred hand which has had the scorching burn marks on them.


    Xe¡¯Reth takes her hand, and her other hand too, to help her stand up. She doesn¡¯t feel the pain anymore, but seeing her with the bandages that cover her whole body, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s ache in his heart pulse with pity. His once beautiful mother degraded to this kind of pitiable state.


    He longs for when his mother can go out into the sun and feel the soothing warmth on her skin, and not this feeling of boiling pain.


    She manages to stand up as Xe¡¯Reth supports her while he holds both of her hands; she stumbles and wobbles, but with time she lies down on his bed, which have new white sheets. His bed isn¡¯t as grand as hers, but it¡¯s only for a while that she¡¯ll be laying there until he has changed all of the bloody sheets that have printed blood and slight skin fragments which have glued themselves onto the sheets.


    It¡¯s a disgusting view. However, Xe¡¯Reth has seen it too many times to be stirred by such a sight.


    ¡®Dammit, she¡¯s still waiting outside, tsk. I can¡¯t let her see the herbs inside this room¡­ If she does see them¡­ I need to kill her¡¯,Xe¡¯Reth worries with a scowl, because how can he beat someone like her? Though she hasn¡¯t any weapons on her right at this moment.¡®No, I can¡¯t kill her, the city guard and the DLO will trace it back to me. The gate guards saw us go past the portcullis together. Oh, what¡¯ve I gotten myself into?¡¯


    As he ponders about many different things that are plaguing his mind, he changes the sheets and puts on new ones.


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡± His mother drifts off to her painless sleep¡­ but, she hasn¡¯t eaten anything today. She¡¯s already starting to get a thin body, though, he has always been able to keep her on a decent diet. But these couple of months has been pretty rough.


    Today in the morning, he had been away to the Ebon Wall, many things have been pushed up. Like the cleaning of her body, her regular eating times, and her other¡­ things. As he now has the money to pay for the expenses, he doesn¡¯t need to work as hard, he can relax and tend to his mother in peace.


    However, he can wait to feed her until she wakes up again, for he didn¡¯t give her a big dose this time. Not like when he needed to go to the Ebon Wall and fight today; that was a high dosage. It made her unconscious for a whole day, but this current dose will only last for around five to six hours. Perfect for him so he can get a well-earned rest.


    He does a face-palm as he thinks about the Honored Lady that wait outside. How will he handle her? Shall he continue to praise her, to make her feel too full of herself? Or shall he do something else, like show how pitiful he is? To show her how he lives, to invite her into his house? Or should he bare his feelings to her? His false cunning sense of love?


    As he finishes with his mother¡¯s bed, he goes to pick up new bandages, then heads back to his mother who¡¯s on the bed in a daze. She has a smile on her lips, and her eyes show her blissful void, probably because of the feeling it gives her, that feeling of no horrid agony.


    He places all of the bandages on his bed next to where his mother lies.


    ¡°Come, mother, time to change the bandages,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says to gain a response from her who¡¯s on the verge between awake and asleep.


    ¡°Mm¡­¡± she replies.


    In the meanwhile, Malinda stands outside leaning towards Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s rundown house¡¯s wall, right next to the door. She¡¯s actually waiting there obediently, but her mind is in her thoughts.


    Until his mother is asleep, he said, and then he shut the door on her.


    Who is he to do that to her? To one of the rulers of this City? But of course, she isn¡¯t thinking like that at all. She instead worries about his so called mother. Her screams had shot through her like the ghost of her own mother.


    Her own parents who had died a few years back to a terrible disease. Not even with the best medicines could keep them alive. Her father was the first to go, his heart couldn¡¯t take it, then her mother followed after that.


    When Malinda¡¯s mother heard that her husband had passed away, she committed suicide on the same day that he died; she jumped out from the Citadel¡¯s third-floor window in the dead of night. And her body was found on the ground below in the morning. Her mother had wanted no one to disturb her so she could mourn in painful agony alone, that¡¯s why it took so long for her body to be discovered.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother¡¯s screams stopped right when he went inside. She probably cried out because she didn¡¯t see her caretaker there beside her, so she had to shout to him in her miserable state.


    As Malinda stands outside, she feels the night air seeping into her. That cold air of an autumn¡¯s eve. She can even see her own breath as it comes out between her rosy lips while she has a slight frown on her as she awaits for Xe¡¯Reth.


    It''s quiet... so quiet.


    This street that she''s on has zero people in it. Is it because of the spooky graveyard that oozes with slight fog a bit further away? She sees the torches lighting the entrance to it. A chapel also stands further inside the entry with a single light in its twenty-meter high tower, but it''s a very blurry sight, making her eyes squint.


    It has almost gone an hour now since he went inside.


    She was speechless when he opened the door before, all she could do was to talk about the neighborhood to avert her eyes from his bare chest. Those muscles. They¡¯re like her brother¡¯s when she saw him stroll through the Citadel all nonchalantly with his chest bare while he had his wife next to him, they were coming from the bathing area.


    But Xe¡¯Reth has a much thinner build, a ripped, lean build.


    She shakes her head to rid herself of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body.


    ¡®Why am I even here¡­?¡¯she asks, sighing while lowering her head in dismay.¡®Am I really going to fall for the first man that treats me with genuine kindness, with such affectionate words? Am I so gul¡ª?¡¯


    *Screech*


    The door opens up beside her, and she flinches from the creaking sound, her nervousness beginning to form in her throat as the door opens wider¡­ and wider.


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry to keep you waiting, my Honored Lady. I¡­ Well¡­ Sigh, my mother is now asleep, so we can now continue,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as his face show real anxiety with his eyes of tiredness and his forced smile which even Malinda can see through.


    He¡¯s so tired that he just wants to fall asleep. But no! He can¡¯t just yet, he must take care of this carefully because she¡¯ll be useful if he can make her his.


    ¡°A-Are you all right, X-Xe¡¯Reth?¡± Malinda gulps down her worries. Her eyes gaze at him with such a scowling sadness. ¡°We, we don¡¯t really need to talk right now, if you don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­? Honored Lady, are you suggesting that we should meet up again? If you¡¯re, I would be most obliged,¡± Xe¡¯Reth bows as he leans forward with a jokingly voice as he looks at the now scarlet Malinda. ¡°But from your expression, I can see that wasn¡¯t the case or was it?¡±


    ¡°You play with my words, Xe¡¯Reth, you should st¡ª,¡± Malinda utters as her expression turn a little foul.


    Xe¡¯Reth notices it before she can finish her sentence. ¡°¡ªI¡¯m sorry, Malinda¡­ I¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m sorry... Please forgive me.¡± All of a sudden he turns into a pathetic man, which transforms Malinda¡¯s expression into something else entirely.


    ¡°X-Xe¡¯Reth, it is¡­ it is all right,¡± she says, but Xe¡¯Reth retorts with a speech that hits Malinda in such a shock.


    ¡°Malinda¡­ We shouldn¡¯t speak to each other anymore. I¡­ I can¡¯t control my own emotions at this moment. All of my worries are streaming out of me. I¡­ I can¡¯t really stand people like you,¡± Xe¡¯Reth reveals with such hate in his voice, and she stands there with a face full of shock written all over her gaping mouth, her azure globes of more white than blue, and those raising eyebrows.


    ¡°You¡¯re a noble of the highest stature. A person that can do whatever she wants; you can talk down to people, spit on people, even kill people if you so wanted to. You can destroy the very lives of those you hate. You, people, are my weakness and my hatred.¡±


    ¡°You can burn down our lives as you¡¯re protected by wealth, and I? I can only fall on my pathetic knees while you step on me from above. You can destroy my pride, my heart, and my whole life in a blink of an eye while I can¡¯t do anything about it. Other than to throw away my life if I were to disobey.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a being beyond the common folk¡­ You¡¯re a terror to be trifled with. You¡¯re one who has everything. No worries about how you¡¯ll live the next day. But, heh, I can¡¯t really hate someone who has shown me such kindness for the first time. For I have no allies, no friends, other than my ill mother. I¡¯m at my wit''s end because of you, Malinda.¡±


    ¡°Because¡­ you Malinda, you¡¯re the most ideal noble I can think of. You¡¯re caring, and just, you¡¯re lovingly beautiful, yet you¡¯re the most un-nobly woman I¡¯ve met who comes from such a high standing. The perfect woman in my eyes¡­¡±


    His lips curve upward while he becomes gentle as a breeze in the calm wind.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what you are to me. But... the Divine Sky has doomed me to this existence. Because you¡¯re a woman that¡¯s beyond my reach.¡±


    ¡°My Honored Lady¡­ From what I¡¯ve just said to you, it would mean only one thing: I¡¯m in love with you. I can¡¯t explain these feelings I get when you¡¯re near me. We¡¯ve only known each other for a short while. Yet it feels as if I¡¯ve known you my entire life.¡±


    ¡°But this confession will yield no success because you¡¯re a noble, and I¡¯m a dog of the slums. And that¡¯s why we must never see each other again, for I can¡¯t bear this pain that I already have for my ill mother.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s emotionless eyes go to Malinda¡¯s. Her eyes, full of sadness, concern, and¡­ a hint of extreme relief.


    ¡°Malinda, please forget that we have ever met. And I¡¯m terribly sorry for my bold words against your kind. B-But, if you do wish to punish me, I¡¯ll have to die¡­ for I can¡¯t let my mother suffer from the pain of me not being there,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as his expression turns desperate, filled with sadness and survival upon his sharp lowering eyebrows.


    Malinda stands there beside the door with an open mouth and eyes that flicker in disbelief¡­


    ¡®He¡­ He said that he loves me? He actually said it... Oh, what should I do? What should I do?! But¡­ Xe''Reth, I don¡¯t care about how you talk about the nobles. I can see that you¡¯ve had your share amount of pain from them, even if you hadn''t said it,¡¯Malinda just stands there staring at him with newfound eyes of passion.


    She gets a frowning face, a face of choice. Though her face, no, her mind has already set her own goals. For she wants what everyone else has: someone to be with, even if it has only gone such a short time span between them.


    ¡°C-Can I think about it, for a day?¡± she responds with a trembling voice as she averts her eyes...


    Thanks for reading!


    Emotions can be complicated, yet simple.Until next time!


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    <hr>

 06 - The House Raid

    <hr>


    <u>The House Raid</u>


    <hr>


    ¡°C-Can I think about it, for a day?¡± she says with a trembling voice as she averts her eyes.


    Malinda whose greatness among the Ebon Wall¡¯s soldiers is in this kind of girly state as if she¡¯s in her young teens replying to a village boy¡¯s confession, but as she has never experienced a true confession from someone before, until now, she¡¯s ecstatic. It shows on her face as she returns to stare into his abyssal eyes with her azure-glittering orbs.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s affectionate smile drills into her heart of a woman who¡¯s in a state of emotional conflict. ¡°¡­If you¡¯re honestly thinking about it, I¡¯ll give you as much time as you want. We can meet here at my house again tomorrow if you want, or the day after that, or the day after that. Or wherever you expect me to be, I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    ¡°Because I would wait an eternity for your answer of acceptance or rejection. My feelings for you Malinda are too real to be true¡­ even if you¡¯re someone of much higher standing than me. But I¡¯ll wait for your beautiful words, even if they¡¯ll be painful.¡±


    ¡°Xe¡ªXe¡¯Reth, I¡¯ll do as you say. I¡¯ll come back tomorrow, in the morning, and give you my answer. I just need to hear what my family will say about me getting someone as a¡­¡± She hesitates as she averts her eyes again, but she defeats her demons and looks into his ebon eyes, ¡°As a lover.¡±


    ¡®It seems that she has already decided¡­ Thank you, Malinda, for I¡¯ll use you¡­ plenty,¡¯¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth rejoices as surprise color his face from hearing her words, but it immediately turns into warmth on his outer surface.


    She spins around in haste, then begins to run down the dark street toward the direction of the Citadel in her heavy plate armor that isn¡¯t for running, but she runs and runs and runs with such newfound strength.


    As Malinda vanishes, Xe¡¯Reth can¡¯t help but sigh with a chuckle.


    ¡°Hahaha¡­ Ahhh¡­ I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s a warrior of the middle gate; she who¡¯s so gullible, so fool-hearted, and soutterlysenseless. Tomorrow morning I¡¯ll have her around my grasp, then¡­ then I¡¯ll see what¡¯ll happen from there.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth slowly closes the door while he reveals a menacing grin. With a click resounding, he disappears.


    The night continues with its endless wheel of transformation while Xe¡¯Reth goes to fix something to sate his hunger. As he finishes eating, he falls asleep on his bed that has the blood stains on it since he can¡¯t bother to change out the sheets for new ones.


    The darkness continues¡­


    ......


    ...


    A single candle stands alight on a four-legged round table inside a dark room. The candle isn¡¯t bright enough to light up the chamber but next to the light sits Malinda. She¡¯s on a comfy seat of luxury.


    She¡¯s currently in her nightgown with her hair let out and fragrance radiating off of her bathed body. She sits there while hugging a pillow in the dead of night. She¡¯s having trouble falling asleep because she¡¯s thinking of the morning that will come. That morning where she¡¯ll go and meet Xe¡¯Reth, to tell him her response.


    She¡¯s so nervous that all she can do at this moment is to breathe in slow and steady breaths. She didn¡¯t even greet anyone when she came back to the castle. She just headed to her chamber and bathed herself after her handmaidens prepared everything for her. They filled her room bathtub with hot water, hard labor, but that¡¯s what they¡¯re there for.


    After she had finished, she said that everyone could go to bed, and they did as they were told.


    Malinda stares at the flickering candle as she keeps hugging the pillow, tightly. She has never had these feelings before.¡®Is this how everyone else feel when they think about the one they like?¡¯Malinda wonders.


    She¡¯s older than other girls to be experiencing these kinds of new feelings, but right at this moment, she¡¯s enjoying it as she holds her pillow with one hugging arm while her other arm is on the seat¡¯s armrest with hand over her mouth as she tries to hide her expression of pure bliss. This new feeling is making her daze in and out of her thoughts.


    Feelings that she had locked away never to be opened. Her desires, that lust of wanting to feel a man¡¯s body, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body is what she wants; to touch, to hear his calming voice praising her, and to do the acts which she has never done before.


    Her breaths start to become heavier and heavier as she begins imagining his bare chest that she saw. And him touching her with his imaginative hands¡­ his gentle hands that¡¯ll guide her through her worries, her innocent mind of the body and soul.


    One of her hands goes down to her flower, her unplucked flower which has never been touched by anyone but her. Her mind goes deeper and deeper into the swirl pool of pleasure as she begins to think about the night which will happen in a couple of days after she gives him her response.


    But just as she¡¯s about to give in to her lust of self-pleasuring, she stops.


    ¡°You¡¯ve made me into such a woman¡­ To actually force me to have such desires, Xe¡¯Reth. I¡¯ll not let you get away from me. I¡¯ll have you take responsibility for your actions, your words,¡± she whispers with a slight giggle as she sits there on the comfy seat in the middle of the darkness while having such a smile on her lips.


    She has him. Finally, she can be like an ordinary woman. To not hide behind her rock-solid expression of absolute control.


    She leans towards the single candle so her beaming face of heat un-darkens. Her cheeks are flushed to its highest degree while she forms a circle with her lips, to blow out her gathered air.


    ¡°Uuuh.¡±


    The now unlit candle casts darkness upon the room¡­ and the night continues on with its transformation of the world.


    ......


    ...


    *Bang bang*


    *Crash*


    ¡°Wha-What¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth wakes up from the sudden loud noises by the front door with droopy flickering eyes.


    ¡°Bring that whoreson here!¡± shouts a muffled voice in the next room, which widens Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes in surprise as he tosses his blanket off of himself and jumps up from his bed in such haste. As he lands silently on the floor, he begins to run toward a chest. He opens it and takes out a dagger that he tucks into his back waist, inside so he can feel the cold steel on his buttocks.


    He also swiftly puts on a shirt to cover the hilt of the dagger as he is indeed bare-chested. It doesn¡¯t even take four seconds. Such a desperate haste he has found.


    *Rattle*


    The door¡¯s handle to this room where he and his mother reside is slowly moving down.


    Xe¡¯Reth appears like a shadow in front of it. As the door opens, Xe¡¯Reth glares at the uniform of the city guard. He recognizes the man in front of him, the man who now has flickering eyes while gaping with a surprised face.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth!¡± the man yells as he takes ahold of him, but Xe¡¯Reth just lets him grab him without any resistance. But before the man can grab him, Xe¡¯Reth pushes himself forward, closing the door to his and his mother¡¯s room, then the man grabs him with such painful grips.


    There is a total of five people inside the kitchen where his ebony bow and his upper armor pieces lie on the table. Xe¡¯Reth is barefoot while he has a regular pair of brown pants, a light-brown shirt, and the dagger that¡¯s hidden away.


    ¡°Move,¡± the man orders, pushing Xe¡¯Reth towards the man in question.


    The other four men stand there by the inside of the front door, gazing at Xe¡¯Reth with glaring eyes. They¡¯re all heavily built men, sturdier than Xe¡¯Reth. Their black and red uniform of the city guard displays in front of him. Though Xe¡¯Reth has a very calm expression on him, for as long as he¡¯s hurt and not his mother, everything will be all right.


    ¡°Look at him, he¡¯s smiling. Know your¡­ PLACE!¡±


    One of the men kicks Xe¡¯Reth right in the stomach, which makes him gasp out for air while coughing as he gains a scowl with clenching teeth. The man holding him stands behind Xe¡¯Reth, to support him, so he doesn¡¯t fall as if he¡¯s a beating bag.


    ¡°Enough,¡± a man declares who seems to be the leader of this house raid.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, you bastard. Tell me, why is my brother in jail?¡± the man asks with a calm voice while standing with arms crossed, spread legs and arrogance filling his stern eyes. The man is too composed for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s taste.


    ¡°Heh, maybe your fatso of a brother should know when to keep his mouth shut around an Honored Lady?¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with a slight chuckle as he gains a grin.


    The man who kicked Xe¡¯Reth, looks to his leader. With a conformational nod, the man raises his fist. With a forward punch, it embeds itself into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s stomach, making him groan as air exhales from his throat, making him cough in the process.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ Your answer isn¡¯t what I¡¯m seeking. I¡¯ll ask you again: Tell me, why is my brother in jail?¡± the man asks again in that calm voice of his. He didn¡¯t even react from the man punching Xe¡¯Reth right in the stomach as if it¡¯s something trivial.


    ¡°...Well¡­ He hasn''t been in there for that long, now has he? How is your brother fairing inside the prison? Is the food alright? Is he keeping himself from being targeted by masculine women? For such a son of a pig must have some appeal, right? Heh,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckles as he taunts the man¡¯s big brother, but he senses that he¡¯s going too far so this will be the last time he¡¯ll joke. For the person in question isn¡¯t the evil one, only a henchman of his own older brother.


    But nonetheless a glorified criminal.


    But this time, Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t get hurt, because the man that usually does the beating, looks at his boss for confirmation, but the boss just waves him away. This sudden stop of hits oozes worry into Xe¡¯Reth. The boss then turns his gaze toward the door where his mother lies sleeping, which Xe¡¯Reth witnesses with fear.


    ¡°Maybe we should use your whore of a mother to make you say the words I wish to hear, huh, Xe¡¯Reth?¡± the leader asks with a new found wickedness sprouting forth on his grinning mouth.


    The boss himself isn¡¯t like his brother, he¡¯s much more muscular as the other men around Xe¡¯Reth. And he isn¡¯t ugly nor handsome, he¡¯s in-between, average. Though Xe''Reth knows those muscles are just for show.


    But that smile he has on him right now causes Xe¡¯Reth to lower his head as darkness shrouds his whole face. A stare of death beams out. They can call him whatever they want. They can do whatever they want to him, but insulting his mother, by calling her a whore?


    Xe¡¯Reth wants to tear out his vocal cords that said those words.


    ¡°Oh? So you want us to bring out your mother then, huh?¡± the boss asks as he jerks his head to one of the men who stands beside Xe¡¯Reth, telling him to go into the forbidden sanctuary where his mother lies asleep.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The man that holds Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t grip him that hard anymore because he has never seen the woman in question in the flesh, so he¡¯s rather curious to see how she looks like. He has heard that she was once a beauty, but through this man''s loose grip comes a lightning quick jerk of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s arms.


    Xe¡¯Reth pulls free from the colossi of a man and strikes with an upward swinging elbow to the man¡¯s right jaw, which makes him grunt in so much pain. For that swing came with such force, such damage that the jaw itself have now popped out of its sockets, to dangle as he tries to howl.


    ¡°Aahhuuu,¡± the man wails as he tries to speak, but no words form from that dangling jaw.


    ¡°What?!¡± the other three men shouts as they gawk at the dashing Xe¡¯Reth that heads toward their boss.


    As a dagger¡¯s tip presses towards a throat, the man whose throat it belongs to stand in sheer dumbfoundedness. And the man that has his hand on the door¡¯s handle that leads into where Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother lies have frozen in place because Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes are upon him. Eyes of killing intent, eyes that can make anyone fear for their lives.


    Such a dreadful aura drowns the men, making them stunned.


    ¡°Aahhh¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth sighs as he gains a smile on his lips. Terrifying curves that send chills down the large men who stands in front of Xe¡¯Reth and the boss who has the dagger at his throat.


    ¡°Tsk, I didn¡¯t want to resort to violence, but since you brought up my mother, I can¡¯t really let that pass, now can I?¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with a tone of superiority filling his new arrogant grin. ¡°Oh, to answer your question, I guess you wanted me to say:Oh I¡¯m so sorry for my disobedience, brother of the fat slob. I¡¯ll get him out of jail right this instant! ¡­Right¡­?¡±


    As the men hear that high-pitched noise that sounds like an imitation of someone being submissive, they lower their eyebrows in anger, even the boss sneers at Xe¡¯Reth for being so bold.


    ¡°Though¡­ you four men, don¡¯t you tire of working for this man and his brother? You know¡­ the Honored Lady Malinda and I, we¡¯re very intimate. I¡¯ve her in my embrace, and do you know what that means, men? Huh, you do, do you?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as he begins to throw out half-false lies, but his expression shows no lies, only a proud appearance is showing while he has such a sinister smile.


    ¡°I wonder what would happen to you and your families if I were to say that you¡¯ve been harassing the people who live here in the slums of the city and, of course, me. Especially me, for she¡¯s rather intoxicated by my words. Just so you know, under her calm expression lies pride.¡±


    ¡°She takes care of those who hurts her loved ones with, you know what? I better not talk about it, for she is¡­ No, I¡¯ve said too much.¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with misleading words as he keeps up with his expression of superiority.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him! He¡¯s just spouting out nonsense! He isn¡¯t in a relationship with her Honored Lady!¡± the boss shouts for his life with the tip of the dagger pressing at his throat.


    ¡°Hmm? Is that so? You four men!¡± Xe¡¯Reth yells. ¡°Do you want your families to disappear? To be butchered in secret? You know how nobles are, they only care about themselves, their positions, and their loved ones¡­ For I may not be someone important, but she is. You think she can¡¯t remove your puny families from the city? Think again, she has slaughtered many of her enemies down by the middle gate! She¡¯s the hunter who roams to seek out her pray! No one escapes her wrath¡­ And she¡¯s coming over in the morning to meet me, here in my very own rundown house.¡±


    ¡°What do you think might happen to you guys if she finds out that I¡¯ve been beaten up? Don¡¯t you think she¡¯ll worry immensely? Don¡¯t you think she¡¯ll seek out those who brought me harm? Men! I¡¯ll give you one chance to redeem yourselves in my eyes! But if you don¡¯t¡­ I¡¯ll butcher your families myself. I¡¯ve killed one of your people before.¡±


    ¡®Hopefully, that will scare them,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth hopes.


    As the men hear that last part, fright begins to set itself in their minds, for his words are like terror itself, but that last one.¡®I¡¯ve killed one of your people before,¡¯makes the four men and their boss wonder what he means by it.


    ¡°What¡­ What do you mean?!¡± the boss yells as he turns his head to glare at Xe¡¯Reth who still has the dagger to his throat.A bold move since any swift movement could make blood river.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s smile turns menacing, ¡°Ah yes, that¡¯s right... He was your other brother, wasn¡¯t he¡­boss? Well, that doesn¡¯t matter now, because he¡¯s long since dead. He¡¯s rotting away in a carelessly dug grave. He was one of your brothers that enjoyed women, wasn¡¯t he? Yes, he so liked to spend his time in the embracement of a woman, but thankfully I stopped him so he couldn¡¯t lay his hands on my ailing mother.¡±


    ¡°What¡­? H-He¡¯s dead? You killed him?¡± the boss asks with flickering eyes that make him chaotic in his mind. ¡°You¡­ You lie! He got a job in one of the cities in the west!¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ paper and ink can be so convenient,¡± Xe¡¯Reth recalls with an emotional tone while his menacing smile never leaves his ascendant lips.


    ¡°Y-You¡­ Y-You¡­! You fucking whoreso¡ª!!!¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth drives the dagger into the man¡¯s yelling mouth which silences him, for it lodges itself between the upper and lower teeth, right in the middle. The boss himself hears that awful sound as it grinds, making him shake with fright and nausea.


    ¡°Speak men! Do you understand what I told you?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks with a deep frown.


    The one with the dislocated jaw doesn¡¯t look so hateful anymore, for he¡¯s confused by all of this.The four men had come here without knowing what would happen. They thought that they would harass Xe¡¯Reth because he had done something terrible.


    They had heard nothing about their boss''s brother going to jail for the boss picked them up at their houses. But now when they¡¯ve heard the words that have come out from Xe¡¯Reth and their leader¡­ they are alarmed, for they¡¯ve families of their own that need to be taken care of.


    If something were to happen, who would look after their kin?


    The men gulp as they see this new monster in front of them.


    ¡°B-Boy¡­ Y-You said that we can redeem ourselves?¡± one of the men asks in desperation, not daring to look into his boss''s eyes¡­ for he is finished. His big brother is in prison, and he''s here in such a pathetic situation.


    ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ll forgive you for your previous transgressions¡­ But only if you beat this man to death, and then dump the body,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with the dagger still in the man¡¯s mouth. He even gives a slight vibration that makes it dig in between the boss¡¯s teeth.


    ¡°Aaahhh!¡± he moans.


    Why kill this man himself when someone else can do it? To put all of the blame onto someone who¡¯s expendable.


    ¡°Mmmmmrrrhh! Aaarrrhhh!¡± the boss growls in anger, pain, and in fright because these four men aren¡¯t that loyal. They¡¯ve just been given money to keep this wretched man from harm, so of course, they wouldn¡¯t risk their lives for him.


    ¡°Are you serious¡­?¡± one of the men responds, ogling with his flapping eyelids.


    But Xe¡¯Reth retorts, ¡°I¡¯ll count to three. If you haven¡¯t started beating this squealer to death by then, your families will cease to exist. And don¡¯t think that I can¡¯t take you guys on ifyou were to jump me. But you won¡¯t¡­ Because why care for this man? This man and his family have given the poor people their wrath, their disgusting ways of petty robbery and distortion. The city guard is completely rotten to the core. You know this, don¡¯t you, men?¡±


    ¡°Do you think such a family deserves to live? They¡¯ve raped and deprived people without being caught. Do you men honestly believe that this man and his brother deserves to live? They¡¯re finished, because, well¡­ I¡¯ll use my lover¡¯s power to make his big brother suffer the same fate.¡±


    ¡°He, his older brother, and the younger brother who¡¯s now dead. They¡¯ve forced me to kneel, beg, and made me do things that I wouldn¡¯t do in my wildest dreams, but survival is my forte, sadly,¡± Xe¡¯Reth sighs, remembering what they made him do¡­ But it wasn¡¯t so bad, Xe¡¯Reth is just exaggerating because these four men don''t know squat.


    Xe¡¯Reth was mostly being harassed by the oldest brother, but now?


    ¡°Sigh¡­ I¡¯ve talked too much, so I¡¯ll count to three. If you don¡¯t come and grab him within those three seconds, consider your families done for,¡± Xe¡¯Reth smiles with calmness as he jiggles the dagger in the man¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°One¡­¡ª¡±


    The three men leap towards their boss with dead-set eyes while the man with the dislocated jaw comes slower, to help with the beating. As the four come to the two, Xe¡¯Reth pulls the dagger out, then kicks him forward.


    ¡°Stop you disloyal bastards! I¡¯ll make your families get butchered even if I have to do it myself! I swear!¡± the boss rages, but that doesn''t help at all, he just pours more grease into the fire.


    ¡°Sto¡ª!! No¡ª!! Plea¡ª¡­¡±


    The men begin to beat him¡­


    The boss¡¯s face takes damage, his teeth break apart, and his nose bleed. His rib cage caves in on himself since these barrages come with full fury. His body is getting kicks, punches, and more verity of blows, until he lies there on the floor motionless, a big bloody mess, and all Xe¡¯Reth can think about is¡­ is thatheneeds to clean this mess up after they¡¯ve left.


    ¡°Heh, well that wasn¡¯t so hard, now was it? Do try not get caught when you dump him somewhere, where he can¡¯t be found; burn him preferably. By the way, if you think you can blame this on me, think again. I did nothing, you four alone killed him.¡±


    ¡°Now take him out of my sight and dispose of him¡ªGo! And if I ever see you four again in my presence, I won¡¯t show you any kindness,¡± Xe¡¯Reth threatens as he waves his dagger towards the broken door. Though, Xe¡¯Reth hopes that none of the other inhabitants heard the things that transpired here. Most likely they did, but he just puts it out of his mind.


    ¡­


    The four men leave with a sheet-covered body that drips blood which had been given to them by Xe¡¯Reth. Because they can¡¯t carry a body in the dead of night, all exposed. Well, the darkness does cover everything, but Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t want to take any chances of them being discovered so he gave them the bed sheet before they could leave.


    Xe¡¯Reth gazes at the men hurrying away... moving towards the... nearby graveyard?


    ¡®Oh, brilliant idea! They must have disposed of a body before... Like myself,¡¯ Xe''Reth compliments.


    He has now killed two of the fat slob¡¯s brothers.


    Even if he didn¡¯t actually murder the boss of the four men, he did order them to do it nonetheless, and that¡¯s like killing the man himself. But the four didn¡¯t think like that, they only thought that they killed him, and not Xe¡¯Reth, for they aren¡¯t the smartest cobbles on the street, only bouncers.


    ¡®Hopefully, they won¡¯t be my undoing,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth sighs with worry, squinting down at the floor while scowling.


    He begins to clean the blood. But as Xe¡¯Reth scrubs, his peer travels to the broken door and gains a cunning idea. Grinning, he picks up his dagger, to stare at it, then disappears into the bedroom to plan out this new act of trickery¡­


    The dark night then continues its cycle¡­


    <hr>


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 07 - The Argument

    <hr>


    <u>The Argument</u>


    <hr>


    The luxurious morning sun rises over the mountains and sets itself onto the Divine Sky to give the people of this Kingdom light. That brightness which grows the nature with new seeds of vegetation. And the green trees of ages that cover the Kingdom¡¯s surface shines in its emerald color.


    The warmth one feels on the skin when one stands out in the open, though the autumn¡¯s winds have come upon this world, so it¡¯s slowly getting colder and colder while the nights are growing darker and darker.


    The City of Tertinum awakens. The streets start to fill with people; the hundreds of stores are opening its doors to new people that might come to browse its merchandise. The three outer layer gates of the City form rows of travelers that wish to explore its wonders.


    The great Citadel stands in its splendid foundation. It¡¯s so vast that it takes up one-fourth of the entire City. Its lush gardens are the biggest part of the Citadel''s grounds, and the Citadel¡¯s outer estates are only for those who works there; the servants and people who¡¯re allowed to nest there.


    The Citadel must be in constant purity to keep up with the standards of the Honored Ones ¨C those that rule the cities which had been granted to them through the ages. Their ancestors had risen up to prominence and were awarded cities for their due, their hard and loyal work to the former Queens of their time.


    Here in this City where Xe¡¯Reth lives, a small family owns the City, the Honored Tertins, Malinda¡¯s Honored household.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    In the halls of the Citadel, servants run around early in the morning, moving toward their destinations. Cleaning servants are everywhere. They¡¯re scrubbing the floors, dusting off the walls, the furniture, the many paintings, and all of the different beautifications that d¨¦cor this Citadel; indeed a home of wealth.


    The corridors riddle with small pillars that have vases on them and pots of beautiful plants; paintings of various blond-haired men, women, and children of once lived people hang there on the walls.


    While in a spacious dining room, though, where expensive crystal chandeliers hang above, people sit on grand seats beside a dining table, which¡¯s so lengthy that it¡¯s over forty meters long, but the broadness isn¡¯t that great. Only three meters. And on the part of the table where the Citadel¡¯s ruler sits, people are sitting.


    At the moment, they''re eating.


    At the head of the table sits the mighty General of the middle gate himself, while his wife sits on the left side of the table. Next to her is her daughter. The girl who sits there with dead, unmoving eyes. Blank eyes as if she can¡¯t see anything from those glittery eyes of shadows.


    The young lady scoops up her soup that she has in front of her with a spoon, a silver spoon of prosperity.


    The mother gazes upon her daughter who sits there beside her with sad and lonely eyes, for she sees her blind daughter desperately trying to dine with elegance, but her blindness deceives her, only making her spill the soup, because how can she know if the watery substance resides in the spoon?


    Therefore, her mother tries to help her, she wants to feed her, but¡­ her daughter declines her helpful hands. With a stubborn frown, she sets down her spoon to shove her mother¡¯s middle-aged hands away.


    She is prideful and tenacious for a fourteen-year-old girl, and she looks exactly like her mother; light brown hair which¡¯s tied in a long braid that rests on her one shoulder, going down to her undeveloped bosoms. Those emotionless eyes of light brown and her pale skin tone that she has on her body, her thin teenaged body. Her beauty is also like her mother, but she isn''t what people call stunning.


    She''s a little bit above average if people go for the sisters'' standards.


    ¡°Darling please, you mustn¡¯t act like this. You¡¯ve grown much stubborn as of late. Come, let me help you eat,¡± the mother scolds, not giving in to her daughter''s waving hands. ¡°And whose idea was it to make soup this morning? Huh?¡±


    ¡°F-Forgive me, Honored Madam, it was me. I didn¡¯t think clearly how it would affect your daughter. I-I beg for your forgiveness,¡± a handmaiden stutters who stands by the Citadel¡¯s large kitchen doors.


    ¡°Sigh, it¡¯s all right. Try to think next time before you pull this kind of breakfast. As you¡¯re new, I¡¯ll let it go. But I¡¯ll speak to the head-handmaiden¡­ your mother about this,¡± the wife says as she brings up the handmaiden¡¯s mother who¡¯s the handmaiden to herself, a dear friend of hers also.


    ¡°Though... I think she gave you this task to choose the breakfast, to learn from it,¡± the wife adds as she stares at the handmaiden whose head lowers by the sudden attention, feeling as if she wants to cry.


    ¡°Enough, I don¡¯t need you to scold her, I can do that myself,¡± Malinda¡¯s younger sister says with a tone of annoyance as she sits there unfazed while she sips the soup with grace which the wife¡¯s daughter doesn¡¯t have.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Madelyn? You¡¯ve been like this ever since we came home yesterday,¡± the brother asks because she has had a very gloomy expression ever since she went into the carriage that took her to the Citadel after she had finished her work as a commander.


    ¡°It is¡­ nothing¡­ It was rough on the wall yesterday, that is all,¡± she says with a weary face.


    Madelyn still hasn¡¯t awakened fully yet, so she''s showing her hidden emotions, but her moving hand that scoops the soup shows no tiredness, only grace flows with every hand and arm movement as she sips.


    ¡°Where is Malinda? Is she still sleeping this late in the morning?¡± the wife asks curiously as Malinda hasn¡¯t even come yet, for the family always eats together, but this time, they started without her because they didn¡¯t want the food to get cold. ¡°She¡¯s never late¡ªAh, there she is.¡±


    Malinda comes through the opened embroidered double doors which lead to the massive throne room.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to keep you waiting, dear family,¡± Malinda greets as she goes to be seated on the right side of where her brother sits, and on her right, sits her younger sister who Malinda looks at with a slight frown. But her face returns to her elegant appearance in a split second.


    ¡°It is all right¡­ but you should try to not sleep in. It is not a way for an Honored Lady to act lazily,¡± the wife scolds as she raises her index finger for such behavior, also throwing a glance at Madelyn.


    The wife is very strict on how one should act and how one shouldn¡¯t act. A pure noble to the bone. However, her strictness doesn''t extend to her daughter because she can¡¯t really do most of the things that require of an Honored Lady. She only went blind four years ago, so she hasn¡¯t gotten used to her blindness yet.


    ¡°Fear not. I woke up long before anyone. I¡¯ve just been preparing myself¡­ I mean¡­ let us continue eating,¡± Malinda breaks off, changing the topic.


    She had awoken very early to pick out clothes to wear because she¡¯s going to meet up with Xe¡¯Reth later.It took her rather long to pick out this outfit of silk and crimson light-plate material, though it hasn¡¯t that much plate on it, only the shoulders that have two pauldrons.


    Her chest piece has a woman¡¯s cuirass pushing her bosoms in so it appears that she has smaller breasts. Her lower legs have greaves, and her feet have boots with heels that fit a lady.


    All of the other materials are in black silk.Malinda''s skirt goes to her knees, and her black long sleeves have frills at where her wrists are.


    She¡¯s dressed to her fullest. Her face and hair are polished to perfection also. Those dark red lipstick-colored rose petals and those eyes that have black eyeliner which brings out her fierce yet caring eyes.


    Her blond hair is in a low ponytail which hangs over her shoulder and down her light-plated bulging chest while her bangs are on either side of her face.


    She has truly prettied herself up this time, but nonetheless, one of her handmaidens helped her because she was rather flustered by this sudden meeting that she¡¯ll have, this conjoining with Xe¡¯Reth.


    Malinda has prepared in her mind hundreds of times of what she¡¯s going to say. Those simple but emotional words¡­


    Her handmaiden that joined her doesn''t know who she¡¯s going to meet up with, though from how her Mistress has acted up ¡®til now, she can see that it¡¯ll be a passionate moment for her.


    The handmaiden is now sitting behind her on a chair by the wall. She had followed right behind her and drawn out her Mistress¡¯s chair that Malinda is sitting on right now, then she went to sit after making sure everything was in order.


    An invisible ghost that shouldn¡¯t be noticed among their Honored Masters and Mistresses.


    ¡°My dear, where did you go yesterday? You just left us without saying a word. We waited for you, but you never showed up at our Ebon Wall¡¯s estate,¡± the brother asks because she indeed just left without saying anything. She wanted to catch up to Xe¡¯Reth, who she saw vanish into the crowd when no one was looking.


    She wanted him to forgive her sister, so no hard feelings were between her and him because her sister is his commander.Andas a leader, she must have her subordinates¡¯ trust and respect¡­ But her sister is very slothful when it comes to her duties. She¡¯s just treating her job as a commander like a chore since their brother decided that she had to do it so she wouldn¡¯t laze around every day.


    ¡°I apologize, brother. But I had prior engagements to attend to, so I had to leave. Also, I¡¯ll be leaving after I¡¯ve finished eating¡ªCelyssa can you take care of my workload for today?¡± Malinda asks as her eyes wander to his brother¡¯s wife who handles the business of their Honored domain.


    Both the brother and his wife are way older than the two sisters.


    Malinda¡¯s mother and father got her brother very early in their years. Their parents were only sixteen when he was born, and they didn¡¯t even get another child until years later.


    That¡¯s when Malinda was born.


    Her brother is soon reaching his forties, and Celyssa is the same age as him. While their daughter is only fourteen. An age where she should be out and about. She should find herself a noble profession as her two aunts. But because she¡¯s blind, her parents doesn¡¯t want her to do anything. They just want her to live her life as she sees fit. And if she does find someone to love out of luck, then they will arrange anything for their daughter. But with her current personality and affliction, that won¡¯t happen anytime soon.


    ¡°All right, dear. I¡¯ll take care of everything, you do what you need to do. This month is pretty light with labor, so it¡¯ll be handled with comfort,¡± the wife says with a smile as she gazes upon one of her family members. One can even say that she¡¯s the mother of Malinda and her younger sister, for she¡¯s steaming with adultness about her. Such an elegant middle-aged woman.


    ¡°Ooh?¡± the brother sounds out in complete surprise as his eyes shine with astonishment, for he witnesses Malinda wearing her finest light plate armor that she has, which makes him slightly dumbfounded, but he also wants to tease her a little bit. ¡°Who are you meeting up with my dear little sister? Ah! Is it¡­ Is it perhaps a man?!"


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    "Ooh! You¡¯ve finally decided to spread your womanly charms! Ah, the Divine Sky has finally answered my responses! I thought that you would be a woman of celibacy like the Divine Queen herself and not a woman of love! Ah! The joy that has sprouted forth inside my youthful chest!¡±


    ¡°Brother, please. Stop acting like that, you¡¯re embarrassing me... Though, it¡¯s true that I¡¯ve met a man, but¡­¡± Malinda hesitates as she bites her lower lip.


    ¡°W-W-What? I was right¡­?¡± he asks in disbelief, his eyes beginning to flicker, and his mouth going agape. But he grows wary as he recalls the last word Malinda said. ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you, brother, would allow myself to be with such a man,¡± she replies with a slight saddening tone as she averts her eyes from his two questioning blue globes.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ So it¡¯s one of the families that we dislike where you¡¯ve found your man, huh? But you know you can¡¯t form a bond with an Honored One, you know that right? The Queen doesn¡¯t allow it,¡± he says with a hint of hatred as he grips tighter around his spoon, because some of the other Honored families that he has had contact with, can be bothersome to handle.


    Especially the nobles that aren¡¯t a part of his domain. Trade routes to the Ebon Wall are in high demand since they go through Tertin land.


    But over the years, he has formed friends with different benevolent Honored families, like his own household. Though, only the regular noble houses would come with engagement proposals to his beautiful sisters and even his daughter, which he most generously of his being declined, for he wants them to find their own true happiness, as he had found¡­his.


    ¡°No¡­? Then is it a man from a regular noble family then?¡± he keeps asking, but he gets no response from his eye-avoiding sister, though his now scowling expression turns into worry as he presses onward with interrogations. ¡°An even lesser noble family then?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± she doesn¡¯t answer, she has her eyes closed as he keeps on guessing.


    ¡°Hmm, so it¡¯s a commoner, huh. Well¡­ I can see where you¡¯re coming from, dear sister. But I¡¯ll let you choose who you want to be with, as I promised before if you remember that promise. Though hopefully, it isn¡¯t someone that¡¯s too unreliable to be trained to learn the ways of being an Honored One,¡± he says as he stares intently at Malinda.


    He would¡¯ve never thought that his eldest younger sister would find someone of low birth, but his promises are there to be kept, so he can¡¯t betray Malinda¡¯s trust by throwing those promises out the window.


    ¡°Aaaaah¡­ You¡¯re a grown woman, and you can choose whoever you want. Who¡¯s this lucky man you¡¯ve fallen in love with then? Is he handsome? Is he ugly? Is he average? Is he smart? Dumb? Or just plain?¡± he asks nonstop, for he wants to know who this man is that has gotten his stone-faced sister to crack and blossom into a flower.


    ¡°Y-Yes, he¡¯s very handsome indeed. He¡¯s as tall as me, he has such a build, and everything about him is¡­ well, perfect in my eyes. His intelligence is also high from what I¡¯ve gotten to know about him. He has been very kind to me. I fell in love with him in just a couple of hours as I spoke to him. He confessed to me his feelings, his fears, his plight, and his hatred. But that only made him more lovingly. He could say all of those things to me who he had just met, and that trust is something I want from him,¡± she fawns with a blush as she longs to meet him at his place, his rundown house.


    She had gone through her feelings in her bedroom, and this feeling that she wants is¡­ Xe''Reth''s love. Even though she has only spent a short time with him, she is dead set on her emotions. She¡¯ll finally know what it means to have someone she can embrace like everyone else, to give her love away to him¡­


    ¡°See, my wife! I told you she would find someone! Hahaha, our family will finally grow as she¡¯ll bring new life into the world!¡± the brother shouts with pleasant feelings as he raises his spoon up in the air like a sword while splattering the watery soup onto himself and onto everything below.


    Those feelings of kinship, those things that are necessary to extend their small family to even greater heights.


    It¡¯s hard to keep up with the times when you don¡¯t really have a strong family, a strong family of relatives. Their own relatives aren¡¯t extensive, it¡¯s only because their mother and father were the single children of their own parents. And the only other family they have are their distant¡­ distant relatives who hasn¡¯t contacted them in ages.


    Though Celyssa¡¯s family tree is very extensive, and most of them are situated in Tertinum City.


    ¡°Please brother, I¡¯m not planning on getting children that fast. I¡¯m soon reaching my mid-twenties. I¡¯m still young you know. Our mother even got us two later in her years, so¡­¡± Malinda says as she just goes with the flow of the conversation, but she realizes what the conversation is about. ¡°L-Let us not talk about this anymore.¡±


    ¡°S-Sister, this is fantastic news. What is the name of the man you¡¯ve fallen in love with? For I have actually also fallen in love with someone, but it¡¯ll take a long while until I have enough courage to confess my feelings to him. Though as it stands now, it won¡¯t be happening anytime soon,¡± the sister says with a warm smile to break the ice between them. ¡°So what¡¯s his name?¡±


    ¡°I will not tell you his name. I don¡¯t think he would want me to spread that I¡¯ve him as a lover¡­ yet," Malinda answers with a frown on her eyebrows because she hasn¡¯t even responded to his confession yet, but as she has decided to accept it, it¡¯s already set in stone. She can openly say that she has a lover now, and that makes her get butterflies in her stomach. Even thinking about him makes her smile. However, she keeps up her appearance of complete control to not show her weakness of love.


    ¡°Oh... I-I see¡­¡± she whimpers as Malinda peers at her with such an unpleasant gaze all of a sudden, which makes Madelyn lower her head in anxiety.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­ Do you remember what happened yesterday? Where you acted so dishonorably towards that young man who didn¡¯t even do anything to you?¡± Malinda asks as her face turns stone cold. ¡°As a commander, is that how you act towards everyone in your squad? Or is he the only one you attack with such means as cutting off his well-earned pay?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about¡­? Madelyn, explain yourself!¡± Celyssa shouts, hearing such blasphemy because she has taken care of everything regarding the City, the Citadel, the domain, and Madelyn¡¯s squad of archers.


    Madelyn is very careless in her duties, so she gets help from Celyssa from time to time, which in the process, Celyssa has met many of the archers in the squad. She has gone many times to the training ground to watch how Madelyn was handling it. At most times she was pleased, and some other times she wasn¡¯t so happy.


    Celyssa is an intelligent woman.


    Her skills in understanding the component of archery were learned so fast that she can now handle the art of the bow with ease; she isn¡¯t the best by far, but Celyssa can hit a target in the middle if she wants to.


    This unexpected news makes Celyssa fume with rage that shows on her lowering eyebrows while crossing her arms. Her husband too gazes at the guilty person who sits there beside the table with a face of anxiety and fiddling hands.


    ¡°S-Sister, what, what are you talking about? He said that I was right, remember? He first lied about his arrows being homemade. B-But, then as you came, he stated that he tried to deceive me. He lied about not taking from the buckets that are placed by our designated post on the Ebon Wall. You heard him say it, so why are you putting the blame on me?¡± Madelyn asks with eyebrows ascending and wide eyes of bewilderment, trying to weasel her way out.


    ¡°You still lie, lie, and lie¡­ He only said that to not get into trouble with you afterward, because I caught you red-handed. He wanted to give you face, that¡¯s why he confessed his untrue lie.Youmade him say words that were untrue, and you still dare lie to me!?¡± Malinda screams, slamming the table with her one fisted knuckle as her anger for her sister¡¯s lying floods out of her.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not lying! You¡¯re going too far! But¡­ But I decide what I do with my own squad and not you! So stay out of it!¡± Madelyn fights back as she pushes out her chair to stand.


    Her venomous eyes shoot out poison because of her meddling elder sister that¡¯s attacking her with words. ¡°Sister, you¡¯ve changed¡­ Why are you taking such a nasty person¡¯s side over your own blood? He¡¯s a disgusting dog of the slums. Have you no sham¡ª?!¡±


    *Slap*


    ¡±Ah...! I-I am¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I¡­¡± Malinda stutters as she stands there also with a chair pushed backward and a red palm pulsating.


    As Madelyn touches her throbbing cheek with one shaking hand, tears start to form around her eyes. With a swift turn, she sprints out of the dining hall while being followed by a speechless handmaiden that¡¯s trying to keep up with her Mistress, which causes Malinda to regret that she even brought up the topic about what happened yesterday.


    She¡¯s a caring sister¡­ but she doesn¡¯t even understand why she¡¯s doing this. Is it because her dear sister bullied her new found love? Yes¡­ That sense of safeguarding a loved one from any harm. She has just made it worse by speaking about it, and Madelyn will probably take it out on Xe¡¯Reth next time they meet.


    ¡°Malinda, dear¡­¡± her brother sounds out with concern filling his eyes and a saddened curve downwards upon his lips. So, too, has Celyssa, a face of worry about the sudden slap that Malinda just gave her sister.


    The slap was rather hard, so she worries about Madelyn¡¯s cheek.


    This was actually the first argument she and her sister has ever had which escalated this far. There have been quarrels before, but those were so small that they weren¡¯t even compared to this one.


    ¡°I am¡­ not hungry anymore. Celyssa, please do check up on her¡­ I think I hit her too hard¡­¡± Malinda says as she begins to also walk toward the double doors that lead out of the dining hall. She turns around as she¡¯s about to leave. ¡°Tell her that I¡¯m sorry. And that I went too far. I¡¯ll be gone for a while¡­ so¡­ *Sigh* I¡¯ll come back later.¡±


    Malinda vanishes through the opened double doors while her handmaiden shadows her.


    The three remaining family members, the brother, his wife, and their daughter just sit there at the breakfast table. He looks at his wife with confusion written upon his frowning face. She sighs as well ¨C she has gotten more work to do.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go check up on Madelyn. She has probably gone to the garden labyrinth,¡± Celyssa says as she stares into her husband¡¯s troubling eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, my love,¡± he says with a loving face.


    Celyssa does genuinely care about his sisters as if they¡¯re her own children, adult children in her eyes.


    As Celyssa rises from her seat, she waves instructions to the handmaidens of her daughter, to take care of her in her absence. And the handmaidens bow in confirmation.


    Then Celyssa leaves the dining hall with womanly strides without saying goodbye to her daughter, because the little lady will meet up with her later. She spends most of her time with her mother, or in her own quarters, or in the garden where Madelyn is mostly located at when she¡¯s at home.


    ¡°Father¡­?¡± she asks with a spoon in her hand while turning her head to her father¡¯s direction, but her eyes stare into the void, not able to make eye contact because of her blindness.


    ¡°Merissa, my dearest, what is the matter?¡± he asks as his daughter gaze at him, but his heart still can¡¯t mask his expression when he sees his blind daughter sitting there with slowly blinking eyes, staring at the darkness in front of her.


    ¡°It is nothing¡­ but¡­ wasn¡¯t that a delightful argument? I have never heard them act like that before, so this experience was¡­ pleasant.¡± Merissa reveals with a smile as she then sips the soup from her now raised spoon gracefully¡­ with no effort at all...


    As though her disability vanished within an instant.


    <hr>


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    <hr>

 08 - The City of Tertinum

    <hr>


    The City of Tertinum


    <hr>


    Out in the Citadel¡¯s courtyard which has cobblestones riddling the ground, stand a carriage below a flight of stairs. Those stairs lead up to the main ballroom hall where the thrones of the Honored Tertin family reside.


    In the middle of the courtyard stand four separate fountains of water in a circle with a cross walkway in between them. They sprout forth the azure-blue liquid that flows down from above the top rings. As the water overflows at the tops, it goes down into larger circles, then again when the water overflows it falls down to even bigger circles.


    At the front of the Citadel, large double-doors stand wide open, and through the grand opening comes the strutting Malinda with fast walking legs. She has a frown upon her arch eyebrows as she goes down the staircase with careful steps, where she catches a prepared carriage with four horses in front of it while a middle-aged man holds them in place.


    The horses are magnificent. They¡¯re fitted with horse armor in a shiny black alloy while the heads of the horses have dark helmets with crimson plumages sticking out at the top.


    It¡¯s not a unique sight for Malinda, so she strolls to the carriage, to open the brown wooden door to get inside, which is decorated with golden embroidery. The rest of the carriage is also covered with gold on top of its wooden foundation, though not enough to cover it entirely.


    She sits down on the leather seats, then covers the windows with drapes of crimson that hang down from above the sides so no one can see who¡¯s privileged to be inside this luxurious golden carriage.


    The Handmaiden doesn¡¯t join her inside because she¡¯s the chauffeur. She has been trained at an early age to learn everything that¡¯s needed to be a handmaiden to someone like Malinda. She knows how to cook, how to ride a horse, how to handle horses fastened to a carriage, how to be a sparring partner, how to clean, how to act, how to dress, how to¡­ everything.


    She is also older, so she has had time to learn everything that¡¯s needed; the handmaiden knows all of Malinda''s daily routines, her personality, her hobbies, her likes, and dislikes, but today, something is amiss for the first time, she actually slapped her sister.


    Malinda has been strange ever since she came home yesterday, late at night, almost at midnight.


    The handmaiden was still waiting for her Miss to return so she could go to bed last night. She had waited for Malinda¡¯s return immediately after the battle, for Malinda usually travels back with her brother and sister, but not this time, this time, she returned late as ever. Though now she knows why, she had met with someone, a man.


    When did she have the time to fall in love with a man? The handmaiden has had her eye on her Miss. She knows where she goes every day, what she does every day, so this sudden man has honestly surprised this handmaiden who knows every single fragment of her Miss.


    Malinda opens the carriage¡¯s door.


    ¡°Go to where I instructed, and no words of complaint. He can talk to me how he wills, so just be silent when he speaks, understood?¡± Malinda asks as she peeks out, looking with stern eyes. With a click resounding, the door closes again. She didn¡¯t even wait for her to respond.


    How can a commoner talk casually with an Honored One? Is she serious? The handmaiden has mix feelings about this encounter that her Miss will have, but she waves her hand gently for the middle-aged stable-master to leave. A simple but perfected curtsy does the man as he turns around to leave, heading towards the large stable which is on the southwest side of the Citadel.


    She climbs up to the driver¡¯s seat.


    As she holds the long reins, she does a whip-like action with her arms, making the horses¡¯ metal shoes clank on the cobble at a slow pace forward. They strut half a circle around the courtyard, toward the Innermost Gate, which¡¯s widely open with its raised portcullis and giant doors standing exposed.


    The wheels of the carriage and the clanking hooves sound as she drives past the gate where city guards stand at their post on either side. The guards do a stance of salute in recognition while the handmaiden nods to return their good behavior. Yet they got no permission to walk through the gate, to step onto the ground of the Citadel.


    The City of Tertinum, it¡¯s divided into four layers.


    The first outer layer is where the poor people, regular people, and somewhat wealthy people live. The second inner layer is where the nobles live, and some who has gotten permission. It is also where the location of the most expensive markets and stores. Nonetheless, in the first outer layer, there are even more shops and markets than there are in the second inner layer.


    The third layer, ¡®the Citadel¡¯s outer grounds,¡¯ is where the City¡¯s army trains and where Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s squad will meet up in three days¡¯ time. The city guards¡¯ headquarter and the Department of Law and Order have their compounds also located there.


    But the most important thing that lies in the third layer is the School of Law and Order. It¡¯s where the most righteous people get their education from, though it has a strict policy which makes it highly difficult to enter. The great thing about it is, no matter how deep one¡¯s pockets are, it doesn¡¯t matter. Because the school doesn¡¯t look at the wealth of its students that tries to apply, it looks at the people''s ways.


    For their sponsor is the royal family.


    Their conviction of particular beliefs matters to that school and its leaders, for they¡¯re the instrument of law that smites down the criminals; the order that makes people believe in its traditional methods that have existed over the years since the Divine Queen purged the kingdom of its disgusting habits.


    Even the poor can gain admittance, but, if the person who applies has only survival in mind, like those who only wants to get into the school for its benefits, their papers are severely dropped into the trash.


    When people graduate from that school, they can willingly choose to join the Department of Law and Order¡ªDLO for short¡ªwhere the forces of justice are to be found at. The people that take down the ones who does illegal activities; they¡¯re the investigators of the Kingdom, who stalks down the perpetrators of evil.


    The Agents of the Divine Queen.


    The high ranking Inquisitors who¡¯re stationed at every major part of Ellenoria has sway over what goes on in the cities where they rule. They¡¯re the only ones who practically have the same authority as an Honored One, except for the all-powerful royal family and the Divine Queen herself.


    The last layer is where the Honored Tertin Family¡¯s Citadel is located at.


    The Citadel and its¡¯ estates were once built upon a highland. That¡¯s why the Citadel seems so tall compared to everything else. If a person wants to get to the Innermost Gate, that person needs to climb up the sloping street that starts at the Citadel¡¯s outer grounds¡¯ main gate.


    Though it only tilts to a degree. Not enough for carriages to slide down, but sufficient enough for an overweight person to be completely out of breath when reaching the top.


    While there¡¯s only one method for mounts and carriages to go to the Citadel, people, however, can travel up the long stairs on either side of the sloping street where buildings belonging to the DLO and the city guard are, which are on either side of the road. It¡¯s as if those two factions don¡¯t seem to see eye to eye. Therefore, the buildings are on either side.


    The whole city is a giant circle, but the first three layers have a design like crescent moons, and the Citadel, like a lying oval egg. If someone had a bird¡¯s eye view, they could see the City¡¯s wonders.


    The City¡¯s magnificent cathedral stands almost as high as the Citadel¡¯s high walls. It¡¯s sited at the inner layer where people go to seek enlightenment, and once every year they hold a ceremony for people to say the word of magic. To see if someone has the capacity to form that ancient word that can send them straight to nobility and beyond, but also to their own doom, for Magicians are controlled by the royal family.


    The royal family bind the life of the one they found to an orb, and if it were to be destroyed, the one¡¯s life who¡¯s linked to the ball would instantly die; evaporate into nothingness.


    It¡¯s common knowledge, however. For reaching wealth and power, it¡¯s a low price to pay. Though it will certainly be a burden to those who wish to be completely free, to not be in shackles only because of one word the person will say on the day of the search for Magicians.


    Poor, rich, it doesn¡¯t matter. As long as the person says the word, they¡¯ll either have to comply¡­ or be put to death by the decree of the royal family, because they can¡¯t have heathens running amok among their citizens. No one really thinks that it is wrong to put those people to death who doesn¡¯t comply with the Divine Queen¡¯s rule¡­


    Xe¡¯Reth himself has been a follower of the Divine Queens. His mother is still fanatical about them, for they peer with their all-seeing eyes down upon the Kingdom from the Divine Sky. Though these last four years, he hasn¡¯t cared for such beliefs. He still hears chants from his mother when she has been in her various delirious conditions, which in turn make him furious towards... his Goddesses¡­


    Where are they?! They, who hold so much power?! Why can¡¯t they bring a miracle and save his mother?!


    He wonders that too many times¡­ but yet no phenomenon have come to his mother''s salvation.


    The Goddess is the current reigning Queen herself. An embodiment of the Kingdom¡¯s undying faith. Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t know if she¡¯s a Goddess or not, because no one meets her. Not even the Honored Ones themselves any more.


    The Queen only makes an appearance once every year in the Capital City, far to the north, to set a new rule upon the Kingdom if she so wishes it, because the people would be stunned in obedience.


    Is the Queen perhaps a Magician herself? Or is it the work of magic that makes people willing to serve¡­ blindly?


    Xe¡¯Reth has been in his mind about that a lot of times since he has read quantity of different books, but even the books he had read were written as if the person was in such awe, only complimenting the current and the past Divine Queens.


    The Citadel¡¯s main wall is high, and it¡¯s made so no cracks are visible, which makes it impossible to climb over. It¡¯s made like that so buildings located in the Citadel¡¯s outer grounds can be placed by the crescent formation of the fortification.


    Though of course, people need another pass to come into the Citadel¡¯s outer grounds. All the soldiers of the city¡¯s army, the workers of different factions; investigators, servants, city-guards, and the various other people who¡¯ve been given a pass can come into the outer grounds.


    Madelyn herself has given all of her underlings that are in her squad a license to come and go how they like. So they can train their archery in the field where all of the soldiers, city-guards, and occasionally those that originates from the school are training. It¡¯s a privilege to mere commoners, like Xe¡¯Reth.


    Madelyn, though, has a reserved area, for she¡¯s indeed an Honored Lady, who has sway over the City. But she doesn¡¯t care for politics. She actually lets her brother¡¯s wife handle her own economy, her riches which she inherited when the former rulers died.


    She¡¯s a rich¡­ spoiled girl¡­


    A girl who¡¯s currently sitting on a stone bench in a garden that surrounds her with toppling emerald hedges, which only have one exit. It''s an area of seclusion where she can rub her reddened cheek in peace. She has cried but stopped a couple of minutes ago since she isn¡¯t a crybaby, she is¡­


    ¡°Aww¡­ This is going to leave a mark! Curse you, sister, you didn¡¯t need to hit me so hard!¡± she moans, looking into a hand mirror while frowning, which her mouth-gaping handmaiden holds.


    ¡°Mistress¡­ We should go see my father and get you some ointment for the swelling,¡± the handmaiden suggests while holding the mirror as carefully as she can, crouching, for it has glittering jewels surrounding the oval-shaped silver frame.


    She will get into so much trouble if she drops it.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­ there you are¡­!¡± Celyssa exclaims while waving an embroidered fan at her face which has stitches of ball-dressed women conversing with each other. ¡°You really need to stop hiding here in this damned labyrinth. You¡¯re making me work more than I already need.¡±


    Both Madelyn and her handmaiden turns their heads simultaneously to see Celyssa there with a scowling woman behind her that has arms crossed while she taps the ground with one foot. She¡¯s dressed in exactly the same uniform as Madelyn¡¯s handmaiden, rather, it looks as if the woman is an older version of the girl.


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    The woman next to Celyssa points her finger straight at the ground without uttering a single word while having the sternest look she can possibly have. Madelyn¡¯s handmaiden jumps up from her crouching position as she gives the expensive hand mirror to her Miss, then hurries with head low and eyes not even daring to gaze into her mother¡¯s wild flaring eyes.


    The two of them leaves Madelyn and Celyssa to be alone so they can talk things through, about what happened in the dining hall. As they disappear through the exit, Celyssa sits down beside Madelyn on the stone bench, giving out a puff of air as she whips her fan, so it forms into a short stick.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­ Is what Malinda said, true?¡± she asks while inspecting the swelled up cheek, holding Madelyn''s chin so she doesn¡¯t move her head. ¡°Well¡­?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Madelyn jerks her head away from Celyssa while she pouts with her lips. ¡°What does it matter¡­? It was only a commoner that I played with. He should be glad that I don¡¯t relieve him from his duties as a member of my squad.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Is that so? Well, should I let you handle your team''s work from now on then?¡± Celyssa asks as she too averts her head in a childlike manner, to gaze at the flowers of different colors. ¡°Though¡­ You would need to spend all your free time with those piles of paper that arrive at my study... every single day.¡±


    ¡°What¡­?! No¡­ No please, I¡­ I won¡¯t do it again, I promise¡­ I just¡­ I¡­¡± she grimaces in shock as her mouth curves down while her azure eyes widen at Celyssa¡¯s turned head. ¡°I¡­ I only teased him a little bit because I wanted him to spend more time with me¡­ Even just a bit more time, because he always leaves in such a hurry¡­¡±


    ¡°So this is what it all was about?¡± Celyssa realizes, turning back her head to look into Malinda¡¯s eyes with a smile on her lips. ¡°You did say something about falling in love with someone in the dining hall like your sister, didn¡¯t you? But I would¡¯ve never thought that you would stoop to such childish behavior.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I am an Honored One, and he¡¯s¡ª.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re a Stupid One for acting in such a manner unfit for your status,¡± Celyssa snaps as she frowns in a rather loving way. ¡°Dear Queens of the ages, look upon this lamb that has fallen from your graces. Her mind has turned into that of a child¡¯s. She¡ª."


    ¡°¡ªI get it! Look who¡¯s the one that¡¯s teasing now¡­¡± Madelyn too snaps, then begins to stare at herself in the hand mirror while gaining a sad scowl upon her beautiful yet half scarlet face. ¡°But, it is hard you know¡­ confronting one¡¯s own fears.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know,¡± Celyssa replies as she snatches the hand mirror to look at herself too. ¡°I never confessed my love, it was just chosen for me. Sigh, but I did fall in love with your brother after we were introduced to each other. Back then he wasn¡¯t the man he¡¯s now. He was unhappy most of the time.¡±


    ¡°He was?¡± Madelyn asks as she grasps ahold of the mirror, to seize it from Celyssa¡¯s hand, to look at her own red cheek.


    ¡°He was¡­¡± Celyssa says, frowning at Madelyn for stealing the mirror as she was in the middle of looking at a wrinkle that¡¯s between her eyebrows. ¡°You were too young to remember. Though I got to know the reason why he was so saddened a couple of years later. It was because he had someone he earnestly loved before me.¡±


    ¡°Back then when he was only a commander of the middle gate while his father was the General. He fell in love with a girl that was the same age as him¡­ But right when he had the courage to confess his love to her, she just disappeared out of nowhere, leaving him completely heartbroken. Though only a month later came the woman who sits here now beside you, to brighten up his sullen life.¡±


    ¡°What was her name?¡± Madelyn asks with flickering eyes and an open mouth.


    Celyssa sighs in dismay as she covers her face in shame, ¡°He never even had the courage to ask her. Much less talk to her. He was such an innocent brute back then¡­ And now? Dear Divine, he¡¯s such a cuddle bear and so outgoing. It makes me want to punch him sometimes¡­¡ª¡­What?¡±


    Madelyn places her hand on her sister-in-law¡¯s shoulder and looks innocently at her, ¡°You have it rough, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Celyssa also puts her hand on her sister-in-law¡¯s shoulder while giving her a sigh, ¡°At least I don¡¯t come crying and moaning when I can¡¯t handle simple paperwork. So, how about you start helping me around my study?¡±


    Madelyn retreats with her hand and tilts her head forward, pleading her heart out, ¡°Please, I won¡¯t tease anyone anymore¡­ So please forgive me¡­ Sister-in-law? Celyssa¡­?¡±


    ¡°Should I forgive you? Yes, I¡¯ll forgive you, for now. But next time something like this happens, you can say goodbye to your extensive free time,¡± She responds as her whole face relax and turn into a gentle expression as she sees the swelled up strawberry, named Madelyn. ¡°Come, let us go to the Citadel¡¯s healer to see if we can ease the swelling a bit. And on the way, you can explain how you would gain the love of the one you teased by acting so childishly. What¡¯re you waiting for, get up.¡±


    They vanish through the garden¡¯s exit, leaving only the lavish mirror there on the stone bench¡­


    <hr>


    As Malinda¡¯s handmaiden drives the horses on the cobblestoned street of the inner layer, the amount of people making way is truly amazing since it shows how important and how easily it is to recognize whose carriage it belongs to, for some at least.


    The handmaiden nods at the different people who makes gestures to express their respect to whoever sits inside the golden embroidered carriage. Though many know that it¡¯s Malinda Tertin, because her handmaiden is recognizable by those who has lived in this city for a longer period of time.


    She drives the terrifying horses of sun-gleaming armor toward the gate that lead out into the outer layer. But, as she¡¯s about to reach the entrance, a young girl hails her in with waving arms, a girl who¡¯s in her late teenage years. The girl has a tight uniform in the colors of the School of Law and Order, its main dye, blue and rims of black, rather, it¡¯s like men¡¯s clothes.


    The handmaiden frowns as she sees the girl¡­ No one she knows, but she jerks the reins nevertheless, to let the girl speak her mind. As she stops the horses of terror, she asks with a slight demanding tone, ¡°What business do you have with one of the City¡¯s figureheads?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ forgive me handmaiden of the Honored Malinda. But I couldn¡¯t let this opportunity be missed,¡± the girl says with a gracious curtsy. But her gaze wanders off to the door of the carriage as if she¡¯s waiting for Malinda to step out, though no Malinda comes. ¡°Is the Honored Lady inside?¡±


    ¡°Who asks? Be quick about it, for we¡¯ve business to attend to,¡± she responds, voice stricter as she looks with her orange-red eyes. Like a blazing fire, which is like her braided hair that¡¯s tied to form an upper bun.


    ¡°Forgive my impudence, but I¡¯m here about my father¡¯s arrest, which the Honored Malinda issued. Because no one is letting me see him nor are they saying anything about his offense, he¡¯s¡ª,¡± she asks, however, the sudden opening of the carriage¡¯s door, stops her voice in an instant.


    Malinda peeks out to see the girl in uniform that has interrupted her from coming closer to Xe¡¯Reth. She had heard what the girl said, and that¡¯s the very reason why she comes out of the carriage. Malinda¡¯s feet thuds on the cobble as she lands, scanning the girl with her now venomous eyes¡­


    She seems to be well-off; she¡¯s attractive, but not the most beautiful, rather dull for Malinda¡¯s attention at this moment.


    The people gawk as Malinda stands there all casual. They begin to speak to each other, or more like silent whispering to a nearby stranger to give away this oppressive atmosphere from their chests, because this girl that Malinda now walks toward, stopped an Honored One without any fear of the price.


    Does this teenage girl honestly think she can do whatever she wants only because she¡¯s a member of the SLO¡ªthe School of Law and Order?


    The girl, proud with her head holding high, and her face, dead-set on her goals: the release of her father from prison.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re the daughter of that¡­ man?¡± Malinda sneers as she comes up to her with such superiority in everything; clothes, the way she moves with such a breathtaking air about her, and her voice, like acid itself, melting away anything that comes in contact with it. ¡°Ask what you will of me, but you''re better off without such a slob of a father.¡±


    From so little words, the girl¡¯s proud surface shatters with such damage. The girl¡¯s legs begin to shake as she looks up at the looming Malinda because the girl is way shorter than the Honored maiden in front of her.


    The girl isn¡¯t a noble, only a commoner. So seeing the real deal in front of herself pounds her heart faster than usual since she¡¯s indeed about to speak to someone who¡¯s of such height in society compared to her. She only saw the carriage and recognized the driver as she was about to head to school, for she wasn¡¯t allowed to see her father, so the only thing she could do¡­ is to get help from her teacher.


    As she has now taken the dive to stop and speak to Malinda, she''s dumbfounded to the max.


    ¡°I, well, why¡­ Why did you send my father to prison? N-No one has told me,¡± she squeaks out with such nervousness while fiddling with her fingers, but the girl¡¯s heart sinks deeper as that frown on Malinda¡¯s flawless face, tells the displease of this conversation.


    ¡°You came to me with this? You foolish girl, I put your father in prison because he badmouthed¡­ my lover, and that¡¯s the worst thing he could¡¯ve done. He degraded him with such¡­¡± Malinda clenches her teeth while her upper lip twitches, glaring with such a grimace at this girl¡­ This girl that has come from that fat pig. ¡°That was the reason your father was sent to prison, and he¡¯ll stay there for a long time. I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±


    ¡°Honored Malinda!¡± the girl screams as she can¡¯t hold back her feelings from Malinda¡¯s haughty personality. In the process, gasps and murmurs declare from the gathered up crowd. ¡°You can¡¯t just throw someone in prison for doing something as petty as badmouthing! The law isn¡¯t for you to bend! It¡¯s there for stability! You can¡¯t just toss it to the side as you please; you call yourself an Honored One?! You¡¯ve gone too far! I demand you to release my father¡­ Otherwise¡­ Otherwise, I¡¯ll put a ticket out for your cruelness to the highest board of the City!¡±


    Malinda raises an arch eyebrow in slight surprise, ¡°Do that. Do that and see how far you¡¯ll come with your insignificant moaning. You think you¡¯ll have any sway over the DLO? Please¡­ You¡¯re but a leaf that falls from a tree when autumn comes, many in number yet harmless to the tree. You threaten me? You say you¡¯ll complain? Do as you like, but next time you come and interrupt me with such a thing, go through the right channels. You¡¯re not above others only because you come from the SLO.¡±


    "And you think you are?!" she retorts. "My father may have a loose mouth... but... but he isn''t an evil man! My dad is my only parent! Please... he''ll repent for his actions, but please release him!"


    ¡°Who do you think pays the wages of your father¡¯s work, huh? Our family does because we are in charge of the city guard; we pay them, we clothe them, we¡¯ve made that branch so they can watch over our family''s City; to safeguard our citizens and catch those who has committed a crime, much alike the DLO. Yet your father bends those rules we¡¯ve set upon him? Now, if you don¡¯t mind me leaving your righteous presence, I¡¯ll take my leave,¡± Malinda mocks as she spins around, then heaves herself into her carriage once more and taps the inside of it, for her handmaiden to continue onward.


    ¡°Girl, you¡¯ve just made your biggest mistake of your life, goodbye,¡± the handmaiden says with a sad scowl on her expression as she does her whip-like action for the horses to charge forward.


    ¡°Who does that girl think she is? Yelling at an Honored One, and so openly too.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, this girl will probably be kicked out from the SLO so they won¡¯t be affiliated with such a person, to not gain the loathe from the Honored Tertin family.¡±


    ¡°Poor girl doesn¡¯t even know her own undoing. Her family will probably cease to exist in this city as of today.¡±


    As the girl hear the crowd of people that talks openly about her, she becomes restless. She actually argued with an Honored One without restraint. Malinda is one of the rulers of this City, the Second-In-Command of the middle gate; Malinda is kind to those she likes, but can be cruel to those she dislikes, and neutral to those she doesn¡¯t know.


    The uniformed girl then runs away from the crowd. Otherwise, she¡¯ll become too emotional for her own good. She heads toward the Citadel¡¯s outer grounds, to the SLO where her teacher is currently stationed at.


    <hr>


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    <hr>

 09 - The Skillful Torturer

    <hr />


    The Skillful Torturer


    <hr />


    As Malinda lounges inside the rolling carriage, she grumbles to herself. That foolish SLO girl was quite bold, which has her in a sullen mood. But a sigh escape between her scarlet lips as she leans to rest, feeling the cushions under her buttocks and on her back. Malinda has her eyes closed while she¡¯s trying to think about something other than that girl.


    She needs to be completely calm when she meets up with Xe¡¯Reth.


    While breathing in and out, she gains control of her emotions; an image pops up in her mind, an image of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s smile looking directly into her azure globes while he¡¯s walking toward her direction. Walking with the eyes of a beast.


    He grabs her shoulders as he pushes his lips onto hers, to kiss her with all the might of his being.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Malinda snaps out of her trance, tracing her fingers on her petals while nostrils flare. ¡°What is the matter with me?¡±


    Malinda¡¯s hands grab the crimson drapes to draw them to the sides so she can gaze out onto the street, a street with people who¡¯re disappearing one after the other as the carriage goes to her destination. The stores are open which burst with people browsing its merchandise. People gawk with wide eyes at the golden carriage, and Malinda sees the festivities that''s going on.


    It is the regular festival in the outer layer that occur every time victory happen on the Ebon Wall. The commoners clap along with the instruments as musicians play their tunes of various music and the choral groups who verse the different victorious battles of the ages.


    A cheerful giggle escape from Malinda¡¯s lips, because she¡¯s ecstatic since she¡¯s going to meet up with Xe¡¯Reth, who¡¯s in love with her, and she too loves him.


    Malinda desires for Xe¡¯Reth to be hers.


    That necessity she needs. To share her pains with someone, and he needs someone to share his sorrows with. Those pains of the mind that eat away at her after every battle down by the middle gate¡­ The blood, the corpses, the mutilations, but surprisingly, she isn¡¯t as anxious by it at this moment.


    The component that she has been searching for to ease her troubled mind of war¡­ has finally been found. She¡¯ll embrace it with all her influence, he¡¯ll be hers, and she¡¯ll be his.


    ¡°Hehe, Xe¡¯Reth just you wait, I¡¯ll be right there to tell you my response,¡± Malinda chuckles with such a face of joy, a face of ruby cheeks, the mouth which has curves bending upwards, and her pure emotions that beat inside her pulsating chest.


    She¡¯s looking forward to seeing his expression when she says the words. Oh, the words of bliss that¡¯ll come out from her two rose petals, her forbidden fruit that¡¯ll form the words inside her mouth¡­


    The carriage continues on¡­


    The driving handmaiden gains a scowl on her expression as she drives the horses toward the destination her Miss instructed her to go to, and the scowl becomes deeper and deeper as closer the carriage rolls near Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s neighborhood.


    The festival¡¯s sounds have now disappeared, only to be replaced by silence other than the galloping horses and trundling wheels. A slight sickening feeling, not an odor, but something is oozing in the air of this district of the outer layer of the city. Flowing as if death itself surround this place, calling it home.


    The handmaiden herself has never been to this part of the city¡­ where the poor people live; a very disgusting place she thinks as she watches the men and women whose worn-out clothes of poverty display fully in her eyes. Individuals that haven''t washed for days¡­ weeks¡­ months.


    As she makes eye contact with one of its inhabitants, she averts her head to not witness those blank eyes of¡­ melancholy.


    ¡®How could Miss find someone that lives here? Preposterous!¡¯ she rages with a worrisome expression as she curses inwardly at herself for allowing this to happen. ¡®One day¡­ A single day... Dammit, Celyssa, this is all your fault. If you didn¡¯t need help at the office yesterday, this wouldn¡¯t have happened!¡¯


    As she continues to drive the horses of terror down the low-spirited lane of the street, the handmaiden hears the knocks from Malinda. She pulls the reins for the horses to stop their movements, then quickly jumps down from the driver¡¯s seat to go and open the door for Malinda, but she has already opened it by herself as she can¡¯t keep herself in check.


    She wants to meet with him as soon as possible.


    ¡°Miss, is this really the neighborhood where he lives?¡± she asks out of worry, because now that the sun watches from the Divine Sky, they can see how rundown it is. The broken down houses, the people who wear rags for clothes, those who¡¯re very skinny and hollow-cheeked because they can¡¯t even get regular food.


    ¡°Yes, this is where he lives. Ah, there is the doo¡ªhuh¡­?¡± she becomes silent, peering at the door which¡¯s damaged and broken into; an entrance that stands open.


    Her eyes become like two large spheres as she watches that door¡­ That door she knocked on yesterday¡­ That door where she saw him bare-chested, and that door where he confessed his feelings to her.


    ¡°Miss? What is the matter? Miss!? Miss!¡± the handmaiden yells as Malinda dashes with such haste toward the door that hang by a thread. She, too, sprints after her to see what¡¯s happening while lifting up her dress.


    As Malinda opens the broken door, her face turns to pure panic. Her breath accelerates¡­ She sees the simple furniture that she had caught a glimpse of yesterday. They¡¯re broken and scattered all around the kitchen. Her eyes then gaze at the blood that has been dragged on the floor while she traces the blood marks with her eyes.


    ¡®No¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no¡­ no, no, no, Noo!!¡¯


    Malinda witnesses Xe¡¯Reth leaning toward a door. He¡¯s covered in cuts. He¡¯s damaged. The clothes on his body have been ripped apart which shows the crimson blood that seeps out of his wounds¡­ His head has inclined forward so his face isn¡¯t showing, only his cut up and injured body display in front of Malinda, who¡¯s shaking in fear while an arm has risen toward him, trying to reach out.


    That horror, thinking that he¡¯s dead.


    He¡¯s leaning there completely motionless against the door that leads into his mother¡¯s and his room.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth! Nooo!!¡± Malinda finally wails, seeing him there in his broken state. She sprints to him not caring where she steps, and her handmaiden, too, sees this scenery that¡¯s displaying in front of her, but all she can think about is that he has black hair.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth! Xe¡¯Reth, I¡¯m here! Wake up!¡± she shouts as she holds his head, looking directly at his slightly deadened open eyes. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ please¡­ you¡¯ve to wake up. You have to wake up!!¡±


    She hugs him as she can¡¯t control her feelings anymore, lying there in a pathetic state all sprawled on the floor while holding him in her embrace. Her eyes have now formed a river that runs down her pale face.


    All of her pent up emotions that she has held in, in all of these years of battling down by the middle gate is streaming out of her. Her face shows such a grimace of sadness. Her chin spasms violently as she begins to snivel while her eyes exude even more tears.


    She starts to cry out all of her sufferings that she has seen and done. So excruciating that it sounds out into the street. It¡¯s such a painful scream of emotions which makes her handmaiden show a saddened face of worry while she doesn¡¯t know what to do in this kind of unexpected situation.


    But as Malinda¡¯s weeping continue, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body moves with a slight twitch, and she feels it as she holds him in her most desperate clasp she can muster, ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­?! Xe¡¯Reth! Wake up, wake up, you! Please wake up¡­¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­ M-Malinda, wha-what is¡ª?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks but stops his aching verse as she holds his head so he can look directly into her flooding eyes, those eyes of serious concern. His eyes wander to the opened door where the light shine in and where the handmaiden stands with an expression of bafflement because he has wounds all over his upper body.


    It looks as if he has been tortured.


    Small stab marks where the blood seep out of, but not too deep, otherwise Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s blood would¡¯ve been all over the floor where he lies, but it isn¡¯t¡­ It¡¯s as if it was done by a professional torturer. He has slight bruises all over, a bloody lip that glitter terribly, and his clothes which are torn up; he¡¯s in a complete messed up state at this moment.


    As Malinda hears him say her name she becomes joyous but her heart still feel the sadness of looking upon his damaged state. He can barely stay awake, his eyes are closing and opening slowly while he breathes in shaking breaths.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s dark eyes gaze at Malinda¡¯s, and as she sees his downright humiliating eyes, she becomes utterly furious at the perpetrators. She wants them found and killed by her own hands¡­


    ¡°Who did this to you¡ªXe¡¯Reth open your eyes and listen to me!¡± she shouts out for his eyes closed shut, so he won¡¯t fall asleep in this kind of state. With her yell, he opens them again, tiredly. ¡°Tell me who did this to you, I¡¯ll make them pay. ¡­Xe¡¯Reth?¡±


    He gazes away in shame as if he doesn¡¯t want to speak. Like if he talks, he would be killed by those who hurt him. The false threats Xe¡¯Reth shows on his face which he had practiced over and over again so it would become insanely believable.


    But he has over done it, he¡¯s bleeding too much from the wounds he inflicted on himself. He isn¡¯t the best torturer, no, he doesn¡¯t even know how to torture anyone. This is the first time he does something like this¡­ to himself even. What if he stabbed the wrong area? A vital point on the body?


    He does know the human body somewhat because he has read the teachings of medicine, which had become popular a few hundred years ago. First, it was a sick profession where only those who were mad would practice it, but now? It¡¯s like any other profession out there in the Kingdom.


    It¡¯s actually highly sought out because healers are always wanted on the Ebon Wall, down by the gates, for there is where people die the most.The book that he read isn¡¯t for torturing, only how the body works, and all the parts of where one could easily die if it were cut open. A book of a gate-surgeon who had been there in the clashes of the armies, who had seen the horrors of what war brings.


    It was an interesting book Xe¡¯Reth had thought because he reads so fast that it only takes around ten minutes to read any book that he reads. All the information is pretty foggy, but he understands the most important parts if he lingers on the book, to read it over again.


    First, he had thought that this was how everyone¡¯s speed was, but oh he was so wrong. His mother had warned him to not speak about his¡­ enhanced features since it would only bring more harm than good.


    ¡°Please tell me, Xe¡¯Reth, who was it?¡± her eyes goes wide as she remembers something, something she did yesterday, and what Xe¡¯Reth said to her: That it would only bring him harm if people were to see her walk with him. And that she had thrown that fat man inside the prison, his daughter even tried to plead for his release which didn¡¯t go so well.


    She thinks about countless possibilities. Who could¡¯ve done this? Why would they do this kind of hideous act? Her eyes go deeper into sorrow as she sees this young man who sits there leaning with his back toward his and his mother¡¯s chamber. His eyes are full of fake shame and fear, for if he spoke, it would mean his and his mother¡¯s doom.


    This just makes her extremely mad, but she doesn¡¯t show it¡­ Though she wants to squeeze their necks and see them die in front of her. She can¡¯t just kill people out of hate, she knows that there are laws one must follow, and she has already broken one of those laws from just putting that fat man in prison.


    Who is Malinda?


    She¡¯s one of the rulers of this city, yes, that¡¯s who she is. Why does she need to show her act, she can just order¡­? No! Malinda shakes her head to get out of those horrible thoughts. But maybe? No!


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    She¡¯s in conflict, but she becomes happy all of a sudden. She can use the law to find these people, and then put them to trial on the pedestal! Where she has the support of her wealth and power. There she can make them pay for their crimes! But she needs to find them first. She needs Xe¡¯Reth testimony to achieve her powerful ideas.


    If he doesn¡¯t speak, she won¡¯t be able to find the criminals who had done this to him¡­ her first lover she has ever had! He¡¯ll say yes to her reply, she knows that, because he was the first one to say it, and she¡¯s just giving him her answer, her answer that¡¯ll be accepted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there all aloof! Do something, help him!¡± Malinda barks at her handmaiden who stands there speechless, though now surprise fills her face because she has never been yelled at so fiercely before. She gulps and quickly runs out to the carriage to get some supplies, which are under the seats.


    It is medical supplies which Malinda keeps where she knows best, inside her carriage. Her family normally has everything in their estate by the Ebon Wall, but Malinda likes to keep them in her carriage, where she can change clothes in peace, away from prying eyes.


    Though she could also do that in their estate. However, it¡¯s much faster to change inside the carriage since it¡¯s stationed near the middle gate where she would come from when the battle would be over.


    Yesterday her handmaiden didn¡¯t come along since she was needed in the castle.


    As part-time she helps with the accounting of the city, she helps like everyone else who¡¯s honorable enough to be a handmaiden to one of the Honored Ones. Malinda also has other handmaidens but compared to the main one who¡¯s like Malinda¡¯s left hand, they can¡¯t match her.


    The handmaiden comes back with full hands.


    She¡¯s carrying a box of the medical equipment. She too has read and studied the arts of medicine, but she isn¡¯t the best, only an average healer. Though she knows a fair deal nonetheless.


    *Cough* Xe¡¯Reth looks at his hand as he removes it from his coughing mouth.


    Blood¡­


    So he did puncture something vital.


    ¡®Dammit, I shouldn¡¯t have done anything and just waited for her to come instead,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth curses at his inability to make the right choice.


    Though as Malinda sees the blood on his hand, her face turns paler than snow as if he¡¯s just about to die from his self-inflicted wounds.


    ¡°Help him now, hurry, damn you!¡± she shouts at her handmaiden who¡¯s now taking out a small knife out of the box. She then goes to Xe¡¯Reth, who¡¯s leaning against the door, to remove his tattered shirt so she can get a clearer view of his state of being. She gives out a slight worrisome gasp as she sees all of the wounds.


    ¡®Disgusting¡­ Who can be this mad?¡¯ She ponders as the blood seep out from him while he¡¯s very pale now that she takes a closer look.


    ¡°Miss, light up the room with something so I can see better,¡± she says with lowered eyebrows because she¡¯s angry at how the people that did this to him can be so cruel to such an extent.


    She can see why her Miss fell for him, even in this kind of state. He¡¯s very attractive, even for her who¡¯s soon reaching thirty years of age. She has never felt love toward a man, that love which she too wants but cannot have.


    Though, some handmaidens have been given permission to wed and get children, though that¡¯s only the Head-Handmaiden of Celyssa¡¯s. And one of Malinda¡¯s handmaidens.


    Celyssa is the mother of the entire family of the Tertins¡¯, and the rest are her children, even her husband¡­ For he¡¯s a kind, a generous, and a charismatic man, though he¡¯s too much of a man-child. All he knows is fighting, killing for the Ebon Wall, to be kind to everyone, to make his wife do most of the City¡¯s chores, and to be¡­ just himself.


    The room is now lit up with a brightness which Malinda made through the candles she found in one of the closets of the kitchen. First, she had started a fire inside the stove, then just dipped the tips of the candles to make them burn, she did it a lot of times, not caring that it¡¯s Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s candles.


    Her handmaiden then begins to clean his wounds with a towel and hot water which Malinda had prepared through using the stove. Malinda knows her way around the kitchen because she does dabble in cooking from time to time, even though that¡¯s something for the lower servants or handmaidens of the Citadel.


    Xe¡¯Reth watches with intent eyes as the handmaiden begins to clean his wounds while Malinda herself is seated beside Xe¡¯Reth. She¡¯s holding his hand in worry. Her now slightly bloodied clothes with light-plate are showing all of her features; her lean curves of a goddess, her deep red lips, her beautiful blond hair, and her eyeliner that has run down her face, but as she isn¡¯t crying anymore, it has dried up.


    Even though she¡¯s so alluringly attractive, Xe¡¯Reth just watches the handmaiden with prying eyes, though his eyes are showing his current half-fake weakened state. He never lets his guard down against people, especially if they¡¯re intelligent, which this handmaiden seems to be just from her way of things.


    His head turns to Malinda and asks with such a weak voice, ¡°Who is¡­ she?¡±


    He knows that she must be some kind of servant or something, maybe her handmaiden? Yes, that¡¯s what she most likely is. A mere servant who follows her master faithfully. Before yesterday, Xe¡¯Reth had only seen Malinda alone, so this servant is completely unknown to him.


    Servants who have given up on any other life¡­


    ¡®Well it¡¯s better than to live in this kind of state... She probably lives without any worries,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thinks because he can¡¯t stand servants of any kind who would bow before another person¡­ willingly.


    He had bowed when he needed to, but Xe¡¯Reth always despised those who he bowed before; the nobles¡­ and the regular people who have decent professions¡­ like the city guard.


    ¡°She¡¯s my Honored Handmaiden and a dear friend of mine who I¡¯ve known my entire life,¡± Malinda says with a smile beaming at her friend, and she smiles back with such a soft upward curve, continuing to tend to Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°Her name is Taryna, you¡¯ll be seeing her a lot from now on.¡±


    ¡°A¡­ lot?¡± Xe¡¯Reth replies in a weak voice, but he already knows the answer from how she has been acting towards him. She wouldn¡¯t hold his hand this casually and so affectionately if she wanted to reject his confession that he gave yesterday. This is the emotion of someone who¡¯s in love.


    ¡®I have her now¡­¡¯ he rejoices with such unclean thoughts inside his head, thoughts of success which burn inside him.


    Malinda doesn¡¯t even notice her mistake of the tongue, nor his inquiring remark.


    ¡°Mm¡­ I see now,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he turns his head back to look at what Taryna is currently doing.


    ¡°How can this be¡­?¡± Taryna utters in shock, watching Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s wounds healing at a faster rate than anything she has ever seen before.


    ¡°What is the matter?!¡± Malinda shouts in an alarming voice as she thinks that something dire is happening to Xe¡¯Reth while clenching his hand in dreadful concern.


    But, Taryna just responds with a misleading voice, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing, my mistake.¡±


    She had just said it out of astonishment, though now that she has seen Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s increased healing¡­ she locks her words away because she doesn¡¯t want to worry her Miss about something she can¡¯t even explain.


    ¡®Damn, I forgot about it,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth distresses, seeing Taryna¡¯s expression, but instead of revealing it, she didn¡¯t say anything. ¡®Why didn¡¯t she say anything¡­?¡¯


    Malinda gives out a sigh of relief, her worries go out the window, but no windows are there, only a door, a broken down door that leads out to the brightly lit street¡­ where people are starting to gather.


    The carriage of gold, the purebred horses of terror that are fully armored to the teeth stand outside this rundown house, and it¡¯s only bringing in more people to stare at its marvel. But then, another carriage pulls up beside it, though not with the same luxurious decoration upon it. Compared to the golden one¡­ it¡¯s pretty much dung.


    It has a brown wooden foundation with little carvings upon the outside of the carriage, and two horses in front, which is only clad in its braces and fastenings that connect to the carriage.


    A gray-haired man sits in the driver¡¯s seat, who guides it next to Malinda¡¯s carriage.


    As the door to the carriage exposes the inside with a slight creaking noise, a woman steps out and onto the street while going wide-eyed at the golden carriage two meters away from her face; a face of beauty, a face of nobility, and a face of real arrogance.


    ¡®Why would such an expensive carriage be down here, in my slum?¡¯  The woman wonders, but with worry too upon her flawless yet lowering eyebrows, because she doesn¡¯t need someone poking around down here in the slums of the city.


    ¡°It¡¯s by Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house¡­ Heh, has he made one of the nobles angry perhaps?¡± the woman asks out loud as she recognizes the home, her rundown house she has rented out. She¡¯s the landlady who owns almost all of the houses in the slums. She even thinks that she owns Xe¡¯Reth.


    The taxes aren¡¯t high so she takes advantage of it. She has bought all of the houses, no, her father had bought all of the houses down here when he was still alive, and then rented them out for people to live in, though at a higher price than the regular rent.


    This woman had taken over her father¡¯s business when he died and lived life as she saw fit. By robbing people of their money from the increased rent, though it hasn¡¯t given that much of profit. Over the years, however, she has amassed a wealthy sum of coins, plus her inheritance.


    It''s not really illegal what she does, but with prying eyes around, she can¡¯t feel good about it, only worry.


    She walks around the golden carriage with head high while pale-skinned hands hold her beautiful long dress, pulling it up so no dirt touch the lower rims. Her brown hair is in a high braided ponytail that hangs down her spine, and her facial features show every nook and cranny from her hair uncovered face.


    She¡¯s very slim, attractively so, though her bosoms are rather large. They poke out from her dress like two giant mountains, but they aren¡¯t gigantic, they¡¯re temptingly attractive. She¡¯s in her early twenties, an age where one should experience the wonders of the Kingdom or other sensations which she has already felt. She has glittering Jewelry on her ears and neck, seeming expensive¡­


    As she sees the broken door she becomes slightly worrisome; have Xe¡¯Reth gotten himself into such a dangerous situation? She¡¯s a noble, but she has always found Xe¡¯Reth to be¡­ enthralling to be with.


    She comes up to the door and peeks inside while the man who drove the carriage stands behind her, a rather old fellow in his sixties. He¡¯s full of pride and has an air of strictness, but yet a gentle expression display on his wrinkled face. He doesn¡¯t say anything, he only follows behind her quietly with a hand holding onto his sword which¡¯s hanging on his waist.


    The woman¡¯s eyes widen as she sees the kitchen which is riddling with spread out things, damaged furniture, and Xe¡¯Reth who''s beside two women. One holding his hand while the other is cleaning his¡­ wounds.


    ¡°What is going on here?!¡± she yells, catching the women holding his hand in an affectionate way while looking at him with a face of relief and high regard as if it¡¯s someone precious to her.


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading! Don''t forget to voice your thoughts.


    If you''re wondering if this is going to turn into a harem, then I can say no. This Story isn''t going to turn into a Harem, it just looks like it at the current time, or does it?


    See you next chapter!


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    <hr />

 10 - The Banshees Cry

    <hr>


    Well hello there. I must warn you, this slightly longer Chapter has sexual content though I didn''t really write in explicit detail.


    Hopefully, you''ll like the Chapter. If you see grammar mistakes, you''re welcome to speak out. It''ll help.


    Enjoy.


    <hr>


    The Banshee''s Cry


    <hr>


    Xe¡¯Reth staggers as he sees his most despised woman in his heart, and he curses secretly because she¡¯s someone he doesn¡¯t want Malinda to meet, he mustn¡¯t let her speak about past things that he has done with her, things he regrets, things he wants to remain hidden.


    ¡°What are you doing to Xe¡¯Reth?! Let go of him, you¡­ you whore!¡± the young woman shouted at Malinda with a shaking finger of protectiveness as her lips raise and lower themselves angrily to show her sparkling teeth.


    While hearing that word, the handmaiden stands up in a quick fashion and looks with fuming eyes at this new woman who stands by the entrance. She called her Miss a whore, who does she think she is speaking to?!


    Malinda puffs out air in amazement at the mean remark.


    Who¡¯s this woman who stands there all dressed up? It is as if this girl is clad to go to some exquisite festivity to show off her entire stunning being. She¡¯s more attractive than Malinda at this moment since she doesn¡¯t have dried up eyeliner all over her face.


    As Malinda stares at her, she caresses Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand quite alluringly to see if she would react even more.


    But before the girl can shriek out all of her maddening thoughts that plague her, the man behind her goes up and stands between them as he sees the angry looking handmaiden who now holds her own sword, which she has on her waist like himself.


    The old man unexpectedly recognizes the woman that holds Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand. His eyes show a split second of bafflement, but he quickly assesses the situation and turns around as he leans to whisper into the woman¡¯s ear, ¡°My Lady, we should leave. That¡¯s the Honored Lady Malinda and her handmaiden, Taryna. We can¡¯t make them angry. Play it cool and everything will go as I¡¯ve planned, say nothing about what relationship that you¡¯ve had with Xe¡¯Reth because it would only make things worse as you can see the somewhat affection that she has towards him.¡±


    The young woman¡¯s face turns instantly grim as she scowls at the words she just heard from her protector.


    ¡°Forgive the words of my Lady, Honored Malinda, she spoke out of term. She only thought that you two were hurting Xe¡¯Reth while she simply didn¡¯t recognize you. So please forgive this young minded girl for her horrid word that she said to you,¡± the protector said with a deep bow of his upper body. An arc of perfection, it¡¯s as if he has trained that stance to its most perfect state possible.


    Malinda gazes at the woman who said the unclean word to her¡­ Who¡¯s she to be so defensive over Xe¡¯Reth? Is she someone he has had a relationship with? Or... is still in one?


    Her head turns to stare at Xe¡¯Reth and he sees her suspicious look, yet it has a touch of complete worry on her side because she only wanted to come here to express her emotions to him. But now all of this has happened, which makes her heart ache immensely.


    ¡°Bodyguard¡­ You''re in the presence of an Honored One. Remove your hand from the sword¡¯s hilt, otherwise, if you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll cut you down where you stand,¡± Taryna snarled with killing intent as she fires off her piercing eyes directly at his even after he said all of the things he had said.


    For she is completely overprotective when it comes to her Miss, and seeing this man that never lets go of his sword¡­ causes her an uneasiness that screams immensely inside her alert head. He has that air about him which says that he¡¯s very skilled in the arts of combat, a complete veteran.


    ¡°As you say,¡± he responded calmly while he removes his hand from his hilt and places both of his hands behind his back. Turning the atmosphere inside the room not one bit better because he stands there with his brown-gray furry brows and short hair, his clean-shaven face that shows his serene yet vigilant expression, and that stance of superiority over a lesser combatant, namely, Taryna.


    The woman just stands there thinking of what to say next. She doesn¡¯t want to ruin her life, but why is Malinda here in this house? Her rent out house which Xe¡¯Reth pays for.


    ¡®Xe¡¯Reth! You couldn¡¯t have gotten her to fall in love with you?! Right?! Right¡­?!¡¯ she thought as she gives questioning glances towards Xe¡¯Reth, which he sees but ignores because he loathes this shining star among women to his utter core of emotions, yet he also has pity towards her.


    Malinda stands up all of a sudden and holds herself like the Honored Lady she is. She crosses her arms and gains a beautiful frown on her face as she speaks out, ¡°Who¡¯re you, and what kind of relationship do you¡¯ve with Xe¡¯Reth? I... demand you to tell me as I¡¯m one of the rulers of this city.¡±


    ¡°Honored Malinda¡ª.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t speak to you, guard. She can speak for herself. Now tell me, girl, how do you know Xe¡¯Reth?¡± Malinda asked with suspicion while staring at the tight mouthed bitch in front of her. But Malinda herself is nervous of what words will come out between her juicy lips, because¡­ if she says that Xe¡¯Reth is her lover, Malinda¡¯s heart will shatter since this is the first time she has ever been in love.


    Will this be the doom of her? Malinda¡¯s heart begins to pound, pound, and pound until she can¡¯t suppress her own emotional battle inside her mind.


    ¡®Please don¡¯t say that he is in a relationship with you¡­ please don¡¯t say it. I don¡¯t want to hear it¡­ I don¡¯t want to hear it!¡¯ she thought madly as she tries to keep a completely calm expression upon her stained face that has the eyeliner which had ran down her face when she had cried.


    Xe¡¯Reth too yells inside his head angrily as he gazes at the two beauties which are having a staring contest, ¡®Dammit, don¡¯t say anything about how we used to be lovers! Don¡¯t you even dare say it!¡¯


    It¡¯s true, he was once together with this woman but that only lasted a month, because he didn¡¯t have time to play around with a woman like that, who didn¡¯t even give him anything in return. He did ask for money since she''s a noble so he could support his mother easier though he got nothing from her¡­ only her endless maddening scorn and an increased rent.


    There are rumors about this lady that Xe¡¯Reth has had a sexual relationship with. Rumors that says that she plays around with a lot of men, that she¡¯s a slut. But that isn''t true, only false rumors that the people of the slums have put on her, for she robs the people of their precious coins every month.


    Once she was even bombarded with stones, well, at least, her carriage was. But that was also the time she cruelly increased the rent, which made the mob stop their foolishness. They even had begun to beg her to lower it when her workers who usually did the collection of the rent started to beat the poor people out of their money, and she did lower it though even with the lowered rent it was still expensive.


    This lady has to even pay off the city-guard so they won¡¯t interfere with her somewhat legal business, her business that her father had built, which she¡¯s still building upon.


    She does have some male company that comes to her house, but that¡¯s work related and nothing sexually because the lady has begun to branch out to many different areas other than these houses she rents out to people. So that brings in a lot of interest that gathers many kinds of wealthy individuals.


    Xe¡¯Reth knows her well because she comes to pick up the rent he gives¡­ personally. She has an intellectual mind and has a sense for business which she has gotten from her dead father, probably. But, she is as delicate as a flower, a rose with deadly thorns. Yet, if a person can avoid the thorns, she would shower that person with love if he doesn¡¯t anger her.


    Though Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t manage to dodge her thorns since he asked for money, and she despises those who only wants her for her wealth; she threw Xe¡¯Reth out of her life, but not completely. She has watched Xe¡¯Reth with a patient eye.


    The lady has wanted him to ask for her forgiveness for so long, but he didn¡¯t and that made her so mad that she increased his rent so he would become even more miserable. But he paid it, paid it, and paid it over and over again without a care for how she treated him. He ignored her, which made her surprisingly stop while she kept a little distance.


    Xe¡¯Reth can still remember that one night, a month he won¡¯t forget anytime soon. Their first night together. His first night and hers. But he was young¡­ Too young to be doing something like that. He was only fourteen and she was eighteen.


    He was sent an invitation to come to her household that one time. At first, he thought that she wanted to evict him from his house because he was still a na?ve little boy. At that time, he didn¡¯t really know her quite well, only a few conversations about the rent here and there. Though she would look at him with weird peering eyes while sometimes she would even smile, which sent shivers down his spine. He didn¡¯t know what those eyes and smiles meant since he was young.


    Xe¡¯Reth had a sheltered mind that didn¡¯t know certain things he should¡¯ve known.


    While he followed the invitation obediently, he had a suspicion in his heart, because he had been tricked by a noble woman before¡ªthe one who destroyed his mother¡¯s store.


    That house of hers was a very big estate, which he stared at with a gaping mouth when he had gone up to the gate that led to the mansion¡¯s front door. The man of sixties had come and opened the door as he had heard the silent knocks, but the man¡¯s expression turned extremely sad when he saw the little Xe¡¯Reth holding the letter. The old-timer guided Xe¡¯Reth up a flight of stairs and then directed him towards a bedroom, he left thereafter while giving one last glance at the young boy.


    He left Xe¡¯Reth there¡­ in that bedroom where female merchandise were placed all around the room. He had begun to feel his heart pound from the uneasiness. Then a door opened up which led into a dressing room.


    There she came while wearing a silken gown, almost see-through. She went and sat on her bed while she waved for him to come sit next to her. The smile she directed at him was such a smile of lust, for she knows she can do whatever she wants with him, without him being able to do anything about it.


    Xe¡¯Reth obeyed, so he sat beside her while not daring to look at her. He could only look down at his knees which he was gripping tightly onto. He was terribly scared.


    If he angered this lady who sits beside him, would he be tossed out from his house? If he were to be thrown out how could he possibly take care of his ill mother, who was at his house at that moment feeling her pains, that painful stinging of searing flesh. Not knowing where her baby boy went¡­ Not knowing what a woman will do to her only son. A hate she will never know because Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother will never know what will transpire here in this room¡­ of hers.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ Do you know what we¡¯ll do now?¡± she said as she licks her lips while putting one of her hands on his lap, stroking it. ¡°No, you must first be bathed. You¡¯re covered in filth.¡±


    With a loud clap of her hands, two women came into the bedroom from the dressing room. It seemed that the lady had prepared everything for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s arrival... He just sat there on the bed, frozen in place. He¡¯s scared of what¡¯ll happen to him¡­ What did she mean about what she said?


    ¡®What we¡¯ll do now?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t know what she meant by that. Get cleaned? Why?


    This cluelessness of his¡­ is his mother¡¯s fault, sadly.


    She never managed to teach him these things that would be taught at the normal schools around the city. He was homeschooled, so he didn¡¯t know anything about a female¡¯s body. He had no friends who would brag about having a crush on some baker¡¯s daughter. Or girls other than his mother which he had glued himself onto. No one but his mother. She was his friend, his only friend which he loved and still loves.


    ¡®Mom is still probably awake with her pains¡­¡¯ he thought as his pounding heart beats and beats, quicker and quicker. ¡®I must return home fast to be by her side.¡¯


    A wooden bathtub had already been prepared inside the bedroom. He didn¡¯t notice it when he first came inside, but now when she was talking about cleaning he couldn¡¯t help seeing the steam of the hot water coursing up into the air above.


    ¡°Well? What are you waiting for? Take off your clothes and take a bath,¡± she said impatiently as she saw Xe¡¯Reth moving no muscle to get up. ¡°Tsk, I said get up and take a bath dammit! Don¡¯t make things harder than it already is!¡±


    ¡°P-Please¡­ I¡­ I need to go home. My moth¡ª,¡± Xe¡¯Reth stutteringly said, but with two sudden hands gripping onto him, he couldn¡¯t finish. ¡°Do you want me to throw you out of your house?! I¡¯ll do it if you don¡¯t obey my command! Now strip dammit, or do you want your mother to die from the cold winter!?¡±


    As he heard those words he became emotionless. But in that void expression of having no choice but to obey her every command.


    Xe¡¯Reth stood up from the bed and walked towards the bathtub, his ebon eyes are filled with shadows, shadows of mixed feelings. But no tears are forming around those empty black spheres because he never cries anymore since he had cried lifetimes worth of tears for his mother''s ill state. He stripped off all of his worn-out clothes until he was buck-naked. While she peered at him to see everything, she was pleased, because she was smiling to no end as a tongue moistened her dry lips.


    She was indeed waiting to dig her teeth into him, to taste him, and to do the forbidden act. Xe¡¯Reth hadn¡¯t begun to grow until he was fifteen, so he was still very short, way too short. Though his private part had begun to grow faster than everything else, surprisingly.


    He was a little boy, and this girl who¡¯s in her first year of maturity was going to make him do these deeds. It¡¯s her way of taking things to the utter limit for her own desires. It is molestation, abuse, and pedophilia. She¡¯s taking advantage of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s sad predicament of being poor to do whatever she wants.


    The two women who had come from the dressing room began to clean Xe¡¯Reth from top to toe. It¡¯s his first time to get such a scrubbing of his body, even his private parts were scrubbed with slight hesitation from the women. But he could see that the two women looked at him with sadness that filled their eyes. It seemed like they weren¡¯t so glad at what their mistress was going to do to Xe¡¯Reth. But what can they do? They are only handmaidens who followed her mistress¡¯s orders, not daring to disobey.


    As he finished bathing, he was guided to the large royal sized bed; silken drapes hung down from the square frames that was being held up by wooden pillars. And lying there on the bed was her. A fully exposed body displayed in front of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s wide eyes. Her bosoms, her most private parts were showing to its fullest. But no embarrassment showed on her face because she herself knew that she was extremely beautiful.


    What she herself thought was that Xe¡¯Reth should consider it an honor to be able to feast his eyes upon her body. And to take her first. Her untouched leaf that had waited to be plucked from its gorgeous branch.


    The two handmaidens didn¡¯t leave, they stood on either side of the wide bed, to see that everything was going to go as it should.


    ¡°Come now¡­ Xe¡¯Reth. I¡¯m letting you have me. I¡¯m letting you touch me, to feel every curve of my delicate body, and letting you take that which¡¯s my most precious object in the entire world. Indulge yourself Xe¡¯Reth. You can now begin,¡± she said as she lay there on the bed like an unmoving log, waiting for Xe¡¯Reth to initiate, but he didn¡¯t know anything about what this girl was saying.


    Though he began to feel a pulse in his body, and that pulse grew and grew as he stared at her naked body while she was lying there motionless. She had closed eyes, but he could also see her body that was shaking slightly.


    ¡®Is she¡­ cold? Well, mother always said that you shouldn¡¯t sleep naked without a cover¡­ Didn¡¯t her parents teach her anything¡­?¡¯ he thought as he mocked her inability to know what he knows while he still was being oblivious to what was going on, even after he had heard her speech of gibberish, called, narcissism.


    The two women saw Xe¡¯Reth looking at their mistress with troubled eyes. They leaned down to whisper into his ears about what he was supposed to do. Of course, that made him nervous and scared, but to be able to do that to a noble¡­ The nobles he so hates, he couldn¡¯t help but do what the two women said.


    Two people naked, one a young boy, and the other a girl of maturity which was forcing this boy to have sexual relations with her. But as Xe¡¯Reth began while being guided by the two women, she couldn¡¯t expect what would happen next.


    <hr>


    <hr>


    As things settled down, Xe¡¯Reth sat on the side of the bed not tired at all, while she was lying there all sprawled. She¡¯s unconscious, all of her strength has left her¡­ Blood was staining the silken sheets, and wetness was covering all over as if some kind of fountain had exploded and soaked the whole bed.


    The two women who helped Xe¡¯Reth with the bathing and told him about what he was supposed to do as he began, was now cleaning their mistress. Xe¡¯Reth was astonished at how good it felt, surprisingly. But he had too much energy inside him, and that made the older girl feel his endurance.


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    He sighed, here and there, while looking around the room with unaffected eyes. He doesn¡¯t feel bad at all.


    The two women were shocked beyond words. Never had they seen such a sight before, they couldn¡¯t even stop him from continuing because they were stunned by the spectacle that displayed in front of them.


    Their mistress even tried to shout out for help, but ultimately, her vocal cords couldn¡¯t make out her words because she was already making a lot of other loud noises while Xe¡¯Reth had just thought that she wanted him to continue, because she would obviously say something if she wanted him to stop, which she didn¡¯t¡­ Only moans and wails of ecstasy.


    They couldn¡¯t react until their mistress was lying there unconscious with drool running down her mouth; slight twitches also came from her sweat soaked body.


    Xe¡¯Reth then clothed himself with his raggedy clothes as he saw that he could make his escape. Hopefully, she wouldn¡¯t be angry at him and throw him out of his house. That was what went through his head the whole time, but she wanted this so she can¡¯t really be mad at him¡­ right?


    ¡®I wonder if I did something bad?¡¯ he had thought but he shrugged his shoulders. ¡®Mother always said, ¡°If you don¡¯t voice your thoughts, how can people hear you?¡±¡¯


    He sneaked out the bedroom and walked hastily through the corridor, then down the staircase where he saw the old geezer who had guided him. He was currently sitting down on a chair while polishing his proud sword of endless memories, but as he saw Xe¡¯Reth coming down the stairs he was indeed amazed because Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t show a face that had been desecrated, more of a victorious look he had on his nonchalant expression.


    The man stood up as he gave a simple sigh; he didn¡¯t say anything, he just went to the door and opened it so Xe¡¯Reth could leave. And Xe¡¯Reth did leave without saying anything to the man. One might think that Xe¡¯Reth was just putting up a strong front, but no deceit was shown on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s now cunning face, only slight worry since he did go a little too rough for her to handle.


    He shrugged his shoulders once again.


    ¡°AH!¡± he exclaimed with self-hatred. ¡°Stupid! Stupid! Wait for me mama, I¡¯ll be home soon!¡±


    Running as fast as he can, he sprinted towards the street with such fast-moving legs. And as he vanished beyond the metal-fenced gate, through the main window of the girl¡¯s room, she stood gazing at him running away while having a blanket over her whole body, only showing her ruffled hair and exhausted expression.


    She sighed as she turns around, feeling tired from their forbidden act. But she turned back to look once more out onto the snowing darkness that has torches on the side of her walkway that leads to her mansion¡¯s front door.


    While letting out a somewhat innocent giggle, her two handmaidens¡¯ showed smiling expressions, but¡­ they backed away from her in fear as they saw her impulsive twitch, which they¡¯ve seen before.


    ¡°Heh¡­ heh. Hehe¡­ Haha¡­ HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!¡± such an exhilarated and insane laugh comes out from her mouth that shows her sparkling white teeth while she threw away her blanket to exhibit herself in the broad and lengthy window. But none saw her nakedness out in the street because it was completely empty of life, for it was at night.


    Only the flakes of snow saw her standing there in her insane magnificence while laughing hysterically.


    With a fast jerk, her head turned around as she heard something behind her. She stared with new eyes of pure darkness, her pupils, irises, and her scleras had turned pitch black. Her handmaidens who had recoiled from sheer fright from her hideous tantrum and her terrifying eyes were preparing for something as if they readied themselves to restrain her.


    They were truly scared for their lives because this girl wasn¡¯t stable.


    She unexpectedly began tossing her head back and forth, side to side as if some kind of attack hit her hard, then, she walked in a trance to her royal soaked bed¡­ and fell asleep soundly while the handmaidens breathed out their troubling worries.


    Then as the snowy days went by, Xe¡¯Reth was called again, and again. But as they were getting closer to each other, he bravely asked for money so he could take care of his mother with ease, which in turn made him get thrown out from her house.


    It was as if she had changed into another woman. He was literally thrown out from the front door after she had chased him through the house while her handmaidens¡¯ desperately tried to stop her from hurting Xe¡¯Reth.


    As if she was some kind of banshee, she shrieked at him while he ran for his life as one of the handmaidens held her in place. It was a time of the day when the geezer was out doing business for her mistress, so he wasn¡¯t there to stop her from doing something which the old man knew she could do.


    The handmaidens were the geezer¡¯s daughters, and his mistress was an insane being, but he had taken care of her since her father had died¡­ Killed by her own mother who had disappeared out of thin air. Only a surprised face of fear was upon her father¡¯s face when the old man found him dead in his study. The geezer had tried to find his former mistress many times but to no avail.


    Though as Xe¡¯Reth was thrown out by one of the handmaidens and not their mistress, he was glad, for he didn¡¯t even like her. She was weird he had thought nonchalantly while picking up his clothes that had been sent out with him, for he was naked in the snow while he felt the melting crystals beneath his feet.


    She was someone who forced herself on him. She demanded many things from him and never gave anything in return. He was glad that he didn¡¯t need to put up with her demands. But as he lived on, her wrath came in the form of an increased rent.


    But here now inside this rundown house of his, he knows what kind of woman she is. And what she truly is. The secrets that she and her family has kept¡­ is¡­ fascinating. Though he had promised to not utter a word when the geezer had come and visited Xe¡¯Reth at his house that day when Xe¡¯Reth had been thrown out of her grace. But that was only a promise to not talk about her tantrums.


    Though what the old man didn''t know was... Xe''Reth saw those globes of pure blackness. Almost like his own eyes but without the blackening of the sclera.


    Only recently had he found out what she was, when he read an old book of fabled creatures that once roamed the world. But as he had promised to not utter a word when he asked about it to the geezer, which he almost killed Xe¡¯Reth for. Because that kind of secret must be kept in absolute darkness. And Xe¡¯Reth keeps his promises that he makes though he does feel a somewhat pity towards her dilemma.


    There they stand. An Honored One, a lesser noble, and those who have to follow excluding Xe¡¯Reth because he isn¡¯t anyone other than Malinda¡¯s focus¡­ at this moment at least.


    Malinda waits for the reply from the now sane woman.


    She had asked what kind of relationship that they¡¯ve with each other, but that makes the girl think hard at what she¡¯s going to say.


    ¡°Malinda, she¡¯s just my landlady who I need to pay my rent to, and we were also friends once, but that was three years ago. Now we¡¯re just complete strangers,¡± Xe¡¯Reth responded instead as he still leans with his back towards the door. ¡°S-She must¡¯ve seen you two and thought that you were hurting me as the old man said. It is¡­ understandable wanting to protect someone you¡¯ve known, but indeed, the word she called you¡­ was too much.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes, he¡¯s correct Honored Malinda. And I¡¯m here to pick up his monthly rent as I was in the neighborhood. Please do forgive me, I was worried that you were hurting him, and that made me very alarmed; hence the cursing to get your attention away from him,¡± the girl said as she followed along the lines of Xe¡¯Reth.


    Though something is eating her from the inside¡­ What if he was to say the things she has done to him? She forced a minor into her bed, she has extorted him of his freedom of choosing his first time to bond with someone he truly loves. She took that away from him without a second thought.


    ¡°Rent? How much does he pay you exactly? Five silver coins? Seven silver coins?¡± Malinda asked with questionable lowered eyebrows because she doesn¡¯t like this woman who has just shown up. It makes her uneasy that Xe¡¯Reth has had a friend which is a woman that¡¯s almost as beautiful as herself.


    ''Three years ago... that would make him fourteen... Sigh, thank you Divine Queen for easing my hearts worries...'' she thought happily because the age of fourteen wasn''t a time when people would begin to be in relationships. For the kingdom has set a law that those acts are only allowed when teenagers would turn sixteen. So it eases Malinda''s mind greatly upon hearing what Xe''Reth said.


    The lady froze in place as she heard those words from between Malinda''s deep red lips¡­ because she has made Xe¡¯Reth pay double the normal rent people pay monthly here in the slums. Ten silver coins are her normal rent, but she makes Xe¡¯Reth pay twenty only because of what happened in the past.


    ¡°O-Of course the normal rent is what he pays. F-Five silver coins per month,¡± the girl said with a forced smile. The old man arched an eyebrow at his mistress, but it was a good response, otherwise she would be in royal trouble if she said how much Xe¡¯Reth actually pays her.


    ¡®Lowering the rent to save your own skin, huh?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he gazes at her with unaffected eyes. ¡®But don¡¯t worry¡­ I won¡¯t ruin your life by revealing that you took advantage of me, for it would only cause me harm if Malinda would know that I shared a bed with a monster before. Yes¡­ We better just go our separate ways¡­ for good this time.¡¯


    Malinda snaps her fingers at Taryna to make her give the money which Xe¡¯Reth owed the girl. Taryna obeyed and unfastens the pouch she has on her waist as she unties the strings. When the pouch is widely visible it shows many glittering gold coins inside of it, no silver, only gold.


    ¡°Give her a coin for her trouble,¡± Malinda said to Taryna as she holds her cross-armed stance of superiority, and Taryna simply did as she''s told by her Miss. She goes up to the girl while the geezer now stands beside his mistress, watching closely with his hands behind his back.


    As Taryna gives the coin to the girl, Malinda opens her mouth again and says with such a sharp tone, ¡°You can now leave if you don¡¯t have any further business with Xe¡¯Reth, which you don¡¯t have.¡±


    Malinda¡¯s eyes turn distrustful as she wants to hear the response that was supposed to come, but no response comes, only a curtsy is what the woman gives.


    The woman shows a quick sorrowful glance towards Xe¡¯Reth as she turns around.


    When she reaches the door she turns back her body and asks, ¡°Forgive me for asking, but, what kind of relationship do you¡¯ve with him?¡±


    ¡°It is none of your business, as it is a private matter, but I¡¯ll quench your curiosity. He¡¯s my lover as of today¡­ and as he has me as his lover, he¡¯ll be leaving this¡­ house. And will be moving into the castle with me of course, so you can find someone else to move in here, to this heap of garbage you call, a house,¡± Malinda said with such a straight face of conviction because she has made up her mind that Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t need to live in this kind of rotten place anymore.


    She wants him to live in the castle where she lives. Such little time has gone by, but she has finally found someone she can share her life with. And she won¡¯t be denied of her happiness, even if she has to do things she won¡¯t be proud of. She also has to find the perpetrators; those who hurt Xe¡¯Reth with their vile acts of torture.


    His mother also needs to be on her agenda of things to do.


    The sickness is unknown to her but she can take care of it as long as she doesn¡¯t make it worse.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ lovers?¡± the girl asked as if she doesn¡¯t believe what Malinda just uttered. She feels that her legs are starting to give out while she squeezes her hands so tight that her nails dig into her skin. While her mind is beginning to ooze with insane thoughts that brew in boiling steam.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re lovers. You didn¡¯t hear me clear enough? Then let me say it even more clearly.¡±


    ¡°I. Love. Him. And. He. Loves. Me. Was that clear enough?¡± Malinda asked with annoyance behind every word. ¡°Now leave, he¡¯s in a state where he needs medical care, and I can¡¯t spend my time dealing with someone like you, so leave now before you test my patience.¡±


    ¡°But who did¡ª,¡± the girl tried to ask why he¡¯s in this kind of beat up state, but a fierce voice shoots out instead. ¡°I said, leave you impudent girl! Don¡¯t make me say it again!¡±


    ¡®Hoooh¡­? Really, Malinda, you can be aggressive and arrogant. It seems that I need to be extremely cautious of your personality, even more than I thought,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth leans casually at the door, not feeling any pain anymore from his self-inflicted wounds.


    ¡®You¡¯ve already decided to make your own decisions, too, huh? Well, the castle doesn¡¯t sound that bad¡­ but inside the castle lies the General which I need to be careful about, and his keen wife who runs things... Dammit, things are moving way too fast. I didn¡¯t expect that you would be this daring Malinda, to take everything into your own hands before even speaking to me about it¡­ Sigh. Such a bold woman you¡¯re. But you''re my bold woman now...¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body and mind seem to have recovered somewhat from his gashes. He has lost blood, but that wasn¡¯t so bad now that the wounds are starting to close, slowly, which can¡¯t be seen because his blood is covering them.


    The woman¡¯s pained expression shows as she was yelled at by Malinda, then as she gives one last look at Xe¡¯Reth with blank lonely eyes, she leaves, while the man follows closely behind her.


    ¡°Are you¡­ all right, do you need your medicine¡ª?¡± the old man asked as they stepped outside, but he is interrupted by a beautiful hand, a shaking hand. He can¡¯t see her expression but she¡¯s holding her other hand over her mouth to not show the sorrowful grimace which¡¯s on her face.


    Walking with a quick pace, she goes into the carriage and shuts the door with a big bang.


    A large crowd has gathered. A lot of poor people of this area of the city is just looking upon the golden carriage¡­ And some looks at the carriage of their landlady. Some are even thinking of stealing Malinda''s carriage, but with a sudden yell, ¡°People! That carriage is the owner of the Honored Malinda, so before you think foolish thoughts, know that she¡¯s one of the rulers of this city. Any misconduct would most likely be your doom!¡±


    He stands there as he finished with his shouting warning.


    As he sees the surprised faces of the surrounding people, he climbs up onto the driver¡¯s seat of the carriage that they came with. He waves with his hands for people to move out of the way. With a slight whip action, the horses start to move in a calm pace.


    As they now are a little bit further away, the man hears soft saddening cries that come from the inside of the carriage. But the cries becomes louder and louder as the girl can¡¯t keep herself in check of her emotions, those emotions of losing something very precious, and those emotions of complete and utter insanity.


    First when she called Xe¡¯Reth to her house that night, she was only going to have sex with him because she had always liked that boy, which she had seen searching for a house so desperately, to save his own mother. Though through her personality she took things to the extreme, if she only didn¡¯t push him away when he asked for money...


    If she gave him what he wanted would she be living in happiness right now? Yes, she probably would, though with her damaged mind it would be hard to achieve.


    She had just kept an eye on Xe¡¯Reth to see how he continued to live from the increased rent she gave him, but he didn¡¯t come begging to get it lowered, which she had looked forward to.


    When no boy came to beg, she instead kept her watchful eye over him as the three years went by. Every month she would personally collect the rent from him and see his painful expression as he gave the rent¡­ his hard earned money.


    She had always hated herself for how she treated him¡­ but she couldn¡¯t help it. She wanted him to be miserable so he couldn¡¯t do anything, or be anything special, just a simple teenage boy that lived in the slums was what she desired.


    If somehow a girl would show some kind of affection towards him, that girl would be utterly crushed by her, she wouldn¡¯t allow him to have someone if she can¡¯t even have him. The old man has always scolded her about her personality because it isn¡¯t normal what she¡¯s doing to Xe¡¯Reth. But when the push comes to show¡­ she can¡¯t do anything else than to be that cruel person.


    The old man sits there on the driver¡¯s seat as he hears the muffled wails of his mistress, those painful moments that she has endured waiting to be reunited with Xe¡¯Reth. But compared to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s afflicted state that he has been in, it isn¡¯t anything to grumble about.


    Today she had actually gotten the courage to come and ask if he would come to her house again, to talk things through. But never had she expected that Malinda was going to be there¡­ holding that hand of his, which belongs to her!


    ¡°AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!¡± she let out one screeching scream as her madness takes hold of her, which makes the old man drive the horses as fast as he can through the street of wide-eyed people that hears his mistress¡¯s insane banshee-like shriek.


    They then disappear down the street of poverty¡­


    <hr>


    Phew... Thanks for reading this slightly longer chapter. Hope you liked it. And don''t forget to voice your thoughts! :D


    Xe''Reth has lived a life of strife and happiness, though of course, those who''re rich can always get away with things... Even if there are laws that hold them. It''s a sad truth. :P


    See you next Chapter!!


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    <hr>

 11 - The Forbidden Fruits

    <hr />


    The Forbidden Fruits


    <hr />


    Inside Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house, the flipped table and all of the spread out belongings has been arranged neatly by Taryna while Xe¡¯Reth sits on one of his chairs that he has. There¡¯re only two of them because he only needs for him and his mother, though she has never even used it. Malinda is seating next to him while looking with worried eyes, those eyes of black eyeliner which has now been cleaned to not show her dreadful appearance that she was in before.


    Taryna stands beside the stove as she¡¯s very curious at what lies beyond the door which Xe¡¯Reth leaned at before, but she keeps her curiosity in check.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, please, tell me who did this to you. I need to know¡­ Please?¡± Malinda asked as she grabs his hand while she squeezes it, feeling his smooth skin complexion.


    ¡°It¡­ It was the brother of the one you threw in prison. He wanted me to tell you to release his brother, otherwise if I didn¡¯t tell you¡­ They would''ve hurt my mother,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with newly blank eyes as he stares down at her beautiful hands that¡¯re holding onto his unworthy filthy hand. ¡°I¡¯ve had my dealings with them before, they¡¯ve treated me like I am nothing, and that¡¯s why they think I¡¯ll do as they command. Because I have¡­ I have done things I¡¯m not proud of Malinda. Things to keep my mother from harm¡­ Heh, I¡¯m so pathetic¡­ but what can I do other than to obey them? I¡¯m no one special, only my black eyes and hair is what makes me different, but that has only gotten me into more trouble.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth gives a painful expression as he takes away his hand which Malinda is holding, and that makes her show an opened mouth which is scared because Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t even look at her. He¡¯s in terrible pain, the pain of fake conflicted emotions.


    ¡°I knew that this wasn¡¯t going to work out¡­ I¡¯ll only bring you harm if I was to be with you¡­ I¡­ I can¡¯t let you be with me even after your lovely response. Because I will become a weight that holds you down. I¡¯m completely worthless and you¡¯re utterly priceless. The two doesn¡¯t go well together¡­ I¡¯m poor and you have a fortune that can¡¯t be extinguished,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he becomes extremely depressed while gloomily lowering his head.


    Malinda, however, now gazes at him with eyes of kindness that looks at¡­ her lover. A gentle expression is showing on her relaxed eyebrows and her curves that has turned upwards, forming into a cherished smile.


    ¡®You even care about me to this extent. To not want me to get harmed by your low status. Oh Xe¡¯Reth, I¡¯ve truly fallen for you, I love you more and more. It hurts my heart that you¡¯ve gone through such hardships. But no more, no more will you be looked down upon, I¡¯ll make you my lover and through my power I¡¯ll make you into someone who stands at the top¡­ Yes, you and me at the top,¡¯ Malinda thought as she gazes with her affectionate eyes, the eyes of complete absolution.


    Her face becomes scarlet all of the sudden, and she starts to breathe a little quicker as if she¡¯s preparing for something.


    As they sit there next to each other, Taryna looks at Xe¡¯Reth, she sees his pains and gains a somewhat knowledge of how he has been living these past years. He isn¡¯t worthy of her Miss, but at the same time she can¡¯t help but feel happy for her since she has found someone so caring.


    He cares more about her than himself, but of course, an act is always an act. Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s masks are flawless. Somehow he can make his ambiance seep out of him without him even noticing it. Xe¡¯Reth simply thinks that he¡¯s a skilled con-artist. He never feels anything strange about how easy he can make people believe in him. Though of course, sometimes he has failed miserably in his swindling.


    Malinda¡¯s hands of beauty turns Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s head so he looks directly at her, which makes his eyes open wide in surprised.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, I want you to love me as I love you,¡±  she said as her own head moves closer and closer towards him, but what she¡¯s aiming at, is his lips¡­ Those lips that she wants to taste for the first time in her life. She has never kissed anyone before so she¡¯s extremely nervous that she might fail desolately, but she pushes further and locks her red colored lips on his mouth.


    She closes her eyes tightly as she just keeps them sealed while Xe¡¯Reth has his wide eyes, eyes of complete astonishment.


    ¡®Oh Divine, I didn¡¯t think that she would be this daring of a woman,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought but he too closes his eyes and moves his arms around her, one hand goes down and around her waist to rest on her lower back while the other one goes around the other side to rest just below the neck, holding her affectionately; to take in all of her emotions, which makes her jump from the sudden stroking touch, but she keeps on kissing him with all her heart put into it.


    Though, Malinda¡¯s kiss is that of someone who has never kissed anyone before, a kiss of a child, but Xe¡¯Reth just plays along, because if he would begin some tongue action it would seem that he has experience.


    It¡¯s better to make her think that he has no familiarity with women of any kind.


    ¡°Mm¡­¡± Malinda puckers her lips immensely so they form a circle while Xe¡¯Reth just lets her take responsibility of her own forwardness.


    In the meanwhile as the couple kisses, Taryna stares in complete bafflement. Her Miss is actually kissing a man right in front of her, not even caring about her presence being there. But that¡¯s a normal thing, especially among women servants, because the handmaidens are supposed to support their designated mistress so nothing happens. For they¡¯re like a shadow of the person they¡¯ve committed themselves to.


    Xe¡¯Reth had seen the landlady¡¯s handmaidens who didn¡¯t even leave when they had sexual relations between each other, because they¡¯re her shadows, they aren¡¯t allowed to fornicate with anyone. But if they¡¯re given permission, they can find their own love or¡­ even join in. Sometimes the female partner can get worn out if the male partner is highly active, and that¡¯s where the handmaidens comes in, they can be concubines if the need arises, though most people in the kingdom despises such activities severely.


    If two persons gets married, then those two should only be with each other and no one else. That¡¯s what most people think is the right way to go about love, and not to have some strumpet in their midst.


    Xe¡¯Reth is the first to unlock their newly wet lips from one another. As Malinda opens her eyes, she¡¯s all flustered with blushing cheeks, and she¡¯s in a slight daze from all of the excitement. Her eyes quickly looks away as she sees his dark shadowy eyes which looks at her with so much appreciation and warmth.


    ¡®I¡­ I can¡¯t believe what I just did! I kissed¡­ I really kissed him!¡¯ she thought in a panic.


    ¡°We¡­ We should stop, you are still injured,¡± she gulps as she feels his scent of saliva running down her throat, ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know what came over me. I just¡­ I don¡¯t want to lose you,¡± Malinda said with a saddening tone, but as she remembers what Xe¡¯Reth said, about how it was the brother of the one she herself sent to prison, she becomes severely depressed as she droops her head in disgrace. ¡°It is¡­ It is my fault that you ended up in this situation. They have hurt you, they have threatened you¡­ I¡­ I promise, they won¡¯t get away with this.¡±


    ¡°But, are you feeling better now? Are your wounds hurting? Do you need anything? Please tell me, and I¡¯ll get it for you,¡± Malinda asked as she bombards him with questions; bandages are on his body. His well-trained chest hasn¡¯t hair only a smooth muscled surface, but now it¡¯s covered up by the bandages which Taryna did for him.


    ¡°Heh, I am alright, I just need time to heal, that¡¯s all,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said to comfort Malinda, but he suddenly puts on a startled face as he plays his game. ¡°We¡­ we just kissed, didn¡¯t we? Yes¡­ You said that you love me. Wow, I¡­ I am, I¡­ I couldn¡¯t think clearly before, but now that I¡­¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shhh, it is okay Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Malinda hushed as she places one finger on his lips to silence him. ¡°Let me say it again, now that you have a clear mind.¡±


    ¡°I fallen in love with you, Xe¡¯Reth, and I, Malinda Tertin, hopes that you will love me back.¡±


    ¡°¡­Malinda¡­ I have already said my peace to you yesterday, so you know how I feel about you,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he strokes his thumb on her lower lip to remove the red smudge that she got when they kissed each other. And she lets him do it without flinching away, but this time he is the one who boldly kisses her.


    The four petals joins together and she gives off an ¡°Mm!!¡± sound as she¡¯s surprised, though she closes her eyes to take in the scent of his saliva which waters her lipstick-covered mouth, making smudges all over.


    Having done the first kiss before, Xe¡¯Reth goes in, he sticks his fruit inside her mouth which makes her eyes go wide in shock as she feels this new foreign sensation. He¡¯s being very aggressive but yet very gentle.


    Malinda is sitting there next to him on the chair as they¡¯re kissing each other, though Malinda wants to touch that fruit that is in her mouth with her tongue, her own forbidden fruit which has never been touched by another one¡¯s tongue.


    She begins tilting her head to the side as Xe¡¯Reth tilts his. Her tongue had retreated in, but she relaxes her mouth as she touches his tongue with hers, and she feels that arousing flavor as Xe¡¯Reth gives Malinda such a deep kiss.


    Taryna, though, stands there by the stove with two hands over her mouth, she¡¯s bewildered at how daring they are. It is as if they are a true couple that has been together for such a long time. She gulps as the warm emotions reaches her while she can¡¯t even keep her eyes on them anymore. Her head turns and she closes eyes while she hears the sounds of smooches and moaning which Malinda gives off, rather seductively also.


    ¡®Such an innocent slave, huh. Well, that is for the better,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as his eyes are widely open while he sees the handmaiden being embarrassed about their kissing. For a thirty year old, this is a rare sight to see indeed. To see such a woman blush only because her Miss is kissing a man. Xe¡¯Reth is very pleased because she¡¯ll be easy to handle if he plays his part right.


    Malinda is putting her whole soul into her kissing, but this time, she¡¯s the one who breaks off their lustful practice.


    ¡°Oh, I am sorry, did I go too far?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked but he can see her expression of pure ecstasy on her shuddering eyes of dizziness. Feeling those deep kisses must have gotten her in such a daze that she forgot where she is.


    ¡°N-No¡­ Ha¡­ It is not that. Haa... It is just¡­ overwhelming. I feel¡­¡± Malinda shakes her head as she places her palm on her forehead. ¡°I feel slightly dizzy from all of this¡­¡±


    ¡°Say no more, but I must admit, that felt relaxing. Though as you said, it is too much. Heh, heck we have only known each other for a whole day, yet we are still doing these kinds of things, and so openly, too,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said while chuckling as his gaze travels to Taryna, he gives her an embarrassing smile as she had indeed seen them kiss. ¡°Kissing in front of other people is¡­ well, awkward to say the least.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, don¡¯t worry about Taryna, she is a highly trained handmaiden. She has been sworn to celibacy as every other handmaiden that¡¯s in our household, except for our head-handmaiden. But enough about that. Here, your mouth is covered in my lipstick,¡± Malinda said as she takes out a gorgeous handkerchief that¡¯s embroidered in many different girly patterns, mainly in the color of pure pink.


    But as Malinda sees her handkerchief in her perfect hand, her eyes goes wide and her eyebrows raises themselves to their highest peak while she hastily puts it back into her side skirt pocket.


    ¡°Hmm? What is the matter?¡± he asked as his scarred eyebrow raises itself.


    ¡°T-Taryna, y-you put the wrong one inside my pocket,¡± Malinda said with a shaking voice of worry. ¡°You¡­ forgot to pack down a regular one.¡±


    ¡°What¡­? Oh no¡­ I¡¯m terribly sorry Miss,¡± Taryna responded as she becomes fully aware of her mistake.


    ¡°Wait, did I miss something?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked as he becomes truly confused by the sudden conversation as his head turn side to side.


    ¡°Ah, Xe¡¯Reth, well, I, you¡­ It is nothing,¡± Malinda said to not reveal her horrendous interest; her girly side which only her family knows about. She thought, ¡®I can¡¯t let him know that I like to embroider my own possessions as a hobby! He¡¯ll think that I am crazy for doing something as childish as that!¡¯


    She does actually enjoy sitting in a quiet place as she sews and stitches her own variety of patterns when she has free time.


    When she isn¡¯t free, she mostly does what Celyssa tells her to do since she is the mother figure in their household. Malinda herself isn¡¯t exactly a commander of the Ebon Wall, only her sister and brother, though she is in the number one squad of the middle gate as her brother, the General. Though she is the Second-In-Command of that squad, but her brother mostly handles the business.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    She has duties in that squad but they¡¯re rather relaxing, so he does get a lot of free time. One time when she had free time, Malinda remembered how fun it was to make beautiful designs when she was a child, so she took up that hobby long ago to make the hours go by quicker, while sometimes her handmaidens even joins in to converse about certain events that goes around the city when they''ve their own free time.


    It had become a fashion long ago among young girls, and children both male and female, but most grows out of it as they become mature, though, the professions are always there to make clothes and other merchandise.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about it, Xe¡¯Reth. It¡­ It is a woman¡¯s thing, yes! So forget about what you heard,¡± Malinda said anxiously as she turns her head to look sternly at her handmaiden who messed up. ¡°Taryna, give me something to wipe off my lipstick off of him.¡±


    --


    While sitting on the chairs, Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda are very close to each other, for she¡¯s looking at his bloody lip. She had felt the blood scent when they kissed but she didn¡¯t mind, for she has bathed in blood on the battlefield. Slashing, thrusting, and bashing her opponent into a heap of gore.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ You still have that cut on your lip, but it seems to have stopped bleeding. Good,¡± Malinda said as she wipes her red lipstick off of him while she sees Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s scarred left eyebrow. She touches it, ¡°How did you get this scar?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ It¡­ It was a noble who treated me like nothing, but it¡¯s all in the past now, nothing to worry about,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he remembers that woman who bought and destroyed his mother¡¯s store while he had been removed by force as he sat there crying; he was thrown away as he hit a sharp edge which made the scar. And that scar did not heal properly, as if it¡¯s there to remind him of something.


    ¡°Is it¡­unpleasant to look upon?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked as he raises the scarred eyebrow jokingly.


    ¡°Hehe, no. It is quite appealing to me actually, it makes you look rather dangerous. But appearances can be deceiving, because you are so kindhearted,¡± Malinda said as she touches the scar casually while her hand moves down his face, to rest on his cheek as she stares directly into his eyes.


    Her heart is pounding as if someone is punching at her chest, but she keeps a calm appearance.


    ¡°So Malinda, you like dangerous looking men?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked curiously because he wants her to know him better, or at least what he wants her to know about him; made up memories, emotions, and events that can be easily thought as real.


    ¡°Are you a dangerous man, Xe¡¯Reth?¡± Taryna asked with a suspicious tone as she interrupts with crossed arms while having lowered eyebrows, staring at him intently.


    ¡°Taryna!¡±


    ¡°It is okay, Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he raises a hand, ¡°Am I dangerous? Of course I am.¡±


    ¡°And what do you mean by that?¡± Taryna quickly retorted as her suspicion grows deeper.


    ¡°Well¡­ I would do anything in my power to protect those I love. Even if I have to place my own life on the line to protect them, I would do it, without a second thought of the consequences. If someone were to harm my beloved ones, I would rip them apart. It is as simple as that. Taryna, I can be dangerous when I need to be, but luckily it hasn¡¯t happened, yet,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said without a hint of regret while giving her a smile.


    ¡°I¡­ I see. I am sorry for interrupting Miss, but my curiosity flooded out,¡± Taryna said with a curtsy while she understands her mistake in asking him about it.


    Malinda gives a nod as she accepts her apology, but she isn¡¯t happy about how she acted so terribly rude.


    ¡®Seems like Malinda doesn¡¯t like to be interrupted much, and that her own handmaiden is suspicious of me, her new lover. Though if I were in her shoes, I would be the same. But I don¡¯t need someone who watches my every move. She needs to be removed if she causes me a headache,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he sees the two women turning somewhat melancholy.


    ¡°Come now, let us not turn gloomy. She asked and I answered. It is just that she¡¯s worried about you, Malinda. Meeting me for the first time, even I would be cautious of myself. Because I do look¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth raises his hands to stare at them in complete sorrow, ¡°¡­like a criminal with this appearance that I have. It isn¡¯t something new, people has always regarded me with such mistrustful eyes, and I¡¯ve just gotten used to it.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡ª.¡±


    ¡°You have said enough. Go outside and tend to the horses, now,¡± Malinda retorted as her voice hissed with displease.


    ¡°I¡­ I understand,¡± Taryna curtsied as she walks to pick up the medical supplies that she brought in, and as she¡¯s about to leave, her voice doesn¡¯t sound good at all, rather a known shame is turning her tone into sadness. ¡°If¡­ If you need me¡­ call for me Miss.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth thought as he sees Taryna go outside, ¡®Nock, draw, and release, heh.¡¯


    He has made Malinda even turn on her trusted handmaiden who she has known her whole life by a little bit, but not much, only a tiny bit. Though, Malinda¡¯s change is showing rapidly. Her mind is starting to be jerked into his direction¡­ Into his sinister hands. Xe¡¯Reth had been very bold with the second kiss, but since she was the one who started, he knew that she wouldn¡¯t push him away.


    ¡°¡­It is as you said, she is worried about me, but¡­ But I can see how she judges you only because of your appearance, your background. Though, she is my precious friend, so please forgive her,¡± she said while her eyes are pleading for his confirmation while her mouth curves down.


    ¡°Really, it is okay,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he raises his left eyebrow in bafflement, ¡°Wait¡­ did you say before, that I was going to move out from this house?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ Yes, yes I did. And I meant it. I know it is moving fast, Xe''Reth, but I want you to be as close to me as possible¡­ You don¡¯t like it?¡± Malinda asked as she awaits his response, but she cuts him off instead, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to bear your burden alone anymore. We¡¯re together now, we are¡­ together, hehe. B-But I will make it so you and your mother¡ª, wait, where is your mother?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s in there, isn¡¯t she?¡± Malinda asked as she points at the only unopened door.


    ¡®So, it has finally come to this¡­ Let me see how much you really like me, Malinda. When you see my ill mother, will you abandon me? Like everyone else I have met? Or will your love be greater than I imagined?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth talked worriedly inside his head for the upcoming meeting between her and his mother.


    ¡°Yes, she is asleep at the moment, and thankfully she slept through the horrible break in by those men,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he frowns deeply with a mask of unrest as he remembers.


    He turns his black-haired head to stare straight into Malinda¡¯s eyes. ¡°You must steel yourself Malinda. This might be tough for you, because you¡¯ve encountered this disease before. Three years ago, your father and mother had the same exact sickness, the Fire-Brand disease.¡±


    ¡°Wh-at¡­¡± her voice cracked as she said it. ¡°H-how¡­? How can your mother still be alive if she has that atrocious disease? How? How Xe¡¯Reth?!¡±


    Malinda takes ahold of his hands and squeezes them hard, for she is mystified by this shocking news.


    At the moment of her father¡¯s death, Malinda witnessed his last and final breath before his heart finally gave in. No kind of medicine could help him, and as an Honored Family, they couldn¡¯t act out of order to buy the forbidden herbs, because undercover DLO members of the kingdom had control of the ins and outs of the underground market to an extent.


    The spies of the DLO exists everywhere, to keep the Honored Ones in check. That was why the Tertin Family had to just sit by, to watch their father perish while their mother committed suicide after she had heard of her husband''s passing.


    There are other medicines, but their effects aren¡¯t as potent as the forbidden ones. It¡¯s the DLO who had branded them illegal, only because once it had been used on one of the reigning Divine Queens, long, long ago. And through its use, she was violated until she was mind broken, but it was all a scheme to remove her, for a Divine Queen who isn¡¯t a virgin, is no Queen of this Divine Kingdom.


    The seat of royalty must permanently remain pure. For there are precious secrets in having such a Queen of celibacy.


    It is an unpleasant and senseless law of the royal family that made the DLO brand them illegal. Many laws have been made only because the Queen herself said it. One law is that only couples can get married on their eighteenth birthday or upwards, and any misbehaving in the bed before the rite of joining, is considered unsightly. That is why men and women only wed once in their lifetime.


    But that mostly are the rules of higher nobles, and the Honored Ones.


    Though of course, there are people who thinks that''s rubbish. But even if they think it is complete rubbish, they don¡¯t openly show their own way of moral. For it can backfire completely, women especially since they are the representatives of the Divine Queen. If a woman is marries and cheats on its mate, that woman, if she¡¯s caught cheating, can go to prison, same for the man if he were to cheat.


    There¡¯re many laws that the various Divine Queens had put under their own lifetimes. But what Xe¡¯Reth hates is that magic is solely for the royal family, and that is pure selfishness on their side. Why do they need to keep such words of magic to themselves? Why not help its kingdom¡¯s people?


    Xe¡¯Reth had wanted to go and try his luck in the Cathedral these past four years¡­ But he hadn¡¯t had the courage. What if he really can use the words? What will happen to his mother? Will he be able to take her along? Or will such a poor scarred woman be tossed aside by the royal family so Xe¡¯Reth can grow his magic, if he had it?


    But he can¡¯t, he needs to stay away from such trouble¡­ But now here in this kitchen of his, he¡¯ll reveal his most precious secret; his ways of the illegal herbs.


    ¡°How I have kept her alive? It is simple, I''ve used unlawful means,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he revealed his most precious secret at his disposal. ¡°I use the Yran¡¯Gilis flower to keep her alive. And that is the most illegal flower of them all.¡±


    She removes her hands from him as if he himself is scorching lava and recoils back upon hearing what he said, sliding the very chair which makes grinding noises as the chair¡¯s feet slides on the wooden floor.


    ¡°I am an immoral man, Malinda. I¡¯ll let you decide how you will handle me. If you want to report me to the questioners, I will¡­ obey and not resist,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he shows his mask of utter sorrow upon his lowered eyebrows, because she acted so scared by the words he just spewed out.


    Malinda frowns, but with a frown of concern, not dislike. Her expression turns into a thinking one, ¡®So this is his secret, his most guarded possession that he holds inside of his mind. But how many years has he kept it a secret? Though he hasn¡¯t even been caught.¡¯


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ You¡­ You¡­ You¡¯ll be my doom. How can you just put this on me now? Sigh... But I''ve already made up my mind, so, I am now an accomplice it seems,¡± Malinda said as she shakes her head in utter dismay. She has chosen such a man to be her lover, though she¡¯s glad that he came out with this secret, and not with some lie, because this can¡¯t possibly be a lie, it is too big to be untrue.


    ¡°Heh, wow, I am truly blessed to have you. But now that I take a better look at you, you¡¯re gorgeous, Malinda. You have dressed yourself¡­¡ªIs that your favorite outfit?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked as he raises his scarred eyebrow while he becomes relieved that she won¡¯t abandon him nor turn him into the law.


    ¡°D-Do you like it?¡± Malinda asked fretfully as she turns her upper body side to side to show her attire off since this is her favorite dress that has the silken and light-plate materials as its clothing components.


    ¡°Yes, I like it. It looks different than your other clothes that you wore yesterday. I like seeing you with these kinds of clothes, instead of those garments of heavy-plate,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he looks at her clothed-covered body. But he doesn¡¯t show a lustful face, only a face of truth. For she does look more womanly without such full-bodied plate clothes.


    ¡°Haa... thank Divine,¡± she said as she sighs out in relief. If he didn¡¯t like it, she would¡¯ve become so depressed and not angry, for she wants Xe¡¯Reth to say words of praise, because she does enjoy hearing his soothing voice which says such verses. Beautiful, stunning, gorgeous and attractive, those words is what she desires to be called, by him and only him.


    She makes a grimace of pure resolve; clenched teeth, a frown of beauty, and eyes which burns with passion. She says, ¡°I want to meet your mother.¡±


    <hr />


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    <hr />

 12 - The Speech of Restoration

    <hr />


    The Speech of Restoration


    <hr />


    Malinda makes a grimace of pure resolve; clenched teeth, a frown of beauty, and eyes which burns with passion.


    She says, ¡°I want to meet your mother.¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­ Okay, come, I will take you to her,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he fakes being injured as he stands up. But as worried as she is, she helps him up, to stand straight. ¡°It is okay Malinda, I feel a lot better now.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ see,¡± she said with flickering eyes as his one hand shows in front of her face.


    Xe¡¯Reth gazes towards the broken door as he recognizes the poor people which has gathered out there, but that view disappears as he turns to the door in question. As he is about to grab ahold of the handle, he looks behind himself, to see Malinda there with dead-set eyes.


    ¡°Malinda¡­ it won¡¯t be a pretty sight. So if you can¡¯t handle it, tell me and we¡¯ll leave the room,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a concerned voice while he shows his pain with a forced smile. ¡°Come.¡±


    She doesn¡¯t say anything, only nods with her hard as steel facial expression, readying herself.


    As the door opens, Malinda prepares to hold her breath for the smell that she so remembers. That smell of rotten flesh which had been scorched upon her mother¡¯s and father¡¯s body, but as Malinda catches a breath of the vented out air, her eyes flickers in amazement from no nauseating scent.


    It¡¯s more of a soothing perfume, an aroma of complete harmony. Its smell is like a flowerbed of the most astounding floras that can be bought for money. It simply blows Malinda¡¯s senses to the Divine Sky.


    As Malinda follows closely behind Xe¡¯Reth, she sees the white bed where his mother lies slumbering. When they go to her, Malinda¡¯s face contorts into pure pity while she raises a hand to cover her mouth. The woman who lies there on the bed that has blood imprinted onto its sheets, is groaning in her sleep.


    From a sudden move, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother feels the pain of her inflicted body, but she is unconscious, so she doesn¡¯t feel the pain directly inside her head. Only her body, her body is the one that gains such agony. Though, even her mind is experiencing the torture as tears has formed around her eyelids, as if some nightmare is plaguing her.


    Malinda¡¯s expression becomes filled with sorrow as she turns to stare with watery eyes at Xe¡¯Reth. She can still remember how her father and mother felt when they were inflicted with this disease. Their screams of agony, their calls for help, but no help was able to aid them. But here in front of her, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother, still lives.


    She¡¯s still alive, Xe¡¯Reth has actually kept her alive for four years!


    ¡°This is my mother, Theresa Quinery. And that would make my name, Xe¡¯Reth Quinery,¡± he said proudly while trying to put up one of his forced smiles.


    ¡°Quin...ery¡­ Xe...Reth Quin...ery¡­ Yes, I like it very much. But, I still can¡¯t believe that you¡¯ve actually kept your mother alive for this long,¡± Malinda said as she gazes at the bandages that covers Theresa. ¡°Your mother must be a strong woman to be able to stay alive for over four years since the disease broke out. Though¡­ I know that it is because of your love that she has been able to live. This scent I smell, what is it exactly?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it is just an incense I made. It has a very tranquil feeling, doesn¡¯t it? Well¡­ If you mix the right amount from certain flowers, powder, dough, and have the right equipment, then the result can be extraordinary¡­ Or it can be one¡¯s own doom,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he looks towards a shelf that has many vials of all kinds of fluids, dry leaves hanging, crushed vegetation that has been prepared for later use, and different kinds of boxes and tools. ¡°I¡¯ve had my fair share of failures for these three years since I began with it, because I have been trying to ease my mother¡¯s agonizing life. But this disease just won¡¯t go away¡­ no matter what I give her.¡±


    Malinda¡¯s eyes becomes wide with horror, which Xe¡¯Reth sees, ¡°Oh, but don¡¯t get me wrong, I try all of my experiments on myself first, before I give it to my mother. Though, she has become rather addictive to the Yran¡¯Gilis¡¯s effect.¡±


    ¡°So it is a dangerous flower then?¡± Malinda asked as she too looks around the bedroom curiously, seeing all of the mysteries that Xe¡¯Reth has.


    ¡°Everything is dangerous if you take a certain quantity of it, which my mother has¡­ sadly. But... I couldn¡¯t do anything else,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he grows sad while he lowers his eyebrows by the means of saving his mother. ¡°I have to keep her alive, she¡­ she is my mother¡­ My only parent. What else can I do¡­?¡±


    Malinda hugs him affectionately because he shows blank sorrowful eyes, a face of pure anxiety which drills into Malinda¡¯s pulsating heart of tenderness, ¡°It is okay, you don¡¯t need to explain yourself to anyone. I would exactly do the same to save my parents. But I wasn¡¯t as strong as you back then. I was so immature¡­ I only watched as my parents died¡­ My father who died from a heart attack when he couldn¡¯t stomach the pain which your mother has endured for over four years. And my mother¡­ who¡­ My mother who¡­¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hands takes ahold of Malinda¡¯s now grief-stricken skull as she hugs him with such a secure embrace. He makes her look into his ebon eyes and says, ¡°Malinda, your parents, they were great people. I have heard of your father¡¯s rule, his generous rule of this city which hasn¡¯t been degraded by your family¡¯s affectionate hands. Your mother, she helped the poor people who starved on the street. She gave out food to the needy, and gave shelter to those who had no homes. But, I never experienced those luxuries myself.¡±


    ¡°I lived a well-off life with my mother before the disease came. My mother, she was my role model; she was strong, beautiful, and compassionate. She was one of those people who also helped the poor, like your mother.¡±


    ¡°Because of my hair and eyes, I have always been looked upon by judgments of disgust, distrust, and someone who is disloyal. Just a simple boy who''s an atrocity. But these four years of living in poverty has shown me the truth. The truth of peoples¡¯ minds.¡±


    ¡®Even though my mind is far more rotten to the core¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he keeps on spewing out his drivel while he holds onto Malinda¡¯s head so she stares straight into his shadowy eyes.


    ¡°Though, I have recently met someone who I can share all my secrets to, it¡¯s you Malinda. You¡¯re my savior. What I want from you, isn¡¯t the statues of beings with you, no. I want someone who I can share my sad moments, my joyful moments, and my mad moments with.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth gives her a quick kiss as he then says, ¡°My mother and you will be¡­ everything to me.¡±


    ¡°I love you,¡± he said as he finished, while Malinda shows tears that has gathered up.


    ¡°Yes, yes I love you too¡ª!¡± she cried out as she presses her rosy lips onto his.


    They once again starts kissing each other with deep long kisses. Their tongues swirls inside their wet mouths while Xe¡¯Reth yet again gets the smudges of red lipstick on him. But they keeps on kissing and kissing, until they part, though this time both of them stops at the same time.


    But they remain embraced, but Malinda wipes off her lipstick off of him automatically with her sleeve, not caring if it gets dirty. Then she lowers her head so it rests on his bare shoulder. Malinda feels his warm-blooded skin upon her cheek as she keeps it there, falling into a daze.


    They stand there beside Theresa who¡¯s sleeping while her groans resounds throughout this bedroom where they hold each other in a lovingly cuddle.


    ¡®Hopefully she won¡¯t be too clingy in the future.¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth hopefully thought because¡­ he doesn¡¯t love her, all of these emotions that he shows are completely fake. His wooing has been accomplished, and now he just needs her hand in marriage. Then, he¡¯ll become¡­ an Honored One himself. But that will take a long time to bear fruit, for he must take it slow so no one suspects him of intrigue.


    He must lock away his true feelings and bear his facades, those masks that hides his deceitfulness, those masks that brings forth his cheerfulness and kindheartedness. If he can only get her pregnant with his child¡­


    As Malinda¡¯s head rests on his one shoulder, she doesn¡¯t see his smile of deception that displays on his victorious lips. She has never once thought that these emotions that he shows her are fake.


    A component she has found for her troubled mind that has sought out this sensation but never had the courage¡­ until now. What if she never met him? Would she forever be lonely? Never finding a lover? Maybe she would pledge herself to the priestesses of the Divine Queen? To join in the celibacy of purity that they''re known for.


    But now, she can only smile... Smile for finding someone that she can truly like, to love, to spend the rest of her life in such an embrace which she''s feeling right at this moment. The beatings of hearts, the breaths of arousal. She grips slightly tighter around him to not let go of her component of happiness.


    <hr />


    As Malinda had to leave to take care of all of the conflicts that¡¯re inside her mind, Xe¡¯Reth guides her out of his and his mother¡¯s room. Though Malinda is worried that the men who tortured Xe¡¯Reth might come back, but she swallows her concerns to deal with the matter at hand.


    The perpetrators must be found; hunted down to face her wrath!


    They stand there inside the kitchen by the broken front door while they¡¯re saying their goodbyes, for now, ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave you here alone, but I need to find those men who hurt you.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry. Because last time they caught me off-guard. Though this time they won¡¯t be able to hurt me¡­ Sure, I am wounded, but I was afraid if I did something to them, they would hurt my mother. But, since I have you as my lover now, I don¡¯t need to be afraid of that anymore, now do I?¡± Xe¡¯Reth said while placing a hand on her shoulder to comfort her while smiling.


    ¡°Sigh, be careful. I will come back as fast as I can, and move your mother to the castle. It might take a couple of hours or maybe a day or two, but hang in there¡­ And I¡­ I love you, Xe¡¯Reth, I truly do,¡± Malinda said with aching worry as she strokes his bandaged chest.


    ¡°Malinda, you worry too much. But I promise nonetheless. I will be waiting for you here with open arms. Now go Malinda, for it seems the crowd is beginning to become restless with curiosity,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he caresses her cheek with his hand, but¡­ ¡°Hmm¡­ If... If you want the people to respect you even further, give a little speech about that you, Malinda, will start to give out food to the needy, like your mother. Because, it is tough to live down here in the slums.¡±


    ¡°From a small amount of money you can make the simplest people worship you. Just look at your mother, so many cried when she died. For when she died, so died her charity organization,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with an overbearing smile which shines upon Malinda, wanting to give her courage.


    ¡°You are right! They did stop giving out aid to the poor¡­ Wait¡­¡± she covers her mouth in surprise, ¡°My¡­ My brother¡¯s wife was the one to order them to stop¡­ I¡­ I remember now, she said that it was a waste of money, like throwing gold coins into the lake.¡±


    Her eyes gazes outside, she stares with sorrowful eyes at the crowd of raggedy people, filthy people who hasn¡¯t bathed, children who are too skinny to be true, and that just makes Malinda angry. What has she been doing these years since her parents died?


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    ¡°You are correct, Malinda. I knew this. Though, you do know which family your sister-in-law comes from, right?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked but he didn¡¯t wait for her response. ¡°She comes from an esteemed family that hasn¡¯t reached the status of ¡®Honored One¡¯. Only she and her husband, your brother, is an Honored One. The people from that family are arrogant, egotistical, and envious. They¡¯re not a family of kindness, but¡­ Sigh, I don¡¯t know much about them, only what I have heard on the street.¡±


    ¡®Though I think that the Honored Madam, Celyssa, is only a puppet for her family. Through her, nepotism is born,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought.


    ¡°You say Celyssa¡¯s family is corrupt? But every time they have visited us, they have been so generous and caring. They are the most perfect noble family that I have ever seen,¡± Malinda said with a clouded mind as her eyebrows lowers immensely.


    ¡°I went too far, I am sorry. It¡¯s not my place to judge, but you¡¯ll see when they reveal themselves. But for now Malinda, do as I said. Be strong like your mother was! Make people seek your aid, and not your wrath! Make them worship you like their Goddess, their savior!¡± Xe¡¯Reth said in a high but caring voice as his face starts beaming at her.


    Malinda just stares with a warm heart; her cheeks sprouts forth a blush as her arms embraces Xe¡¯Reth with all her emotions, again. Talking about her dead mother has made her feel the emotions that¡¯re so unpredictable right now, but when she heard Xe¡¯Reth talk about how she can be her people¡¯s savior, she feels the happiness that she has felt whenever Xe¡¯Reth speaks.


    ¡°I will do it! Yes, I will do as you say Xe¡¯Reth! Even though my brother is the ruler of this city, I do own one third of it! Come, I must tell the crowd that I¡¯ll give them their aid back!¡± Malinda said as she releases her embrace from him and starts to pull him outside with such a beam of light on her smiling face.


    As Xe¡¯Reth is dragged outside, Taryna sees them and was about to speak to her Miss, but Malinda walks straight past her so she can get the attention of the whole crowd. They aren¡¯t many, only two dozen or so people. Though that¡¯s enough for her word to spread. Her generous words which will sound out into the entire outer layer.


    ¡°Divine¡­ It really is her Honored Lady Malinda¡­¡± a woman said while clutching onto her baby who¡¯s currently sleeping in her embrace. Though her hollowed cheeked face shows her weakness of poverty.


    ¡°Why in the world would she be down here¡­? Wait¡­ Isn¡¯t that the brat¡­? Oh¡­ Queen. So it was true, about that rumor¡­¡± A scrawny man said with empty patches of hair showing on his dirty-looking head.


    The man had heard a rumor while strolling through the outer layer, enjoying the festivities, but the man was driven away because he was filth itself. Though as he was on his way home, he saw the golden carriage standing there in the slums. Feasting his eyes upon the alloyed glory of something he¡¯ll never experience.


    Now that he sees Xe¡¯Reth beside Malinda he truly thinks that rumor about Xe¡¯Reth being under her protection was true. Because a man had witnessed the captain being dragged off to the prison after he had badmouthed Xe¡¯Reth right in front of Malinda. The witness had spread it out like a laughing wildfire around the city, though of course, only those who really wanted to listen heard it, for it was the words of a madman who ridiculed the city-guard itself since the captain was a high-ranked officer.


    Even though it has only gone almost fourteen hours since the fat captain was sent to prison, words had spread throughout the network of the poor. They had cheered because that captain had come many times to the slums of the city to demand certain levies that he himself put up.


    It is starting to reach midday and people from various places are flooding into the city because of the festivities that¡¯re currently going on; village folk, town folk, everybody is allowed inside on this single day. No passes are needed to come into the city to explore, though only two hour ago did the gates of the city open for those who didn¡¯t have the licenses.


    The dozens of scruffy people looks upon Malinda whose fierce yet kind reputation has spread to the slums. They¡¯re indeed grateful for their savior that has sent the captain to the prison. Not even Malinda knows why they¡¯re looking at her with such gratitude. But what the worn-out people are about to hear is going to send them into the Divine Sky in even more happiness.


    Their vantage point, Malinda¡¯s and Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s that is, is standing on the other side of the golden carriage so every person that has gathered here can see them clearly. Taryna, however, doesn¡¯t understand what her Miss is going to do since she has been out here the whole time tending to the terrifying monsters in black gleaming armor that¡¯re fastened to the carriage.


    ¡®What is Miss doing? Oh no¡­ What has that man done now?!¡¯ Taryna thought with worry as she sees Xe¡¯Reth leaning in to whisper something into Malinda¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Show them how alike you and your mother are. Tell them simply that you¡¯ll start the organization again. Then leave in a hurry, so they¡¯ll be stunned by your greatness, your beauty, and your benevolence,¡± Xe¡¯Reth whispered as if the words oozes into her with enthralling and arousing tones while Malinda feels his breath upon her ear. The words¡­ Those words of his rings in her head like the cathedral''s giant ringing bells.


    A forward step she takes, then another one, so she stands with her feet in a perfect lined harmony; her whole existence is being seen by the crowd.


    Her blond hair is shining ever so brightly with its golden color as her attire¡¯s light-plate is also glistening as the sun hits it with its rays of warmth; her now fixed eyeliner, her alluring red-colored lips, her expression of serenity that displays on her turned up curves of dignity. Her eyes which scans the people with a sorrowful aspect, yet no disgust is showing in her azure spheres while Xe¡¯Reth backs away so she can get all of the spotlight.


    Malinda closes her sparkling blue eyes to ponder about what she¡¯s going to say. Then, she slowly opens them while the people stares in awe upon this woman who¡¯s one of the rulers of this city.


    ¡°My people. You¡¯ve lived here for years now without any aid from the city,¡± she calmly said as she gazes around at the startled crowd, because her words are like a running waterfall, such a beauty if a person sees it from afar, yet deadly if that person was to travel down from it.


    ¡°I am truly sorry. I¡¯m sorry that I haven¡¯t looked after you like my mother did. My selfless mother who gave you food, clothes, and built houses for you, my people, to live in. But when she died, it was removed.¡±


    ¡°But! Be at ease, for I, Malinda Tertin, will bring back what my mother did! To bring back the organization who saved many unfortunate lives from the cold winters! I have been late to realize this, I know. Only now have I seen how you¡¯ve lived.¡±


    ¡°As a ruler, I am ashamed to look upon you. Not because of the state that you¡¯re in, no, but because I¡¯ve lived my life not even worrying about my own people! And that makes me disgusted about how blind I¡¯ve been!¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t ask for your forgiveness, I don¡¯t deserve it, but I promise you, things will change for the better, soon!¡±


    ¡°Before the deadly storms of winter comes, I will have brought aid!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯ve to say¡­ My people.¡± She said as she curtsies with a womanly bob of her head, legs that bends slightly, and hands holding her skirt, not raising it, but holding it with a pleading sorrow of how blind she has been. To her people¡­ To her city¡­ Her mother would be ashamed of how na?ve she has been these years of mourning her death. And her father, her kind father who would look upon her with his bearded face of disgust upon his expression.


    Was she raised to be a woman who turns away from her people? Only following another one¡¯s orders? Being led astray by a family member who has removed so much from the city, which helps the more unfortunate?


    An Honored One bowing before her own people? What madness is this, is what people would normally think. But now the crowd is staring at her with dumbfounded eyes which has seen the horrors of life, called poverty.


    Those who¡¯re a noble to the bone would spit on such a behavior which Malinda shows¡­ Why does someone like her need to help them? If they can¡¯t even get up from their asses and do something with their pathetic lives, why waste money on such lowlifes? Instead of sitting on the streets begging¡­ wailing¡­ and crying about how miserable they feel, try doing something about it instead!


    That kind of thinking is what makes a world rot¡­ and rot¡­ and rot¡­ and rot away into a spiral of destruction that can send a kingdom to its doom. For such egotistical thinking is what destroys the minds of those who tries to get up and stand on their own two feet. Those who hold power will always be the ones who beats the poor, but even those who hold such power, are also those who can be their saviors from such beatings.


    That¡¯s what Xe¡¯Reth wants, it is why he urged her on to speak to them¡­ To make them worship her¡­ To be loyal subjects to her¡­


    When the time comes to rise to power¡­ years from now.


    For she¡¯s Malinda Tertin, the Goddess of Battle and Benevolence. That is what Xe¡¯Reth has in mind anyways. But he¡¯ll see how it will turn out after she gives out aid¡­ Will they gaze upon her as if she was the Divine Queen herself? Who knows? Xe¡¯Reth hasn¡¯t thought that far yet. Only a tiny made up plan that might bare its fruit, or it will wither into the past, but either way, Xe¡¯Reth has her in his grasping hands, and she doesn¡¯t even know it.


    The crowd stands in their various conditions of poor and poorer while staring in disbelief¡­ What did she just say? Aid? Will she bring back aid? Like her generous mother did?


    ¡°Goodbye, my people, until next time we meet,¡± Malinda said as she turns to the side, being very pleased with herself, because their expressions tells her everything she needs to know about her success in winning their hearts.


    Then she does an even more spectacular action; she walks towards Xe¡¯Reth while having eyes of a beast. A beast that wants her mate. With two hands, she places them on either side of his cheeks, and with a gentle motion, her lips goes to his mouth to show that Xe¡¯Reth is hers, only hers.


    But he takes that kiss like the man he is, the beastly Malinda turns into a harmless cub when Xe¡¯Reth does an even more outrageous act. He places one foot forward as Malinda gives him a deep kiss, not a tongue against tongue kiss, but a normal puckering kiss of affection.


    Though with his foot placed on Malinda¡¯s one side, he swings her while she lets out a startling moan as she¡¯s tossed sideways, so she tilts, hanging, while Xe¡¯Reth holds her in place with arms around her back and waist, making her hair dangle as her tights rests on his forward placed leg.


    He grins teasingly at her for he''s about to do an act, which will make Malinda''s face turn into something else. All going according to his plans.


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts! Hopefully I''ll have time to put out a chapter tomorrow.  Until next time!


    If you see grammar mistakes, you''re welcome to point them out! As I am the only who proofreads, which isn''t the best idea... I think. :D


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    <hr />

 13 - The Breakdown of Emotions

    <hr />


    The Breakdown of Emotions


    <hr />


    With Xe''Reth''s foot placed on Malinda¡¯s side, he swings her while she lets out a startling moan as she¡¯s tossed sideways, so she tils, hanging, while Xe¡¯Reth holds her in place with arms around her back and waist, making her hair dangle as her tights rests on his forward placed leg.


    He grins teasingly at her for he''s about to do an act, which will make Malinda''s face turn into something else.


    All going according to his plans.


    Malinda¡¯s gaping mouth of innocence is showing as she stares with wide eyes at Xe¡¯Reth. The tigress turned into a female kitten, and a male kitten turned into a beastly tiger is what shows in front of the crowd of poverty. Making an Honored Lady moan, making her show her weakness of romance, but as Xe¡¯Reth leans forward, he kisses her while both of them are in a posture as if it¡¯s an end of a dance, a dance of affection.


    Xe¡¯Reth, however, doesn¡¯t go too far, only the kiss of purity is displaying, no tongues, only two lovers who¡¯re in an embrace, showing the poor people what they¡¯re. They¡¯re a couple is what Malinda wanted them to see, but now this spectacle that shows by the carriage is making the people¡­


    Cheer in gratitude!


    For a man of poverty is taming an Honorable woman right in front of their eyes. But what they¡¯re cheering for is what Malinda had just spoken about. Assistance is coming their way! No more hunger, no more freezing coldness, and no more do they need to live such a miserable lives, if she keeps her word¡­ which she will.


    Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t just stop with that graceful dance of his.


    While Malinda is now leaning there dipping backwards, with their now dislodged lips, her mouth is gaping, her eyebrows are raised, and her azure spheres are staring at him with such bafflement while he gives her a smile as he then tosses her back to her standing position, but she swings too much, making her lose her footing. Though Xe¡¯Reth is prepared as he smiles teasingly which she sees with even more opened eyes as she flings to the side.


    As she begins to fall sideways again, Xe¡¯Reth catches her, and while she¡¯s tilting slightly, he spins his body while he holds her. Malinda begins to rotate so her feet places themselves on the ground, but they doesn¡¯t remain there, they follow Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s movement as he spins with his violent whirlwind, though as he stops, Malinda keeps spinning for some reason. Her whole world spins and spins and spins.


    Her one hand is raised above her head while he holds it with a hand too¡­ And she¡¯s standing on her tip toes, making the sabatons¡¯ plated forward joints creak as she whirls and whirls. He¡¯s actually making her do a pirouette while her skirt flows with the turning winds, showing her whole underbody. But it¡¯s covered with underlying pants which she has on, for she would never just walk with her undies under her skirt, it¡¯s a disgraceful manner to do, she thinks at least. What would happen if a sudden gust of wind were to show her¡­ everything? She would¡¯ve been utterly devastated if someone saw such a shameful appearance.


    As her twirling twirls comes to an end, she rests in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s embrace as this was a wild ride that he showed her. She isn¡¯t out of breath, but her adrenaline pumps her heart to reveal a stunned but cheerful expression upon her face of beauty. She breathes heavily because of the shear surprise, and Xe¡¯Reth looks at her with a smile as Malinda raises her head to look at him, with a smile too.


    She pushes him away from herself teasingly, while not showing such an amused expression, but it¡¯s just a rouse to not show how joyful that made her.


    ¡®Dear Divine, how does he make such moves?! Even I can¡¯t dance that well! Such a coordination of both legs and arms, and that body language! They were so precise!¡¯ she thought in complete astonishment, for that was a very intricate dance, which she has seen before in the great ballroom of the castle when people of all noble classes had come to celebrate the birth of Merissa, Celyssa¡¯s daughter, and other times too.


    She had seen the lovers dancing while the instruments swayed to their exact actions. And the precious memories¡­


    Those moments when her father tried to teach her how to dance, and not some tutor. He himself gave up time to learn Malinda how to dance, and her mother had stood on the sidelines, holding the thumb-sucking little Madelyn while being jokingly jealous of another woman dancing with her husband, a girl of ten years old trying to follow her father''s teachings, his lovingly teachings she so enjoyed. A daughter that a father loved, a daughter who loved her father¡­ and a mother who loved both of them.


    Malinda¡¯s tears begins to form around her eyelids as she remembers those joyful moments that she had with her family¡­ But no more¡­ They¡¯re dead¡­ They¡¯re fading into memories.


    As Xe¡¯Reth sees her sorrowful eyes, he embraces her as if wanting to shield her from such memories. But, Xe¡¯Reth opens his mouth to speak out what she wants to hear, he whispers to her, gently, ¡°Your father was a master of his craft, a role model of excellence who invented that dance I just showed you, which you truly know, my Malinda, my love. Your father and mother is still with you even after their passing. They live through you, my love. And through your efforts, you can make them watch you, watch you with happiness in their hearts, while they¡¯re up in the Divine Sky, protecting you¡­ forever.¡±


    Her outer shell cracks open, and a flood of emotions pours out of her. Her cry is completely heartbreaking. She clings to Xe¡¯Reth for her dear life while she barrows herself on his bare bandaged chest.


    He has done something that no one should do¡­


    This was intended, for he had been taught by his mother, Theresa, about dancing. For she herself was a master of the craft, too, but she had no one to dance with anymore, only her lovely son, which she taught with such loving conviction. And spoke of those who had been hailed with greatness on the floor of flowing movements. The dances of nobles, the dances of lovers, and the dances Xe¡¯Reth and Theresa shared.


    In their store when no one was browsing Theresa¡¯s various merchandise of clothes, she would be happily dancing with the little Xe¡¯Reth in her arms. Since he was very short, she carried him as she pirouetted to her own swinging tune of happiness; side to side, forward and backwards, spins left, spins right, for she loved her son, her only son, her only star that brightened her lonely life of her lover-less heart.


    But all happy ends¡­ ends¡­ And Xe¡¯Reth breaks the hearts of those he comes in contact with.


    As Malinda cries rivers of tears that soaks Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s bandaged chest, he guides her away from the crowd, around, to the carriage¡¯s door. For an adult, she does cry in such sorrow. Taryna is standing there in disbelief, not even moving from her frozen position by the armored horses.


    Only her moving eyes trails her Miss as Xe¡¯Reth guides her into the carriage.


    The crowd, too, stands there dumbfounded about this sudden woman of grief.


    As the bare-chested young man guides her into the carriage, somehow, they feel gladness about their situation, for she had said that aid is coming. And what is even more astounding is, is that they¡¯re thinking that she¡¯s crying for their poor predicament, for them, because they didn¡¯t hear Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s whispering words as he had uttered them to her. Those words that she wanted but not wanted to hear. The painstaking memories of her childhood that¡¯re the most happiest moments of her life, but also the most sorrowful, for her parents are indeed gone.


    When the door to the carriage closes shut, Taryna is left there by the horses, though with a shake of her head she snaps out of her disbelief and begins to run, to open the door. But as she opens it, she sees Xe¡¯Reth there stroking Malinda¡¯s beautiful grief-stricken head.


    She¡¯s still holding him in her embrace, tightly, not letting go for her life. It¡¯s as if she¡¯s a child that wants to be held by her parents, a child that has been to war; killed her opponents, a demon that gave no quarter to her enemies. It didn¡¯t matter if they were children or men or women. She had done those horrible acts as she felt her lonely heart sink deeper into her own oblivion. For every kill, came a sorrowful frown upon her face, for every thrust came a face of her enemy that looked upon her with such hate, sorrow, and complete and utter innocence.


    The enemy has done so many horrible acts just to gain a foothold in this kingdom of theirs. But through their desperate acts¡­ comes carelessness, greed, and arrogance.


    For those enemies¡¯ kingdoms who has thrown armies upon the wall, one after the other, is absolutely ruthless to the core.


    It didn¡¯t matter who they threw, it can be children, elderly folks, sick women or men who didn¡¯t have long to live! They¡¯re the evil of this world that is unknown to everyone. Only the dead can tell a tale about those kingdoms, the scars of life, the broken bodies that had been worked to the bone.


    For slavers are the enemy, they who care nothing about the lives of the poor, the sick, or the elderly. Even their own children would be tossed out onto the battlefield of death, only to increase the size of the charging army of soon to be deceased people that would be sprinting below, towards the Ebon Wall in madness, in grief, and in fear.


    All of those thoughts are rushing through Malinda¡¯s sorrowful head while she grasps onto her only hope, her new magnificent light. Xe¡¯Reth is hers, her dark ebon star that can guide her through the deserts of unknown lands when she¡¯s lost in her endless dreams. A hand that can reach out to her, if her own nightmares tries to drown her in that abyss of unconsciousness.


    While staring at her Miss, somehow Taryna feels that she has done something terribly wrong. That a warning of a dreadful consequence will come. But she can¡¯t put her thoughts at ease, for her Miss is crying, crying in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s embrace. Malinda feels the warmth that oozes into her from his warm-blooded body¡­ A daze comes over her as she weeps. A daze that clouds her entire mind of the world around her.


    As they remain there for a short while, the crowd outside is going ballistic with cheering at the top of their lunges, for they¡¯ll get aid, their assistance will come! Their savior: Malinda. And it went all according to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s cunning pull of the strings. A puppeteer and a puppet, that¡¯s what Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda is.


    But, he begins to feel a sudden stir of an unknown emotion inside him as he holds her in his arms.


    He¡¯s actually smiling without his mask of deceitfulness on. Pure joy is starting to seep into his black heart, but that emotion disappears as fast as it shows. His face turns into a neutral one as he sees Taryna there by the opened door.


    ¡°You should prepare the horses for departure¡­ Taryna,¡± he said with a delighted smile, though not the same smile he had a second ago, but a smile of superiority looking down upon a slave that has willingly offered herself to be such a disgraceful being, called: Handmaiden. Willing to serve, willing to obey, willing to beg for food, willing to bark like a dog. He can¡¯t help but despise such practices, even if it isn¡¯t a shameful profession, it is even considered to be an occupation of sophistication.


    But for Xe¡¯Reth, he can¡¯t help but think, servant means slave, and slave means obedience. He¡¯ll never be controlled¡­


    NEVER!


    ¡°You can shut the door now. As soon as I step out, you can drive the horses away from here, towards wherever Malinda wants to go,¡± he said while stroking Malinda very gently, feeling her blond smooth hair on his palm, feeling it as he runs it through with his fingers, combing her golden mane as if she was a male lion.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Malinda herself is in such a sorrow as if her mind has been stirred immensely, which it has. But Xe¡¯Reth is there to comfort her, to listen to her, to say the words she wants to hear, and to keep her in his arms... His calculating arms of pretense.


    Taryna scowls at his demands, but she does what he says since she can¡¯t really do anything in this situation. She can only watch as her Miss who she loves dearly, as a friend, being taken into someone else¡¯s embrace.


    While the door closes, Xe''Reth can see in a split second in the closing crack, complete sorrow upon the handmaiden¡¯s emotionless face. A face of regrets, if she only were with her yesterday by the Ebon Wall¡­ If she were just there, nothing of this would have ever happened.


    She could¡¯ve been there to stop her Miss from falling so easily for Xe¡¯Reth, but every action that Xe¡¯Reth has taken up to this point has made her Miss¡­ love him more. The way he took advantage of her tired mind that had spilt the blood of her enemies. The way his words flowed out of his mouth, saying the words she had heard many times, but through her uneasy mind, her brain was grasped tightly onto, not letting go, not easing the hold of her conflicted emotions. Pulling her into an unforeseen void of carelessness.


    Those possessions that she had kept to herself; her lover-less life of being completely alone, no one to embrace when she so needed it. No man to be there for her when she had cried herself to sleep on those horrible days when she had slayed children, and saw those horrors of innocent faces, which she so want to rip out of her head, to forget them, to forget...


    Malinda drifts away as she is holding Xe''Reth while feeling his strokes of love...


    As Taryna stands out there by the horses, the crowd has become slightly calmer, but still, their joy upon their faces are showing their true emotions. Their heroine, their savior is inside the carriage, crying, FOR THEM! Is what they think, but Xe¡¯Reth has played them right into his hands, right into Malinda¡¯s hands. Right now, EVEN NOW, HE IS TOUCHING HER WITH HIS FILTHY HANDS!


    As a couple of minutes passes inside the carriage, Malinda, whose face is covered in watery wetness, looks up and around, as if she has just woken up from a long sleep. But as she feels the warm touch upon her hands, her hands which rests upon Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s chest of smoothness.


    She recoils, falling back while hitting her head on the roof as she hastily stands up.


    ¡°Be at ease,¡± Xe¡¯Reth soothingly said as he sees the panicky maiden who¡¯s now rubbing her head in pain. ¡°Come sit next to me.¡±


    ¡°Xe... Xe¡¯Reth¡­ I¡­ I¡­¡± only his name can she get out from her emotional tremoring mouth, those rosy lips that spasms.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Malinda. It¡¯s okay to cry out one¡¯s agony,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a caring smile that makes Malinda relax a little bit. ¡°But, crying, Malinda. Can make someone else feel your agony, too. For I can¡¯t bear to see you in this kind of state. It brings me... pain¡­ to see such sorrow upon your beautiful surface. So please, don¡¯t cry anymore.¡±


    Even if he said those lyrics, her crying doesn¡¯t stop, it comes again as he said the words that she wants so dearly to hear. His concern, his love¡­ His love for her, who Malinda just met yesterday¡­ Her reddened-swelled eyes begins its cycle; tears running, snot running, and eyeliner running down her distorted face of beauty as lips and chin starts its seizures.


    She flings herself at him, desperately, making the carriage itself shake as she lands to hug him.


    The cycle turns and a couple of minutes flies by.


    They now sits there beside each other while this adult woman, named Malinda, is being attended to by Xe¡¯Reth as he wipes off her face with a¡­ pink embroidered handkerchief that was hiding in her skirt pocket, but now it¡¯s being used to blow her nose and wipe her tears away, forever.


    ¡°Dear me¡­ Malinda, are you truly an adult? You aren¡¯t hiding something from me, now are you?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked as he puts on a wide grin and eyes of jesting.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth!¡± Malinda moaned as she blows her nose. She is not amused by being depicted as a child, but even she can¡¯t be bothered to be angry. Instead, she too puts on a slight unserious smirk upon her own lips. ¡°It is not funny!¡±


    ¡°Why are you smiling then? Heh,¡± his grin goes wider to the point of almost locking his entire face in check.


    Malinda shakes her head in dismay as she gives in, in to his¡­ embrace. She leans at him while he has his arm around her; feeling the metal of the light-plate pouldrons on his chest and on his one arm.


    The silence continues as he waits for her to be ready, emotionally ready.


    ¡°I¡¯ve shown you such disgraceful appearances¡­ over and over again¡­¡± she sighed with a drooping head as she remembers when she angrily sent the captain to prison and when she shushed away the landlady.


    Xe¡¯Reth, though, has been rather relaxed about all of this¡­ Fine leathery cushion beneath his buttocks, a beautiful woman in his arms, and being in a golden carriage of utter wealth¡­ Life is pretty good, he thinks while he does minute nods to himself.


    ¡°You can show me your disgraceful side whenever you want, my Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as his eyebrows goes quickly up and down, up and down. Showing how interested he is, in knowing her¡­ disgraceful side¡­


    ¡°Xe-Xe-Xe¡¯Reth¡­ You¡­ You¡­ You can¡¯t be thinking of what I¡¯m thinking of?!¡± Malinda asked with wider than wide eyes as she sees his seizure of up and down eyebrows of lust.


    ¡°Oh Malinda¡­ I didn¡¯t think you were that kind of woman¡ª!¡±


    ¡°No, Xe¡¯Reth! Just no. You shall be silent now, I demand you to be silent,¡± she said as she turns her head away while pouting her lips to mope.


    ¡°As you say¡­ My¡­ Beautiful¡­ Honored¡­ Lady¡­ Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth mused as his one hand takes a hold of her chin gently, turning it towards him, slowly, so he can see her face of joying tease. ¡°Have you calmed down?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯m all right now¡­ Thank you for being here with me.¡±


    ¡°What, no kiss? Malinda¡­ You... you¡¯re so cheap¡­¡± he said as he turns his head to mope like she did just a second ago. And she does exactly the same as him; turning his chin towards her so she can look at his grinning expression.


    ¡°A well-earned reward¡­¡± she kisses him with one long smooch, then as she removes her lips, she completes her sentence, ¡°for my hero.¡±


    ¡°¡­Where are we, by the way?¡± Malinda asked curiously as her eyebrow raises themselves.


    ¡°Still by my house, your speech really set the crowd on fire. They¡¯ve been cheering for a while now, but stopped a couple of minutes ago,¡± Xe¡¯Reth responded as he looks at the nicely kept hair that hasn¡¯t any flaws, which he was stroking before, to try to calm her down. ¡°Your handmaiden is still awaiting for you to depart. What were you going to do again? Ah yes, you were going to find those who¡­ Those who¡­¡±


    He looks down at his bandages that has blood stains on them, which Malinda, too, sees as her upper and lower lips raises and lowers; they begin to spasm violently while showing her moistened white teeth. She even needs to cover her mouth to restrain her anger, which she feels towards such monsters.


    She hastily looks around as she turns her head.


    The opposite side where they¡¯re sitting, are other leather seats, and above them is a window that would show Taryna¡¯s covered-dressed legs as she would be sitting on the driver¡¯s seat.


    With a raised eyebrow, Xe¡¯Reth wonders what she¡¯s doing now¡­ Malinda is now on her knees while she rummages through the compartments under the opposite seats. What she finds is a mirror, a hand mirror, though less expensive than her younger sister¡¯s jewelry one.


    While she begins turning her head in different directions to look at what shape her face is in at the current time, Xe¡¯Reth just relaxes as he sprawls on the leathery seats. Literally sinking down as he awaits for her to finish wiping her face with her homemade patterns of pinkness, to remove the rest of her smudges of eyeliner, dried tears, and lipstick, to start all over.


    ¡®Wow¡­ Well, she¡¯s a woman after all,¡¯ he thought as she brings out a box that¡¯s filled with tools of cosmetics which ladies around the kingdom is so utterly using up to pretty themselves.


    Xe¡¯Reth gives out an unexpected yawn, which surprises himself even. He doesn¡¯t feel tired, but he feels that sensation of his regular worn-out stress which he has endures for so long. He only managed to sleep for around three hours, then came the city-guard who broke down his door, a door he needs to fix¡­


    After the four men had carried their dead boss towards the graveyard in the night, Xe¡¯Reth had followed them, because he was excessively worried that they might be caught. He had placed a broad and long shelf to cover his and his mother¡¯s door, completely, since he was still scared that someone would come again when he was away.


    As Xe¡¯Reth had followed them, he saw the four men, digging and digging, while the one with the dangling jaw was in pain, but he too dug and dug. The graveyard is open for everyone, but as it was night, none but Xe¡¯Reth and the four men, plus the dead boss were there.


    He had seen them bury their boss, then covered the hole up with the shovels that they had found scattered around the area, for death takes nearly a person a day in the slums, even more, so there are shovels there to help them pass into the sleep of no-awaking.


    As Xe¡¯Reth had stood there behind one of the many deadened trees, gazing at the men walking away from their recently dug grave, Xe¡¯Reth went and looked how they had done, and he was pleased. It looked like any other grave around the area, even a gravestone, though only a non-inscriptive stone was put in place.


    While Malinda is doing her womanly duties of beautifying herself, Xe¡¯Reth watches her with squinting, lost-in-thought eyes. But he flickers them as to get out of his own daze of remembering the events, about what happened to the brother of the captain who¡¯s currently in prison.


    ¡°Malinda, I¡¯ll be outside, fixing my door. Come out when you¡¯re ready to leave¡­ I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he raises to stand, in a slight crouch while taking ahold of the carriage¡¯s door''s handle.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Yes, you do that¡­ This, this will take a while,¡± she said as she now sits there cross-legged while simultaneously fixing up her face and looking at him as she puckers her lips to ready them for the upcoming lipstick which she holds in her one hand, and in her other hand is her reflecting mirror.


    She turns her head back to look into the mirror¡­ while turning it to the side so she can watch the reflection, to see Xe''Reth''s back muscles as he goes outside. A smile sprouts forth on her puckering lips as she turns the mirror back to look upon her face, which is at this moment, not the most prettiest of faces.


    *Click* the door closes.


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    If nothing major happens tomorrow, a Chapter will be put up. If you see grammar mistakes, you''re welcome to shout out, loudly too, if you want!


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts in the comments! :D Is this deserving of the Psychological tag? Or is it still too light? :>


    Until next time!


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    <hr />

 14 - The Suffering of Darkness

    <hr />


    I''ll come back later to fix the grammar goodies.


    Enjoy.


    <hr />


    The Suffering of Darkness


    <hr />


    *Click* the door closes and Xe¡¯Reth stares at the handmaiden.


    ¡°Is she ready to leave?¡± Taryna asked as she¡¯s crouching while holding the hoof of one of the horses. To inspect the shoes of metallic, but she lets go of it as she straighten herself to not be stared down upon¡­ by Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°Not for a while. She¡¯s cleaning herself up at the moment, so she won¡¯t look like a complete ghost,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said jokingly with a smile, but no smile is upon Taryna¡¯s lips, only a scowl of conflicted thoughts pops up in her head; how dare he speak about her like that¡­ He is a commoner in the presence of an Honored One, he isn¡¯t worthy to be looked upon by her¡­ I hate you for making her cry¡­ Wipe that smug face off of your filthy expression.


    But of course, she wouldn¡¯t think like that. She¡¯s for crying out loud a handmaiden to an Honored One! She has her own dignity to think of.


    ¡°Well, you can leave then, if you don¡¯t have any further business with her,¡± she muttered with such an unpleasant face with those slightly lowered eyebrows of flaming color, and her eyes that¡¯re squinting as her mouth¡¯s curves are in a straight unemotional line. ¡°Well¡­ I will check if she needs help. Which she will need, I might add.¡±


    ¡®Be calm, Xe¡¯Reth¡­ Be calm. This woman of thirty is just being jealousy because her Miss is not showing any attention to her,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he talked to himself. ¡®Like the common bitch that doesn¡¯t have her master¡¯s care, while her master is paying her devotion to another¡­dog. Ugh, I shouldn¡¯t really call myself a dog.¡¯


    ¡°Do as you please,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a bob of his head as he walks past her to his broken door, only a couple of meters away¡­ He¡¯s impressed at how her parking was, neatly right beside the wall of his rundown house.


    She had parked the carriage while she was outside and her Miss was inside the house, for when they first came here, Taryna wasn¡¯t able to do it, because she hurriedly followed after the sprinting Malinda when she had seen the door¡­ The door Xe¡¯Reth is currently looking at, inspecting it to see if he can fix it, but he gives out an exhausting sigh as he scratches his slicked-back dark hair.


    ¡®I should¡¯ve fixed it before she came¡­ But the reaction I got from her proves that it was worth not touching it,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought pleasingly while nodding to himself.


    The crowd stands there quiet, not trying to make a single sound as they stare in awe upon the golden decorated carriage, to not bother the Honored Lady who was crying for them.


    As Taryna opens the door, Malinda gently turns her head to look at her, but her head turns immediately back to stare into the mirror, continuing with her powdering and painting. But from her cross-legged position, she unexpectedly stands up while she crouches a little bit, so her head doesn¡¯t bump into the ceiling¡­ again.


    Malinda sits herself on the leathery seats as she raises her head a little bit, as if she¡¯s awaiting for something. And with that, Taryna knows what she wants, so she goes into carriage to help to put on her Miss¡¯s merchandise.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ¡°Luckily only one bolt to the door was damaged¡­ And the other hinge just got crocked¡­ Mmm...there!¡± Xe¡¯Reth exclaimed as he fixes the door so it only hangs with one joint, but it¡¯ll do for now.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± an older man hesitantly said who¡¯s brave enough to come up to Xe¡¯Reth. A fellow man of poverty with his unwashed long hanging hair that moves with the slight breeze, his light-brown bearded face, and the over-worn clothes that¡¯re in a grayish color, while the man himself holds his hands behind his back as he leans slightly forward.


    As Xe¡¯Reth stands up while turning around, he puts up a kind smile on his mouth, ¡°Yes? Can I help you with something?¡±


    ¡°Many are¡­ wondering. Is it really true that the guard captain was sent to prison?¡± he asked. ¡°There is a rumor going around, or at least a laughing madman spewing out that the captain was dragged away by his own men.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Xe¡¯Reth simply said while nodding once.


    He sees that the crowd is starting to go their own ways; to spread the news about what has happened here; to tend to their own poor duties and going to their own various jobs on this glorious day of celebration.


    ¡°On the behalf of the people of the slums, I thank you¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± the man said with a grinning curve on his mouth, but the way he said Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s name while smiling, makes him raise his scarred brow in wonder.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve met you before,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said being slightly suspicious as his eyes narrows themselves. ¡°Who¡¯re you?¡±


    The old man says nothing. But the smile on his bearded face is rather gentle as he looks at Xe¡¯Reth with his light-brown eyes and bushy eyebrows which¡¯re raised to show such gratefulness.


    ¡°I am a simple man of poverty, like everyone else here, including you. But of course, no more¡­ It seems?¡± the grin never leaves his face as he speaks. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the people of the slums, Xe¡¯Reth.¡±


    He then turns around and walks in a calm pace down the street opposite to the graveyard, which is if you came out from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house, it would be on the right side, for the door entrance points to the west if you¡¯re inside, and the graveyard is to the north, while the man is going to the south, seeming not to have any worries in the world as he strides.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s brows lowers as he scowls at the grinning man who now disappears, ¡®Weird old man¡­¡¯


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Xe¡¯Reth looks up at the sky to see the brightly lit sun that hangs over this kingdom, making him squint as it¡¯s too much for his eyes to handle. ¡°Mother should be waking up soon.¡±


    *Screech*


    *Screech*


    ¡°It will do,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he tests the only hinge of the door; he closes it and opens it a couple of times to see if anything else is wrong with it. But it screeches wonderfully as he cringes with his eyebrows while hearing it.


    Then, with a glance down to his bare chest, he sees that he¡¯s indeed bare. So does the other people who has remained to stare at the glittering armor of the horses, the golden carriage of wealth, and the now troubled Xe¡¯Reth who sees them watching his blood-bandaged chest.


    ¡°Better put on something to wear,¡± he whispered.


    While leaving the door open, he goes inside to get some clothes.


    ¡®Why did I need to rip my only good shirt¡­?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth sighed as he browses through his closet of clothes; all worn-out, stained with slight smudges of dirt, and all he can think about is his good shirt that¡¯s now in the trash.


    ¡°Well, my armor will do,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he goes and puts on his black leather and red light-plate upper armor, while also changing out his lower clothes also, because it would look so atrocious just walking with thin pants while having only the upper armor pieces on. But, before he puts on all of his pieces, he checks his bandaged wounds, to see¡­ if they¡¯ve healed.


    ¡°What am I¡­ really?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked as he sees the smooth surface of blood stains, but no injuries are showing. He touches his left brow. ¡°Wonder why my eyebrow never healed¡­ Was it because that was the first time I bled? Hmm, never mind¡­ Time to prepare mother so I can leave for the mountain garden to get more herbs, which I need to pack down when I¡­ move, heh move... Oh¡­ And thank you, Ebon Wall, for allowing me to sneak in my illegal merchandise without being inspected¡­ Through the victorious battle, the celebrations are held in your glory. Heh, look at me, talking to myself.¡±


    ¡°I really got to wash myself, too. Hmm, I¡¯ll do it in the spring of the mountain while I am there¡­ It shouldn¡¯t take more than two to three hours to return home¡­ If I run fast¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he suddenly drops to land on his palms¡­ He begins to do pushups while in his armor to get the feel of the leathery touch. After about fifty of some downs and ups, Xe¡¯Reth lowers his arms to the floor, and with a fast push upwards, he extends his arms so he flings himself to stand straight, not even feeling exhausted at all.


    Xe¡¯Reth breathes out a long sigh, ¡°Better take my bow with me.¡±


    The Ebony Bow, which is hidden away, is standing on one of its tips while it is behind one of the shelfs inside his and his mother¡¯s room. The string of the bow is in its black color and the bow itself also.


    He goes and places his bow on the kitchen table, then he goes back into the bedroom since he forgot to take out more arrows that he has made through his own effort. Xe¡¯Reth would buy the arrowheads at one of the outer layer¡¯s Arrow-Smiths, which would cost less than buying already made arrows. And when he¡¯s in the mountains to tend to the garden, he poaches birds, to take their quills, while getting something to eat for free.


    The shafts he makes are from seasoned wood, which is called Ellenwood, named after one of the deceased Queens because it¡¯s covering most of the kingdom with its leaves of emerald and its thick tree trucks of dark brown.


    After the wood is seasoned he would begin to make the shafts with a regular razor-sharp blade, for his hand movements are extremely precise that he only needs to stroke with his hands as he cuts them to long and slight round arrow shafts. A hobby that he does while sitting in the bedroom as he watches his mother who would be moaning unbearably in her sleep.


    After he had armored himself up, he had now placed the bow, the brown-leather quiver with arrows that¡¯re covered and tied with a cloth piece so they won¡¯t jump around while he runs, and a sheath that goes along with the dagger, which he had held in the boss¡¯s mouth, is fastened behind his waist.


    He also takes out a black hooded-cloak that he uses for when he needs to do something¡­ illegal, and to not make people see him, for where he¡¯s going, he can¡¯t let people know who he¡¯s. A black bandana, too, he places on the kitchen table while he ties the pouch of silver coins to his waist.


    ¡®I can¡¯t let Malinda¡¯s handmaiden see what¡¯s in the other room. She seems like a very decent woman who doesn¡¯t break any of her codes of¡­ moral, though she¡¯s rather annoying to speak to,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he leans with supporting hands on the table. ¡®She would most likely have me flayed for just speaking to Malinda openly.¡¯


    The door to the bedroom is widely open since Xe¡¯Reth wants to notice the exact moment when his mother wakes up from her slumber. To be awakened to her agony once more.


    After he had come back from the graveyard, he had awakened Theresa with an herb, which can even awake someone from a dreadful coma, and that¡¯s the hardest illness to handle, since the victim will starve to death, for their throat passage won¡¯t be able to take any food. But thank the Divine that his mother isn¡¯t lying in a coma, only in her groaning sleep.


    As Xe¡¯Reth straighten himself from his leaning position, he walks into the bedroom while seeing his bandaged up mother with the disease proclaiming themselves on her body. He begins to grind the Yran¡¯Gilis in the pestle while moving out to the kitchen to prepare some hot water for her awakening. The hot water makes the flower¡¯s effect spread faster as the steam will seep into places as it goes down her throat.


    With the Yran¡¯Gilis flower and some other herbs now lying in the pestle in a gooey dark purple color, he begins his waiting, for his mother¡¯s awakening. Xe¡¯Reth had seen the sun high in the sky, and he kind of knows when and where the sun will be at, at a certain time of the day.


    As it¡¯s now midday, he awaits to pour the steaming water into the pestle, then go to his mother, though it¡¯ll be a little hot, but she has gotten used to it because she¡¯s always preoccupied with her other pains that riddles her body.


    Xe¡¯Reth touches his lip and lets out a sigh¡­ The wound has also healed entirely and his bruises, which isn¡¯t good, because if Malinda would notice his healed state, well, it would direct suspiciousness upon him. Not in a bad way though, more of a medical manner. He greatly doesn¡¯t want to be dissected by the healers


    ¡°Like I said, don¡¯t be so grumpy and take it out on Xe¡¯Reth. He didn¡¯t do anything, I decided it on my own,¡± Malinda scolded as she steps out of her carriage. ¡°You¡¯ll just have to live with it, that certain changes are going to happen.¡±


    ¡°But Miss, you just met him yesterday as you just said, it is moving too fast. It is¡­ unwomanly, it is shameful to fall in love with a man this fast, which you¡¯ve,¡± Taryna said as she comes out right behind Malinda with a rather demanding voice. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be taking it slower, I mean, moving into the castle? That¡¯s completely absurd. Please Miss, think it through more carefully, it isn¡¯t normal.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve said enough, Taryna. Why can¡¯t he come to the castle and live with me? It has too many rooms that¡¯re vacant, it¡¯s almost creepy sometimes, you know?¡± Malinda said as she turns around to scowl at Taryna for not giving in, while her hands are on either side of her waist, looking rather unamused. ¡°Sigh¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter, I¡¯m saying that he¡¯ll live with me, so suck it up and prepare the horses for departure, we¡¯re going to the city¡¯s prison. Then to the DLO to put out an arrest on the captain¡¯s brother¡­ That monster who tortured Xe¡¯Reth.¡±


    But as Malinda is about to go into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house, she turns around and frowns at her handmaiden who doesn¡¯t obey her, ¡°I said, tend to the horses for departure. Now go.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be alone with¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Go¡­ I said¡­¡± Malinda demanded with an overbearing voice as her eyebrows lowers immensely.


    ¡°Fine, but we¡¯re not finished with this conversation, yet,¡± Taryna added as she does a spin of her body, then she walks with stomping feet to the horses to turn them around for departure.


    As Malinda was going to retort, she sees the remaining crowd staring at her; she puts up a smile as she gives a graceful wave of her hand while at the same time she walks to peek into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house, but she doesn¡¯t see him in the kitchen. She takes a deep breath to air out her worried emotions, and with a slight lowered head, she heads inside to peek into his and his mother¡¯s room.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The floor of the house creaks as she steps on the wooden foundation. She didn¡¯t even hear it before, but now that all of her attention is to keep quiet, she hears the squeaking sound loud and clear. For every step, she cringes with her eyebrows, until she sees Xe¡¯Reth there sitting next to his mother on her bed, with the pestle of steaming grind up herbs in his hands, holding it like a bowl.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t nice to sneak up on people, Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he turns his head while smiling, knowing that it¡¯s already her. Because he had heard everything which was said between her and Taryna, and that¡¯s why he knew that she wasn¡¯t going to come along with her, so he doesn¡¯t feel worried at all.


    ¡°You¡­ You caught me, hehe,¡± Malinda giggled slightly as she comes into the bedroom, not bothering to walk carefully anymore. ¡°What is¡­ that¡­?¡±


    ¡°My prepared mixture of various herbs. I know it looks ghastly, no, it is ghastly, even the taste, but no matter what I add, the Yran¡¯Gilis takes up all of the other flavors, though not their medical effects,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he holds it in front of her so she can see the purple goo of water, though not to close. ¡°Careful, don¡¯t breathe in too much, it¡¯ll cause you to pass out, which I¡¯ve had the pleasure of feeling.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth stands up from his seated position on the bed as he puts down the bowl of steaming goodies on the bed table. He sprouts forth a smile as he gazes at Malinda whose face is now back to its perfect condition, which she was before leaving the castle; black sharp eyeliner that brings out her lovely yet lethal eyes, her now powdered face that makes her slightly paler than normal, and her red filled rose petals.


    ¡°Malinda, you¡¯re spectacular as always, I see. I am truly blessed, and truly ashamed, for I¡¯ve stolen you away from someone who¡¯s more worthy of you than me. But, I am not complaining since I can only feel joy,¡± Xe¡¯Reth admired while nodding his head a couple of times while standing in a pondering position; hand on chin and the other hand holding his elbow.


    ¡°Come closer,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said while turning sneaky, which makes Malinda look around herself awkwardly, but she complies. She takes a few steps as she leans in while turning her head so he can whisper something in her ear. ¡°I need to leave and get some more of THOSE¡­ herbs. So I¡¯ll be gone for about two to three hours. And I am going to re-put my mother to sleep when she wakes up, then I¡¯ll hastily go to the mountain; you know that one which looks very high, but not so expansive?¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± she nods as she turns her head to stare at him while she too whispers in a low voice. ¡°I know which one you mean. Is that where you grow your¡­ umm¡­ you know, THOSE¡­ herbs? B-By the way, why¡¯re we whispering? Taryna is outside tending the horses.¡±


    ¡°No reason,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he straightens himself while grinning as he strokes his slicked-back hair. ¡°It just seemed right, because you¡¯re the only one who knows my secret. I am at your mercy¡­ my love, my Malinda. And I would like to keep it like that.¡±


    As Xe¡¯Reth is about to lean forward to steal a kiss, she puts her index and middle finger on her rose petals, then pushes them onto his, ¡°No more kissing, I don¡¯t want to fix myself up again, alright?¡±


    ¡°Mhmhm¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as his mouth is covered by the two fingers, but he¡¯s only jesting, for he can easily speak with two fingers pressing on his mouth. Though, as she tries to remove her fingers from his lips, he instead takes ahold of her hand that has slight red frills around her wrist. ¡°As my Honored Lady commands of me.¡±


    He does a graceful bow of his upper body. His one hand hurls to the right, holding it in the air as if he¡¯s preparing to fly like a bird; bending one of his knees while putting the other leg slightly in a straight line outwards, and his other hand is holding hers as he lightly kisses it like a noble gentleman greeting a noble lady, which he isn¡¯t, but he can act like any gentleman she wants him to be.


    ¡°But enough with joking around,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a relaxed smile as he lets go of her hand. ¡°Where were we? Ah yes, after I¡¯ve gotten my mother to sleep again, and after you¡¯ve left, I¡¯ll head to the mountain. But if I don¡¯t return in two to three hours, please do stay here and wait for me. I¡¯ll return as fast as I can, but you¡¯ve your own business to attend to, so we¡¯ll see each other later, alright?¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Malinda said as she grows quiet while her eyes and eyebrows scowls with clenched teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll find the brother of that¡­ of that pig who hurt you. I even met the pig¡¯s daughter on my way here when she stopped us in the inner layer. I am afraid that she¡¯ll do something stupid to get her father out¡­ She was so rude, yelling at me to release him.¡±


    ¡®Oh yeah, that girl. His little princess. I wonder if I should tell her¡­ Yes, it¡¯ll be to Malinda¡¯s advantage¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought while pondering with his scarred brow raised.


    ¡°The mother¡­ of his daughter¡­ She committed suicide because she was raped by that pig,¡± Xe¡¯Reth uttered while showing such disgust upon his frowning eyebrows. ¡°When he was still young, he had taken a liking to a young woman of poverty. But as he was in a higher standing than her¡­ He, well. He raped her while threatening her that if she spoke about it, he would kill her. Because, who would miss a poor woman?¡±


    ¡°But¡­ When she got pregnant with his child¡­ She tried to commit suicide openly while trying to jump off the high wall of the outer layer. But as guards were there, they restrained her¡­ Though a man miraculously came to take her home, and that man was him. He had kept her in his house from there on, until she gave birth, but she couldn¡¯t take it anymore. One day she ran as fast as she could, and well, she did manage to jump off from the outer layer¡¯s white wall.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth has his eyes closed as he finishes speaking of such an atrocity. It had been a well-known rumor that everyone in the slums knew, for she came from here, but no one had raised a finger to help her. If they did¡­ They would¡¯ve gotten the wrath upon themselves, no shining knight, no parents, no friends, just a woman that was taken advantage of, because the pig had connections with the city-guard back then too.


    ¡°That¡­ That is completely dreadful!¡± she shouted but she instinctively covers her mouth as she thought about Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s sleeping mother. Though as she quickly looks at her, she sighs since Theresa isn¡¯t changing from her groaning sleep of pain. While lowering her voice, she gains such a grimaces on her eyes and eyebrows. ¡°That pig¡­ He¡­ He shall not escape justice¡­ He¡¯ll spend the rest of his life in prison if I¡¯ve anything to say about it.¡±


    Just thinking about the daughter¡¯s poor deceased mother sprouts forth Malinda¡¯s eyes of venom that will not give any quarter to a man whose filthy hands has been branded forever in wicked marks of disgust.


    Malinda turns hastily around as she walks out of the room with a lowered head that shows the eyes of a true verdict which has been judged by her alone. Even if she hasn¡¯t met the woman, she can picture the scene in front of her eyes, and she¡¯s appalled, she wants to throw up, she wants to...


    While turning back to look into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s dark eyes, Malinda can see that he agrees with her, such a man has no right to live out his life in joy. Xe¡¯Reth gives a simple but ice-cold nod of support, then she turns around and begins to stride with womanly legs while saying, ¡°I¡¯ll return when that bastard sits in prison for life!¡±


    As she disappears out the front door, Xe¡¯Reth breathes out his gathered air of humorous emotions, ¡°Dear Malinda, you¡¯re so easily distracted, heh.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to purge the city-guard later from its rot. Its plague has spread through the whole union, but that can wait¡­ It can wait until I have my grasp on more power, more sway to decide things. Be glad, my fellow people of poverty, I¡¯ll aid you in eradicating your troubled uncertainties.¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he turns to attend to his mother while showing a motionless face as he looks upon her. ¡°Just wait mother¡­ You won¡¯t be the only one who suffers today.¡±


    A clench-teethed-grin grows on his expression, showing his white teeth of marvel.


    *NNEEIIGGHHH*


    ¡°There she goes,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he hears the horses of terror, the grinding of wheels, and the metal shoes of sixteen hooves bombarding the mud-cobblestoned ground; in the process showing the might of such beasts of pure muscles that can ride to the beyond and back.


    A slow shuddering whimper begins to wake up. A shaking of utter stinginess attacks the body of its owner. The throbbing of the simplest moving touch sends such agony that can only be put out by one entity, the appearance of a son which has been with her through the dreadful times of constant insanity that eats away at its possessor¡¯s soul. Through thick and thin. Through melting lava and ice-making blizzards. Through everything that comes and everything that goes.


    A hand raises up into the shadowy darkness that blinds her sight, a sight that¡¯s filled with tears that has laid itself onto her eyelids. A blindness that she doesn¡¯t want, she wants to see, her eyes, her eyes, OPEN!¡±


    ¡°Xeee¡­¡­ Ree-tthhh¡­¡­¡± the now seeing woman¡¯s voice of pure agony whose eyes are open, sees her man, her love, her son standing there holding that raised hand of hers in complete affection.


    ¡°I¡¯m here¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth said peacefully while wiping away the tears of his mother¡¯s overflowing eyes.


    With clasping of hands, the burnt scarred hand which no longer has strength flowing through its veins, and the smooth masculine hand which strength do flows through, are conjoined together. A mother and son holding hands as pain inflicts the body of both; the pains of an aching heart and the pains of a scorching frame that has been drained of its life energy for over four years.


    As Xe¡¯Reth sits there beside his diseased mother, he can¡¯t show anything of his true self.


    He has an imbedded smile on his curved lips that screams at him, those screams of seeing such a horrifying sight. But his eyes do shows some of his true feelings for they are completely dead of emotions like the absolute death that takes its victims to its graves of no-awaking. If his mother wasn¡¯t so ill, if her eyes were true! And not in such shadows that clouds her sight of things, she would be frightened to death by such a terrifying picture that¡¯s in front of her at this moment.


    But she can¡¯t see that expression of¡­nothingness, because her eyes are blurred from the awakening of torment.


    ¡°Mother¡­ listen to my voice¡­ follow it with your mind¡­¡± the blurred shade said in thorough tranquility. ¡°Everything will be all right. I will soon figure out how to save you. Rest as you drink your sorrows away¡­ Drink¡­the troubles away¡­ Drink¡­so your serene sleep will take you away from the horrors you¡¯re battling.¡±


    ¡°¡­Drink¡­ ¡­Drink¡­ ¡­Drink¡­ ¡­ Drin¡ª¡­ ¡­Dri¡ª¡­ ¡­D¡ª...¡±


    This darkness... These shades of blackness are forever changing¡­


    To the peaceful life of a village girl that helps with the nature, to grow it, to nurture it; to grow up, to train, to learn, to battle; to fall, to bear, to birth; to paradise, to obscurity, and into the light of the rising sun that burns forever upon the sensitive skin of this woman, this mother of one.


    ¡®It burns¡­ Help me¡­ it stings. Mama¡­ it hurts¡­ Papa¡­where are you¡­? Why did you leave mama and me¡­? Where were you when mama¡¯s last breath was upon her?¡¯


    ¡®Why¡­ why is it boiling? Why am I burning? Ah¡­ it hurts¡­ Ahh¡­help me¡­ Please¡­someone¡­help¡­meeee¡­ Why¡­is no one¡­helping me¡­? Ahhh¡­. It burns always¡­ Why must it burn me so?''


    ''Ahh¡­ Ahhh¡­ AAhhhhh¡­ AAAHHHHH¡­.. ¡¯


    ¡®AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!¡¯


    As Xe¡¯Reth sits there quietly beside the now sleeping Theresa who wails as nightmares inflicts her mind, he can¡¯t cry no matter how much he tries. He wants to cry for his mother¡­ but can¡¯t. His empty vessels of tears has already been dried up long ago.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back as always¡­ Mother,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he lays the bowl of gooey remains onto the bed table, then he leans to his mother and gives her a kiss on her forehead while stroking her head¡­ Stroking it like he stroked Malinda¡¯s hair¡­


    Standing up, he takes one last look at his mother while biting his healed lip¡­ desperately, then with a turn he goes out to the kitchen and swooshes his hooded-cloak on; ties the bandana around his face, making only his abyssal eyes show as they stare at the table where his bow and quiver lies.


    He goes to shut the bedroom door, then drags a large shelf so it hides the whole entrance to his mother¡¯s sanctuary.


    As he¡¯s about to leave with everything on, his armor, his bow, his sheathed dagger, his arrows hanging on the side, and he himself who¡¯s darkness incarnate, Xe¡¯Reth can¡¯t help to feel worry.


    Xe¡¯Reth crouches down while his hands opens a small compartment in the flooring, taking out three hardened leather square bags; they aren¡¯t big, only a fist sized, but as he¡¯s holding the squares, Xe¡¯Reth attaches them to his belt which is already holding the quiver, the sheathed dagger, and the pouch of silvers.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be handy if I run into any trouble, and if I need to make a quick escape,¡± he murmured as he stands up to walk to the door that¡¯s hanging with only once hinge. Though it looks like a regular door if a person were to see it from the outside.


    As he¡¯s standing out in front of the door, he closes it, then locks the many locks with his keys that¡¯re also attached to the belt, which will rattle as he runs.


    While pulling the door to test its strength, he nods in satisfactory.


    The crowd has disappeared, only stragglers who¡¯re walking to their own places are on the street of poverty. Xe¡¯Reth takes one shuddering long muffled breath, then starts to run, fast. It isn¡¯t anything special for people to be wearing clothes that covers everything, but it is suspicious to see someone run through the city at the fastest speed the person can muster, while avoiding the travelers in zigzag movements.


    Xe¡¯Reth disappears down the lane of the city, towards the east, to the outer layer¡¯s gate, to journey to his garden of salvation.


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts!


    Until... next time.


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    <hr />

 15 - The Crackling Thunder

    Sorry for the non-daily release, been pretty hectic. But, I''ve returned, so you can prepare your heart... for madness! Well... at least a little madness.


    Anyways, I thought that I was going to do an action chapter, but it was shot up to next chapter instead. Because otherwise I had to write this chapter in the past, which was... not so tempting.


    Oh well, I''ve kept you long enough.


    Enjoy.


    <hr />


    The Crackling Thunder


    <hr />


    The prison of Tertinum is where all of the criminals are held, which¡¯re within the borders of Tertinum land. It is surrounded with high fortifications while it¡¯s stationed right beside one of the layer walls. It is in a square construction and has only one large gate, though upon the ramparts are prison towers, one tower on every corner of the square formation.


    It is a prison no one can escape from, from the inside at least, but there has been instances where help from the outside has managed to breach and aid the ones that they came for.


    Upon coming to the wide street where guards holds their positions to watch for suspicious activity, Malinda¡¯s carriage of gold is seen coming by the sentries, with Taryna at its helm. Houses are nowhere near the prison, the closest house is forty meters away. Ever since the breakout it has been made so that only those with authorization are allowed to come close to the prison¡¯s gate or walls.


    There are other streets that goes around the prison, but as Malinda is here for the captain, Taryna steers the horses to the gate. And as the carriage arrives, Taryna stomps with her feet upon where they¡¯re resting. Through the stomping, Malinda comes out. As she steps off of it, the sentries stare upon her as if in awe, but the one who handles all of the admittances walks up to her.


    With an awkward deep bow, the gate-keeper greets her with a shaking voice while sweat glitters in the sun on the man¡¯s forehead, ¡°W-We have been expecting you, m-my Honored Lady¡­ But¡­ I-I am sorry to inform you that the man named, Eretor Odrinos, has been released from his captivity one hour ago.¡±


    ¡°What did you just say¡­?¡± Malinda said with piercing eyes of venom that drills into the gate-keeper¡¯s panicky mind. ¡°Who authorized his release, speak, NOW!¡±


    ¡°I-It was the Inquisitor herself¡­ She came with his daughter while carrying papers that said he was unrightfully imprisoned¡­ You should also be aware of it, m-my Honored Lady. What you did was illegal, so he had no right to be here,¡± the gate-keeper said with even more sweat running down his face. A river explodes as he dares to look into Malinda¡¯s eyes, but when he gazes at those twitching lips of hers. He takes a couple of steps back. ¡°Please, my Honored One! I am only a messenger that was told to inform you of this! I mean no harm!¡±


    ¡°You fool! You complete and utter fool! Why would she be with such a pig¡¯s daughter! Wait¡­ Odrinos¡­ Odrinos¡­ It can¡¯t be¡ª!!!¡± Malinda¡¯s eyes goes wide as she recognizes the name, the name which the Inquisitor¡¯s only pupil has. With a spin, she turns to walk into the carriage while saying with pure madness upon her twitching lips, ¡°To the DLO¡¯s headquarter with haste, now!¡±


    Taryna had heard everything, so as soon as the door clicks shut she raises her arms, then with her many whip movements, the horses begins to stomp and stomp and stomp, until they¡¯re galloping through the prison¡¯s lane of the street, and into the regular lanes.


    Towards the DLO they go!


    It doesn¡¯t take long until they¡¯re at the front of the DLO¡¯s headquarter. It¡¯s a building with three levels and it¡¯s built like a rectangle, rather stretched alongside the street that leads up towards the citadel¡¯s innermost gate, while on the other side of the street is another structure, the city-guard headquarter. And their construction is by no means less extensive than the DLO¡¯s.


    Folks that aren¡¯t allowed to come into the castle¡¯s outer grounds can go to the two other buildings that belong to the DLO which¡¯re in the outer and inner layer, but they¡¯re only there for people who wants some kind of justice done, or to investigate the allegations of the one that applied a problem.


    Everything is sent to the DLO¡¯s headquarter, then when everything is in order, they would send out investigators to arrest or question the guilty one. By force if they¡¯re harmful or by simple conversations if they aren¡¯t harmful.


    Malinda steps out from her carriage and waltzes straight up to the main door as she begins to climb the flight of stairs. As Taryna sees her Miss moving rather fast, she scowls as she doesn¡¯t see anyone who can move the horses to a safe place, so she doesn¡¯t cause a major disturbance. But Taryna has to choose, the horses or her Miss, and of course she chooses Malinda.


    She holds up her dress as she runs with a dangling sword at her waist, leaving the horses there without a caretaker. But as she sees a short girl coming down the stairs where Malinda went up, Taryna glares at her who has nobleness steaming from her gorgeous ball dress that goes down to her feet, and her hair that¡¯s setup in intricate hairdo, not one single hair strand is out of place.


    Though upon making eye contact with Taryna, she becomes startled as she sees the glaring woman who¡¯s walking straight towards her. And Taryna takes advantage of it, ¡°You, girl! Watch the horses for me! Those horses of black armor! If they aren¡¯t here when I return, you¡¯ll have to answer to an Honored One!¡±


    With that, Taryna heads inside while the noble girl stands there dumbfounded to the max. Her flickering eyes goes to the monsters called horses that bobs their heads up and down. Neighing in a dreadfully horrible manner as their nostrils flares and their mouths drips of horse saliva onto the gray cobblestone, because they had charged through the city while Taryna yelled her various commands at the street travelers.


    But what stuck to the girl the most was ¡®Honored One¡¯.


    All she can do is to stand and watch obediently. Though, she jumps every time a horse neighs. They¡¯re stallions of the purest breed there is, they¡¯re the graceful chargers of Ellenoria. They¡¯re trained to not move a muscle if no one is guiding them.


    With a loud bang the double-doors opens to the main hall of the DLO, while Malinda comes strutting with fast moving legs as her head is lowered slightly in a furious rage. And when people see who it is, they become wide-eyed with gaping mouths, because it is an Honored One.


    As Malinda comes up to the front counter, she raises her head with a scowling anger which¡¯s still showing on her twitching lips. Upon seeing the frightened secretary that has a bun hairstyle like Taryna, she glares more angrily to show that she means business.


    ¡°Where¡­ Is¡­ The¡­ Inquisitor?¡± Malinda said with verses of poison as she formed every word, slowly, to pronounce it clear as running water, but filled with deadly substances that can kill the one who drinks the wrong water cup.


    ¡°S-She is busy, come back anot¡ª!¡± she drunk the wrong cup.


    *Crash* A fisted hand is now imbedded into the wooden counter which doesn¡¯t make Malinda show any other face, only a stare of death that looks at the bun-haired woman who gapes in fear upon seeing the hole in front of her while she gulps.


    ¡°Take me to her, now¡­¡± Malinda said as she takes out her hand to shake it slightly. It did hurt, but not much, the wood wasn¡¯t strong enough since it has a very thin layer leading into a drawer.


    ¡°But¡ª, IIiihh, I understand! I understand! Please Honored Malinda, I am sorry!¡± the woman cried as she raises her hands in front of her face to shield herself from Malinda¡¯s crackling fists. ¡°F-Follow m-me¡­¡±


    The fear that people feel, the obedience that she commands isn¡¯t exaggerated because she is Malinda. Second-In-Command of the number one squad of the middle gate! It isn¡¯t weird to be utterly afraid of her. Her reputation isn¡¯t very good for being gentle to her enemies, or to those who angers her, or when her mood is in the sewer.


    Once upon a time, there was man that tried to flirt with her when she was first admitted into her brother¡¯s squad, but that man could never battle again, for he was crippled. It was a high noble¡¯s son who now spends most of his time thinking about his dreadful mistakes in self-pity.


    But with her current personality, she wouldn¡¯t act so rash as to injure people, though making a person shrink in fright she does when she please, especially when anger comes over her. She can become easily furious, easily put to tears, and easily her mood can switch to happiness. It is a trait of the Tertin family from carefully selected breeding long ago, which backfired. One just needs to look upon their family tree; illnesses, complications of the heart, blindness, and unsteady minds.


    Her father¡¯s heart, her mother¡¯s mind of suicide thinking. For Malinda¡¯s parents are distant relatives that was put together, to be husband and wife.


    It is why so few of the Tertins are still alive, they die young for the most part, or the parents doesn¡¯t want any more children. But over the years they had stopped with their breeding techniques. They were able to halt many of the different illnesses, but this generation hit hard. Celyssa¡¯s daughter, Malinda¡¯s mother and father.


    Even sometimes her brother thinks that Madelyn has some kind of mental disorder since she¡¯s unstable at most times; a compulsive liar, slothful, and much alike Malinda who has mood swings that isn¡¯t part of being a lady. Though Celyssa is a master of calming her down, a second mother is she to Madelyn, to Malinda too.


    It is a fickle situation about that family, and now walking there in a long corridor leading into the Inquisitor¡¯s office, is the treading Malinda who¡¯s following the bun-haired woman, while Taryna had caught up to her Miss.


    Inside the office sits the Inquisitor herself, an elderly woman in her fifties, which can be seen on her forehead of deep lines of wrinkles; her eyes of tranquility that has age of knowledge backing her up, and her light-brown hair that¡¯s in a crown braid, very flowery for an older woman. Her own custom-made bluecoat DLO attire displays on her body which the mark of the Divine Queen¡¯s allegiance is stamped onto the right chest.


    It can be said that its men¡¯s clothes, which isn¡¯t far from it, but it still fits her like a baby in its womb.


    Two other people are sitting in front the grand desk, while she herself is sitting on her lavish chair that shows her status of power. An Inquisitor that¡¯s almost the same as an Honored One, but yet under. She¡¯s the law and order in every village, in every town, in every house, in every forest, in every corner of the borders of Tertinum land.


    ¡°I did not do this for you. I did it for your daughter. As a favor to me. She is my chosen student to succeed me, and I can¡¯t have you messing her life up. Do you understand me¡­? Eretor Odrinos.¡± she spoke with such clearness that it¡¯s as if the light shines upon this woman. Her expression is composed as the calm breeze that showers the world with its tranquil winds.


    Her eyes stares in calmness upon the pig who sits there on the chair that¡¯s too small for him.


    ¡°I understand, Madam Inquisitor, I understand,¡± Eretor said repeatedly while wiping his fattened forehead with a cloth.


    ¡°Father, don¡¯t be so nervous,¡± a sudden voice with overbearing happiness said while slapping the large shoulder, making his body tremor as the excess fat moves with the slap like a flowing wave when someone jumps into in a lake, stone-style. ¡°Madam can seem scary but she¡¯s the kindest person I know!¡±


    The Inquisitor chuckles at the praise from this teenager, ¡°You have a fine daughter, Eretor. You¡¯ve raised her well. Well enough to be my successor when I retire in five years. She has much to learn, but she¡¯ll manage it with flying colors. Because your daughter is the top student of the SLO, in both academics, firing, and the most important part, having a benevolent head on top of her shoulders.¡±


    ¡°T-Thank you, Madam Inquisitor!¡± Erector said, feeling proud of his little princess as his hand grasps ahold of his daughter¡¯s hand, holding one another as parent and child.


    ¡°But¡­ There is one problem that needs to be taken care of,¡± the Inquisitor said falling back on her chair while rattling her fingers on the armrest. ¡°You have to quit the city-guard. Because we, the Department of Law and Order, doesn¡¯t affiliate ourselves with that organization since it is commanded by the rulers of the city, and well¡­ I don¡¯t enjoy the Honored Ones¡¯ company very much. I can arrange a job for you in the DLO¡­ If you accept, that is.¡±


    ¡°I-I would never decline such an offer¡ª!¡±


    The double-doors to the Inquisitor¡¯s office blasts open when Malinda pulls down the handles and pushes them with such force that they slam into the walls on either side, which makes the three people jerk from surprise.


    The Inquisitor frowns upon seeing Malinda there in the open doorway with a frightened secretary behind her. Malinda duels her with piercing gazes as she begins to walk forward, one step at a time. For every step, Erector¡¯s eyes goes a little bit wider. She comes up right next to the child and parent. The Inquisitor has an annoyed expression as she¡¯s leaning back in her seat.


    ¡°You dared to be so bold¡­ Rissara¡­¡± Malinda said as their eyes are still glued upon each other¡¯s, she the viper and the Inquisitor the eagle. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that you released a man who¡¯s a defiler? A rapist? A man who forced this girl¡¯s mother to birth an unwanted child? Then through her suffering, she was killed by her own hands, suicide to escape her inflictor.¡±


    ¡°What?! LIES! THIS WOMAN SPEWS OUT TOTAL LIES!¡± Erector bellowed as he gapes with quaking double chins as he heard her words¡­ Words that he thought he would never hear again. Words that a daughter should never hear. ¡°Ah¡­!¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Rissara inquired with narrowed eyes as her drumming of her fingers upon the armrest becomes quicker. ¡°This¡­ ¡­Oh¡­ Dear Divine Queen¡­¡±


    Her drumming stops as she stands up from her seat of power. Just from his tone, she knows who¡¯s in the right and who¡¯s in the wrong. She has made a fatal error in her plans.


    ¡°You see? He¡¯s a pig that needs to be butchered, then fed to the other PIGS!¡± Malinda screamed as her personal feelings takes ahold of her heart. She had committed suicide¡­ like her mother¡­ ¡°He¡­ no, he doesn¡¯t even deserve to be called human! IT, IT raped this poor girl¡¯s mother when IT was younger, and through ITS despicable acts, she was born out of a mother who was forced! IT deserves to be hanged! But no, IT shall not be hanged, I¡¯ll make sure that IT and ITS family will go down with IT!¡±


    ¡°IT even send ITS brother to do ITS dirty work! ITS brother tortured my lover in his house, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT! I will have the perpetrator before me, and you¡­ my dear Rissara, will do this for me. Else, I¡¯ll spread that you gained a successor out of a forced, dirty wedlock. Rissara, I want ITS brother found and brought to me, well, you know what will happen if you don¡¯t.¡±


    Malinda turns her head to stare at the daughter who looks upon her father with such innocence. She doesn¡¯t move, only a stare with unmoving eyes, an unmoving expression, almost like a statue. What did she just hear? Her father¡­ violated her mother, and through that act¡­ She was born?¡±


    ¡°It is lies¡­ I haven¡¯t even spoken to my brother¡­ It is lies¡­ Everything is a lie¡­¡± he falls off of his overgrown ass onto the floor while he begins to crawl to his daughter in such a grotesque way, flapping hands as if he was a fabled walrus on dry land. But as his hands touches his daughter¡¯s smooth teenage hands, she shatters¡­


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!! AAHHH!! AAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!¡± the daughter retreats out of her seat and backs away from her own father as if he was something completely horrifying, someone she doesn¡¯t even know. Her whole body shakes as tears starts to form around her eyelids.


    A monster is what she looks at, a monster who tries to reach his daughter, desperately. Her small frame of flesh and bones¡­ came from¡­ that? Her eyes are as wide as they can get while her hands goes to her head. She grips a hold of her hair as if she needs something to hold onto as she shakes in such a damaging way. She can¡¯t even speak because of her opened unmoving mouth that neither locks nor unlocks anymore, only a locked agape expression is upon her.


    As Rissara sees her pupil in such a situation that can be dangerous on her mind, she jumps over her desk as she begins to run to her in complete worry. And as she takes ahold of her, holding her in a tight secure embrace, she looks at Malinda while nodding her head in agreeing to her terms of finding ITS brother. For she has put too much effort in trying to find the perfect successor to take her place, as¡­ The Inquisitor of Tertinum.


    ¡°YOU DARE TURN AWAY FROM ME, GIRL?!¡± he shouted in madness as he sees his daughter hugging Rissara while wailing in a dreadful manner, soaking the custom-made outfit. YOU WOMEN! YOU WOMEN SHOULD JUST BE TOYS! YOU! YOU¡¯RE JUST LIKE YOUR SCARED WHORE MOTHER! SCARED?! WHAT¡¯RE YOU SCARED OF?! COME TO ME!


    He raises himself as he screams his disgusting verses of perverse thinking, a man who has no other choice than to be what he¡¯s right now.


    ¡°I SAID COME HERE!¡± he yelled, and his daughter too screamed upon seeing his true form, all mouth agape, pupils that has shrunk, and the total damage upon her emotions while seeing the horror in front of herself¡­ ¡°I SHOULD HAVE TOSSES YOU OVER THE WALL, LIKE I DID YOUR TRASH MOTHER!¡±


    The girl in Rissara¡¯s arms¡­ passes downright out. She goes limp in her embrace.


    ¡°Malinda, do something for crying out loud!¡±


    ¡°With my utmost pleasure¡­¡± Malinda said with a smile that pierces the man¡¯s heart in fright. ¡°Come here, piggy piggy¡­¡±


    Malinda doesn¡¯t even bother taking Taryna¡¯s sword, because she wants him to feel agony.


    Death?


    That¡¯s too good for him¡­ But what¡¯s going through Malinda¡¯s head is also, no suicide? He said that he killed her himself? And not she herself? As she thought about it more carefully while moving closer and closer to the now squealing pig, her eyes went wider than wide.


    What if¡­ What if he was even targeting his own daughter? Removing the only thing that could prevent it¡­ The mother of the child. A mother would never allow her child to be¡­ To be violated by her own father.


    ¡°You¡¯re a disgusting man¡­¡± she said while her beautiful leg ascends itself to the point of reaching a split. ¡°Next time you wake up¡­ Experience your torture, behind a filthy cell.¡±


    With that, her leg cascades down faster and stronger than she has ever done before, while her eyes opens with a wild flaming anger as she clenches and shows her brilliant teeth which grinds together.


    The man who stands motionless, stares with eyes ajar while that perfect leg of a Goddess descends upon his filthy bald head of sweat. And just like that, the man lies there on the carpeted floor frothing from his mouth, and broken teeth bits has spewed out onto the rug where he foams in peace.


    Parent and child, both unconscious. Parent and child, forever disconnected.


    So it came, it came with a dropping thunder of crackling teeth, and a broken mind of a girl who saw her maddened father that killed her mother, then he covered it up by saying to the people of the slums that she committed suicide, so if he was caught, he wouldn¡¯t be trialed for murder.


    The bun-haired secretary stands there beside Taryna with teary eyes, eyes of pure pity towards the unconscious girl whom she knows very well. The girl who loved her father, and said that her father loved her. But certain events has shaken their lives to its complete destruction. Will this sleeping girl ever recover from seeing the gaping monster¡¯s maw of disgust?


    ¡­Only time will tell¡­


    Malinda stares at the pig that lies in front of her, but with a turn she strides out from the office. Though she turns back to warn the Inquisitor with such vindictive but true eyes, ¡°I¡¯ll see to it, if you don¡¯t find the perpetration that tortured my¡­ first love¡­ I¡¯ll ruin your little establishment, called: Bond. If this were to get out, she would be looked upon with different eyes, eyes of pure pity, pure disgust. But you know this, don¡¯t you? And still you¡¯re thinking of making her your successor?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll find your criminal¡­ girl¡­ As long as you keep your meddling mouth sealed. And yes, she¡¯ll be my successor. You know that I¡¯m infertile, Malinda, everybody knows. But she has been like a daughter to me¡­¡± she said with an unemotional expression, stone-cold, but from such little words, one can feel the pain Rissara has endured under her life of strife and love.


    ¡°You better start, because I¡¯ll be coming tomorrow for an update,¡± Malinda said as she turns around while giving a stroke of a wave that seems so victorious. But still, even her anger can¡¯t hide her sorrow for that girl.


    As Malinda disappears down the lengthy corridor, Taryna who did nothing, follows gracefully behind her as she walks with the sword¡¯s hilt in hand, slightly leaning on it as her hips sways side to side.


    As they come outside Taryna sees the short noble girl sitting on the stairs¡¯ steps, her back towards them, feeling gloomy as her head bobs side to side as if she¡¯s humming silently to herself, hearing the tunes in her head as her body tilts somewhat as she dazedly watches the horses of terror that¡¯re a few meters in front of her.


    ¡°You did good, girl. You¡¯ve Malinda¡¯s gratitude for watching her proud stallions with conviction,¡± Taryna said as she taps on the short girl¡¯s shoulder, making her fling herself up when she sees Malinda going inside the golden carriage, which she watched¡­ She aided an Honored One!


    The short girl is now gaping with mouth ajar while switching to Taryna and the carriage¡¯s door, where Malinda disappeared into. As her head goes side to side, Taryna can only smile upon seeing this short noble girl who can¡¯t be more than thirteen years old.


    ¡°Now run home and tell how brave you were in handling those¡­ beasts!¡± Taryna shouted with a smile of success while the girl¡¯s head spasms with nods after nods even after turning around to start running with her delicate ball dress in her hands.


    Malinda opens the door to peek out, she asks ¡°Who was that?¡±


    ¡°Our brave horse-master,¡± Taryna said jokingly but affectionately. She thinks children are adorable, she can¡¯t wait when Malinda¡ª. ¡°Cough, cough.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Malinda asked with a raised brow as she sees those awkward coughs of hers.


    ¡°No¡­ Nothing,¡± she replied with a forced smile.


    ¡°Well¡­ I didn¡¯t think it would go this fast¡­ And so smoothly at that. Xe¡¯Reth still haven¡¯t come back yet from the mou¡ª,¡± she covers her mouth as she almost revealed their secret. But she sprouts forth an innocent smile as she says, ¡°¡­He¡¯s still out buying¡­ uh¡­ herbs, yes, herbs for his mother. So let us return to the castle for a while before returning to his house. Things need to be arranged! I need to write a letter to mother¡¯s friend! She¡¯s still handling those kinds of things, concerning charity work to the poor.¡±


    ¡°Miss, about that, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s such a good idea. Think of all the work you need to put into it to make it succeed. It isn¡¯t worth it,¡± Taryna protested while shaking her head like the noble she wants to be, but no noble is she, only a handmaiden.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even utter such words again. Taryna, I didn¡¯t think you would be so heartless. Think of all the children that we can save when the winter comes,¡± Malinda said, staring with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°Children¡­? Oh dear Divine¡­ Yes, you¡¯re right! Yes Miss we must help them! We must save the children!¡± she exclaimed as new light shines inside her maiden¡¯s chest, filling it with feelings of aid since she doesn¡¯t want children to starve, to lose a parent, to¡­ die. ¡°Come! Let us hurry, to the castle, quickly shut the door!¡±


    Taryna suddenly sprints to the driver¡¯s seat as her heart pounds for the adorable children that¡¯re suffering. They then, with Taryna whipping her hands violently, disappeared with the charging monstrosities of perfect breeding.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    By a river¡¯s creek, Xe¡¯Reth who¡¯s bare to the flesh is currently washing himself out of all the blood, sweat, and worries. It¡¯s refreshing, he swims upstream while feeling the pull of the forcing water. It¡¯s rather violent too. But he isn¡¯t pushed back, he pushes forward instead with flapping legs of muscles and the circling arms of movement while scooping the water to push to the limit, feeling truly alive.


    Then, he relaxes himself to drift downstream, until he arrives where he took off all of his armor pieces and equipment.


    With a dive down, he reaches the shallow bottom, and with crouching legs he dives upwards! The force of the water tries to keep him down, but with a slight splashing boom, he jumps onto the shore while showing his everything.


    As he walks with manly swagger of chest and arm and leg movements, he goes to his possessions. Though he senses that something is being very awry. As if something is pulling him to move faster.


    But he puts his worried emotions aside and begins to clothe himself in his armor pieces. It hasn¡¯t gone that long since he left home, to journey to his Garden of Salvation. While clothing himself, Xe¡¯Reth gazes around the area with the eyes of an ebon hawk, and the ears of an ebon fox.


    Now he¡¯s clad in darkness and with the slight scarlet armor pieces.


    He begins to sprint with the movement of an ebon wolf that stalks though the nightly woods, but night isn¡¯t coming yet, so he run through the sunlit woods feeling the moss, roots, grass, stones and everything the forest has to offer, the sound, the sight.


    All is seen, all is heard.


    As he reaches the upsloping cave entrance which goes to the valley that¡¯s surrounded by high but not so broad mountains, he sees something, on the ground. His eyes goes sharp with alertness as he twists his body here and there to see if he¡¯s being watched, but he senses nothing.


    He crouches down while he places a hand on the imprinted dirt. Tracks of humans, and hunting dogs, no, he has seen these paw prints before when he read a book on domestic animals. They¡¯re the dogs with the best nose there is. And they¡¯re used for stalking down illegal merchandise.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes grows darker than his already darkened eyes. He heads into the cave and into the maw of death or utter survival. If he has to choose between making his mother suffer in her awake state and killing someone, he would choose the latter, without a doubt.


    As he treads inside the cave with carefully placed steps of silence, he moves from wall to wall like a shade sticking to its owner, then he sees the light, the light which leads into the green valley and the garden of illegal herbs.


    He goes forth like a silent ghost.


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Hopefully I''ll be able to release the next chapter tomorrow!


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts!


    By the way, any thoughts on the front cover, is it creepy or is it okay to have? I just did it on Paint, so I don''t really know myself if it looks good or not.


    I''ll come back to fix grammar mistakes. Until next... time!


    Comment/Follow/Favorite


    <hr />

 16 - The Ghostly Shade

    <hr />


    The Ghostly Shade


    <hr />


    With a soundless step out into forest with the emerald crowns covering the sky, Xe¡¯Reth moves carefully, too carefully. The cave entrance stands there behind him with its dark sloping tunnel. The way down to the valley is also sloping, though, the valley is a plateau, raised from the ground with the mountain. If it was to be measured with the regular landscape, the valley would be fifty meters higher.


    While moving downwards into the heart of the valley, Xe¡¯Reth places his steps with precision. No twigs cracking, no sliding down, no rocks disturbed, nothing that can make a sound. He¡¯s crouched as he descends into the maw of complete worry. He had seen four different footsteps and paw prints, but since they were spread out, he couldn¡¯t really make any sound conclusions because he isn¡¯t a tracker. But he¡¯s sure that the human footsteps belongs to eight distinct feet.


    Since the ground was still wet from the rain yesterday, it was rather easy to see the tracks. Maybe a mistake on their part? Amateurs perhaps?


    ¡®Dammit. Why now of all times. I wonder kind what people dare come into my domain¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought with ice-cold eyes since the rest of his face is covered in darkness.


    There is a path that leads down into the heart of the valley, but Xe¡¯Reth of course wasn¡¯t going to take that risk in being caught there waltzing down the obvious lain ambush, which the people must have lain, because if they¡¯ve seen the garden, then it is too precious to not lay traps. For those kinds of herbs can cost a lot of money from just one single leaf. Though, people needs connections to sell them, which Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t have. So he has stocked up the Yran¡¯Gilis flower for his own use.


    As Xe¡¯Reth stalks down through the thick sloping woods, he begins to see an opening in the trees that shows the entire valley, which has grasslands in quantity and no trees. A small lake is also stationed there with small ripples of canals that leads to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s garden, which he has made himself.


    The garden is surrounded by thin wooden fences that¡¯re covered in vines which¡¯re in a square formation. The Yran¡¯Gilis¡¯s amethyst color shines as the sun lusters down upon them, but there isn¡¯t only the Yran¡¯Gilis there. There¡¯re also many diverse flowers in different sections in the garden, but the Yran¡¯Gilis is in the majority.


    Xe¡¯Reth is standing there behind a tree while he¡¯s on the edge leading out into the valley, he stares out as he sees his shed where he stores the flowers to dry them up for later use. The forest is quiet, no birds twittering, no critters jumping around, only the bluecoat attire of the DLO¡¯s agents and their stalking hounds are there.


    They¡¯re there rummaging through Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s place of salvation, a place that he needs to keep his mother from dying, so she doesn¡¯t start thinking of the end... The end which seems so tempting sometimes. To drift off into the darkness, to never wake up again.


    There are two men, one woman, and their hounds. The hounds has a long noses, large bodies that reaches to the chest of a regular man; those pointy ears that¡¯re raised in a guarding stance of complete hearing, the range of a simple mistake can cost Xe¡¯Reth his end. They¡¯ve long sturdy legs with paws of terror that can rip someone asunder like their sharp long teeth that shows in their panting mouths while their tongues hangs out from them.


    Its main body is smaller at the back, but as it comes closer to its middle, it begins to grow larger. The dogs¡¯ thick stretched skulls can crush a man¡¯s bones with a snap of its jaws.


    But they¡¯re the kindest creatures to their owners. Total loyalty is what these hounds are known for, though they¡¯re also known for their utter ruthlessness since they give the hunted no rest, no time to cry for help, the end of a simple crackling bite to the neck.


    They have dark eyes and their fur of mixed dark brown and light brown color. They stand there alert while their masters searches the garden. Setting up traps that can break a man¡¯s bones in two.


    Xe¡¯Reth breathes like a ghost, nothing, he has held his breath for three minutes as he stared with deathly eyes ajar upon those agents of the DLO. A stare of hatred, anxiety, and utter cold-bloodedness.


    Xe¡¯Reth has no other choice than to murder them for his mother¡¯s sake. But should he? Maybe he should ask for Malinda¡¯s help? No, he can¡¯t be relying on her all the time. He won¡¯t be a money grabber. Sure, he¡¯ll get things from her, surely, though, he won¡¯t be selfish like all of the other nobles. He doesn¡¯t want to live a quiet life of riches, he wants power, that insatiable hunger for power, and with power comes wealth, which¡¯s unavoidable when a person reaches the top.


    No blinks, no breathes, no movement. He sits there like an ornament statue that watches from the cathedral¡¯s high construction, gazing with deathly stares of utter motionlessness.


    The DLO agents themselves wear their bluecoats of slight black stripes. They¡¯re older folk, around their thirties or forties, but their backs are turned so Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s deathly eyes can¡¯t see their faces. But as they continue, they inspect while one person is writing down the specie of the flowers on a parchment with ink and a quill, which the woman holds. A DLO writer, the one who has the brain in their team, and also the one who¡¯s the leader.


    The two other DLO agents are inspecting the shed that has dried flowers which hangs in bundles upside down while they shout out what type of flowers they found to their writer.


    One is a sturdy old man with muscles bulging out from his bluecoat with a sword hanging at his waist, while the other one has a lean build, he fits like a custom-made glove in his attire which also has a mantel hanging down at his back, reaching almost the ground. A spear also leans at the shed, a spear which isn¡¯t Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s.


    The other two also has mantels that flutters as the breezing winds hits them.


    The woman seems to be the youngest of the agents. ¡®Beginning of her thirties,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he inspects the writer, carefully, because she''s the leader of the team, but as deadly as any other member of the DLO.


    The hounds¡¯ stands there alert while they wager their tails as they wait obediently.


    Xe¡¯Reth breathes out through his black-covered nose, making him feel the warmness from his gathered air on his bandana. He closes his eyes as he disappears behind the tree to sit down.


    ¡®Should I kill them or shouldn¡¯t I kill them? Yes I must¡­ Forgive me, but you¡¯ll have to die for my mother¡¯s sake,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth though as he opens his eyes with a quick flick of his eyelids, showing the malice in his ebon globes.


    But he¡¯s worried about one thing¡­ Their standard issue of crossbows which can fire off bolts, one after the other, because they¡¯re in a chamber. If one bolt is shot, another one is placed in its slit to be fired off again while the rope of the crossbow is easily drawn back with a quick pull.


    It¡¯s the deadliest weapon that a human can bare in Ellenoria. Though it is only for the DLO¡¯s use. For the DLO was made by a Divine Queen.


    The ones who rule other than the Inquisitors, is the royal family. Must alike the magicians, they only keep the best for themselves and their most loyal organization: The Department of Law and Order.


    They¡¯ve even began to administrate out one-handed crossbows, for the technology is rapidly advancing. The society, the people, and the entire kingdom has risen from the dark ages. To bring forth the advancements of the greatest minds. To aid the kingdom, though as the royal family is, they hold back that technology from their people, the people they love yet chain with Divine beliefs. In the process slowing the evolution of their kingdom.


    But no one-handed crossbows are there by the three people that now stands talking to each other, only the regular crossbows are lying there by their feet.


    ¡°This is a great haul to take back to Tertinum. Huhu, boys, we¡¯ll probably gain a raise when we bring this back,¡± the woman said with a chuckling smile on her lips as the inscription of the inventory is now finished, and she¡¯s beyond pleased. ¡°Now, we must wait for the criminals to return, then apprehend them. Everything finished boys?¡±


    ¡°As best as we can possibly do, writer!¡± the muscly man shouted as he responds to their leader¡¯s question with a salute, which the writer nods in approval of. ¡°There will be crackling bones to be heard, haha!¡±


    ¡°We should head to cover and await for them, then take them out as they come back¡­ but¡­¡± the lean man said while he gains a frown on his sharp eyebrows, ¡°It is weird, I can¡¯t see any traces of anyone being here for¡­ for some time. Sure, the rain might have lessened the leads, but never has everything been removed. There should be walkways, but there aren¡¯t. Even the garden is flawless of traces, nothing. As if a ghost is taking care of this place.¡±


    ¡°Peculiar indeed,¡± the writer said while watering the tip of the quill as it goes down to the inkwell that hangs around her waist with a cork tied to a small string which¡¯s hanging loose. ¡°Gather everything up, and let us find a camping spot further up the slope to await their return.¡±


    ¡°But writer¡ª.¡±


    ¡°No buts, I gave you an order. Follow it,¡± she retorted as she shut the lean man¡¯s comment in his mouth. ¡°I will not take this unserious, we must catch the criminals at all cost. Then, we¡¯ll be famous for finding such a site of drugs here in Tertinum, and so close to the Ebon Wall, too. I promise I won¡¯t take all the credit for myself, so now, gather the equipment and let us find a good vantage point.¡±


    ¡°What about Werana?¡± the muscled man asked with head turning to look towards where they came from, ¡°She¡¯s still watching the cave entrance. Shouldn¡¯t we get her?¡±


    ¡°Easy, *Whistle*,¡± a loud shriek sound comes out from the woman¡¯s mouth as she forms her lips and tongue to perform such a feat. But as she gets no response, she whistles again, but nothing. ¡°Prepare the hounds, we¡¯ve company.¡±


    ¡®So there was someone watching the cave entrance after all¡­ Dammit, there was four different footprints! Dammit, dammit! I was too preoccupied to notice the missing person!¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he heard the distant voices while turning his eyes vigilant.


    He has been utterly careless.


    Xe¡¯Reth sits leaning at the tree as he scans the upward slope for anything that might be his doom, but nothing sounds, only the silence itself. ¡®Dammit, I¡¯ve never been in a real fight for my life before, only those many brawls of me bowing my head, that time I killed the hungry rat that broke into my house, and that rat¡¯s brother who was killed by my orders. It¡¯s fitting that they¡¯re now lying in the same graveyard, very fitting indeed...¡¯


    *Whistle*


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s head jerks towards the shrieking sound of the returning whistle, which came from¡­ his north-west. A perfect line between the whistler, Xe¡¯Reth, and the whistler¡¯s team. He is caught between them!


    ¡°ATTACK.¡± ¡°ATTACK.¡± ¡°ATTACK.¡±


    Three voices resonates at the same time, and those voices are from the agents who tells their hounds¡­ to attack.


    The hounds¡¯ charges to where their masters are pointing at. But in front of Xe¡¯Reth comes an already charging hound out from between the sloping trees, thirty meters in front of him. It would be hard for anyone to notice the hound, but Xe¡¯Reth sees it clear as day.


    Xe¡¯Reth leaps off of the ground and sprints towards north, because they might have lain traps where the path leading down from the cave is. His head turns sharply as he sees a silhouette following him further up the slope, a dark emerald shape.


    But as Xe¡¯Reth grasps ahold of his rattling equipment, he sprints away from his pursuers while more whistling sounds comes from behind him, probably indicating that Xe¡¯Reth disappeared. Though¡­ the scent, the scent is still there on the tree where he leaned at.


    Both parties then gathers up at the large sapling where Xe¡¯Reth was seen last. A woman comes out from the woods, silently as death itself while a hound follows obediently right next to her, panting from the running spurt. The hound is like the other three, but with weird braces on its paws, as if to make it untraceable and silent as its master.


    The woman is very slender with a small short build, but the air about her says that she¡¯s a hunter, a hunter that stalks down her prey. She too has a crossbow, but she didn¡¯t shoot it since she could¡¯ve killed the one she saw, if she were to miss. And she has another color on her coat, dark emerald so she can blend into the woods.


    ¡°Werana, you lost them?¡± the writer asked as she watches the silent woman coming towards them, while the woman herself has an annoyed frown upon her brows. ¡°How many were there?¡±


    ¡°One¡­¡± she muttered while shaking her head to herself for being outplayed, ¡°Only one. It¡¯s a man. Around one-point-eight meters. Clad in all black. He was wearing a bow around his chest, a cloth-covered quiver on his waist, and I couldn¡¯t see anything else since he went too far away from me. But he was fast, too fast. He disappeared like a ghost when I took my eyes off of him for a split second.¡±


    ¡°Like a ghost¡­¡± the lean man whispered with such a frown while he thought about what he said before.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.¡°Well, where was this¡­ghost... when you whistled?¡± the writer inquired while writing down the details of this black-clad man.


    ¡°Actually, right where you¡¯re leaning at¡­¡± Werana said sharply as she points at the tree¡¯s roots.


    With a whistle of commands, the writer¡¯s hound comes to sniff, and so does the other three. While three hounds looks in two different directions, the hound of Werana goes and sniffs the air which¡¯s the correct path. The other hounds follows its lead as they begin to walk and stand in the direction of where Xe¡¯Reth went, wagging their tails for being so victorious.


    ¡°Listen up, I say we should spread out and take him by surprise since I think the cave entrance is the only way out, but¡­ one of us needs to guard the cave so he doesn¡¯t escape. But who?¡± the lean man asked while pondering as he looks at his teammates, with slight lowered eyebrows of worry. He¡¯s also holding onto his spear which was the one Xe¡¯Reth had seen.


    ¡°A sound plan,¡± the writer said, nodding as she writes it down, ¡°One man shouldn¡¯t be able to escape from us.¡±


    ¡°Do not take him for a mere man, writer. But I think I should be guarding the cave since¡­ he was too silent when he came out from it, so silent that I almost didn¡¯t see him. Which¡¯s why I should be the one, because you¡¯ll let him flow through your grasp.¡± Werana said with a serious unmoving expression. ¡°I better get moving so he doesn¡¯t circle around us, perhaps he has already escaped while we stand here figuring out a plan.¡±


    ¡°Done,¡± the writer said as she inscribes the decision, then she wraps it up in a roll and slides it in a container that¡¯s fastened to her back waist. She pops on the cork on the inkwell while removing her quill, to start the hunt for¡­ Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°Let us go¡­¡± the writer said as her hand raises and takes ahold of the crossbow that¡¯s on her back.


    ¡°Be careful, it wasn¡¯t normal for anyone to run like that,¡± Werana warned as she turns around, then as she looks at her hound which¡¯s now beside her, she begins to run towards the cave entrance.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ¡®I overly underestimated those hounds. No, that hound, it had weird gear on its paws. The only way to¡­ No, wait a moment¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought while he sprouts forth such a grin under his black bandana as he thinks about something while looking down at his hardened-square-leather bags.


    ¡°Sigh¡­ I guess it is the only way. It will be hard and tricky to make it work, but I don¡¯t really want to kill them. They¡¯re only doing their jobs in finding criminals like me,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he tilts out behind a tree while staring at the path where he came from.


    He takes out his bow and removes the cloth piece from the quiver to prepare his bold but sympathetic plan. While taking out four arrows, he holds them in his hands as one arrow is nocked in place and drawn too. Then, he waits¡­ and waits for the coming of the storm, which is actually seeping over the colossal mountains that connects to the Ebon Wall.


    ¡°Great, exactly what I need¡­¡± he said while standing there like a complete stone, behind the tree, peeking out while he looks up at the crown-covered sky. The dark brooding clouds are moving in from the south¡­ from the Ebon Wall.


    With that, the rain began to pour down, which isn¡¯t good for the hounds, but with the tree crowns covering the droplets of water to some extent, the scent still remains. It guides them while the hounds sniffs the ground and sniffs the rain scented air, feeling Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s aroma that makes the hounds feel something, but that feeling is washed away as soon as it appears in their animal minds.


    *Growls*


    The hounds begins their horrible growls as the scent starts to get stronger and stronger.


    ¡°We¡¯re closing in on him, be alert for arrows,¡± the writer said as water drips on her hair, soaking it, while her crossbow turns in different directions in a slow moving aim. ¡°The hounds wouldn¡¯t be growling this much if he wasn¡¯t around here.¡±


    The hounds starts to go in different directions, but stops. They sniffs around the area but they can¡¯t find the source. It¡¯s as if the criminal had ran around the whole area, just to try putting the hounds in a clueless state.


    ¡°Tsk, that man knows their weaknesses, and this rain isn¡¯t helping at all¡­¡± the lean man said while crouching down as he stares into the forest, which isn¡¯t sloping, but it goes up and down, here and there. Small tree-covered hills. ¡°We should¡¯ve spread out like I said¡­ Whatever, we should send out the hounds instead so we can take that man down quickly.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do no such thing¡­¡± the writer retorted while giving him a pointing index finger as she frowns. ¡°I¡¯ll not have my puppy going to its death.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to choose then, your puppy or your raise. Think about the fame, leader. You can breed another hound up if it were to die. And fame isn¡¯t exactly growing on trees nowadays, as a matter of fact, it doesn¡¯t grow on trees at all. We¡¯re but a regular team in a haystack of other regular teams. I don¡¯t want to spend the rest of my days in the woods risking my life¡­ for mere herbs and lawbreakers,¡± the lean man said as he glares at his leader angrily. ¡°If you just hadn¡¯t been so damn proud. We could¡¯ve already been office workers, but nooo, you just had to go and make the Inquisitor mad, in the process she lowered our rank. I¡¯m really starting to get sick and tired of your shit, leader.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll take this another ti¡ª¡±


    *Shrieeek*


    An arrow pierces through the air, through the woods, and with a noise that sounds like snapping splits of bones, it imbeds itself into the lean man¡¯s lower leg. Making the arrow travel in and out from the other side while a scream of such pain echoes throughout this rain filled forest. Which makes the lean man fall to the ground, feeling that his leg is sorely out of place, dropping his spear in the process.


    ¡°Ah¡­ AHHHHHH!¡± the man cried as he stares in horror upon the leg that¡¯s bent.


    ¡°Leader, take cover!¡± the muscled man yelled as he dodges to a nearby tree while the writer, the leader, does the same while the lean man keeps screaming out in utter pain. The arrow had come with such a force and such angle that the bones themselves broke upon impact while the arrow went clean through, making the arrow stick to the earth.


    ¡°Where is he?!¡± the writer yelled, not daring to peak out from her cover while hearing another arrow getting stuck at the tree with a thud which she¡¯s hiding behind, then another by the muscled man¡¯s tree, and another closely by the lean man¡¯s junk, scaring him to death upon seeing how close it come to his private part.


    ¡°From there¡­!¡± the lean man yelled while pointing with a shaking hand of agony. ¡°The arrow¡¯s direction from where it land¡­ Is from over there! ATTACK!¡±


    As he yells ¡®attack¡¯, his hound leaps forward, then runs with such speed towards where its master commanded him to run, to attack, to kill. The hound disappeared into the trees leaving them there, covering, feeling pain, and the growling of two hounds that¡¯re also ready for their command.


    ¡°Damn,¡± the writer said as she peeks out to see her team member lying there on the wet ground, and upon seeing the twisted leg, she yells out, ¡°ATTACK!¡±


    ¡°ATTACK!¡± the muscled man followed suit as he heard his leader giving her hound the order to tear its victim to shreds.


    While being further away from the agents, Xe¡¯Reth stands there with a frown. He had missed his shot. Xe¡¯Reth was only supposed to hit his flesh, and not the two bones that¡¯re in the lower leg, which¡¯re at the moment broken. With that shot Xe¡¯Reth has probably crippled him for life. But he doesn¡¯t have time to give him any pity.


    As the first hound comes while barking with a clutching jaw that opens and closes as that horrible sound comes out, Xe¡¯Reth springs to his feet again. He must keep that hound at bay so he can get all three of them together.


    Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t want to kill the hounds because they¡¯re peaceful animals¡­ for the most part at least. So he runs while looking behind himself, griping onto his equipment as he moves. And since the barks from the closest hound sounds out, the two other ones aren¡¯t that far behind.


    The barking comes nearer and nearer as Xe¡¯Reth slows down his speed, and as he turns around, he sees the hound a couple of meters in front of him. The hound leaps off the ground to aim for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s neck, but with its flying momentum, Xe¡¯Reth dodges it with a jump to the side.


    As the hound comes again after it lands, it comes running for Xe¡¯Reth instead.


    But now he¡¯s running towards the other two hounds, making the other one follow Xe¡¯Reth as the barking resounds from behind and in front, though this goes according to what Xe¡¯Reth wants. To gather them up¡­ To take them out from the game of: Hunt the ghostly shade.


    Right as the two incoming hounds¡¯ leaps at him like the first one, Xe¡¯Reth dashes to the side, while in the process as they land on the ground, he has now gathered them up to form a clunk of three. The hounds are really fast, so fast that Xe¡¯Reth was slightly worried about the one that was behind him before. But now, the hounds¡¯ runs with those clutching jaws of theirs, frothing as their tongues are drawn in so their mouths doesn¡¯t bite them off from all of the barking.


    Xe¡¯Reth runs up the slope with leg after leg, raising one after the other in such strength, because the way up is tilting somewhat greatly, so he has to also use his arms. But instead of doing that, Xe¡¯Reth climbs rapidly up a tree, then leaps off of it, to jump on to another tree while he climbs up then jumps again.


    For every tree that¡¯s leaped off of, he gets higher and higher up the slope, while the hounds are panting and panting from the upward chase of total exhaustion since the tilting is making the hounds tired, which Xe¡¯Reth wants.


    With that, Xe¡¯Reth turns around as he lands on the sloping ground, then sprints down the slope as he leaps above them while the exhausted hounds tries to bite his soaring feet, but they also turns around to follow him, rather they stubbles down the incline as stones and soft earth hinders their movements.


    Making one roll down, one that hits an incoming tree face first, and the last one flips about as it tries to gain a somewhat footing. Through its tilting they sustained some injuries that slows their chase for Xe¡¯Reth.


    Xe¡¯Reth heads further away so the agents doesn¡¯t pursue along with the hounds, though the speed of them has decreased significantly upon coming down onto the flat forest. But they¡¯ve been given a command, so they keep on following Xe¡¯Reth as if their lives depends on it.


    Upon coming to a small cliff face that goes up a couple of tens of meters, Xe¡¯Reth turns around while standing completely still, having his hooded head lowered so they can only see his survival in those dark abyssal eyes that stares with such a force and cunningness. The hounds too has stopped, but they growl with low noises as their maddened eyes wants to rip this dark-clad man asunder, to taste his blood, to gnaw on his bones until nothing is left.


    With one carefully placed paw after the other, they stalk closer to Xe¡¯Reth, because he¡¯s trapped.


    Nowhere to escape, but if the hounds were to see his smiling expression under his bandana, they would be cautious in making a move, because that grin of his shows that this is all a part of his plan. Of course, Xe¡¯Reth could¡¯ve done this plan even with them being fully alert and not in this panting tiredness that shows on their flustering stomachs as they sweat out their worries with those tongues of theirs.


    But it is easier to subdue a tired animal than an animal at its peak.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand flows slowly as it goes to one of his hardened-leather-square bags that¡¯re on his waist. With a slight click, the button opens and reveals some kind of round ball, while the hounds are oblivious to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s slow moving hand which now grasps onto it.


    The bow and the arrows had been placed back to its positions on his back and in the quiver. Only the mysterious ball is in his grasping hand.


    ¡°It is time for a well-earned rest. Have a goodnight, my beauties¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he raises his hand, and with a piercing throw it lands straight beneath the hounds while an exploding mist covers them whole as it spreads out. Xe¡¯Reth leaps and climbs up the cliff to not be caught in its tranquilizing feeling of pain receivers dulling down and the unavoidable sleep that takes over them.


    Just like that, the hounds snoozes on the ground as the mist breezes away in the rain filled forest, revealing that they¡¯re completely unconscious, but Xe¡¯Reth has disappeared long ago, nowhere in sight.


    To continue with his plans.


    <hr />


    Hope you liked the different setting of a little action! Continuing on next chapter, but I am busy tomorrow so it''ll come out the day after. December fifth.


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts!


    Yran''Gilis dust in a ball, efficient yet... wait, there are no drawbacks! Well at least if you stand to close when it goes off, that can be a drawback. This world''s drug sniffing dogs that the police handles. DLO is just nowadays police, but set in a medieval-ish setting. Crossbows, who doesn''t like crossbows?! Fast shooting ones too. :D


    I''ll come back to fix grammar mistakes. Hopefully I didn''t forget to Italicize any of the thoughts... It can be such a pain, hehe. :D


    Until next time!


    Comment/Follow/Favorite!


    <hr />

 17 - The Slumbering Enemies

    <hr />


    The Slumbering Enemies


    <hr />


    ¡°It hurts¡­!¡± the lean man cried with shuddering eyes as both of his teammates sits next to him while being covered in the rain that oozes down from above the tree crowns of emerald. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll¡­Kil¡ªGuuhh!!!¡±


    ¡°Be still for Divine¡¯s sake!¡± the writer commanded as she tends to his wound which isn¡¯t looking so good. It had bone fragments sticking out from where the arrow came out from. But the writer has managed to fix it by supporting the leg with cloth tied branches to keep it straight, though with him moving it does make it worse. ¡°If you move one more time, I¡¯ll pouch you to sleep. Please¡­ You¡¯ll only damage your leg further. And I¡¯m sorry for putting you guys in this situation, because of me¡­ you were demoted.¡±


    The muscled man places a hand on her shoulder as he smiles, ¡°We¡¯re friends, so it¡¯s alright. We¡¯ve been together for ten years now, and I haven¡¯t regretted following your lead. Sure, sometimes you can be a slight demanding, but we know you¡¯re just doing your best to rise us to the top. So let us make this our biggest catch yet!¡±


    ¡°What about me¡­? Look at my leg! I¡¯ll never be able to walk with it again!¡±


    ¡°Sure you will¡­¡± the muscled man said while not even believing in his own words as he gives his longstanding friend a hand on the shoulder, too, with a burly smile displaying on his slight clean-shaven expression. ¡°I¡¯ll come back, you take care of him, leader.¡±


    He stands up while taking his crossbow from the ground. With stomping feet he rushes into the forest while not even looking back.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t go!¡± the writer screamed because he had such an angry look upon him as he had turned around. But no answer comes, nothing, only the sound of the dripping drizzle in this forest of darkness resounds. Because the brooding clouds are as dark as they can be.


    It makes the writer turn her head side to side as she watches the woods, carefully. The darkness gives her dread in her heart since the hounds had stopped barking their sounds of horrors. Indicating that they¡¯ve finished their hunt, or the hunt for their hunted has been unsuccessful.


    Before leaving the garden, she had packed some Yran¡¯Gilis in a pouch to bring back as evidence since someone had to report it to the higher ups so they can bring more agents to secure this place for the kingdom. Though, the honor of finding it would be placed on the leader of the team. But she would never take the honor for herself.


    Here in this rain forest of sloping pathways and the small hills of trees sits the writer beside her teammate who¡¯s crying in agony. She slowly takes out an Yran¡¯Gilis flower because she has been versed in its effects.


    The writer takes ahold of a water bag on the lean man¡¯s waist, and with an unplugging, she crushes the dry leaves into the water bag, pushing them in as fragments falls to the ground. Then with a shake, a remedy of slumber has been prepared.


    ¡°Here, drink this. It¡¯ll ease the pain,¡± the writer said with a forced smile upon her lips.


    ¡°Leader¡­¡±


    ¡°I know¡­it is illegal. But you won¡¯t feel pain anymore. And when you wake up we¡¯ll be already back in Tertinum sharing the fame together. So shh, drink it and relax,¡± she said as the water bag presses onto his lips as he willingly begins to drink while his eyes starts to become blank from the effect which¡¯s so powerful that he passes out instantly with a thud on the ground. She catches his head while placing it soundly on the slight watery moss.


    ¡°Thank you for reducing my workload¡­ writer was it?¡±


    Her face contorts as her body becomes frozen upon hearing the lyrics right behind her, as if a ghost whispered into her ear. Her eyes of utter wideness, her mouth has formed an oval opening of dismay, and her body moves no muscles.


    ¡°Try not to turn around¡­ Otherwise, writer, I¡¯ll have to put you down¡­ permanently,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a darker tone than usual, as if he wants his vocal cords to be as petrifying as they can be.


    He stands looming one meter behind her with his piercing eyes of darkness.


    ¡°W-What do y¡ª¡±


    ¡°Drink the water¡­ Now¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with terror running through the writer¡¯s spine.


    Can she turn fast enough while swinging her crossbow at him? Her eyes gazes with an unmoving head at her weapon that¡¯s lying there beside her, but can she? Werana said that he was fast¡­ Can she move her hands faster than Werana¡¯s opinions of his agility?


    The silence¡­ the silence of a moving dagger being drawn out of its sheath is heard but not heard by the two different combatants. As the writer stares at her crossbow, something blocks her field of view¡­ A dagger.


    ¡°You have a time limit to drink, otherwise the man in front of you will never wake up again. You are the one who can choose if he lives or dies. Will you let him live? Or will you let him die as you try to fight me off? But it is too late, for I¡¯ve now a dagger on your neck,¡± Xe¡¯Reth whispered in her ear as he¡¯s currently crouched down, taking advantage of her own undoing. Provoking her to choose, but it¡¯s already settled, for she has a raised water bag in her hands.


    ¡°W-Will you kill me when I fall¡­ asleep?¡± she asked with stuttering words while her whole body is still frozen in place, only the hand is moving closer to her mouth. She is actually afraid for her life, a feeling she has never felt before, it is making her shake in such fright. The black ghost is right behind her!


    ¡°That depends on how my¡­ mood is,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said jokingly yet with such brutality, but innocently nonetheless, because he won¡¯t kill them. They haven¡¯t seen his face, only his clothes which can easily be tossed into the fire, and his voice is acidly terrifying that a person which hasn¡¯t such knowledge would believe that the voice comes from a horror of darkness.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be caught¡­ You know that, don¡¯t you?¡± she provoked bravely as her principled heart squeezes out one last protest.


    ¡°You can¡­ always try¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth whispered closely in her ear as she hears his muffled voice of terror, but still that feeling of utter confidence in his words stabs her attempt of retorting.


    ¡°Drink¡­ Now¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth uttered triumphantly. And she does drink as she raises her head to take in the water of slumber while feeling it course down her throat. With a tilting thud to the side she lands on the ground while Xe¡¯Reth catches her so she wouldn¡¯t hit a rock which¡¯s right where her head would¡¯ve landed.


    Xe¡¯Reth gives out a sigh as she caught this adult woman.


    ¡°Three to go¡­¡± he said as his body raises while taking one of the crossbows to inspect it closer, because they¡¯re valuable. But with a toss, it lands on the moss because he doesn¡¯t need it. Something so clunky would only be a hindrance. Though, those one-handed ones are in a different light. Xe¡¯Reth would like to at least try to shoot one of them.


    ¡®Hmm, where is the other one who found me first? The entrance perhaps?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought, but his eyes goes sharp as he searches the surrounding dark rainy forest; scanning the trees to see if someone hides. ¡®That big man of muscles ran towards the hounds¡¯ direction.¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth turns hastily as loud stomping footsteps resounds, and there comes the charging brute out of the woods. And upon seeing his teammates he bellows out a roaring cry, thinking that this man of darkness has killed them.


    *Shriek*


    Xe¡¯Reth eyes goes wide. He tilts his body to dodge sideways as a bolt almost hit him by the hair, making Xe¡¯Reth dash away while the man aims at the shade of quickness as tree after tree makes him disappear for an instant.


    *Shriek*


    It pierces Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s cloak leaving only a hole where it went through as it hits a distant tree. Xe¡¯Reth clicks with his tongue in annoyance. The crossbow¡¯s terrifyingly fast bolts, shoots with such a powerful force that it makes Xe¡¯Reth extremely worried for his own life, yet under his bandana he has such an exhilarated grin on his face.


    The burly man has narrowed eyes while he stands in a crouched position, supporting his whole weight so the bolt can come out from its slit to fire in precision as he aims at Xe¡¯Reth, watching, studying his rapid movements, and with a squeeze he fires off his crossbow as he has the target in sight.


    *Shriek*


    With a hastily lowered head, Xe¡¯Reth manages to dodge that shot which almost tore his head clean off, but with stumbling movements upon being so surprised by the bolt, Xe¡¯Reth falls forward as one of his feet is caught on a root.


    But with that forward fall, he launches himself forward while he vaults in a whole spin to land on his feet again. He begins to run with even more accuracy with his feet placements, but he sneers since some of his arrows left his quiver.


    The burly man moves as he shoots off his bolts one after the other while he¡¯s getting closer and closer to his teammates to check if they¡¯re really dead, but as he turns his body and head to look at them, Xe¡¯Reth charges towards him as he runs with a lowered upper body while his arms are in a backward position; as if he¡¯s a fast descending bird that has found its prey.


    Running in the fastest speed he can muster, a blurred shade of darkness displays in front of the wide-eyed man.


    As he sees Xe¡¯Reth coming towards him, he pulls the clutch, then squeezes the trigger. With a shrieking sound of horror it shoots straight at Xe¡¯Reth, which makes the man¡¯s eyes show utter victory, but what surprises the man the most¡­ Xe¡¯Reth has his bow now taken out with an arrow placed and drawn to the fullest.


    With another shrieking projectile that shoots out, the bolt and arrow connects! But the bolt only slightly moves in a different route in the air while the arrow was utterly destroyed by the bolt¡¯s pressure. Which makes the bolt not pierce Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s skull, but his shoulder instead with a loud flesh-tearing noise as it hits deep.


    Though the man¡¯s expression of victor vanishes as Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t stop ripping through the air towards him. The burly man doesn¡¯t have time to reload so he tries drawing his sword that he has on his wait, but it is to late! With a leap, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s one foot hits the upperpart of the hilt¡¯s sword, making it slide back into its slumbering state while another foot slices through the air to connect to the burly man¡¯s neck in a crescent kick.


    Through the power of that slash to the neck, it directs the burly man so he tilts to the side while his eyes shudders as sleep takes ahold of him. With a loud crash he falls to the moss-covered ground.


    As Xe¡¯Reth lands on the moss, he kneels down feeling the excruciation pain of the imbedded bolt in his shoulder. It made such a sound on impact that makes him worry immensely. Xe¡¯Reth thought that it would hurt a lot more, but it actually isn¡¯t that horrendous since he has recently felt pain on his body. With a quick pull of the bolt, it removes from his shoulder while Xe¡¯Reth feels the agony of its deep inserted depth.


    What makes Xe¡¯Reth surprised beyond words is that the bolt is actually the one that broke. It shows on the bent metal tip of the head, and not his shoulder bones are the ones that shattered. Was Xe¡¯Reth wrong about the power of these bolts? He tests his shoulder as he moves it up, down, and in circle movements while blood spills out in quantity from his round bolt pierced hole.


    Nothing seems to be hurting other than his seeping scarlet hole. But Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t have time to care for his wound so he cuts a long cloth sash from his cloak and ties it hard while it¡¯s padded with another folded cloth piece.


    He turns his head to inspect the unconscious man who lies there on the moss. Xe¡¯Reth goes and picks up the uncorked water bag which has a little bit more water to be used. With a shove, he sticks it into the dreaming man¡¯s mouth so he will dream even more.


    As the water emptied the bag, he picks up all of the arrows that he had shot and dropped, even the tip of the arrowhead which had been destroyed by the bolt. He doesn¡¯t want to leave any evidence that can be easily tracked to an Arrow-Smith.


    With a raised eyebrow, he walks to the writer as he inspects the container on her back. He opens it. It reveals the papers that the writer had wrote on before.


    ¡°Better burn them,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he takes the papers out from its resting place.


    Xe¡¯Reth sprints away towards his garden, leaving the three unconscious DLO agents there all exposed in this dark rainy forest. Luckily the valley doesn¡¯t have many large animals that can be dangerous, though one time as Xe¡¯Reth explored the whole area, he had met a momma bear, a large one at that with her cubs rolling around, climbing trees, and being cuddly.


    This valley is hers, and the cave entrance is where she comes back from when a feast has been caught, though that would rarely happen since berries and plants riddles the valley¡¯s surrounding forest, the lake too keeps her fed. But, Xe¡¯Reth will never see that proud beast again.


    ''I should''ve dodged the bolt instead of trying to shoot it, heh,'' Xe''Reth thought.


    It aches, the wound aches as he runs to his plantation. As he arrives, Xe¡¯Reth carefully minds his steps to not tread onto the traps that had been laid by the agents. While moving his head around to stare at his plants of different colors, he can¡¯t help but show saddened eyes, because this will be the last time he¡¯ll come back to this place.


    Through not killing the agents, he has doomed this place forever. But, he¡¯ll simply needs to find another place to grow his illegal herbs with the help of Malinda. Xe¡¯Reth knows how large the citadel¡¯s garden is, though he hasn¡¯t seen it yet, but he has heard of it. The vast labyrinth of hedges, maybe a perfect place to hide his new plantation of herbs?


    He¡¯ll have to see, but first things first. Xe¡¯Reth needs to pack down the dried up herbs in the shed, then¡­ burn everything down to the ground, for the Yran¡¯Gilis is highly flammable. A single spark can make them light up in blazing fire, though what¡¯s even more astounding is that they are also highly resistant to the burning effect. It will take a minute for the entire flower to burn to a scrip.


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    As Xe¡¯Reth pulls out the Yran¡¯Gilis from their rooted sleep, he places them all around the plantation so it will spread throughout the whole garden. Xe¡¯Reth has always bags readied inside the shed to be filled with the bundles of dry Yran¡¯Gilis. There are thirty bundles, ten in each one, which will last for about ten months give or take. Though it all depends on how his mother will be. Sometimes she would need more, sometimes she would need less.


    He comes out with three large bags on his shoulders as he walks away to put them so he can light the fire safely. With the rain it will burn even more because when water hits a blazing Yran¡¯Gilis flower, it will make it explode. Xe¡¯Reth must be careful so he doesn¡¯t blow himself up.


    The Yran¡¯Gilis has been used in combat many times in the past before it was branded illegal, but now it¡¯s only used by the people of the underground, the assassins, and Xe¡¯Reth.


    As he goes back to light a fire, which is relatively hard because of the rain soaking the wood, he goes inside the shed as he¡¯s placing his steps carefully as always. With a grinding sound, light begins to show inside while he initiates the fire by dotting the empty shed with the torch that he now holds in his hand.


    Xe¡¯Reth hurriedly heads away from the garden, but turns his body as he sets the parchment that the writer had to a blazing glory, then throws the torch into the garden itself which has a slight pile of Yran¡¯Gilis.


    As Werana gazes carefully with vigilant eyes at the cave entrance, she hears booming explosions in the east, the garden!


    She has been sitting in a tree while she had awaited the whistling noises from her teammates, but no such sounds has come, only the now exploding booms which makes her extremely worried for her friends, her old friends that she has known for a long time.


    Her hound in lying on the ground beneath the tree, having its ears on high alert as it had heard those loud noises. With a thud she lands on the ground while being crouched to lessen the impact.


    ¡°Search baby, go!¡± she shouted at her hound that¡¯s now running fast down the sloping hill¡¯s path while she follows closely behind. Towards Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s direction.


    Right as they¡¯re about to reach the end of the slope¡¯s passage which leads into the valley, some kind of ball bounces out onto the path right in front of her hound. While seeing it, she¡¯s startled with wide eyes as her whole face contorts when the ball explodes as an arrow pierces it, creating a shroud of purple mist that shoots out in every direction, while the hound falls to the ground sliding in its unconscious state of dreams.


    Werana, however, halts in her steps and throws herself backwards as she begins to climb further up the slope to escape the mist. But through her conflicted mind comes a shade dashing out from the nearby woods, which she becomes aware of when that shade of darkness is upon her.


    She hurriedly tries to raise her crossbow in time, but with one slashing kick, it tosses and swirls in the air as it lands almost by the sleeping puppy. Its components are all over the place, the bolts are spilling onto the ground, the wood cracked, and the crossbow¡¯s string hags loose.


    However, her movements are quick, she leaps backwards while trying to look through the hood of the assailant, but only darkness displays in front of her.


    Werana¡¯s daggers which¡¯re on either side of her waist are unsheathed while she holds them in reverse grips, then she raises her hands and arms to ready herself for the incoming attack that she¡¯s completely ready for.


    ¡°COME! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!¡± she shouted with deadly eyes as she roars with teeth displaying inside her opened mouth.


    The now tranquil man in black stands there motionless. His hood is low, so low. But everything else is showing. His quiver of arrows, his slight red armor pieces, belt with a pouch, square leather bags, and nothing else. No black bow, but hasn¡¯t she and the muscled man already seen the shade¡¯s bow?


    Xe¡¯Reth can only hope that they doesn¡¯t remember the color of it, though black is a common dye on weapons and armors so it doesn¡¯t really matter.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be more¡­ worried about your teammates?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked with such a ruthless voice to make her think that he has already killed them all.


    ¡°You¡­ what did you do to them?!¡± she yelled while having her guard up with daggers holding in front of her head and standing legs spread, one forward, one backward.


    ¡°They¡¯re at the moment¡­ bleeding to their deaths in the woods,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said while lying as he turns his body, only showing his dark hooded-cloak that reaches his feet. ¡°If you hurry, you might be able to¡ª No¡­ you don¡¯t want me to escape¡­ right, Werana?¡±


    Werana squints at the hooded man with clenched teeth as he said her name. Shall she apprehend this man quickly then go save her teammates? Or let him escape? The choices are making her scowl deeply while she turns her head to look at the snoring hound a bit further down.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter to me if you want to attack or want to help your dear friends,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he begins to walk into the woods not even bothering being vigilant at the woman standing behind him. But he turns around as he lowers his head and pulls the hood lower, ¡°Though, if I were you, I would¡¯ve chosen my friends over a petty job. It is the soundest decision you can make right now, Werana. Your friends or your job, the choice is yours. Make it quick for I don¡¯t like dallying on such simple judgements.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll get away from the law?! We of the DLO never lets our criminals run loose¡­ But¡­ go, I don¡¯t either want to be here when I can save my friends. GO, you heathen!¡± Werana screamed as she begins to run into the forest to find her teammates. She didn¡¯t even bother to ask where they are, but she¡¯s a hunter, and a hunter always finds her prey, it doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s friend or foe.


    While seeing Werana run with such a hastened speed, Xe¡¯Reth turns to look at the snoring hound that lies on its back all sprawled. He frowns at how loud it is, he didn¡¯t even know that hounds can snore.


    ¡®You learn new things every day,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought happily as he goes back into the woods to begin his journey back to Tertinum City. He takes the sacks of dried Yran¡¯Gilis and his bow which he has now fastened around his chest, to begin walking somewhat calmly while he feels the sting of the closing wound that¡¯s slowly starting to heal.


    Xe¡¯Reth is somewhat pleased because if he would¡¯ve killed those agents and their hounds, it would¡¯ve become such a shit storm. For the DLO is utterly vengeful upon those who kill their members. They would hunt them for the rest of their lives. And for every agent killed, dozens others comes and takes their place to help the hunt. Even magicians can be brought in when the DLO can¡¯t handle them, though those are only rare occurrences, but nonetheless it¡¯s a threat Xe¡¯Reth can¡¯t make a gamble on.


    The agents are highly trained in different sections of their choosing.


    Those who¡¯re the most intelligent, namely the ones that has the highest score in the SLO charts as they graduate, gets to be a leader of a team. Then there¡¯re many variety of classes and ranks.


    Those who¡¯re keen with their eyes to see things, those who can gain information through the way of the speech, those who¡¯re masters in arms, those who¡¯re hunters of criminals, and those who¡¯re versed in the arts of healing.


    Many other divisions are in the DLO, but it all comes down how teamwork is handled, it requires friendship, but not love. Those who¡¯re in a romantic relationship with each other are usually thrown out from the DLO, because the DLO doesn¡¯t allow their agents to be with each other. It becomes complicated when it happens and when it ends between them.


    Teammates needs trust, but trust is such a fickle object that can be so complicated when love is thrown into the mix. But it doesn¡¯t mean that they aren¡¯t allowed to find a regular relationship outside of their circle, but that too can be very mean business. Many agents who has been together for so long can form bonds of friendship that doesn¡¯t work so well when their friend finds someone to love, especially when it¡¯s between friends that¡¯re a woman and a man.


    Jealousy, hatred, and pain comes from it.


    Here today lies three agents unconscious and four hounds that¡¯re slumbering peacefully as they feel the rain watering them from above. And the Sprinting Werana who searches desperately in the woods for her dying friends, leaping over fallen trees, rocks, and crevasses.


    But as she finds them, the only one who¡¯s injured the most is the lean man while the other two are sleeping their worries away. The writer is next to the lean man as the muscled man is a bit further away, but not far, only a couple of meters. He lies with a water bag next to him while he has a slight red mark on his neck where Xe¡¯Reth had kicked him to shut off his lights.


    ¡°How can this be¡­? The criminal said¡­¡ª,¡± her eyes goes wide. ¡°Played¡­ He lied to me¡­ Why would he do such a¡­ Ah! That damned bastard! I was outplayed again and again!¡±


    As she begins to breathe slow and steady to calm herself down, Werana commences to tend to her teammates. She drags the muscled man as her face turns completely red from his weight.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry my friends, we¡¯re still alive¡­ Sigh, that¡¯s good enough for me,¡± she said thankfully with a tired voice as she stands there above her sleeping friends who¡¯re in a three-line position right next to each other.


    With time¡­ they¡¯ll wake up to a blazing vengeance upon their minds, such a humiliation to be defeated by a seventeen year old, but of course they don¡¯t know that. They¡¯ll only think that he¡¯s a notorious criminal, someone too powerful for a simple team to handle. Because if they don¡¯t say that Xe¡¯Reth is powerful to the DLO, they¡¯ll be laughed at, and be put to utter shame.


    This will stick to them for their entire lives, but at least they got something out of this. An exploded drug site. It is as good of a reward as any. Even with their defeat of letting the criminal go, they¡¯ll gain recognition, and if they bend the truth a little, they can gain an even stronger reputation, but alas, it all depends on how they¡¯ll handle it¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    As Xe¡¯Reth carries the bags carefully down the sloping hill on the other side of the cave entrance, he is truly exhilarated. For this was the most hectic day of his life. The sensation of his life being threatened was joyous yet nerve-wracking.


    The fight of life and death when he shot that arrow at the flying bolt was also causing his adrenaline to pump and pump. It almost made him not feel the bolt hitting him, though as the muscled man lied there on the ground, Xe¡¯Reth had felt the pain clear as day. But even so, the running from the hounds and the fighting was something he hasn¡¯t felt before.


    While he keeps walking in a calm pace so he doesn¡¯t destroy too many dry Yran¡¯Gilis, he walks with his hood down and bandana removed. To breathe again!


    With his calm moving steps he looks up at the sky to see the raindrops that¡¯re hitting him with their cooling effect. He even opens his mouth because he¡¯s somewhat thirsty, but closes it again as he shakes his head a little to get away the dizziness that¡¯s brewing inside him, probably from the slight blood loss.


    He keeps on hiking towards Tertinum City, but he takes a different route so he doesn¡¯t come out from where he can be seen walking from the mountain. Xe¡¯Reth takes a rather long way around a lake that he has passed before.


    As three hours had gone by since he left home, Xe¡¯Reth comes up to the east outer layer¡¯s gate where people are still in the rain going inside the city, and people who¡¯re leaving since the festivities aren¡¯t that fun when rain ruins it.


    ¡°Raining two days in a row¡­ What are the Queens thinking, on such a blessed day as this?¡±


    ¡°They have their ways¡­ Maybe the last crops needs watering before the last harvest?¡±


    ¡°News! Current news before you enter the city! The Honored Malinda Tertin, one of our rulers! The savior of the downtrodden has spread her generous words! She¡¯s going to bring back the charity organization to the poor people of the city! She who¡¯s so benevolent and so magnificent has blessed her presence to the city¡¯s less fortunate!¡± a zealot preached, a poor looking old man who stands on the side to speak to the people who¡¯re coming into the city.


    ¡®Word travel fast as always,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he passes the old man in a calm pace. ¡®Now it¡¯s up to Malinda how she¡¯ll handle this new burden that has been placed on her¡­ by me.¡¯


    As the main outer layer gates are open to everyone on this day, Xe¡¯Reth strides into the city while he¡¯s being careful not to crash into people with the large sacks that he holds. Though now his hood covers his head again as he makes his way to the outer layer¡¯s west side where he lives, the slum district.


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    I will try to release once every two days, but it depends. :(


    Anyways! He didn''t kill anyone. So, would it be better if he had just kill them, or not to kill them like he did? Even if their bodies weren''t found, don''t you think the DLO has reports as to where they''re doing their searches? I think so. *Blink*


    What could it be that Xe''Reth forgot to take with him... Hmm...? :D


    Voice your thoughts!


    Comment/Favorite/Follow.


    <hr />

 18 - The Love of Siblings

    <hr />


    The Love of Siblings


    <hr />


    ¡°Take this letter and send it away with haste,¡± Malinda said while holding out a letter to one of her other handmaidens, slightly younger than Malinda and has the similar flaming hair but a much slender body than Taryna.


    Taryna¡¯s younger sister it is. She¡¯s wearing the handmaiden outfit like her older sister with a sword on her waist, because Malinda wants her handmaidens to be fluent in combat, she demands it. The flaming hair is identical to Taryna¡¯s, a bun hairstyle, yet the handmaiden¡¯s expression only shows her tranquil ambiance.


    She does a deep curtsy as she takes a hold of the letter that Malinda holds in an outstretched arm while saying with closed eyes, ¡°As you wish, Miss. I¡¯ll go at once. But, do need me to do anything else while I¡¯m out of the castle?¡±


    ¡°Actually, yes. Take with you money. Money enough to buy a white grand bed, furniture that has shelves where one can place medical supplies, a table, and chairs. If you¡¯ve seen the healer¡¯s room then you should know what I¡¯m seeking. But, only the highest quality, do you understand me?¡± Malinda asked as she counts all of the merchandise she want to buy on her fingers, while the handmaiden has brought up something to write on. ¡°Everything must be clean, you hear me? CLEAN.¡±


    ¡°Also, I want the second largest room in my wing to be cleaned out of its dust and filth. Nothing must be unclean in that room. Did you hear everything I just said, Tanya?¡± she added with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Miss¡­ What is going on?¡± the handmaiden asked while putting away the piece of paper because she¡¯s confused by this sudden situation. First her Miss had wrote a letter stating that she needs help from a longstanding friend of her mother¡¯s, and now she wants to buy merchandise that costs a lot of money. Though for Malinda, it¡¯s but sand on a strand.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t heard?¡± Malinda asked with flickering eyes.


    ¡°No Miss, all I know is that you came home yesterday, then asked for a late bath, and in the morning I¡¯ve been preoccupied with cleaning your plate armor off of its blood. What has happened?¡± she responded in a clear tone, so clear that she¡¯s still in her tranquil state of being. Her gentle smile of innocence, her rounded eyebrows that shows nothing, only the calmness of her current state, and her flaming red and yellow eyes scorches with conviction that only a handmaiden has for her mistress.


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s true. Well, to bring you up to speed is simple. I¡¯ve a lover now, his name is Xe¡¯Reth Quinery. He lives in the slums with his ill mother that has the exact same disease as my mother and father had. But he has kept her alive through his own abilities. They¡¯ll be moving in today or tomorrow, and I don''t want to hear any words of complaint. I¡¯ve heard enough from your elder sister already,¡± Malinda said with strictness upon her frowning brows as she stares at the smile gaping Tanya which has such a bright mood all of a sudden.


    ¡°My Mistress! That is absolutely wonderful news! This makes my heart gladdened for your happiness. But do not worry Miss, even if the man you found was an insect, I wouldn¡¯t treat him any less than I treat you!¡± She shouted with such loyalty and such flaming eyes that stares so intently at Malinda, which makes her flinch a little bit.


    ¡°G-Good that you see it that way,¡± Malinda nods as she closes her eyes, ¡°Mm, indeed it¡¯s good, very good. Well, enough dallying, fetch some servants to help you, and some carts with horses too. Now off with you, be as fast as you can, but do not bring me something that can harm his mother, do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes Miss,¡± Tanya said while taking a hold of her dress, then bows gracefully in a smooth movement as she bobs with her bun-haired head. She turns to walk out of the room right as Taryna comes back. With a nod to each other, the sisters switches places with one another.


    ¡°Mm, you¡¯re back. Is my brother at home?¡± Malinda asked with pursing lips while standing up from her seated position on the luxurious seat, which¡¯s located behind a desk. They¡¯re currently in Malinda¡¯s study in her wing of the castle. Stacks of paper, bookshelves, and a scarlet carpet that stretches across the whole room displays in its outstanding fashion.


    ¡°He is not, Miss¡± Taryna said with a shaking head. ¡°He went to a meeting with all of the Honored Generals and the other Honored Ones who¡¯re at the Ebon Wall.¡±


    ¡°What, that was today?¡± Malinda asked with a gaping mouth, but she waves her hand in the air. ¡°Oh well, it doesn¡¯t matter since I¡¯m not the leader of the squad. Brother would¡¯ve said something if he needed me to come, but he didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Miss, it does matter. Your absence will be noted by the other Honored Ones. And it will be seen as laziness¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Enough. You¡¯ve become rather irritating as of today, you really need to stop with your moaning about every little thing I do which you don¡¯t think is right. As I had said before, changes will be made from now on, and you need to come to terms with it,¡± Malinda said as she whips her index finger at Taryna who¡¯s currently not giving in with her scowling expression.


    ¡°I am your eyes in the dark that sees. I am the watcher that watches your back from dangers. I am your hand that does your will and none other¡¯s will. I am your handmaiden and no one else¡¯s,¡± Taryna speaks her rules to herself. ¡°None may sway my heart from my mistress¡¯s loyalty. None may take advantage of my mistress¡¯s kindness, and if someone harms my mistress in any way, I shall smite the one who makes you cry tears of blood.¡±


    ¡°It is enough Taryna¡­ enough, I get it. You can keep on doing what you must for my sake. But I warn you, do not force me and Xe¡¯Reth apart by interrupting him with intolerable words. Watching him with suspicious eyes wherever he goes is something I won¡¯t allow, and¡­ Sigh, you don¡¯t need to follow his commands if he asks you. How about that?¡± Malinda asked as she breathes out in exhaustion since Taryna can be hard to handle if she brings up the handmaiden¡¯s declaration of guidelines that the Queen¡¯s handmaiden made after the forming of the DLO, which¡¯s sacred to them like the Divine Queens themselves.


    ¡°It is¡­ sufficient. But Miss, weren¡¯t you going to meet up with him at his house, about now?¡± Taryna said with a grin.


    ¡°What time is it?!¡± Malinda yelled as she sees Taryna¡¯s honest yet tenacious smirk.


    ¡°About three and a half hours since you left his house, Miss,¡± Taryna said with a now calm expression, not showing her smile anymore. ¡°You didn¡¯t say when you wanted to leave, so I didn¡¯t say anything about it. And I was¡­ busy.¡±


    Malinda flings her arms in the air as anger takes ahold of her while she shouts, ¡°Taryna! You¡­ You! Go to the carriage and prepare it, now! I¡¯ll be out there soon! GO!¡±


    ¡°As my Miss commands,¡± Taryna said sarcastically as she backs out of the room with a lowered upper body, then she closes the door silently.


    Though as Taryna leaves, another handmaiden comes in, which doesn¡¯t look like either Taryna or Tanya.


    It is an armored woman this time. Fully armored to the teeth in black and red gleaming heavy-plate armor while a sword and a shield is fastened on her back. The woman is older than Taryna, mid-thirties, and has shortcut light-brown hair with such a squinting stare of utter power; a handmaiden that trains all of Malinda¡¯s handmaidens, and all of the other ones too in battle, even the servants. The Battle-Mistress is what she¡¯s called. Very tall, taller than Malinda. A butcher of humans, a monster in battle, a handmaiden who follows her Honored One¡¯s every command to the letter. Her build is muscular but they¡¯re hidden away by the plated armor.


    ¡°My Honored Miss sent for me?¡± she asked while standing in a posture of attention. Hands behind her back so they¡¯re placed at her buttocks, and feet placed right next to each other. A straight and proud stance.


    ¡°Ah, yes. You shall gather up wagons and bring them here, here where I¡¯m pointing at. Though you¡¯ll easily see my carriage. Bring large boxes and people to help with the lifting. You might have already heard that I¡¯ve¡­¡±


    ¡°That you have found a man? Yes, I know my Honored Miss,¡± she nonchalantly interrupted as she bows, ¡°Congratulations on become a fully-fledged woman, finally, or soon at least. Because I¡¯m guessing you haven¡¯t engaged in a sexual relationship yet, right? And since I haven¡¯t heard about it before today, I think that you¡¯ve met him recently, maybe even yesterday, isn¡¯t that right? I thought you would be more reserved. But honestly, it¡¯s about time you¡¯ve found a man. I am happy for you.¡±


    ¡°How¡­ how can you know all this, Recina?¡± Malinda frowns while pouting with her lips, because she can never surprise this Battle-Mistress.


    ¡°I have my ways, my Honored Miss. But as I¡¯ve gotten my orders, I¡¯ll be seeing to them. Until next time,¡± Recina said with a bow while closing her warrior eyes, then she turns with creaking plate armor, leaving Malinda there all alone, standing.


    A sigh escapes from Malinda¡¯s mouth as that heavy atmosphere vanishes when the woman goes out of the room. Even Malinda can¡¯t beat her in a one on one fight. Recina is completely ruthless to her opponent, Honored One or not. She¡¯s Malinda handmaiden, but she¡¯s also the Battle-Mistress in the citadel. And since there¡¯re four women and one man in the Tertin family, the castle is swarming with servants that¡¯re only female and not male. Because the General doesn¡¯t want any man near his daughter, so it has become a castle of women.


    There is no young boy that can tempt the blind Merissa into running away, no male other than the old geezers that¡¯re in the castle who¡¯re already married, yet it is weird, even their own children has only come out as baby girls.


    There¡¯re some of the servants that hasn¡¯t even left the castle¡¯s grounds. They¡¯ve become secluded from the outside life, some are even scared of venturing out to explore the city, because servants and handmaidens are picked when they¡¯re born, or rather brought from an orphanage to get a better life than when they¡¯re thrown out to the street as they become older.


    They¡¯re raised up like any other child since the castle is like a city itself. Many places for children to grow, which the nurses handles with such demands upon the children, though caring demands as any other parent would put on their own child.


    Clean, scrub, wash, learn, and they¡¯re schooled by the teachers that¡¯re also servants. Any kind of servant has rights as any other human that lives in Ellenoria. They can¡¯t be forced to do anything against their own will, but rules are set which they do need to follow if they want to live in the Tertin''s household. They can¡¯t engage in any relationship that isn¡¯t approved of. If they do engage is such activities, they would lose their status of being a servant and be thrown out of the castle. It has happened before.


    Every year inspections from the DLO comes to see that no one has been mistreated, which has happened often in other households than the Tertin Family. And that can lead to the arrests of the householders, since it is heavily frowned upon to mistreat those who willingly serves their masters and mistresses.


    The citadel¡¯s servants¡¯ quarters are outside by the east side of the citadel. Even though it is for servants, their houses are like the inside of the castle itself. Marbled tile floors, walls, and ceilings. Furniture of the highest quality, the food that nobles eats, and the baths of lavishness.


    Because it¡¯s so extravagant, all of the servants in the citadel loves their lives to the fullest. They couldn¡¯t ask for a better life than this. Handmaidens and servants are different though, and the difference is that handmaidens are the ones that handles the servants and the handmaidens are handled by their Honored Ones. That way there is communication going through every wing of the citadel. Rumors and gossips spreads rapidly among the servants if a new events has occurred.


    Factions has also been built, or at least two. Malinda is one faction since most of the women who served her mother joined her wing, and the rest joined her brother¡¯s and Celyssa¡¯s faction. But it isn¡¯t anything special, everyone lives in harmony with each other.


    Weekly meetings are held that the servants and handmaidens needs to attend. Information, new rotation of jobs, and a lot of other discussions are held in the lecture hall, where the younger servants are mostly taught about how to act, and how to do everything that¡¯s needed to be a servant in an Honored household.


    The only men in the citadel are the old butlers of the General and the various geezers that has been given permission to wed and to get children of their own, though they¡¯ve only gotten daughters which¡¯re handmaidens to the different members of the Tertin family.


    Though there has been instances when parties were held in the castle, and through the drunkenness of the patrons, they¡¯ve tried to take advantage of the servants, but, that is a crime, a crime that only happened once, and the perpetrators didn¡¯t even manage to do anything.


    Since all of the servants and handmaidens are trained to defend themselves, the patrons were the ones who got injured severely. That¡¯s why the Tertin Family avoids to have parties when they don¡¯t absolutely have to, and the regulations of those parties are now beyond strict, for it is indeed a citadel full of women and few males.


    There are different wings of the castle, the kitchen, the dining hall, the gigantic ballroom where the seats of power lies, the many different rooms that¡¯re mostly there for decoration; the bedroom of the General and his wife, the bedrooms of Merissa and her handmaidens, and many other rooms.


    The second floor has two wings where Malinda and Madelyn lives, but yet those two wings are gigantic. One side belongs to Malinda, the other to Madelyn and their own handmaidens that gets their own bedrooms because the castle has to many quarters to fill up entirely.


    The castle is like a rectangle that has been built upon. There¡¯re three towers on three different corners of the rectangular shape. The front door to the castle is on the south long side of the rectangle, making the castle very stretched to east and west. If a person would go by a compass, the towers would lie on the south-west, north-west, and north-east sides of the rectangle.


    There are many floors, but only two floors are currently occupied by the householders. The third floor hasn¡¯t been used in a long time, the servants don¡¯t go up there anymore, or to any of the other floors beyond the third. They only clean the first and second since the third one had been blocked off long ago.


    The towers are vast in broadness and in lengthiness. They''re so high that a person can see the landscape, the mountains, and the gigantic ocean that Ellenoria has which is considered a marvel by the people. It does stretch too far for the naked eye to see any land beyond the ocean.


    Ellenoria is huge, too huge that has many secrets which haven¡¯t been found, but as Malinda readies herself to journey out into the city, she¡¯s fretful since she¡¯s already late. She rushes through the corridors of vases, plants, paintings, and the many servants that belongs to her wing. With a simple nod, they curtsy their well-trained postures to Malinda as she strides past them. Then she walks down the long flight of stairs that goes straight then left which leads to the great ballroom.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Malinda has changed her garments to a more rain worthy clothing. It is thick with long sleeves and a fluffy hood. Furry on top, then as it goes down her legs, the fur gets thinner as it reaches her feet. No more plate, no more black and red, only a slight dark and light brown fur dress that can be opened to reveal her black tight pants and the thin blouse of bulging breasts that sticks out. Truly an outfit for someone powerful and proud.


    As Malinda is about to reach the front door, she sees Madelyn running up the flight of stairs that leads to the front door, into the ballroom, right in front of Malinda. Madelyn is slight wet and flustered, probably because she had ran from the healer¡¯s house, which¡¯s located south-west near the gigantic garden. As she comes inside while shaking her body a little, the sisters¡¯ makes eye-contact. Madelyn is the first to break it off as she lowers her head cowardly, which makes Malinda frown as her mouth curves down in sadness.


    With a deep breath Malinda comes upon her.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­ I¡¯m sorry about what happened before, I went too far. I shouldn¡¯t have hit you, I am sorry,¡± Malinda said as she sees her sister holding her arms in a cross while still having her head lowered as she sulks so Malinda doesn¡¯t see her reddened cheek. ¡°Please baby sister, look at me. I am sorry, okay? So please, let¡¯s not fight over such a petty thing. I forgive you, so¡­ can you forgive me?"


    ¡°Look how swollen it is¡­¡± Madelyn muttered sourly as she raises her head, which makes Malinda snort out a slight giggle upon seeing the strawberry in front of her. ¡°It is not funny! This won¡¯t go away soon the healer said! And I need to¡­ I need to train with my squad when their vacation is over! How can I even show myself with this¡­? SEE! It is completely awful, it pulses with pain too!¡±


    ¡°Hehe, I-I am truly sorry¡­ Ah! I know, you can wear a helmet to hide your swollen area!¡± Malinda exclaimed as she raises her index finger to show her idea of brilliance. But she leans forward to embrace her scarlet-cheeked sister in a lovingly hug. ¡°I am sorry, please don¡¯t hate your big sis. I¡¯m just trying to look after you. And I love you.¡±


    She gives a peck on Madelyn¡¯s cheek, leaving a red lipstick colored print of two rose petals, but not on the red cheek since it would¡¯ve probably ached with pain.


    Madelyn sighs in defeat as she too embraces with arms around her, feeling the fur dress running through her fingers. Then as they let go of each other, it¡¯s as if they never had the fight to begin with.


    ¡°Where are you going by the way?¡± Madelyn asked as she looks at Malinda''s clothing, up and down. ¡°I saw Taryna standing in the rain with an umbrella.¡±


    ¡°Oh, didn¡¯t I say before that I¡¯ve met someone?¡± Malinda asked with a brightly lit smile on her mouth that shows her true feelings. ¡°I am going to meet up with him now, and well, he¡¯ll be moving in to my wing with his ill mother. So I¡¯ll be gone for, hmm, I don¡¯t exactly know how long.¡±


    ¡°What¡­ really? Is he really going to move in here, and so soon? Wow sister, you¡¯ve changed. For you to decide it this quickly, you must like this person a lot?¡± Madelyn asked with flickering eyes of surprise since she has never seen her elder sister in such a brightly lit mood.


    ¡°Ah¡­ indeed I do. He caught me off-guard yesterday, after I left you there by the payment stalls. I was so tired, ah so tired. And well, my emotions were very unstable at that moment, but by such simple and flowery words, he made my heart pound and pound. All of my worries vanished as I thought about him. Loving someone is truly heartwarming. It gives a person peace,¡± Malinda said as she clutches her hand together while placing it on her chest, feeling the pounding of her own heart. ¡°He¡¯s poor, that¡¯s very true. He has many troubles that he needs to deal with and he has had to deal with many troubles, too. But he¡¯s so kind and gentle to me. Which made my heart want to seek out such a light. Because I have cried sometimes, Madelyn, cried because of various actions that I¡¯ve committed on the battlefield. But this¡­ this emotion is what I have always wanted. To have someone to hug, to kiss, and¡­ well, you know¡­ that other thing¡­¡±


    ¡°Sister!¡± Madelyn shouted as her cheeks blushes up while the swollen cheek only tries but fails to show any redder than its already reddened state. ¡°You¡­ You shouldn¡¯t speak so openly about¡­ about¡­ such vile acts!¡±


    ¡°Oh please¡­ we¡¯re grownups. Not like you haven¡¯t thought about it with the one you love, huh, huh?¡± Malinda said as she nudges her elbow at her sister¡¯s arm while she spasms with her eyebrows just like Xe¡¯Reth did to her when they were sitting in the carriage together.


    ¡°O-o-of course I don¡¯t think of such¡­ such revolting practices!¡± Madelyn shouted as she swiftly turns her head sideways and up while she crosses her arms again with such undying tenacity.


    ¡°Is that so¡­ Hmm¡­ But, do you know that there is a rumor going about, that one of the servants heard you moan somewhat loudly inside your bedroom¡­? You know¡­ self-pleasuring?¡± Malinda whispered while leaning forward with a wide smile as her white teeth shows.


    ¡°I-I-I-I did no such thing!¡± Madelyn shrieked as her eyes expands while a mouth spasms with stuttering words. ¡°Who-who-who was it?! W-w-who?!¡±


    ¡°Dear sister, do you honestly think I will reveal my source of such juicy gossip?¡± Malinda said as she can¡¯t even hold back her laughter. ¡°Hehe, I am sorry, but it was also said that you even yelled out a muffled name while you did it. Seriously Madelyn, you must restrain yourself from such actions until you find someone to yell that name to...¡±


    ¡°AAAHH! I am going to find that servant and put her to scrubbing the most scrubbity of the scrubby areas there are! AAH!¡± she flings her arms in a violent manner, then disappears with stomping feet towards the servants¡¯ area to find the perpetrator of her humiliation.


    Malinda heads out into the rainy weather as she giggles at her sister¡¯s easily changeable personality which¡¯s controlled with no effort at all. She shakes her head to get out of those laughing thoughts as Taryna stands there with an umbrella by the golden carriage with the regular stallions of horrors, but begins to move to her Miss.


    The dark clouds pours quantity of water down upon Tertinum while the sun rests behind the darkness to await the slightest crack so the light of lights can seep through it.


    The drainage pipes that riddles the rooftops of the castle, the houses, and the fortifications'' ramparts makes the water flow to the sewers that¡¯re below the city. Then its water currents leads out into the moat surrounding Tertinum City.


    ¡°Let us be off,¡± Malinda said with a hand motion as she reached the foot of the stairs, and Taryna guides the umbrella with her Miss¡¯s movements. ¡°And hopefully you won¡¯t fall sick by this weather. Be sure to take a warm bath when you return.¡±


    ¡°I will Miss,¡± Taryna said with a bob of her head as Malinda disappears inside the carriage.


    When Taryna sits on the driver¡¯s seat, she does what she always does, whips with her hands for the monsters to begin charging in their galloping of clanking hooves!


    While in a window staring out onto the courtyard, Celyssa stands with her head-handmaiden behind her. They¡¯re motionless as their eyes looks out the wide window on the first floor, seeing Taryna whipping with her hands.


    ¡°Honored Madam, it seems that Honored Malinda is going to bring back her mother¡¯s support program to the poor people. It has spread rather rapidly. Just now I got a message from the city-guard telling how the poor people are in a joyous mood,¡± the head-handmaiden said while standing in a curtsy with head held low and hands clasping together which¡¯re placed on her stomach. ¡°And I had sent out my best servants to gather information on that young man you wanted to know about.¡±


    ¡°What information have you found¡­?¡± Celyssa asked calmly as she sees Malinda¡¯s carriage flow towards the innermost gate, then goes down the sloping street to wherever she¡¯s heading to.


    ¡°He¡¯s seventeen years old, nothing but a poor young man. He lives with his mother who¡¯s sick with the Fire-Brand disea¡ª.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Celyssa¡¯s eyes goes wide in complete surprise as she turns hastily to look at her head-handmaiden. ¡°How? How can he keep his mother alive when even the nobles can¡¯t keep their loved ones alive?¡±


    ¡°Should we¡¯ve¡­broken in to his house? To know how?¡± the head-handmaiden asked hesitantly as she raises her head to stare into her mistress¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°No, you shouldn¡¯t have. Continue¡­¡± Celyssa said with a sigh while turning back to watch the innermost portcullis close but then open again as more wagons are about to leave, which¡¯re coming from the south-east side of the castle, streaming out with the armored handmaiden at the helm of the caravan. ¡°Wait¡­ Where is the Battle-Mistress going?¡±


    ¡°I think Honored Malinda is going to make him move in here at once, Honored Madam,¡± she said hesitantly again as her head shakes at Malinda for being so bold and unladylike. ¡°Something isn¡¯t right, she has fallen in love with him too quickly. They only met yesterday I am told. The young man has black hair and eyes, can you even believe that¡­?¡±


    ¡°What is the young man¡¯s name?¡± Celyssa asked while biting her lip since a worry grows inside her as she thought about what Madelyn said to her on the way to the healer. And Madelyn did reveal what her crush¡¯s name was.


    ¡°It is Xe¡¯Reth Quinery, Honored Madam, he lives in the outer layer at the west graveyard in the slums, why?¡± she responded as her eyes watches Celyssa pacing back and forth between either corner of the large window, with an extremely worried lip-biting expression.


    ¡°Dear Divine Queens, why have you put such a trial on Madelyn¡­? Why? What has she done to be put to such excruciating torment?¡± Celyssa asked as her hands are trying to reach the sky, the Divine Sky where the old Queens are watching down upon their precious people of Ellenoria. ¡°Madelyn is innocent of what crime she has committed! Why put her life through such misery when you know whom she loves? Ah¡­ She¡¯s a girl that¡¯s so sensitive just like her own brother¡­¡±


    ¡°She had watched that young man for three whole years ever since he joined her squad of archers, to see how he grew up! Yes, Madelyn has had her faults, but you¡¯ve now put her through a punishment that she doesn¡¯t even deserve! She¡¯s a child that teases her crush! So why¡­ WHY?! Please Queens of old! Tell me! Show me why you¡¯ve put her on this trial of the heart! Love is the most precious possession one has! What will happen to Madelyn when she finds out that her own sister has taken that which is the only object that keeps her from giving up?! She was even going to confess to him when their vacation was over! Oh... my Divine Queens, you can be so cruel¡­ But your bidding is my command! Show me, show me what I can do to help my dear sister-in-law!¡±


    Nothing¡­


    Celyssa falls to her knees as her eyes begins to tear up from the sorrow that her precious sister-in-law will face. A plea for forgiveness is what she¡¯s asking of her Goddesses in the sky. But nothing will come to Madelyn¡¯s aid.


    Celyssa herself is such a devotee to her Queens, most are. But Celyssa has brought it into her life fully. Ever since she was married off to this family, the Tertins¡¯, she has been on her knees for every beck and call her family ordered her to do, but under the last few years of her being on the top, she has become rather hard to order around since she¡¯s indeed an Honored One. So now her family is the one who¡¯s in arms reach, to be controlled, to be handled. For her family is a sly, somewhat ruthless, and such a selfish family.


    In addition, Celyssa had tried to get both Madelyn and Malinda to marry her cousins, but that didn¡¯t go well, not well at all. Because Madelyn who doesn¡¯t really like anyone, is always wary of strangers, be it relatives, or friends which she doesn¡¯t even have, no one can gain her trust, only her real family. And Malinda, she beat up her cousin who tried so desperately to woo her into his arms. It was somewhat unpleasant, no, Malinda thought that it was pure disgusting to be looked upon by such filthy eyes, moreover by a cousin.


    Through those means, Celyssa was told off by her husband quite harshly because the General has his own information that goes around and comes around back to him. These last years when Malinda¡¯s parents died, Celyssa has gained control of almost everything in the Tertin family, so this new man that Malinda has favored is something Celyssa must be extremely aware of.


    ¡°Celyssa, are you all right?¡± the head-handmaiden asked in worry while her hands are on her mistress¡¯ shoulders, trying to support her to stand up from her devotion to the Divine Sky which she desperately yelled at.


    ¡°I¡­ I am fine, but Madelyn won¡¯t be¡­¡± Celyssa said while dotting her eyes with a handkerchief. ¡°Don¡¯t let your daughter away from Madelyn¡¯s sight, and keep her other handmaidens with her too. Let someone else handle their workload. Go, now. Because she¡¯ll be devastated when Xe¡¯Reth comes with Malinda. We mustn¡¯t let her have a breakdown in front of him, and he can¡¯t know how Madelyn feels about him, HE CAN¡¯T.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ Honored Madam,¡± the head-handmaiden said as she returns to her normal tone and posture. Then, she heads out the door which leads in here to the grand study of Celyssa¡¯s. When the door is open, voices of servants resounds as they¡¯re doing their daily work of taking care of the city.


    ¡°Oh, Malinda, what have you done to your own sister?¡± Celyssa asked while walking towards her luxurious seat to sit down. A hand grabs ahold of a paper and begins to read it as another hand moves to a quill to start writing upon the piece that Celyssa holds while sitting behind her desk.


    The door is still open since she likes to hear the commotion out in the servants¡¯ workplace so they don¡¯t slack off in their duties in taking care of the city¡¯s incoming letters and papers from the many different sections of the city.


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Around one to two chapters until he takes his first step onto the ground of the citadel.


    UPDATE/NEWS: I won''t be able to release on Friday or Saturday. But I am pretty sure I''ll be able to release a chapter on Sunday. Been a pretty hectic week, though I hope it''ll calm down next week! :D


    Anyways, soon he''ll reach castle! Hmm, is that a perfect time to start Volume Two? I''ll have to see. I don''t know about those kinds of stuff, total amateur.


    Oh well.


    Until next time!


    Comment/Favorite/Follow


    <hr />

 19 - The Packing Couple

    <hr />


    Next Chapter will be out on either Sunday or Monday. Christmas time keeps me busy so sorry for not posting that much, but I don''t want to rush it, because it''ll degrade my writing.


    Enjoy.


    <hr />


    The Packing Couple


    <hr />


    Xe¡¯Reth steadily walks on the cobblestoned street leading to the slums of the city while people are becoming scarce as further as he goes. Since he still has his hood over his head, nobody recognizes him, even the city-guard patrolling the outer layer who has seen him on regular basis doesn¡¯t bat an eye at him walking with a sinister aura while carrying large bags. They can be cowards that are too scared for their own good, only when they¡¯re in groups is the time to act tough, though when they¡¯re out on single patrol they¡¯re as harmless as a babe.


    ¡®I hope Malinda haven¡¯t waited long,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought moodily while walking through the now empty street. Rain drops bombards the lane making pools of water, and various people are standing by their windows looking out at this broody weather as they sigh in disappointment since this was supposed to be a day of celebration. Though it has now been ruined by the water drops that showers down from the sky.


    The houses on either side of the avenue are single homes with alleyways running all over the slums. Some are larger than others, but they¡¯re still standalone houses with three to two levels in height. The first floor is usually made out of stone, then it¡¯s built upon with Ellenwood so more people can fit into the crampy households.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house has only two rooms and no other level. It has only the kitchen and the bedroom. The house isn¡¯t connected to any other house, and since its position is by the street, it gets heavy traffic of poor people. Some folks had even slept beside his house a couple of times in the alleyways, but they never dared to do it again when Xe¡¯Reth had told them off, because their filth and sicknesses could¡¯ve easily spread into the house if they were to linger, in the process, it could¡¯ve made his mother even sicker.


    The footsteps of his feet splashes the ground as he keeps on striding with his proud posture of villainy that gives the folks in the windows second thoughts of yelling out at the single person walking towards the slums.


    Because there is rain, the poor people are careful to not get hit by its chilling effect since it can easily make them sick. It¡¯s why the streets are so empty, none is brave enough to venture out into the weather to catch a cold, which could spread throughout the slums. Though some people are curled up outside as their bodies shudders from the cold.


    A noise begins to resound behind Xe¡¯Reth, many hooves with grinding wheels follows the assault on the cobblestones.


    *Whistle*


    ¡°Out of the way, DLO business!¡± a carriage-sitting man roared while waving his hand violently at Xe¡¯Reth, for he¡¯s walking in the middle of the lane, carefree.


    ¡°Oh wow,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said while treading to the side as two carriages and five riders¡¯ gallops by him in great speed; splashing water as they soar by him. ¡°Well¡­ it looks like some unlucky bastard is going to be arrested.¡±


    Worry shoots through him as he scowls at the location where they¡¯re going, but he sighs out in relief as they make a left turn, away from his area of the slums, which makes him continue to walk towards the west graveyard, to his homestead.


    The boulevard that he¡¯s walking on is broad, straight and long. It¡¯s the main street that goes from the east side to the west side of the outer layer¡¯s crescent form. And Xe¡¯Reth had just walked by the rowdy market a couple of minutes ago. It was still filled with life because the better-off people doesn¡¯t mind the rain for they¡¯ve it better than the poor. A visit to the healer can effortlessly cure the simplest diseases that goes around, so the city is still pretty much livid with life.


    Xe¡¯Reth turns again as he hears additional hooves galloping in rapid movements; stragglers of the DLO. They gallop past Xe¡¯Reth without even looking at him. With a sigh, Xe¡¯Reth turns once more to begin walking to his home. But after a couple of minutes, hooves and wheels resounds behind him yet again.


    Though this time, his eyes turns wide in astonishment as Malinda¡¯s golden carriage drives in its booming speed. Xe¡¯Reth of course removes his dark hood to show that it¡¯s him, but as Taryna sees the young man there beside the lane waving with his hands, a frown and a smile sprouts forth on her face as the carriage doesn¡¯t stop. Instead, it drives closer to the side where Xe¡¯Reth stands while the horses¡¯ neighs as they speed up.


    The rain has poured down immensely, so pools of water has formed all around the area, but the pool by Xe¡¯Reth is somewhat large.


    While seeing the menacing eyes of Taryna as she drives the horses towards him in full speed, he quickly looks down at the gigantic pool that¡¯s right beside him, he scowls with wide eyes. Then his head turns back to Taryna. Xe¡¯Reth begins to shake his skull violently, but she nods up and down with an inward laugh which can be seen upon her grinning mouth as the carriage comes closer and closer to him.


    *Swoosh*


    The golden carriage drives by him as it splashes water from its four large wheels on both sides. Taryna hastily turns her body to see the drenched Xe¡¯Reth, but he isn¡¯t there anymore, which makes her stop the carriage with a violent pull of the reigns, making the horses grind on the cobblestones.


    ¡®What¡­ where did he go?¡¯ she thought while gazing at the area where he stood; the pool of water still moves from the recent disturbance.


    ¡°Phew, that was close,¡± Xe¡¯Reth sighed as his feet places themselves on the ground while he lets go of the handle at the back of the carriage. He had dashed forward and grabbed ahold of the back of the carriage as he saw Taryna wasn¡¯t going to stop. A little wet are his clothes, but not the large sacks because he swung them up in the air so the water didn¡¯t hit them. Though, they¡¯re already wet, but he didn¡¯t want more wetness to affect them.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­?¡± Malinda asked because of the voice she heard outside. As the door opens, she peeks out to see him there soaked to the clothes. ¡°I thought it was you! Thank the Divine Queen that you haven¡¯t returned from¡­ I mean¡­ Come in and dry yourself. Taryna continue towards his house.¡±


    ¡®That handmaiden is not fun to be around with. Am I so loathed by her?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he takes his first step into the carriage. He carefully squeezes the bags of Yran¡¯Gilis inside while placing them on the opposite seats, turning the leather damp with the water that drips from the sacks.


    Muttering noises comes from Taryna as she sees the door close, but with a, ¡°Hiia!¡± she whips with her hands. The carriage starts to move while Xe¡¯Reth sits down beside Malinda in a rather slumped way as he breathes out his worries.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth! What happened to you?! Why do you have that injury?!¡± she yelled but with a low voice as the slight bloodied wound displays on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder. Those azure eyes of hers scans his tired face of utter dismay.


    ¡°I was¡­ attacked at the garden. It was¡­ It was the DLO¡­ Malinda. They¡¯ve found it¡­ They found my only source of sustaining my mother¡¯s sanity,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a wilting head and palms over his face, showing his complete misery. ¡°I only managed to save some of the herbs¡­ But they won¡¯t last. Malinda, what am I going to do? Please¡­ I¡­ I don¡¯t know what to do anymore¡­¡±


    Malinda stares with eyes ajar as her mouth tightens upon seeing his despair. A hand, her beautiful hand touches the grief-stricken man¡¯s hair. With a caress, Malinda pulls the man closer to her, feeling his watered hair which¡¯s sticking out everywhere since he has had a rough day, a dreadful day¡­ yet she can¡¯t help but bring out a smile as her eyes relaxes.


    Witnessing Xe¡¯Reth in these kinds of positions makes her joyous for some reason, as if Malinda enjoys him relying on her for everything. Malinda can stubborn, moreover if she earnestly likes something that is hers. Hand stroke after hand stroke; Xe¡¯Reth leans at her and she tilts her head while feeling that sensation of wetness hitting her powdered cheek.


    ¡°Tell me more about what happened, so I can figure out something to help you, no, help us,¡± Malinda whispered as Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hair runs through her fingers. The scent fills her nostrils, making her calm as a sleeping child. ¡°No, wait. Let me first tell you about what has happened while you were away. Hmm¡­ ah, yes. I first went to the prison, but the daring Inquisitor had released that pig. So I went to the DLO, and well¡­ The pig¡¯s teeth were demolished by me while his daughter now knows what he truly is. And the Inquisitor will also help us find your perpetrators, because I have her under my fingertips. That woman has always been dreadfully proud, so putting her in her place felt¡­ somewhat pleasant.¡±


    ¡°Then I went home to prepare everything for your arrival; a room for your mother with new furniture, which I do hope you¡¯ll like. Oh, and I wrote a letter to my mother¡¯s old friend who can help me setup the charity organization here in the city, she¡¯s a professional. Ah, I almost forgot. We¡¯ll be moving you and your mother today¡­ You don¡¯t mind that, right, Xe¡¯Reth?¡± Malinda asked as she releases him from her clutching embrace to stare into those pure eyes of darkness.


    With a shake of his head, it reduces Malinda¡¯s worries of rejection because Xe¡¯Reth gains a thankful expression on his whole face as it relaxes to show his loving emotions.


    In his mind he can only pity himself. He¡¯s actually cared for by Malinda to this extent. What does he have? Nothing¡­ Nothing at all but a sick mother and a rundown house. And she has everything now that she got a lover. Though their current relationship is still that of a parent and child, for she¡¯s taking care of everything while Xe¡¯Reth is just deadweight that needs to be cared for. Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t like it one bit, but he needs this. He has to suck it up, and stop feeling sorry for himself.


    ¡°I am too pathetic to be ever worthy of you, Malinda, but I will be damned if I don¡¯t at least try to be,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as his eyes shows new life in them as the expression on his newly lit face bombards Malinda to make her sprout forth a gladdened smile. ¡°I will bring you happiness, that I promise you, Malinda. With all my heart and soul, you¡¯ll be mine, and I¡¯ll be yours.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s exhausted face of dismay vanished in a blink of an eye. To be replaced with such eyes of survival. With gazing eyes, they travel up and down at her seated body. Those furry clothes bring out her appeal too strongly for Xe¡¯Reth at this moment. Just looking at a certain spot makes his heart pound. How could he ever find such a perfect woman as her¡­?


    They sit there beside each other, staring into one another¡¯s eyes, falling into the depths of the abyss. With Malinda¡¯s hand being placed on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, he groans in pain as his face grimaces.


    ¡°Ah, I am sorry! Are you all right?!¡± Malinda startlingly asked as her hand recoils upon hearing those painful sounds. ¡°That¡¯s right¡­ What happened Xe¡¯Reth? You said something about the DLO? Tell me, I want to know everything.¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ¡°Sigh¡­ It is good that you didn¡¯t hurt them to much¡­ But did they see you? Can they recognize you?¡± Malinda asked as Xe¡¯Reth finished telling her about everything, not bothering to keep anything secret¡­ to some extent at least.


    ¡°No, look.¡± He takes out his bandana and puts it on while covering his head with the hood. ¡°See? The only thing they saw were my clothes, not even my black eyes. And as I used underhanded tactics, they were without difficulty put to sleep by the ball of Yran¡¯Gilis I told you about. They won¡¯t find out who it was that owned that garden¡­ I am sure of it.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe that you actually took down four agents and four DLO hounds¡­ with one single ball¡­ of Yran¡¯Gilis.¡± Malinda said while holding her chin with squinting eyes while wondering if Xe¡¯Reth is telling the truth or not. ¡°You¡¯ll have to show me how it work sometime. It is illegal¡­ but I find it fascinating that such a weapon exist. Just think of the possibilities that can come from such a weapon; to render one¡¯s enemies¡¯ unconscious with a simple throw.¡±


    ¡°Well, the agents were in a clump. So I simply tossed it at them, and well, you know the rest,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said while scratching his head in embarrassment for using such a crude method. But a lie nonetheless. ¡°Thank you again Malinda for being such a wonderful woman. I can¡¯t thank you enough for what you¡¯re doing¡­ Helping my mother out of this¡­ this place means the world to me. The humid air of stench also reaches inside the house making the bacteria fester, maybe that¡¯s why she hasn¡¯t recovered. Or it¡¯s just an incurable disease.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡­ m-my love¡­ We will take it a step at a time,¡± Malinda said with hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s cheek. ¡°You¡¯ll have to let Taryna take a look at that wound that you got from that bolt when one of the agents managed to shoot before they fell asleep.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth waves his one hand while saying, ¡°It¡¯s only a flesh wound, nothing major. I¡¯ve already cleaned it so it¡¯s all right.¡±


    With a ¡°Hoo!¡± Taryna pulls the reigns to stop the horses; they¡¯ve reached Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house.


    ¡°Mm, we¡¯re here. I¡¯ll place these herbs inside my house for it¡¯ll be the safest place. Don¡¯t let Taryna go into the bedroom since she doesn¡¯t seem to like me much,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a forced smile.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯ll warm up with time¡­ Just give her some time,¡± she said with lowered eyebrows. ¡°She doesn¡¯t approve of you and me being together¡­¡±


    ¡°It is understandable, Malinda. You fell for me too quickly, and I fell for you quickly also. Heh, we¡¯re both as love-struck, two love fools together. It is fitting,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a chuckling grin. ¡°Ah, but I am so glad that you¡¯ve accepted me, and nobody else.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ Me too¡­ me t¡ª¡±


    *Knock, knock*


    ¡°Miss, we¡¯re here!¡± Taryna said in a banging loud voice, trying to interrupt their alone time.


    Malinda sighs for being disturbed while staring at the door, seeing Taryna in the window because the scarlet drapes aren¡¯t covering it. As she shakes her head in exhaustion, Malinda pulls the furry hood over her head, then steps outside while being followed by Xe¡¯Reth as he begins treading on the ground towards his house, to open the many locks on his single-hinged door.


    ¡°Ladies first,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a gracious bow, supporting the large sacks on his uninjured shoulder, but his cloak now covers the injured one so Taryna doesn¡¯t see the wound which would bring unwanted attention from her.


    Malinda smiles happily at his jest of being a gentleman. She walks inside while chuckling silently to herself as Taryna shows no face other than an unamused expression of total conviction to her Miss. Though Taryna is also soaked to the bone like Xe¡¯Reth since the driving gave her no shelter from the rain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start up the fire. Taryna you can sit down in the meanwhile because you¡¯re completely wet. Just relax and let me handle the work,¡± Malinda said while guiding Taryna to one of the two chairs by the table.


    ¡°Miss?! No, I can¡¯t le¡ª.¡±


    ¡°You sit there and be silent. When you hear the wagons outside you can get up, otherwise I¡¯ll get mad at you. Do you understand?¡± Malinda retorted as her eyes stares at the now sitting Taryna with tenacious fortitude while having hands on her shoulders, forcing her down.


    ¡°As my Miss commands of me,¡± Taryna said with a drooping head as droplets of liquid stains the wooden floor with dark spots. Her bun-styled hair has flaming strings pointing out in various directions, showing how the weather has affected her.


    ¡°Good,¡± Malinda said while clapping cheerfully at Taryna¡¯s shoulders with her hands.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    The stove fire is now lit, the brought up remaining candles are now lit, and the entire kitchen is now lit up in brightness, showing the closed bedroom door fully; the furniture that had hid it away has been moved to their original spots.


    Taryna sits on the chair obediently while having her rain cloak tightly wrapped around her body, trying to keep the cold moisture at bay. Malinda hums a tune to herself as she pokes the stove fire with a metal stick, feeling the warmth coming out from it. But she isn¡¯t cold, she¡¯s rather warm in her furry clothes.


    ¡°They should be here soon. Xe¡¯Reth!¡± Malinda shouted while standing up, to move towards the bedroom door which¡¯s closed. As he doesn¡¯t respond, her hand pulls down the handle and goes inside, then closes it behind her since Malinda doesn¡¯t want Taryna to see the goods inside.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth?¡± she asked with worried lowered eyebrows as he sits there beside his mother, unmoving, looking at the scarred Theresa with lost-in-thought eyes. She asks again, ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, are you all right?¡±


    He turns his upper body as a hand feels his own forehead, but nothing, no warmth seeps into his palm. He¡¯s fine, only the exhaustion is getting the better of him. ¡®I should¡¯ve slept longer. It seems all of this blood loss has made me weak. No! I must stay alert!¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he puts up a smile to rid Malinda of her frowning brows of worry.


    ¡°Sorry Malinda, did you say something? It has been a somewhat rough day for me¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he begins to breathe a little heavier with half-opened eyes to show his exhausted expression. ¡°The break-in¡­ The running to the mountain¡­ The DLO finding my garden¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, things have been moving too quickly for my brain to respond to this kind of weight. But, I am thankful that I have you here with me, Malinda.¡±


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    With outstretched arms, he initiates for Malinda to come and hug him, which she does, one step at a time. Xe¡¯Reth stands up to embrace her with all his might, to show her that he really depends on her warmth to keep going. And Malinda does the same with head being placed on his shoulder while her arms are hanging around his neck. Her ample breasts are pressed on his chest which makes him feel the sensation of pure suppleness.


    ¡°Oh Xe¡¯Reth¡­ You¡¯ll make me cry again if you speak in such a sorrowful tone. Please, don¡¯t say anything anymore. I don¡¯t want you to feel pain and worry. I will not allow it, because you¡¯ve felt it for too long now,¡± Malinda said as her head still remains on his shoulder, though her expression shows that she wants to cry with those twitching lips, but she holds it in. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ You should ready yourself and your mother for departure. We¡¯ll begin to pack down the most sensitive equipment in your possession, and well, the illegal ones need to be hidden away safely. We better start to move them now.¡±


    Malinda releases herself from his embrace to stare into his eyes while smiling to reassure Xe¡¯Reth that everything will be all right. Her powdered face has been slightly smudged but she doesn¡¯t see it, only Xe¡¯Reth, though he stays silent as his hand touches a hair-lock and swipes it behind her ear while his index finger caresses it until it reaches the earlobe, making Malinda shiver from the touch that fills her heart to the fullest.


    ¡°Yes, let us start with the packing. Together,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he smiles with a tilting head. With a clasp of her one hand, he brings her with him to a shelve that has many various herbs. ¡°Nothing on this shelf is illegal, so you can begin taking them down and place them on the table. I¡¯ll take care of the more delicate herbs that isn¡¯t so legal.¡±


    Malinda only nods while giving out a smiling, ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    The light, that brightness which is the life of the planet comes through the brooding clouds to reveal the autumn¡¯s sun. The rooftops drips water onto the ground and the poor people begins to leave their houses. But, beside one house stands four wagons, large ones with horses in front while a golden carriage is by the house in question.


    With a clank, two pair of plate boots are now placed on the cobblestone of wetness, mud, and solidity. The heavy-armored woman gazes at the area where her Honored Miss ordered her to go. Those eyes of indifference show no disgust, nothing, only the eyes of someone who has seen far too much to be moved by this location where the poor people live.


    ¡°Battle-Mistress, which house was it that the Honored Miss said she¡¯s in?¡± a servant of the Tertin family asked while looking around the area, feeling somewhat disgusted at how casually people can live in this kind of rotten place, but she doesn¡¯t show it, only a motionless expression displays upon the servants.


    ¡°Finally, you¡¯re here. What took you so damn long?¡± Taryna asked as the door to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house opened up, showing Taryna¡¯s displease on her frowning eyebrows and that mouth of curved down lips. ¡°Well? Your Honored Miss is waiting for the boxes, so chop, chop.¡±


    ¡°Taryna, why are you in such a foul mood? It doesn¡¯t suit you at all,¡± Recina said while crossing her plated arms as her head shakes in a shameful manner. ¡°I would guess that it is about Malinda¡¯s lover, yes?¡±


    ¡°And what if it is? I don¡¯t like him at all, he¡¯s but a scoundrel who takes our Miss¡¯s love only because it helps him get out of this rotten place,¡± Taryna said sneeringly with a raised lip of revulsion.


    ¡°Hold your cursing tongue, Taryna, or I¡¯ll have it cut out!¡± Recina shouted with a threatening forward step. ¡°Our Honored Miss has chosen him, so you have to accept that. No, you must accept that, otherwise it will be seen as utter disloyalty.¡±


    The Tertin servants stands beside the wagons while loading off the boxes. They hear the conversation between their two peers. Though no words escapes from the servants¡¯ mouths as they place the boxes outside Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house on top of each other. But, when they return to the citadel, their mouths will be flapping open, spreading every word throughout the entire servants¡¯ quarters, because gossip is the only pastime those servants have.


    ¡°How can you be so utterly relaxed about this?! You haven¡¯t even met him!¡± Taryna retorted with violent waving hand gestures.


    ¡°That can be dealt with quite easily right now, can¡¯t it?¡± Recina responded with a shaking head while tapping one gauntleted hand on Taryna¡¯s shoulder as she moves towards Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house. Then she disappears inside, leaving Taryna there with the moving servants who¡¯re wet from the rain.


    The servants are all women. They wear the regular self-made servants¡¯ clothes. It is like the handmaiden¡¯s; it goes to their feet with a long embroidered dress, and with long tight sleeves that¡¯re folded up once to show their hands. No skin other than from their neck up and hands shows while a black rain cloak covers the whole body. The hairstyles of the women vary; loose, braided, bun, short, and long. Truly, those servants has had a good life.


    As the Battle-Mistress, Recina, stands on the wooden floor inside Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s house, she gazes at the poor looking kitchen with unfazed eyes, completely calm. Then, the bedroom door opens up and Malinda comes out carrying various glass containers while seeing the heavy-plated woman by the front door.


    Recina bows as they make eye-contact while saying, ¡°My Honored Miss, the wagons you asked for are outside with boxes that¡¯re being placed by the front door.¡±


    ¡°Ah Recina, good,¡± Malinda replied happily as she places the glass jars on the overflowing kitchen table. A sigh escapes from her mouth while wiping her forehead since both Xe¡¯Reth and her has fixed everything that¡¯s needed for the departure.


    Because the house is so small, nothing really needs to be packed down. Malinda had also said to Xe¡¯Reth that all of his furniture are going to be replaced anyways so she managed to convince him to leave them here for the time being, until he has settled down at the citadel, though everything that isn¡¯t going with them now will probably remain for the ones who buys this house after he leaves with his mother.


    While looking up and down at Malinda, Recina¡¯s eyes stares as if she sees something for the first time. Malinda¡¯s furry garb has been removed while only the thin blouse displays on her gorgeous body fully; her somewhat firm but ample bosoms, her flawless light skinned complexion on her sleeved up arms, and her tightly fit black pants features all of her lower curves.


    ¡°My Honored Miss, you shouldn¡¯t be so openly dressed!¡± Recina said in a loud voice while showing worry upon her raised eyebrows. For someone so proud and principled, Recina deeply cares about how her Miss shows herself in the public. Malinda would usually be in her armor most of the time, but not this time, this time it¡¯s as if she wants to show her everything to someone, and that someone comes out of the bedroom with hands free with two pair of wide eyes staring at the armored woman.


    ¡°Ah, Xe¡¯Reth. Let me introduce you to, Recina Vecteri, the Battle-Mistress of the Tertin family, and my eldest handmaiden,¡± Malinda introduced with a hand pointing at Recina while having white teeth favorably showing upon her smiling mouth.


    ¡®Oh mother, she¡¯s much harder on the eye than I thought she would be,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought with a bob of his head to recognize her powerful presence which fills the air inside the kitchen.


    ¡°It is an honor to meet you, Recina Vecteri. I am Xe¡¯Reth Quinery, the man who¡¯s blessed enough to be accepted by your Miss, Malinda Tertin,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said without showing any fear for the woman who stands before him. A monster more powerful than Malinda, but why would he be scared of a retired legend? He isn¡¯t, Xe¡¯Reth only shows true eyes of respect and a slight smile on his sinister lips. ¡°I have heard many stories of you, and about your battles when you were still in the field of battle by the Ebon Wall. It is truly a shame that you retired so early, for I would¡¯ve liked to see you in action. But, unfortunately I was born too late and wasn¡¯t able to join the army soon enough to see your glory days.¡±


    Recina is completely baffled at this young man¡¯s reverence of herself. With wide open eyes she manages to close them to relax her whole face to reveal a regular unfazed expression, but a small curve upwards displays on one side of her mouth.


    ¡®Stories? What stories? I never told stories about my days by the Ebon Wall''s middle gate,'' Recina thought as surprise actually penetrates her hard-headed mind. ¡®But¡­ This young man knows how to flatter a woman at least, no wonder Malinda fell for him. You little brat, you¡¯re a crafty one, aren¡¯t you?¡¯


    ¡°Well, well, look at that. Humph. You truly know how to pick them, my Honored Miss. And of course it is also an honor to meet the man who Malinda has chosen, hehe. You¡¯ve no idea how happy I¡¯m to be able to see my Mistress¡¯s daughter finding a man with such a vigorous mouth.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, I like you, boy. You may be from common stock, but I will look forward to get to know you, Sir Xe¡¯Reth Quinery. Though, I¡¯ll not call you Honored until the knots have been tied around your fates,¡± Recina said with crossed arms and a nodding head of approval, being quite gladdened about this young man. ¡°Hmm, now that I take a better look at you, you have the bearing of someone who¡¯s proud to the bone, and a well-trained body. In fact, too trained of a body. Never doing anything half-assed like myself, huh? You have known life to the fullest, but¡­ is that a blessing or is it a calamity I wonder¡­¡±


    ¡®A wound also?¡¯ Recina thought but she puts away such thoughts for now.


    ¡°A blessing for sure, Battle-Mistress. If I wouldn¡¯t have lived my life as I¡¯ve done up to now, I would¡¯ve never met Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a chuckle as his hand touches Malinda¡¯s shoulder, which makes Malinda move closer to him while she snuggles into his arms, pressing her bosoms onto his chest.


    ¡°Of course it is a blessing, Recina! He might look a little vicious but he¡¯s as kind as a lamb, though a lamb with razor-sharp teeth that defends that which is his,¡± Malinda said giving Recina a warm smile while letting go of Xe¡¯Reth to straighten herself. ¡°And that¡¯s that. We better start with the packing before it gets to late. Recina, tell the others to bring in boxes and start filling them with the things on the kitchen table.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, Honored Miss,¡± Recina said with a turn of her creaking armored body, then as the servants and Taryna sees her coming out, she says while pointing, ¡°Your Honored Miss has given you a duty. Bring in the boxes and start filling them with the equipment on the table inside the house. On with it!¡±


    The servants curtsy simultaneously in acknowledgement and begins to walk into the house, one by one with a box in their hands.


    While packing down the various possessions of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s, the servants tries to take a sneak peek into the bedroom, but the door is only a quarter opened, so they sigh out in utter failure. They¡¯ll just have to wait until the man himself comes out of his house, to see Malinda¡¯s lover.


    With the necessary equipment, herbs, and alchemy supplies packed down, the rest of the furniture will be left behind, not even one wagon is fully loaded, which makes Xe¡¯Reth quite uncomfortable because he has to rely on Malinda¡¯s fortune for everything.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s okay to not bring anything else with me? I mean, it looks like I¡¯m using you if I only bring my supplies that I need for my mother,¡± he bites his lip. ¡°People will probably never take me serious if I become too reliant on you for everything.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Xe¡¯Reth, Xe¡¯Reth, Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda said while sighing with a shaking head. ¡°You worry too much. Many men and women have married into wealth; commoners being fancied by nobles, and nobles being fancied by commoners. It just needs one single spark to light the heart on fire with love. Who cares about what others think of you. In a couple of years, you¡¯ll be used to being pampered in wealth, just give it time. And well, I¡¯m going to make you even more eye-catching when I am through with you; new clothes! New armor! And everything you want!¡±


    ¡°Listen Xe¡¯Reth. My fortune¡­ I haven¡¯t touched it at all, and I,¡± she chuckles while covering her mouth, ¡°I get one third of the remaining taxes after our family has given the percentage to the kingdom. I am even richer than my other two siblings. And since my brother is the family head, he of course has to pay more than me and my sister, though we do pay a small fee every month.¡±


    ¡°But compared to what my brother pays, it is nothing. While my dear sister however, is an excessive spender of exquisite merchandise. She only wants the best, and that has made her somewhat famous in the city¡¯s boutiques. She buys the finest new trending jewelry, clothes, and furniture. Dear Divine, you should see her wing of the castle, it is truly magnificent, a paradise. But my point is, it doesn¡¯t matter how much you¡¯re given. You and I, that¡¯s what matters, nothing else, not the people¡¯s thoughts, only you and me, okay Xe¡¯Reth?¡± Malinda said with her hands clasped onto his, giving Xe¡¯Reth her complete support.


    ¡°Alright Malinda, I get it. But thankfully if people do look down on me, I have complete immunity. Because I¡¯ve been looked upon by all of the faces a person can make,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a squeezing clasp of his hands, which makes her nod in relief. ¡°Though, I wouldn¡¯t mind being pampered by you¡­ Malinda.¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­!¡± Malinda said with a slap on his uninjured shoulder, teasingly, as Xe¡¯Reth retreats back while putting his hands up in defeat. ¡°Oh you¡¯ll be pampered alright, just you wait. It has only been one day, and the upcoming days will be even more harder. Many objectives to do. But how should we handle your mother?¡±


    ¡°Where will we be dropped off?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked as he switches his eyes to his mother. ¡°Because¡­ I don¡¯t want people to look at her¡­ And I don¡¯t think my mother wants to be looked upon by others.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked with eyes flickering.


    ¡°My mother¡¯s body is scarred from the disease; her face, her hands, and everything is damaged. If you had the same appearance as my mother, would you want people looking at you? And how would you feel to see the pity in those eyes?¡± He looks back at Malinda. ¡°My mother is in too much pain to worry about how she looks, but just a simple glance of utter sadness from a person she doesn¡¯t even know, can ruin her held up fortitude¡­ So I want to bring her in where none can stare at her. Is there a way to do that, Malinda?¡±


    ¡°Certainly, of course. We¡¯ll drive the carriage to the east side of the castle. When we¡¯re there, we only need to walk up the flight of stairs to my wing. It¡¯s a side entrance, made for my servants. But it¡¯ll be good enough to get your mother into her prepared room, which I do hope has been cleaned up for her arrival,¡± Malinda said with a worrisome frown on her thin arched eyebrows.


    ¡®I hope Tanya will be fast enough in bringing back the furniture and the bed for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother,¡¯ she thought with trouble upon her mind as a daze oozes inside. ¡®If I remember correctly¡­ The castle healer had cleaned the wounds, put on ointments, and had bandaged my parents. Xe¡¯Reth has also done that, but with a lot more effort put into it.¡¯


    ¡°Malinda¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked, waving his hand in front of Malinda¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Oh¡­ sorry,¡± she said as the troublesome thoughts disappears.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s palm touches her forehead as her eyes widens in surprise, ¡°No fever, good. Seems like you¡¯re also exhausted by all of this.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ I do feel a little tired, but! I am strong-willed! So I¡¯ll handle it,¡± Malinda said with an inhale of air, then with an exhale she holds her head high, and unaffected by the tiredness. Though as Malinda stares with clear eyes at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s uninjured lip, she raises an eyebrow. ¡°Wait a moment¡­ Where has your lip wound gone?¡±


    ¡®Oh shit¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth simply thought.


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading this somewhat relaxing Chapter!


    The release of Chapters depends on how my week looks. I''ll know tomorrow on Monday if I''ll be able to release every two days, or if not, it will probably be one or two Chapters per week.


    Anyways! Next chapter is where he''ll begin treading on the path to nobility! Wohoo!


    Voice your thoughts.


    It is going slow, I know, but it won''t speed up since I like the pace. And well, Harem? Is a love triangle, harem or not? :D I don''t know. But as it stands now, it won''t turn into a harem. Harem involves romance, and well, there won''t be that many women to romance, but who knows... I can''t say for sure. Sure there will be probably woman who fancies him, but that doesn''t mean Xe''Reth has to respond to those feelings, would he dare anger Malinda and put his mother in danger? No, I don''t think he would.


    The kingdom looks at harem as we do in real life. It isn''t exactly normal. It is even written in one of the Chapters. :P


    Until next time!


    Comment/Favorite/Follow


    <hr />

 20 - The Journey Begins!

    <hr />


    Ahh... Sweet vacation. Hopefully now that everything will be calmer, I''ll be able to write more Chapters per week! Though since Christmas is closing in for me, I will probably only get two chapters out this week. Who knows, maybe more. *Blink*


    Enjoy!


    <hr />


    The Journey Begins!


    <hr />


    ¡°Wait a moment¡­ Where has your bloody-lip gone?¡±


    ¡®Oh shit¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth simply thought while Malinda stares with such questioning eyes.


    As if it¡¯s Malinda¡¯s own body, she takes ahold of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s head while turning it in different directions to inspect his face closely. And as her eyes doesn¡¯t see any bruises or wounds, she lets go while trying to speak, but her mouth can¡¯t form the words because of the shocking surprise.


    ¡®Dammit, I had hoped that she wouldn¡¯t have detected the restored areas. But now that it has come to this, I better just reveal it,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as this will be the breaking point or the stabilization of their relationship.


    ¡°Yes Malinda, I regenerate faster than regular people,¡± Xe¡¯Reth smilingly said to break away the ice inside Malinda¡¯s worried heart. ¡°You might think that I am a monster after telling you this, but I want no secrets between us. Malinda, I am not like an ordinary human being.¡±


    As she stands there in a wide-eyed shock, Xe¡¯Reth starts taking off his upper-armor pieces, one after the other. He drops them on the wooden floor as they make thudding noises. For every part removed, Malinda¡¯s eyes become wider and her mouth more agape.


    With the upper-armor lying on the floor, his masculine chest shows in front of Malinda¡¯s eyes. Only the recent bolt wound glitters with scarlet dye while the rest of the wounds has vanished, completely mended. It makes Malinda breathe heavier and heavier the longer she stares at his torso. But a hand, her light skinned hand automatically reaches forth to touch him, to feel the smooth surface of a flawless skin complexion that¡¯s too astonishing to be real.


    ¡°You see, Malinda? I am a monstrosity, a fiend that shouldn¡¯t even exist. Not only do I have increased healing, I also have many other enhanced features,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said while grasping ahold of Malinda¡¯s hand; he guides it with his words. ¡°My eyesight, my hearing, my smell, my strength, my speed, everything is better than a normal human being. And I don¡¯t even know why¡­ But my mother told me that I must keep it a secret at all cost¡­ Otherwise¡­ I would become targeted and experimented on.¡±


    Malinda now looks with squinting teary eyes at their conjoined hands while feeling her own lips beginning to dry from not being touched by a stunned tongue that doesn¡¯t dare to move an inch. What¡¯s this feeling that has frozen her in place? Fear? Or just shear bafflement? Has she come this far in finding someone finally, to just run away? No, fear has nothing to do with it.


    ¡°This is your last chance to back out from our relationship, Malinda, for this is my most guarded secret which I hold in my possession,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a motionless face, as if he has turned into stone. Only two pairs of shining black orbs gazes longingly to hear the verses of acceptance or total annihilation.


    ¡°Why do you¡­ Why do you say such cruel things about yourself¡­?¡± Malinda silently said with dripping eyes. Her chin quakes as she grips tighter onto Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand while staring into those dark eyes. ¡°It¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter, it just doesn¡¯t matter what you are¡­! Please don¡¯t say that it¡¯s up to me to decide. I don¡¯t care if you have such¡­ such enhanced gifts. Maybe¡­ Maybe you¡¯re blessed by the Divine Sky? Yes, yes! That must be it! Then maybe you aren¡¯t even human at all, but something else¡­?¡±


    From such a sudden spark of an idea, Malinda becomes thrilled with life as she wipes off her tears. Her face brightens up with a broad smile and glowing eyes upon coming up with such a thought. Her one hand which isn¡¯t holding tightly onto Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s, is now covering her mouth to hide that grin of hers.


    ¡°No, wait¡­ Black hair¡­ Black eyes¡­ Black¡­ Ebon! Xe¡¯Reth!¡± Malinda shouted as her mouth-covering-hand grabs onto his uninjured shoulder. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re a descendant of Those Who Came Before! The Ancient Gods! It is said that they were beings of darkness that could take any shape if they willed it!¡±


    ¡°What? Ancient Gods? Not the Divine Queens, the Goddesses?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked with a raised eyebrow. He¡¯s truly puzzled by this entirely new phrase, ¡®There are actually Gods? I¡¯ve never heard about Divinities other than the Goddesses.¡¯


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ What I will tell you now is only information Honored Ones gets,¡± Malinda said with a whispering voice as her head moves closer to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s. ¡°The Goddesses are human. The Divine Queens were all normal, or at least some of them were. There has been Queens with magic flowing through their veins, which was excellent. But our kingdom¡¯s religion prays to dead human Queens and a selected alive one. Nothing more than that. And I¡¯m more of a non-believer myself, so I can see what¡¯s truly going on.¡±


    ¡°My sister-in-law, Celyssa, she¡¯s still a fanatical believer even though she knows the truth about her Goddesses, and I¡¯ve really tried to have faith. But I¡¯m more interested in what was.¡±


    ¡°In what was?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked with a clueless frown. ¡°You mean what has happened in the past?¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Malinda nods. ¡°Did you know that Those Who Came Before, created all life on this planet? I¡¯ve learnt all of this through a magician, for the reason that when an Honored One comes of age, they get information imprinted into their minds. The Royal Family do that because if an Honored One talks about the Ancient Gods to the common folk¡­ they¡¯ll be considered as traitors. And it¡¯s somewhat simple to know which Honored family that revealed the secrets.¡±


    ¡°If the kingdom¡¯s people starts talking about the¡­ other Gods. The Royal Family only needs to inspect where the source came from. And if that ¡®source¡¯ is close to an Honored Family. It means it was most likely them who betrayed the kingdom by enlightening such secrets to the public.¡±


    ¡°Just telling you this counts as treason. But you¡¯ll sooner or later be branded with those memories, too, so it doesn¡¯t really matter,¡± Malinda said while letting go of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand to caress his chest, to feel his warmth as her head lowers with narrowed eyes. ¡°The Ancient Gods were the creators. They came from the stars to bless this planet with life. There were many different Gods, but one stood above them all. The information doesn¡¯t know if it was a he or a she, though that God or Goddess was a benevolent being.¡±


    ¡°Every other God followed that being and began to shape the world, for this world was dead when they came to it. And they¡¯re made of something we humans can¡¯t even grasp with our minds. But it was tens of thousands of years ago since they lived. Though Xe¡¯Reth, can you guess why they aren¡¯t here on this planet anymore?¡± Malinda asked while raising her head to stare at him with a beaming smile.


    ¡°They had done their purpose in bringing salvation to this planet?¡± Xe¡¯Reth replied with a scarred brow raised.


    Malinda¡¯s head shakes as she lowers her eyebrows with closed eyes while saying, ¡°The various races that they created¡­ killed them. Our creators, we killed them. No one knows how our ancestors could do it for it was eons ago, but, the creators became the enemy of their own created children. And they merely flowed out of existence.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ The Gods who can aid a world to flourish were killed just like that?¡± Xe¡¯Reth questionably asked with a deep imbedded scowl. ¡°That is¡­¡ª¡±


    ¡°The thing is. As it was so long ago, the records of those happenings were lost, or at least that¡¯s what the Royal Family wants the Honored Ones to accept as true. Because the Divine Queens are the Goddesses, believing in something else than them can also be counted as heretic and treasonous thoughts,¡± Malinda said with a sigh as she withdrawals her hand from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s chest. ¡°I just know that there are other races than humans in the world, but as our kingdom has never ventured out to seek beyond the Ebon Wall, we can¡¯t confirm if there¡¯re more. And well, I don¡¯t really want to find them because¡­ How can we avoid hostilities? We¡¯re already in war with the slave kingdoms that¡¯re at our doorstep. Banging on our door.¡±


    ¡°But you, Xe¡¯Reth, maybe you¡¯re an ancient descendant of one of those lost races, or maybe even the Ancient Gods themselves, hehe,¡± Malinda chuckles with hands covering her mouth. ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s just wishful thinking. Though, I wonder what you¡¯re if you aren¡¯t human¡­ No, you¡¯re most definitely a human, but with enhanced aptitudes.¡±


    Malinda¡¯s eyes narrow themselves while one hand holds her chin as the other hand places behind her back. She starts to thud one foot after the other as she strides around Xe¡¯Reth in circles to inspect him thoroughly. And Xe¡¯Reth straightens his back, pushes his chest out with a raised head, to stand in an elegant stance. His scarred eyebrow goes up as his dark eyes traces Malinda¡¯s flowing movements; calm puckering lips shows on her mouth as those azure orbs scans him up and down to not miss a single body part.


    ¡°Indeed, you¡¯re indeed a human from what I can see,¡± Malinda calmly said as she halts in front of Xe¡¯Reth. Then with grabbing hands she takes his head to inspect it closer. His black natural slicked back hair with his scarred eyebrow, and Malinda boldly opens his mouth to inspect his white teeth that¡¯re aligned perfectly. ¡°Yes indeed, you¡¯re a human.¡±


    ¡°What am I? Some kind of rare species?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked but gives out a smiling chuckle instead. ¡°Heh, but I¡¯m happy that you don¡¯t see me as a monster. Normally when people knows this sort of secret, they wouldn¡¯t be sticking around. Though thankfully you aren¡¯t like most people, Malinda. Come my love.¡±


    The room turns silent except for Theresa who dreams painstaking nightmares. A never-ending cycle of sleep, wake up, and after she has been tended to, she¡¯ll falls into her dreams again.


    Malinda and Xe¡¯Reth hugs one another while their lips waters the skin of each other¡¯s mouths. And once again scarlet smudges start to cover him. Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hands descends as they caress her spine, making Malinda shiver in delight when he squeezes his arms around her; shackling bonds that doesn¡¯t want to let go. But as they kiss, Xe¡¯Reth opens his eyes to travel to the kitchen door¡­


    *Knock, knock*


    ¡°Mm!¡± Malinda yelps as she becomes startled while their kissing mouths unlocks. ¡°Uaah¡­ I¡­ I forgot where we were. Xe¡¯Reth, let¡¯s talk about this at some other time.¡±


    ¡°Honored Miss?¡± Recina asked with more knocks on the door, not daring to open because it would be ill-mannered.


    As it opens, Malinda peeks out through the opened crack between the door while saying, ¡°Yes, what¡¯s the matter? Have you finished with the carrying?¡±


    ¡°Honored Miss, your mouth and eyes¡­ What has happened?¡± Recina asked with a frown as her eyes stares intently at her smudged face of black eyeliner and widened red lips.


    ¡°Hmm? Oh. It, it¡¯s nothing special. Xe¡¯Reth just spoke about his past that made me a slight emotional. That¡¯s all,¡± she replied while running her finger under her lip to look at the smudged scarlet color. Dark eyeliner has too run down, creating black ripples under her eyelids. ¡°Well, are you finished?¡±


    Recina tries to gaze over Malinda¡¯s head to look past her, into the bedroom, but Malinda straighten herself so her height becomes the same. Which raises Recina¡¯s eyebrows in surprise.


    Her Honored Miss obviously hides something in there, but Recina¡¯s duties dictates that whatever it may be, it doesn¡¯t matter. With a slight bow of her upper body, she says, ¡°Everything on the table has been carried out onto the wagons, though, aren¡¯t any of the furniture coming along with us? Because the wagons can fit a lot more of his possessions.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not needed,¡± Malinda replied with a flapping hand while she shakes her head. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth agreed to leave all of the unnecessary belongings. Isn¡¯t that right, Xe¡¯Reth?¡±


    Malinda turns to look at Xe¡¯Reth, he gives a silent nod to her while Recina can¡¯t see him because of the slightly opened door covering him, which Malinda earnestly tries to keep opened as little as possible so Recina can¡¯t catch a glimpse of his ill mother.


    ¡°Recina, tell everyone to wait outside, Taryna and you included. Xe¡¯Reth and I will come out with the rest of his belongings soon enough. Go,¡± with an upward jerk of Malinda¡¯s head, Recina bows again and turns to the front door. She then strides outside while closing the door behind her as a muffled voice resonated through the wooden walls.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    With everything loaded onto the wagons, Malinda and Xe¡¯Reth comes out while he supports three large sacks on his uninjured shoulder and a quite big strongbox that both of them carries with one hand on each side of it where the handles protrudes, and Malinda looks down at the moist ground as her feet steps carefully to travel to one of the wagons.


    Xe¡¯Reth has put on his armor again while the wounded shoulder shows no more. Only a single hole in the leather displays. However, when the Tertin servants finally sees the man of the hour, they all gain various expressions. Gaping mouths, flickering eyes of bafflement, and hands covering their faces because Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s appearance comes across to be fairly vicious, but nonetheless he gazes at them with a mask of kindness as his lips curves upwards to reveal a gentle smile and eyes of utter calmness.


    ¡°That¡­ Is that him? The man our Mistress has chosen?¡± - ¡°It must be, but he doesn¡¯t look like how we imagined. He looks more rugged, uncivilized, and poor.¡± - ¡°Shh, he¡¯ll hear you. Though I do agree with you of course.¡± - ¡°I guess he does look somewhat okay¡­ Still, I think she could¡¯ve chosen bett¡ª!!¡±


    Recina gives the servants a sharp frowning stare as her head turns when she hears the whispering of their voices, and they immediately lower their heads in shame upon seeing those eyes which can make anyone tremble in fright. They now stand like statues, not daring to move a muscle, the penalty for misconduct in front of an Honored One can gain them heavy labor in the citadel. The jobs that they consider gross; cleaning the stables, empting the privies, and even cleaning them.


    ¡®Such discipline they have,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought smilingly as he walks towards the front wagon with Malinda closely behind him, carrying the coffer with a single hand. Malinda has once again fixed her face to not appear ghastly, though only her thin blouse, tight pants, and heeled shoes fits on her body, no fur garb. Because Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother will be wearing it when they¡¯ll move her into the carriage, for it can cover Theresa¡¯s whole body if the buttons are buttoned up, and the hood will shield her from unwanted eyes, even the all-seeing eye: the sun.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, you¡¯re letting our Miss work way too much. Let me take over for her,¡± Taryna interjected as she strides with completely shameful eyes which stares at him intently.


    But with a raised hand from Malinda, Taryna stops dead in her tracks, ¡°You stay still and be silent, for I am not exhausted by this kind of light work. And Recina, how long do you think it¡¯ll take to reach the east entryway of my wing?¡±


    ¡°Depending on how the traffic is¡­ I would say about forty minutes with the wagons, but if you go ahead with the carriage, you¡¯ll reach in about twenty minutes,¡± Recina responded as she turns away from the naughty servants with crossed arms.


    When the sacks and chest lies in the front wagon neatly, Xe¡¯Reth wipes his forehead to play the exhausted game while he gives a nod to Malinda and she responds also with a bob of her head as Xe¡¯Reth goes inside the house again. They had spoken and prepared everything for the awaited departure; the blown out candles, the now unlit stove, and the empty rooms which has only the simple furniture that¡¯ll remain for the people who¡¯ll rent this house after some time has passed.


    But before he doused the stove fire, he had prepared steaming water for his mother. This time he¡¯ll give her a small amount of the drug, and because of her side-effect, Theresa will be awake throughout the journey to the citadel. Her mind will be in the clouds, no agony, nothing. Only the bumping of the carriage will cause slight discomfort. Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother¡¯s body will suffer damage; the burnt skin will peel off, but thankfully she won¡¯t feel a thing.


    ¡­


    Xe¡¯Reth stands beside his sleeping mother while a shouting voice resounds into the bedroom from the outside, for both of the front and the bedroom door stands widely open, to await Malinda. It will be the meeting of a lifetime. An ill mother meeting her son¡¯s lover for the first time, and a lover that will be stared at with either contempt or bliss. How will Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother react to Malinda? Will she be glad or will she be angry or sad?


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡®Mother¡­ If you don¡¯t approve of her, it will be all right, it doesn¡¯t matter as long as you¡¯re alive and well. I don¡¯t ask for more. When you¡¯ll wake up, you¡¯ll be sent to a place of nobility,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought while he now sits on the bed beside his mother. He removes a hair lock from her scarred face with one hand as his other one wipes off her teary eyes. Even in slumber she weeps.


    Only a single candle lights up the bedroom in a soft and soothing luster. Then, footsteps thuds on the wooden floor in the kitchen, indicating that Malinda has ordered Recina to travel to the citadel without them. And the wagons¡¯ horses¡¯ neighs as the servants begins driving them away from the slums towards the citadel¡¯s east side.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, they left. Shall we wake up your m-mother?¡± Malinda asked as she takes her first step into the bedroom, a hesitant step. Her whole face reveals the uneasiness growing ever so rapidly inside her beating chest. While clutching her hands together, she joins Xe¡¯Reth by the bed as two azure globes seeks his comfort. ¡°H-How do I look? Am I¡­ am I adequately dressed? You don¡¯t think she¡¯ll mistake me for some petty charlatan dressed in this blouse?¡±


    ¡°Malinda, you look as dazzling as ever. Don¡¯t worry, my mother has the kindest of hearts,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with the gentlest of smiles in his arsenal while forwarding a hand to the single chair beside him. ¡°Come and sit.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth leans forward to reach the table where the drug mixture lies, which¡¯ll be the last his mother will ever drink in this rundown house. He grabs the pestle of steaming purple mush while his other hand takes the herb which¡¯ll wake her from the dreaming nightmares. The heavy breaths of the nervous Malinda touches Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eardrums as he leans back to be straight-backed.


    ¡°Will¡­ will she scream when you wake her? Like she did yesterday night?¡± Malinda asked with fiddling hands as her body bends to gaze at Theresa¡¯s branded body that riddles with red spots of blood showing through the bandages. It turns Malinda melancholy as both her eyebrows and mouth lowers, but as her eyes travels to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s, she becomes mouth agape because the expression she shows at this moment proves that people would certainly pity her with peering eyes.


    ¡°Be brave, Malinda. Take a deep breath and collect yourself. After this herb¡¯s scent goes into her nose, she¡¯ll wake up,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he shows two fingers holding onto a yellow bloated leaf with tiny pricking needles digging into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s skin. ¡°The Yer¡¯Dean is thankfully not illegal. I buy it from a normal herbalist store, though they¡¯re pretty pricy. Luckily I bought a couple of them the year before. And since they¡¯re durable in both cold and heat, I¡¯ve managed to keep them moist by dipping them in water. Ever heard of a fish that expands when it sucks in water? This flower¡¯s leaves do exactly that. But its smell is utterly horrendous. Oh well. Time to wake her up, be ready Malinda. And try not to look so jittery, heh.¡±


    ¡°I, I can¡¯t help it¡­¡± she said with pleading eyes as her hands grips ahold of her own pants to try to calm down. She breathes in and out with small shuddering puffs of air. Her eyes close to concentrate, then as her pulse slows to a more relaxed beat, she opens her eyes while putting on the most believable expression of tranquility; a gentle smile, soothing eyes, and eyebrows which neither raises nor lowers. ¡°I am ready, Xe¡¯Reth.¡±


    So it begins again.


    The slumbering mother awakens to her unending agony once more. With a shuddering agape gasp, her eyelids startlingly open to witness the ceiling as her eyes gazes at it; the wooden planks of rotting material, the spider webs with prey caught in their net of death, and the gaps between the planks where darkness hides.


    A shivering sensation shoots through her, turning her whole body into a trembling creature. But her light, her only means of survival reveals above her, leaning forward, so her moist eyes can stare in awe at the black star, her son.


    Theresa¡¯s body has now a blanket over her, which hides her inflicted state from the collarbone and up. But with a shuddering smile, her hand comes forth from under the cover, to hold onto Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand while the blanket removes itself to display her bandaged upper body; the slender body of a sick woman who eats little, because most of her food comes from drinkable liquid which¡¯s high in calories. Also the mixed herbs give her the necessary vitamins which the body needs.


    ¡°Thir-Thirsty¡­¡± Theresa said with a sore throat as dry lips cracks in small ripples on her mouth.


    Xe¡¯Reth leans to the table and takes a water cup which he had prepared while Malinda sits motionless on the chair next to the bed, waiting for Theresa¡¯s eyes to travel to her, but Theresa lies on the bed with closed eyes as she awaits the liquid of salvation that¡¯ll cure her throat. And since the Yran¡¯Gilis still flows throughout her body, the pain inflicts no damage on her mind, only her body stings, yet she gains no torture of pain, just the recent awakening that clouds her mind.


    He presses the mug onto her lips. She relishes the liquid as it flows down her throat with gulping noises coming from her, and when the whole mug empties, she licks the now watery lips while a scarred hand rubs away the welling tears covering her eyes to gaze around the room. But a scent, an aroma of perfume oozes into her nose as Theresa then sees the fiddling young woman sitting on a chair next to her son.


    Only the single candle lights the room, making it somewhat dim, but for Theresa, her eyes have adjusted to the dark from her endless obscurity.


    Another presence than her son in this bedroom? Theresa¡¯s wide-eyed gaze scans Malinda up and down, but even in her clouded state, she manages to take a deep breath as a smile curves upwards while her eyes flickers in secret joy. Her arms try to push herself up so she can see this young woman more closely, but her strength succeeds to give in and she grimaces in shameful failure.


    ¡°Mother, let me help you sit straight, take my hands,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with outstretched hands while Malinda holds the warm pestle which Xe¡¯Reth has now given her. Malinda, though, relaxes as she saw Theresa¡¯s smile beaming at her, turning her calm while a silent sigh of relief escapes between her lips.


    Xe¡¯Reth aids his mother by placing a pair of pillows behind her back as the blanket hides her bandaged chest, to not show a disgraceful appearance. Theresa stares at her own patched-up arms as a pair of gloomy eyes shows the emptiness hiding inside her. The effect from the medicine does make her drowsy, but she hangs in there because this might be the most important meeting in her entire life.


    With a shaking mouth, she asks while staring intently at Malinda, straight into her azure orbs, ¡°W-who¡¯s this¡­ my son? Introduce me...¡±


    Right when Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mouth opens, Malinda taps his shoulder, making him turn to look at her with a raised eyebrow. She nods bravely while smiling with tight lips at him, wanting herself to do the introduction.


    ¡®Well, well, taking the initiative. Though I hope she doesn¡¯t speak of things I¡¯ve kept a secret to myself,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth nods silently to Malinda then turns to his mother to give her a reassuring expression to ease her worries while having his hand on her lap, which Theresa grabs onto for the incoming shock.


    Malinda places the misty pestle on the table as she stands up from her seated position. She straightens her body while placing one foot behind the other, then with a bending of her knees, Malinda does a perfectly trained curtsy with hands moving outwards.


    ¡°With an absolute gratitude, I greet you, Theresa Quinery, my lover¡¯s mother. I am Malinda Tertin, the woman who has fallen in love with your unflawed son. I will do my utmost to earn your blessing under the time we¡¯ll spend together from now on. And I¡­ And I¡­ I think you¡¯re the strongest woman in the world¡­!¡± with a wailing shout, Malinda¡¯s eyes start dripping once more, because speaking and seeing Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother in this state reminds her only of the moments she spent with her own mother. But this woman has battled against a disease which slays its inflicted victims. She lives! ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to shout¡­ But you¡¯re someone who has survived the Fire-Brand disease, which my parents died of¡­ and it gladdens me to witness that you have fought it for over four years. You¡¯ve my full admiration and support.¡±


    ¡®Oh, I didn¡¯t expect that,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought with widened eyes while he feels his mother¡¯s grip tighten around his hand. ¡®Though thankfully she didn¡¯t utter any of my secrets.¡¯


    Theresa gulps with a painful grimace as if her sore throat has returned, but her whole face relaxes as a head begins to gently nod up and down with closed eyes. Then her mouth opens, ¡°Thank you for your¡­ kind words, Malinda¡­ But, I would be nothing without my little Xe¡¯Reth. Without him¡­ I would¡¯ve died long ago... Ah¡­ forgive me, I¡­ Ah, ahh¡ª?!¡±


    Theresa¡¯s eyes widen in terror as she clenches her teeth together, because the Yran¡¯Gilis¡¯s effect begins to wear off. Her body tenses up and her hands digs into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s. Trying to keep the incoming scream at bay, but this time, the pain turns unbearable. With tears welling from her eyes, she cries out for her son to help her. Which Xe¡¯Reth does; he springs to action while letting go of her clutching grips to bring the hot pestle of the prepared drug.


    However, Malinda had sprung faster. With shaking hands holding onto the pestle, Malinda moves and kneels down beside the bed while forwarding the mixture of medicine to Theresa¡¯s lips, but before Malinda can give Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother the drug, he clutches ahold of her arm as he upsettingly says, ¡°What¡¯re you doing, Malinda?¡±


    ¡°P-please, Xe¡¯Reth. I need to know how it feels to help a person, even if it¡¯s by a tiny bit. Because I never had the chance to save my parents¡­ but now, now I have that chance to help your dear mother,¡± she said with wide pleading azure globes as her mouth shakes. ¡°Please let me give her the drug¡­ And you know¡­ I¡¯m not really a believer of the Goddesses, though maybe this is truly a sign from them? That you and me found each other so I can repent for my naivety in not being able to save my parents¡­¡±


    ¡°Malinda¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth softly said with furrowed eyebrows. ¡°You couldn¡¯t have done anything but to spend time with them. Though sadly you weren¡¯t given that time, and you know nothing about herbs and alchemy, so how could you possibly have helped them? But maybe it¡¯s as you say, we¡¯re fated to be together¡­ To be blessed; go ahead, my mother needs a peaceful mind as we travel.¡±


    While they talked, Theresa has been shaking violently; hands fisted with nails digging into her skin, toes curled up, and the sheer grimace on her agonizing face shows now on both Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s and Malinda¡¯s expression.


    Malinda¡¯s pestle-gripping hands presses on Theresa¡¯s mouth while saying, ¡°Drink this¡­ Mother. It¡¯ll remove your pain. Drink¡­ Ah yes, that¡¯s right. Drink it up, all of it. Good girl¡­ Good.¡±


    ¡®Did she just say ¡°Mother¡±?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as Malinda said it, but the word she uttered sprouted forth such a motherly love inside her, an affection that she misses and wants to embrace. A woman younger than her mother, yet still a mother nonetheless.


    Malinda strokes Theresa¡¯s unwashed hair with a smile on her rose petals. No longer stares Malinda at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother with eyes of pity, but a gladness transforms her eyelids while Xe¡¯Reth sits on the bed totally amazed at the flow of her combing hand, and the complete calmness on his mother¡¯s expression.


    Theresa drifts down the endless river yet again, into the depth of her own calming abyss, turning her serene as no pain runs through her veins.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    An exhausted yawn escapes from Taryna as she leans with her back onto the golden carriage while a hand tries to hide the gaping mouth.


    When her lips come together, she opens them again to mutter words to herself, ¡°What¡¯s taking so damn long? It¡¯ll take only a couple of minutes she said¡­ Damn that boy, wasting my Miss¡¯s time like this¡­ She has better things to do than babysit you.¡±


    Taryna lowers her shaking head with a sigh as footsteps thuds on the wooden floor inside the house. She looks up and sees Xe¡¯Reth carrying a fur-hooded woman in his arms while Malinda holds onto a small box where supplies for his mother lies if something happens on the way to the citadel.


    ¡®So that is his mother, huh? Can¡¯t see through her hood¡ª!¡¯ Taryna¡¯s eyes turn wide as she forms fists with her hands. ¡®That piece of clothing belongs to Malinda! Why is she wearing it! If she really has that disgusting disease¡­ it needs to be burnt after she removes it.¡¯


    Theresa¡¯s arms coils around the neck of her son while being carried towards the carriage. She hangs on for her dear life, because years has gone by since she last stepped out into the light, but as she wears the long fur garb which goes even further than her legs, she needn¡¯t worry about the scorching sun frying her skin.


    For every step Xe¡¯Reth takes, no noise emits, only the footsteps behind him resounds as Malinda follows closely while seeing to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother so no light touches her feet or arms, because the Fire-Brand disease makes the skin sensitive to light, even more so to the brightly lit sun.


    To aid her, they¡¯ve tied cloth pieces to protect her.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving, now,¡± Malinda said with striding legs as she passes Xe¡¯Reth, moving towards the carriage door to open it for him and his mother. But she lowers her eyebrows when Taryna doesn¡¯t move a muscle, only Taryna¡¯s two staring eyes looks at Theresa. ¡°Taryna!¡±


    ¡°¡­Ah, yes at once,¡± she startlingly responded with a shake of her head. ¡°To the east entrance of your wing was it?¡±


    With a single light nod from her Miss, Taryna climbs onto the driver¡¯s seat, and when the click of the closing door declares itself, she¡¯ll begin whipping with her hands at full speed.


    Since the front of the carriage still points towards the graveyard, Taryna needs to turn it around.


    *Click*


    ¡°Hiiaa! Hiiaa!¡± the whipping has commenced and the beasts of darkness neighs with its drizzling mouths while nostrils flares.


    Taryna turns the monstrosities around, then with the speed of purebred horses clanking on the cobblestone, they disappear on the boulevard heading eastward while Taryna yells at the people who stands in the way of an Honored One.


    They pass through the west marketplace where Xe¡¯Reth usually buys all of the food and merchandise he needs for his mother, which riddles with people who tends to their own businesses.


    Shouts from the shopkeepers that offers special-deals and discounts if they buy today or purchase more than one item so the third would be free; folks trying to haggle with the store clerks to lower the prices, some achieves their skill in the speech and some empties their pockets in utter defeat; the festivities had also resounded as they passed by the market.


    The citizens dance around the kingdom¡¯s black and red flagpole, which had been put in the middle of the market for tradition. And the musicians play their tunes while people keeps up with the flow of the music, for it can go fast, slow, and even faster than fast. But as the rain had just died down, the ground splashes as people jumps around with arms locked to each other while they sing the favored songs.


    Most people in the kingdom has no worries at all other than those who can¡¯t work because of an injury or those who simply can¡¯t find a profession since the employers¡¯ pickiness can destroy the people¡¯s motivation, namely the poor folk.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s rundown house stands widely open. He didn¡¯t even bother locking the door. For he has said goodbye to that filth of a place, which he¡¯ll never return to¡­


    If someone tries to bring him down, he won¡¯t just lay down and die, no.


    Over his dead body!


    The fight for power, the fight for wealth, and the fight for his life has begun; to climb the fierce ladder to NOBILITY!


    <hr />


    Hmm, question. Is this where a new arc is supposed to begin? :P


    Anyhow. Thanks for reading and happy holidays!


    Sigh, and here I was hoping for a white Christmas here in Sweden. But oh boy, the weather can sure be sour.


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts! I won''t bite... *Grins*


    Until next time!


    Comment/Favorite/Follow


    <hr />

 21 - The Unbreakable Branch

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    If you see any grammar mistakes, please do shout out. It helps a lot! :D


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    The Unbreakable Branch


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    The rolling wheels and the horrifying stomping hooves thunders on the upsloping avenue leading to the citadel. The golden carriage with the bun-haired Taryna sits at the helm as she drives the black-armored horses straight past the guardhouses on either side of the innermost portcullis; it greets the carriage with openness because the wagons with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s possessions drove through recently.


    ¡®To the east side, Miss said,¡¯ Taryna thought while steering the monsters to the right side instead of going forward into the main courtyard of the citadel where the fountains of water lies.


    After driving for a minute or so, the carriage comes onto another courtyard with clean-cut white-marbled houses that¡¯re built spread-out beside the six-cornered hexagon formation of cobblestoned tiles. And since Taryna has entered one part of the servants¡¯ section of the citadel, more and more adult women treads around in their self-made clothes with the Tertin signature sewed onto the back.


    Taryna drives onwards to the east side while being greeted by the working servants who tends to their own duties in handling the somewhat favored occupation: gardening. And because the citadel had been built on a highland, the sun shines over the toppling fortification to nurture the emerald grass, the various self-grown trees of variation, and the numerous small gardens which the servants tends to with such aptitude as if their lives depends on keeping everything up to the finest standards.


    As the carriage drives on, Taryna smiles and waves at the servants which she knows, but when Taryna gazes ahead at the gateway that leads into the main plaza where all of the younger servants lives, it stands closed while two adult women argues violently with arms flying in every direction. And the women¡¯s eyes turn wide with two gaping mouths as they gawk at the incoming carriage of gold.


    With a pull of the reins, the horses halt completely in front of the two women. But as Taryna stares at them, the servants fall immediately to their knees in a pleading fashion while their heads and hands touch the ground.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this, why isn¡¯t the gate open? Explain yourselves!¡± Taryna strictly shouted with a pointing finger at the now flinching women. ¡°Because the Honored Malinda needs to use her side entrance to get to her wing, so open up immediately!¡±


    Neither of the women dares to speak, but another woman comes out from the gatehouse above the double-doored giant gate and walks hastily down the long flight of stairs.


    As the woman strides with hands clutched together in front of her stomach, she shouts out when she touches the tiled walkway while staring nervously, ¡°Honored Handmaiden Taryna! I am terribly sorry but the gate has been damaged! We¡¯re trying to repair it at once, but the servants that normally builds and repairs, they¡¯ve left the citadel to go into the city to purchase materials for the new project that they¡¯ll build in the Sanctuary for the children.¡±


    A click emits from the carriage¡¯s door as Malinda peeks out to investigate why they¡¯ve stopped. But the voices could be heard inside so she knows everything already. And as Malinda makes eye contact with the women who shouted, she frowns while saying, ¡°Can¡¯t you open the gate by pushing it?¡±


    ¡°My Honored Lady!¡± the woman, too, falls to her knees as her face grimaces in anxiety at Malinda¡¯s frowning mood.


    ¡°Oh Divine¡­ Get up and stop being so dramatic,¡± Malinda demanded with hand covering her face while she sighs at their overly submissive way. ¡°Tell me¡­ Why aren¡¯t the wagons by this gate if it¡¯s brok¡ªI told you to get up! And you two over there, get up too, now!¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ our Honored Lady¡­¡± the servants gloomily responded as they stand up while the two servants in front of the carriage has lowered heads, not daring to stare at Malinda, but the one who came down from the gatehouse gazes with a slight opened mouth and widened eyes. She waits for her doom, because her duty only includes opening and closing the gate, which she has failed miserable in.


    ¡°Answer my question, and I want it to be quick but explanatory, now,¡± Malinda snapped as her arms crosses while narrowing her eyes to stare at this fiddling gate-keeper.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother needs to be quickly taken to her room, but this unforeseen event makes Malinda worried for Theresa, because she has been dazing in and out of sleep on the journey here, while Malinda had sat next to Xe¡¯Reth, which made him have two women on either side of him. Malinda and him had talked about all the events that has happened today, and being so close to each other, feeling one another¡¯s warmth, did Malinda a huge favor as they whispered words to not disturb his mother. A calm ride home.


    ¡°I¡­ I was doing my duties as always, then when the Battle-Mistress returned with the wagons, I opened the gate for them. After they went through, I closed it again, but¡­¡± she hesitates while biting her lower lip, for the consequences that might come to the perpetrators if she were to reveal everything could be horrible. ¡°I beg of you, my Honored Lady, they¡¯re only children. They sneaked into the gatehouse while I went to¡­ to powder my nose. And well, the children played with the mechanism that opens the gate. But one of the children accidently dropped a branch and now it¡¯s stuck in the chain. It won¡¯t open.¡±


    ¡°Please, as I¡¯m a senior servant, please don¡¯t throw them out of the citadel, please! It was my fault for leaving my post! They will learn from their mistakes, so please my Honored Lady, don¡¯t throw them out!¡± she pleadingly wailed with praying hands clutching together while she has furrowed eyebrows, and a pair of eyes on the verge of crying.


    ¡°Children? And how could they possibly get into the gatehouse, surely you weren¡¯t alone?¡± Malinda asked but turns to the two other servants as both of them froze up when they heard her words. She raises a brow while turning back to the pleading servant. ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°T-Those children were smart¡­ They earnestly wanted to see how the gate worked, and through their curiosity, they had one to distract those two,¡± she said while pointing at the two servants standing there with sunk heads of shame. ¡°Then as I wasn¡¯t there, they waltzed up the stairs on the other side of the gate and simply began opening and closing it, over and over again until one of them dropped a branch which I just said. It was just them playing. They don¡¯t know any better because those children had recently been brought in from an orphanage, so they¡¯re still getting used to all of the rules. Please my Honored Lady, do forgive them for their childish acts. And I am completely ready to receive punishment in their stead.¡±


    ¡®What will Xe¡¯Reth think of me if I do punish her,¡¯ Malinda thought as her body turns to the opened carriage door, but her eyes widen as she sees Xe¡¯Reth coming out with an extremely calm looking expression. No worry on his eyes, brows or mouth, only his regular mask of excessive compassion.


    ¡°Malinda, I may not know how the rules works here, but everyone makes mistakes,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he places a hand on her cheek with a smile on his lips. ¡°So do forgive them. It wouldn¡¯t really give a great first impression if you punish them because of my mother¡¯s hastiness to get to your wing.¡±


    All three servants¡¯ gawks with wide mouths and round globes of various colored eyes at this rugged-looking young man who came out of the carriage. A man in this part of the citadel? It¡¯s unheard of. Not even the General dares to tread on these grounds because many of the younger servants who¡¯re still in training haven¡¯t even seen a man before, much less a young one. Only the geezers and the General has the full-fledged servants seen, though, those who venture out on errands has seen the crowds of people.


    ¡°X-Xe¡¯Reth¡­ I was hoping you wouldn¡¯t have come out¡­¡± Malinda regrettably said as she gently places her hand on his, which caresses her own cheek. ¡°And you¡¯re right. Of course I won¡¯t punish them. But I can¡¯t just look away at their incompetence in doing their duty. Your mother needs to get to her room right this instant. And they¡¯ve¡ª¡±


    ¡°Malinda, it is enough,¡± Xe¡¯Reth retorted somewhat sternly as he lightly pinches her cheek playfully. ¡°How can you expect people to respect you, if you can¡¯t show forgiveness for something so minor.¡±


    He lets go of her cheek as he inspects the area around him; high decorated walls with various old carvings. Numerous white buildings from where they came, beside the tiled road grows emerald grass that lights the scenery around him, and those three servants who stares at him in wide-eyed astonishment.


    To actually dare to be so bold to one of their Honored rulers in such a demanding manner. Never in their life have they seen a sight as surprising as that. But yet, their hearts rejoice in relief upon hearing those words coming out from his mouth.


    Who can he be? No, they already know by simply looking at those affectionate eyes which now gazes at the troubled Malinda while she stares at the ground, looking at her own feet in shame. Why? Why is this guilty feeling hanging on Malinda¡¯s heart? She can be stern when it comes to rules, though from the verses Xe¡¯Reth uttered, she can¡¯t help but to give him an appearance of embarrassment.


    Taryna, however, rejoices inside her own heart. Because finally Xe¡¯Reth will be put in his place. No one dares to speak to her Miss in such a tone, and in a tone that¡¯s so shaming. ¡®Miss, go ahead! Tell him to take his damaged mother and leave! To let him return to his own filth!¡¯


    The fickle heart of a maiden can be complicated.


    ¡®Oh Xe¡¯Reth, you¡¯re too kind for your own good¡­ Divine, I can¡¯t bear to punish them anymore when you say those things to me,¡¯ Malinda thought as her head raises a tiny bit to give him her response by slightly nodding in defeat while saying, ¡°Okay, Xe¡¯Reth, I won¡¯t punish them¡­ But you three!¡±


    ¡°Yes?!¡± the servants startlingly replied. Straightening their bodies as they take their eyes off of Xe¡¯Reth, to gape at Malinda instead.


    ¡°Listen, I won¡¯t give out any chastisement this time, but know this: Next time¡­ I won¡¯t be as generous. Oh, and this man here is my lover, remember him. He made me change my mind about not punishing you, so give him your thanks. You shall pronounce his first name as Xe and then Reth, Xe¡¯Reth. And his last name is Quinery, now, show your gratitude,¡± Malinda said with a demanding index finger whipping in every direction while the servants follows that violent finger with their dead-set eyes, being mesmerized by their Honored ruler.


    With smiles of total relief and gratitude upon their faces, they curtsy elegantly as they¡¯ve been trained to do with opened mouths while gapingly saying, ¡°Thank you, Sir Xe¡¯Reth Quinery, for convincing our Honored Lady to be merciful.¡±


    While they give their thanks, Taryna stands there dumbfounded as she sees that Xe¡¯Reth isn¡¯t being thrown out by her Miss. Her anger utterly boils on her angled flaming eyebrows, her clenched revealing teeth, and her agape staring eyes that has death directed at Xe¡¯Reth as she ponders in her mind, ¡®Why isn¡¯t she furious at him?! None has talked to Miss in such a demanding tone before and left unscathed! Why Miss?! Why does he get special treatment from you?! You¡¯ve only known him less than twenty-four hours! What has happened to you when I wasn¡¯t with you?! Damn it all¡­ He doesn¡¯t deserve to be with you¡­ Please, Divine Queens, one of your subjects is in dire need of aid. Smite this man down, for he¡¯s a hideous being that¡¯s not deserving of my Miss! Smite him, and let my Miss find someone who IS worthy!¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯ll send out a clean message that I¡¯m not to be feared, though, hopefully they¡¯ll spread their words around this place. But wow, it truly is astonishing workmanship with cleanliness in every nook and cranny in this citadel. Nothing is out of place, not even one single leaf is below the autumn¡¯s changing colored trees. And the servants, too, is somehow flawless. I guess they live generous lives here in the citadel,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he keeps scanning with his eyes after he had given the three servants smiling bobs of his head to show his mask of kindness which grasps ahold of their sheltered na?ve minds, giving them a rather favored picture of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s personality.


    *Clap*


    ¡°Now, now. We¡¯ve spent too much time here dallying on petty squabbles. Hmm, why don¡¯t you let me take a look at that chain with the branch stuck in it? Because, well, I don¡¯t want to brag, but I¡¯m pretty handy in all departments there is,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a chuckle as his hands clapped together to break the air of awe from the servants, Malinda¡¯s stern lowered eyebrows directing to them, and Taryna¡¯s gaze of death which stares at Xe¡¯Reth.


    Yet that gaze goes unnoticeable by the three servants and Malinda, though Xe¡¯Reth knowns of Taryna¡¯s feelings towards him, so he can¡¯t really do anything about her¡­ at this moment at least.


    ¡°Sir, it might be hard¡­ because¡­¡± the servant hesitantly said while biting her lip, who¡¯s the same servant who came down the gatehouse; blonde hair, a slender body that fits her servant¡¯s clothes, and light blue narrowed eyes of worry. ¡°Because the chain dragged it down into where all of the parts of components are. If you wanted to help, you would need to climb down a hole which¡¯s completely dangerous if you haven¡¯t built it or have been versed in how it works. So please Sir, don¡¯t risk your life f¡ª.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth casually raises a hand to stop her from speaking as he opens his own mouth with a grateful nod, ¡°Your concern is greatly appreciated, but unnecessary.¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, she¡¯s right. We can bring in your mother through the front entrance instead, or just go up the staircase and go down on the other side. But come, let us go back to the front courtyard, to let those who¡¯re experienced handle the repairs on the gate,¡± Malinda said with a tugging arm, pulling him towards carriage door. But as Malinda almost drags him forcibly into the carriage, he stops dead in his tracks, becoming unmoving, which makes her surprised by his upset narrowed eyes looking straight into hers.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    With a yank of his arm, he effortlessly closes in on Malinda as he leans in to whisper into her ear, calmly but enthrallingly, ¡°Malinda, please, let me do this. I¡¯ve given my mother water mixed with THE herb, so she¡¯ll be able to stomach it longer than you think. Please, my beauty of a lover. Let me fix the gate by my means. I might not know how it works, but I only need to inspect the gate¡¯s situation, then, if I can¡¯t really repair it, I¡¯ll listen to your command, okay? It¡¯ll only take a couple of minutes to see if I can or can¡¯t patch it up. And¡­ wouldn¡¯t it be completely awe-inspiring if I do repair it? For it will give you recognition from the servants because you picked me and no one else. Plus, if they hear that I¡¯m helpful, they won¡¯t be so scared of me. For I¡¯ve seen their somewhat frightened eyes staring at me, as if I am a complete new sighting to them.¡±


    As Malinda drifts off by his verses of soothing words, she can only give a slight nod with crossed arms, but then as she gazes at him, Xe¡¯Reth closes in even further, to give her a smooch on the lips.


    Which turns the servants¡¯ mouths agape with hands covering their eyes, only peeking out from the cracks between their fingers as a violent storm shakes their inexperienced minds of love to its total limit. The servants stand there acting as if they¡¯re in their teens, but they¡¯ve never even met a young man before, so this kiss that Xe¡¯Reth gives Malinda, can be counted as their first time witnessing such a steamy act.


    Xe¡¯Reth unlocks his lips from hers as he says while caressing her cheek, ¡°Watch my mother as I try to repair the gate, I won¡¯t be gone long¡­ honey.¡±


    She stares at him with dazed blue globes as she puffs out air in quick intervals with scarlet cheeks, for that kiss took her by surprise, even more so because of this place, the servants¡¯ sanctuary.


    Since long ago, rules had been set in stone, and one of those rules: Celibacy. When the servants join the ranks of the Tertin family for real, they must take an oath to never break the rules, but that oath can only be taken when they reach fourteen. The servants who complete their training has two choices to make when they¡¯re a full-fledged servant.


    The first choice: Take the oath of servitude to the Tertin family and all that includes in its guidelines.


    Or the second choice: Leave the citadel to find something else than being a servant, but once you leave, there can be no turning back.


    The Sanctuary has an extremely sheltered environment; high walls that blocks off any contact with the outside world, living quarters and schools for children and adults, everything that¡¯s needed for children from four to fourteen. But even full-fledged servants can still live in the Sanctuary since not enough buildings have been built.


    The white houses that the carriage had driven past is the only other living place and it¡¯s already at full capacity. Though inside the Sanctuary, plenty of rooms are still available.


    Taryna¡¯s boiling mind wants to scream and reprimand Xe¡¯Reth for being so impudent, but she can¡¯t. Malinda has already told her off, and giving her more reasons to be mad at her, is something she cannot allow.


    With clenched fists she sees Xe¡¯Reth speak with the one who came down from the stairs, and with an elegant arm forwarding her to show him where the chain is, they start walking up the stone stairs while Malinda has gone inside the carriage to care for his ill mother.


    She can¡¯t allow this foolishness to continue, because within a couple of days, Malinda will be around his grasp so tightly that it¡¯ll be a problem to separate them¡­ Taryna must do what she must do. But what can she do? Frame him¡­? No, too suspicious. Have him murdered¡­? No, also too suspicious.


    While Taryna ponders to herself, the remaining two servants stands completely motionless to await her orders, but no order comes, only the frowning handmaiden who tries to puzzle out what kind of plan which can help her break them up, but with a long exhausting sigh, she gives up such thoughts. Because if Malinda were to ever find out that it was her who separated Xe¡¯Reth and her, then a volcano would certainly burst forth, and Taryna would be swept away by its volcanic spewing lava.


    As Xe¡¯Reth takes his first step onto the rampart that leads in two directions, he turns to look with a raised eyebrow at the gate-keeper who follows somewhat far behind him down the stairs.


    With his body turning back to inspect his left side, he sees a dead-end that¡¯s blocked of by the castle¡¯s high stone structure. And to the right side, the guardhouse¡¯s wooden door hangs on its hinges with metal borders going around the whole door.


    A thick and sturdy door with a metal bared window where a person can peek out of.


    Without waiting for the nervous stair-stepping gate-keeper, he strides to the gatehouse while looking over to the other side where he sees females of all ages going about. Some of them has gathered in various sized groups, some walks alone, and some treads in pairs while giggling to each other about the recent gossip.


    He¡¯s completely amazed with a pair of wide eyes as he stares at the large buildings that¡¯re standing there in its splendid foundation with multiple levels in height. But the view of wonder disappears when he arrives at the door.


    Xe¡¯Reth turns around again to gaze at the gate-keeper who can¡¯t keep eye contact with him, for every time her eyes reaches his, she looks down at her own feet. This turns Xe¡¯Reth rather angry, but he still doesn¡¯t show his real emotions that he wants to yell. Emotions of how they need to stand up for themselves and not be so pathetically submissive.


    The gate-keeper walks to his side bravely and opens the door for him with a turn of her brought up key in the lock.


    ¡°This way, Sir,¡± she said with a curtsy as fast stepping feet resounds when the gate-keeper moves to where the mechanism of the gate lies. And Xe¡¯Reth casually follows behind her with ever-alert eyes that sharply scans the inside of the gatehouse; a three-legged table, four-legged chairs, shelves with supplies, and the obvious gate mechanism. ¡°Here it is, Sir. And down there, look, there is the stick wedged.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ That¡¯s it?¡± Xe¡¯Reth surprisingly asked with a raised brow and upper lip.


    He can clearly see the wooden stick stuck to the chain, though, with the chain¡¯s movement, it had taken it further down. But it doesn¡¯t look challenging at all for Xe¡¯Reth to get to it. He simply needs to climb down on the metal cogs and pull the stick out from the chain. No, wait. Xe¡¯Reth detects the weights on either side¡­ They¡¯re shaking slightly. ¡°I see, that¡¯s why you couldn¡¯t fix it. If you were to pull out the branch, the cogwheels would begin to move again. In the process it could heavily injure someone if they would be caught in them.¡±


    ¡°Sir¡­ y-you¡¯re right. That¡¯s why we¡¯re waiting for the repairers to return from their errand in the city¡¯s construction district,¡± she responded at first with flickering eyes of surprise but immediately returned to her meek manner. ¡°Can¡­ Can you fix it, Sir?¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth looks up from his crouched position to stare at her once again, though his expression of smiling pride grabs ahold of the gate-keeper¡¯s mind while he says, ¡°It will be dealt with easily. Hmm, you can relax, I¡¯ll be back in less than a minute.¡±


    With that, he lowers himself down the square opening with his hands as he places his feet firmly on the metal cogwheels, which¡¯re trembling slightly by the burden of the weights trying to open the gate.


    Xe¡¯Reth moves carefully as he slithers around metal poles downwards to the branch of wood. He¡¯s quite amazed that such a twig can hold back the force. But Xe¡¯Reth knows if he removes it, all of the mechanisms will start moving again so he needs to be quick, really quick to not sustain any injuries, though with his extremely serene appearance, he worries not.


    ¡®Alright then,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth breathes in calmly as he supports himself to not fall down. With an exhale of air, he narrows his eyes to show his complete seriousness with a deep imbedded frown on his brows.


    He grasps onto the branch, and with a strong pull, all of the cogwheels and chains begins to move faster than he thought, but he simply presses his hands and feet on either side of the wall in this crampy place, to let the gate open up so the mechanisms would seize its movements. Of course he could¡¯ve tried to climb up while everything went on, but as he wasn¡¯t going to take that chance, he takes the safer option.


    Down by the carriage, Taryna stands cross-armed while tapping one of her feet impatiently with the two servants being motionless in front of her, sighing their day away in dismay. But with the noise of a gate being opened, all of them turns to look at it. Taryna gapes with wide eyes in astonishment, though she grits her teeth hard as she knows now that he has repaired the gate.


    ¡°Yeaah! Sir Xe¡¯Reth really repaired it! Hahaha!¡± one of the servant rejoiced while slightly jumping up and down with hands clapping to show her extremely impressed mood.


    ¡°So quick, too! It hasn¡¯t even gone five minutes yet! Sir Xe¡¯Reth is truly someone who¡¯s worthy of our Honored Lady if he has such skills, and he looks so young now that I think about it!¡± the other servant also celebrated yet she isn¡¯t as jumpy as the other one. Only her broad smiling mouth directs at the widely opened gate that leads into the Sanctuary.


    As both of the servants turns joyfully around to see Taryna, their stares of wide-eyed shock displays. Her completely sour expression takes them aback, totally an unforeseen face that the servants questions themselves about. Why she isn¡¯t happy for her Miss¡¯s sake? But as the click from the carriage¡¯s door declares itself, Taryna puts up a forced guise as her whole face turns back to her normal collected self.


    ¡°He did it¡­!¡± Malinda uttered triumphantly with fisted hands as her gaze wanders off to the wall¡¯s staircase, where Xe¡¯Reth walks with the totally awed gate-keeper treading closely a few staircases behind him. And as his gaze connects with hers, he waves while smiling proudly at Malinda. ¡®Thank you, Divine Queens, for giving him to me, even though you aren¡¯t real, but if you¡¯re real, thank you.¡¯


    With praying hands touching her mouth, Malinda gazes up to the Divine Sky as Xe¡¯Reth raises an eyebrow at her unusual stance. Though when he returns to be by the carriage, he¡¯s greeted with smiling faces from the two servants while their two pair of eyes gawks intently at him, which makes him show a mask of slight embarrassment as he treads to be by Malinda¡¯s side. And he¡¯s greeted by her with an extremely lovable embrace. Her head places on his uninjured shoulder with arms coiling around him.


    ¡°You did it. I am so sorry for ever doubting you, will you forgive my disgraceful self?¡± Malinda said teasingly with a wide smile while hugging him.


    ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t know¡­ Should I?¡± Xe¡¯Reth replied irritably with a head turned in another direction.


    Malinda hastily jolts her head up to stare awkwardly at his turned skull, but as he turns back to give her a light kiss on her stunned expression of anxiety, he says with lips removed from hers, ¡°Was there ever anything to forgive? Heh.¡±


    ¡°Oh Xe¡¯Reth, you tease!¡± Malinda shouted as her upper-body recoils while lightly slapping with one hand on his chest. ¡°Hahaha.¡±


    Both of them laughs while the three servants surprisingly also giggle at their playfulness with each other, though, one of the servants¡¯ gazes with suspicious eyes at the composed Taryna as she giggles with the other two.


    ¡°I am sorry for interrupting, my Honored Lady, but I must congratulate you on finding such a resourceful lover,¡± the gate-keeper earnestly said with all her heart put into it while a beaming face aims at Malinda, which makes her feel happier somehow. Because the success of a chosen reflects on the chooser. ¡°We had heard that you found someone, and someone like Sir Xe¡¯Reth is a great addition to the Honored Tertin family. And I am most Honored to be one of the first servants to meet him.¡±


    ¡®You did excellent without even being told to do it, great,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth gleefully thought while holding Malinda in his arms.


    ¡°You hear that, Xe¡¯Reth?! Hehe, it¡¯ll be spread throughout the whole servants¡¯ quarters! You three, I want you to spread it!¡± Malinda fawningly shouted with an overbearing happiness while her head has glued itself onto Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder. ¡°And Taryna, prepare the horses, we¡¯re leaving now towards my side entrance!¡±


    ¡°Yes, our Honored Lady!¡± the servants bravely replied but yet loudly, making Taryna snap into action as she climbs up to the driver¡¯s seat, feeling completely defeated. Even an exhausted puff of air escapes from her mouth.


    ¡°It was a pleasure to meet you three, until the next time we meet,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a graceful bow as he had let go of Malinda to show his forged compassionate poise that doesn¡¯t rank people only because they¡¯ve a different upbringing and life.


    As Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda disappears into the carriage to take care of his mother, the three servants curtsies elegantly as their arms and legs bends in a flawlessly trained female bow. Then with the regular click of the door, the carriage disappears through the gate and into the Sanctuary where only women roam everywhere¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    The start of something new has begun, and if a person wants to survive, he needs to make friends, not enemies. But with Xe''Reth... everything will be around his grasp. Friend or foe, what does it matter? :/ We''ll just have to see.


    If you think that the servants are romance-able, then no. It may be a women''s citadel, but still, it wouldn''t be great to be caught in bed with a servant by Malinda. I have irks too, so, hehe. But who knows, something might happen, I haven''t thought that far yet though, but cheating is complicated so we''ll see later down the line.


    Voice your thoughts!


    Oh, and by the way. Happy Christmas! Well I had one yesterday here in Sweden! And I might be able to release one more chapter on Sunday, if everything goes as it should!


    Until... Next Time, Hohoho.


    Comment/Favorite/Follow


    <hr />

 22 - The Gift of Praise

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    The Gift of Praise


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    The carriage of gold rolls through the boulevard leading to the side entrance of Malinda¡¯s wing.


    Vast buildings of white-marble and various other stone structures can be seen on either side if Xe¡¯Reth or Malinda would peek out, but they¡¯re at the moment tending to his mother so she doesn¡¯t feel uncomfortable.


    Females of all ages walks inside this Sanctuary where no man should tread.


    It¡¯s as if this place counts as a whole remote town only for adult women, teenagers, and children, because this amazon jungle is where the Tertin servants grows up to become the finest, even reaching the handmaiden status, to serve an Honored One.


    Some of the women walks hand in hand with small adolescents that sucks their thumbs in a childlike manner as they¡¯re being guided towards whatever destination. Since recently, kids have been brought in from the various orphanages around the kingdom; children with no parents, children who were abandoned, and some children were put in the orphanage because their parents were sent to prison for the acts that they committed.


    All kinds of backgrounds exist here, but when they¡¯ve entered into an Honored household, their lives begin anew. To serve or to be free, the choice are theirs to make when they reach fourteen. Though through their sheltered lives as they grow up, the teenagers rarely, or rather never leaves the Tertin household, because a fourteen-year-old out in the kingdom all alone, who would dare to do such a feat?


    None would.


    If the Tertin family had raised the bar so the servants can choose at eighteen instead, then it would¡¯ve been a lot different, but it¡¯s all planned out actually like that. To take the oath so the servants can never go back on their promised words. A ploy of servitude to have loyal servants.


    The carriage drives onwards; it comes out to a tremendous plaza that lies in the middle of the Sanctuary. And Taryna clearly sees a giant statue of a woman that stands on an elevated thick square pedestal with intricate carvings of a once held battle in the central position of the plaza where servants sit on stone benches beside the glorious statue.


    From the total numbers of servants going about with their businesses as usual, Taryna sees that they can¡¯t be more than thirty to forty of them.


    The vast plaza¡¯s surroundings have buildings on three sides of its four-sided formation. North, east, and south stands constructions of various sizes. Some with multiple and some with inferior levels. But the certain aspect that this is a place for servants can¡¯t be looked in that kind of a way since it has more of a relaxing atmosphere which can be seen on the carefree women who raises themselves from their seats, and others stops dead in their tracks as they see the carriage of gold driving towards a structure with long and broad staircases coming down from above a huge terrace, which leads up into Malinda¡¯s wing.


    All of the servants stops whatever they¡¯re doing, and with around sixty striding feet they form a crowd of women staring at the carriage as it drives past the awed people who ranges from all ages. Children sits on the shoulders of adult servants, for they¡¯re in the way for the little ones to gaze at an Honored One¡¯s carriage.


    With their various expressions and stances, they whisper, talk, and questions their teachers about what kind of person who owns that glorious carriage, but the answer simply remains unanswered, for the adult servants stays completely silent. Only the younger servants-in-training chats with one another, totally carefree of whatever lessons they need to get to.


    ¡°Woo ish in twat, tweacher?¡± a child lisps out her question while riding on the shoulders of her caretaker as a pointing finger follows along the moving carriage. The glittering eyes displays fully between the child¡¯s eyelids.


    ¡°That my dear, is the Honored Malinda¡¯s carriage. She must¡¯ve returned from her meeting with her so called lover that she has found,¡± the only teacher said as all the others keeps quiet. With squinting eyes, she also follows the carriage with her gaze while holding firmly onto the child¡¯s dangling legs.


    The voices from all of the younger servants resounds as they stare intently at Taryna, an Honored handmaiden with status inside the servants¡¯ circle. And Taryna waves at those she recognizes with a smile on her lips as she steers the horses to the staircase leading to the terrace.


    Emptied wagons has been loaded off, and Recina stands there by the last wagon with crossed arms of worry, but with sharp eyes, she relaxes as Malinda¡¯s carriage drives to be by the crack between the wagons and the staircase.


    ¡°What postponed your arrival, Taryna?¡± Recina asked sternly; she walks up to be beside the carriage as her arms moves with a questioning flow while a pair of brows scowls at Taryna¡¯s incapability. But before the glaring Taryna can answer the Battle-Mistress¡¯ question, Malinda steps out of the carriage as that clicking of the door declares. ¡°Honored Miss, I was beginning to worry, what happened?¡±


    With a smiling chuckle, she responds ecstatically, ¡°Oh nothing special, just Xe¡¯Reth repairing the main gate to the Sanctuary. Hehe, nothing special indeed.¡± Her mouth tries to hold back her grin but fails miserably as she turns to look inside the carriage, to gaze at Xe¡¯Reth holding onto his fur-clothed mother who¡¯s currently sleeping while sitting on the leathery seats, leaning at him.


    ¡°What¡­? But it functioned when we came through¡­¡± Recina said with a wondering gauntleted hand touching her chin.


    ¡°Well, after you went by, some snooping children seemed to have tricked two of the three gate-keepers while the other one went to the privy. So as they were playing with the mechanism of the gate, they¡­ damaged it, but Xe¡¯Reth repaired it in less than five minutes. Truly, he¡¯s astonishing,¡± Malinda said with head turning to look at Recina with a proud smirk on her lips.


    ¡°Such incompetents¡­ I hope you served them their punishment accordingly, Honored Miss,¡± Recina sneered with arms crossed and a deep imbedded frown on her brows. Recina who¡¯s all about following rules can¡¯t overlook such carelessness from someone that¡¯s in the service of the Tertin family, much less delaying her Honored Miss.


    ¡°Now, now, don¡¯t be so serious, Recina. I only gave them a harsh lecture to never let their guard down against kids ever again, and that¡¯s that,¡± Malinda said with a flapping hand directed at her. And with a shaking sigh, her mood changes as those arched eyebrows lowers in severity. ¡°So, onto the task at hand. Have Tanya returned from her errand?¡±


    ¡°She has, Honored Miss,¡± Recina said with her usual overly curtsy manner of a bow, and she holds that bent upper body while her mouth moves. ¡°Tanya sent a servant saying that she has purchased every merchandise you told her about while buying some improvised products, too. And I¡¯ve sent all of the servants who came with me to carry all of Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s possessions to the quarters where his mother will be staying. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°I certainly do hope that nothing has been opened, because the equipment and herbs can be fragile,¡± Malinda frowningly said with a glare directing towards Recina while holding onto her own hips. ¡°Go make sure nothing is touched until we arrive. Xe¡¯Reth will take care of his own possessions¡­ He¡­ he¡¯s picky about people putting their hands on his personal effects. So go, now.¡±


    With a bob of Recina¡¯s head, she turns to the stairs, then strides upwards to the terrace as clanking plate against plate sounds out. No words, nothing, only a woman who¡¯s loyal to the core, because Recina was Malinda¡¯s mother¡¯s handmaiden before her former Mistress committed suicide. Now she keeps the eldest daughter safe, yet Recina has not always been a handmaiden of virtue¡­


    As Taryna sees the plated woman disappear up by the edge of the staircase, she plants her feet on the tiled ground of the Sanctuary. And with ten steps around the carriage so all the servants of various ages can see her, she shouts out with a voice that demands utter obedience, ¡°Everyone! Go back to what you were doing! Your Honored Malinda needs complete silence, and no gawking eyes staring at every single move that she makes! Seniors! Remove the younger ones to their lessons, now!¡±


    Most of the servants, especially the younger ones, grimaces in disappointment with muttering mouths, but the older ones do listen obediently as they guide the children away, even forcibly pulling the younglings. The west side of the plaza becomes empty except for Taryna, Malinda, Xe¡¯Reth, and his mother.


    Why Taryna yelled out is because she must gain back Malinda¡¯s favor even though it hasn¡¯t vanished, but Malinda still holds onto her slight anger at her for trying to nag and nag into reconsidering many of the ideas that she has taken.


    Though right now, Malinda gazes with a nodding head of approval while a smile shows on her lips, being quite pleased by her handmaiden¡¯s sudden change of actions. Because Malinda wants none to stare at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother, nor him since a male being in the Sanctuary can awaken trouble. For the reason that if a younger servant sees a man earlier than she should, it could rouse emotions that shouldn¡¯t be stirred.


    The feeling of wanting to love someone can never truly be washed away, no matter how long the person tries. But servants train even though that might be the case. They¡¯ve lessons in love, lessons on how the body works of both man and woman, how a child comes to be, and numerous other important lessons that a servant needs to be fully-fledged in the service of the Tertin family.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, let¡¯s move your mother now that the servants have cleared away,¡± Malinda said as she holds onto the carriage door while forwarding a hand towards the stairs with a beaming smile. ¡°It¡¯s just up the stairs, then go straight towards the decorated double doors. Come.¡±


    Theresa who¡¯s sleeping gets picked up by her son carefully, carrying her while bending his body to not bump into the ceiling of the carriage. With a gentle squeeze out the door, he places his first step onto the Sanctuary, holding his mother in a caringly yet secure embrace while her fur clothes and torn pieces of cloth covers her skin to show no scars, nothing.


    Her unnourished body feels light in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s arms, but with striding feet he climbs the marbled staircase, one step after the other, and as he reaches the terrace, Xe¡¯Reth turns around to gaze at the view of the entire vast plaza.


    The scurrying servants with their self-made uniforms; the high buildings of brilliance which illustrates the high-standard of living that these servants get, and the statue that depicts Tertania, the founder of the Tertin household; The Maiden of the Shield. A role model to strive for in the arts of battle.


    A statue of perfection, even though it has stood there for a millennium with her sword and shield at the ready to battle against her enemy while wearing heavy-armor covering everything except her face, a replica of Malinda¡¯s features to the finest detail, for Malinda is a Tertin, and Tertania is her ancestor.


    Xe¡¯Reth turns to look north to catch with his eyes a field of fine grained sand where three dozen women shouts with every swing of their swords and for every block they do with their shields as the training in the arts of weaponry drains the strength from the bodies of the servants who¡¯re being guided by the adults, because those servants wear smaller uniforms than the rest, since they¡¯re only children that¡¯re being taught a lesson on how the Tertins¡¯ fighting style works.


    The Sanctuary is a dwelling where the finest servants are made, though other Sanctuaries exists all around the kingdom, though, the Tertin family¡¯s Sanctuary has been given proof by the DLO that they¡¯re the epitome of sophistication, responsibility, and faithfulness, a role model for the various other institutes.


    But, the Tertins¡¯ Sanctuary isn¡¯t run by neither the family nor by the handmaidens. The responsibility of the Sanctuary lies in the hands of the former head-handmaiden of Matilda Tertin, Malinda¡¯s mother.


    A faction run by a loyal subject of the Tertins¡¯, Malinda¡¯s faction of the citadel.


    Because a Tertin woman must always be the head of the family, and not a male. But through the power Celyssa got when Malinda¡¯s parents died, she managed to enforce and change the rules, which made Matilda¡¯s head-handmaiden furious when she had to back down.


    Instead of fighting the usurper, the former head-handmaiden took charge of the Sanctuary and has held it together so it wouldn¡¯t be degraded by the new rule of Malinda¡¯s brother and his wife, Celyssa.


    Servants are still servants, so even though friction stirs among Malinda¡¯s faction, namely those who worked for Malinda¡¯s parents, and Celyssa¡¯s faction, the more newly instated servants and handmaidens who has been hand plucked from the Sanctuary by Celyssa¡¯s subordinates.


    A family in turmoil, but yet not, it¡¯s only between Celyssa and the former head-handmaiden who doesn¡¯t see eye to eye about certain newly instated rules in the citadel. But the former head-handmaiden has gotten quite old, so her years are finally coming upon her. Though, will she just lay there to see her former Mistress¡¯ family be taken over by an outside power?


    That can only time tell.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡°This way, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Malinda said with an upper body turned while guiding Xe¡¯Reth happily down a brightly lit corridor with metal-caged torches mounted on the side walls, illuminating the way for them.


    A corridor with ashen stone walls and curved ceilings. Stunning paintings of blonde-haired men, women, and children; a carpet going who knows where while pillars have various flower vases placed on top of them. Decorated beautifully to the utter limit of exquisiteness, and Xe¡¯Reth can smell the aroma of the flowers, flowers he recognizes by scent.


    A corridor of purity.


    Brown wooden doors with shiny metal borders riddles the sides while Xe¡¯Reth moves silently as he carries his slumbering mother behind the guiding Malinda who knows every corner of her reputable wing of the citadel. But no servants have revealed themselves, nobody, and Taryna didn¡¯t follow them since she has to return the carriage to the stable on the west side.


    ¡°That door leads to Recina¡¯s quarters, if you ever need aid or wants to find her,¡± Malinda said while pointing her hand to a different corridor leading to two massive doors of metal. Fully armored statues also stand by the ashen walls starting from the metal doors, then the statues¡¯ placements are a couple of meters apart, ending at where the corridors¡¯ intersection is. ¡°Someone will always be there working on the training schedules for the servants.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth gives her a silent bob of his head in acknowledgement as they move on further into Malinda¡¯s estates on the second floor of the citadel. Room after room, statue after statue, painting after painting. Xe¡¯Reth turns his head in fasciation every time he catches something new with his keen eyes. Even the floor¡¯s soft reddened carpets sink slightly from his steps; a comfy sensation of a lavish household.


    With a right turn, they tread towards north in the corridor that has the same material of stones, decorations, and furniture; a chair here, a couch there, and animal trophies which¡¯re mounted on the walls or standing to display a beast that has been hunted down.


    Curtains of scarlet, too, hangs down from above the walls to pretty up the place. A servant comes out of an opened room door while carrying a basket of laundry all nonchalantly with heaving arms, not even noticing the people walking towards her.


    ¡°Oh dear me,¡± the woman startlingly said with flickering eyes as she bends forward to put down the basket of clothes, but when she rises again, she grimaces in pain while having one hand on her back. ¡°Ah¡­ I¡¯m getting to old for this. Don¡¯t you think so too, Miss?¡±


    ¡°But what do we have here, ah, I guess that¡¯s the man everyone natters about. A pleasure to meet you good Sir¡­?¡± the servant questionably asked with raised grayish brows.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth Quinery is his name. And that¡¯s his mother¡­ But we¡¯re in a hurry for she¡¯s sick at the moment, so you¡¯ll have to excuse us, gran, gran,¡± Malinda said casually as she walks to support the servant with her hands. ¡°By the way, where is everyone else?¡±


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°It¡¯s Tanya¡­ That silly girl had every single one cleaning the corridors leading to the furnished quarters. All for the arrival of your newly found love and his mother,¡± the servant sighed with a dismaying shake of her head. ¡°She can be such a diligent young woman when she puts her mind to it, for the floor tiles are shining ever so brightly.¡±


    ¡°Then I shouldn¡¯t keep you from doing your chores,¡± Malinda said with a bending body to pick up the basket of laundry that the servant just put down. And as she hands it over to the servant, Malinda starts to walk. ¡°Take care, gran, gran.¡±


    ¡°A pleasure meeting you,¡± Xe¡¯Reth simply said with a bob of his head as he follows Malinda down the corridor.


    As the old servant sees them walk away, she heaves the full laundry basket with her whole body, then starts also walking but in another direction, towards the Sanctuary as she says to herself while nodding, ¡°That boy will be quite useful. Indeed, he¡¯ll be valuable to prolong the line of the Tertins. Luckily that snake has only a crippled daughter. Ah, Mistress. Why did you marry off your son to such a greedy family? Sigh¡­ I better go report this, so the serpent can¡¯t manage to coil her tail around that young man.¡±


    She puts down the laundry basket again while groaning as she straightens to stride with her servant¡¯s dress that has a white apron tied around her neck and waist, reaching her knees. The old servant disappears, leaving the basket there with various colored clothes fully exposed¡­


    <hr />


    While Xe¡¯Reth walks calmly beside Malinda who¡¯s happily chatting with him, he responds, ¡°You don¡¯t say¡­? How many servants do you actually have working under your¡­ faction was it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what it¡¯s called. It¡¯s a silly thing, but it¡¯s still there. And I don¡¯t really remember how many servants I have under me¡­ thirty maybe?¡± Malinda wonderingly replied with a head scratch as a lower lip begins to be gnawed on. ¡°Hmm¡­ We¡¯ll need to remove those garments you have and put on some finer ones.¡±


    ¡°Oh really? Well, they¡¯re rather worn-out, so I¡¯ll leave it to you, Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth replied with a forced smile while he walks on the carpet silently as a ghost. He doesn¡¯t even notice himself walking so quietly. But Malinda does notice his noiseless feet, which makes her more astounding about what secrets he still hides from her. ¡°I¡¯ll be a burden that you¡¯ll have to carry, unfortunately¡­ I am sorry for not being¡ª.¡±


    Before he can finish, Malinda hastily turns to gaze into his wide surprised eyes while she scowls deeply as her mouth opens, ¡°Xe¡¯Reth. Like I said before, you¡¯ll get used to me pampering you. There is much to do! And I can¡¯t bear the excitement to wait! But, let¡¯s get your mother settled in first, then you¡¯ll see what I have in store for you¡­ Hehe.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth sighs in defeat as a smile returns on his mouth to give Malinda a nod. And she nods in return while both of them strides onwards.


    When they round a corner, Xe¡¯Reth catches with his eyes, Recina shooing away the remaining servants who paces hurriedly out from the opened double-doors as they carry cleaning supplies, while a young woman stands beside the fully-armored maiden, guiding with her hands towards the other direction which isn¡¯t where Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda comes from.


    ¡°Hurry now ladies, Miss will be returning any moment now,¡± Tanya calmly said with a hand pointing at the corridor leading towards west. ¡°We¡¯ve done all we can for now. So time to return to the pushed up chores. Give them their assignments, and good work today.¡±


    ¡°As you say, Tanya¡­¡± the remaining servant responded as she turns to follow the others, moving with quickened legs, and hands placed on her stomach.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done a great service today, Tanya,¡± Recina said with a nod of approval in her regular cross-armed stance as the servants disappears. ¡°I still don¡¯t manage to figure out how you could¡¯ve purchased the furniture so fast.¡±


    ¡°I gave out clear instructions to the servants, which I sent out to the different stores around the city. It¡¯s a combination of a healer¡¯s and an herbalist¡¯s interior, and a regular sleeping quarter. But I hope it¡¯ll be acceptable by Miss,¡± Tanya said serenely but worriedly as she gazes with an unfazed expression into the spacy room that has a lit fireplace brightening the place up.


    ¡°Speaking of the Miss, there she comes with the man in question,¡± Recina said with eyes staring at the clothed covered woman which Xe¡¯Reth carries. A brow raises in wonder.


    Tanya quickly turns away from them as her hands wipes her whole face with a handkerchief in rapid strokes to remove the hardworking sweat that has revealed on her forehead. She also winds her dress as she shakes it so no indication of dust particles shows on the clothes, and with a turn towards her Miss, she displays her tranquil smile while those two relaxed eyes gazes up and down at the young man.


    She¡¯s taken aback by the ferocious appearance he has, yet his composed eyes show no fierceness at all, only his mask of overbearing kindness displays on his expression as he carries his mother in his arms, gently. Though, Recina stares with her wondering eyebrow raised. ¡®So that is his mother. What was her name again? Ah, yes. Theresa¡­ Quinery. Theresa¡­? Sigh, if only it were you.¡¯


    ¡°Tanya, Recina. Is everything in order?¡± Malinda asked as they reach them with a cheerful smirk.


    ¡°Yes, Miss. Everything has been completed as per your instructions. And I greet you, Sir Xe¡¯Reth Quinery to the citadel of the Tertins¡¯. May you find your stay here hospitable for the years to come,¡± Tanya welcomingly replied with a deep curtsy towards Xe¡¯Reth while her bun-haired head has lowered forward. ¡°As you wanted nothing to be touched, we¡¯ve put all of your belongings in your mother¡¯s room. Please, follow me, so I can guide you through her quarters.¡±


    ¡°Oh, before you go in,¡± Recina interrupted with a hand on Tanya¡¯s shoulder while looking at Malinda. ¡°Miss, may I retire for today? I¡¯ve still some business at the Sanctuary¡¯s training field that needs to be taken care of.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re excused, I¡¯ll speak to you tomorrow then,¡± Malinda said with a nodding head and a smile.


    ¡°Appreciated. Have a pleasant evening both of you, and you too Tanya,¡± Recina said as she gives a quick bow, then strides away with her plate-legged limbs.


    ¡°Now then, follow me and I¡¯ll introduce you to your mother¡¯s quarters,¡± Tanya said again as Recina left, while her own walking legs treads into the brightly lit room. And the two love birds follow closely behind her.


    With a silent step into the room and onto the gigantic scarlet carpet covering the floor, Xe¡¯Reth first stares at the blazing hearth that welcomes them into the spacious chamber as tiny cracks and sparks declares in the fire of endless war.


    He moves his head to the left side of the chamber to see bookshelves; plants placed on round tables, and shelves with various beverages. On the upper left stands a long-table with two dozen fabric-covered chairs. With another turn to the right, he sees another level that overlooks this chamber. While on the right side of the room, empty chests with shields of arms painted on the insides of the opened lids are places by the hearth, ready to be filled.


    Two glass windows on both sides of the hearth lusters in the sunshine to give even more light. And above the windows¡¯ sides hangs crimson drapes that¡¯re tied with ropes so it can reveal the sun.


    Many hutches, too, stands open with their lids ready to be filled. Cupboards with many shining silverware, porcelain tableware, and various embroidered goblets; a single writing desk with inkwells, quills, and a stack of paper are placed by one of the walls below the bedroom¡¯s overseeing opening with wooden edges where a person can lean at, to witness the chamber beneath.


    Though what catches Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes the most is what lies in front of the fireplace, a lain animal pelt where a pair of lovers would be cuddling while feeling the warmth, maybe even doing the forbidden act as the lovers overcomes with arousal.


    ¡°It is highly impressive that you furnished this place up before our arrival,¡± Xe¡¯Reth praised with a head moving in every direction to not miss a single piece of furniture, but his eyes wander to Tanya who gazes at him while giving a pleasing chuckle.


    ¡°Ah well, Sir Xe¡¯Reth. This chamber was already furnished long ago, for we keep all of the rooms in our Miss¡¯s wing tidy, but we cleaned this chamber to its last speck of dust. Though up there,¡± Tanya responded with a hand pointing to the upper level, ¡°is where the newly furnished area is. I tried my best to get it to your liking. So you¡¯ll have to see for yourself, come, it¡¯s up those stairs.¡±


    Tanya thuds onwards to the right side of the room where a wide opening leads to wooden staircases. The steps¡¯ length sideways can be measured to three meters, but the width measures only two fifth of a meter.


    Xe¡¯Reth adjusts his mother in his arms before he ventures after the two women who¡¯re treading on the steps, making heel noises as their feet touches the wooden material. When they reach the top staircase, Malinda gazes around the bedroom with critical eyes, not showing anything but sternness while she inspects every piece of furniture. For once, Tanya¡¯s expression turns dire with lowered eyebrows and a down curved mouth while her hands clenches together, awaiting her judgement.


    But with a surprisingly startled voice coming from Xe¡¯Reth, her hands spreads apart, ¡°Wow! You said this was newly furnished? Color me surprise, it¡¯s almost as if you furnished this place like a healer¡¯s lodge and a dwelling to practice herbalism. Really, thank you. You¡¯ve eased my heart immensely, and Tanya was it?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes. Yes! I¡¯m Tanya Orilldera, third daughter of the citadel¡¯s blacksmiths, at your service, Sir Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Tanya happily replies as she brightens up for being praised, since it was hard work to organize all of this in only a couple of hours. ¡®Did¡­ Did he hear what I said to Recina about how I said the interior is like a healer¡¯s and an herbalist store? No, no, of course he couldn¡¯t have heard me.¡¯


    ¡°Yes indeed, you¡¯ve preformed excellent Tanya. So take the rest of the day off. Maybe go see the festival out in the city perhaps?¡± Malinda commended with a smile by following along the lines as Xe¡¯Reth while patting Tanya¡¯s shoulder to give her the go-ahead to spend the evening however she wants.


    ¡°Miss, no, I would never do that! There is so much to do yet! I mean¡­ Look at Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s clothes, no offense,¡± Tanya said with a shaking head to deny Malinda¡¯s offer.


    ¡°Heh, none taken. I¡¯ve had these worn-out garments for a year, so I would love to get something else to wear than these,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a smile directed at Tanya while moving to the newly sheeted royal-sized bed, which¡¯s located a couple of meters straight in front of the stairs. He gently puts his mother down. ¡°You don¡¯t mind if I request a couple of things that I need for my mother, which you¡¯ll certainly have in stock?¡±


    ¡°Of course, anything! No need to hold back with Tanya, Xe¡¯Reth. She¡¯ll get whatever you need,¡± Malinda shockingly said in a spoiling voice with a daring flick of her hand while moving to be beside him.


    Xe¡¯Reth gives Tanya a questioning raised brow for confirmation, and she does nod with a beaming smile at this younger man than herself.


    ¡°Well, if you insist¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    Within Celyssa¡¯s study, the head-handmaiden rabbles words to Celyssa who leans back in her chair comfortably, but a scowl reveals on her expression the more words that comes out from the paper-clutching woman who stands in front of the desk, getting lowered eyebrows the further she speaks.


    ¡°And the last missive from the City-Commander says: Honored Madam Celyssa Tertin, I hereby report the recent happenings in your city.¡±


    ¡°One victim of murder found at the east gate¡¯s river. Currently investigating.¡±


    ¡°The prepared festival is running smoothly for now. We¡¯ll see when night comes. Sending another report at dusk.¡±


    ¡°DLO activity, high. Sources say that they¡¯re trying to find someone. And they had arrested one of our gate captains, but was set free, but then again thrown in jail. Currently investigating.¡±


    ¡°No signs of the escaped criminal. Continuing with the search of the city.¡±


    ¡°The remaining business of the city is calm for now. End of report.¡±


    ¡°City-Commander Terorn Orchar,¡± the head-handmaiden finished with a sigh as she lowers the paper, but raises it again. ¡°He really needs to work on his signature. It is truly ghastly to read¡­ Thankfully, he only writes his name and not the whole report.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± Celyssa asked as her left eyebrow ascends with a questioning swipe of her hand through the air.


    ¡°Oh, yes of cour¡ªWait look, there is Malinda¡¯s carriage with Taryna,¡± the head-handmaiden hollered with a raised hand, pointing at the large window overlooking the courtyard and the innermost gate. ¡°Ah, Madam, you missed her.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­? Which direction did she drive to? Towards the Sanctuary or the stables?¡± Celyssa frowningly demanded as she flaps open her fan to begin waving it, so it blows frisky air onto her face, cooling it down from the hearth that spews out heat. ¡°Dear Divine Queens, it¡¯s burning hot in here. And it isn¡¯t bloody winter yet, so douse that fire, will you?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ Well¡­ She was driving towards the stables,¡± she responded calmly with heeled shoes clacking on the wooden surface as she bends forward to reach to a hearth poker to spread apart the pitch black blocks of wood in the scorching fireplace. ¡°It would seem; Malinda has already returned. For Taryna came from the Sanctuary, and not from the innermost gate.¡±


    ¡°And why haven¡¯t you seen her or been told about it, until now? Linadra, tell me why?¡± Celyssa asked with a tone of annoyance while her eyes squints sourly at her head-handmaiden who shows a lowered head with hands placed on her stomach. An older woman being totally at her Mistress¡¯ mercy.


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t think she would return so soon¡­¡± Linadra answered while lowering her head further. ¡°I thought she would be at his house longer. When I got word that the Battle-Mistress returned, none said anything about Malinda coming with her. Hence the lack of reports from our servants.¡±


    *Knock, knock*


    ¡°Come in!¡± Celyssa shouted with a harsh tone as her eyelids narrows to show two globes of light brown staring intently at Linadra whose head has twisted to the knocking door.


    With a silent click, the door opens as a servant peeks inside to see the Madam of the house gazing at her dangerously, which transforms the servant¡¯s expression into something else.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I bring word that¡­ that Honored Malinda has entered her wing of the citadel, H-H-Honored M-Madam,¡± the servant stutteringly said with a bent upper body, not showing the grief-stricken wide mouth and eyes.


    ¡°Leave¡­¡± Celyssa hissed with deadly intent directed at the startled servants who shuts the door with a quick curtsy without saying anything.


    Celyssa raises herself from her cushioned seat, to pace back and forth between either side of the large window as a fan lashes fiercely at her face. While Linadra silently stands straightened with her regular lowered head and hands placed on her stomach. To wait for her Mistress¡¯ words.


    ¡°I think¡­ it would be proper to invite him to dine with the family, wouldn¡¯t you think so too, Linadra?¡±


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading! And Happy New Year!


    Phew... Been pretty hard to write at the moment, but hopefully it''ll calm down as school starts. And I''ve been thinking of fixing up the past chapters a little bit, nothing story-wise I assure you, but simply changing the grammar and thingies. Though I''ll have to see, because that''ll slow down my progress on upcoming chapters. None has really said anything about this, but I think it''s kinda good to keep the writing style similar as every other chapter.


    BUT! That''ll only take a few days to fix, so I''ll have a chapter up next week, or if I go on a writing spree, maybe two, who knows?! :D


    Anyways, voice your thoughts so I know if I''m doing anything wrong! :P


    Until... next time.


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    <hr />

 23 - The Invitation

    <hr />


    The Invitation


    <hr />


    In the dimly lit upper level of the quarters where Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother sleeps with a newly cleaned body, Xe¡¯Reth stands upright while stirring and preparing his mother¡¯s addictive drug in front of a table by the wall that has many various opened boxes of herbs. He nips up herb after herb with his index and thumb fingers, then places them into the pestle in his hands.


    Theresa groans in her slumber as usual with nightmares plaguing her agonizing soul.


    At two bed tables on either side glows candles, only two, for Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t need light to work with his herbs. Darkness fits him right as day, but light still illuminates from downstairs through the two openings. The flaming hearth blazes away in its crackling and swaying way as Malinda converses with Tanya; one holding up garments fit for an adult male, the other stares with two analyzing globes of azure.


    ¡°You do amaze me, Tanya,¡± Malinda said with measuring eyes, going up and down as her head tilts side to side. ¡°How could you get his size right?¡±


    ¡°Your words are too much for me, Miss. I simply asked my sister right before you left to meet up with Sir Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Tanya thanked with a smile. She holds the clothes while a folded pile of other attires stacks on the long-table on the left side of the room. ¡°You know the brand of clothing that has gotten popular these past few years?¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, that brand. But how could you get these so fast?¡± Malinda wondered as she inspects the stitched-in name of the trademark with hands holding onto the garment¡¯s neck where it¡¯s sewed.


    ¡°Miss, I¡¯ve made a special order from them before, but you never wear anything but plated clothing nowadays. So you haven¡¯t tried the dress I bought a month ago,¡± Tanya sighed in disappointment as her arms lax down which makes the clothes dip onto the crimson carpet. ¡°Anyways, where was I? Ah yes. As I have purchased from them before, I sent a servant with measurements I got from my sister, while you were away. You know that clothing boutique in the outer layer that was finally built up four years ago? Madam Nerani¡¯s Apparels, it is called¡ª.¡±


    *Crash*


    ¡°Huh¡­? Xe¡¯Reth, what happened?!¡± Malinda startlingly yelled as her head lashes in the direction to the upper level. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­?!¡± Malinda instinctively drops the men¡¯s clothes and sprints towards the stairs with such worried eyes as he doesn¡¯t reply. The crash sounded as if something heavy fell onto the marbled floor.


    She climbs the wooden steps, and as her head turns left at the top, she sees Xe¡¯Reth breathing heavily while trying to stand up with supporting hands on the mushy floor where he had dropped the pestle. But he can¡¯t get up, for he¡¯s in a state of utter shock.


    ¡®Dammit¡­ I thought I would never hear that accursed name ever again¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth swore inwardly with gritting teeth. ¡®Why is this¡­ What¡¯s the matter with me? I¡¯ve never¡­ never felt so weak before¡­ I, I guess it has been a rough day¡­ Ah¡ª?¡¯


    A pair of lady¡¯s arms curls around his body to embrace him with whispering lips, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Xe¡¯Reth. I forgot that you¡¯ve had a dreadful day¡­ The torture from those people, your garden, too, has been lost to the DLO¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ve been preoccupied with my own yearnings that I became blinded by it.¡±


    ¡°Miss? Everything all right up there?¡± Tanya shouted somewhat softly as she stands at the foot of the stairs, because Malinda had said that she and nobody else will be allowed on the upper level.


    ¡°Yes, everything is fine! Stay downstairs and wait so we can continue picking out the clothing!¡± Malinda responded, too, with a soft shout to not disturb Theresa who sleeps on the royal-sized bed.


    ¡°Okay, Miss, I¡¯ll do as you say.¡± Tanya replied as she takes away her foot from the first case of the stairs which she was about to climb, but she remembered her Mistress words carefully when Xe¡¯Reth had organized and taken care of his mother who now has new bandages with salve smeared on her scorched body.


    Tanya returns to the long-table as she picks up the dropped clothes while wiping away any dirt that might¡¯ve spoiled them. With folding hands, she aligns them on top of the folded pile of attires.


    A humming tune, a calm, an innocent voice escapes from her vocal cords as she brushes her index finger on the table to see if dust still resides, which it doesn¡¯t. She nods pleasingly to herself for her hard work.


    ¡®I wonder what happened up there? Ah, oh well, not my business to question,¡¯ Tanya nonchalantly sighed as her feet walks to one of the windows to gaze with serene unmoving eyes out to the garden courtyard, which¡¯s located almost in the middle of the citadel. Several stories going up with large square windows, alike the one Tanya gazes out of right now. ¡®I miss being in the old wings¡­ Maybe when Malinda gets children they¡¯ll open up the third floor again. My, my, I¡¯m getting ahead of myself.¡¯


    With a secret giggle, she heads to the hearth beside her.


    She pokes the charcoaled timber, then takes ahold of more wood which¡¯s stacked beside the fireplace neatly on a metal rack. She reaches to place it into the flaming hearth; her eyes truly unafraid by the burning fire. For she has been around her father and mother in the citadel¡¯s smithy, even knocking some hammer hits on the red searing metal, feeling the vibration throughout her whole body as the strikes connected to the anvil.


    ¡®I am relieved that he isn¡¯t some arrogant noble at least. Even though I said that I wouldn¡¯t treat the man she chooses any differently. But if it had been someone like those in-laws of hers, I wouldn¡¯t be able to stand it,¡¯ Tanya thought with tight lips pressing together as her hands stretches back from placing the wood into the fireplace. Then in her crouched position, she stands up. ¡®Though really, seeing Miss so out of character is a refreshing sight. Being totally joyful than her regular strict self is truly a change for the better. I do hope nothing will happen to that happiness which she has found.¡¯


    *Click* the double-doors leading out of the room opens up as Taryna, Tanya¡¯s sister reveals herself between the opening gaps.


    Tanya turns around hastily because the rudeness from the person opening the doors knows no bounds. Who can it be? That dares to not knock before entering? But with calm blinking eyes, Tanya sees her sister with the identical flaming hair tied to form a bun.


    Tanya¡¯s feet treads on the crimson carpet towards her sister as she says tranquilly with flickering eyes, not being afraid at all of what might lash back at her, ¡°Eldest sister, you shouldn¡¯t open the doors without knocking. It¡¯s rude behavior. You know that.¡±


    ¡°Where is Mistress?¡± Taryna frowningly asked as she dismisses her sister¡¯s warnings with an irritated flick of her hand. She gazes around the lit chamber and up to the bedroom of Theresa¡¯s, while narrowing her eyes of flame.


    Tanya¡¯s now wide eyes stares at how impudent she¡¯s. Sure, when she talked to Taryna before, she was angry about Malinda taking a liking to a man, finally. But her personality isn¡¯t fit for a handmaiden. More of an envious spouse not getting any alone time anymore. Which isn¡¯t allowed. Tanya and Taryna should be glad that they¡¯re handmaidens since servants gets more work hours per day than handmaidens.


    Of course, handmaidens have a lot of work too, though that doesn¡¯t amount for the hours which servants spends cleaning and doing their endless chores that needs to be taken care of, all around the citadel. Especially taking care of the huge main garden.


    Tanya advances towards her sister while her eyes squints as closer as she comes, and with two pair of breasts bumping into Taryna¡¯s bosoms, she thrusts forward, making Taryna fall backwards in complete surprise. But with a trained body, she controls her legs to gain balance as she stumbles out the double-doors into the lush corridor. Though, Tanya follows with a clicking noise resounding from the now closed doors behind her.


    ¡°What are y¡ªmhmmh?!¡± Taryna tried to shout but her sister¡¯s hand covers her mouth completely.


    ¡°What am I doing, what am I doing?!¡± Tanya retorted with a high-pitched shriek of a girl¡¯s voice. Her eyes battles to not squint in anger but fails miserably. ¡°What are you doing is my question!? You¡¯ll not ruin our Mistress¡¯ day with your foul mood! I may not know what has made you like this, but all I¡¯ve seen from him is kindness towards our Miss, so stop acting like some juvenile! For the Divine Queens¡¯ sake, you¡¯re in your thirties! ACT LIKE IT!¡±


    ¡°Mmhm¡ªLet, let go of me!¡± Taryna confronted her little sister by pushing her away so she hits the double-doors, making her grimace in the process as the door handles digs into her rear. ¡°I act how I please as long as Miss doesn¡¯t get any madder¡ª.¡±


    ¡°So she has scolded you?!¡± Tanya exclaimed while hands touches her sore rear. But she breathes out a sigh as her head lowers; giving up trying to convince her big stubborn sister of her shameful ways. ¡°I don¡¯t want you near Miss or Sir Xe¡¯Reth today. Go and cool yourself off. And I won¡¯t hear your reply, because if you dare walk into this room again, I¡¯ll tell Miss about you know what. I don¡¯t think she would really enjoy hearing those words coming from my mouth, much less knowing that you¡¯re that kind of person.¡±


    ¡°Y-You wouldn¡¯t!¡± Taryna recoiled in doubt as her widened eyes stares at her now tranquil little sister.


    ¡°Test me¡­ I dare you,¡± Tanya answered calmly with an innocent smile while having her eyes shut.


    ¡°Miss¡­ Miss will wonder where I¡¯ve gone¡­¡± Taryna muttered with her last ounce of defense. Her perfectly serene younger sibling still shows no face other than those closed eyes while her totally victorious smile makes Taryna bite her lips.


    ¡°No, she will not. Miss will know where you¡¯ve gone from my mouth,¡± Tanya replied as only her mouth flows openly with a pair of hands clutching together to her lower body. ¡°You can go and take care of all the paperwork for today¡¯s finished chores in our wing, then send it down to the servant¡¯s place of work.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re dirty, Tanya, for using that against me. I¡¯ve never done it ever since you caught me, so please, don¡¯t tell her. I¡¯ll listen to you, okay? I give in¡­ I¡­ give in,¡± the eldest sister, Taryna, now has a drooping head that asks for mercy.


    Ever since the day she was caught by her youngest sister, she has been the lesser. But with Tanya¡¯s calm personality, she wouldn¡¯t reveal her sister¡¯s most guarded secret, which could make her Mistress look upon her with eyes of uncertainty.


    ¡°Haaa¡­¡± Tanya sighed in exhaustion as she shakes her head, then with widely beaming eyes, she places her hand on her sister¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Good, good. I¡¯ll tell Miss where you¡¯re at. Now shoo; Miss probably wondered what all the shouting was about. So go, before I¡­¡ª.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going¡­ I¡¯m going. Really Tanya, you¡¯re so much like mother that it isn¡¯t even funny¡ªAlright, I¡¯m going!¡± Taryna flings her arms in the air as she turns to stomp down the decorated hallway towards an unknown location, namely, her own study.


    As Tanya does a satisfied nod for vanquishing her prideful eldest sister, she turns to the double-doors leading into the new Sanctuary that belongs to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother. She breathes in a deep breath, then pulls down the handles and goes in again.


    ¡®Really, if the doors weren¡¯t so thick, Malinda would certainly hear what they said¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought with stirring hands as he just about finishes a new batch of medicine for his mother. Though he¡¯s happy with this third handmaiden he has met. Without noticing it himself, he sprouts forth a smile. ¡®I do wonder what her sister meant by: Catching her in the act. Something involving a man? No, highly unlikely since she probably doesn¡¯t spend much time away from Malinda often. But¡­ It¡¯ll be useful nonetheless.¡¯


    Malinda sits on the side of the bed belonging to Theresa, while her eyes gazes at the image which displays in her mind.


    Away with the scars, a little more meat on her body, and pretty herself up; she would indeed be stunning. But alas, even if Theresa¡¯s sickness vanishes, her scarred skin won¡¯t ever be restored.


    People¡¯s eyes will be ever-watching, ever-judging her hideous appearance that was once a marvelous being of beauty, yet never again.


    A curled index finger wipes away a single tear from her moist eye as she turns to stare at the incoming Xe¡¯Reth who¡¯s wiping his hands on a towel while he moves. And as she opens her mouth, cracked tones escapes, ¡°Are y-you finished?¡±


    ¡°Malinda, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Xe¡¯Reth started as he throws the towel onto the low desk at the foot of the bed to walk with hastened steps to sit beside his lover who¡¯s on the verge of flooding once again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s nothing,¡± Malinda replied with a sigh as she feels the bed move from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s weight pushing the materials down, right beside her. And with a lean to the right, she places her head on his shoulder, staying there for a couple of seconds, until she looks up to see his caring eyes gazing at her. ¡°I¡¯ve cried so much today that it¡¯s making me more emotional than usually. And seeing that your mother will always have those scars turns my heart inside out. I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t be saying that¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s but a simple thing, appearances that is. You, Malinda, who looks so proud and collected can be innocent like a newly budded flower, as you¡¯ve shown to me. But that¡¯s what I¡¯m drawn to; your gentleness, your generosity in giving my mother a chance to recover, and the love you¡¯ve given me that I¡¯ll strive forever to keep lit,¡± Xe¡¯Reth lovingly said as he plays his regular wooing with a mask of total love on his serene expression. ¡°You love, I love, you hate, I hate. We love, we hate. That is what I want us to be, tied together for as long as we live. But, I¡¯m getting too ahead of myself.¡±


    He brushes strands of hair away by tucking it behind her ear as he closes in on her. And she accepts him fully. His lips locks with hers; his caresses wrap her body as her bosoms presses onto his chest while she lifts her arms over his shoulders to coil his neck, beginning to get experienced with her kissing too.


    No more lipstick worries, since she removed it so she doesn¡¯t need to worry about cleaning herself up after a steamy event transpires. But they stop as Theresa¡¯s groans resounds, making her smile while she backs away with her head, ¡°I love you too, but it¡¯s as you say. We¡¯ve been moving too fast¡­ We¡­ W-we¡­ have¡­ h-haven¡¯t even¡­¡±


    ¡°What haven¡¯t we done?¡± Xe¡¯Reth questioned with a raised eyebrow as he tastes her saliva.


    Malinda turns bright red with eyes avoiding contact. Though, as her mouth goes ajar, she stutteringly replies, while the shame fills her voice at the same time, ¡°We¡­ we haven¡¯t even s-slept t-together yet. I want today to be that day. I¡¯ve thought it through. I don¡¯t want to take it easy as all the other Honored Ladies do; waiting until their marriage day¡­ But I¡¯m not getting any younger, Xe¡¯Reth. I want to experience those things I haven¡¯t experienced, with you.¡±


    ¡°You must think that I¡¯m some lewd woman wanting to sleep with a man I just met¡­ But I truly do want to be embraced by you all night. I want all of my worries of battle to disappear, to feel something else,¡± Malinda¡¯s head droops down with closed eyes. She holds tightly onto her knees, awaiting his reply.


    ¡°You¡¯re talking about sex, right?¡± Xe¡¯Reth inquired casually with a smile as if that word of pleasure meant nothing to him. No embarrassment, nothing. Yet, Malinda¡¯s eyes widened upon hearing him say it, then a shameful nod of approval displays as her blond-haired head goes up and down, but only in minute movements, which Xe¡¯Reth sees with success.


    He would¡¯ve never thought that an Honored Lady of her magnitude would be such an easy woman to bed. But of course, it has been an emotional day for both her and him, so that can be counted also into the equation of one¡¯s psyche. She has cried, she has seen a tortured man who she loves, she has seen a girl having a mental breakdown in front of her, and she has taken her first step into becoming an actual lady of love.


    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t lie; I want to ravage you until the day you reach the Divine Sky in bliss,¡± Xe¡¯Reth calmly said with a lewd smirk on his lips while his eyes have narrowed to stare with conviction, to thoroughly back up what he just said to an Honored Lady. To Malinda whose mouth has opened fully in perplexity. And those pair of glittering azure jewels of hers illustrates widely in utter shock.


    Not being able to speak out her thoughts, she fiddles with hers switching legs and arms, trying to stay completely unfazed by the bold statement as she sits by the side of the bed, right next to him. Him who gazes at her, making the heat in her body rise terribly high.


    As her own hands tries to flap at her face to decrease her blushing warmth, dizziness comes over her in rapid speed. Which Xe¡¯Reth acts upon, while a satisfied smile sprouts forth, ¡°I won¡¯t hide my attraction for you. I want to see you naked. To see everything that you have to offer, which¡¯ll be the greatest offer a person can ever get. For I¡¯m a man, and as a man, I can¡¯t stop thinking about what I haven¡¯t seen yet; your uncovered body.¡±


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Malinda¡¯s heart pumps as she tries to hold her eyes away from his, but with a clasping hand to her chest, she travels to his obsidian eyes. Now her slightly trembling mouth opens and closes as she breathes heavily. But, Xe¡¯Reth grasps her only free hand, making her flinch yet not recoil off the bed to escape him.


    ¡°Malinda¡­¡± he calmly said as he peers into her eyes. ¡°We could sleep together today, but, wouldn¡¯t it be better to be more prepared when we do it? Because today has been pretty hectic as you saw when you came up the stairs. Even I have my limits.¡±


    ¡®But, I think it was only because I heard that noble¡¯s name that made my knees buckle,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth added in his mind to defend his pride.


    Her eyes widen in worry as she grasps ahold of his hands while saying, ¡°Oh no, I completely forgot about it¡­ Are you all right now? And have you finished with your mother¡¯s medicine for when she wakes up? Actually, when does she wake up, Xe¡¯Reth?¡±


    ¡°What time is it?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked with a clueless brow raised.


    ¡°Tanya!¡± Malinda yelled but covers her mouth with a grimace. She turns to look at Theresa, yet she sighs in relief as she returns to gaze regretfully at Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°Sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Miss, you called?¡± Tanya shouted coolly by the foot of the stairs, rather, her voice had a tone of nervousness behind it which Xe¡¯Reth caught with his ears. A slight break in her voice, different than her usual one.


    Malinda raises herself while letting go of his hands to walk to the head of the staircase. She caresses Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s cheek with a flow as her legs goes to her destination. Then as she sees the handmaiden gazing with a smile on her beaming face, Malinda asks, ¡°What time is it?¡±


    With a puzzling biting lip, Tanya replies as she gets her answer, ¡°It¡¯ll soon be seven o¡¯clock, Miss. The sun will begin to set behind the mountains in about an hour.¡±


    ¡°What, it¡¯s so late already?¡± she frowningly asked with hands on her hips, leaning forward. ¡°How long have we been here?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve bee¡ªWait, someone¡¯s at the door, Miss,¡± Tanya said as her body turns to the door, then back to Malinda.


    ¡°Well, what¡¯re you waiting for? Go see who it is,¡± Malinda whips her finger at Tanya as she returns to Xe¡¯Reth after her handmaiden bows gracefully to obey her Mistress¡¯ command.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do as you say Xe¡¯Reth. Yes. Yes, I also need to prepare my heart, but let¡¯s sleep in the same bed for now,¡± Malinda smilingly said while looming above the sitting Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°Then, when we¡¯re ready to take the next step, we¡­¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªwill become one,¡± Xe¡¯Reth finished while standing up to give her one single kiss. Which she puckers with a giggle. ¡®Seriously, I couldn¡¯t expect that she would initiate the talk of sex. But, I¡¯ll give her a night of a man who¡¯s inexperienced, though, I can say I know a woman¡¯s body through what I¡¯ve read. No, I mustn¡¯t talk about a conversation that leads to healing matters. Well, she knows that I¡¯m not like a normal human being, so let¡¯s see what¡¯ll happen from now on.¡¯


    ¡°Miss, I bring word from the Honored Madam Celyssa!¡± Tanya shouted as she comes back to stand by the foot of the stairs. ¡°She asks if you¡¯ll join the family for dinner tonight. And if you¡¯re, then she would be most pleased that you bring Sir Xe¡¯Reth with you. So she and your brother can meet him.¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment, I¡¯ll be right down,¡± Malinda responded with flickering eyes of surprise. She then remembers as she covers her mouth. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ You haven¡¯t eaten anything today, have you?¡±


    He raises an eyebrow while looking up to think if he has or not, ¡°No, no I haven¡¯t actually. Only before I went to bed yesterday¡­ But then came the men¡­ And well, you know the rest.¡±


    ¡°You must be starving then?¡± Malinda asked with worry on her lowered brows.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t exactly say I¡¯m famished, but I could eat,¡± he said with shrugging shoulders. ¡°Though, from what Tanya just said, we can¡¯t really decline your sister-in-law¡¯s invitation, now can we?¡±


    ¡°But what about Theresa? What if she wakes up¡ª.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry, she won¡¯t wake up until tomorrow morning,¡± Xe¡¯Reth reassured with an interrupting hand. ¡°And thank you, Malinda, for helping me with her. You¡¯re much stronger than I ever thought you¡¯d be. To actually help with taking care of her so soon¡­ I am¡­ Ah¡­ I don¡¯t have any words that can express my gratitude, other than, I love you, honey.¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda fawned with a tender smile as she directs her body into his embrace; squeezing her bosoms onto his chest yet again, though this time, she gazes with daring eyes into his globes of shadows that swiftly stares down at her pressed breasts, making him flicker in surprise.


    She purses her lips to whisper seductively, ¡°I am yours and you¡¯re mine. My body is yours and your body is mine. I can¡¯t help myself, Xe¡¯Reth. I¡¯m flustered when you¡¯re staring at me, I¡¯m concerned when you¡¯re away from me, and I¡¯m happy when you¡¯re by my side. I love you too, honey.¡±


    ¡°You really know how to make a man cheerful, have you been practicing?¡± Xe¡¯Reth grinned to break the arousing atmosphere, which makes Malinda give him a teasing slap on his wounded shoulder. But she gasps at her grave mistake, though, his gentle smile never leaves his lips.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth! It can¡¯t be...? Has it healed already?¡± Malinda covers her mouth, but her hands instinctively starts to remove his worn upper protective clothing, which he lets her do casually while not removing his smile.


    As she sees the slight red spot on his healed shoulder, she can¡¯t help but gain a beaming expression. Malinda bits her lower lip seductively as she leans forward to kiss his shoulder in question. A peck onto his skin, while she takes in his bodily aroma.


    With a turn and a tilt, her head sets itself onto his shoulder to rest. Again her arms wraps around him to feel his warmth on his naked upper body through her thin blouse.


    ¡®She really is the clingy type, huh? Oh well, that¡¯ll work so much better. It¡¯ll be easier to make her fully trust me, so I can go on with my own business and¡­ plans,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he too embraces her while holding her head and back waist. ¡®Tomorrow will be the day to analyze who¡¯s trustworthy and who¡¯s disloyal. I can¡¯t have people around my mother who¡¯ll switch sides at a moment¡¯s notice. This whole citadel must be purged of its scum, well, me excluded of course. Heh, talking to myself again.¡¯


    ¡°So¡­ I have you for the entire night until tomorrow morning?¡± Malinda hesitantly asked as her head remains in place, but her lips tightens upon waiting on his reply.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m all yours. My Lady. But, I would like a key to my mother¡¯s quarters, so I can lock it while I¡¯m away. Would that be okay?¡± Xe¡¯Reth smilingly responded with his mask still showing on his face.


    Malinda¡¯s head leaves his shoulder to straighten herself.


    She nods while chuckling, ¡°Certainly it would be okay, wait! Only we should have keys. Because I don¡¯t think my handmaidens are¡­ Well, they¡¯ll listen to my orders; two keys for you and me. And if somehow you can¡¯t be there for her, I¡¯ll take care of her in your stead. You just need to prepare the medicine beforehand. Oh, that¡¯s right, Tanya is waiting! Finish up here and come down¡­ I¡¯ll be waiting eagerly to see you dressed in the new clothes that Tanya has prepared for you. Don¡¯t be long¡­¡±


    She closes in once more as she does a swift peck on the mouth, then disappears down the stairs while humming a tune of satisfaction.


    As Xe¡¯Reth sees her vanish, he sits down on the bed while leaning forward with hands on his face, having his breath rapidly increasing. He has been keeping it in check ever since he fell to the floor when he heard THAT noble woman¡¯s name, but the feeling still hasn¡¯t gone away. A constant headache with pains going throughout his whole body. Yet, that pain keeps rising and decreasing.


    Xe¡¯Reth has no clue at what¡¯s going on with his body, but it¡¯s as if he has a high fever without the warmth. Though, he has never been sick in his whole life, so this is an entirely new experience for him.


    ¡®Oh well, I¡¯ll be able to keep it in check. But dammit, why now of all times?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth pondered as he turns his body to stare at his slumbering mother. ¡®Be safe mother, I¡¯ll come back later. But now, it¡¯s time to dive into the wide maw of this family¡¯s grace.¡¯


    After he secured everything, and if anybody comes snooping, he¡¯ll know by the placements of his possessions, since he likes everything to be tidy. It needs to be clean for his mother.


    Through the many times he has done it, his mind can¡¯t stand filth. Neither human nor molecule, nothing can be rotten in the presence of his mother. If someone tries to find the Yran¡¯Gilis, it¡¯s hidden away with other herbs on top of the illegal flowers in their sacks, so it looks as if it¡¯s sacks of different herbs than the Yran¡¯Gilis.


    His ebon bow lies inside the coffer that he brought with him, and all of his other valuable belongings lies there too.


    With an inhale of a breath, he exhales, then strides downstairs; for every step, no noise resonates, he¡¯s as silent as a ghost. And as he reaches the foot, he sees Malinda beside Tanya by the long-table, picking out what Xe¡¯Reth should wear.


    He had heard them talk about the letter that Tanya sent away with a currier, though the currier is just a servant who belongs to the Tertin family. Riding in great speed towards whatever destination that the servant needs to get to.


    ¡°I think the black and red coat fits him better than the other ones,¡± Tanya encouraged as she holds the coat for Malinda to see. ¡°Especially with the red buttons at the front.¡±


    ¡°Yes, a good recommendation¡ª¡±


    ¡°AHH!¡± Both Tanya and Malinda blurted two shrieking yells as they heard Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s voice.


    He¡¯s standing right beside them, and they didn¡¯t even notice him. Not even Malinda, but as she sees it¡¯s just him, she chuckles while covering her smiling mouth. Though, Tanya has a whole new face of utter shock with an agape mouth and two flaming wide eyes staring at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s naked chest. But with a shake of her head, she collects herself effortlessly.


    ¡°Ahem. Yes, indeed. Xe¡¯Reth will take the black and red clothes,¡± Malinda said without hesitation while nodding, making Xe¡¯Reth unable to choose, but he doesn¡¯t mind those colors, rather, he prefers to be in the colors of the kingdom, especially black. His favorite shade.


    Even though people gives him their eyes of indifference because of his unique features, he himself doesn¡¯t mind his own appearance. But sure, it can be a hassle to avoid trouble when he stands out among a crowd.


    He has gotten used to it under these four years of hardship. Nobody can budge him, not even the most beautiful woman in the world would he bat an eye at, only giving a glance, then shrug at her predicament. Love? Why does he need that? It is a game. A game he¡¯ll play until he reaches the epitome of nobility.


    The Divine Queens? He spits on them now that he has heard the truth from Malinda. He needs no distraction of the mind to give him orders. Merely his own mind is what he needs, and his natural features. Emotions? He has casted them away, discarded them! Emotions is for the normal people, normal humans, but he isn¡¯t normal.


    He¡¯s an unknown entity that hides underneath the skin of a human.


    But he has his weak moments, as he just showed when he fell to the floor, and his painful headache that eats away at him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with the¡ªNo wait, doesn¡¯t he need to wash up before dinner?¡± Tanya asked as she gives another glance up and down at Xe¡¯Reth, seeing how unfit for dinner he is. ¡°Yes, he must be presentable to your brother and his wife.¡±


    ¡®Well I did wash before¡­ But she¡¯s right, I could use a wash, and thankfully I cleaned away the blood before leaving my house,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought with a nod of approval.


    ¡°That settles it then. Should we bring in a bathtub in here, or shall he go to the bathing area, Miss?¡± Tanya inquired as she places the coat onto the long-table again with a neat fold.


    ¡°Bring everything in here, go, go fetch the servants to help,¡± Malinda replied with an upward jerk of her head.


    ¡°With pleasure, Miss,¡± she said with a quick bow, then strides out of the room.


    ¡°Here, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Malinda said giving him a key to his mother¡¯s quarters. ¡°Tanya thought you would want one. She¡¯s resourceful, isn¡¯t she? She thinks of everything, even I was surprised that she brought a pair of extra keys. Though, they¡¯ve only been lying in the key room all this time. And she¡¯ll give me one later, plus, she¡¯ll give me all of the other keys to the door, too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ Great. She¡¯s indeed resourceful as you said,¡± Xe¡¯Reth complimented as he¡¯s taken aback by Tanya¡¯s preparation. He didn¡¯t even hear them talk about keys, were they whispering? ¡°She¡¯s a good addition as your handmaiden. Have she been with you long?¡±


    ¡°Only four years, she took her vow when she turned fourteen as everyone else, then as she turned sixteen, she was allowed to be my handmaiden, though, she¡¯s a daughter of the blacksmiths. There¡¯re three daughters, but the one you haven¡¯t met took after her parents. She works and helps at the citadel¡¯s smithy,¡± Malinda explained as her hands flows with the words. ¡°I¡¯ll have to take you there someday. Maybe tomorrow, no, the day after that perhaps?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Xe¡¯Reth simply replied with a closed-eyed nod¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    In the main courtyard of the citadel where the four-cut fountains stands with a cross pathway in the middle of the water spewing constructions, comes two riders in fully-armored horses and the riders themselves can¡¯t be missed by miles, since their armors shines as the setting sun begins to lower itself to welcome the darkness.


    The color of the kingdom, that¡¯s what displays on the heavy-plated armors. The riders had galloped in from the innermost portcullis, but now as they ride past the fountains to reach the main entrance leading into the Tertin¡¯s citadel, one man with blonde hair steers his horse in front while the other man with brown-gray hair follows.


    ¡°Hooo!¡± the fair-haired man exclaimed as he pulls his reigns to make the horse stop dead in its tracks.


    With the horse¡¯s movements ceased, the man swings off of the saddle as heavy clanking boots hit the cobblestone. And the other man, too, clanks to the ground while guiding his horse by the reins to be beside his companion.


    ¡°Honored Sir, I¡¯ll return ye¡¯ horses to the stables, and we¡¯ll discuss yo¡¯ plans of strategy in the war room as per yo¡¯ request. Can I take me¡¯ leave until then? As I have me¡¯ other duties to attend to,¡± the man said with respect upon his unemotional expression. His bushy brows of brown-gray that begins to slowly but steadily turn to full ashen, his slight wrinkled but fetching facial features, and the eyes of a complete veteran who thinks his skills in the arts of combat knows no equal.


    ¡°At ease, Reconon, you¡¯re always so serious, heh. But after dinner is finished, I¡¯ll meet you there,¡± the blonde man replied with a chuckle while he waves him off as he turns to walk up the staircase that leads to the main double-doors of the citadel.


    ¡°Yes, Honored Sir Maldoran!¡± the man saluted with a bow, then climbs up on his own horse again and begins to ride away towards the citadel¡¯s stables.


    Maldoran sighs in exhaustion with a scratching hand feeling the prickling stubble that needs to be shaved before he goes to bed today. But as he reaches the top of the stairs, he puts on his regular expression of bliss as he breathes in a long breath.


    Then comes the thundering roar of a tiger that echoes throughout the entire citadel.


    ¡°MY DEAR FAMILY, I¡¯M HOME!¡± Maldoran Tertin, the General of the number one squad of the middle gate boomed!


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    As I''m here to please, I would like you the reader to tell me if I write anything wrong. Grammar I mean. I''ve been trying to remove To Be stuff which I''ve seen on the forums. Been studying up on it, but dunno how it''s going, also I "try" not to use filter words. But oh boy, it takes a lot more time to write if I have to think if I wrote what I wrote correctly.


    If you see common mistakes in my grammar, please don''t be shy. Write in the comment if you want, or PM me! :D


    Or you can just keep on reading my fiction as it comes out! :P


    Voice your thoughts!


    Anyways, I''m dead tired, so I''ll be going to sleep. If you write a comment, expect delay in my response! :P


    Until... Next Time.


    Comment/Favorite/Follow!


    <hr />

 24 - The Ruthless Mistress

    <hr />


    24 - The Ruthless Mistress


    <hr />


    In the west wing, on the second floor of the citadel, walks a struggling handmaiden who carefully places her steps on the carpeted floor leading down a long lavish corridor; the d¨¦cor shines ever so brightly, for the mounted torches on the sides and the numerous crystal chandeliers which hang down from above the curved ceiling, illuminates the reflecting gems of utter wealth. The gems glitter in the foundation, built into the stonework as if someone wants to show what kind of person dwells in this wing of the citadel.


    The handmaiden continues down the decorated corridor with trembling hands holding a tray filled with steaming deliciousness.


    Its dishes range from a thick saucy soup with various colored vegetables swimming in its warmth. To fine cut meat oozing with crimson juice, while tiny unscaled potatoes lie beside the steak of grandness. And since the tray weighs somewhat heavily, the handmaiden stares at her feet as beads of sweat forms on her forehead.


    The different sized silverware of spoons, forks and knives clink together the further she goes, while the patterned cup of tea rattles on the porcelain surface.


    A dinner for a person of stature, yet a simple dinner nonetheless.


    The head-handmaiden, Linadra¡¯s daughter is who it is that walks in this grand hallway. And a handmaiden of her Mistress, Madelyn Tertin, Malinda¡¯s spoiled younger sister.


    As the handmaiden stumbles onwards to her destination, a startling roar bellows out through the corridor.


    ¡°MY DEAR FAMILY, I¡¯M HOME!!!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Ahh!¡± the handmaiden alarmingly quails from the tiger¡¯s roar as her rattling hands tries to gain control of her swaying tray, which tilts side to side. But, she manages to collect herself, while the inhales and exhales rapidly increases. The surprise from the Lord of the household¡¯s shouting voice resounded so loud that she nearly set her life up for endless turmoil, which she would¡¯ve gotten from her Mistress if she dropped the tray of delicacies.


    ¡°H-He seriously needs to stop doing that!¡± the handmaiden cried out with a frown on her eyebrows as she stumbles on. ¡°It scares me half to death every time the Master comes home.¡±


    She focuses on her task at hand: Giving Madelyn her dinner for today, since her mother, Linadra told her to do so. Because Celyssa doesn¡¯t want Madelyn anywhere near the filthy creature called Xe¡¯Reth. Though, Celyssa knows that her sister-in-law won¡¯t be coming to dinner. For the reason: The swelled up cheek.


    Madelyn¡¯s thoughts on staying as beautiful as she can have always been a top priority, and if she meets Malinda¡¯s lover in her current state, she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle the embarrassment, much less the heartbreak upon seeing the man.


    The handmaiden stops in front of two embroidered double doors while her rattling hands strains to keep the tray from falling since her arm strength totals to that of a teenage bookworm.


    As she lifts her one foot backward, she swings it forward to hit one of the doors with her handmaiden¡¯s shoes. Three resounding knocks hit the wooden material, but her balance falters as she tilts to one side; her doom awaits.


    ¡°Hoh, easy there, Liriana,¡± a voice declared from behind while two gloved hands grasp Liriana¡¯s tray, supporting her whole body also, so she doesn¡¯t fall to that tilting side. ¡°Let me help you bring this to Mistress¡­ As you seem to be having difficulties with doing such a simple act.¡±


    The tray lifts up above her, and Liriana lets go of it as she turns around to see her savior; not even minding the insulting words. Liriana¡¯s worried face turns extremely relieved. With eyes closing, she lets out a long sigh.


    ¡°You saved me, Velyn. Thank you. I would¡¯ve gotten into so much trouble if I dropped it, so thank you!¡± Liriana thanked with praying hands clutching together in front of her face while gazing in awe at Velyn¡¯s ruby eyes, which squints in a natural way. ¡°Come, Mistress must get the food immediately before it loses its warmth!¡±


    ¡°Of course. You thought I didn¡¯t think of that? It¡¯s our Mistress¡¯ dinner after all. Now open the door,¡± Velyn demanded with a jerk of her head, and Liriana obediently smiles while nodding. The sweat vanishes from her forehead now that she doesn¡¯t need to take care of such a chore as carrying food.


    Liriana pulls down the handles to open the double doors which lead into Madelyn¡¯s chamber. But, what shows in the vast room that has high walls with drapes of darkness hanging at every side making them touch the carpeted ground, sits a servant who bows as deep as she can on a different colored square rug, a couple of meters in front of the door.


    The servant¡¯s whole body shakes with a fright of what might become of her if she doesn¡¯t plead for her dear life, in silence, to remain in a disgraceful posture of submissiveness. Though, Liriana and Velyn walk simply past the begging servant to the Honored Lady in question who stares at herself in a hand mirror, different from the one she had in the main garden, which she had left there on the stone bench when she went to the healer.


    Her Honored Lady wears loose clothes, modest at best with a close-fitting gown.


    The garment covers her untrained figure, but her revealing slender legs show fully to anyone who wants to see, one on top of the other, sitting in a dominant position as she keeps herself high and mighty in front of her handmaidens and servants who has gathered in this exact room. Both older and younger, but the younger ones¡¯ totals in the majority, since Madelyn, has never been favored by the seniors.


    While Madelyn gazes at herself casually without any worries in the world, especially not caring for the pleading servant who she caught; the servant who spread the rumor about her act of self-pleasuring. A young one, a fifteen-year-old girl.


    The girl¡¯s head has glued itself onto the rug while hands shake in anguish. Her whimpering soaks the rug, which makes Madelyn put down her mirror, rather, a woman¡¯s hand stretches out to take it. A woman who sits next to Madelyn on a couch, a large one at that. It has armrests that can be folded down for each and every person who would be sitting on it, but as only two people currently rest on it, it gives room for her Honored Lady to leisure.


    Without any noise from all of the other people inside this grand chamber, Madelyn will soon pass judgment on this unfortunate soul who begs for her dear life. Madelyn had first thought that she would only punish her by giving her excessive amount of chores, but now she doesn¡¯t want to pass off this matter without taking it seriously because treachery will never be tolerated in her wing of the citadel ever again.


    Though, Madelyn yawns tiredly as she catches both of her handmaidens standing in front of her. One holds the tray of dishes while squinting with a relaxed expression, the other, smiling at her Mistress so she won¡¯t notice her flustered state of mind.


    Madelyn doesn¡¯t bother to speak to them, but the one who does open her mouth sits right beside her; the voice, proud and condescending. She squints with her scarlet eyes while smirking, ¡°Where have you two been off to? Well, speak¡­?¡±


    ¡°My, my, sister. Aren¡¯t you getting a little too bold only because you¡¯re sitting next to Mistress?¡± Velyn taunted as her squinting eyes return to stare at her identical twin. Her own personality can¡¯t let this bitch go without trying to humiliate her; their usual game to outdo one another for the favor of their Mistress. ¡°It¡¯s funny that my clothes somehow had sprung away so I couldn¡¯t find them. You smug little rat thought you could hide my clothes while I washed? Hah! Maybe you should go and look for¡­ No, never mind, it¡¯s too late. They¡¯re already in the burner. Sorry, heh.¡±


    The twin sitting next to Madelyn turns pale as her eyes widen in shock. But she grits her teeth, showing them in the process as she hisses, ¡°You didn¡¯t burn my recently purchased garments¡­?¡±


    ¡°Hehehe¡­¡± Velyn chuckles sinisterly as her grin now shows her own whitened teeth fully, too.


    ¡°Enough¡­¡± Madelyn yawned with a hand covering her mouth. Not even fazed by their excessive bickering since she has heard it a thousand times already.


    ¡°But Mistress¡­ She¡ªOkay¡­ I¡¯ll be silent,¡± the twin said with a drooping head as Madelyn¡¯s eyes narrow, which tells the twin that she should be completely silent. For she¡¯s being an utter nuisance with all the moaning.


    Though, as Madelyn gazes at Velyn who¡¯s holding the tray, she smells the aroma of the food as she licks her lips with an eyebrow going up in wonder. ¡°Is that food for me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mistress!¡± Liriana gleefully shouted, making the begging servant flinch from the cheery voice. Liriana¡¯s hands flow to the tray of goodies. Then begins rambling about what her mother told her to say while putting in extra words. ¡°Me and¡­ Velyn thought you might be hungry. Since Honored Lady Malinda will be bringing her lover to dinner tonight. But because of what she gave you, I don¡¯t think you want to be seen in your current state. Am I right, Mistress?¡±


    ¡°Mm, yes, you¡¯re correct,¡± Madelyn said with pursed lips as she touches her reddened cheek, grimacing in the process. The stinging hasn¡¯t subsided, and won¡¯t for some days to come had the healer said to her. ¡°I¡¯ll have to meet her lover when I¡¯m worthy to be looked upon. Hmm, place it by the table.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mistress,¡± Velyn bobbed as she goes to put the tray down on a single square table with only one grand chair of a throne. While the twin scowls at her sister for winning the battle which will be finished later.


    The servants, silent as the breezeless winds. The pleading one still weeps to herself in her humiliating position. And the handmaidens, act as if nothing goes on, only their Mistress regular mood swings.


    Madelyn stands up casually with another yawn while she stretches her arms out, moaning tiredly. Then her now gown-covered legs takes her to the table to begin eating for she¡¯s starving. Not even minding the crying servant on the carpet.


    Velyn pulls out the chair for her Mistress with closed eyes and a relaxed smile. As Madelyn¡¯s rear begins to lower, Velyn pushes the chair forward so her Mistress sits comfortably while leaning back to feel the textile of the cushioned seat.


    She¡¯s catered as the Honored Lady she is. Her face wears no makeup since she had recently bathed to prepare for the darkness to swallow up the light.


    It¡¯s a simple dinner she¡¯s having. But good enough for her because her mind broods over what to do with the treacherous servant. She picks up the correct fork and knife, then she feasts as the cutting of the meat splits apart, spewing out red juices. As her mouth chews, she sticks in a potato, too. The etiquette exists no more, only a girl that¡¯s hungry while she munches and chomps down her food.


    While setting down her silverware, four fingers grasp onto the teacup while a pinky erect. And with a slight blow, the hotness descends down her throat with gulping noises. Then an exhale of air comes out in satisfaction while her eyes travel to the groveling servant.


    ¡°Well now, what should I do with this treasonous thing who wears my ribbon tied to her waist?¡± Madelyn asked calmly with eyes gazing around her room, as the servants lower their heads to not show anything but anxiety which fill the air. ¡°Any suggestions?¡±


    ¡°A whole year of full-time chores and no free time is my suggestion, Mistress,¡± a servant bravely blurted out while her slight wrinkly face contorts angrily as her eyes gaze at the pleading servant.


    ¡°A year? Making it ten years is my submission, Mistress,¡± another servant retorted with battling eyes staring at the other servant, which scowls at her outrageous idea.


    Madelyn takes a spoon then scoops up the saucy soup while slurping it as the suggestions keep on coming.


    ¡°Mistress, as the yearly inspection from the DLO is coming around the corner, shouldn¡¯t we wait to punish her until it has been taken care of?¡± yet another servant inquired with a standing curtsy, then sits back down on her chair by one of the curtained walls.


    ¡°And the former head-handmaiden won¡¯t take kindly if she is mistreated too severely,¡± a servant warned while she also curtsies as she sits back down.


    *Slurp*


    Velyn takes forth a handkerchief from her pocket. Then gently wipes Madelyn¡¯s mouth, removing the sauce. It¡¯s as if she¡¯s a child because Madelyn doesn¡¯t strain herself when she has other people that can do it for her; a pure slothful lady of wealth.


    Yet when she would dress to her prim, people would be in awe, though only if she¡¯s alone and not with her sister. If Malinda had been with her, then all of the attention would vanish from Madelyn to be directed to her sister instead.


    But in front of servants, she doesn¡¯t mind showing her laziness, since they¡¯re sworn to serve her to their deaths. Only if Madelyn herself would release them from their oaths can they be free, though, the freedom belongs to them if they step out of the citadel, to never return.


    ¡°She spread the rumor through the Sanctuary, Mistress, without thinking. Such a disloyal act dictates from our oaths. She should be stripped of all her possessions and be thrown out of the citadel, permanently. It¡¯ll serve as a lesson for the new servants that pledges their loyalty to you in the upcoming ceremony,¡± Velyn cruelly pointed out with a bent body forward to show her beaming smile to Madelyn.


    ¡°Pleeeaaassseee, Mistreeesss, forgive mee!¡± the begging servant wailed as her body shakes in complete fright, not even daring to look up from her submissive position on the rug. ¡°Pleaaassee, I am sorry¡­ Have mercy, please!¡±


    Madelyn¡¯s fork-holding hand which has a potato stuck to it returns to the plate as she hears the moans of sorrow, but instead of feeling guilty for treating her as if some kind of lesser slave, she raises and lowers her lips to grit her teeth while picking up her teacup.


    She pushes her chair out so it falls and hits with a thud on the floor as she stomps toward the shriveling servant who curls up even more upon hearing her Mistress¡¯ steps.


    ¡°Forgive you?! You have disgraced me with your filthy lies! Everybody in the citadel has heard! And you expect me to forgive you?!?!¡± Madelyn screamed as she raises her hand in the air, then throws the teacup right beside the servant, smashing it onto the carpet.


    Its sound transforms the servant into a worse state than her former self. Tears flow out in quantity, hiccups with a dripping nose which snivels, and the pure spasm from the shaking fifteen-year-old body.


    ¡°Plea¡ª*Hic* Please, Mistress¡­ I am¡ª*Hic* Sorry¡­¡± she cried for her life as her hands positions themselves behind her head.


    Most of the servants that come from Madelyn¡¯s wing has an origin from outside, namely brought in by Celyssa, especially the slightly older ones. But yet the majority comes from the Sanctuary itself. Though those who takes the oath of servitude to Madelyn has a personality of a twisted nature and not of a kind nature.


    That¡¯s why Madelyn¡¯s servants and handmaidens simply watch and doesn¡¯t interrupt their Mistress. Since one unwanted word can bring their Mistress¡¯ wrath upon them, which has happened before.


    Those who tried to stand up for themselves, the prideful servants, didn¡¯t stand a chance against Madelyn because she simply threw them out by accusing them of treason against an Honored family. Of course, the former head-handmaiden always does her best in trying to stop such meaningless cruelty, but alas, her power in controlling Madelyn is null and void.


    All the former head-handmaiden could do for the unfortunate soul that was sent out into the unknown kingdom of Ellenoria, was to give pocket money and directions, but the rules dictates that when a servant leaves the citadel for good, no contact may ever be given in returned.


    They¡¯ve been given an extravagant life by raising them in the Sanctuary; clothes, food, a place to sleep, extensive education, and everything. The cruelty must be set upon those who has taken that generosity from the Honored household, then simply thrown it to the side when it suits them.


    As Madelyn looms above the tremoring servant, she has loose blonde hair running down her bosoms and spine with a sinister smile, ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever forgive you for bringing shame upon me. No, I won¡¯t¡­ ever. You¡¯re nothing to me, but I¡¯m glad that you¡¯re only a recently arrived servant from last year. Because¡­ it means: I couldn¡¯t care less about what happens to a worthless bitch with a loose mouth. Hmm¡­ Yes, I think I need to show how I deal with traitors in my wing.¡±


    ¡°Strip her of her possessions. EVERYTHING!¡± Madelyn yelled to all her surrounding servants, not sparing anyone who dares to not listen to her command.


    The vultures of servants descend upon the feeble teenager; ripping out her given earrings, her setup hairdo, her servant¡¯s clothes, down to her underwear, even pulling them away as the crying never ends. And as the vultures leave the carcass lying there on the crimson carpet all curled up into a ball, trying to cover herself up from her nakedness with her legs and arms, Madelyn shows no pity towards the lower life form which lies there in the most degrading state possible.


    Numerous eyes gaze at the naked servant, some with pitiful eyes, some with unfazed eyes, and some with leering eyes thinking that it serves her right. If only her mouth kept quiet about what she heard in this room when night had taken over while Madelyn performed her lustful act alone on her bed as she thought of the man she wants¡­


    ¡°Know this: It was your own fault for pushing me to say this, but you¡¯ve given me no choice than to enforce this judgment on you,¡± Madelyn said as she straightens herself with a head turning upwards while her azure eyes stare down at the pathetic creature lying there. She can¡¯t help but grin as she passes her decree onto this poor soul.


    ¡°I, Madelyn Tertin, the second daughter of this Honored household, takes full responsibility in declaring that this deceiver shall be tossed out for high treason against her promised oaths of servitude to her Mistress; you two! Take her through the Sanctuary to show what happens to traitors in my wing, and then throw her out of the city. She may never return to Tertinum ever again. Go, I want her out of my sight!¡±


    ¡°NOOOO! PLEASE, MISTRESS! FORGIVE ME! FORGIVE ME!¡± the servant howled with crawling hands and feet trying to go towards her, but as Madelyn sees the naked girl coming, she simply walks back to her table where the rest of her food lies. ¡°I DON¡¯T WANT TO LEAVE! PLEASE! PLEASE, MISTRESS! ¡ªAH, MISTRESS! NOOO, LET GO, PLEASE! I BEG OF YOU, I DON¡¯T WANT TO GO OUTSIDE, PLEASE!¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Madelyn said with a raised hand as the two servants who¡¯re dragging the weeping girl away, stops. Which gives the girl relief in her sorrowful heart, but that relief shatters as soon as it materializes. ¡°Put her in some cheap tattered clothes before you take her through my sister¡¯s wing, now take her out of here.¡±


    ¡°NOOOOOO! NOOO! NOO!¡± the girl cried while trying to get loose, but the servants Madelyn picked to carry out her orders, trains in the Sanctuary¡¯s battle-school, so their strength exceeds hers by a large margin.


    Then as the door closes behind the screaming teenager, Madelyn continues to eat while having a pleased smile as she continues to chew her juicy steak without any worries in the world.


    A ruthless spoiled girl.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ¡°Ma-Malinda, are you sure this is okay?¡± Xe¡¯Reth hesitantly said as three pairs of servants¡¯ eyes stare intently at his half-dressed body. He¡¯s merely in his pants and shoes, yet his lean chest shows to the three smiling women who stands by a round wooden tub which¡¯s filled with steaming water. They¡¯re middle-aged women in their thirties or forties though he can¡¯t help but feel nervous with those eyes upon him.


    ¡°Oh please, Xe¡¯Reth, don¡¯t be so dramatic. They¡¯ve been trained to make a person relax while they massage the muscles to relieve stress from the body. I¡¯ve been washed by them many times before, and I come out refreshed every time, especially after a battle at the Ebon Wall,¡± Malinda assured with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s arm around her, being totally wrapped by him. And she enjoys every second of it as it displays on her beaming expression.


    ¡°But, I¡¯m a man¡­ Shouldn¡¯t you be the only one that touches me? Because they¡¯re, well, women.¡± Xe¡¯Reth whispered into Malinda¡¯s ear, but upon hearing what Xe¡¯Reth said, she can¡¯t help but giggle in delight from his innocent ways.


    ¡°X-Xe¡¯Reth¡­ you¡¯re so adorable! Don¡¯t be nervous, let them handle everything. Of course, they¡¯ll only wash your body, not your private parts. I¡¯m not going to let anyone el¡ªI mean¡­ Xe¡¯Reth! Listen!¡± Malinda shouted at his now recoiling face as she becomes irritated at her own slip of the tongue. ¡°You¡¯ll have to get used to it like I¡¯ve said, many times now. And as the choosing is coming around. Servants will compete to be able to become a handmaiden, but as those positions are full at the moment, only servants for the different wings will be chosen¡­ Though¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Xe¡¯Reth raises a brow at her reluctance in saying her next sentence.


    ¡°Well¡­ I think I¡¯m going to speak to someone I know, and appoint a handmaiden for you. But of course, if you think that you can touch her, I¡¯ll kill you myself¡­¡± Malinda scowled deeply as she grabs onto his chin, making him gain a forced smile with a chuckle as he sees her dead serious narrowed eyes.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dream of ever doing that, Malinda. Though, I would certainly dream of touching you¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth grins with closed eyes, but in his mind, he screams out whatever he feels about this sudden troubling news. ¡®Dammit, what I don¡¯t need is a handmaiden following me around wherever I go¡­¡¯


    ¡°Oh Xe¡¯Reth, you dog¡­¡± Malinda smilingly said with a blink of her eye as she gently whips her hand on his chest, though her blue globes turn wide when she realizes what she just said. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, I didn¡¯t mean that, I¡­ I¡­ I meant¡­¡±


    ¡°That I¡¯m a naughty dog?¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckled with a responding blink while his hand that rests on her shoulder begins rubbing up and down her arm to comfort her. ¡°No need to be reserved, Malinda. But¡­ This handmaiden deal, can¡¯t we skip that? I mean, I don¡¯t need anyone to help me with anything. I can handle everything just fine.¡±


    ¡°If it were so simple, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Malinda said with a shaking head. ¡°If we had a male servant ready to take the oath, you would get him. But as we raise female servants only, we need to assign them to places they don¡¯t want to go. Though, serving a man has almost none in the Sanctuary experienced, other than my brother, which Celyssa assigns people to, heh, senior servants, never anyone young¡ªWhat I¡¯m trying to say is, I¡¯ll need to assign a handmaiden or two to you, even if you like it or not. Because sooner or later, you¡¯ll need to help around the citadel. I won¡¯t have you laying around all day. Sure, taking care of your mother is good and all, but responsibilities will fall upon you as the years go by. Do you understand what I¡¯m trying to say?¡±


    ¡°That if I don¡¯t have a handmaiden, then I won¡¯t have any time¡­ Uhm¡­ to spend with you?¡± Xe¡¯Reth forced a chuckle. ¡°No, but I understand. The handmaiden that you¡¯ll assign to me will help me with all kinds of tasks which will be placed upon me as you said. And the handmaiden will also¡­ Yes, she will also be in charge of all the servants who¡¯ll be under me, isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, that¡­ That¡¯s exactly what I meant!¡± Malinda said joyously as her one arm wraps his waist, then turns her gaze to the three women who hasn¡¯t spoken yet, only standing by to be given orders. ¡°Ehem, well, while you clean him, ladies, I¡¯ll go wash too and change to a more proper attire for dinner. When I return, I want him fully clothed with his prepared garments, understand?¡±


    ¡°As you wish, Miss,¡± the three servants curtsies with hands clutching to their stomachs; all wearing the regular servants¡¯ outfit, while all of them have bun hairstyles, exactly similar to Taryna¡¯s and Tanya¡¯s.


    With that, Malinda puckers her lips while closing her eyes.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s palm places behind her head as he pulls her to him, but it lasts just a second, then as he releases his lips and grip, she strides to the door. But turns quickly around to wave a goodbye, and he smiles while doing the same.


    The double-doors closes behind Malinda as she steps into the hallway, leaving Xe¡¯Reth there in his mother¡¯s quarters with three adult women who looks rather excited for some reason though one breathes in somewhat uneven breaths.


    ¡®Better just get it over with,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he takes a deep breath with his headache still pulsating. He exhales a sigh in defeat as he goes over to the three ladies who waits for him to remove the rest of his clothes, which he¡¯s rather reluctant to do, but he does remove them.


    He unties his pants, removes his dirty shoes, and pulls down his pants while taking his underwear with him.


    Two out of the three servants cover their mouths since it¡¯s probably the first time they¡¯ve seen a man naked before, but the last stares in absolute shock as she sees his private area. Her eyes curls upwards into her head as she goes limp, while both of the mouth-covering servants grabs ahold of their fainted companion.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, Sir, she has never seen a man¡¯s¡ªShe means no disrespect, I assure you,¡± one of the women said while supporting the fainted servant as the other woman, too, helps.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just go and sit down in the tub, you really don¡¯t need to help, I can perfectly manage on my o¡ª.¡±


    ¡°No, Sir, please! We must follow our Mistress commands, if she were to find out, she would be mad at us for not doing our jobs. So please, Sir, let us help you after we¡¯ve set her down on a chair to rest. She has always been delicate. And since we¡¯re bath servants, we¡¯ve never been outside of the citadel. Not even left our Mistress wing or the Sanctuary. Relax and we¡¯ll be there in a moment,¡± the servant desperately said with pleading eyes, then she guides the unconscious thirty-year-old to the long table.


    ¡®Dear me, all this kowtowing turns my stomach, though, I can¡¯t really blame them when they¡¯re raised in this kind of a secluded environment with rules on how to act without question,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he nakedly puts one foot into the hot water, turning his eyes wide as the sensation hits him.


    Warmth.


    A warmth he has never felt previously, other than when he lived a carefree life with his mother before the disease. With another foot into the tub, he lowers himself with hands on the tub¡¯s edge. He grins with teeth showing while his eyebrows furrow since it has been such a long time ago when has he felt such a sense of comfort.


    Xe¡¯Reth gazes at the servants who lowers the fainted lady onto a chair while they whisper so Xe¡¯Reth can¡¯t hear, but it¡¯s Xe¡¯Reth, and nothing escapes his ears, ¡°Did you see¡­ I thought a man¡¯s, well, I thought it would be¡­ Was his¡­ Was it¡­ Erected?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t!¡± Xe¡¯Reth blatantly shouted as the servants startlingly yelps from his annoyed voice. But he forces out an innocent smile. ¡°Oh sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to yell, carry on.¡±


    ¡®Seriously, they¡¯re adults! Is this how everyone acts here? So inexperienced, so gullible, and¡ªah my head hurts. I need to calm down for my meeting with Malinda¡¯s brother and his wife, and Madelyn. Though I rather not meet that arrogant girl. But I guess I need to restrain myself from showing any ill intent towards her,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth lowers his whole body until his head only shows, then closes his eyes to drift away into the beyond¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    In Malinda¡¯s own quarters, she stands fully naked with water going up to her knees in her own bathtub that had been brought in yesterday night. She¡¯s being catered by two younger girls whose sleeves has folded up to not be drenched while they wash their Mistress.


    The bathtub¡¯s placement stands in a corner with screens to cover from any unwanted eyes, but those eyes are nonexistent.


    Her quarters splits into three parts, her bedroom where she¡¯s now, her armory and dressing room, and last but not least, her own place of relaxation where she would knit and sew her worries away, which¡¯s where the entrance to get to Malinda¡¯s bedroom is at.


    On the north side of all the walls in her quarters, shines the light in through the windows of different shapes and glass material. Colored painted glass, regular see-through glass, and misty glass which are in the dressing room and armory.


    Yet, the decoration has the exact similarity to Theresa¡¯s quarters; in her resting room, a hearth flames to give out its warmth, the carpeted floor, and the crimson-red drapes that are tied beside the windows. Everything similar, since Malinda has her own furnisher that buys all of her wanted merchandise, namely, Tanya.


    ¡°Tanya, why would Celyssa push up the dinner? She has always wanted it to be at the exact time every day. Even if Xe¡¯Reth came here today, she wouldn¡¯t change it for him,¡± Malinda said calmly as she, too, scrubs her own body with a clean towel, as her back and hair is tended to by her two younger servants.


    ¡°Why of course, Miss, it¡¯s because you¡¯re the first of the Tertin daughters to spread your womanly charms to nab a man into the family. So she must be nervous I might think since she does control most of the ins and outs of the citadel,¡± Tanya responded behind the screens while readying the dress she had purchased a month ago, which has her in a beaming mood. Finally, she¡¯ll get her Miss into a lovely dress and not in those clunky armor garments.


    ¡°Ah, ah, easy with the combing,¡± Malinda scolded as her head tilts to one side, but as the servant relaxes her worried combing hand, she pulls out the comb to repeat, in a slower stroke. ¡°Ah yes, Xe¡¯Reth had said something before. That Celyssa¡¯s family is corrupt, what do you think of that, Tanya?¡±


    ¡°Unquestionably, Miss,¡± Tanya responded immediately yet calmly while she dusts off the dress with wiping hands, but her eyes widen. ¡°I¡­ It¡¯s not my place to say, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying they¡¯re corrupt? Tell me, what do you know?¡± Malinda asked with a raised hand to stop her two servants from cleaning her, and they lower their hands obediently.


    ¡°You know that time when your in-law tried to charm you, yet failed miserably when you sent him on his way? Celyssa instigated that idea. A servant heard your in-law while he was leaving the citadel, truly a mumbling person he is,¡± Tanya replied with a nod of her head, yet hidden from Malinda. ¡°And there has been other times, too, when your in-laws acted like complete pigs, treated servants as if they were nothing but insects. Though, those servants were quieted, but some still talked even when they were told to not speak. Your sister was also targeted I heard, but Honored Lady Madelyn is the most tenacious person I know. Well of course, there is you, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Tanya¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve acted like your sister at times, you know¡­¡± Tanya replied coolly in her defense while nodding again in secret. ¡°But I can¡¯t say for sure if they¡¯re corrupt or not¡ªdisgusting is a word more appropriate for them. Because I¡¯m so relieved that none managed to convince you¡­ Malinda my Mistress. So extremely relieved that you¡¯ve no idea.¡±


    ¡°You like Xe¡¯Reth then?¡± Malinda curiously asked as she¡¯s being wiped by her two servants with towels, not even caring where they touch because they¡¯re bath servants who¡¯re only fifteen years old. Trained to not make their Mistress displeased. And as Malinda raises her arms, they tie a towel around her body, making merely her thighs downwards and arms show. Then she raises her head backward, so her wet blonde hair hangs while the servants wrap another towel around her head.


    ¡°Yes, he isn¡¯t a poor choice. But only time will tell if I¡¯ll truly like him, Miss. As it hasn¡¯t gone that long yet,¡± Tanya responded as Malinda comes out behind the screens with her two shorter servants at her heels. ¡°He must¡¯ve finished washing and been fitted into his clothes by now¡­ So this time, I won¡¯t hear any of your complaints, you¡¯ll wear this dress.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Malinda uttered with a worried frown, staring at the beautiful dress of scarlet silk. Made with the help from the Ebon-Spinner, a dangerous centipede worm. Its silk produces a finely made string for clothes. But it¡¯s expensive to the point that only Honored Ones or the highest nobles got the assets to buy such a grand gift. Though, Tanya does handle most of the purchases. However, she doesn¡¯t buy much, unlike Madelyn¡¯s handmaidens.


    ¡°No buts. It¡¯s already getting late. And don¡¯t you want to show how beautiful you can be in front of Xe¡¯Reth?¡± Tanya snapped with a pointing hand, not giving any respite to her Mistress.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll listen¡­¡± Malinda sighed as her head droops, making the towel break off, but the servants wrap it up again.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    ¡°How does it fit, Sir?¡± the servants asked with eyes seeking Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s answer of approval while tightened lips press in worry.


    ¡°A little tight, but that¡¯s to be expected. As these clothes were probably already made when they were bought, correct?¡± Xe¡¯Reth responded while adjusting his body in his new black and red clothes. Arms doing circles, stretches, and pump movements to test the attire¡¯s durability.


    It¡¯s a coat jacket which fits tightly around his body, yet not making him any warmer, while black pants fit him like a glove. Under the jacket rests a deep scarlet shirt that shows from the unbuttoned jacket while red buttons go down at the front, fastening it in place. The jacket has red embroidered patterns on it, too, making it an expensive purchase.


    ¡°Yes, Sir. As it would usually take a long period of time to make such clothes as this, but thankfully the store is at its peak of popularity in the city at the moment, so the store has an abundance of clothes in stock, Tanya told us,¡± the woman said as she gazes with critique eyes, to see if the clothes fits him right. Which they do, thankfully, as she breathes out a sigh of relief while folding Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s collar down to finish the last touching of the attire. ¡°What do you think, does he need anything else?¡±


    ¡°Not that I can see,¡± the other woman said with a hand holding her chin as her head tilts. ¡°Maybe polish his shoes perhaps?¡±


    As Xe¡¯Reth stands there motionless while they inspect him, but not the fainted servant who¡¯s now sitting in a self-loathing position on a chair by the long-table. ¡°Hmm?¡± Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s perception goes alert as he hears a wailing girl¡¯s voice getting closer and closer. It¡¯s coming from outside the doors, which turns him in that direction.


    ¡°Sir¡­?¡± one of the women asked questionably with flickering eyes as she sees the frown upon his eyebrows. ¡°Sir, what¡¯s the matter? Have¡­ have we¡ªSir?!¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth strides to the double-doors leading out to the corridor, and as he opens them hastily with narrowed eyes, he witnesses a young girl who¡¯s dressed in rags. She¡¯s forcibly carried by the two servants in a dreadful manner while the girl¡¯s swollen eyes floods with tears. Her sorrowful and desperate grimace turns Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s expression into pure anger as he lowers his brows to scowl even deeper.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?!¡± Xe¡¯Reth bellowed at the top of his lungs as his arm stretches out to point at the two servants who¡¯re carrying the girl, feeling his horrible headache as he points.


    Both of Madelyn¡¯s servants gasps in surprise as they witness Xe¡¯Reth who¡¯s dressed in an attire fit for the man he¡¯ll later become. Yet, they immediately know who he is, for they¡¯re walking through Malinda¡¯s wing, which¡¯s allowed if they¡¯re going to the Sanctuary. But, they don¡¯t show any reverence towards him. They just stand in a frozen position as Xe¡¯Reth walks frowningly up to them.


    Yet, in the weeping girl¡¯s mind, she remembers all of her teachings, and one special circumstance comes to her anguished thought, which she can take advantage of right now. She manages to squeeze out of their grasping hands to begin crawling towards Xe¡¯Reth while wailing, ¡°Please Sir, please! Help me! I don¡¯t want to be thrown out of the citadel! Sir, please, take me into your service, I beg of you!¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth stares at this younger girl, but as he ponders about what Malinda said before: That he needs to get a handmaiden, he grins inwardly¡­ ¡®Perfect¡­!¡¯


    ¡­¡­¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Damn, I need to shorten the chapters because they''re going up to 6.5k words. Well, at least, this one is. I should stay in the range of 4.5-5.5k words.


    Anyways! Oh, Malinda, cause and effect. From your words, doomed another one''s life... Well, reader, you''ll have to see next chapter! :D


    Ahem, do you think I''m introducing too many characters?


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts!


    Until... Next Time!


    Comment/Favorite/Follow!


    <hr />

 25 - The Servants Plea

    <hr />


    If you see grammar mistakes, please do shout out so I can fix it! :D


    Enjoy.


    <hr />


    The Servant''s Plea


    <hr />


    The weeping of the young girl and the man whose leg she¡¯s clinging to stares with his eyes of shadows as the two servants from Madelyn¡¯s wing gawks at the boldness of this rag-clothed girl. Their eyes agape, their mouths ajar, and their eyebrows has ascended while Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s ferocious eyes go to them. His eyelids narrow, then the bath servants walk out to the corridor through the double doors. Their expressions similar to the other anxious servants.


    ¡°I asked you: What is the meaning of this?¡± Xe¡¯Reth frowningly demanded. His voice, cold and harsh, because she has such revealing clothes, and she doesn¡¯t even look that old to Xe¡¯Reth, younger than him at least. But he can¡¯t act out of place since he recently arrived, so if he messes this up, it¡¯ll give people a bad view on him. Though, if he can make people think that he¡¯s the kind and gentle man he showed at the Sanctuary¡¯s gate, then he¡¯ll be able to make a person trust him easier.


    When he gets no response from the two servants, he kneels down to take a better look at this girl, but he catches a glimpse of a smile on her soaked lips as it disappears as quickly as it appeared. Which turns him suspicious of this girl¡¯s goals. ¡®Is this a ploy by someone? Trying to make me do something that''ll make Malinda angry perhaps? Hmm¡­ Maybe not.¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re all right now,¡± Xe¡¯Reth calmly said as his face beams gentleness at her while putting one hand on her shoulder, which she flinches slightly from. ¡°Tell me, who made you like this?¡±


    In a split second, she readies her answer for this man whom she doesn¡¯t know, yet his black hair and eyes do surprise her as her head raises from its drooping way, to look, to squeeze out her last ounce of tears, to make it believable so he¡¯ll pity her more, in the process, she won¡¯t have to leave her perfect home. She needs to take advantage of this man¡¯s generosity. It doesn¡¯t matter if she has to renew her pledge to another master, for the price comes much cheaper if she simply cries to him. To ask for his help. But oh, she will be the one who¡¯ll be played into another¡¯s hand, his hand, to be controlled as a puppet on strings, to do his biddings.


    For why not make a handmaiden out of someone Xe¡¯Reth has saved, than to have someone who has no affiliation with him at all? A servant who¡¯s dependent on its master produces a much more loyal slave of duty.


    ¡°Come now, tell me so I can help,¡± Xe¡¯Reth soothingly said as his hand stretches out to her. Which she does take, one hand after the other as his other one comes when she reaches out with both of hers. He smiles as she snivels and pumps out water from her eyes. As she stands up with her rags of clothes, he stares intently to wait for her answer, to hear what her Mistress punished her for.


    But before she can open her trembling lips, one of Madelyn¡¯s servants angrily shouts while an erected hand points in accusation, ¡°Sir! Do not listen to this deceiver! She only spews out false rumors, she¡¯s not to be trusted! Her act put our Mistress, the Honored Madelyn, in great distress upon hearing of what she had spread about her around the citadel! Filthy rumors! Untrue words, all false!¡±


    ¡°And what were the rumors then?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked as he guides the girl to stand beside him but yet slightly behind him.


    ¡°You¡­ It doesn¡¯t concern you, Sir. Now let us dispose of this traitor. She needs to be shamed then thrown out of the citadel, no, out of the city. We have our orders, are you going to deny us?¡± the servant replied crossing her arms with a threatening foot placed forward.


    ¡°Such insolence!¡± the bath servant shouted with a hand pointing in anger, ¡°How dare you speak to someone of higher standing than you! He¡¯s the Honored Malinda¡¯s lover! Know your place! Hurry, ask for pardon, before our Mistress will hear of this!¡±


    ¡°Higher standing?¡± the servant responded with eyes inspecting Xe¡¯Reth thoroughly, but her upper lip raises in disgust. ¡°Higher standing... You must be kidding; I¡¯ve heard that he¡¯s nothing but a poor dog who has been given a bone to chew on. He isn¡¯t more than a filthy gold digger dirtying the citadel¡¯s grounds with his presence.¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s a feisty one, but I guess I better get used to it sooner than later,'' Xe¡¯Reth thought as he chuckles at her insults, which turns the servant¡¯s expression sour. She grimaces as she sees the crying one sprout forth a tiny curve of a smile, but she doesn¡¯t retort for her boldness in trying to use Xe¡¯Reth for her own survival. For she would¡¯ve probably done the same.


    ¡°Now then, if those insults are the only ones you can give me, unfortunately, I¡¯m immune to drivel. Sorry,¡± he joked still with a chuckle in his voice, then as he turns to the girl whose face has returned to a sorrow filled agony. ¡°Tell me, what rumors did you spread?¡±


    ¡°Hold your tongue, you little wench! Don¡¯t disgrace your Mistress any further!¡± the servant shrieked with teeth showing. Meeting Xe¡¯Reth has furrowed her eyebrows while her eyes shrink.


    ¡°Sir¡­ It was because she was¡­ she was m-masturbating in her chamber¡­ while she was moaning a name, but I didn¡¯t say what name it was, Sir. And I never dared to do it either,¡± the girl wailed with a quaking lower lip while her hands shake in a pray to whatever goddess who answer her calls for a flawless performance. ¡°I had no idea that it would spread throughout the whole citadel, Sir. I¡¯m so sorry for what I did, but my Mistress didn¡¯t want to hear me¡­ She¡­ She simply threw me out of her grace¡­ *Hic* I am¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ Please, Sir, you have to help me¡­ *Hic*.¡±


    ¡®Wow, she¡¯s a shrewd little girl to attempt to trick me with her pleading act of deception. Or maybe she¡¯s just like this naturally? Does she like to spread rumors perhaps, to perform acts?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought with a mask of worry upon his descending eyebrows as he puts a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, again. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll help you, just stand there and I¡¯ll handle everything.¡±


    ¡°T-Thank y¡ª*Hic* Thank you, Sir¡­¡± the girl hiccupped while she beings anew with her crying as hands cover the face to not show anything that might be hiding behind them.


    With that, Xe¡¯Reth takes a breath then breathes out as his whole expression turn vile with contempt; glaring narrow eyes directing at the rude servant. Tightened lips preparing for his speech and his ascending brows which surprisingly makes him seem calm yet dangerous.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe that your Mistress, Madelyn, can be so utterly cruel towards her servants for a mere rumor¡­ But I guess that¡¯s expected from her since she¡¯s known to be an arrogant little noble who thinks she can do anything she wants. Though now, I won¡¯t let Madelyn simply throw this girl out because of her own horny act which she can¡¯t even control and keep to herself,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said vindictively with crossed arms while his head turns upwards, as if he looks down at the servants in front of him, no, that¡¯s what he exactly means to do. To not show any weakness. To not show that he can be threatened by simple servants.


    ¡°Leave and tell your Mistress, that I, Xe¡¯Reth Quinery, will not let her cruelty continue against those who serves willingly. Yes, I might be poor, but I know what a life is worth, and it isn¡¯t worth as little as your Mistress has shown to this unfortunate girl, who, only spread a rumor that got out of hand. You may leave now¡­ Because my Malinda will probably be here soon, would you like to speak to her instead? It can be arranged¡­ easily.¡±


    At the sounding of the single word: Malinda. The two servants gulp in anxiety. All of their courage disappears in an instant. They may dare speak haughtily to Xe¡¯Reth, but to Malinda? It would mean that they would be the ones to be thrown out instead.


    ¡°L-Let us report to Mistress, come hurry, before Lady Malinda comes,¡± the other servant pleaded with hands grabbing the arm of the grimacing servant who scowls furiously as Xe¡¯Reth, but she submits as she turns around to run somewhat fast so Malinda won¡¯t find them there with her lover, Xe¡¯Reth. Not even saying anything as they go down the long straight corridor outside of Theresa¡¯s quarters which both leads to Madelyn¡¯s wing and her chamber, and to Malinda¡¯s quarters.


    ¡®Of course, they run away as soon as I mention Malinda¡­ Disappointing, really. I was hoping for a little more argument to be had¡­ It¡­ relaxes me, I don¡¯t know why¡­ Now, onto the task at hand,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth turns around to see the eye-rubbing fifteen-year-old crying beside him. Not stopping the tears of acting which she does enjoy to practice to get what she wants. He stares with a brow raised while his one hand touches his chin as his other holds his elbow in a pondering stance. ¡®So this little girl will be my handmaiden, huh? Well, I guess it¡¯s better than to get an old one since a young one can be swayed more easily into total obedience. I¡¯ll just have to convince Malinda into letting this girl be the chosen one.¡¯


    ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth, you¡¯re absolutely wonderful! You banished those wenches from the other wing so easily!¡± the bath servant joyously shouted with praying hands under her chin. The other two also gazes at him in awe, since Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s attire does make him stand out from normal men, especially to those who rarely sees a male. ¡°Come, come, let us get her some other clothes. To change out of those rags.¡±


    ¡°*Sniff, sniff* Thank¡ª*Hic* You¡­ Thank you again, Sir,¡± the girl cried upon the acceptance. She feels in her heart a real emotion this time. Because if she couldn¡¯t convince Xe¡¯Reth, she would¡¯ve undoubtedly been thrown out of the city. It fills her with joy that she doesn¡¯t need to leave the citadel. Her crying continues as the bath servants guide the fifteen-year-old girl into Theresa¡¯s quarters to sit down.


    But what she realizes is Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s name. The eyes widen as she looks behind herself to see the red and black clad man who stares at the corridor in a stance of utter superiority; hands behind his back, chest pushed forward, head holding high, and the proudness on his vicious yet gentle appearance. As if he¡¯s a royal eagle with his slicked back hair seeing his released pray disappear.


    ¡®The name of the one Lady Madelyn moaned about, belongs to him! Wait, isn¡¯t he Lady Malinda¡¯s lover? Hahaha, serves her right for throwing me out! She should experience a shattered heart!¡¯ the girl thought gleefully as her own heart relaxes immensely upon finding out who he really is. Two sisters in love, yet only one will find happiness, the other, total jealousy, and oblivion.


    As Xe¡¯Reth turns to go into his mother¡¯s quarters, he catches her staring at him, but she immediately turns forward while being guided by the middle-aged women. Caring for her as if she was one of their own.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe how Lady Madelyn can be so heartless¡­ She¡¯s but a child! To throw her out of the city for something so petty¡­¡± she shudders at the thought as her eyes beam gentleness at the girl. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, honey, everything will be all right. When Lady Malinda comes back, Sir Xe¡¯Reth will speak to her on your behalf. Right, Sir Xe¡¯Reth?¡±


    ¡°Correct,¡± Xe¡¯Reth replied as he closes the double doors, to walk to the blazing hearth. ¡°But I do wonder what she¡¯ll think of this girl being my handmaiden.¡±


    ¡°Handmaiden?¡± the bath servant responded with flickering eyes of surprise, but her whole face widens in delight. ¡°That¡¯s it! What a marvelous idea, Sir! Lady Malinda did talk about you getting a handmaiden, and what better choice of a handmaiden than a young one you can raise to a loyal subject! One of many to come, I¡¯m sure!¡±


    The girl freezes up fully upon listening to them talk. A handmaiden? Getting to be a real handmaiden with status?!


    With a thud, she cascades to the ground as she sits, to begin again; the water flows out of her eyes as she tries to rub them, but her tears just won¡¯t cease its tide. As her quaking lips attempt to hold back the sound which wants to escape, she releases it as she wails out her immense gratitude. The relief she feels and the joy that this event has gotten her can only bring her up in rank to be a handmaiden. Later, an Honored handmaiden as life turns its wheels onwards.


    But as Xe¡¯Reth twists his body from his position by the hearth, he raises his scarred brow in wonder, ¡®Is that a real cry or a fake one? For someone so young, she¡¯s truly skilled in the art of deception. Though, the sudden news she has gotten is probably too much for her to handle. Yes, a real cry this time.¡¯


    ¡°Oh dear honey, you shouldn¡¯t be sad in front of him. Be happy instead and thank Sir Xe¡¯Reth for his kindness that he has given you, even I¡¯m slightly jealous of you. To be a handmaiden to the future Lord of this wing, you should be indebted to him, for giving you this honorary chance of a lifetime,¡± the bath servant praised while sitting herself beside the weeping girl to comfort her with a hand stroking her deep brown hair. ¡°Come now and sit. While they get you new clothes.¡±


    As she does a jerk with her head to the other two bath servants, they nod, then disappear out the double doors to bring the clothes. While Xe¡¯Reth has moved to one of the windows, to see that the darkness will soon lay itself thick upon the sky. He gazes to the other side of the second floor to see candles being lit by the working servants who¡¯re preparing for the night to come. Below, in the garden courtyard, servants sit on stone benches as torches hang on the pillars which support the upper floors.


    Walkways made out of small stone pebbles running throughout the garden, making it quite a place to spend one¡¯s evening in relaxation. A fountain, too, stands in the middle, as the usual traffic of women goes to their designated positions as always.


    A deep sigh escapes Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s lips as he turns around.


    The girl sits by the long table, and on another chair beside her, sits the bath servant whose arms embraces the girl of fortune in a lovingly way with a smile upon her mouth. Like a mother coddling her daughter.


    Then, the wait begins.


    The wait for Malinda¡¯s arrival. She¡¯ll witness Xe¡¯Reth in his most attractive posture with his noble-looking clothes while his hair has a couple of strands on his forehead, since the bath servant thinks he looks a lot more striking with those strands, which is only on one side of his temple, and the rest of his hair runs backwards as if he¡¯s a bird of prey.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    As night itself set onto Ellenoria and the dinner preparations go as planned, Malinda catwalks brilliantly as the Honored Lady she is with one foot in front of the other while moving down the long corridor leading to Theresa¡¯s quarters, with Tanya following faithfully behind her with clutching hands on her lower body.


    The thuds of Malinda¡¯s high heeled shoes resound on the carpeted floor as her dress of marvel sways as her legs take her to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s location, forward, with precise movements.


    It¡¯s a tightly fit dress with two frilly straps holding it up. Her bust size, revealingly big, yet dignified as her collarbones and the slight single crack between her bosoms show. And her truly slender but trained body fits the dress impeccably, perfectly tailored onto her curves since it was made precisely for her use, down to the littlest of details.


    The dress has a cut by the lower legs so she doesn¡¯t move clumsily. And her appearance, flawlessly beautiful with her deep crimson lipstick, her powdered face, her eyeliner which brings forth her deadly yet kind eyes, and the jewelry of wealth has positioned themselves on her neck, her ears, her fingers, and in her setup hairdo.


    Jewelry of different gems and crystals on golden rings, a neckless with two embroidered rings attached to its silver alloyed string. Her swaying earrings with various decorative markings, and the ornaments stuck to her hair, holding up the well styled bun at the back of her head while under it, long tresses have been left loose to rest on her one shoulder, displaying her kissable neck, her radiating face of beauty which shows on her beaming expression as she goes down the corridor like an Honored Lady.


    Though, her nervousness boils intensively inside her pumping heart, since she never wears such clothes as this. The thought of Xe¡¯Reth not taking a liking to it, eats her up, like at the time when she asked if he liked her favorite clothes, which he undoubtedly did. But now, this revealing dress. Will he like it, or will it be too much of a change at once for him to comprehend?


    She breathes in and breathes out as shuddering air escapes from her mouth.


    ¡°Miss, you need to calm down. You¡¯ll start to sweat and ruin your makeup,¡± Tanya advised calmly as she taps Malinda¡¯s arm lightly while seeing her flustered breathing. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you look wonderful, he¡¯ll certainly fall in love with you all over again.¡±


    ¡°Are you¡­ Are you certain that I appear, beautiful? Tell me, please, I can take it,¡± Malinda asked with tight lips pressing together as she turns to Tanya.


    ¡°Miss¡­ You might¡¯ve not noticed, but you¡¯ve changed into a delicate flower that wants to show her man her most beautiful self,¡± Tanya, with hands on Malinda¡¯s naked shoulders gazes at her anxious expression, while fiddling ring-embroidered hands tries to stop shaking, but her heart pumps and transforms her thoughts to the worst possible situation that might happen. ¡°Malinda, my dear Mistress, you¡¯ll do fine. I may not know how you feel right now, but I do know that he¡¯ll love you no matter how you appear. Now come, let us walk the last bit with courage like you¡¯ve always done on the battlefield because this is yet another battlefield you must conquer. But not with your strength, but with your heart and mind. Now come.¡±


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    Malinda for a second time takes a deep inhale as she relaxes her whole body. A meditation of mind and soul, to purge any impurities, the evil clouds that cover her thoughts, to change them to good ones instead. Then as her closed eyes of opens, she breathes out again. Her high heeled foot takes one step towards her own courage, then another, and then another.


    Tanya beams smilingly at her as she follows her Mistress to Theresa¡¯s quarters.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    As Malinda reaches for the handle that leads in where her lover resides, she hesitates with a gulp. She¡¯s beginning to be afflicted with a horrible daze and sickening nausea. Her heart pumping, her hands shaking, and her quaking lips. With another gulp, she prepares her soul for his obsidian eyes to stare at her whole self. But will he think she¡¯s beautiful?


    ¡®Be brave, this isn¡¯t anything unlike at the Ebon Wall¡­ The charge of enemies coming towards me. My shield up with the others to form a shield wall. Be brave, be¡­ brave¡­¡¯ She shakes her head, then pulls down the handles. To step into the brightly lit room with the hearth blazing up the place while candles stand erected on the long table and on various other flat surfaces.


    There he stands.


    Xe¡¯Reth with his newly found posture befitting the man who she has picked to love through and through with all her heart. He¡¯s currently gazing out the window, acting as if he didn¡¯t hear the clicking of the doors. But Malinda doesn¡¯t know that. She only thinks that he truly didn¡¯t hear her come into the room with Tanya at her heels, following, being there to give her a push if she would need it.


    Not even realizing that one extra bath servant sits by the long table, waiting, talking quietly to not disturb Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s alone time as he gazes with switching eyes at the sky, at the garden, and at the dark upper levels of the citadel. But with a turn of his striking noble-like body, he shows no other expression than gentleness upon his unmoving brows, his calmly narrowed eyes stare at her body, and his mouth curves upwards as he begins to walk towards her, in a slowly relaxed flow with his feet. As noiseless as it can get.


    Malinda, however, shakes in delight upon seeing him in those garments of blackness while the embroidered patterns of crimson ripples throughout the coat jacket with its spectacular artistry. Though as she notices those loose strands covering one side of his forehead, she can¡¯t help but think gleefully, ¡®He, he is handsome¡­ So handsome. And he¡¯s mine and only mine¡­ He¡¯s mine¡­¡¯


    ¡°M-My Honored Lady! Excuse us for not noticing you!¡± the regular bath servant replied, as all four of them who sits by the long table stands up in a coordinated rise of their buttocks. The two bath servants have returned and dressed the girl in a similar yet smaller dress than their own. And Tanya realizes exactly that as she stares intently at the new visitor in the room.


    ¡°Excuse me, Miss,¡± Tanya broke in as she steps forward to get the attention of the bath servants, which immediately makes them lower their heads as her eyes travels from one to the other. ¡°Who is this girl, I didn¡¯t put her here to help¡­ No, I haven¡¯t seen her before in our Mistress¡¯ wing¡­ Who is she? Speak!¡±


    ¡°She¡­ She is¡­¡± the bath servant¡¯s head journeys to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes to seek aid, which he does give, by nodding his head with calmly closed eyes.


    ¡°Tanya, it is my fault for bringing this girl in here, they had no hand in my acting. But I couldn¡¯t just stay still when she was on the verge of being thrown out of the city only because she spread some rumor about Malinda¡¯s sister. I had no idea that the Honored Madelyn can be so heartless, to do something as banish someone for such a petty act,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said cross armed while his eyes narrow as Tanya opens her mouth, but a raised hand from Xe¡¯Reth silences her completely. ¡°Malinda, my love, this is something I can¡¯t forgive your sister for. To play with a life so easily without blinking an eye? Is this how all nobles act? Have you acted similarly? Thrown out someone just because they wronged you? Have you Malinda? Or is this what your sister does by herself? I want answers for the act your sister has committed towards this young girl. A fifteen-year-old girl¡­ Malinda¡­¡±


    Tanya flickers with her eyes unexpectedly as the news hit her, but sprouts forth a frown, though not a frown towards Xe¡¯Reth, yet still a frown, a deep scowl directed at Malinda¡¯s sister, for Tanya knows of her personality, everybody in the citadel knows. Only her brother or her sister can do something about it, yet nothing has been done since their parents died. A ruthless Honored Lady. Having the support of another woman, Celyssa, who lets her do whatever she wants, mostly everything at least.


    ¡°No¡­ She couldn¡¯t¡­ Not now¡­¡± Malinda muttered dismayingly as her head shakes in disbelief. This was supposed to be her day of romance! But now her sister has ruined the awaited reunion between the lovers. Malinda¡¯s head turns side to side as if she wants to escape. A frantic hand, shakes in front of her mouth, trying not to show her clenched teeth of pure anger. But Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s questions of seeking answers hit her the most. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t done anything like my sister, Xe¡¯Reth! I haven¡¯t, I promise you. She¡­ She¡¯s a troublesome girl to handle since she has the same influence if she were to put her mind to it¡­ So we let her handle her wing how she likes¡­¡±


    ¡°Without batting an eye at the people she throws to the side, huh?¡± Xe¡¯Reth retorted harshly, turning Malinda¡¯s stomach sick from his way of speech. Such a strong woman, yet vulnerable to strikes against the mind and soul. Xe¡¯Reth want to try how far he can go until she admits to him of her wrong doings. But of course, if he goes too far, he might be in some real deep shit.


    He begins striding to Malinda with intent eyes staring into her dilated azure globes which gaze in fright the closer he gets. Malinda hasn¡¯t seen this side of him. Why is he angry? Why now when she has dressed her to the fullest, and he doesn¡¯t even comment on it. Such cruelty, such an embarrassing sister she has. Malinda has always tried to keep Madelyn out of trouble since she didn¡¯t have anything else to do. But now? She can¡¯t let her sister be the doom of her newly formed bond with Xe¡¯Reth. Indeed, she cannot sit idly by and let her sister go on living with such manners.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ If what you said is true, I will support whatever decision you want to make. I¡¯ve been na?ve to let my sister off with her arrogant ways for too long. You¡¯ve opened me, cracked my shell. Reminded me of forgotten memories. I will stand by you,¡± Malinda said as she grasps her neckless with the two rings attached to its string. ¡°But¡­ We must be going Xe¡¯Reth, dinner will soon be served.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, dinner. All this talk has gotten me¡ªNever mind,¡± Xe¡¯Reth replied vaguely as he stands in front of Malinda, staring intently at her slender body, up and down. He¡¯s taken aback, or at least, the mask he has on. ¡°You¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t notice how beautiful you are in that dress¡­ Wow, is that really you Malinda? And not some Goddess in disguise?¡±


    She averts her head to stare down at the floor for being so immensely praised, acting as if she¡¯s a teenager. Her whole face turns from that worrisome face to a beaming radiation of joy as she bites her lower lip while her head raises again to flicker her eyes at him. The body of Malinda also sways side to side with hands behind her back, showing her robust bosoms fully, not trying to hide them but show them, tease him. She wants to touch, hug, and kiss him. But that can wait.


    ¡°T-Thank you, Xe¡¯Reth, you¡¯ve lightened the burden in my heart. Shall we get going? So we don¡¯t arrive late?¡± Malinda asked as she skips to lock arms with him while her head places on his shoulder, a feeling she has missed.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, that girl will become my handmaiden since you said I needed one. So I took the responsibility to arrange everything for her, I just need the guidance of how to proceed. I mean, to finalize the deal for her servitude to me as a handmaiden, because I¡¯m guessing with all this respect for the status, it must be hard to become a handmaiden, isn¡¯t that right?¡± Xe¡¯Reth nonchalantly said with a smile while being locked to Malinda.


    ¡°You did what?¡± Tanya asked wide-eyed as her gaze travels to the girl who¡¯s dressed in the regular servant¡¯s uniform. The girl¡¯s head lowers to not see Tanya¡¯s flaming eyes which inspect the girl closer. ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth, it isn¡¯t so easy as just saying that she¡¯ll become your handmaiden. Papers must be arranged and sent to both the Madam of the house and to the former head-handmaiden, but only one needs to agree for the girl to be instated into your servitude. And she¡¯s too young¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Xe¡¯Reth, she¡¯s too young to be a handmaiden,¡± Malinda agreed as her head lifts off of his shoulder to gaze into his eyes.


    ¡°Too young you say? Hmm, but didn¡¯t Tanya become a handmaiden at the age of sixteen?¡± Xe¡¯Reth responded victoriously with a smile. The argument is defeated so easily.


    ¡°How did you know that?¡± Tanya asked with flickering eyes and a slightly opened mouth.


    ¡°I¡­ I told him...¡± Malinda said with a drooping head as if she did something wrong, but sighs in exhaustion as she takes a look at the girl with a turn of her body; average in beauty, slender but somewhat short. ¡°Tanya¡­ Take the girl to Gran, and arrange everything for her employment into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s service. No words of complaint. Now then. Let us get going, or we¡¯ll be late, Xe¡¯Reth.¡±


    ¡®I didn¡¯t think she would be so accepting¡­ Oh well, it¡¯s time to head into the tiger¡¯s den, and come out triumphant,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as Malinda begins to pull him out the doors in her locked armed state. ¡°Take care of her Tanya, she¡¯s a sensitive girl. Goodbye for now. And please, do not forget to lock the door when you leave.¡±


    ¡°As you say, Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Tanya sighed as she bobs her head in defeat.


    With that, they journey to the banquet hall. They go back the same way they came. And as Xe¡¯Reth is about to round a corner, Malinda stops him by pointing down the hallway where she came just moments ago, ¡°You see those doors over there? That¡¯s where my¡ªNo, where our chamber lies. It¡¯s close to your mother so I hope you¡¯ll like¡­ Well, you¡¯ll see how it looks later, after dinner.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait eagerly,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he tries to give her a kiss.


    ¡°No, Xe¡¯Reth! Not when I¡¯ve prettied myself up! You¡¯ll ruin my makeup!¡± Malinda retorted as she turns her head away to pout with her lips. ¡°You¡¯ll just have to wait after the dinner is finished, then we can¡­ cuddle¡­ Maybe even in bed.¡±


    She laughs somewhat innocently as arousing emotions clouds up her mind. Which Xe¡¯Reth acts upon as he lets go of her to arc a bow while a hand awaits to be taken, ¡°My Lady, then would you grant me the honor of your smooth hand? So I might give a kiss in gratitude?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ Well¡­ Well, of course, Sir,¡± Malinda giggled as she plays along with a leg bending curtsy. Then a hand places onto his, and he kisses the ring embroidered hand, gently, as he arcs back to stand straight. ¡°Huhuhu, you¡¯re such a tease, Xe¡¯Reth.¡±


    ¡°I am what I am, my love,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a bob of his head and a chuckling smile. ¡°Come, lead the way to the dining hall since I¡¯ve no idea where it¡¯s at.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go,¡± Malinda said as she locks arms with him again, then strides down the hallway with her head on his shoulder, moving as a loving couple out for a stroll. They say nothing as they keep going, only enjoying their own lover¡¯s presence, well, at least, Malinda does while Xe¡¯Reth broods over his painstaking headache.


    As they move down the corridor leading south, they make a turn to head west, into the heart of the citadel. With a gaze forward, he sees an endless corridor leading all the way to the other side, into Madelyn¡¯s wing, where he catches servants stirring about as usual.


    The corridor. It is as long as it is grand; mounted torches light their bodies, creating shadows, the soft carpet stretching who knows where, and as they come to the heart of the corridor, he gazes at it¡­


    Below the marble boundaries where one places its arms to rest. The gigantic ballroom. He inspects the hall carefully to take in its splendid craftsmanship. Two staircases on either side of the two wings, one belonging to Malinda¡¯s side and one belonging to Madelyn¡¯s side. Yet those aren¡¯t the only staircases, they¡¯re just the beginning which leads to the other levels of the citadel.


    ¡°Come, down the stairs,¡± Malinda said as she guides him down the straight passage, and as they come to the flat middle landing of the staircase, they turn south as it bends in that direction, then sets their feet onto the white marble granite; Malinda¡¯s high heels clacking as they touch it, while Xe¡¯Reth, noiseless as ever. She notices it, but she keeps on holding his arm while her head tilts onto his textile-clothed shoulder.


    ¡°Where to now?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked as he stares around the ballroom, it¡¯s completely empty except for them. As he looks to his left right beside the foot of the stairs, he sees five thrones on a slightly elevated floor.


    ¡°Ah, the thrones. We don¡¯t use them anymore. They¡¯re just there for decoration purposes only,¡± Malinda said with a sigh and tightens her grip on his arm with a saddened frown revealing itself on her brows.


    They stopped using them when her parents died. For there were five Tertins¡¯, now only three and Merissa remain. Because Celyssa can never become a true Tertin, only in name.


    Same with Xe¡¯Reth, for a Tertin can never be brought in from the outside, one must be born as a Tertin.


    But oh, he will not let that stop him from achieving his goals. His children will bring forth his victory through the ages. The kingdom will quake in memory of his name, Xe¡¯Reth Quinery as he goes into legends. Well¡­ he wants to make a name for himself at least. And it is time for him to meet Maldoran Tertin, Celyssa Tertin, and whomever else that might rest in the tiger¡¯s den.


    ¡°This way, Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda sighed as she takes away her saddened eyes from the thrones to guide him towards the middle of the ballroom¡¯s west side, to head into the dining hall.


    As the last short corridor leading to the pinnacle of nervousness, Malinda squeezes Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s arm, as her breathing shudders. She tries to gulp but to no avail since her throat has dried up from all the anxiety in her heart. She¡¯s going to demonstrate Xe¡¯Reth to her family for the first time. She can¡¯t mess this up, she needs to be brave, yet, she¡¯s utterly scared for their words of rejection. What if they dislike him?


    As she eyes journeys to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s calm looking appearance, she can¡¯t help but feel secure.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you¡­ scared?¡± Malinda asked hesitantly as he turns to smile at her.


    ¡°Is there something I need to be afraid of?¡± Xe¡¯Reth answered casually as he silently treads on the granite. The double doors, in front, he readies his mask of total friendliness which will make anyone like him. He needs to make a good first impression on the General, especially him, and not Celyssa. For she isn¡¯t related to Malinda, only a sister-in-law that can be removed if the need arises.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Malinda replied gloomily with a deep breath as they come to the doors. But when she takes hold of the handles as she lets go of Xe¡¯Reth, she freezes in place, in fear. But with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hands coming from behind her to be placed on her own hands, stretching as if he¡¯s hugging her, he whispers enchantingly into her ear, ¡°My love, let us show them our unabated union.¡±


    Through such words, Malinda¡¯s anxious heart releases all of its worries, to burst forth as her hands excitedly pull the door¡¯s handles down, then pushes with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s help forward. The couple opens the entryways into the dining hall with a head holding high, and a new beaming calmness on her expression as she takes a step to the side while locking arms yet again with her striking man.


    They then take their first step into the spotlight, to be judged by family members, to be stared upon, to be together as a couple¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    For once I''ll try to get out the other chapter sooner since I''ve finished about 40% on chapter 26. So look forward to it! :D


    By the way, the story is moving at the same speed as it always has. Sure. There have been time-skips when he needed to go to certain places, but other than that, it hasn''t sped up or slowed down. As this is a slow fiction, I don''t think it''ll speed up...


    Though, when there are useless days which will be coming, I''ll skip them as nothing important will happen. These chapters are more relaxing since a horrendous storm is about to hit the fan.


    Anyways. Now I''ll go and update the previous chapters to be free of grammar issues... At least, I''ll try. :P


    Voice your thoughts! :D


    Until... Next Time...


    Comment/Favorite/Follow!


    <hr />

 26 - The Heated Welcoming

    <hr />


    The Heated Welcoming


    <hr />


    As their unison feet steps into the vast dining hall, brightness of uncountable candles lights everywhere, strong yet not straining for the eye. On the north side of the hall, a large hearth beams its warmth, shielding from the night air which circulates outside yet squeezes inside. Tables by the walls which hasn¡¯t been used for a long time; trophies mounted, paintings hanging, and torches erected, but what the most spectacular sight in this dining hall is the portrait of the current Tertin family that stares out at the whole room with gazing eyes of tint.


    A portrait of a mother holding her precious newborn daughter in her arms. A father whose hands touch a child¡¯s shoulders beneath him while having the most gladdened smile on his bearded face. And a young man who stands with a posture of proudness as he¡¯s right beside his mother, father, and his two baby sisters.


    One daughter older than the other by a couple of years.


    Xe¡¯Reth has never seen such a perfect picture of a family before. He¡¯s truly awed by the painter who made it. But he turns his head towards the south side of the dining hall where people sit while waiting for them to come closer, for the distance to the end of the table from the double doors is somewhat far.


    As Malinda stares towards the head of the table, her brother is currently speaking to a servant who¡¯s taking orders from his waving calm flowing arms. She treads forward with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s arm locked together with hers. She¡¯s ready. The whisper from Xe¡¯Reth has given her all the courage she needs right now. She can¡¯t mess up his introduction to her family, she just can¡¯t.


    An atmosphere grows inside Malinda, her eyes become serene, her mouth sprout a gentle smile, and her movements, smooth yet flowing as she catwalks with a swaying arm, back and forth, while her other arm holds onto Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s, coiling it so her hand reaches his shoulder. A tightly secure lock which won¡¯t let go for anything.


    Her brother, Maldoran Tertin, finally catches his sister and the unknown man next to her, coming towards them. Celyssa sits also patiently for the incoming meeting with the young man who can doom her peaceful life. For she has failed her real family so dearly. This man will not be an existence her family will allow to be alive. Yet, she can¡¯t do anything about it, since it¡¯s either her and her daughter who¡¯ll pay the price or this young man that she¡¯s gazing at with an act of motherly ambiance on her expression.


    Merissa, Celyssa¡¯s fourteen-year-old daughter, too, sits beside her mother as she frowningly yet calmly waits for her dinner which has been pushed up. She doesn¡¯t like unexpected happenings, so this event has her in a brooding mood, but she tries earnestly to keep herself levelheaded as her nails claw under the table, rather relentlessly too.


    Dozens of servants are positioned by the wall beside the opened door on either side that leads to the tremendous kitchen where the aroma of various delicacies escapes from. Their postures as they remain by the wall, quiet and frozen while watching with their judgmental eyes at the incoming couple whose expressions of gentleness shows on both of them. Moving in unison with masculine steps and feminine steps.


    The handmaidens of Merissa have positioned themselves behind their little Mistress a couple of meters away, staring at Xe¡¯Reth as he comes closer and closer, yet their various colored eyes widen as they see the shadow of a man whose hair is pitch black, but his piercing eyes turns the handmaidens slightly afraid since they¡¯re young, ranging from fifteen to sixteen-year-old girls, and one older who¡¯s a thirty-year-old.


    Yet, none else resides in this dining hall, no Madelyn, no head-handmaiden, and no other person than these gathered individuals who gawks at the couple as they come to the end of the table. Malinda, smiles brightly and courageously with her locked arm, holding Xe¡¯Reth closely to give her immense support of both body and soul.


    Celyssa raises from her throne-like seat, as does Maldoran, too. And as Celyssa straightens herself to have the gentlest expression, she says while eyeing at her daughter who stares at the empty void in front of her, ¡°Honey, you need to stand up because we have a visitor coming with your aunt now.¡±


    Merissa¡¯s hidden hands under the table reveal themselves as she pushes her large yet light chair out to stand up, but the oldest handmaiden goes up to help her while Merissa listens to the steps that are closing in on the other side of the lengthy table.


    Though, Merissa grimaces as she listens to her Aunt¡¯s regular paces, which she has memorized numerous times¡­ but no one else¡¯s steps.


    Silence is what follows Malinda.


    With a turn of Merissa¡¯s dressed body, her hand searches for her mother¡¯s shoulder, then as she finds it, she taps it, ¡°But mama, it is only Aunty that¡¯s coming. Why are you saying that there is another person with her?¡±


    Maldoran especially raises an eyebrow in absolute amaze as he heard her daughter¡¯s words, but his wife¡¯s eyes flicker in surprise as she responds sharply, ¡°Merissa, watch what you say, do not embarrass me. When I introduce you, you¡¯ll show your best appearance, now be ready, here they come.¡±


    Merissa tries to listen again, but nothing, nothing at all. No sound escapes from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s noiseless feet, not even a breath. An invisible entity who Merissa neither sees nor hears. It chills her bones greatly, but as she listens to Malinda¡¯s steps, they¡¯re rather clumsy, as if she¡¯s holding something tightly while walking.


    ¡®So¡­ That¡¯s the daughter of Celyssa, huh? She has her mother¡¯s features, pity,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought as he switches from person to person while Celyssa nods gently with a smile as their eyes connect. Then as his eyes finally travel to Maldoran, the General widely smiles at Xe¡¯Reth, surprisingly. No, more of an amused smile than a friendly one, yet still generous nonetheless.


    ¡°Dear Brother. Sister-in-law. Niece,¡± Malinda gleefully opened with a smile while letting go of Xe¡¯Reth to curtsy, but just a slight bow as she spins to place a hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I would like to introduce you to, Xe¡¯Reth Quinery, as you know, he¡¯s my lover.¡±


    As Malinda does her introduction, Merissa switches her head side to side in quick succession, trying to catch some kind of noise from the unknown man who stand beside her young aunt. Which Malinda sees with a surprisingly pleased curve on her mouth, while Celyssa frowningly whips her head to her daughter for being tremendously ill-mannered for it looks like she¡¯s shaking her head.


    ¡°Stop it¡ªYou¡¯re embarrassing me,¡± Celyssa muttered harshly to her daughter as she leans in, which lowers Merissa¡¯s head and arms in shame, bending forward for being scolded. But as Celyssa catches Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes staring at her with his gentle smiling mask, she forces a smile, too, as she chuckles. ¡°Do forgive my daughter. But her ears are sensitive to the unfamiliar. So would you greet her, to relieve her uneasiness?¡±


    ¡°It would be my utmost pleasure, Honored Madam Celyssa,¡± Xe¡¯Reth answered with respect on his tongue and a hand on his chest as he bobs the head while bending his upper body slightly. ¡°Honored Lady Merissa, forgive my light-footedness, but it¡¯s sadly a habit I haven¡¯t been able to get rid of.¡±


    ¡°Ah...! So there was someone there...!¡± Merissa exclaimed in wide-eyed darkness to herself while sitting down sloppily, having a pleased smile of relief as the man had worded out his presence to her. But her head droops again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Aunty¡­ for interrupting¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, Merissa honey,¡± Malinda said smilingly, yet unseen by Merissa¡¯s blind eyes. ¡°And now back to the introduction¡ªWait, where is Madelyn?¡±


    ¡®Indeed¡­ Where is that tyrant?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth questionably thought, gazing at the people in front of him. But only three noteworthy people he needs to be aware of. Well, at least, two.


    ¡°Malinda dear, it¡¯s because you hit your sister when you had that quarrel¡­ about that man you defended,¡± Celyssa answered as if a shock strikes her, but she¡¯s trying to stir up the room to see if this black-haired creature might act. ¡°It was as if you knew the man himself since you did give your sister a rather swollen cheek.¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law!¡± Malinda shouted, her eyes wide in utter surprise. Why would she mention that? Madelyn and her has already made up, yet Celyssa has brought it up, right here and now? ¡°Why do you bring up a matter that¡¯s already taken care of? Baby sister has forgiven me and I¡¯ve forgiven her, so why?¡±


    Her gaze travels to Xe¡¯Reth. She bites her lower lip, and he raises a scarred eyebrow as he sees her mouth open once more, ¡°And the man you mentioned, was Xe¡¯Reth. He was the one who was being bullied by Madelyn. But through her, I met him, and he met me. So I can only be thankful for what Madelyn did, no matter now unfair treatment she gave him.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, did you hear that my love?! I knew she would change the moment her heart became true!¡± Maldoran finally burst out laughing joyfully as he sees his sister being so defensive over her object of affection. As a matter of fact, it¡¯s the first time he has seen her in such beautiful clothes, revealing her womanly charms to the fullest. But the most important part he sees, her eyes, full of love towards this young man with black hair and eyes. Black hair and eyes? Maldoran frowns wonderingly as he recognizes the young lad standing there with an air of civility about him.


    ¡®Where¡¯ve I seen this lad before¡­? Ah! Yesterday after the battle by Madelyn¡¯s payment stall!¡¯ Maldoran thought as his eyes widen but they relax into a narrow suspicion. ¡®Isn¡¯t he supposed to be a mere commoner? He has a posture of a noble, and the air about him isn¡¯t that of a commoner. Is he perhaps taking advantage of my sister¡¯s inexperienced mind of romance?¡¯


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, was it? I heard from my sister that you¡¯re a commoner, how was your living standards before being moved? Since I¡¯ve been informed that¡­¡± Maldoran glanced at Malinda and sighs as he walks to the side, then moves towards the couple, ¡°that you¡¯ve moved into the citadel already. I find it a tad worrying that my sister has moved and fallen for you so quickly¡­ Maybe there is something you¡¯re hiding from us? Because it is suspicious to¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Brother¡­! How can you ask¡ª!!¡± Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand raises to stop Malinda from shouting, which the people see in astonishment as Malinda does stop her words mid-sentence. Her eyes stare at Xe¡¯Reth anxiously, but nothing, only her fear of saying something that might make Xe¡¯Reth think differently about her, she glances back at her brother to wait for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s words instead.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, it is extremely suspicious, Honored Lord,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a bow as his eyes don''t remove themselves from Maldoran¡¯s blue orbs of overprotectiveness. ¡°But, how about I tell you over dinner? Since it¡¯ll be such a long story for sure.¡±


    Maldoran¡¯s large build of muscles appears through his well-tailored clothes of wealth; a full length dark brown cloak covers his back, running down to his feet. While the embellished tabard tunic with dark patterned colors shows on his chest, stopping at the knees. His one shoulder has a fastened plate pauldron in a silver alloy that has five small blade-like spikes pointing backward, then curving down. And his legs have also silver plate covering them, starting from his waist, down to his plated boots. But neither his arms nor hands are plated, only his sleeves from the tunic, which reaches to his wrists so he can display his big hands with a pair of rings fastened around his fingers.


    His rugged but caring expression relaxes as he closes his eyes while being crossed armed, his head bobbing as he agrees with a chuckle, ¡°That¡¯s good enough, lad. I¡¯ve always enjoyed an excellent story. Come, and let¡¯s sit down by the table.¡±


    He forwards his hand as he begins to move towards his seat of power while Malinda places her hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s back to gesture to follow. And as he stares at her, he nods with such a confident smile on his lips.


    The couple then moves closer to the end of the table as they follow Maldoran, but the distance, short. Though when they come upon the very end, Malinda sees only her chair, yet her sister¡¯s seat has been removed to be replaced by a regular seat instead. Which lowers her eyebrows and narrows her eyes in scorching anger.


    ¡°What is this for kind of welcome?!¡± Malinda shouted as she points at the chair that¡¯s next to hers, turning everyone¡¯s eyes wide in surprise with the sudden high voice resounding. The servants, too, startlingly jumps. Though as Xe¡¯Reth sees the chair, his dark globes travel to Celyssa whose expression appears perfectly calm, no surprise on her normal eyes, only an expected event. ¡°Who changed out Madelyn¡¯s seat?! Only to be replaced by something this cheap?! It¡¯s humiliating! Answer me! Who?!¡±


    ¡°Malinda, calm yourself!¡± Maldoran shouted as he has turned around to gaze wide-eyed at his sister¡¯s unrecognizable expression which shows on her face of rage. But as he looks at the chair, he frowns, also understanding her sudden burst of fury. Though, his wife had already told him why the chair was removed. He sighs as he opens his mouth, ¡°It was removed because the leg of the chair had broken. I understand your anger, but calm yourself sister, it isn¡¯t such a bad chair, and he¡ª.¡±


    ¡°¡ªshouldn¡¯t mind sitting on it since he hasn¡¯t sat on anything better?! Is that it?!¡± Malinda screamed with an even higher voice which makes her brother recoil slightly but frowns deeper upon hearing her accusation. ¡°Brother, I didn¡¯t think that you would judge him by how he has lived¡­¡±


    ¡°Hehehe,¡± Xe¡¯Reth begins to chuckle as he listened to them, but he can¡¯t stay silent over the cause of a simple chair. ¡°F-Forgive me, but I can¡¯t help myself. You¡¯re arguing about a chair, right? It¡¯s just a chair, isn¡¯t it? I can sit on the floor for all I care. So, Malinda, it¡¯s okay, like he said, the chair is broken, and I don¡¯t really mind sitting on that chair since I don¡¯t need anything but your company. So calm down, your brother didn¡¯t try to insult me or anything.¡±


    ¡°*Cough, cough* H-He¡¯s right, sister, I didn¡¯t mean anything by it¡­ It¡¯s just a chair after all¡­¡± Maldoran coughed as he tries to ease the situation because he has never been yelled at by his sister before. So it almost gave him a heart attack. His lovely sister changed so quickly. No longer a girl but a woman. It crushes his heart, though, she hasn¡¯t been a normal girl ever since she joined his squad by the middle gate. The people she has killed, the blood she has seen, and the horrors that come as an aftermath on the mind. ¡°Baby sister, if it would make you gladder, he could sit on my chair¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t baby me, brother¡­¡± Malinda snarled as she turns her head in another direction with crossed arms, which stabs Maldoran¡¯s caring heart with a grimace of furrowing brows. But she sighs out as she did overdo the situation gravely. ¡°Come, Xe¡¯Reth, sit on my chair instead, next to my brother.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes indeed! What better way to hear a story than to be right next to the teller! Yes, yes, come and sit, the dinner will soon be brought out,¡± Maldoran smilingly urged as he waves his thick hand rather excitedly for Xe¡¯Reth to sit.


    ¡°Malinda¡­ Aren¡¯t you going a bit too far? It¡¯s like HE said¡­ it¡¯s merely a seat. No need to lower your standards only because the seat isn¡¯t adequate for him,¡± Celyssa responded smilingly too, but her voice tones her disappointment in Malinda¡¯s ridiculous suggestion. ¡°It¡¯s your seat, after all. Don¡¯t act childish with your tantrums, now sit down and calm yourself, for we don¡¯t want¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­ to think we aren¡¯t well-mannered, right, Malinda dear?¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth stand silent as a ghost behind Malinda, but he places his hand on her shoulder while he walks as if he didn¡¯t hear Celyssa¡¯s voice, ¡°Well, either way, let¡¯s sit down. Your brother offered me to sit beside him so I can¡¯t really decline. Come, let¡¯s sit. I¡¯ll be beside your brother and you sit on the lesser chair, okay?¡±


    ¡°A-All right¡­ I¡¯m starving,¡± Malinda said but with a flicker of her eyes, she adds, ¡°I mean, I can probably eat because it has been awhile since I ate.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Maldoran exclaimed with a raised finger, then moves to sit on his grand seat while he pulls it forward, resounding the dragging of wood against granite. And as he¡¯s seated, he places his arms on the seat¡¯s armrests while forwarding his hand to the seat on his right side. ¡°Now then! Let¡¯s wait for the dinner to be served! I am completely starved from all the political blabber I had heard at the Ebon Wall! Hahaha! They truly know how to make one bored of listening, so I could use a good story to ease my mind.¡±


    ¡°With pleasure, Honored Lord,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a bow while having closed eyes, then sits down on the cushioned seat.


    ¡°Please, please, call me Maldoran. No need for formalities because, well, sooner or later, I¡¯ll become your brother-in-law. Hahaha. A brother so young! That¡¯s a new experience for me!¡± Maldoran laughed as he scratches his newly shaved beard. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for my obvious suspicion of you, but hopefully, you will not take offense.¡±


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    With a hand asking for it to be taken, Xe¡¯Reth with a beaming smile says while moving to shake hands with the Lord of Tertinum, ¡°Neither offence nor forgiveness is needed, Maldoran, and I wouldn¡¯t really be a courteous guest if I don¡¯t urge you to call me, Xe¡¯Reth, too.¡±


    ¡®Checkmate.¡¯


    As the two of them squeezes their hands together, Maldoran presses a little harder to test this lad¡¯s strength. Because the build of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body shows that he isn¡¯t a mere young man that has lived a life of peace. A body of an incessant survivor who knows strife is what he¡¯s got. But as he squeezes Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand, the lad falters gravely as he grimaces in utter pain upon feeling the pressure of Maldoran¡¯s grip power.


    Xe¡¯Reth grits his teeth in agony as Maldoran gawks with wide eyes and mouth ajar at the sudden unhealthy lad sitting next to him. Which make him release his clasping grip, to move his hands to support his shoulders so he doesn¡¯t fall forward, hitting the wooden surface where tableware lies, as his strength has drained completely out of his body, but an act is always an act, though, with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s constant headache, he¡¯s able to make it terrifyingly believable.


    ¡°Brother! What did you do to him?!¡± Malinda shrieked upon witnessing Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s painful expression with shaking hands trying to hold the edge of the table.


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t do¡­¡ªI only squeezed his hand a little to test the lad¡¯s strength¡­¡± Maldoran nervously responded as his hands are still placed on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulders, but he lets go as Malinda stands up to hold him herself. Embracing him as her breasts squeezes his upper head while arms encircle him.


    ¡°You have no idea what he has been through today! He is injured immensely from the torture inflicted onto him by some disgusting people who doesn¡¯t have a heart! Yet you dare try to injure him even more?!¡± Malinda screamed at the top of her lungs, not giving any quarter to her loving brother who only tried to play a strength test with him. ¡°He is extremely weak at this moment yet we came to dinner because you invited us¡ªNo, Xe¡¯Reth is the one who didn¡¯t want to decline the invitation. I wanted him to rest and not to be weakened any further!¡±


    ¡°Tortured?!¡± Maldoran shouted out in complete surprise, his eyes stare at Xe¡¯Reth in horror.


    ¡°Yes, brother! Tortured! By a member of our own organization, the city guard! It¡¯s disgusting knowing that such members are nesting in Tertinum! And Celyssa, I¡¯ll be talking to you soon in the way you have dealt with the city guards¡¯ recruiting¡­ To have¡­ corrupt members... it¡¯s disgusting. Are all the members of the city guard as corrupt behind the scenes? Another thing before I finish, my mother¡¯s aid, you said that it was like throwing money into the lake. It just shows your real personality.¡±


    Everyone, baffled, to the point that their mouths stand widely ajar, even Celyssa¡¯s, because Malinda just insulted her. It¡¯s as Celyssa fears, but so soon, has she fallen so soon?! Though torture? She hasn¡¯t heard of him being tortured. It puzzles her greatly as she gets bewildered with flickering eyes while staring at her sister-in-law. She¡¯s like a daughter to her, yet why is she acting as if everything is her fault?


    ¡°Malinda, how have I earned this hostility towards me? You know that you¡¯re like a daughter to me, your sister also. I¡¯ve watched you two grow up to be the women you¡¯re today, so really, it¡¯s enough,¡± Celyssa strictly said with a whipping finger flinging in every direction. But that boils Malinda¡¯s emotions even more.


    ¡°Yes, my sister¡­ My dear cruel sister¡­¡± Malinda muttered coldly as her eyebrows furrows and teeth clench. The event that Xe¡¯Reth told, about what the young girl had been punished for by her sister¡¯s hand, she can¡¯t bear it any longer. The rotten core of this citadel, the pure disregard for a human life, no more. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s talk about my sister. But first things first¡­¡±


    Malinda leans Xe¡¯Reth backward so he rests against the chair as she crouches slightly to be in eye contact with him. She touches his cheek as strokes after strokes flow with her hand. He¡¯s breathing heavily but she mustn¡¯t do something that can reveal his secrets. She knows he¡¯s weak from all that has happened today, but not this dire would she have ever thought. Her hand remains, looking with squinting eyes, trying not to become too emotional.


    As she directs his vision to look into hers, she says while smiling worriedly, ¡°Xe¡¯Reth. Shall we return to our quarters instead? Because we can eat with the family some other time if you want.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ No, I¡¯ll be fine. I¡­ I just wasn¡¯t expecting the handshake¡­ Surprise got the better of me since it has been a rough day. But either way, let¡¯s stay for dinner, though, maybe we can take my story some other time, Maldoran?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked with a forced smile as he chuckles jokingly.


    ¡°Why of course, Xe¡¯Reth. And I apologize, I didn¡¯t know your current condition. But to be actually tortured, preposterous! The villains must be found!¡± Maldoran shouted as his own eyebrows descend into fury while fists form.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already dealt with the ones who¡¯ll search for them because I won¡¯t trust this matter to the city guard since they might be in league with the perpetrators¡­¡± Malinda suspiciously said as her eyes glance to Celyssa who gains a scowl for the accusation.


    ¡°Malinda! You¡¯re going to far! The city guard is handled with complete and utter order!¡± Celyssa yelled as she raises herself from her chair, to point at Malinda severely, but she grimaces with eyes flickering as she sits back down.


    ¡°Then how is it possible that the city guard has a rapist among its members?¡± Malinda asked glaringly with extremely narrowed eyes. Not giving any mercy for Celyssa¡¯s ways of running the city.


    Malinda has been blind, her brother has been blind, everyone in this entire family has been blind ever since their parents died. Now she knows why the former head-handmaiden fought so eagerly to keep the reign of the Tertin family as traditional as possible. Because Honored men usually deal with the war on the Ebon Wall, while the Honored women deal with the political aspects of their ruling city, in the process, they have all control of the ins and outs of their domain. But Malinda, she has no control over anything anymore, only Celyssa who has her grasp on the Tertin domain, though, is she as corrupt as Xe¡¯Reth pointed out?


    ¡°What do you mean, rapist? Don¡¯t utter such a filthy word in front of Merissa,¡± Celyssa scolded as her hand touches her silent daughter who¡¯s sitting there beside her, being extremely quiet, because she has never heard her aunt and mother argue so violently before. Sure, Merissa likes quarrels and discussions, but these kinds? She hates them because they¡¯re something entirely new to her. It makes her anxious since she can¡¯t see their various expressions that they direct at each other, making her claw with her nails beneath the table. ¡°And what has gotten over you to act with such shamelessness? This isn¡¯t your normal behavior. Have you been blinded by what happened to him so much you throw the entire blame on the city guard, onto me, your own Sister-In-Law? It¡¯s ridiculous, but either way, I don¡¯t like the tone you¡¯re having with me. So sit down and control yourself before I get angry.¡±


    ¡°Malinda and honey, please, calm down. We¡¯ve company¡­ But, about what Malinda said, is it true?¡± Maldoran asked as he gazes intently at his wife. She, however, just brushes it off with a whip of her head in another direction.


    ¡°Do you think that I¡¯ve time to inspect every member that joins the city guards? Well, I don¡¯t. That job falls to the City-Commander and his subordinates. But I¡¯ll have you know that I¡¯ve contact with him every day through reports that are sent every morning, noon, and evening. So don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t know more than you, sister-in-law,¡± Celyssa said glaringly to Malinda while she now too stares with narrowed eyes.


    As Xe¡¯Reth straightens to sit normally, he touches his forehead to play sick as he shakes the head, only to grimace from the pulsating ache. But he sighs out tiredly with a hand being placed on Malinda¡¯s shoulder, since she has played her part excellent, yet a little less than he expected, though good enough.


    Emotions stirred, doubts settled, and the start has begun.


    Malinda turns to support Xe¡¯Reth. His expression strain to not show his suffering act as he forces a smile to calm Malinda down, which she does as her own body leans back against the lesser chair while holding his hand, giving her comfort.


    ¡°Do forgive Malinda, Honored Madam. But I¡¯m the one who has filled her mind with these thoughts,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said, rubbing his forehead, then with a shake, he grimaces again to display his current weak self. But he exerts himself to continue on as his eyes glare, ¡°As I¡¯ve lived in the slums of the city, I know how the city guard handles their duties even more than you, Honored Madam. And I can say that their effort in keeping the city safe is a complete and utterly ridiculous joke. It¡¯s embarrassing that only four years have gone by, yet under these four years, this city has suffered immensely from the shift of rule.¡±


    ¡°Lord Maldoran, please forgive my rash words, but what your parents and your ancestors have built is on the verge of disaster. Have you looked outside your window to see how your people suffer? I think not, because not even Malinda batted an eye until I told her. She has been in mourning over the loss of your parents, her parents. But that sorrow shouldn¡¯t be placed upon your citizens.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth shakes his head in shame while all of the people inside this dining hall gazes at this noble-clad man who speaks preposterous sentences. Even Maldoran display interest in what Xe¡¯Reth says because he has positioned himself in a slumping way on his large chair while one hand supports his chin which slightly tilts to one side as the elbow relaxes on the armrest.


    His other hand drums on the table as he listens to Malinda¡¯s lover, since Xe¡¯Reth speaks of serious matters, so he simply doesn¡¯t want to interrupt. But as his eyes travel to his wife, he sees her fury beginning to rise to a dangerous level, though, he stays silent because he has indeed not heard or done anything for the city in a long time. Only letting Celyssa handle everything while he¡¯s away to handle the city¡¯s army that needs constant supervision, and the meetings at the Ebon Wall which take up most of his time.


    ¡°The slums are run by extortionists, Lord. The city guards that rapes, robs and beats the poor folk of everything they own. And the property-owners who pays this city for their purchased estates, takes what they want by putting such a high payment on the people who rents the houses to stay alive. It¡¯s truly disgusting that it has gotten this far¡­ Yet, Lord Maldoran, do you even know these things? Probably not, or maybe you do, but simply avert your eyes from the problem at hand.¡±


    ¡°Enough, you heathen! Do not utter any more words of deceit!¡± Celyssa yelled furiously as she rises from her chair yet again, to point at him with a finger of utter nobility. ¡°You¡¯re but a mere commoner! How dare you speak of this city as if you know everything! You might come from the slums but I won¡¯t hear such filth in the presence of my daughter! I wanted to show a good first impression, but now, not so much! It doesn¡¯t matter how the city is run because it has nothing to do with you! You¡¯re just a spur of the moment which will be thrown out as Malinda tire of a dog that comes from the SLUMS!¡±


    ¡°HOLD YOU TONGUE!¡± Maldoran roared as his fist smash on the table at what his wife told Xe¡¯Reth. He has never seen such a personality from her before. She can be extremely strict, but outright insult someone? Never has he heard her say such words. Though what Xe¡¯Reth said, too, has him up in arms about this current situation which has befallen the dining hall. Servants fiddles with their hands in anxiety, handmaidens with closed eyes while covering their ears, and Merissa, the blind teenager sits frightened dearly by the yelling voices around her, making her grimace as her lips shake in distress. ¡°Love, you shall not use such words again.¡±


    Maldoran sighs deeply, mostly out of exhaustion. The battle yesterday was rough enough for him to use his all. To shield his soldiers from a certain doom that ran towards them in great speed and in total madness. The faces of the enemy were much different, more desperate as if they were running away from something, to escape their previous lives of torment. He¡¯s indeed tired, but he has still much to do before he can slumber away into the dreamland.


    ¡°My love, I heard what they said, and you have every right to be angry. But, I¡¯ll have to look into it myself to know if what they say is true¡ª.¡±


    ¡°But honey, it is pure lies what they say! The city is in its best condition ever¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Silence I said!¡± Maldoran slams his fist onto his armrest this time while Celyssa scowls with flinch flickering eyes from the loud thud. She too isn¡¯t used to him being angry, rather, he has never been angry at her before, but all kinds of various emotions do come forth when they¡¯re stirred with unknown thoughts and ideas. Maldoran adjusts his sitting position to have a straightened back and head holding high, then calmly speaks out his thoughts on the matters, ¡°The dining hall has become fierce with burning discussions which need to be put aside for now. This is a family dinner to welcome Xe¡¯Reth as a member of this household no matter where he¡¯s from. I might not know what you¡¯re trying to do by gaining my sister as your lover¡ª¡±


    Maldoran fiercely raises his hand to stop Malinda from speaking out her raging thoughts while Xe¡¯Reth leans in his grand chair in a somewhat relaxed manner, feeling the cushions as his weight presses it down. ¡®It¡¯ll do for now. I just need to push him a little bit more, so he¡¯ll act upon my words. To see what has been going on in his city¡­ Well, his¡­ for now.¡¯


    ¡°I might sound harsh, but I¡¯m just looking out for you. Because you¡¯re my younger sister, and will stay as my sister for as long as you live. So of course, I¡¯m troubled by what you said and what Xe¡¯Reth said. I¡¯ll look into it; you know I have my own people in the army that can see to these kinds of missions. And Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Maldoran said switching his gaze to the much healthier lad who still breathes slightly uneven, ¡°You may have my sister¡¯s love for what it¡¯s worth, but don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m the one at the ruler¡¯s seat of the table. What I say goes, but, you¡¯re certainly right about what you said. I haven¡¯t taken care of my people as I should have, that, I can say is what brings me shame upon my family name.¡±


    He sighs with closed eyes, then as he opens them, they travel to his wife, his dear faithful wife who¡¯s so hardworking. But she has done unforgivable acts. Maldoran knows that she tried to forcibly put her nephews together with his sisters, but ultimately failed because they¡¯re too hardheaded to ease their guard against men. Though he does wonder as he raises an eyebrow to glance over to Xe¡¯Reth again, the silence, unbearable while the Lord doesn¡¯t speak. Xe¡¯Reth though, he holds Malinda¡¯s hand while coiling his fingers around hers.


    Malinda too coils, beginning to cool down her temper from the rudeness her sister-in-law blurted out.


    ¡°The city guard, huh,¡± Maldoran muttered, eyes fixated on Xe¡¯Reth. He slumps in his throne yet again as he shakes his head in shame, then direct his attention to his wife. ¡°My love, tomorrow morning I¡¯ll summon the city¡¯s commander and all of its members. Send an envoy to the DLO, to ask them to watch over the city while I conduct a query on how it has been run these past four years. And you won¡¯t need to worry of the procedures because I¡¯ll have my own people taking care of the investigation, so after dinner, do as I say. Understand?¡±


    ¡°No! I don¡¯t understand! Why do you take the words of someone you haven¡¯t met, over your own wife, the mother of your child?!¡± Celyssa rejected as she slams her palms onto the table¡¯s surface. ¡°For the Divine Queens¡¯ sake, listen to yourself! It is as if you¡¯ve been charmed by magic! And Malinda, she too has been charmed by this snake of a man! Just look at him! He¡¯s a villain in disguise, trying to tear this city down by bringing us apart¡ª!!¡±


    ¡°MAMAAAAAA! ENOUGH!! ENOUGH!! ENOOOOUUUGH!!!¡±


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    What will happen next chapter?! Will the dinner go smoothly or will it be ruined by the sudden scream?!


    Anyway, the storm hasn''t hit yet, soon, soon enough it''ll boil over the edge.


    What might have Celyssa''s family done to make her so worried? What has she done? Next chapter you''ll probably know what the foreshadowing is all about.


    Oh, don''t forget the couple''s first night together. Will it be steamy or just... a regular night? *Blink*


    Until... Next Time...


    Comment/Favorite/Follow!


    <hr />

 27 - The Scheming Begins

    <hr />


    Sorry for this late release. I''ve been sick, or rather I''m currently sick. But here it is! If you see grammar thingies, shout out so I can fix! :D


    <hr />


    The Scheming Begins


    <hr />


    ¡°MAMAAAAAA! ENOUGH!! ENOUGH!! ENOOOOUUUGH!¡± Merissa screamed with hands covering her ears so no sound can reach her eardrums. Her eyes closed shut, her teeth tightly clenched, and her body tilts to a certain degree forward, almost hitting the edge of the table. ¡°No more¡­ No more¡­ No more¡­ No more¡­ Don¡¯t yell at each otheeeer! I don¡¯t like it! I doooon¡¯t! It isn¡¯t pleasant at all! It isn¡¯t! It isn¡¯t! IT ISN¡¯T!¡±


    ¡°Merissa, stop it...!¡± Celyssa shouted, but the shock in her wide eyes and on her agape mouth thoroughly indicate her unpreparedness for her frail daughter to unexpectedly yell out with all her might and glory.


    The worry for her daughter courses through her mind at the same time. It¡¯s common knowledge that Merissa is blind, but what people might not know are her other illnesses which plague her unfortunate body. And Celyssa has overlooked her current condition because of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s arrival.


    Merissa can be the quietest of girls, but her various disorders transform her mind into that of someone who¡¯s mentally unstable. A hereditary trait since many in the Tertin line had suffered blindness and a lot of different illnesses in their own lifetimes but never have anything been alike Merissa¡¯s.


    Nothing recorded in the Tertin books as if she¡¯s the only one.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes have widened, he stares at Merissa while Celyssa tries to settle her down with her embrace. She¡¯s on her knees beside her, holding her, apologizing to her, trying to calm her down from her attack on the mind. But Merissa fights her mother¡¯s embrace. Her arms flailing to push her away, but Celyssa keeps her locked tight as one of Merissa¡¯s handmaidens position herself on the other side of the chair. And with a nod from the Madam, the handmaiden takes out some kind tiny ball from a fastened bag; a pill, she attempts to force a pill down Merissa¡¯s mouth as she desperately fights back.


    ¡°Naaaaahh! I doon¡¯ wannaa¡­! I don¡¯ liiike¡­! Mamaaa! Papaaa!¡± Merissa screamed for help as tears roll down her face. It¡¯s as if Merissa thinks that her own mother isn¡¯t the one holding her.


    ¡®What is that for kind of pill¡­?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought with narrowed eyes as Merissa struggles immensely, even trying to bite the finger of the handmaiden, but her frail strength gives in to the greater.


    Then as time continue to spin its wheel, Merissa, completely calm. Her attack subsided. But her mother cries emotionally with arms around her, holding Merissa still in her embrace as she snuggles happily with a smile on her lips. She¡¯s in a daze which Xe¡¯Reth recognizes all too well.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you had to witness that, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Maldoran finally said as the silence had oozed in the air. Only Celyssa¡¯s pain for her daughter resound as every individual in this dining hall knows the suffering of dear Merissa, expect Xe¡¯Reth. Even Malinda has tightened her grip on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand while having her head turned away to not witness the mother and daughter. ¡°My daughter is ill, very ill. She may seem fine on the surface, but when certain events come to light¡­ Well, she¡­¡±


    Maldoran covers his face with one hand as he breathes out a long sigh, ¡°¡­She isn¡¯t well, and the citadel healer can only do so much for her. It¡¯s taxing to have an ill daughter, but she¡¯s still my precious child that I so dearly love with all my heart. But I guess¡­ I can only blame my ancient family¡¯s methods of breeding.¡±


    ¡°Brother¡­ Xe¡¯Reth too knows the pain of having someone precious to him suffer from an illness. His mother, Theresa Quinery has the Fire-Brand disease,¡± Malinda said as she lets go of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand, to put it on his shoulder instead, to show her expression of furrowed brows.


    ¡°Is¡­ is that true¡­?¡± Maldoran asked with mouth agape and flickering eyes as he leans forward, surprise hitting him hard. Since his parents certainly had the same disease spread upon their bodies. ¡°But¡­ How?¡±


    ¡°He has kept her alive by various herbs and constant care. And his mother is an extremely strong woman at heart herself. She¡¯s got the will that our parents hadn¡¯t. When I first saw her, I felt pity but also respect. To actually be alive with that horrendous disease¡­ It is truly awe-inspiring to see for one¡¯s self,¡± Malinda answered with a warm smile directing at her brother instead of Xe¡¯Reth, yet keeping the secrets hidden.


    Malinda gazes to Xe¡¯Reth as she wonders, ¡®I hope he doesn¡¯t mind me revealing it.¡¯


    ¡°Astonishing, absolutely astonishing!¡± Maldoran exclaimed with an even further bent body, to gawk at Xe¡¯Reth who nods his head in approval, yet his half open eyes tell the tale of pain that he has felt through the years of caring for his mother. ¡°Ah¡­ that¡¯s right. So that means she also lives here in the citadel too?¡±


    ¡°That is correct, Maldoran¡ªMalinda said that my mother could also come, and that made me love her even more. And that¡¯s the one thing I use Malinda for. My mother¡¯s safety in getting her away from the rotten slums. That is the advantage I¡¯m taking from Malinda¡¯s generous love. But as long as my mother lives a somewhat blissful life, I¡¯ll love Malinda until the day I die,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with such seriousness on his lowered eyebrows, staring into Maldoran¡¯s wide blue globes.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda fawned with praying hands under her chin but takes ahold of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand to hold it. To coil with her fingers again, which her brother chuckles at silently.


    ¡°Well, no matter what your goal are, Xe¡¯Reth, I hope you¡¯ll stand by my sister whatever decisions she¡¯ll make in the future,¡± Maldoran sighed with eyes traveling to his wife who¡¯s stroking the silent Merissa. She¡¯s calm as a rock, unmoving. Glued to her mother.


    ¡°I¡¯ll support her with my all, and I¡¯m sorry for bringing harm to your daughter, but what is she inflicted with?¡± Xe¡¯Reth inquired with a brow raised, bending slightly forward to stare at Merissa.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it wasn¡¯t your fault, we all aided. But her ears are highly sensitive to sound; she can hear better than normal people, though that also causes her harm when loud noises sound,¡± Maldoran said, ¡°And we don¡¯t even know the origin. None in our family tree have ever suffered from her symptoms before. Sometimes she gets these attacks which causes her to lose control of her entire body, as you just saw.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s as if she blocks out everything around her, to scream out all the thoughts without reservation. Since she only went blind four years ago, she hasn¡¯t adjusted well to it. There have been many nights where we would comfort her from her sorrows, and that takes a lot out of me. To see my own daughter in such agony. To never see again¡­¡± Maldoran said with aching eyes, then Celyssa turns her attentions to her husband.


    ¡°Love, I¡­ I think I¡¯ll take our daughter to her quarters and let her eat there because¡ªI¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m not in the mood for dinner at this moment,¡± Celyssa said as she picks up her fourteen-year-old daughter with ease since she doesn¡¯t weigh a lot. And Merissa wraps her arms around her mother¡¯s neck as she gives her a peck on the cheek in an innocent manner. Her personality is that of a child¡¯s.


    As she¡¯s about to leave, she turns to Malinda to add, ¡°I apologize, dear, I didn¡¯t mean to be so harsh. We can speak about it some other time if you like. And about other¡­ things.¡±


    ¡°I would most certainly like that, Sister-In-Law,¡± Malinda nodded with no forgiving smile on her lips, only the disappointment in her eyes about Celyssa¡¯s sudden change from her regular motherly self. Malinda had no idea she could be so cruel, but that only pushes Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s words into her mind even more.


    Corruption.


    ¡°Bring food for both of us to her quarters and be quick about it,¡± Celyssa demanded to Merissa¡¯s oldest handmaiden who simply nods in confirmation, then as she turns to her colleagues, she points at the two youngest to follow her, which they do as the oldest strides to the door that leads to the kitchen. And as Celyssa stares at her husband, she forces a smile, ¡°Love, will you be coming to our quarters after you¡¯ve finished eating?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, oh, I forgot to tell you, dear. I have business at the war-room that needs to be handled first, but I¡¯ll come after that, so don¡¯t stay up waiting for me,¡± Maldoran said with a loving smile. He stands up while Celyssa walks to be beside him as his arms go around her, to embrace his wife and daughter which she carries. ¡°Take care of her my love. I¡¯ll see you later.¡±


    ¡°Paaapaa¡­¡± Merissa smilingly yawned with eyes staring into the void, which furrows Maldoran¡¯s brows, since his daughter will never escape her future of darkness.


    His large male hand places on Merissa¡¯s head as he strokes her hair, ¡°Papa will see you later, my beautiful little flower.¡±


    Celyssa raises her head as Maldoran¡¯s lips locks with hers, then, the mother and daughter goes to where Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda came from while the couple just sits silently as they disappear with Merissa¡¯s remaining handmaidens at their back.


    ¡°Haaa, this wasn¡¯t much of a welcoming, now was it?¡± Maldoran sighed again with two hands on the armrests as he lowers himself to sit, to slump in his throne-like seat. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for my wife¡¯s quick temper, she isn¡¯t usually like this, I assure you, Xe¡¯Reth. Though, it¡¯s also a new experience for you too, dear sister.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, brother. I have never seen her act like that before,¡± Malinda said frowningly but sighs with a shaking head. ¡°I guess we also went too far. But what Xe¡¯Reth said was true, brother. Our city is starting to decay. And I don¡¯t want to blame you, brother. Because I haven¡¯t also done anything for our city since our parents died. Though, I¡¯ll begin giving aid to the poor as a start. A letter is being sent to mother¡¯s old friend who handles charity objectives, you remember, right? She has that daughter who was enamored with you, but of course, you were already married by then so it bared no fruit, hehe.¡±


    Maldoran turns his head as he coughs in embarrassment. And when he meets Malinda¡¯s similar blue eyes, he puts on a wide smile, ¡°Y-Yeah, I do remember. She was indeed a deadly woman who you shouldn¡¯t say no to. But thankfully Celyssa was there to intervene¡ªWait, who did you hear it from?¡±


    ¡°From father and mother¡­¡± Malinda said but frowns in sadness as her finger-coiling grip on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand tightens.


    ¡°Excuse me for interrupting, but what was the pill the handmaiden gave your daughter?¡± Xe¡¯Reth finally spoke, having a raised scarred brow.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s medicine we get from Celyssa¡¯s family; you do know where she comes from?¡± Maldoran asked, too, with a raised brow.


    ¡°Why of course, she¡¯s the third daughter of the esteemed household, the Bradinox. They¡¯re the ones who control and produce the most expensive medicine in Tertinum domain. But what is the pill called? What ingredients do they use?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked rather persistently while Maldoran still sits in a slumped way. ¡°And when you say, none in your family tree have suffered from Merissa¡¯s condition. Can¡¯t it simply mean that it comes from Celyssa¡¯s side of the family instead?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m afraid not. They¡¯ve said that none of their family members have ever suffered from her affliction,¡± Maldoran answered with a shake of his head, drumming his fingers as he thinks. ¡°And I don¡¯t know what ingredients they use for the pill since it¡¯s their most secret recipe. But it does calm down the most furious or frantic person as you saw with my daughter. Though, why the question?¡±


    ¡°Brother, Xe¡¯Reth himself know a lot about medicine. He has prepared his own remedy to battle against the Fire-Brand disease, but of course, since the illness doesn¡¯t exist any more than on his mother, none else can use it,¡± Malinda said proudly with a wide smile, but hastily looks at Xe¡¯Reth while biting her red lower lip.


    He tightens his grip on her hand as he nods gently with closed eyes, turning Malinda¡¯s expression calm, then focus his gaze yet again at Maldoran, ¡°I do dabble in medicine, but, as nobody needs it anymore as Malinda said, it¡¯s my very own secret recipe.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Interesting¡­ Ah! Enough with this talk, I¡¯m starving!¡± Maldoran bellowed as he leans to the side to turn his upper body to stare at the servant that he had spoken to before, right as Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda had come through the doors. He asks in a somewhat annoyed tone with lowered eyebrows, ¡°What is taking so long in preparing the dinner?¡±


    ¡°M-My-My Lord, I didn¡¯t think that it would be proper to bring it out while¡­ While the argument was still going on. Was I wrong in my decision, Lord?¡± The servant responded as she fiddles with her hands.


    Maldoran¡¯s powerful gaze squints at her, but relaxes with closed eyes while sighing, ¡°No¡­ you weren¡¯t wrong. But we¡¯re ready to eat, so¡­ what are you waiting for?¡±


    ¡°At¡­ At once, Lord!¡± the servant shouted as she heads into the kitchen with fast moving feet while being followed by every other servant who stands by the wall in their silent stance with gazing eyes. But as everyone disappear through the door that leads into the kitchen, Maldoran turns back to stare at Xe¡¯Reth, then leans forward.


    He slaps Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s upper arm gently with his big hand.


    ¡°Well, lad! Are you feeling better now?!¡± Maldoran shouted happily as he gives one last slap a little harder since Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t budge from the lighter ones.


    ¡°Heh, I-I¡¯m doing much better, thanks,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckled with a closed-eyed smile. While Malinda on the other hand, frowns intently at her brother¡¯s behavior. But shakes her head in defeat, as she knows all too well his regular personality.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. And sister, I do hope you picked people who can find the perpetrators from our family¡¯s organization with haste. But I¡¯ll help tomorrow as I gather every single member of the city guard by the outer castle grounds. Where the army trains,¡± Maldoran said as he slumps in his throne of a seat, with a hand supporting his chin and elbow on the armrest. ¡°Any information you can say which will aid the search?¡±


    ¡°Brother¡­¡ª.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth interrupted with a raised hand while giving a nodding smile at her, which she responds by giving a smiling nod back, too. ¡°Well, where do I start¡­ Ah, yes. The name of the man who tortured me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Hurry now, little one, we don¡¯t want to disturb Gran before it gets too late,¡± Tanya urged with springing legs moving on a crimson carpet which¡¯s identical to the flooring of Malinda¡¯s and Madelyn¡¯s wing. While a young teenager follows her with hands holding up her new servant¡¯s dress to not hinder her fast wandering steps. ¡°And try not to speak, let me handle everything. Gran doesn¡¯t enjoy unexpected events, certainly nothing like this. A handmaiden commissioned this fast? Unheard of.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, handmaiden Tanya, for causing such a ruckus,¡± the servant apologized as she keeps up with Tanya who doesn¡¯t even respond, making her droop her head in dismay. But in her head, she rejoices greatly, ¡®I can¡¯t believe that I¡¯m going to become a handmaiden, someone like Tanya! And I will gain the power to do what I want! None will be able to push me around anymore¡­ Hehe.¡¯


    The two ladies¡¯ location; the Sanctuary.


    They¡¯re currently inside the Sanctuary¡¯s main building, east of the giant statue. All of the training schedules, manuals, and all sorts of objects that are needed to raise a perfect servant are located in this structure. While all of the most senior servants calls it home. Those who have worked to their bones retire to this estate when they¡¯ve gotten too old to continue, but it¡¯s also the place where the former head-handmaiden¡¯s office lies.


    It¡¯s a huge beige building in a rectangular shape with countless similar shaped windows as the building itself, though in an upright position. And in front of the building, staircases go down from the main double doors, where a couple of servants hurries in the darkness with lanterns in hand. Some holding books while they follow the light bearers.


    Inside the building, Tanya and the short servant strides down a long corridor on the third floor, moving towards the former head-handmaiden¡¯s office. Most of the older servants live on the second and first floor while all of the Sanctuary¡¯s most important possessions lies on the third floor and up to the last level.


    ¡°Here we are, I hope she hasn¡¯t gone to sleep yet,¡± Tanya said nervously while standing in front of a pair of decorative doors. She has never been good at dealing with this woman. But everyone calls her Gran since she¡¯s the leader of the Sanctuary, though, her age is coming upon her slow and steady.


    Tanya grabs one of the handles, then knocks with her other hand on the wooden surface.


    As she awaits eagerly yet anxiously, the short servant fiddles with her hands while biting her lower lip because she needs to put on her best act to trick the former head-handmaiden to gain the rank to be a handmaiden. ¡®If I¡¯m able to trick someone like that man, Xe¡¯Reth, I¡¯ll easily be able to trick an old woman.¡¯


    Just as Tanya pulls the handle down, it goes down by itself and pushes out too by itself, but as one of the doors open up, Tanya gains wide eyes of surprise as her own Grandmother stands there instead of Gran.


    ¡°G-Grandmother, what are you doing here?¡± Tanya startlingly asked with mouth ajar and flickering eyes staring at the old servant that Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda had met on the way to Theresa¡¯s quarters.


    ¡°Oh¡­ just visiting an old friend,¡± she said with a tilting head as she sighs in exhaustion though one grayish eyebrow raises in wonder. ¡°But who do we have here?¡±


    ¡°Ah, her, well¡­ Sir Xe¡¯Reth saved her from being thrown out by Lady Madelyn for spreading rumors¡­ about you know what,¡± Tanya said with a backward glance to the servant who has a lowered head of shame. Tanya¡¯s displease shows in her glare, since betraying one¡¯s Mistress¡¯ trust should be punished severely. ¡°I don¡¯t really like that Xe¡¯Reth showed her such clemency, but to be thrown out? That¡¯s just too much. And well, he told our Mistress that this girl should become his handmaiden¡­ And she agreed.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I did wonder who it was that spread that hilarious rumor,¡± she responded with a hand on her cheek while tilting her gray-haired head slightly to one side again. Some of her flaming strings still display even though her old age. ¡°But a handmaiden this quickly? Oh, oh, she won¡¯t like th¡ªWait, did you say, Xe¡¯Reth? As in our Mistress¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Grandmother, I did. Who else is named like that?¡± Tanya nodded with furrowed brows at the sudden change in her Grandmother¡¯s tone. She even half smiles as one wrinkled curve raises in delight. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Grandmother?¡±


    ¡°No, nothing dear,¡± she replied with a smiling shake of her head, then walks to put her hands on the short fourteen-year-old girl¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I guess everything needs to be arranged, so this little rascal can begin to serve as soon as possible. Come now, she¡¯ll want to meet you immediately. You too, Tanya, dear.¡±


    ¡°Grandma, what¡ªI don¡¯t¡ªWhy are you suddenly okay with this? It goes against the regular procedures in becoming a handmaiden. She simply isn¡¯t ready,¡± Tanya urged, putting a hand to stop her Grandmother from pulling the servant through the opened door.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know soon enough,¡± she said as she whips at Tanya¡¯s hand, which makes Tanya groan as she recoils from the stinging sensation. ¡°Don¡¯t be stubborn, young lady. Come along now, a lot must be prepared and inspected.¡±


    As Tanya¡¯s Grandmother leads the bewildered short servant through the door, she too follows behind them, then closes it. But on the other side of the door, a long hallway going to another pair of double doors.


    The regular red carpet lessens their steps as they walk with calm movements while the old servant holds the young servant¡¯s hand in a rather gentle clutch, and Tanya treads with sighs escaping from her mouth. This unexpected meeting with her mother¡¯s mother has her anxious. Since even though her Grandmother holds no power as a servant, she does have the longstanding friendship of the former head-handmaiden.


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    Though, only she was given permission to wed by Malinda¡¯s mother. To know love, to gain children, and grandchildren. But her husband died years ago from old age. He was the former blacksmith of the citadel, but he passed on that duty to his apprentice, a man who was brought in from the outside, yet that man gained the love of Tanya¡¯s mother who also got permission to wed by Malinda¡¯s mother, Matilda Tertin.


    Tanya¡¯s Grandmother has lived her life to completion, but the concern of every single older person who¡¯s in Malinda¡¯s faction is huge. Because their Mistress, Malinda, have no sway whatsoever in the citadel. Only those who want power restored to the rightful heir of the Tertin line tries to support her, but her ambitions, null and void. Her life, carefree other than the battles at the Ebon Wall.


    The seniors want her to remain true to her family¡¯s traditions.


    But hope is not lost, for recent rumors have spread.


    A wildfire unleashed inside the Sanctuary as soon as the breakfast argument had finished. Servants heard, servants gossiped, and those who was ready to give up on ever trying to restore the Tertin line, rejoiced in their hearts, yet a worry of who it might be that captured their Mistress¡¯ love drummed inside Malinda¡¯s faction. Who is he? Is he someone controlled by Madam Celyssa? She had tried before to gain the sisters, but when the rumors exploded wider, the wonderful words flowed into the former head-handmaiden¡¯s ears like the festival¡¯s tunes of various music.


    A mere commoner, and Madam Celyssa anxious beyond words.


    Celyssa¡¯s anger throughout the entire day revealed that she had no part in Malinda¡¯s and Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s union. Which made the older servants and the retired handmaidens who¡¯re still loyal to their previous Mistress, Matilda Tertin, celebrate in secret. And the beginning of hidden plans can finally bear fruit.


    For the events of Malinda¡¯s parents¡¯ deaths still troubles those who truly loved and worshiped their Master and Mistress. Two were infected by the Fire-Brand disease, yet none other in the entire citadel succumbed to its affliction of burning skin.


    Only the rulers¡­


    ¡°Alright you two, when I left her, she was about to go to bed, but this exceeds her tired mind, so ready yourselves,¡± Tanya¡¯s Grandmother urgently said while holding the young servant¡¯s hand. Her smile, totally excited for some reason. The wrinkles on her face truly display from the lights mounted on the walls, illuminating the double doors in front of the three females of servitude.


    Tanya rasps her throat with a swallow. She¡¯s about to meet with the Sanctuary¡¯s leader. The backbone of servitude. A woman of elegance, intelligence, and benevolence. She controls the growing of servants. She has power enough to shake the citadel, yet she secludes herself in this building on the far east side of the Sanctuary.


    To secretly aid her current Mistress, the daughter of her beloved Matilda Tertin. Whom she loved to her fullest capacity. A life of worship on the ground she walked on. But her life exists no more. Only a fool of a daughter who has given over her rights without even fighting for it.


    Tanya¡¯s Grandmother raises her free wrinkled hand, then knocks loud and clear on the wooden door in front of her.


    The young servant¡¯s head droops while staring wide-eyed at her shoe-covered toes which clench hard as her fisted hand tries to not shake in utter nervousness. For she must put on her best act to fool the Mistress of total obligation.


    As they wait with various emotions stirring inside them, the handle of the door moves down, then opens. And on the other side stands a woman who steams with seniority in her single raised gray brow. An appearance of a calm yet wondering expression sits upon the former head-handmaiden¡¯s face. Neither surprise nor grumpiness, only the peering eyes which gaze at her longstanding friend and the short teenager standing beside her.


    With a tilt of her head and body, she catches Tanya standing beside her friend, behind the unopened door too.


    ¡°Orilldera, was there something else you forgot to tell me? I almost didn¡¯t hear the knocking since I was in the other room,¡± the former head-handmaiden said with a tired smile. ¡°Either way, do come in.¡±


    ¡°Ereanna, I¡¯ve wonderful news to share,¡± Orilldera excitedly began as she strides into the spacy office where a blazing hearth like any of the other spacious offices and rooms in the citadel have. While dragging along the stumbling servant. ¡°It¡¯s what we talked about before I left; Malinda¡¯s future husband and Lord of Tertinum.¡±


    Tanya¡¯s eyes flicker with an opened mouth at what her Grandmother just said. Lord of Tertinum? But that¡¯s Maldoran¡¯s position. Her Mistress has no goal to ever be the ruler, she only wants to live her life as carefree¡ªNo, not anymore now that Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s words have reached her. ¡®What are Gran and Grandmother talking about?¡¯


    ¡°Orilldera¡­¡± Ereanna said sharply with eyes squinting at her friend.


    ¡°Oh, please, she¡¯s a handmaiden of our Mistress, and my granddaughter too. So you can relax with your suspicious mind because Tanya is loyal to the bone to Malinda,¡± Orilldera waved annoyingly with her free hand, then strides further into the room to forcibly put the flustered servant on a chair in front of Ereanna¡¯s work desk, then nonchalantly drags another seat to sit next to the shorty. ¡°Come now, sit, sit. We¡¯ve much to discuss, and my granddaughter will be telling us all about it. In detail too.¡±


    ¡°So be it. Come now Tanya, go put a chair next to your Grandmother,¡± Ereanna said while beginning to walk to her own grand seat. It¡¯s as expensive as Celyssa¡¯s, since she took every possession that she got from her former Mistress to be moved to these quarters of hers. She turns around as she adds, ¡°Do close the door after yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Gran Ereanna,¡± Tanya replied with a deep curtsy, then steps into the warmth of the office as she closes the door.


    She goes to a chair by one of the marble walls, then lifts it up and walks to her Grandmother. As she places it right next to her, she sits down while putting her hands on her lap, fiddling with them also as the presence of Gran really takes a lot from her. Her eyes try to stare into Ereanna¡¯s but fail. While on the other hand, the short servant smiles excitedly towards Ereanna because she¡¯s about to become a handmaiden, though from what she recently heard, these two old grannies definitely have something up their sleeves.


    ¡°Now, young lady, tell me, what happened in Lady Malinda¡¯s wing?¡± Ereanna asked with a smile, drumming her fingers on each other while having her elbows on the armrests of her chair.


    ¡°Gran¡­ I¡¯m not the one you should be asking,¡± Tanya said with a drooping head for not being helpful enough. But Tanya leans as she turns her head, to point with a finger, ¡°She¡¯s the one who knows everything about what happened, but you should probably take out her documents because I don¡¯t trust her enough to be a handmaiden.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± Orilldera questioned with a raised eyebrow, then turns to look at the servant in question.


    ¡®Documents? What documents?!¡¯ the servant thought with a lowered head to not show her eyes that have widened in complete worry. ¡®And what¡¯ve I done to gain her suspicion?!¡¯


    ¡°Girl, what is your name? Full name, if you please,¡± Ereanna requested, gazing at the girl¡¯s slowly moving head which ascends to stare straight at her peering eyes.


    With a gulp, she answers weakly, ¡°C-Cerinn Jeyver, Gran Ereanna¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, I remember you. Ah¡­ poor child,¡± Ereanna sadly said while forcing a smile on her lips. ¡°Her papers should be¡­ Hmm, on that side of the shelf. Tanya, dear, go and find it, for we aren¡¯t as young as we used to be.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Gran,¡± Tanya replied smilingly while standing up.


    On either side of the room stands shelves high enough to reach the roof, while two ladders with wheels are leaning at them. They can be pushed from side to side so it helps to get the various documents from the different recorded servants who¡¯re in the citadel. Letters from A to Z have been carved into the wooden material of the shelves to indicate where the names of the servants can be located at.


    Since there aren¡¯t a huge number of servants in the citadel, the Sanctuary finds it easier to raise the brought in children by filing all of their habits, personalities, and their other several traits in folders.


    Long ago, the creation of paper was thankfully invented otherwise it would¡¯ve been harder to do these acts of documenting all of the servants who¡¯re in the service of the Tertin family. And since the Scarlet Forest in front of the Ebon Wall never truly dies, only grows, again and again, it has made it so that the Kingdom has an unlimited supply of trees. In the process, the Kingdom doesn¡¯t need to destroy their own lands to feed the amount that¡¯s needed for its various uses.


    As Tanya pulls the ladder to the C section of the shelf on the left side of the room as they had come in, she climbs while searching for Cerinn¡¯s name. And as her eyes go slightly wide, she finds the file of Cerinn Jeyver. But her eyes go even wider when she looks down to see that she¡¯s at the very top of the shelf.


    She hadn¡¯t noticed the height because of her preoccupation to find the file was her only goal, though now as her whole body feel the effect of the altitude, she freezes up entirely as a cry for help squeaks out, ¡°G-Grandmother¡­ I¡­ I am sorry, I¡­ I can¡¯t get down¡­¡±


    Cerinn almost cracks up in laughter as her head turns to the frightened handmaiden, but keeps her cool because Ereanna sits right beside her. She mustn¡¯t reveal her true sinister personality to the second most powerful person in servitude. But Ereanna doesn¡¯t bother to hide anything as her own chuckling laugh escapes from her mouth, which turns Orilldera¡¯s head directly at her in anger since her own fright of heights had widely spread years ago in the Sanctuary.


    ¡°Oh dear, I¡¯m coming!¡± Orilldera shouted with head and body turning as she stands up from her seated position.


    After a good ten minutes of shouting and crying at each other, Tanya manages to slowly but steadily climb down as she had dropped the folder into her Grandmother¡¯s hands. And as her feet touches the ground, she flings herself at her Grandmother, hugging her, feeling her warmth while she caresses Tanya¡¯s flaming hair affectionately.


    ¡°Are you two now finished with this childish behavior, so we can move on before it gets too late?¡± Ereanna chuckled at them as Orilldera¡¯s frowning eyebrows direct at the smirking old lady sitting absolutely comfortable in her grand chair behind her desk. ¡°Now, now, Ori, don¡¯t be angry at me, because we¡¯ve work to do.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you¡¯re right¡­ But do not think for one second that I don¡¯t remember you getting me drunk while you tied me around a rope, then you elevated me up in the air so I was stuck on the very top of the flagpole¡­¡± Orilldera hissed acidly at her old friend. But she sighs out while holding the sniffing Tanya in her arms. ¡°Come now, let¡¯s sit down again and see what this girl, Cerinn, is hiding.¡±


    ¡®I don¡¯t like this¡­ Have I ever shown my real face to anyone before¡­? Oh no¡­¡¯ Cerinn thought as a sudden realization hit her hard. Her eyes go wide, her mouth ajar, and the pure anxiety on her sloping head reveals her abrupt memory of being followed as a child by different servants in secret.


    Ereanna especially smiles at Cerinn with a forward bent head.


    ¡°So you do have something you¡¯re hiding, girl,¡± Ereanna said with grave eyes peering at her, which sounds out a nervous gulp from Cerinn as her whole face grimaces with that single sound in her throat.


    ¡°Here¡­¡± Orilldera said with a folder slamming onto the desk, then spins around with a scoff, to be seated next to the now embarrassed Tanya and the pitiful girl sitting at her other side who¡¯s bended so far that her face isn¡¯t showing.


    ¡°Let me read through it first. Then I¡¯ll decide if she¡¯s worthy enough to be a handmaiden, or if she¡¯s to be trusted as a member of the true Tertin faction,¡± Ereanna said as she opens the folder while her peering eyes stay on Cerinn¡¯s head. But then travels to the papers below to start reading.


    As the grandfather clock ticks away inside the office, Ereanna finally closes the folder, then stares at the young lady whose eyes gazes into hers. She shakes her head to show her displease with a tired sigh coming out between her lips.


    ¡°Well, this young lady is obviously not handmaiden material to say the least,¡± Ereanna displeasingly said as Cerinn¡¯s head slumps from hearing those words. ¡°You¡¯ve had a mischievous life here in the Sanctuary, haven¡¯t you, Cerinn Jeyver? Well, aren¡¯t you going to say something, in your defense?¡±


    ¡°N-No¡­ Gran E-Ereanna¡­¡± Cerinn replied as she begins to snivel.


    ¡°Your personality is absolutely horrendous. You Lie and manipulate to get what you want by acting innocent while you laugh at those gullible minds you deceive. And your mouth is the vilest part you¡¯ve got. The countless rumors you¡¯ve started have made people take the blame for you instead. Though, as we knew it, they weren¡¯t punished,¡± Ereanna said frowningly while Tanya and her Grandmother stares at Cerinn.


    ¡°I honestly can¡¯t comprehend why Lady Madelyn draws so many people whose personality is wicked. But I guess people of the same mind are drawn to each other. Anyhow, if anybody else were to judge you, you would¡¯ve already been thrown out of the citadel for being such a little immoral girl. I guess you didn¡¯t fall far from the tree, as your parents and grandparents were criminals.¡±


    ¡°Is that so¡­¡± Orilldera responded with pursed lips, rubbing her chin as questionable thoughts clouds her mind. ¡°Well, if I do remember correctly, she was brought in at the age of four, wasn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, she was. But she had already learned a lot from watching how her parents acted, so the sudden change of scenery, and seeing her parents die in front of her can also be counted into how her dreadful personality was shaped,¡± Ereanna said without any hint of mercy on her tongue. Only the staring eyes of judgment that know where this crying girl truly comes from. ¡°Her evaluation from the servants who watched her under her assessment month says that she can only be a regular servant in the field of¡­ cleaning.¡±


    ¡°Please¡­ Gran Ereanna, I can change¡­ Please, give me a chance¡­¡± Cerinn said with pleading hands while falling off of the chair to her knees, to begin knee walking towards the desk. ¡°Please, Ereanna, I¡¯ll do anything to become a handmaiden!¡±


    ¡°Anything, you say?¡± Ereanna asked, raising an eyebrow at this girl¡¯s forwardness to beg. But she frowns deeply upon remembering all that stood in the folder. ¡°You little rascal¡­ Do you honestly believe that you can trick me with your pathetic act of begging?¡±


    ¡°Gran Ereanna, I¡¯m not tricking youuu¡­¡± Cerinn begged further as she reaches the edge of the desk, placing her chin on the surface while fingers appear too. Only her head and the shaking pointers of eight displays in front of Ereanna.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t going anywhere¡­ Tanya, you can throw her out of the citadel, she won¡¯t become a handmaiden or be allowed to remain here with such a betrayer¡¯s personality. I, Ereanna, hereby¡ª.¡±


    ¡°NO! I UNDERSTAND, I UNDERSTAND, I WILL STOP, PLEASE!¡± Cerinn shouted at the top of her lungs as she raises herself off of the floor to slam her palms on the surface of the desk. ¡°Please! I¡¯m sorry for trying to fool you! I promise I won¡¯t ever do it again, so please forgive me!¡±


    ¡°Truly, Ereanna, don¡¯t frighten me like that,¡± Orilldera chuckled with a hand covering her mouth. Tanya too says, ¡°Really, I was wondering what you were doing. You¡¯re so cruel for putting her through thinking that she was going to be thrown out¡­¡±


    Cerinn whips her head backward to see the two ladies smiling broadly at her while her own eyes flicker as if she has missed something utterly important. As she turns back to face Ereanna, she also begins to chuckle victoriously with a smiling shake of her head.


    ¡®They¡­ they tricked me¡­¡¯ Cerinn thought shamefully as her whole face contorts in anxiety.


    ¡°Seriously, girl, are you so foolish to try to put on such an act after I¡¯ve read your entire life?¡± Ereanna answered gleefully with another headshake of pity.


    ¡°I... I know a secret that can crush Lady Madelyn and Lady Malinda¡¯s relationship with each other¡­¡± Cerinn surprisingly said all of a sudden as if her whole life depends on these words. ¡°If¡­ If you let me become a handmaiden, I won¡¯t tell anyone but you¡­ But if you don¡¯t¡­ I¡¯ll not stay quiet¡­ And I¡¯ll tell everybody about what has been said in this room!¡±


    ¡°Well, look at that¡­ Your true color finally reveals itself,¡± Tanya frowningly said.


    ¡°What secret are you speaking of?¡± Ereanna inquired with a raised gray brow.


    ¡°I won¡¯t say it until you promise that I¡¯ll become a handmaiden to Lady Malinda¡¯s man¡­¡± Cerinn demanded with crossed arms while holding her head high. As if she¡¯s looking down on them.


    ¡°Dear, we were going to make you a handmaiden anyhow. But since you offered, please, do continue,¡± Ereanna responded laughingly, still covering her own smiling mouth.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± Cerinn asked with fast flickering eyes, absolutely surprised by Ereanna¡¯s words. ¡°You were going to make me a handmaiden?¡±


    ¡°Of course, dear. Do you honestly think I wouldn¡¯t take advantage to put a little spy in the midst of Malinda¡¯s future husband¡¯s servants and handmaidens? Well, we¡¯ll see if it gets so far since much can happen on the way to their union of hands,¡± Ereanna rambled on with an uninterested hand flailing about. ¡°But now onto the point at hand; you¡¯ll be my informant as you become Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s handmaiden. You¡¯ll report to me every day of what he does, and of any suspicious behavior he shows.¡±


    ¡°And what secret did you speak of again?¡± Ereanna asked, standing up to move around her desk to be right beside the short servant. ¡°Speak, I¡¯m tired.¡±


    ¡®Damn this old lady,¡¯ Cerinn frowningly thought in defeat while pouting her lips. ¡°Y-You know about the rumor I spread?¡±


    ¡°Yes, what about it?¡± Ereanna inquired.


    ¡°What I didn¡¯t reveal was that, while Lady Madelyn masturbated in her chambers, she yelled a name, and that name was Xe¡¯Reth. I did mention that she yelled a name, but I never specifically said whose name it was,¡± Cerinn said as she revealed her only piece of treasure at her disposal.


    ¡°How can that be¡­¡± Tanya whispered as her brows furrow in disbelief. While her Grandmother smiles approvingly at Cerinn¡¯s effectiveness.


    ¡°Interesting¡­ Interesting indeed; so Cerinn, do you want to become a handmaiden while secretly working for me, or do you want to be thrown out of the citadel, permanently?¡± Ereanna asked, holding forth her old hand for Cerinn to take or to be declined.


    Cerinn obviously takes ahold of Ereanna¡¯s hand while she nods with a smiling mouth widely open, ¡°Yes! I¡¯ll work for you! I¡¯ll do it! I¡¯ll report anything! Anything as long as I don¡¯t need to leave!¡±


    ¡°Now that settles it then. And Tanya, I¡¯ll trust you not to reveal what has been said here today to our Mistress, do you understand?¡± Ereanna asked as her whole body turns to the flame-haired Tanya.


    As their eyes watch each other¡¯s, Tanya breathes out a long sigh of exhaustion, ¡°I understand, Gran. And since it¡¯s for Malinda¡¯s safety and future, I¡¯ll go along, but don¡¯t go too far, okay?¡±


    Ereanna smilingly nods, ¡°You can be rest assured that we¡¯ll keep it to a minimum, but it all depends on how Xe¡¯Reth acts when he¡¯s not by our Mistress¡¯ side¡­¡±


    ¡°Finally, the time has come to drown the usurpers.¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Hopefully, I didn''t mess up too much while being sick. I''ll try to write when I feel a little bit better.


    I kinda revealed something huge in this chapter. :D


    Well, anyhow, I''m feeling under the weather, so I''ll probably just go to bed for now.


    Until... Next Time!


    Comment/Follow/Favorite!


    <hr />

 28 - The Betrayal of a Loved One

    <hr />


    The Betrayal of a Loved One


    <hr />


    In the brightly lit dining hall sits Maldoran.


    As he props various foods of delicacy into his mouth, he chews and swallows in a somewhat beastly manner, which his sister frowns embarrassingly at. But Malinda herself has also dishes that have been placed there by the servants when they had come back from the kitchen.


    They had come with platters in hand, then as only three people were seated by the table, they stood on either side of the seated individuals while setting down the plates filled with warm food that seeped up in the air to give the dining hall an aroma of fine-carved meat with gravy; potatoes, vegetables of different colors. Also a little bit beside the placed tableware, a bowl of vegetable soup which¡¯s exactly the same as what Madelyn ate, but ranging from a more diverse selection.


    Bread, cheese, ham, butter, and many other toppings that go along with appetizers to settle the growling stomachs, but since the main dish came right away, Malinda and Maldoran had just begun eating while Malinda tried to show Xe¡¯Reth which silverware he needed to use. Maldoran had intently watched Xe¡¯Reth as he propped dish after dish. Though to Malinda¡¯s, Maldoran¡¯s and the servants¡¯ surprise, Xe¡¯Reth knew which silverware was used on which.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    Now, here in this dining hall, all three of them eats as Malinda keeps a close eye on her man beside her, so he doesn¡¯t mess up, but from her brother¡¯s sudden chuckling voice, her eyes direct to him with a questioning flicker, ¡°Lad, you certainly surprise me. Even though I¡¯m not currently exerting myself to dine with elegance, but you, how have you learned the etiquette of nobility?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m also wondering about that actually¡­ Xe¡¯Reth, where have you learned it?¡± Malinda too questioned with pursing lips while holding a spoon ready with steamy sauce which drips into the bowl of soup.


    With a blow, Xe¡¯Reth coolly puts his own spoon into his mouth as he then says with a satisfied smile, ¡°My mother, she has always been jealous of nobles. And through her jealousy, she tried to become the finest lady she could possibly be while rubbing everything she learned onto me because there are always books that can teach anything as long as you have the stomach to learn. Which she had.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see, your mother taught you,¡± Maldoran said with a nodding head of approval, which eases his suspicious heart. Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s posture, his air isn¡¯t that of a commoner, though now when Xe¡¯Reth explained it to him, Maldoran believes that this lad isn¡¯t so bad after all. ¡®Oh well, since I¡¯ll be seeing him a lot from now on, I better take care of him¡­ so little sister doesn¡¯t begin to hate me.¡¯


    Malinda lowers her spoon into the bowl as her other hand places on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder while she smilingly says, ¡°I remember now, yes, your mother also taught you how to dance, didn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Dance?!¡± Maldoran shouted in surprise as his body bends forward, to stare wide-eyed at Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°Indeed, brother! You should¡¯ve seen what he did to me! It was as if he had control over my entire body. That feeling of trust to surrender one¡¯s own self to sway in flowing movements is truly heartwarming¡­ It reminded me of father¡­¡± Malinda said in a daze while having a wide smile, but she coughs in embarrassment as both her brother¡¯s and Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes gazes at her; one with flickering lids and one with a raised scarred brow of wonder. ¡°I¡­ I mean¡­ I¡ªXe¡¯Reth is just a good dancer, that¡¯s all¡ªLet¡¯s not talk about it any further.¡±


    Malinda picks up her soup-filled spoon, then sticks it in her mouth while she surprisingly pouts with a head turning away from them. Which causes Maldoran to chuckle loudly at her new way of womanhood.


    ¡°Hahaha, really, baby sister! You¡¯ve changed so quickly into a little girl, it¡¯s almost as if I don¡¯t recognize you anymore in that innocent manner! It¡¯s simply hilarious! Hahaha!¡± Maldoran laughed as he leans back in his throne of a seat while hitting the armrest with his fist to try to ease his own laughter.


    ¡°Brother, stop laughing at this instant or I¡¯ll have to¡ª!!¡± Malinda growlingly shouted as she interrupts herself. Her gaze wanders to Xe¡¯Reth whose eyes show slight bafflement, but instead of finishing what she wanted to yell, she says, ¡°Just stop it, okay? It¡¯s not funny, I¡¯m just my regular self¡­¡±


    ¡°Gahahaha, your regular self?!¡± Maldoran snorted a laugh as he bangs on the armrest a little more, ¡°Oh no, dear baby sister, you¡¯ve changed! For the better even! Indeed! Indeed! And maybe you¡¯ll also need to retire from the army?! Because you¡¯ll be needing a lot of rest from the intense nights that you two will have!!¡± Hahaha! Haha¡ªahhh?!¡±


    *Shriek*


    A silvery knife soar through the air, then with a thud, it splits the wood as the knife embeds itself right next to Maldoran¡¯s head, making him gulp in utter fright with a frozen body, while the servants standing by the walls have various faces on them; hands covering their agape mouths, eyes gawking at the silver tip which¡¯s protruding at the backrest of the throne-like chair, and their pure fear for Malinda who stares at her brother with a deadly gaze.


    ¡°I told you to shut up, you big oaf, I¡¯ll not say it again,¡± Malinda uttered with wide staring eyes looking directly at her fear grimacing brother. But again she realizes what she just did. Her eyes go to Xe¡¯Reth this time. He¡¯s actually smiling at the knife in amazement, though with one flick of his eyes, he returns to his normal self as he turns to Malinda.


    ¡°Well, that was something I¡¯ve never seen before,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a slight chuckle in his voice, which make Malinda breathe out a sigh of relief as she listens to his forgiving words. ¡°You okay Maldoran?¡±


    ¡°Wah?! Ah! Yes¡­ Yes of course. Haha, of course, I am okay, Xe¡¯Reth. And you¡¯re right, sister, you haven¡¯t changed at all, not at all¡­ Not at all,¡± Maldoran said as he slumps forward to begin eating again while his eyes stare alertly at his sister so she doesn¡¯t lash out at him again for good measure. But as he catches her worried expression, he fights on. ¡°But¡­ Sister¡­ You¡¯ve done it with him, right? You know.¡±


    He raises his hands while forming a circle with two fingers, then with one single finger on his other hand, he stabs into the circle, in and out, in and out while Malinda stares at his weird motion, which she actually wonders what he means by it. Though as Xe¡¯Reth leans to Malinda, he whispers, ¡°It means if we¡¯ve had sex yet.¡±


    Malinda turns bright red as she now gazes with clarity at her brother¡¯s moving hands. Her lips shake as she tries to speak, but her eye twitches, no, spasms as her anger boils and boils in her mind, then with a stuttering scream, she releases every bit of her rage, ¡°B-B-B-Bro-Brother, enough!!!!¡±


    Even the spoon in Malinda¡¯s hand bends with her grip strength, which Xe¡¯Reth chuckles at in even more amazement. ¡®Will I be capable enough to show my dominance in bed? Or will she be the one on top and I be on the bottom? No, she¡¯ll probably be as scared as she was when we first kissed, as innocent as she can be. Though as time goes on, will she take the lead when she becomes more comfortable? No, I¡¯ll not let her¡­¡¯


    ¡°Okay¡ªOkay¡ªOkay¡ªOkay, I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯ll stop!¡± Maldoran worriedly shouted with hands covering his face to guard from any flying objects, but no objects fly towards him, only the staring eyes of his sister that tries to calm down while her crimson lip twitches in fury. ¡°I¡­ I was only joking around, alright? Baby sister?¡±


    ¡°Maldoran,¡± Xe¡¯Reth interrupted, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t speak about such activities when she¡¯s very innocent at heart. Today was her first kiss with me, even though such a simple act took a lot out of her, so go easy on her, alright?¡± Xe¡¯Reth mused teasingly to clear the brewing storm which has laid itself thick in the dining hall.


    Even the servants wonder what Maldoran meant by those hand gestures he made, but when one servant who¡¯s well-informed in sexual information whispers to the clueless ones, they go bright red as Malinda is right now.


    Malinda whips her head at Xe¡¯Reth with eyes ajar as she stutters sobbingly, ¡°X-Xe¡¯Reth¡­ N-Not you too¡­¡±


    ¡°But in all seriousness, sister, you¡¯re acting like a child. You blush here, and throw tantrum there, while Xe¡¯Reth isn¡¯t moved by such mature talk. Really, who¡¯s the older one in your relationship?¡± Maldoran continued as he scolded jokingly, with a fork-holding hand flailing about as if he¡¯s painting in the air. ¡°You said you were seventeen when we finished our chat about the perpetrators, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, I¡¯m around seven years younger than Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth replied with a nod as he cuts into the steak while red blood and fat seeps out, staining the gravy, making an oily wave push the brown sauce away.


    ¡°Brother¡­ I warn you. If I think what you¡¯re thinking of, don¡¯t utter a single word of it. What does it matter what age he is? I love him, that¡¯s all that matters,¡± Malinda frowningly said with a sliced piece of bread in one hand, while having a wooden butter knife in her other, which she wipes with. Then she puts it beside Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s plate as she licks her buttery fingers, ¡°Here, Xe¡¯Reth, try dipping the bread into the soup, it¡¯s delicious.¡±


    ¡°Sister¡­ don¡¯t be such a mother. If he wanted to try something as weird that, he¡¯d do it himself. But honestly, I never get why you spoil the bread with soup instead of having toppings,¡± Maldoran said with a shaking head of disapproval as he sticks a big bit of steak into his mouth. ¡°Mmhm. Smeriously, dmipping ims smo unmladylike¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll not speak about how I eat; just look at him Xe¡¯Reth, don¡¯t you think he eats like a complete pig?¡± Malinda retorted with a pointing knife directed at her brother, which he recoils from by putting up his hands in reflex.


    Some of the servants surprisingly even nod in agreement with Malinda but returns to be frozen in place by the wall as she catches their slight movement with their heads.


    ¡°Well, I am kind of surprised how un-nobly you act, Maldoran,¡± Xe¡¯Reth answered as he gazes at the smirking brother-in-law to be while Maldoran reaches out with his hand to pick up his glass of fine red wine. ¡°Though, I¡¯m guessing you normally don¡¯t act like this when your wife, Celyssa, is here, right?¡±


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re quite right!¡± Maldoran shouted favorably as he swirls with his glass, then smells the aroma of the wine. ¡°If she were to see how I acted right now, she would have such a fit over it! Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°But Xe¡¯Reth my boy, do try some wine!¡± Maldoran offered as only a container of water have been placed by him and Malinda. He knows that Malinda doesn¡¯t ever drink anything that¡¯s unhealthy, only a diet of regular food for a noble and water, simply water. ¡°It is imported from the other side of the ocean where the most expensive delicacies come from. I¡¯ve only been there once with my wife before we got Merissa, truly a paradise for those who have the means of wealth. Come, try some.¡±


    Maldoran raises his hand, then with a wave, a servant obediently begins to walk calmly towards Xe¡¯Reth, but before the servant reaches the table, Malinda thrusts forth her hand, and with a high serious voice, she yells, ¡°Stop right there! You¡¯ll not urge Xe¡¯Reth to begin drinking such filth called wine! Water is the purest form of drink which he and I will only need. So, shoo, go back and stand by the wall, go!¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth has been quiet while listening, but being controlled of what to eat and drink isn¡¯t something he¡¯ll allow Malinda to do. He takes Malinda¡¯s one hand as he squeezes it while saying disobediently, ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll have some, Maldoran.¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth!¡± Malinda barked with wide eyes as she¡¯s stunned by his sudden answer, feeling his gripping hand at the same time. Yet before she utters anything else, Xe¡¯Reth retorts with a smile, ¡°Malinda, honey¡­ We¡¯ve had a rough day, and I¡¯ve never tasted such luxury as wine. So would it really be that bad to taste it just this once?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡­ Well, no¡­¡± Malinda replied with a grimacing expression as she tries to get out her words.


    All this time of never giving into anything that could harm her own body has fortified her resolution of these kinds of actions. Though now? Does she really need to keep up with her stubborn ways of a trained mind? A mind that only thinks of upcoming wars, training her body to be fit, and to feel relaxed as she waits for the battle by the Ebon Wall. Is it really worth to restrict Xe¡¯Reth to her ideals? She shakes her head in dismay as her own foolish way of control collapses entirely.


    ¡°I, I guess only this once you can try¡ª,¡±


    ¡°¡ªNo, you too Malinda. Because you¡¯ve had a dreadful day. Your mind needs to let go of its worries completely,¡± Xe¡¯Reth cut her off as he raises his gripping hand to kiss hers. ¡°And it¡¯ll be easier to go to sleep together later. So let¡¯s drink for today since it is really my first time drinking alcohol. I would enjoy drinking it with you.¡±


    ¡°A-All right, I guess it wouldn¡¯t hurt to try it for once¡­¡± Malinda said with a slow nod while gazing into his eyes. Blushing cheeks sprout on her face also when his lips had touched her hand.


    ¡°Pfffttt¡ªHahaha! You know how to handle women, Xe¡¯Reth! But be careful so you don¡¯t make her do things she will regret later. Haa!? Haa!?¡± Maldoran laughingly said with a slapping hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, yet weak since he¡¯s still worried about Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s current condition. ¡°That settles it then! Now, fill their glasses with blood, haha!¡±


    With that, the servant who stopped midway to the table, continues to walk to be positioned between Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda. Though upon making eye contact with the Lady in question, the servant¡¯s head droop with a grimace for being on serving duty. Angering someone like her will truly put her at a disadvantage against all of the other servers in the kitchen.


    As Xe¡¯Reth stares at the servant whose clothed-covered bust display before him, he goes wide-eyed for a split second. For two giant mountains bulge as she pours Malinda¡¯s empty wine glass to be entirely full. Malinda, however, grumbles at this servant¡¯s overly large breasts because they surely aren¡¯t supposed to be that big. Even the perfume exudes off of her uniformed body which Xe¡¯Reth scents fully yet totally unmoved by it.


    With Malinda¡¯s glass brimming with redness, the servant turns her attention to the striking young man sitting right next to her, and as their eyes now make eye contact, she becomes entirely frozen because he stares with those peering globes of shadows.


    Never have she witnessed such a trait in anyone in the citadel before. Sure, she saw him from afar, but what most people don¡¯t know about her, her eyes, they can¡¯t see far away objects clearly. And she hasn¡¯t had the courage to request glasses, so none knows of her poor eyesight.


    Her agape eyes gaze directly into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s, while he raises his curious scarred eyebrow at her cease of movement.


    ¡°What is the matter? Why are you standing there all aloof?¡± Malinda questioned as the servant doesn¡¯t move a muscle, instead, she¡¯s gawking at Xe¡¯Reth as if he¡¯s some newly found species. Even Maldoran squints at the servant¡¯s frozen state, but before the servant responds, Malinda becomes furious at this servant¡¯s boldness. ¡°Answer me, dammit!!¡±


    As Malinda pulls the servant¡¯s shoulder to turn her towards her, a gasp of surprise exhales out of the servant¡¯s mouth as her dazed mind becomes wide awake. Though with Malinda¡¯s unexpected yank of her uniform, the servant¡¯s newly startled awareness drops the container holding the wine as everyone¡¯s eyes go wide, even the servants by the wall. But Xe¡¯Reth, he watches the container fall from the grimacing servant¡¯s hands; her own doom awaits her.


    With one smiling curve, Xe¡¯Reth stretches out so the container lands on his palm neatly.


    The servant has closed eyes because the can¡¯s material is see-through glass. It would¡¯ve made such a crash on the granite floor, but thankfully as the servant¡¯s eyes open up to witness no doom, only a man¡¯s hand balancing the glass container, she sighs out shuddering air.


    ¡°What madness were thinking of?!¡± Malinda furiously shouted as she stands to grab ahold of the servant to turn her directly towards her. The servant tries to recoil in utter terror upon her face, but Malinda¡¯s clutching hands hold her tightly in place. ¡°If this is some kind of joke trying to shame him, I¡¯ll see to it that you¡¯re put to the worst duty in the entire citadel!!¡±


    ¡°Nooo, Lady Malinda¡­ I wasn¡¯t, I wasn¡¯t trying to do anything¡­¡± the servant pleaded weakly with retreated hands under her chin, trying to not cry about her grave mistake in dazing out right in front of the two powerful persons in the entire citadel. ¡°Please¡­ I¡­ I was just taken aback by your lover¡­ I¡¯ve never seen eyes as black as that before¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ Please, I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Malinda¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth frowningly said, standing up to glare angrily at his lover, which she goes wide-eyed at in shame for she probably showed such a contorted expression while she yelled. Making her hands relax as she releases the servant, but the servant remains frozen in place between the chairs, the center of attention. ¡°Sit down, now. She didn¡¯t do it on purpose. Her eyes were just in complete surprise. And with your dragging, of course, she would be startled out of her mind. Now sit.¡±


    Malinda, wide-eyed as her mouth open in bafflement; Maldoran, whose eyes flicker in slight respect for ordering her proud sister so strictly. But what take him aback the most, Malinda furrows her brows as she tamely sits down again while crossing her arms with pouting lips and head in the direction of the giant painting of her father, her mother, her sister, her brother, and herself.


    ¡°You can go back to your position by the wall, we¡¯ll pour our own drinks, now go on. And don¡¯t look so sad, it was just an honest mistake. No harm was done, right?¡± Xe¡¯Reth smilingly comforted the shriveling servant who¡¯s in her late teens, same age as him, yet her bust has totally grown out of proportion.


    With a saddened nod from the girl, she walks away as she gazes with a turned body so no death stare comes from Malinda, but no gaze, nothing, only the man who saved her from enduring punishment by the hand of his lover.


    Maldoran chuckles happily as the server strides past him in quick movements to stand at her regular position by the wall. Then while Malinda¡¯s mood has been spoilt completely, Xe¡¯Reth directs his attention to his lovely dressed lady. He leans in as one hand touches the back support of the chair to place his palm on Malinda¡¯s turned cheek, to move it to look into his eyes, which she does submissively.


    Her face, filled with sorrow on her almost closed eyes, downturned mouth, and lowered furrowed brows. She isn¡¯t any better than her sister for scolding that servant so harshly.


    Nothing even happened, yet she struck forth without thinking of the consequences that might come of it. This temperamental trait of hers, she has trained to not act like an arrogant noble, only when the need arises can she switch it on, but not against a servant that didn¡¯t mean to do what she did. She must count on that some servants in the citadel have never seen a young man before.


    As she looks into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes, she utters, ¡°I¡­ apologize, I just. I¡¯ve no¡­¡±


    ¡°It has been a harsh day for you and me both, my Malinda, my love,¡± Xe¡¯Reth whispered with a slightly crouched body. She¡¯s actually pouting with her lips in an innocent way that asks for attention since she doesn¡¯t want to ruin the rest of the evening. But his words, ah, his words of simply brushing it off as if it didn¡¯t even happen, it strengthens her resolution, though before she can give him a kiss of gratitude, he reaches with his arms while coiling them around her body to embrace her fully. ¡°Now, let us continue to celebrate. Let us drown in the mind-numbing effect of the wine. Then as the dinner is finished, we¡¯ll head to bed. To sleep together for the first time; to feel our warm bodies against each other. Come, brighten up to show me how beautiful you can be, and not your saddened self, I hate seeing you in pain¡­¡±


    ¡°Is everything all right?¡± Maldoran asked as he only hears muttering from Xe¡¯Reth yet not catching the words. But with Malinda¡¯s face changing from a grief-stricken woman to a fawning woman of love, his eyebrows raise in surprise as his sister gains a gorgeous smile on her lips while Xe¡¯Reth lets go of her to sit down again, all coolly.


    ¡°Yes¡­ Yes, brother. Everything is all right. I just embarrassed myself, that¡¯s all,¡± Malinda responded as she breathes out her worries. ¡°Now, let¡¯s continue eating and put this event behind us.¡±


    ¡°If¡­ If you say so, but really, you can be so alike your sister sometimes that it isn¡¯t even funny, especially your mood swings,¡± Maldoran sighed in disappointment but rasps his throat as Malinda glares at him. ¡°Okay¡ªOkay¡ªI got it. Lad, if only I was so outgoing when I was at your age, then maybe¡­¡±


    ¡°I mean¡ªWomen, right Xe¡¯Reth?! Haaha?! Haa?!¡±


    As slap after slap bombard Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, he simply chuckles to not make the situation any worse than it already is. Then Malinda picks up the wine container. She takes the initiative to pour Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s empty glass to be completely full.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, let¡¯s taste together,¡± Malinda said as she places the container down, then offer his glass to him, without him having a choice to choose because he wanted to drink, and drink he shall do. A lot. ¡®I¡¯ll show Xe¡¯Reth that I¡¯m not so easily influenced by alcohol¡­ But¡­ what if I am?¡¯


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Why, thank you, honey,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said half-jokingly with white teeth fully showing as he takes the offered glass casually off of Malinda¡¯s hand.


    ¡°To you two, I guess!¡± Maldoran shouted with a raised wine glass while Xe¡¯Reth does the same, so do Malinda with a smile on her lips.


    ¡°To us,¡± Malinda celebrated with a clink of her glass against Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s.


    ¡°To us,¡± Xe¡¯Reth smilingly replied, directing all of his attention to his lovely maiden who also smiles beautifully as if her whole world revolves around this very moment. ¡°And for the years to come.¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Mistress¡­? Please, open up and tell us what¡¯s the matter,¡± Liriana pleaded with head pressed against the door that leads into Madelyn¡¯s bedchamber. Only Liriana, the red-headed Velyn, and Velyn¡¯s twin sister stands outside, trying to urge their Mistress in opening the door. But to no avail since as soon as the servants who escorted Cerinn through Malinda¡¯s wing came back, they had told what happened in great detail.


    About how they were stopped by her sister¡¯s lover. He whose hair and eyes are black. It struck Madelyn¡¯s furious mind into total confusion and turmoil. First she didn¡¯t think it was Xe¡¯Reth that they spoke of, but then when they said his name, she froze in place.


    Nobody knows Madelyn¡¯s love interest, except Celyssa. But she has no idea that the shorty heard the name, the name of Xe¡¯Reth which she had screamed in complete ecstasy as her midnight joy of pleasure sounded out in her entire bedchamber. Though never would she have thought that a servant was eavesdropping through the door, standing in the very room where she had been sentenced; Cerinn the Cunning heard the name of who she loved, who she screamed for.


    But now inside the bedchamber she weeps and weeps, not hearing the voices of her worried handmaidens. She lies on her glorious bed, looking up at the spectacular ceiling where carved granite of different women displays, the women of the Tertin line who came before her; her grand, grand, grandmother. And many other Tertin women has lived in this very chamber, yet now it belongs to Madelyn.


    She weeps as she turns over to lie on her belly with tears staining the white linen sheets, pillows, and cover. Her whole body, which¡¯s covered by her loose garment completely show her untrained curves. Not plump, and not skinny, only a perfection of fat and bone, while her bosoms push into the bed as her sorrow continues to drain her water supply of tears.


    ¡°Mistress, let us in! We want to help! Tell us what we can do to help!¡± Liriana shouted with a muffled voice outside the door. But no response returns to the anxious handmaidens.


    When the sudden name of Xe¡¯Reth popped up from the two escorts, Madelyn had screamed with all her fury for every single servant to return to their duties, then she stormed into her bedchamber. Locking it, too.


    Only Madelyn has a key and none other. And that worries the handmaidens the most. They care for their Mistress deeply, even with Madelyn¡¯s dreadful nature. Yet they¡¯re also scared that she might lash out at them too, so the three of them has just positioned themselves by the double door patiently.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be him¡ªIt mustn¡¯t be him¡­¡± Madelyn muttered with her head buried in her pillow, soaking it as liquid moisten the material. Her reddened cheek pulsates in pain as it presses. ¡°Why¡­? Why is Xe¡¯Reth with sister¡­? Why is my sister with him¡­? I¡­ I d-don¡¯t understand¡­¡±


    Her hidden face grimaces dearly, yet she rolls to her back to reveal her swollen eyes of sorrow. She has cried for too long, she has thought for too long, and now she has come to the maddening conclusion: Her precious eldest sister stole him from her. ¡®How can she do this to me¡­? She must¡¯ve known from how I acted towards him at the Ebon Wall yesterday¡­ And by the breakfast table¡­ To¡­ to take that which is mine¡­ That, that whore! How dare she¡­?!''


    ''I SAW HIM FIRST! THREE YEARS AGO! HE IS MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE! HOOOOWW DAAAREEE YOOOUUU, SISTEEEERRR!!!?!?!?!??!¡¯


    Yes, it happened three years ago.


    In the outer castle ground where Celyssa had arranged the trials to become a part of Madelyn¡¯s newly formed squadron of archers. People from all ranks, the poor, commoners of different backgrounds, and nobles from both low and high came. They were let into the third layer of the city for that single day of tryouts.


    Since Madelyn¡¯s status is an Honored One, the masses flocked to the trials for the chance to gaze upon a girl of utter wealth and power. However, not only Madelyn, but her brother, her sister, her niece, and of course, the hardworking Celyssa who put everything in place for that spectacular day came to support her.


    It was an early morning by one of the outer castle ground¡¯s training yards; a giant square field of fine beige sand which had been imported from the kingdom¡¯s beaches by the ocean. They had built stands on two sides of the square formation where people sat to gaze upon the participants as they were given number after number to indicate when it was their turn.


    The Tertin family and their invited guests of nobility had situated themselves on a pavilion overlooking the training field. Like a stadium where people gaze at the combatants, but this time, no combat, only an event put up for the sake of having some kind of formality in recruiting teenagers into Madelyn¡¯s service.


    Families of nobility and high ranked citizens were located on one side, and on the other, the poorer families who wanted their child to succeed in joining the Honored archer squadron of Madelyn because the pay of that particular squad was higher than normal squads¡¯ salaries.


    Advertisements had spread all around the city and in the Tertinum domain weeks before this particular occasion.


    Merely teenagers between thirteen and seventeen were allowed to join the trials, for the reason, Madelyn didn¡¯t want to have anyone higher in age than her. Because she wanted to be the leader, even though her leadership material counted for squat. But, Madelyn wasn¡¯t the one who instigated the idea of becoming a commander of a squad. Her brother, Maldoran came up with it. Otherwise, she would¡¯ve lazed around all day, every day.


    Of course, she tried to decline, though when Celyssa came into the fray, she agreed with her husband, which made Madelyn lower her head in obedience. Her current wealth wasn¡¯t given to her until she became eighteen years old. That was why she hadn¡¯t a choice but to suck it up. To act as an Honored Lady. To show no weakness of childish behavior. To appear as beautiful as she can be.


    To gaze out onto the beige field of hardworking girls and boys who fired arrow after arrow at the circle targets, to hit dead center, but alas, people who missed their targets were ultimately shamed to not be accepted into the Honored archer squad.


    ¡°Do not dare to sit down, Madelyn,¡± Celyssa strictly demanded while an eleven-year-old girl had glued onto her, and that girl was Merissa. A year of blindness had she suffered since her eyesight vanished. ¡°You must show that you¡¯ve an interest in their effort in coming here today, so stand with a head held high, chest forward, and hands behind your back, chop, chop, do it now.¡±


    Madelyn stood by the handrail of the pavilion, leaning with her light plated arms to overlook at the meaningless activity before her. But she sighed with an uninterested shake of her loose blond-haired head as her body straightened to stand upright, right as Celyssa instructed.


    ¡°My dear, Merissa, say aaahhh,¡± Maldoran said who¡¯s seated beside his wife and daughter while forwarding a bagel for Merissa to eat. Her favorite. She always got what she wanted because of her blindness, moreover since her parents didn¡¯t want her to ever feel depressed.


    The current dark world in front of her eyes.


    ¡°Noo!¡± Merissa pouted, with an arm whipping randomly to try to hit her father¡¯s bagel-holding hand, but failed miserably.


    ¡°But, but, it¡¯s your favorite¡­¡± Maldoran urged with a somewhat childlike voice as he too pouted with his lips.


    ¡°No! I don¡¯ wanna eaat!¡± Merissa shouted with an arm flailing about to seek her goal, but yet again she failed to reach her father¡¯s hand since he retreated back with a saddened grimace. A stubborn little princess he had there in front of himself.


    ¡°But honey, you must eat. Because it¡¯ll be a long day of archery until everyone has finished and been chosen to join your aunt¡¯s squadron,¡± Maldoran insisted with a stricter tone, yet had a gentle smile of certain victory.


    ¡°Humph,¡± Merissa declared with pouting lips and an opened palm stretching toward her father¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± Maldoran said, patting his daughter¡¯s head, then placed the bagel into her small pale hand.


    It didn¡¯t take long before another ¡°Humph,¡± requested one more bagel while Merissa¡¯s content expression revealed every bit of joy she held in munching down the chocolate balls with sprinkled white flake topping. Her mouth, stained with brown stickiness which her mother wiped off when her daughter tugged at her lavish sleeve.


    ¡°Malinda, my dear, how about you?¡± Maldoran offered his stationary sister beside him who sat staring out at the field, yet with stone-cold eyes traveling to him, she simply did a closed-eyed shake of her head, then again began staring out at the diligent teenagers. A mid-twenty-year-old Malinda whose strictness was overly grim at that point of time. While behind the Tertin family, handmaidens of Madelyn, Malinda, Celyssa, and Merissa stood in a complete obedient line.


    The flame-haired sisters, Taryna, and Tanya were there, yet the Battle-Mistress Recina was unaccounted for. The head-handmaiden, Linadra, and her daughter, Liriana, were surprisingly seated on chairs since Linadra did sway what went on in the citadel, and outside too. Madelyn¡¯s other handmaidens, Velyn, and her twin sister stood behind the empty chair belonging to their Mistress, for Madelyn must show herself fully to the masses of people who had gathered.


    Madelyn wore obsidian and crimson colored light plate armor to display her battle prowess, which she didn¡¯t have. Yet, it¡¯s the same armor she had on the Ebon Wall when she bullied Xe¡¯Reth out of his money. Only an appearance for the eye-sparkling gazes of all the people who want to witness an Honored family, their rulers of Tertinum City and its domain.


    ¡®Damn you brother. Why did you have to put this in motion all of a sudden¡­ I was happy doing absolutely nothing,¡¯ Madelyn grumbled in her mind as her eyes wandered about the sandy field.


    None of the firing teenagers caught her interest. The teenagers¡¯ eyes, however, nervously peered behind, up to the high pavilion above them to witness the sisters of beauty. Both girls and boys wouldn¡¯t miss the chance to gawk at them if they had the opportunity.


    Though, as the line of teenagers became shorter and shorter the longer the day went, it had come to the last group to fire.


    It was rather simple of how one could get into Madelyn¡¯s squad: Every individual got five arrows. They were required to hit the painted targets which stood fifty meters ahead. The minimum of arrows that needed to hit was three out of five, so of course, those who had no experience in archery were eliminated immediately from the trials.


    Maldoran¡¯s middle gate¡¯s high ranked soldiers handled the process and were the judges.


    Then, as the last group readied themselves to fire, Madelyn¡¯s eyes flickered. Below, down by the field¡¯s firing range stood Xe¡¯Reth whose black hair displayed fully in the sunlight, while his length was that of an eleven-year-old. Tiny for a fourteen-year-old boy. Yet his height was the special component that made Madelyn stare at him.


    Her family were chatting with the invited guests who brought along their sons and daughters to try to gain some kind of response from the two Tertin maidens. Well, at least, they tried but ultimately failed because Madelyn had to stand in a proud stance for the gathered people, and Malinda, they didn¡¯t dare to interrupt her, since her expression said it all. People with ulterior motives, people with different masks to hide their deceitfulness, and people whose kind-heartedness had no agenda other than to support their Lord and Lady of the city.


    As she stood there gazing at the short kid, her eyebrows furrow in disgust with a raised lip; his clothes, filthy and tattered. But his face was hidden for she stared at his back while he readied his bow of darkness.


    People began to point and laugh as they saw the boy with such a bow in his hands. The bow was actually longer than his height.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t the age restriction fourteen to seventeen?!¡±


    ¡°Indeed! What kind of nerve does that rascal have, to try to join our city¡¯s Honored Lady¡¯s squad? But oh well, let him suffer humiliation trying to draw that bow of his with his puny body, heh.¡±


    Before the gossip could continue any further, a booming voice ringed out as it had before, ¡°GREET YOUR HONORED LORD AND LADIES!!¡±


    All of the archers turned around simultaneously, then with ten shouting voices of both girls and boys, they yelled, ¡°Thank you! Our Honored Lord and Ladies!¡±


    ¡°BOW AND SHOUT YOUR GRATEFULNESS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY THAT YOU¡¯VE BEEN GIVEN!!!¡±


    The ten recruits bowed and shouted in unison, ¡°We¡¯re extremely grateful to be given this opportunity to serve an Honored One!¡±


    ¡°TURN!!¡± the high ranked soldier shouted with such a demanding tone. The ten recruits obeyed with a turn of their bodies. ¡°DRAW!!¡±


    They drew their bows to their max with a nocked arrow. But, what people might not understand was their unexpected coordination, but it was a pamphlet of written words given to the upcoming recruits when they had gotten their numbers. Though, the teenagers of poorer background had to ask the person in front of them or behind them, because most of them couldn¡¯t even read simple letters.


    Madelyn had peered at Xe¡¯Reth when he turned around; her eyes indeed went wide as she faintly caught a glimpse of his eye color and his casual calm mask of an appearance. She had thought with a scoff, ¡®What a vicious little brat.¡¯ But as he spun to draw his bow, it was as if he didn¡¯t need an ounce of strength to pull it.


    ¡°BEGIN YOUR FIRING!¡± Maldoran¡¯s subordinate yelled with his all.


    With that, the crowd hushed. They waited for the ten arrows to hit their designated marks in utter silence. Even the arrows¡¯ sound in the air were heard as the crowd followed with their gaze.


    Then six thuds resounded in the distance.


    Six hit, four missed.


    Madelyn raised her hand, a hand which held a one-eyed monocular. As her eye traveled to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mark, she thought, ¡®Silly boy, are you even trying?¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth hit the target on the very edge of its circle.


    Her monocular hastily went to Xe¡¯Reth, and his expression as he nocked another arrow in place, totally indifferent to his terrible hit. With another arrow going off, Madelyn quickly moved her head to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s target.


    Another terrible hit at the edge, yet on the other side. And again she stared at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s expression as he slightly turned to nock his arrow on his string. Completely calm. No worry, nothing. Only eyes inspecting his fellow opponents; calculating how amateurish they were.


    He released his arrow and as Madelyn went to his target, she couldn¡¯t believe it, ¡®He missed¡­ I guess it was too much for this senseless boy¡­¡¯


    She lowered her hand to turn around, her family oblivious to her sudden interest, but only a slight fixation because it wasn¡¯t every day that one witnessed a black haired boy, a short one at that, with a bow longer than the boy¡¯s height.


    Madelyn shook her head in pity as her monocular raised while closing one eye.


    Another miss.


    ¡®Tsk, hit the target, foolish boy, hit it! It mustn¡¯t be that hard! HIT IT!¡¯ Madelyn surprisingly cheered for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s luck unintentionally. And yet again, his appearance, utterly unfazed by his terrible aim. One last shot, he needed to succeed in his last shot, otherwise, he would be eliminated from joining Madelyn¡¯s squad.


    With a gulp, Madelyn traced her monocular to his target, to wait for that thud. The thud of a victorious success was what Madelyn wanted to hear. But what she couldn¡¯t witness was Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s sudden smirk as he let go of his last arrow.


    Madelyn¡¯s eyes, wide as they could get. He hit dead center. And she actually smiled at his achievement. She even started to laugh in a somewhat baffled way.


    ¡°Madelyn, stop laughing at them, it¡¯s unladylike,¡± Celyssa said all of a sudden, thinking that she was laughing at the teenagers who lost because Celyssa knew Madelyn all to well. But oh how wrong could she be at this very moment in time.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry, dear Sister-In-Law,¡± Madelyn said with a smile on her rosy lips. Her body turned to her family, ¡°But it has been a¡­ very, very interesting day.¡±


    ¡°Oh? I-I¡¯m glad you liked it,¡± Celyssa replied as her eyes flickered in surprise at Madelyn¡¯s unexpected mood change. ¡°Hmm, oh yes¡­ You can return home if you want, it¡¯s getting late, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Really?!¡± Madelyn exclaimed with a wide smile of delight. Finally, the removal of these light plate garments that weighed heavily on her untrained body, making her feet extremely sore. But as she whipped her head to raise her monocular again, the boy, nowhere in sight. Though, the realization of knowing that she¡¯ll meet him again, for he hit his target three out of five sent joyous emotions around her whole body. ¡®I think it won¡¯t be so bad to spend time training with my brand new squad. He was quite cute with his little vicious appearance. I look forward to seeing him again.¡¯


    ¡°Finally, come baby sister, let¡¯s return to the citadel,¡± Malinda said while standing up to be right next to her armored little sister. Malinda¡¯s stone-cold atmosphere had vanished, to be replaced by a big sister¡¯s love. Her arm latched around Madelyn¡¯s shoulder to pull her close. ¡°How about I teach you how to draw a bow properly, huh? Huh?¡±


    With a rubbing cheek against cheek, Malinda dragged away her sudden grimacing sister into oblivion, called archery¡­


    ¡°Let go of me, you wench! I¡¯ll not be put to any more punishment! I said, let go! Ah, no, please! I was only kidding! I didn¡¯t mean to call you¡­ Noooo! Put me down you she-brute! Put me doowwwnn!¡±


    The two sisters disappeared down a flight of stairs leading down to their carriages. One walking, one being carried. One laughing, one complaining.


    So it began.


    A sudden spark of interest set aflame Madelyn¡¯s fixation for Xe¡¯Reth. And through the three years of not making any major contact with him other than being the commander of his squad and keeping her secret stare at him, only grew their rift between each other, making it larger and larger until the very moment when Madelyn bullied Xe¡¯Reth out of his well-earned reward.


    In current time, in Madelyn¡¯s bedchamber, she who loved her sister dearly, have now come to the utterly crazy conclusion, that Malinda, her dear sister, purposefully stole Xe¡¯Reth away from her¡­


    With clenched teeth grinding, she maddeningly declares in a shuddering voice, ¡°You¡­ will¡­ pay¡­ for¡­ this¡­ Taking him from me, to be your own¡­ How about I take him from you, instead, sister? Yes¡­ Yes¡­ You¡¯ll feel your heart break asunder¡­ You¡¯ll see me take him from you¡­ To be in my arms¡­ You betrayed me first, sister, I¡¯m only paying you back for your treachery¡­ Maybe I¡¯ll tie you to a chair and make you watch as I have sex with him¡­ Ha¡­ Haha¡­¡±


    ¡°HAHAHAHAHA!¡± Madelyn laughed hysterically with a damaging grimace as tears roll down her cheeks in utter sorrow, not even aware of what she just said, only a heartbroken girl whose sister have taken a piece of her core and smashed it to the ground.


    Betrayed¡­


    Malinda did it on purpose to laugh at her prized love is what Madelyn thinks.


    As her whole body continue to shake, she curls into a ball, then she commences with her agony in complete darkness.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading! And I''m sorry for the late release again. I''ve been really sick with the flu while having a high fever.


    But! Feeling better now, so, yay! :D If you see any grammar mistakes, shout out if you want!


    Anyhow, any thoughts on how the flashback was? And about how Madelyn''s sudden feeling of betrayal played out? Or anything else?


    Voice your thoughts, even making yourself known urges me on! :D


    A storm is brewing in the distance... Though, what kind of storm? :>


    Until... Next Time!


    Comment/Favorite/Follow!


    <hr />

 29 - The Crimson Blood of Influence

    <hr />


    The Crimson Blood of Influence


    <hr />


    The outdrawn humming tunes of a mother whose daughter lies in her loving embrace soothe the fourteen-year-old to begin her slumber. Merissa snuggles comfortably, taking in her mother¡¯s regular scent which she feels too often to be true. Since her recent attack on the mind and the swallowing of the mysterious pill have made her calm, calm as the present clear night sky.


    As Celyssa¡¯s humming lullaby eases her daughter into sleep, she gazes with emotional eyes, eyes of immense love yet pity, for her daughter will never escape from this agony. She remembers not when the last time she slept in her own bed for more than three days.


    The constant care of a loving mother who had imprisoned her sweet baby girl to this nightmare of darkness.


    Imprisoned she is, for the fault indeed lies in her mother because of a single disobedient act. An act of horror that she couldn¡¯t truly fulfill. An act so malevolent that she actually fears its awakening into the light.


    Would her husband gaze in utter disgust? Would he kill her immediately upon knowing what she has done? Done what her family ordered her to do?


    She fears and fears for herself yet also for her daughter. Because who would calm her down if she wasn¡¯t here? Maldoran? No, he has distanced himself from taking care of his daughter. He too fears. He feels the pain of her gazing eyes that stare into oblivion.


    But what can she do, other than to obey if they would call upon her?


    To aid them once more in genocide¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    While lying beside her daughter in a sideways position, supporting her head with her hand, Celyssa too starts to snooze with eyes closing and opening. Only the slight illumination of candles lights up the main bedroom belonging to Celyssa and Maldoran. She brought her daughter to their chamber instead of Merissa¡¯s, because she doesn¡¯t want to leave her side at this moment. She wants to hold her daughter, to be consoled of the upcoming act which¡¯ll be impending upon her sooner or later.


    She¡¯s alone with her daughter, neither servant nor handmaiden resides in this chamber, only the glorious sized bed on the far north side at the wall of the room do the mother and daughter lie as if they¡¯re a pair of sleeping children. They¡¯ve eaten and dressed in their nightgowns, one more revealing than the other while they exude the scent of newly washed bodies and hair.


    Today when Celyssa had woken up, she wanted to be embraced by her husband later tonight, to enjoy themselves as they had the evening before, but, certain unforeseen events have now stirred everything to its complete rearrangement.


    As Celyssa dazes in and out of sleep, she strokes Merissa¡¯s loose hair which was in a braid before, exactly like Celyssa¡¯s own hair, yet now, both has loose light brown hair resting on the bed¡¯s sheet and pillows of the finest fabric.


    ¡°You are my everything, my baby girl. Know that I love you eternally. And I¡¯m sorry that you have such a weak mother, a mother who can¡¯t even help her own daughter,¡± Celyssa said sadly with her hand caressing Merissa¡¯s forehead to remove the strings of hair. To neatly display her own young self in the reflection of her daughter¡¯s face so she can brood over what life she could¡¯ve had if her blindness didn¡¯t exist.


    As Celyssa continues to drift away into darkness, a knock on the double doors on the other side of the room resounds, yet quiet enough to not disturb the slumbering daughter who smiles happily in her dreams.


    Celyssa eases herself up to crawl to the edge of the bed, then sets her bare feet on the regular carpeted floor of scarlet. As she comes to the door, she casually pulls down both of the handles on either door and opens them. Her eyes flicker in surprise. The head-handmaiden Linadra stands on the other side, holding forward a fine folded letter on a silver platter. But the fastening of the melted wax has been broken into.


    Linadra¡¯s face screams horror with her lowered gaze, not having the stomach to look into her Mistress¡¯ eyes, which too reveal the terror that Celyssa so waited to come, the arrival of wicked news.


    ¡°Madam, oh Celyssa... This letter came from your family,¡± Linadra shuddered as she stretches forth her arms with a platter in her hands, bowing deeply. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to read it, but, but I couldn¡¯t hold myself back¡­ I¡¯m sorry, do forgive me.¡±


    ¡°¡­You and your husband are bound as I am to the revulsion that we so did commit¡­ For the sake of¡­¡± She grimaces with a lip rising in disgust, ¡°Meaningless ambitions, which I don¡¯t want to be a part of anymore¡­¡±


    ¡°Celyssa¡­¡± Linadra wailed silently as she straightens herself to put on her most brave yet unemotional expression, to then forward the letter with one hand while holding the platter on the other, ¡°Here, you need to read what it says¡­ It isn¡¯t¡­good¡­¡±


    Celyssa nervously takes the letter, but she doesn¡¯t open it, she instead turns around to walk to the room¡¯s table where three seats are for her, her husband, and her daughter, since on certain days they eat there as they did just moments ago, though only her daughter and her ate this time.


    The remaining dishes lie on top of the table; half-eaten food, tiny pieces of meat, potatoes, and the leftover soup. Celyssa had relieved every handmaiden and servant so she could spend time alone with her. To feed her like she has many times before, but as she sits down on the fabric-covered seat, she simply stares at the letter before her.


    A gulp declares from her throat as she slowly flaps open the letter, then she draws it out. Linadra has closed the doors as she now stands beside her Mistress. Awaiting eagerly. Yet her heart pounds heavily since she knows what kind of letter her family has sent Celyssa. A letter she had gotten years before this very moment. A letter she can¡¯t disobey, for if she declines whatever demands they need of her, her daughter will be doomed forever in her miserable state of madness.


    Celyssa then begins reading the letter, which may seem like a regular invitation from a gracious family member, but the hidden meanings that lie in the words will force Celyssa to obey, and obey she shall¡­ For her precious daughter¡¯s sake.


    ¡ª ¡°Our dear Honored sister Celyssa, we, your brother and your sisters, have so dearly missed you. We would like it, for you and your daughter, Merissa, oh, your unfortunate child, to come visit our estate, your past home. It would so gladden us to catch up, for we haven¡¯t been in contact for over a month. We do sorely miss you, you know that, don¡¯t you? Your daughter, our family¡¯s damaged diamond that can¡¯t be restored. Yet our dear sister has only birthed a single child since you married the Honored Lord Maldoran. Ah, Divine Queens! Let her daughter be healed from the darkness that binds her!¡±


    ¡°But back to the point at hand.¡±


    ¡°If this letter arrived as it should, then tomorrow morning at noon, we do hopes that you can find time to visit us because mother and father miss you also. And while you¡¯re here, more medicine for your daughter will be given to you when you return home. We so look forward to your Honored arrival.¡±


    ¡°May the Divine Queens be with you,¡±


    ¡°Your blood family, Bradinox.¡± ¡ª


    The letter slips off of Celyssa¡¯s stunned hands as it lands silently onto the table¡¯s surface. Her eyebrows furrow with clenched teeth, but her expression only shows her sudden extreme anxiety. To meet her family again after her last quarrel with them; she won¡¯t enjoy it, not at all. She would rather walk into the Forest of Scarlet alone than to meet those heartless creatures called, siblings and parents.


    ¡°Celyssa¡­?¡± Linadra asked with a tilting body to witness her Mistress¡¯ face of worry. ¡°Madam¡­?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m all right,¡± Celyssa replied as her daze breaks off, to shake her head to remove any unwanted emotions. ¡°Tomorrow morning then¡­ Prepare for the departure, and¡­ yes, for Merissa also, she¡¯ll be coming with me, no matter how much I dislike it. It¡¯ll do her good, to visit her younger cousins¡­¡±


    ¡°As you wish¡­ Madam. But, regarding the letter¡­¡± Linadra started but hesitates as she bites her lower lip. ¡°It must be about Malinda¡¯s lover; don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°Most certainly is. It will be like that day¡­ Another unfortunate soul must be put down for the sake of their ambitious ideals in becoming Honored Ones¡­ Poor young man, and his mother too, well, at least, Malinda has known what love truly feels like, even though their union will be short-lived, very short-lived¡­¡± Celyssa said, standing up while taking a hold of the letter. Then she holds it over the candle on the table, to erase any evidence, no matter how trivial it may be.


    For Celyssa and her family has mastered the arts of untraceable homicides¡­


    As she gazes at the letter, it starts to shroud itself in fire, and with fingers letting go, the blaze eats up the entire paper to turn it into black flakes of death that flies through the air, directing themselves to where the slight breeze of breaths takes them.


    ¡°Linadra¡­ Take care of everything for tonight. I am¡­ I need to be rested for tomorrow¡­ I do not want to be disturbed¡­ You may leave now¡­ And I¡¯m sorry for¡­for bringing you into this again¡­¡± Celyssa emotionally said with pausing sentences escaping from her mouth, looking directly into her head-handmaiden¡¯s eyes who stares affectionately back at her Mistress.


    ¡°I would sacrifice much more for you¡­ But I will leave you in peace to be with your daughter. Sleep tight and do not let the nightmares of worry beat you to admit defeat¡ªI¡¯ll get this room cleaned up tomorrow so it¡¯ll be spotless for your return after your meeting with¡­with them.¡± Linadra said with revulsion upon her furrowed eyebrows.


    ¡°Good,¡± Celyssa responded, turning around to walk back to her bed where the sleeping Merissa dreams away her worries. While Linadra has also moved to open the doors leading out to the magnificent corridor.


    ¡°Good night, Celyssa, my Mistress,¡± Linadra said with a bow, then closes the door without waiting for a response. Celyssa herself didn¡¯t turn around, she only stares at her neglig¨¦e-wearing daughter, not even being sheltered from the autumns air that flows throughout the citadel.


    As Celyssa raises her one knee, she places it on the bed¡¯s edge, then crawls while dragging the warm thick cover with her moving body, to shroud both of them in warmth. To be embraced as mother and daughter. To feel the warmness, that heat she needs so dearly right now.


    While puffing the pillows with a slapping hand, she lifts Merissa gently to position her in a more comfortable sleeping position, and not in her current sprawled state.


    With her daughter¡¯s back against her front side, lying in a sideways position, Celyssa places her head right next to hers on the same pillow. To have her nose beside her daughter¡¯s hair, to scent her exact similar aroma as hers. Then she drifts away into her own sleep in a complete serenity of kinship¡­


    The few candles, alight; the sound around them, noiseless.


    The flickering illumination on Celyssa and Merissa displays both of their expressions of relief; the curved smiles, the relaxed closed eyes, and the tightly embracing arms that go around Merissa under the moving cover, making her mother fall much easier asleep.


    Sleep¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Hahaha! Excellent, excellent, my boy!¡± Maldoran howled in celebration with a raised wine glass, which¡¯s empty, yet he doesn¡¯t realize it until he tries to drink from it. ¡°Mm¡­ Ha? Oh, it¡¯s empty¡­ Hahaha.¡±


    ¡°Here, Maldoran. Let me refill it for you,¡± Xe¡¯Reth offered as he raises the wine bottle which has been brought out instead of a wine container since all three of them have drunk a lot, enough to almost fill three one and a half liter bottles.


    ¡°Ah, no, no. I think I¡¯ve had my fill of wine. My head starts to get dizzy from all the drinking,¡± Maldoran said with a stopping hand raised up to decline Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s kind gesture.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s actually starting to get late, isn¡¯t it? Hmm, around eleven o¡¯clock I would guess,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said, gazing around the dining hall, trying to find a grandfather clock, but no clock resides in here, surprisingly. ¡°Oh, that reminds me, Maldoran, weren¡¯t you going to go to the war-room after eating? As it¡¯s getting very late, shouldn¡¯t you be¡ª.¡±


    ¡°AH! DEAR DIVINE QUEENS! I FORGOT ABOUT IT!¡± Maldoran startlingly shouted at the top of his lungs, raising himself off of his throne of a seat, but he certainly didn¡¯t expect to fall back down on his chair. ¡°Oh dear, my head¡­ I¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have risen so fast, Xe¡¯Reth my boy, do help me stand, as¡­ Well, sister isn¡¯t feeling so perky herself to aid me.¡±


    Malinda, oh Malinda. Her drooping head tries to stay fully awake with eyes closing and opening. Her elbows have situated themselves on the table while she supports her head with two light-skinned palms.


    She¡¯s actually drunk out of her mind. Sure, in the beginning, she was happily drinking the wine while she boasted that she felt nothing, so she kept on drinking with Xe¡¯Reth happily watching her in utter worry, but nonetheless he let her. She was enjoying it thankfully, but as she had no idea how the alcohol would affect her, she has now come to experience the agonizing dizziness of an influenced mind.


    She gazes at the moving flame in front of her, a candleholder with several burning lights, yet one of them caught her fixated eyes. She has been staring at the movements of the candle for some time now, not hearing or noticing her surroundings. Only her newly tired body drains her of any will to look around the dining hall.


    Even the servants stare in wide-eyed worry, shock, and joy since they¡¯ll be able to tell every single servant in the citadel about Malinda¡¯s weakness to wine or any other beverage that makes people drunk.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of her, so don¡¯t you worry because I¡¯m still surprisingly sane, for the moment at least,¡± Xe¡¯Reth smilingly said, placing his one hand on Malinda¡¯s shoulder, to try to gain a response, but no such thing returns, only the snoozing breaths from Malinda¡¯s sighs sounds out in exhaust. ¡°Here, let me help you up.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth stands up from Malinda¡¯s grand seat with a slight grimacing expression of fakeness, to move right next to Maldoran¡¯s throne-like chair. As he lifts Maldoran¡¯s large arm around his shoulder, he carefully supports the big oaf while Maldoran raises himself much more slowly with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s help, then as one hand of Maldoran¡¯s touches his own temple, he groans out, ¡°Oh, thank you, lad. I¡­ I think I can take it from here. And by the way, that idea about the construction you mentioned which can aid the battles down by the Ebon Wall¡¯s gates. I, I think I¡¯ll steal that idea from you, if you don¡¯t mind, that is. Hahaha¡­¡±


    ¡°No problem, you can use it to your advantage. Since you said that you didn¡¯t have any ideas for the mission you were given today at the Ebon Wall¡¯s meeting,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a smirking nod of approval, while letting Maldoran stand by himself. ¡°But I do wonder if you¡¯ll even be able to convince them because¡­ Well, it would need an immense amount of materials to build, so it surely will be frowned upon¡­ if I know my nobles correctly. Though since I haven¡¯t met any Honored Ones other than your family, I can¡¯t say for sure how they will react. But either way, use it to gain respect from your Honored peers.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry lad, I¡¯ll throw in your name too, so when you¡¯re ready to take up the mantle of General, you¡¯ll be looked upon with respect,¡± Maldoran said with a wide grin and raised eyebrows.


    ¡°What¡­? Maldoran, what do you mean by that?¡± Xe¡¯Reth startlingly asked, furrowing his brows as he witnesses Maldoran¡¯s sudden happy expression on his grinning mouth.


    ¡°Oh¡­? You didn¡¯t know? All male Tertin heirs to the family are forced to become soldiers in our city¡¯s army for a certain period of time. It¡¯s an unabated rule that had been set in stone since our glorious founder, Tertania Tertin set that rule upon us males those many years ago. I know, it¡¯s unfair, but rules are rules, after all, but¡­ I guess some rules have been dismissed as of late, like the head of the family must be a female. A lot of bickering came of that, but both of my sisters didn¡¯t want to take up the mantle of being the head of the family,¡± Maldoran said with a shake of his head in dismay, but continues as he places his big hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, lad. You don¡¯t need to do it yet, I¡¯ll give you¡­ hmm, two years before you need to join the middle gate¡¯s squadron.¡±


    ¡®Dammit, I would¡¯ve never thought that they had such conditions, but oh well, I¡¯ll have changed some rules in two years, maybe even convincing Malinda to take up her position as head again? Hmm¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth pondered with lowered eyebrows, making Maldoran slap Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder as he begins to walk towards the door leading out to the ballroom.


    ¡°Hahaha! Don¡¯t worry lad, we¡¯ll talk about it some other day!¡± Maldoran jokingly laughed but stops as he gazes at his drunk sister. Then asks with peering eyes, ¡°Oh, by the way, Xe¡¯Reth. You won¡¯t be doing, you know what, today, right?¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth shakes his head, ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t do something that dreadful to Malinda in her current state. You can be at ease. For I want her to¡­ *Cough* Well, you know, to feel a somewhat pleasure for our first time, hehe.¡±


    ¡°Mm. Good, very good, you¡¯ve a fine head there, Xe¡¯Reth, don¡¯t forget to use it for the upcoming years to aid our small family. But, I¡¯m getting too ahead of myself. Until next time, lad,¡± Maldoran waved his goodbye as he strides by his droopy sister without saying anything to her. And as Maldoran reaches the door, he gives a smiling nod to Xe¡¯Reth, his acceptance of giving over his precious beautiful sister to an another man.


    Ah, the pain he feels yet he counts his blessings, for it gives only advantages to make their family bigger. Maybe he¡¯ll even be alive long enough to see his Madelyn also finding a man for herself. But as he remembers about what happened at the breakfast table, that Madelyn had also found someone, though she wasn¡¯t ready to confess yet, turns Maldoran¡¯s smile even wider as he stomps with his swaying influenced feet out the door and into the small corridor that leads to the ballroom.


    With a sigh of relief, Xe¡¯Reth turns around to the servers who doesn¡¯t dare make eye contact with him, not even the older ones because his abyssal eyes stare intently at them. Though the big chested one does have the courage to gaze at him. But as one of their stomachs nervously resounds with a gurgling noise, one gapes with an opened mouth as the servant¡¯s head whips downwards to look at her own covered belly.


    ¡°I¡­ I am so sorry, Sir¡­ I haven¡¯t eaten anything yet, so please forgive my rudeness,¡± the servant pleaded with a bowing upper body, gripping onto her dress tightly while her eyes shut themselves to wait for his words of punishment. Because though he was kind to the servant who currently stares at him with a grateful smile, doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯ll return the kindness now that he¡¯s alone. Maybe he changes to a complete monster when none catches him but the lowly servants?


    ¡°Hehe, no worries, no need to act so scared around me, I may look a little frightening, but I¡¯m not that bad once you get to know me. Now please, don¡¯t bow because of something as natural as a growling stomach, since I¡¯ve known my fair share of starvation...¡± Xe¡¯Reth kindly assured them, but the hint of sadness on his down-looking eyes tells the tale of a young man who has experienced true hunger.


    With that, the servants slowly but steadily raise their heads to innocently stare at his magnificent posture of hands behind his back, a smile on his lips, and his now closed eyes.


    ¡°Is¡­ is it true that you came from the slums of the city¡­ S-Sir?¡± a servant bravely asked, while all of the other servants whips their head in her direction. How can she ask something like that?! Such nerve! Yet even if their eyes staring at her, she keeps on going. ¡°And is it really true about what you said¡­ t-those horrible events that happen on the outside?¡±


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s scarred eyebrow raises in slight wonder, he chuckles while answering, ¡°I¡¯m unfortunate enough to have come from the slums, yes. And to answer your other question¡­ There are dreadful happenings in the slums, even in other parts of the city, also outside the city can those occasions happen often. Hmm, but let me give you some advice if you were to go outside. Don¡¯t trust anyone but those you actually know. Because People would do anything to trick pretty girls like¡­ well, you all are beautiful in your own way.¡±


    With such immense kindness yet slight flirtatious words, the servants smile happily at Xe¡¯Reth, looking to their sides too, to watch their colleagues¡¯ expressions which display their satisfaction of this new man. A man¡­ As some of them realize that he¡¯s actually a man, a real young man, they blush in delight to have met him. But before they get any other feelings, Xe¡¯Reth warns gravely, ¡°Remember that not everyone you meet will be as welcoming as I. They will try to take advantage of you if you let them, and whatever you do, do not let them do it. Oh well, enough about that for it would seem that Malinda isn¡¯t feeling great, so I¡¯ll take her to her room. It was a pleasure meeting you all.¡±


    ¡®Such innocent girls, even the older ones, seriously¡­ They probably haven¡¯t left the citadel yet,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought with hidden rolling eyes as he turns around to focus his attention to the gorgeous woman sitting there on the lesser chair, gazing with her eyes into the dazing candles, while her eyes flicker, trying to stay awake in her current drunken state.


    The time has finally come, but yet not, because he must have sex with her to fulfill their true bond. Though one day of waiting wouldn¡¯t hurt both of them. Even his headache takes a lot from him to control, to not make a sudden painful grimace.


    He exerts himself too much in keeping a straight mask of gladdened smiles.


    He so desires to rest his tired mind. But can he? He doesn¡¯t like feeling so vulnerable at this moment in time. ¡®Thankfully the wine didn¡¯t affect me as much as I hoped it would. Swaying around with my constant headache¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth shudders at the thought, then he leans forward, putting his hands on either shoulder of his beautifully dressed lady. Only two single straps holding her dress up. If he would cut them, her dress would fall to show her splendidness.


    His captured pray, Malinda Tertin.


    ¡°Malinda, my love, how are you feeling? Do you feel ill?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked, speaking into her one ear in a soothing voice. But no response, nothing. Such a strong woman reduces to this kind of state. Truly marvelous. He won¡¯t need to urge her into going to bed, to sleep together, to embrace in each other¡¯s heat.


    Xe¡¯Reth needs her to become additive to him, to his body even, for a woman who desires her man is much more controllable to do actions outside of her normal element. But he¡¯s too tired to do anything today. He just wants to go to sleep, then wake up early in the morning to take care of his mother¡¯s painful awakening.


    As he¡¯s about to whisper into her ear again, Malinda beings to snivel, and since her face directs forward, Xe¡¯Reth leans in more to witness her newly teary eyes. Has he done something to make her sad? Or has something surfaced in her mind? A memory, perhaps? He¡¯s really taken aback by her sorrowful grimace.


    What should he do? What can he do? With a shake of his head, he goes in. His arms encircle her body; the left hand going around her back so it places right beneath her right bosom, and the other on her right cheek, turning her weeping skull towards him yet again.


    Her face when she gazes into his eyes, damaged. Her chin quakes terribly while she tries to keep her voice in check from letting out her hiccups and cries of a long lost feeling that she wants back, but those emotions will never return. They¡¯re dead. Her parents who she loved with all her heart, dead, lying in their saddened graves. Built in the citadel¡¯s graveyard by the hedged labyrinth of emerald leaves.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I miss my parents, X-Xe¡¯Reth¡­ I miss them so much; I want them back¡­ Why¡­ why did they have to die¡­?¡± She asked with her now watery eyes, then she covers her grieving face before showing what becomes of it. Her weeping begins yet again, like those many times this day.


    Upon seeing him, all tortured, lying with his back against the closed door, thinking that he was dead. Then seeing his damaged mother in her diseased state. The wonderful dance that they shared in front of the citizens of poverty, the whispering of words of her father¡¯s brilliance on the glorious floor of movements.


    She can¡¯t even remember how many times she has cried today. For Xe¡¯Reth, for herself. Emotions unlocked by the simple meeting of this caring lover who embraces her, who comforts her from the painful thoughts that cloud her current influenced mind.


    ¡°Wh¡­why¡­ I¡­ I didn¡¯t even get to say g-goodbye to them¡­ I loved them with all my heart¡­ And they loved meee! Why¡­! Tell me¡­ I need to know; why did they have to die, Xe¡¯Reth¡­? Why¡­aha¡­ Uhhhuh¡­ uuhh¡­¡± She weeps and weeps her heart out as she seeks answers with her hands covering her face. But what her drunken self doesn¡¯t expect from Xe¡¯Reth; he forcibly grabs her wrists and moves her sheltering hands away, to stare into his globes of darkness. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ Noooo¡­ Don¡¯t look at me¡­ D-Don¡¯t¡­ Pleeease¡­ I am hideous¡­ Please¡­¡±


    He sighs in annoyance, but a sigh of a smile nonetheless as he witnesses this sniveling woman whose eyes, swollen red. Whose chin, spasms violently, and her mouth which gapes widely, shows her sparkling white teeth.


    ¡®I guess the wine set off all of the switches to shield her from these kinds of emotions. So emotional she is¡­ Though¡­ somehow she¡¯s prettier when she cries¡­ Lucky that she can even cry, unlike myself¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought without showing any defeat in his gripping hands, fighting back her own strength that earnestly tries to shield her face from his stare. She¡¯s strong, very strong.


    ¡°I have had enough with your crying, Malinda! Come here, we¡¯re going immediately to your room to put you to bed. You¡¯re completely impossible to talk to when you¡¯re sobbing like a little girl in your teens! For your mother and father¡¯s sake, act like the woman that they wanted you to be, and not this child in front of myself! Grow up! Stand up! Do whatever it takes to be the woman that can bring out the good in people, rise up, my love! No?! I guess I need to use force then,¡± Xe¡¯Reth scolded with glaring eyes as his headache got the better of him. With a violent tug upwards, he lifts Malinda straight up, making her surprisingly fly off of her chair. Her own grieving face doesn¡¯t respond soon enough until her body moves by itself, and the servants¡¯ stunned expressions only watch the demonstration of utter dominance.


    As Malinda has a straightened body, he lets go of her wrists to hold her waist instead, then spins her a quarter of a circle, and tilts her backward to pick her up with an arm on her back while his other arm swings downwards to place behind her lower thighs.


    He picks Malinda up to carry her in princess-style as her own startling arms swings around his neck to grab onto something.


    While her dripping eyes continue to run down her face, she protests with a hitting hand on his chest, but she actually doesn¡¯t use any strength, because she truly knows that he only cares about her. What else could it be but love?


    Carrying Malinda, Xe¡¯Reth steps out from between the gaps of the two different chairs, then he casually walks with the protesting Malinda who gives no voiced complaints, only her weak slaps on his finely dressed torso. But as he turns to the servants, he bobs happily, saying his goodbyes, ¡°Until next time, ladies. Now then, time to put this little weeping girl to bed. Hmm, wouldn¡¯t you agree, Malinda, my love?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ put me down Xe¡¯Reth¡­ It¡­ it isn¡¯t¡ªI¡¯m not joking¡­ Please¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡±


    ¡°What?! You do agree?! Then onwards! Towards the bedchamber to experience our first night of rest! Turn left half of a circle, Xe¡¯Reth! And Forwaaard march!¡± Xe¡¯Reth shouted nonchalantly, giving no aid or compliance to his crying woman.


    ¡°No¡­¡ª*Hic*¡± Malinda hiccupped as Xe¡¯Reth carries her away by marching on the carpeted floor; her arms and lower legs flail about, but in a more passive than in an aggressive way since she knows he only cares about her, even in her drunken state. As if a little spoiled princess has awoken inside Malinda¡¯s mind, turning somewhat into her own younger sister. ¡°*Hic* I¡­ I miss mama and papa so much¡­¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ I know,¡± Xe¡¯Reth affectionately replied, holding her a little tighter to keep her nearer and completely secure. She even turns a bit to curl up as she cuddles her head on his shoulder, while her arms spiral tighter around his neck, tilting his head in the process. Then with watered lips, she kisses his bare neck in a loving daze, falling deeper into her drunken state.


    Xe¡¯Reth leaves her to her neck-kissing as he continues to walk, and when he reaches the double doors, he swings to his right side, then with his elbow, he forces the handle down.


    As the servants gaze at him with various expressions, some waves goodbye to him excitedly, while he bobs one last nod before disappearing through the single opened door, leaving the dining hall in a sideway embrace since he¡¯s holding the neck-kissing Malinda who has latched onto him with her dear life. Because the double doors aren¡¯t the most extensive there is.


    Then with the clicking of the closing door, the servants breathe out in relief since meeting with their first young man took a lot out of them. Even the large busted servant puffs out a breath who Xe¡¯Reth kindly forgave without batting an eye at her clumsiness.


    ¡°See¡­? Appearances can be deceiving. For I always knew Lady Malinda would pick someone kind, I even told you girls about it¡­¡± one of the servants proudly said with chest raised high and mighty. ¡°Maybe next choosing, spots will be open to join Lady Malinda¡¯s and Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s wing¡­ I wouldn¡¯t mind serving him, but, but you don¡¯t think he¡¯s that kind of man which I¡¯ve heard of¡­ You know, taking advantage of girls, to¡­ to¡­¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Hold your tongue! What would he think, no, Lady Malinda think of you, if she heard you say that about her lover?!¡± an older servant shouted who especially likes Malinda, for her beauty beats anyone in the citadel, so of course, girls of similar ages would turn to her as a role model.


    The Lady of House Tertin.


    Many servants want to join her wing, but only those who excelled in every area upon turning fourteen had even the slightest chance of joining and not those who lazed around, not taking their studies seriously. Being regular servants suited their lifestyles. Though when servants grow older, they regret not fighting harder for a spot in Malinda¡¯s wing.


    ¡°I¡­ I was only speculating you know¡­ No need to¡­ to become so angry¡­¡± the servant whimpered with head lowering to droop. ¡°He was kind¡­ that¡¯s all, I didn¡¯t mean anything by it¡ªOh please, don¡¯t tell anyone about me saying what I said. Please? Everyone? Please, I beg of you! I don¡¯t know how men thinks¡­! I will never say anything bad about him ever again!¡±


    None of the servers responds, only the big chested one who starts to walk to the table to pick up Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s plate and silverware while smilingly saying, ¡°Now, now, ladies. Time to clean up and go to bed, a big day tomorrow morning. And as I was the one who got Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s attention the most, I declare that I become the new leader of our serving team from now on. Any objections?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± everyone asked with stun written upon their faces. ¡°Hahahaha!¡±


    ¡°Look at her trying to be all cool for gaining simple clemency! All that you got going for you is those two mountains of fat, nothing more, hahaha,¡± a servant laughed at the now frowning server who stands in slight anger, but puffs out air as she strides with head held high right towards the kitchen.


    But as she reaches the kitchen¡¯s door, she grins with an upper body turning, ¡°At least I got some fat on my chest instead of being a flat desert landscape!¡± Then she heads straight into the kitchen with a ¡°Humph,¡± escaping from her mouth.


    The servant who said the mean remark, looks down at her own flat chest. Her mouth curves down as she goes to the table in defeat, to carry the dirty dishes into the kitchen, just like the victorious girl whose laugh resounds from the opened door.


    The rest of the servants too goes to the table to begin cleaning, while they begin to chat happily about the recent happening of the drunk Lady Malinda¡­ To spread the gossip when they return to their own residences.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ I love you¡­ You, you make me¡­all giddy inside¡­¡± Malinda said with smooches watering Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s cheek, imprinting it with lipstick. While he sighs exhaustingly, treading on the stairs leading up to Malinda¡¯s wing. The exact same stairs that they walked down from before. But now only one steps as the other clings to her lover, giving him more and more kisses.


    She has changed from her crying ways to a more aroused woman. She¡¯s actually feeling Xe¡¯Reth up with her one hand; stroking his chest while breathing heavily as kiss after kiss pecks his lipstick-colored cheek. ¡°Haaa¡­ Haaa¡­ You¡¯re so¡­ I, I just want to eat you up, eat you whole. Mmm, and you smell so... so great.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, darling,¡± Xe¡¯Reth calmly said, playing along with her sudden change into a lustful woman. A woman that has unlocked all of her hidden desires. But Xe¡¯Reth knows it¡¯s only an affect from drinking a high amount of wine.


    Her eyes aren¡¯t even focusing on one spot as if they spin, making her light-headed. They close and open as her tiredness grows.


    ¡®I am never urging her to drink ever again if this is how she¡¯ll act every time she¡¯s drunk¡­  But really, she did drink a lot for a beginner. I wonder if she¡¯ll throw up, since I heard that if someone drinks too much they get immensely sick to their stomachs, even passing out,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought, counting his mistakes of choice as he climbs the staircase, and when he reaches the top, he marches onwards down the same long corridor. The caged torches illuminate the way for him while he¡¯s impressed by the upkeep of the citadel. Nothing out of order.


    Then as he¡¯s about to round the corner to head north, he stops dead in his tracks before reaching the turn because he hears voices of anger, ¡°Taryna, you better hold your tongue, I¡¯ve warned you before of these shameful acts. So stop it immediately, otherwise, I have to report what you say to Mistress.¡±


    ¡°Oh shut it you big brute. Say what you will, but I will not go along with your dutiful ways of looking the other way when our Mistress has gotten a betrayer as a lover,¡± Taryna scoffed at Recina¡¯s threat, gesturing with her whipping hand in annoyance. ¡°He is but a THING our Mistress will tire of, then¡­¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Ah, Mistress, what¡¯s the matter?! Is she feeling sick, Xe¡¯Reth?!¡± Tanya¡¯s voice shouted from the corridor leading towards the sanctuary where Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda had come from when they first arrived, while Xe¡¯Reth rolls his eyes at the convenience of the meeting with the wide-eyed Tanya, her sister Taryna, Recina, and the shorty Cerinn who follows diligently behind the flame-haired handmaiden.


    But the face on Taryna completely screams her own undoing because she hasn¡¯t caught her Mistress¡¯ deadly gaze of utter disappointment yet. Her own voice must¡¯ve reached Malinda¡¯s ears, which would get her into even more trouble than she already is, for she was rude to Xe¡¯Reth before.


    Recina though has a confident smile on her lips as she strides with her plated legs to the crossroad of corridors, one leading to the sanctuary, one to the ballroom, one to Recina¡¯s office and holding, and one leading to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s and Malinda¡¯s bedchamber.


    As all individuals meet at the intersection, every handmaidens¡¯ eyes gawk at the drunken lady who still kisses Xe¡¯Reth on his cheek, not minding her faithful women of servitude.


    ¡°Wha¡­ wha¡­ wha, what are you doing, Miss?¡± Taryna painstakingly said with grimacing narrowed eyes. The disgust of her Miss¡¯s lips touching his cheek displays fully on her expression. But before Taryna says any other sentence, Recina puts her hand on her shoulder, then grips ahold of it, tightly.


    ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth, good evening. I heard that you two went to dinner, went everything all right?¡± Recina asked curiously with a grateful smile. For Malinda truly appear happy as her lips lock and unlock from his cheek, watering it immensely.


    ¡°Good evening everyone, you too little one,¡± Xe¡¯Reth greeted with a stylish bob, though as his head moves, Malinda grabs ahold of it, to keep it entirely still so she can continue to be uninterrupted. ¡°Well, as you can see, she has had a little bit too much to drink I¡¯m afraid. Though it was an interesting meeting with Lord Maldoran, Madam Celyssa, and Lady Merissa. But¡­ a quarrel was unfortunately had between Malinda and Madam Celyssa, which sadly brought forth Merissa¡¯s illness.¡±


    ¡°What¡­? What did Miss and Madam Celyssa argue about? It¡¯s weird, they¡¯ve never been in a fight before. Xe¡¯Reth, can you tell us¡ª?¡± Tanya worriedly asked but is interrupted by Recina.


    ¡°Tanya¡­¡± Recina said frowningly with squinting eyes glaring at her boldness. ¡°Can¡¯t you see? Our Honored Mistress is in need of rest, yet you want to ask questions which you¡¯ll get an answer to soon enough?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Go and prepare for her rest¡­ Wait a moment, who¡¯s she?¡± Recina flickeringly asked in surprise since the shorty Cerinn, stands behind Tanya being a tad afraid of this plate-clad woman who has sweat running down her forehead; the training of the servants has taken its toll even on Recina.


    ¡°Ah, yes. Tanya, did you take care of the procedures?¡± Xe¡¯Reth smilingly responded instead of letting Tanya return the reply about the frantic shorty behind her.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Yes, of course, Sir Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Tanya startlingly replied as she straightens herself to step to the side so all the attention focuses on the short girl who¡¯s dressed in a different outfit than the one she was given before. Probably Tanya¡¯s influence since Cerinn has newly setup hair that¡¯s formed as a bun. And with a hand placing on her shoulder, Tanya urges Cerinn by whispering into her ear, ¡°Say and do what I taught you, understand? Be proud and poised, now go on and introduce yourself to your male master.¡±


    As nervous as she can be, Cerinn steps into the middle of the crossroad where everyone witnesses with their eyes, the girl who now takes ahold of her handmaiden¡¯s dress, then curtsies while putting on her most fake gladdened smile at her disposal as she utters with stumbling words, ¡°I¡­ I, Cerinn Jeyver, g-g-greets Master Xe¡¯Reth. I hope I will be of assistance for the upcoming years when I serve you faithfully. I have learned from my past mistakes...¡±


    ¡°And¡­ thank you, for if it wasn¡¯t for you¡­ I¡­ I would¡¯ve been thrown out by Lady Madelyn¡­¡±


    ¡°So from the bottom of my heart, I solemnly thank you¡­ M-Master Xe¡¯Reth.¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Soon, soon a lot will be happening in the story, so be ready these upcoming weeks! ;D


    But anyway, seems I''ve gotten a bunch of new viewers, which I wasn''t really expecting. Welcome to you who have read up to this point! And hope you''ll stay for as long as I keep writing!


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    Until... Next Time!


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    <hr />

 30 - The Embrace of Darkness

    <hr>


    The Embrace of Darkness


    <hr>


    The darkness has set upon Ellenoria with the hundreds of thousands of stars shining down. Midnight has come. And sleep, that sleep of millions of people around the kingdom wait for the rising sun to reveal itself once again; to give the land luster. A light that destroys the obscurity, to bring forth the harmony of awakening.


    But in the citadel, people stays awake longer than the people on the outside, well, at least, those who¡¯re on night duty. Particularly the patrol of Battle-Maidens that keeps the citadel safe every night.


    They¡¯re the watchers of darkness. They¡¯ve been personally trained by Recina, the Battle-Mistress. She controls them, she gives them orders because Celyssa and her subordinates know nothing of battle tactics, knowledge of protection, and the martial prowess of combat.


    At midnight, they roam throughout the citadel to pursuit any evil that might reveal itself. They¡¯re the elite of the servants, yet they hold no power other than their armor that they wear and the weapons that they bear. They¡¯ve sworn their utmost loyalty to the Tertin family, to always protect and perish. To die for whatever cause they¡¯ve been given by their Honored Family. But since no threat has surfaced for many years, none has died.


    Recina, she has the Battle-Maidens in her own grasp.


    She was taught by her father, her mourning father who aids Maldoran with his broad scope of countless battles. But he¡¯s still in sorrow because Recina¡¯s mother passed away some years ago, and he hasn¡¯t taken it well. All he does is work to his bone until the day has come for him to join his precious wife, the former Battle-Mistress of the Tertin Family, in the Divine Sky. But now, now Recina bears that title.


    To prolong the tradition given to their simple family because the Tertins¡¯ doesn¡¯t have enough sons or daughters to hold those positions, hence, the servants gets them. And permission to wed, yet Recina hasn¡¯t, she doesn¡¯t want to. For she has been heart-broken by her only love that she has ever had¡­


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s own mother, Theresa Quinery, for Recina, likes women. However, she loved Theresa out of respect, but her heart yearned for her, to be lovers. Then out of nowhere, Theresa had disappeared, vanished. Left her because she had confessed about her feelings for her, but she left without ever responding¡­


    Recina¡¯s heart still hasn¡¯t fully healed from the sadness of that broken trust. Did Theresa despise her for being a lesbian? Was that why she left all of a sudden? She never got to know. Only the emotion that draws Recina back to those moments on the battlefield that they shared, shoulder to shoulder. Though Theresa was part of another squad, not Maldoran¡¯s squad that Recina was a part of.


    If one wanted to join a squad, one either went to a City¡¯s recruitment center, or to the Ebon Wall to join a specific squadron, which Theresa did.


    Why didn¡¯t she join her City¡¯s squad, Tertinum¡¯s army? Only Theresa has the right to answer, for she herself has secrets buried deep inside her, about her own family, about her parents; her mother who she loved and her father who she despised, but alas, without her ever recovering from her diseased state, she won¡¯t be able to answer those questions¡­


    But why doesn¡¯t Recina recognize the name, Theresa Quinery? That¡¯s because Quinery is a fake last name. A made up name that Theresa gave herself to start anew. Sure her beauty, exceptional, but she never lived in the city, only on the outskirts of a small farm village where she had grown up. So when she returned, she wasn¡¯t recognizable. Though when she came back from Fal¡¯Kralin Forest, she went to the bank of Tertinum to take out her remaining coinage that she had deposited for a fee, to buy a house, that house which was so cruelly destroyed.


    Two women who were friends, yet one loved the other more than a simple friendship. But Theresa didn¡¯t leave because of Recina¡¯s confession. She left because of her own sorrowful choice. Theresa¡¯s mother had died on her deathbed by a disease which Recina didn¡¯t know of. Her father, nowhere in sight, for he had left Theresa when she was young.


    Like mother, like son, both love their mothers with all their hearts, and both had no fathers who could aid them. Alone they strived to find a cure, but no cure appeared. So Theresa left her life of battle after burying her mother to seek out something new¡­ But her choices led her back to her previous life, Tertinum.


    The domain of Tertinum that now sleeps soundly to wake up once again to the light of dawn¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡°Cerinn, you wait down here while I go check on my mother who I told you about,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said calmly, moving towards the stairs to his mother¡¯s bedroom, to check if everything remains as it should. He must inspect it thoroughly to catch if someone has been inside her chamber while he was dining with Malinda¡¯s family.


    ¡°Yes, Master, I¡¯ll wait¡­¡± Cerinn responded obediently with a sloppy curtsy since he can¡¯t witness her squinting eyes that stare at his clothed back. Why the sudden feeling of contempt from Cerinn? It¡¯s because she will need to report every single activity that Xe¡¯Reth does to that old hag¡­ She doesn¡¯t like to be used in such a manner, she hates it, but as her mouth curves down, Cerinn can¡¯t help but remorsefully stare at him because Xe¡¯Reth kindly saved her from being thrown out of the citadel, out of the city even.


    Though as Xe¡¯Reth unexpectedly turns around, Cerinn perks up to curtsy in a regular elegant manner instead, to show no fault, only a faithful girl who smiles.


    ¡°Please, enough with the title ¡®Master.¡¯ It doesn¡¯t suit me well. Just call me Xe¡¯Reth from now on. All right? Oh, and you can stop acting all innocent. I already saw your little devious smile when we first met, which you so earnestly tried to hide. Unfortunately, your inner feelings couldn¡¯t help but to show themselves,¡± Xe¡¯Reth blatantly said with a closed-eyed smile. ¡°Now be a good girl and do wait down here, I¡¯ll be right back.¡± He turns again and heads upstairs to inspect his wares.


    As Cerinn flickers with her eyes in disbelief, she becomes totally stunned by his words. He knows? How? From a simple smile? No, he couldn¡¯t possibly know! But he does know because Xe¡¯Reth did exactly the same as she did three years ago. To hide his true hateful emotions directed to every person he came across, though now, he completely hides his real self. Behind his masks of smiles, that politeness, and all that comes with a benevolent person who¡¯s too kind to be true.


    She grimaces dreadfully since he knows¡­ But why did he then save her if he knew that she¡¯s taking advantage of him?


    ¡®He¡­ he¡­ isn¡¯t that kind of man¡­ right?¡¯ Cerinn thought worriedly as her eyes gaze at him, and when he disappears up the stairs, her face turns even graver in anxiety with furrowed brows. ¡®Is he into short girls like me¡­? Will he¡­ violate me? No¡­ no¡­ I don¡¯t want to¡­ Would he really do it? No¡­ why wouldn¡¯t he? He can just throw me aside if I¡¯m disobedient¡­ Ah¡­¡¯


    The thought of her countless lies hits her deep. She is a known liar. A deceiver. What if he used that against her if she were to ever try to turn against him? All he needs to do is tell Malinda all about her lies that she has fabricated. But he doesn¡¯t know that yet, so why the nervous heart, Cerinn? Because she can¡¯t turn to the old hags for help. If they knew that she wasn¡¯t useful anymore¡­ they would throw her out. Since they do solemnly support him and Malinda¡¯s union.


    She paces back and forth by the opening leading up to Theresa¡¯s bedroom. Her lower lip spasms terribly in trying to figure out what kind of scheme she can come up with, but no matter how long she thinks, nothing in her mind pops up, absolutely nothing. What if Xe¡¯Reth likes short girls like her?


    An adulterer in disguise¡­


    As her head goes left and right in a panicky state of mind, she doesn¡¯t remember how long she has thought of trying to fix this, pacing back and forth, to think of something, anything that helps her out of this crucial situation!


    ¡°You seem edgy, Cerinn¡­ Is something burdening your skull?¡±


    She freezes up entirely upon the resounding voice by the stairs¡¯ opening.


    Then as her head and body travel in the direction of the calm sounding tones, she begins to shake with hands clutching tightly together to her chest to try to seek some comfort. She has never felt such fear in her entire life, not even when Madelyn yelled at her, threw the teacup right beside her. The gulps declare in intervals. The chin and the lower lip quakes. Her breath, uneven as if she¡¯s hyperventilating.


    ¡°You certainly did try to hide it, I give you that at least, but enough playing games. You¡¯re in my grasp, what I say goes, and what I want you to say to me right now is about what has happened since you went with Tanya, everything. I will count the time and how long it had taken from the time I left this room with my lovely Malinda. You may start¡­ Now¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth casually said with a tilting head forward, peering into her widened eyes in the meanwhile leaning towards one side of the entrance with his shoulder, being crossed armed.


    She¡¯s standing there completely stunned.


    First, after she finally introduced herself to Xe¡¯Reth, he carried Malinda in his arms and she kissing him on his cheek, one time after the other. Then as the handmaidens, Recina, Tanya, and Taryna, or specifically Tanya, she said that she was worried for her Miss, so she urged Xe¡¯Reth to let her take care of Malinda, which he agreed to.


    But Malinda wasn¡¯t agreeable to that suggestion in making her remove her arms around Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s neck. She moaned and complained, though, after a few words from Xe¡¯Reth, she ultimately conceded into letting go.


    As Recina had worked out, she needed to wash off her hard earned sweat then take care of the rest of her workload before going to bed in her own quarters. They went their separate ways, Tanya, Taryna holding Malinda¡¯s arms on either shoulder while guiding her slowly with small steps because Malinda¡¯s world spun around.


    She was overcome by immense nausea, so the sisters quickly took Malinda to hers and Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s chamber to put her to sleep, which Xe¡¯Reth responded to by saying that he would be coming as soon as he had checked up on his mother. But a ploy to reveal Cerinn¡¯s devious personality was his goal, or, at least, know what had happened since he went to dinner.


    Now they stand there, one leaning by the staircase¡¯s entrance, the other rattling her body on the verge of collapse, for she doesn¡¯t like those dark globes staring at her, it makes her cold to the core. Her widened eyes have dilated while her clutching hands shake terribly.


    ¡°Are you going to speak today¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked calmly but irritably, raising his scarred brow with a tilted head of questioning.


    ¡°W-What do you mean, Master? I don¡¯t know what you even mean; a devious smile? I¡¯ve never smiled at you like that¡­¡± Cerinn grudgingly responded, her upper body leaning forward a bit to show her submissiveness. ¡°And nothing major happened while I was away, only Tanya spoke alone with the former head-handmaiden, I heard nothing of what they said.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth walks towards Cerinn as she flinches in dread, stumbling a little bit backward.


    His unimpressed glaring eyes stare at her. He straightens himself to be at his highest peak of altitude with his head, then bends it forward to gaze down upon her frail shriveling body of a girl who¡¯s truly petrified, for her life really is his. She has sworn herself to servitude after the old hags had finished with every scheme, which they didn¡¯t tell her because revealing major secrets to a short liar didn¡¯t suit their needs at all.


    A handmaiden¡¯s duty differs from a regular servant¡¯s. A handmaiden¡¯s sacrifice binds her to her master for life, but of course, a handmaiden could always run away, though never in the Tertin Household has that ever happened.


    She knows her life becomes forfeit as soon as Xe¡¯Reth hasn¡¯t a need of her, and that scares her the most. She must be wanted by him; she mustn¡¯t be thrown into the unknown world outside the citadel¡¯s wall.


    As she stands there clasping her hands on her breasts, Cerinn¡¯s eyes water up, to stream out tears, real tears. What is this for kind of pressure that squeezes her heart asunder? He¡¯s only peering at her, yet those black orbs have knowledge of trickery which she doesn¡¯t have. Can she mislead him? Will he believe her enough if she says a single sentence of lies? The hags strictly told her to never reveal what had been said¡­ But¡­ his terrifying eyes¡­ They¡¯re watching her intently; every facial movement, every eye movement, and her voice, her deceiving tongue which only spews drivel of dishonesties.


    ¡°Do you know what lies beyond the citadel¡¯s innermost gate?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked as calm as ever, standing completely still, only his mouth opens and closes to speak his unaffected words which he knows all too well. ¡°Horror is what lies beyond the gate, Cerinn. The horror of people only caring for themselves. And people who take advantage of the gullible ones.¡±


    ¡°A young girl like you wouldn¡¯t stand a chance with your sheltered mind. As soon as a person witnesses a single flaw, that person would use it against you. They would trick you into whatever they desire. You¡¯re young, but being young doesn¡¯t matter in the outside world. They would beat you up if you didn¡¯t do what they told you to do; they would violate you until your screams of death take you. Then as you¡¯re nothing but a shell of a girl, they would sell you to a filthy man who would do even more grotesque activities with a small girl like yourself.¡±


    ¡°Cerinn, are you ready for the outside world? Because that is where you¡¯re going if you don¡¯t tell me what happened while you were with Tanya. You just simply need to tell me, then, well, you¡¯ll be able to live a life of harmony, while you faithfully serve as a handmaiden under me, which won¡¯t be hard at all, since I am a man who doesn¡¯t desire much,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a smile, even when he spoke of the horrible happenings, which he over exaggerated a bit. But nonetheless, he wants her to have no other choice but to tell him. Though Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t even know what they spoke of, yet it must be important because it¡¯s the former head-handmaiden after all.


    ¡®Hopefully, her betrayal counts for something. Will she break any oath as long as her life is in jeopardy? It truly is a dangerous thought process, but also a good one to have. I would¡¯ve done the same if I were in her position, which I¡¯m thankfully not,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought, staring into her watery eyes. Not giving her any mercy with his expression of an unfazed smile.


    ¡°¡­I¡­ I was told to spy on you¡­¡± Cerinn muttered in her own downfall, drooping her head forward as tears hit the crimson carpet. ¡°The¡­ the old hags told me to report of any suspicious behavior that you might show¡­ Handmaiden Tanya was in on it too, and her grandmother¡­ They¡¯re in Malinda¡¯s faction. But, I, I think that they¡¯re on your side too. Because they want Maldoran removed and Malinda taking her seat as the Tertin head of the family¡­ That¡¯s all I know¡­ Please, Master Xe¡¯Reth¡­ I don¡¯t want to leave¡­ Please, I will be faithful to you and only you from now on¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­? But I don¡¯t need you anymore, now do I? Because I don¡¯t take kindly to people who try to use me, dear Cerinn. So be prepared to leave the citadel soon,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said heartlessly to make Cerinn turn into a feeble girl who just heard her sentence.


    ¡°What¡­? But¡­ But you said if I told yo¡ªNo, I don¡¯t want to leave, I don¡¯t want to! Please, Master Xe¡¯Reth! Pleaseee¡­!¡± Cerinn screamed upon realizing what he uttered to her. Her whole world crushed, making her fall to her knees. To once again gravel on the floor, to cling to his one leg as if she¡¯s a mere child not getting what she wants. ¡°I will be a good girl! Please! I won¡¯t ever turn on you! I will do whatever you want me to do! Even¡­ Even¡­¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha!¡± Xe¡¯Reth burst into laughter, covering his face with his palm to try to hide his leering expression of jesting.


    ¡°Huu?¡± Cerinn¡¯s head raises as it turns to look up.


    ¡°Heh, I was kidding; I couldn¡¯t help myself, heh. Do forgive me, Cerinn,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckled, crouching down while Cerinn goes wide-eyed. How could he joke about something so horrifying? But as Xe¡¯Reth places his hands on her lying waist, he lifts her up effortlessly, then sets her down on her feet, to stand there all stunned. ¡°Well then, shall we get going? Because I am spending my first night with Malinda, so I shouldn¡¯t really be late.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and wipe away the tears, quickly now, I don¡¯t want you to be ghastly in front of Malinda¡¯s handmaidens, but we¡¯ll speak about what happened when you went with Tanya another time, now let¡¯s go,¡± Xe¡¯Reth added as he satisfyingly strides to the unlocked double doors, to step out into the long corridor.


    ¡®Thankfully none had tried to search my mother¡¯s quarters¡­ If they had, I¡¯ll never forgive them for being there with my mother all alone with her¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth sighed as he thought with glaring eyebrows, but as he turns to put on a smile for the frozen handmaiden, he says with a high voice, ¡°Well, are you coming or not?¡±


    With a whipping head in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s direction, she nods her head rapidly, being completely dazed by this situation. As she smears her eyes off of the tears, she walks sluggishly towards him, while her globes dare not to meet his. Because he has beaten her into submission, he can control her how he wants, but if it is as he says: That if she faithfully serves, she¡¯ll be able to live a calm life in the citadel. To be a handmaiden of status. Maybe later, she¡¯ll also control servants. To do her own bidding.


    That sudden thought clears away her bewilderment, to sprout forth a smile on her lips instead. Which raises Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s scarred brow in the wonder of this newly lit girl. But as he traces with his eyes at her, she steps out into the hallway, to be ready to journey to Malinda¡¯s chamber.


    Just like that, Xe¡¯Reth has gotten a handmaiden, though is she a faithful one? Well, that can only time tell.


    Taking out a key from his side pocket, he locks the doors, then crouches down to put a tiny folded piece of paper between the gap to warn him if someone has been inside his mother¡¯s chamber while he¡¯s away. A simple security measure, but a useful one nonetheless.


    ¡®Is he always so careful?¡¯ Cerinn pondered with a tilting bun-styled head, pursing her lips. ¡®I still have a card at my disposal. Madelyn¡¯s crush on you, dear Master.¡¯


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s get going,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said as he stands up. To straighten his body fully.


    Onwards they go.


    Xe¡¯Reth in front and Cerinn following behind him diligently, though with more fast-moving feet since Xe¡¯Reth takes longer steps than her, so she must keep up with him while he carefully thinks of what to do when he will sleep with Malinda. ¡®Should I take the initiation in holding her? Or should we just sleep normally, side by side? No touching? No, I must make her comfortable with my body. Every spot, every muscle, and every curve of a man¡¯s whole being are what she needs to learn.¡¯


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    In Malinda¡¯s bedchamber, Tanya crouches behind Malinda who sits on her knees with a bucket in her hands. Her expression, vile of disgust with a forward leaning head, directing at the bucket, ready for whatever comes out of her mouth, which has already spewed out in quantity. Her makeup, ruined with dripping eyeliner flowing down her face. While her lipstick has smudged all around her mouth.


    ¡°There, there¡­ Everything will be all right, Miss¡­¡± Tanya soothingly comforted Malinda by stroking her blond hair. ¡°You¡¯ve experienced something new today, well, even if it isn¡¯t something I personally would approve of, but I guess Xe¡¯Reth wanted you to drink, so you drank, didn¡¯t you, Miss?¡±


    Malinda sobbingly nods up and down with her head in a childlike manner, while pouting with her lips, but her eyes widen as she tilts her head even further, raising the bucket to her mouth. She pukes out her dinner and the blood red wine. A new experience, yet a horrible experience that Malinda hates, for she has never puked before. She has never been sick so much that she needed to puke, only a slight cold here and there, but never something as dreadful as this.


    ¡°Uugghh¡­ I shou¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have¡­ *Cough, Cough* Drunk so much¡­ But I¡­ I didn¡¯t want to disappoint¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda coughed in regret with extremely furrowed brows, being disgusted by the smell in the bucket.


    ¡°Here, drink some more water, it¡¯ll help,¡± Tanya said, holding a cup of water, which Taryna gave.


    ¡°Honestly, Miss, you shouldn¡¯t go along only because he tells you to. Stand up for yourself and decline such activities with a head held high. You¡¯ve never needed them before, so why did you start now?¡± Taryna complained, shaking her head with a raising upper lip in utter disapproval of Malinda¡¯s actions. Drinking wine? Never has her Miss done that. And by the amount she pukes out, it must¡¯ve been a large quantity of wine. Even for a veteran drinker, that would be too much to handle. But Malinda, oh, Malinda so proudly thought that it wouldn¡¯t faze her in the slightest. Though now her proudness has felt the influence of alcohol.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Stop your moaning and go wait for Sir Xe¡¯Reth by the main doors. Go now, you¡¯ve already gotten on my nerve. And my nerve is very resilient, but you, you¡¯re my only weakness. Now go I said,¡± Tanya shooed away her sister with a flapping whip of her hand.


    Taryna sighs with another headshake of disapproval as she strides into the armory and the dressing room, then continues into Malinda¡¯s chamber of relaxation. To stand by the embroidered double doors, to wait for that disgusting man who she despises with all her heart. He¡¯s going to sleep with Miss, her Mistress! It makes her clench her teeth in anger, in pure hatred toward Xe¡¯Reth.


    Though, not only the handmaidens reside in Malinda¡¯s quarters. Servants, too, clean and finishes up every piece of furniture, so they¡¯re flawless of any dust or dirt particle for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s arrival.


    A night, their first Mistress¡¯s night with a man. But only the two lovers will know what transpires in their bedroom. Or will Malinda be too scared all of a sudden because of her drunken state? Will she need her handmaidens in the room to see that nothing goes wrong? Since it¡¯s normal for handmaidens to aid their Mistress. But being Malinda, she wouldn¡¯t stand such embarrassment, she¡¯s grown up, a full-fledged woman of suppleness, beauty, and¡­


    She pukes again into the bucket; her lower bun-styled hair has strands hanging loose, being completely ruffled up. Her night completely ruined¡­ She just wanted this to be a magical night which every girl dreams of, but in her current state, she broods in silence as nausea takes over her mind.


    ¡°Miss, are you going to¡­ to have¡­ intercourse with Xe¡¯Reth tonight?¡± Tanya hesitantly asked, holding back Malinda¡¯s hair so she can puke without the strings of gold interrupting her.


    ¡°Noh¡­¡± She rasped, ¡°Tomorrow night is when we will do that, because¡­ *Cough* Because he¡­ Well. Never mind, I don¡¯t want to rush it, that¡¯s all,¡± Malinda said but changed the subject since she doesn¡¯t want to talk about Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s condition for the reason that he has been tortured, but only Taryna knows of how much the torture inflicted on him. ¡®I don¡¯t want Xe¡¯Reth to see me like this¡­ Why did I drink so much wine¡­? I should¡¯ve known how it would affect me¡­ Damn my stubbornness for not giving in! Ugh¡­¡¯


    Malinda drinks from the glass of water that Tanya gives, to gulp it all down, then with a satisfied exhale, she puts the bucket which¡¯s in her one hand on the floor, to try to stand, because she¡¯s sitting on the carpeted ground. Right in the middle of her bedroom.


    With Tanya¡¯s supporting hands, she surprisingly stands in a somber way.


    The complete horror of a late night out partying, but no party was held, only the ruined welcoming of her newly found love. But an unexpected event nonetheless. Not enough preparation could be finished beforehand, though, without Celyssa there, they did spend a somewhat enjoyable dinner sitting beside each other while having her brother¡¯s watchful eyes on Xe¡¯Reth¡­


    ¡°How are you feeling, Miss, is it better? Should I prepare another bucket for you?¡± Tanya flickeringly asked, taking both the puke bucket off the floor and the empty glass off of Malinda¡¯s hand, so she can stand all by herself.


    ¡°I, I think I need to take another bath¡­¡± Malinda sighed, then swallows her saliva which turns her entire expression vile as a gagging reflex declares from her throat. But with a lightning fast headshake, she shudders.


    ¡°Oh! I would love to take a bath with you, my lovely Malinda!¡± Xe¡¯Reth professed smilingly, treading into the bedroom by the east door while his eyes travel around the entire chamber.


    A comfy atmosphere. Her bed, by the far south wall on a slightly elevated flooring with a couple of steps leading down to where Malinda stands on the carpeted floor while Tanya gapes wide-eyed in bafflement at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s casual striding legs. However, Malinda turns immediately away so he doesn¡¯t witness her dreadful appearance, which beats all of her other moments today.


    Taryna and Cerinn trail behind him hurriedly.


    But as Taryna catches her Miss¡¯ body turned away, covering her face with her hands, she blurts out, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss, but he just waltzed right in without stopping! I demanded that he should wait because of your current condition, but he simply didn¡¯t care what I said to him! Miss, he¡¯s terribly out of line!¡±


    ¡°So this is where I¡¯ll be spending my nights from now on, huh?¡± Xe¡¯Reth examined, his eyes totally ignoring the yelling handmaiden behind him.


    On the north wall, two big square framed windows display the darkness; scarlet drapes on either side, like his mother¡¯s quarters. But between the two windows are a pair of glorious double doors, which has small colored crystal frames of different shapes bordered by wood.


    Those double doors head out onto a balcony that overlooks the backside of the citadel since Malinda¡¯s chamber is located on the northern flank. And on the opposite side of the balcony flames a hearth, a large one at that, but yet only has small pieces of timber put in to keep the room warm.


    Though as Malinda covers her face of smeared lipstick, eyeliner, and dried up tears, she sobbingly mutters to Xe¡¯Reth, ¡°Please, Xe¡¯Reth, my face is dreadful, you shouldn¡¯t look at it, I¡­ I¡¯ve also thrown up my dinner and the wine¡­ I¡¯m disgusting¡­ I¡¯ve never thrown up before in my life. Uuhh, my breath must stink terribly, too¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, Malinda, how many times have I seen you in an embarrassing state today? Three times? Four? I can''t even recall for it just doesn''t matter,¡± Xe¡¯Reth paused as a gentle curve forms a smile on his lips. ¡°And do you know why? Because I don¡¯t care how you look. You will always be my Malinda, the love of my life. If you think that would change only because of a little rundown makeup and smelly breath¡­ Please¡­ You know what disease my mother suffers from. It''s rather insulting if you think my heart would waver over something so petty.¡±


    ¡°Uuuh¡ªI didn¡¯t mean it like that, Xe¡¯Reth¡­ It¡¯s just¡­ I¡¯m not beautiful enough for you¡­ I don¡¯t want to be looked upon by you when I¡¯m¡­ ugl¡ªAh!¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth forcibly spins Malinda around to grab tightly onto her wrists, to remove them from her covering face. Which pops Malinda¡¯s mouth right open with her curves lowering and eyes that water yet again since she¡¯s in her worst possible state.


    He grabs Malinda, one hand behind her neck, the other on her chin, to force her to come closer to him.


    Their lips hit each other as Malinda gives out a startling ¡°Mmm!!¡± as her azure eyes have completely widened, to stare into his own gazing shadowy orbs. A forced kiss, a kiss that Malinda tries to get away from because she¡¯ll taint Xe¡¯Reth. But he keeps her there in his clutching hands, while her own pair tries to push him away, yet, her strength gives in utterly, then closes her eyes, to fully take in his kiss as their tongues swirl in their mouths. The saliva waters their lips as they enjoy each other.


    Cerinn, however, grimaces with her tongue out in disgust for their shameless act of love. ¡®Yuck! Is he really kissing her after she just puked?! Disgusting, pure¡­ Ewww.¡¯


    While Taryna has a raised lip as she screams in her mind, ¡®How dare you, dog! To touch your filthy lips against hers again! Remove them! Remove them! REMOVE THEM FROM HER! SHE ISN¡¯T YOUR TOY TO PLAY WITH!¡¯


    At least, Tanya has clutching hands together as she fawns for her Miss and Xe¡¯Reth, yet the thought of Malinda¡¯s recent act makes her chuckle silently to herself. But lets go of the clutch to hide her smile.


    ¡°Wow, well, it didn¡¯t taste so bad at least,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said, removing his lips from hers as he grins. He also traces his thumb on Malinda¡¯s mouth to get rid of the lipstick smudges but to no avail since it needs wetness to be removed. ¡°Hmm, back to the point at hand, my love, because I think it would be a great start if we bathed together, wouldn¡¯t you say so?¡±


    ¡°Uhhh¡­¡± Malinda flustered with an exhale of arousing air as her eyes flicker quickly, not trying to stare into his eyes of oblivion again. ¡°But¡­ I¡­ I bathe naked, Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡±


    ¡°Even better,¡± Xe¡¯Reth whispered smilingly as he leans in with his upper body to be by her one ear. ¡°Ever since I saw you, I¡¯ve wanted to see you buck naked; your breasts, your butt, your curved back, your tight thighs, and everything you have at your disposal to show me¡­ I want it all. In return, I will give you my all.¡±


    He grabs ahold of her one hand, then he transfers it like he had once before in his rundown house. To his body. ¡°My chest is yours, my lips are yours, even this is yours.¡±


    ¡°Aaah! Xe-Xe-Xe¡¯Reth?!¡± Malinda squealed in total embarrassment upon touching his crotch, but since thick material covers his private part, she doesn¡¯t get the full extent of what truly hides behind the pants. ¡°Youu¡ªSo daring, Xe¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­ I¡­ I¡­¡­¡ª¡± Her eyes roll upwards as she looses her balance.


    ¡°Wow there,¡± Xe¡¯Reth yelped as he catches the tilting Malinda who almost fainted flat on the floor if Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t manage to embrace her, but nonetheless, her lights have been blown out. ¡°I guess you¡¯ve had your fill of excitement for today it seems.¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Mmm¡­¡± As Malinda¡¯s eyes flickers to open, the sensation of wetness surrounds her whole body. Warmth, the warmness of water. Yet as her awareness unclouds, her eyes widens because she¡¯s completely naked while sitting in her bathtub in her bedroom, by the northeast side. But then, another feeling touches her back; not the polished material of the tub, no. More of a soft yet firm physical surface as if she¡¯s touching her own skin.


    Though as two arms coils around her naked stomach, she gasps in bafflement. Her head turns slightly to stare wide-eyed at Xe¡¯Reth who smiles comfortingly at her, ¡°Well, hello there, my beautiful lover.¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­? What¡­ Ah?! Why am I¡­ Why are you¡­ Xe¡¯Reth what¡­ Why¡­ We¡¯re naked?!¡± Malinda exclaimed as she wraps her light-skinned breasts with her arms to hide them, and crossing her legs too. Being flustered by this sudden situation. She isn¡¯t ready for this yet. She hasn¡¯t even seen him naked yet, she wants to also stare at his body. ¡®Did he unclothe me? Has he already seen me fully naked when I was unconscious¡­?¡¯


    When her face grimaces in sadness, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyebrows lower in shame as he apologizes, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Malinda, did I go to far with this? Tanya gave consent so¡­ Well, I guess I forced you into doing this¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Xe¡¯Reth¡­ it isn¡¯t that¡­ I just¡­ My heart is not ready for this kind of load¡­ But,¡± Malinda gulps as she turns her body to sit down in the tub, so the water reaches just below her unveiled bosoms. Her arms shelter them, but even so, her breasts can¡¯t be fully hidden since they¡¯re somewhat large, but not overly large to be abnormal. ¡°I want to see, feel, and hear the words from you Xe¡¯Reth. So¡­ do¡­ Do you think my body is pleasing enough? Am I beautiful? I also want you to see, feel, and hear my own words of your body¡­ That perfect trained¡­¡± She gulps, ¡°body of yours¡­¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Xe¡¯Reth answered with a raised scarred brow, but he chuckles with a smile, then travels to grip ahold of Malinda¡¯s wrists. As she closes her eyes in submission, she removes her arms from her breasts, to display her upper body to Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°Oh¡­? Your nipples are inverted¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m ashamed of them¡­¡± Malinda said, lowering her head in pity.


    ¡°What, why? They¡¯re beautiful even if they¡¯re inverted. And your breasts are¡­ Can I touch them?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked eagerly with a grin.


    ¡°I¡­ Yes you can, but please be gentle¡­¡± Malinda answered, tightening her lips and furrowing her brows as Xe¡¯Reth goes in. First he weighs them in his palms, then caresses them while Malinda gasps heavier the further he touches. When her breath starts to shudder, he finishes with a satisfied smile on his lips. Though Malinda without asking, has her own hands on his torso, stroking his flawless skin complexion with a tongue licking her upper lip in stimulation. ¡°No, don¡¯t sto¡ªI, I mean¡­ Uuhh¡±


    ¡°Come, lay your back against my chest. So you can relax more. You¡¯ve indeed had a stressful day, my lovely maiden,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said calmly, not showing any awkwardness from the caressing. Not even moved by these activities.


    ¡°O-Okay¡­¡± Malinda said with pouting selfish lips that want to be touched. ¡°Ahh¡­ Mmm, yes, right there Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡±


    However, as Malinda¡¯s moans escape from behind the screens that cover their bathing time, Tanya sits on a chair by a small rectangle table while folding their used clothes all nonchalantly beside Cerinn who cringes from every noise Malinda makes.


    Though as Tanya catches Cerinn¡¯s furrowed brows, she whispers silently to her, ¡°You¡¯ll have to get used to this, because a handmaiden may also be in the same room when they have sex, but, Malinda won¡¯t have us when she does such an act¡­ She doesn¡¯t even like to be watched when she bathe. Thus, you can be at ease as this will probably be the extent of her boldness, though be silent, so we can continue with our folding¡­¡±


    ¡®Horny woman, keep your thoughts to yourself, humph!¡¯ Cerinn thought sourly, then places her palms on her ears to keep the noise out, but to no avail. She continues to help Tanya.


    Taryna, nowhere in sight. Because when Malinda fainted before, she screamed for Xe¡¯Reth to let go of her Miss in a frantic way with hands gripping Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s wrists to make him let go of her. But before any further rudeness came from Taryna, Tanya, her sister, said a single sentence. Which Taryna utterly grimaced at as she couldn¡¯t possibly let that filthy man know her secret, so she fled in defeat. Into the main room of relaxation, to order the cleaning servants to labor harder.


    ¡°Oh, they popped out!¡± Xe¡¯Reth exclaimed in exhilaration as he fondles her breasts rather boldly, too.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­!¡± Malinda wailed in disapproval of his sudden embarrassing high voice. Her blush flustered face wants to turn to scold him, but as he continues to massage, she relaxes while leaning onto his torso. ¡°D-Don¡¯t say that, it¡¯s humiliating¡­¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth nips on her one earlobe while he continues. Her hair has been let loose and her face doesn¡¯t have any more smudges or eyeliner tarnishing her face. Which Malinda had gotten to know when she stroked with her fingers, to realize that someone has cleaned her up.


    ¡°Mmm, oh Xe¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­ I¡¯m getting dizzy. We, we better stop for today¡­¡± Malinda said, breathing heavily, in and out.


    She takes his hands away from her breasts to place them around her collarbone to be embraced. Never would he have thought that she can be this daring in letting him do whatever he wants with her, yet, he doesn¡¯t take it too far. He¡¯s gentle, so gentle that her conscience wants to experience more of these activities, but alas, her strength have been drained completely.


    ¡°All right. And I¡¯m feeling a little under the weather too. I have this constant headache that won¡¯t stop pulsating, though, spending my time with you, has made me calm down immensely,¡± Xe¡¯Reth agreed, kissing her turned cheek, which sprouts forth a bite-lipping smile. ¡°Oh, while you were unconscious, I cleaned you up somewhat. Though I didn¡¯t look at your private parts, I promise. I want to see them when you¡¯re ready to let me. But anyhow, let¡¯s wash up and head to bed.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Malinda nodded, being relieved by his promised words. However, as her eyes travel to his dark orbs, she boldly asks, ¡°Can you wash my hair, Xe¡¯Reth?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve already done it, Malinda dear. Because you had been asleep for almost twenty minutes. Though Tanya had already told me that you washed before you went to dinner, therefore we¡¯re actually finished. Or you could wash my hair? If you don¡¯t mind, of course.¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked, tilting his head somewhat to peer into hers glittering azure globes which widen in joy.


    ¡°I would love to! Come, sit in the middle, and I¡¯ll be behind you,¡± Malinda excitedly replied, moving forward with her buttocks for Xe¡¯Reth to spin his body around. ¡°I¡¯ve always been fascinated by how your hair can be so naturally slicked back, like an eagle¡¯s head. It suits you, and I love it.¡±


    ¡°Haha, is that so?¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckled as Malinda runs her fingers through his hair, then she fills water in her bowl-formed hands, to wash his pure blackened hair¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Here, Miss, and no looking, Sir Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Tanya warned with a smile while holding a towel for Malinda to be wrapped up in. She holds it so her lower body doesn¡¯t show, only her upper, which¡¯s turned away.


    As Cerinn stands on the other side of the tub, she stretches out her own hands with a towel for her Master. She says innocently with an adorable fake smile, ¡°Here is your towel, Xe¡¯Reth.¡± And as he stands up, her eyes go wide in shock as she gazes at his junk like the bath servants did. ¡®Wow, I¡¯ve never seen a man¡¯s thing before¡­ Lady Malinda is going to touch that¡­? Oh no, I wouldn¡¯t want to be in her shoes. Though, aren¡¯t men supposed to have hair down there, hmm, I read that when they¡¯re adults they get p-pubic hair like women¡­¡¯


    ¡°Something the matter, Cerinn?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked, raising his scarred brow at her non-moving hands.


    ¡°Wah? Ah, no, nothing, here,¡± Cerinn offered the towel in panic, which he takes to wrap his waist, then he steps out of the tub to put his wet feet on the hardened gray stone floor that tilts a tiny bit so water can flow to the corner of the wall where a hole is built. A drain that leads all the way down to the sewers of the city. ¡®How can he be so shameless to not be moved when I look at his¡­ his thing?! Humph. Shameless!¡¯


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡°Here, Sir Xe¡¯Reth, put these shorts on. Cerinn and I will be buying merchandise for you tomorrow. Clothes and anything you want, just tell Cerinn tomorrow to note it down on a piece of paper, okay?¡± Tanya said as she gives Xe¡¯Reth the shorts, which he puts on nonchalantly by removing the towel right in front of Tanya though while she has her head turned away, for it would be rude to stare.


    ¡°Oh, all right,¡± Xe¡¯Reth responded with flickering eyes since he didn¡¯t expect that.


    While Malinda stares at the newly purchased scarlet colored nightgown with black rims, she grimaces. Such a revealing piece of clothing that ends a little bit under her thighs. Underwear, too, lays on the table in front of her. Stark black with lace patterns.


    As she puts them on, a piece at a time starting with the nightgown, her nervousness grows yet again inside her. She¡¯s going to spend her first night sleeping with a man, her man. But as she licks her upper lip, she hurriedly pulls up the black panties to finish everything for her slumber.


    A screen had been placed so she could have some privacy, and as she steps out from behind the screen, she walks toward Xe¡¯Reth whose eyes, wide. Because what she¡¯s wearing isn¡¯t for sleeping, it¡¯s to arouse the woman¡¯s partner. But Tanya had no idea when she bought them, so Xe¡¯Reth can only sigh inwardly at Malinda¡¯s innocent swaying legs that stride on the crimson carpet.


    ¡°You look absolutely stunning, Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth praised with a hand raised for her to take. Which she does by gently putting her palm against his. To be guided to her own bed that she has slept in countless times.


    ¡°Miss. We¡¯ll leave you two for tonight. Please have a pleasant time together,¡± Tanya curtsied elegantly, then, without waiting for her response, she leaves with Cerinn who gazes with a turned head to stare at the lovers.


    As she goes out the opened bedroom door, Tanya closes it, to leave them in peace¡­


    But what both Malinda and Tanya didn¡¯t see was Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s sudden smirking curve that colored his face with utter triumph. Though right as the door closed, he had returned to normal in a split second, to reveal a mask of gentleness¡­


    Their first night together.


    Xe¡¯Reth guides her while she follows with her outstretched hand. And as they reach the top of the steps, both of them climbs up on the bed, to drag the cover back, then with a heavy breathing Malinda, she turns her back against him to lay in a sideway position. Which Xe¡¯Reth responds by spooning her. Pressing his chest, his legs, and wrapping his arm around her waist, to pull her closer to him, making her gasp in surprise.


    The lights which brighten up the room gets put out. A mechanism that has been built into the walls to blow air through holes to turn off the flaming lights. Tanya had also put out the hearth personally. And as the darkness settles in, the spooning Xe¡¯Reth whispers into her flustered ear, ¡°Goodnight, my love, my gorgeous Lady Malinda. For tomorrow night, you¡¯ll experience our true union.¡±


    No response, nothing, only the gulping throat from Malinda resounds¡­


    The night of sleep finally takes Malinda after a couple of minutes, surprisingly, because somehow, she feels a sensation of utter comfort by being held by Xe¡¯Reth, her love, her man¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    The darkness continues¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr>


    Thanks for reading, see you next Wednesday!


    And so, a new day will begin when they wake up. What will happen? Will it be filled with events like this day? Who knows... :D


    Anyways, if you see any grammar issues, feel free to shout out and I''ll fix it.


    Don''t forget to voice out your thoughts! I like reading your comments! :D


    Well then... Until Next Time.


    Favorite/Follow/Review if you like the story so far! ^^


    <hr>

 31 - The Nightmare of Woe

    <hr />


    The Nightmare of Woe


    <hr />


    As the night turns to the crack of dawn, the sun ascends above the Divine Mountains, to light up the kingdom once again. But Mist has laid itself thick in the streets of Tertinum, moving with the breezing wind, for the autumn¡¯s cold morning air pollutes the atmosphere in Ellenoria, to prepare for the winter which will come.


    In the citadel similarly to the city, it wakes up. Servants of different occupations have been awake for longer periods of time before anyone else, well, at least, those who hasn¡¯t had the night shift like the Battle-Maidens who¡¯re finishing up their last round before going to bed to their barracks in the Sanctuary.


    Xe¡¯Reth, who sleeps lying on his back, unseals his eyes with a quick flicker. Totally unfazed of any drowsiness from waking up. His headache doesn¡¯t pulsate anymore as if it hadn¡¯t even happened. He¡¯s as healthy as he can be.


    ¡®Was it because of the restoration of my wounds? Was that the cause of my headache? Hmm, I better experiment with it to be sure¡­ Though, sleeping on such a comfortable bed sure helps to eliminate fatigue,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought wide awake, staring up at the ceiling, which, too, has women of the Tertin line carved into the granite. The same as Madelyn¡¯s quarters, but yet it¡¯s the shapes of different women that gazes with their marble eyes at Xe¡¯Reth and the sleeping beauty next to him.


    Malinda¡¯s one arm has sited itself on his chest while her hand runs through his dark hair, gripping it tightly. And her one naked leg has elevated over his private part, securing him in her embrace as her bosoms presses, making him aroused by the firmness yet the suppleness of those great yet beautiful shaped breasts.


    Her breathing, ordinary, but the air that comes out from her mouth spreads the warmth on his neck, for her chin has situated itself on his upper shoulder, being totally glued to it. While his right arm has gone beneath her neck, running down her spine, holding her too, as she¡¯s holding him, but less tightly nonetheless.


    Her neglig¨¦e from all the tossing of her body has done so her stomach, even up to her lower breasts, displays completely bare. Resting in a seductive sleeping position, but Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes only stare at her serene expression as he chuckles inwardly, ¡®She truly holds me as if she never wants to let go. Night complete, well done, me. Though, she did fall asleep faster than I thought she would. It only took a couple of minutes before she was snoozing in her dreams. That¡¯s perfect; she¡¯s a solid and quick sleeper. Let¡¯s see how thick of a sleeper you are, my love.¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth touches her waist as he strokes it, up and down. Her skin, flawless of any birthmarks or imperfections. The heat exuding from her lean voluptuous body, making him want to ravage her to no end since even Xe¡¯Reth isn¡¯t immune to his desire for the opposite sex. But as he combs her golden hair with his fingers, Malinda gains a smile on her lips, and with eyebrows raising in delight. He kisses her forehead, too, but she doesn¡¯t awaken from her slumber.


    Instead of trying to touch her gently, he forms with his tongue soothing words to fill her dreaming mind, ¡°Malinda. My love. My beautiful Goddess. It¡¯s morning. Wake up¡­¡±


    No response.


    He takes her chin to raise it as his lips touches hers.


    Xe¡¯Reth kisses her multiple times, without sticking his tongue into her mouth. Again, no answer. Then as he switches his position from laying on his back, he twists his body while Malinda too moves, making her swing to the side as her arm and leg lands on the bed. To be arranged, so she sleeps with her front upward.


    Being free from her shackling embrace, Xe¡¯Reth sits up to support with hands on the bed. He stares around the bedchamber. The fireplace, unlit; the grandfather clock, its both pointers at six in the morning; the crimson drapes cover the windows and the balcony doors of crystals. But the weak sunlight still seeps through the tiny cracks.


    As Malinda¡¯s light-skinned belly raises and lowers calmly, Xe¡¯Reth pops up a scarred eyebrow while his eyes travel to the door on the opposite side of the bedchamber, to stare at the door¡¯s handle.


    It begins to move downward to open.


    Xe¡¯Reth scowls, he pushes his feet into the bed, then swings them backward to have his helping hands lunged him forward, off of the bed to land on the surface right in front of the lowest staircase. He dashes with only his shorts on, to stand in front of the door all casual, waiting for whoever it might be that seeks to disturb his morning.


    But as the disturber opens the door, it reveals to be Tanya who gains full eyes as Xe¡¯Reth raises his hand to cover his mouth to hide the fake yawn of tiredness, ¡°Ahh¡­ Tanya, good morning.¡± Xe¡¯Reth flickers with his eyes for good measure as Cerinn too yawns behind Malinda¡¯s handmaiden. Having her bun styled hair slightly uneven with strands sticking out at various places.


    ¡°Good morning to you too, Sir Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Tanya responded, curtseying elegantly with a grateful smile. But as she peeks over Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, her Miss, nowhere in sight. And because of the bed that Malinda rests on stands on a slightly elevated floor, Tanya can¡¯t locate her. ¡°Where is Miss?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t see her? She¡¯s lying on the bed, sleeping,¡± Xe¡¯Reth responded rather surprised as he turns around to welcome them in with a waving hand, ¡°Come in, those clothes must be for me, right?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Tanya replied while carrying a pair of new shirts, a tight black coat, and pants as she follows along Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s treading feet. ¡°Black suits you the best, said Miss, so I had arranged more clothes for you to wear. And it¡¯s rather cold outside today.¡±


    The burning torches in the dressing room behind Cerinn, who groggily follows, blazes in more light into the bedroom, but Tanya fixes the unlit hearth quickly after setting down the clothes on the table where yesterday¡¯s outfits had been folded. And as the flame brightens up the bedchamber a little bit, Xe¡¯Reth coolly says while inspecting the outfits, ¡°Tanya, I need to go and prepare for my mother¡¯s awakening, so tell Malinda where I¡¯m at. Oh, while I¡¯m at it, I¡¯ll write a list of merchandise which I will need.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, Sir Xe¡¯Reth, but¡­ Do you need Cerinn with you? Since, well, she¡¯s got a lot to learn. Therefore, I thought I could have her around me for today so I can teach her about what a handmaiden¡¯s responsibilities are. If you don¡¯t need her of course¡­¡± Tanya inquired rather eagerly as she smiles, waiting for his sanction, which she¡¯s sure she¡¯ll get.


    ¡°Be my guest. I¡¯ve no need for her today, though, who am I supposed to leave the written list to? Since she won¡¯t be with me?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked, curiously tilting his head to one side.


    ¡°Oh, just hand it to one of the servants who works in this wing. It¡¯s rather easy to notice what side they belong to,¡± Tanya tittered, grabbing her bun-styled hair to show Xe¡¯Reth of what she meant. Then forcibly pulls Cerinn over to fix up her ruffled strands. ¡°I just love this hairstyle¡­ I asked Miss awhile back if it could be the standard hairdo that every servant wears in her wing. And she gave permission, so I¡¯ve¡­ ¡ªOh, look at me chat when you need to go to your mother¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckled deceptively, pulling his shorts down to display his all.


    ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth! Please, you shouldn¡¯t so casually show yourself! Go stand behind the screen¡ªI mean¡­¡± Tanya hesitates as she turns her head away, pulling Cerinn¡¯s skull backward while a yelp sounds out from her mouth. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t display yourself even though you aren¡¯t bothered by your body¡­ But I am. Because I¡¯m like any other woman of servitude in this household.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­ I do apologize,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said with a cheerful smirk as he rapidly pulls up the man¡¯s underwear and the pants simultaneously. ¡°There, I will be careful in the future. Sorry.¡± He then puts on one of the shirts. Next he swooshes the coat jacket on, to button it half way up. Also slips into his given shoes he wore yesterday. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now. And I know the way. Thanks for everything Tanya. Malinda is lucky to have you. Though your sister kind of despises me I think, oh well, I can¡¯t be liked by everyone I guess.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ she, she can be hard to handle sometimes. But know that she would do anything for our Miss. And as I¡¯m her sister, I do apologize on her behalf,¡± Tanya sighed with a lovely smile on her lips as Xe¡¯Reth unconcernedly begins to walk to the opened door.


    ¡°I¡¯m used to it, so I''m all right either way. Take care of Cerinn for me, Tanya, and of course, my lover too,¡± Xe¡¯Reth responded with a waving flick of his two fingers as if he¡¯s making some weird goodbye gesture.


    ¡°Ah, Sir Xe¡¯Reth, before you leave! How long will you be gone? Since I thought of letting her sleep in a little today because of the pleasant evening, you two had yesterday,¡± Tanya intoned with another pull of the shorty¡¯s bun, turning Cerinn¡¯s expression furious with gritting teeth yet unseen by Tanya.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be done in an hour or so,¡± Xe¡¯Reth replied, turning to stare at the bun-haired shorty in joy. But raises his scarred brow in wonder, ¡°Why, is there something I need to be aware of?¡±


    ¡°Ah, no, I¡¯ll let her sleep for an hour then. She¡¯s such a heavy sleeper that I usually need to shove her a lot to wake her up¡­ So unladylike, but try not to say anything to anyone, Sir Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Tanya whispered with a finger pressing to her lips, while looking around suspiciously, then continues with Cerinn¡¯s hairdo.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Her unladylike secret is safe with me,¡± Xe¡¯Reth mused with a smiling blink of his eye as he spins around to stride out the door, through the dressing room, and out to the central chamber where Malinda spends her time to relax.


    Xe¡¯reth didn¡¯t bother to close the door, but as he steps into the main room, Taryna catches him waltzing in as she sits cross-legged on a comfortable seat with a glaring expression, trying to pierce his heart with her eyes.


    None other, only her and him, finally alone where no questionable eyes or ears can interrupt her.


    But instead of meeting her gaze, he walks to the front door leading out to the long corridor, which raises and lowers her lips to clench her teeth together as she stands up to hiss at his insolent bravery, ¡°Stop, you filthy¡­ dog.¡± Though she keeps her voice to a minimum, so nobody hears.


    He does stop his movements as she commanded. But Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t turn around, he keeps up his tenacity as he grumbles to himself, ¡®I didn¡¯t expect her to be so openly rude¡­ Dammit, I don¡¯t have time to play around with this jealous bitch of a woman.¡¯


    ¡°You seem rather healthy for a dog who suffered torture just yesterday¡­¡± Taryna said suspiciously, walking up to be right behind Xe¡¯Reth. And with a hand placing on his shoulder, she forcibly spins him around, so his dark glaring eyes stare at hers. ¡°Now that we¡¯re alone, let me warn you. I¡¯ll not stand by while you defile my Mistress. It¡¯s pure disgusting that someone of your stature is even allowed to gaze upon her splendidness. Truthfully, you should just leave before something happens to you¡­ or to your contaminated mother that stains this citadel with her filth.¡±


    ¡°That is more of a threat than a warning, Taryna,¡± Xe¡¯Reth smilingly said with an unfazed expression, holding back all ounce of fury. Because bringing his mother into this makes him want to teach this arrogant handmaiden what would happen if she was living in the slums.


    She would be murdered painstakingly. Maybe not by him, but by someone else if she were to talk similarly to that person. Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t differentiate between sexes. Once a murderer, always a murderer no matter if a woman or man committed it.


    ¡°Is that so¡­? Yeah, I guess it¡¯s a threat, but as nobody is here, who can prove it¡­ dog?¡± Taryna smirked, puffing out an air of superiority from her mouth.


    ¡°If you have nothing important to say, I need to get going¡­ slave,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said tauntingly as he turns to the double doors, but Taryna pulls him back, gripping his jacket forcefully with one hand as her other raises swiftly into the air then cascades down even faster, hitting Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s cheek. And with her hand letting go, he stumbles backward, to smash against the doors with a loud thud of a sound. ¡°Argh¡­ Are you out of your¡ªGuh¡­¡±


    Taryna squeezes both of her hands to choke his neck, hard.


    Though as Xe¡¯Reth can¡¯t catch his breath, he grimaces with lowered eyebrows and gritting teeth to flow with his hands under her arms as he presses both of his palms together, then strikes right up between Taryna¡¯s two arms, in the process breaking her hold of him. Making her this time, go wide-eyed as she stumbles backward, taking a little skin fragments from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s neck, too, since her nails are trimmed to perfection.


    Xe¡¯Reth coughs as he stands there glaring at the flame-haired Taryna, who too glares at him with a murderous aura about her.


    ¡°What¡­ *Cough* What is the matter with you? Are you downright mental?¡± Xe¡¯Reth growled, touching his throat as it stings from the gash marks left by Taryna¡¯s nails.


    ¡°Shut your mongrel mouth. I won¡¯t let you take my mistress¡¯ chastity¡­ For it isn¡¯t for you to take¡­ It is min¡ª,¡± Taryna snarled but she goes utterly pale and silent as that last broken word got the better of her. Her eyes wide, her mouth slightly ajar, and the pure stupidity of anger has severely ruined her chances of countering any further.


    ¡°It is mine; you meant to say¡­? Heh, oh¡­ Oh¡­! I see, so you¡¯re in love with Malinda, aren¡¯t you?¡± Xe¡¯Reth mused with a grin as he leans forward excitedly. While his arms go behind his back, to enjoy this moment of satisfaction. ¡°Ahaha, that¡¯s brilliant! You were rather incessantly jealous of our union; I could see it in your eyes. But never would I¡¯ve thought you were a lesbian. Though, I guess being surrounded by only women can make a girl¡¯s mind lonely.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, somebody caught your tongue?¡± Xe¡¯Reth grinned broadly, while Taryna just stares down at the floor, trying to think of something with her furrowed brows, but even if she tries to lie about what she was going to say, it won¡¯t matter, because Xe¡¯Reth has it already in his head. ¡°Well, I understand your feelings at least, but slapping and choking me, that I can¡¯t forgive. Oh, and tonight I¡¯ll enjoy myself thoroughly. As Malinda will feel me inside her. Heh. Until we meet again, Taryna¡­ Heh¡­¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth strides right out the door with victorious legs taking him to his mother¡¯s quarters.


    Taryna, still standing in the room all by herself, mutters strange words while her face screams her anxiety. She, who¡¯s Malinda¡¯s protector, her handmaiden has hidden the fact about loving her not as a friend, but as a lover. What would Malinda think of her? All those times she had seen her naked, all those times she tried to comfort her from a battle. Would she become distant if she knew, knew that she has even masturbated to her image?


    ¡°Why¡­ Why did I say that¡­ Why¡­¡± Taryna troublingly murmured in total confusion. Her head shakes, side to side in minute movements. ¡°Dear Divine Queens¡­ What have I done¡­ No, I must stop him¡­ I must shut him up before he tells Miss¡­¡±


    With a raise of her head, she stares at the doors which stand widely open, left ajar by Xe¡¯Reth.


    She grinds her teeth, then with a womanly growl, she grips the hilt of her sword and sprints after him¡­ Straight out the doors, without closing them¡­ To pursue him, to make him pay for knowing her most precious secret of her heart.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    Taryna couldn¡¯t expect it.


    Her mind was in a wild state, and her words, loose. One single blunder, one sentence can destroy her relationship with Malinda. But as she lingers in front of the doors to Theresa¡¯s quarters, she doesn¡¯t open them. Only standing there all stunned. Afraid of what might happen if she does turn those handles, to go inside, to tenaciously peer at him while he has the single card that she needs. Yet as she slowly moves her hands to the doors¡¯ handles, her mouth goes agape¡­


    What can she even do now?


    Beat him to promise not to say anything? Murder him, then blame it on someone else? No, she can¡¯t. It would need planning, a plan, yes, she needs a plan before doing anything rash.


    A plan.


    Taryna frowns deeply as she realizes that nothing good will come of it if she goes inside, so she turns around to head back to her Mistress quarters. If he tells her, he¡¯ll tell her, if he doesn¡¯t, then she¡¯ll strike out at him with a plan to split him and her Mistress apart.


    Yes. She got it. But it all depends on Xe¡¯Reth keeping his mouth shut.


    ¡®Just wait and see what I¡¯ve in store for you, dirty man dog¡­¡¯ Taryna strides with her outfit swaying with her movements while a sinister smirk curves on her lips as she heads to her loved one. To Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s sleeping beauty¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    By the Ebon Wall¡¯s massive middle gate stands Malinda, her posture, frightened, bewildered of what currently displays in front of her. She¡¯s in her red and black full plated armor with a sword in her hands, pointing its tip forward, while her shield guards of the incoming charge, but she doesn¡¯t know why. Only her eyes stare at the emptiness of the field of corpses that lies in an enormous pile.


    A collection of men, women, children, elderly, all kinds of dead humans. It¡¯s a pile that reaches ten meters into the humid and eerie misty air. No voices, no sounds but Malinda¡¯s out of breath breathing.


    Why? Why does she stand in front of the middle gate, and in front of her, a pile of dead people? Her shield, raised, waiting for a wave that¡¯ll never come. Yet as her eyes fixate to squint at one single corpse, a child¡¯s body, it shudders as Malinda¡¯s eyes widen in dismay. No, the whole mound twitches in minute movements.


    ¡°Ah¡­ What is¡­ going on¡­¡± Malinda panicked, she stumbles backward, landing on the reddened grass with her rear.


    They move¡­ The corpses move¡­ towards her. They tear themselves off of their pile of mutilated bodies, to crawl with rotten flesh bubbling on their skins.


    The reddened grass feeds off of the corpses. The dead helps it grow, but not this time, this time, it withers away to dry up entirely. Feeding the corpses instead. And she¡¯s just gazing with frightened eyes ajar at the incoming horde of death that comes closer and closer to her.


    The horror of howls sounds out from them, horrible screams of women whose mouths has dislocated to make them stand open even further, to let out the shriek of hatred, of pain, of everything they hold dear. Also as Malinda peers at the children that crawl with decaying flesh dragging on the surface of the forsaken ground, she grimaces as both of her hands lets go of her sword and shield, making them fall.


    Her sitting body wobbles in terror. The dead crawls as she stands up to turn around to escape them with spasming lips and teary eyes. She must escape to the side entrances of the Ebon Wall, to find safety¡­ But she gasps as nothing reveals behind her. Merely the pile of corpses which slowly rolls and tumbles down to begin crawling towards her.


    She turns to her other side, but another pile of death, she turns again, but yet one more. She spins to seek out a way to escape. However, wherever she gawks in fright, only death appear.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Her shield and sword, she needs them to defend herself. She searches for them as the bodies of children, men, women, and old cry to her in various sorrowful voices, yet no words, only the misery of what death actually feels like sounds through them.


    But her weapon or shield, nowhere in sight as the grass surrounding her begins to loose its crimson color. It withers, for the dead has encircled her entirely.


    ¡°Aahhh!¡± She startlingly screamed as they now circle around her. Their eyes, rotten to the core, whitened completely, even flowing out of their sockets. Their bodies lacerate blood, black deep blood from their gashing wounds from being stabbed, slashed, and bashed. Parts of their bodies miss a hand, an arm, even some misses a cut-off head.


    But what they all have in common is their armor, their outfits. They¡¯re gray. The symbol of the slave army. Their brands of slavery which show in their tattered garments of war, or, at least, they look like outfits for a soldier, but the clothes display the amateurish workmanship. Cheap enough to mass produce, to give to expendable slaves, to send them off to die for their kingdom which they were born in.


    To throw away their pathetic lives¡­ for the game.


    ¡°What¡­ what do you want! Don¡¯t come closer! Don¡¯t come, I say!¡± Malinda cried, waving her hands in revulsion at the fresh smell that they exude from their decomposing bodies.


    Though, as the crowd of death makes no movements at all towards her, only their peering gazes, they make way for an adolescent that holds Malinda¡¯s shield, hugging it in front of her body. The child can¡¯t be no more than twelve years old. But the skin of this child isn¡¯t rotten nor is it starting to rot. An ordinary girl whose hair, short and utterly ruined as if it was cut by a child¡­


    The erected corpses around Malinda has their eyes on her still, only the child walks smilingly towards her without a care in the world. A smile to shine brighter than the burning sun.


    ¡°Come! Come quickly!¡± Malinda yelled, gesturing for the little shieldbearer to quicken her thin little legs. So thin and so unnourished. It sprouts for a saddened scowls on Malinda¡¯s expression. Then the child finally stands in front of her as the corpses fill the passage where the little girl came from as quickly as it opened. ¡°You¡¯re safe here with me, I won¡¯t let them touch you¡­ But¡­ But how did you make them do that?¡±


    No response from the child, solely a smile as she raises her shield-holding hands up, to give it to Malinda in the most gladdened moods ever on the child¡¯s expression. A smiling mouth ajar, eyes as blue as her own. But as Malinda grabs the safeguard, the child says horrifyingly to her,


    ¡°For my murderer¡­¡±


    The shield falls from Malinda¡¯s hands to hit the desecrated ground beneath her with a thud. Her breath shudders as air escapes from between her shaking lips, to take a step back, and another step, for she witnesses her own sword that has implanted itself into the child¡¯s stomach.


    Though as Malinda¡¯s eyes travel to the face of the girl, the child¡¯s mouth drips black blood, and her eyes flow dark dye. Everyone around her. Their blood pours out of their bodies as Malinda¡¯s breath quickens and quickens as panic strikes her.


    ¡°P-Please, f-forgive me. I had no¡­ I couldn¡¯t¡­ It was¡­ Ahh¡­ Ahhh¡­!¡± Malinda yelped as the dark blood reaches her feet. It also ascends as Malinda jerks her head side to side to find somewhere to escape, but no matter where her eyes journeys, death still awaits her. Surrounds her. ¡°No, no, no, I didn¡¯t mean to kill her¡­ She¡­ she was attacking me! What was I suppose to do?! I had no other choice!!¡±


    Her voice screams at the sky for clemency for some unknown reason. She has never believed in the Goddesses, so why would she turn to them now?


    Tears run down Malinda¡¯s face as the blood goes to her waist. She hiccups as she¡¯s frightened out of her mind. Her whole expression is damaged. Wrinkling brows, spasming lips, and a head which shakes in terror, for she can¡¯t swim. She has never learned how to.


    As her hyperventilation turns her whole body frozen, she merely stares at the bleeding child¡¯s head as it disappear when the blood reaches her bosoms. But as she raises her gaze to the crowd of corpses, they too have gone, leaving her in a sea of darkness. That unique feeling of being all alone grows her horror even further.


    ¡°No¡­ No, please, stop it¡­ I don¡¯t wanna drown¡­ Mama¡­ Papa, I¡¯m scared¡­ Help me¡­ Help¡ªAh¡­ Ahh! Nooggugh¡­!¡± The blood reaches her mouth, making her choke on it as she desperately tries to swim with flapping arms and legs, but it¡¯s of no use. She¡¯s wearing her heaviest plate armor on. Only sinking her to the bottom.


    ¡°MMoohhhmmm¡­ MMMMAAAMAAHMAHAM¡­ PPPAAAPPPAHPPA¡­¡±


    She holds her breath for her dear life. But, the sea of blood above her has actually stopped rising.


    In her last crucial moment, as she runs out of her remaining air, she bends her legs, then pushes with all her might to fly, to reach the surface, ¡°MMMHHHMMHH.¡± But the dead won¡¯t let her go; their hands, their vulgar nail-gripping-hands holds her at the bottom. Drowning her as her eyes start rolling into her skull.


    She stretches out a gauntleted hand for someone to take. And right as her eyes begin to close for her own miserable death, a hand does grab onto hers, to pull her free from her demise of drowning which she has dreamt of countless times before, always ending in the same horrible conclusion; she drowns and wakes up in a cold sweat.


    Though this time, someone does grab ahold of her gauntlet, no, she now has her beautiful hand all exposed. Her whole body, fully naked. To pull her out of the water of darkness, to gain back her breath. But as she takes a deep inhale of air, it¡¯s as if she doesn¡¯t even need it. Instead, she coughs, still gripping the hand which saved her. And as her eyes go wide in disbelief, she utters startlingly,


    ¡°X-Xe¡¯Reth¡­?¡±


    Her tears flow out even more. Her lips tightened up immensely upon witnessing her lover standing there beside her, smiling as usual. Smiling at her.


    With a flicker of her eyes, only in an instant, they turn horrendous in fear, for a darkened being has replaced her lover completely. The blackest of creatures with a man¡¯s lean body, but it has zero features. Only a shiny surface and the abyssal eyes; no mouth nor nose nor ears. Only those globes of darkness peering at her. And as her eyes move bravely to look at her hand, her eyes go even wider as she¡¯s now holding a five-fingered hand with razor sharp claws.


    Then the creature¡¯s other claw pulls Malinda close, turning her stomach inside out in dread, for it¡¯s as if its skin is made of glass, no, of crystal. Such a smooth surface but as she¡¯s in its embrace, her shaking won¡¯t stop, though from two single words, ¡°My Malinda,¡± that rings inside her mind, she raises to gaze into those dark eyes which now stare lovingly at her.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­? Is that yo¡ª¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    Before she finishes her sentence, she gasps loudly as her eyes flicker in surprise. She¡¯s back in her room, lying on her bed, staring up at the ceiling of the carved women of the Tertin line.


    ¡°Miss, thank the Divine Queens you finally woke up¡­ I¡¯ve been trying to wake you for five minutes now, but you just wouldn¡¯t snap out of your nightmare,¡± Tanya troublingly said, almost welling up in tears, while Cerinn looks standing at the foot of the bed as Tanya sits sideways like a fabled mermaid right beside her Miss. ¡°Was it the same nightmare, Miss? The pile of corpses? You drowning in blood?¡±


    ¡°Tanya¡­¡± Malinda muttered with eyes filling with tears, but as shock hits her, she whips her head side to side to search for the man she wants. Not even realizing that she doesn¡¯t have a headache from the night before. ¡°Where is Xe¡¯Reth¡­? D¡­Don¡¯t tell me it was a dream too¡­?¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth? Oh, he had to tend to his mother, so he didn¡¯t want to wake you,¡± Tanya quickly responded to satisfy Malinda¡¯s worried heart, which sighs out in relief upon hearing her handmaiden¡¯s words.


    ¡°Thank the Di¡ªWait¡­ No¡­ It wasn¡¯t the same dream at all¡­¡± Malinda wrinkled her eyebrows to then gaze down at her own body. ¡°Ah! How long have I been exposed like this, Tanya?!¡± Malinda shouted as she hurriedly covers her exposed body with the bed¡¯s cover, which lies tossed away at the foot of the bed.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Both of Malinda¡¯s and Cerinn¡¯s eyes flickers as they make eye-contact.


    ¡°Who, who¡¯re you? Tanya, why is a servant here in the morning? I explicitly prohibited any servants from being here when I wake up! Answer me, now!¡± Malinda bellowed in anger, pulling the cover around her whole body, tightly, so her half nakedness doesn¡¯t show for the wide-eyed Cerinn.


    ¡°M-Miss, you don¡¯t remember her? She¡¯s Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s new handmaiden that you authorized to be under him¡­¡± Tanya shockingly said, presenting Cerinn with an outstretched hand, then crawls off of the bed to put her hands on Cerinn¡¯s shoulders while standing behind her, ¡°See? She¡¯s the one who your sister was going to throw out of the citadel. Her name is Cerinn Jeyver.¡±


    ¡°Oh, her¡­¡± Malinda recalled as she becomes enlightened with a mouth ajar. Her face changes in a flash to smilingly gaze as an awkward chuckle escapes, ¡°Heh. Please, do forgive me for yelling, but I don¡¯t like when a person sees me in the morning.¡±


    Cerinn merely courtesies with a smile, a somewhat honest smile. Malinda drunk a lot yesterday, so she mustn¡¯t have noticed her when she put on those revealing yet erotic neglig¨¦e, then fell asleep in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°But Miss¡­ You¡¯re not sweating¡­ You usually do when you have that nightmare,¡± Tanya noted, tilting her head in surprise. She lets go of Cerinn as she puts her knee on the bed¡¯s edge, to begin crawling to the wrapped up Malinda. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you sweat, Miss? Hmm, was it because you slept with Xe¡¯Reth perhaps? He brought you comfort?¡±


    Malinda ponders with a biting lip as her eyes widen in a shudder at the sudden thought; Xe¡¯Reth had pulled her out of the sea of blood, to then turn into a blackened creature¡­ But, those loving eyes that peered at her was exactly similar to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s gaze which he gives her.


    Though why the image of that monster? She winces as a smile sprouts on Malinda¡¯s lips as she assures, ¡°Yes¡­ Yes! It was Xe¡¯Reth! He¡­ He actually saved me from drowning. He saved me inside my nightmare, Tanya.¡±


    ¡°R-Really? That, that¡¯s extraordinary, Miss. Thank the Divine Queens, now hopefully you won¡¯t wake up in those wettened conditions ever again,¡± Tanya joyed with hands clutching together under her chin as she sits next to her Miss. ¡°But, oh well, time to get up, it¡¯s almost seven o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°All right¡­ Hmm, where is Taryna?¡± Malinda asked, searching for her faithful handmaiden with her gazing eyes which scans her brightly lit bedroom. Drapes have opened up to shine in the view of the rising sun.


    ¡°Ah¡­ She came to tell me that she would be working out at the sanctuary¡¯s training yard with the Battle-Maiden trainees,¡± Tanya frowningly said, shaking her head of how her sister can be so energetic in the morning. ¡°She was in a rather pissed off way, too¡­ Oh, I hope she and Sir Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t fight with each other when he went to his mother¡¯s quarters¡­¡±


    Malinda sighs in dismay at Taryna¡¯s sudden grumbling personality, ¡°Well, I certainly hope she didn¡¯t. But I made a promise to her that she only needed to listen to my orders and not Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s¡­ Do you also want to make a promise like that?¡±


    ¡°No need, Miss. He¡¯s your future husband and my future Honored Master so it would be offensive to him to make such a promise. My sister can be a hassle. I¡¯m sorry, Miss,¡± Tanya apologizes with a drooping head, but perks up as she inhales and exhales. ¡°Enough of these discussions, Miss, time to clothe you and style your messed up hair. Come now, off of the bed, as Xe¡¯Reth will probably come back soon.¡±


    ¡®No servant has come with a list, so he¡¯ll probably give it personally to me,¡¯ Tanya wondered as she climbs off the bed to guide the short Cerinn to wherever her Miss will be seated to be prettied up to become her divine self.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up earlier?!¡± Malinda shouted, furrowing her brows in worry as she only now grasps what time it is.


    She, too, gets off the bed, to quickly stride with the cover wrapped around her whole body, dragging it on the flight of steps, then on the carpeted floor as she goes to sit down in front of a mirror table beside the hearth. On the south side of the wall in the bedroom.


    As she peers into her own reflection, she grimaces in complete fright. Her whole appearance, ghastly, not worthy of showing. Her golden healthy hair has ruffled itself up. Puffing out in every direction, and her distress turns ever more grimacing because Xe¡¯Reth had indeed witnessed her sleeping position, her appearance, and her half-naked body, all vulnerable to a man¡¯s desire.


    ¡°He must think I¡¯m a complete sloth of a woman!¡± Malinda moaned, leaning in to turn her head to gaze at herself from different angles. But as Tanya and Cerinn gazes with their eyes, standing right behind her, all of their six eyes widens to the fullest capacity as Xe¡¯Reth walks up to stand all nonchalantly at their rear.


    ¡°Well, you certainly is a heavy sleeper, but I love you nonetheless,¡± Xe¡¯Reth declared gently, smiling at his newly awakened maiden. ¡°You didn¡¯t even wake up when I kissed you a couple of times on the lips. Oh, I mean¡­ Ah, well, I couldn¡¯t help myself, you looked so beautiful even in your current state.¡±


    ¡°Xe¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­ you, you must say something when you come into the room!¡± Malinda cried, being totally embarrassed, but two pouty lips form, ¡°And you shouldn¡¯t kiss me when I sleep, only when I¡¯m awake¡­ It isn¡¯t fair for only you to fe¡ªI mean¡­ Wake me up when you wake up!¡±


    Both Cerinn and Tanya presents their surprised eyes while they have already turned around to bob their heads in recognition of his presence since Tanya has taught Cerinn of how she should act around Xe¡¯Reth. To be totally at his beck and call, to do whatever he needs, but of course, to some degree.


    Xe¡¯Reth closes in on Malinda as his arms curls around her covered body, squeezing her tightly, whispering in her ear, ¡°I can¡¯t wait for tonight. I will truly ravage you until you go crazy in ecstasy. Because I¡¯ve read up on a woman¡¯s body. I know all of the spots to make you feel pleasure, even without having sex. Since sex usually only gives relief to the male partner and not the female partner. Though, you¡¯ll experience it tonight, my love, my Malinda, when I give you the wildest night you¡¯ll ever have.¡±


    Malinda¡¯s heart pounds immensely as if someone punches her chest, but with a lower lip biting in arousal, she directs her eyes to his. And he gives her a kiss, a morning kiss. Though a little bit more than a morning kiss as his tongue peeks inside her own mouth, to swirl, to water, and so that Malinda loses herself entirely in his embrace. Ah, his embrace which she so enjoys being part of.


    ¡°Ahem,¡± Tanya sounded out with her throat, which breaks off their steamy kiss. Xe¡¯Reth, unfazed by it, while Malinda reddens, averting her eyes away innocently. ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth, could you please not interrupt me? I was about to begin to pretty her up. Now shoo, shoo, and where is that list of merchandise you wanted to buy, hmm?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I do apologize, here it is,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said, grinning as he slides out the rolled up paper which peeks out from his pocket. ¡°I think I¡¯ll leave you ladies to your business, as I, well, what¡¯s on the agenda for today?¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Malinda gasps as she remembers with flickering eyes, ¡°I need to go to the DLO and speak with the Inquisitor about you know what, Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, that¡¯s right, shall I come along then?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked, placing his hand on her shoulder.


    But she shakes her head in disagreement, putting her own hand on his to assure him, ¡°No, it¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll handle it. You just stay in the citadel. Why don¡¯t you explore its wonders? But of course, you¡¯ll have a guide with you. Tanya, pick someone who can go with him while I¡¯m out, okay?¡±


    ¡®Perfect, just what I need to do. But a guide? Tsk, oh well,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought in slight worry, yet only his serene mask is on his face. He squeezes Malinda¡¯s shoulder as he agrees, ¡°Wonderful, I¡¯ve always wanted to explore this place of marvel.¡±


    He radiates more than ever before, which gladdens Malinda immensely as she stares at his handsome facial features, wanting to kiss his lips some more, but she sighs out before Tanya can respond, ¡°That settles it, now¡­ now shoo, Xe¡¯Reth, go wait in my main room¡­¡ªIn our room, I mean.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, as my Honored Lover commands of me,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said, kissing Malinda on her cheek, then strides out where he came from, to leave the ladies there while Tanya holds the rolled up list.


    She unrolls it as her eyes go wide.


    A whole list of around two hundred words in even spaces and pictures, as if some skillful writer or painter has composed it. Full cursive too. A list of different sized and shaped glass containers, having even the measurements written beside the drawn objects; a set of alchemy supplies. He has also highlighted the various herbs he needs. And written down his exact body size; waist, chest, arms, legs, and height, not missing a single measure for his clothes. Because the current ones do fit a little too tight.


    A lot of other drawn pictures and written words are on the list, but all Tanya can do is stare as she reads the letters.


    ¡°Amazing, he did this under an hour?¡± Tanya impressively said in awe. While Cerinn too peeks at the list, yet her uninterested expression sighs in exhaustion. Being around this handmaiden has taken a lot from her. She can¡¯t wait to be free to do what she wants. To be the one in charge of her own way of things.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ did you say something?¡± Malinda asked, being totally oblivious to her own loving mood as she touches her kissed cheek with a smile on her lips.


    ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± Tanya responded, rolling the list up again to put it neatly into her dress pocket. ¡°Now then, let¡¯s make you gorgeous. Look Cerinn, closely, so you learn a thing or two.¡±


    Tanya cracks her fingers as she readies herself to transform this awakened beast into a beautiful maiden of love¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading! See you next time!


    Never really written a dream before... Hopefully, it came out all right. And next chapter will be a meeting in the citadel''s garden, but I wonder with who... hmm?


    Voice your thoughts in the comments! :D


    Until... Next Time...


    Favorite/Follow/Review/Rep if you like the story!


    <hr />

 32 - The Beginning of a War

    <hr />


    The Beginning of a War


    <hr />


    The Citadel¡¯s corridors bustle with life. The hundreds of full-fledged servants walk and hurries along to their current chores; cleaning, gardening, making breakfast orders of dishes which will go to various parts of the Citadel. To the stables, to the healer¡¯s house, to the servants¡¯ households outside the Sanctuary, and to the Sanctuary itself to feed all of the female children and growing teenagers who live there.


    In the Citadel¡¯s massive kitchen, the numerous cooks scurry around holding trays of uncooked food that must be prepared for serving. The bubbling water pots heat on the many burning stoves with timber while the searing hot frying pans cook the eggs which turn golden and shine with its whitened color to indicate that it¡¯s finished. Rounded meatballs roll about in the pans as the chefs flow with their hands, to toss them around so they don¡¯t get burned to a black crisp.


    The many racks of hanging meat, sausages, and the other delicacies await for their turn to be roasted on the fire, or be cooked with the various cookwares. But, as the bakers of bread stop the kneading of their dough, they turn to the appointed chef for today. For the handmaidens takes turns in handling the kitchen so their skill in home economics doesn''t get dull.


    One handmaiden, a red-haired woman of menacing stature who holds a piece of paper in her hands, scowls as she peers at the chefs intently, trying to catch any mistake that they might do.


    With a raised head, she shouts out loudly for every single chef in the kitchen to hear, ¡°Listen up everyone! The orders have been sent by our Honored Madam and Ladies! But, it will be a little bit different today! Only Madam Celyssa, Lord Maldoran, and Lady Merissa will be eating their breakfast in the dining hall! And, my own Honored Lady Madelyn¡¯s breakfast will be brought to her quarters today. Then last but not least, Honored Lady Malinda and her¡­ lover¡­ will be having their breakfast in their chamber too.¡±


    ¡°Raise a hand if you want to cook for Lady Malinda and her¡­ lover. Raise!¡± she yelled sharply though uttering Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s given title with slight distaste, making the chefs startlingly jump in surprise.


    But as the red-head gazes at the rising hands, one after the other, she scowls even more, because every chefs¡¯ hand has raised to wave in delight. Since cooking for Malinda and her lover brings possibilities if they¡¯re praised for their culinary arts, for a report will always be sent back to the kitchen of how the Honored Ones liked the prepared food.


    ¡°Tsk¡­¡± the red-head clicks with her tongue as rage form on her frowning eyebrows, which sinks some of the chefs¡¯ heads in worry. Though as a growl escapes from the handmaiden, she points while shouting, ¡°You, you, you, you, you, and you! Prepare the breakfast for Lady Malinda and her¡­ lover. Now¡­ who wants to cook for my own Honored Lady Madelyn, hmm? Raise your hands!¡±


    Not one single hand raises.


    None willing to cook for the spoiled lady of the household. For her standards has risen too high for anyone to be eager to prepare food for Madelyn, since if just a single mistake is found on the plate filled with dishes, that chef will most likely be set to wash dishware for months until someone brave enough tries to plead for the unfortunate one. And since those thousands of plates come to the kitchen every day, it would take hour upon hours to finish, wearing out the hands of the washers too. So it¡¯s a punishment like the many other jobs in the Citadel that needs to be taken care of, no matter how time-consuming or revolting it may be.


    ¡°You¡­ You dare disgrace my Honored Lady? Well then, suit yourselves. I guess I will pick¡­ Hmm¡­ Yes, you six. You girls better cook with your life at stake or you might be punished by my Honored Lady Madelyn for bringing her such sickening food. Hmhmhm,¡± she commanded with a grin while chuckling sinisterly at the six young chefs who just joined the kitchen staff this year.


    As the six heard their orders, they go pale in fright. Their heads turn to stare with wide eyes at each other, then to the other chefs who have their heads directing away from their anxious globes of various colors which plead for aid.


    ¡°Hmhmhm,¡± she keeps chuckling as she stares in delight with the piece of paper covering her grinning mouth, ¡°Just look at you all, turning on one another so straightforwardly¡­ Hmhmhm. Well, the rest of you prepare the food for the Honored Lord, Madam, and Lady. And the ordered breakfast is¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    In the main room of Malinda and Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s chambers, Xe¡¯Reth stands on one of the balconies with the same crystal double doors behind him, gazing out at the misty morning, out at the posterior wall of the Citadel. He¡¯s rather disappointed at the view in front of him because only a couple of small houses and sheds locates there. And as he gazes to his left side, the Citadel curves out a little bit, probably a grand hall of some kind.


    When he had gone to his mother, he noticed a little further down the corridor that two large double doors led into that very hall. Though, from the d¨¦cor on the outside, it must be a place of worship since the windows of that part of the Citadel have stained glass of various graphic arts of the Divine Queens as the massive cathedral in the city, yet smaller in size.


    ¡®Thankfully, mom didn¡¯t get worse from moving her to the citadel. Though now that I¡¯ll have more expensive supplies at my disposal, I might finally find some cure to rid her of that¡­¡¯ He breaks off into a sigh as troubling air exhales. Much to do but so little time to do it. Xe¡¯Reth must know this Citadel through and through so he can move about much more easily at night when it¡¯s needed since Malinda sleeps heavily.


    Perfect for him if secrecy requires being kept.


    ¡®I need to record every person who has some kind of influence in the citadel. Maldoran, Celyssa, Madelyn, Malinda, all of the handmaidens, and as I haven¡¯t met anyone else, visiting the most important areas should be a top priority, but I should also take a look at the citadel¡¯s garden to see if I can find a place to secretly grow my herbs. I¡¯ve heard it¡¯s quite huge. Hopefully, it¡¯s huge enough,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth lingers in his mind, to plan, to calculate individual encounters, but as his eyes twitches in alertness, he listens to the steps that walk into the central chamber with thudding plate boots while four other footsteps follow.


    Letting go of the balcony¡¯s railing, Xe¡¯Reth turns to tread inside, into the warmth that exudes from the hearth, which too blazes exactly like the bedroom¡¯s fireplace.


    He steps into the chamber while closing the doors behind him, then stares at the built out wall that covers his sight of where the footsteps have now stopped since they gaze with their female eyes to find the person who they¡¯re looking for.


    With hands on his back and chest pushed forward, he strides forth, into the middle of the room where a long table with chairs are located.


    There Malinda stands in her exquisite beauty, yet her ferocity of the fashionable garments of plate armor hides all of her body¡¯s wonders. She¡¯s ready for a battle with words with the Inquisitor, though as a scarred brow raises from Xe¡¯Reth, Malinda begins to fiddle with her gauntleted hands rather incessantly.


    She wanted to wear a gorgeous dress to show off to her lover, but the thought of going out in such an outfit embarrassed her gravely, so she made the choice to be in her regular armor when she meets with the Inquisitor.


    ¡°Took you long enough, love,¡± Xe¡¯Reth began, turning his body with a smile directing to Malinda, which makes her smile back while tightening her lips at the same time. ¡°Is this how long it usually takes for women to prepare themselves?¡±


    Before Malinda answers, Tanya walks up to the long table to draw out the largest chair for Malinda to sit on as she giggles, ¡°Indeed Xe¡¯Reth. It will even take longer now that she wants to look pretty for someone she loves. And that makes me rather giddy in my heart¡­ I just love to¡­ Ah, I¡¯m talking nonsense again, forgive me. Come, Miss, have a seat, and you too Xe¡¯Reth because breakfast will soon be served.¡±


    ¡°Mm, good,¡± Malinda nodded as she instead of sitting down, she steps on the traditional d¨¦cor of the crimson carpet, to stand in front of Xe¡¯Reth. Her eyes avoiding his, while he stares wonderingly at her, for she acts somewhat nervous. ¡°Do¡­ Do I look okay in this armor, Xe¡¯Reth? It¡¯s a little lighter than my heavy one. B-But, am I beautiful even though I¡¯m wearing such an unwomanly armor?¡±


    ¡°Unwomanly? Heh, Malinda, you just need to stare downwards to get your answer,¡± Xe¡¯Reth shakes his head affectionately with a closed-eyed smile, ¡°Even if you wear such armor, you¡¯re as beautiful as ever, because¡­¡± He closes in on Malinda as he pulls her to his face, ¡°Because you bring out my desire¡­¡ªWait, you aren¡¯t wearing lipstick. Oh, I see what my Honored Lady wants.¡±


    Malinda immediately puckers her lips as her eyes close to wait for him, for him to initiate, and he does by boldly pressing his lips on hers while a tongue escapes, spoiling her goddess-like entrance with his saliva as she accepts him without even thinking about it. Her plated arms coil his neck, to take in his scent, his warmth, and his loving emotions for her that she knows are true.


    ¡®Seriously, how many times do they have to kiss for it to be enough¡­?¡¯ Cerinn thought, rolling her eyes in annoyance because she¡¯s starving, but not too much for her stomach to growl. ¡®I can¡¯t believe that handmaidens are allowed to dine with their Master or Mistress if they¡¯re given permission¡­ To dine with an Honored One, to dine with Lady Malinda¡­ It¡¯s too good to be true! Haha, I¡¯m above every other servant! Ha, take that Madelyn the ruthless, for throwing me away, for I¡¯ll be your thorn for the years to come!¡¯


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t want lipstick,¡± Tanya muttered as she finishes moving out four chairs to be seated upon. One for Malinda at the head of her table, one for Xe¡¯Reth on the head¡¯s north side, and two on the opposite side of Xe¡¯Reth where Tanya and Cerinn will be seated.


    ¡°Mm, you¡¯ve gotten better at kissing, Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth approved as their lips unlock. ¡°Though you should tilt you head a little bit more, like this.¡±


    ¡°Mmmm!¡± Malinda startlingly does tilt her head as Xe¡¯Reth gently moves her to slope so they can enjoy themselves to their fullest. ¡°Mm¡­ Mmm¡­¡± Her tongue itself slowly whips around in his watery mouth. It¡¯s as if some addictive substance comes from his saliva, making her want to taste it forever.


    It surprises Xe¡¯Reth with gazing alert eyes as Malinda¡¯s whole world eases into a trance of a moving mouth and a swirling tongue, while her eyes, half opened, totally dazing in and out. Even her arms have slacked as they rest on her outer plated thighs.


    ¡®Is she so relaxed by only kissing¡­? Weird, never has this happened before, well, I didn¡¯t even get the chance to kiss the landlady since she only wanted me to relieve her lonely loveless life with sex,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thought, completely puzzled by Malinda¡¯s peaceful expression.


    As Xe¡¯Reth removes his lips, Malinda still has her head tilted, waiting for his lips to return. But as no lips return, she flickers somberly, not liking the conclusion of the tongue against tongue.


    ¡°W-Why did you stop, Xe¡¯Reth? We, we still have time before breakfast will arrive, right, Tanya?¡± Malinda asked, switching her flickering gaze to her handmaiden who¡¯s sitting on her side of the table next to Cerinn, who smiles innocently yet fakely at the now unsealed couple.


    ¡°Yes, Miss. It¡¯ll take awhile for the servants to come with the food. Though now that I think about it, I¡¯m quite hungry actually,¡± Tanya admitted, letting out an awkward chuckle while scratching her neck. But her eyes widen, ¡°OH! I almost forgot a guide for Sir Xe¡¯Reth! We¡¯ll be right back, come along Cerinn.¡±


    ¡°What¡­? Do I need too?¡± Cerinn begged with puppy eyes and pursing lips, wanting to relax instead of working.


    ¡°Cerinn¡­ Up, now!¡± Tanya retorted with a gesturing hand, being sterner than usual. And Cerinn does stand up with a moaning droop of her head, but that only grows Tanya¡¯s sternness.


    She has had problems with this little girl. Not being obedient, not doing what she should be doing, and being an embarrassment as a handmaiden. Cerinn had talked back, pouted when she got new work put on her. Being a little too spoiled for her own sake because she considers becoming a handmaiden, means, that she doesn¡¯t need to follow instructions from other people than from her Master, which isn¡¯t true, but she tenaciously sticks to that way of thinking.


    As both of the handmaidens goes out into the corridor, then with the clicking of the double doors, Malinda focuses her gaze again at Xe¡¯Reth, to stroke his slicked-back hair with her plated hand while biting her lower lip.


    ¡°Malinda, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked, raising his scarred brow at Malinda¡¯s sudden sad facial expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s just that I¡¯m¡­ No, never mind¡­¡± Malinda broke off, gazing away from his questioning eyes.


    This time, Xe¡¯Reth strokes her loose hair which flows down her back and front side. He runs his fingers through it, to touch the silky smooth strands of golden locks as he boldly scents it with his nose. Then gently says, ¡°If I¡¯ve done something wrong, please, tell me. Because I want nothing to stand between us; you know my secrets, and I would want your trust in telling me your secrets too.¡±


    ¡°What¡­? No, Xe¡¯Reth. It isn¡¯t anything like that,¡± Malinda startlingly responded, but her eyes narrow into vileness. ¡°I just want those who tortured you in front of me, so I can look into their eyes and sentence them to their endless doom¡­ I won¡¯t forgive them; I¡¯ll use my power as an Honored One to sway their trial to give them a lifetime in prison because the Inquisitor is in my palm now.¡±


    ¡°Heh. You¡¯re even more beautiful when your angry, my love,¡± Xe¡¯Reth grinned broadly, giving her a swift peck on her lips, which takes her by surprise, completely off guard as her angry expression disappears in an instant to change into a blushing woman with avoiding eyes. ¡°Though, I should probably not try to anger you¡­ but¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth narrows his eyes to suspiciously gaze around the room, ¡°But I don¡¯t really mind that side of you, because even though you¡¯re kind, kindness can only go so far. For being a little ruthless in secret won¡¯t hurt you in the slightest.¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­!¡± Malinda shouted, but she becomes stunned by her own voice instead, because, in the past, her ruthlessness has doomed people to lose their bravery, even hurting the ones who wouldn¡¯t back off with their hunt in trying to woo her. ¡°I mean¡­¡ªMM!¡±


    ¡°Shh¡­ Listen, Malinda: You protected me from that pig by the gate of the city. The way you cried for me when I laid there all tortured. All of my secrets that you¡¯ve accepted without question and the way you aided me by helping my mother. It is why, even though you¡¯ve killed people in the name of our country, even though you have an unpredictable mind, it makes me want to accept all of your faults. To bear them upon my shoulders instead of you carrying them alone¡­ So, Malinda, you can trust me as I trust you. And please, it must be something else than those who tortured me which¡¯s troubling your heart,¡± Xe¡¯Reth spoke caringly; his eyes serene, his mouth gladdened, and his hand that caresses her naked neck wants her to spill everything.


    Malinda sighs in defeat as her head lowers forward, but her smirk on those juicy lips can¡¯t hide her joy at hearing such words from Xe¡¯Reth. She raises her head with an inhale of air to then exhale while forming her lips so it travels to the side, and not straight to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s face.


    ¡°I had a nightmare¡­ It¡¯s my regular nightmare, too, because I dream of those who I¡¯ve killed with my own hands on the battlefield¡­¡± Malinda uttered as her whole face descends into sorrow. ¡°But it was different this time, you were in my nightmare¡­ You saved me¡ªOh, I know, it sounds stupid, but¡­ but I was so happy that you were there to pull me out from the ocean of blood. That¡¯s what I was brooding over. Only that¡­ So¡­¡±


    ¡®I better not speak about that creature in my nightmare, though¡­¡¯ Malinda stares directly into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes of shadows. ¡®If it weren¡¯t for the blackening of the eyes, it would be exactly the same as Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s¡­ Yes, I better keep it a secret, I don¡¯t want him to worry about me anymore, and things need to be prepared.¡¯


    ¡°Malinda¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asked, waving his hand in front of her eyes, which now flickers in bafflement.


    ¡°Wh-What¡­ What is it¡­?¡± Malinda replied, pouting her lips in a childlike manner to remove the suspiciousness from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s dark squinting orbs.


    ¡°You dazed out there, heh,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckled as he takes a seat on his chair on the north side of the table. And when he¡¯s seated, he pats his thighs. ¡°Come, sit, sit. Let us continue what we were doing just a moment ago.¡±


    ¡°But Xe¡¯Reth¡­ I¡¯m wearing plate,¡± Malinda protested, clanking her gauntleted hands to sound out the tones of the armor¡¯s material. It isn¡¯t the thickest, but the weight would still press down on his legs, yet, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s fear for the woman standing there counts as zero. He has strong legs, though, maybe the chair will give out first. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ heavy¡­¡ªAt the moment, I mean of course.¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll count to three. If you aren¡¯t on my lap by then, I¡¯ll become¡­angry. Yes, angry,¡± Xe¡¯Reth mused, slapping his lap a couple of times to show his seriousness. His eyes narrow to glare, ¡°One¡­¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, you can¡¯t be serious!¡± Malinda shouted while pointing with a finger straight at him, ¡°It¡¯s childish!¡±


    ¡°Two¡­¡± His voice grows extremely dark.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­!¡± Malinda wailed with furrowing brows descending into worry.


    ¡°Thre¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Humph,¡± her buttocks lands on his lap, weighing down her whole load on his legs and on the sturdy chair. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re making me do this¡­ It¡¯s degrading...¡± Her head whips away in another direction. Displaying her annoyed mood of him taming her into submission.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    He blows air into her ear to send shivers down her spine. Which whips back her head to glare furiously at him. But as only a smiling mouth and gentle eyes reveal before her, she falls into his embrace.


    She hugs him tightly, pressing her plated bulging bosoms onto his chest.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t fair...¡± Malinda moped in her defense.


    ¡°I know, I know, my Malinda, my love,¡± Xe¡¯Reth comforted, patting her head as if she¡¯s a child. Yet no child is she, but a seductive woman who can make anyone swoon over her. Though not Xe¡¯Reth, he takes advantage of the anticipatable frame of mind which she has.


    He has grasped it somewhat by now.


    Instead of countering Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s obvious fearlessness, she goes in, locking her lips with his. To begin again¡­ To be aroused by his scent, his addictive saliva which changes her whole mind into that of a teenage girl who affectionately adores her partner to the fullest.


    ¡°I love you¡­¡± Malinda said as she unseals her lips, then seals them yet again, to flow away into happiness.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Mistress, are you awake now?¡± Velyn asked through the doors of Madelyn¡¯s bedchamber. But no respond sounds out. It causes Velyn to carefully listen with her ear pressed against one of the doors to hear any noise, anything to signal that her Mistress still lives. Though, yesterday night, Madelyn did abruptly dash into her room to lock herself in there. And since then, only a couple of wails and screams were heard through the doors. ¡°Please, Mistress, come out. We¡¯re restless without you. Tell us what to do to help you. We want to help our beloved Mistress¡­ Mistress¡­?¡±


    Still no reply.


    The double entrances on the other side of the room flap open to reveal Liriana, who has servants following her with trays of food and drinks. Dishes not only for one person but for several people, for when Madelyn doesn¡¯t spend her breakfast in the dining hall, she lets her handmaidens dine with her like Malinda does with her own handmaidens, even some of the servants had eaten if given permission. Though Madelyn would never let mere servants eat next to her.


    Utterly obscene.


    ¡°Still no respond from Mistress, Velyn¡­?¡± Liriana asked in a hushed tone, gazing at the doors behind the headshaking handmaiden. With a sigh, she gestures for the servants to place the trays on Madelyn¡¯s table. ¡°I don¡¯t get it at all¡­ Why does Mistress care about that man stopping the traitor from being thrown out? Sure, her sister will be mad at her, but locking herself in? I don¡¯t like it at all, something must be¡­¡ª!¡±


    The unlocking click of the double doors resounds behind Velyn as they open to show Madelyn in her seductive nightgown, while her eyes, poisonous as ever, stares in front of her, to stride with her light-skinned legs swaying as she goes to her breakfast table.


    None dares to utter a word since their Mistress¡¯ expression says it all. She¡¯s in no mood to speak or hear anyone¡¯s voice right now, otherwise, if someone does take up the challenge, she¡¯d lash out in madness.


    As she places her rear on her chair, which Liriana pulled out quickly, her azure eyes travel around the table to witness the prepared breakfast. Too much for her to eat, and that causes her to raise a lip in anger as she directs her evil eyes at Liriana, who goes dumbfounded at being glared at.


    ¡°Why is there so much food¡­? Do you take me for a gluttonous pig¡­?!¡± Madelyn snarled loudly, grabbing ahold of Liriana¡¯s collar of her handmaiden¡¯s outfit, pulling her too close to her face.


    ¡°M-Mistress¡­ I thought we could d-dine with y¡ª!¡±


    *Slap*


    ¡°WHO¡¯RE YOU TO DECIDE SUCH A THING WITHOUT MY PERMISSION?!¡± Madelyn screamed with her raised palm slightly reddened from the resounding hit on Liriana¡¯s cheek.


    She pushes her dead-eyed handmaiden backward so she lands on her buttcheeks with a thud, remaining motionless. She sits there all stunned without making any sounds, only the surprise of her Mistress sudden furious mood has gotten her all confused.


    Velyn and the servants, too, stands all stunned from that loud slap. However, the servants¡¯ bodies have lowered to display their pathetic meekness because they¡¯re the ones who cooked and prepared the breakfast that Madelyn will be eating. They aren¡¯t part of her household, but they still need to stay and hear her judgment of their cooking which at the moment doesn¡¯t look bright at all.


    A single flaw can turn their lives upside down, but as Madelyn begins to eat, her expression remains the same. She glowers with frowning brows as one dish after the other enters her entrance of anger. To chew the various delicacies, then swallow while the young chefs peek up from their stance of sloping heads.


    Silent they stand and Liriana sits on the carpeted floor still in bewilderment from the slap. She has never been slapped, never. She hasn¡¯t ever suffered from a beating in her entire life, but now, now this newly born Mistress that sits on her chair have a different cruelness that she didn¡¯t have yesterday.


    Ever since Madelyn woke up an hour ago, she has thought of what to do about her treacherous sister, and well, she has the perfect plan to make her feel the pain which at the moment tugs at her own heart. Her heart bleeds for the boldness of her sister. How can she be so cruel to take away that which she wanted first? But nonetheless, her plan will merely work if Malinda is out of the Citadel, only then will she commit to her betrayal. Though what Madelyn isn¡¯t aware of is that Malinda didn¡¯t betray her at all, she has no idea of Madelyn¡¯s feelings for Xe¡¯Reth.


    It¡¯ll cause a war between them, a war between sisters for a single man. But that man has already chosen his woman; Malinda, she will be used up until either she has a fight with Xe¡¯Reth which will cause a rift or if she simply wants to get rid of him for some unknown reason.


    As Madelyn grimaces from pressing her palm on her reddened cheek, she commands, ¡°Prepare my clothes. I want to spend my morning in the garden labyrinth. And bring painting supplies too.¡±


    ¡°But Mistress, it¡¯s cold outside and the mist has laid itself thick, I think¡ª.¡±


    ¡°DID I ASK FOR YOUR OPINION?!¡± Madelyn shouted, whipping her head to the recoiling Velyn to show no mercy for disobedience. ¡°DON¡¯T MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF! OR DO YOU WANT TO GET HIT TOO?!¡±


    ¡°N¡­No¡­ Mistress, please¡­ I¡¯ll prepare everything at once¡­¡± Velyn responded, shrinking in her stance as she backs up into Madelyn¡¯s bedroom to pick out a worthy fur outfit to keep her warm.


    Madelyn¡¯s head turns to her stunned handmaiden.


    ¡°You¡­ get the fuck up and stop staring at me! You¡¯re my handmaiden! I can beat you if I so wish it! GET UP!¡± Madelyn ruthlessly yelled at Liriana, who doesn¡¯t move a muscle, but it only worsens her Mistress¡¯ mood. Madelyn snaps with a lip raising and an eye twitching. She pushes her seat out so it crashes on the carpet, to then bend down as her hand raises again, to smack Liriana¡¯s cheek once more. ¡°Get up you worthless whore! GET UP, GET UP, GET UUUP!¡±


    Slap after slap sounds out on Liriana¡¯s cheek, with her not making any movement whatsoever. She just watches her Mistress¡¯ grinning mouth as her own nose and mouth starts to bleed.


    ¡°Mistress!! Stop!! Stop, please!¡± Velyn shrieked at the top of her lungs as she comes out of the bedroom to forcibly tear Madelyn off of the bleeding Liriana. And the servants simply gawks in absolute dread. Because that could¡¯ve been one of them. Though, it¡¯s illegal to harm servants, even handmaidens, since it can lead to a prison sentence.


    But of course, an Honored One surely only needs to cover it up, which will happen to those young chefs. To be put in their pathetic places of servitude.


    As Velyn lifts Madelyn with arms around her waist, she quickly orders the chefs by shouting, ¡°Take Liriana away from here! Hurry, pieces of useless space! Take her to her mother, now!¡±


    They snap automatically into action. With running legs, they hurriedly drag away Liriana out of the room while Liriana herself has started crying and begging for forgiveness even though she didn¡¯t do anything wrong. The slaps that Madelyn gave was enough for her to suffer worse wounds than her Mistress, because Madelyn¡¯s strength has zero power in them, yet it¡¯s still powerful to hurt Liriana gravely.


    While Velyn forcefully holds her Mistress, Madelyn has calmed down, she doesn¡¯t fight back, only gazes at Liriana being carried out. She then closes her eyes to become serene as if nothing happened. Velyn, however, grimaces critically at the silent Madelyn, since she can get into a lot of trouble for stopping her slaps. But as the hold of her relaxes, Madelyn walks calmly to her table to continue eating her breakfast while rubbing her hands together.


    She opens and closes her one hand to get rid of the stinging effect but to no avail.


    ¡°Go prepare my clothes, or do you want a beating, too, Velyn?¡± Madelyn coolly asked, turning her head to stare into those crimson eyes. But from a resounding gulp from Velyn, she bows deeply, trying not to make things worse, then goes to the bedroom again, to fetch her some clothes.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Do you need anything else, Mistress¡­?¡± Velyn asked, almost falling forward from her bending stance of compliance. Madelyn has finished eating, and the time, nearly eight o¡¯clock. The misty weather still circulates inside the city, while the cold has decreased somewhat, but the brooding clouds hovers above the Divine Sky so almost no sunlight reaches the ground.


    Madelyn is dressed in a fur robe that reaches down to her feet, warm and comfy to wear, though she hasn¡¯t bothered to put on any makeup, only her combed golden hair that isn¡¯t in any hairdo. It¡¯s merely let loose because she isn¡¯t going to meet with anyone, only sitting alone in the garden, relaxing while she paints her desires. A quiet day since she has a vacation from the archery squad.


    ¡°Bring the painting supplies to my regular place, and I want it to be there quickly, now go on, before I give you a thrashing!¡± Madelyn barked, pointing to the double doors leading out into the corridor. And Velyn obeys her Mistress; she bobs her head then closes the door after she¡¯s in the hallway.


    ¡®Dear Divine Queens, what has happened to my Mistress? Why the change? Why¡­?¡¯ Velyn brooded as she treads onwards, towards Madelyn''s paint room where she has perfect canvases that she has painted in her free time. That¡¯s the single profession she¡¯s good¡ªno, excellent at. Landscapes, people, even the unknown she can paint with dyes of the highest quality.


    However, right as she rounds a corner, her Mistress¡¯ door opens up as Madelyn steps out, to sway with her legs on the same pathway since the second floor¡¯s back way to the garden, locates in Velyn¡¯s direction.


    As Madelyn walks as the Honored Lady she is, she has a frowning face, because now that her mind thinks of what happened to her faithful servant, she does regret it, ¡®I¡¯ll have to make up for hurting her later¡­ But today, I just want to paint¡­ To wash away my pain of that bitch¡¯s betrayal. To paint of a night in bed with Xe¡¯Reth¡­ Yes¡­ Huhu, yes indeed.¡¯


    In front of her, the luxurious decorative corridor. No servants nor handmaidens in sight, she just wants to be left alone for today.


    As she heads straight forward, not turning as Velyn did, Madelyn comes upon the massive entrance to the northwest tower which leads to a giant spiral staircase going up and down; the stairs¡¯ broadness, three meters in length. For every floor, an entrance stands where one can enter the other levels of the Citadel, but the family had blocked those passages off ever since their parents died.


    But, Madelyn doesn¡¯t go into the spiral staircase, because that isn¡¯t the back way that leads to the garden, only to the other floors and all the way up to the tower¡¯s pinnacle. Though, Madelyn, she would be too exhausted to ever try climbing those stairs to reach the very top.


    She makes a turn to the left as she goes down a long hallway which stops at the southwest tower. But she turns again when she reaches the middle of the west side, to head to a giant terrace that overlooks the vastness of the garden.


    The Citadel¡¯s gigantic hedge labyrinth takes up seventy percent, and the Tertin graveyard takes up the remaining thirty. It¡¯s so huge that people would be in awe upon witnessing it, for inside the labyrinth hides many secrets of the Tertin family.


    It¡¯s hidden away because the passageways are constructed so that vast chambers can be buried in the ground, but even though it¡¯s the family¡¯s, many secrets are still unburied. Lying there until someone stumbles upon it.


    Though since Madelyn has witnessed it too many times, she makes another turn as the scenery of the thick mist didn¡¯t catch her interest. She walks down a flight of stairs which leads to the bottom floor on the outside of the Citadel. Then she goes on a cobblestoned walkway as the mist covers her surroundings, but the noise of tittering servants resounds all around because the morning is when the garden gets tended to. Hundreds of different flowers, waterways with bridges to walk over, and various erected trees of the most valuable species.


    When she reaches the labyrinth¡¯s main entrance, she humbly strides onwards with head held high into the emerald towering hedges which slightly blocks out the light of the oozing sun above. As she knows these passages at the back of her hand, she arrives at her usual spot. A secluded area away from unwelcomed eyes.


    Luckily, the mist hasn¡¯t laid itself thick enough here. So Madelyn walks to her regular stone bench, which¡¯s a little damp from the weather. But, before she sits down, she wipes it off a little as she then places her furred rear on the stone surface to wait for Velyn to arrive with her supplies.


    As Madelyn sits there, gazing at her surroundings, she picks up her hand mirror of extravagance that had been left there when she had gone to the healer¡¯s house, the healer whose daughter she slapped until blood flowed from her nose and mouth.


    She frowns, ¡®I shouldn¡¯t have beaten her like that¡­¡¯ Her expression turns more grimacing the further her thoughts take her, ¡®Celyssa will have a fit over it surely¡­ Oh¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have beaten her at all¡­¡¯ Her frown transforms to worry as her brows rises and her eyes nervously shudders of what Celyssa might do to her, for it¡¯s the head-handmaiden¡¯s daughter after all. ¡®Ohh¡­ What will I do¡­? She¡¯ll certainly give me a slap like sist¡ª.¡¯


    ¡°No! I don¡¯t care! She isn¡¯t the boss over me!¡± Madelyn exclaimed furiously as all her fear vanishes in a flash. She rubs her reddened cheek rather hard, which makes her grimace in pain. ¡°Damn you! Damn you, you whore! You whore! Why, why, why! You will pay for this sister!¡±


    She slams her hands on the stone bench while her feet stomps on the tiled ground in a childish manner. Yet her face startlingly recoils in more pain as she twists her one hand slightly in the wrong way as she hits the stone surface.


    ¡°Aow! Aahh! Damn you, you rock!¡± She yelled, standing up to kick the bench, but it doesn¡¯t move one bit. Only Madelyn, who slips to slam her whole body onto the tiles, as the resonating thud makes a shrieking cry of even more pain from Madelyn. ¡°Ugh, dammit! For the Divine Queens¡¯ sake, I will make you cry sister for your¡­ Ugh¡­¡±


    She raises herself off of the ground to sit down again, to pat her pulsating body so the pain might miraculously go away, but no miracle happens, only the Honored Lady sitting there with a slumping body forward, staring at the perfectly placed tiles. To brood alone, to not have anyone by her side to comfort her.


    Then as a snivel declares, her eyes flow with tears. Her expression, completely damaged with wrinkles contorting as she sniffs with her nose. A shuddering breath exhales from her mouth, but as times continues, her face returns to frowning as Velyn and a couple of servants steps into her sanctuary.


    They place her supplies at her favorite spot while she gazes with glaring eyes at the nervous ladies of different ages. When they¡¯ve set everything up, the servants leave, and with a raising lip, Madelyn waves away Velyn too so she can be left alone. For she adores painting on her own. To not have eyes looking at her.


    Just¡­ all alone¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    With a satisfying sigh, Madelyn puts down her dyed brush. A smile curves on her lips while an arousing air exudes from her because the painting in front of her is of a male and a female; herself and a black haired man, yet the man is without a face. Only her expression of bliss is painted onto the canvas which¡¯s fastened to a frame with wooden legs.


    It has gone two hours since she started, but her satisfaction knows no bound at the moment, for her mind, completely calm, without worries. No hate, nothing. But, as a female¡¯s voice sounds out by the entrance, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t really be here, but a quick look wouldn¡¯t hurt,¡± Madelyn¡¯s head whips towards the voice as quickly as it can. Her eyes widen utterly while her mouth gapes in absolute terror, for behind the talking woman walks the all casual¡­


    ¡­Xe¡¯Reth.


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Totally thought I would''ve more time to spend on Madelyn and Xe''Reth, but, didn''t think through last Author''s note by saying what I said. Hehe. Next chapter, Madelyn and Xe''Reth''s meeting for the first time for real this time!


    Plus, the great storm that I was talking about before, well, I didn''t think that through, chapter to chapter wise, since my pace is slow in my writing, but don''t worry, the storm will be coming! And of course, more action will be coming with that storm too. Though there was a slight time skip in this chapter, three hours give or take.


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts!


    Damn, Madelyn can be cruel when she''s pissed. A little bit too much kissing, huh, Malinda? :D


    Until... Next Time!


    Comment/Favorite/Follow/Review!


    <hr />

 33 - The Sisters Conviction

    <hr />


    As you might''ve noticed, I haven''t really put out chapters once a week. But if you''re wondering, no, I''m not thinking of going on hiatus or something like that. Only had a couple of hectic weeks, so almost no time to write.


    I''ve also changed the tenses of when they talk. From past tense: She said. To present tense:  She says, etc. Nothing major, but still had to say it. Though I hope I changed all of them. Oh well. :>


    Anyways, I''ve taken enough of your time.


    Hopefully, you''ll enjoy their meeting. :D


    <hr />


    The Sister''s Conviction


    <hr />


    ¡°Oh, dear Divine Queens! I beg your pardon, Lady Madelyn! I had no idea that you would be here!¡± the woman startlingly shouts with a bowing upper body. A woman who¡¯s the same woman who helped bathe Xe¡¯Reth the night before, and witnessed when Cerinn came through the corridor to be taken to the Sanctuary to be shamed. Neither the fainting one nor the quiet one, it¡¯s the most spoken of the three, though, also, the one who favor Xe¡¯Reth the most as Malinda¡¯s partner.


    Madelyn however, doesn¡¯t reply. Instead, she jerks her head to have her whole body turned away from them, so Xe¡¯Reth can¡¯t gaze upon her splendidness which isn¡¯t so splendid at the moment, for her hands are covered with various dyes that she has gotten from all the painting she has done. And her face too hasn¡¯t been prettied up with makeup.


    ¡®Why is he here¡­?! Why is Xe¡¯Reth here?! What should I do?!¡¯ Madelyn thinks, biting her secreted lower lip frantically. But, the sudden idea of meeting him here, in a secluded area strike her. Maybe she can get rid of the past happening? But he knows her personality, her cruelness of what she did to Cerinn, and to him.


    That single time of a regretful event by the Ebon Wall.


    She didn¡¯t want to bully him, only¡ªShe doesn¡¯t even know how it turned out that way. Her emotions got the better of her. But now, here, she can make a new impression of herself to him.


    Though as she grimaces, she troublingly thinks of her swollen cheek which pulsates still. Will he laugh at her? Will he act like a whole different person now that he has Malinda? She must play this correctly. An act of her lifetime. But her cheek emanates back in her mind as furrowed brows descend in complete fretfulness, ¡®Okay, calm down, breathe¡­ I can do this¡­ Yes, I can do this!¡¯


    Her eyes widen intently for a single moment as she turns around to smile at the two people standing there while one remain bowed, and the other with his oblivion eyes, staring directly at her. Total indifference. Yet it isn¡¯t a gaze of someone who¡¯s arrogant nor angry. More of a gentle peer as his own smiling curve displays on his mouth.


    It takes all of Madelyn¡¯s mental power to stay downright calm, but her acting skills, null. She doesn¡¯t have any. Only a spoiled girl. But this spoiled girl desires to make this work. Otherwise, he will never be hers.


    Ah, his stare connects to hers, which causes Madelyn¡¯s eyes to flicker in bewilderment since no hate at the time by the payment stall at the Ebon Wall shows on his attractive expression.


    Then a curtsy form as Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s upper body bends as he elegantly utters without an ounce of embarrassment in his tone, ¡°Good morning, Honored Commander Madelyn. I¡¯m Xe¡¯Reth Quinery, your sister¡¯s lover if you remember me. But please, do forgive me. My curiosity got the better of me. Because I wanted to explore the Citadel as per your sister¡¯s request. And, well, I couldn¡¯t help but want to see the place where a woman such as yourself spend your time. Do forgive my boldness in stepping into your place of serenity.¡±


    Madelyn stunned, but a delightful astonishment nonetheless because his words flow out of his mouth with such fluidity. An air of nobility at that with those clothes of blackened dye that¡¯s the highest quality of material.


    ¡®This is indeed a pleasant surprise¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth stares in joy, yet hidden behind his masked smile of calmness. His eyes travel to the painting that¡¯s erected behind Madelyn, but he doesn¡¯t catch it because her whole body cover it thoroughly. Only the edges of the frame peek out. ¡®So she can paint, huh? Though, is she any good at it?¡¯


    As he waits for Madelyn to respond, he tilts his body slightly to the side to catch a glimpse of the painting, but Madelyn, too, angles for she especially doesn¡¯t want him, the person who she drew, to stare at it in shock. Because Xe¡¯Reth without a doubt is the black-haired man on the canvas, with herself as the woman.


    ¡°I do not show unfinished paintings¡­ Xe¡¯Reth. And yes, I do remember you, rather clear I might add,¡± Madelyn smilingly says, gaining a new ambiance about her. Her voice, entirely straight with no blunders of mispronunciation. But the way her tone sounds, it¡¯s as if she has become the Honored Lady that she is. ¡°Both of you, turn around.¡±


    Both Xe¡¯Reth and the bath guide does turn their bodies, but the image of Madelyn¡¯s cheek burn into their minds since it¡¯s clear as day, because the mist has almost vanished after being guided around the Citadel.


    First, when they had eaten their breakfast, the bath servant came to introduce herself to Xe¡¯Reth, but since they knew each other from before, their acquaintanceship was already established.


    Yesterday after leaving Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s room with her fellow bath colleagues, she and they had spread the fantastic news of his compassion in saving Cerinn, while gossiping about a particular thing that they had seen for their first time. They, however, didn¡¯t have any bad opinions of him, only good, so of course, everyone who listened to their juicy speech of titter tatter, got to know that he¡¯s someone who¡¯s neither cruel nor arrogant. A person who¡¯s easy to talk to, which made the servants joyous.


    The servers, too, who spoke to Xe¡¯Reth right before he carried the drunken Malinda away, spread gossip around the Sanctuary like a wildfire. And since some of them were much younger than those three bath servants, the fledglings got in on it too.


    Second, when Malinda had to finally leave all dressed up in her plate armor of brilliance, she escorted Xe¡¯Reth to the Citadel¡¯s main entrance where Taryna waited cross-armed by the golden carriage.


    Her anxiety while staring at the creature of her woes didn¡¯t bother staring back, he only followed Malinda out to the courtyard to say goodbye, though Malinda wanted a smooch before treading in to leave for the DLO¡¯s headquarter, which he gave as a pair of eyes traveled to Taryna with mock.


    Taryna had gazed away from them in sorrow since it was apparent that he hadn¡¯t spoken about what he knew of her fixation toward Malinda. But as they unlocked their lips, Malinda stroked Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s cheek with a turn of her body, to go inside the carriage while smiling happily. And because of Taryna¡¯s troubled mind, she hurriedly went to sit in the driver¡¯s seat, to then whip her hands for the monsters to gallop onward toward the Innermost Gate of the Citadel.


    Third, the bath servant had guided Xe¡¯Reth around the Citadel, though surprisingly, they hadn¡¯t met anyone of importance. Only the hundreds of servants going about with their business as the various expressions gawked at the well-dressed man striding proudly next to the bath servant who somehow had gotten a new way of walking about her. Since being next to the upcoming Lord of Malinda¡¯s faction had her giddy as if she reverted to her teenage years.


    The grand ballroom. The hundreds of painted family member of the Tertin line. The numerous hallways of extravagance. The trophy chamber on the first floor. The giant worship hall that Xe¡¯Reth had seen from the balcony. He was guided by her, but certain places were off limit since it belonged to the Madam, Lord, and Merissa. Though, the first floor did have an abundance of space. Probably because festivities would be held there.


    He hadn¡¯t bothered to go up to the second floor. Instead, they went outside to the stables on the southwest side of the Citadel to visit the horse-master, but he was on business at that particular time. So Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t get to meet him, though, the servants who tended to the horses of different breeds did gaze at him in a rather peering way. Peering enough for the guide to shoo them away.


    They had continued towards the Citadel¡¯s graveyard.


    Yet, upon coming to the healer¡¯s house which was located on their left side of the boulevard walkway leading to the main garden, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes went to an individual who came out of the wooden household with a sorrowful ambiance exuding from her red swollen eyes and the scarlet cheek that she rubbed. While two nostrils had been clogged to indicate a nosebleed. She also had a split lip that oozed with a little blood. But as that individual went right across the walkway to go over a small bridge, situated over a built-in stream, she went to the Citadel¡¯s back entrance to the kitchen where Xe¡¯Reth lost sight of her.


    Then last, Xe¡¯Reth and the bath servant finally came to the entry of the labyrinth, which she knew too well to be true. And through Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s curiosity from the servant¡¯s words in saying while pointing with a finger, ¡°That leads to Lady Madelyn¡¯s garden.¡± He wanted to check what kind of garden she has, so he urged to witness it for himself, and the servant apprehensively obliged.


    Now, here, in Madelyn¡¯s garden stands Xe¡¯Reth and the servant with their backs turned against the Honored Lady, while she quickly spins around, too, to move the painting by turning it away from them so it doesn¡¯t show. And as she collects herself with a shuddering breath, her words flow out calmly, ¡°You two may turn again, for I¡¯m finished.¡±


    They do turn, but the bath servant has still a bending upper body to show her grave mistake in bringing Xe¡¯Reth here. Because she honestly dislikes Madelyn for the cruelness, though, she cannot display even one bit of her real emotions.


    Xe¡¯Reth, however, has his posture straight and proud, since he will act as if nothing happened between them. Only a new meeting for the first time. A chance to make an impression on her other than being an underling, for she¡¯s indeed his Commander¡­ But, does he need to continue with his work in the army now that he has Malinda? No, he does not. However, he won¡¯t try to make a bad impression on her even though she¡¯s a vile, a spoiled, and a cruel girl.


    ¡°Honored Commander, I didn¡¯t know you have a taste for art. But since it¡¯s you, it must be a fantastic piece,¡± Xe¡¯Reth praises smilingly with closed eyes, totally trying to suck up to the second lady of the house. But as his eyes open, slowly, to peer into Madelyn¡¯s, he says as a hand gesture erect, ¡°And I do apologize for disturbing you. I made her guide me here, so do forgive her.¡±


    Madelyn sprouts forth a gentle smile, ¡°As you wish, Xe¡¯Reth. But where is my¡­ sister? She isn¡¯t with you?¡±


    ¡°No, she¡¯s not¡­ fortunately, heh,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, chuckling at her casual way of talking as if she doesn¡¯t mind speaking to him, a mere commoner. ¡°Because your sister is rather angry with you. You know¡­ about the servant who you wanted to throw out.¡±


    Madelyn¡¯s eye twitch, trying to keep a straight and gentle face from that comment. But her now narrow eyes travel to the bath servant as she orders, ¡°Leave us. Xe¡¯Reth and I have private matters to discuss.¡±


    The servant flickers her eyelids in surprise, directing her head to Xe¡¯Reth for an answer, which he gives as he says, ¡°It¡¯s all right. Go wait outside the entrance, I¡¯ll come when we¡¯ve finished talking. After all, she¡¯s the Commander of the squad that I belong to.¡±


    ¡®What, he already knows Lady Madelyn? And he¡¯s a soldier of the Ebon Wall? Oh¡­ I can¡¯t wait to tell everyone, they¡¯ll be so¡ªWait, what kind of matters to discuss¡­?¡¯ the servant wonders with wrinkling brows, but as she curtsies obediently, she responds, ¡°As you wish, Sir Xe¡¯Reth. I¡¯ll be waiting further down by the entrance. Until then.¡±


    She turns to leave, though as she¡¯s about to go out of Madelyn¡¯s sanctuary, she suspiciously glances back at the two people standing there. None speaking, only gazing at each other. She treads on, out into the high hedges of emerald, to leave them be, for now¡­


    ¡°Honored Commander¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks politely, tilting his head while raising a scarred brow, because Madelyn peers towards the entrance, not even minding his imposing presence. However, with her eyes connecting with his, she steps forward, and another step, then yet one more, to stand right in front of him. Rather close for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s tastes. He doesn¡¯t enjoy being near this big minded girl, but the current situation demands his complete focus in keeping his emotions in check.


    But her sudden peering azure orbs make him highly uncomfortable. Even without makeup, her skin complexion, flawless as her sister¡¯s, even more so since she has such pale, pure skin. And her flowing blond hair stream with the calm breeze that circulates inside the labyrinth. Yet the brooding clouds above doesn¡¯t bold well, not at all; rain clouds, though it hasn¡¯t started dropping the tears of the Divine Queens.


    She¡¯s such an exquisite beauty indeed, and it¡¯s not ruined by the pulsating red cheek, but for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes, she¡¯s nothing special. Only a noble, an Honored One. His idea of beauty isn¡¯t so easily understood. Sure, he fancies beautiful women as any other man. Nevertheless, he isn¡¯t swayed by that emotion called love. He does love his mom, but that¡¯s his mother. His one and only precious one that he genuinely cares for. Real love between a man and a woman? Why would he need that, when people succumb so readily to his mind, his alluring words of speech.


    However, he¡¯s a man, and as a man, he can¡¯t help but relish his current position. He¡¯s treading on a dangerous path. A road that can spell his and his mother¡¯s total doom. A single mistake, only one false move. Always a plan, he needs to be ready for whatever might come to vault the ladder that he¡¯s climbing on.


    Madelyn, who stares intently at Xe¡¯Reth, sighs out in dismay with a shake of her blond-haired head as she surprisingly apologizes, ¡°Forgive me, Xe¡¯Reth. I wronged you by the Ebon Wall¡¯s payment stall. But I couldn¡¯t help myself, for you¡¯re one particular young man who had always been in the shadow. To never try to exert yourself to make friends, to not join the several groups in my Squad.¡±


    She crosses her arms under her bulging bosoms, then take yet another step but to the left, to begin walking around Xe¡¯Reth. To inspect him thoroughly without him saying anything. He lets her do what she wants because her personality is entirely unknown to him, other than from what he has heard.


    He hasn¡¯t ever paid attention to her when he trains with the squad. He never tries to make eye contact, only his averting abyssal globes that observe his surroundings. Though that made it so, Madelyn had all the time in the world to gaze desirously at him over these three years.


    ¡°I have always found it odd,¡± Madelyn admitted, angling her head to stare at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body, up and down. Her tongue protrude slightly from her mouth to water her rosy lips, ¡®He fits in black as always¡­¡¯


    ¡°Heh,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckles, ¡°Honored Commander, I¡¯ve just tried to keep myself from trouble, that¡¯s all. As you might know, nobles can be highly arrogant to the lower public¡­¡± He smiles for good measure to show he means no harm.


    But she scowls, stopping dead in her tracks with a response, ¡°Is that supposed to be directed at me¡­?¡±


    ¡°Honored Commander¡­ Are you saying you aren¡¯t arrogant?¡± Xe¡¯Reth replies as if in shock, raising his natural but scarred brow while still having smiling curves going upward.


    ¡°¡­¡± Madelyn, no words, just a stare, though not a baleful gaze but a flickering gawk of bafflement. Tightening her arms under her bosoms.


    ¡°Honored Comm¡ªMay I call you Madelyn instead? Having formalities between upcoming family members is¡­ well¡­ taxing to say the least. So¡­? Can I?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks all of a sudden, breaking the worrisome atmosphere between them as she gives a half approving nod, ¡°Good! Though I always thought you were someone who was challenging to talk to. But look at us! Chatting all casually¡­ Don¡¯t you think so, too, Madelyn?¡±


    She keeps flickering her eyes in confusion, standing on his right side, while his head has also turned to his right, to gently smile at her as if he¡¯s an entirely transformed man. A man she has never seen before. Could he always talk so openly and without any restraint? She¡¯s an Honored One, for the Divine Queens¡¯ sake.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ Yes¡­ Yes, why of course!¡± She blurts with a puff of air escaping her lips, raising her head to stride onwards, around him to position herself on his left side. While his head turn yet again to gently smile, to peer with his dreamy eyes. All the past happenings between them, as if nothing had occurred. ¡°¡­I guess, I¡¯m¡­ a little selfish, I do admit that¡­¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth snorts a laugh, ¡°A-A little? Madelyn, do you even know what you did to that servant¡­? You sent her away with only rags. To be thrown out into the cruel world. A place she doesn''t know anything about. And for what?¡± He raises his palms, a gesture for seeking an answer. ¡°For spreading pure gossip?¡±


    Her eyes widen in shock. Becoming utterly petrified by his statement. While Xe¡¯Reth has deep staring eyes directing intently into hers, resounding a gulp from her, too, as she screams inside her head, ¡®He knows¡­ That little whore told him¡­!¡¯


    ¡°I¡­¡± Madelyn utters but breaks off, turning her head away from him in humiliation. Why should she feel so guilty all of a sudden¡­? She tightens her lips as she clenches her teeth together, grinding them while staring at the tiles of the garden. The growing grass between the cracks, the countless ripples in the tiles themselves.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, I made her my handmaiden since I felt sorry for her, I hope you understand, and won¡¯t do anything rash, otherwise, your sister will probably retaliate,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, his eyes growing extremely dark. ¡°Madelyn¡­¡± he closes his eyes, then opens them to glare in an unexpected anger, ¡°Your personality is outright disgusting. Revolting is what it is. And now that I¡¯ve gotten that off my chest, you have a good day today. Goodbye for now¡­ Madelyn¡­¡±


    He turns without waiting for her reply.


    ¡®Too bad she has already someone that she¡¯s in love with. Because she must have if she masturbates¡­ I could¡¯ve secretly wooed her if my act with Malinda doesn¡¯t work. Though, is she like her sister, I wonder?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thinks, raising his eyebrow as he takes his first step forward to test the waters, then a gripping hand stops him in his movements.


    ¡°Do you honestly believe you can walk away from me after saying such insolent words?¡± Madelyn growled, tightening her hand further to show that she means business, digging her finely polished nails into his clothes; who is he to talk to her in such a condescending way? He¡¯s absolutely no one, and she¡¯s an Honored One! Though as she pulls his shoulder to spin him around, she grimaces. He doesn¡¯t move an inch. Her other hand aid to tug, but still, he stands solidly like a statue. ¡°T-Turn¡­ a-around¡­ you bru-brute!¡±


    Her face reddens in fury as she tries and tries, furrowing her brows while her clenching teeth display in its whitened state, yet no matter how much she uses her little strength that she¡¯s got, she can¡¯t even move his stationary body, since he¡¯s currently flexing his muscles to degrade her further.


    ¡®Has she always been this weak?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth wonders, relaxing his body because of her little strength. He doesn¡¯t turn, only stand there to wait for more hissing sentences to escape from the Honored Lady behind him, tugging him, trying with all her might to get Xe¡¯Reth to face her. ¡®But I do wonder if I can gain some favor within her heart¡­ Ah, but that would be unfortunate for the one she loves¡­ Heh, time to show how much I so care about people¡¯s relationships¡­¡¯ He rolls his eyes in amusement.


    Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Insolent words¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth begins, whipping his whole body while grabbing ahold of Madelyn¡¯s wrists rather forcefully too, which widen her eyes in bewilderment. ¡°You play with people¡¯s lives as if it¡¯s a game. Insolent¡­? You don¡¯t know the meaning of it because you are the arrogant one, you spoiled overgrown adolescent¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± she gasps feebly, trying to take a step back, but this time, he¡¯s the one to pull her. To grab both of her wrists with only one hand. Holding them up above her head, while the other one position itself on her chin, to drag her anxiety-filled face extremely close to his.


    ¡°People like you shouldn¡¯t exist. All that you bring is your disgusting arrogance over the lesser folk, and that, that is something I can never forgive. ¡­Hear me¡­ you will never be as pure hearted as your perfect sister because you can¡¯t ever match her in anything at all¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, bringing down his total hatred for the nobles. To try to make her jealous of Malinda, not for him obviously, but for her sister¡¯s clear superiority. ¡°Beauty? She¡¯s a Goddess compared to you, a gluttonous woman who has absolutely nothing but your wealth and status¡­ Oh, right, you owe me ten silver coins for cruelly taking them from me. To try to make my life harder than it already was¡­ You¡­ You attempted to refuse me of my due, my payment that I needed to pay for my ill mother¡¯s care¡­¡±


    Madelyn¡¯s face pale in horror as his menacing expression scream inside her mind, telling her to run. She needs to escape. But as his muscles contort, he raises Madelyn¡¯s arms even further up in the air, making her fur sleeves run down her arms to display her flawless skin and to make her feet dangle while her dress breezes with the sudden gust of wind blowing into her sanctuary.


    Such strength to lift her without so much as a facial movement from him, just his manifest of dark orbs that pierce into her own eyes to turn her into a meek frightened child as if she doesn¡¯t even recognize him anymore. Has he always been as such? She can¡¯t know, she never actually talked to him for real, only from afar she watched.


    ¡°But alas, you¡¯re Malinda¡¯s sister,¡± Xe¡¯Reth sighs in disappointment. He puts her down on the tile ground. Letting go of her, to turn around once more. ¡°She and I won¡¯t put up with that personality of yours, so you better clean yourself up before Malinda comes into the fray. Your cruelness, your small value of a human life must end. Do you understand?¡±


    He stares back at Madelyn, who¡¯s utterly stunned with fiddling fingers and a slightly shaking body, for his dread seeped in, to make her afraid. But, as her azure eyes peer at him, she, for some strange thrill in her mind, gain a curve of a smile, which raises Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s scarred brow in bafflement.


    ¡°I understand¡­¡± Madelyn answers beamingly. Flickering with her eyes too. Then she raises her wrists to stare at them; slightly reddened from his grip, but that curve her smile even more. ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re right¡­ I¡¯m cruel to those lower than me¡­ But¡­ I don¡¯t know how to act any other way¡­¡±


    ¡®What in the¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thinks as he¡¯s too puzzled by her unexpected mood swing as if she¡¯s admitting all of her faults.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m arrogant¡­ and I¡¯m selfish¡­ *Sniff* I¡­ I am a terrible person¡­!¡± Madelyn wailed, falling to her knees while covering her grief-stricken face with her hands. Xe¡¯Reth, stunned, with his head turning to the entrance to suspiciously stare at it, but he turns to Madelyn¡¯s crying call for aid. ¡°I need help¡­ I do need help, Xe¡¯Reth. Because you¡¯re completely right¡­ I¡¯ll never be as good as my sister¡­ I am just a lazy sloth of a woman. I don¡¯t care about anyone other than myself. So please¡­Xe¡¯Reth. Tell me what I can do to gain my sister¡¯s forgiveness! I beg of you, I don¡¯t want to be hated by big¡­ *Sniff* ¡­sis. I love her, and I want her to love me back too.¡±


    She gasps, ¡°I know! You came from the slums, didn¡¯t you?!¡±


    ¡°I-I did,¡± Xe¡¯Reth said frowningly, gazing down at her raised head of glimmering hope.


    ¡°Then you must know how regular caring people are?! Please, can you teach me of how to¡­ to become more compassionate, please¡­? I promise to be better. To not be cruel, but I don¡¯t want my sister to be angry at me, she is my only real friend!¡± Madelyn begged, tears running down her face, but this entire makeover of her emotions tug at Xe¡¯Reth. Is she serious? They don¡¯t know each other well, yet she asks for help? From the man who just a moment ago held her up in the air? ¡°Ah, yes! I¡¯ll also forgive you for what you did and said to me, as¡­ as a penance of becoming a nobler person!¡±


    ¡®Yes¡­ if I stay close to my sister, I¡¯ll be able to get closer to Xe¡¯Reth¡­ And when she isn¡¯t with him, having her mind at ease¡­ I¡¯ll take him for myself. To crush your little relationship of love¡­¡¯ Madelyn contemplates madly with moisture still flowing from her eyes. Giving a sniff of her nose to act believably sad and remorseful. She¡¯s performing with everything at her disposal, for she does know how to cry at least.


    ¡°It¡­ It¡¯s like you said: We¡¯re going to become family members, so we should get along. Yes, yes! You¡¯ll be my Brother-In-Law, won¡¯t you?¡± Madelyn joyously declares. Sluggishly standing up to move extremely close to Xe¡¯Reth, while grabbing ahold of his hands, to squeeze them. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve always wanted a younger brother! It all fits in place! Hahaha!¡±


    Her sorrow vanished. Replaced by an immense joy of kinship that wrinkles Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyebrows in miscalculation.


    ¡°You¡­ you don¡¯t like it?¡± Madelyn asked while lowering her eyebrows as her mouth curve down.


    ¡°I don¡¯t, and I won¡¯t help you. Goodbye,¡± Xe¡¯Reth answers bluntly, turning to walk away as his hands jerk to escape Madelyn¡¯s clutching grip.


    ¡°Nooo! Wait, please!¡± Madelyn shouts, flowing her arms around from his back to hug him. While also breathe in through her nose. His aroma-filled clothes. Her first time scenting him, and she enjoys it thoroughly as she caresses with one side of her head against his broad back. ¡°I won¡¯t let go until you say that you¡¯ll help me! Otherwise, if you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll scream louder for help!¡±


    ¡®What is the matter with her?! She casually touches a man as if it¡¯s nothing? Has she experience with men¡­? Perhaps she has¡­ since she¡¯s much braver and headstrong than her sister,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth thinks, grimacing his face as he swiftly spins his body, but it only tosses Madelyn with his momentum; her shoe-covered feet dragging on the tiles in a circle.


    ¡°Comm¡ªMadelyn! Let go, now!¡± Xe¡¯Reth groans, but with hands placing on her wrists, he forcibly tears her off of him, to twist as he lets go of her. Though as his chest direct at her, he grabs ahold of her shoulders to scowl deeply. ¡°It is enough, I don¡¯t have time to teach a person who doesn¡¯t want to change her ways. And I don¡¯t know you. So why should I help you with such a simple act that¡¯s called compassion? Because you aren¡¯t kind, it¡¯s rooted deep in your personali¡ªMm!¡±


    Madelyn pushes her body forward, to lock her rosy lips with his while Xe¡¯Reth loses his grip on her. However, she, in turn, strikes forth to tightly drag his recoiling head so they keep their mouths pressed.


    Her breathing flutter with sucking noises escaping her wet lips, while Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes stand ajar, completely baffled by this encounter. Why is he kissing with Malinda¡¯s sister? Why is she kissing him? Someone who she just met for real, and not under some pretense of Commander and subordinate?


    Though as he peers into Madelyn¡¯s wild arousing eyes, he grasps onto a thought, an incident between them, by the payment stalls. It wallops him with stupidity, how could he be so utterly blind. For over these three years of being in the archery squad, he has sensed a peer longing for him. But for every time he turned around, no one was looking, only sometimes Madelyn would hastily direct away her azure globes all nonchalantly as if she was inspecting everyone¡¯s effort, which didn¡¯t catch his awareness, until now.


    He tears her from him once more, to push her away with force, because he¡¯s the one that¡¯s flustered this time. And with a yelping moan, Madelyn crashes on the tiles with her rear first.


    ¡°Aah, that hurt, Xe¡¯Reth¡­ But... Did I surprise you¡­? Hehe, how innocent you are, truly,¡± Madelyn muses, licking her moist lips while standing up. Acting as if she expected the push from him. Then she flickers her eyes in delight as she spins to gaze at her painting. ¡°From that kiss, you must know, I like you a lot. The moment I saw you those three years ago, Xe¡¯Reth. I fell in love instantly with your uniqueness. Your hair and eyes. None has that beautiful shade¡­¡±


    She strides quickly to her painting with a smile, to remove it from its fastenings, then as she turns it away from Xe¡¯Reth, she walks up to him secretively. And when she¡¯s in front of him, she with her reddened cheek but yet beautiful face says while rotating the painting, ¡°This is me and you. Beautiful, isn¡¯t it? But I never paint your face, because I want you to display your real self to me. Only then will I paint your expression. ¡­Finally, we¡¯re together, together at last¡­ hehe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, closing his eyes while shaking his head in pity. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I didn¡¯t notice it before¡­ so I could stop your flawed thought process. Do you even think of your dear sister when you utter such garbage?¡±


    ¡°What did you¡­ s-say¡­?¡± Madelyn says with a grimace as she throws away the now irrelevant painting, to take a step forward, but it causes Xe¡¯Reth to step backward so he avoids her flailing arms that try to grab him.


    ¡°Stop it, I¡¯m together your sister¡­¡ª!¡±


    She sprints forward, not caring for his words, she then lunges at him with open arms, which he doesn¡¯t avoid.


    While stumbling a little, he catches her in his arms. However, he has spent too much time here, he needs to leave, now, before anything happens between them. And he¡¯s worried about the servant hearing or coming back to witness their embrace.


    ¡°Who cares about my sister¡­? I don¡¯t. She is nothing but a traitor to me, and I¡¯ll betray her too, by stealing you away from her, hehe,¡± Madelyn laughingly says, grinning as she closes in, to go for another kiss, but, Xe¡¯Reth won¡¯t have anything to do with this young lady. He presses his fingers on her lips, with Madelyn going wide-eyed.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­ Please stop whatever you''re trying to do¡­ I love your sister, and not you¡ª!¡±


    This time, she presses her slender fingers on his lips by removing his from her mouth, to brush off his comment, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I know it¡¯s hard to choose, but, I also know in my heart that you¡¯ll choose the right one¡­¡± She gasps, ¡°Ah, time for me to get going! I have just gotten new plans it seems, hehe¡­ Hehe¡­¡±


    With that, she sticks one clean finger into his mouth as she gives it a swirl, then she seductively puts it in her own mouth to taste his saliva. ¡°Mmm, I¡¯ll be seeing you¡­ And I¡¯ll give you two days to make up your mind. But oh, you¡¯ll be seeing me around that treacherous whore, because I have a sudden urge to bond with my dear sister¡­¡±


    They stand there gazing at each other, one smiling and one dumbfounded for not expecting this kind of situation.


    The hedges of emerald foliage surrounding them breeze with the calm wind.


    The clouds, dark and broody, readying for a downpour of water as the day before.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, when you choose¡­ Do think about your dear mother¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­ Because I¡¯ll not forgive you if you select the wrong one¡­¡± Madelyn grins sinisterly as she bends down to pick up her slightly dried up painting, to then strut away with a pleasant mood. And as she passes the entrance, a little bit further away stand the bath servant who gazes up into the beyond, not noticing Madelyn coming up right beside her.


    ¡°You there, I¡¯m finished with Xe¡¯Reth. You can go to him now. Goodbye¡­¡± Madelyn quickly says as she waves while holding her painting, to prepare for a meeting with her sister when she returns from her errands by the DLO headquarter. But she doesn¡¯t know where Madelyn is.


    She shakes her head to stride onwards, to pretty herself up, to be representable to beg for her sister¡¯s forgiveness for her cruelty. A ploy to watch her, to interrupt their little union of hands.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth? Everything all right? She didn¡¯t do anything to you?¡± the servant asks incessantly as Xe¡¯Reth stands motionless in place on the tile ground, gazing yonder at the supplies of different colors.


    ¡®I shouldn¡¯t have met her alone like this¡­ Dammit¡­why did I urge her to show me this place,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth sighs as he lets out his worries.


    He raises his hand to open and close it as he peers into it. But with a tightened fist forming, he closes his eyes, to then open them with a transformed aura exuding from him as he turns to the servant, ¡°We were just discussing squad duties and her painting. It was a rather beautiful piece of art, though, if I do say so myself, I¡¯m terrible at such hobbies. Now, where to next, hmm? Any other open area inside the labyrinth like this one?¡±


    ¡°¡­Well¡­ Mistress does have her own garden in here, shall we go take a look at it?¡± she asks, completely forgetting his recent frozen stance. Only to now stare at his calm expression of a smile.


    ¡°Please, do show the way,¡± Xe¡¯Reth gestures with an arm stretching forward toward the entrance, and she eagerly curtsies as she begins to stride while he follows. ¡®Oh well, better to have her love than her hate I guess, heh. Though, now that I think about it, it¡¯s somewhat perfect to have those two around my fingers¡ªIf only I could¡­ hmm¡­ maybe¡­¡¯


    He shakes his clouded head as he goes into the labyrinth, to disappear. Leaving Madelyn¡¯s garden alone. Only the supplies and the shimmering hand mirror remains¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    By the Citadel¡¯s courtyard, Maldoran clanks with his plate boots down the front staircase with a man next to him. They¡¯re fully armored to the bone. Their garments are wholly exaggerated with those bulging shoulder pads that protrude spikes backward but slightly angled to point away from their heads; even if they make rotating movements. While their pitch black and crimson red coloring represent the Kingdom¡¯s flag.


    ¡°Reconon, is everything in order, for the inspection of the city guard and its members?¡± Maldoran asks, treading with his clanking steps toward the prepared horses at the end of the stairs.


    ¡°Yes, Honored Lord. I¡¯ve sent out instructions to gather them by our training field while also sending a request to the DLO to take care of the city¡¯s gates and to keep order inside the city too.¡± Reconon answers, climbing down the steps with his clanking boots also, but his unemotional expression reveals his strictness of his appointed tasks. ¡°It will take about two or three hours to gather up the city guard¡¯s members, so do expect to lounge awhile before we begin. For it¡¯ll be a long day ahead of us.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, and here I thought I could gain some relaxation today, but what dear sister and Xe¡¯Reth said¡­ It scorches inside me. Reconon, answer truthfully. Have I been irresponsible with my rule of the city?¡± Maldoran sighingly asks, stopping his movements, making Reconon, too, cease his down climbing of the stairs.


    With Maldoran¡¯s peering azure eyes, Reconon scratches his chin while he ponders. As he nods in shame, he answers without restraining himself, ¡°Yes, Honored Lord. Since your Honored parents died, a lot have degraded in the city. I¡¯ve been keeping track of the ins and outs, and honestly, it¡¯s a dishonor to your ancestors, how you¡¯ve simply given over your seat of power to your wife without even noticing it. You¡¯ve always been a soldier and not a ruler. But I¡¯m your loyal subject. It¡¯s not my duty to question, only to obey.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so blunt about it¡­¡± Maldoran mutters as he continues down the stairs. With his loyal subject closely behind him. ¡°Either way, from henceforth I need to exert myself for my city. If someone like that boy who comes from the slums says it¡¯s bad, I both have to be suspicious and have an opened heart, for he¡¯s my dear sister¡¯s lover.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, a resourceful lad there. If I might add, Honored Lord, what we spoke of yesterday night, about that idea of his. I think if it were constructed, we would have fewer casualties down by the gates, on all three of them,¡± Reconon praised, stepping down the last staircase. Planting his feet on the cobblestoned courtyard. But as his eyes travel to the horses, they go wide in surprise, for Recina emerges behind the mounts, having her thick armor on as usual. ¡°Daughter, what¡¯re you doing here¡­?¡±


    ¡°Father. Honored Lord Maldoran,¡± Recina curtseys but a brief curtsy nonetheless, since her only allegiance, Malinda, and none other. She¡¯s unmoved by Maldoran¡¯s high status, rather having an uninterested expression. ¡°I¡¯m here on the behalf of my Honored Mistress, to watch over the investigation while bringing along a few of my Battle-Maidens as support.¡±


    ¡°What is the meaning of this¡­?¡± Reconon demandingly asks, his eye catching two reinforced women riding toward them on monsters, which are clad in brilliant horse armor. And as their arrival doesn¡¯t come unnoticed, they clash on the ground with their plate boots while their suits of armor cover their entire bodies, heads, too.


    With two breast-bulging torsos, they pay their respect to their Lord of the Household, but no words escape, only their posture of reverence yet rigorousness.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten my answer, father, or do I need to repeat myself¡­?¡± Recina replies, frowning. Which causes the air between them to rise in density. For their peering eyes that direct at each other, cold, full of hatred.


    ¡°Girl¡­ You¡¯re in front of the Lor¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Enough with your constant quarrel! Dear Divine Queens, you¡¯re father and daughter, put your differences behind you, and focus on the task at hand,¡± Maldoran interrupts as he sighs out in exhaustion. For ever since the former Battle-Mistress died, they¡¯ve grown distant. No longer father and daughter, but strangers who hate one another. Because Recina¡¯s mother died to save Reconon from a certain demise. And Recina who loved her role model dearly couldn¡¯t forgive her father, who should¡¯ve been the one to protect his wife. Not the other way around.


    ¡°I apologize¡­ for my daughter¡¯s disrespectful behavior as always, Honored Lord,¡± Reconon shakes his head in shame, while Recina does the same, to completely resonate her ¡°Humph,¡± coming out from her mouth.


    ¡°Haaa¡­ well, we should get going then,¡± Maldoran casually sighs, walking up to his own armored horse with its red and black colored plate. And with one foot sliding into the stirrup, he heaves himself onto his stallion, which causes Reconon to do the same as Recina, too, follow their movements in readying themselves to charge out the Citadel¡¯s innermost portcullis. To gallop on the downsloping road in between the DLO headquarter and the city guard¡¯s base of operation.


    Recina has her own expensive black mare of the purest breed, being also armored in the Kingdom¡¯s color while scarlet plumages erect from the horse¡¯s helmet, to show off what her Mistress had purchased for her.


    As everyone is on their horses, Maldoran raises his arm to sweep it forward as he shouts, ¡°Toward the army¡¯s training ground! Ride!¡±


    They whip and clank their hands and feet to make the horses gallop!


    Onward they go, to root out the evil in Tertinum City¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Next chapter... Something big have happened at the DLO''s headquarter!  What might have happened? Speculate. :P


    Anyway, I think I won''t stay on a fixed schedule from now on. But don''t worry, I''ll try to stay within a week/8-9 days.


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts in the comments!


    Until... Next Time...


    Follow/Favorite/Review.


    <hr />

 34 - The Death of a Mother

    <hr />


    The Death of a Mother


    <hr />


    The darkened clouds hang in the sky, yet no rain descend. A quiet morning, a slothful morning, for the yesterday¡¯s festival have drained the taverns and bars of the City¡¯s supplies of alcohol. The streets, almost empty. The hundreds of boutiques, closed. But in front of a large building, though, Tanya and Cerinn stands, speaking to an eye-drooping man, ¡°I, Tanya Orilldera, a handmaiden, am here on the behalf of my Mistress, Lady Malinda Tertin. She would be most pleased with your contribution if you open your store earlier today so we can browse your merchandise before the City fills with people.¡±


    The man goes wide-eyed immediately with the utter of Malinda¡¯s Honored name. And with a sluggish bow of the owner¡¯s upper body, placing his hand on his chest while erecting an arm outward, he says in an overly polite way, ¡°Honored Handmaiden, it would so gladden me to be of assistance to the Honored Lady of the Tertin household. Yet, I¡¯m in this degrading wear to be a guide for you around the store. But if you could lounge for a minute or so, I¡¯ll prepare myself to be more adequately dressed.¡±


    The owner, a nightrobe-wearing man with a bushy brown goatee while his ruffled sleeping hair has laid itself on his shoulders. Rather too long for Tanya¡¯s taste, though as she gives a nod, a reply sounds out, ¡°We¡¯ll wait by our carriages. Do go on, for my Mistress has strictly ordered me to bring whatever her lover wants. And I do not wish to be scolded, so please, do hurry.¡±


    ¡°Of-Of course! It¡¯ll be but a moment!¡± the owner yelps, bowing quickly again then closes the shop¡¯s door after him. Leaving the two handmaidens there on the cobblestoned street where noble stragglers and drunk people wander or lie passed out by the high walls that go around the shops, for they¡¯re currently in the heart of the Inner Layer of the City, to visit the most expensive places. Because the list that Xe¡¯Reth gave to Tanya, isn''t something that regular people can buy by simply walking into any store. It¡¯s the highest kind of supplies in the Kingdom, well, at least in the Tertinum domain.


    ¡°Is this what we¡¯ll be doing all day, Tanya?¡± Cerinn asks, gazing up at Tanya¡¯s relaxed atmosphere while standing beside her, dresses elegantly in her handmaiden attire with her fixed bun hairstyle.


    With a head turning, Tanya looks down at the Shorty next to her. She sighs, ¡°Yes, little one. As this is the first stop and the boutique that has¡ªWell, I think it has the objects written on the list. Though¡­¡±


    She gazes toward the carriages, where the servants who¡¯re the exact same servants who came along to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s rundown house yesterday. They¡¯re laughing at jokes, giggling at embarrassing gossip, and talking regularly with each other, but with Tanya¡¯s lingering gaze directing at them, they straighten themselves to be absolutely quiet.


    However, they know Tanya¡¯s personality, so they smile innocently while she opens her mouth to give out orders, ¡°Listen up now ladies. All of you have gotten a replica of the list. When we begin to browse this store, take your time. No need to hurry¡­ And you¡­ Do try to keep your hands where they belong. Understand?¡±


    Cerinn scowls with pouting lips at the baseless accusation, but this, this is indeed the first time she¡¯s outside the boundaries of the Citadel, and her nervousness, at an all time high. For that owner¡¯s hair and beard was something she has never seen before.


    She had sat in the carriage beside Tanya on the way here, inspecting her surroundings. The built buildings of different shapes. The people of both male and female. She¡¯s anxious indeed, but as she gazes at the other servants who¡¯ve been out of the Citadel before, her head lowers in embarrassment, for they¡¯re acting as if it isn¡¯t anything to brood about.


    Alike an all girl school, and the teacher guiding them around the City to explore its wonders, Tanya. Even though the other servants beat her in age.


    ¡°Do you understand, Cerinn¡­?¡± Tanya repeats sharply, leaning closer as Cerinn then unwillingly nods her wilting head in compliance. ¡°Good, hmm¡­ It was the first time I¡¯ve seen her husband. She usually handles the store¡¯s business, and not him. Maybe something have happened?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯re you mumbling about¡­?¡± Cerinn sourly pouts, clutching her hands together to her chest as she gazes at her surroundings suspiciously, not aware of her own mean comment, ¡®I just want to go back to the Citadel¡­ I don¡¯t like being out here¡­ I want to be surrounded by high walls. And why do I need to follow her instructions? She¡¯s the same as me, a handmaiden.¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m just saying that someone else, his wife, usually takes care of this grand shop. I¡¯ve had my dealings with her many times before. A gentle lady like myself,¡± Tanya smilingly says, touching Cerinn¡¯s shoulder to try to break their conflict with each other.


    ¡°Gentle¡­? Humph!¡± Cerinn brushes Tanya¡¯s hand away as she whips her head in another direction while still pouting with her lips. Being extremely grumpy. ¡°There is nothing gentle about you. Just look! My new dress is getting all dirty at the bottom! I hope you¡¯ll recompense me for this horrible activity. You¡¯re a handmaiden¡­¡± she raises her proud head, ¡°¡­Like myself. You only need to snap your fingers to send out servants¡ª¡±


    ¡°Young lady! You¡¯ll not speak in such a tone with me!¡± Tanya snaps, interrupting Cerinn¡¯s controversial speech. Also shocking the servants. But she covers her mouth immediately with a grimace to calm herself down. ¡°Please, just knock it off already. I¡¯ve been very patient with you, Cerinn, but even I have my limit. And you do not want to reach that limit. I warn you for the last time. Quit it with your childish behavior, or I¡¯ll have a word with Sir Xe¡¯Reth in placing you back to your position as a servant, and not a handmaiden.¡±


    ¡°Stupid old granny¡­¡± Cerinn whispers, glaring at Tanya¡¯s two globes of flame that widen at her comment. ¡°Yes, you heard me. You act like an old lady. All that good behavior you try so earnestly to keep up is sickening, and I can¡¯t wait to be rid of you. And, don¡¯t you know¡­? I just need to tell Xe¡¯Reth of what I¡¯ve heard. You know, about your fellow old ladies¡¯ club.¡±


    ¡°Cerinn¡­¡± Tanya utters in a quiet but extremely disappointing voice. Her scowling eyebrows pierce Cerinn¡¯s mind since she did go a little too far. ¡°Hear me, Cerinn,¡± she leans in closer to whisper secretly so the others can¡¯t hear, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say this, but we won¡¯t take any of your threats. You¡¯ll¡­ You will be replaced by means you won¡¯t like. I¡¯m sorry, so you better start acting responsible or we, who¡¯re in our Mistress¡¯ faction, will remove you.¡±


    Cerinn recoils with eyes ajar in hearing the usually gentle maiden being utterly ruthless. Remove? She can¡¯t honestly mean what Cerinn thinks? Throw her out into this¡­? This horrible place? It¡¯s dirty and unkept. Cerinn only needs to gaze at the ground to witness the dust, the unwashed cobblestones, and the unknown people who stare at them in slight curiosity. Sure, it¡¯s the Inner Layer of the City, but even though nobles live here, it isn¡¯t as pure as the Citadel, which¡¯s the cleanest place Cerinn knows.


    ¡®Damn you¡­ you¡­ you¡­¡¯ Cerinn sighs with a drooping head in defeat, then nod her head as she responds, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll behave. And I won¡¯t complain anymore¡­ for now¡­¡±


    ¡°Good girl,¡± Tanya says with a delightful smile, patting Cerinn¡¯s head gently, but she whips it away with a sneer.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    After several minutes of waiting, the door finally opens again, to reveal a ponytailed man with round spectacle glasses and a suit that fit his thin body that have no muscles.


    With everyone¡¯s eyes on him, he bows with a hand erected outward while sucking up to the handmaiden in front of him, ¡°Do forgive my late arrival, Honored Handmaiden Tanya Orilldera. But my wife and I¡ªOr my wife had drunk a lot yesterday since the celebrations did affect our regular business schedule.¡±


    Though as his eyes finally travel to Cerinn, he flickers them in surprise. Same uniform, same hairstyle. But she¡¯s a bit grumpy with those crossed arms, lowered eyebrows and mouth. A handmaiden. She wasn¡¯t in the guidebook of the City¡¯s ruling household. A rasping cough escapes from his throat as he postures himself to stand straight as an arrow, having his hands behind his back.


    ¡°Do forgive me again, but who might I have the honor of meeting, Honored Handmaiden¡­?¡± the man inquires without a shred of shame, because even though he and his wife own this large shop, they¡¯re only commoners, not nobles. But, they¡¯ve gotten permission to settle in the Inner Layer since their business has been highly sought out for in Tertinum, and only in Tertinum.


    Cerinn is stunned. How does he know about her being a handmaiden? Of course, she doesn¡¯t know that the clothes which she¡¯s wearing mark her as a handmaiden. It¡¯s a little bit different than the servants¡¯ attire. Slightly diverse patterns from the waist down, and the symbol of the Tertin Household, engraved on the other side of her chest. Indicating that she¡¯s indeed of higher rank.


    Before Tanya manages to interrupt, Cerinn bravely speaks out her Honored name in exhilaration, gaining a proud grin, ¡°I¡¯m Cerinn Jeyver, the Honored Handmaiden of Sir Xe¡¯Reth Quinery, who¡¯s the lover of Lady Malinda Tertin. Pleased to make your acquaintance, good shopkeeper.¡±


    ¡°Ohh! It is indeed an honor. And I¡¯m sorry for not recognizing you, but since you¡¯re his¡ª,¡±


    ¡°It is Sir Xe¡¯Reth if you please, not his, him, or he. Do remember that next time. Since you wouldn¡¯t want to anger Lady Malinda with your disrespect, right? She is utterly strict to those who speak ill of him and to those who dare look down on him in her presence,¡± Cerinn elegantly responds, bobbing her head up and down to wholly release her stuck-up personality.


    When Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda had sat down to eat breakfast, Tanya and herself also ate with them. And through an opened mouth, words escaped from Malinda¡¯s lips, so Cerinn managed to hear all of the happenings of yesterday¡¯s events.


    That Xe¡¯Reth was tortured in his home, though, they held back bits and pieces of what happened. That Malinda won¡¯t let people show disrespect to him now that he¡¯s her lover and those who does, well, Cerinn still shivers from how dreadful her expression got by just merely thinking of such events. Bending her silverware in her hands. Truly, her strength even though her body isn¡¯t that of a muscled brute exceeds all.


    Now here in front of this middle-aged man, she has used her gathered information to her advantage.


    ¡°I¡­ I meant no offense¡­ I¡¯ll keep that in mind from now on, Honored Handmaiden¡­ But, how old are you, if you don¡¯t mind me aski¡ª?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m old enough!¡± Cerinn screams as she points her lightning fast finger at the eye-gawking man who now knows he made a huge mistake in asking. ¡°Just because you¡¯re taller than me doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m a chil¡ªMhmh¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Do forgive her, she¡¯s a newly instated handmaiden to Sir Xe¡¯Reth, and she still haven¡¯t taken her vows of servitude yet,¡± Tanya interrupts, clutching with one hand to Cerinn¡¯s mouth in a terrifying way. Even her nose is covered so she can¡¯t breathe. But no matter how much she struggles with flailing arms, Tanya¡¯s clasping hand remains.


    ¡°Sh-Shouldn¡¯t you take away your hand¡­? Her eyes are rolling into the back of her head¡­¡± the man urges, witnessing Cerinn¡¯s weak strength trying to fight back the greater force that holds her.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Tanya gasps while letting go of Cerinn.


    ¡°Haaaa¡­¡± Cerinn breathes in the life force, her face, blissful upon tasting the tasteless energy. ¡°Are¡­ *Caugh, cough* Are you out of your mind?! You almost killed¡ªAaaa¡­ Haaa¡­ Killed me. I should report you to the DLO for abuse! I should! I should!¡±


    Tanya merely sighs with a shrug as Cerinn returns to her former self in a flash. Then direct her attention to the shopkeeper as if nothing happened. With a forced smile, she politely asks, ¡°Honorable shopkeeper, where is your wife? Is she perhaps ill, because I¡¯ve made all of my purchases from her.¡±


    ¡°Well, she has a dreadful hangover, a big one at that I¡¯m afraid. Because I haven¡¯t touched any beverage ever since our daughter died. So she drinks for the both of us when festivities are held,¡± the man says, growing extremely sorrowful-looking upon reminiscing about his dead girl, who died of the Fire-Brand disease. ¡°Actually, Honored Handmaiden. We were going to have the shop closed for today to honor our dead daughter. Hence, no employees minding the store¡¯s door. But having the blessing of Lady Malinda outweighs anything. And if you don¡¯t mind me asking¡­ Is this perhaps your first visit to any store that¡­ well¡­ For the sake of Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡­?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ unfortunately, it¡¯s not, but, you may take the honor for being first. In the memory of your deceased daughter. You can have all the advertisement according to how you see fit, though, do try to keep it to a minimum,¡± Tanya responds, nodding her head for her own kind-hearted self.


    If the opportunity presents itself to Tanya, she willingly grasps it if it involves aiding someone in need. But her overly gentle way do have its disadvantages, which had happened before when much alike this time, Tanya had given permission that wasn¡¯t hers to give.


    The backfire: a feud against a couple of boutiques who so greedily tried to snatch any chance to have an Honored One as their customer. But of course, such information rarely get forwarded to the guilty party, because angering an Honored One would destroy their established enterprises.


    As the husband clasps hold of his own hands, he rubs them in slight greediness. Gaining a somewhat glint in his eye to the opening of moneymaking. Though, as he gazes out at the large central courtyard, moving his eyes to the giant gate that lead to the Outer Layer, he flickers with his eyes in bafflement.


    A caravan of carriages, horses, hounds, and walking DLO agents, marches into the square. And at the helm of the convoy, the Inquisitor gallops with a young lady riding on a white mare next to her. They¡¯re fully dressed in the blue-coat attire, while on their backs, the standard issued crossbows hang fastened on all of the agents as if they¡¯ve just come back from a successful raid in catching a criminal¡¯s base.


    ¡°Dear Divine Queens, what might have happened I wonder¡­¡± the shopkeeper utters in bafflement since the convoy does blow out of proportion with their steel-clad horses, blue painted carriages which are filled with even more Agents, and the single roofless and wallless carriage that has a dead beast on it. A gigantic ebon-furred bear with several crossbow bolts stuck in its thick hide while it drips scarlet blood onto the cobblestone beneath, seeping through the wooden cracks.


    An animal that Xe¡¯Reth knows all too well. The mother bear in the mountain valley where his now destroyed garden lie. A bear that let Xe¡¯Reth build in its domain. But where are the mother¡¯s cubs? The offspring that sometimes found its way to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s garden?


    Those cubs, he let them go about carefree while seeing to them so they won¡¯t climb over the fence to taste the Yran¡¯Gilis flower. However, the mother was always nearby, peering with its pitch black animal eyes. Never letting her children out of sight.


    Nonetheless, he enjoyed their company, no matter how little time they spent together.


    Now there on that carriage. A mother lies dead on the wooden construct of mankind. A valley stripped to the littlest of details. Agents roam the mountain valley now, to find any clue to the perpetrators whereabouts.


    A quest for the ghostly shade clad in black¡­ has begun, yet not.


    As the Inquisitor''s eyes travel to Tanya, she scowls deeply at the handmaiden¡¯s attire. A girl who she recognizes too well by her flaming hair. But with a shock, her eyes go wide in carelessness. The Inquisitor hastily pulls her rains toward them while yelling out, ¡°Writer, continue to the headquarter at once! I¡¯ll meet you there!¡±


    ¡°As ordered, Madam Inquisitor! Agents, you heard, onward!¡± the spectacle-wearing man yells, raising his arm up in the air, then with a forward sweep, they continue in haste. Causing the whole caravan to speed up as the Inquisitor and a particular young girl rides to the side, letting every Agent pass before traveling toward Tanya, who gaze in confusion at the sudden attention from the woman of power.


    With strutting movements coming from the two lone horse riders, they steer their reins by pulling them toward the carriages situated on the west side, in the central square of the Inner Layer. The shopkeeper gulps nervously since he has never had the pleasure of meeting anyone higher than an Honored Handmaiden.


    ¡°Is that who Lady Malinda talked about at the breakfast table¡­?¡± Cerinn asks, squinting to catch everything that those riders have at their disposal; the Inquisitor¡¯s hair, a braided crown, while the young girl, too, has a braided crown.


    ¡°Yes¡­ Be alert, show no fault¡­ because that woman is supposed to be meeting my Mistress at this moment¡­ But she isn¡¯t, she¡¯s here, riding all carefree,¡± Tanya replies as she squints too.


    She lowers her eyebrows in slight anger, for if she¡¯s here, then that would mean her Mistress isn¡¯t with her. Either it was a short meeting, and the Inquisitor has managed to return from wherever she came from, or that she¡¯s making her Mistress, an Honored One, wait. And that, even for Tanya¡¯s caring self, is something that can¡¯t be forgiven.


    As the clanking of the horseshoes declares their arrival, the Inquisitor greets by raising her hand, ¡°Greetings, Tanya Orilld¡ª,¡± but before she finishes, Tanya interrupts.


    ¡°Inquisitor¡­ What is the meaning of this? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be meeting with my Honored Mistress?¡± Her eyebrows lower further down to display her irritation, forming a cross under her bosoms with her arms.


    ¡°Mm¡­ Ah, yes. I did have an appointment with that girl today, didn¡¯t I?¡± the Inquisitor recollects as she raises her head to stare up at the sky. Completely unaffected by Tanya¡¯s mean guise that she¡¯s showing. While a hand gestures in boredom. ¡°Unfortunately, I had other¡­ more important affairs to attend to. So it outweighed that girl¡¯s simple quarrel. Though, I¡¯ve put two younger Agents on the case in finding the perpetrators that tortured her lover.¡±


    ¡°And who¡¯s that, Orilldera?¡± the Inquisitor asks while catching the little handmaiden standing there glaring at her.


    ¡°Rissara¡­ She is the newly appointed handmaiden of Sir Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Tanya replies, putting her hand on Cerinn¡¯s shoulder while smiling with closed eyes. And as she opens them, they glare.


    However, the seated girl on the horse beside Rissara has wide eyes of surprise. For it¡¯s the daughter of the fat slob. Her breathing, uneven as she gazes at Cerinn. Then out of nowhere, she too glares with clenching teeth.


    Her peaceful life had ended because of Xe¡¯Reth since Malinda wouldn¡¯t have sent her father to jail if it weren¡¯t for him. Him who she hasn¡¯t met but hates with all her heart. Her father at this moment sits in prison for murdering her mother and for the monstrous acts he had committed.


    ¡°What are you looking at!¡± Cerinn barks, not liking those globes of hatred directing at her, which startlingly wakes the girl up as she recoils with her head at the sudden shouting voice. ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever seen a handmaiden this young before?! Well, I am!¡±


    ¡°Cerinn¡­!¡± Tanya snaps at her vulgar outburst. Tightening her grip on the shoulder to calm her down.


    ¡°She¡¯s but a child. Though, you were also a handmaiden at that age, weren¡¯t you, Tanya. But nonetheless, watch what you say, you little infant. You¡¯re in the presence of someone far superior to you,¡± Rissara growls, not liking the tone she spewed out at her successor. However, this young woman next to her has changed a lot since yesterday. For witnessing her father¡¯s maddening screams wrecked her mind. Rissara had to take her in, to her own household, and the papers of adopting her have already been finalized.


    A successor and a daughter.


    ¡°Rissara¡­ You need to return to the DLO headquarter at once. My Mistress is waiting for you at this moment, and you, you dare make her wait? For what? Explain yourself!¡± Tanya bellows angrily but being extremely curious at what critical business Rissara had to deal with.


    ¡°I do not need to explain myself to you or anyone else, but¡­ Since it involves Tertinum¡­¡± Rissara interrupts herself, gazing at the shopkeeper who flickers his eyes at the unexpected attention. ¡°Good trader, leave us, for this business doesn¡¯t involve you. Now leave. Go inside.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes, of course, Madam Inquisitor!¡± the shopkeeper nervously complies, walking backward with a bent upper body, and as he¡¯s inside, he says to Tanya, ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting, Honored Handmaiden.¡±


    The door then closes with a faint click.


    Servants, two handmaidens, and two from the DLO. They gaze at each other while the servants have retreated somewhat because of the recent quarrel. Like a pack of frightened ducks clumping together.


    ¡°Tanya¡­ an illegal base have been located on the east mountain. It lies in a forgotten valley. It¡¯s a drug site. And those who found it, my Agents, they almost didn¡¯t escape with their lives,¡± Rissara reveals openly, without holding anything back, for handmaidens and servants that live in the Citadel have been sworn to silence. To hold their tongues outside the boundaries of the Citadel¡¯s walls.


    Who can they speak to other than their fellow women of servitude? None.


    ¡°A drug site in Tertinum, and so close to the Ebon Wall? How is that even possible¡­? What have your organization been up to? To let such a criminal refuge be established?¡± Tanya asks in bafflement. Sure, she might not care for simple illegal practices, but a base just outside of Tertinum City? It can only get worse from there.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re completely right. But almost no evidence was left by the heathens. They blew up their base of operations, leaving only dust and ashes behind. But don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll find the perpetrators in due time, for we have a lead that some of my senior Agents are looking into,¡± Rissara explains as she still sits on her horse, while her adopted daughter also sits, but silently.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Silent she gazes at the little handmaiden. Peering with eyes of hatred. However, it¡¯s an animosity that¡¯ll not be sated. She¡¯s young, and she has a bright future ahead of herself to starve, to never truly be rid of her loathe for Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda.


    ¡°A lead you say? Care to reveal it to me¡­?¡± Tanya curiously asks, being completely taken in by this news of criminal activity. She removes her hand from Cerinn¡¯s shoulder as she steps a few paces forward to be closer.


    ¡°I guess it wouldn¡¯t hurt,¡± Rissara shrugs, moving her head side to side in a suspicious manner. Then directs her eyes to Tanya. ¡°It isn¡¯t a big lead, but¡­ We found an arrowhead that might be traced back to a smithy. And since there are only a couple in the city, it won¡¯t take long before we get some news. Or it can be made from somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°Madam Inquisitor! I¡¯ve brought what you ordered!¡± a DLO Agent shouts as the wagons of cages trundle into the square. The Agent leads them towards Rissara. She turns her upper body to catch whoever yelled at her.


    ¡°Ah, good, they¡¯re here,¡± Rissara says with a smile, then her eyes travel to Tanya again. ¡°Tanya, witness these bear cubs and remember them. For it may be that they¡¯re the last of their kind. The Ebon Bears, unlike their natural ilk, their pitch black fur and eyes are truly something magnificent.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I saw the deceased one being towed toward your headquarter. Why would you slay such a rare beast for? As you say, they might be the last of their kind,¡± Tanya says in pity as she shakes her head at their cruelty.


    ¡°It killed three of my Agents¡­¡± Rissara replies in sorrow with closed eyes. ¡°The Agents explored the mountain valley, and they met that bear at its lair, but they were taken by surprise. With one swipe, one of them died instantly. Such a powerful creature. Though thankfully our crossbows were able to pierce its thick hide¡­ Hmm¡­ No wonder¡­ A male Ebon Bear was hunted a year ago and killed¡­ Did you know, those of the Ebon species are incredibly long-lived? Sure, they can be killed, but they stop growing at adulthood. It¡¯s said that they were¡­ *Cough* No, nevermind¡­¡±


    She evades her sentence so she doesn¡¯t reveal forbidden information.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Tanya¡­? Isn¡¯t there something you¡¯re forgetting? About a certain Lady, that¡¯s waiting?¡± Cerinn interrupts, smiling, or more like grinning at Tanya¡¯s readily busy mind.


    ¡°Huuuaaahh¡± Tanya gasps loudly at her own terrible way of losing herself in her thoughts. She whips her head to Rissara, then screams, ¡°Rissara, you must return quickly! My Mistress have waited long enough! Go, now!¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll do as you say, Honored Handmaiden. Though, I¡¯ll tell your Honored Mistress of our lovely¡­ long¡­ conversation. Good day to you all,¡± Rissara muses, gaining a smirk on her lips as she pulls her reins to the right. To then turn her head to her adopted daughter, ¡°Come now dear, I¡¯ve shot up my meeting with Lady Malinda for too long. Hopefully, she hasn¡¯t left yet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Riss¡ª,¡± she pauses, but then calls her by her rightful title, ¡°Yes, mother.¡± The girl smiles, steering her horse onward toward the massive gate at the other side of the market square in the Inner Layer.


    In the central, a flat surface of four-cornered cobblestones. A large open space for traffic to travel from one Layer to the other.


    As the cage-filled wagons arrive next to Rissara, they too follow her while the bear cubs grizzle out in a panicky search, wanting their mother¡¯s company. But their mother, dead. They won¡¯t even meet her again.


    They will be sent away to be kept as a spectacle, for those bears would heft a pretty excessive sum if sold, which¡¯s exactly what¡¯ll happen to them. If they¡¯re sold, the DLO headquarter here in Tertinum gets the biggest amount of it. The rest is sent to the capital where the Main DLO branch lies.


    A rare species. But those of the Ebon kind still roam in the wild.


    For those who wear darkness on the outside are stained by the Old Gods. A mark for something to come. To be revealed.


    A secret it has been kept over the eons of time since the Old Gods vanished. Why would they be branded in darkness with their sun-absorbing eyes and appearance?


    None knows.


    ¡°Damn that woman¡­ Miss will be having a fit if Rissara tells her¡­¡± Tanya mumbles, being incredibly pissed off at herself, and at Rissara¡¯s mocking tone. But she sighs out in dismay as she walks to place her hand on Cerinn¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Oh well, come, let¡¯s begin to shop, shall we?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­? Ah, okay¡­¡± Cerinn responds in a daze as she traces Rissara and her successor riding toward the gate with squinting eyes. Not liking that stare which the girl gave her. But she too sighs out to turn toward the shop¡¯s door¡­


    Then with a fist forming, Tanya knocks with two knuckled fingers on the wooden embroidered door.


    *Knock, knock*


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    In a brightly lit decorative room of azure, two individuals reside. One standing, one sitting. The room, Rissara¡¯s office, and the two people, Malinda and the secretary of Rissara.


    ¡°Sorry for the wait, Lady Malinda¡­ Please, enjoy,¡± the woman says, putting down a porcelain teacup with a patterned saucer which¡¯s placed on the desk in front of Malinda. As she straightens, she steps backward without turning while hands position on her lap in a docile way.


    Malinda, however, who¡¯s sitting on one of the three chairs at the main desk, glares with lowered eyebrows at the hand-fiddling secretary. Making the woman stare away from those evil eyes.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me why she isn¡¯t here yet. I¡¯ve waited for too long. Tell me, where is that awful woman?¡± Malinda hisses out her grievance, taking ahold of the teacup, then smell the aroma, but she puts it down again while raising a lip in disgust.


    ¡°Is it not to your liking, Lady¡ª?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t ask again! Where is Rissara?!¡± Malinda shouts, whipping her head up, toward the secretary as teeth clench hard upon gazing at the recoiling woman who has hands covering her face. Because from yesterday¡¯s events, she¡¯s much more frightened of Malinda¡¯s personality. Yes, her usual appearance, benevolent and composed, but when she earnestly wants something done, her air changes to that of a person who¡¯s strict and unforgiving beyond words.


    ¡°Please, Lady Malinda, calm down, she¡¯ll be arriving shortly. It¡­ It¡¯s because of a recent happening that she had to postpone your meeting¡­ It happened yesterday evening. A couple of Agents who were exploring the east mountain came upon a hidden cave entrance, and through it, they found a valley that belonged to a group of criminals. A drug site, a large one at that,¡± the secretary explains, not withholding any information that the Agents had fabricated to reap the honor of finding such a site. For if they had revealed that it was only a man, they would be the laughing stock of the DLO branch in Tertinum.


    ¡°What¡­? A group of lawbreakers? Are you really sure about that?¡± Malinda asks in bafflement, widening her eyes since Xe¡¯Reth had indeed said that he took care of them quickly with one of his Yran¡¯Gilis bombs. But is the information that the Agents said real?


    Being outplayed by a single unknown man? No, of course, they wouldn¡¯t give such a report to Rissara. ¡®I better ask Xe¡¯Reth about it later to be sure.¡¯


    ¡°Yes, the information is sound. Our Agents managed to fight off the criminals so the scum retreated through the cave entrance, but one of our Agents suffered a significant leg injury. To say the least, he won¡¯t be walking for some time, maybe even never,¡± she reveals with saddened eyes while her lips tighten at the mention of the lean man.


    Malinda¡¯s eyes narrow in curiosity, ¡°You know that Agent well¡­?¡±


    ¡°I do¡­ He was once my lover, but we broke our ties with each other since work was more important. And well, a DLO Agent isn¡¯t actually supposed to have a relationship. Because it can distract from one¡¯s own responsibilities as I know too well.¡± She sits down next to Malinda as she sighs out in fatigue, not even noticing Malinda¡¯s glaring eyes at how she can be so casual in her Honored presence.


    ¡°My lover was tortured, and you honestly think that I should listen to your complaints? Have Rissara even investigated the whereabouts of the perpetrators yet?¡± Malinda glaringly doubts, not having any mercy to this now wide-eyed woman next to her. ¡°Do you know how it feels to see the one you love lying against a door with blood covering their whole body? A body that doesn¡¯t move¡­? Well, I know. I know how it feels, and I¡¯m not here to listen to your pathetic drivel. This disrespect that you and your boss have shown me today is something I won¡¯t ever forget.¡±


    Malinda strikes forth with one hand as she grabs hold of the woman¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°My Xe¡¯Reth was lying there in his home while he tried to protect his mother with his body, and you¡¯re telling me something else is more important than finding my love¡¯s torturers?¡± Malinda madly professes, her eyes widely open as they stare intently into the secretary¡¯s widened globes of horror. She tightens her grip around the wrist. ¡°Tell me, who did Rissara put to the case in finding the torturers? TELL ME!¡±


    ¡°Ah-Auuh! Please, please, it hurts! I¡¯ll tell you, I¡¯ll tell you!¡± she wails and grimaces as Malinda¡¯s clutching hand squeeze harder, then she releases her wrist while a gasp of relief bellows out from the secretary.


    ¡°Now tell me, which Agents did she assign in finding the torturers?¡± Malinda asks, narrowing her eyes with a frown on her brows.


    ¡°It¡¯s a team of two. Two young graduates from the DLO school here in Tertinum. But even though they¡¯re young, they excel in their field of choice. And their choices are four classes. They were allowed to bend the rules because of their excellent graduation scores,¡± she quickly says as her tone of proudness escapes from her mouth. A smile sprout forth as she continues her words of praise, ¡°They were ranked first and second in the last year¡¯s scoreboard. So they were allowed to become a two-man team. Well, they¡¯re brother and sister, twins. They compensate one another for their own weaknesses.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re at the moment tracking down Rissara¡¯s adopted daughter¡¯s uncle to apprehend him. And while I¡¯m at it, we¡¯ve done as per your brother¡¯s, Lord Maldoran¡¯s request. All of the free DLO personal have been put to work around the City to hold everything in order. Until the Lord have finished with his own investigation of the City Guard.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ to hear that actually gladdens me. Continue, they must¡¯ve found that pig¡¯s brother by now¡­ Wait¡­ Did you say, adopted daughter¡­?¡± Malinda questions as her eyes flicker in confusion. It can¡¯t be. Rissara wouldn¡¯t accept a child that came from a murderer and a rapist. Though as Malinda gazes at the head-nodding woman, her mouth goes agape.


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s now her daughter. Rissara forced the father to release his bonds of kinship through a written confession to ease his sentence so he won¡¯t be hanged for his monstrous acts. Even her relatives aren''t her family anymore. A clean slate. She even wanted a new name for herself, because she¡¯s sickened to bear a name that he gave her¡­ Haaa¡­¡± she sighs as she does a headshake.


    While standing up, she takes a few steps backward to then bow before Malinda as a plead for mercy ensues, ¡°I beg of you, Honored Lady Malinda Tertin. Don¡¯t do anything that can shatter her new life that she deserves. She¡¯s such a frail girl, a kind girl, and an innocent girl. Please, whatever happens, don¡¯t doom her future of becoming the next Inquisitor of Tertinum. I beseech you, Lady Malinda.¡±


    ¡°Humph. As long as the torturers are found and brought to me, I won¡¯t meddle in your plans in putting that little piece of damaged goods on the seat of power. But, if they aren¡¯t found. Rissara and that girl¡¯s reputation will be dirtied beyond redemption. A daughter of a rapist and a murderer. An Inquisitor that released him only because that girl was his daughter. Corruption runs deep. And do you know what would happen if I bend the words a little? Yes, they¡¯ll replace Rissara¡­ but maybe that¡¯s for the better, hmm?¡± Malinda threatens with a grin, not going easy on the phrases.


    Her expression, dead serious with those glaring azure eyes. But her casual sitting pose displays her composure. She wants Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s perpetrators found. She wants to squeeze their miserable lives until they beg for death. Maybe when they¡¯re found, she might¡­


    Malinda shakes her head to get out of those dreadful but wanting thoughts.


    ¡°Those two Agents will find them, I promise, so no need to say such horrible words. They¡¯re lethal Agents skilled in combat arts. And their investigation abilities, flawless. Their speech of persuasion, uncanny as if they can even convince you, Honored Lady,¡± she ensures, being completely proud of her cadets since she¡¯s the secretary of Rissara. Every report Rissara looks at, she sees. Everything Rissara orders, she knows. She¡¯s a hidden card, but a useless card nonetheless if it never gets shown to anyone but Rissara herself.


    ¡°What matters to me now is results. If they can¡¯t find them, demote them to the lowest rank you have. I¡¯ll give the search two days, if the torturers haven¡¯t been found by then, then I really mean it, Rissara and that damaged girl won¡¯t be escaping. And tell her that she made a huge mistake in making me wait,¡± Malinda says with her whole heart behind it as she stands up, to move the chair to the side since the entrance is behind her. And as her eyes glare at the secretary, she gives her a mocking smile. ¡°Until we meet again. Remember what I said, I mean it.¡±


    ¡°What, you¡¯re leaving already?!¡± the woman gawks, shaking her head unconsciously while Malinda starts to move toward the double doors. ¡°No, wait, aren¡¯t you¡ª¡°


    ¡°¡ªsupposed to be meeting Rissara¡­? No. If she shows such disrespect to me, I won¡¯t simply sit around waiting for her. You heard what I said, so do tell her of my verdict. She can¡¯t hide behind her title as an Inquisitor, because, well¡­ She isn¡¯t an Honored One¡­ heh,¡± Malinda smirks, knowing that her own connections outweigh Rissara¡¯s. With Malinda¡¯s back turned away from the woman, she gives a wave gesture, then she leaves through the doors, slamming them shut upon exiting.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    In the long hallway outside Rissara¡¯s office, Malinda strides with her plated legs and boots, though her expression has turned sour, extremely sour with those scowling brows and squinting eyes while her fingers have knuckled together tightly. She did out do her welcome at the DLO for saying what she said. But on the opposite side of the corridor, a woman walks while holding against her bosoms, a rectangular journal.


    As Malinda raises her brow in wonder, the woman stops in her track as they make eye contact. The woman stunned into motionlessness. However, the closer Malinda comes with her frightening armor, she takes a deep breath as her whole body cascades into a flowery curtsy of her life.


    ¡°Honored Lady Malinda, greetings! It¡¯s a pleasure finally meeting you!¡± she welcomes as she raises her head to give the Honored Lady her most exalted smile, but what meet her, an unfazed appearance from Malinda. Though she has stopped in her stride to gaze upon this¡­ DLO Agent. The blue-coat uniform dazzles in its glory, for the woman fit in it perfectly.


    With a callous nod, she returns the greeting, ¡°Yes, greetings.¡± But a brief one nonetheless. ¡°What do you want¡­?¡±


    ¡°N-Nothing, Honored Lady¡­ I¡­ Well¡­¡± the Agent averts her eyes, clutching her journal harder, trying to think of something. Then with slightly widened eyes and a proudful smile, she daringly asks, ¡°Have you perhaps heard of the criminal base that my team found in the east mountain?¡±


    ¡°Your team¡­?¡± Malinda questions with a tilting head as she crosses her plated arms.


    ¡°Indeed, Honored Lady. I¡¯m the leader and the Writer of the team that found the entrance to the cave that led to the hidden valley. We almost didn¡¯t make it out alive because of the criminals, which were nesting there, spreading their filthy practices,¡± the Writer says as her lips move as if everything she says is true. ¡°But unfortunately, one of my¡ª¡°


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve already heard everything. Tell me, you say criminals¡­ but yet you didn¡¯t catch a single one of them? What kind of training have you gotten to carelessly let them escape? Well? What do you have to say for putting Tertinum at risk?¡± Malinda demands while pointing straight at her. Not giving any praise, only Malinda¡¯s cold-hearted response to this woman that has taken that which belong to Xe¡¯Reth.


    This woman, she made him lose the only sustenance that brings him relief. The Yran¡¯Gilis that¡¯s needed for his mother¡¯s medicine. But because of her and her team, he must work hard to rebuild his garden once more. And that, that causes Malinda to feel a scorching rage toward this woman, who has become stunned again as a gulp resounds from the Writer¡¯s throat.


    ¡°I¡­ We couldn¡¯t risk¡­¡ª¡°


    ¡°¡ªyour lives?¡± Malinda finishes with a shameful headshake. ¡°Typical of DLO Agents, afraid for their lives¡­ Not knowing how a real battle feels. As soon as you get a whiff of danger, you run away with tail between your legs,¡± Malinda continues to shake in a shameful manner. Bringing the Writer¡¯s defense at an all time low. ¡°Didn¡¯t you have your dogs with you? What happened to them? Did they not chase after the criminals? After all, they¡¯re only animals that can be replaced. Well?¡±


    ¡°The¡­ the criminals put them to sleep by using some kind of bomb that was filled with Yran¡¯Gilis dust¡­ That¡¯s why they couldn¡¯t chase, Honored Lady,¡± the writer explains with evading eyes, not daring to gaze into those azure orbs that seek answers.


    ¡°It is disappointing at how little your find revealed. Only catching a criminal base¡­ tch, tch¡­ Disappointing, really,¡± Malinda sighs but peer at the woman¡¯s nervous expression as she tightens her clutch to her journal.


    ¡°B-But, Honored Lady, we put a stop to their organized drug site, even though they blew it up as they made their escape. So I would say that it was an excellent find on our part,¡± she says in justification, but Malinda is unimpressed as she closes her eyes. She doesn¡¯t want her to become someone of importance because she reaped a reward that hurt Xe¡¯Reth. However, she can¡¯t act as if she knows too much, though who would even dare suspect an Honored One to be in league with criminals?


    ¡°Tell me, did you see some kind of leader among them?¡± Malinda asks, opening her eyes to lean forward as the Writer takes a step backward in surprise.


    ¡°Yes¡­ Yes, there was a man clad in black who was giving out orders to them but¡­ We didn¡¯t catch how he looked like because he was covering his face. However, we do know his height and build. Also, we found an arrowhead that¡¯s being investigated. Soon enough, we¡¯ll know who bought it, I hope,¡± the writer answers as she gains a victorious smile on her lips. ¡°He¡¯ll pay for injuring one of my team members.¡±


    ¡°An arrowhead¡­?¡± Malinda asks with furrowed brows. ¡®Damn, he was careless. I can¡¯t let them trace it back to Xe¡¯Reth¡­ What can I do¡­ what to do¡­ Should I return to the Citadel and ask him about what to do next? He should know how to handle it¡­ Yes¡­ he¡¯ll know, I¡¯m sure of it.¡¯


    ¡°I tire of this conversation¡­¡± Malinda says, holding in her fury.


    ¡°Honored Lady¡­? Honored Lady Malinda¡­?!¡± the Writer shouts as Malinda walks straight past her without saying anything more, only ignoring this bitch¡¯s voice.


    While Malinda strides through the long hallway, she ponders of what she can do to avoid¡­ No, wait. Xe¡¯Reth must have some kind of precautions for using arrows such as that. Maybe he meant to leave that arrowhead?


    ¡®Damn that bitch and her team¡­ why did they need to find it now?!¡¯ She scowls deeply with her brows, making the people as she comes out to the main hall of the DLO headquarter, gawk at the pissed off Honored Lady.


    She pays no attention to the people standing in the short lines as they wait to speak to Agents behind various lined up counters, for she must return quickly to the citadel to warn Xe¡¯Reth of what she has heard.


    Placing her hands on the knobs of the main entrance, she yanks the double doors open, to then be blinded by the rays of the scorching sun.


    The clouds have broken apart to shine light onto the City.


    With a hand covering her eyes, she squints between her fingers, to then intently glare as she begins to climb down the staircase.


    To return to the Citadel¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading and I''m sorry for the delay in releasing chapters. Hopefully, IRL will calm down. Though do expect if a chapter isn''t released in a one week window, that it''ll probably be delayed again.


    Rather a relaxing chapter I guess. The consequences are catching up to Xe''Reth. Though, really, what can a simple arrowhead do to him? If you''re wondering where that arrowhead came from, it was from when he shot that last Y''G bomb.


    And a lot of other events will be happening.


    Btw, if you''re also wondering about the landlady, aka Banshee girl. Don''t worry, I haven''t forgotten about her. She''s going to play her part later in the story, but not in this timeline, unfortunately. Do send me a PM if you can figure out what kind of part.


    I do wonder what will happen to those ebon cubs. :)


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts!


    Anyhow, I''ll return to fix grammar thingies. Help is appreciated.


    Until... Next Time.


    Follow/Favorite/Review


    <hr />

 35 - The Little Noble

    <hr />


    The Little Noble


    <hr />


    As Malinda strides down the broad staircases that belong to the DLO, she catches Taryna standing down by the cobblestoned road where they had stopped last time. Her golden carriage of wealth, the armored horses bred to run miles upon miles, and surprisingly, the same little noble girl who nods her head as she listens to Taryna¡¯s preaching with a smile blessing her lips.


    ¡°Ah, there she comes¡ªRemember what I told you, never lay your trust in a man, for they¡¯ll only try to use you. But you¡¯re still young and pure and lovely. So you can guard yourself plenty from a man¡¯s contaminating touch. And I¡¯m glad that your parents praised you for your honorable deed yesterday, too,¡± Taryna finishes, turning around to curtsy with hands gripping the sides of her dress.


    They stand behind the golden carriage so the view of the street doesn''t hide the spectacular DLO school on the other side. The little noble, too, grabs the sides of her dress, to bend a knee as she curtsies with a practiced elegance, which takes Malinda by slight amazement.


    ¡°Who have we here, Taryna? Wait, yes, I saw you yesterday¡­¡± Malinda recalls as she reaches them. Her sour mood has vanished since this little girl shouldn¡¯t see her unladylike appearance. While she plays along with a hand supporting her chin, she gazes up and down at the little noble; wealthy with such fancy and gorgeous clothing. But why would she be here alone¡­ again? ¡°Dear, what are you doing here all by yourself?¡±


    It¡¯s as if the little noble¡¯s whole life flourish upon hearing Malinda¡¯s caring voice. A blush sprout on her cheeks, head lowering with innocent eyes that peek up at the armored maiden, and the swaying body, side to side.


    ¡°My¡­ My cat¡­ Abducted¡­ I came to see if they found it¡­ yet¡­¡± the girl responds with joy yet gloom. However, she can bearly keep her smile in check. Because talking to a Lady, a real Honored Lady that she has heard so much about, exhilarate her. Her parents had instructed her to do her best to gain her friendship in coming here even though their age gap. ¡°And Ma-Malinda¡­ I¡¯m not alone.¡± She points toward a carriage a bit further away, on the other side of the road, where a man and a woman stand gazing at them.


    The man, a butler, the woman, a handmaiden, though they¡¯re way older than Taryna, who¡¯s thirty. Around fifty years of age, Malinda guesses. Formally dressed too in a tightly fitted suit on the man, and the woman, a dress much alike Taryna¡¯s that goes down to the feet, almost dragging on the cobble.


    The little girl¡¯s carriage with two horses has intricate carvings in wood; no gold or anything like that, but a beautiful scenery of art at its finest. Figurines of an untold tale. A warrior, a maiden, and how the two fell in love. Not something every noble can buy, since Malinda recognizes the light colored wood, a material that¡¯s harder than standard timber which cost a lot to carve. Even a regular wooden statue in a miniature size would be pricey.


    ¡°Who are you¡­?¡± Malinda asks, raising her one brow in suspicion as her arms cross beneath her bosoms. Gazing at this little girl whose glittering eyes stare intently back at her.


    ¡°Miss, she¡¯s the youngest daughter of House Artistone, Lady Vinery Artistone. You know, that family who owns the quarries by the west and south mountain, and does all the constructions here in Tertinum. They¡¯re also managing the ins and outs of all the jewel businesses in the City,¡± Taryna introduces, putting her hands on the little one¡¯s shoulders while she crouches.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± Malinda says, nodding her head as she remembers that household. A family of wealth and power here in Tertinum, yet, Malinda herself have never met any of them. Only Celyssa or her brother would have contact with such an esteemed family. It causes Malinda to tilt her head as curiosity get the better of her. ¡°Your cat was abducted, you say? And you came to the DLO to gain help in finding it?¡±


    The girl¡¯s head spasm up and down, not having the courage to speak, but her eyes, still glued to Malinda¡¯s beautiful azure globes.


    ¡°Why? Your family could easily find it if they hire some people¡­ Hmm, maybe it was your idea to come to the DLO then¡­?¡± Malinda asks as her eyebrows lower in slight disappointment since she doesn¡¯t like the DLO at all now that she has had dealings with them to this level. ¡°One shouldn¡¯t be drawn in by them because there are better ways to get the job done. But anyhow, Taryna, let¡¯s return home, I must speak to Xe¡¯Reth.¡±


    ¡°A-As you wish, Miss, but, Lady Vinery wants to ask you something before we leave. Go on, honey,¡± Taryna says with hands still on the little girl¡¯s shoulders, giving her the bravery she needs. Though, her flaming brows raise as she waits, ¡®I wonder what her parents told her to say¡­¡¯


    ¡°C-Can¡­ Can I become your lady-in-waiting?¡± Vinery asks in such purity, tightening her lips as she awaits. Her tone, soothing to the ear. A child¡¯s voice, but nonetheless a versed tone even though she¡¯s soon reaching twelve years old.


    A girl who doesn¡¯t know strife. Just a noble¡¯s child that have been pampered to the point of her becoming too na?ve of outside matters beyond the Inner Layer. She¡¯s indeed of high status, yet her personality hasn''t turned arrogant nor vile. Though, she¡¯s young, so she still might grow up to be a real noble of this Kingdom.


    ¡°Hm¡­ You¡¯ve caught me at a wrong time, unfortunately, little one. I can¡¯t take you in as¡ªDo you even know what I do¡­?¡± Malinda asks, leaning forward with plated layers sounding out. She¡¯s a warrior of the Ebon Wall. A lady-in-waiting, lasting friendship, that¡¯s what this girl wants. Malinda shakes her head as she¡¯s about to disappoint her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t. I don¡¯t have time to take someone under my wing. Because I¡¯ve recently found someone I love. And I want to spend all of my free time with that person, so¡­ I do apologize.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t¡­?¡± Vinery asks with eyes beginning to quake in sorrow and lips starting to spasm as Malinda grimaces upon staring at this little girl¡¯s expression. Her role model doesn''t want her. Nobody wants to be her friend.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I¡¯m afraid. But¡­¡± Malinda bites her lower lip in conflict, not wanting to disappoint her image of herself to this girl. With averting eyes, she stares across the road to the two bodyguards, then back to the girl. She has no obligation to take her in, but she chuckles, ¡°Hehe, how about this: when my love life has gotten to the point of becoming routine; let¡¯s say when you reach your coming of age, I¡¯ll take you in to be my first lady-in-waiting. However, I¡¯m not like a regular noble as you know - I¡¯m a soldier. And as such, you will also be like me when you grow up. Though, if you¡¯ve changed your mind by then, I won¡¯t hold it against you because¡­ war isn¡¯t something for the light-hearted. Or when the time comes, I have all the rights to still decline your request. What do you say?¡±


    ¡°Un,¡± Vinery answers immediately with yet another head of spasming up and down, being grateful even though it¡¯s years from now. ¡°M-My parents wanted me to become your lady-in-waiting, M-Malinda. But I¡­ I got to decide if I wanted to or not, and I want to. I really want to.¡±


    She gazes down at the cobblestone, to its square shape and its square crevasse. With a head whipping up, Vinery ogles while smiling at her role model. She wants to be like her; resilient, determined, and proud. Yet she¡¯s weak, so weak. ¡°I¡¯ll ask papa and mama, so I can be taught¡­ Yes, sword and shield¡­ and other¡­ stuff?¡±


    ¡°See, Lady Vinery. My Honored Mistress is the most generous person you¡¯ll ever meet,¡± Taryna says as Vinery gazes into Taryna¡¯s eyes with a broad smile and a spasming head. ¡°Now return home and tell the news to your parents. Work hard so you won¡¯t be a burden to my Miss, understand?¡±


    ¡°Un,¡± Vinery agrees happily in a daze. She glances one last time at Malinda as she blushes, ¡°Thank you, Honored Lady Malinda¡­¡± giving one more elegant curtsy.


    Her hands release her lower part in a formal etiquette.


    As she grabs the sides of her dress again, she raises her arms to begin running, to cross the road, but she stumbles in the middle, letting out a small exclamation of pain, though thankfully, no traffic gallop on the road. Only the incoming caravan a bit further away that right now make a right turn to go straight through this street.


    She manages to arrive at her carriage while Vinery¡¯s handmaiden opens up the wooden door with a curtsy of excellence to show the prestige of her Mistress.


    Vinery smiles at her faithful handmaiden, getting a pat on the head for her bravery in speaking to Malinda, too, then steps inside as she stares back at the golden carriage to witness Taryna waving at her, sitting in the driver¡¯s seat. But with whipping arms, she turns the coach around to travel to the sloping entrance between the DLO and the City Guard¡¯s headquarters, to drive it up to the Citadel¡¯s elevated high ground.


    However, even Malinda sits on the driver¡¯s seat next to Taryna, to take in the sun¡¯s radiating warmth, for it shines in its brilliant luster because the brooding clouds have released its hold over the Divine Sky.


    The rain.


    Expected.


    Yet no drop dripped.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t it always¡ªHmm¡­¡± Malinda says but stops herself from finishing her sentence as a sudden thought of Xe¡¯Reth pops into her head. Darkness¡­ He¡¯s indeed the embodiment of darkness. Figuratively of course. So an unexpectant change of mind ooze into her psyche to transform her words into a different sentence all together¡­ ¡°I wish that it would rain even more than it already has. I rather now enjoy the weather. It¡¯s¡­ romantic¡­¡±


    ¡°Why Miss¡­? You¡¯ve always hated the rain and the winter¡­ Anything that takes away the sun. Is¡­ is it perhaps because of¡­ Sir Xe¡¯Reth?¡± Taryna questions, frowning upon thinking of that son of a bitch. Even giving him the thought of a moment sicken her dearly, since if she doesn¡¯t do anything by the end of the day¡­ he¡¯s going to taint Malinda forever. Her unpolluted Mistress, gone. To be replaced by a lustful lady that want her man.


    ¡°I guess¡­ I guess, yes, it¡¯s because of Xe¡¯Reth, hehe,¡± Malinda giggles as she touches her lips to remember their last kiss before she left. ¡°Ah, hurry now, let¡¯s¡ªWait, what¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Hoo!¡± Taryna pulls the reins to stop the armored horses. Their metal shoes grind against the stone, while the incoming caravan, too, halts in their track to greet the Honored Lady, who¡¯s so easily recognizable by the DLO.


    The current leader of the caravan, a spectacle-wearing Writer, pulls up with his horse beside Malinda¡¯s carriage as he bows his upper body to offer his greetings and assistance, ¡°Honored Lady Malinda Tertin, what a pleasant day we have. From your sudden cease of movement, can I aid you with something?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ yes, greetings, Agent,¡± Malinda says as her eyes don¡¯t even bother to connect to his. Only the huge dead black bear that lie on the wagon catch her interest. ¡°Where did you find such a rare beast?¡±


    The Writer, a man in his middle years. He can¡¯t stare away from Malinda¡¯s beauty. Even among the women, stare in awe as they stand, ride, and some peek out from their carriages¡¯ windows or doors.


    With a rasp of the Writer¡¯s throat, he answers with a scowl, ¡°That monster¡­ We found it when we were scouting a valley in the east mountain where a criminal base is, I mean, was located, Honored Lady. That monster killed three Agents. It¡¯s a pity. They were good Agents.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯ve heard from Rissara¡¯s secretary of that humiliating discovery. It¡¯s as you say, it¡¯s a pity that those who found it couldn¡¯t capture a single one of the criminals,¡± Malinda says, shaking her head in dissatisfaction. ¡°If you say three Agents died while exploring¡­ don¡¯t you think the DLO should be ashamed instead of pleased?


    ¡°I¡­ well¡­ H-Honored Lady, I didn¡¯t mean it lik¡ª,¡±


    ¡°Silence, I¡¯ve heard enough of the DLO¡¯s excuses, and I¡¯ll not hear of it anymore, goodbye. Onward, Taryna,¡± Malinda ripostes with an unemotional expression, jerking her head for her handmaiden to drive, and she abides by her Mistress¡¯ order with closed eyes.


    The caravan of Agents is stunned at Malinda¡¯s sour mood against their very own organization and to those who found the base of operation. As the Writer flickers with his eyelids, he stares at the golden carriage while it begins to drive away, toward where they came from.


    ¡°It¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it¡­? Three of our people died, and for what? An empty base? How can that be a victory for the DLO?¡± a male Agent asks as his voice resound for all to hear. Making the Agents doubt themselves of their success.


    ¡°Quit you bickering! Forward¡­! March!¡± the Writer shouts with a sweeping arm, stunning the Agents in check as they abandon their blasphemous thoughts of the Inquisitor''s verdict of promoting the team that found the criminal hideout.


    Vinery¡¯s carriage trolls by the caravan of whispering Agents, while the butler nods his head to their leader, gaining a response back because the Writer does recognize that transport. But, only a head-nodding greeting is shared between them.


    Both then disappear to their destinations; to Vinery¡¯s household in the Inner Layer. To the DLO headquarter¡¯s garage to unload the Ebon Bear and the Agents.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you be, for now, Sir Xe¡¯Reth. And it was a great honor guiding you through the Citadel. You¡¯ve given me so much for picking me, you¡¯ve no idea,¡± the bath-guiding servant says as she curtsies in the hallway, outside Theresa¡¯s quarters.


    Xe¡¯Reth puts his hand on her shoulder with a comforting smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re most welcome, Inatriss. Apart from Malinda, you¡¯ve shown me kindness that I¡¯ve never experienced before from someone who I¡¯ve just met, well, no, many people have shown me their generosity in welcoming me to this household. And I hope to get to know everyone in the Citadel, even if some are not glad that I¡¯ve been chosen as Malinda¡¯s lover,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckles as he scratches behind his neck, being rather embarrassed to blurt out such flowery tones, yet fake words nonetheless. ¡°I¡¯m still getting used to all of this Sir and such, so, thank you¡­¡±


    Inatriss smiles, also chuckling. Her expression, full of tenderness directing at this young man. Though she has no feeling of love, more of a tender emotion that tug at her. She¡¯s in her late thirties, so of course, her time for love will never come. That she knows in her heart. But Inatriss has lived her life without such a possession, and that strengthen her soul of the opposite gender.


    On the way, as she guided him around the Citadel, Inatriss decided, after much pondering, to thoroughly support and care for Malinda¡¯s new lover as if he¡¯s her own son. Because what better way to make one trust one¡¯s self than to love the one who gives the faith of allegiance? She has never thought of anything other than being the best at bathing her Mistress. Doing her duties with conviction. And being utterly faithful to her chosen faction of the Tertin household.


    ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth Quinery, do you desire anything else from me? Maybe a bath? Lunch? Or anything else. Please, you just have to say, and it¡¯ll be arranged, immediately,¡± Inatriss asks, standing straightened and having her hands beneath her bosoms.


    Xe¡¯Reth gazes up to think, not wanting to meet those questioning eyes of servitude. He sighs with a shaking head, ¡°I have nothing that I need at the moment, but later a bath is necessary because Malinda and I will¡­ Well¡­¡± He peeks out to look both ways down the corridor. With no one there, he finishes, ¡°We¡¯ll have our first real night together. You know, sex.¡± Gesturing with his hands, one forming a circle, the other, stabbing with one finger into the formed hole like Maldoran did at the dinner table.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Ohhh¡­ I see¡­¡± She gawks as a head with flickering eyes stare down both corridors. Then she begins to ramble back and forth in a daze, ¡°Yes¡­ Clean sheets need to be prepared¡­ Towels too. And since Mistress has never masturbated or has had any man before, lubrication must be arranged to ease the tear¡­ Yes, yes.¡±


    To casually talk about something as such, stun Xe¡¯Reth in bafflement.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Well, Sir Xe¡¯Reth. We always expected this event to come, sooner or later. The act of lovemaking, that is. But unfortunately, none in Mistress¡¯ faction but those who have been given permission to marry know about such¡­ things. And, even I have limited knowledge of¡­ of¡­¡± she shudders with a biting lip as she gazes away.


    ¡°Heh, all the lubrication that¡¯s needed comes from Malinda herself, Inatriss,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckles, trying to contain his laughter. ¡°Heh, but yes, certain supplies would help. And it all depends on if she has her hymen intact. Because women can lose it by doing various acts, such as horse riding and intense training of any sorts, which she does. Some don''t even bleed at all when they first have sex. However, since Malinda is a little older than me, she possibly doesn¡¯t have it anymore. But¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­But¡­ what¡­?¡± she gulps with wide intent eyes, wanting to know more.


    ¡®Dear Divines¡­ Why am I even speaking of this¡­?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth rolls his eyes inwardly at his choice of conversation, ¡°No, nevermind. I just hope I can¡­ well¡­ please her. It¡¯s my first time, so I¡¯m slightly scared to hurt her in any way. I know of a woman¡¯s body through reading books, but as I¡¯ve never experienced it before, I¡¯m¡­¡±


    ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡­ Mm¡­ Yes,¡± Inatriss nods her head while smiling, ¡°Mistress is a strong woman, she can handle anything you throw at her, that I know. And she¡¯s as inexperienced as you. So you two should just take it slow. And be careful so you don¡¯t, you know¡­ Or maybe you want to become a father?¡±


    ¡°Heh, you mean, to shoot inside her?¡± Xe¡¯Reth smiles with teeth showing as his fake anxiousness disappears into nothingness. ¡°Well, I do love her, so I don¡¯t see the problem with me becoming the father of her child. Though Malinda would need to stop working for the army for awhile, if she becomes pregnant.¡±


    He shakes his head while chuckling.


    ¡°Heh, anyway, we¡¯ve gone off topic. It isn¡¯t even twelve o''clock yet, but at the moment, I¡¯ve no need of you. You can, well, do whatever you¡¯re supposed to do. I¡¯ll probably see you when it¡¯s time to bathe. And the other two also, right?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, smiling to break the discomfort of thinking of being washed as a child.


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    Last time, they did touch his whole body, well, except for his private parts. Though he had been scrubbed like that before, rather, every time he went to the landlady¡¯s house to do her bidding as a mere boy toy, he was cleaned by her handmaidens.


    ¡®Wonder what she¡¯s doing right¡ªNo, screw her. I want nothing from that rapist, she¡¯s just a thorn in a bush. Many in number, yet easily burnt. I must take care of her when I¡¯ve impregnated Malinda. I can¡¯t have her messing my life up if she feels the need to spread rumors,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth ponders in his mind while smiling toward Inatriss, waiting for her head to stop nodding.


    ¡°Indeed, they will be coming with me. But, I¡¯ll leave you be, for now, Sir Xe¡¯Reth. Thank you again for allowing me to be your guide,¡± Inatriss says, bobbing her head as she turns to walk away, but rotates her body again toward Xe¡¯Reth.


    He raises his palm outward, trying to stop her from speaking as he says, ¡°I¡¯ll see you later. I must tend to my mother, so goodbye for now. And you don¡¯t need to thank me because I¡¯m the one that should be thanking you.¡±


    Turning his body, he closes the double doors. Leaving Inatriss standing there with a smile on her lips. A pleasant morning it has been. She had never experienced such closeness with a man before, but still, she likes that Malinda chose him and not any of those other noble scum that tried to woo her.


    ¡°Until we meet again, Master Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Inatriss whispers as she bows with her whole body. Her expression, beyond pleased. Then, shaking her head to get rid of her fatigue, she disappears down the hallway, leaving only the double doors, which Xe¡¯Reth has his back pressed against.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to keep up with this facade of gaining friendships. She, Tanya, Cerinn, Maldoran, those gatekeepers to the Sanctuary, and maybe Recina? Hmm¡­ I must have everyone around my grasp,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, returning to his usual planning self.


    Holding his chin, he pushes his back backward to bud forward with his body, to walk toward the staircase while holding the piece of paper which is supposed to be between the doors. ¡®No one has even tried to take a peek¡­ Disappointing, really¡­¡¯


    While treading on the crimson carpet, Xe¡¯Reth clicks with his tongue in annoyance, ¡°Dammit, how am I meant to handle Madelyn¡­? Though, she did say two days¡­¡± he sighs, ¡°Oh well, I need to be prepared for whatever she has in store for me¡­ And that jealous bitch must be watched. I can¡¯t let anything happen to mom.¡±


    Arriving at the foot of the stairs, he takes his first step to begin again.


    To change the stained sheets, to clean her bandaged body off of the blood and discolored skin. To wash her, to care for her, to be a son bound by his own mother¡¯s grave illness¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    As the sun¡¯s radiating warmth spreads across the land of Ellenoria, the inhabitants cheer to the Divine Queens for removing such weather, because the rain plague too many days a week, and that causes the people to be grateful for their Queens in the sky.


    Yet inside the Citadel, in Celyssa¡¯s office, Madelyn stands in front of the main desk while having her head lowered and arms crossed, gazing away. She¡¯s now robed in a gorgeous long sleeved dress in crimson, with frills at the bottom and around her sleeves while her chest displays those alluring bosoms that poke out. Her face, newly done with makeup, and her body radiates her pleasant scent; a bathed body that ooze perfume.


    ¡°To harm your handmaiden¡­ What madness has overcome you, Madelyn?¡± Celyssa questions with intent eyes. However, they¡¯re not the only two who reside in the office. The head-handmaiden, Linadra, and her daughter, the beaten Liriana, too, stands in the room, next to the seated Celyssa, who inspects the fiddling girl in front of her. ¡°Do you have any idea what could¡¯ve happened if it wasn¡¯t someone in your wing? Someone so close to the family?¡±


    ¡°I, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Madelyn murmurs with pouting lips, but Celyssa won¡¯t have any of it.


    ¡°Saying sorry isn¡¯t good enough! You can¡¯t beat someone because of¡­ Why did you even hit her?¡± Celyssa asks yet somehow knows deep in her heart of Madelyn¡¯s ongoing pain. For she had heard about what happened with Cerinn, and about the man who rescued that traitorous little whore, from her servants who had been put in Madelyn¡¯s service years ago. ¡°I¡¯m ashamed to even look at you at this moment, Madelyn. So disappointing. Just see, you hit her too many times¡ª,¡± she slams the desk, ¡°I SAID LOOK!¡±


    Madelyn''s face flinches in shock, lowering her head further down, not complying with Celyssa¡¯s request because she doesn¡¯t want to witness those eyes of tears that plead for her mother to stop Celyssa so Madelyn won¡¯t hate her. Liriana tugs at her mother¡¯s dress, pulling for her dear life while her lips shudder in anxiety. She had never thought it would blow up this much. She only told her father, but even he reported to Celyssa with such fury since Madelyn did slap her around carelessly.


    Liriana¡¯s legs tremble, she tries to stay resilient as she begs, ¡°Mama, please stop Madam, please¡­¡±


    But her mother¡¯s head remain directed at Madelyn, glaring at this pompous girl who dared to harm her daughter, her daughter that Linadra against her better judgment, made to be Madelyn¡¯s handmaiden. Only the last choosing was when Liriana began to work under her Mistress, and everything went fine until now. Of course, Madelyn can be arrogant and foul-tempered, but never had she hit one of her servants or handmaidens before.


    ¡°Madelyn, I said look for the Divine Queens¡¯ sake! You should not test my patience, for I¡¯ve other more important business to attend to, so look at your handmaiden, now!¡± Celyssa shouts while slamming her fist on the table again as a pointing hand erects toward her. However, Madelyn squeezes her arms tighter and tilt her head even further down, not listening to her sister-in-law.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t do anything wrong¡­ She was the one who made me angry. She should know when to be quiet¡­ Yes, she deserved the beating, for she¡¯s my handmaiden, and I decide what to do with her. But I shouldn¡¯t have hit her that many times, though,¡¯ Madelyn reflects, being motionless while Celyssa almost leaves her chair to shake some sense into this naughty girl.


    ¡°Haaa¡­¡± Celyssa sighs, touching her chin as she raises an eyebrow. She gazes to Linadra, gaining a rather puzzled expression while biting her lip, but she sighs again, giving up since she needs to leave in a couple of minutes. To travel to the Inner Layer to visit her family¡¯s estate.


    She had ordered Madelyn to be brought here so she could scold her, but now, Madelyn¡¯s stubbornness exceeds her expectations. Usually, she doesn¡¯t put up a fight, yet now, she holds her ground as fiercely as she can.


    ¡°Madam, I think that Lady Madelyn should be punished, by restricting her from buying anything for the time being. It will be the hardest task you¡¯ve put on her,¡± Linadra proposes, placing her arm around Liriana, then cuddle her against her side, so her head snuggles on her bosom.


    ¡°What?! Nooo!¡± Madelyn protests, whipping her head up but shuts her mouth immediately as she lowers her head again, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have hit her, I was just so angry¡­ so furious¡­ But please,¡± she peeks up at Celyssa with pleading eyes and hands clutching in a prayer, ¡°Don¡¯t take that away from me! Please, Celyssa! Please¡­ sister-in-law!¡±


    ¡°No shopping for a week, your servants nor your handmaidens are allowed to leave the Citadel. That¡¯s my final verdict. You may return to your wing, for I don¡¯t want to even look at you right now. Hurting someone so much younger than you¡­¡± Celyssa shakes her head in displease as glaring eyes defeat Madelyn¡¯s upcoming counterattack.


    With a hand whipping Madelyn away, she flings her arms into the air, then she spins her body around to stomp out of the office and into the servants¡¯ workplace, screaming and shouting and yelling her heart out at the wide-eyed servants.


    ¡°Haaa¡­¡± Celyssa sighs with a palm covering her prettied up face. She stands up while pushing out her grand chair. Linadra and Liriana, staring, but she doesn¡¯t say anything. Only breathes in fresh air to ready herself for the journey to her family¡¯s estate. ¡°Prepare the carriage, and let¡¯s hope it will go smoothly. Where is my daughter?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged for our departure, Madam,¡± Linadra responds with a curtsy as she lets go of her daughter, ¡°And Lady Merissa is with her oldest handmaiden awaiting our arrival at the front courtyard. She¡¯s rather healthy today, thank the Divine Queens.¡±


    Celyssa simply nods as she begins to walk around her desk, but stops in her tracks, ¡°Linadra¡­ thank you, my friend.¡±


    ¡°Anything for my Honored Madam,¡± she says with a gentle smile.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Out in the courtyard, one carriage, even larger and more expensive has rolled up.


    A couple of servants tatters while securing the horses of terror. Their gleaming black armor reflects the light, so much so that it¡¯s almost like a dark mirror. One servant sits in the driver¡¯s seat, a woman of her middle years, for her slight appearance causes her to have a maternal ambiance that exudes from within. Neither thin nor fat, a proud woman with head high and two round mountains poking out beneath her dress.


    Though, as she jerks her hands upward, two more women climbs up on either side of her since an abundance of space have been made so more regular servants can come along wherever the destination need their attention.


    Inside the carriage, seats clothed with crimson dyed leather on either side; at the front and at the back, room for six people. Two windowed doors. The floor has layered fabric so it sinks with one¡¯s weight. Hanging on the windows, red drapes as the rest of the interior d¨¦cor.


    A place of relaxation as the carriage rolls to whatever journey''s end the owner want it to go. And sitting in the back, Merissa whose eyes stare into nothingness, only darkness clouds her mind continuously, never ending, never again will she witness the light of lights...


    But, a frown has embedded on her expression with those down curved lips. She¡¯s angry, though why? Visiting one¡¯s relatives should be something one enjoys, not hates. Maybe she¡¯s impatient, and wants to leave now? Because she¡¯s someone who doesn¡¯t like waiting. Even at yesterday¡¯s dinner, she wanted to start eating, but no, she had to wait until the arrival of Malinda and Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°Do I really, really need to come along, Ellenia?¡± Merissa asks as if she¡¯s speaking to someone in front of her, but the person in question sits beside her, only a few centimeters away. Her eldest handmaiden. ¡°I¡­ I want to stay home. Can I, please?¡±


    The handmaiden pauses for a moment, staring at her little Mistress, for she needs to disappoint her time and time again. With a hidden away grimace, she answers, ¡°Miss, Madam Celyssa will have none of your complaints. You¡¯re going, and that¡¯s final. It¡¯s as your mother said at yesterday¡¯s breakfast: You¡¯re growing more stubborn as of late. And she is displeased with how you acted at yesterday¡¯s dinner, too.¡±


    Merissa sinks her head while she moves it in minute movements because she¡¯s rather perplexed since she has no memory of ever going to dinner. She gnaws on her lips, whining out, ¡°But I don¡¯t remember anything¡­ It is unfair¡­ Ellenia, it is unfair¡­¡ª¡°


    ¡°Now, now. Relax, Miss, relax,¡± Ellenia comforts as she closes in on Merissa, to take her in her embrace. To hold her like Celyssa does when she¡¯s about to have a relapse. As Ellenia rubs Merissa¡¯s arm up and down to calm her, she goes silent, placing her head against her handmaiden¡¯s bosom. ¡°There, there, you wouldn¡¯t want your mother to see you like this again, now would you?¡±


    Merissa shakes her head, coiling her arms around Ellenia¡¯s waist. A snivel escapes from Merissa¡¯s nose as Ellenia dots with a handkerchief to remove the new tears which begin to appear around her eyes.


    However, as Ellenia¡¯s ears twitch upon hearing the muffled voices outside, Merissa, her little Mistress, lets go of her to sit straight as an arrow, for she recognizes the vocal sound of her mother.


    Dotting and wiping away the rest of her Miss¡¯s tears, Ellenia, too, straighten herself to sit with dignity since she wouldn¡¯t want to be seen holding her Miss when Celyssa comes into the carriage. Not wanting her to think that she¡¯s trying to take her place as a mother.


    ¡°We depart,¡± Linadra orders outside with a hand gesturing for the driver to be ready to leave at a moment¡¯s notice. Then placing her hand on the door¡¯s handle, she steps inside as her head bob toward Merissa whose eyes stare directly at her, but a few millimeters to the side.


    Moving her head sideway in a quick jerk, Linadra expresses to Ellenia to sit at the front, for Celyssa comes right behind her. And Ellenia does what the head-handmaiden orders her to do, without question.


    As Celyssa heaves herself through the door with high heels weighing on the soft floor, she says to her daughter, watching Ellenia going to the front seats with a bowing upper body, ¡°Honey, you¡¯ve been crying again, have you?¡±


    Merissa¡¯s straight posture slump upon hearing her mother¡¯s sighing voice. She asks, reaching her arms out, ¡°Mama, I don¡¯t want to come along. Please, can I stay home, please?¡±


    Celyssa goes to sit as Merissa wobbles her hands to be hugged, and Celyssa does hug her. Making her daughter lean on her bosom like Ellenia did. But she doesn¡¯t answer, only raise her head to give the order to Linadra, which causes her to knock on the wall behind her.


    ¡°Mama¡­?¡± Merissa shakes her mother, trying to get an answer, but just Celyssa¡¯s hand that smoothes Merissa¡¯s braided light-brown hair respond. It causes Merissa to push away her mother, to shout with frowning eyebrows, ¡°I DON¡¯T WANT TO GO TO THAT PLACE, MAMA! I DON¡¯T WANT TO! I HATE IT THERE!¡±


    However, Celyssa embraces Merissa in a forceful hug, holding her, calming her so she doesn¡¯t get an attack. She can be a loud, a stubborn, and a rebellious daughter, though Celyssa can only be thankful to have her like this. To be lively, to be alive, for she has had her moments of no return.


    ¡°I know, sweetie, I know¡­ But we¡¯ll just be there for an hour, all right?¡± Celyssa says while touching her own braid as she measures it against Merissa¡¯s, and she gains a smile since her daughter¡¯s appearance has grown into herself. Not her father, but herself.


    Merissa¡¯s body sink back into her mother''s embrace as she nods her head up and down, in the process, rubbing her cheek against her mother¡¯s bosom. Those two protruding breasts which nurse Merissa¡¯s woes, because even though her constant stubbornness, she wants to be near Celyssa since her warmth is what she desire.


    The carriage rolls, and with it, the start of humming tunes which Merissa has heard beyond counting. With eyes closing, she falls into even more darkness¡­


    The sleep¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°I wonder where Celyssa is going¡­¡± Malinda says as her carriage enter through the inner portcullis, going into the front courtyard, then circling around the four-cut fountains as Celyssa¡¯s driver bows at the opposite side to recognize Malinda¡¯s Honored presence. The carriage doesn¡¯t stop, it goes around the fountain, too, and out from where Malinda came.


    ¡°The Madam is visiting her family with Lady Merissa is what I¡¯ve heard,¡± Taryna answers, steering the horses to the stairs where a bun-haired woman hurries down the steps, and as she reaches the foot, she curtsies while waiting for her Mistress¡¯ arrival. ¡°And, Miss, you haven¡¯t trained in a day, you shouldn¡¯t slack only because of Xe¡¯R¡ª¡°


    ¡°Are you out of your mind?!¡± Malinda startles, going agape with mouth and eyes, ¡°I can¡¯t be all sweaty for tonight! I mustn¡¯t do anything today, I only must prepare myself for¡­¡± she bites her lower lip while tilting her head with a smile, ¡°for Xe¡¯Reth to¡­ heh, take me¡­¡±


    Taryna turns her head away, to grimace with a twitching lip, yet unseen by Malinda. What can she even do to cancel their night together? She must think carefully, for the only thing she has managed to plan won¡¯t stop their night, just put suspiciousness on Xe¡¯Reth, but even then it can backlash toward her.


    The carriage finally arrives back home; the clouds have vanished to brilliantly display the blue sky, the Divine Sky.


    The bun-haired woman readies to take the reins off of Taryna as both of them climb down, and with creaking joints declaring, Malinda asks, putting her plated feet on the ground, ¡°Where is Xe¡¯Reth?¡±


    ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth is currently tending to his mother, Miss. He finished his tour around the Citadel sometime ago. S-Shall¡­ Shall I sent for him?¡± the servant asks while still bending her body in an elegant bow. Her voice, in conflict, since she doesn¡¯t know if she just said something rude or not.


    ¡°No need,¡± Malinda forwards her palm, then steps onward as something tugs at her heart. She has been away for about two hours give or take, but as she climbs the stairs, she can¡¯t help but blush a smile on her lips.


    A smile of anxiety and longing and joy.


    For she desires to be with him. To be touched, to be kissed, and to be drowned in her own bliss of warmth.


    Reaching the head of the stairs, she breathes in through her nose, closing her eyes and tightening her now knuckled fists. As the air flows out, she gains an even greater beam on her expression. Then with her left plate boot tremoring on the floor of the Citadel¡¯s marble, she strides forward, toward her love, her precious one¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Sorry for the late release again, but I can''t seem to find the time to put out once a week anymore.


    Anyhow, don''t forget to voice your thoughts, it helps me keep going! :>


    Until... Next Time.


    Favorite/Follow/Review/Rep

 36 - The Union of Hands

    I''m back my dear readers!


    Sorry for the long wait, been moving to a new and bigger apartment. And other things have kept me busy. I usually inform if something delays me on the latest chapter, in the comments. But rejoice, for I''ve returned... Anyhow, enjoy this slightly longer chapter. :D


    <hr />


    The Union of Hands


    <hr />


    Malinda walks through the ballroom while stepping on the laid out carpet that ends at the thrones and begins a few meters from the front entrance, but what catches Malinda¡¯s flickering eyes is Madelyn. She sits on her father¡¯s giant throne, slumping forward with elbows supporting on knees as her palms cover her face, not hearing the incoming footsteps in front of her as if in a daze.


    As her older sister comes upon the few steps going to the thrones, she squints, troubling about what has happened to her to be in this kind of state.


    But, she stops moving when her foot land on the first stage of the long and broad flight of steps, going between the grand stairs that reach the second floor. Malinda gains a frown, remembering what her sister did to that servant, and what she decided yesterday; that she won¡¯t let her act as she does anymore.


    Her hands form fists as she takes the last steps to be right in front of her little sister, looming above her while a shadow form on Madelyn, which she only now notices.


    Madelyn jerks her head up, gawking at her sister while slamming against the backrest. She instinctively squeezes the arms of the throne as if an upcoming terror stands there with glaring eyes, ready for a reckoning.


    ¡°S-Sister¡­¡± she averts her eyes, not finishing what she wants to say.


    Malinda forms a cross with her arms as she bends forward, glaring to shake her up a little. To make her dear little sister spill all of her troubles. She goes even further by putting her hands on the armrests while Madelyn winces away with arms and hands gluing to her bosoms. Malinda is too close. And her eyes, dead serious.


    ¡°I heard from my lover about what you did yesterday,¡± she says, peering into Madelyn¡¯s avoiding eyes. Her lips spasm from trying to utter excuses, but alas, she can¡¯t, her sister already believes that she¡¯s at fault. ¡°I should give you another slap on your other cheek for what you did¡­ You¡¯ve gone too far, too far, baby sister. And I won¡¯t have any of it.¡± She sniffs the air, scenting the perfume of a newly washed body. ¡°Bathed already¡­? How slothful can you be?¡±


    Madelyn curls up, ready for tears to flow. Because Malinda, who stares, beat her in everything; personality, intelligence, even beauty, so she¡¯s particularly weak against her sister¡¯s words.


    ¡°Well?¡± Malinda questions, getting her head right in front of Madelyn¡¯s face.


    ¡®Why did she need to come back now, why?! I hate you, I want to see you cry as I¡¯ve cried! You always make me look small compared to you¡ªwait, isn¡¯t this is a perfect time?¡¯ Madelyn realizes, opening her shut eyes to gaze into her sister¡¯s, to begin her secret war with her. To make her fall to her pathetic knees in grief. To make her lose that which is hers to begin with. ¡°I know, I¡¯m horrible¡­ I was even going to send her out in mere rags. I don¡¯t even deserve to be called Honored anymore¡­ I even¡­ I even got so angry that I slapped Liriana¡­¡±


    ¡°Madelyn! How could you?!¡± Malinda screams with a recoiling body, looming above her again, to gaze down at the grimacing girl of beauty.


    ¡°I know, I should be imprisoned by the DLO for domestic abuse¡­ They frown upon such actions and give the harshest punishment. Celyssa banned me from buying anything for a week, can you believe it, a week!¡± Madelyn moans, still sitting on the throne, but now she¡¯s the one who plays an act of a guilty girl. ¡°But I understand¡­ I did a horrible thing¡­ to my own dear Liriana, my handmaiden.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re indeed a vile little woman, to harm a handmaiden that¡¯s so much younger than you¡­¡± Malinda turns her body away as she shakes her head. ¡°I was going to introduce you to my lover, Xe¡¯Reth, today, but now, I don¡¯t even want you near him, ever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Malin, don¡¯t hate me!¡± Madelyn cries, falling off the throne to grab Malinda¡¯s plate leg as if she¡¯s a child, clinging to it. ¡°I¡¯ve done wrong, so please, I don¡¯t want to lose you! You¡¯re my only friend¡­! Please!¡±


    Malinda¡¯s eyes twitch from hearing that. Yes, her only friend. Because Madelyn¡¯s handmaidens doesn¡¯t count. Except them, Malinda is the only real friend she¡¯s got. None dares to come close to her since she¡¯s arrogant to the lesser nobles, even the higher ones who tries their best yet ultimately fail.


    ¡°Friend? What kind of friend are you? No, you aren¡¯t my friend, you¡¯re my sister. And as such, I have a responsibility to look after you, that¡¯s all,¡± Malinda says with narrow eyes, but her sinking lips tell of the pain of even saying such words because she loves her sister dearly. So much so that she spoke to Xe¡¯Reth, a young man she didn¡¯t know, to ask him for forgiveness on her behalf.


    ¡°Y-You don¡¯t mean that!¡± Madelyn raises from the ground in shock, to be in front of Malinda, but her sister¡¯s grimacing face with closed eyes indicate that she has won. Even a grin for a second reveal on her juicy lips. Then she hugs her sister. ¡°Please, Malin,¡± she wails into Malinda¡¯s ear, ¡°I was wrong, I will make up for it, so please, don¡¯t loathe me. I love you, I don¡¯t want to be alone¡­ Ever since mama and papa died, I¡¯ve changed. B-But, I can become better, you just need to help me.¡±


    ¡®Come on, take the bait sis¡­¡¯ Madelyn strokes Malinda¡¯s hair, trying to be as clingy of a sister as she can be. For Malinda always enjoy being the one who¡¯s kinder, especially when she¡¯s trying to win an argument against Madelyn.


    Malinda¡¯s arms soften, only hanging as she gazes to the main entrance where Taryna walks toward them. Why now? Why didn¡¯t Taryna come along when she left the carriage? She wonders but her eyes travel to Madelyn¡¯s blond hair that¡¯s caressing her cheek.


    Malinda laments as her plated arms coil her little sister¡¯s waist while Madelyn grins as she too squeezes her embrace.


    ¡°All right, I forgive you¡­ But only for the last time,¡± Malinda says while rubbing her head against hers. ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll slap you around, understand?¡±


    ¡°Mhm, I¡¯ve realized my wrongdoings, Malin. I¡¯ll even raise my cheek for your palm if it ever happens again!¡± Madelyn acknowledges, backing her head so she can gaze into Malinda¡¯s half-open eyes. Even a gentle smile have sprouted on her lips. ¡°I love you sister, I love you so much you¡¯ve no idea.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I love you too,¡± Malinda chuckles, giving Madelyn a kiss on her swollen red cheek, which causes her to wince in pain. ¡°That is your punishment for doing such horrid acts. Never again, you hear me?¡±


    ¡°I hear you loud and clear. I¡¯ll change, I promise¡­ but¡­¡± Madelyn pouts her lips, averting her eyes, ¡°but, can¡¯t you help me buy things for me, now that¡ª¡°


    ¡°Madelyn¡­¡± Malinda scowls but sighs while shaking her head. ¡°We¡¯ll see, but not at present because I have an important day and night ahead of me with Xe¡¯Reth¡­ You know¡­ we¡¯re going to have sex for the first time. And I¡¯m very nervous about it.¡±


    ¡°Is-Is that so¡­¡± she pauses, then her expression contorts as her eyes start to water, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m¡­ *Sniff* happy for you...¡± She embraces Malinda again, but the current grimace of sorrow change into that of a hidden fury. She had thought they already had sex. Seems that¡¯s not the case. But, her streaming tears contain truth, relief, for she might still succeed in taking Xe¡¯Reth because a unique being isn¡¯t unique if it has been used twice.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­ don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll always be here for you,¡± Malinda comforts in a quiet and gentle tone, smoothening her little sister¡¯s hair. Patting it, stroking it in a patient flow while they hold each other since she must be crying for her happiness surely? Smiling, she thinks that Madelyn repents for her actions, and that, that causes Malinda to pardon her so foolishly, for she forgives a vile serpent which coils her grasp around her pure mind.


    ¡°I¡¯m so jealous of you, Malin¡­ You¡¯ve found someone to love¡­ As always, I can never beat you in anything,¡± Madelyn says, remembering Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s words about Malinda being superior to her, which oozes even more loathe for her dear big sister.


    ¡°Oh, Lyn, you don¡¯t need to be like that. Competing over such petty things¡­¡± Malinda pats Madelyn¡¯s head, but gains full eyes, realizing what her sister had said at yesterday¡¯s breakfast table. ¡°Wait a moment, didn¡¯t you also have someone you love?¡±


    Madelyn freezes up. Her eyes, unmoving. ¡®What should I say, what¡­¡¯ Madelyn lowers her head as another sniff sounds out. She leans forward, her head on Malinda¡¯s plated chest while arms clasp around her back. ¡°I just found out that he¡­ he already has a loveeer¡­¡± Her voice cracks, sounding out her woes for real this time.


    ¡°Oh, dear Mady¡­¡± Malinda latches onto her sister too. Throwing away her recent unforgivable actions. But she frowns while raising her lips, ¡°Tell me who it is, Mady, and I¡¯ll see to it that he will regret choosing someone else than you. No one plays a daughter of an Honored One, least of all, a Tertin.¡±


    ¡°I love him¡­¡± Madelyn cries with a tremoring chin and lip. ¡°Why did he pick someone else¡­? Why¡­ Malin¡­?¡±


    Her shuddering knees turn to water, so she falls to the elevated floor as Malinda too follows with arms embracing her. Those cold plated but still warm arms. That warmth of a loving big sis who would do anything to ease the pain that inflicts her baby sister. They remain there, squeezing each other while Taryna just now comes below the few steps, staring with wide eyes at the scenery of her Miss and Lady Madelyn.


    But she doesn¡¯t interrupt them. She just stands a few meters away while her eyes stare at Malinda¡¯s stroking hand which flows down Madelyn¡¯s unflawed blonde hair. She¡¯s crying, Lady Madelyn is in grief. Though why? Maybe something happened in the Citadel while they were away?


    Taryna remains silent with one hand over the other on her stomach, tilting somewhat forward.


    ¡°Shh, shh. It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay,¡± Malinda comforts, cuddling her arms tighter to give Madelyn her utmost attention while tears river down her baby sister¡¯s face. ¡°Everything will be okay, I promise¡­¡±


    Madelyn clings as a child to a mother, however, as she raises her head to gaze at Malinda with pouring eyes, she begs, ¡°I don¡¯t want¡­¡ªPlease, I don¡¯t want to be alone. Malin, please, I don¡¯t know how to contain myself¡­ I¡¯m so angry and¡­ and¡­ Uuh, uhh¡­¡± Her weeping continues. Real expression of grief, yet, a goal nonetheless is what she¡¯s trying to reach.


    ¡°Oh, Madelyn¡­ you¡¯re certainly a handful today, aren¡¯t you?¡± Malinda sighs as both of their eyes now stare at one another.


    Madelyn. Her slothful and evil and utterly grimacing sister asks for help. Help which Madelyn knows, she¡¯ll get. Because Malinda never declines her aid if it involves her family. Xe¡¯Reth even managed to convince her to help the people of the slums, his people. She sent the letter to her mother¡¯s friend to seek assistance since her knowledge of such business counts as zero.


    ¡°I know that you¡¯re supposed to¡­ spend your time with Xe¡¯Reth today,¡± Madelyn begins with lonesome eyes piercing Malinda¡¯s heart. ¡°But, can¡¯t I¡­ spend some time with you two¡­ so, well. So I can get to know him better. You know, to earn his pardon in¡­ humiliating and extorting him¡­¡±


    Malinda gains a frown as Madelyn lowers her head in shame. ¡®I forgot all about it¡­ She did do those things to Xe¡¯Reth¡­ Will he even forgive her? Ah, of course, he will. Stupid of me to think like that. I need to trust him more, yes.¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m so sorry about what I did¡­¡± Madelyn whispers in anxiety, trying to gain back her stand from those lowered eyebrows which direct at her. ¡°I know I went too far that time. But as I said, I want to change¡­!¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± she nods and says, ¡°Come, stand up,¡± as her plate armor resounds upon rising herself off of the floor. But Madelyn doesn¡¯t have time to respond since she''s being heaved up by her sister¡¯s superior strength.


    With flickering eyes, thinking that her sister won¡¯t believe her plea, Madelyn¡¯s face grows sadder. Her whole expression lowers. Mouth, eyes, and eyebrows, yet, upon gazing at Malinda¡¯s beaming smile, her worries vanish in an instant. To be replaced by victorious success.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you be alone after telling me all of this¡­¡± Malinda grabs her sister¡¯s head on both sides, so their identical azure eyes stare at each other. ¡°Ahh¡­¡± she sighs, ¡°I was going to spend the rest of my time with Xe¡¯Reth today, but¡­ But you¡­ You shouldn¡¯t be left alone. Not now, not ever. We¡¯ll speak about the one you love later. However, for now, follow me so you can meet your future brother-in-law. Hehe¡­ brother-in-law.¡±


    Malinda swipes with a plated but underlining leather finger, so she removes the tears from Madelyn¡¯s eye, while her sulking doesn¡¯t change, it only grows.


    ¡°Now come, let¡¯s go to my quarters to pretty you up a bit so you won¡¯t look ghastly in front of¡­ my lover,¡± Malinda tilts her head while giving a relaxed smile with loving half-closed eyes. ¡°Come ¨C and Taryna, I want my most stunning dress prepared for me. Go.¡±


    ¡°As my Miss commands of me,¡± Taryna obeys with a curtsy as she stands below the few steps. Turning right, she walks to the staircase leading up to Malinda¡¯s wing¡­ then she disappears to the second level of the Citadel¡­ ¡®I wonder what happened to Lady Madelyn. When did she get a loved one? Ah, yes. She did say something about it at yesterday¡¯s breakfast table¡­¡¯


    ¡°Ah, my sweet and beautiful baby sister¡­¡± Malinda says as Taryna reaches the head of the staircase. ¡°Let us go. We should try to cover your cheek¡­ but¡­ it¡¯ll be a challenge.¡±


    Holding Madelyn¡¯s hand with her gauntlet, she treads down the few steps, then leads her to the upper level without her even speaking. Only the silent rose petals which don''t open, just being obedient while her head is in her scheming thoughts, ¡®I should probably say that I¡¯ve already met Xe¡¯Reth¡­ No, I¡¯ll let him do the honor¡­ hehe¡­¡¯


    ¡°Madelyn, what has gotten you in such a happy mood all of a sudden?¡± Malinda asks with brows raising as Madelyn giggles without her even realizing it.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± she stops in her tracks but goes in front of Malinda with a quick spin of her body to hug and kiss her on the cheek. ¡°I just love you so much. Because you¡¯re always there for me¡­ while I only cause trouble for you and everyone around me¡­¡±


    ¡°Good thing then, that you¡¯ll change your ways¡­ Maybe even cut down on your ridiculous spending,¡± Malinda cuddles up against her sister, rubbing cheek against cheek, though this time, she spares the swollen one.


    ¡°Sister!¡± Madelyn shouts, pushing herself away from the armored she-brute. ¡°Th-That is just asking for too much! Just think of the clothes and jewelry I¡¯ll miss if I don¡¯t keep up with the latest fashions and trends! What if some of the other Honored Ones comes to visit us out of nowhere? I need to keep buying! I just need to!¡±


    ¡°Hmm, is that so¡­?¡±


    ¡°It is so!¡± Madelyn barks, stomping her heeled foot on the floor while crossing her arms and her head whip up in utter stubbornness. ¡°You never decide what to buy when it comes to dresses and cosmetics and trinkets. You¡¯re a complete amateur in that regard, unlike yours truly¡­¡±


    ¡°Mady¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­I mean¡­¡± She lowers her head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll try harder in keeping my foul mouth shut from now on¡­¡±


    Malinda shakes her head, gaining a smile while exhaling, ¡°Let¡¯s go and tend to those eyes of yours. I don¡¯t want you to be all horrid when meeting up with Xe¡¯Reth. Maybe he¡¯ll even let you take a peek at his mother¡­¡±


    ¡°His¡­ his mother?¡± Madelyn gulps, remembering that she threatened Xe¡¯Reth with hurting her if he doesn¡¯t choose her over her sister.


    ¡°Mm,¡± Malinda nods as she slaps Madelyn¡¯s shoulder, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you on the way. Now come.¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    In Theresa¡¯s quarters, on the upper level, Xe¡¯Reth looms over a table with a sheet of paper laid on top of it. It¡¯s rather large with drawn lines indicating points of interests, which Xe¡¯Reth has done.


    He holds a quill over an inkwell, readying to dip it to continue with the sketching. But a sigh escapes from his mouth as he complains to himself, ¡°That damned wall and tower have vantage points over Malinda¡¯s garden¡­ But if I keep the herbs growing here,¡± Xe¡¯Reth points with the pen, ¡°then the sun won¡¯t be able to reach them¡­¡±


    He pushes his hands into the table, to heave himself backward while spinning around.


    He paces back and forth as he ponders of what to do about the Yran¡¯Gilis. Because he must plant them before the winter comes. Sure, the herb can withstand the drop in temperature. But what he fears the most is if it gets too cold. The slightest breeze can crystallize the herb into dust. Destroying his batch in the process.


    Theresa was in her usual foggy state. Neither recognizing nor remembering what have happened around her. She has been fed and cleaned. Her health, nothing out of the ordinary. She¡¯s rather hale and hearty, which has Xe¡¯Reth in a bright mood. But the current son who walks back and forth, eying his mother isn¡¯t what one would call happy.


    He still wears the same tight clothes of dark fabric. They bring out his masculinity, also his fierceness with those two lowered brows of darkness. However, as he ceases to move, he gets back to drawing, even gaining a smile on his lips. For he does enjoy a real challenge.


    ¡°Hmm, yes. Building a couple of covers on the side of the wall will limit the sight. And if I¡­ well, if the tower somehow becomes inaccessible, then I won¡¯t need to worry about trivial annoyances,¡± Xe¡¯Reth explains, turning to gaze at his sleeping mother. Her groans have stopped. ¡®I hope she¡¯ll get better now that we¡¯ve escaped the slums¡­ The untainted air will¡­¡ª!¡¯


    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Xe¡¯Reth shouts but grimaces as he gains full eyes in reflex, staring again at his mother, but ultimately laments with a chuckle. ¡°Mother¡­ I¡¯m afraid that you¡¯ll be moving once again¡­¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth carries on with his garden design¡­ Yet what worries him are the full-fledged servants. For they roam wherever they want if it¡¯s their workplace. And the Citadel¡¯s labyrinth and gardens are where some of them work. He needs to set up some kind of precaution so they won¡¯t enter. But nonetheless, Xe¡¯Reth puts it out of his mind since he must prepare for Malinda¡¯s arrival. A servant had come knocking on the door to forward a message that she has come back.


    ¡°Rather a calm day today¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth sighs, turning toward the staircase. ¡°But ugh, it really takes a lot out of me¡­ All these niceties of being caring.¡±


    ¡®I¡¯ll need to make a list of all the names of the servants in Malinda¡¯s wing so I can gain their trust. To make them like me as they like Malinda,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth ponders as he goes to blow out the candles on the upper floor, then walks downstairs, to see to the fireplace which burns the wood to charcoal. ¡®Though that servant who brought the news sure was acting strangely. As if she couldn¡¯t keep herself in check from smiling.¡¯


    After poking the burning wood here and there, he walks to the large window beside the hearth to gaze at the scenery. His eyes go down, right and left, but what catches his eyes as he stares straight ahead ¨C two servants. They¡¯re in one of the empty rooms in Malinda¡¯s wing, yet they¡¯re only standing there in front of each other, staring into each other''s eyes.


    One in conflict. The other, trying to say something with saddened grimaces, gesturing with flailing arms. But the conflicted servant turns her back against the other while shaking her head, also gaining an even sadder expression.


    Xe¡¯Reth can¡¯t hear them. However, their lips tell him everything.


    ¡°I¡­ Love¡­ You¡­ huh?¡± Xe¡¯Reth copies the words of the talking servant. He sighs again, shaking his head with a slight chuckle. ¡°The servants are truly something interesting. So many of them turn to the same gender since they can never be with a man. Though, I don¡¯t blame them. Being alone ¨C never to experience the warmth of another can stir unwanted emotions.¡±


    The servant with her back turned gains full eyes. She spins to hug the confessor, even giving a kiss since the speaking one was about to leave the room as she thought her love confession was unsuccessful.


    ¡®I pity them¡­ They¡¯ll be used. So many of the servants will be used to further my current position. But time, time is on my side,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth relishes with a smile. His eyebrows raise in shock. The two women are undressing each other. ¡®Are they really going to¡­? So early? Don¡¯t they worry about getting caught?¡¯


    They disappear behind the wall as one of the servant¡¯s bosoms lay bare, which ceases Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s peeping show.


    He shrugs at their boldness. But as he turns around, he narrows his lids with a frown, ¡®Those two¡­ They must be in their mid-twenties. And maybe they won¡¯t stand for any threats? Though, loving another female ¨C I wonder what punishment they get if I rat them out?¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth traces his finger on his lower lip, gaining a grin as he chuckles, ¡°Though they¡¯re a pair to shake a man¡¯s heart. Many beautiful women here in the Citadel but only two ladies are what I need to focus on¡­ Now then¡ª.¡±


    His head turns to the door with such speed, hearing faint footsteps on the carpet outside the chamber. They¡¯re coming closer and closer from the direction of East. However, he sighs at his own alertness. He has always been to caution of intruders. Yet now, it can be a young servant to an older one. Not strangers from the slums. Nevertheless, the feet have stopped to move in the corridor, right by the double doors.


    *Knock, knock*


    Shaking his head to rid himself of useless thoughts, he strides to the door, then pulls down the handles to welcome whoever it may be with open arms. Even if it were to be his enemies, for he must have his mask of kindness on, and not off.


    ¡°Ah, yes¡­ There we have him, the son of Theresa Quinery,¡± a woman says, bobbing her head and bending a knee to recognize Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s new stature. But the gentle smile on her lips shines so brightly. So bright that Xe¡¯Reth does the same; bending his upper body with a hand placed on his chest. ¡°Oh, oh, you know courtesies well? Yes, that¡¯s for the best. We can¡¯t have you being uncivilized in the presence of the Honored Ones. More so in the presence of our Honored Mistress, the rightful ruler of the Tertin line - Tertania. Namely, Malinda.¡±


    With flickering eyes of bafflement, Xe¡¯Reth becomes confused by the way of this woman¡¯s speech. As if everything she says has already been decided.


    ¡°Oh, how forgetful of me ¨C we haven¡¯t met yet. I¡¯m Ereanna, the Sanctuary¡¯s Matriarch,¡± Ereanna bows again but follows up with, ¡°And you¡¯re my Mistress¡¯ lover. Meaning, one day you¡¯ll be the Master of this Household. But look at me talk ¨C aren¡¯t you going to invite us in?¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth looks over Ereanna¡¯s shoulder to see two other women standing behind her, having closed eyes while they wear the attire of the Sanctuary. Much alike the handmaidens¡¯ and servants¡¯. And of course, all of them have bun hairstyles ¨C complement of Tanya¡¯s taste.


    ¡°Please, do come in,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, stepping to the side as his hand flows to the right to welcome them in. ¡®Why is that woman here¡­? Did Malinda perhaps tell her to come, or Cerinn? Agh, I don¡¯t like it at all.¡¯


    All three women step inside, one after the other. And as the door closes behind them, in the corridor further down the hall, Malinda peeks out to gaze toward where the three women were. But as none stands there, she waves her hand for Madelyn to continue to her chamber so they can present themselves to Xe¡¯Reth in a more beautiful state.


    ¡°Why are we sneaking around for?¡± Madelyn asks, flickering her eyes down the hall in the direction of Theresa¡¯s quarters. Then begins to walk east, to Malinda¡¯s chambers. ¡°I have this,¡± she points at her reddened cheek, ¡°so why are you all jumpy ¨C you¡¯re more beautiful than me at the moment¡­ So why?¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡­ I don¡¯t know why¡­¡± Malinda follows Madelyn while having her eyes toward Theresa¡¯s doors. Moving with side steps. ¡°I just want to be¡­ you know. Be presentable enough. And not in this plate armor.¡±


    ¡°Mhm. You look like a brute with that armor on¡­¡± Madelyn says, shaking her head in embarrassment for her own sister. ¡°At least wear something lighter to show some skin like my regular armor.¡±


    ¡°Sh-Should I¡­?¡± Malinda responds with furrowing brows. But shakes her head in disagreement. ¡°No, I¡¯m not like you sister, who can show skin to appease the crowd of leering men.¡±


    Madelyn¡¯s eyes go wide in shock. She spins around to frown at Malinda for saying that.


    ¡°I¡¯m not some whore who spreads my legs whenever a man wants me to! I only do that to the one I love!¡± Madelyn shrieks with an upper lip rising.


    ¡°Wa-Wait, I didn¡¯t mean it like that¡­ I just¡­¡± Malinda says in defense, but her own eyes go wide in shock too as she scowls, making Madelyn grimace while backing away. ¡°Mady¡­ I may have forgiven you, but do not test my patience any further. Do keep your words to a minimum, so you don¡¯t begin to throw tantrums.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ But you started it¡­¡± she pouts with a lowered head while her eyes peek up at Malinda.


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    ¡°Oh. Yes, that¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s right¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± Malinda tries to smile but fails since she''s rather harsh against her sister at the moment. But can one blame her? Madelyn beat up her own handmaiden, even tried to send out Cerinn out into the harsh world with nothing but rags.


    ¡°I forgive you,¡± Madelyn crosses her arms beneath her bosoms and raises her head with a single nod declaring.


    With a head turning to Theresa¡¯s quarters, Malinda sighs out in relief, then grabs her sister with an arm around her shoulder while smiling, ¡°Come, let¡¯s outdo every Honored Lady in the Kingdom! They¡¯ll become stunned and jealous of us, the Tertin sisters. But don¡¯t worry my dear baby sister. We shall find you a worthy man yet.¡±


    ¡°If-If you say so¡­¡± Madelyn¡¯s head wilts, remembering that she¡¯s supposed to be in sorrow from losing her unrequited love - her Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°Ohh, don¡¯t be sad, I¡¯m always here with you, Mady,¡± Malinda snuggles up with her head on Madelyn¡¯s shoulder as they continue to walk and walk and walk, side by side until they arrive in front of her double doors, which stands open.


    As they disappear through the entrance, the silence of the corridor remain. However, as a few minutes pass, the closed doors leading into different rooms, open up as servants peek out to notice that nobody¡¯s there. The servants leave their hiding places since Taryna ordered them to remain hidden until Malinda and her sister walked past.


    Then as the women of all ages reside in the corridor, they begin to clean or go to their other various chores¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Marvelous. What an extraordinary young man we have here,¡± Ereanna chuckles while smiling at Xe¡¯Reth. Because he just revealed that he knows that she sent Cerinn to spy on him. Forfeiting Cerinn¡¯s usefulness. But only Ereanna laughs while the other two seated women glare at him. ¡°That little girl sure knows how to make someone want to throw her out, for insubordination.¡±


    ¡°Heh, please do forgive her. I kinda made her reveal everything as I¡­ Uhm, well, threatened to throw her out myself if she wouldn¡¯t talk,¡± Xe¡¯Reth snickers, waving away Ereanna¡¯s thought of throwing Cerinn out of the Citadel. ¡°She¡¯s rather loose-lipped if her life is on the line. Not a girl for spying, to say the least.¡±


    ¡°I knew it, he¡¯s with that snake of a woman!¡± one of the other women shouts, pointing her trimmed finger straight at Xe¡¯Reth, who¡¯s on the opposite side of the table. ¡°We¡­ We must¡ª,¡±


    ¡°Are you stupid and blind girl?¡± Ereanna snaps, scowling at the Battle-Maiden, who¡¯s wearing the Sanctuary¡¯s attire and not the Battle-Maiden armor. ¡°Can¡¯t you think for yourself for once? He has only said that he knows that we spied on him and that he¡¯s a little sinister. Nothing about him being in league with that serpent, Celyssa. Now be quiet and sit still.¡±


    The Battle-Maiden¡¯s head sinks to a dangerous level as Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s chuckling voice resound, ¡°No harm done. But really, I have to say ¨C you coming here, was something I didn¡¯t expect, and so soon.¡±


    ¡°Is that so¡­?¡± Ereanna turns to Xe¡¯Reth, raising a gray brow in wonder.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Xe¡¯Reth nods, ¡°I thought you would wait a bit so you could hear from Cerinn of how I¡¯ve acted. But sadly¡­ I¡¯ve been beaten by you, Ereanna. So, what brings you here, ladies? Come to marvel at the man in black, or simply just¡­ make contact?¡±


    ¡°Both. Because you¡¯ve become the talk of the century in the Sanctuary. A young man gaining the heart of one such as my Mistress, and having black hair and eyes; repairing the Sanctuary¡¯s main gate while earning awe from women who has never seen a man before; stopping Lady Madelyn¡¯s cruel hand in throwing out a poor young servant¡­ And¡­ fighting with words against the Madam of the Tertin Household ¨C making her scream at you ¨C making her so flustered that she escaped with her daughter to eat in her own room. Truly, someone worthy of attention.¡±


    Ereanna¡¯s hand movements fly around as she speaks, and the pure life in her eyes show how much she has been waiting for this moment. Someone that¡¯s worthy enough to support. She has waited and waited for a man such as Xe¡¯Reth. Xe¡¯Reth, who isn¡¯t with anyone, he¡¯s neutral without having fangs imbedded in him.


    ¡°However, what worries me, dear Xe¡¯Reth, is that you have been living a somewhat dangerous and wicked life until now¡­ Which we cannot allow any longer¡­¡± Ereanna says, growing grave; her hands clasp together, her elbows situates on the table, and her eyes peer at him in perfect clarity. She doesn¡¯t smile, but the way she gazes at him with those veteran eyes of hers, causes Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s own eyes to go wide in worry.


    ¡°Our Mistress, Malinda¡­ isn¡¯t as bright as people might think. She reasons with her heart ¨C her emotions. Not with her head,¡± the last woman finally speaks, unbuttoning a satchel to take out a ripped off insignia of an attire belonging to the city guard. She places it on the table, sliding it forward for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes to witness. ¡°You know who it belongs to, yes?¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth becomes silent as he stares at the emblem. His mouth opened; his eyes, full of terror.


    ¡®I¡­ I am finished¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth lowers his gaze, grabbing his tights as teeth clench.


    ¡°You were careful indeed, boy¡­ But¡­ did you honestly think that a person such as our Mistress, would only have a single handmaiden around her?¡± the woman asks, shaking her head with eyes pitying Xe¡¯Reth for his well-earned effort. ¡°No, is the answer, boy.¡±


    The woman gets off of her seat, to walk around the table to be beside Xe¡¯Reth, putting her hand on his shoulder while making him twitch in surprise.


    ¡°Unfortunately, boy, we aren¡¯t as gullible as our Mistress. But we are patient and understanding,¡± she lets go of his shoulder, to pull out the chair that¡¯s next to him. She sits down while tilting her head to gaze at his hidden, dire expression. ¡°That said, I would like you to answer me this¡­ is killing easy for you? Taking a life, or more like, ordering the death of someone?¡±


    While listening to their planned interrogation, Ereanna sits unfazed, staring at Xe¡¯Reth as he lets out a tiring sigh. He turns his head to glare at the woman next to him. A lady of her middle-years. Around forty, but a fierce beauty nonetheless. She does have the Sanctuary¡¯s uniform, but the muscles of leanness can¡¯t be hidden from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes. She¡¯s strong. But no weapons. Neither have the finger-drumming Battle-Maiden that sits beside Ereanna.


    ¡°Well, answer me,¡± she urges, meeting Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s glaring stare with ease.


    ¡°Killing is¡­ It¡¯s a simple act which can be done swiftly without pain, or it can be done slowly with excruciating agony. It all depends on the situation. One¡¯s own emotions. And what¡¯s needed to be done to survive,¡± Xe¡¯Reth rambles with his glare piercing the woman¡¯s eyes. ¡°To answer your question ¨C yes, I find it easy to kill. But I only do it if I really need to, as you might¡¯ve already guessed.¡±


    ¡°Justifiable,¡± the woman answers in an instant, nodding her head in satisfaction.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth dear,¡± Ereanna says, making Xe¡¯Reth turn his attention to her. ¡°We mean you no harm as long as you follow our orders and rules. And they aren¡¯t hard to follow.¡±


    ¡°What kind of orders and rules?¡± Xe¡¯Reth snarls. He can¡¯t even keep his frown in check since he has been had. Such carelessness on his part, because never would he¡¯d thought that Malinda was being watched by someone else than her handmaidens. Where were the watchers? Why couldn¡¯t he hear or notice them? It pisses him off that he could be so easily played¡­ again¡­


    However, apparently, they mean no harm. They want what¡¯s best for Malinda and the Tertin line.


    ¡®Let me test them a little bit¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth sighs out in defeat as all three women blink with their eyes at the sudden exhale.


    ¡°Well, they¡¯re simple, dear Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Ereanna continues, having a brow raised at his unexpectant calm appearance.


    ¡°Firstly ¨C you must be faithful to Malinda. If you sleep around... with Madelyn, we¡¯ll end you. And I mean that we¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    ¡°Secondly ¨C you must give Malinda a daughter as an heir so she can be put as the head of the family. More than one would also be highly recommended. Sons are somewhat unwanted. Only females, for males, they¡¯re much harder to handle and are useless to the Tertin Household.


    ¡°Thirdly ¨C you must join the City¡¯s army, the Ebon Wall¡¯s Middle Gate, to take over as General when Lord Maldoran steps down years from now.


    ¡°Fourthly ¨C you must never seek power beyond your current and future position as the husband of Malinda.


    Last but not least, fifthly ¨C you mustn¡¯t betray any of the Tertin supporters. We are many in numbers ¨C more than you think. We hear everything, we see everything, we are everywhere. Remember what I¡¯ve said, Xe¡¯Reth Quinery.¡±


    ¡°Any questions or complaints? We can consider changing some rules here and there if it¡¯s too demanding,¡± Ereanna says, relaxing her whole body. ¡°Please, do reveal your thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Number one, two, and fifth I¡¯ve no problem with,¡± Xe¡¯Reth begins, having his head high and gaining a smile on his lips to show that he ain¡¯t beaten yet. He¡¯s rather interested to hear about who followed him¡­ And who dug up the fat slobs¡¯ brother¡¯s grave to rip off that emblem. ¡°But¡­ number three and four. Well¡­ me joining the army have already been arranged by Maldoran.¡± His smile becomes a leer, ¡°Surely you¡¯ve already heard¡­ old lady?¡±


    ¡°What your mouth!¡± the Battle-Maiden barks, but Xe¡¯Reth answers in an instant, ¡°Can she please leave, Ereanna? She¡¯s interrupting me. It¡¯s rude.¡±


    ¡°Rude?!¡± she stands up, slamming her palms onto the table.


    ¡°Leave. Now,¡± Ereanna says. Nothing else, just her scowling eyebrows which direct at the Battle-Maiden.


    The Battle-Maiden¡¯s eyes shudder upon gazing at those sharp daggers, causing her to leave the room with haste, not uttering a single word of complaint. With the doors closing behind her, the two women sighs out in embarrassment.


    ¡°Do forgive her, she¡¯s¡ª,¡±


    ¡°¡ªmuch alike Taryna Orilldera,¡± Xe¡¯Reth cuts in while glaring.


    Both of the women recoils a bit, becoming confused as they stare at each other.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, why bring her up? Has she done something?¡± Ereanna asks, growing worrisome since she hadn¡¯t heard anything about a quarrel, other than when Malinda was in Taryna¡¯s presence.


    ¡°I thought you said you have ears everywhere? That you see everything?¡± Xe¡¯Reth smiles while gazing at the old lady in front of him with downcast eyes. But before she can answer, Xe¡¯Reth interjects, ¡°She threatened to hurt my mother. I want her dealt with, or I¡¯ll reveal that she¡¯s a lesbian to Malinda, which will damage their relationship as Mistress and Handmaiden.¡±


    Ereanna¡¯s head whips to the woman sitting next to Xe¡¯Reth, asking, ¡°Why haven¡¯t I heard of Taryna¡¯s threat, Annettria¡­?¡±


    ¡°Someone wasn¡¯t keeping a constant watch to overhear them talking to each other it seems,¡± Annettria says with a frown. But with a headshake, she continues, ¡°She¡¯ll be handled, boy, and we know of her taste in loving the same sex.¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡­ is that so?¡± Xe¡¯Reth purses his lips while holding his chin. ¡°Many women in the Citadel seems to be lesbian, are you two too?¡±


    ¡°Have something against it?¡± Ereanna asks with a smile.


    ¡°Not at all, but you should restrict such activities,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, jerking his head toward the window where the two lovebirds begin to cover their bodies since they have had their fill for today. Rather a quick toss in the hay. Making the vantage point clear as day for Ereanna and Annettria, even if the distance is somewhat far.


    However, as both of the lovers goes to the window to look out at the garden courtyard below, one stares straight across to witness Xe¡¯Reth, Ereanna, and Annettria sitting at the table in Theresa¡¯s quarters. One woman leaning forward because Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s in the way, yet her frown can¡¯t be unseen. The other, covering her face in utter shame, while Xe¡¯Reth smiles with closed eyes, being rather pleased with their sudden appearance.


    *Whistle*


    The door to the corridor opens up to reveal the Battle-Maiden, who¡¯s having a grimacing expression as usual. She asks, bowing, ¡°Yes, Gran Ereanna?¡±


    ¡°Take care of those two! They¡¯ve been practicing forbidden acts ¨C now go!¡± Ereanna barks for the first time as she erects a pointing finger. The embarrassment of witnessing those girls when she¡¯s trying to have a serious conversation know no bounds.


    ¡°Ah¡­! Those¡­¡ª!¡± She storms out the double doors as she slams them shut, to circle all the way around to the corridor which leads to the ballroom.


    ¡°The Citadel has interesting people indeed, Ereanna - but I¡¯ll have to disappoint you by saying that I won¡¯t obey the fourth rule, order, whatever you call it. Because I have my own goals, which I want to achieve on my own. And I won¡¯t have anyone meddling, least of all, some old woman who thinks she can bend whoever she wants to her will,¡± Xe¡¯Reth declares, making the woman next to him sprout a rather engaging smile. Ereanna, too, smiles but begins to chuckle at his forwardness.


    ¡°And what goals are those, if you don¡¯t mind me asking, dear?¡±


    ¡°I do mind. I¡¯ll not speak of it more than I already have. Though I do wonder¡­ who followed Malinda and me around, and how is it that you seem to know everything about me?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, placing his elbows on the table as he holds his fisted hand with the other below his chin.


    ¡°Boy, you do not need to know. As a matter of fact, we won¡¯t tell you. However, know this, we¡¯ll be ever-watching. Though I¡¯ll give you a hint of what to expect in the Citadel. The walls have ears,¡± Annettria reveals, still smiling at him.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes widen, raising from his seat to stare around the room for anything out of the ordinary. And there, a shaft on the left side of the wall with metal bars. He doesn¡¯t mind the sitting women as he goes climbing on a desk to reach the channel of air.


    Jumping, he grabs the metal bars while a whistle sounds out from Annettria in praise.


    He presses his ear against the cold metal, closing his eyes, listening for whoever eavesdrops on their conversation. As he lingers there with feet on the wall, he hears the vibration of something, but he can¡¯t indicate what sound it is.


    ¡°How is the Matriarch''s conversation goin¡ª?¡±


    ¡°Shh, shh¡­¡±


    Two voices ring into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s ear. He now knows what kind of instrument they¡¯re using. Some sort of ear trumpet, going down to wherever the eavesdroppers reside. The mouth of the device hides a bit further down the shaft, making it so that if someone like Xe¡¯Reth were to search for such a thing, he wouldn¡¯t find it. Only the voices which ordinary people might not catch now lie silent as Xe¡¯Reth jumps down to go sit in his chair.


    ¡®Dammit. I only thought they were used for air circulation between the different rooms¡­ Damn,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth curses at his own stupidity. But the thought of them overhearing about the garden, makes him gain full eyes, asking, ¡°Is there one on the second floor too? I don¡¯t remember seeing one¡­¡±


    ¡°There is one,¡± Ereanna answers, tilting her head to inspect Xe¡¯Reth some more. ¡®Never would I¡¯ve thought that this young man is the mastermind behind the hideout in the mountain. The man cloaked in darkness who controls the escaped criminals. Hmm, though the DLO informant was vague describing Xe¡¯Reth.¡¯


    ¡°Boy, I must ask. How in the world did you manage to form such a band of criminals under you? And where are they now?¡± Annettria asks leaning closer to Xe¡¯Reth.


    Xe¡¯Reth recoils as he responds with total confusion, ¡°Wh-What do you mean by that¡­? I don¡¯t follow.¡±


    ¡°Dear Xe¡¯Reth, no need to hide it. We know what happened in the east mountain valley,¡± Ereanna chuckles with a finger going side to side.


    ¡°S-Still, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Band of criminals? I was alone in my garden. Other than me, the DLO agents were there. They hunted me, but I managed to beat them using various tricks that I¡¯ve made¡­ using the Yran¡¯Gilis,¡± Xe¡¯Reth begins to explain, not bothering to hide anything¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Indeed, Xe¡¯Reth dear, we¡¯ve gotten information that was false it seems. Our watcher lost sight of you when you began running with such speed¡­ But you and Malinda have talked about healing¡­ fast. What is that about. Don¡¯t try to hide it, you¡¯re supposed to be a torture victim. However, you¡¯re as healthy as ever. People don¡¯t heal so fast ¨C now out with it,¡± Ereanna demands, being rather grumpy by the informant''s wrong information.


    Witnessing Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s lowered head, Annettria places her hand on his shoulder, saying, ¡°Boy, we only want what¡¯s best for our Mistress, and of course, for you too. So tell us, why do you heal faster than regular people?¡±


    ¡®So careless¡­ so fucking irresponsible of me. To have them know - dammit. Dammit! Curse them all and those eavesdroppers!¡¯ he clenches his teeth, grimacing as his mouth begins to open. Are they truly his ally? No, of course not. He can¡¯t trust them. He can¡¯t trust anyone. He can only trust himself. ¡°I don¡¯t know how I regenerate faster than others. I was just born with it. That¡¯s all I know of my enhanced affliction.¡±


    ¡°Hm, is that so¡­¡± Ereanna purses her lips while drumming her fingers. ¡°But who¡¯s your father? We have found no information about him. And we know our information, Xe¡¯Reth dear.¡±


    ¡°H-He died when I was only a newborn is what my mother told me. Killed when the first layer of the middle gate was destroyed. He was a soldier,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says. His gloomy expression display as Annettria frowns in sadness, stroking his back as if she¡¯s comforting him¡ªNo, that¡¯s exactly what she¡¯s doing. Making him feel secure, making him want to speak more. Why does he feel so sick to the stomach? He doesn¡¯t want to talk about such forgotten memories.


    ¡°We¡¯ll come back to you about that. And your mother, she¡¯s inflicted with the Fire-Brand disease¡­¡± Ereanna says, straightening to sit as high as she can while her proud guise catches Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eye, making him raise his head to stare at her. ¡°What if I told you we know who released that hideous disease upon the people. Would you join us? Pledge your allegiance to the Tertin family? To suppo¡ª!¡±


    She cuts herself off with a rasping gasp as her eyes grow full in horror. His stare, as if death wants to come and take the living soul out of her. Even Annettria¡¯s hand recoils in terror, feeling the pure dread beginning to brew inside the room.


    Xe¡¯Reth stands up to gaze down upon the old woman in front of himself. His eyes, wide. His mouth, eyebrows, and his whole expression calm. Only those eyes of obscurity pierce her old mind, making her utter out as if she can¡¯t do anything else, ¡°X-Xe¡­ Xe¡¯Reth, please. Xe¡¯Reth dear, calm down.¡± She shakes her head in pain with a hand covering, ¡°Please, calm dow¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Who¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, leaning forward with palms on the table. His eyes have dilated to be bigger, peering into Ereanna¡¯s. ¡°Who I sai¡ªGuh!¡±


    Annettria kicks Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s left side, causing him to topple down on the floor rather hard since that kick had her full power behind it. However, she gasps with hands covering her mouth as she realizes what she has just done.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to do that¡­¡± she says but stares into those shadowy globes. She asks with slight fear behind her shudder, ¡°B-Boy¡­ what are you¡­?¡± Though as her eyes travel to Ereanna, they widen in even more shock. ¡°Matriarch!¡±


    As Xe¡¯Reth lies there on the floor, by the fireplace, he gets up with a groan, touching his sore rib. Never has he felt such a blow before. ¡®So that¡¯s what it''s like to get a real kick. I must be careful around her. Ugh, hope nothing broke¡­¡¯


    ¡°Matriarch, Matriarch! Are you all right?!¡± she yells with extreme worry while also gazing at Xe¡¯Reth out of reflex since he did cause this, somehow.


    ¡°Whew, that¡­ Ahh¡­ That proves something indeed,¡± Ereanna puffs out, breathing heavy as she waves away the worrying Annettria with a flick of her hand. ¡°D-Dear Xe¡¯Reth, you almost gave me a heart attack. Please refrain yourself from¡­ whatever that was¡­ Though now I know you have some power in you ¨C magic perhaps? Well, at least something.¡±


    ¡°What do you know about magic?¡± Xe¡¯Reth mutters as his whole life lie in ruin. They know every single thing, so he just despairs over his own failure with hands covering his face while elbows press on the table. But as he almost forgets about what Ereanna said, he jerks his head to peer at the old lady who smiles at him. ¡°Who was it that spread it? Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Celyssa¡¯s family, of course, who else?¡± Ereanna says as if it¡¯s obvious. But she has no real proof, only a theory. Yet nonetheless, her mind have already made up her conviction that the ones who caused it was the Bradinox family. ¡°Let me tell you what happened here in the Citadel those years ago.¡±


    ¡°Everything was blissful. Our Mistress and Master both tending to their own duties; my Mistress, the City, my Master, the army. Lord Maldoran, he followed his father¡¯s teachings even though he was old enough to take the mantle of General. Lady Madelyn, being as slothful as ever, while my Mistress, Malinda was tending to her own duties as Maldoran did. But then came the disease; the City was closed off.¡±


    ¡°The different layers were heavily guarded so the sickness couldn¡¯t come through to the Citadel¡¯s outer grounds. Yet somehow, the disease managed to inflict two people ¨C my Mistress and Master. None other, only they succumbed to its horrible illness. I still blame myself¡­ however, the food, the drinks, nothing had been brought in since the disease took hold of the City and in the Tertinum domain. Nothing! But¡­ they gave our Mistress and Master the disease through poisoning. They poisoned them right in front of my eyes, and I didn¡¯t even notice it!¡±


    ¡°The nerve of the perpetrators¡­¡± Ereanna growls, forming fists as this topic does get her emotional. ¡°The nerve of Celyssa and her villains! She poisoned them, she caused your mother''s disease! Her and her disgusting family! They must pay for their genocide with their own blood!¡±


    ¡°So you plan on murdering them then?¡± Xe¡¯Reth interrupts rather unmoved by the unveiling. His head turns to the window. Those two lesbians have run away ever since the Battle-Maiden ran out the doors, so they didn¡¯t manage to catch the little brawl.


    As he awaits for Ereanna to stop considering whether she should reveal her real intent or not, he ponders himself about this news. Though the way of her speech, Xe¡¯Reth knows she means business.


    ¡°Can I count on your allegiance, Xe¡¯Reth dear?¡± Ereanna asks while heaving with her arms to stand up, to get higher ground than Xe¡¯Reth.


    Doing the same as Ereanna, Xe¡¯Reth stands up; his height exceeding hers. And with a hand forwarding to her, she copies with a wrinkled hand squeezing his as Xe¡¯Reth says, ¡°I understand. You have my allegiance if you stop calling me dear, old woman,¡± adding in his mind, ¡®at least for now they¡¯ll be useful¡­ Can¡¯t really anger them.''


    ¡°Done and done,¡± Annettria says, being very pleased by Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s willingness to comply.


    ¡°By the way, how far does your hand reach exactly?¡±


    ¡°Her hand reaches far enough, boy,¡± Annettria answers for Ereanna, once again sitting next to Xe¡¯Reth, to inspect him up close. ¡°Our Sisterhood is¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Anne!¡± Ereanna retorts for she¡¯s revealing too much.


    ¡°¡­Are you two from a cult or something? For the Sisterhood is a religious organization which the Divine Queen commands,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, but as Ereanna chuckles at his knowledge, he can¡¯t help but chuckle too, ¡°Heh, I guess it was formed by your former Mistress?¡±


    ¡°No, not by her. I would say more than hundreds of years back, though we¡¯re ever-growing through the collection of children from the orphanages around the Kingdom. Oh, look at the time,¡± Ereanna cuts off with a smile as Annettria stands up. ¡°I thank you for giving an old woman your time. It has been pleasant to speak to a young man such as yourself. And I do hope we¡¯ve gotten through to you enough. However, we¡¯re going to give you time, a lot of time. But, Xe¡¯Reth, do give Malinda a daughter, will you?¡±


    ¡°May the Divine Queens bless my seeds for a good harvest¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth prays with arms outward to wait for a miracle to shine upon him. But with a laugh sounding out, Xe¡¯Reth nods his head, ¡°I¡¯ll bed her tonight, so, expect news soon.¡±


    ¡°Boy¡­ Sigh, nevermind,¡± Annettria says but stops, shaking her head in dismay. She moves to the double doors to wait for Ereanna, who paces around the table with slow steps because this has been her hardest day in awhile now. She¡¯s drained.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be seeing you again soon, or if you need anything, shout down a shaft, hehe. And do not try to tell Malinda, otherwise we would need to dispose of you,¡± Ereanna laughs as Annettria unseals the doors, but Xe¡¯Reth gains a somewhat victorious smile as it stands open.


    ¡°G-Gran! Wha-What are you doing here?!¡± Malinda as beautiful as ever shouts with Madelyn and Taryna behind her¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Oh, <del>I''ll put out a character sheet in some days</del>(pushed up), so do expect it to be full of spoilers from Chapter 1 through 36.


    The Citadel, the City... Wonder what lies beneath it, hm? :>


    Anyways, voice your thoughts/or if there are some grammar thingies that needs my attention/or if you just want to comment in general!


    Have a wonderful day/night/evening/morning. :D


    <hr />


    Comment/Favorite/Follow/Review


    <hr />

 37 - The Intrigue of Murder

    <hr />


    The Intrigue of Murder


    <hr />


    In Tertinum City, the festival have yet again begun in full swing; the streets crowded in the outer layer; the taverns and squares, full of people who enjoys the luxury that the Tertin family have arranged for them. All from their own wealthy pockets.


    Even the poor have been blessed from their sorrowful ways, to be replaced with bliss since assistance have been said to arrive before the winter¡¯s cold winds. That winter which kills so many of the slums¡¯ inhabitants every year. But if what Malinda said was true, then the will of aid shall arrive to save them before the whiteness descends upon the Kingdom.


    The City¡¯s Goddess, Lady Malinda Tertin ¨C is what Xe¡¯Reth wants them to believe at least. A savior to be trusted in. To worship the very ground she walks upon. And next to her, her husband to be. A commoner who goaded her to take that step into the spotlight. However, she has always been in the ray of the sun because she¡¯s indeed an Honored One. An Honored One, who¡¯s fair and beautiful to the core, yet she would release a volcano if crossed.


    But the Outer and Inner layer have no city guard present. Only in the Outer Citadel Grounds have they been summoned to by their Lord, Maldoran Tertin.


    Much ruckus had stirred among the city guard, so much so that they¡¯d begun to protest for the baseless accusations thrown at them by their very own Lord. However, some of the more decent members of the city guard have silenced themselves, for they know how their own organization work but haven¡¯t had the courage to speak up about the foul deeds that the more sinister members have done.


    They had been gathered up at one of the training fields after the sounding of the summoning shot through the City. While the army belonging to the City, encircled them in a perfect square formation, giving them a sense of fear for their lives because Maldoran as proud and kind as he can be, showed nothing in his expression. Only those cold, lowered eyebrows which oozed worry into the members of the city guard.


    ¡­


    Maldoran has stood there on a platform overlooking the whole field of red and black uniforms for over an hour. His people, his family¡¯s long-lived organization. Yet what he witnesses, dissatisfies him.


    Scrawny, fat, hunchbacked, ugly, and utterly detestable people stand there below him. Nothing like his own army who takes their training with the utmost seriousness. Nevertheless, the majority have somewhat muscular builds, but those bodies can be deceiving to the eye since muscles can be gained through simple training that¡¯s given to them ¨C is supposed to be given to them.


    ¡®Surely, this hasn¡¯t happened in the last four years¡­ right, father, mother?¡¯ Maldoran asks himself with hands behind his back and legs spread. But he forms fists while raising a twitching lip, ¡®What was the words the boy said¡­? Extortionists? Rapists? Beaters? Killers¡­?¡¯


    ¡°My Honored Lord,¡± Reconon utters, standing beside him with critical eyes scanning the field. ¡°Forgive me. I¡¯ve grown too old to have noticed these people in the City. But your Honored wife, she¡¯s in charg¡ª,"


    ¡°¡ªI know,¡± Maldoran interrupts with a stopping hand raising into the air.


    He has been blind as the boy said, with grief over his parents¡¯ passing. So much that he only focused on the army and the Ebon Wall, not even looking at his surroundings when he came back to the City to see how unwell it¡¯s being run. The city guard doing whatever they want without a proper leash around their necks; taking advantage of the less unfortunate by petty robbery and hideous acts which he has allowed by not observing it.


    So many lives ruined, and for what? Even his mother¡¯s aid was removed by his wife, his wife he loves dearly, yet he knows himself of how arrogant she can be. How her former family can be. Hiding behind smiles to cover their real emotions ¨C those emotions that cause him to doubt their right attentions.


    But was the things the boy said real?


    ¡°Honored Lord, why are you keeping your faithful citizens here?! What have caused you to do this?!¡±


    ¡°Yes! Why Honored Lord?! Why do you doubt your own organization so much as to imprison us here? Telling us to obey and stay silent when we haven¡¯t done anything wrong?!¡±


    Two of the higher ranked city guards throws out their complaints with a quaking double chin from one and a yellowed teeth mouth that¡¯s spewing out spit from the other because Maldoran did order their silence but ultimately they broke it to voice their pathetic protests. Undermining Maldoran¡¯s rule in the process. Humiliating him in front of his hundreds of soldiers who glare at the city guard with dread for their blatant insubordination.


    ¡°Who¡¯s in charge of the recruiting, Reconon?¡± Maldoran asks as he still gazes at the loud crowd in front of him, narrowing his eyes at some of them, making them wince in fright. ¡®Rotten¡­ How could I let this happen¡­ to my own ancestors¡¯ City? They¡¯re a bunch of ungrateful louts. But hmm, I do remember one who was a kindhearted old man ¨C wonder if he still belongs to the city guard?¡¯


    Maldoran gazes at the somewhat cloudy sky to remember his name but shakes his head in defeat, not remembering. He has never been good with names. Even his soldiers¡¯ and officers¡¯ names are hard to recall.


    ¡°I believe the City Commander is in charge of that, Honored Lord,¡± he answers, gazing with a similar stance of hands behind his back and legs spread to show no fault. ¡°Shall I summon him?¡±


    Maldoran nods and so does Reconon upon gaining confirmation.


    He waves to one of his officers who¡¯s with the others in a spread out line on the platform behind them. Both men and women of high-born families here in Tertinum and from its surrounding domain.


    Not everyone can gain admittance into the higher echelon, much less earning an honorary position beside the Lord. Though those who work hard and show absolute loyalty can get permitted to a rank fitting their place, in the process, they can be put in command of a team of soldiers. But that doesn¡¯t often happen since a commander must be a noble or in a noble''s care like Reconon is.


    However, Malinda gets special treatment since she¡¯s Maldoran¡¯s sister. She doesn¡¯t command a squad, yet she does have the title of second-in-command for she¡¯s the only one other than her brother that¡¯s an Honored One.


    Malinda is more of a single entity with her handmaiden, Taryna, who follows her into battle. Since she¡¯s much more efficient and deadly when she doesn¡¯t need to worry about her fellow soldiers who she¡¯d command if she were given that duty.


    ¡­


    After a couple of minutes, two fully-armored soldiers in plate comes escorting a man in a red and black uniform, fitting tightly around his large mass of fat while his forehead flows sweat, running down so it drips to the wooden platform beneath him.


    Every officer tracks the trembling man with their eyes, piercing his heart so it inflicts more damage to his psyche. Even Maldoran has turned to welcome the man who¡¯s in control of the City¡¯s defenses. But giving a quick glance at him, Maldoran flares his nostrils with teeth clenching, ¡®This man¡­ How in the Divine Queens¡¯ names did he get the position of City Commander¡­? Preposterous!¡¯


    ¡°Father, you¡¯re the one at fault you know¡­¡± Recina sneers next to her father, shaking her head in shame since excluding Malinda, he¡¯s the one who¡¯s the real second-in-command, and he holds as much power as Maldoran when it concerns the City¡¯s army. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to have an eye for these kinds of happenings? You as well as I know, that man isn¡¯t fit to be in the current position of City Commander. Yet you didn¡¯t consult Lord Maldoran as you did his father?¡±


    ¡°Quiet girl, I¡¯ve no time for a quarrel with¡ª,¡±


    ¡°No, father, I¡¯ll not be silent, for my Mistress wants me to see to the city guard and its complete restructuring. Meaning: out with the old and in with the new. It isn¡¯t that hard, we have a prison here in the City which needs to be filled with scum,¡± Recina utters as if the words have no meaning, only following what Malinda ordered her to do.


    ¡°After confessing to having committed a crime, of course,¡± she adds, shrugging her shoulders since the plague inflicting the City must be purged to its last speck.


    ¡°Mm, your daughter is on to something there,¡± Maldoran agrees after having seen the city guard as a whole.


    And there comes the man who can make that happen. For the one that¡¯s in charge, usually is the one who looks the other way as he allows his subordinates to do whatever they want. But, something about the man causes Maldoran to raise an eyebrow because his appearance¡­ is as if his sentence have already been judged. A wilted, shaking head; hands that rattle, and the eyes of an empty shell stops in front of the plated mountain.


    He falls to the wooden floor, smashing his forehead as he begs, ¡°Honored Lord! I ask for your Honored forgiveness!¡± making the majority of the city guard gasp in alarm. ¡°Honored Lord! Please, I beg of you, forgive me! I¡¯ve known of this day, that it would come eventually! But please, I¡¯ve children, please don¡¯t hang me!¡± That single sentence spells doom to the whole city guard, or at least for those who have something to hide.


    ¡°What in the Divines¡¯ names is that madman spewing!¡±


    ¡°Hold your tongue, you rat!¡±


    ¡°We¡­ we are finished¡­¡±


    Maldoran has wide eyes and furrowing brows as he listens to the murmuring and shouting mass, not expecting this situation at all, for the man just confessed that he doesn¡¯t want to be sentenced to death, meaning that he must¡¯ve done something so evil that hanging comes to question.


    Maldoran¡¯s gauntleted hand squeezes his hilt in rage as he turns in such a slow manner toward the crowd, transforming the air into a thick dreadful ambiance as half of the members of the city guard avoids eye contact with him, while the other half gazes at Maldoran in absolute joy. For the threat of them revealing everything have finally burst into the open.


    They¡¯re free from keeping their mouths quiet.


    ¡°Tell me everything or I¡¯ll split you into two halves,¡± Maldoran growls, glaring at the crowd but his words are directed at the beseeching man next to him.


    Then Maldoran lifts his hand into the air. With a clean sweep forward, Reconon bellows out to the soldiers, ¡°Formation! Let none leave the training field!¡±


    The soldiers bang their spear-holding gauntlets on their shields as they then raise them with spears pointing toward the city guard. Their roaring voices sound out to the crowd, boxing them in.


    Even some soldiers march to stand in front of the platform so their Lord doesn¡¯t come to harm from any of the criminals who hides within the mass. Because when animals feel threatened they might lash out.


    The crowd pleads to Maldoran, but he ignores them as he bends to grab the bowing man¡¯s collar. Lifting him up into the air as he repeats, ¡°Tell me what you and your members have done for kind of acts. Or I swear on the Divine Queens, that you¡¯ll live the rest of your miserable life in agony.¡±


    ¡°P-P-P-Please, I¡¯ll tell you, I¡¯ll tell you everything you want to know!¡± the man whimpers with a grimacing face since being lifted up like this strains his neck, for he¡¯s overweight. Yet he doesn¡¯t dare to touch the Lord¡¯s grasping hand.


    ¡°Then speak you pig!¡± Maldoran shouts, slamming him into the wooden platform for being so annoying with his flapping mouth. Which turns the man¡¯s expression into pure pain, for the wood cracks as he lands.


    The crowd inhales in horror upon seeing Maldoran so easily lift and toss him. As if he was nothing but an overgrown ragdoll.


    ¡°Argghh¡ªHaaaa!¡± the man gasps as Maldoran embeds his now drawn sword into the wood a few centimeters in front of the man¡¯s face, causing the man to reel in fright. He doesn¡¯t want to die, for a family awaits him at home, a family that¡¯ll be taken care of as long as he does what he¡¯s told.


    He gazes up at the looming giant above who peers back at him. And with a gulp, he begins his speech, his speech that was given to him by Celyssa¡¯s servants who were the ones that helped him handle the city guard, yet they remained hidden so no trace could be backtracked to the Madam of the City.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve committed and assisted with acts worthy of death, Lord. And so has many of the members of the city guard too¡­¡± he says, beginning to cry with every word because he¡¯ll probably be sentenced to death for allowing this to happen.


    But he has no other choice but to take everything upon him. To be the scapegoat for the Honored Madam because she has his children and wife ¨C threatened him with their lives if he weren¡¯t to comply with her demands. Requirements of utter silence and his own life to be forfeit, which he has accepted for the sake of his family. They¡¯ll live in comfort since the Madam promised through a letter that she¡¯ll give them enough money to live the rest of their lives in peace.


    ¡°I¡­ I have documents of those who has acted as criminals while they were bearing the City¡¯s uniform. I¡¯ve kept a list of everyone since I was the one who let them do as they pleased¡­ to blackmail them if they were to disobey me¡­¡± the man continues, but his voice sounds as if he¡¯s at peace with his decision. His shoulder throbs with ache, yet he reveals even more, ¡°But you can be rest assured. More than half of the city guard are actually kind people of the City. However, I kept them silenced by threatening them through many acts of wickedness, my Lord.¡±


    ¡®This doesn¡¯t seem right at all¡­¡¯ Maldoran contemplates, squinting down at him. To reveal everything so quickly without putting up much of a fight. It screams cover-up. But by who, his wife? ¡°What of my wife? Did she have a hand in this too?¡±


    ¡°W-What¡­ her Honored Madam¡­?¡± the man asks as if in shock. He begins to shake his head, ¡°No, she doesn¡¯t have a hand in what I¡¯ve been doing¡­ The only thing she helped with was keeping in touch with reports¡­ nothing else than that¡­ L-Lord¡­¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense!¡± he roars, ¡°She¡¯s supposed to watch over you, to rule you, yet you¡¯re saying she only kept in touch by simple reports?!¡± Maldoran¡¯s face contorts gravely upon hearing such accusations. ¡®She did say it at yesterday¡¯s dinner table¡­ but this? Did she support with so little? Letting them run rampant in the city? Doing whatever they want as this man covered up everything?!¡¯


    ¡°Honored Lord, where are you going?¡± Reconon inquires as Maldoran steps over the piece of meat while drawing out his sword, sliding it into its sheath.


    ¡°I¡¯m returning to the Citadel, of course, to talk to my wife about this!¡± Maldoran spins around, pointing at the man, then to the crowd, ¡°See to it that the criminals are thrown into the City¡¯s prison! Forget about the regular procedures of the DLO ¨C when you have the documents from this monster, begin the culling! Then put my soldiers to work to take over for the city guard for the time being!¡±


    ¡°As you command, my Honored Lord!¡± Reconon salutes with a deep bow, obeying whatever is thrown at him. Then with a forward sweeping arm toward the mass, he orders the rest of the soldiers, ¡°You heard our General¡¯s verdict! Let none escape! And you!¡± Reconon swooshes his hand to point and glare at the slab of fat, ¡°You¡¯ll help gather the documents imminently with the support of my subordinates! Up with you! Go, now!¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­ at once!¡± the man grimaces as he springs to his feet, to run past Maldoran while being followed by all of the officers¡­ even Recina as she snaps her fingers for her Battle-Maidens to shadow her.


    With one quick look at the mass again, ¡®I hope she hasn¡¯t left yet,¡¯ Maldoran steps onward while saying his farewells, ¡°I¡¯ll come back when I¡¯ve had a word with my dear wife. And I shall expect good news when I return, goodbye for now.¡± He then disappears down the wooden stairs, leaving only Reconon there on the platform with a body bending forward.


    Reconon turns his attention to the crowd, lowering his gray brows to display his utter conviction to fulfill his duties of keeping these criminals where they¡¯re supposed to be, in a cage with spikes pointing inward.


    ¡®Master, Mistress¡­ forgive me¡­¡¯ he apologizes as his eyes close to remain there, waiting for the return of the documents, which will bring the proof needed to convict the scum of the City. But he peeks with his eyes in a narrow suspicion, ¡®That man was indeed covering for the usurper¡­ Hopefully, they¡¯ll find something to take her down¡­ I¡¯m sorry Maldoran my boy, but it''s for the Tertin line... I''m sorry.¡¯


    The crowd has become as silent as they can be. Innocent, guilty, it doesn¡¯t matter. Both are at fault. Many will be sent to prison, even to the gallows to be hung for their crimes, because Reconon knows his Lord all too well. And letting criminals off easy isn¡¯t his way. He had even once court-martialed one of his officers for doing something he didn¡¯t find¡­ sufficient enough.


    A monster of war, but in politics, he¡¯s an amateur. He wasn¡¯t the one who was trained in those subjects.


    For Malinda was the one who were meant to rule¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry honey, I¡¯ll be back right before you know it,¡± Celyssa comforts Merissa while hugging her. At the moment, they¡¯re in a vast hall, inside the domain of the Bradinox family. A mansion Celyssa knows well; its decoration, beyond wealthy with servants running about doing their chores in keeping this household up to par with the Citadel itself.


    ¡°Mama, c-can¡¯t I¡­ can¡¯t I come with you?¡± Merissa pleads with arms around her mother, scenting her regular perfume which she has felt on the way here. ¡°I hate them¡­ They always want to entertain me, to talk to me¡­ I don¡¯t like speaking¡­ I hate it¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh I know, I know you don¡¯t want to converse with them,¡± Celyssa says, bending down to caress Merissa¡¯s cheek, then embraces her so her chin rest on her own shoulder. ¡°But it¡¯ll only be for a while, so do be a brave daughter, and vanquish those cousins of yours. I know you can keep them busy, okay?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Merissa cries, clinging tighter to Celyssa as she chuckles at her child-like and spoiled behavior.


    ¡°¡­Honored Madam Celyssa Tertin, they¡¯re waiting¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªThey¡¯ll wait for as long as her Honored One commands,¡± Linadra snaps at the now prostrating butler, knowing he shouldn¡¯t have opened his mouth yet he did for the pressure is on him since they¡¯ve been like this for over ten minutes.


    Embracing her daughter one last time, Celyssa tears herself off of Merissa as her daughter¡¯s hands try to latch onto her, but they flail about seeking her mother¡¯s body which she doesn¡¯t find. ¡°Mama, no, don¡¯t go¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll return soon,¡± Celyssa says as her voice grows further and further away. ¡°And remember, you¡¯re an Honored One¡­¡± Merissa then loses her mother¡¯s footsteps as they ascend to another level. But only darkness and Ellenia remain with her. To keep her company.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯m here honey,¡± Ellenia strokes Merissa¡¯s braid to make herself present to her Mistress. Which causes Merissa to latch onto her instead to feel the warmth of someone she knows, for she¡¯s terribly afraid of being left alone in complete darkness. Ellenia¡¯s breathing, calm and steady ¨C nothing to indicate anything out of the ordinary. ¡°But the nerve of your cousins¡­ To actually not come and greet you in person. Letting you instead go to them. Blasphemy¡­¡±


    ¡°H-Hehe, you don¡¯t like them too¡­¡± Merissa giggles, calming down as her cheek is planted on Ellenia¡¯s side bosom. Keeping her slender arms around her waist so her handmaiden can¡¯t get away.


    ¡°Why of course¡­ I¡¯m yours¡­ And what you hate, I hate,¡± Ellenia whispers right as a pair of handmaidens and butlers comes upon them so they don''t hear their little conversation.


    ¡°Honored Lady Merissa, forgive our Masters and Mistresses, but they want everything ready for your most Honored arrival,¡± a well-dressed man says with his full black suit of the Bradinox family. He spins to form lines with the others so she can walk in between them. ¡°Now please, they await you.¡±


    The two butlers on one side and the handmaidens on the other are curtsying in their most decorous way they can, even if Merissa doesn¡¯t see it for herself. Because her watchful guardian peers with narrow eyes at them. Inspecting any unwanted attentions.


    ¡°Keeping the Honored Madam here with my Mistress will not work out so great for your¡­ Mistresses and Masters¡­¡± Ellenia taunts, beginning to walk forward, straight past them toward the Bradinox¡¯s livingroom. ¡°Whatever they¡¯ve prepared will be for naught since my honey here won¡¯t go along with anything her cousins tells her. We¡¯ve only journeyed with her mother, so don''t throw excuses, telling us something we don¡¯t want to hear.¡±


    The man gains a hidden grin, responding to Ellenia¡¯s back in a voice so kind that it¡¯s almost disturbing, ¡°As you say¡­ Honored Handmaiden¡­¡± The other three people of servitude stare too with leering expressions which remain unseen by the two ladies.


    ¡®Why does everyone sound so phony¡­ Mmm, I don¡¯t like it when they talk like that. Why can¡¯t they speak their real feelings instead?¡¯ Merissa does a slight headshake, rubbing her cheek on Ellenia¡¯s bosom without a care in the world. Which Ellenia responds by holding her tighter to prepare her for the meeting with her cousins¡­


    But what awaits her; darkness¡­


    Darkness¡­


    ¡­


    As the double doors¡¯ oiled-up hinges resound, Merissa strains her ears to catch anything. Absolutely anything to gain her footing of how many people will be surrounding her. She knows her cousins, but she doesn¡¯t remember their faces; a foggy memory before she went blind swirl around her mind.


    Merissa¡¯s eldest aunt¡¯s daughter and sons. Celyssa¡¯s younger sister¡¯s daughter and son. And her little brother¡¯s daughters and sons. Many cousins, many to remember, but she does remember their names.


    As it has been awhile since she last visited them, she gulps as gasps declare their joyous mood upon witnessing their youngest cousin. Their rough diamond which will bring them into their wanted status, yet hidden to the younger members of the family. Only their parents and grandparents know of what Celyssa will be speaking about. Not even handmaidens or butlers. Well, only the highest of them at least knows a little.


    Then the voice of a man greets Merissa with such a jubilant tone that it causes Merissa to cringe with her eyebrows, ¡°Ahhh¡­ Our Honored beautiful cousin! Welcome, welcome!¡± The man¡¯s voice comes closer and closer, which tightens Merissa¡¯s arms around Ellenia. ¡°Please forgive us¡­ but we just couldn¡¯t keep ourselves in check! We haven¡¯t seen you in such a long time!¡± His footsteps plant on the soft sounding floor right in front of her. ¡°We¡¯ve prepared¡­ so many activities for you¡­ Merissa¡­¡±


    ¡°Now, now, you¡¯re scaring her brother. Don¡¯t walk so blatantly up to her without thinking!¡± a woman¡¯s voice this time ring in Merissa¡¯s eardrums, who too, begins to come closer to her. ¡°You know how delicate she can be, so be careful, otherwise, I¡¯ll tell mother.¡±


    Merissa hears a tsk sound from the man¡¯s mouth as he retorts, ¡°I only wanted to kiss our Honored cousin¡¯s hand. To welcome her accordingly.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll do no such act,¡± Ellenia interjects as Merissa¡¯s arms squeeze harder around her waist. ¡°Haven¡¯t you learned anything from your attempts with the Honored sisters? You. Are. Not. Worthy. Or don¡¯t you remember being so utterly humiliated by them¡­ in front of such a large crowd? Both of the times?¡±


    ¡°Y-You¡­ How dare you spe¡ª*slap*.¡±


    ¡°Quiet brother,¡± his sister says with a calm tone. But Merissa heard that slap¡­ to the head? ¡°You¡¯re in front of our Honored cousin, so go sit down on the couch with the others.¡±


    Another *tsk* resound in Merissa¡¯s ears as the soft footsteps walk away from her. She breathes out in relief, since being touched by a man ¨C she hates it. Even a kiss on the hand makes her sick to the stomach. Though, as she can¡¯t see, all she can do is wait for the sister to continue.


    But, the quietness of the living room, only the hearth¡¯s battling fire sounding, frightens Merissa. For it must be around twenty people in the chamber. Her cousins and their servants. All eyes upon her. Ogling with their eyes of expectations.


    It takes a couple of seconds before the sister¡¯s voice sounds again, which cause unease in Merissa¡¯s heart, for she must be inspecting her thoroughly.


    ¡°Guide our little moon to the prepared couch ¨C see, there,¡± she says while Merissa raises her head in anxiety, not knowing where she¡¯s going to be seated. But Ellenia does what the sister says.


    Merissa walks with her handmaiden until she stops; the breaths surrounding her exhales and inhales in an ecstatic rhythm.


    Only darkness in front of her.


    As she descends, her butt plants on a durable surface. Leather? She traces her one hand to feel the texture, and yes, a leather couch, but a comfortable sofa nonetheless. It¡¯s so quiet. She hates it when none talks. It makes her lean at Ellenia to still remain in her embrace with arms around her handmaiden¡¯s waist.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    However, the surface next to her pushes down as another person sits, though Merissa sighs out in relief as that person asks, ¡°Now then, Merissa dear, what would you like to do? We¡¯ve prepared a lot of activities to keep you busy while you wait for your mother¡¯s return. Want music? Songs to be sung? Or maybe, you want to play a game of The Ebon Wall?¡±


    Merissa perks up in her seat, turning her head to the sister as she thinks, but she lingers in her thoughts. Her cousins know of her anti-social behavior. She¡¯s so innocent and easily traumatized to tears. Before when she had visited them, they were so persistent that she began to cry, causing them to rethink of how to act in front of her.


    Yet now, she¡¯s thinking of accepting that last part, for she so enjoys to play that game. A game of The Ebon Wall which she has played with her father a couple of times. Times of joy, times she misses, but they haven¡¯t played in a while, so it oozes her on to accept their proposal.


    ¡°Oh, I nearly forgot,¡± the sister startles as she claps her hands. ¡°Our best chefs conjured up your favorite chocolate cake. Your mother¡¯s recipe which you so love.¡±


    ¡°R-Really?¡± Merissa asks with eager blinking eyes. She bites her lower lip as her head turn to Ellenia to seek her counsel, but she lowers her gaze in sadness. ¡°M-Mama doesn¡¯t allow me to eat that anymore¡­ She stopped giving me sweets since it isn¡¯t healthy for my body¡­¡± However, she gazes up again at Ellenia with her dark empty eyes that stare into oblivion.


    Licking her lips, she asks with a pleading tone, ¡°Can¡¯t I eat¡­ just a little bit? Please Ellenia, can I¡­?¡±


    Staring down at her little Mistress, she grimaces upon witnessing her eyes that stare at her but yet not. She avoids those globes by turning her head away as she answers, ¡°A little bit w-wouldn¡¯t hurt.¡±


    ¡°Really?!¡± Merissa declares as her whole face brightens with a smile. But laughter starts to sound among the people that reside in the living room, laughter aimed at Ellenia for being so utterly kindhearted to her Mistress. She would get into so much trouble for even letting her eat or drink anything belonging to this family, but those eyes just can¡¯t be declined.


    ¡°Yes, but only a little,¡± she responds, glaring around at the people who smirks at her. She wants to escape with Merissa, but the Madam has ordered her to stay, so she must abide by her rules until her arrival.


    Merissa gasps in joy as she hugs Ellenia, rubbing her head again on her bosom, ¡°Thank you!¡± But only a brief hug as she lets go to strike forth her hands, ¡°Gimme, gimme!¡±


    Unbeknownst to her exhilarated mind, she misses those giggles of her surrounding cousins. She has forgotten all about where she¡¯s at since she hasn¡¯t eaten her mother¡¯s cake in such a long time, making her throw away her fears of the eyes that peer at her.


    The sister then snaps her fingers, causing movement among the people inside the room to quicken their steps. As soft footsteps arrive in front of Merissa, she spasms her hands for the person to give her her delicious cake.


    ¡°Merissa, cease your hand movements, you¡¯re causing trouble,¡± Ellenia scolds for making it hard for whoever stands in front of Merissa, not being able to give the saucer of cake to her.


    Her Mistress does relax her hands so they remain still as the cold porcelain plate touches Merissa¡¯s outstretched hands. Moving the plate closer to her face, Merissa smells the sliced chocolate cake, and with fingers touching it, she breaks off a piece at the tip to try tasting it. But Ellenia snatches the plate as Merissa puts the piece into her mouth, making grumbling noises because of her handmaiden¡¯s theft.


    ¡°You said I could have it¡­ Ellenia!¡± Merissa whines without restraint, not caring about who witnesses it. As if she¡¯s beginning to change into a child who wants her sweet. A child like yesterday.


    ¡°Yes, you can have it, but don¡¯t act like a gluttonous pig, all right? Take it slow. You have time to savor the taste until your mother returns,¡± Ellenia says but barks at the one who gave her the plate, ¡°Where is the silverware? Go get some!¡±


    With a brief pause, Merissa hears the footsteps leave and come back within a span of ten seconds.


    Ellenia sounds out, opening her mouth, ¡°Aaah¡­¡±


    Making Merissa also say, ¡°Aaah,¡± with a broad smile since her handmaiden wants to feed her. And with Merissa¡¯s mouth closing, Ellenia slides the silverware out as she takes out a napkin from her uniform¡¯s pocket to wipe away any smudges.


    ¡°More! It is just like mother¡¯s cake! Hurry, Ellenia, hurry!¡± Merissa yells still with a smile on her lips.


    With a sigh, Ellenia does begin to feed her with slow flows with her hand. But what she can¡¯t stand; that grin on the sister¡¯s mouth. And on all of the other people who starts to eat the brought cakes and delicacies. Yet, only Merissa eats the chocolate one. None other.


    However, before she can say anything, the sister interjects because of Ellenia¡¯s narrowing eyes of suspicion, ¡°Ah, yes, the cake. Since we don¡¯t know how much she¡¯s going to eat, we¡¯ve decided to let only her have it. But enough about that, how about some tea? Juice? Or something else, Merissa honey? Of course, you¡¯re welcome to eat too¡­ Ellenia¡­¡±


    She scoffs at her condescending tone when she said her name, responding with, ¡°Water will do. And no, it wouldn¡¯t be proper for me to dine when my Mistress is in need of my aid.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­? Merissa honey, haven¡¯t you learned how to eat by yourself yet¡­?¡± the sister asks, but still shrouded in darkness. However, her voice, as sweet and kind as it can be.


    Merissa remembers that she¡¯s the eldest of them all. She¡¯s the leader of the Bradinox¡¯s children. A woman to not be trifled with since her mother holds her in a tight leash. So tight that she has no personal life. Can¡¯t speak to whomever she wants. No man, nothing. A life of celibacy like many other women that chooses to adopt that way than to anger the Goddesses with their own infidelities of desire.


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡± Merissa says with a chewing mouth, pouting with her lips. ¡°I can¡­ I can eat by myself, Ellenia. I¡¯m no¡­ no...¡ª.¡±


    ¡°¡ªChild?¡± Ellenia interrupts, shaking her head at her Mistress¡¯ susceptible mind. Or at least most of the time when she lets herself loose, which she has now ¡®cause of the cake. It¡¯s as if she¡¯s too trusting. Like giving a bone to a dog. ¡°That¡¯s what you are, a child. I decide what you do when your mother isn¡¯t here, or do you want to argue with me over an act which I do willingly? To feed you like I always do when your mother isn¡¯t looking? Which you¡¯re asking me to do?¡±


    ¡°¡­N-No¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Merissa says as her head sinks low, forming also lowered lips while her slim hand grabs Ellenia¡¯s dress in a pleading way, tugging it. Because Ellenia has been together with her since her birth. Yet she isn¡¯t in league with neither Celyssa nor anyone else. A neutral force in the Citadel, which many other are too, but haven¡¯t spoken up of their allegiance since they only care about their work. And Ellenia¡¯s work; Merissa¡¯s safety and happiness.


    It grows dark with no one speaking, but as the sister sighs, she adjusts in her seat while putting her hand on Merissa¡¯s shoulder, ¡°How about a game of The Ebon Wall then?¡±


    Merissa doesn¡¯t even flinch away from her hand. Instead, she nods her head in distress, since Ellenia only cares for her well-being, so angering her puts a blow on Merissa¡¯s mind.


    With a caress on her cousin¡¯s shoulder to test the water, she responds with a victorious grin directing at Ellenia, ¡°Then would you like to be the defender or the attacker?¡±


    ¡°Defender of course,¡± Ellenia says, pulling Merissa closer to her with one arm going around her waist while holding the plate of cake in the other. In the process, removing the sister¡¯s hand from her Mistress.


    ¡°So be it,¡± she answers, seeing that Merissa isn¡¯t giving her own opinion of which side she wants.


    ¡°Clear everything on the table, and bring out the game!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Never!¡± Celyssa shouts, slamming her fist on the large round table in front of her where four people sit, excluding her. ¡°I¡¯ll never put my daughter through that! Never!¡±


    ¡°Everyone has sacrificed something for the family¡­¡± a man says with slow words, sitting across from Celyssa. His appearance; full of riches on his fingers, neck, and body. Jewelry of gemstones. A man whose hand shakes as he points at Celyssa, a man with little time to spare. ¡°Our dear broken moon. It¡¯s time for her to offer something to the family.¡±


    ¡°Indeed father,¡± a woman sitting next to him says, who¡¯s identical to Celyssa but more beautiful with her hair set up in an adorned fashion of sparkling colored stones and silver chains running through her hair. Her voice, beyond pleased with their current topic. ¡°Merissa¡¯s turn has come, as our turn came, dear sister.¡± She gives Celyssa a sinister smirk displaying on her lips, causing her to peer with mocking eyes.


    ¡°Over my dead body¡­ you big breasted whore,¡± Celyssa barks with an even deadlier scowl.


    ¡°Cease this foolishness, sisters, no need to begin again like you always do!¡± another man shouts, striking forward his slim hands to stop them. ¡°It was just a suggestion, nothing set in stone yet¡­ But, as you haven¡¯t gotten pregnant in over fourteen years¡­ we¡¯re starting to get worried. Hence the need for Merissa¡¯s turn to aid the family, instead of being a child that does absolutely nothing with her time.¡± This man¡¯s facial features, handsome but average. No jewelry. Only an expensive suit that fits his thin body.


    He sits as if he owns the whole room, but his sitting position adjusts in a panicky way as he gains the peer from her elder sister, Celyssa.


    ¡°Be quiet! You¡¯ll speak when spoken to!¡± Celyssa points while shouting as he flinches away.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ Forgive me¡­ I-I¡¯ll be quiet¡­¡± he gets out a whimpering apology as he averts his grief-stricken stare.


    ¡°Always as pathetic as you can be¡­¡± Celyssa¡¯s sister clicks with her tongue, being so disappointed in her brother¡¯s submissiveness toward Celyssa. ¡°And it wasn¡¯t a suggestion, it is an order. We must get a child inside our little moon, and quickly too. We have the perfect candidate in mind¡ª,¡±


    ¡°Never!!¡± Celyssa protests with everything she¡¯s got, even throwing her prepared beverage at the hole in front of her, in the middle of the table, splashing the carpeted floor with crimson wine. ¡°My daughter will never be forced to marry anyone! I¡¯ll not say it again!¡±


    ¡°You''re unreasonable! You and I had to get married when we didn¡¯t want to! We were forced, and now you¡¯re saying that your daughter doesn¡¯t need to?¡± she retorts, throwing her own cub in the hole, staining Celyssa¡¯s lower dress. ¡°She will marry, even if I have to force her myself!¡±


    ¡°¡­Was that just now¡­ a threat? Planning to murder me, huh, sister? Like you murdered your own husband?¡± Celyssa reveals while beginning to chuckle. ¡°Ha-Hah, you seriously killed him didn¡¯t you?¡± From the surprised expression on her sister¡¯s face, it can only mean her suspicion is right. ¡°You took so many precautions, yet you forgot one thing¡­¡±


    But Celyssa pauses in her speech as her chuckling doesn¡¯t stop. Instead, she laughs right in her sister¡¯s face, trying to keep her smile in check but fails.


    ¡°That¡­ that¡¯s untrue¡­ I loved my husband¡­¡± she averts her head, supporting Celyssa¡¯s reveal even further.


    ¡°As you said: you didn¡¯t want to marry. But my dear sister, you and I are different because I wanted to marry Maldoran, who you wanted to marry too. Yet I was chosen,¡± Celyssa snickers, raising her head in utter dominance.


    ¡°Yes! Yes, I killed him! So what?! He gave me what I wanted, and he served his purpose,¡± her sister confesses with a roar while white teeth show. ¡°We¡¯ve murdered ten thousand more, so why does it matter?! You even did the deed in killing the Lord and Lady Tertin while utterly disobeying father¡¯s and mother''s orders in kill the sisters too.¡±


    ¡°I should¡¯ve been the one that was chosen to marry Maldoran, not you! Because I would¡¯ve killed those two bitches without a second thought! Yet you¡­ you¡¯ve ruined everything! Everything!! Our plans destroyed when you didn¡¯t poison the sisters too!¡±


    ¡°Which caused us to blind your daughter to keep you in check, sister. Merissa¡¯s blindness is your fault, not ours! You doomed your own little moon to darkness! While we have the antidote¡­ Heh-Hehehe.¡± This time, she begins to chuckle at Celyssa, showing her real appearance of a jealous and downright evil woman.


    She was supposed to be chosen, but because of the age gap between Maldoran and her, her parents decided that it would be better to have Celyssa of the same age take her position as the wife of Maldoran. She loathes Celyssa to the core of her emotions. So much so that killing her own sister would please her. But she must concede to her parents¡¯ will. However, when they¡¯re gone, she¡¯ll be the head of the family.


    ¡°Enough¡­ you two!¡± their father shouts with two shaking index fingers directing at both of them. ¡°We¡¯ve matters to¡ª*Cough Cough*¡± He begins to cough as Celyssa¡¯s sister takes forth a napkin to hold it in front of her father¡¯s mouth. As he finishes with his coughing, blood stains the fabric. Revealing the dire situation that the Bradinox family is really in.


    ¡°Where is our mother by the way?¡± Celyssa asks, raising an eyebrow around the room, only seeing her elder sister, younger brother, her father, and her quiet younger sister sitting to her left.


    ¡°Sister¡­¡± her younger sister finally begins to tremble with squinting eyes ready to cry, ¡°Mother is dying¡­ Father too¡­ They¡¯re ill, both of them are sick Celyssa!¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ my dear ungrateful daughter¡­ your parents are dying¡­ Soon we¡¯ll leave this world and be lifted up into the Divine Sky¡­ To suckle on the feasts of ages with our Queens¡­¡± he rambles with arms raising to tribute the roof of the room. ¡°Ah, we¡¯re unworthy! So unworthy my Queens! Yet the Goddesses¡¯ divine forgiveness is given to all who chooses to repent! Ah¡­ ah¡­ *Cough Cough*¡± He starts coughing again while the Eldest has the napkin to his mouth.


    With a hand pushing away his helpful daughter, he cackles with such madness with his whole body shaking, ¡°As we¡¯ve discussed¡­ That boy¡­must be eliminated at all cost¡­ He can¡¯t be left alive¡­ He must be killed, he must! Use whatever means possible to succeed my dear ungrateful daughter! Use poisons, hire the best assassins from the guild! He shall not be left standing! We can¡¯t¡­ we can¡¯t¡­ *Cough Cough*.¡±


    ¡°Salveron, Widerya! Take father to his chamber and tell the doctors to give him his medicine, go now!¡± Celyssa¡¯s sister orders, causing both of them to raise from their seats to go support their father. They then leave while nodding to Celyssa.


    ¡°Goodbye for now s-sister,¡± Salveron says as Widerya follows up with, ¡°Take¡­ Take care¡­¡±


    As the double doors close shut, her sister too ascends from her seat to go around the grand table, tracing her fingers on the smooth surface of the wood as she walks nearer and nearer to Celyssa while she chuckles the closer she gets.


    With her whole body towering over her, she grins with such sinister curves rising, ¡°Father wasn¡¯t explicit in what he wants. But you should use the same process that you used to kill your dear husband¡¯s parents. Though this time, do try not to fail, like you did with the sisters, all right?¡±


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± she sighs, ¡°It¡¯s a shame that mother and father are feeling so ill¡­ isn¡¯t it, sister?¡± Her grin grows even wider, having her one hand on the backrest¡¯s knob while having the other on the table, making her lean close to Celyssa¡¯s level. ¡°Hehehe¡­ Soon I¡¯ll be the head of the family, and I won¡¯t let you off so easily if you fail. We may have slain every single one that knows of our deed, but nonetheless, do not think for one second that I haven¡¯t got a plan to reveal everything if I were to die.¡±


    Celyssa doesn¡¯t even stare into her sister¡¯s eyes. She glares straight ahead toward her father¡¯s seat. Ignoring her sister all together.


    ¡°Fine, be a stuck up bitch for all I care,¡± she hisses, drawing in closer to whisper into her ear, ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter¡­ for you¡¯ll come bowing before me when I stop supplying your daughter with the medicine she needs¡­ hehe¡­¡±


    Celyssa whips her head to give her sister such a grimacing scowl, but she doesn¡¯t say anything. She keeps her cool. Though her lips can¡¯t help but raise with clenching teeth.


    ¡°Though, of course, when you¡¯ve come seeking my aid and have begged on your knees before me, I might give her her medicine back¡­ I might¡­ It depends on how well you grovel, sister. Licking my shoe would be a grand sight. Hahaha, an Honored One licking the sole of my shoe! That would be a beautiful sight indeed!¡±


    ¡°Are you finished¡­?¡± Celyssa asks as she gets off of her chair to stand on the other side to be away from her grinning sister.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not finished with you yet¡­ Sit down¡­ now!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll not be degraded any further...¡± Celyssa turns to leave, but her sister launches at her, grabbing the rims of her neck. But, what her dear elder sister doesn¡¯t know, is that Celyssa has trained with her husband to defend herself.


    With her own hands grabbing her sister¡¯s shoulders, her leg swings with a sweep while she tilts the upper body of her sister. And with Celyssa¡¯s leg connecting with her ankle, she puts all her strength into her sweep, slamming her sister¡¯s mature body to the floor.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so overconfident, you whore,¡± Celyssa says, puffing her chest out while she raises her head to gaze down at the shriveling woman beneath her. ¡°All you¡¯ve got are your pathetic threats¡­ and that daughter of yours who you fantasize of trying to be. To make her as perfect as the Goddesses themselves... To be a pure maiden¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s pathetic really. Will you keep her in a bubble for the rest of her life? Probably¡­ but you will always be a withered up cow. You¡¯ve been used, sister, used by our parents as I¡¯ve been used to further our evil ways,¡± Celyssa shakes her head, not wanting to remember her wicked deed of ordering the death of her husband¡¯s parents, Malinda¡¯s parents. ¡°As you said¡­ You¡¯ll be the head of the family soon enough, so why not cease this insane plan to become Honored Ones? It will never happen, you know that¡­ All that we¡¯ve managed to do is put me on the throne.¡±


    ¡°Celindia, please, I beg of you, ceas¡ª¡°


    ¡°Get out¡­¡± Celindia growls with hands supporting the floor.


    ¡°Please, sister¡ª¡°


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me?! Leave and do what you¡¯ve been ordered to do, you dog! You bitch! Go!¡±


    Seeing her sister in such a miserable state saddens Celyssa.


    She can¡¯t help but lower her lips as she turns around to walk out while opening the double doors. Giving one last glance at Celindia, she shuts the doors, leaving her sister with deadly eyes planning who knows what next¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°How did it go¡­? I got the damned medicine while you spoke to them. Mistress?¡± Linadra asks as they walk down a long corridor with servants bowing at the sides. But Celyssa remains silent with downcast eyes while her friend honors her wishes, keeping quiet too.


    Descending the stairs to get to the main hall where she left her daughter, Celyssa sighs while having her hand covering her eyes, as if ready to faint. Which snaps Linadra into action with arms supporting her, yet Celyssa waves Linadra away with her hand.


    ¡°Ready the carriage, I want to leave this place as soon as possible¡­ And you should¡¯ve waited with my daughter when you got the medicine. Instead of standing where you stood,¡± Celyssa says as they reach the bottom floor of the manor. And as they separate from each other, Linadra heads to the entrance while Celyssa goes to the living room where Merissa is at. She doesn''t even want to visit her ill mother.


    However, upon getting close to the doors, she hears her daughter laugh uncontrollably, as if she¡¯s being tickled, which makes Celyssa burst through the doors, causing everyone in the room to gasp as they see her mean glare directing at everyone.


    ¡°Hehehe, I won, I won again!¡± Merissa shouts with her body bouncing up and down in her seat, clapping her hands too as Celyssa strides into the room without her even noticing her mother since her mind is too exhilarated about the recent victory.


    ¡°Ellenia! We¡¯re leaving, now!¡±


    With that, Ellenia puts her hands under Merissa¡¯s armpits, lifting her up as she keeps on giggling away into her own unconscious happiness.


    She doesn¡¯t even realize being in Ellenia¡¯s embrace and being carried out to the hall until she wants more cake. But as she notices having her own arms and legs around Ellenia, she cries out, ¡°Nooo! I don¡¯t want to leave! I want to play more! I want to play more!¡±


    Her mother keeps quiet, letting her whine as they continue onwards, reaching the entrance, then heading out into the radiating sky. And with cries resounding behind her, Celyssa frowns because of her daughter.


    Enjoying herself with the likes of her cousins? Preposterous! But inside her, she knows it isn¡¯t her daughter¡¯s fault. It¡¯s because of her condition. A condition which Celyssa is trying to cure.


    Slowly but steadily, she and Linadra¡¯s husband have figured out a way to detox her daughter¡¯s poison by giving her a minor done of medicine instead of her regular large dose. But it causes Merissa to be more sensitive to her ailment. But Linadra¡¯s husband have assured her of full recovery as long as she keeps to her small done.


    ¡°I want more cake, cake, cake! I want mama¡¯s cake, I want it!¡±


    Terror shoots through Celyssa, turning around with a slow spin as she hears what her daughter said.


    ¡°Cake¡­? What does he mean by my cake¡­?¡± Celyssa utters, growing so pale. ¡°What is she talking about¡­ I told you to not give her anything¡­. ¡­Ellenia¡­ don¡¯t say you allowed her¡­ allowed her to¡­¡± Her eyes widen as she sees the brown chocolate covering her daughter¡¯s mouth, which grows her eyes even fuller. ¡°Take her to the carriage! Go, now for the Divine Queens sake! Run!¡± Her voice shudders at the thought. The idea of her family spicing the cake with a dosage of Merissa¡¯s medicine.


    It can ruin everything and set her back to the point where they started to give a lower dose.


    With stumbling legs, Ellenia does run with haste toward the carriage which is located on the outskirt of the mansion¡¯s estates, where Linadra stands at the ready, but gawks at the sprinting handmaiden whose eyes show only anxiety at her Honored Madam¡¯s shuddering words. And with Celyssa also running behind her, Linadra yells, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?!¡±


    ¡°Get something so she can puke, now! Hurry, damn you!¡± Celyssa shouts while running, which turns Linadra¡¯s gaze to Ellenia.


    ¡°What have you done¡­?¡± Linadra asks as if she¡¯s looking at a ghost. But Ellenia doesn¡¯t respond, she instead opens the door to the carriage as she disappears inside while the other three fiddling carriage servants are in conflict of this unexpected situation.


    ¡°Linadra!¡± Celyssa orders, stepping inside the carriage too, which snaps Linadra out of her shock.


    She goes to the carriage¡¯s rear to open a trunk to see if she can find anything for Merissa to puke in. But upon not finding anything, she grimaces as her own whimpering starts to shudder out, making her heave herself into the carriage to apologize, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I couldn¡¯t find anything¡­¡±


    Celyssa in her flustered state raises her hands to peer at her nails. Too lengthy and can cause damage, ¡°Show me your nails, now!¡±


    Both of them raises their hands; Linadra¡¯s, long and trimmed, while Ellenia¡¯s are clipped and filed.


    ¡°Make her puke! Now!¡± Celyssa orders with a shaking snarl, holding her daughter forward while Merissa struggles as she cries out her tears, not understanding what¡¯s going on. Her body is quivering in fright, beginning to be too much for her mind. But what awaits her¡­ ¡°Do not bite, my sweet, sweet Merissa, do not bite¡­ Do not bite¡­¡±


    Celyssa¡¯s own tears course down her cheeks without her realizing.


    Then, with Ellenia¡¯s two fingers down Merissa¡¯s mouth, she¡¯s forced to puke¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Hmm, chocolate... Not that good with history but the Aztecs used it as some kind of beer and currency. The cacao seeds I mean... Meh, it''s fantasy! xD Though that puke will look like... Hehehe! :D


    Anyways, next chapter will be about Xe''Reth, etc. Haven''t begun writing it yet.


    Boy, messed up families.


    I tried to use Merissa''s perspective in the living room, but she''s blind so it was hard. Noise, touch, smell... Ugh. Remember, she''s older than she acts. Fourteen years old.


    Oh, when I use two spaces like


    this, it usually means it changes either time or perspective. While only using one space means it''s the same perspective... Or something like that.


    I''ll try my hardest to write next chapter quicker!


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts as always!


    Until... next time.


    Oh, I almost forgot to say that the Character sheet will be pushed up since I kinda wrote a little bit too much information. Though it''ll come out sooner or later.


    <hr />


    Comment/Favorite/Follow/Review


    <hr />

 38 - The Undying Love

    <hr />


    The Undying Love


    <hr />


    Past noon, Maldoran gallops up to the Citadel, but he isn¡¯t welcomed. Instead, he witnesses with his two lowered eyebrows a pair of armored love birds twittering at each other, throwing kisses back and forth while standing on either side of the portcullis; two of his soldiers with their shields and spears holding in one gauntlet, throwing kisses with the other one.


    Though upon noticing the menacing armored stallion and plated giant riding toward them, their eyes shudders as the woman heads with quick and nervous legs straight into the gatehouse to signal the Citadel¡¯s servants to open the entrance for their Lord and General. For those two soldiers are stationed here because every single one of the city guard was gathered up, however, some slippery bastards managed to see through the gather up and escaped with their lives, to leave the City, to find some sanctuary that they can hide out in.


    ¡°Fo-Forgive us General¡­¡± the man stutters, walking up and beseeching Maldoran with his most elegant forward tilt of his upper body. ¡°It¡­ It¡¯s our anniversary. We were going to return home, but the order came yesterday night¡­ so right now we couldn¡¯t keep ourselves in check. It won¡¯t happen again I promise.¡±


    ¡°¡­Keep your loved ones close,¡± Maldoran says with an unexpectant smile on his lips. He can¡¯t show his current furious emotions starting to take hold of his heart. ¡°I¡¯ll look the other way for today, but next time I won¡¯t be so forgiving, understand?¡± He winks with one eye to show that he doesn¡¯t mean anything by what he says.


    ¡°Y-Yes, General! Thank you for your generosity!¡± the soldier shouts in complete surprise yet with overwhelming joy. His whole expression lights up as if the Goddesses themselves smiles down at him. Never has he seen his own General be so lenient to someone not taking their duty with utmost seriousness.


    ¡°I¡¯ll return through here soon enough, so be ready for it. And congratulations on your anniversary; after the business on the field has been concluded, do take a well-earned vacation. It¡¯s on me,¡± Maldoran smiles as the grinding of cogs lifts up the massive portcullis in front of him. With a ¡°Ha!¡± Maldoran digs his feet into his stallion, making it gallop forward and into the courtyard, leaving the man there as his wife returns to be by his side.


    Her expression beyond worried for what punishment they got for lacking in their guarding duty. But her husband throws away his spear and shield to the ground to lift her up while spinning. His laugh declares his joyful mood, causing her to also let go of her gear, to plant her plated bosoms on his head, coiling her arms to hug him.


    ¡­


    With Maldoran¡¯s feet crashing on the cobble of the courtyard by the main stairs leading up to the front doors, he scans around him. Nobody. Then as the double doors open up, a heavy breathing servant hurries down the stairs to welcome him with a curtsy since his arrival isn¡¯t expected.


    ¡°H-Honored Lord, we didn¡¯t know you were coming back so soon¡­¡± the servant says with heavy breaths. She mustn¡¯t have had must training in her youth for she¡¯s around thirty, though with an alluring slender body. Though the bun hairstyle catches Maldoran¡¯s eye.


    ¡®One of Malinda¡¯s servants huh?¡¯ Maldoran thinks, looming over the woman as he utters with a growling tone, ¡°Where is my wife? Has she left yet?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes, Honored Lord, she left a while ago with your daughter and their handmaidens and a couple of servants¡­¡± she peeks up to catch his expression, but she startlingly averts her eyes since his frowning eyebrows and down curved mouth tells her of his utter displease in being too late to return.


    He turns to start walking back and forth, thinking, ¡®Should I go back to the field or tell Malinda and the boy that they were right? That they were so correct..?¡¯ He stops as he returns to his spot in front of the eye-following servant. Crossing his arms and raising a brow, he asks, ¡°Where is Malinda and the boy¡­?¡±


    ¡°They¡­¡± she pauses with a biting lip, ¡°I, I don¡¯t know¡­¡± She lowers her head in shame since she¡¯s just returning from the laundry room and hasn''t gotten the news of Malinda¡¯s whereabouts yet. For all the servants washes the clothes in the same place, down in an underground room where running water supplies their every need to use all kinds of soaps and fragrances. ¡°But I think they¡¯re either in Mistress¡¯ quarters or in Theresa¡¯s quarters¡­


    ¡®Theresa¡¯s quarters¡­?¡¯ Maldoran raises a brow wondering who Theresa is, but it wallops him, ¡®Ah, of course, it¡¯s the boy¡¯s ill mother. Though what a coincidence that they have the same name.¡¯


    He ponders for a couple of seconds if he should really tell them or not. However since he¡¯s already here, ¡°I¡¯ll find them myself, return my horse to the stables. I¡¯ve vital information that I need to give to both of them.¡± And with a wave of his hand, ¡°Now away with you. Tell the stablemaster to remove the armor, then feed and brush him.¡±


    The servant¡¯s expression winces, tilting to the side as her eyes go wide at the neighing monster behind the already massive giant. She hasn¡¯t even been trained in horses, not even touched a horse before. And Maldoran wants her to take that proud stallion of the finest breed to the stables? But before she can beseech him, he stomps past her to climb the stairs. Her mouth shudders while tracing him with her eyes, but no words escape from her moist, rosy lips.


    Turning as slow as she can to not startle the beast, the horse¡¯s hooves clanks on the cobble as it begins to move in calm steps. Homing himself to his very own part of the stables where he gains the luxuries he needs. The finest hay, the mares of his choosing, and the scrubbing, oh that cleaning of his belly and back because he has had a rough couple of days with his master since he goes where ever he needs to go.


    Following the stallion a bit further away, the servant is astonished by this animal¡¯s mind. To actually find its way home all by itself. ¡®Amazing¡­ are all horses like this¡­ Though I¡®m not going anywhere near it. Never ever never.¡¯


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    In Malinda¡¯s lounging room at the dining table where they had eaten their breakfast in the morning, Xe¡¯Reth, who has his black clothes fitted on his body, sits next to Malinda, who wears a revealing tight trimmed black dress, a low-cut dress that shows Malinda¡¯s lower thighs. Her legs, covered in thigh-high socks in a dark color too.


    Her dress is sleeveless to display her slender, well-trained arms. Her bosoms beneath poke out with a v-shaped cut, and her face prettied up but with no lipstick. Even high heels hide underneath the table. But she regrets having them on because she¡¯s now higher than Xe¡¯Reth if she were to stand up.


    And Madelyn still wears her same dress she wore when she met Malinda by the thrones. Though her makeup, thick on her face, especially on her reddened cheek; dark eyeliner, powder, and a light red color stains her lips, for she¡¯s indeed in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s presence, which makes her want to show off her beauty.


    A pair of the highest standing ladies on either side of the table; Madelyn alone, and Malinda sitting beside Xe¡¯Reth, gazing at him with a grateful smile, even blushing innocently. Because they¡¯re sitting rather close to each other, coiling their hands because Madelyn isn¡¯t showing any reaction from what they¡¯ve been doing. They¡¯ve secretly given kisses, whispered to each other, gaining full eyes and wide mouths from all the secrecy, and just pure romance at work.


    Madelyn is as quiet as she can be, though Xe¡¯Reth knows why. It¡¯s because of the old lady. The protesting girl was dragged away when they left and returned a couple of minutes later.


    Even though shouting voices came from the corridor, Malinda wasn¡¯t able to catch it with her ears, but Xe¡¯Reth did, and oh what resourceful that granny can be. To actually charm this cobra sitting across from them right now. But he¡¯s rather pissed that they knew of Madelyn¡¯s threat¡­ Who spied on them? The guiding bath servant perhaps?


    Madelyn¡¯s eyes haven''t even dared to make eye contact with Xe¡¯Reth yet, which causes Malinda some trouble. They did a quick introduction when Madelyn returned from being cussed out, but it was only a hello from Madelyn and some sweet talk from Xe¡¯Reth. Complementing her, telling her whatever she wants to hear, which made Malinda happy.


    ¡°Madelyn, I know you¡¯re in pain, but cheer up, okay? Eat something, it¡¯ll help take your mind off of him,¡± Malinda says with squinting sad eyes on the opposite side of the table, putting some sliced salad into her mouth while still clamping onto Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand rather tightly. She can¡¯t bear having her sister being so sorrowful.


    ¡°Has something happened¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth probes, kissing Malinda¡¯s now raised hand for good measure with a smile blessing his lips, making his lovely maiden sigh out her worries.


    ¡°Malinda¡­ don¡¯t¡­¡± Madelyn whimpers and pouts. It¡¯s as if Xe¡¯Reth and she hasn¡¯t even met yet, for she¡¯s acting so awkward.


    First, she thought she could keep up her little act of trickery, but now after that old hag revealed her little threat, she doesn¡¯t have any leeway and doesn¡¯t know what to do next, her mind is in turmoil. She¡¯s frightened so much of Malinda getting to know everything.


    She lets go of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand to rise and walk around the long rectangular table to sit next to Madelyn instead. She forces her to lean on her bosoms, stroking her loose hair gently as if she¡¯s the mother figure now.


    ¡°Her heart has been broken Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda begins, hugging Madelyn tighter. ¡°A man took advantage of her feelings¡­ He chose someone else than her! Can you believe it?!¡±


    ¡°What¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth gains full eyes, then with sweeping hand gestures, he praises Madelyn, ¡°But you two are the most beautiful women I¡¯ve ever seen in the Tertinum domain. That man certainly is mad for not choosing your sister¡­¡± He smiles toward Madelyn, ¡°Commander, don¡¯t be in grief over a mere man, for you can choose whoever you want. You simply need the courage to confess since I¡¯m wondering if you even did it? Or did you just keep your feeling to yourself? Did you bare your emotions to the man?¡±


    ¡°Madelyn¡­? Did you confess to him¡­?¡± Malinda asks with a tilting head, peeking down at her sister.


    ¡°I did¡­ but¡­ but he just gave me a disgusting look and left me there without giving a reply¡­¡± Madelyn says with a shaking voice, almost tearing up from the lying.


    Malinda scowls as a click with her tongue resounds, voicing out her utter displease. This bold man who dared hurt her dear innocent sister, she wants to beat him up to show how pathetic of a man he really is.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll always be here for you¡­ always¡­¡± Malinda whispers, lifting her chin so their eyes meet. ¡°We¡¯ll find you a man worthy of your love instead of that man who doesn¡¯t know what he just lost¡­¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Madelyn nods, still not being able to make eye contact with Xe¡¯Reth. He does smile, but a smile can mean two entirely different expressions. That of happiness, or that of mocking. Though which one he uses, Madelyn knows.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, she isn¡¯t usually like this¡­ I wanted to be alone with you for today, but I can¡¯t just let her be alone¡­¡± Malinda apologizes to Xe¡¯Reth, who flaps his hand, responding with a gentle voice, ¡°Anything to ease her pain.¡± But, his eyes widen; a creaking hinge resounding out in the corridor. A hinge he fixed to sound out before coming here. He didn¡¯t lock his mother¡¯s doors this time, for he wants to catch anyone who tries to get to his mother.


    He gets off of his chair in a quick fashion, beginning to walk toward the double doors while saying, ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, I forgot to lock the doors to my mother¡¯s quarters. Be right back.¡± He then escapes through entrance, without waiting for their reply.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    With the doors behind him closed, Maldoran scowls around the room; nobody in sight. He sighs out as he turns around to head out the doors again, but he goes alert. A whine. A voice coming from the upper level.


    ¡®The boy¡¯s mother¡­?¡¯ Maldoran raises a brow, curious about how she looks like. He turns his head directly down to the carpet beneath him, ¡°I better not¡­ But¡­¡± his head travels again to the upper level. ¡°They won¡¯t know if I take a little peek, right?¡± His feet moves toward the stairs, and as he reaches the foot, he places his plate boot on the first step. He groans with eyes closed, thinking that this isn¡¯t such a good idea after all. Though with another hmphing groan, he ascends the stairs. And reaching the head, his eyes catches a woman lying there on the bed a few meters in front of him.


    He squints to get a better look, but it¡¯s too dark. However, the light from downstairs does shine in through the openings that overlook the lower level.


    Another whimpering resounds from the woman¡¯s mouth, causing Maldoran to move closer and closer until his eyes are completely open. Theresa¡¯s bandaged body is on full display. The cover has been tossed to the side from all the moving. The remnants of the disease, scar her whole body. Newly revealed burn marks have also begun to show. And the body of an utterly thin woman lies there in a degrading way all sprawled.


    Almost as old as himself, he guesses.


    ¡°Dear Divine Queens¡­¡± he says with a grimacing expression with his pair of eyes full of horror in them. An expression of pure sorrow, for he recognizes the disease all too well. An illness his parents suffered. Though with his voice sounding out, he introduces himself even though she¡¯s in a deep sleep with nightmares plaguing her, ¡°So you¡¯re the boy¡¯s mother¡­ Theresa was it? A beautiful name, and it is a pleasure meeting you even under these circumstances. I¡¯m Maldor-Maldoran¡­ Ter¡­tin¡­¡±


    He stops his voice from speaking any further, having his eyes fixated on a particular spot on Theresa¡¯s face. Kneeling down, he looms over her to be so close that it¡¯s almost as if he¡¯s going to kiss her. But the darkness reside in this room, making his eyes not work as well as he likes.


    With squinting eyes peering at that spot under her lip, he throws himself backward, slamming hard into the table behind him as a loud banging noise resounds from his plate armor and rattling of equipment getting spread out onto the floor. His breath, in conflict. He¡¯s breathing as if he has run a thousand miles with full speed. And with his gauntlet clutching at his heart, he sits there on the floor while gawking at Theresa.


    With a gulping throat, he gets off the floor to once more be beside the bed to stare at her. Then with a lip starting to shake, he asks in distress, ¡°How¡­ how could this be? T-Theresa¡­ Oh, dear Divines¡­¡± His voice trembles for it¡¯s indeed the woman he loved those many years ago, a woman he still loves even though he¡¯s married to Celyssa.


    Those seventeen years ago, he searched for her, he wanted to know why she left all of a sudden. But all Maldoran could find was the little information that she had given to her own General. Her full name, her former address, and a funeral arrangement which Theresa didn¡¯t stay for.


    She didn¡¯t stay for her own mother¡¯s funeral.


    Theresa was mad and wanted revenge, so setting out into the Kingdom, Theresa searched for the villain. Her father that had abandoned her when she was little. Leaving only her mother who couldn¡¯t even take care of herself because she had an illness of her own that made her so that she couldn¡¯t work. Her father had left enough money for ten years of living. A meager sum that Theresa had to scrounge out of to even be able to keep her mother alive.


    A mother who died in Theresa¡¯s shaking arms. A pathetic and sorrowful way to go.


    Even since she joined the army, she was able to live a life not worthy of begging. Though the life of her mother, she couldn¡¯t save no matter how much money she had. A similar disease regarding Theresa¡¯s current affliction. Her mother couldn¡¯t get off her bed, she couldn¡¯t do anything by herself, even her memories disappeared, and her body stopped functioning so Theresa couldn¡¯t for the life of her, feed her regular food.


    But Maldoran got to know the reason why she left, even though he straight up lied to Celyssa, telling her that he didn¡¯t know Theresa¡¯s name when in fact he knew it all too well. A name he wanted to be found, yet gave up on it years ago. He even knows of Recina¡¯s relationship with her on the battlefield.


    Friends-in-arms.


    ¡°Theresa¡­ why did you change your last name¡­ I could¡¯ve found you¡­ To save you from this¡ª,¡± he scowls at the sudden thought of another man touching her, giving her a child, Xe¡¯Reth, but he throws away such childish thoughts of purity immediately. Not caring about it. As long as she¡¯s alive, everything will be all right.


    However, shame strikes him hard.


    Here he sits on his knees thinking about a long lost love when he has his own wife and child.


    In front of him, Theresa whose body is beyond repair. Sure, getting some fat and muscles on her would enchant her appearance to her usual self. But those scars can never be undone. The disease too; no cure, nothing to save her from this horrible fate.


    Maldoran has unconsciously taken ahold of Theresa¡¯s quaking hand, holding it tight, giving her the will to continue. He wants to cry out in joy for finding her, but nothing about this is enjoyable. She¡¯s sick with the Fire-Brand disease, an illness that kills everything it touches.


    As a shuddering sigh escapes from his mouth, he does a headshake to rid his mind of impurities.


    ¡°To think your son have kept you alive¡­ My sweet, sweet Theresa. Heh,¡± he chuckles with his mouth rising to form a grateful smile. Even boldly kissing her hand, for he can¡¯t help himself from the joy that circulates in his heart. A pleasure he shouldn¡¯t, no, he can¡¯t have¡­ but he wants to give this woman his all.


    All of his emotions are battling inside him. The deceit that Celyssa has stirred, the truth from Malinda and the boy. His blindness in guarding the City against any who seek it ill. And his precious daughter. Ah, his Merissa. He does love her to his last breath, but in the back of his mind, he has always wanted an heir ¨C a son to take his place as General when it¡¯s his time to resign. A boy he can train to become the greatest of them all. Yet he only got a daughter out of Celyssa.


    Before when the battles of the Ebon Wall were many, almost every week, he sought Theresa out on the red grass of war. Since he wasn¡¯t in charge of a squad then, he could witness the beautiful maiden with her dual swords, cutting and thrusting and slicing her enemies with such technique.


    Her plate armor was pitch black, fitted tightly on her slender and long body. Showing off all her lean curves which he worshiped profusely. Maldoran was addicted to watching her fight. So much so that sometimes he had gotten too caught up that his own opponent almost got the better of him.


    Specifically on the day that the first layer of the middle gate was destroyed.


    Such a massive battering ram was brought forth from the Forest of Scarlet by the enemy, and no matter how many boulders hit it from the top of the Ebon Wall, it just kept on going while being supplied with fresh enemy soldiers, to grind its giant wheels forward.


    The Ellenorian army thought that they were ready for it, they had time to prepare, but every combat decision they made were wrong. That battle lasted for over a month. The enemy, innumerable. They came in droves. A hundred thousand every wave, every day.


    The bodies stacked so high that it became a mountain by itself, two mountains on either side of the grand battering ram, for it was free from corpses since the enemy carried away the dead, flinging and stacking them on the sides.


    The Magicians of the Kingdom watched as thousands upon thousands of its Kingdom¡¯s soldiers died without giving the needed aid. A spell to destroy that battering ram. But no such spell was cast. The scarlet grass fed on the blood, and as it fed, so did the enemy. Without food, without anything with them. They became cannibals, eating their own dead to stay alive, drinking the blood, causing them madness. Only death awaited them because there was no retreat.


    Either the enemy committed suicide, or they did their best in taking the Ebon Wall. The majority chose the latter.


    Maldoran had searched for her, for Theresa on the battlefield when it was his father¡¯s army¡¯s turn to head into the fray. He split from his teammates. To do whatever it takes. He wanted to be by her side. But, no matter how long he fought, he couldn¡¯t find his Goddess. Day after day, retreat after retreat.


    Was she dead he had thought in turmoil.


    However, as he was too deep in enemy territory, beyond the battering ram, he caught a glimpse of a sprinting shadow among the warring soldiers, only leaving death where the shade ran. And there she was, as beautiful as he remembered her to be.


    He had never seen her face before, only the visor of the helmet that hid her beautiful appearance, surely? Though at a second notice, her attention turned toward him. It was as if she recognized his love for her. She waved a sword at him while his own fantasy took him out of combat for a couple of seconds.


    She sprung as fast as she could at him, baring her dual-wielding swords, slashing at enemies that were in her way, vaulting over allies to reach Maldoran. But he was too trapped by her beauty. She dug her feet into the ground to sprint to him, to save him from the incoming horde of slaves behind him.


    Her voice was a blessing to him, but a warning, ¡°Maldoran, my Lord, run!¡±


    It snapped him out of his daze. He stood with his back toward the Forest of Scarlet a few kilometers away. Turning, he gasped out in terror while taking a step backward in fright as he and his fellow soldiers of the wall started running for the middle gate to get through the shield barrier of troops.


    ¡°What is wrong with you, are you completely out of your mind?!¡± she shouted through her helmet while running beside him, being out of breath, ¡°What... what if I didn¡¯t come and get you?! You would¡¯ve gotten run over!¡± But all he could do was smile beneath his helmet. Giving her whatever response she wanted.


    Then after hundreds of meters, they escaped through the Ebon Wall¡¯s small passage. They began to walk with each other instead of running. Both of them were safe.


    She had to apologize for her rash words, ¡°Do forgive me, but what exactly were you doing back there? You stood as if in a daze¡­ Haven¡¯t you been in numerous battles before¡­? Young Lord?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t respond, for she had just taken off her helmet to show off her flustered red cheeks and puffing mouth. His legs were weak, his heart pumped madly, and his breath under his helmet gave away his current excitement. To actually had her standing there with blood dripping off of her sheathed swords and armor. Her helmet was under one arm, awaiting his response.


    ¡°But it¡¯s good that you¡¯re safe and sound¡­¡± Theresa gave him a gentle smile with one hand placing on his shoulder, ¡°We can¡¯t really have the Tertin household loose their only son, now can we? Mm.¡± Nodding she turned to all the screaming and shouting further down the passage.


    All the soldiers were crowding up to make them squeeze in a tight formation, though Maldoran and Theresa were in a corner, getting his plated chest against her bulging one. In the process, his heart pumped quicker. Her face was so close, so beautiful, causing him to turn his helmeted head away in embarrassment.


    It felt like an eternity for him, however, as the soldiers vented out through the passage to charge out into the field, Theresa remained there for he had his arms around her. He hadn¡¯t even known of his own act until her voice said, ¡°Young Lord, everyone has left¡­ It¡¯s time for battle again¡­ Young Lord¡­?¡±


    ¡°F-Forgive me¡­ I, I didn¡¯t mean to¡­ do that¡­¡± his words trailed off. What did he mean by, I didn¡¯t mean to do that? Of course, he expressed his reversed emotion, but it was an unconscious act of wanting to keep her close. For if he were to let go, he might never again meet her. What if he had confessed right there and then? Might he had gotten through to her.


    He just needed to swing his power to make her his woman surely?


    But he did let go, and she waved goodbye without uttering a single word.


    His greatest mistake of his life.


    ¡­


    ¡°Ahh¡­ you¡¯ve lived your life with this disease, and I didn¡¯t even know it¡­ my love¡­¡± Maldoran sighs with a sad smile, removing traces of hair from her teary eyes. ¡°What am I even doing¡­ If the boy were to see me here with his mother¡­ he would probably think of me as some kind of brute who does whatever he wants¡­¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that exactly what you¡¯re doing, Maldoran?¡±


    He gasps aloud, turning his head to the stairs as his eyes widen, ¡®When did he¡­?¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth is leaning at the rail overlooking the stairs, peering with his abyssal eyes directly at him. He has stood there for some time now. The double door¡¯s squeaking hinges were easily fixed to not make any sound when he sneaked inside to catch every single sentence that Maldoran uttered.


    ¡°B-B-Boy¡­!¡± Maldoran shouts, letting go of Theresa¡¯s hand, also standing up as if he has done something worthy of death.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Shh¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth silences with an index finger, in turn, a grimace from Maldoran declares as he gets out an, ¡°Ah¡­¡± as he rotates back to Theresa, checking if he disturbed her. But with a sigh, his eyes widen.


    Maldoran stands up so quick that it takes Xe¡¯Reth by surprise, removing his leaning elbow on the rail to be straight with arms crossing, though his dark peer doesn¡¯t change. He¡¯s watching him, waiting for him to explain himself. However, Xe¡¯Reth got every piece of information he needed. Maldoran knew his mother, and he has a love for her that he can¡¯t really put together.


    ¡®The witches will probably hear what we say if the eavesdroppers are down there¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s squinting eyes travel to the metal-barred shaft above the bed, right under the ceiling. ¡®Though¡­ if what Maldoran said is true¡­ he once loved my mother. Dammit, to use my own mother¡­ Dammit!¡¯


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Xe¡¯Reth, my boy¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have¡ª¡°


    ¡°¡ªkissed her hand? Wiped away her hair strands? Coming in here unannounced? Not knowing what you would do to her¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth says in such a vile tone. His eyes, deadly; his brows, lowered to get it through this oaf¡¯s head that what he was doing was wrong.


    Maldoran startles himself, ¡°No, no, no, I would never harm your mother, Xe¡¯Reth, never¡­ I¡­ I once loved her with all my heart¡­ Even though I was unable to get my feelings through to her. Heh, I was so shy of women back then. It makes me kind of jealous of you, Xe¡¯Reth. To actually be at this age and handle women without an ounce of shyness, as if you¡¯re a player¡­¡± He chuckles, thinking of how pathetic he was back then. The only thing he got from Theresa was an unintentional hug, which he unconsciously forced.


    ¡°So I did hear you right¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth confirms yet raises a brow to try the water, ¡°But you don¡¯t anymore¡­? Love her that is?¡±


    ¡°B-But of co¡ª¡° he interrupts with an averting head, gaining full eyes and clenching teeth at his obvious choice of words. ¡°¡­I-I have my wife, Xe¡¯Reth, and it has gone seventeen years since I last saw her. She was a maiden many wanted, and I guess she did find someone to love¡­ your father, at some point after the middle gate¡¯s destruction¡­¡±


    ¡°After the destruction?¡± This time, Xe¡¯Reth becomes wide-eyed. That doesn¡¯t make any sense at all. His father died when the middle gate was destroyed, not after. ¡°That can¡¯t be true because my mother said that he died when the battering ram was finally demolished ¨C pinned beneath all the rubble. And she wasn¡¯t even part of that battle. She was at home, nursing me since I was recently born¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡­? No Xe¡¯Reth, she was at the Ebon Wall that horrible day¡­ I witnessed her myself ¨C she saved my life from being run over by the slave horde. If it weren¡¯t for her, I wouldn¡¯t be standing here right now, speaking to you,¡± Maldoran shakes his head, remembering clearly when she took off her helmet in that narrow passage. ¡°See, under her lower lip. Those two tiny birthmarks. I can recognize them anywhere. She¡¯s Theresa Vaethren; thirty-eight years old. Her only remaining family, you. Her mother, dead. Died from a disease that is hereditary. Most of the time at least. And her father¡­ Couldn¡¯t get any information on him sadly.¡±


    ¡°Thirty-eight¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with shock on his tongue and a slightly open mouth. ¡°No¡­ no that¡¯s wrong ¨C she¡¯s turning thirty-seven¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m afraid not, my boy. I¡¯ve investigated her whole life when she disappeared right after that horrible day.¡± Shaking his head, he continues, ¡°Twenty-two years ago, she registered herself into the regular army belonging to the Ebon Wall. She was sixteen, too young to join the army at the gates, but because of her General, a woman I know, she let Theresa join even though her age wasn¡¯t eighteen. And as she turned twenty-one she just went up in smoke,¡± Maldoran recalls as if he had seen the reports just yesterday.


    Those reports, he burnt them when he married Celyssa. To start a new life. To forget his broken heart. Yet with his head turning to stare at Theresa, his emotions grasps hold of his heart, making him grimace in sorrow. ¡®You didn¡¯t need to leave, Theresa. If only you stayed after your mother died, then, then I might¡¯ve noticed your grief.¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s head moves in minute movements, so does his lips, trying to figure out why her mother would lie, ¡®So she got me after the middle gate¡¯s destruction? But that would make me¡­ not seventeen but sixteen¡­ maybe even fifteen¡­? No, definitely not fifteen since I did gain an awareness earlier than a normal baby would.¡¯


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth my boy, are you all right¡­?¡± Maldoran asks, stepping forward to put his hands on his unmoving shoulders. Xe¡¯Reth did get tortured yesterday, so of course, Maldoran is still worried about his health. He can¡¯t give more reasons for her dear sister to kind of hate him. That gripping of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand yesterday still goes around his brain. But, the boy in front of him seems absolutely fine. Only slight vertigo from the sudden news.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I am¡­ I am all right,¡± he responds, drawing out the words in slow tones. His eyes meet Maldoran¡¯s while he forces a smile. ¡°To actually think you know my mother¡­ Such fate¡­ Yes... fate,¡± But his dark globes goes alert, remembering where he is at the moment.


    He can¡¯t miss this chance.


    Ever since Xe¡¯Reth got the information about Celyssa¡¯s involvement in spreading the Fire-Brand disease, he has thought of maddening ideas, insane ideas even. For her family must surely have a cure, right? To rid his mother of this burning affliction upon her body. If they have a cure, and he can find it, then all the merchandise that Tanya will bring back will be for naught. And now what better way to gain Maldoran¡¯s trust and friendship¡­ to slowly get him to love his mother than to love that vile snake. To draw the Lord away from his wife so he can easily divorce her when the time comes.


    Xe¡¯Reth wants Celyssa and her family destroyed, but he can put aside his revenge for Celyssa, only Celyssa if she were to confess her involvement, which Xe¡¯Reth will get out of her by any means necessary. He must be extremely careful from now on. Though he has wondered if the old ladies can listen in on Celyssa¡¯s conversations too, however, he had just shrugged it off, removing it from his already busy mind.


    If he has to become even more of a villain, he will run the Bradinox family to the ground ¨C revealing their every secret, every murder that they¡¯ve committed, and of their disgusting techniques. Because their reputation extends to their extensive knowledge in medicines, producing them too to become filthy rich. Though having a daughter as an Honored One also helps them gain customers.


    A dynasty stretching a couple of centuries, nothing compared to the Tertin line which is over a millennium.


    But he has thought, should he perhaps tell Malinda or Maldoran about what he had heard from the old lady? Well, he would certainly be dumb if he did that. Because why does he need to reveal himself, can¡¯t he just pull the strings behind the curtain? To become the shade that Malinda told him about in secret, away from Madelyn¡¯s snoopy presence?


    He must also take Malinda up on that favor she promised him, for they whispered to each other so Madelyn couldn¡¯t catch any of their secrets. She swore that she¡¯ll do whatever in her power to get the ebon bears back since he said that they¡¯re like family to him.


    To buy them before they are sent to the Capital to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. So much has happened, but so little time to respond. To think that those DLO agents lied about their find. To fabricate that a criminal organization actually ran that hideout in the east mountain valley, when in truth, a boy built it from scratch.


    Xe¡¯Reth dug out the waterways, he built the fences and the shed, and he planted the various flowers, which some he risked his life for, especially the Yran¡¯Gilis flower, for it was so dangerous to even gain a sample of it.


    A mere boy cloaked in darkness; the Ghostly Shade. No face, only the found arrow which can¡¯t be traced back to him, because the arrowheads he bought is used by all kinds of hunters and archers of the wall. But, those two sibling agents that Malinda briefly spoke about¡­ He must come up with a soundproof alibi. Though the boss¡¯s corpse had already been dug up by the old lady¡¯s spies, or at least Xe¡¯Reth hopes so.


    Xe¡¯Reth must take care of those men who came with their boss then they raided his home, too¡­ But little does Xe¡¯Reth know that they¡¯re actually on the training field with all the other city guards. Awaiting their trial to be sentenced. Will they reveal what happened? Or will they keep it quiet? Xe¡¯Reth can only hope that he scared them enough.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Maldoran¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth raises his mouth to give him a grateful smile, ¡°I will keep your secret about being in love with my mother¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± He doesn¡¯t reply, only flickers his eyes in surprise.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that I¡¯m grateful to you and Malinda¡­ Both of you care so much about her¡­ It¡¯s just too good to be true,¡± Xe¡¯Reth turns away, almost ready to cry fake tears. But his vessels are already dried up, only dust that awaits to be reversed back to its watery substance so he can actually cry out his real sorrows.


    With an oiled up plate arm stretching out, making almost no noise, Maldoran puts his gauntleted hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve had it rough, haven¡¯t you, my boy?¡±


    From such little words, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s emotions stir immensely. To hear it from a man such as him, Xe¡¯Reth can only secretly grin inside. Though his guilt tugs at him. ¡®I¡¯m just horrible¡­ But no matter who stands in front of my goals, they¡¯ll either be pushed to the side, or they will step willingly away from my path, to follow or run as far as they can to escape me¡­ Heh.¡¯


    ¡°Do not worry, my boy,¡± Maldoran squeezes his shoulder to give his own strength to him, ¡°If you ever need anyone to talk to, I¡¯ll lend you my ear. Anytime you want, just come and find me¡­¡± His eyes go wide as he gasps, ¡°Ah!¡± remembering that he completely forgot about the city guard. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth! You and Malinda were right! The city guard has¡­ Ah, I¡¯ll tell you all about it¡­ Come, let¡¯s sit down in those chairs¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°What¡¯s taking him so long¡­?¡± Malinda wonders, blinking excessively while biting her lower uncolored lip, combing her hair in worry. ¡°Did something perhaps happen to his mother?!¡± She jumps from her seat, but Madelyn grabs her arm, dragging her back down on the chair.


    ¡°Malin, how about I go get him instead¡­?¡± Madelyn suggests all of a sudden, having a new air about her. ¡°I¡­ I mean¡­ If he¡¯s going to become my brother-in-law, I might as well exert myself to get on his good side¡ªnot that I already am of course¡­ Didn¡¯t he say that he doesn¡¯t hold a grudge against me? You remember him saying it, right? Right, Malin?¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Malinda nods with a sigh, bowling her sister¡¯s cheeks in her palms to give her a kiss on her forehead. ¡°All right. It¡¯ll give me time to make some arrangements for tonight¡­ Hmm, keeping him busy for ten minutes will do, can you do that?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Madelyn shouts in absolute joy, standing up from her chair to bend forward and hug her. ¡°I¡¯ll keep him busy for as long as you want me to!¡± Then with her lips touching her cheek, leaving a red lip smudge, she heads straight out the doors in such quickness that it takes Malinda by surprise.


    Her eyes and mouth, open to the fullest. Though as she chuckles at her sister¡¯s liveliness, she travels with her head to the silent-as-night servants who also chuckles with their Mistress, as if they¡¯re just going along with the mood. But deep down, they hate her sister. They know of her personality, so witnessing her being so silent and pitiable, brought them joy, even though it¡¯s something Malinda would punish them severely for.


    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t Taryna returned yet?¡± Malinda asks with a growing frown that only descends further and further down, which snaps the servant¡¯s actions into play; they bow while standing at the wall beside the door to the right where Madelyn went out; the first one apologizes with, ¡°I don¡¯t know, Mistress. I didn¡¯t even know she had an appointment with the Matriarch today.¡± While the other says, ¡°Though¡­ Gran did have a frown on her face as they went away¡­ Maybe she did something?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ I¡¯ll have to speak to her when she returns¡­¡± Malinda answers, moving her mouth side to side with her frown still embedded in her expression. ¡°Enough! Onto the task at hand. I want everything prepared for tonight. I want it absolutely magical since it¡¯ll be my first time with Xe¡¯Reth. Candles lighting in a peaceful way, incense that will calm Xe''Reth and me down for our conjoining, and¡­ lubricants¡­ I don¡¯t really want it to hurt since Xe¡¯Reth does have¡­ *Cough*.¡± She blushes, and so does the other two, giving each other open-mouthed smiles. ¡°Ahem, where was I¡­?¡±


    ¡°You were¡­¡±


    ¡°I know where I ended, no need to reply,¡± Malinda whips her head up to pucker her lips.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah yes,¡± Malinda remembers, ignoring the servants¡¯ words in a playful tease, ¡°Bring also wine, red wine, I kind of liked the taste of it and it¡¯ll get me to calm down also.¡± She then starts to count on her fingers of what supplies she wants for her night of pleasure¡­ or pain¡­?


    ¡­


    With Madelyn reaching the double doors, her head turns both ways before going in. ¡®No one¡­ Heh, Xe¡¯Reth will get a reckoning for telling that old wrinkly mummified body! He¡¯ll know despair like he¡¯s never felt before!¡¯ Then stepping with a high-heeled foot through the opened doors, she lowers her head to sneak inside to make as little noise as possible.


    On the upper level, though, Maldoran was about to shout out about who it¡¯s, but Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s finger pressing on his own lips told him to be quiet, and he has been quiet.


    Xe¡¯Reth whispers with a tone that makes it as if they¡¯re at the moment doing something wrong, ¡°Maldoran¡­ Stay up here until I¡¯ve left with whoever came in, then meet me at Malinda¡¯s quarters. Because that person shouldn¡¯t see you in here, being with my mother, right¡­?¡±


    Though nobody would think of such a silly idea, that Maldoran is here for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mom specifically. But for Maldoran, he nods his head like a good brute, seriously thinking that someone might catch that he loves Theresa, so he ducks down low as Xe¡¯Reth heads downstairs with a smiling nod returning back to him.


    However, with Madelyn¡¯s acid voice declaring, ¡°Xe¡¯Reth?! If you¡¯re up there, come down immediately, now!¡± Maldoran¡¯s expression turns extreme, gawking at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s back while he descends as calm as he can be, not minding the order from his youngest sister. But he remains seated on the chair he spoke about before, having his elbows on his plated knees with cupping hands covering his mouth.


    ¡°Ah, yes¡­ There you are¡­ you fucking traitorous mutt¡­¡± Madelyn growls as she strides as fast and as loud as she can, raising her hand up in the air, then whipping it down on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s cheek, causing a sharp smack sound in the chamber.


    Her glaring eyes mean business, now more than ever. She must have him be an obedient dog that doesn¡¯t betray her. And with a licking lip, as her hot breath escapes from her mouth, she snarls, ¡°You dare tell them about my threat¡­? Do you even care about your disgusting mother, ha?! Ha, do you?! For if you ever do something like that ever again, I¡¯ll have her stripped and tossed down from the highest wall of the City! To have her displayed for what she truly is, a fucking whore that birthed such a disobedient mutt!¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t respond; such an unemotional expression. It¡¯s completely relaxed, for a mere slap to touch his cheek, is nothing compared to what will come of it.


    Rubbing her red hand to ease the pain, Madelyn¡¯s eyes narrow to glare with such anger but with such longing. Even licking her lips some more to sate her endless fury. ¡®I¡¯ll have him begging for forgiveness when I¡¯m through with him¡­ Maybe I should do it now¡­? Now when he¡¯s alone, instead of doing it after they¡¯ve done it? No, he¡¯ll easily get away¡­ I need my handmaidens to keep him restrained¡­¡¯


    Though as his slightly tilted head returns to be straightened, he grins with such satisfaction, such victory, for his back is turned towards the stairs. He will enjoy this greatly. Threatening his mother¡­? He can care less about this pompous girl. All he needs to do now¡­ well, it¡¯s left to be seen¡­


    ¡°W-What¡­?¡± Madelyn asks, taking a step back from his sudden leer. Not being as obedient as she wants him to be. It causes her to clench her teeth in even more fury, to spit out her disturbing thoughts, ¡°How dare you! I¡¯ll really have your sick mother murdered if you don¡¯t obey me! Do you hear me?!¡± Taking hold of his collar, she screams with her all, ¡°I was the one who wanted you first! Not my sister! Me! I was first! And whatever it takes, you¡¯ll be mine, even if I have to imprison you! You will be¡ª¡°


    *Boom!*


    ¡°Ah¡­!¡± Madelyn sounds out a startling yelp. ¡°What was that¡­ is someone¡­¡± Her eyes go wide instantly. And with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s grin in front of her, she tilts her body so the staircase is in clear view.


    Such a loud cracking of wood from upstairs.


    But as the stomping noises declare, Madelyn¡¯s lips shakes in fright. She has messed up again. Though with a ¡°Humph,¡± escaping from her mouth, she toughens up to glare at whoever comes down those stairs. Then with the banging of plate on wood, her eyes catch a large plate boot, then another one. Too large for any servant, someone Xe¡¯Reth brought in? Does he even have any friends? However, the further down the person stomps, the further Madelyn¡¯s mouth opens up.


    Her whole body freezes up, letting also go of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s collar immediately, even taking steps back with her head lowering.


    She recognizes that gleaming dark armor which descends, and with Maldoran in plain view, she starts having a panic attack; her breath exhaling and inhaling in such a rapid speed; her body begins to shake, and her eyes have such terror in them. Her brother has heard everything. All of her words that she uttered, words worthy of imprisonment. She chokes when trying to speak, even having problems breathing now.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­¡± Maldoran calls with such a rumbling voice, ¡°You¡­ You¡­ How dare you?!¡± He stomps his foot on the floor, cracking the wood as his heart crumbles. ¡°How dare you?!¡± he yells again, wanting answers, but he already knows those answers. ¡°Have you fallen to such a depth¡­?! Answer me, girl!!¡±


    Madelyn shrinks with hands defending her face from his loud voice, having zero strength to speak.


    Maldoran too shakes with quaking lips rising and lowering to show his grinding teeth. His muscles contort as veins ripple on his forehead and neck, turning red as he bellows out, ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far this time sister! To actually threaten his mother with murder?! How could you¡­? No, how dare you be so vile?! How in the Divine Queens¡¯ names have you become as such!? Answer me Madelyn! Don¡¯t think for one second that you¡¯ll escape punishment¡­ No¡­ You won¡¯t escape¡­ You need a proper and real punishment this time¡­¡±


    ¡°No, no, please brother¡­ I didn¡¯t mean anything by what I said¡­ Please¡­¡± Madelyn whimpers, walking closer with small steps, but she shrieks away as he grimaces in anger, glaring with such disgust. Never has her brother given her such a look, not even to the city guard.


    ¡°Yes¡­ this is my fault¡­ My own fault for letting you live with such a depraved mind¡­ Ah¡­¡± he cries out, ¡°Mother! Father! Forgive me¡­!¡±


    Maldoran¡¯s eyes turn to the floor, even watering up as if he speaks to his dead parents. But with a slow gaze traveling to Madelyn, he begins to growl in a dark tone, such a menacing expression of lowered brows, narrowed eyes, and a shaking, teeth-clenching mouth.


    ¡°You¡­ I¡¯ll put you on the front line of the Ebon Wall for your crimes against this poor boy¡¯s mother¡­ Yes¡­ No need for you to be a Commander anymore¡­¡± he says, speaking of such madness on his tongue. ¡°I¡¯ll have you trained ¡®til your body breaks, ¡®til your mind changes for the better. I¡¯ll have you slay our Kingdom¡¯s enemies to atone for your horrible ways! You¡¯ll never have this boy¡¯s love, if that¡¯s the last thing I¡¯ll do, that I promise, you little wench! No more free time, no more slothfulness, no more enjoyment, you¡¯ll become that which I choose you to be!¡±


    ¡°Wah¡­? No¡­ Noooo¡­!¡± Madelyn moans with a shaking head, refusing everything, but with eyes turning to the doors, she dashes while screaming, ¡°Nooooo!¡± almost stumbling to the floor because of her high heels.


    She runs right out the doors, not even looking back, but she doesn¡¯t sprint toward her wing. Instead, she turns to Malinda¡¯s chambers.


    With Madelyn disappearing out of sight, Maldoran howls, ¡°You can run, but I¡¯ll find you, you ungrateful little girl!¡± Maldoran¡¯s personality has turned a hundred and eighty degrees into pure fury, throwing away his own dignity to catch this sister of his. ¡°You should¡¯ve turned to me sooner¡­ If I had known that you are Theresa¡¯s boy¡­ I could¡¯ve¡­ Ah, come with me! I¡¯ll have you be by my side when I bring her to justice in front of Malinda, for she must know of Madelyn¡¯s threat and feelings for you, come!¡±


    ¡®Oh dear¡­ I had hoped that we didn¡¯t have to bring Malinda into this¡­ but judging from his vindictiveness¡­ guess I can¡¯t evade it any longer¡­ Though seeing those flailing arms of hers, heh¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth sighs with a smile as he too follows behind Maldoran¡¯s stomping boots out the doors. ¡®Guess I need to put on my saddest performance yet¡­ I¡¯m sorry Malinda¡­ but I¡¯ll have to break your bond with your dear sister¡­¡¯


    ¡°Ah, she went into Malinda¡¯s chambers!¡± Maldoran shouts, pointing at Madelyn as she gasps at his booming voice, then closes the doors behind her, even locking them since they¡¯re made to have an easy-to-lock mechanism with a turn of one¡¯s wrist on the inside.


    ¡­


    ¡°Madelyn, what¡¯s the matter¡­?¡± Malinda asks, sprinting out from her dressing room with a pair of wide eyes, ¡°I heard someone shout¡­ What happened? Where is Xe¡¯Reth? Was that brother¡¯s voice?¡± She bombards her with questions, while Madelyn runs to hide behind her, to hug her waist as she falls to her knees.


    ¡°H-Help me Malin¡­ They¡­ They¡­¡± she can¡¯t get out her tremoring words, even tears start to run down her cheeks, staining Malinda¡¯s low-cut dress with mascara.


    ¡°What do you mean¡­? What happened?!¡± she tries to bend down to comfort her, but a big *Bang* hits the door after the handle doesn¡¯t work since it¡¯s locked.


    ¡°Madelyn! Open this door right now!¡± Maldoran explodes on the door, and with such impatience, he takes a step back as his whole strength gets put into his leg, to throw himself forward to have his boot connect between the doors¡¯ handles.


    Since the door is supposed to go outward, the entrance cracks asunder from his sheer strength, blasting the door inward as wooden pieces fly and with new dust spreading everywhere. With his whole body inside, he catches Malinda standing there with the shriveling girl behind her, clutching onto her for her dear life.


    ¡°Brother!¡± Malinda screams, removing her covering arms from her face to glare with such spite. ¡°Have you gone crazy?!¡± And with Xe¡¯Reth walking up behind him, she makes eye contact with him. ¡®Wha¡­ why does he look so sad¡­?¡¯ Malinda¡¯s eyes moves down, just her eyes as she freezes up, peering at those arms around her waist. ¡®What have she done now for brother to be this mad¡­?¡¯


    ¡°Crazy? Crazy?! Of course!¡± Maldoran roars, wooshing his gauntlet to point directly at the shaking Madelyn, ¡°She has done something unforgivable and needs to atone for her horrible sins!¡±


    ¡°Nooo! Malin, don¡¯t listen to him! Don¡¯t listen to him! Don¡¯t!¡± Madelyn cries, tugging at Malinda¡¯s dress in such a desperate manner. ¡°They will lie! Everything they say will be a lie! I didn¡¯t do anything wrong! I dideeent¡­!!¡±


    Her tears pour out from her eyes, resounding hiccups from her throat. Malinda¡¯s waist and back quivers from Madelyn¡¯s shaking, but with her reluctant gaze going to her brother, she stutters, ¡°W-What¡­ What did¡­ What did she do¡­?¡±


    ¡°Noooo!¡± Madelyn howls out her last ounce of self-respect, to turn into that of a crying child. ¡°Noooo! Nooo! No! Ahhhh! Ahhh!!¡± She desperately tries to stop any words from being spoken, though, with Maldoran¡¯s booming vocals resounding, her whole body shrinks even more.


    ¡°BE QUIET GIRL!!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    I think I see a storm heading toward the City, moving closer and closer... with every Chapter... xD


    Ah, poor, foolish Madelyn, to be caught by her own brother so easily. And I wonder what Madelyn meant by what she thought... *Grins* :gwake:


    Anyways, hopefully, I''ll have the next Chapter up even faster this time!


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts! Or tell me of mistakes you find! It helps!


    Until... next time...


    <hr />


    Follow/Favorite/Rate/Review to support me! :)


    <hr />

 39 - The Spur of the Moment

    <hr />


    I''ve changed the passage of time to dots instead of double space. Have been using it since I started anyways.


    Nothing else for now.


    Enjoy.


    <hr />


    The Spur of the Moment


    <hr />


    ¡±BE QUIET GIRL!!¡± Maldoran rages with his face fuming in anger.


    Even his gauntlets¡¯ fastenings almost brakes from his clenching fists. He¡¯s absolutely enraged by Madelyn, to actually hide behind her sister, her sister who she betrays by doing such humiliating acts toward Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°Come here right now Madelyn, and confess your sins! Confess of what you¡¯ve done to Xe¡¯Reth! Of what you¡¯ve threatened him with!¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything! Maaalin!¡± Madelyn screams, hugging tighter around her sister¡¯s waist. She¡¯s at her last straw. She knows that she¡¯s finished, but as long as there¡¯s a tiny chance of Malinda believing her, she must try! ¡°They¡¯re trying to tear us apart! He¡¯s lying! I haven¡¯t done anything! It is Xe¡¯Reth who¡­ who¡­ He tried to violate me in his chamber! He attacked me, tried to take advantage of my¡­ of my innocence¡­¡±


    ¡°Blasphemous little girl¡­¡± Maldoran utters with such disgust in his azure eyes. What is she even spewing? ¡°Have you gone insane?!¡± He stomps forward, thrusting his pointing plate-covered finger as he defends Xe¡¯Reth, ¡°It was you, Madelyn, who tried to take advantage of Xe¡¯Reth! It was you who slapped him! It was you who threatened to murder his mother if he didn¡¯t go along with your demands! His ill mother Theresa, who experiences her excruciating pains upon her body!¡±


    ¡°Lies! I never did any of that!¡± Madelyn yells with such a venomous scowl, crawling on her knees to be in front of Malinda so she can witness her sorrowful tears, her mascara running down her face, and the shaking of her whole body. ¡°Sister! He really did try to violat¡ª¡°


    *Smack*


    ¡°...Ah... Ah... *Hic*,¡± Madelyn¡¯s crying becomes worse. Not even her own sister believes her.


    Malinda stares down at her with such darkness filling her mind. She slapped her from not uttering another word. It was an unconscious smack to Madelyn¡¯s other cheek, but a weak one. And with desperate hands clutching onto Madelyn¡¯s red palm, Malinda¡¯s eyes becomes even darker with such dilated globes of blue.


    ¡°You see, dear sister¡­? Madelyn has conspired to do horrible acts against Xe¡¯Reth. Acts worthy of prison¡­ But,¡± Maldoran says, squinting with such downcast eyes at Madelyn, who has let go of Malinda, to sit as quiet and as damaged as she can. Her head tilting forward, her one arm in Malinda¡¯s squeezing clutch, while the other lies limp on the floor. ¡°But as she¡¯s indeed our sister, I will not send her to such a place. Instead, I¡¯ve decided to force her to join our army. To stand and pay for such sins with her body. To slay our Kingdom¡¯s enemies. To train ¡®til she changes for the better. I¡¯ll have her cough up blood and puke out her laziness from all the training that she¡¯ll get.¡±


    Malinda doesn¡¯t respond, not even her body can move an inch, she¡¯s only staring down at Madelyn with wrinkling eyebrows. ¡®Slapped¡­? Threatened his mother¡­? His mother that has the same disease that our parents had¡­? That¡­ that can¡¯t be true¡­ She would never say something like that¡­ Could she have¡­?¡¯


    She lets go of Madelyn¡¯s arm, making it descend to the floor with a thud. And with her one foot taking a step back, she bends a knee to be levelheaded with Madelyn. She forcefully grips her chin, causing her to wince in pain, for she¡¯s holding it so tight. Raising Madelyn¡¯s head so their eyes meet, Malinda¡¯s mouth shakes from fright.


    Might she have actually said those things?


    ¡°Aw, it hurts, sister! You have to believe me! Brother is lying!¡± Madelyn cries as she grabs Malinda¡¯s wrist with both hands to try to make her let go, but she doesn¡¯t. Malinda stares into her sister¡¯s conflicted eyes, yet she evades from gazing back. They whirl around trying to figure out whatever excuse Madelyn can come up with.


    Her breath speeds the longer Malinda holds until she finally gets out her lies, ¡°I¡­ I caught Xe¡¯Reth speaking to his mother¡­ he told her that he didn¡¯t love you! He¡¯s just playing with you to get your money! Our family¡¯s money! He¡¯s using you, sister! I caught everything he said! He was even going to rape me after he saw me! Your own sister!¡±


    Plate boots resound behind her, moving too quick to be true, and with hands grabbing Madelyn¡¯s upper arms, Maldoran lifts her up into the air while spinning her around to face him.


    Her horrifying cry of terror sounds out into the corridor, ¡°Ahhhh! Ahhh!¡± as if she¡¯s being murdered. Her pupils have shrunk so much, gawking at Maldoran¡¯s expression of madness. ¡°Let go of me, brother! Let go, you traitor! Let go of me, it hurts! Malinda help! Don¡¯t just look, help me!¡±


    Her legs and arms flailing about, trying to make her brother let go. Hitting him, kicking him, but this time, he shakes with such power, ¡°Do you even listen to yourself, Madelyn?!¡± The whiplash is excruciating for her neck as it flings her body parts forward, backward, in circles, and side to side as if she¡¯s a ragdoll, weighing absolutely nothing. ¡°How can you lie so easily, and so insanely?! I was there with Xe¡¯Reth! I heard you confess everything! Your love for¡ª¡°


    ¡°Ahhh! Don¡¯t say it! Don¡¯t brother! It¡¯ll destroy us!¡± Madelyn warns him. Her grimace is beyond damaging with her dark mascara running down her head-shaking face, and her spasming lips that try to tell him of her own suffering. ¡°No, don¡¯t¡­ Pw-Pwease¡­ bwother¡­ dwon¡¯t.¡± Even a pleading lisp escapes.


    Setting her down on her high heels, Maldoran lets go, to turn around to squint at Xe¡¯Reth, ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t do it, my boy¡­¡±


    ¡®All bark but no action, huh?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth nods to Maldoran with a forced smile.


    He walks past them to be next to Malinda, who has fallen to her knees while hunching forward, even staring at her hands as if her whole world has gotten destroyed.


    With Xe¡¯Reth beside her, he kneels to get Malinda¡¯s attention by whispering, ¡°Malinda, my beautiful love¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry that I didn¡¯t tell you before, but I actually met your sister at her garden while you were away¡­¡±


    Malinda fists her hands, turning her head to scowl at him, but she lingers with her stare to wait for him to finish before responding, while Madelyn screams in the background to stop any words to be spoken between them. However, Maldoran silences her with a gauntlet covering her mouth. To hold her in check. She tries to fight back with all she can, yet her brother keeps her there so Madelyn can¡¯t interfere any further than she already has.


    Maldoran cringes with his furrowing eyebrows at Madelyn¡¯s tenacity, making him also grimace in sorrow. ¡®How have I let her become like this¡­ To actually try to betray your sister who loves you. Madelyn, have you fallen so low¡­?¡¯


    ¡°You know what we talked about at the table while eating lunch? About the man Madelyn loves, who chose someone else than her¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks in a louder tone, causing both sisters to gain wide eyes while Maldoran closes his to brace himself for the coming of what will ruin his sisters¡¯ relationship with each other. ¡°That man you so hate for causing your sister such pain¡­ is me. I¡¯m the one who chose another woman. That woman is you, Malinda. Your sister confessed to me even though she knew I already loved you. I declined her yes, also as she said, with such disgust. For she so knowingly wanted me to betray you, that she threatened me to choose between you or her¡­¡±


    ¡°But before she even managed to threaten me¡­ I had already chosen who I would love with all my heart. You, Malinda, you because,¡± Xe¡¯Reth switches his attention to Madelyn with a scowl, ¡°because I don¡¯t have an ounce of love for your sister at all. I despise her for she would¡¯ve killed my mother if I didn¡¯t comply with her demands¡­ She would tear us apart without feeling any remorse¡­¡± He turns his gaze back to Malinda, who¡¯s covering her ears, shaking her head also to deny the words that Xe¡¯Reth utters.


    ¡°She would never do that¡­ Never¡­ Never¡­ M-Madelyn¡­¡± she peeks up to witness Madelyn¡¯s poisonous glare, causing Malinda to gape with quivering lips and eyes realizing the truth, the truth behind her lover¡¯s words.


    Because of yesterday¡¯s events, she had cried almost as much as when her parents died. But through such sorrow comes now a tide of water sprouting from her tear channels.


    Maldoran goes so wide-eyed at her sister¡¯s contortion of eyebrows, eyes, and her whole face.


    However, since Maldoran relaxes his hand that covers Madelyn¡¯s mouth, she jerks her head up as she screams, ¡°I would do it! I would kill his whore of a mother without thinking so much as a thought about it! Because I hate you, sister, I want you to suffer as I¡¯ve suffered through my whole life! Always you! You take that which is mine! Xe¡¯Reth is mine, not yours, you bitch! I saw him first, yet you knowingly took him from me! I¡¯ll have you cry¡­ cry until you commit suicide!¡±


    ¡°Mhm-Mm!¡± Maldoran covers her mouth again, almost as if in a daze. This time, he contorts his expression. What madness has taken hold of his precious younger sister? How could this have happened?


    Since Madelyn has her high heels on, elevating her to Maldoran¡¯s height, she bumps her head to smash it into Maldoran¡¯s nose, causing him to groan and stumble backward while letting go of her, which springs Madelyn forward as she leaps at her sister.


    ¡°If I can¡¯t have him! You can¡¯t too, betrayer!¡± she shrieks, ready to dig her trimmed nails to cause damage to her stunned sister¡¯s face. But Xe¡¯Reth snaps into action before she manages to land; he puts his arms around her leaping waist, to swing her toward another direction, yet she latches onto him instead as if she¡¯s a cat with sharp claws.


    She bites hard into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s neck without him reacting fast enough to stop her, digging her teeth into his flesh as blood starts to seep out, which gives way his legs to fall down onto the floor.


    Biting harder, her mouth stains itself with scarlet. How in the Divines can she get such strength all of a sudden? Xe¡¯Reth is gawking with eyes of pain as Madelyn continues to feast on his blood, drinking it, gulping it down her throat as Maldoran finally aids Xe¡¯Reth.


    He rips her off of him, gazing with wide-eyed horror, for she screams with such fury, screams with a desperation telling him that he must keep her away from any weapons, least of all he must keep up his vigilance at all cost. This is beginning to be too much. Both of his sisters, one screaming, the other sitting with a slumping body, covering her ears from Madelyn¡¯s shriek.


    Malinda is crying profusely, her own mascara likewise as Madelyn¡¯s, runs down her face, having the same brand.


    But with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s voice calling out, ¡°Ma-Malinda!¡± she travels with her eyes to Xe¡¯Reth, who¡¯s bleeding from his neck, and that, that shocks her so much that she screams with shaking hands going to her mouth.


    ¡°X-Xe¡¯Reth!!¡±


    She crawls to take him in her embrace. To help push on the gushing wound to stop the bleeding, however, it isn¡¯t enough to cause any damage to Xe¡¯Reth, he¡¯s actually playing his game of being the victim to make Malinda snap, which she does as she whips her head to scowl at Madelyn.


    A scowl of death.


    ¡°You¡­ how could you do something like this¡­?¡± Malinda asks with her upper lip twitching. But she grimaces as the words bombard her mind, words that had been spoken, which she didn¡¯t want to listen to. Though now that her mind is clear, she gazes at her sister with a new found dread gripping at her heart. ¡°Madelyn, you do this¡­ because you want Xe¡¯Reth for yourself¡­? You love him?¡±


    ¡°Mmm! Mm-Mmm!¡± Madelyn screams through Maldoran¡¯s gauntlet, her eyebrows have descended so low as if wanting to pierce Malinda with her viperous peer. She still kicks and claws at her brother, but he takes everything with such an unmoving stance, such an unemotional expression, like a statue.


    The servants that Malinda had talked to in the changing room has come out to stare in fright at this occasion of madness. Even in the hallway, servants flock to the broken door to peek inside, to witness Malinda¡¯s lover bleeding on the floor; their Mistress tending to him, and the Lord as silent as he can be, holding the madness-infused Madelyn.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me immediately when you knew?! Is this why you wounded your handmaiden? Is this why you act like this?! Madelyn, why didn''t you say anything?! I could¡¯ve fixe¡ª¡± She interrupts herself, realizing what she¡¯s saying.


    Fix what? What can she fix? Give Xe¡¯Reth over to her? No, she will never do that, over her dead body. Xe¡¯Reth is hers, he loves her, not her sister, and she won¡¯t hand him over to anyone, no matter who stands in her way.


    It¡¯s her sister¡¯s own fault. All she does is throw out lies.


    No wonder Xe¡¯Reth despises her. She actually threatened to kill his mother, took his money at the payment stall¡­ Has she always done that to Xe¡¯Reth¡­? Every time he had come to get his due? Making him suffer more than he already was?


    ¡°Madelyn¡­¡± her voice shakes, ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t know you anymore¡­¡± She averts her eyes to Xe¡¯Reth, to give him such a lip-trembling grimace. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry for not getting to know you sooner, Xe¡¯Reth. I love you¡­ I won¡¯t let her torment you any further¡­¡± Malinda brings him closer to her heart, to put his head on her lap as she tilts forward to cover him from Madelyn¡¯s eye-gawking daggers. She keeps her hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s wound, staining it with blood, blood she experienced yesterday.


    Then, with two gasping voices resounding by the shattered double doors, sprinting legs speed up while the sound of steel drawing from sheaths declares behind Maldoran. And with him frowning, feeling the coldness on his neck, he turns slowly to witness two red-haired women.


    All servants cover their mouths in shock as one of the women says with pure determination on her tongue, ¡°Remove your hands from our Mistress¡­ Lord Maldoran¡­ or you¡¯ll force our hands¡­¡±


    ¡°You threaten me¡­? Have you two gone insane as your Mistress, my sister?¡± Maldoran asks, lifting his head to taunt them. To give them nothing but his utmost resolute gaze.


    ¡°You as well as all of those who¡¯ve pledged their lives to their Mistress or Master knows¡­ we only live to serve. And that doesn¡¯t include obeying someone else than our Mistress¡­ so remove your hands from our¡ª¡°


    This time, a cold sensation prickles on her neck, stopping her voice immediately to turn to gaze at Taryna, who has silently snuck up behind both of the twins, Velyn, and her sister that grinds her teeth at being outdone, not noticing Taryna coming up behind them.


    Having done what they¡¯ve done, they know it¡¯s either to be eliminated by their own Mistress or commit. They had quickly chosen the latter. They love Madelyn to death, so sacrificing their lives mean nothing.


    The twins themselves were orphaned because of their parents, who lost everything because of a squabble with a family. A noble household that killed their parents and relatives. For the noble¡¯s son who their father trained died at the Ebon Wall. The noble simply sent people to their house, killing both of their parents and relatives by hanging since they were at the moment having a reunion, so the noble took his time to make sure they were all gathered up, while the two twins witnessed their rattling bodies until they stopped moving, all of them.


    But that household was soon enough sentenced to prison while stripping him and his family of all possessions. Causing a mass suicide to spread in the noble¡¯s family, yet one child lived, a girl who was brought with the twins since orphanages were zero in that part of Ellenoria.


    The twins and the girl were shipped over the sea from the far northwest side of the Kingdom where tropical forests and savannas are. By boat, they reached the central point of the Kingdom while the Priestesses who handled their transfer were worshiped like the Goddesses themselves.


    After a year, they were finally able to pick a house that they wanted to serve. Because no child was forced to leave the orphanage if they didn¡¯t want to. The children could either live there until they grew up, or they could choose a different path than becoming initiates of the Divine Queens.


    Though, only females were allowed to choose the path of becoming priestesses.


    The male children were handled by the eunuchs who worshiped the Queens.


    A much more strictness was put on the men because girls are the offspring of the Queens and boys were boys, separated from seeing the girls. And since the central orphanage was a gigantic cathedral on the countryside, no threat to the children could touch them.


    A secluded life of schooling if they didn¡¯t choose a house. But the doppelgangers did pick the Tertin household as many others, a servitude with such reputation that rivals all the other Sanctuaries in the Kingdom. But what they loathed in the back of their mind¡­ the noble¡¯s daughter. She also picked the Tertin household. Though she never knew of the happenings between their families. Never knowing why she gained the ire from them, only having the same features ¨C scarlet hair and eyes.


    Through the years, the twins picked up the martial prowess and swordsmanship from the part of the Kingdom where they came from. And they excelled with such skill and devotion, which gained the gaze of Madelyn¡¯s mother, Matilda, which earned them the status of Handmaiden. But Madelyn was only a child, sucking on the thumb while being carried around by her mother.


    The twins were so devoted to their little Mistress, so much so that they never left her sight, only when it was bedtime, cause they couldn¡¯t possibly intrude on the Madam and the Lord.


    They love Madelyn so much, though not in a romantic way since they like men, yet have never had the pleasure of spending their time to relish in such an embrace, and they never will. However, they¡¯ve always wished for Madelyn to find someone, then maybe they could aid her in such activities.


    Throwing away their lives for her? It means nothing to them. If their Mistress orders, they obey.


    ¡°Sheath your weapons¡­ now!¡± Taryna commands, gazing with such a scowl. But the twins doesn¡¯t respond, they only keep their slightly curved swords on Maldoran¡¯s neck, while he frowns at them.


    To actually go this far to endanger the Lord¡¯s life.


    ¡°Back away, Taryna¡­ Or the Lord will¡­ will be killed¡­¡± Velyn threatens, shaving off stubbles of newly grown hair from Maldoran¡¯s neck, causing him to growl. ¡°Sister, take Mistress to the side, I¡¯ll handle this.¡±


    She nods, going around Maldoran to remove his hands from Madelyn. As she¡¯s free, she does step away to be closer to the balcony¡¯s doors while Velyn still has her blade on the neck.


    ¡°Madelyn, order them to stand down before it¡¯s too late¡­¡± Maldoran warns, but he groans because he doesn¡¯t have his sword with him, making Velyn shave off some more hair to keep him still.


    ¡°Velyn! Keep him there!¡± Madelyn shouts; her mouth open so wide that she spits with a pointing hand and a scowling expression of pure hatred. She won¡¯t let Xe¡¯Reth get away with this. At least she can¡­ murder him so Malinda doesn¡¯t get to have him. To make her cry, to make her feel her own aching sorrow. ¡°And you Verelin¡­ you¡­¡± She leans to whisper, ¡°Get close to Xe¡¯Reth, and murder him¡­ Also, first go get a knife from the dining table¡­ and give it to me¡­¡±


    ¡®Oh-Ho¡­?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth raises his scarred brow in fascination.


    ¡°Why do you need the knife¡­?¡± Verelin whispers too, but a realization causes her eyes to go wide. ¡°No, Madelyn¡­ Mistress, please¡­! Please, not that!¡± She falls to her knees, which turns everyone¡¯s stare to them. ¡°I beg of you! Don¡¯t say such things!¡±


    Through the sudden yell from her twin sister, Velyn loses her focus, in turn, snaps Taryna into action; sword going through the guarded hilt to twist it away from Maldoran as Taryna¡¯s arm goes around Velyn¡¯s neck to choke her.


    Letting go of her sword, Velyn¡¯s eyes widen as her breath gasps for air, which doesn¡¯t come. Instead, she tries to claw at Taryna¡¯s evading head, until she loses consciousness.


    Witnessing her handmaiden¡¯s demise into darkness, Madelyn raises her hand to slap Verelin, ¡°You useless whore! You ruined everything! Everything!! Is this how you repay me for giving you so much!? Ahhh!¡± She kicks Verelin to the ground as she lies there to willingly take those hits with such relief. ¡°I told you! I told you! I told youuu!!¡±


    With Taryna sprinting toward Madelyn to put her on cold, Verelin springs from the ground, to protect her Mistress with her body and soul. She can¡¯t let a handmaiden hurt her. And as their gaze connect, so does their blades.


    For every stroke of power, a parry; for every thrust, a dodge, and for every moment after that, all servants gasp in fright, even Maldoran narrows his eyes to catch their quick movements, and Malinda gains wide eyes as sparks fly everywhere.


    Two women of the same age, two women of such battle prowess, yet one exceeds the other. For Taryna is the only one that has been on the battlefield to gain real experience. As for Verelin, she grits her teeth to keep up with Taryna¡¯s wild thrashing sword movements.


    Gashes of wounds show on Verelin¡¯s dressed body the further the duel goes, until she finally cascades down on the floor, right next to Madelyn.


    ¡°Useless¡­¡± Madelyn articulates with a shaking head. Even Malinda¡¯s handmaiden is better than hers. Why does she get everything, yet she gets nothing?!


    Verelin has her head turned away, not wanting to connect with those eyes of failure. Her whole body shakes with blood seeping out from the wounds that Taryna gave, but shallow wounds nonetheless.


    ¡°I may not know what have happened, but give up Madelyn,¡± Taryna says, bringing the tip of her sword to Madelyn¡¯s jugular, ¡°You¡¯ve lost¡­ as always¡­¡±


    Maldoran walks up to be beside Taryna, to push away the sword from his sister, ¡°You¡¯ve done enough, return to your Mistress. I¡¯ll take it from here.¡±


    She gives him a quick nod, then strides with proud steps, but what awaits her is a teary-eyed look of disapproval from Malinda. ¡®What¡­? Did I do something wrong¡­?¡¯ Though her gaze journeys to Xe¡¯Reth whose wound Malinda presses on. ¡®Damn you, you dog¡­ Why did you need to tell the Matriarch¡­ Now I won¡¯t be able to move without being watched¡­¡¯ She positions on her Mistress¡¯ side to stand vigilant, clutching onto her sheathed sword.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­ it is over¡­¡± Maldoran says, gazing down at the now weeping Verelin who¡¯s curled up. ¡°I know that you¡¯re in love with Xe¡¯Reth. But it will never bear fruit. You¡¯ve done horrible acts. You threatened his mother with death, you¡¯ve manipulated your sister to just betray her so easily.¡± He shakes his head, ¡°I can¡¯t let you get away from your sins¡­ You¡¯re an evil woman, Madelyn. But you¡¯re still my sister¡­ and I can¡¯t let anything happen to you. So come with me now, I¡¯m not letting you out of my sight from this day forth. You¡¯ll become a woman of responsibility. Now come, tell that you¡¯re sorry to your sister and to Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡±


    ¡°Never!¡± Madelyn screams, backing away from her brother. ¡°She¡¯s the one who betrayed me! She was the one who made me suffer! She stole that which is mine! Xe¡¯Reth belongs to me, not her! Had she spent her time watching Xe¡¯Reth over a span of three years?! No, she did not!¡± She stomps with her high heel. ¡°She stole him from me! She did it knowingly to make me mad! She¡¯s always the one who betrays me! I only wanted that which is rightfully mine!¡±


    ¡°Madelyn¡­¡± Malinda whispers, gazing away. ¡®Is it true¡­? Did I actually steal Xe¡¯Reth from¡ªNo! Xe¡¯Reth loves me, he even said it himself! He doesn¡¯t love Madelyn at all, he loves me, not her!¡¯


    Even Taryna has widened eyes of disbelief, ¡®Madelyn also loves this dog?¡¯ Her eyes travel to Xe¡¯Reth, who gazes as silently as he can. He¡¯s considering if he should interject or just remain there on the floor. ¡®Then maybe¡­ Yes¡­ Perfect¡­¡¯ She gains a veiled grin, hiding behind a downcast mouth to join in with the others.


    ¡°Are you completely daft, girl?! He isn¡¯t some possession you can throw around however you like, he¡¯s a human being! You can¡¯t decide if he¡¯s yours, he can choose that himself! And he didn¡¯t pick you, no matter how much you want it to be untrue, it won¡¯t change anything! He¡¯s with Malinda, and that¡¯s that!¡± Maldoran shouts, walking closer and closer, while Madelyn backs up until she hits the doors to the balcony with her back. ¡°You¡¯ll just have to come to terms with it. Not everyone can get what they want. You need to let go, for Malinda and Xe¡¯Reth is together. And you¡¯ll not ruin their relationship by trying to break them apart, I won¡¯t stand for it!¡±


    ¡°What about me then?!¡± Madelyn asks, thrusting forth her open-palmed hands to seek answers. ¡°Why! Why do I need to abandon my own love?!¡±


    ¡°Because he doesn¡¯t love you!!¡± Maldoran howls, shaking his gauntlets in the air at her. ¡°Who in their right mind would love a woman who threatens to murder one¡¯s own family member?! Who?! Nobody would!! You¡¯re nothing but a criminal if you go with such a tactic. A criminal!! No wonder nobody cares about you other than us! Us! What have you given in return?! Betrayal, lies, and threats¡­ You¡¯re not the little sister I know¡­ My Madelyn would never stoop so low as to threaten an ill woman, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother¡­ You¡­ you are a disappointment to mother and father¡­¡±


    Madelyn¡¯s face contorts, biting her lips as tears start to run down her face again. Bringing in their parents, that, that brings Madelyn to the edge. She covers her face to cry in a sorrowful moan. But her cry turns to laughter, ¡°Hehe¡­ Ha-Hahaha-Haha!¡±


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    She laughs while tears just keep on flowing as if she has gone insane. ¡°Ha-Haha, what am I even doing here¡­?¡± Her hands pull the handles down, slowly. ¡°You¡¯re right brother¡­ Nobody likes me, nobody wants me¡­ I¡¯m just a pest that¡¯s better off dead, ain¡¯t I¡­?¡±


    ¡°No Madelyn, we, your family, loves you dearly.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­ brother, I love you too¡± Madelyn smiles, then pushes the doors open as everyone¡¯s eyes go wide.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­?!¡± Maldoran startles, taking a step forward with a gauntlet stretching out as if to grab her.


    She bites her lower blood-covered lip so hard so it bleeds with her own blood, turning around to close her eyes with hands seeking the railing as she runs forward blindly.


    Arriving at the balcony¡¯s handrail, Madelyn just vaults over it with her upper body first, exhaling in utter relief. Finally, she can get some rest. Her body falls ¨C prepared to die. She¡¯ll be like her mother, losing her love, then committing suicide. It gives her some assurance at least. But she opens her eyes when no furious air blows on her face, to turn her gaze to the sky, being upside down.


    The gasps and screams when she jumped were horrifying to the ear, but since she had no more will to live, she did come to terms with her decision.


    She just wanted it to be over, to end this humiliation that she put herself into. Everyone knows of her love, though now as her eyes witness Xe¡¯Reth holding her dangling body midair, he sighs, ¡°Y-You know¡­ Jumping from this height wouldn¡¯t kill you ¨C sure if you landed on your neck it might snap. But you went head first which will make your body spin forward so you land in a rather painful way¡­ Probably breaking a couple of bones¡­¡±


    Blood spurts from his neck since he¡¯s flexing his muscles, causing him to grind his teeth.


    ¡°X-Xe¡¯Reth!¡± Madelyn cries, then her eyes widen. Her whole lower body is showing. Her slender legs, her firm and perky butt, and the garments; garter that keeps up her black laced stockings, and those panties.


    ¡°Such erotic underwear you¡¯re wearing¡­ heh,¡± Xe¡¯Reth forces a laugh to break the tension from all this hanging. He stares up, shouting, ¡°Pull us up, Maldoran! I have her!¡± Xe¡¯Reth too is upside down, holding Madelyn¡¯s one leg while the other is straight out, making the view of Madelyn rather steamy. Even his blood stains her private part, seeping into her underwear.


    It was a close call.


    While everyone was so caught up being stunned, Xe¡¯Reth sprang from his lying position on Malinda¡¯s lap cause he couldn''t have Madelyn dying on him ¨C she¡¯s still a useful piece to keep close. After all, she¡¯s in love with him. Though Maldoran was also fast to react since he was so close to her. But he wasn¡¯t quick enough, he missed her. Xe¡¯Reth too almost didn¡¯t manage to grab her ankle.


    With a sigh of relief from all three of them, Maldoran heaves them up quickly while Madelyn kicks Xe¡¯Reth so he doesn¡¯t look at her disgraceful appearance. Verelin is also beside Maldoran to help him. Her own tears river down her face, thinking that they didn¡¯t manage to catch her, but her respite is unimaginable. She¡¯s so grateful for Xe¡¯Reth. Such a whimpering escapes from her mouth as Madelyn¡¯s feet finally touches the stone floor of the balcony.


    ¡°M-Mis-Mistreees¡­!¡± Verelin hugs her so tight while Madelyn can only gaze with dead eyes now that she realizes what she has done. The tears from Madelyn begins again, to embrace her handmaiden so she can feel her warmth. Madelyn didn¡¯t think clearly, just a simple spur of the moment. She doesn¡¯t want to die, she wants to live.


    ¡°I beg of you little sister, don¡¯t ever do that again¡­¡± Maldoran says with such squinting eyes of horror and a spasming mouth wanting to continue, but he lets Madelyn have her rest. ¡®I will still need to punish her by taking her with me for the remainder of the day. Never again will I let her have a moment of peace. It¡¯ll be hard for her, but I need to get her on the right path¡­ away from her pains. Though having her around Xe¡¯Reth to let them forgive each other will be good too.¡¯


    Both of them cry in each other¡¯s arms, one burying her head on the bosoms, the other runs her fingers through the smooth blond hair. Madelyn the child and Verelin the adult. Though Velyn is still snoozing away on the floor from being choked unconscious by Taryna, which is sitting next to the fainted Malinda.


    Her lights were blown out from the memory of witnessing her mother¡¯s corpse all damaged with protruding bones caused by the high altitude¡¯s fall. Thinking that her own sister will turn up like that.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Malinda¡­!¡± Maldoran shouts but sighs. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, Malinda never did take our mother¡¯s death well. She was the one who suffered the most. And experiencing such an event as this¡­? She¡¯ll cry when she wakes up, so do comfort her.¡± Maldoran puts his gauntlet on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, giving him such a loving smile yet winces at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s neck wound.


    ¡°Malinda may seem like an iron maiden on the outside, but she is¡­¡± he sighs, remembering Malinda having tears just recently when she was handling her duties for the army. ¡°She has always needed someone to be by her side. To comfort her when she wakes up, to hold her, to calm her down from her dreams.¡±


    ¡°You know about the nightmares¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks while raising his scarred brow. He gazes toward Madelyn, who gazes back at him but averts away in shame.


    ¡°Of course, she told me herself,¡± Maldoran says with a long face. ¡°Sometimes she reports in sick because of not wanting to leave after a night of experiencing such nightmares. I¡¯ve given her so much free space. But enough about that.¡± He switches to Madelyn, to tear the hugging ladies off of each other, grabbing her upper arm rather tightly as he begins to walk with her. ¡°Young lady, you¡¯ll return to your wing and clothe yourself in your heaviest plate armor, and then meet me in the main courtyard.¡±


    ¡°W-What?! But¡­ but I¡¯m not feeling well brother¡­ I almost died! I think I have a fever!¡± Madelyn whines in defense but only gets a head whipping at her.


    ¡°You¡¯ve caused enough trouble for today, and I¡¯ll have you by my side so you can¡¯t cause anything else! Now come, you troublesome girl,¡± Maldoran retorts, tugging Madelyn along with him, but stops as he reaches the broken entrance.


    ¡°Everyone! If I hear of this event spreading through the Citadel, know this: I¡¯ll have you stripped of your privileges and then thrown out for your disloyalty! Understood?!¡± Maldoran roars, scanning every single servant who cowers away from his voice. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me?! Do you understand what I said?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Honored Lord!¡± everyone screams in unison, backing to make room for him and Madelyn as they leave the room to walk down the long corridor leading to Madelyn¡¯s wing. Even Verelin carries her sleeping sister on her back. She was beaten, so she has come to the decision of letting Maldoran have his way. And going past Theresa¡¯s chamber, Maldoran gains a grateful smile while Madelyn moans that her arm hurts since he¡¯s holding it rather tightly¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    At the Citadel¡¯s healer¡¯s house on the southwest side, Celyssa had ordered the big-breasted driver to go straight here where they¡¯re now. Linadra, the head-handmaiden and Ellenia, the handmaiden of Merissa have carried her Mistress inside the wooden house so quick that Celyssa hasn''t had the time to get out of the carriage yet.


    Her whole body is shaking; hands clutching in a prayer, eyes closed, and the whispering of words, ¡°¡ªI ask for your blessings my Divine Queens¡­ I beg of you¡­ Let her be cleansed from the darkness that has befallen her. Let what she ate be purged from her body. My Queens, my mothers, I¡¯ll pay any price, so¡­ so, please¡­ let my baby be okay¡­¡±


    ¡°Madam¡­¡± a servant peeks in with sorrow filling her squinting eyes, not knowing why the Madam is in such a situation as this.


    ¡°You interrupt my prayer¡­?¡± Celyssa glares at the servant that immediately falls to her knees outside, placing her hands on the inside of the carriage.


    ¡°F-For-Forgive my unworthy self, but your husband is searching for you¡­ He needs to speak with you urgently. He had a rather dire expression¡­¡± the servant says, which¡¯s the same servant who took Maldoran¡¯s stallion to the stables.


    She had caught Celyssa¡¯s carriage as she was about to return to her duties since she had stayed way too long with the girls that were handling the horses. Though through her bravery, she¡¯s here now to give her the news of what Maldoran said to her, or more like he asked where Celyssa was. But she has proudly taken this duty upon herself to report the news of him looking for her.


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Celyssa says, waving the servant away while sitting with a body bending forward, ¡°I¡¯ll go see what he wants¡­¡±


    ¡®I certainly hope that the City Commander does his part to the letter. Otherwise, his family will be¡­¡¯ Celyssa shakes her head, biting her lip for covering this whole mess up. ¡®I should¡¯ve prepared for something like this to happen sooner or later¡­ But that boy needs to be dealt with quicker than I thought¡­ Today? No, tomorrow will be better. First Linadra¡¯s husband must prepare the contaminant¡­ then¡­ I must invite everyone to dinner¡­ again¡­¡¯


    The kneeling servant, out of sight, running away to her duties. And Celyssa, she remains in the carriage for a little while longer. She must prepare herself because her husband will become madness incarnate. Will he be so furious that he¡¯ll hit her? Celyssa doesn¡¯t know, he has never been much for yelling. He hasn¡¯t even hit her before. Though her mind must be prepared.


    Her eyes close, her gathered air exhale, and her body relax to sit there in peace for as long as she can, removing all worries from her mind, but she winces when her thoughts focus on Merissa.


    She clutches her hands to pray once more¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    The Citadel has become a rumored filled household.


    Even though Maldoran ordered the servants to be utterly silent, they couldn¡¯t keep such news to themselves. The Sanctuary; full of loud voices and flowing tears.


    The servants can be so emotional when it¡¯s about their favored Honored Lady, especially when it¡¯s about Malinda, for most of the younger ones aims to join her wing, but most fail because of the sheer number of younglings trying to pick Malinda as their Mistress.


    The Matriarch Ereanna had to arrange for all the Sanctuary¡¯s younger servants to be gathered up since it has become such an uproar. To think that Malinda¡¯s own sister tried to threaten Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother with death. Loving Xe¡¯Reth, wanting to take him for herself. Even the nerve of faking a suicide to play the victim has spread.


    A riot to make Madelyn pay for her crimes inside the Sanctuary has begun, for all the blame and hatred is being thrown at her, yet, it¡¯s her own fault for causing this. The younglings look up to Malinda more than anyone else, so hearing of what happened to her, they, of course, want the guilty party to pay dearly for making their star cry, though that¡¯s only the little ones. The full-fledged servants do loathe Madelyn for betraying her loving and benevolent sister, but they know when to keep their mouths shut¡­ most of the time.


    However, a rumor so sacrilegious, so horrifying have gotten to everyone¡¯s ears¡­


    That Madelyn wants to murder her own sister¡­


    That is something the older ones cannot forgive no matter who it is. Yet, only a blown up rumor that was spread by a servant that worships Malinda. A woman that saw everything that happened. Her Mistress shedding tears for that snake of a sister? Why didn¡¯t she fall to her death instead of surviving?


    There has never been an open murder caused by a servant before, though now that such an event as this has occurred, protection must be arranged for Madelyn. Because some of the servants might murder her themselves for hurting their Mistress, their star, their Goddess.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡®I can¡¯t believe this family¡­ to actually forgive Madelyn¡­ Just forgetting all about her crimes¡­ and for what? Because she tried to commit suicide?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth ponders, sitting on the long L-shaped couch on the east side of the lounging room while servants scurry around cleaning the place up.


    Malinda is asleep in her chamber, while Xe¡¯Reth left her there to be alone.


    She wanted Xe¡¯Reth to leave so she could come to terms with all that has happened. Though not after giving Xe¡¯Reth multiple kisses to assure him that nothing will tear them apart from each other. She clung to him, pleading for his forgiveness in pardoning Madelyn, because even though all of this has transpired, she can¡¯t hate her foolish sister. She loves her too much.


    Taryna, too, sits on the couch just a few meters away from him, being rather awkward at the moment. She hasn¡¯t spoken a single word, only giving him her silence. But, her brow is now raised because of his blatant sigh.


    ¡°Feeling restless¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­?¡± Taryna asks, forcing such a smile on her mouth. But Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t reply, making her click with her tongue as she returns to be a sitting statue, gazing into the east hearth in front.


    ¡°Taryna, if you¡¯re so impatient, you may as well leave to go back to your duties. I can keep the boy company while he waits for our Mistress to wake up,¡± Annettria says with also a smile on her mouth, but a genuine one. She¡¯s leaning forward so they can make eye contact while sitting a half a meter away from Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡®Seriously, this old lady sits too close¡­ Even when we were talking before. A tactic to make me feel¡­ insecure perhaps?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth puffs out air again, making Taryna glare at him for his unsightly behavior. Though Taryna is right. Xe¡¯Reth is restless. He has never felt so full of energy in a while now¡­ He hasn¡¯t had a moment of peace ever since his mother fell ill. Always work, work, and work. Never respite, never letting his guard down for a moment.


    Xe¡¯Reth has enjoyed the time he has spent with Malinda. But she¡¯s only a means to an end. To get a better life. But his ambition won¡¯t let him have any rest. He has plans for the future. Children. He wants a big family. A family he can control. Children to control. He needs absolute control. Otherwise, he¡¯ll go insane from this peaceful ambiance that¡¯s seeping into his heart, slowly.


    ¡°So be it. I didn¡¯t want to sit here anyways. Do send someone to get me when Mistress wakes up, understand?¡± Taryna says as she glares at Annettria, not bothering with mutt. As she gets no response from the servant, Taryna, ¡°Hmphs,¡± while standing up.


    Then she leaves the room to go to her own office right across.


    But, she squints her eyes to make a right turn to go towards Theresa¡¯s chamber¡­ However, as she gets to the doors, she strides past to step into Madelyn¡¯s wing instead, for she has business with Malinda¡¯s sister that needs her utmost attention¡­ Taryna can only hope that she hasn¡¯t left yet with Maldoran.


    ¡­


    ¡°So Xe¡¯Reth¡­ you fancy older women, huh¡­?¡± Annettria teases, switching her dress-covered legs back and forth. An adult woman. Her lean womanly curves don''t hide anything, even her sitting position is flawless with a straightened back and pushed out chest.


    Placing her unflawed hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s thigh, she pinches with her index and thumb to remove dust from his pants. Also giving him a wipe since his black pants are drawing in unwanted colors. ¡°Malinda is older than you by¡­ how old are you again? Seventeen? I forget.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ Seventeen¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth answers but she obviously knows the answer. His eyes follow as Annettria removes her hand from him to place the dust on the floor instead. She¡¯s rather nonchalant as if she¡¯s trying to butter him up with motherly love. ¡®Seventeen¡­ Mother¡­ Why am I not seventeen? Why did you lie?¡¯


    ¡°We didn¡¯t meet under the right circumstances, my boy,¡± she says, lowering her voice to become secretive. She leans in closer, ¡°Do forgive Ereanna, her age has made her very strict. But let me tell you, she¡¯s beyond pleased with you coming in here to cause a little ruckus; having your mother actually be Maldoran¡¯s lost love, and you even made the sisters turn on each other. Bravo.¡±


    ¡°Malinda is going to forgive Madelyn. And I don¡¯t know how it¡¯ll turn out with Maldoran and my mother,¡± Xe¡¯Reth reveals as he moves his eyes to the corner of his sight, to seem as if he¡¯s only watching the hearth so the servants don''t suspect anything. With an, ¡°Ah,¡± escaping from her mouth, Xe¡¯Reth asks, ¡°But what do you want, what does Ereanna want with me now¡­?¡±


    ¡°She wants nothing¡­ It¡¯s I who wants something from you, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Annettria smirks in a rather intriguing way with head turning to him, touching his patched up neck. ¡°How is the wound that Madelyn gave you¡­?¡±


    ¡°Do you even need to ask?¡±


    ¡°Ah, of course. I¡¯m just worried that¡¯s all. I can¡¯t have you dying on me now¡­¡± Annettria chuckles with curves rising, placing her hand on his shoulder instead to grip him tightly. Her eyes turn serious as they narrow. ¡°I need you to pick me as your second handmaiden.¡±


    ¡°Oh...? But I¡¯ve no need for an old woman slowing me down,¡± Xe¡¯Reth jokes with a grin directing at the fireplace, still having his eyes at the corner of his socket to watch that expression of hers. But only juicy pouting lips displays.


    ¡°I¡¯m not that old yet¡­ I¡¯m still in my early thirties¡­¡± she says, but even she doesn¡¯t believe in her own words, causing her to gain even higher upward curves on her tightened lips.


    ¡°Yeah right,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckles with a shaking head. ¡°If you¡¯re thirty, then I¡¯m a five-year-old child.¡±


    ¡°All right ¨C I just turned forty but keep it a secret. Though, enough with this small talk. Do you accept¡­? I won¡¯t get in your way. I¡¯ll only be in the background tending to whatever you need me to do. Since I¡¯m going to spend most of my time in the Sanctuary anyways. So, what do you say?¡± Annettria asks with deadset eyes gluing onto Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s dark globes.


    ¡°How is your experience with medicine? Have you tended to someone before?¡± Xe¡¯Reth probes, asking questions to see if she can be a tender to his mother while he¡¯s away on business because he won¡¯t have much time to care for her in the future. He needs someone he can trust, well, at least someone he knows that won¡¯t hurt her. He must work quickly and silently. ¡°And do the Sanctuary have any secret passages that lead out of the Citadel?¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re asking if I can become your mother¡¯s healer?¡± she questions. Her mouth moves side to side, thinking if she has the means. With an exhale, she gains a beam on her face. ¡°Yes, I know of such an occupation. Though, I would need you to show me the ropes of handling that¡­ flower. Oh, and about the way out of the Citadel ¨C yes, there are such passages. But you wouldn¡¯t like where those lead.¡±


    ¡°The City¡¯s sewers?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks with his scarred brow raising in wonder.


    ¡°Correct. Though thankfully we have the schematics for the sewers, making it easy to navigate through them. But why¡­?¡± Annettria too raises a brow. ¡°Thinking of taking things into your own hands¡­? Hm, that won¡¯t do at all.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really care for your permission. I¡¯m going to search for my mother¡¯s cure in the facilities belonging to the Bradinox household. With or without your old ladies¡¯ club¡¯s help,¡± Xe¡¯Reth admits with sharp eyebrows lowering to glare at her. ¡°How about this: in exchange for you becoming my handmaiden, I¡¯ll get assistance and get to use the Sanctuary¡¯s exit whenever I want. Because other than Cerinn, Taryna, Tanya, and Recina, you¡¯ve no grasp to get a further extension of your hands. Right? Though I¡¯ll mostly use the exit in the middle of the night since Malinda is a heavy sleeper. So I can use that opportunity to scout out the facilities.¡±


    Annettria turns to the blazing hearth, squinting at the fire. She has the permission to make big decisions, but endangering Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s life is something she can¡¯t take lightly. The ladies need him. However, they as Xe¡¯Reth, also need to destroy that disgusting family since the Bradinox will attempt to remove him.


    Running her tongue over her upper teeth, she decides over her better judgment with a secret handshake between them, ¡°Deal. But I¡¯ll not let you scout all alone. Those buildings are heavily guarded. A couple of Spy-Maidens will join you.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth snorts a laugh, ¡°Pfft, Spy-Maidens? Who comes up with these ridiculous titles¡­?¡± He recoils, witnessing Annettria¡¯s glare of death. She leans in so close, her breath on his ear.


    ¡°You better not laugh. You¡¯re disrespecting the dead¡­¡± Annettria hisses with anger, grabbing tighter around his hand, but Xe¡¯Reth contests with her. Though as none of them gain victory, they make peace instead, letting go of their squeezing clutch.


    ¡°Sorry, I meant no disrespect¡­ So, with that dealt with, how about I show you the ropes? It¡¯s rather easy to learn,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says while standing up, to offer his hand to the eye flickering woman, giving her such a handsome smile.


    ¡°As-As you wish, Master Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Annettria smirks as she grabs his hand to be heaved off of the couch.


    They begin walking.


    Reaching the entrance, Annettria waves to a cleaning servant to come over, making the girl run to her with hands holding up her dress. ¡°It is done. Bring a couple of higher tiered girls to Theresa¡¯s room to be briefed of their new duties.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth raises his scarred brow, wondering why she even asked for permission. They had might as well forced him to accept her as his second handmaiden. But they know his tendencies, so the ladies wanted him to agree on his own terms, which is now done and final.


    ¡°Does everyone in Malinda¡¯s wing belong to the Sisterhood? Or whatever you call it?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as they start walking again toward his mother¡¯s chamber. ¡°Can they really be trusted? You do know how illegal that flower is, right?¡±


    ¡°I assure you¡­ they won¡¯t betray our Mistress by angering her lover. So you can count on their silence,¡± Annettria guarantees with a wave of her hand as she walks. ¡°And as Malinda said yesterday¡­ a handmaiden controls your servants while you control the handmaidens. Though, I¡¯ve yet to meet that little girl of yours that you saved. I¡¯ve heard of her¡­ personality.¡±


    ¡®Divines, they listen in on everything¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth grumbles with an inward sigh.


    ¡°Cerinn, yes, she¡¯s a handful to be sure. But you two will get along just fine. Because you¡¯ll have to contest with her over my favor, old lady,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckles with hand over face. ¡°Honored Handmaidens¡­ Since I¡¯ve never come in contact with any before, they¡¯re even higher than regular nobles, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    Annettria giggles as she taps his shoulder, ¡°That we are¡­ We¡¯re representing our Mistress or Master whenever they¡¯re unavailable. We too handle the money of our Master or Mistress. Money that I¡¯ll see so you won¡¯t spend everything on junk. But judging by how you¡¯ve lived, you aren¡¯t too greedy. You¡¯re only ambitious. Money doesn¡¯t really matter to you, yes?¡±


    ¡°If you say so¡­ But yes, I don¡¯t care for wealth that much. Because I haven¡¯t had much to begin with. Yet, if you don¡¯t have it, you can¡¯t climb¡­ to the top,¡± Xe¡¯Reth grins, causing Annettria to recoil a bit from his dark eyes gazing at her. Almost the same emotion screaming inside her head when she had to kick him so Ereanna wouldn¡¯t suffer a heart attack.


    She coughs a couple of times to regain her footing, then she opens her mouth, ¡°Oh, I almost forgot. In a couple of days, a magician is going to arrive. And let me tell you a secret¡­¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth and her both stops, while she leans in so close to whisper into his ear, ¡°That particular magician is a part of the Tertin household. A great, great, great, great aunt to the family. We reported to her about Malinda finding someone through¡­ an artifact. She has dropped everything to just to come and meet you. You do know that they don¡¯t age, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s common knowledge¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth replies as he continues onward. ¡®I¡¯ve never heard of a Tertin being a magician before. Must have been a very guarded secret, or it¡¯s just that I haven¡¯t looked into it. I wonder what specialty that great aunt has¡­ Hopefully, she can¡¯t read minds¡­¡¯


    Watching Xe¡¯Reth, Annettria chuckles at his sudden dire expression, not hiding it one bit.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry boy¡­ she has been waiting for this moment ever since Maldoran took over. She¡¯s a friend to Malinda and to the Sisterhood,¡± Annettria explains with such a cheery smile.


    ¡°Then she¡¯s one of the founding members¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks with pursing lips, calming down.


    ¡°Haa¡­? Heh, no,¡± she chuckles, slapping Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder in a tease. ¡°Not even close. It was founded many years before she was born.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with narrow eyes that gaze onward, toward Madelyn¡¯s wing, and with a turn to go inside to his mother¡¯s chamber, they disappear as Xe¡¯Reth unlocks the doors since he did lock them before running after Maldoran¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    Family is family... Blood is blood. Though I do wonder what will happen to Madelyn... And I''m not talking about what I''m talking about... Hints have been laid. Lol. xD


    Plots dissolve, more emerge... Anyone keeping track? ''Cause I must. :blood:


    Hoped to have the Character List up after this chapter, but I''ll push it up to next one. :(


    Have I ever said how large the Kingdom is? :/


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts!


    Until...next time... Hopefully in a week like this one! Hehe.


    <hr />


    Follow/Favorite/Rate/Review to support me.


    <hr />

 40 - The Night of Unshackling

    <hr />


    The Night of Unshackling


    <hr />


    Two days of celebrations, that¡¯s what the tradition dictates since the reform of the Kingdom by the Divine Queen, who sacrificed all for the better of the realm, a realm too vast for a single ruler.


    Hence the creation of the Honored Ones.


    They hold the power in the different regions of Ellenoria, and the Tertin family, they keep the domain that¡¯s closest to the Ebon Wall pure of unwanted infidels. Yet the Ebon Wall itself isn¡¯t a part of any of the Honored households, it¡¯s an entire domain by itself.


    All the Honored Ones must organize and oversee the festivals for their own citizens after each battle to spread the victory, to give the people their wanted due. And the Ebon Wall, it¡¯s ruled by the Honored Generals who comes from all over the Kingdom to assist in its management.


    However, not all of the Honored Generals are stationed at the Ebon Wall at the same time, for the Generals and their armies have families of their own. So rotations have been arranged to ease the load on everyone. Those who travel the furthest gets to return the fastest, and those who travel the least must stay longer, while the Tertinum army is always on duty to await for the enemy. But the Ebon Wall¡¯s area contain many families who stay there, both Honored Ones and regular ones.


    The Ebon Wall stretches for a couple of kilometers, and below on the back side, an abundant of space for buildings of various variations.


    Buildings of war to construct siege engines and armories for weapons and armors; structures of spy networks to get information beyond the Forest of Scarlet so the enemy can¡¯t surprise them; buildings of peacekeeping for the different regions belonging to the Kingdom, and the garrisons for every single of the Honored Ones¡¯ armies.


    Countless shops of the common folk, too, reside in the Ebon Wall¡¯s vicinity.


    Since yesterday, Maldoran had brooded over the yearly order to enhance the Ebon Wall¡¯s security.


    He had to come up with an idea like every other Honored General, yet he had come up with nothing upon returning home. No genius idea to help the Kingdom, yet, from what Xe¡¯Reth told him at yesterday¡¯s dinner table, he forwarded it to his second, Reconon, who¡¯s currently standing affirmed with legs spread and arms behind his back.


    He¡¯s gazing out with scowling eyebrows at the city guard that¡¯s being filed out one after the other through a corridor of spears and shields standing guard as more and more of the filth fills it up.


    The army has made a second square formation, which is brimming with people.


    It has gone on for a while now. The officers and Recina had come back with trunks in hand, carrying the documents that would prove the innocent from the guilty. And that they did.


    The names of a hundred have been shouted out, names belonging to the criminals. They who¡¯ve soiled the City with their disgusting ways, while the City Commander have already been sent to prison to wait for the reckoning of those he ratted out. He¡¯ll not survive the night, much less the remainder of the day. A solitary cell isn¡¯t what the City Commander deserves. He¡¯ll share because space won¡¯t be enough for everyone. They¡¯ll be cramped up to experience the darkness together.


    He¡¯s indeed taking the fall, the fall that Celyssa ordered him to take, for he¡¯s doing what he must for his family¡¯s safety.


    Even the DLO have offered their full support in taking over the sentencing of the criminals that dared to corrupt Tertinum. Rissara, the Inquisitor, too, stands beside Reconon with her head holding high, while the smirk on her lips, tells the tale of someone who enjoys this moment of victory all too much. She has always wanted the removal of the city guard. But this event will suffice.


    The disgrace has been thrown at the Tertin household for the utter carelessness of their handling of the City. They¡¯ve let the corruption run rampant while batting an eye away from the crimes committed against their own citizens, yet the one who holds the most blame ¨C Celyssa, she allowed this to happen in the four years since she came into power.


    She took over after Matilda Tertin committed suicide over the death of her husband, leaving Ereanna to fend for herself from Celyssa¡¯s onslaught in wanting to take the Tertin household for her own family¡¯s ambitions.


    No chance stood Ereanna against Celyssa, for no political power had Ereanna. After all, she was only a handmaiden, and Celyssa, the wife of Maldoran Tertin, an Honored One.


    But through the four years that Ereanna has gotten, has sprouted forth such a loathe and such secrecy which has made Celyssa insane. She has almost no power inside the Sanctuary, and if she were to extend her hand to even there, the information that has been gathered throughout the years will be unveiled to the public.


    Mere threats, but threats that Celyssa took serious, for if Maldoran were to hear such words ¨C know of the monstrous act which she committed against his family, he would probably draw his sword and cut the neck of the snake himself, the neck of his child¡¯s mother.


    Yet, no such words will reach Maldoran because both Celyssa and Ereanna had come to an agreement after their dealings with each other. Their agreement ¨C letting Ereanna tend to the Sanctuary, and Celyssa, the Tertin domain. But their agreement is so thin so that a single misstep can cause a rift so enormous that it¡¯ll shatter Tertinum to the ground.


    ¡­


    In the dining hall, servants tend to their duties.


    They¡¯ve brought ladders to dust off the great painting of the Tertin family; to polish the crystal chandeliers above the grand table, and the tending of Maldoran, who sits slumping in his throne of a chair while drumming his fingers rapidly on the armrest, waiting for his dear wife to finally arrive.


    He has waited long, too long for her arrival. His drink of milk that was brought from the icy cellars, now warm. His lunch, eaten to its last piece. And the servants who fiddle with their hands, keep their noise to a minimum. Otherwise, their Lord might lash out at them for disturbing his finger-drumming hand.


    A mind-breaking day he has had.


    First, the city guard, second, his lost love, and third, Madelyn¡¯s suicide attempt.


    ¡°Haaaa¡­¡± he sighs out his worries, placing his hand to cover his eyes while he keeps drumming on the armrest. ¡®That girl¡­ I must keep her close so she doesn¡¯t try to do something like that again¡­¡¯


    His eyes flicker as the doors behind him open up to declare high heels on the carpet. And with the steps arriving at his seated left side, Celyssa joins him by sitting on her own throne of a chair.


    Having her rear planted, she raises her hand as she leans forward to him, ¡°You asked for m¡ª¡°


    ¡°Do not speak ¨C you¡¯ll listen to what I say, nothing more!¡± Maldoran demands with such sternness, making her recoil with her hand to clutch it together with the other. Even a gulp resound from her throat. She has never felt so wrong as if she¡¯s being treated as a mere child, yet she¡¯s his wife, his Honored wife!


    But she remains silent, tilting her head downward as embarrassment strikes her, for the cleaning servants have stopped in their duties while staring with widened eyes of surprise. Gawking, they hurry out the doors leading to the throne room.


    Closing the entrance as the last one leave, Maldoran¡¯s face turn into rage.


    ¡°My Celyssa¡­ my wife¡­¡± Maldoran says with a slight growl in his tone which only increases the longer Celyssa averts her head away from him. But upon breathing in air, she calms herself, gazing into her husband''s narrow eyes.


    Completely unfazed by his expression of rage. Those lowered eyebrows, that drumming hand, and his down curved mouth. She experiences nothing but calmness because she¡¯ll handle this as she has handled him over the years.


    First, she¡¯ll put up her defense, second, she¡¯ll let out an outburst of her emotions that have boiled to the spilling point. Third and last, she¡¯ll fall to her knees to cry out her sorrows. Her daughter, blind, her failures, unavoidable.


    With his drumming hand stopping, he asks, ¡°The City Commander¡­ you know him well¡­?¡±


    ¡°Only through reports¡­ dear husband,¡± Celyssa says with eyes not removing from his, but adds, ¡°I¡¯ve never met him. Though I¡¯ve heard that he¡¯s rather¡­ unfit.¡±


    ¡°Unfit you say¡­ Unfit?!¡± Maldoran shouts, slamming his hand onto the table. ¡°Damn you, woman! Don¡¯t play games with me! You know why I¡¯m here, so just quit it! You¡¯ve disgraced this household enough with your carelessness in handling the City! To actually put such a pig in place to be the City Commander¡­ And through him, he let the city guard run rampant without anyone stopping them! The boy was right, you¡¯ve not tended to your duties well enough!¡±


    ¡°And where were you again?! Playing soldier?!¡± Celyssa retorts, turning her head and crossing her arms. ¡°If only you opened your damn eyes, you could¡¯ve seen what was happening in the City. But no, you wanted to play with your army! Completely disregarding what is in front of your eyes!¡±


    ¡°Is that your answer? Blaming this on me¡­?¡± Maldoran asks, grinding his teeth at his wife¡¯s turned head. ¡°Look at me! I said, look at me!¡± He raises from his seat to try to grab her, but she winces away in fright.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± she yells as her hand slaps his, making him stop dead in his track. ¡°Yes, I blame this on you, husband! You think it¡¯s easy to take care of this domain?! Well, do you?! Let me tell you, it isn¡¯t! It¡¯s harder than you think!¡±


    Maldoran sits back down, being rather irritated by her sudden shriek as if he has never touched her before. Sure, they didn¡¯t have sex last night because of Merissa¡¯s sudden attack, but the night before the battle at the Ebon Wall, they did enjoy each other¡¯s embrace, trying once more to get another child.


    ¡°Do you honestly believe that I sip tea all day every day?! Well, I don¡¯t! All I do is work and work for this household until you get home from that damned wall! So early in the morning, even to late at night sometimes! You know! We¡¯ve many times gone to bed before the other! Politics isn¡¯t so easily handled with a flick of one¡¯s wrist. It requires more than you¡¯ll ever have, you big mindless brute!¡± Celyssa, this time, rises from her seat to point at him with an emotional finger which shakes.


    ¡°So¡­ you are tired¡­ is that it? Is that why you let the City down, let our people down who have suffered worst fates than you can ever imagine?!¡± Maldoran roars, grabbing a hold of her pointing hand, tightly, not letting go as she tries to pull it free, but succumbs to his power. ¡°It isn¡¯t me who you should throw the blame at, for the one who already has all of it, can¡¯t escape from the people¡¯s wrath. It will come. That I can promise. And you¡¯ll formally apologize to the citizens who¡¯ve suffered the most ¨C the poor.¡±


    ¡°What... What did you say?¡± Celyssa asks as she stops trying to pull away her hand from his gripping strength. ¡°Are you serious? No¡ªNo! I won¡¯t humiliate myself in front of such disgu¡ª¡°


    ¡°Look ¨C finally, your real thoughts escape you, wife¡­¡± Maldoran shakes his head in disappointment, letting go of his wife¡¯s hand, to sit down with elbows situating on the armrests while cupping his hands beneath his chin.


    ¡°You¡¯ve become too full of yourself since you took over¡­ Never have the City suffered this much over the centuries. Never have criminals of this quantity been in the City. You, my wife, you are a disappointment to my ancestors. Yes, I¡¯m at fault, too, that I know. But you kept everything to yourself. Tried to fix¡­ or just let it be¡­? I don¡¯t know what your thought process have caused you to not ask for my aid. My mother would be so embarrassed in both of us for letting it go this far.¡±


    Celyssa¡¯s head has sunk low with hands on her lap while her breath, ventilating in and out in rapid succession, having her rear planted again on the chair to sit there, to take in his words to try to counter him. But, she gives up. Celyssa knows of her own fiasco. She has been tired, so sick of this pretending to have everything in control, for she has nothing but the nameplate of failure stamped on her forehead.


    ¡®How could Ereanna ever keep this domain so flawless¡­? Was it because of Matilda¡¯s aid?¡¯ Celyssa envies. Even with all of her servants and her trusty head-handmaiden, she couldn¡¯t maintain Tertinum of the darkness of people¡¯s minds. Those who try to take advantage of every little crack in the system; those who take from the poor to give to themselves ¨C she has had enough.


    Yet she can¡¯t give up, for if she loses her position over the title of, Madam of the City, her family will not forgive her. She has put her nephews and relatives to the most important points in Tertinum. Through her, nepotism has spread in the City.


    Even inside the city guard was one of her nephew¡¯s fathers stationed, but removed from the records as soon as she heard of what would happen today. Evidence that she removed with the help of her family, for they pay mercenaries who excel in such activities as cleaning up in absolute secrecy.


    Paid they are to keep their silence.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re right¡­ I should¡¯ve asked for your help¡­ But¡­ but I didn¡¯t want to seem useless to you!¡± Celyssa shouts, rising from her chair to fall to her knees beside Maldoran to beg for his forgiveness.


    Her expression so dire with newly formed tears since she had recently cried for her daughter, so squeezing out more is nothing to her. ¡°I should¡¯ve told you, I know. I¡¯ve just been so busy with everything so I let the City down instead of taking care of it. I¡¯m torn to shreds about our daughter¡­ she¡¯s become worse¡­ She had yet another attack when we visited my family. She puked out all she ate! She vomited blood! Our baby! She¡¯s¡­ she¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°W-W-What¡­?¡± Maldoran startles with wide eyes while he takes a hold of Celyssa¡¯s hands. ¡°Is our baby all right? Is she?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, she¡­ she¡¯s stable, for now,¡± Celyssa says with her voice and lips trembling, making Maldoran get off from his throne to sit down on the floor with his wife. To hug her, to comfort her since his squinting eyes know the pain that the two of them have experienced through the years since Merissa became blind. ¡°I-I-I don¡¯t know what to do anymore¡­ please¡­ help me¡­¡± She buries her face in his chest as her weeping resonates through his armor to his eardrums, causing him to get a rumbling tone of grief that escapes from his own quaking mouth.


    ¡°D-Do not worry¡­ I¡¯ll¡­ We¡¯ll¡­ find a way to get through this¡­ I promise you, my beautiful wife. So don¡¯t cry, it¡¯ll only cause me more pain to hear such sorrow,¡± Maldoran pleads with arms around her body, but he is careful to not hurt her since she¡¯s a rather frail woman at heart. A mother with an ill daughter. A woman who hasn¡¯t trained.


    ¡°You have disappointed me, Celyssa. But I¡¯m here now. I¡¯m here to help you get through this. And I¡¯ll ask for a leave from the army to tend to our domain so it can become prosperous again. Would you like that? We¡¯ll be together, while Malinda, Madelyn, and the boy, Xe¡¯Reth, will tend to the army. It¡¯ll give them experience, and give Xe¡¯Reth some exposure to the Honored Ones.¡± He sighs, flowing with his gauntleted hand down his wife¡¯s back, causing her to shiver as her eyes travel to her husband¡¯s azure globes that beam at her.


    ¡°Yes¡­ Yes, I would like that¡­¡± Celyssa responds while coiling her arms around his neck to give him a long and awaited kiss. She puts everything behind that kiss, causing her to give him her tongue.


    After a minute, they unlock while smiling at each other, but Maldoran goes alert, forgetting that Madelyn is waiting on him in the main courtyard, yet remains there to relax his face with a sigh breathing out his worries.


    ¡°Much have happened since you were away¡­¡± Maldoran says, shaking his head to remove any unwanted tiredness, for he must still deal with the moaning lady that awaits him. ¡°Did you know that Madelyn fancies Xe¡¯Reth¡­? She¡­ She tried to commit suicide over it¡­¡±


    ¡°W-What?!¡± This time, Celyssa howls, gaining such frightened eyes for Madelyn¡¯s safety. ¡°Is she all right?! Is she fine?! Tell me everything that has happened!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Out in the main courtyard, Madelyn sits on the stairs that lead up to the giant double doors, wearing her heaviest full plate armor. She¡¯s currently opening and closing her gauntlet, having a rather curious tilt of her head as she gazes at her fingers that rolls up and down, up and down.


    Her two handmaidens stand guard on either side below the stairs, also in their armor of darkness like Madelyn. But they don¡¯t have their bodies turned to their Mistress, for they¡¯ve humiliated her dearly, and she¡¯s punishing them for their uselessness in winning over Taryna.


    A helmet lies beside Madelyn on the granite step because she won¡¯t let anyone witness her reddened cheek when she leaves the Citadel. No more embarrassment will she suffer today, that is what she promised herself. She has already caused enough trouble. And much more trouble will still come when midnight emerges around the corner¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡°What¡¯s taking you so long?! Hurry up for the Divine Queens¡¯ sake! I don¡¯t have all day for your fucking irresponsibility!¡± Madelyn yelled with grinding teeth. She had cleaned up her face of the blood that she gained from Xe¡¯Reth when she bit his neck. It had given her such a burn in her throat, but it was still his blood, so she felt a somewhat joy from injuring him in front of her traitorous sister.


    ¡°Forgive us Mistress for our poor performance¡­¡± Velyn and Verelin said in unison while having their heads low with armor pieces in hand. Ready to fasten them on the bracers that had been put on Madelyn¡¯s body. A leather skeleton to be clothed by the plate in their hands.


    They begin with the heeled sabatons as Madelyn lifts her one foot up, then the other.


    They continue as they fasten the two greave pieces on both sides of her lower legs with hinges closing to keep them in place. If she were to kick with her knee, she might do some damage since it¡¯s a rather sharp edge that points outward.


    Next, the cuisse must be fastened on her upper legs to cover them thoroughly. It¡¯s like the greaves, they tie up her thighs then cover the behinds as the hinges clutch shut.


    She was now covered up to just below her clothed perky butt.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?! Continue!¡± Madelyn barked, slapping the back of Velyn¡¯s head.


    They did continue while an unwanted presence was pleading with knees and head pressing on the square carpet which was the same carpet that Cerinn was on when she experienced Madelyn¡¯s wrath.


    As the twins continued, Madelyn gazed with narrow eyes at the pathetic girl in front of her. Liriana, the head-handmaiden¡¯s daughter. She had returned with tail between her legs. But she, a traitor. She told her father of what Madelyn did to her, and that, that was unforgivable. To betray her own Mistress.


    ¡°What is this rat doing here again¡­?¡± Madelyn asked but got no response from her handmaidens.


    Only Liriana, she had the bravery to speak with her tremoring voice, ¡°P-Please Mistress¡ª¡°


    ¡°Be quiet, swine! You speak when spoken to! Not when you wish to give me your irrelevant drivel,¡± Madelyn yelled, whipping her pointing hand at her. ¡°What is with these sudden traitors that reveal themselves in my wing. Tsk, how could you two let people like them into my service, huh? Tell me, Velyn, Verelin, say your excuse!¡±


    ¡°We have none¡­¡± they answered, continuing with the bulging breastplate that weighed a lot.


    Putting it on their Mistress and fastening it, they prepare to support her if she was to fall down. But she stood there unfazed with glaring eyes directing at Liriana, who shriveled beneath her gaze. Even declared hiccups from her throat as tears began anew.


    ¡°Pleeeease¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Liriana begged while banging her head against the carpet. A begging that yielded nothing but anger from Madelyn.


    With Velyn shutting the hinge of Madelyn¡¯s left pauldron, her Mistress took a step forward, then another as she stomped toward her screaming handmaiden upon hearing those banging footsteps coming closer. And arriving at the pathetic girl, Madelyn bent down to grab Liriana¡¯s neck to lift her up so she stood straight.


    ¡°You are nothing to me anymore, you hear me?! Nothing!¡± Madelyn shouted as she flung Liriana backward so she landed thuddingly on the floor with a cry sounding out. ¡°I''m currently lenient to you, traitor. So leave now and never return to this wing ever again. I want nothing from a person such as you.¡±


    ¡°I would never betray you, Mistress¡­ it was my father who told my mother! I was only there to get my¡­¡± She stopped her voice from continuing since it was Madelyn who gave her this patched up face. ¡°I¡­ I made a mistake! I won¡¯t ever do it again! Please! My mother went too far, I know! She had nothing to do with how you punish me, so, please! I won¡¯t ever go to my father again! I¡¯ll do anything you want!¡±


    ¡°Mmm-hmm, anything I''d like, you say?¡± Madelyn asked with a smile. She so enjoyed this past time of watching the pathetic beg for mercy. It always got her in the mood somehow. The feeling to go into the bedroom to enjoy herself, for her fantasy, know no bound. Even at that moment, the heat in her body was unimaginable as if she could lift a boulder above her head. ¡°Come here, stand in front of me.¡±


    She did as her Mistress commanded. She stood up and paced slowly with a limping body since Madelyn¡¯s sudden urge to change her mind had Liriana in complete fright of what her Mistress would ask of her.


    ¡°Verelin, bring something to write on, and try not to utterly fail in this duty, okay?¡± Madelyn sneered, snapping her fingers. But only a sound of metal against metal resounded, which caused Madelyn to go wide-eyed.


    Madelyn gawked at her own body ¨C almost entirely armored.


    Yet with a shrug of her shoulders, Madelyn dismissed her unexpectant surprise because the little training that she had done finally showed some result was what the Honored Lady thought. For that armor which was on her body was the heaviest in her possession. However, unfazed was Madelyn as she awaited for Verelin to return. Only gazing at the eye-avoiding Liriana, who trembled before her Mistress.


    With Verelin returning, Madelyn ordered her to write down what she had told her to write before Liriana arrived, ¡°Remember what we discussed? Write it down and give it to this traitor. She needs to prove her faithfulness. Otherwise, Liriana, I¡¯ll have these two beat you until you can¡¯t walk again, understand?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mistress!¡± Liriana screamed with her body and soul put on the line. Gaining such a smile even though Madelyn said something so horrible to her. Liriana could be oblivious sometimes, not really right in the head. ¡°I¡¯ll complete this task with my life on the line!¡±


    ¡°Yes, you better put your life on the line because if you fail, you¡¯ll know agony. Even your own mother won¡¯t recognize you when I¡¯m through with you,¡± Madelyn threatened with hands placed on Liriana¡¯s shoulders while grinning in such a perverse way. And with a tap from Verelin, Madelyn snatched the piece of paper and gave it to Liriana. ¡°Steal these items from your father¡¯s house or get them in the City. You have until midnight, or if you can¡¯t attain them, don¡¯t bother returning, for you won¡¯t like what awaits you¡­¡±


    ¡°S-Steal them from¡­papa?¡± Liriana stammered, gawking at Madelyn¡¯s chuckling grin.


    ¡°Or get them in the City,¡± Madelyn said but her hands suddenly glued onto her own cheeks. ¡°But oh no! None of my servants or handmaidens are allowed to leave the Citadel! How can you ever succeed if you won¡¯t steal them from your father¡¯s house?!¡± She lowered her head as if beginning to cry. Yet she started to laugh it off. ¡°Hehehe, but you¡¯ll come up with a way, won¡¯t you Liriana my sweet, sweet traitorous little girl.¡± Madelyn thrust forth her hands to grab Liriana¡¯s head, their faces were so close to each other¡¯s. ¡°Remember, if you fail, I¡¯ll kill you myself. Now off with you!¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­ M-Mistress¡­¡± Liriana dragged herself out of the chamber, and as the doors closed, another took her place ¨C Taryna, who nonchalantly went to stand on the square carpet, right in front of Madelyn while her handmaidens had drawn their swords.


    ¡°Have my sister sent you, wench?¡± Madelyn asked, clicking with her tongue at Taryna¡¯s blatant disregard of formalities. None of Malinda¡¯s handmaidens or servants were allowed to tread inside Madelyn¡¯s wing, for some of the most loyal ones could want Madelyn¡¯s life. ¡°Here to finish the job since I humiliated your Mistress?¡±


    ¡°Humiliated? No, you didn¡¯t do anything like that,¡± Taryna said as she shook her head with a chuckling voice declaring. ¡°It is you who¡¯ve suffered the humiliation, Lady Madelyn, not my Mistress. Wasn¡¯t the one who tried to commit suicide over such an ordinary thing, you, Madelyn?¡±


    Madelyn turned around to go back to where she was, to continue with the clothing of plate upon her slender body.


    ¡°If you¡¯re not here about that, then leave. I¡¯m busy, and I don¡¯t have time for a traitor¡¯s mere servant,¡± Madelyn said with a flick of her wrist as her handmaidens sheathed their swords to pick up where they left off. ¡°Well, wench? Leave¡­ now?¡±


    Taryna considered if she were to really do this act which she was preparing to do, since if it would reach Malinda, Taryna would probably be decommissioned from her service as a handmaiden. But with a knee descending onto the square carpet, Madelyn and her handmaidens went wide-eyed.


    ¡°What if I were to help you break Xe¡¯Reth away from my Mistress, to let you have him instead?¡± Taryna asked, gazing up to witness the gleaming eyes of Madelyn as her mouth raised to form a grin.


    ¡°Well now¡­¡± Madelyn uttered, licking her upper lip in delight. ¡°That would be an excellent idea. But I didn¡¯t think you would betray your Mistress so easily and so quickly¡­ What? Have Xe¡¯Reth taken your love away from you, huh?¡±


    Taryna¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°W-What, it¡¯s true¡­?¡± Madelyn startled herself as she began to laugh uncontrollably. ¡°Hahahaha! You actually love that traitorous whore as a woman, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I love her, but only a love for her Mistress, like any other handmaiden,¡± Taryna answered, switching her gaze to Velyn and Verelin, who turned to stare at each other. With nodding heads, they understood what kind of love she was talking about.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ Pity, I could¡¯ve used it against you¡­ But anyhow!¡± Madelyn shouted loudly to get the attention of the three handmaidens. ¡°What can you offer me?!¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I was listening in on your conversation that you had with Liriana. You ordered her to steal or buy some merchandise? Care to tell me what you¡¯re planning to do¡­?¡± Taryna inquired with a raised eyebrow and with open palms directing outward as she stood up.


    ¡°You heard huh?¡± Madelyn asked with pursing lips while her tongue rimmed her upper teeth. Could she use this wench somehow in her upcoming plan? Yes. ¡®I will need my sister¡¯s wing cleared of any servants¡­ and handmaidens. Yes¡­ she can arrange that¡­ At midnight I strike¡­¡¯ Madelyn gained an even more upward curve on her reddened cheek. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll have you aid me¡­¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Mistress¡­ how do you feel? Is the armor weighing too much?¡± Velyn asks with a turning upper body to catch Madelyn¡¯s daydreaming gaze while the smile on her lips tells of what they¡¯ve agreed upon. Now she just needs to wait for Liriana to do her part since she knows her father¡¯s and mother¡¯s house all too well to acquire the necessities for tonight. ¡°Mistress¡­?¡±


    ¡°Hm? What?¡± Madelyn flickers with her eyes as she breaks from her longing thoughts.


    ¡°Is the armor weighing too much for you? We could ease the load if we were to remove some pieces ¨C like those pauldrons¡­ They¡¯re un¡ª¡°


    With a frown from Madelyn, Velyn shuts her mouth.


    ¡°Are you telling me that I¡¯m weak¡­? Well, are you?!¡± Madelyn shouts while standing up, throwing out viperous gazes at her retreating handmaiden. ¡°Look!¡± Madelyn bends her knees to jump forward, down beneath the foot of the stairs to land right between her handmaidens, which startlingly tries to catch her, but with her heeled sabatons crashing onto the cobble, they gawk at her.


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    ¡°M-Mistress¡­¡± both of them says, being absolutely stunned by her performance of strength.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been training in secret!¡± Velyn shouts in joy, clutching her hands together under her chin.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us? And when did you have time to do that?¡± Verelin asks as her whole face is beaming at Madelyn.


    ¡°I¡­ Uhm¡­ Well¡­¡± Madelyn mutters while confusion hits her hard. Why are they so surprised by her just jumping down? The armor weighs nothing. She isn¡¯t fazed by it at all. She too doesn¡¯t know why she has gotten this sudden life in her. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve been training at¡­ at night¡­ Yes, at night. Did I surprise you two?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± they shout in happiness, moving closer to show their awe of proudness to their Mistress. But a lie is a lie. Madelyn couldn¡¯t respond with anything else, for why does she have this sudden life in her? ¡°Next time you must let us show you how to train correctly, otherwise, you might strain yourself.¡±


    ¡°Wah¡­? Well¡­ alright¡­¡± Madelyn sighs out, not being prepared for this backlash. To actually start to train. ¡®Ugh, I shouldn¡¯t have said anything¡­ I¡¯m just letting them get too full of themselves.¡¯


    The three of them stand there on the cobble, one holding her helmet between her arms, the other two, ready for combat. They¡¯ll protect their Mistress with their life as always, but from the southwest comes Maldoran galloping with his stallion that has been fitted again with its horse armor, while three riders follow him.


    Stablekeepers, for Maldoran obviously can¡¯t bring those animals along all by himself.


    ¡°Hooo!¡± Maldoran roars while pulling the reins, coming upon the three armored maidens as he goes wide-eyed at Madelyn¡¯s stone-cold gaze, for her stance, impeccable with arms crossed and legs spread. She has waited here for far too long. And she would like to hear his excuse for making her wait in this sunny weather. ¡°This is the second time I¡¯ve seen you in that armor Madelyn, my dear. And I have to say, I didn¡¯t think you would be able to wear it because of its weight. Since last time¡­ well, you know.¡±


    ¡°Well, I can! Happy now?! And where in the Divine Queens names have you been?!¡± Madelyn yells, turning her head to the side while pouting with her lips like the spoiled girl that she is.


    ¡°Seize your filthy tongue!¡± Maldoran booms as he dismounts from his stallion to land on the cobble with a bang then stomps to stand right in front of his little sister to inspect her armor more closely. And with a finger thrusting forth to tap on her shoulder rather hard, she stands firm, taking that finger unfazed.


    That causes Maldoran to go even more wide-eyed. But he bursts into a chuckle, ¡°You wear that armor well. It suits you.¡± He treads to Madelyn¡¯s side as he puts his plated arm around her shoulders. ¡°Come, let¡¯s leave for the training grounds!¡±


    ¡°What have gotten you in such a good mood?¡± Madelyn whines, shrugging her shoulders because he acts as if nothing happened between her, Xe¡¯Reth, Malinda and him.


    ¡°Nothing, nothing!¡± Maldoran rattles Madelyn in a tease. ¡°Come, ladies, your horses have been fetched!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Xe¡¯Reth, he had taught Annettria and the servants who had come to make their introductions to their new Master, servants of ages ranging from twenty and upwards.


    They first watched with glued eyes at every little detail that Xe¡¯Reth performed using the various ingredients to make his mother¡¯s mixture. And after they tried and failed, they finally were able to make it sufficient enough for his mother.


    Sure, ingredients were wasted, but Xe¡¯Reth wanted his mother tended to with such conviction, which Annettria oversaw with eyes so critical of any mistakes because if something were to happen to his mother, both Xe¡¯Reth and Maldoran wouldn¡¯t spare the guilty one.


    After Xe¡¯Reth and Annettria had spoken with each other long enough to see to it that everything was in order, Xe¡¯Reth returned to Malinda¡¯s chamber, to watch over the beauty of his life¡­


    ¡­


    Sitting at the bedside with lower legs dangling, Xe¡¯Reth has a turned torso while exhaling in exhaustion. He would also like to fall asleep, but his restlessness will not allow it. Xe¡¯Reth must keep his mind busy. Otherwise, he will become insane from this peace. The peace that Malinda is currently experiencing in her sleep. She has almost no clothes on, only her underwear which reveal much of her flawless skin complexion, making Xe¡¯Reth, trace his hand on her exposed thigh.


    Smooth and so warm.


    ¡®She knows how to sleep at least whenever she wants, and so deep too. Though from all her crying and the sight of Madelyn trying something so foolish, it isn¡¯t a surprise that her mind is tired,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth squints while giving her a smile, liking the sight of her body.


    Fully exposed for a ravaging night, but with a chuckle, he climbs on the bed to join her, to lie next to her as he positions her sideways, to press his chest against her back and to coil his arms around her waist to pull his crotch against her buttocks. He''s rather daring with handling Malinda how he wishes, but, with eyes closing, he too slumbers away the remainder of the day¡­ Well, for a couple of minutes at least.


    The scent of Malinda, so intense, so enjoyable that Xe¡¯Reth falls into his sleep immediately¡­


    His clothes, removed, only his black underwear remain. They sleep with no cover on, though, the warmness exuding from both of them, keeps them heated. Especially from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body, since the healing of his neck wound does raise his temperature in his body by a degree or two.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    A shuddering gasp and wide eyes of horror are what Malinda awakens to.


    Her body is drenched in sweat, her breath accelerates in and out quickly. Her hands gripping onto her sheets as she shivers. A shiver of terror. She had the same dream, exactly the same; surrounded by her slain enemies; she drowning in blood; the dark entity pulling her out of the crimson water. A being that just might be Xe¡¯Reth somehow.


    With her shaking, she starts to cry as she wraps her cover around her whole body, only her head is visible. However, the drapes that hide the bed area have been shut. It illuminates a soft and gentle light. Multiple lights even.


    Flickering her eyes in curiosity and wiping away her tears, she crawls to the foot of the bed, then puts her slender legs over the side as she heaves herself forward. Her strength is as formidable as ever.


    With one hand going between the crack of the crimson drapes, she drags it to the side to reveal an opened door, candles spread around the room and a table filled with drinks.


    The balcony shines in the darkness of the two moons, and Xe¡¯Reth sits casually as he reads a thick book, lounging on a chair, the same chair with the same small table beside it which Malinda sat on when she returned from getting the confession from Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°X-Xe¡¯Reth¡­?¡± Malinda asks quietly, almost sniveling from her flow of tears.


    With a poof, the book closes and Xe¡¯Reth turns his attention to his beauty, ¡°Had another nightmare?¡±


    She nods, lowering her gaze and head while she pouts her lips to get his attention more, which Xe¡¯Reth responds with by putting the book on the table as he stretches out his arms for her to come to.


    Malinda hurries with tiny but quick steps to get into his embrace.


    As her butt lands on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s lap in a sideways position, she lets go of her cover to coil around his shoulders to give him a hug and a peck on his lips, while Xe¡¯Reth only chuckles, for her body is widely exposed. But she doesn¡¯t care, he has seen her before, even naked.


    ¡°Let me stay like this for a couple of minutes, okay?¡± Malinda says with their lips unlocking, rubbing her cheek against his to gain her strength of the mind back.


    Xe¡¯Reth squeezes her against him as her bosoms press, making him kiss her cheek in arousal.


    He has held himself back from his urges for when she wakes up, and now, he wants to spoil her until she reaches the Divine Sky in bliss. She must get addicted to him more than she already is. So much so that she can¡¯t spend one night away from him.


    Feeling that wet sensation on her cheek, she goes in with closed eyes seeking his mouth. And with Xe¡¯Reth taking the initiative, his tongue finds her forbidden fruit that slumbers in her own opening. Since the chair is relatively large, she switches her position while not removing her mouth from his as she lifts her leg over to sit with knees hitting the backrest¡¯s bottom.


    It becomes rather steamy with Malinda making sucking noises because she¡¯s kind of new to all this kissing after all. She needs more practice to make their mouths sound less, but the noise is somewhat arousing for Xe¡¯Reth. It causes him to grip her butt on either side with both hands, pulling her untouched flower closer to his private part. But it breaks off their kiss abruptly as she gazes down with flustering air escaping from her rose petals.


    ¡°N-Now¡­?¡± Malinda asks, being in total anxiety. She thought she ready, but waking up has made her rethink. Also, what happened with Madelyn, has her in a sorrowful mood. Can she truly take Xe¡¯Reth away from her? Her face grimaces while her lips start to shake. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Xe¡¯Reth¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have¡­¡± She averts her head with downcast eyes. ¡°I¡¯m worried about Madelyn¡­ She will hate me forever for what I¡¯ve done to her¡­¡±


    ¡°And what have you done¡­? Did you steal me away from her? No, you did not. Even if she were to confess, I wouldn¡¯t have accepted her. For¡­ For she isn¡¯t someone that I can love. It¡¯s a love that can¡¯t be matched by my love for you Malinda. She is nothing to me, and you are everything to me, only you,¡± Xe¡¯Reth drags back Malinda¡¯s eyes to stare straight into his, which are so gentle to her sight. ¡°Malinda, it has gone many hours, and much have happened while you were sleeping.¡±


    ¡°W-What has happened?¡±


    ¡°Well, Tanya and Cerinn have returned. They¡¯re at the moment tending to their own duties since you were sleeping. But I had sent Tanya out on another errand to demand that the bear cubs shall be turned over to you because you felt sorry for them. You want to give them a better life than a life of captivity, which I said to Tanya. I¡¯ll handle those bears myself, of course. However, they¡¯ll arrive tomorrow. The Inquisitor sends her most esteemed regards,¡± Xe¡¯Reth explains with a chuckle. ¡°It seems that the Inquisitor was in a bright mood to feel generous. She¡¯s giving the bear cubs for free, telling Tanya to inform you that it¡¯s for her not being there in person to greet you.¡±


    ¡°While on the other hand, Maldoran and everybody else has returned. Recina and Taryna are in their own offices, I think. Though I heard from Recina when she came to check up on you, that your sister passed out from exhaustion right in front of the entire army. Nasty business since she was wearing armor that was way too heavy for her to wear.¡± Xe¡¯Reth shakes his head in pity but also with a slight curve on his one cheek.


    ¡°Is¡­ Is she alright?¡± Malinda asks with an opened mouth while her flickering eyes display her worry.


    ¡°Oh, yeah ¨C she¡¯s absolutely fine. Must¡¯ve been too much sun,¡± Xe¡¯Reth comforts Malinda with his hand tucking hair strands behind her ear. ¡°And the Sanctuary has kind of calmed down is what Annettria told me... Those little girls can be feisty. Wanting Madelyn hurt. Whew, they¡¯re indeed little beasts. But she also said that it will probably become worse when night time arrives. They think the younglings will try something because they stopped all of a sudden as if a little leader was ordering them around...¡±


    ¡°Thank the Goddesses¡­¡± Malinda exhales in relief. A phrase that everyone uses in the Kingdom. Or more like different versions to praise the former Queens and current. Malinda doesn¡¯t believe in them, though, throwing out such words isn¡¯t anything special, which Xe¡¯Reth chuckles at. ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t believe in such nonsense¡­¡±


    ¡°It-It¡¯s just a saying¡­¡± Malinda too chuckles while slapping his dark-clothed chest in a tease. Though she returns to her sullen self immediately. ¡°H-Have anything else happened?¡±


    ¡°Recina was furious at Madelyn after I told her¡­ For it seems that your brother didn¡¯t tell her anything¡­ While he and the army have cleansed the city guard from the filth. Almost half of the city guard was sent to prison. Even the Inquisitor was generous enough to take over all of the procedures of convicting them to their punishments,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with a victorious smile on his lips. He¡¯s rather pleased by Maldoran¡¯s effectiveness.


    Only a few words caused all this, words that should¡¯ve been said long ago. ¡°Maldoran had come by to check up on you, but I told him to let you rest your worries away. We had sat down and talked about a couple of important things regarding the City. He and Celyssa will now handle it together, instead of letting Celyssa being in charge alone, for she did indeed let the criminals run about the City without batting an eye at it, knowingly.¡±


    ¡°I knew it! She was so defensive about that topic! I knew it!¡± Malinda shouts with a turned head to not yell straight at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s face. Her frown and clenching teeth cause her to get off Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s lap, throwing the cover to the side as she stomps to the middle of the room, being only in her underwear; laced bra and panties of scarlet color. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, don¡¯t just sit there in awe! Come, let us drink! I need to unwind! And what better way than to drink my sorrows away?!¡±


    ¡°Heh, as my beautiful Honored Lady commands of me,¡± Xe¡¯Reth rises from his seat, to tread with black shoes on the floor, going closer and closer to the smiling Malinda, who has uncorked the wine bottle.


    Turning her head to the grandfather clock, Malinda¡¯s eyes widen at the late hour. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, have you been awake all this time?¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth shrugs his shoulders, arriving next to his alluring lady, ¡°I climbed in bed for about fifteen minutes. Other than that, yes, I¡¯ve been awake.¡±


    ¡°What have you been doing then?¡± Malinda asks while pouring the wine glass to the brim.


    ¡°Talking to your brother, Recina for a bit, Tanya, Cerinn, some servants who arranged all this,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with his eyes gazing around the room. It has been beautified for Malinda¡¯s and Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s true union, which he can¡¯t wait for. But he patiently remains calm. ¡°And I¡¯ve read a couple of books about Honored and noble households since I thought it would be necessary to know all of them when the time comes to meet such people. Plus, I¡¯ve read the whole Tertin Dynasty. I didn¡¯t know you had a magician in the family.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you mean great aunt¡­?¡± Malinda asks while flickering her eyelids. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her since¡­ Yes, my parents funeral. Did you know, she can read people¡¯s futures? That¡¯s why she doesn¡¯t have any time to return home. She is always busy by the order of the Royal Family to look into people''s futures¡­ She¡¯s highly sought out for, and she brings in so much coinage to the family. She even sends her pay to the Citadel every month¡­ I kind of miss her¡­¡±


    ¡°She can read the future huh¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth responds, exhaling in relief since magicians only focus on their innate powers. Because it would take them so much time to learn other people''s gifts. It can be of the littlest to the biggest. Conjuring fire from thin air, drawing water to sate one¡¯s thirst. But the words from Those Who Came Before¡­ the words are the component to everything.


    Without them, magic is useless.


    ¡°Yes! She can now look almost one year into the future. Isn¡¯t that fascinating?¡± Malinda says with a smile. So proud of her aunt, for she would always give Malinda her time whenever she was in the Citadel. ¡°If oneself dedicates to a single goal, even the impossible becomes possible. Is what she told me at least. Because I stopped training when my parents died. She wanted to cheer me up. And, I knew what would happen before it even happened. For a year at least.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s on her way here now is what I¡¯ve been told¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, taking the wine glass out of Malinda¡¯s stunned hand.


    ¡°R-Really?!¡± Malinda shouts, her eyes and mouth going wide open to display her absolute joy. ¡°When, Xe¡¯Reth?! When is she returning?!¡±


    ¡°In a couple of days¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth answers while bringing the edge to his mouth. With a taste, he gains a smile. ¡®Lucky me that I can enjoy such luxury without getting drunk.¡¯


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth!¡± Malinda yells out loud unexpectantly, startling Xe¡¯Reth as he coughs, ¡°Cough, cough¡­ W-What?¡±


    ¡°You shall ravage me!¡±


    ¡°Pfft,¡± Xe¡¯Reth stains the floor with wine as he says with a chuckling voice, ¡°Heh, a-are you sure about that¡­? Thought you were having second thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me remember my sister at this moment, Xe¡¯Reth! Focus only on me and you now, okay?¡± Malinda scoffs with a waving hand while holding her swirling wine glass in the other. ¡°Though¡­ let us drink some more before we begin¡­ And Xe¡¯Reth, should I maybe take a bath before we start?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get sweaty anyways, so why bother? I¡¯m rather eager to ravage you, as you said,¡± Xe¡¯Reth steps closer, giving her a deep kiss.


    But his eyes sharpen, unlocking their lips as he turns to the opened door.


    ¡°It¡¯s your own fault Cerinn for not knowing Annettria¡¯s status. You got what you deserved,¡± Tanya scolds as she enters the room while carrying a large basket filled with clothes while Cerinn, who seems dead inside moves with sluggish movements behind the bun-haired handmaiden. But Tanya¡¯s eyes grow wide at witnessing Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda standing beside each other. One clothed, the other, almost naked. ¡°M-Miss! You¡¯re finally awake!¡±


    ¡°T-Tanya¡­ have you heard what happened¡­?¡± Malinda asks as her whole mind descends into sorrow. Which snaps her trusty handmaiden into action; she puts down her basket to run to her Miss, to give her a hug.


    ¡°I heard, I heard¡­ Don¡¯t worry, everything will be all right,¡± Tanya comforts as both their bosoms press at each other. ¡°I can¡¯t believe what I heard¡­ But from all of this¡­ It can only be true.¡±


    ¡°Madelyn will hate me forever¡­¡± Malinda whines, hugging tighter onto Tanya.


    ¡°She will forgive you, in time. You just need to give her time, that¡¯s all,¡± Tanya says while patting her head. For someone so young, she has such a warm ambiance about her. Perfect for child caring. But she¡¯s also too trusting of people. That can be troublesome sometimes.


    ¡°Yes, time¡­¡± Malinda inhales a breath, then exhales as she stops her hugging, to smile at her handmaiden¡¯s calming effect. ¡°Tanya¡­ Xe¡¯Reth and I will soon conjoin. I would like you to remain in the room. Also, summon your sister, but no need to bother Recina. And you too little girl. All of you better get used to this sooner than later. Though of course, the drapes will be shut.¡±


    ¡°A-Are you certain¡­?¡± Tanya responds with a rather conflicted expression of a moving mouth side to side and lowered eyebrows. ¡°Don¡¯t you want¡ª¡°


    ¡°¡ªI know, it isn¡¯t something enjoyable for you. But I''d like you close by if something were to happen,¡± Malinda interrupts, putting her one hand on Tanya¡¯s shoulder while giving her such concerned eyes. ¡°So go fetch Taryna, now. I want everything to be ready and absolutely perfect. And well, the rest is up to Xe''Reth, right honey?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, I¡¯ll ravage her to the Divine S¡ª¡°


    ¡°¡ªXe¡¯Reth!¡± Malinda gawks with mouth ajar.


    Xe¡¯Reth grins while chuckling, taking a sip of his wine as he goes to sit back down on his chair to continue reading the thick book. Malinda will do what she needs to prepare herself for the time of her life. She only gives him a puff of air escaping from her mouth but smiles at him with a tongue licking her lower lip.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Everything is prepared in the chamber.


    The soft candles lighting on either side of the bedside tables, the various oils to ease the conjoining, the three obedient handmaidens sitting by the table, and the tipsy Malinda, who¡¯s clinging to Xe¡¯Reth.


    She gives him kiss after kiss. Malinda was afraid to experience having him inside her, so she drunk too much too quickly, yet not enough for the sickness to come. Just enough for her mind to travel to the Divine Sky, being completely willing for anything Xe¡¯Reth has in mind.


    She might remember this night, she might not. But she wouldn¡¯t really care to remember her first time since it¡¯ll be so embarrassing for both of them, hence her sudden lust for drinking. To experience next time with a slightly practiced lover. The training dummy, herself, while Xe¡¯Reth, he will enjoy himself thoroughly.


    ¡°Hehehe¡­ Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda giggles, removing his clothes one by one as they move up the few stairs to be situated beside the bed. She¡¯s completely naked with muddled eyes blinking irregularly. Her breath, like a wild beast in heat. She is the first to climb onto the bed as she lies on her back right in the middle while puffing the pillows under her head. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­!¡± she moans loudly in bliss, ¡°Come here¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m ready for a ravaging!¡±


    But before he climbs on the bed, Xe¡¯Reth drags the drapes to cover the sleeping area of the room, yet right as both sides shut close, he catches a glimpse of Taryna¡¯s eyes of complete horror. She¡¯ll hear her loved one being taken from her, and she can¡¯t do anything about it but to obey and sit quietly.


    Shutting the drapes, Xe¡¯Reth grimaces as he exhales. But he closes off his emotions from Taryna¡¯s saddened guise, removing the rest of his clothes as Malinda has begun to browse the oils on the bedside table where the lights illuminate shadows upon the drapes, showing their exact movements to the handmaidens.


    Lying back down, Malinda smears her private part, even her breasts with oil. She pleasures herself, waiting for Xe¡¯Reth to arrive above her. Her moaning start first. Such a long time since she masturbated. Always locking away to keep such unwanted activities at bay. However, now she can enjoy what she wants, whenever she wants, with Xe¡¯Reth.


    As the bed moves from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s weight, he crawls to oil his own private part up, to coat it thoroughly. But he doesn¡¯t go in just yet. He looms above Malinda as she gazes up with cloudy eyes of ecstasy. She sticks out her tongue which Xe¡¯Reth gulps up.


    Their kissing advances to a much higher level.


    His hand caresses her vagina, not her own hand this time. He pleasures her, and she continues to drown in his kisses. But Malinda, her hand slowly descends to touch that which is lying above her womb, his cock. She gasps as she holds it in her hand, making their lips break off. And with their eyes staring at each other¡¯s, Xe¡¯Reth asks, ¡°Are you ready, Malinda?¡±


    She spasms her head up and down, letting go to move both of her hands over her mouth to prepare for a scream which she expects to come. Her body shivers as Xe¡¯Reth removes his two fingers from within, being thoroughly soaked by her love juices.


    Giving Xe¡¯Reth the go ahead with a last reluctant nod, he flows his arms around her legs to make them ascend up and then down, positioning Xe¡¯Reth above her. Because of her training, she¡¯s as agile as ever.


    Her ankles are on either of his shoulders and with him giving her a smile, he commits.


    Slowly, he breaks into Malinda as she tenses up completely, which will cause her to experience more pain. But Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t stop even as he witnesses Malinda¡¯s eyes tearing up the further he goes. She begins to whimper out a cry, a cry of pain. Never had Malinda thought it would be this excruciating. Yet, she doesn¡¯t refuse Xe¡¯Reth. No stopping, only advancing awaits them.


    She clenches her fists and teeth and curls her toes, while Xe¡¯Reth hasn¡¯t even gotten halfway in yet.


    Malinda is bleeding surprisingly. Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t think she would because of her age, yet he¡¯s thankful for her purity of mind and body. To think she has avoided men until now. Xe¡¯Reth can only be happy to gain such earnest love from a woman that isn¡¯t worthy of being used, for his love is fake, yet her love is true.


    He¡¯s scum for letting it go this far, but as long as he can keep her from finding out his real emotions, why would it matter? As long as she is happy, nothing else is of importance.


    With her hands coiling and locking together around Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s neck, her crying becomes clear as day. Rather painful to the ear, but Xe¡¯Reth continues since Malinda is too alluring even if she cries.


    A cry of both pain and bliss because she can finally be free from her self-imprisonment.


    Her breathing speeds up until she¡¯s panting with tongue slightly out, causes Xe¡¯Reth to thrust forth, to finally hit the deepest part of her body ¨C the opening to her womb. Such a loud gasp escapes from Malinda as her strength drains from her whole body, only her locked fingers that are behind his neck remain, not even caring if she ruins the patched up wound, which has already healed.


    ¡°Hang in there my beauty, for we¡¯ve only just started,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he kisses her panting mouth, making her stick out her tongue for him to gulp down. But from a sudden movement from within, Xe¡¯Reth backs out while Malinda shivers as her insides burn with his heat. ¡°Now, let us begin. Are you ready, my love?¡±


    ¡°Xe-Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda whines in pain, beginning to cry again, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m ready¡­¡± She inhales a shuddering breath, then exhales, ¡°Go ahead¡­¡±


    However, another cry resonates in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s ears. A whimpering beyond the drapes.


    ¡°Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh,¡± Tanya shushes quietly as she strokes her sister¡¯s head on her lap. Taryna has fallen off of her chair to sit on the floor with arms around Tanya¡¯s waist. ¡°Everything will be all right, sister. Be strong, it¡¯ll be over before you know it¡­ so be resolute, you hear me?¡±


    But as Malinda¡¯s screaming moans declare one after the other, Taryna tightens around her sister, whimpering out her sniveling voice, ¡°M-Make it¡­ s-stop¡­ Please, make it stop¡­¡±


    While on the other hand, Cerinn watches the moving shadow of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s back with an ajar mouth and blinking eyes. She¡¯s actually enjoying the show in a rather perverse way while sipping her poured wine glass.


    To actually witness and hear a mere commoner besting an Honored One. It¡¯s too good of a show to miss. Though Cerinn frowns at all the crying coming from Taryna. Here she sits trying to enjoy something, and she¡¯s crying? Cerinn can only roll her eyes in annoyance.


    Tanya, however, can only sit and comfort her sister from her pains of hearing her loved one being with another than her. Yet, the pure hatred in Taryna¡¯s eyes ooze more and more loathe for Xe¡¯Reth. She wants him dead, she wants him cut up into pieces and fed to the pigs.


    For now, she waits, until midnight arises¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    The sexy time will continue next chapter! Thanks for reading!


    Mmm-hmm, wonder what gave Madelyn such momentary stamina... *wink*


    This is the longest chapter yet, I think, so I had trouble putting it out in time. Though hopefully I didn''t mess up the sexy time. xD A maiden who''s strong yet falters under inexperienced territory. While Xe''Reth on the other hand, has had plenty of sexy time.


    And happy 40th chapter readers! Let''s hope for more to come! :D


    Though, what Madelyn''s planning will kind of bring a whole other storm entirely. Whew.


    Remember to share your thoughts! :)


    Until... next time.


    <hr />


    Follow/Favorite/Rep/Review to give support.


    <hr />

 41 - The Unforeseen Midnight - Rewritten!

    <hr />


    I''m back! But beware, this rewrite is the longest chapter yet. 11k words. Enjoy!


    <hr />


    The Unforeseen Midnight


    <hr />


    The unshackling of Malinda¡¯s self-imprisonment has continued for an hour since Xe¡¯Reth heard Taryna¡¯s cry. A cry that has now silenced itself, for Taryna sits on her own chair next to her sister, but their seats are so close that she has her head on Tanya¡¯s shoulder. Her eyes are shut and hands cover her ears from the moans and pants that resound from her Mistress¡¯s mouth.


    However, not only the sisters and Cerinn remains seated by the table. Even Annettria have joined them ¨C Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s newly appointed handmaiden. Hence Taryna¡¯s end of tears because Annettria has heard of what she threatened Xe¡¯Reth with, which she can just use as more proof of what she really is ¨C a handmaiden of betrayal. She fell in love with her Mistress, an unforgivable emotion that she shouldn¡¯t have, especially for a handmaiden.


    For servants, it¡¯s slightly different since they should love and support their benefactors with their all.


    Because Taryna kept her love for Malinda a secret, it has only worsened the outcome if she were to reveal it. So many years have gone by, but not a word of such feelings have been spoken. Only kept it in the dark.


    If Malinda would¡¯ve known of Taryna¡¯s love, would she show herself naked to her when bathing, changing in front of her? Because she has been seen by Taryna too many times to count. Were her eyes secretly lustful for her? Was she thinking of forbidden acts involving her? She has, and will continue to do so for as long as she loves her Mistress. But a blow so menacing has hit her.


    A blow from Ereanna and Annettria.


    Taryna could¡¯ve stopped their conjoining, yet through Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s word-spilling mouth, she has suffered defeat. A loss that has given her no other option but to do something so unforgivable that she just wants to hit herself until she reaches the Divine Sky. An option that involves Madelyn, which she will aid.


    All the servants have indeed been let off duty for tonight, even the Battle-Maidens who roam will not be allowed entrance into Malinda¡¯s wing. The whole second floor even. Everything will be set for the coming of midnight that¡¯s approaching in two hours.


    ¡°Young lady, who gave you permission to drink wine¡­? I didn¡¯t, neither did the boy,¡± Annettria whispers to not bother the moving couple behind the drapes. She¡¯s having Cerinn¡¯s pouting head in her grasp, while Cerinn¡¯s eyes are unresponsive, only her hands flap about trying to make Annettria let go of her, yet keeps her voice down unknowingly.


    ¡®The whole bottle¡­! She drank a whole bottle by herself¡­ This little girl is a disturbing one. She did try to show her superior rank to the servants and to me when she came back.¡¯ Annettria gives Cerinn a gentle smile, letting go of her in the process. ¡®But she¡¯s a coward, that¡¯s for sure. Just a little lamb among bloodthirsty wolves. I¡¯ll have to train her thoroughly to be someone worthy of being a handmaiden. She lacks a lot.¡¯


    Even Tanya is holding herself back from Annettria¡¯s presence. She wanted to speak up about her newly gained rank, but Tanya knows better than to talk back to someone like her, for Annettria is indeed the only successor that Ereanna considers to be worthy.


    She has a lot of power inside the Sanctuary, but outside of it, Annettria has none, or at least she didn¡¯t have. Yet now that she has positioned herself as a handmaiden, she can decide important events involving Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s and Malinda¡¯s future with all the others.


    Because when Malinda and Xe¡¯Reth gets married, their handmaidens will band together to form a greater circle, which will become even bigger when children come into play. New servants, new handmaidens will be welcomed into the circle. Which¡¯s why Annettria wanted to be a handmaiden to Xe¡¯Reth. It¡¯s all about the future of the Tertin dynasty.


    It¡¯s a family that saved Annettria from being killed. Or more precise, Matilda Tertin saved her from the gallows.


    Matilda had heard the news of Annettria¡¯s betrayal to the Kingdom. A betrayal that was false, for plotters aimed for her life, because her position in the spying organization belonging to the Ebon Wall was a pillar of shadow.


    She was a person of rank. She had a life before joining this household, a family. But betrayed she was, by her very own subordinates who worked for another that sought her removal. And what better way than accuse her of treason to the Slave Kingdom? Because she had ventured out many times beyond the Forest of Scarlet, to spy on the enemy movements.


    When she was sentenced, she gave up all hope since even the proof of her treason was faultless. Witnesses of people seeing her leave through the Ebon Wall¡¯s passages and papers in a foreign language in her office. All her life she gave her body and soul to the Kingdom, and what did it give in return?


    Nothing but a family who turned their backs on her when they heard of the accusations.


    But, upon being transferred to the Capital where all traitors were sent to get their due, her DLO carriage was beset by shadows. Shadows that knocked every agent to sleep. Even she was put to slumber, only to wake up in another cell, yet a cell it was not.


    It was a small sleeping quarter.


    The expensive fabric covering the bed; her clothes, changed to something more comfortable, almost like the robes that initiates of the Divine Queens wear; and her shackles, removed. Only bruise marks around her wrists and ankles remained.


    She had gathered her courage to venture beyond the steel framed wooden door which had been left slightly opened, yet no fright clouded her mind. Just pushing forth to accept whatever awaited her beyond the flickering crack.


    She took her first step into a corridor of carved stone and caged torches lighting the place up on every wall beside every door. So many of them, so many lights, but a woman was indeed outside to greet her with only a nod of her head, then began walking down the hallway, treading on a crimson carpet.


    She followed with mistrustful eyes, scanning the area as she walked with new shoes on; no windows, nothing to indicate what time it was, but she trailed behind the woman until they finally arrived at their destination; a large hall with ornamented statues riddling by the walls.


    She caught the engraved nameplate on one of the pedestals. What took her by complete surprise ¨C the last name.


    Tertin.


    Though with a snap of the woman¡¯s fingers, her attention switched to gawk at the two women in front of her. One in her middle years, the other, slightly older. However, she knew who was standing there with a caring smile on her lips upon witnessing Annettria with her newly fitted attire.


    Matilda Tertin, who Annettria would swear her undying loyalty to¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reeeth¡­ How long do I¡­ do I need to be in this position¡­ Aren¡¯t we finally finished?¡± Malinda moans while Xe¡¯Reth is still inside her. He has recently planted his seeds, which has made him put a pillow under her pelvis to make his sperm have its greatest effect by remaining in such a stance. ¡°It¡­ it¡ªMmm!¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth leans forward to kiss her, to make Malinda shut up because he needs to impregnate her immediately. He doesn¡¯t care if it¡¯s a boy or a girl. As long as he gets a child in her, he can breathe easier. But it all depends on what cycle of the month she¡¯s in.


    Unlocking their lips, he comforts, ¡°Malinda, you¡¯ve been absolutely fantastic. You¡¯re a Goddess. For our first time, we did go a little overboard. But I¡¯m glad that I could make you enjoy this night, even though you¡¯re under the influence.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re also fantastic Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda says with a blush while licking her lips off of his saliva.


    She and Xe¡¯Reth has been doing all kinds of positions, but this one is the same as when they first started, though, without the pillow raising her pelvis. With a slight move from the looming Xe¡¯Reth, she shivers in pleasure, gaining a face of ecstasy. ¡°Ah-ah¡­¡±


    ¡°You were tight, and you tensed up in the beginning. Though after a while, you did relax to take me in fully,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he caresses her breasts, even biting them softly to make her moan some more. ¡°Heh. But now, you and I have finally become true lovers ¨C true partners in life. And I would like to ask you a question: You do know what might happen now that I¡¯ve released inside, right?¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Malinda nods, giving Xe¡¯Reth a gentle smile while her hands drag Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s head to plant his lips on hers again. She so enjoys the taste of his saliva. It¡¯s an addictive scent, causing her mind to go into a trance. ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I want to be like my mother¡­ She never did like seeing me in armor. It was my father who convinced her to let me become a warrior of the Ebon Wall with my brother. Yet, I know my duty as¡­ as¡­ as an heir to Tertinum. That duty is to keep the line safe¡­ by producing children¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, and that you will do, my sweet, beautiful Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, wiping away a tear from Malinda¡¯s eye with his thumb. He descends upon her, embracing her entirely with his bigger build of a man whose muscles are ripped, and so smooth and soft to one¡¯s touch when he isn¡¯t flexing. ¡°As I said before¡­ you¡¯ll be even greater than your mother. A goddess among people, spreading your kindness to all. And the first you gained as a worshiper ¨C me. I¡¯ll stand by whatever decision you make. So please don¡¯t cry, it only saddens me to see you in tears.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Malinda nods again while smiling with closed eyes and arms around his bare back.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to pull out now, so be ready. But don¡¯t move from this position just yet, alright?¡± Xe¡¯Reth confirms, raising to loom above her once more.


    She has had a ravaging night.


    A night not many girls would manage. But as she¡¯s a woman who¡¯s much older and stronger than the regular coming of age girls, she could handle it all. Nevertheless, most girls save themselves for their wedding day to appease the Goddesses. Rather everyone keeps themselves pure, even the men, to not gain the ire from the priestesses because excluding Honored Ones, regular nobles and commoners must gain permission from the Divine Queens before they are allowed to perform their ceremony.


    Having a child while not being married is sacrilege. It can give them the ire from the priestesses that regulates everything. People have even left their Cities if such anger was directed toward them by their Holinesses.


    Some are like Malinda, not having the time or the perseverance to wait for their day of sanctity.


    Xe¡¯Reth was rather surprised by her willingness to comply with every single act that he has done to her. Yet more acts of pleasure will still be done in the coming days ahead. He¡¯ll ravage her every night until she doesn''t want to get out of bed.


    With Malinda clenching her teeth to show a shuddering grin of delight, Xe¡¯Reth removes himself from within. Even Malinda¡¯s legs spread in reflex as her stomach moves up and down in a somewhat relaxing motion.


    Her hands travel to her stomach as the warmth of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s seeds keep her in the clouds since she¡¯s still very intoxicated from the wine. But her breathing accelerates as her eyes stare straight up into the ceiling.


    With her lids gradually closing, darkness takes her again.


    ¡°M-Malinda?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as her breath becomes absolutely calm with a smile on her lips. ¡°Hey, hey¡­! Ah. Well, we did go a bit too far, didn¡¯t we, my love?¡± He chuckles at Malinda¡¯s exposed body as she sleeps.


    Hands on stomach, legs spread, and that smile ¨C Xe¡¯Reth can¡¯t help but be grateful to her.


    She has given him so much trust, yet that trust is something she shouldn¡¯t have given. However, he sighs as he adjusts Malinda to keep her pelvis still in his wanted spot. Then with a shout, he calls for the handmaidens to begin the cleaning of the bed, ¡°We¡¯re finished! And she has fainted from the exhaustion!¡±


    Taryna is the first to jump from her seat to run with terrified legs while her breathing speeds up.


    But Annettria is faster, she goes to stand right in front of her. ¡°You¡¯re not allowed anymore to witness your Mistress naked,¡± she says with a hand stopping her.


    ¡°What?! How dare you stand in my way, hag?¡± Taryna hisses as she whips away Annettria¡¯s hand to push her out of the way. Yet she¡¯s the one that gets thrown to the floor instead, with a leg sweeping behind her feet as Annettria drags her with an arm. She falls backward, landing on her buttocks first. It shocks Taryna, gaining a pair of widened eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯ve betrayed your Mistress. That¡¯s why I¡¯m not allowing you to see her anymore,¡± Annettria says while looming above her.


    ¡®No¡­! No¡­! No¡­! Did she find out about my plan with Madelyn¡­?!¡¯ Taryna fears with a lower lip beginning to tremble. ¡°I-I haven¡¯t betrayed her! What are you talking about?!¡±


    ¡°Oh, you have. By not revealing your true feelings for Malinda, you¡¯ve broken the single tenet that shouldn¡¯t be broken ¨C having pure sexual feelings for your Mistress. Yes, you may sleep with her if she and her mate choose to do so. But to actually be in love, that¡¯s not allowed. You know that, yet you ignore it to sate your own wants. Completely disregarding your oaths.¡±


    ¡°If you were a man and your feelings would be revealed, you would¡¯ve suffered a worse fate than you¡¯ll suffer now. Never again will you be allowed to witness her naked. Never again,¡± Annettria sentences with eyes gazing down at the open-mouthed woman. However, with her orbs traveling to Tanya, she glares. ¡°Tanya. You¡¯ve betrayed your Mistress as your sister have. You kept it a secret knowingly of how dire of a situation Taryna is really in.¡± She sighs, ¡°Yet you¡¯re a proper one, so no punishment will be sentenced. And these words are not from me but from the Matriarch. So without further delay, come Tanya, it¡¯s time to clean the bed and our Mistress.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ you can¡¯t¡­ You have no power here, wench!¡± Taryna shrieks while standing up. ¡°You think you can come into this wing and change everything with a snap of your fingers, don¡¯t you?! Well, you¡ª!!¡±


    ¡°I can! And I will!¡± she barks loudly, but she pauses. ¡°Because if Mistress were to hear the words you threatened Xe¡¯Reth with, you wouldn¡¯t go unpunished for your crime.¡± Annettria shakes her head in utter disappointment at Taryna who has gone more wide-eyed as her hands cover her mouth in terror. ¡°You are like Lady Madelyn¡­ As twisted and as cruel. Hiding behind a fa?ade while utterly gazing with arrogance. So leave now, before you force my hand¡­¡±


    ¡°T-Taryna¡­?¡± Tanya utters in horror with quaking lips. Her head shakes side to side in minute movements as the words from Annettria sinks into her mind. ¡°Did you¡­ Did you actually threaten Xe¡¯Reth¡­ like Madelyn did¡­?¡±


    Taryna¡¯s breathing quickens the longer her voice is withholding her excuses.


    With a hasty glance toward the well-lit drape, she turns around to sprint out of the room, and right as she gets past the opened door, tears start to flow out once more¡­


    ¡°Tanya¡­ Your mother and father will hear of this disappointment,¡± Annettria says, shaking her head some more in shame while facepalming. ¡°But, we won¡¯t reveal it to Malinda¡­yet¡­ For she needs a couple of days of rest from this awful day that she has had.¡±


    She switches her eyes to the shadow of Xe¡¯Reth who¡¯s standing by the bedside as he clothes himself with a towel around his waist to cover his pulsating private part up.


    ¡°Now then, our Mistress awaits,¡± Annettria adds, giving a quick eyeing to Cerinn who has fallen asleep at the tableside, even silently snoring.


    Pulling the drapes to the sides, Tanya¡¯s and Annettria¡¯s eyes do widen at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s erected bulge under the towel.


    ¡°It¡¯s impolite to stare, isn¡¯t it?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks smilingly while treading towards them, then steps past, down the few steps. ¡°Ah, and be careful so you don¡¯t wake her up. Better to have her sleep until morning. Otherwise, her times will get switched up. Just change the sheets and clean her. I¡¯ll be washing off my sweat, and the blood¡­¡±


    ¡°As the Master commands,¡± Annettria smirks, giving Xe¡¯Reth a chuckle as she goes to stand on the opposite side of the bed from Tanya.


    ¡°W-Why is Miss in such a position¡­?¡± Tanya asks while dotting with a wet towel on Malinda¡¯s forehead which has been dipped in a bucket of water next to the bed. Everything has been arranged for both the start and the aftermath of their conjoining.


    ¡°For child making girl, why else?¡± Annettria responds as she removes the pillow under Malinda¡¯s pelvis, causing Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s seeds to spill out onto the white sheet that is already stained with faded crimson and liquid substances.


    ¡°Bu-But it has only gone¡­ They are moving way too fast!¡± Tanya shouts across, sitting on the bed next to her sleeping Mistress. But she lowers her voice and head, ¡°This¡­ this isn¡¯t right¡­¡±


    ¡°Tanya!¡± Annettria barks in a hushed tone, climbing on the bed too as she points at Malinda. ¡°You heard what they spoke about. About her being willing to go to the length of bearing his child. We need this, we need an heir to the Tertin line. Not some blind girl who we can¡¯t put our faith in. Because Tanya, she may not recover from her illness. And I¡¯ve heard that it has gotten worse¡­ again.¡±


    ¡°You know of Madelyn¡¯s suicide attempt. What if she actually died? That would only make two remaining heirs ¨C Mistress and Lady Merissa. And we won¡¯t hand over Tertinum to that snake of a woman. Do you understand, girl?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by, snake of a woman? You mean Madam Celyssa¡­?¡± Tanya asks but grows silent, squinting her eyes toward Xe¡¯Reth who¡¯s currently behind the decorated screens, having his whole body in somewhat warm water to wash off the sweat.


    He could¡¯ve gone on for far longer.


    Xe¡¯Reth is only giving Malinda his least effort in pleasuring her. Next time when they¡¯ll have sex, is the time he¡¯ll go all out, making Malinda do some work instead of lying there like a dead fish on a strand.


    However, for now, he needs to finish the last book he read to its conclusion. Then go to bed and wake up beside his lovely maiden.


    ¡°After we¡¯ve finished. Go talk to your grandmother, she¡¯ll explain everything to you in a light you¡¯ll understand. But for now, do your duty for your Mistress,¡± Annettria answers, smiling at Malinda¡¯s face of contentment. Pure happiness blesses her expression. Talking about her mother ¨C telling herself that she wants to be like her ¨C has her in a pleasant dreaming mood.


    As they clean her, Tanya¡¯s face grimaces upon witnessing Malinda¡¯s private part all reddened from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s slight roughness. But since she didn¡¯t protest, Tanya tuts while shaking her head. Her Miss will be sore tomorrow, that¡¯s for sure. And judging from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s bulge she saw, she wouldn¡¯t want to be in her shoes.


    ¡®Men¡­¡¯ Tanya scoffs with a headshake. She then takes a deep breath to return to her tranquil self.


    ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll go talk to grandmother. But not today, tomorrow because I need to see to my foolish sister so she doesn¡¯t do something she will regret,¡± Tanya sighs. But putting up a gentle smile, she hesitates, ¡°A-Annettria?¡±


    ¡°Yes, girl¡­?¡±


    ¡°Do¡­ Do you think that I¡¯ll become Malinda¡¯s replacement when she becomes pregnant¡­? Because you can¡¯t do these things when you have a baby inside, right?¡± Tanya says with flickering eyes, stroking Malinda¡¯s breasts off of the dried up oil.


    ¡°Hehehe, girl¡­ Who told you such a false fact?¡± Annettria snickers as she wipes Malinda¡¯s thighs.


    Every part is being tended to so she doesn¡¯t need to get out of bed. More towels have been placed around her to soak the water that¡¯s running down her body on all sides.


    ¡°M-My other older sister¡­ She said that if one has sex while being pregnant, the baby will¡­ will¡­¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªdie?¡± Annettria finishes but shakes her head as her chuckling voice declares for Xe¡¯Reth to hear. But he catches everything. ¡°Mm, hehe. No, girl. A baby doesn¡¯t die if one has intercourse while being pregnant. Honestly, a healthy relationship while carrying won¡¯t hurt it at all. But I don¡¯t think Malinda will let him have another woman than herself. You might have not noticed yet, but our Mistress is the jealous type. A woman who will not allow another to taint her man. Just remember Malinda¡¯s mother. Oh Divines, she could be jealous indeed. May she rest in peace with her ancestors in the Divine Sky¡­¡±


    ¡°May she rest in peace¡­¡± Tanya repeats, closing her eyes and clutching her hands in a prayer.


    ¡°Though... Tanya¡­ You had better grades than your oldest sister. So how in the Divines didn¡¯t you get educated in such activities¡­?¡± she asks as a final question.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­¡± Tanya avoids but sighs, setting down her wet towel on Malinda¡¯s moving stomach. ¡°I¡¯m not particularly fond of acts involving¡ª,¡± she gulps, ¡°¡ªsex. Rather, I¡¯m extremely scared. What if Mistress suffers a miscarriage? You know that many in the Tertin line have suffered such fates in the past because of their¡ªThat¡­ That¡¯s why the Tertin family is so small.¡±


    ¡°Your qualms are warranted, girl. But all we can hope is that the Divine Queens delivers us from doom. To bless Mistress with many children,¡± Annettria says, gazing up at the ceiling as her palms ascend. ¡°If I were to decide, I would have Mistress pregnant as soon as her resting period ends.¡±


    ¡°Miss will be devastated if she does miscarriage. I fear for her. It has only gone such a short time, yet we¡¯re already speaking about children. I just feel that it isn¡¯t right, that¡¯s all,¡± Tanya concludes, sinking her head while bringing Malinda¡¯s hand to her cheek.


    ¡°You worry too much, girl,¡± Annettria calms, caressing her other cheek with a motherly smile.


    ¡®We will need Malinda¡¯s future read when her aunt arrives, immediately.¡¯ She narrows her eyes while turning her head to the bathing area of the room. ¡®That boy too. He is an extraordinary young man. His healing, his¡­ heightened senses¡­ That body of his¡­ He¡¯s only a child¡­ I can only hope that he won¡¯t do something stupid in the future. Though, he¡¯s starting to grow on me.¡¯


    Smiling, she returns to clean her slumbering Mistress.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Everything is changed to be suitable for sleeping, boy,¡± Annettria says with a curtsy, standing below the few stairs while Xe¡¯Reth is only in his new black underwear. Tanya, however, has left since Malinda sleeps soundly with a tucked in cover. A bed of whiteness unstained by nothing. Only Malinda¡¯s head displays above a pillow.


    With a tiresome sigh while closing his book, Xe¡¯Reth thanks with a nod, ¡°Then let¡¯s talk more in the morning, and do take care of that little girl. Oh, and what we talked about before, about the scouting ¨C let¡¯s do that tomorrow night after Malinda has fallen asleep, alright?¡±


    ¡°As you wish Master Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Annettria chuckles with such a smirk, giving him one more curtsy as she goes to pick up Cerinn who¡¯s snoozing away her remaining working hours. ¡°Also, I¡¯ve been thinking¡­ As your last name is fake, don¡¯t you think using the real one would be better suited? To start fresh? I can arrange everything to go smoothly, just say the word.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t I need to take Malinda¡¯s last name later on?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, raising his scarred brow while crossing his arms.


    ¡°That¡¯s solely up to you if you wish to be called Xe¡¯Reth Tertin¡­ or Vaethren¡­ Up to you,¡± Annettria answers, then carries Cerinn out the opened door while the drunk handmaiden mutters in her sleep, causing Annettria to smile in the gentlest of ways. ¡°Good night¡­ Boy!¡±


    Chuckling, Xe¡¯Reth walks to the door to close it. He can¡¯t help but smile at Annettria¡¯s personality. She¡¯s acting too young for a forty-year-old woman. No, almost everyone is acting younger than they are. Though he¡¯s truly thankful for her aid involving his mother.


    Theresa was in the clouds again when she woke up. She didn¡¯t manage to catch any of the servants who were on the upper level with Xe¡¯Reth and Annettria. They had stared at her body ¨C stares of pity, however, no disgust were in their eyes. At least which he didn¡¯t catch.


    ¡®A new day awaits¡­ Though hopefully, it¡¯ll be a calm one until night time arrives so I can get some more reading done. Much to learn, much to do. The garden¡­ My little bear friends¡­ And about what Maldoran asked of me. To assist with the army with Malinda and Madelyn. Divines¡­ I must read a lot of warfare, military handling, and¡­'' Xe¡¯Reth shakes his head as he chuckles.


    ¡®Tomorrow. Tomorrow is when I¡¯m going to get a little exposure¡­ and that snake? Yes, she has her work cut out for her to bring the City¡¯s luster back. But unfortunately, I¡¯ll not let her take that honor. My Goddess will be the one who saves this City, not you¡­ murderer¡­¡¯


    His teeth clench, his eyes narrow, and with his feet treading toward Malinda, he climbs into bed. As it has only one big cover, Xe¡¯Reth snuggles up to spoon his Goddess once again. He does enjoy her aroma very much.


    She¡¯s fully naked under the concealment of whiteness.


    The candles and the hearth, unlit; the room, silent with only Xe¡¯Reth kissing Malinda¡¯s neck. But with time he too closes his eyes to be swallowed up by the darkness. Though, the two moons shine in the light of night through the undraped balcony.


    With a last escaping sigh warming Malinda¡¯s neck, Xe¡¯Reth slumbers away into his own dreams¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s closed eyes unseal themselves upon hearing a quiet knock on the door as if it isn¡¯t supposed to be heard, but Xe¡¯Reth, he hears it loud and clear. He even heard the opening of the double doors that lead out into the corridor thirty seconds ago, thinking that it was only a servant.


    The silent knocks are in intervals of ten seconds.


    Xe¡¯Reth tosses away the cover to expose Malinda¡¯s naked unmoving body to him. She¡¯s sleeping while breathing through her nose. Xe¡¯Reth just tucks her in again as he moves with such silent footsteps on the scarlet carpet.


    Arriving at the door like a ghost after he clothes himself with a specially made black bathrobe, he waits for the knock. Xe¡¯Reth listens carefully with a turned head, interested in who it might be.


    Only a single breath outside the door, nobody else.


    ¡®The person must know of Malinda¡¯s deep sleep. While I, on the other hand, isn¡¯t known yet for my sleeping patterns. The knocks are for me, not for Malinda,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth concludes but waits for a couple of more silent thuds on the door. After ten more, he smirks. ¡®Persistent huh?¡¯


    But when the ten seconds turns to twenty seconds, Xe¡¯Reth frowns while leaning crossed armed with his back against the wall by the left side of the door. He pushes his body off of it to get ready, for the handle descends to be opened up.


    Standing on the left side as it slowly moves, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s whole body is hidden since the door covers him thoroughly.


    As the person treads into the room on the carpet with carefully placed steps, the door behind the now visible woman closes shut behind her, causing her to unsheathe her sword in a startled draw while spinning around to gawk at the shadow behind her. But since the moons and stars shine in through the undraped balcony, the woman witnesses the shadow step toward her, while she takes a step back in reflex.


    With a somewhat relieved sigh escaping from the woman, she sheaths her curved sword to curtsy while gripping the sides of her handmaiden dress. Her voice as silent as it can be, but very gentle, ¡°Forgive me for interrupting your sleep, Master Xe¡¯Reth. But my Mistress summons you to her chamber. She has a proposition for you. I urge you to accept. Though if you were to decline, I¡¯m ordered to convince you otherwise.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes travel to the shaft on the wall, utterly unmoved by her verses, ¡®I hope they aren¡¯t listening in right now¡­ Though, her voice won¡¯t be heard if she keeps it that quiet.¡¯ Traveling back to the handmaiden, he eyes her up and down. Scarlet let out hair and glistening crimson eyes. ¡®Which twin is it again? Their names¡­ Velyn and¡­ Verelin¡­? They should update the Citadel¡¯s handbook. Better paintings of the handmaidens. I can¡¯t even tell those two sisters apart.¡¯


    Since Xe¡¯Reth has only seen them once for real, he didn¡¯t manage to memorize their features, but the woman standing in front of him is Verelin. She has much more lavish jewelry than Velyn, much more. Earrings, hair decorations, a jeweled neckless, rings on her fingers, and her makeup, as extensive as Madelyn¡¯s usual appearance.


    Chuckling, Xe¡¯Reth puts up his hand, then forwards it to the door as he whispers with a closed-eyed smile, ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯ll have to decline your Mistress¡¯s offer. You may now take your leave.¡±


    Verelin narrows her eyes, clicking with her tongue. She knew that this wasn¡¯t going to work, but her orders are clear. She unsheathes her sword once more while holding it with one hand, saying silently, ¡°I insist that you reconsider.¡±


    ¡°I wonder what would happen if I were to yell right now?¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with such a grin, even giving her a taunting wink, which turns her frown into furrowing eyebrows while blinking her eyes excessively fast. ¡°But¡­ what does Madelyn want? You might be able to convince me¡­ if your offer is good enough.¡±


    Verelin recoils with wide eyes as if stunned, not prepared for that kind of counter. But she lowers her sword away from him while his eyes follow the tip until he finally turns his attention to the gorgeous lady in front. He tilts his head while eyeing her some more, ¡®A beauty indeed,¡¯ turning her expression vile with contempt.


    ¡®What does Mistress see in this¡­ Dammit! Why did I lose to my sister again?! I always get the hard jobs!¡¯ Verelin rages inside herself, but Madelyn ordered her to do whatever it takes to bring him to her chamber, even if she has to charm him with her own beauty. ¡®I swear if I don¡¯t get anything from you Madelyn as a gift after doing this¡­ Diamonds, yes. I want a diamond neckless¡­¡¯


    She sighs, sheathing her sword once again.


    Her whole guise changes. She puts on an alluring smile on her pouty mouth and eyes gazing at Xe¡¯Reth like a woman in heat. She walks with swaying hips toward him, having learned it through practicing the art of attraction which Madelyn told her to do.


    Standing there in front of Xe¡¯Reth, him towering slightly above her, she places her hand on his chest while bringing her head so close, whispering as her crimson eyes have fixated on his. ¡°You like older women, don¡¯t you, boy¡­? You aren¡¯t even eighteen yet, but you¡¯ve bested a woman such as Lady Malinda. Though, really, she¡¯s nothing compared to my Mistress¡­¡±


    Verelin moves with her hands to the top button of her dress. Her eyes and smile are so alluring with her swaying body as if she¡¯s dancing like a snake, trying to enthrall him. With one button opened, her hands go to the next one, then the next, until she reveals her naked breasts to Xe¡¯Reth which are larger than Malinda¡¯s. Yet a scrape from dueling Taryna still shows on her collarbone.


    ¡°My Mistress will offer you pleasures beyond your imaginings. Young, older, even younger? You say, they come with a snap of her fingers¡­ while here¡­ You can only enjoy a minute portion of what pure desire feels like,¡± Verelin offers silently, smiling while cupping her breasts up and down in her own hands.


    A pause exchanges between them; Verelin trying to be as desirable as she can while Xe¡¯Reth stares at those bouncing bosoms, thinking, ¡®Those are the fourth pairs I¡¯ve seen today.¡¯


    ¡°I pity you¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth utters in a quiet tone, shaking his head in sheer disappointment. Sure, those pair of mounds are goddesslike for her age, but such temptations are beyond Xe¡¯Reth. He has had his fill for tonight. Even if Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t have sex with Malinda, he isn¡¯t so stupid to fall for such round objects of fat.


    As his shaking head concludes, he begins to chuckle while gaining a mischievous grin, striking forth his hand to fondle one of her bosoms as Verelin slaps it away as soon as it makes contact. ¡°I thought so¡­ Only showing, but no touching huh? Are you so disgraceful to stoop to this kind of tactic? I may not know you, but for the Queens, show yourself some respect will you?¡±


    Buttoning up her front in lightning speed, Verelin grimaces, not with anger, but with such excruciating shame.


    ¡°But please,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as his mouth appear next to her ear while she gawks at his quickness, ¡°Do lead the way¡­¡± He licks his lips for good measure, even smells her perfumed hair to make her shudder in fright, making her think that he¡¯s the one that¡¯s the beast and not she, a full grown woman.


    Lowering her head as if she¡¯s being suppressed by a greater force, she heads out the door as she opens it with Xe¡¯Reth following behind her while he enjoys the view. Breaking such a woman a little bit was easier than he thought. However, he smiles at his own act.


    Xe¡¯Reth doesn¡¯t even bother with Malinda, he just walks behind the hurrying handmaiden.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    He knows how innocent these women can be. So exploiting their inexperienced minds will work out in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s favor. But he¡¯s only playing along, for now. He¡¯s rather interested in what Madelyn wants of him since his mother, Theresa, is safe and sound because of the two servants who stand guard inside her quarters.


    Ever since Madelyn¡¯s and Taryna¡¯s threat, he has put up precautions to secure her safety. Though he does raise a brow as he steps out into the corridor.


    Pure darkness. Not a single caged torch is lit.


    Nevertheless, while walking past his mother¡¯s chamber, he does catch the flickering lights between the cracks of the doors while his ears listen to two snoring women inside, causing him to frown, which Verelin sees with a smile, thinking that he worries that her Mistress has done something involving his mother.


    ¡°My Mistress would never harm your mother, not even a hair. Know that. Her threats were merely empty,¡± she assures with a turned head, yet her tone as silent as always. ¡°Now come. She eagerly awaits your arrival.¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°What¡¯s taking her so long?! I don¡¯t want to push this up another day! I know, I know! He has no obligation to come, but I know him! I know him!¡± Madelyn screams in anxiety while she wears a transparent red negligee, showing her black laced underwear.


    She¡¯s inside her bedchamber with Velyn who sits next to her on a stretched out seat that¡¯s aligned with the foot of the bed. Madelyn is grimacing in pain as her whole body aches terribly, breathing in heavy breaths. Dizziness has taken over her mind, almost wanting to vomit as if she has drunk alcohol.


    ¡°And you, I hope you arranged so nobody will see Xe¡¯Reth coming to my wing from my sister¡¯s, otherwise¡­ Well, you know what will happen if I don¡¯t get what I want,¡± Madelyn puts up a smirk, gazing with mocking eyes at Taryna who sits silently on a chair a few meters next to the doors leading out into Madelyn¡¯s own place of relaxation. ¡°What, the Divine Queens got your tongue or something?¡±


    ¡°You just worry about holding up your end of the bargain,¡± Taryna growls with such a deadly scowl directing toward Madelyn. ¡°And I hope YOU cleared out all of your servants too. Because I want everything to be revealed at the same time. So it can have its greatest impact to thwart that spawn of darkness.¡±


    Velyn stays quiet next to her Mistress while arranging Madelyn¡¯s let out hair to have no strands out of place. But the pity in her mind for Taryna has her in a great mood. She tries so hard to keep her smile in check, which she manages.


    While Madelyn, she can¡¯t stand the haughtiness that Taryna shows at this moment. A mere handmaiden talking to someone such as her with that kind of tone? She wants to throw her out of the Citadel. But Madelyn strengthens her mind to put up with it, for her time will come to suffer humility.


    As an impressive whistle comes from Xe¡¯Reth in the other chamber, the ladies perk up in their seats. Even the silent Liriana who sits on the chair next to Taryna. She¡¯s almost invisible to all the others, because for once, she¡¯s as quiet as night.


    ¡°How do I look?¡± Madelyn asks, trying to contain her excitement.


    ¡°Like the original Goddess herself,¡± Velyn adores while bobbing her head in contentment.


    But as Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s voice declares outside the doors, ¡°In here?¡± Madelyn feels sick to her stomach. Such a pulsating headache plagues her skull. But clenching her teeth, she toughens up as she takes a deep breath.


    The double doors to the bedroom burst wide open to reveal Xe¡¯Reth while he has his arm around Verelin¡¯s shoulder. Her face is in turmoil, her body and mind as a little kitten upon making eye contact with her Mistress. And Xe¡¯Reth, all smiles with his white teeth showing.


    ¡°Really Madelyn, tempting me with this old lady? Ordering her to seduce me by showing her breasts? You¡¯re bold with your handmaidens, I give¡­ you¡­ that¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth interrupts himself upon turning his head to witness Taryna, which causes Verelin to sprint away from Xe¡¯Reth as if she doesn¡¯t, she¡¯ll die from the poison that spits out from Madelyn¡¯s eyes.


    Throwing herself onto the carpeted floor right below Madelyn¡¯s bare feet, Verelin pleads while grabbing around her Mistress¡¯s ankle, trying to shackle herself to her, ¡°F-Forgive me! No matter what I would do, he would not come! I knew that! So I went¡ªI tried to seduce him! But I never sought to take him from you, I promise, forgive me! He forcefully put his arms around me, saying that he¡¯ll go back if I don¡¯t let him!¡±


    Though as Verelin gazes up to her Mistress, she¡¯s stunned. Madelyn is peering at Xe¡¯Reth now instead of punishing this charlatan of a handmaiden.


    ¡°So this is your doing? Gaining aid from Malinda¡¯s worst enemy to try to separate me from your loved one¡­? Bold!¡± Xe¡¯Reth declares with his eyes going wide, grinning, paying no attention to the stunned maidens by the bed, not even the gawking Liriana who has an open mouth catches Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s interest. ¡°First, you threw your disdain at me. Second, you tried to choke me to death. Third, you threaten to murder my mother like that girl over there. And now?¡± He sighs with a headshake. ¡°For what? What have I done to you? Oh. Ah yes, that¡¯s right, I took away your sexual object which you masturbate to.¡±


    ¡°Hold you lying tongue!¡± Taryna shouts with such startling eyes, rising from her seat.


    ¡°No! You hold your fucking tongue, you whore!¡±


    Both of them turns to the fuming Madelyn who has stood up to point at Taryna with a shaking hand. Velyn and the extremely relieved Verelin supports their Mistress so she doesn¡¯t fall down from her exhausted body.


    ¡°Did¡­ Did I hear correctly just now¡­?¡± she utters with death in her squinting eyes.


    ¡°You did,¡± Xe¡¯Reth nods while moving closer to Madelyn. ¡°She tried to kill me, and my mother. But she has failed¡­ like you did.¡± As he reaches the twins and Madelyn, he tilts his head down, for Madelyn¡¯s height is a tiny bit shorter than Malinda¡¯s.


    She shrinks under his gaze.


    Xe¡¯Reth is actually trying to be as big-headed as he can possibly be because dealing with Madelyn, he can¡¯t show any weakness. Otherwise, she¡¯ll be the dominant one.


    He needs her to submit to him, so Xe¡¯Reth can cover up everything after he is finished here now that he has a somewhat firm grasp of what¡¯s going on. And judging from the thick drapes hanging on every wall and corner of the room, the eavesdroppers won¡¯t hear. Though he isn¡¯t sure if they have any caged shafts in this wing.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body isn¡¯t like the average seventeen¡ªno, sixteen-year-old.


    He knows that he grows quicker than everyone else, making his build much more frightening in front of squirming little girls. Will he grow more? He doesn¡¯t know, at least he hopes not since his height is higher than the average height. Though a little more wouldn¡¯t hurt, rather being taller makes it easier to look down on people¡­ literally of course.


    ¡°No, Xe¡¯Reth, no! I would never¡ª¡± Madelyn shuts her mouth, thinking about her suicide attempt and the knife that she wanted to use on Xe¡¯Reth and herself. ¡°I¡­ I was wrong! I did something terrible, please, you need to forgive me!¡± Noticing the patch on his neck, she mumbles so quietly, ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for doing that to you too.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth raises such a surprised scarred brow. So does Taryna, but with worry, while her head shakes side to side. This wasn¡¯t part of their plan. They were supposed to drug him when he arrived after a little talk. Nothing about this. Madelyn wanted to rape Xe¡¯Reth, then reveal it to the Citadel that they slept together. That¡¯s what she promised Taryna, so Malinda will finally know what kind of man Xe¡¯Reth really is.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?! You have him! So do what we agreed upon! Now!¡± Taryna yells with a pointing finger straight at Xe¡¯Reth. But neither Madelyn nor the twins react.


    ¡°You know what? I¡¯ve changed my mind. I don¡¯t want to force Xe¡¯Reth anymore¡­¡± Madelyn says with a nonchalant flick of her hand, gaining such a leer on her mouth while sitting down on her seat at the foot of the bed.


    While the twins, on the contrary, flickers their eyes at their Mistress¡¯s sudden unexpectant decision. Verelin especially bites her lower lip for she showed her breasts all for nothing. Also being felt up. And she was handled like a typical whore by him who she now turns to gaze at.


    Xe¡¯Reth is as calm as ever. He has even taken a few steps to the side to not block Madelyn¡¯s view, making Verelin rather furious, yet hidden away from her Mistress.


    ¡°W-What¡­? You can¡¯t back out¡­ Lady Madelyn, you can¡¯t!¡± Taryna shouts in desperation, for she has committed everything to this plan to expose this secret relationship that¡¯s being forged right now. ¡°You gave your Honored word, Lady Madelyn! You wanted your sister, my Mistress, to feel pain, yes? Then all you need to do is follow what we decided upon!¡±


    ¡°While you swoop in to comfort her in your embrace, yes?¡± Xe¡¯Reth interjects while chuckling.


    He can¡¯t help but feel contempt for Taryna. For she¡¯s trying to separate him from his beautiful Malinda. He does like her a lot. Even love would be a better word. Malinda has given him so much, and giving her his love, now that¡¯s a price he¡¯s willing to pay for such luxury.


    He turns to Madelyn, awaiting her next move.


    Such nonchalance as if they¡¯ve known each other for a very long time, well at least Madelyn has known of Xe¡¯Reth the longest, watching him, fantasizing about him¡­


    She clears her throat with a rasping cough, then narrows her eyes at Taryna¡¯s sudden change in tone. It¡¯s laughable to even consider that this waste of space was supposed to aid her in violating Xe¡¯Reth.


    In a split second, Madelyn¡¯s eyes widen as an idea pops into her mind. ¡®Instead of revealing it right away¡­ why don¡¯t I reveal it when¡­¡¯ she begins to giggle uncontrollably. As it turns into pure laughter, everyone gawks at her. ¡°Hahahaha, yes, yes, yes! That¡¯s it!¡±


    ¡°Mistress¡­?¡± both of the twins asks, being rather worried about her burst of insanity.


    ¡°Taryna¡­¡± Madelyn begins, waving away her handmaidens while her mouth can¡¯t stop leering. ¡°I did hear correctly, yes? What Xe¡¯Reth said? You threatened him, like me?¡±


    ¡°Lies, Lady Madelyn. He uses the people around him to further his own goals by telling pure lies. Though¡­ choking him¡­ That was the only real moment of happiness I¡¯ve felt since he took away my Mistress from me,¡± Taryna says while gazing down at the floor with sharp, intent eyes, having madness clouding her mind. ¡°Madelyn,¡± Taryna narrows her lids to glare at Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°Instead of wanting him, you should cut off his head before he hurts you.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth whistles at her boldness, taking a few steps backward with hands raised as he taunts her with a chuckle, ¡°Heh, you really hate me that much, huh?¡±


    As a long pause exudes in the bedroom, Madelyn scowls at Taryna for even uttering such a ridiculous offer. However, as she switches her gaze from Velyn then to Verelin, she smiles.


    Both of them have their swords, while Taryna, her sword is nowhere in sight. Because she had taken a quick bath together with her sister, for Tanya worried that she would do something to herself since she has done self-harm before. Scars are hidden away under her handmaiden attire.


    Scars of sins.


    Waving to both of her handmaidens, they lean close to Madelyn¡¯s mouth, while Taryna squints with a turned head to hear what they¡¯re whispering about. But catching Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s now wide eyes going alert, she becomes nervous. And as Xe¡¯Reth gives her an incredibly sad smile, having not seen such an expression before, she jerks her head to Madelyn.


    ¡®What is that girl saying to them¡­?¡¯ Taryna worries, slowly moving her hand to her¡­ sword. ¡®Oh no. I didn¡¯t put my belt on after I left Tanya...¡¯ Her mind had just focused on one single event. An event that she wants to succeed. But now her heart can¡¯t stop beating faster and faster.


    As the twins arch back up, Velyn and Verelin walks to the double doors while having unfazed expressions. Nothing but two gentle forced smiles.


    Velyn stops half way to the door to turn toward Taryna while sliding out her curved sword.


    Verelin, she takes out a key chain as she begins to browse to find the right key. And with a gaping mouth going ajar and eyebrows raising, she locks the double doors, then slides out her own curved sword, gaining such a hideous grin.


    ¡°Taryna¡­ Taryna¡­¡± Madelyn fusses with a finger moving side to side. ¡°My handmaidens¡­ Well¡­¡± She licks her lips in excitement, ¡°They¡¯ll now humiliate you¡­ as you humiliated them. Though, much worse of course.¡±


    She¡¯s stunned by her statement, while Liriana who stands behind her has also frozen in place.


    Taryna starts to snarl at Madelyn with scowling eyebrows.


    As she bites hard to grind her teeth, she spins around as she stretches out her arms to grab the lip-trembling girl. She positions Liriana in front of her while having her head in a chokehold, lifting her up so her feet are in the air.


    ¡°Open the door and let me leave, or I¡¯ll snap this girl¡¯s neck!¡± Taryna barks, holding Liriana who tries to levitate the stress on her frail neck by clutching her hands on Taryna¡¯s arms.


    The twins show their grimaces as clear as day, for Liriana is a fresh air in Madelyn¡¯s wing which has made it so many like her gentle and innocent ways, even though people won¡¯t really show it.


    They hesitate, taking a step back, but with a declaration from their Mistress, their hearts sink into the void, ¡°Oh, do go ahead and kill her for me, so I don¡¯t need to bother with such an incompetent little girl. Can¡¯t even complete my orders to the letter¡­ Tut, tut.¡±


    ¡°M-Mis-Mistress¡­¡± Liriana chokes out a cry with a grimace of sorrow upon hearing her Mistress¡¯s verdict. She did mess up when she went to her house. There were too many vials of potions, pills, and medicine to know which was what. Though Liriana did manage to find some of the supplies, which¡¯s hiding away in a satchel on her waist.


    ¡°You do not care for her life?!¡± Taryna bellows so loud as if trying to call for help.


    ¡°Oh, do keep your voice down, will you? You¡¯re giving me more of a headache than I already have,¡± Madelyn flicks her hand at Taryna, not caring if somebody hears because two sets of double doors shield this little meeting from unwanted listeners.


    ¡°And why would I care for that waste of air, huh? Tell me? Why? She¡¯s nothing but a betrayer like you¡¯re to your own Mistress. Ahh¡­ When she find out about what you¡¯ve done¡­ I¡¯ll enjoy watching it unfold¡­¡± Her gaping smile clenches shut to begin growling at her two disobedient handmaidens. ¡°What are you waiting for?! Are you as dumb as Liriana?! Go and exact your revenge by beating her to death! But don¡¯t harm her face, we can¡¯t leave visible bruises for my sister or anyone else to see!¡±


    ¡°A-As you command¡­¡± both of them replies, thrusting forth their swords to point at Taryna who grimaces at Madelyn¡¯s disregard for her own handmaiden¡¯s life. Even tears river down Liriana¡¯s face with snot running from her nose.


    ¡°You¡¯re as revolting as everyone says you are¡­¡± Taryna hisses with twitching lips.


    However, as a sigh escapes from her mouth, she lowers Liriana to the floor to let her go, making her cascade down to rub her tender neck. Yet as she stands up, Taryna kicks her rear so she stumbles forward right toward Velyn who¡¯s halfway between the door and Madelyn.


    Taryna wastes no time, she dashes toward the bed, which causes both of the twins to gawk at their own stupidity, but a shadow emerges between her and her hostage. Taryna commits, for this shadow, is just a weak seventeen-year-old. However, her mind is in a panicked state, not remembering that this particular seventeen-year-old has such a ripped body.


    The instantaneous movements from the twins, Xe¡¯Reth, and Taryna makes Madelyn cover her eyes with startling hands. All she feels and hears is a gust of wind, then a resounding impact as Taryna¡¯s gasp for air declares. And with a loud thud on the floor slightly to the right of her, Madelyn opens and uncovers her eyes to reveal Taryna lying there while clutching the side of her waist. Her grimace of pain, humility and anger show her torment.


    The twins stand stunned beside the frowning Xe¡¯Reth. He doesn''t like how this turned out at all. He holds no feelings for Taryna, but from what Madelyn told her handmaidens, he can¡¯t let them do what they will to her.


    ¡°Master Xe¡¯Reth¡­ that¡­ that was a good kick¡­ And such a fast one too. Thank you for protecting our Mistress,¡± Velyn admires with a smirk, liking the sound of his leg connecting to Taryna¡¯s waist. Then her grin turns dreadful with joy upon witnessing Taryna lying there all vulnerable. ¡°Come, sister, let us enjoy this moment while it lasts.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes indeed. Walking will be the least of this whore¡¯s concerns when she wakes up later. Heh-hehe¡­¡±


    Both of them goes wide-eyed as Xe¡¯Reth walks between them and their prey, putting up his hands to stop them from going any closer.


    ¡°Unfortunately,¡± Xe¡¯Reth winks at Verelin to remind her of what happened in Malinda¡¯s bedroom, ¡°I¡¯ll have to stop you. You won¡¯t hurt her more than I already have.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ You bastard¡­ I¡­ I don¡¯t need your aid¡­¡± Taryna groans in such pain while being on the floor. Taken out by a single kick, a kick that she underestimated gravely. She did guard with her arms to block it, but it was too powerful, for she wasn¡¯t trying her best, even in this kind of situation.


    ¡°You don¡¯t do you?¡± Xe¡¯Reth shrugs his shoulders, turning around to gaze down with pity. ¡°Then I shouldn¡¯t stop them from raping you?¡±


    ¡°W-What¡­?¡± Taryna chokes.


    ¡°Yes. Madelyn told them to ruin your body while you would be unconscious. After you would wake up¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth whips his head to Madelyn to glare at her, which makes her lower her head as her eyes flickers in shame at her own orders. ¡°¡­you would be broken beyond curing. And I¡¯m not talking about bones. Rape of the sickest form¡­ A sick little girl is what you are Madelyn. You¡¯re disgusting for coming up with something like that. And you two, you¡¯re as twisted as your Mistress.¡±


    ¡°Three repulsive women.¡±


    Madelyn¡¯s head and heart sink to the bottom in disgrace. How did he hear her? She whispered so quietly. But she narrows her eyes as she almost forgets what she was prepared to do to Xe¡¯Reth. She jerks her head up as teeth grind and eyes glare.


    ¡°Then how about you switch with her, huh?¡± Madelyn asks with a haughty curve on her mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll let her be unharmed if you spend one night with me, a night of sex. Though, you¡¯ll be unconscious since¡­ You shouldn¡¯t be able to witness me naked until¡­ Well, you know. Until I take you away from my sister, of course.¡±


    ¡°And how will you do that, as you said, I¡¯ll be unconscious. You drugged me and dragged me here to violate me. Your sister wouldn¡¯t believe you, nobody would believe you if there are such circumstances,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with a headshake.


    ¡°So be it. If you don¡¯t obey, I¡¯ll just have my handmaidens hurt you a little bit, then continue to do those repulsive acts to my sister¡¯s whore. As you said,¡± Madelyn counters with a dangerous smile, leaning back to put her hands on the bed behind her. Her smooth skin is exposed; her legs, her arms, her bosoms, her stomach, everything is visible because the transparent negligee doesn¡¯t cover much of her body. Sure it goes all the way down to her feet if she was to stand up. But now that she has her legs spread apart, pushing the soft material out of the way, she¡¯s indeed tempting.


    ¡°Tell me¡­ If Malinda would somehow know of our time together. What will happen to my mother and me?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as he gives up trying to convince her. Because she¡¯s so stubborn. Too stubborn to waste any more time trying to bargain with her.


    ¡°Oh¡­? So does that mean you accept to switch with this whore?¡± Madelyn asks with a smile of joy while pointing at Taryna.


    ¡°Answer me,¡± Xe¡¯Reth retorts, glaring.


    ¡°Ah, of course, you¡¯re always welcomed in my embrace, Xe¡¯Reth. For I¡¯ve all the time in the world to savor my revenge that awaits my sister,¡± Madelyn replies, gazing up at the carving of her ancestors. ¡®Sister will die of sadness when she finds out, hehe.¡¯


    ¡°Good,¡± Xe¡¯Reth nods with such a charming smile directing toward Madelyn, which she smiles back at with such innocence. ¡®Dammit, I could take those two out¡­ But that will only bring more trouble in the future from Madelyn. I better put up with this single night, then wash my hands off of her, for good.¡¯


    ¡°Liriana, come here!¡± Madelyn shouts all of a sudden to her handmaiden, who jumps from the floor to run to her Mistress.


    Arriving, she obediently flaps open her satchel to take out what she got from her house. One bottle with a button at the top that can be pressed to make it spray out its liquid substance. One colored vial with some kind of potion inside. And the last, another colored flask of medicine.


    ¡°Now go back and sit down on your chair¡­ Away with you! You useless piece of space! And wipe away those tears before I hit you again!¡± Madelyn warns with a raised hand, making Liriana cower before her as she runs to her seat, sniveling.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?! Take off your robe and underwear! Or are you hiding something extremely humiliating under there?¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth scoffs with a chuckle as he does remove his robe willingly, while Madelyn shouts, ¡°Catch!¡± to Velyn, causing her to stretch out to grab the liquid bottle that¡¯s flying toward her. Catching it, she moves closer to Taryna.


    ¡°Wha¡­ What is that?!¡± she shouts, trying to get up but grimaces in pain, thinking that her ribs are broken, but they aren¡¯t. Xe¡¯Reth made sure of that.


    ¡°Shut your fucking mouth,¡± Velyn hisses as she grips Taryna¡¯s bun to make her face turn upward.


    With a press of a button, a watery mist sprays out onto Taryna, making her hold her breath. Yet as the mist flows into her nose, she gasps for air while her whole body tenses up. After a couple of seconds, and being rather disappointed that she can¡¯t hurt this bitch, Velyn sprays some more.


    She grins when Taryna¡¯s flaming globes travel to the back of her head, then closes her eyes as darkness takes her; her whole body lying completely limp.


    ¡°Madelyn, I¡¯ll trust you that she won¡¯t be harmed when I fall asleep. And make sure I wake up next to Malinda. If you reveal this event, I¡¯ll be profoundly unhappy with you,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with his robe removed.


    The twins scan his body with four wide eyes of utter surprise.


    No wonder such a powerful kick came from that leg. Xe¡¯Reth has a body of an utterly trained soldier as if he had starved himself, then trained his muscles to their utter limit. But they can¡¯t help but think, ¡®Is he really seventeen?¡¯


    An untarnished body. Only his eyebrow and neck patch are the only flaws at the moment. As if a God created his body to fit the image of greatness.


    Xe¡¯Reth is kind of surprised by his body himself. He knows of his enhanced features. But having an extremely sped up metabolism and all that includes is extraordinary. An unfair advantage which he uses to the best of his being.


    ¡°I give you my promise¡­ for what it¡¯s worth¡­¡± Madelyn says, totally eyeing Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body with a lustful curve on her mouth. She fixates her gaze on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s private part as she bites her lower lip. But she blinks several times to get out of her trance, clapping her hands. ¡°Come on, hurry up and put that whore beside the useless one. And give me the bottle back.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mistress,¡± the twins responds with bending knees, and with their bottom dress raised, then carries Taryna to be left beside Liriana. She¡¯s still sniveling with tears running down her eyes. Hiccups, too, resound from her throat.


    Velyn bends down to Liriana as she whispers, ¡°You¡¯ll only make it worse if you continue. So remain resolute. Mistress will forgive you, you just need to give her time, understand?¡±


    She responds with a pouting nod, making Velyn pat her head as she gives Taryna one last glare.


    Both of the twins return to be beside their Mistress with the cross armed Xe¡¯Reth who has his head raised to show nothing but superiority. They need to be careful of him in the future. They won¡¯t underestimate him as Taryna did.


    ¡°Well? Off with it,¡± Madelyn demands, jerking her head up with an overbearing excitement displaying on her face.


    Sighing with rolling eyes, Xe¡¯Reth slides his underwear down, not being embarrassed at all. This situation reminds him of his first time with the landlady. Two handmaidens beside the haughty lady. And the lady herself not bothering with hiding those eyes of lust. However, Xe¡¯Reth goes to pick Madelyn up as she¡¯s completely stunned by his nakedness. She gives him a gentle smile, thinking that he¡¯s showing her some emotion of tenderness.


    Holding her, he gives her a grin, flinging her onto the bed as she lets out a startling, ¡°Aaah!¡± as she flies through the air. Upon landing, she grimaces in pain, for her whole body is hurting from the workout.


    But Madelyn doesn¡¯t yell at him. The twins shout for her instead in anger, ¡°How dare you handle her so rough?!¡±


    ¡°Quiet!¡± Madelyn barks as she breathes in heavy breaths, turning over to peer at Xe¡¯Reth while holding the bottle.


    Xe¡¯Reth climbs onto the bed unfazed, pushing Madelyn to the side as he bluntly situates himself in the middle of the bed. He just wants to get over with it.


    Madelyn crawls with aching muscles, and arriving beside Xe¡¯Reth, she caresses his chest to feel the abs, to run her fingers through the cracks. Giving him a smile, she says in total contentment, ¡°You do know that doing this means that you¡¯re cheating on my sister? But don¡¯t worry, even if my sister will find out,¡± she brings her lips to his ear, ¡°I¡¯ll always be here.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Xe¡¯Reth only utters. But those two words are filled with such agony. ¡®Why do I feel so sick from what I¡¯m about to do¡­ Am I really so weak to be moved by¡­ by love?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth clenches his teeth and closes his eyes to await for his forced slumber. ¡®Forgive me, Malinda. I¡¯ll never deserve to be with you after I¡¯ve done this. And hopefully, they won¡¯t do anything to Taryna¡­¡¯


    ¡®Love huh?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth chuckles.


    As Madelyn¡¯s hand arrives at his cheek, Velyn forwards an uncorked bottle to her as she whispers in a soothing tone, ¡°Drink this, my love.¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth does drink it without making a fuss about it, while Madelyn thinks, ¡®Why haven¡¯t they invented a love potion yet¡­ It would make everything so much easier¡­¡¯


    Madelyn eyes Xe¡¯Reth for a couple of seconds before finally spraying him with the same liquid mist which was used on Taryna. But Xe¡¯Reth grits his teeth while still having his eyes closed. Madelyn pouts her lips because of his tenacity. Spraying another time, he furrows his eyebrows. However, Xe¡¯Reth is still wide awake. That causes Madelyn to spray too many times in a row while forcing his mouth open so he can take it in entirely.


    Letting out a shuddering sigh, Xe¡¯Reth falls unconscious.


    Madelyn waves to her handmaidens to give her a wet towel that has now been prepared. She wipes Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s face to remove the residue. Yet she must be careful not to put her tongue into his mouth. Otherwise, she might fall asleep too.


    Being pleased, she slaps Xe¡¯Reth right across the face to see that he¡¯s actually sleeping.


    She sighs out in relief.


    ¡°Give it to me,¡± Madelyn waves another time to get the last concoction, which Velyn gives. This time, she drinks it while grimacing in disgust. ¡°Yuck! Why does it taste so bad?¡± She throws poison at Liriana who shrivels even more in her seat.


    ¡°Mistress?¡± Verelin asks, lowering her head. ¡°You weren¡¯t serious when you agreed with him, right?¡±


    ¡°About what?¡± Madelyn replies, pulling her cord to make her robe descend onto the bed. Then she removes her underwear, yet even such a simple act makes her experience pain.


    ¡°About not touching that whore?¡± Verelin says, leaning to help take off Madelyn¡¯s bra and underwear while Velyn stands by a table to arrange for her Mistress¡¯s comfort in taking him in. She can¡¯t help but raise a brow since she too wants to hurt Taryna for what she did. Such humility. To be knocked unconscious in front of her own Mistress.


    ¡°Are your ears not working¡­?! I promised him. And if I hear that anything other than what Xe¡¯Reth did to her comes to my knowledge, I¡¯ll throw you out of the Citadel! I mean it! Ah, yes. Liriana, do see to it that they don¡¯t misbehave. Otherwise, I¡¯ll whip you until you bleed,¡± Madelyn says with a gentle smile. ¡°Understand?¡±


    Liriana immediately spasms her head up and down.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± Madelyn nods, but slaps Verelin at the back of her head, ¡°You heard me now, yes?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mistress,¡± the twins says in unison, throwing away their vengeance¡­ for now.


    Madelyn climbs onto Xe¡¯Reth fully naked. She presses her breasts against his chest to rest there for a minute. Upon no movement from Verelin, Madelyn whips her head to her disobedient handmaiden.


    ¡°Why are you just lying there for?! The drug won¡¯t work as effective if you don¡¯t touch him! You know? Use your hands and mouth? I¡¯m going to lie here for a while so do your job correctly,¡± Madelyn blatantly orders as if it¡¯s nothing to her. They are her handmaidens, they do what she desire. They¡¯re air, they¡¯re only slaves to do her every bidding. She doesn¡¯t really mind them touching him if it means that she gets to have him. Plus her exhaustion is weighing on her mind continuously. ¡°And remember what I said before? If I were to faint?¡±


    Verelin nods with blank eyes as if she just wants to kill herself right here and now. She gazes to her sister, who¡¯s busy with¡­ whatever she¡¯s doing. She¡¯s actually trying to slow down her work so she doesn¡¯t need to help her sister, which Verelin sees as her head sinks into her own oblivion.


    As Verelin doesn¡¯t start, Madelyn stops cuddling Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°You¡­ why are you crying¡­?¡± Madelyn utters with furrowing brows.


    ¡°Please¡­ Please, Mistress¡­ I... I don¡¯t want to do it¡­ I don¡¯t want to touch it¡­¡± Verelin cries, wiping away her own tears, but that only worsens her outcome in Madelyn¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°You disappoint me time and time again¡­¡± Madelyn utters in a calm tone as she gets off of Xe¡¯Reth to crawl closer to the recoiling handmaiden, for that peaceful expression screams in Verelin¡¯s head, telling her to run away.


    As Madelyn¡¯s eyes widen, she grabs tightly onto Verelin¡¯s hair to push her down forcefully to make her lips touch Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s crouch, while Verelin surprisingly has her whole body untensed to make it easier for her Mistress.


    ¡°If I hear you disobey me again, I!¡± She presses down harder, ¡°Will!¡± She forces her mouth open, ¡°Kill!¡± Then shoves Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s slightly erected penis into her opening, ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°You hear me?! I¡¯ll kill you, you ungrateful woman! Be grateful! Be grateful! Be fucking grateful! For you will never experience someone else! Never will you know love! Your life belongs to me! I do what I will with you! And if I tell you to jump off the City¡¯s wall! You¡¯ll be grateful to even be able to do it!¡±


    While Madelyn forces Velyn¡¯s sister, who screams in terror with a full mouth as her Mistress thrusts her head up and down, Velyn shudders in fright. That could¡¯ve been her. But Verelin lost since she got the shorter straw. However, a smile curves on Velyn¡¯s cheek, ¡®Heh. Hang in there, sister¡­ Heh-hehe. That¡¯ll teach you a lesson you won¡¯t soon forget, you pompous slut.¡¯


    Even Madelyn smiles in absolute joy as she forces her handmaiden against her will¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr />


    Thanks for reading!


    This will probably be the end of sexy time, for now at least. Next, it''ll focus on more pressing matters outside of the Citadel. I hate rape of any kind, especially cheating, ugh. But hey, I gotta do what I gotta do. Be at ease, though, Malinda nor Madelyn will never do the cheating on Xe''Reth. I''ve noticed that many on this site don''t like such things, I don''t too, so... yeah. :D


    Was that a spoiler just now? Oh well, hehe. Anyways, next chapter will kind of be a rerun since those who read this before it was taken down, know that I cut out so much, which will be in next chapter. Though, it''ll be like this one. Major changes.


    Phew, thought I wouldn''t be able to put this out today, but rejoice, I managed! If you see any mistakes, like me not putting in italics, do give me a heads up.


    Dang, Madelyn is as ruthless as always, with her handmaidens too. Taryna, Taryna, how foolish you are to trust a snake. And Xe''Reth''s kick, remember the time when he was in the woods with the DLO agents? And him connecting his leg with the sturdy one''s neck? What can I say, Xe''Reth likes to kick, hard.


    Don''t forget to voice your thoughts!


    (Still working on the character sheet.)


    Until... Next Time...


    <hr />


    Favorite/Follow/Rep/Review to give your support, it helps.


    <hr />

 42 - The Familys Reconciliation

    <hr>


    The morning sun rises over the Divine mountains to bless Ellenoria once again with light.


    The numerous tremors of footsteps in the Citadel¡¯s granite floors, the tones of voices that come from afar; the kissing of lips that seal and unseal, and the twittering of birds sing into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s slumbering ears. He moves in his sleep as if a plague of nightmares inflict his mind. But with a gasp, Xe¡¯Reth wakes up to bump his head into something soft but hard.


    ¡°Aw, aw, Xe¡¯Reth!¡± Malinda yelps, rubbing the now growing red mark on her forehead.


    ¡°M-Malinda¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as his eyes sharpen, blinking excessively and making all kinds of facial grimaces. He tries to get up. However, his body fail to respond. But he exerts his expression to not show it to Malinda.


    He knuckles his hands and tries to move his body as he takes a deep breath to speed up the blood circulation, for he has indeed suffered an affliction that has caused his whole body to stop functioning. To Malinda, it just seems that he¡¯s sleepy, stretching even.¡®How in the Divines did Madelyn come into possession of such¡ªAh, right. They have an experienced healer in the Citadel. She probably got it from¡­ Him?''


    His eyes widen. He tosses aside the big cover to reveal that he¡¯s fully naked.


    ¡®So, they didn¡¯t clothe me after Madelyn finished?¡¯Xe¡¯Reth remains silent as he moves his mouth side to side, being rather indifferent to what happened last night. No guilt toward Malinda, nothing. Just an empty heart.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ what¡¯s the matter?¡± Malinda asks with pouting lips, rubbing her forehead a little more.


    She, however, is clothed with a dark bathrobe while her hair is damp; her face, no makeup, only the blushing cheeks and flickering eyes. She¡¯s in a rather good mood it seems, for her smile light Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s heart from the void of what happened last night.


    She leans in to kiss Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s lips before he can answer.


    Unlocking, she says, ¡°Last night was¡­ Well. Fantastic, heh¡­ Though I don¡¯t remember some¡ªmost of it.¡± She shrugs her shoulders, then blushes even more. ¡°But I do remember the important part. That part when we talked about¡­ children. I-I don¡¯t regret any of it. If I do become pregnant, then so be it¡­ But it¡¯s too soon to know if I really am with child.¡±


    ¡®But if what Annettria said was true¡­¡¯She raises an eyebrow, catching her lover in a rather troubling state. ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­?¡±


    Snapping out of his mind, Xe¡¯Reth sighs as he chuckles, giving her such gentle eyes, ¡°I too don¡¯t regret any of it, Malinda. Though, I might have gone a little too hard for you¡­ How are you feeling? Down there, I mean.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ Wh-When I woke up before you, I¡­ It was sore, to say the least. But now that I¡¯ve applied some ointment which Annettria gave me, I feel just fine. Though my insides¡­¡± Malinda avoids that last part, smiling as she licks her thumb to straighten Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s scarred eyebrow, for it always has some misplaced strands. She chuckles as it doesn¡¯t help. ¡°It¡¯s lucky you put on the neck patch before you went to¡ªOh no...¡±


    ¡°W-What¡¯s the matter?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as he stares to where she¡¯s gazing now that the cover doesn¡¯t hide his body anymore. But Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes go wider upon seeing a residing bite mark on his lower arm.¡®Malinda didn¡¯t give me that¡­ Dammit Madelyn¡­¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry...¡± Malinda mutters with a guilty tilt of her head as her mouth curve down. ¡°I, I must¡¯ve been in some pain to not realize that I bit you¡­ and so hard too. But shouldn¡¯t it have healed by¡ª,¡± she turns her head to the door. Upon witnessing no one, she finishes, ¡°¡ªby now?¡±


    ¡®So that drug did something to my regeneration to this level¡­? Never tried it on my mother since it does slow down one¡¯s breathing by a bit. Dangerous, very dangerous indeed,¡¯Xe¡¯Reth contemplates in darkness, moving his tightened mouth side to side again as if he¡¯s tasting something foul, which he does. It¡¯s the faint residue from the drugs. One for sleeping like the Yran¡¯Gilis. He knows it. But the other?¡®Ah, yes. It must¡¯ve helped me stay erect while Madelyn had her way with me.¡¯


    Chuckling, he shrugs his shoulders.¡®Oh well. Madelyn only had my body for one night. Too bad I wasn¡¯t conscious to experience her grimacing expression, heh. But I hope¡­ No, she wouldn¡¯t¡­ Would she?¡¯He shakes his head to rid himself of such excellent thoughts.¡®Well, well, only time will tell¡­¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Malinda. You can be much rougher if you¡¯d like,¡± Xe¡¯Reth grinningly says with his eyebrows spasming up and down.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­!¡± Malinda shouts, slapping his chest gently in a tease with a smile on her mouth.


    Her eyes avoid his as her giggle become clear as day. ¡°I¡¯ve been kissing you for a while now. I told Annettria to not wake you up, though she left immediately since she had pressing matters in the Sanctuary. And now you¡¯re finally awake. It¡¯s as if you sleep more soundly than me. But up, up! You¡¯ve slept long enough. Otherwise, we¡¯re going to miss breakfast in the dining hall. Brother demands us to be there for he has something to say to us all¡­¡± Her eyes squint in sadness. ¡°Madelyn will also be there¡­ I-I hope she is all right¡­¡±


    ¡®Thank you Divines. The old ladies didn¡¯t find out about what happened last night¡­ I hope? I wonder if Ereanna and Annettria could listen in on our conversations in Madelyn¡¯s wing¡­ But as they didn¡¯t intervene¡­ or did they perhaps while I was knocked out? I did break one of their rules¡­ Argh, too many plausible situations. Better ask in a roundabout way if they know¡­ Well, at least Annettria,¡¯Xe¡¯Reth decides, heaving himself up as his strength return slowly.


    At least at this moment, he can play the torture victim flawlessly without putting on an act¡­ again. He chuckles at the thought.


    ¡°You may have forgiven her, Malinda. But you know your sister¡¯s personality,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, hugging the wet-haired Malinda to give her his weakened self. Releasing her, he grips Malinda¡¯s shoulders to stare with serious eyes directly into hers, ¡°But be strong. Be the older sister. Be the one who¡¯s the loving. She may resent you for taking me away from her. But know, I only love you, not her. You understand?¡±


    Malinda¡¯s cheeks color as she gives him a resolute nod, for he¡¯s absolutely naked. She has actually been awake for a while now. She wanted to secretly lift the cover to admire her man to the fullest, yet she refrained from it with all her willpower. Hence not noticing the bite mark.


    The light shine in through the undraped balcony doors which are open, letting in the damp, cold morning air as the candles flicker all around, and the chamber¡¯s fireplace blaze with warmth.


    Tanya, Annettira, and Cerinn has wandered in and out bringing even more clothes for both of them, tending to their duties as handmaidens. However, Cerinn, she can just follow behind the older ones unquestioningly.


    ¡°Ah, what¡¯s the time!¡± Xe¡¯Reth gasps while letting go of the close-eyed Malinda, whipping his full eyes to the grandfather clock. But he sighs out in relief. ¡°¡­By the way, how long have you been awake?¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ From six o''clock when Tanya came to wake me up, look,¡± Malinda shows her fingers. They¡¯ve shriveled up from being in the water. ¡°I¡¯ve bathed for so long. And breakfast is at eight o¡¯clock, so let¡¯s get you sorted out. Up, up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, my Honored lover,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he kisses her red forehead, then climbs off the bed on his side. But his legs wobble a little with hands supporting on the cold stone wall on the right side if one was to gaze at the door. He¡¯s naked, which Malinda sees with a biting lip, almost as if she wants to continue where they left off yesterday night.


    Shaking her head, she giggles as she goes to her place of sanctity ¨C her vanity desk with a large mirror where all her cosmetics are. Malinda doesn¡¯t even notice his sudden weak state. She just tends to pretty herself up for breakfast by first combing her hair to smoothen it from its dampness, while Xe¡¯Reth drags himself to the table to browse the brought clothes.


    Everything black.


    Xe¡¯Reth, as always, doesn¡¯t mind it, he¡¯d rather want everything to be like that.¡®Did Madelyn take my underwear as a trophy, too? Heh, well, whatever. But if Malinda were to know what her sister did to me¡­ Hopefully, Madelyn will not reveal anything and just keep her act to herself as she promised. Though, I better see to Taryna¡­ so she doesn¡¯t do anything else. She must have suffered even more from the drug than me. Mm¡­ I hope they don¡¯t have spies like they do on the outside.¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth frowns, raising an eyebrow in wonder.


    ¡°You don¡¯t¡­ You don¡¯t like the clothes¡­?¡± Malinda asks while gazing at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s reflection in the mirror. She turns to stare at him with concern filling her whole face.


    ¡°What¡­? Oh. No, I just thought of something. Nothing about the clothes,¡± Xe¡¯Reth answers, waving away Malinda¡¯s worrying thoughts. He leans with hands on the table. ¡°Though, you were kind of out of it yesterday. Have they told you what has happened? Other than what I had said?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they¡¯ve,¡± Malinda nods, turning back to continue combing her golden hair. ¡°Seriously, you should¡¯ve informed me of taking another handmaiden. And someone like her too. Ereanna has already prepared the pledge of servitude¡­ But I guess it was my own fault for sleeping away the whole day¡­¡± She raises a brow. ¡°You do know who Annettria is, right?¡±


    ¡°Well, judging by how close she is with the Matriarch Ereanna¡­ Might she be her successor perhaps?¡± Xe¡¯Reth guesses while scratching behind his neck with an innocent smile.


    ¡°As perceptive as always, I see,¡± Malinda chuckles, stopping her combing hand to raise from the stretched fabric stool. She goes to stand beside Xe¡¯Reth as she picks out his clothes for him all nonchalantly. ¡°This, this, and these will suffice. And do cover¡ª¡± her gaze switch without blushing to his private part, even gaining a slight curve on her mouth, ¡°¡ªthat up. Before someone returns¡­ And I can¡¯t believe that we really did it¡­¡±


    Malinda becomes dazed as she keeps staring down without a shred of embarrassment.


    ¡°Malinda, you¡¯re unfair¡­ Why do you get to stare... while you¡¯re hiding your body from me, huh?¡± Xe¡¯Reth smirks, closing in on her as an, ¡°Ah!¡± escapes from Malinda.


    His hand snakes through her robe to slide two fingers into her plucked flower gently, causing her head to plant immediately on his shoulder while a shudder takes over her body; her eyes shutting tight, her teeth rattling as she sucks in air. Even her feet raise to tip toe with arms coiling around his neck.


    ¡°But¡ª!¡± Xe¡¯Reth shouts as he removes his two fingers from within, while Malinda¡¯s mouth stand ajar. He finishes with a whisper into her ear, ¡°¡ªit¡¯ll have to wait until night time.¡±


    Flickering her eyes to sober up from those two fingers, she coughs out a chuckle, ¡°I¡­ Hehe, I will eagerly wait until then.¡± Giving him a kiss on his lips, she returns to the desk to continue with her combing.


    ¡°Oh yeah, Malinda, I think I¡¯ll wash first. Is there fresh water ready?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as he strides with new strength in his legs.¡®Dammit, why can¡¯t I be completely immune to toxic substances, huh, Queens? Why? Can you tell me that?¡¯


    ¡°Well, the tub was recently drained. But there should be some remaining in the water container. Though it¡¯s cold. Should I tell the servants to get you some more?¡±


    ¡°No need. Cold water will do. I¡¯ve experienced it far too many times to be affected. Since bathing in warm water was a luxury that I didn¡¯t have,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he arrives behind the decorated screens. The wetness beneath his feet causes him to sigh out for Malinda to hear.


    ¡°No, Xe¡¯Reth¡­ Wait a moment. I¡¯ll have them bring warm water for you. Because you¡¯re someone who¡¯ll become an Honored One in the future. You need to be pampered so you can get used to it,¡± Malinda repeats and repeats, smashing her comb on the desk¡¯s surface to whistle out with two fingers going into her mouth.


    A piercing and loud screech come forth between those two fingers, and it doesn¡¯t take long before a servant hurry inside the chamber to curtsy with such a bend of her body, holding her lower dress in a raise, ¡°You called, Mistress?¡± But with a gasp, eyeing Xe¡¯Reth as he comes from behind the screens, her words stumble, ¡°W-Wh-What do, do... y-you need, Miss?¡±


    With a click of Malinda¡¯s tongue, her eyes narrow, not liking how she gawks at him. And as Malinda¡¯s furrowing eyebrows direct toward the eye-flickering servant, the girl whips her head around the room to guess what her Miss needs. Then it dawns on her; Malinda¡¯s wet hair and Xe¡¯Reth who came from the bathing area, all dry. For it had recently been drained.


    ¡°W-Warm water¡­? For Sir¡­¡± her gawking eyes once again meet Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body. ¡°For Sir Xe¡¯Reth?¡±


    ¡°Good girl... Now arrange it quickly for we must soon leave to dine with everyone else. Well, go?¡± Malinda orders, shaking her head in disbelief at how long she¡¯s just standing there all aloof.


    Gaping with her mouth, the servant spasm her head as she runs out the door.


    Xe¡¯Reth can only gaze in gratitude. He has such a caring lover. She wants what¡¯s best for him. While he... He''s despicable.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± he says.


    Malinda doesn¡¯t respond, but the smirk in the mirror tell Xe¡¯Reth of how happy she¡¯s from just hearing such simple words¡­ But her eyes go wide as she almost forgets to say something, ¡°Ah, Xe¡¯Reth!¡±


    ¡°Hmm, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Uhm... Annettria won¡¯t be able to tend to you for a couple of hours since the Sanctuary, which we talked about yesterday, had begun its riot again last night. The full-fledged servants are keeping an eye on the younglings, while some had even joined the revolt last night. They tried to get into Madelyn¡¯s wing through mine. But the older ones did manage to block off the entrances as they hunted down the little rascals to lock them up in their dorms. Not even now ¨C so many hours later ¨C have they caught all the children that are hiding,¡± Malinda explains while biting her lower lip in conflict.


    ¡°Annettria thinks some of them managed to gain access into my wing, then went to Madelyn¡¯s side. I can¡¯t believe them¡­ Why would they cause such a ruckus over her? Don¡¯t they know that I love my sister to death?¡±


    ¡°When was this¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks with worry in his heart.


    ¡°Well¡­ After the riot calmed down yesterday, the children suddenly sprang toward my wing while some kept the older ones busy with all kinds of lies and tricks¡­ Think it was about¡­ a little past midnight? Though of course, as the Battle-Maidens, my servants, and even Madelyn¡¯s servants were off duty last night, they were quickly in the Sanctuary to help keep the younglings in check. To not bother our precious sleep.¡±


    Malinda sighs, ¡°We¡¯ll probably see servants searching every corner of the Citadel for the escapees. But you don¡¯t need to worry, Ereanna and Annettria had their fill of such reckless behavior last night. Those who instigated the riots will be punished severely. I just hope that they¡¯ll go easy on them.¡±


    ¡°How old are we talking about? The younglings I mean?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks with suspicion in his narrowing eyes. For if someone witnessed him being carried back to Malinda¡¯s wing last night, then that girl or girls will need to be handled.


    ¡°You know. Younglings are from three to fifteen years old. Even factions inside the Sanctuary have been set up by them. Madelyn¡¯s wing¡­ my wing¡­ Not actually my brother¡¯s, but Celyssa¡¯s, and Merissa¡¯s, too, have risen. Seems like it was both my sister¡¯s and my own faction that started the ruckus¡­ Some even fought until they¡­¡± She shakes her head with a grimace. ¡°Why did they do this¡­? Tsk, I hate it.¡±


    With Malinda combing her hair in rapid strokes, Xe¡¯Reth appears behind her while crouching a little. He smiles at her, saying, ¡°You think of their well-being, don¡¯t you? You never cease to amaze me by your kindness to those who are lesser than you. That¡¯s why I love you so much. My Malinda, my beauty.¡±


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Malinda whispers with a smile, lowering her head to hide her expression as her comb-hand sink to plant on her seat. She takes in all his words with joy. Being complimented by him does make her happy beyond all else. His voice can be so calming, so enthralling.


    Especially when he calls her beautiful has Xe¡¯Reth learned. She¡¯s full of herself as her sister, but she hides it as second nature.


    ¡°Here, let me help you while I wait for the warm water,¡± Xe¡¯Reth offers as he takes her comb. He holds her hair, and with Malinda giving him an exciting nod, he commits, kissing her neck as he begins brushing in gentle strokes; down, release, and repeat¡­


    Smothering her with love if what happened last night were to be revealed.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    On the second floor in Madelyn¡¯s wing, two twin sisters argue with yelling voices.


    ¡°Be quiet, you slut! I know what¡¯s best for Mistress, and not you¡­! So here, Mistress, this will bring out your already stunning beauty!¡± the red-headed Verelin shouts, forwarding an elegant thin dress with no sleeves and will make Madelyn¡¯s cleavage display fully for eyes to see.


    But with a snarl, Velyn jerks away the dress from Verelin¡¯s hands to rip it up, so it becomes unwearable, ¡°She will not wear something so slutty, you bigger slut! She¡¯s going to wear these tight pants and this shirt with this jacket on top! It¡¯ll make her appear proud and decent, instead of showing so much skin as if trying to be a woman of lust!¡±


    ¡°Enough! Stop with this bickering! You¡¯re making my head hurt more than it already is!¡± Madelyn demands with a hand covering her eyes while breathing somewhat heavily. ¡°I¡¯ll pick Velyn¡¯s suggested attire. Now clothe me!¡±


    Grinning, Velyn blows a kiss to her sister in victory, then she brings all the necessities to dress her Mistress.


    Madelyn has her makeup and hair finished; a high ponytail while her face has dark eyeliner to display her fierce eyes, light scarlet lipstick, and the thin layer of powder to try to hide her¡­ lessened reddened cheek. The redness is almost gone, which has Madelyn in a somewhat happy mood. The Citadel healer did say it would take a little longer, yet it has healed this much, so quickly?


    ¡°How are you feeling now, Mistress? Is your body still hurti¡ª¡°


    ¡°Obviously, it is hurting! It pulsates as if I have run hundreds of kilometers!¡± Madelyn screams while removing her hand from her eyes to glare at Velyn who has brought the tight black pants up to her bare knees.


    Madelyn is sitting on her couch in only her black lace underwear with the armrests down so she can support herself without falling over from the sheer pain that courses through her entire being. Even the pain of a maiden¡¯s first time stings inside her, and the sensation of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s blood still hasn¡¯t diminished, causing her to massage it gently.


    Wearing that armor yesterday gave her such a workout. She has never felt this kind of soreness in her muscles before. And her skull is killing her too. Such a headache hounding her as if it¡¯s a fever but without the warmness.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking about that¡­¡± Velyn responds, gazing down at Madelyn¡¯s moving hand, then back to her Mistress''s eyes. ¡°You did tell us to continue if you were to faint¡­ which you did¡­ We had to¡ª¡°


    ¡°D-Don¡¯t tell me! I don¡¯t want to know how you handled me! Just tell me if you succeeded, for I¡¯ve kept my curiosity in check for long enough. So, did everything go well with our night?¡± Madelyn asks, forwarding her head closer and lifting her butt so Velyn can slide the pants up to her waist, but she grimaces in pain, landing her buttocks in exhaustion. ¡°V-Verelin, help dammit! I can¡¯t¡ªI can¡¯t keep it up!¡±


    Chuckling at her sister for being in trouble, Verelin strides to her whining Mistress to give her aid by raising her up so Velyn can finally button the pants around Madelyn¡¯s slender waist. And exhaling in relief upon hitting the seat with her butt, Madelyn ascends her palms for Velyn, wanting an answer from her.


    But Verelin interjects by planting her butt while crossing her legs on the couch next to her Mistress to try to butter her up, ¡°Mistress. Everything went according to plan regarding that black-haired¡­ man. You¡¯ve heard the rest when we woke you up. Though my sister was very apprehensive about what we were doing since she didn¡¯t help with anything¡­ at all. Other than when you fainted, of course. While I on the other hand¡­ I¡­ I¡­¡± She turns away her head, almost starting to cry as her lips tremble. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to force me like that¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, Divines¡­ Don¡¯t start crying again, you¡¯re in your thirties. Grow up for the Queen¡¯s sake,¡± Madelyn sighs while rolling her eyes. ¡°You did such a good job even though it was your first time. You should be proud to please my¡­ lover¡­¡± She smiles, looking up at the ceiling. ¡°How about this: I¡¯ll arrange anything you want when Celyssa removes my punishment. How does that sound?¡±


    ¡°I want different colored gem earrings and a neckless! New ones! Not ones you¡¯ve worn!¡± Verelin immediately shouts, not sparing a moment with arms crossed. While her sister, she gawks in shock. Surely her Mistress wouldn¡¯t¡ªNot even she has gotten brand new trinkets, ever. Only hand-me-downs.


    ¡°Deal. Do you forgive me now for putting you through that?¡± Madelyn asks with an entirely unfazed expression, gazing at Verelin¡¯s head that whips toward her in happiness.


    ¡°I¡­ I can choose myself¡­? Really?¡± she asks with pouting lips, scooting closer to Madelyn.


    ¡°Yes, yes, you can. I promise,¡± Madelyn confirms, giving her a closed-eyed smile.¡®She¡¯s so easy to please¡­ Maybe next time I¡¯ll take something much more precious from her, heh.¡¯


    Verelin removes herself from the couch to be on her knees with Madelyn¡¯s hand pressing on her lips, ¡°Thank you, my Mistress. There¡¯s nothing to forgive.¡± Then she sits back down next to her.


    ¡°Now where was I, ah yes.¡± Verelin raises a finger as she continues. ¡°You also took the fertility tonic, which makes yours and that man¡¯s future secure. You can be at ease for now. You just need to wait until it becomes apparent.¡± Placing her hand on Madelyn¡¯s stomach, Verelin smiles, while Madelyn too gains a smirk on her lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s also perfect timing. You said you have pains in your belly, which can mean one of many things ¨C you were at your highest height of conception. You and your sister are so alike, even when you aren¡¯t twins like us,¡± Velyn joins in to explain as she sits on the other side of her Mistress, being rather grumpy. ¡°I heard that your sister had her pains this morning from those tittering servants that spreadeverything that they can get their hands on. And we must also be careful, so none of the younglings tries something. Not all have been accounted for.¡±


    ¡°Pfft, forget about those damn little ants! Let us instead pray that my sister is barren!¡± Madelyn screams while crossing her arms and tilting her head upward to be as prideful as she can be. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t really matter if my sister becomes a mother or not. All I care about is her suffering. I want to see the look on her face when I reveal what I did to Xe¡¯Reth. I want her to cry like she cried yesterday. Hehe, yes¡­ Maybe she will have a miscarriage from just hearing such words¡­ But for now! Continue! I don¡¯t want to be late!¡±


    Both of them sigh.


    Hearing Madelyn¡¯s real thoughts is scary. She¡¯s already disappointed in them for being defeated so effortlessly yesterday. But the event last night have gotten them in her grace again. Nevertheless, an event that they had to arrange a lot to succeed, and to give a spot into Madelyn¡¯s inner circle.


    When their Mistress couldn¡¯t handle Xe¡¯Reth ¨C falling unconscious ¨C the twins moved her body up and down until Xe¡¯Reth released inside with the help of a potion that makes beasts out of men. Well, at least Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s private part was functioning while he was in his dreams.


    However, when Xe¡¯Reth woke up, he didn¡¯t mind being used like that by Madelyn. Rather, he favorably supports her if it bears any fruits.


    Because if two Honored Ladies gets a child by the same man, the current Divine Queen¡¯s edict force them to either willingly miscarriage by medicine or they keep the children that the two women conceived, but they would need to toss away their emotions of wanting to have a man for one¡¯s self. Most choose the previous.


    Sure, the Kingdom gazes with disgust on such an act of taking two wives. But having one wife, and having another on the side is pure sacrilege. More so if a woman has two men by her side, which have happened.


    Though, such a law as that only concern the Honored Ones, for they¡¯re the many leaders around the Kingdom. Hence the regulation of lighter rules that''s set upon them. The Queen wouldn¡¯t want a rebellion for executing Honored Ones for the littlest of things.


    If one weren¡¯t an Honored One, though, then the punishment would be much, much severer. If a wife or a husband were to be cheated on, the cheater could be sentenced to death if it were a noble or just a regular commoner.


    Nevertheless, it all depends on if the cheated one wants retribution.


    Some don¡¯t¡­ but most certainly do¡­


    A genuine relationship is what the high priestesses demand of their Honored Ones in the cities that they serve. A high priestess who will sooner or later meet the couple in question¡­


    Nodding, Madelyn raises her head to be like the Honored Lady she is, making Velyn clap her hands loudly. ¡°You can come in now!¡±


    The double doors leading out to the corridor open up. Through the entrance come a woman with decaying blond hair that¡¯s turning ashen. The woman is wearing the servant attire with the ribbon that belongs to Madelyn¡¯s wing.


    Madelyn gains such a gratified smile on her lips, since this woman, this old lady whose guise of absolute control on her slight wrinkly face was a long-standing friend of her mother¡¯s.


    ¡°My Honored Mistress,¡± the woman bows with hands raising her lower dress and legs bending with practiced grace as she reaches the square carpet where everyone stands if they want an audience with Madelyn. Arching back up, she smirks, knowing full well that she''s going to be rewarded for her hard earned dues and betrayals.


    ¡°Jessica, I was rather surprised of your doings,¡± Madelyn smirks back at her with such pleasure and total power, leaning thoroughly in her seat. ¡°Thanks to you, I was able to enjoy myself plenty last night. Instigating such an excellent idea to keep those old whores at bay was truly mind boggling. You¡¯ve earned what will be given to you.¡±


    ¡°You honor me with your words, my Honored Mistress,¡± Jessica bobs her head with closed eyes to wait for those words. The words that she has waited for so long. Three long years of patience.


    She was one of Madelyn¡¯s mother¡¯s handmaidens before her Mistress died, and ever since her passing, she fought to keep her spot next to Ereanna in the Sanctuary, but she was beaten by her since Ereanna was the head-handmaiden after all.


    For the first year after Matilda died, she stood by Ereanna, and since she¡¯s a decade younger than her, she had hoped to be the next in line to take the title of Matriarch. But oh was she wrong of Ereanna¡¯s feelings for her.


    Jessica should¡¯ve known better than to trust anyone other than those she controls. Not even them.


    Ever since thatother onejoined the sisterhood years ago, she had always been out of the loop.


    Always Annettria, Annettria, and Annettria. Because Ereanna meant to push Jessica away, completely disregarding their history together. Ereanna knew of her vile ambitions, knew of her personality. She wouldn¡¯t fit as someone in power, especially in Malinda¡¯s presence.


    Jessica was betrayed by her own people. And she wouldn¡¯t go down without a fight. She still has her own power, even as a servant.


    Since Ereanna was giving full support to Malinda, Jessica instead joined Madelyn¡¯s side, bringing with her loyal servants who shared the same mindset as her who she had groomed to be faithful over the years. Yet she didn¡¯t expect that it would take this long to be graced by Madelyn¡¯s words.


    Celyssa had her claws in Madelyn, while she had also spoken to Jessica so she would know her place in life now that Matilda was no more.


    Being so close to Ereanna and Matilda those years back, she knows everything about this household. But she hasn¡¯t used any of her knowledge to gain neither hatred nor suspicion from anyone other than Ereanna and the other old ladies who control the Sanctuary.


    She has kept calm, to win Madelyn¡¯s favor, and now she has it, finally.


    ¡°How in the Divines did you manage to start such a thing in the Sanctuary¡­? Yes, they were aiming for me, but that was such a splendid idea!¡± Madelyn awes while smiling. She has wondered why Jessica, her servant of three years in the service, suddenly came forth to reveal such information to her without asking for anything in return. Yet Madelyn herself figured out what she wanted, for she shares the same rotten core as her.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t have succeeded without your help in taking those whores¡¯ eyes away from the upper wing. Well, that handmaiden of my sister¡¯s helped a little. Just tell me who to bring in to please you. Ah, and of course, your unwanted reward. Yes, I know, I know.¡± Madelyn waves her hands to the apprehensive handmaidens beside her who squints with their eyes. ¡°I will need either Celyssa¡¯s or Ereanna¡¯s permission to give you such a rank. But, I¡¯ll provide them with a begging performance, hehe. Because you gave me what I most desired. And I reward those who give me what I want.¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Thank you, my Honored Mistress. I simply gave a little push without being ordered, that¡¯s all,¡± Jessica curtsies again, but she clenches her fists and sharpens her eyes. ¡°Forgive my boldness, my dear. But can I also gain permission to wed?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­? But¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, my Mistress, I¡¯m old. But my love for the man whom I desire knows no bounds¡­ as you know yourself,¡± Jessica throws Madelyn a sympathetic smile. For she recognizes the pain of wanting someone who¡¯s already taken all too well.


    ¡°You have my permission to wed,¡± Madelyn says while forwarding an open-palmed hand. Retracting it, she raises a brow. ¡°Who is it? If you don¡¯t mind me asking?¡±


    ¡°My secrets are yours, my Honored Mistress. And I have¡­ many secrets that can be used at your disposal,¡± Jessica assures, grinning. She looks both ways, then behind her. ¡°It¡¯s the one and only Reconon. Your brother¡¯s manservant, my dear.¡±


    ¡°Him¡­?! Ah, well¡­ Hmm, okay,¡± Madelyn shrugs with a chuckle. ¡°Heh, well, if you can convince him to marry again ¨C which is frowned upon you know ¨C take him. But!¡± Madelyn grips her handmaidens¡¯ ears. ¡°Don¡¯t think for one second that I will ever let you two wed, know that. You¡¯re mine! Not anybody else¡¯s! Only I¡¯m the one you dedicate your time and life for!¡±


    The twins smile even though their ears are being pulled, ¡°Yes, Mistress.¡±


    ¡°And what secrets are you exactly talking about?¡± Madelyn asks with a smile, letting go of her handmaidens to give Jessica her utmost attention. Secrets, Madelyn likes secrets. Though she hates when people know her own secrets, which have been revealed to everyone now. They know of her affection toward Xe¡¯Reth.


    Having her eyes closed, Jessica opens them while raising her mouth in absolute bliss. Finally, she can sprout her old tucked in wings. She has waited to see the faces of those traitors. Not even her age-old friend ¨C Tanya¡¯s and Taryna¡¯s grandmother ¨C stood beside to defend her position from Annettria. What she wants is revenge. She even has an heir if she were to somehow disappear. To further and see to the demise of Ereanna and Annettria.


    But she isn¡¯t stupid enough to spill secrets that can get Madelyn in danger, for time is what she needs the most now, so Jessica will just give a little taste of what she truly knows about the ongoings inside this household that not even the Honored Ones themselves has been enlighted to.


    Secret passages, the clogged up outlets, which she destroyed to lessen Ereanna¡¯s influence. But, there are still spies among the servants that will be handled without mercy. Jessica will bring them in front of her Mistress to earn trust. For what does Madelyn hate?


    Betrayers¡­


    And who have betrayed Madelyn countless times?


    ¡°My beloved Honored Mistress,¡± Jessica bobs her head. As their eyes connect, she smiles. Having four handmaidens isn¡¯t favorable¡­ well, that¡¯ll be seen to now. ¡°Let me tell you of a spy that answer directly to the head-handmaiden¡­ And through her, Madam Celyssa¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    As eight o¡¯clock announces to the inhabitants of the Citadel, Madelyn has seated herself on her throne of a chair in the dining hall with her finger-drumming brother; Celyssa whose frowning eyebrows pierce Madelyn¡¯s venomous eyes, in turn, Madelyn evades to not meet her peer. And the snoozing Merissa who has returned to her regular listening self.


    ¡°Madelyn, my dear¡­ Move over one seat to your right, because your sister will be sitting there,¡± Maldoran orders while forwarding his hand outward but with a gentle tone to not get her ire, which he got plenty yesterday.


    ¡°But I¡¯ve always sat here! Why do I need to change my seat for her, for him?!¡± Madelyn protests with pouting lips as her head whip to the family painting. But glaring back at Maldoran, she unwillingly does scoot to her right side. However, the seat is as grand as the others, except her brother¡¯s throne. ¡°So you¡¯re saying that he will sit next to you? Huh? Is that it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct. At least the boy knows when to keep his emotions in check instead of whining like a stuck-up little pig,¡± Maldoran exclaims as he raises his index finger to the ceiling, then tilts his hand forward to point at the scoffing Madelyn. ¡°My dear, Celyssa and I have decided to relieve you of your position as commander from this day forth. Because of your transactions yesterday, you¡¯ve given me no other option but to put you on the right path in life. Simple words ¨C you¡¯ll join the Tertinum army as I said before. Letters have been sent, and another has taken up your duty to run the archer squad.¡±


    ¡°Youcaaan¡¯t...!¡± Madelyn cries, almost standing up from her seat while showing her brilliant clenched teeth as she shoots out poison at her brother. ¡°We¡¯re supposed to have a meeting! How can I ever go out into the open after being removed from my post?! After being so humiliated?! I won¡¯t! I won¡¯t go willingly! You expect me to die on the battlefield?! How can you be so¡ª¡°


    ¡°¡ªcruel?¡± Maldoran interjects, fisting his hand tightly as it slams onto the table, making Merissa flinch from the banging. ¡°It is decided! I won¡¯t hear any more of your whining! It is you who¡¯re the wicked one! You threatened Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother! You forced him to choose between you and your sister! No, Madelyn! You¡¯re a shrewd schemer who will be changed for the better, that I promise you! As of tomorrow, you¡¯ll train with the Battle-Maidens every single day until your evil ways have been purged!¡±


    Having a grief-stricken expression while her lips quake, Madelyn with eyes ajar turns to the only person that can help her, ¡°C-Celyssa¡­ Please¡­ Say something¡­¡±


    But with Maldoran gently taking hold of his wife¡¯s hand, Celyssa exhales in a sigh while her eyes sink into the abyss, ¡°It has already been decided, dear. As of today, you, your sister, and¡­ Xe¡¯Reth will be in the army. To get experience by being together, while Malinda will show you the ropes. Be thankful. You can still see and speak to him. But of course, your love will never bear fruit. Know that.¡±


    ¡°You fucking traitor¡­¡± Madelyn curses as she crosses her arms, slumping in her chair to peer into Celyssa¡¯s eyes with such a frown.¡®Jessica¡­ You¡¯re right¡­ She¡¯s¡­ She¡¯s¡­ Damn her. I¡¯ll show them, oh yes, I¡¯ll show those two, no, three. Liriana¡­ Hmph, I¡¯ll be quiet for now. But when I return to my wing¡­ Liriana, I¡¯ll beat you until you beg for mercy. Mercy which I¡¯ll not give. Your mother will never see you again. Fucking traitor!¡¯


    She smirks at Celyssa, which she takes by complete surprise with flickering eyes.


    Madelyn¡¯s pains in her body still course through her and will continue for a long time. Even raising to change seats took a lot out of her. She¡¯s trying to not reveal her weakened condition to the others, but she has her limits of how much she can keep her grimace unseen.


    The handmaidens of Merissa stands as usually behind her, further back, while Madelyn¡¯s handmaiden, Liriana, not Velyn nor Verelin, but her poor little Liriana who aided in bringing the supplies from her father¡¯s workplace. A fertility tonic that Celyssa uses, a potion for men which Liriana¡¯s own father uses, and the last drug that¡¯s given to Merissa if her attacks become too much for her; a strong sedative. Though the dose Taryna and Xe''Reth got were too much.


    Liriana sits on a chair by the wall behind Madelyn.


    Her dejected head recollects of what occurred last night. She can¡¯t keep her lips from trembling. For her, that kind of act was despicable. She doesn¡¯t want to see such an act ever again.


    She knew of the tonics and the spray bottle that she stole from her father. But she didn¡¯t know who it would be used on when she went to fetch them. It¡¯s a night she won¡¯t forget. Keeping such a secret hidden will damage her greatly. Yet, it¡¯s all for her Mistress. Liriana clenches her hands under her chin in a prayer while closing her eyes to mutter to herself.


    However, Madelyn¡¯s eyes on the way here¡­ She thought her Mistress was warming up to her when she had awoken her in the morning. Now, the shiver in her body from meeting those eyes have her frightened to death.


    ¡°Madelyn, we¡¯re doing this for your own sake. You¡¯ve only yourself to blame for what you did,¡± Celyssa says with lowered eyebrows while leaning slightly forward, pointing at Madelyn. ¡°We¡¯ve let you be because we thought you could change your ways on your own. But as it hasn¡¯t helped, we¡¯ve decided to do this. So instead of sitting around doing nothing most of the days, you¡¯ll become like your sister. Yes, I know. You don¡¯t like being compared to your sister. But Madelyn dear. Her kindness exceeds yours. And your cruelness exceeds everyone else.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! You¡¯re speaking like you aren¡¯t as cruel as me¡­ Because I¡¯ve heard from my handmaidens that it was you who let the city guard pillage, rape, and even murder our citizens,¡± Madelyn scoffs, raising her head in utter arrogance. ¡°Does Merissa know, do you, niece? Do you know that your mother lets people¡ª¡°


    ¡°Be quiet, Madelyn! Don¡¯t utter such words in front of her! I warn you!¡± Celyssa shouts as she covers Merissa¡¯s ears. While Merissa grimaces with rapidly blinking eyes. ¡°Yes, I know what I¡¯ve done, and I¡¯ll repent for my sins. I¡¯m going to hold a gathering in the outer layer tomorrow to gain the people¡¯s forgiveness. To tell them of how I¡¯ve let¡­ No, howwehave let the City down. Now be silent and sit properly!¡±


    With another, ¡°Hmph!¡± coming out from Madelyn¡¯s mouth, she remains crossed armed and slumped in her seat, disregarding Celyssa¡¯s demands outrightly.¡®I can only trust myself now. Everyone is against me. But, if I anger Celyssa too much, she¡¯ll keep my funds locked. So I better listen for now. But¡­ I paint, doesn¡¯t she know that?¡¯


    Though, she can demand to take back her responsibilities whenever she wants. However, Jessica urged her not to do anything until she has been formally accepted into Madelyn¡¯s servitude as a handmaiden.


    ¡°We¡¯ve much to do in the coming days. So enough with this backbiting,¡± Maldoran begins, drumming his fingers on his armrest. He doesn¡¯t even react from what Madelyn said to his wife since he too has said those words to her. He may have forgiven her for such disregard for people¡¯s lives, but he won¡¯t let Celyssa handle the City alone from now on. ¡°The recruitment of new personnel to the city guard will be considered. The many sentences that¡¯ll be held by the DLO. And the outer layer¡¯s great square needs to be prepared for Celyssa¡¯s speech. But for now¡ªAh, there they come.¡±


    Opening and stepping in through the double doors that lead to the throne room, Malinda struts with one heeled leather boot in front of the other that goes up to her knees while she¡¯s being guided by the entirely black-clad Xe¡¯Reth.


    She¡¯s wearing clothes fit for moving about. Tight black pants going down to her ankles, slightly hidden by the long boots; an open tunic with a sleeved blouse underneath that reaches her butt. And her golden blond hair is in a low ponytail, hanging over her shoulder to rest on her bosom.


    Gulping, Malinda tightens around Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s arm with such power. The trembling from her body quakes Xe¡¯Reth, but he just smiles with his mask on.


    Moving past the extremely grumpy Madelyn as they arrive by their seats, Maldoran greets them with open arms, ¡°Ah, Xe¡¯Reth, how are you feeling?¡±


    As he sits on the right side of the table from Maldoran¡¯s sight, Xe¡¯Reth chuckles, ¡°Hehe, well. After we had spoken yesterday, I¡¯ve recovered considerably from when my wounds opened up as I jumped after Madelyn to save her. So I¡¯m feeling much better today, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Mm, excellent, my boy¡± Maldoran nods, switching his eyes to Malinda but he lowers his head to squint at her saddened quietness. ¡°Malinda, my dear. How are you faring after what happened yesterday?¡±


    Malinda forces herself to gaze back at her brother, putting up a smile as Madelyn¡¯s glare pierce the back of her head, ¡°I¡¯m all right, brother. Yes¡­ I¡¯m absolutely¡­ fine.¡± She nods to affirm her emotions that are battling inside her. She wants to lock her eyes with Madelyn, but she just can¡¯t. ¡°But please, I don¡¯t want to talk about it. Let¡¯s focus on something else.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, as you wish¡­¡± Maldoran agrees while his mouth curves down, tilting his head to the side to frown at Madelyn, which make her stop throwing out her poison at her elder sister¡¯s back. ¡°Onto today''s agenda¡­¡±


    ¡°So my boy, as we discussed yesterday, you¡¯re going to be getting some exposure to the other Honored Ones at the meeting hours from now. With you, Malinda and Madelyn attending the Honored assembly without me,¡± Maldoran explains, giving Xe¡¯Reth his utmost attention, for allowing someone like Xe¡¯Reth into the gathering is rare.


    A mere seventeen-year-old commoner that haven¡¯t formally ascended to the rank of Honored One and that haven¡¯t turned eighteen can rouse suspicion and jealousy. But as Maldoran is one of the great Generals, he has sway in what happens at the Ebon Wall.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already gotten your measurements from Malinda¡¯s handmaiden, Tanya. An armor suited to your build will be arranged. For appearance¡¯s sake of course. It¡¯s all about the luminous appearance. Even archers wear heavy armor on the ramparts to show off their¡­ Well, to just show off, since nothing will touch them, which you know all too well. But the meeting is still far off. It¡¯s at two o¡¯clock. It got pushed up when we last spoke because some of the newly arriving Generals are still on the road to the Ebon Wall. But enough about that,¡± Maldoran waves his hand as he switches his eyes to Celyssa.


    He jerks his head for her to continue.


    Closing her eyes with an inhale of air to rid herself of her pride, Celyssa opens her lids to gaze at Xe¡¯Reth. She takes hold of her braid, tugging it to give her strength. With an exhale, she says, ¡°¡­Xe¡¯Reth. Do forgive me for what happened when we last had dinner as a family. You were absolutely correct about me not taking care of Tertinum. The City have suffered from my lack of command. But I do hope we can get past such petty quarrels and see to the City¡¯s transcendence into its once glorious state. I admit, I don¡¯t even deserve to remain by my husband¡¯s side. But as the Madam of the City, I¡¯ll give my all¡­ with my love¡¯s help, of course. Tomorrow, a gathering will be held for my apology speech.¡±


    Celyssa takes Maldoran¡¯s hand to hold it tightly, coiling their fingers, while her smile radiate to the nodding brute who¡¯s sitting with such a satisfied smile. He even kisses her hand as Malinda finally interjects.


    ¡°You think an apology will sate the masses¡­? You think just because you come in person to apologize, they¡¯ll bow before you and accept whatever you say?¡± Malinda frowns, having her whole guise shooting out venom at Celyssa¡¯s statement.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ªNo, nevermind, I¡¯m not. You¡¯ve allowed the city guard to do what they will, without a leash around their necks. That is pure disgusting. An apology? It won¡¯t work. But I won¡¯t stop you, you can learn for yourself about how the citizens feel. And I know your real character now¡­ sister-in-law¡­ So I can¡¯t give you my support of you remaining in control even with my brother¡¯s help.¡±


    Silence fill the air inside the hall. Everyone wide-eyed except for Malinda, and Xe¡¯Reth who has closed his eyes.


    ¡°Repentance is granted by the Queens to those who¡¯re willing, Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth preaches with a smile as everyone in the dining room go even more wide-eyed. ¡°Even the damned can survive the trials of the Sky. I accept your apology, Madam Celyssa. I overstepped my boundaries. And I wish you luck in gaining the people¡¯s favor, but it¡¯s as Malinda says. It won¡¯t work ¨C your speech that is.¡±


    Celyssa raises a curious eyebrow at the chanting of the Goddesses, entirely pushing away the subject of the speech.


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­ How profusely do you serve our Queens?¡± Celyssa asks while her face softens for Xe¡¯Reth to see. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking.¡±


    ¡°Not that much as I would like, unfortunately,¡± Xe¡¯Reth shrugs with a chuckling sigh, opening his palms to the ceiling. ¡°My mother is the one who worships them the most. I¡¯m just doing what I can to satisfy our Queens. But I¡¯m ashamed that I have neglected my praying. It started when my mother fell ill. The Fire-Brand disease took my free time and a lot of my faith.¡±


    Malinda gawks at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s lying. He doesn¡¯t believe in the Divine Queens, so why? She flickers her eyes in the realization of his goals.¡®He¡¯s trying to warm up to Celyssa perhaps? Yes, she¡¯s very devoted to the Queens. Never missing a sermon in the cathedral when the high priestess tends to it.¡¯Malinda does nod unknowingly, which Celyssa catches.


    ¡®Have this boy rubbed off his belief on Malinda? Maybe he can light a candle inside her again? To blaze her credence to the wanted level?¡¯Celyssa hopes for the best.


    Forgetting where she is, Celyssa coughs as her eyes go back to Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°As long as you keep them in your heart, it¡¯s enough, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Celyssa says with a beaming expression while pronouncing his name flawlessly without a pause this time. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m ashamed for my behavior last time we had dinner¡­ So without further delay. I would like to invite you once more. And this time, Madelyn too will join us. What do you say, Xe¡¯Reth?¡±


    She doesn¡¯t bother asking Malinda, for she knows how deep his claws are set in her now that they¡¯ve had sex.


    ¡°Indeed, my boy. Please, let my wife show how caring she can be. Sure, she let the City down. But please, you need to accept. Not as her husband, but as your friend,¡± Maldoran reaches over to place his hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, nodding his head with a smile to urge him.


    Conversing yesterday at length has given Xe¡¯Reth such a height in his heart.


    Xe¡¯Reth gazes to Malinda while Madelyn too comes into his sight; Malinda, giving him a kindhearted nod, and Madelyn just stares at him, remembering what happened last night. She does wonder if he¡¯ll keep it a secret,¡®Is he afraid that my sister might leave him? Hmm. The later he reveals it, the better the damage my sister will suffer.¡¯


    Turning back his head upon getting the go ahead from Malinda, Xe¡¯Reth bends his upper body forward as he accepts, ¡°It would be an honor to dine with you, Madam Celyssa. And this time, let¡¯s not talk about the business involving the City. It would only rouse arguments instead of being able to speak ordinarily.¡±


    ¡°Aha! It is settled then!¡± Maldoran shouts as he almost slaps Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, but refrains from it upon remembering what happened last time he clasped his hand. He wouldn¡¯t want Malinda¡¯s scowl directing at him. Grinning with his teeth displaying, he laughs, ¡°Haha, I feel young again!¡±


    ¡°And what makes you think I¡¯ll be joining?!¡± Madelyn explodes with a pointing hand toward Celyssa, then to Malinda. ¡°I won¡¯t sit next to this whore for any longer than I need to!¡±


    ¡°Ma-Ma-Mady¡­¡± Malinda whimpers with lips tightening as her sister¡¯s words shake her heart tremendously. She thought she was ready to face her, but oh she¡¯s so wrong. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mady. Please, I didn¡¯t know¡­ I promise I didn¡¯t know you loved him¡­¡±


    ¡°You knew! That¡¯s why you wanted him in the first place! You expect me to be miserable forever so you can get the sun shined on you! While I will always remain in your shadow! I won¡¯t stand for it any more than I already have!¡± Madelyn screams while leaning toward Malinda, poking her shoulder with a stabbing index finger. ¡°I! Hate! You!¡±


    Grinning as Malinda grimaces with a spasming lower lip, Madelyn begins to laugh, ¡°Hah-Haha! Yes, start crying again! That¡¯s what you¡¯re good at, you traitorous whore!¡± But only Malinda¡¯s snivel is the single sound in the dining hall, everything else become quiet with narrow eyes gazing at Madelyn in utter repulsion.


    Malinda turns to cling to Xe¡¯Reth, burying her head on his chest as the snivel develops into a cry with tears staining Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s tightly fitted black outfit.


    ¡®Divines¡­ She has become so sensitive¡­ Like a child¡­¡¯Xe¡¯Reth scowls at Madelyn, making her throw back poisonous glances at him.


    ¡°It is enough Madelyn. Don¡¯t torment her any longer,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says while stroking Malinda¡¯s hair. ¡°You think it¡¯ll impress me? Well, it doesn¡¯t. You¡¯re just making everyone in this room feel pity towards you. Becausetheyknow that I won¡¯t ever love you back. So just stop being a spoiled brat and grow up for Divines¡¯ sake. You¡¯re just an embarrassment.¡±


    Madelyn becomes stunned at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s statement. Her mouth and eyes are ajar, while the others stare in shock too, well, at least Maldoran, Celyssa, and the servants, for Merissa curves her one cheek in fascination. Such a juicy conversation indeed. Malinda, however, remains to hug her man as tightly as she can to shut everything else out.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re going to let him speak to me like that?!¡± Madelyn screams at her brother and Celyssa, but they just gaze with headshakes at her pompous frame of mind. And glaring back at Xe¡¯Reth, her lips twitch in utter anger. But she flickers her eyes as a thought strikes her, making Xe¡¯Reth narrow his eyes in suspicion.


    ¡®Ah, yes, that¡¯ll work splendidly to make sister even more miserable,¡¯Madelyn rejoices as her head wilts.


    ¡°Fine¡­! Fine! I don¡¯t care anymore! You can have him! He isn¡¯t worthy of me anyways!¡± Madelyn shouts as she directs her head away toward the family painting. But a hidden curve rise on her right cheek. ¡°Why did I even bother with a mere peasant?! I only wanted him because of his unique features! But this is becoming such a bore, so you can have him! I¡¯ll find someone who loves me for who I am! Not someone who despises me!¡±


    Malinda lets go of Xe¡¯Reth as she whips her body around to her sister, being caught in her obvious trap, ¡°Really?!¡±


    ¡®Such gullibility¡­¡¯Xe¡¯Reth sighs inwardly, yet he can¡¯t help but raise an eyebrow at Madelyn¡¯s unexpected new goal.


    ¡°B-But yesterday¡­ you¡­ You tried to¡ª¡± Malinda keeps her words to herself, not having the courage to utter such a horrid sentence.


    ¡°Yes, I tried to commit suicide! So what?! Don¡¯t you know your own sister?! I¡¯m prone to making quick and unexpectant decisions!¡± Madelyn declares, raising her chin with pride. ¡°And now I don¡¯t want him anymore! It is that simple. You can keep him for yourself. However,¡± Madelyn pokes Malinda¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I will not forgive you that quickly for what you¡¯ve done to me. My forgiveness is earned slowly. So if you ever want me to consider you as a friend ¨C your only real friend I might add ¨C you will need to pay with actions fitting of earning my pardon!¡±


    Malinda throws herself at Madelyn, hugging her, caressing her cheek with hers while crying, ¡°I¡¯ll do anything! Anything! As long as you can forgive me! I want everything to go back to normal again!¡±


    ¡°Get off me!¡± Madelyn yells but her sister¡¯s loving arms hold her in check.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry,¡± Malinda lets go as she smiles. Her lips still tremble from her crying, but thankfully, she didn¡¯t put on any eyeliner.


    ¡°Thank the Divines! Finally!¡± Maldoran exclaims in relief, also being slightly trapped by Madelyn. ¡°It was becoming so excruciating to watch you two! It isn¡¯t good for my eyebrows to cringe that much. So thank the Queens for allowing you to forgive and forget. Sure, it wasn¡¯t right of your sister to take Xe¡¯Reth from you after watching him for so long. But it¡¯s over, Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda will be together from now on¡­ And Madelyn¡­ if you want to find someone else¡­ I might have a couple of¡­ No, more like a hundred noble families that want to marry off their sons. If you want me to, of course. Not that I¡¯m saying¡ªO-Okay, I¡¯ll not bring it up again.¡±


    Gaining such a glare of death, Madelyn shoots out her poison at Maldoran, making him lower his head to scoff a chuckle at Xe¡¯Reth, also giving him a nudge on the shoulder while smiling.


    ¡®He¡¯s terribly pushy now that he knows my mother is here,¡¯Xe¡¯Reth smiles back at Maldoran.


    ¡°Only because I said I will release him, doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll become an arranged whore for someone!¡± Madelyn shouts, showing her teeth, but she forces herself to calm down. She needs to get a grip on her emotions. Malinda must warm up to her again. Her head sinks innocently. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, brother. I¡¯ll try not to shout...¡±


    ¡°No worries, no worries! But your punishments are not changing, haha!¡± Maldoran shouts with a wide open smile. Then with hands clapping loudly, servants on either side of the double doors behind him, open it to reveal everyone who had been waiting for those claps.


    Tanya is the first to step into the dining hall with a tray balancing on her palm, while Cerinn follows her with rattling arms trying to not humiliate her Master, for if she were to drop it now¡ªOh she wouldn¡¯t want that.


    More servants follow behind them, servants from the dinner who had seen Xe¡¯Reth escort out the neck-kissing Malinda, while appeasing their curiosity in telling them of the outside world.


    Everyone goes to their assigned person.


    Cerinn, Xe¡¯Reth.


    Tanya, Malinda.


    And all others, in between the seats to put forth the prepared breakfast with silverware already set.


    Xe¡¯Reth wondered where they were after he had finished washing the filth of last night''s events, but Malinda had said that it was Tanya¡¯s turn to handle the breakfast while she took along Cerinn to teach her everything. Though, Taryna is nowhere in sight.


    However, as Celyssa gazes to Liriana, she can¡¯t help but switch back and forth between her and Madelyn.


    ¡®I¡¯ll have to tell Linadra to summon her daughter¡­ I don¡¯t like her sudden willingness to forgive. For she isn¡¯t someone who forgives¡­¡¯Celyssa goes wide-eyed at Madelyn¡¯s smirking curve directing toward herself. She frowns.''Goddesses¡­ what has happened while I took care of that mess with the city guard? For the love of the Queens, she wouldn¡¯t be acting like this if she knows something significant.¡¯


    ¡®Husband¡­ you¡¯re making me lose so much ground! If only you just let me be, I could¡¯ve already eradicated this insect! But no, you just had to listen to such filth! This boy could¡¯ve probably brought Malinda back from her disbelief in our Queens. But no matter, he¡¯ll die in due time¡­¡¯


    Indeed, she has lost considerable ground. Maldoran, Malinda, and Madelyn. The respect that she had gained from them over the years has just vanished in an instant now that they know of her disregard for the City.


    With everything set, the seated people begin to eat while the servants go to stand with the others by the opened kitchen door¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    It¡¯s an exceptional breakfast fit for Honored Ones, a meal that Xe¡¯Reth had eaten yesterday. But since that was at Malinda¡¯s quarters, it doesn¡¯t compare to this hall of grandeur.


    ¡°My boy, did you manage to finish the book in time? Or how many pages did you get to?¡± Maldoran asks, propping a small sausage into his mouth while having a crusted sandwich filled with toppings on his other hand. No etiquette in sight.


    ¡°I finished it,¡± Xe¡¯Reth answers with a half-present tone, gazing at his own food on the table, then to Malinda who nods with a smile. Such different food this time. Much fewer vegetables than the last breakfast, almost identical to Maldoran¡¯s plate.


    Leaning over, Malinda whispers, ¡°I decided that you don¡¯t need to follow my diet. It was wrong of me to try to force you to eat such dishes. From now on you¡¯ll be having a bit of what my brother is having, so you better train to stay as you are right now. I don¡¯t want you to get fat, you hear me?¡±


    Leaning back, she switches to her sister who also bends her body back from eavesdropping.


    As Maldoran finishes with his sandwich, he gulps down his glass of milk in one go.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Maldoran exhales in delight, liking Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s willingness in quickly finishing the book. ¡°I like your dedication, my boy. It took me several days to finish it when my father gave it to me. Mostly laziness on my part. But onto what I really want to say¡­ I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯ll take one or two years before you get to be in charge of anything. Because the rules dictate that none under eighteen can be a ground commander ¨C out on the field of battle. Being on the ramparts has entirely different rules.¡±


    ¡°Your age is a problem, unfortunately. You look way older ¨C or more mature is the word ¨C than what you seem. It¡¯s probably why Malinda chose you with such disregard, no offense. But most don''t like to be ordered around by someone younger than themselves. However, that issue can be fixed by simply having a mentor ¨C to give the orders in your stead. Someone who¡¯s respected.¡±


    Maldoran sighs as he props in one more sausage. After finishing it with a gulp, he jerks his head to Malinda who goes wide-eyed at her own forgetfulness.


    ¡°That¡¯s right¡­ Forgive me, brother, I haven¡¯t told him about Recina yet¡­¡± Malinda gasps, forcing a smile as her brother doesn¡¯t look pleased with his lowered eyebrows.


    He had spoken to Recina or more like summoned her yesterday since he does have such power even though she¡¯s Malinda¡¯s handmaiden. And because Recina and Xe''Reth''s mother have had a past relationship, Maldoran thought that she could be the one to instruct Xe¡¯Reth. However, Maldoran hasn''t told her yet about Theresa¡¯s real identity.


    ¡°Mmm¡­ You¡¯ve had a lot on your mind, but start focusing. Because a lot of work will be directed your way from now on. Reconon will be your and your sister¡¯s aid, while Xe¡¯Reth will be guided by Recina,¡± Maldoran explains while having a stern finger whipping around at both Malinda and Madelyn. ¡°You two will be the pinnacle of our army now, so don¡¯t disgrace me. Show backbone. Show no weakness to the other Honored Ones. You too, my boy. Even though you aren¡¯t one yet, you¡¯ll be one in the future. But do try to keep a low profile until then, alright?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Xe¡¯Reth nods with a smile. Though in his mind, he¡¯s rather disappointed,¡®One to two years, huh¡­? I can¡¯t have that. But how can I get prestige from the leaders in the army, if there isn¡¯t a battle at the Ebon Wall? Guess I have to exert myself to be the best that I can be. For I will need allies in the future.¡¯


    ¡°But couldn¡¯t you have told me that when we last spoke?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, being rather forward with his erect scarred brow.


    ¡°Yes I could¡¯ve, but then we wouldn¡¯t have anything to talk about now, haha!¡± Maldoran chuckles as his eyes fixate on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s neck wound, squinting at it. ¡°But onward to the rest of the day¡¯s schedule; visit the Citadel¡¯s blacksmiths. They have been adjusting and working around the clock ¨C on my orders ¨C to prepare your armor for today. Nothing special, but from what my sister¡¯s handmaiden told me, your existing attire isn¡¯t suited to be in the presence of Honored Ones.¡±


    Before Malinda can rudely interject with shocking eyes, he raises his hand to stop her, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t be unreasonable, sister. The boy knows what¡¯s expected of him. And wearing nothing but the best is what I want for him. Nevertheless, it¡¯ll take much longer to forge you an armor worthy of our status. So for now, the prepared armor will do.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll wear it gladly,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he takes ahold of Malinda¡¯s hand, which she responds to only with a conceding smile.


    ¡°Also, I heard of what happened in the mountain valley to the east. Nasty business. And that you, sister, want to take in the bear cubs of the Ebon mother that killed the DLO agents. I can¡¯t say I support that, but for now, I¡¯ll allow them into the Citadel. However, if any attacks come from them, I¡¯ll have to put them down. Understand?¡± Maldoran says with such a voice of decision while staring straight at Malinda.


    ¡°I was thinking of having an area for them in the garden ¨C in Malinda¡¯s garden. I saw it yesterday, and well. If fences high enough are set up all around, it¡¯s a perfect place to build them a home,¡± Xe¡¯Reth jumps in before Malinda can once again respond. Rather eagerly too. ¡°I don¡¯t know how much it¡¯ll cost, butEbon Bearsare indeed rare. Any of the Ebon kind is a valuable species to gain. And if they can be house trained, they can be powerful guardians.¡±


    ¡°Just look at one of the Honored families, especially the Keth household. They have bred the Ebon Lynx for centuries to the point of brilliance. Such a feline animal is known for its lone behavior. But every member, both young and old has one Lynx protecting them. And for a cat, it¡¯s said to be enormous.¡±


    Everyone, silent. Stunned by Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eagerness to speak. Making him scoff out a chuckle while scratching his scarred eyebrow in embarrassment, ¡°Heh, I apologize for my rambling. I got rather excited because they¡¯re like me ¨C different. Pure black, like my eyes and hair.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ That¡¯s right!¡± Maldoran exclaims, blinking as if he just realized Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hair and eye color. ¡°They fit you perfectly! Nevermind what I just said. I would be a fool not to take them in. But how do you raise bears?¡± Maldoran probes as he leans in closer to hear more. So does the others in the dining hall, even Celyssa.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s palms ascend while shaking his head, ¡°I only know what I¡¯ve read, unfortunately.¡±


    ¡°But as many of you know, they live extremely long lives. The Keth¡¯s oldest lynx is over four hundred years old,¡± Xe¡¯Reth reveals as he raises his finger. ¡°Like magicians, they¡¯re extraordinary beings.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t believe everything that¡¯s written in a book, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Celyssa fusses with a headshake. ¡°They do live longer than normal animals, but four hundred years? Please¡­ that¡¯s just made up by the author of the book.¡±


    ¡°But mama... In the Journey of the Magic Priestess, Medina''s eagle was over three hundred years while she was three hundred and fifty. Don¡¯t you remember¡­?¡± Merissa questions with excessively blinking eyes directing toward her mother¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Shush now. Don¡¯t talk about made up characters in a story and let the grownups talk,¡± Celyssa says, waving away her daughter''s comment, but upon traveling with her eyes to the dead frozen globes of her dear baby girl, she realizes her utter mistake.


    ¡°She¡­ She¡¯s not¡­ Real¡­?¡± Merissa asks as her lower lip start to tremble.


    ¡°No, no, no, of course, she¡¯s real. Mama was only kidding. Medina is a true legend, and her eagle,¡± Celyssa affirms, stroking her daughter¡¯s cheek. ''Oh Goddesses, I should be more careful. She believes anything that is read to her in stories. Well, it¡¯s my own fault for not telling her that they aren¡¯t real.¡¯


    Everyone breathes out a sigh of relief since if Merissa were to cause an uproar again, the breakfast would be ruined.


    ¡°Then why did you say such a thing¡­? You know how much I enjoy listening to Medina''s adventures. Hmph!¡± Merissa whips her upper body toward the Tertin painting like Madelyn did while crossing her arms.


    With pouting lips, she returns to play with her food after a short period of time.


    The others, they converse with one another; Malinda who tries to gain Madelyn¡¯s favor again. Xe¡¯Reth who listens to Maldoran¡¯s rambling with a smile. Celyssa who wants to feed her daughter, but gets denied immediately, and Cerinn who glares at Liriana¡¯s mumbling of words, for she sits right next to her.


    An enemy.


    She was humiliated by her Mistress, so, of course, Cerinn holds nothing but hatred toward this pathetic handmaiden.


    ¡°Cease your glaring, Cerinn. Don¡¯t be unsightly,¡± Tanya scolds as she grabs her chin to turn her head, so their eyes meet. ¡°After they¡¯ve finished eating, we¡¯ll be busy for the rest of the day.¡±


    ¡°What, no breaks?¡± Cerinn asks as her face contort.


    ¡°This is your break,¡± Tanya only says, letting go of her chin. Then she returns to sit as straight and as elegant as she can.


    Hearing that, Cerinn¡¯s head wilts while her eyes still go to Liriana who doesn¡¯t bother with her. Just the mumbling of words. But it¡¯s a day that will change her life¡­ forever¡­


    ¡­¡­


    As the breakfast continue, Malinda flickers her eyes in surprise.


    ¡°Mady, your cheek has almost healed¡­ I didn¡¯t notice it before, but¡­ didn¡¯t you say that it would take longer than this?¡±


    Celyssa focuses her attention on Madelyn¡¯s cheek too, while Maldoran keeps Xe¡¯Reth ''busy''.


    Touching her own cheek, Madelyn purses her lips, ¡°Well¡­ the Citadel healer said that it would take around five days to recover. I¡¯m surprised too. I didn¡¯t even put any ointment to further increase the regeneration.¡±


    ¡°Then that¡¯s absolutely fantastic¡­¡± Malinda says but leans in closer, silencing her tone. ¡°I heard you went out yesterday with a helmet on. Hehe, then you fainted out of exhaustion from wearing that armor.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t speak of it!¡± Madelyn snaps, pushing Malinda away.


    ¡°Heh¡­ Yes, yes¡­¡± Malinda chuckles with such tightening lips, trying not to laugh out loud.


    ¡°You two, less talking, more eating because you have a long day ahead of you,¡± Celyssa scolds with a finger whipping at them, which only makes things worse.


    Both of the sisters at the same time frown at her, causing her to recoil with full eyes.


    ¡®Goddesses, will I ever gain back their respect as their mother figure¡­?¡¯Celyssa does concede, turning to her daughter instead to try to help her eat, but again, she gets hands flailing at her. ¡°Stop it, you haven¡¯t touched your food. Now here, say aah.¡±


    ¡°No, Mama! I can eat by myself! I was just taking my time!¡± Merissa flails her hands a little more, which her mother respond by whispering, ¡°If you let me feed you, I¡¯ll make a chocolate cake later.¡±


    Simply saying such a bargain to gain some ground from her own humility, her daughter¡¯s mouth open up with a broad smile¡­ ¡°Aaah¡­¡±


    Seeing his daughter surrender to her mother, Maldoran chuckles with relief in his eyes. Xe¡¯Reth, too, snickers along with the mood, but as Maldoran clears his throat, he switches to the conversation that he and Xe¡¯Reth have had.


    Yet he bends forward and lowers his head, catching his little sisters busy with each other. Xe¡¯Reth raises his brow at the secrecy of his finger bending backward, time and time again.


    ¡°What is it¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth whispers as he gives Maldoran his listening ear.


    However, the silence hangs in the air around them as he doesn¡¯t speak.


    Clearing his throat once more, he whispers with lowered eyebrows, ¡°How did it go last night¡­? I hope she didn¡¯t go too rough on you. Because you¡¯re recovering, so she shouldn¡¯t¡­ Well¡­ You know. She must be patient¡­¡± Tilting his head to scout for any eyes that might¡¯ve heard anything, he continues. ¡°But how was it¡­? You are my sister¡¯s first¡­ So¡­ Argh.¡± He scratches his short hair. ¡°I don¡¯t want to admit it, but I¡¯m kind of happy that it was you, my boy, that took my sister¡¯s chastity.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m also glad that I stole it from her,¡± Xe¡¯Reth agrees with a grin.


    In an instant, Maldoran flings his body backward with eyes wide, resounding a thud on the backrest. He even lowers his gaze to the food in front of him.


    ¡°Stole what, from who¡­ Xe¡¯Reth?¡± Malinda snarls, gripping his shoulder to turn him.


    ¡®Such blatant idiocy¡­ Talking so openly about a night that shouldn¡¯t be shared with others¡­¡¯Celyssa shakes her head in shame.


    With Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s surprised dark globes peering into Malinda¡¯s narrowed eyes, he swooshes his hand to Maldoran while smiling, ¡°Your brother asked how our night went. I just said that I¡¯m happy that I stole your virginity from any other man.¡± But he innocently forms a circle with his mouth. ¡°Oh, I shouldn¡¯t have answered him?¡±


    ¡°Of course, you shouldn¡¯t have answered him! Because it is none of his business!¡± Malinda shouts in humiliation, but surprisingly, she switches her rage-filled eyes to her brother who¡¯ve turned into a meek little child. ¡°You big oaf! How dare you ask about what happened last night?! Our night! You know he can¡¯t possibly say no to you because of your status! Why do you need to take advantage of him!?¡±


    ¡°I-I-I was just worried for him since he had been tortured by those criminals¡­ You saw how he was at the dinner we had. And then yesterday Madelyn injured him greatly. I was just making sure that you¡­ Well¡­ That you weren¡¯t too rough on him, that¡¯s all¡­¡± Maldoran chokes as he gets some puny courage back.


    ¡®Tortured¡­? Yes, Xe¡¯Reth was tort¡ª.¡¯Madelyn¡¯s eyes widen upon realizing that he had zero wounds last night.¡®Wait¡­ Where was he tortured¡­? I saw nothing on his body. Only that neck patch that he has now.¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth too realizes his mistake. His carelessness. His forgetfulness. He glances toward Madelyn who gawks at him.¡®Damn¡­ I show myself too carelessly¡­ even this morning when I woke up. I should really cut down on myexhibitionist ways.''


    ¡°It¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter! I don¡¯t want you speaking of such¡­ of such¡­¡± Malinda pauses, trying to find the words. As she doesn¡¯t find anything, she bursts, ¡°Enough! It wasn¡¯t me that needed to restrain myself! I was scared out of my mind last night, so I drank a lot of wine! And for the record, Xe¡¯Reth was the one who took the lead. Because I can¡¯t even remember most of it, so enough! If I hear you ask him for any more details, I¡¯ll kill you! You hear me?! I¡¯ll put a sword through you!¡±


    ¡°Ok, ok, ok. I won¡¯t ask the boy again¡­¡± Maldoran apologizes quickly, thrusting forth both of his palms to stop her impending words from hitting him. But as eyes travel to the smiling Xe¡¯Reth, Maldoran grumbles at being thrown to his sister¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°Please¡­ Do restrain yourselves from talking about adult business at the table. We¡¯ve children present,¡± Celyssa says with a calm but icy tone, covering Merissa¡¯s ears so she can¡¯t hear their conversation. But she heard everything even though her mother tries to protect her from such filthy talk.


    Celyssa can¡¯t help but think about what her family said; that it¡¯s Merissa¡¯s time to sacrifice herself for the cause. To be forced to marry as she was to Maldoran. But the thought of someone touching her innocent daughter sickens her. She won¡¯t allow anyone to put their hands on her. Over her dead body. Her family knows it, however, if it¡¯s like her sister threatened, Celyssa must be prepared for whatever might happen in the coming future¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr>


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    <hr>

 43 - The Loyalty Between Servants

    <hr>


    As the breakfast concludes, the Lord, his sisters, the handmaidens and Xe¡¯Reth stands by Malinda¡¯s staircase in the throne room. But only one is aggravated ¨C Madelyn. Her legs are killing her, though she doesn¡¯t show it. She¡¯s as composed as she can be with arms crossed.


    The others listen to Maldoran with fixated eyes.


    ¡°Your handmaiden Recina will find Xe¡¯Reth and escort him to the blacksmiths in due time. And I¡¯ll also be there for the fitting of the armor. While you two my sisters. You¡¯ll go on your merry way to prepare everything for Reconon¡¯s arrival. He¡¯ll get Madelyn first, then you Malinda, since you¡¯ve business with the DLO which are coming with the bear cubs shortly. So be prepared when it¡¯s time.¡± Maldoran steps closer to Xe¡¯Reth as he puts his heavy hand on his shoulder, smiling with such proudness, ¡°I¡¯ll meet you there my boy. It¡¯ll be a grand sight indeed.¡± Switching his head side to side, he finishes with eyes narrowing, ¡°You two got what I said?¡±


    ¡°Yes brother,¡± both of them reply with nods.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll see you all later at dinner after you return home. Take care for now. And see you in a bit, my boy,¡± Maldoran says, turning to boom his feet on the marble floor towards Madelyn¡¯s staircase. He goes past around it as he disappears into a corridor.


    The handmaidens remain hushed, waiting for the silence to break between everyone.


    ¡°Well¡­ as I¡¯ve already seen to my mother before breakfast, I¡¯ll go to your garden Malinda,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, giving her a kiss on the cheek to not piss Madelyn off. He shouldn¡¯t need to, but having the two sisters being friends works out better for him even though Madelyn is just putting on an act. A performance that Malinda wholeheartedly believes in, or does she?


    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll go and wait at the courtyard for the arrival of the DLO after I¡¯ve seen to some business in my wing,¡± Malinda says, putting a hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s chest, but with blinking eyes, she switches to Madelyn. ¡°Mady, do you want to come with me? We still have a lot of time until we need to get ready.¡±


    ¡°I decline,¡± Madelyn scoffs, uncrossing her arms to wave a hand while rolling her eyes. Then turns around to walk to her part of the stairs where her brother vanished. ¡°I have my own duties to take care of, so I don¡¯t have the luxury of watching those animals arrive. Goodbye¡­¡± But she stops in her movement, whipping her head to Liriana. ¡°What are you just standing there all aloof?! Come!¡±


    Snapping into motion, Liriana runs to her Mistress with head low, not wanting to meet those chilling eyes.


    They disappear when they reach the second floor, making Malinda gasp out a sigh of relief, ¡°That¡­ That went much better than I had hoped¡­ But¡­ she hasn¡¯t forgiven me, has she?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately¡­ your sister most likely hasn''t. But don¡¯t worry,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with hands on Malinda¡¯s shoulders, giving her such a reassuring smile. ¡°I¡¯ll keep my guard up around her, and tell you if she tries something. Yet be cautious, for Madelyn might change her way of thinking once more. She¡¯s just putting on an act to get you closer¡­ which has worked it seems.¡±


    Gazing away from those critical eyes of his, Malinda stutters while lowering her head, ¡°She¡­ She¡¯s my sister, Xe¡¯Reth. I-I can¡¯t help but love her.¡± As she raises her head, she has wrinkled eyebrows. ¡°I don¡¯t want to ever witness such an event as yesterday¡­ Never again¡­ So please get along with her. For my sake.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ understand. However, for now, let¡¯s part ways. Those servants that handle all the expansions in the Citadel must be waiting for me in your garden. So I better get there before they think I¡¯m keeping them waiting on purpose,¡± Xe¡¯Reth decides, kissing Malinda once more but on the mouth.


    Unlocking their lips, Malinda only nods as she turns to walk up on her side of the stairs with Tanya and Cerinn, leaving Xe¡¯Reth there all alone.


    Finally reaching the second floor, Malinda spins to blow a kiss, then she too disappears, while Xe¡¯Reth, he heads straight out the Citadel¡¯s large front double doors which stand wide open; the grand hall emptying of all life.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Liriana and Madelyn, they stride through corridor after corridor; no words, nothing. Only the thudding footsteps on the carpet that goes all around the Citadel. On every level, in every hallway to make it as ornate as possible.


    The walls and ceilings, as always, gorgeous paintings telling of long passed family members and chandeliers of wealth prettying the place up.


    But Liriana, she fiddles with her hands under her petite breasts. Her eyes blink too much for comfort, for her Mistress isn¡¯t acting like she usually does. No words of anger, only this painful silence.


    They don¡¯t even go to Madelyn¡¯s main quarters. Instead, they head toward the tower stairs on the northwest side.


    ¡®Why aren¡¯t any servants cleaning¡­? They were when we left¡­¡¯ Liriana shakes her head from the disorder, gazing at every door that should be opened to air the rooms out. ¡®I heard of no meeting from Velyn or Verelin. Has Mistress ordered something without telling me¡­?¡¯


    At last, as they arrive at the large spiraling staircase that reaches all levels of the Citadel, even to the pinnacle of the tower, two servants curtsy on either side of the entrance, turning Liriana¡¯s expression vile. She knows those two women ¨C two horrible criminals that shouldn¡¯t even be allowed to remain in the service of this great household.


    They bully the younger ones who show any difference of opinion than what their Mistress desire; they demand obedience, and they remove those that disobey. However, since Liriana has only recently joined, she doesn¡¯t know the depth of how much power those two have.


    Jessica¡­ Madelyn¡¯s soon-to-be handmaiden.


    Through her, a former handmaiden of the great mother herself, they can bend the rules. Because, even Velyn and Verelin, they hold much respect for Jessica just for that very reason ¨C being a handmaiden to Matilda Tertin, their Honored benefactor. Liriana may not know how Jessica was allowed to join such a high position at that time, but she despises both her and these two women for their vileness.


    However, what bothers Liriana the most, are their faces. All smiles and gentle eyes peering straight at her. They must certainly remember her scolding them, and the pure dread that she had felt coming from their eyes. But why is she getting such gladness from them now?


    Placing her first step on the staircase that leads up to the third floor, Madelyn says without turning, ¡°I¡¯ve thought that you shouldn¡¯t stay in your parents¡¯ house anymore. For you¡¯re old enough to live on your own and you¡¯ve proven your dedication to me.¡±


    Stunned is what Liriana shows on her flickering eyes and opened mouth. But she follows her Mistress one step at the time, traveling to a place that shouldn¡¯t be opened. Yet, the barricade of wood has been removed. And on the other side of the now visible staircase, dust.


    It¡¯s full of it. Liriana winces at the unclean environment that her Mistress is treading in.


    What she doesn¡¯t realize are the two following servants who don''t remain at the entrance to the spiral staircase. They are just a few cases below Liriana, with such peaceful ambiance exuding from both of them.


    ¡°Liriana, you may be surprised by my recent cold behavior towards you. But it was only to not show how much I¡¯ve prepared for your ascendance into womanhood. A handmaiden should never live with her parents. Nobody has ever done that. And I want to continue such traditions,¡± Madelyn reveals but doesn¡¯t move her head one bit, only down to watch her steps. Her voice, passive and collected. Not how she spoke before with such annoyance.


    As the third floor¡¯s corridor comes into Liriana¡¯s sight, she gapes, for a statue, so grand and so beautiful stands erect just outside the staircase¡¯s entrance. It¡¯s stationed at the rounded corners of the two corridors that lead east and south. So much uncleanliness, but Liriana can¡¯t help it. She actually is in awe.


    ¡°My mother in her great beauty,¡± Madelyn recollects while she bows in longing to the statue of a woman that has both her arms outwards, welcoming a hug. A statue without flaws. Only the dust and cobweb taints it. A mother that Madelyn misses with all her heart.


    The darkness going down both of the hallways dawns on Liriana, snapping her out of her reverie, for Velyn and Verelin have lanterns in hand on either side of the statue, lighting the place up with shimmering flickers.


    ¡°Come, Liriana. I¡¯m going to show you where your room will be for the remainder of your service,¡± Madelyn says, starting to walk again, eastward. None of her real excruciating fatigue is showing in her movements.


    Going in front of their Mistress, the twins guide them down the hall until they reach the double doors of Liriana¡¯s new quarters. From the darkness, Liriana has become even more nervous because the rooms on the left side of the hall had illuminated only a speck of light through the cracks, coming from the windows.


    She goes to Madelyn to ask with such desperation, ¡°D-Do I really need to have my room on the third floor¡­? Why can¡¯t I have a room in your wing¡­? Like them?¡± She points to the twins.


    Madelyn outright ignores Liriana¡¯s plea as she snakes her arm around her handmaiden¡¯s shoulder. And with the red-headed twins opening the scraping double doors to Liriana¡¯s new abode, Madelyn guides her into the room. A room with all the furniture moved to the walls to make the center clear.


    What terrifies Liriana the most are the shackles that hang down from above the ceiling by chains where a chandelier is supposed to hang; a wheel to lower and raise a victim, and the small table of various instruments by the side.


    As Liriana¡¯s head turns to her Mistress, what awaits her, Madelyn¡¯s pure dread, total anger on her contorted eyebrows and in her blue squinting eyes.


    ¡°You betrayed me¡­¡± Madelyn growls with twitching lips, not able to control her fatigue and rage any longer. Her one hand goes to Liriana¡¯s throat to choke her while her little handmaiden only gawks in fright. ¡°After everything I¡¯ve done for you¡­ you betray me so easily¡­?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ Mistress¡­ I-I-I¡­¡± Liriana can¡¯t find her footing from those horrifying eyes, gazing with such hatred at her.


    Turning Liriana to hold her by her shoulders instead, Madelyn shakes the living out of her, ¡°You whore! You dared to do this to me?! To me?!¡±


    ¡°W-W-What have I done¡­? M-Madelyn¡­? What have I done¡­?¡± Liriana cries out, having her fisted knuckles under her jaw as her lips tremble. Her eyes are watering up, while her grimace just turns Madelyn even more furious.


    At a slim chance of being saved, Liriana stares at both of the twins to ask them for help. However, she gets their deadset, cold eyes directing straight at some creature that their Mistress is holding. Her.


    ¡°What have you done¡­ you ask?¡± Madelyn replies as her body shakes, looming over the shriveling girl. Such audacity. Madelyn just wants to see this girl beg for her miserable life. A traitor. ¡°You¡¯re a little spy, that¡¯s what you are. A spy for your mother. I should¡¯ve known when they put you into my service that it was¡­ suspicious¡­ But as I didn¡¯t get any council¡­¡± Madelyn shoots her gaze at Velyn and Verelin who lowers their heads immediately. ¡°¡­I simply agreed to take you in.¡±


    Madelyn removes her hands off Liriana¡¯s shoulders as she waves into the air as if giving some kind of signal, which she does. Not to Velyn nor Verelin, but to the other two servants that followed them. They, without a second thought, launch and grab Liriana¡¯s arms to hold her still, squeezing so hard that the poor handmaiden lets out a cry.


    ¡°Aw! Aw! What are¡ª! Stop, stop it! It hurts! Please make them¡ª!!¡±


    Madelyn¡¯s hand whips to Liriana¡¯s cheek. And making contact, such a sound echoes forth as saliva spurts from the handmaiden¡¯s mouth, rotating her head sideways from the force.


    Only a quiet whimpering escapes from Liriana now that she knows her current predicament. Nothing but a traitor in Madelyn¡¯s eyes. Sure, she did forgive her for telling her father, but hundreds of times to her mother? She¡¯s dead to Madelyn. An insect, a slave to do what she will with.


    Jessica did reveal everything involving Liriana, Linadra, and to some extent, Celyssa.


    Information was given to Jessica by her own little moles. Because nobody in this Citadel can be trusted. One may support someone while being in league with another. It¡¯s complicated matters. But someone as amateurish as Celyssa?


    Jessica laughs at her tries to beat her or the Matriarch. They¡¯ve been doing infiltrations for many more years than the Madam, while the Madam only gives orders, never being the one to do the dirty work, which Jessica in her youth did.


    ¡°What are you two waiting on¡­?¡± Madelyn asks as she opens her palms, shaking her head in disbelief at them for not doing anything, only holding the dead silent Liriana who¡¯s completely dumbfounded. ¡°Remove her clothes and put on the shackles, then raise her up, so she tiptoes. Heh.¡±


    ¡°But be careful to not damage the clothes, they¡¯re valuable¡­ to me. Ah, by the way, you¡¯ve done an excellent job arranging this so quickly¡­ I¡¯ll be sure to reward Jessica for her commitment. Of course, if you two please me enough, I might give you some prize too,¡± Madelyn says with a smile, grinning down at Liriana¡¯s silence. She even caresses her red cheek with such pleasure, causing Liriana to shiver away from her touch. ¡°Begin. I¡¯ve business to take care of so I don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mistress¡­¡± Both of them bob their heads, dragging Liriana to the chains. Before they shackle her, they undress her. Removing every piece of clothing. While Liriana tries to remain silent. Though a sobbing does sound out as she attempts to cover her soon exposed teenage bosoms as they unbutton her dress, one button after the other.


    Pushing the dress down, her body comes into full view.


    Her unflawed skin, her nakedness pleases Madelyn. She has never actually witnessed her handmaiden like this before. Such innocence, such pure complexion. No outstanding birthmarks, nothing. Which oozes out Madelyn¡¯s urge to damage her even more since it¡¯s healthier skin than hers.


    The two servants grab Liriana¡¯s arms to lift them up to the shackles, disregarding her pleading whines.


    Cuffing her, they lock them in place as they step to the sides; one goes to the wheel that controls the height of the chains, the other goes to the table of various instruments which Madelyn have no knowledge of. Only the black bundled up whip is what she recognizes.


    They spare no time with the orders they got. The one by the wheel starts to push forward, making the chain roll inwards from below, lifting Liriana up into the air. But with the other one thrusting forth her hand, she stops the wheel in motion, causes the handmaiden to tiptoe.


    Madelyn¡¯s wanted altitude.


    For the weight of Liriana¡¯s thin body will be enough to deal excruciating agony on her shackled wrists. She¡¯ll try to balance with her toes, but it will be hard for her when she has kept on doing it for hours upon hours.


    ¡°Madelyn! Mistress, please! You¡¯re scaring me! I¡¯m sorry! I-I was forced by my mother! I didn¡¯t want to spy on you!¡± Liriana shouts, her words being too fast with tears rolling down her cheeks.


    ¡°Is she secured?¡± Madelyn asks as she ignores Liriana completely.


    ¡°She is,¡± the wheel handler says with a bob of her head.


    ¡°And these¡­ unknown tools you¡¯ve brought? Where did you get them from?¡± Madelyn inquires with a fascinated raised brow while puckering her lips.


    ¡°From the outside, Mistress,¡± the table handler responds, forwarding the black whip to her. But a lie nonetheless. For not only has there been Tertins like Madelyn, but even worse ones with such deprived minds have also existed.


    The weight of the whip in her hands and the naked girl tiptoeing as her face screams pure horror warms Madelyn¡¯s breath in excitement. As she licks her upper lip, Madelyn orders, ¡°Leave.¡±


    Without responding, the four women walk out the room through the double doors, leaving lit candles to brighten the place up. But before the last one heads out, Liriana whimpers out, ¡°Velyn!¡± causing her to turn to gaze at the strung up handmaiden. ¡°P-Please¡­ Help me¡­¡±


    A grimace appears on Velyn¡¯s face. However, not a grimace of sadness nor pity, but total disgust.


    Liriana had spent the most time with Velyn for she was her trainer ¨C as Tanya is to Cerinn. And from their time together, Liriana wants to use that bond that they¡¯ve formed. Nevertheless, it¡¯s a relationship that was never linked together in the first place, for Velyn has just put up with Liriana since both of the twins were ordered by Madelyn to treat her as the same rank as them.


    Scoffing, Velyn¡¯s cheek raises to form a smile, throwing away her real emotions for Liriana, ¡°I¡¯ve never liked you nor your personality. Your caring ways disgust me. In the first place, you shouldn¡¯t have been in our Mistress¡¯ service¡­ And well. You¡¯re a traitor, and will be treated as such.¡± Velyn switches to Madelyn with a bowing head. ¡°Forgive me for interrupting. Please continue, Mistress.¡±


    She backs out with her upper body bent while holding both of the handles down to close the doors.


    Hearing that clicking, Madelyn smiles as she unfastens the whip¡¯s curled up form. She flows with her hand and arm outwards to make the strap extend to its maximum length.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t¡­ Please¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ Mistress, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Liriana implores but gains nothing from Madelyn in return. ¡°Y-You can¡­ You can go to jail from doing this Mistress¡­ So please, I beg of you, don¡¯t do what you¡¯re going to do.¡±


    ¡°How many times have you reported to your mother¡­? To Celyssa¡­?¡± Madelyn interjects, walking up to Liriana as she traces the whip on her naked stomach. Madelyn¡¯s eyes display her pleasure in seeing her beloved handmaiden so defenseless. But with no answer coming from her, Madelyn, without any warnings, spins Liriana around to have her delicate back towards her.


    Raising her red palm into the air, she cascades down on Liriana¡¯s left butt cheek, causing such a scream, ¡°Aaaaaaahhh!¡± to sound from her.


    With zero delays, Madelyn repeats with such calmness displaying in her demeanor, ¡°How many times have you reported to them?¡±


    Gaining no answer again, Madelyn raises her hand high as Liriana¡¯s teary eyes gawks at her with a turned head in complete horror.


    *Smack*


    Another shriek escapes Liriana while she rattles the chains or more like shaking horribly from the pain.


    ¡°Mo-More¡­ More than hundred times¡­¡± Liriana cries, still trying to hold her balance with her toes. Because for a second, she felt the strain on her wrists if she were to relax. The sharp corners of the shackles that dig into her skin. She can¡¯t take it. It hurts too much. ¡°I report to my mother almost every¡ª¡°


    *Smack*


    ¡°Ahh-Ahhh! I answered! I answeeered!¡± Liriana screams in agony, but another spank comes immediately after. ¡°Ahhhh! M-Mama¡­! Please¡­ I answered¡­ Mistress, please¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s truly a shame¡­ I kind of liked you¡­¡± Madelyn reminisces, almost as if she doesn¡¯t want Liriana to hear. ¡°But such perfect skin¡­¡± She caresses her handmaiden, running her hand from the scarlet handprint, up the back while making Liriana shiver. Arriving with her hand to Liriana¡¯s hair, Madelyn grabs and tears backward. ¡°You¡¯ve given me so much work to do¡­ Hmm¡­ About three hundred lashes I guess. Though that¡¯ll have to wait until I return home. For now, I¡¯ll give you one to test this thing out.¡±


    Liriana stares straight into Madelyn¡¯s caring eyes. She¡¯s enjoying this. Because she does need to let out her pent up fury. And what better way than inflicting pain onto someone else?You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re insane¡­¡± Liriana utters with trembling lips. ¡°Y-Y-You¡¯re¡­ M-My mother¡­ will¡­ will¡­¡±


    ¡°Your whore of a mother will find you when I¡¯m through with you. Or she might not. I haven¡¯t decided yet. And let me tell you, I won¡¯t be done with you for many days¡­ weeks¡­ even months¡­ Because do you know what?¡± Madelyn whispers into her ear, making the breath warm her skin. ¡°Because your mother handed over your rights upon signing you over to me. I own you. Your whole body is mine to do whatever I will with. It¡¯s different with servants. But with handmaidens? They¡¯re my property.¡±


    ¡°Hm, if I had known last night¡­ I would¡¯ve taken your purity, too, haha. But since I won¡¯t be in bed with Xe¡¯Reth for such a long time, I might as well enjoy myself by torturing you. Isn¡¯t that right, sweetheart?¡±


    Throwing Liriana¡¯s head forward, Madelyn positions herself further away to get a good angle.


    ¡°Wish me luck,¡± Madelyn snickers, which blasts Liriana¡¯s mouth open, ¡°You¡¯ll not get away with this! When I get out of here, I¡¯ll have you thrown in jail! Everyone will know! Everyone!¡±


    ¡°Ohh¡­?¡± Madelyn flickers her eyes in shock. But she can¡¯t help but laugh at what she said. ¡°Oh, my dear Liriana¡­ You don¡¯t honestly think you¡¯ll ever get to tell your tale, do you? Because well, even though I won¡¯t kill you, I¡¯ll change you into what I desire. A faithful dog, a bitch.¡±


    ¡°Now then¡­ One!¡± Madelyn readies the whip, ¡°Two!¡± she raises her hand, ¡°Three!¡±


    ¡°Aaaaahhhhh!¡± Liriana howls out before the pain comes, which doesn¡¯t even come.


    ¡°Ha-Hahahaha!¡± Madelyn laughs while covering her mouth, ¡°You should¡¯ve seen your whole body tense up! Heh-Hehe¡­ Ah¡­ Such a sight.¡±


    ¡°You monster! You villain!¡± Liriana yells, not even having the courage to face her. For her teary eyes and twitching lips is something that shouldn¡¯t be seen by a narcissistic and sadistic woman who enjoys the agony of another person.


    ¡°For real now¡­¡± Madelyn grins, taking another step back¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡°One!¡± Madelyn yells through the double doors for the handmaidens and servants to hear.


    ¡°Two!¡± The handmaidens cringe with their brows and close their eyes to await the whipping, to listen to that slashing force connecting onto Liriana¡¯s bare skin. While the other two servants have no care in the world, even smiling in absolute joy. Though they know nothing will really come of it since Madelyn is an amateur in handling such an instrument of pain.


    But then it comes, without warning. Madelyn doesn¡¯t say three, only the echoing of a whip branding skin.


    ¡°Aaaahhhhhhhhh!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Minutes later, Xe¡¯Reth strides in between hedge after hedge. Turn after turn until he finally takes a corner to catch with his alert eyes three women by an entrance. The scream of Liriana? Not heard even by him since a lot of sounds resonate in his ears.


    ¡°Master Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Inatriss, the bath servant greets, bobbing her head to acknowledge his presence as he comes walking with hands behind his back. So gentle is his posture.


    As he arrives at the entrance of Malinda¡¯s garden, he nods to the other two bath servants who¡¯re currently curtsying to him. The labyrinth of towering hedges should be hard to navigate, but since there was a map at the entrance, he had memorized it. All of the gardens, all of the hidden areas that display in plain view; the tombs of long past Tertin members, and the small streams that flow throughout the labyrinth.


    The bath servants had rushed to bathe him before he went to breakfast, so all four of them have a rather intimate relationship already. But there is still that boundary of him being male. And washing someone like him does make them get flushed cheeks. However, they know their position in life. While he doesn¡¯t allow them to scrub certain parts of his body, which would just make him uncomfortable.


    ¡°Breakfast went accordingly?¡± Inatriss asks in worry since she had heard, no, everyone had heard of what occurred in the dining hall that day. Peaking their interest, the other two bath servants gaze up to witness his smiling mouth.


    ¡°Actually, everything is settled. Madam Celyssa and I forgave each other because I did go a little too far last time. So did she. But today, the family will have dinner as usual. I¡¯m rather looking forward to it,¡± Xe¡¯Reth reveals as his peaceful mood exudes from him more than ever, never removing his smile. A contagious smile. Yet he raises his brow, ¡°Are they waiting inside? And did they bring everything I asked for?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ they only just arrived¡­ Because¡­¡± Inatriss grimaces as she forces a smile on her lips. ¡°They¡­ got lost. But we found them and brought them in time. If you were to come a little bit earlier, we wouldn¡¯t have been here. But yes, it seems they¡¯ve brought what you asked for. A table, sheets of paper, something to write with, books of different materials, and some weird tools.¡±


    ¡°And did you bring my things from my mother¡¯s quarters?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, tilting his head while raising his brow.


    All three of them freeze up, but Inatriss takes the blame as she lowers her head in shame, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, we weren¡¯t allowed entry into your mother¡¯s chambers. It seems you told them to not let anyone in if they¡¯re not with you¡­ Or so they said...¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, I forgot!¡± Xe¡¯Reth exclaims in shock. Not really, he just wanted to see if they could come up with a way to get through the servants who¡¯re watching his mother, for he did tell them to not let anyone in if they¡¯re not with him or if it¡¯s not someone trustworthy.


    The bath servants didn¡¯t join him when he went to check up on his mother, only Malinda. So it¡¯s perfectly understandable for them to fail in bringing his already prepared schematic.


    However, such a sheet of paper can be replicated within a span of a couple of minutes. All of the drawings are in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s head. Hence the obvious joke on these three to see if their wits were good enough to gain entrance to his mother¡¯s room. But since they couldn¡¯t, no harm was done.


    ¡°Forgive me, it¡¯s my fault,¡± Xe¡¯Reth apologizes with a chuckle, scratching his scar. ¡°I had told them last evening to not let anyone enter if they don¡¯t trust the person. I feared Madelyn¡¯s wrath because of what happened yesterday. But since we¡¯ve now made up our differences ¨C meaning that she¡¯ll not fight over me with her sister ¨C we¡¯ve forgiven each other.¡±


    ¡°Those women don¡¯t trust¡­ me? I¡­ I¡¯ve been in the service of Malinda for so many years¡­ How dare they not?¡± Inatriss grumbles in disbelief as the other two also nod in agreement, for those caretakers were rather strict on them for even trying to gain access to Theresa¡¯s quarters. ¡°Wait a moment¡­¡± She blinks excessively, remembering what Xe¡¯Reth just said. ¡°Did you just say that Madelyn agreed to let go her love for you?¡±


    ¡°She kind of did, but I don¡¯t really believe her,¡± Xe¡¯Reth confesses with a snicker, making the three speechless. Madelyn isn¡¯t someone to pass off something she wants. But nodding, they come to terms with what he says. ¡°Only time will tell if she really does let me go.¡± Xe¡¯Reth flicks his hand, changing subject, ¡°Anyways, shall we head into the garden?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Of course, after you,¡± Inatriss says as she swooshes an arm to the entrance; an opening where a rectangular hedge stands a bit inside the garden to cover the sight, but as they take the left walkway, Xe¡¯Reth puts on his most heartwarming smile.


    The garden, extensive and extraordinary as one would expect. A large pond in the middle with stone-peddle walkways around it. Fish of various species swimming around in the water while the greenery can¡¯t be missed; a single vast Ellen tree, flowers riddling on the outskirts beside the hedges and spread across the ground, and the built veranda with outdoor furniture, no ceiling.


    A square garden, a secluded one too, like her sister¡¯s. But this one is located furthest inside the labyrinth, almost bordering the Citadel¡¯s wall. It¡¯s difficult to get too, but an ideal place for keeping animals¡­ and secrets. It just needs a barrier, a strong one also with steel bars pointing inward so they can¡¯t climb over. Because when those Ebon cubs grow up, they¡¯ll be able to put so much strength into their bite that they can gnaw through metal. Unlike their kin.


    ¡­


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we actually followed your stupid lead¡­ You incompetent pig! You said you knew the way! It¡¯s just embarrassing, and you should be ashamed of yourself, you little swine. Just wait until we get back to the dorms,¡± an older woman scolds a single girl that¡¯s surrounded by a half a dozen servants, not noticing the four individuals who step into the garden at the other side of the pond. For they¡¯re at the moment on the veranda.


    ¡°But-But none of you looked at the map when we went inside the maze¡­ I-I only caught a glimpse of it,¡± the defender says with a lowered head, almost afraid of her coworkers¡¯ wrath. And so she should be. ¡°Though¡­ I got us close enough for Lady Malinda¡¯s servants to find us¡­ So-So why are you b-blaming me? Always¡­ me¡­¡±


    She puts up some resistance as she glares up at her senior, but her body perks up as Xe¡¯Reth arrives at the veranda since the footsteps from the bath servants sound out as stone peddles press to the sides under their feet.


    ¡°Ehem!¡± Inatriss declares with her throat, showing Xe¡¯Reth her utmost seriousness since their behavior when she found them were nothing like this ¨C trying to throw blame at one of their youngest initiates.


    However, Inatriss can¡¯t act out of her depth because her rank is just a mere bath servant, after all. Only gaining permission to escort Xe¡¯Reth for she did such an excellent job yesterday.


    ¡°S-Sir¡­!¡±


    The servants bow instantly upon gaining sight of Xe¡¯Reth. But the oldest one, she raises her head in pride and crosses her arms, squinting at this young man who won the daughter of Matilda Tertin.


    A mere peasant defiling one of the daughters of this household. At least that¡¯s what the majority knows.


    The oldest one can¡¯t stand the sight of this disgusting creature. But, work is work, and as the most senior among these¡­ women, her own pride is at stake. Nothing will stand in her way when work is involved.


    She forced herself to throw out a curtsy with her head and a slight bend of her upper body.


    ¡°As all of you know, this is Lady Malinda¡¯s lover, Sir Xe¡¯Reth. And you¡¯ll speak to him as you would if you were in the service of a Master or Mistress. But as you¡¯re all in a neutral faction, I¡¯ll remind you: any insubordination will lead to harsh¡ª,¡± Inatriss shuts her mouth as Xe¡¯Reth puts up his hand to silence her with a scowl.


    ¡°All of you¡­ Were you actually blaming this girl for losing your way in the maze¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks with a raised brow while pointing at the now ogling servant. He switches to the oldest one, ¡°How old is she compared to you? Almost the same age as me? And shouldn¡¯t you¡¯ve already memorized the paths? I came here by myself, and I¡¯ve only been here once before.¡±


    ¡°H-Honestly¡­ Sir. This garden hasn¡¯t been build upon since it was finished years ago under my superior''s supervision. So obviously, I don¡¯t know the way through the maze as I used to,¡± the woman scoffs with such haughtiness for a servant. Putting her voice on an another level than Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s. She isn¡¯t afraid of this boy just because he¡¯s the love interest of Malinda which can change at any moment, though afraid she should be since she hasn¡¯t seen Malinda¡¯s feelings for him. ¡°We¡¯re mad because this little fat swine said she knew the way. Then when we¡¯re half way through! She put out excuses¡­ which she will be reprimanded for when we get back.¡±


    ¡°But she said none of you looked at the labyrinth¡¯s map right as you went into the maze? Only she did, isn¡¯t that right? So why does she solely need to get the blame?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks while the girl¡¯s head spasms up and down. Which, from all of their wide-eyed expressions, tells him her words are right.


    ¡®How in the Divines did he hear that¡­? We weren¡¯t speaking that loud¡­ Were we¡­?¡¯ the oldest one becomes stunned, just staring at Xe¡¯Reth that waits with open palms, seeking her answer.


    ¡°Well? Care to tell me the truth about what happened instead of hiding it?¡± Xe¡¯Reth questions the other eye-avoiding servants since the oldest one is at a loss for words.


    He''s rather strict because these women are one of the teams of construction workers of the Citadel. He needs to get their allegiance. To achieve that, he requires to take out their leaders, one by one. Well, at least to show who¡¯s really in charge. Though, he has never seen women having this kind of job before.


    For women, they¡¯re somewhat muscular, indicating through their uniforms, which¡¯s a surprise for Xe¡¯Reth because it¡¯s clothing that could easily fit a man. Compared to him, most of them are the same height. But the girl who got scolded is almost too short, also a bit overweight. Hence the mean remarks.


    ¡®I wouldn¡¯t want to be ganged up on by them¡­ They¡¯re almost like Maldoran in a woman¡¯s body. But they¡¯re still way thinner than him¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth just smiles, waiting for some of them to respond. ¡®Though¡­ will they turn on her is the question¡­¡¯


    Inatriss and the other two, they remain tightlipped with blinking eyes, not expecting him to scold them so soon. Not even they could hear what had been spoken on this veranda.


    ¡°¡­S-She always does this with the newly Chosen girls¡­ S-Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± one of them gets out but retracts her statement mentally because the oldest whips her head to stare at her with death discharging from her wide open eyes.


    ¡°She does, Sir Xe¡¯Reth! I¡¯ve also gotten the same treatment¡­!¡±


    ¡°Me too, Sir Xe¡¯Reth!¡±


    ¡°Same, Sir Xe¡¯Reth!¡±


    ¡®Heh. That answers that question. What a beautiful bunch of women,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth muses as his eyes travel to the oldest one. Her haughty presence, nil. Her mouth, moving with nothing escaping between her lips. And hearing Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s gentle voice, ¡°What is your name?¡± her heart sinks to the bottom.


    She¡¯s indeed old. A woman in her late middle years. Even she has gotten the same treatment as her subordinates have. But through such conduct over the years, she has, in turn, inherited the same ideals as her predecessors.


    Never in her life has she been talked down to by a man, for the single reason being that she¡¯s a servant of the Tertin Household. None dared to act fulsome when she went out to the City to get materials.


    None dared to question her.


    They¡¯re dirty peasants in her eyes. While she, a pure maiden. However, only now that she¡¯s on the spot does she realize what her own arrogance has brought. She can actually suffer the greatest punishment ever. Just a little bit does she need to act out of order. Showing such superiority over Xe¡¯Reth can doom her for life. Sure, she might not be thrown out, but since she¡¯s neutral, the other servants may banish her themselves. She¡¯ll be an outcast.


    Being the bully can sometimes turn out that the bully might be the bullied. It has happened many times over the years.


    Just thinking about it now, that she might be shunned by her fellow maidens, scares her.


    ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth asked you for your name! Answer him!¡± Inatriss shouts, wanting to join the fray to see that this woman pays for what she did to these servants.


    Some of them are apprehensive but gladdened, while others are so afraid that they might too be punished for having joined in on the bullying.


    Knowing no other option, the oldest one throws away her pride in an instant, falling to her knees, ¡°S-Sir¡­ Please, I apologize. I was wrong, I shouldn¡¯t have treated her like¡ªNo, everyone else, too. I¡¯ve only¡­ Yes!¡±


    She whips her head up to smile with desperation, but what awaits her are his dark looming eyes, staring into her soul. A subtle stare, but a horrifying one nonetheless since she gains no response from him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve only¡­ Only¡­ On¡­ly¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve only what¡­? Tormented people? Making them miserable in your presence?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, squinting down at her this time. ¡°Just like how the city guard have handled this City¡¯s poor people? Like they¡¯ve done to me, for several years while I lived in the slums of the City?¡± He crouches to almost be on the same eye level. ¡°Do you know what has happened outside of these walls, just yesterday?¡±


    She nods, averting her gaze from him in shame.


    ¡°Indeed, the City has and will be purged of the disgusting filth. The garbage is getting removed to bring out the clean folk, while you just minutes ago, still treat your fellow members of this household like them ¨C the city guard,¡± Xe¡¯Reth utters, but his voice, still as composed as always. ¡°Now give me your name. For Malinda and I have decided that no one should live in such anxiety which I¡¯ve felt every time the city guard came to beat me, rob me, question me while I protected my sick mother from their contaminating touch. And for what reason could they do this to me¡­ you ask? Because¡­ they just could, without any retribution coming down on them.¡±


    ¡°This City has had enough of your kind¡¯s behavior. Thinking that you¡¯re above others while you don¡¯t even have the position to feed yourself if it weren¡¯t for this family. Now, your name,¡± Xe¡¯Reth finishes as he stands up to look around him.


    He¡¯s giving no mercy to this woman.


    Though what he said about himself was a little exaggerated, but powerful since all the servants¡¯ eyes gaze at him with pity yet joy. He has suffered from the hands of the city guard is what he wants them to believe. To make them think he wants what¡¯s best, for their sake. That¡¯s why he''s so harsh on her. Throw away one, to catch a dozen in his grasp.


    ¡°What¡¯s her name!¡± Inatriss shouts at the startling servants, fuming with anger and sadness because she hasn¡¯t heard of his past that much. To know that Xe¡¯Reth has suffered to this extent, while even caring for his mother? ¡®Not only does the City outside these walls need purging, but also the Citadel itself... Poor boy¡­¡¯


    The other two bath servants stare at one another, but upon switching to the groveling servant, they scowl, also gaining such hate for people like her. And remembering how Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s handmaiden was treated by Madelyn, makes them want to throw the Lady out into the cold night.


    To never be seen again.


    They should¡¯ve joined with the others late last night to bring Madelyn to justice for what happened. However, Inatriss harshly stopped them from doing something so foolish since they share the same bedroom. They¡¯ve avoided talking about it since Xe¡¯Reth didn¡¯t bring it up. But now that it reemerges into their minds, they can¡¯t help but frown with upper lips rising.


    One of the servants bravely gets out, ¡°It¡¯s¡ª.¡±


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t say it, I beg of you! Please, I¡¯ve done wrong! I¡¯ve done wrong! Sir, please! I will never do it again, I promise! I¡¯ll be good from now on, I swear on my life! So please, don¡¯t report what I¡¯ve done! I swear! I swear!¡± She crawls on all four to Xe¡¯Reth, but she stops as his head turns to Inatriss.


    ¡°Annettria should deal with this,¡± Xe¡¯Reth declares, turning the woman¡¯s whole face white from even more shock.


    ¡°Ann-Anne-Annettria¡­?¡± she stutters, starting to shake in fright.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Inatriss asks with pleasure while her face has turned vile but thankful to see that this woman will pay for all the misery she has caused. ¡°She¡¯s Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s newly appointed handmaiden¡­ How can¡¯t you know? Oh¡­ right¡­ It hasn¡¯t been widely announced in the Sanctuary yet. But now you know how serious this has gotten. And all the blame points to you. Sure, it isn¡¯t a significant discovery. However, I stand with Sir Xe¡¯Reth. There are too many of you in this Citadel. So say your grace to the Divines, for your behavior is not wanted here!¡±


    The uttering of Annettria¡¯s name spells doom to the woman. Her shaking intensifies, her eyes water up, and her mind screams at Xe¡¯Reth for forgiveness. Everyone knows who¡¯s next in line to take over for the Matriarch. And merciful? Annettria has none of it for those who betray one¡¯s household with anything that can be considered rebellious. She likes perfect order, which does the Matriarch.


    ¡°¡­Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± she whimpers with tears running down her face. ¡°My¡­ My life is in your hands¡­ I submit¡­ The Divines¡­ I¡¯ve failed them as I''ve been unable to act with a proper frame of mind. I can only ask for your mercy, but I don¡¯t deserve it¡­¡± The woman mumbles as if her life depends on it, which it does. Her life is indeed in his hands, to do whatever he will. ¡°But¡­ But if I can gain your kindhearted forgiveness, I swear on the Queens to be a proper lady of this household. Just give me one chance. I swear I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll¡­ Pleeaaaseee¡­¡±


    Her whole upper body cascades down while her cry sound.


    ¡®What should I do?! What should I do?! What should I do?! What should I do?!¡¯ Her mind is in complete panic. A grown woman crying on a wooden veranda with forehead pressing and tears staining it, making it darker the more drops drip.


    The others gaze in pity, waiting for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s next order which will sentence her to something none in the Sanctuary want. Total banishment of all relationships, since angering a Master or Mistress causes all of the servants to completely ignore the chosen victim if there aren¡¯t other circumstances for that anger like in Cerinn¡¯s case. The Matriarch has tried to remove it, but somehow, it¡¯s the servants themselves that haven¡¯t complied. Even the seniors follow that belief of banishment by ignoring.


    ¡°Sir¡ªMaster Xe¡¯Reth¡­ let me take her to Annettria to tell her of what she''s done,¡± Inatriss offers, stepping forward to be in Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s turned view. ¡°While you remain here, of course. To continue with your business.¡±


    As she doesn¡¯t gain any response from him, she takes matters into her own hands, bending down with arms stretching to drag this disgraceful woman away. But with Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand placing on her shoulder, she stops to stare at him.


    Shaking his head, she smiles at his compassion, which makes her curtsy while returning to her position.


    Xe¡¯Reth kneels down which gains him full eyes from everyone.


    ¡®Is he going to drag her away by himself?¡¯


    ¡®What is he doing¡­?¡¯


    ¡®Sir! Don¡¯t contaminate yourself!¡¯


    The women riot in their own heads, not understanding why he isn¡¯t letting Inatriss drag away this waste of space. Everyone has turned on their leader, even those who¡¯re in her good favor.


    Such ambiguous loyalty¡­


    That loyalty which Xe¡¯Reth needs to receive from everyone in the Citadel. Though the ambiguity needs to be replaced with absolute faithfulness. But he has years to work on that unless something happens on the way to his magnificent legacy.


    He puts his hand on the woman¡¯s bent down shoulder, making her head raise to shudder a stare at him, expecting such anger. What greets her? A smile and closed gentle eyes.


    ¡°You want repentance for what you¡¯ve done¡­ is that it?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, still holding his eyes closed to wait for her answer.


    ¡°Yes, Sir, please. Don¡¯t tell Annettria of my doings¡­ S-She¡¯ll¡ªPlease! Everyone knows that the Sanctuary is run by supporters of the Honored Malinda, your lover¡­ So, please, I¡¯ll be ruined if I gain Annettria¡¯s ire. Anything! I¡¯ll do anything to repent for what I¡¯ve done over the years!¡± she weeps, falling again to the floor with her forehead.


    ¡°And what exactly have you done over the years¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth questions. His hand still placed on her shuddering shoulder.


    ¡°S-Sir¡­¡± the woman whispers, ¡°Might¡­ Might we speak in private¡­ instead? Away from everyone?¡±


    Inatriss right away intervenes, ¡°There will be no such¡ª¡°


    Again, Xe¡¯Reth raises his hand for her to silence herself.


    ¡°Everyone, please leave us for a moment. I want to decide on my own terms,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he stands up to walk past the groveling maiden, past the other women, and reaching a table that has all the equipment he asked for, he waits with hands behind his back, being as serious as he can be.


    Almost gaining such an atmosphere about him, which screams retreat.


    They do leave. Well, after Inatriss ¨C as stunned by his decision as she can be ¨C waves for everyone to follow her down the steps of the veranda, leaving only the shaking woman and Xe¡¯Reth who scans the table, even trying out the quill pen on the sheet of paper.


    With Inatriss stepping onto the peddle walkway, she wrinkles her eyebrows because embarrassment hits her hard. She acted out of her element by pushing her own agenda onto Xe¡¯Reth.


    As the group of women gathers up a bit further away to not hear them, Inatriss bites her lip. ¡®I hope he isn¡¯t displeased with me¡­ Why did I talk so outrightly to him, as if it was my own decision and not his? Oh, I must apologize for my irresponsible behavior after he¡¯s finished with¡­ her¡­¡¯


    Her two companions place their hands on her shoulder because her whole contorted face tells them of how she¡¯s in distress. They have turned backs to the other women so they can¡¯t witness her in such anguish.


    But everyone perks up as the oldest woman finally gets off of the floor to walk with a limp upper body to Xe¡¯Reth. Yet, all of them frown, since none can hear a sound.


    Inatriss squints, seeing Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mouth opening to deal whatever punishment is needed. However, the woman nods as her own mouth flaps open to spew out her defenses and all that she has done.


    It takes a couple of minutes before she shuts it tight again while sinking her head in absolute shame, awaiting her sentence. Then it¡¯s Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s turn, which makes Inatriss worried since her eyes can¡¯t believe it. He¡¯s so calm. No reprimand from him at all. ¡®Why aren¡¯t you shouting at her? Please¡­ you¡¯re only making me more ashamed of how I acted. I really hope he isn¡¯t mad at me. I don¡¯t want my chances to be a handmaiden to disappear in the next Choosing¡­¡¯


    Somehow, Inatriss has this tugging at her heart, as if she has disgraced the Divine Queens themselves. Sure, she¡¯s a gentle person normally, but just minutes ago, she threw out her real maddening thoughts like it meant nothing. She wanted that woman to pay, even with her life for what she has done. That¡¯s what scares her the most. She actually acted like those servants from Madelyn¡¯s wing who escorted Cerinn.


    ¡°Triss, you need to calm down, you¡¯re sweating. Here,¡± the quiet bath servant says who wasn¡¯t the one that fainted when they saw Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s guarded treasure. Giving her a handkerchief, she wipes off her forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I agree with you. She needs to be punished¡ª¡°


    All the women can¡¯t believe what they¡¯re witnessing; the woman on the veranda keeps nodding and nodding as Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s unheard words flow out of his mouth. Xe¡¯Reth comforts that waste of space, putting his hand on her shoulder, again, while the woman covers her mouth in relief, almost ready to hug him for what he had just sentenced her to.


    Then without notice, he turns to the table as he begins pointing at the various equipment that the workers had brought. The woman, now smiling, answering whatever he needs with newly restored gratitude. None of her arrogance remains. And remembering the other servants, he spins around to wave them over with such a beam, making the women stride to him, like if they don¡¯t, they¡¯ll suffer from it.


    As they step up onto the veranda, Inatriss is the first to arrive; her face in total upheaval, followed by everyone else who stare in shock, curiosity, and disbelief. What did they speak about? Why is that woman giving such a relieved smile? Why, why, why?


    ¡°She has told me everything about her¡­ crimes,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, smiling. ¡°I¡¯ve decided to offer her a chance to prove to be a better person than her current self. So from now on, you lovely ladies will report on her transactions that can be considered¡­ villainous. But don¡¯t get me wrong, that doesn¡¯t mean you can act towards her as she acted towards you. There must always be a hierarchy, unfortunately. I won¡¯t tolerate lies. However, be assured that I¡¯ll know who tells untruthful words. I have the full support of my lover.¡±


    ¡°Just find these three women¡ª,¡± Xe¡¯Reth flows with his hands to the bath servants, giving them a new secondary job, ¡°¡ªand they¡¯ll forward your message to me.¡±


    Pleased, Xe¡¯Reth claps his palms as loud as he can to snap the women out of their bewilderment. ¡°Now then, does anyone object to anything regarding my decision?¡±


    All of them remain silent as mice, only giving baffled eyes directing to the forgiven woman. Even Inatriss holds her tongue, for she¡¯s still in turmoil, more so now that he has pardoned her. Rather, this whole incident has been blown out of proportion entirely; a forced event by Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°No? Excellent,¡± Xe¡¯Reth concludes as he stretches out his arms as though welcoming them into his embrace, ¡°Then let¡¯s return to what we¡¯re originally here for.¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr>

 44 - The Consequences of Choices

    The Consequences of Choices


    <hr>


    In Malinda¡¯s office at the center of her wing, next door to the abodes of Tanya and Taryna, Malinda holds an open letter while sitting at her desk. Her eyes scan the text written on it, and the further she reads, the more her mouth curves upward.


    ¡°What did she reply with?¡± Tanya asks as she tries to catch what it says with a tilting body, but since she¡¯s in front of the desk, it bears no success. ¡°Is she coming?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s coming. Actually, it says at the end:


    In addition to gaining this letter, we should already be traveling to your Honored presence.


    Yours sincerely,


    Madam Isavel Etheren, your faithful servant.¡±


    Putting the letter down on the surface of the shining wooden desk for a second, Malinda raises her hand to give it to Tanya instead so she can quickly read through it also.


    Finishing it, Tanya too gains a smile but yet a growing frown.


    ¡°Judging by the distance and time when we first sent the letter to her, she should be arriving tomorrow it seems like your great aunt. Rather forward, isn¡¯t she?¡± Tanya wonders, folding the letter up and slides it into its resting place, then heads to a shelf to put it where all the read messages reside in alphabetical order ¨C sorted by names. ¡°I guess the sooner she starts, the better. After all, she and her family are renowned for making cities lustrous¡­ at least in Tertinum domain. Madam Celyssa should¡¯ve never driven her out. Such a disgraceful act.¡±


    Tanya flickers her eyes at Malinda, ¡°I mean¡­¡±


    ¡°There is no reason to hide it anymore, Tanya, because I feel the same,¡± Malinda affirms, putting up her hand, so Tanya doesn¡¯t need to respond. ¡°Though, what I don¡¯t get is why she wrote¡­ your faithful servant¡­ I¡¯ve only spoken to her a little bit before. My mother is¡­ was the one who knew her, not me.¡±


    ¡°Miss, it¡¯s simple why she would revere you to such a height,¡± Tanya says while her eyes narrow gently and her lips curl, smiling at Malinda¡¯s naivety. ¡°She, as most in the Sanctuary, wanted you to succeed instead of your brother. Actually, as you know, Lord Maldoran is the first male heir to the Tertin household. And I heard that Isavel also objected against your brother for taking the role of head of the family. Rather, Celyssa took advantage of your grief to throw her out after your parents died.¡±


    Malinda¡¯s eye gains a sudden twitch. Her annoyance for Celyssa ever growing.


    Cerinn, however, just listens to the two women, having absolutely nothing to add to the conversation. She¡¯s seated on a chair by the wall beside the entrance, being somewhat bored.


    ¡®Why couldn¡¯t I just go with him instead¡­? I hate being around Tanya. Always ordering me around and doesn¡¯t give me any breaks to do what I want to do. And damn her, waking me up so early in the morning¡­ Ugh, I shouldn¡¯t have drunk so much¡­ Though hearing all those moans¡­¡¯ She begins to pout, squinting sourly at Tanya, which Malinda catches with a raised brow, causing Cerinn to lower her head in an instant.


    ¡®That girl¡­ She¡¯s from my sister¡¯s wing¡­¡¯ Malinda recollects as she focuses on the task at hand.


    She picks up her very own emblem stamp, then a red colored candle that¡¯s burning, brightening the place up with the help of the blazing hearth and mounted lights. Tilting the candle, she stains a piece of fine parchment with the dripping wax. Right after, she presses her cold stamp to display her unique seal of a sword and shield while her initials, too, show.


    ¡°Take out as much as it¡¯s needed to construct whatever Xe¡¯Reth wants to build in my garden. Don¡¯t spare any cost since I rarely take out anything from my treasury anyways. Mm¡­ I better start spending it before I can swim in all that I¡¯ve accumulated from my heritage and from everything my aunt has sent me,¡± Malinda says while handing over the paper to Tanya which¡¯s going to the treasurers down in the Citadel¡¯s vaults.


    ¡°As my Miss commands,¡± Tanya says courteously as she inspects the note to see that everything is in order. Nodding, she spins around as she waves. ¡°Come now, Cerinn. It¡¯s time for you to see something unbelievable that not many people can witness.¡±


    Cerinn jumps from her seat as she urges, ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go!¡± even taking hold of Tanya¡¯s arm to drag her out of the room. Treasure? Cerinn likes treasure. Maybe even take a piece or two for herself.


    Disappearing out the opened door, Malinda shakes her head at them, sighing. ¡®That girl will indeed need training of the tongue. And patience¡­ Well, I could also need a little patience. Why can¡¯t the day go faster? I just want it to be night again so I can be with Xe¡¯Reth. He did say that we¡¯re doing it tonight too.¡¯


    Malinda bites her lower lip and locks her fingers with elbows on the desk.


    ¡®I shouldn¡¯t have drunk so much wine last night¡­ I can¡¯t even remember anything¡­ almost anything¡­ Aw, aw!?¡¯ A grimace appears on her face as her eyebrows furrow, moving her hand to her stomach. A sudden stinging pain. But as soon as it emerges, it dissipates, causing her to instead continue her daydreaming than focus on what that was. ¡®Was the breakfast spoiled? Maybe that little girl''s fault? Hmph, it doesn¡¯t matter.¡¯


    She gets lost in thought, drifting away with eyes slowly closing.


    ¡­


    Malinda snaps out a couple of minutes later as plate against stone sound out in front of her.


    Recina, standing as straight and as formal as ever with an armor that Malinda doesn¡¯t recognize. Worn-out armor even. Many inward bumps that haven''t been repaired; scratches from unknown weapons, and arrow holes, but not overly damaged. Still, it¡¯s wearable in the presence of an Honored One, for it gives a feel of accomplishment for having survived such an onslaught.


    ¡°Honored Miss,¡± Recina bobs her head, acknowledging her Mistress as always. Her squinting eyes, too critical of Malinda¡¯s lack of awareness. So unlike her usual self. She raises one brow, ¡°Are you tired?¡±


    ¡°What¡­? Oh. No. I was just in my thoughts,¡± Malinda chuckles as she touches her lips, recalling the kiss that she recently shared with Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°But that armor¡­ I¡¯ve never seen you in it before. It¡¯s rather worn-out, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my old armor. I had it on me on the battlefield before joining your Honored household, Miss. Before my mother died,¡± Recina says while growing silent, remembering the news of her mother¡¯s passing. She was there at that battle but wasn¡¯t able to save her from throwing away her own life to protect her husband. ¡°It¡¯s strange¡­¡±


    ¡°What is?¡± Malinda asks, leaning forward in curiosity. Recina has not had such a grave and sorrowful expression in awhile. It¡¯s as if she¡¯s afraid of something.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ I haven¡¯t left for the Ebon Wall in such a long time. It just feels strange, that¡¯s all,¡± Recina snickers while forcing a smile, which takes Malinda by complete surprise. However, she transforms into her stern and proud self in an instant. ¡°But¡­ I do not approve of my father being your aid. Yet¡­ I concede to my Honored Mistress¡¯ wishes. I¡¯ll take care of your future husband. To form him into something that people will worship and fear. To make him into a worthy man suited to be yours. That I swear on my life. And if a battle comes to the Ebon Wall, I¡¯ll take care of him, so you, my Honored Miss, will never experience pain ever again.¡±


    Giving Malinda an elegant bow, Recina waits on her Mistress¡¯ response with hands behind back and legs slightly spread. It¡¯s truly an armor of history. It has black pauldrons with decaying scarlet borders at the edges and a large dark mantle fastened on both sides. Its chest piece, protruding outward for her bosoms to fit. She¡¯s indeed a plated monster of war. Nothing Malinda wouldn¡¯t expect of someone like her.


    ¡°Heh, I appreciate your conviction as always, Recina. But I think you¡¯ll be pleasantly surprised by my Xe¡¯Reth. You¡¯ve seen how he looks. His hidden physique ¨C stronger than most. His mind ¨C unparalleled to the lesser. So I wouldn¡¯t underestimate him if I were you. Sure, I might¡¯ve never won over you in a duel, but I¡¯m sure my honey won¡¯t disappoint me,¡± Malinda relishes with such a new smile arcing upward. She does like to brag now that he is hers. ¡°Test him out however you feel. Because I, too, want to know what he¡¯s hiding from me under those muscles. He¡¯s different than most men. And honestly? He was too confident of himself in bed last night it seems, so I want to kind of see him in a slight pickle. Can you do that for me, Recina? Though, of course, after he has healed from his wounds.¡±


    Malinda almost screwed up. She must remember that he was tortured. ¡®I better be careful. My bath servants won¡¯t surely speak if they find out of his torture? And my handmaidens¡­ Dammit, we need to be smarter in keeping it a secret.¡¯


    ¡°If I have your permission, then so shall it be,¡± Recina confirms, smiling back at Malinda who drums against her own fingers with elbows still on the desk, thinking that she can¡¯t wait to see Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s face when he gets a training of a lifetime. ¡°However, Miss, you¡¯ve been neglecting your own body. Tomorrow, I expect you to be in the Sanctuary¡­ And well, the one I¡¯ve put in my place will see to it that the Battle-Maidens won¡¯t become disorderly.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, how is the Sanctuary now?¡± Malinda asks as her face grows worrisome with eyes widening. ¡°Have they found everyone yet?¡±


    Recina shakes her head, ¡°No, we haven¡¯t yet. Three children remain hidden is what I¡¯ve been told. And the others, well¡­ The instigators will be busy for a very long time with new chores. Ereanna gave them an ear full.¡± She shrugs her shoulders. ¡°But the Sanctuary should calm down in an hour or two.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Malinda says, nodding while she raises from her seat with a sigh. ¡°Now it¡¯s time to head to the front courtyard to await the DLO¡¯s arrival. Come, let¡¯s go. Then we¡¯ll meet up with Xe¡¯Reth in my garden.¡±


    ¡°Following your lead.¡±


    Malinda leaves first through the opened door, then Recina but she doesn¡¯t close it after herself, for servants of Malinda tidies up all the rooms in her wing when she isn¡¯t present. Even letting candles and fireplaces burn without supervision is commonplace.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sowwy¡­ *hic* I¡¯m sowwy¡­ I won¡¯ do it again¡­¡± a child cries while being carried.


    Snot and tears stain the uniform of the woman who¡¯s being followed by two other adult maidens, holding two equally petulant children that ask for forgiveness for having run away from the Sanctuary. They can¡¯t be more than ten years old, younger even. Three little rascals.


    However, upon walking out into the throne room and arriving at the stairs, a voice resounds, ¡°Are these the three escapees?¡± making the children bellow out their cries even more as they witness who it is that comes down the staircase. Their star, their idol, their Honored Lady that they worship like the Queens themselves.


    ¡°L-Lady Malinda¡­¡± The servant in the front curtsies with her legs only since holding the clutching youngster in her arms prevents her from doing anything else. She isn¡¯t from neither Malinda¡¯s nor Madelyn¡¯s wing but from Celyssa¡¯s. ¡°It¡¯s correct. These three are the last ones to be brought back.¡±


    Frowning from the children¡¯s crying, Recina steps forward, asking, ¡°Where were they found? Speak.¡±


    ¡°We believe they came from the upper level, then went down the stairs on the northwest tower and hid in the battle-hall belonging to the Lord,¡± she says while lowering her head in humility since having the looming Recina standing there roots fright in her heart. More so now when she has such a monstrous armor on. ¡°They¡­ They will be dealt with according to the Matriarch''s orders. But only the older ones will be harshly punished.¡±


    ¡°Be on your way,¡± Recina orders, jerking her head to the east.


    Eying their departure, Malinda shakes her head with crossed arms while fisting her thin leather gloves that she dons. Bringing in poor children into the little riot that occurred last night makes Malinda raise her upper lip in disgust. Children, who can be so sick as to bring along such innocent creatures?


    ¡°I so want to know who was responsible for the riot¡­¡± Malinda growls, scowling with such fierce eyes. ¡°No, rather, I want the guilty party to pay for their crimes for endangering the children¡¯s lives.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be seen to, don¡¯t worry, Honored Miss,¡± Recina comforts as she places her hand on Malinda¡¯s shoulder. A move she wouldn¡¯t normally do. But her Mistress has changed so quickly, and for the good of the faction too. She has started to think about her duties more than ever. However, Recina hasn¡¯t gotten the information about what Celyssa did to her Mistress¡¯ parents.


    Many want Malinda to be the woman that the former head of the family was.


    But who¡¯s more similar to their mother in both mind and body?


    Malinda¡­ or Madelyn¡­?


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    A grinding of chains begins to rattle, rising up the innermost portcullis to the Citadel.


    Two soldiers as yesterday are on both sides of the entrance. One coming from the outer gatehouse from signaling the gate-handlers, the other, standing in formation. But the soldiers aren¡¯t the couple that Maldoran met. They¡¯re two men with dark armor gleaming from the sun''s rays with similar spears and shields in hands.


    Though in front of the soldiers is a group of DLO agents hauling a fabric-covered cage up the sloping boulevard ¨C some are on horses, but most are on foot.


    The Writer of the party signals the others to hold their ground with a gloved hand forming into a fist to wait for the portcullis to fully open. And gaining the affirmative nod from the soldier, the Writer sweeps his arm yonder as he commands, ¡°Onwards!¡±


    The agents do as their Writer commands ¨C they warily start moving forward, under the giant portcullis, into the Citadel grounds, and travels straight to the large courtyard where Malinda comes treading down from the stairs beside her devoted handmaiden.


    Malinda points at the agents, saying rather sarcastically, ¡°Great timing¡­ for the DLO.¡±


    Recina raises her one brow, wondering why she has such hatred for them, ¡®Mm, I¡¯ve been slacking in my duties. Let¡¯s see how much ire she has. And what I¡¯ve not heard from the reports.¡¯


    Three agents with their blue coat uniforms ride to go before the others to greet the Honored Lady in question for formality''s sake. One, the Writer, a man of his middle years; his scrolls of rolled-up paper, his gear fastened to the back of his waist and the hanging, corked-up inkwell around his neck. He¡¯s rugged and stern with short brown hair while his greenish eyes miss not a thing about Malinda¡¯s movements.


    The other two riders; a man and a woman, or more like a boy and a girl. Two new cadets out of the prestigious DLO school. Both of them stares desperately at each other as they steer their horses to the courtyard¡¯s stairs, then nods with such serious eyes as if gathering the courage to face Malinda with their all.


    Only they¡¯re riding, while the other agents lag behind because the two horses that wheel the covered-up cage cry in terror as the grizzling behind the fabric resonances out for all to hear.


    A horrifying roaring of an animal, only one, no other sound, only that single one. Clawing too clatters against the metal cage. A noise that oozes unease into the agents who help to soothe the horses, dragging them along toward their destination.


    Malinda crosses her arms as she stands there at the foot of the stairs, raising her head while she squints at the cage, not at the incoming riders with their elegant maneuvering.


    ¡®Why are they keeping them in such a little cage¡­?¡¯ Malinda worries, switching with scowling eyebrows to the Writer who just now arrives. He swooshes off the horse, so does the other two as they kneel down since entering the Citadel is indeed an occasion that not many will experience. Formality is needed above all else.


    ¡°Honored Lady Tertin,¡± he greets, having his knee on the spotless cobble.


    He even flickers his eyes in astonishment. It¡¯s so clean compared to the outer Citadel grounds. The young agents, too, inspect their surroundings, then their heads turn to witness in awe the oh-so-beautiful Lady Malinda whose coldness and kindness have rung to all the City¡¯s inhabitants. She¡¯s fierce beyond their comprehension with those squinting sapphire eyes, while the plated giantess next to her, causes the two of them to gulp in silence.


    ¡°Your arrival is fortuitously early,¡± Malinda greets, flowing her open-palmed hand upward for them to rise, which they do obediently. Even the Writer who¡¯s a strong-minded man falters in front of the Honored Lady. ¡°I was expecting you to be late¡­ as always...¡±


    ¡°Our Inquisitor sends her deepest apologies for not meeting you yesterday, Honored Lady,¡± the man bows his head, for not only has he been sent to deliver the goods, but he¡¯s also here to take upon himself all the wrath that Malinda will give. Since when he reveals what hide behind those curtains of screams¡­ damage control will be needed.


    ¡°I accept her apology, as meager as it is¡­ since she¡¯s giving me what I want,¡± Malinda nods but raises her brow as the other two agents who can¡¯t be older than Xe¡¯Reth comes into her judging view. Are they the ones in charge of the investigation in finding her lover¡¯s torturers? Surely not, they¡¯re too¡­ Ordinary. They can¡¯t be. However, she whips her hand, ignoring them entirely. ¡°Now, the question is¡­ Why are you keeping my bear cubs in such a little cage? It¡¯s animal cruelty to have them in such a small space. And why are they covered up? Well, speak?¡±


    Recina grows worrisome with looming eyes since the man knows his sentence, displaying in plain view on his downcurved mouth, his wrinkled eyebrows, and those closed eyes. He remains in absolute silence.


    Malinda whips her head to the cage, then to the man. Again to the cage. Back and forth because the clawing and grizzling resound in her ears, causing her eyes to go utterly full. ¡°What is going on here¡­?¡±


    Recina in her clattering armor appears in front of her Mistress as swift and as monstrous as she can as though those three agents would launch with hidden weapons at her. But none of that occurs, only the remaining silence from them.


    From their quietness, Malinda pushes away Recina to get sight of the Writer, growling out, ¡°What have you done, you DLO dogs?! Answer me!¡±


    ¡®They¡¯re making such a¡­ No, it¡¯s just one that¡­¡ª.'' Malinda wrinkles her eyebrows in panic, not expecting such an occurrence. She¡¯s just supposed to take them off the DLO¡¯s hands, then bring them to her garden where Xe¡¯Reth waits. ¡®Oh no! Did something happen? When they were in the DLO headquarters¡­?!¡¯


    ¡°Please, Honored Lady, you need to calm down,¡± the Writer urges, hardening his face to be unbending with closed eyes. Which raises a lip from Malinda.


    ¡°Calm down¡­ you say¡­?¡± Malinda hisses with clenching teeth, and with the carriage and horses arriving meters away, she heads straight at it.


    ¡°Honored Lady!¡± the Writer shouts, running to stand in front of her so she can¡¯t tear the curtain off to reveal what¡¯s inside. ¡°I urge you to calm down. You¡¯ll not like what¡¯s inside¡­ For it has gone mad. Rabid even. So be careful.¡±


    He does stand aside while lowering his head in shame because all of this could¡¯ve been avoided if the headquarter¡¯s storage had personnel guarding it. Yet, from what happened yesterday, all agents were on duty to help the City, hence the lack of security in the more protected areas. But it wasn¡¯t entirely unforeseen considering that the mother bear killed those agents.


    Vengeance for the death of loved ones has been dealt.


    Malinda, she strides past the Writer while being oblivious to the grunting, growling, and the wailing inside the cage, making all the agents clear room for her by going to stand in rank a bit further away. Recina follows her Mistress faithfully right behind her but throws a frown at the Writer who takes it upon himself with his all.


    But the closer Malinda gets, the lesser her steps tread. Her eyes flail around the cage; claw marks in the fabric, its roof tilts from the metal bars being bent, and the utter stillness as she finally stretches out her hand to pull the cover away, yet she hesitates with a gulp. She jerks her body to the Writer who surprisingly remains by the staircase in bafflement.


    The noise has stopped altogether.


    Agents with widened mouths and eyes gaze in wonder at Malinda, while she gulps again from all those expectations as if it is she who silenced the monster inside the cage.


    Malinda scowls as she spins around, tearing away the curtain to reveal what¡¯s inside.


    Horror shudders in her eyes upon staring at the single remaining bear cub whose fur is dripping blood; wounds all over its body. Nothing fatal, but still, blood is running, hitting the wooden floor of the wagon and a whining snout scenting the air, scenting Malinda, and for some wonderous reason, its arm stretches out as if wanting its mother.


    Not thinking straight from this shocking scene of witnessing such a rare animal for the first time in her life, Malinda bends, taking the paw in her hands.


    Some of the bear cub¡¯s claws have been broken off from all the scratching and clawing at the bars of the cage. It¡¯s a horrifying sight, of pure animal cruelty.


    ¡°Honored Miss, be careful, it might lash out at you¡­¡± Recina warns with a thrusting arm, pointing at it since she has never seen such a species before. Pure black. ¡®Ah¡­ Now I get it. It has the boy¡¯s features. No wonder why she wanted those bear cubs¡­ Cubs? Oh no¡­¡¯ Recina too realizes the troubling view in front of her.


    The Writer steps closer to the cage while apologizing, ¡°Honored Lady, forgive us, but the storage of the DLO was broken into¡­ And well¡­ Friends of those who died¡­ They¡­¡± The man scowls, shaking his head in embarrassment.


    But having come to terms with it before arriving here, the man straightens his body to be as formal as he can be.


    ¡°They killed the other bear cubs because of what their mother did to our agents. Family members, friends¡­ We should¡¯ve put more security on those animals. But fortunately, one remains slightly unharmed. Yet, they¡¯re only beasts that shouldn¡¯t be left alive. They are an endangered species, for they are indeed a terror to be dealt with when they¡¯re adults. They can¡¯t be controlled, it¡¯s too dangerous. So I urge you to put it down while it¡¯s still weak.¡±


    The bear cub¡¯s snout raises and lowers, again and again, smelling Malinda¡¯s scent which has a distinct aroma all over. A familiar odor that¡¯s calming to the bear cub. It presses its head against the bars, gazing and wailing at Malinda in longing which she witnesses, even stretching out her hand to bravely caress its head, feeling the thick and sturdy strands of hair running through her fingers.


    Those utterly blackened eyes¡­


    Its fur has gashes that exude blood, but nothing profound, even starting to heal. However, Malinda doesn¡¯t know that.


    She panics, letting go of the bear¡¯s paw, sinking it down, so it hits the edge of the wagon. As she does that, Recina tilts forward, staring at Malinda¡¯s expression that begins to contort into pure rage and anxiety. For they¡¯re Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s bears, not hers. Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s only friends in the mountain valley. But now dead, only one remains.


    What¡¯s she supposed to tell him¡­? That the DLO killed them?


    Her lips spasm, trying to find something, yet she¡¯s unsuccessful.


    She shudders out a breath, covering her eyes with palms. Even a headache starting to grow in her. And the pain in her stomach returns. Stinging her, urging her rage on even further.


    Xe¡¯Reth has been through so much already, and adding this to his worrisome mind? Malinda doesn¡¯t want to hurt him, but what else can she do than to take this bear cub to him, as injured as it is? ¡®Yes¡­ I should take it to him immediately¡­ So he can¡­ nurse it to health.¡¯


    ¡°But considering that agents died because of their monstrous mother, I would say that it was a just deserved reward for such monsters,¡± the man adds, nodding to himself, while the others also do the same, agreeing with him wholeheartedly. Since after all, fellow members died in the line of duty and should be given their owed revenge.


    Malinda stops her panicking from hearing that.


    ¡®DLO¡­¡¯ She grits her teeth, fists her hands, and her eyes full of fury. ¡®They can all just die for all I care¡­ Making my Xe¡¯Reth experience pain¡­ time and time again¡­ He should¡¯ve killed them when he had the chance¡­¡¯


    Spinning left with such swiftness, she pulls out Recina¡¯s sheathed sword, then thrusts it straight towards the Writer¡¯s face, but steers it to his cheek. Making him taste the wrath that would come if he was Malinda¡¯s enemy, but she just tears flesh in a straight line.


    Everyone gasps, but not Recina, for she allowed her to take her sword.


    The Writer stumbles backward, walloping the cobble, even bumping his head on the stone, while the two young agents shout, ¡°Uncle!¡± as they run to him, to support him, but their own weapons remain undrawn.


    The others are stunned in place. However, their expression says it all. Such a fast pirouette and thrust. A precision one would dream of. Because if Malinda would be slightly off her aim, she could injure him greatly.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°H-Honored Lady¡­!?¡± the Writer shouts, gaping in shock at her cold blue eyes that glare at him from above.


    ¡°If you open your filthy mouth again, I¡¯ll see to your family¡¯s destruction,¡± Malinda snarls with all the ferocity she can muster. Only her soul-stealing eyes scream at the Writer, for she gazes at him as if he¡¯s nothing but dirt. And switching to her handmaiden, she points at the Writer. ¡°Now Recina...¡±


    ¡°H-H-Honore¡ª¡° the Writer reels in horror as Malinda whips her scowling and venomous eyes at him, shutting his mouth as he remembers her words.


    ¡°Now¡­¡± Malinda repeats with a growl, sliding the sword back into Recina¡¯s scabbard, which¡¯s stained with slight blood, for the Writer¡¯s cheek rivers.


    Bowing, Recina with her tongue and mouth whistles, making a sharp and piercing sound to shoot out to the Battle-Maidens that are inside the Citadel ¨C in their sentry posts ¨C on both sides before one enters the throne room.


    Just moments ago, one could see armored maidens glancing from windows since Recina prepares too much for her Mistress, so much so that she¡¯s kind of silently brooding because of the new responsibility that has been set upon her, namely, Xe¡¯Reth. Though if she had kept an eye on Malinda¡¯s wing last night instead of aiding the Sanctuary¡­ then she could¡¯ve stopped Taryna¡¯s unnoticed betrayal.


    Now from the entrance to the Citadel itself comes four black monsters in plate armor. They march down the stone stairs with various weapons of their choosing and head towards their Lady to protect her, to surround her in a four-woman formation, plus Recina who unsheathes her bloodied sword, pointing it at the Writer while raising her head.


    She has total control of her emotions. Her Mistress¡¯s emotions? Not so much. But Malinda¡¯s orders are final, and if she told her to murder this filth, she would, without question.


    ¡°Your orders, my Honored Mistress?¡± Recina asks as she peers at the Writer who¡¯s in total shock.


    Every agent is surprised. Why would she do this? They¡¯re just animals, no, monsters in the DLO¡¯s eyes. But for Malinda, they¡¯re much more than that. They¡¯re memories of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s past. Even with the bear cub¡¯s wailing now that the air has gone ominous, Malinda is peaceful, as if in a trance of insanity.


    She just wants to eradicate these creatures in blue. Yet, she hasn¡¯t begun her life with Xe¡¯Reth, it has just started. Ending it now by killing this filth wouldn¡¯t give her a chance to live in bliss under his warm gaze.


    ¡°Throw these insects out of my Citadel,¡± Malinda orders, turning around to the bear cub to wave it in with a gentle smile, so it comes closer because it has retreated in fear from the loud shouts and the surrounding people. However, it hesitantly does stagger in its cage to her. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry my baby¡­ boy¡­? No¡­ girl? Hmm, nevermind, but you¡¯ll never be harmed again by those monsters.¡±


    Recina whips her head to her Battle-Maidens, commanding with a total unyielding expression, ¡°You four, escort those agents out, while I take care of these three¡­¡±


    The Battle-Maidens nod, saluting Recina as they hurry towards the enemies of their Mistress¡¯.


    ¡°L-Leader¡­!?¡± a female agent shouts, gawking at the Writer who just now stands up, rubbing the back of his head. But he gives his subordinates an affirmative go-ahead to leave, which they obey.


    Filing out with Battle-Maidens at their sides, the agents move with different faces of fear, nervousness, and slight hatred for the pompous act of Malinda. To actually harm a superior officer of the DLO. Yet most know if they were to display any ill will to an Honored Lady, they would be destroyed utterly. It¡¯s a City where they live and eat. A City that¡¯s owned solely by the Tertin family.


    If the family wanted to, they could throw every single person out without repercussion, well, of course, the property that the people themselves have bought is the only goods that they don¡¯t own. All the buildings have been approved by the Tertin household, even outside the walls ¨C in the countryside ¨C have they given permission to build.


    There are small and big settlements in the Tertin domain, led by senior servants, old ones, for one can¡¯t trust outside people to take care of the vast area that the Tertin family have. An area, like the City, that has been neglected but yet not.


    The Matriarch has known of these problems as soon as they emerged. However, she didn¡¯t say anything because the more she held back ¨C doing everything in the shadows ¨C the more she can use it against Celyssa when the time comes for her to be imprisoned¡­ or more preferably, killed.


    The anger towards the Bradinox family runs too deep to simply forgive and forget. The Sanctuary demands the blood of that entire family, from both children and adults. For there is a brewing evil that Xe¡¯Reth haven¡¯t yet noticed. And maybe he¡¯ll not see it until it¡¯s too late.


    ¡°You may now leave with your fellow agents, Writer,¡± Recina says with indifference, flowing with her hand to their horses.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Malinda interrupts, standing up while the bear cub reaches out its paw to stop her from leaving and whines out in loneliness. An unsuccessful try. Malinda runs her fingers on her lips, squinting at the agents, then to the horses, gaining a smile. A real smile of madness. ¡°You may leave on foot. I''ll take the horses as payment. A payment that can never be wholly paid.¡±


    ¡°W-What¡­ Uncle, no!¡± the Writer¡¯s niece shouts in objection. Her eyes wanting to cry, not expecting Malinda to say that. It¡¯s a horse she picked out, a horse that she has had for a long time. And parting with it would shatter her heart. Even his nephew grows in hostility, showing on his lowered eyebrows which Recina glares at.


    ¡°Mm, before you leave,¡± Malinda says, completely ignoring the girl¡¯s voice of complaint. And seeing that the Writer hasn¡¯t opened his mouth yet, pleases Malinda. He knows his position. But what Malinda wants is the names of those who dared kill the other bear cubs. ¡°You think I wouldn¡¯t want to know the names of those disgusting criminals? Well? I allow you to open your filthy mouth. Tell me who killed them.¡±


    Pressing a handkerchief that was given to him by his niece onto his cheek, dotting it, he lowers and straightens his arms then bows with his upper body, ¡°I cannot reveal such information for the sake of the perpetrators¡¯ safety, Honored Lady. It¡¯s DLO business, and not for you to worry about. We¡¯ll take our leave now¡­ on foot¡­ as you said.¡±


    ¡°Uncle, please¡­¡± the niece whines, tugging at his ornamented sleeve.


    ¡°Be silent,¡± he snaps, putting his arm around her shoulder as he begins to walk past the horses with her and the following nephew whose troubling expression, too, voices out his complaint of taking his possession.


    But from the silence ¨C as their backs are turned ¨C comes horrifying neighs, and a big thud on the cobble echoes in the courtyard, making the three spin around in haste.


    Recina without a weapon, while Malinda, she holds her handmaiden¡¯s now dripping sword which has cut off one of the horses¡¯ heads.


    ¡°Aahhhh! Nooooo!¡± the niece screams as her horse lies dead with blood pouring out of its decapitated neck, while the uncle and nephew, stare in horror. What madness has come over the Honored Lady? The bear cub too retreats in fear, remembering how its siblings were tortured and played with, then ultimately killed to satisfy the families and friends that had snuck into the storage area where they were kept.


    ¡°Battle-Mistress! Are you going to let her kill such excellent breed of horses?!¡± the Writer shouts with widened eyes since he had given his niece that horse as a birthday present some years back. And witnessing such a scene makes him sick to the stomach.


    DLO agents of high rank are paid rather handsomely for their loyal duty to the Kingdom. But those horses are one of the better breeds. Sure, they get horses for free when they formally join the DLO, yet those doesn¡¯t compare to these ones.


    Recina squints in pain because Malinda has done something atrocious, something she wouldn¡¯t normally do. She should¡¯ve stopped her, that¡¯s for sure. Though, getting Malinda¡¯s venomous eyes at her now? She decided not to intervene. But killing a horse so ruthlessly? Recina worries for her Mistress, almost as though Malinda is turning into Madelyn.


    The niece falls to her knees, clutching her fists on her lips while screaming out in sorrow, trying to contain her voice, but the still lying horse¡¯s corpse makes it unbearable for her. Without warning, she yells, ¡°You¡¯re a complete monster! How can you just kill something that¡¯s like family to me?! Like it¡¯s nothing to you?! Are you heartless?! You two-faced whore!¡±


    ¡°Take her home right this instant, boy! Go!¡± the uncle snaps with such a sharp and loud tone, thrusting his finger-pointing hand to the portcullis, which the nephew does willingly since his sister might be in some real trouble for just saying such blasphemous profanity.


    ¡°Let go of me! Uncle, she should be arrested! She just committed a crime! Uncle!¡± the young lady screams as she¡¯s being dragged away by her brother. She fights back as much as she can, but it¡¯s all for naught because her brother is a strong man. His tightly fitted uniform displays his well-trained body as he flexes his muscles, fighting back against her flailing arms and legs.


    She actually wants to hurt that grinning woman.


    ¡®I¡¯ll make her pay¡­ I¡¯ll make you pay Malinda!¡¯ Conceding to the stronger force, her head wilts as tears roll down her face, being heartbroken.


    The body of his sister suddenly becomes a lot heavier as it goes limp. His whole face has contorted in grief. An entire unexpectant event. Even his own horse will probably meet the same fate.


    Just as he thinks about it, Malinda jerks the reins of his horse, trying to calm it down from its long-lived companion¡¯s death. And having it standing as the silent night, she raises her arm with Recina¡¯s sword in hand. The brother reacts from her movement, becoming stunned in place as he goes past the fountains.


    Malinda, she closes her eyes with such a smile¡­


    ¡®Revenge¡­¡¯


    They¡¯ll feel how she feels.


    Opening her extremely calm eyes, she whips her peer to the brother, smirking while her whole body remains motionless. Only the wind-slicing arm cascades down, aiming for the horse¡¯s neck. But instead of being filled with horror, he, instead, is filled with relief in his heart.


    Her handmaiden has stopped the blade from reaching the neck.


    ¡°Forgive me, Mistress, but it¡¯s enough,¡± Recina says, holding Malinda¡¯s wrist in her gauntlet, squeezing it, forcing it to stay up since Malinda tries to push it downward, to get her revenge on the DLO. ¡°Look what you¡¯ve done¡­ Is this something your Xe¡¯Reth would like to see you do? Killing innocent animals? Showing such ruthlessness?¡± Recina wrinkles her brows, lowering her head. ¡°I can¡¯t let you humiliate yourself any longer.¡±


    Malinda in her rage-filled mind gazes down at the ground; a river of blood. That snaps her out of her trance as she steps backward. Recina¡¯s sword slips out of her hand, clinking onto the cobble as it lands to be soaked in crimson.


    ¡°W-What am I doing¡­?¡± Malinda shudders as a growing pain courses through her whole body and mind.


    Her eyes wander to the bear cage where the cub whines out in fright, then to the horse¡¯s corpse, gawking at it as it turns her excruciating stomach.


    The nightmare... Blood. Being surrounded by it. Being drowned by it.


    Her lips start spasming as the sight of so much blood causes a cold sweat to take over her body. She runs away to not stand in it, away, just away. ¡®No, no, no! No! Please don¡¯t make me remember, I don¡¯t want to think about it! No please, I didn¡¯t want to kill you! I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry¡­ Xe¡¯Reeeth¡­¡¯


    She sits crouched down a bit further away as though some servant that have been punished by her Mistress.


    ¡°Leave now, Writer! You¡¯ve seen nothing! And if I hear any rumors about this, I¡¯ll make sure your whole family will pay for it. Now leave!¡± Recina shouts with such scowling eyebrows as a thrusting gauntlet erects towards the portcullis. ¡°And take those two horses with you on your way out! Leave the remaining two fastened to the wagon, go!¡±


    ¡°We shall never meet again, farewell,¡± the Writer salutes, glaring at Malinda who¡¯s beyond shock. ¡®You can never judge someone by their status¡­ Lucky for her that Rissara will pardon whatever crime she would commit here today. Have already committed¡­ Honored Ones¡­¡¯


    The Writer takes the reins of the animals, giving one last glance at the dead horse.


    With a boot going into the stirrup, he heaves himself up with ease as he swiftly pulls it toward his relatives. Then smacking into the horse¡¯s sides, he makes it gallop while dragging along his own horse with his hand, even going past his crying niece and his sister-dragging nephew who¡¯s almost at the portcullis.


    ¡°Let us depart this Divine-forsaken place!¡±


    ¡°With pleasure, uncle!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    The portcullis has lowered to let none inside.


    The Battle-Maidens haul the bear-filled cage with the help of the remaining two horses, while the servants whose eyes widen upon coming out to the courtyard, stare in absolute shock; a horse decapitated and a handmaiden that escorts her weeping Mistress.


    Recina holds Malinda by her shoulders as she directs her to the west, to go behind the Battle-Maidens with ease. Slow and with careful steps because Malinda, she¡¯s bewildered. Her breath uneven, her body, so cold with arms rubbing up and down. Her stomach hurts, all kinds of ailments of both mind and body sting her entire being.


    One of the Battle-Maidens clatters to Recina¡¯s side, awaiting orders about the dead horse.


    ¡°Clean everything up. It must be spotless,¡± Recina commands.


    Her head goes to the servants that came from the stables. They, most of all, peers with slight disgust. An amazing creature killed in such an unfit manner. Who could¡¯ve done this? The DLO? The Battle-Maidens? No, of course, it¡¯s Malinda, but the servants weren''t here when it happened.


    However, from the servants¡¯ office by the built out part of the Citadel where a window is aligned perfectly with the courtyard, stand Celyssa with Linadra who gazes and saw everything that transpired.


    A Mistress running away from the blood then crouched down in horror, muttering words to herself; a handmaiden that comforted her Miss, and servants springing from all sides.


    Servants in shock and in confusion, but, when Recina had picked up her scarlet dyed sword from the pool of blood, she gave glares to everyone, telling them with those eyes that it was she that cut off the horse¡¯s head and not her Mistress. None else knows that Malinda killed the animal, expect for the DLO agents, and now¡­ Celyssa.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡°She has such incredible strength¡­ Just a single sweep¡­¡± Linadra whispers in awe, yet she sinks her head in embarrassment upon meeting Celyssa¡¯s scowling eyes. She complimented her. Something she shouldn¡¯t be doing right now because her Mistress and Malinda aren¡¯t in the best of moods. Turning around, she taps her foot and crosses her arms. ¡°Where in the Divines is my daughter¡­ I sent someone to get her. What¡¯s taking her so long?¡±


    ¡°Relax, Madelyn is in a foul mood, so I don¡¯t think Liriana has the courage to ask for a leave just yet. She¡¯ll prepare to depart for the Ebon Wall in an hour or two. Let¡¯s just wait,¡± Celyssa sighs, exhaling with so much air while shaking to try to remove her own headache. ¡°And how is your husband doing, has he finished preparing for the dinner?¡±


    ¡°H-He has¡­¡± Linadra answers with furrowing brows, biting her lip in worry. ¡°But do we really need to¡­ you know¡­ do what we¡¯re going to do? Hasn¡¯t there been enough deaths?¡±


    ¡°Either that boy dies, or my daughter will suffer more pain. I¡¯m just choosing my little girl. And you know about my parents¡¯ health. They¡¯ll soon die, that¡¯s for sure. Good riddance. They¡¯ve only caused harm to so many people. It¡¯s clear my sister is involved in their fates. And she, like them, will just accelerate our progress to the point of almost being found out.¡± Celyssa begins walking back and forth on either side of the window, considering real hard about her next move. A speech. She¡¯s going to need a good enough speech to rally the masses in her favor. ¡°I want a speech written for tomorrow. Both the underprivileged and the regular commoners need to be lullabied into my hands. The noble families will fall in line as always.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be as you order,¡± Linadra says with heels clanking on the floor, arriving at the office door. Opening, she bows, ¡°Your husband will be coming shortly to introduce you to his officers, so be prepared. But hopefully, he¡¯ll meet up with the boy as soon as possible.¡±


    Celyssa waves her away with a flick of her hand as a click resounds in her ears.


    She¡¯s alone.


    She goes to sit in her grand chair, causing Celyssa¡¯s fingers to drum on the leather surface that protects her table from any harm to the wood. She just can¡¯t calm down. Her whole head is filled with scenarios that could happen. Her daughter¡­ Malinda and Madelyn. Her husband, the City, all the work that she needs to do, and the sickening feeling of what her elder sister told her.


    If Celyssa were to disobey, her daughter would not get the medicine.


    She must kill Xe¡¯Reth, there is no second option¡­ other than turning to the Matriarch for help¡­


    But the Sanctuary would rather see her burn at the stake than assist the murderer of their beloved Master and Madam. They won¡¯t rest until all of them burn, burn, and burn. Both children and adults alike. All of them must pay, that family must pay.


    All of them shall die¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Rounding to head straight Northwest on a flat stone walkway, Recina supports her shaking Mistress. Malinda almost stumbles for every step she takes. Her mind is drained, her body has suddenly become too weak to stand.


    The neighing Stable¡¯s and the clinking blacksmiths¡¯ area are on their right side, while on the left side, a green field of flowers and herbs and vegetables of various colors, and on the same side, a wooden house ¨C a large one at that ¨C have been built. Its wooden material, new but proud.


    It¡¯s the healer¡¯s house that belongs to Linadra and her husband. Liriana too has her possessions inside.


    Recina spins to the left to not follow her Battle-Maidens who handles the cage with the horses, yelling, ¡°We¡¯ll meet you at the entrance to the labyrinth! Wait there!¡±


    They turn to salute, bobbing their helmeted heads in confirmation.


    Treading over a curved bridge with a water channel under it, Recina gazes at Malinda¡¯s flustered face. ¡®This isn¡¯t right¡­ Why is she experiencing this now? Well, she hasn¡¯t been sick in a while¡­ so maybe she has caught something?¡¯


    ¡°Where¡­ Where are we going¡­?¡± Malinda asks with aching brows while her eyelids try to remain open, but her uneven breathing drains all her strength.


    ¡°Whoa! Easy there!¡± Recina alarms, taking a firmer grip around Malinda since she almost falls over. ¡°Hang in there, we¡¯ll soon reach the healer¡¯s house. He¡¯ll know what illness you¡¯ve. Most likely a fever of some sort.¡± She stops talking to herself, realizing that her Mistress isn¡¯t listening, or more like can¡¯t hear.


    But with raising eyebrows, Recina remembers what happened to Madelyn yesterday at the training ground where all the city guard were gathered. The Lady had begun wobbling around, had felt a growing headache, and the drainage of energy in her entire body. Sure, that armor was too heavy for her, but she was handling it with ease before she felt those symptoms.


    Madelyn had a strength which she didn¡¯t have¡­ before she got Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s blood¡­


    ¡®Hopefully, the illness doesn¡¯t spread¡­ But can it be¡­ Can it be the boy¡¯s mother has brought in such a disease?¡¯ Her eyes go wide as her feet steps off of the bridge onto solid stone again. ¡®Don¡¯t tell me¡­ Is the Fire-Brand disease contagious?!¡¯


    Recina swings Malinda¡¯s body to carry her, only gaining a slight response from her Mistress¡¯s rapid exhaling and inhaling.


    Her handmaiden dashes with Malinda in her plated arms, being afraid that Malinda has really caught the Fire-Brand disease because she knows nothing about healer business.


    The dirt-infested servants tending to the greenery on the sides of the pathway cover their mouths with their garden gloves, their eyes flickering in surprise about an Honored Lady being carried, and the real worry since they recognize both of them.


    Some even worry too much, yelling out, ¡°What has happened Battle-Mistress!?¡±


    ¡°Is she sick!? Hurry, the healer is inside!¡±


    But Recina ignores the voices around her, lowering her gaze to Malinda as if she¡¯s about to die. So much fright in her heart for her Mistress because she loves her as she loves her own dead mother. Yet, Recina is much older than Malinda.


    Speeding up her feet, Recina clashes her plate boots up the few stairs of the veranda. And putting Malinda on her feet, she tears the door open as she roars, ¡°Healer, emergency!¡±


    She spares no time.


    Lifting Malinda up again to carry her, she steps into a hallway which¡¯s lighted up with lanterns.


    A staircase to go to the second level; openings to other rooms. A living room. A healer¡¯s area filled with apothecary supplies riddling the counters and shelves. Scents that''s different from the outside. The various colored candles and herbs ooze calming aromas. And a man whose fast moving feet resonates in the wooden staircase, gaining widened eyes upon seeing his Honored Lady in such a state.


    ¡°What has happened to her? Come, quick. Put her down on the examination table. Hurry!¡± the man snaps as he claps his hands at Recina.


    He follows after them into his place of work, eyeing a special area of the room. But he ignores the vial that¡¯s supported by a metallic holder, going to ask what¡¯s wrong instead. He has almost never seen to Malinda before. She has hardly ever been sick, only minor illnesses, nothing serious for his attention. Nevertheless, he¡¯s the official Citadel healer, and he tends to all who needs him.


    However, in the Sanctuary, he dares not to tread.


    ¡°Lady Malinda, can you hear me? How are you feeling?¡± the healer asks, snapping his fingers beside her ear to get her attention because she¡¯s rocking back and forth while she sits on the examination table, almost not able to keep her head up. Plus, he must be extremely careful to not do anything she doesn¡¯t want to do. He can¡¯t recklessly feel the temperature of her forehead without permission, as like Madelyn who wailed and whined yesterday, and the day before that.


    ¡°Battle-Mistress, what has happened to her? It¡¯s as if she¡¯s in a trance¡­¡± the healer examines, clicking his fingers some more. Still, no response from the Honored Lady.


    ¡°I thought you would know¡­ That¡¯s your profession,¡± Recina answers, glaring at the tall, short brown-haired man who¡¯s rather fit for someone who stays in most of his days.


    His full-bearded face is handsome but average since most of his features are hidden. While those brown eyes of his, gentle-looking yet severe. On his body, he¡¯s wearing dark pants, a pair of shiny shoes, and a no-sleeved shirt on top of a long-sleeved white one.


    ¡°Though¡­ I¡¯m curious, Battle-Mistress¡­¡± the healer nocks an eyebrow, squinting at the plated mountain. ¡°Lady Malinda has individuals of the same profession as me. So why would you come here, instead of going to her own people?¡±


    Recina frowns, keeping Malinda from falling forward. It¡¯s true, she didn¡¯t need to come here, but since it was in the vicinity, Recina decided that it would go faster than to return to her wing. Yet through her lack of knowledge from the Sanctuary, she has done something terrible. Bringing her Mistress to the man that distributed the disease to Malinda¡¯s parents.


    ¡°My Honored Mistress just recently started to experience these¡­ signs¡­ when we were on our way to the Labyrinth coming from the courtyard. Just¡­ Just all of a sudden, and so quick. And because you¡¯re here, I decided it to be paramount that she gets a check up,¡± Recina explains as her worrying eyes peer at Malinda¡¯s trembling breath. She glares up at the healer again. ¡°Well¡­? What does she have?¡±


    ¡°Am I allowed to examine her?¡± he asks, almost as if surprised by Recina¡¯s statement of him knowing it by sight.


    ¡°You may, but be quick about it,¡± Recina gives a confirming nod with scowling brows.


    He spares no time, he puts his knowledgeable palm on Malinda¡¯s forehead, making him recoil a bit from it being the average temperature. Furrowing his expression, he feels Malinda¡¯s wrist. Her pulse is so fast and so irregular. He lets go as he flows his hand to Malinda¡¯s neck, feeling the same quick and unnormal pulsation.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter¡­? What does she have for kind of illness¡­?¡± Recina worries. But upon seeing Malinda¡¯s contorted face all of a sudden, she shouts, ¡°Why is she in pain¡­?! Healer?!¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ M-My stomach¡­ My¡­ stomach¡­¡± Malinda whines with every single word, clutching her fisted hands above her waist. With eyes also going wide in horror, her hands start shaking and waving as they go to her mouth, signaling for something, which the healer responds with by running to get a bucket.


    Malinda covers her mouth as her cheeks bloat, trying to hold in something while her throat starts to make gag reflexes.


    Arriving with a bucket in front of her, Malinda snatches it immediately from the healer¡¯s hands with all the strength she can muster. With that, she pukes out her breakfast.


    Her handmaiden¡¯s head sinks in complete worry, rubbing her back and holding her ponytail, so it doesn¡¯t get stained. While the healer, he goes and pours a water cup, then brings a cloth for Malinda to wipe her mouth with.


    ¡°I thought that she either got some contamination from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother, but she might have the same¡­ Well, Madelyn returned yesterday with similar signs as my Mistress, but Madelyn never puked, right?¡± Recina ponders.


    It¡¯s not the same.


    Malinda never gained new strength like Madelyn did, yet what Malinda is going through now, it¡¯s like something is draining her of every thread of her being. And that contortion in her stomach pains her the most as if something is being rearranged.


    Malinda coughs a couple of times as she raises her head from the bucket; teary eyes, shaking lips, and the extreme pain. Never subsiding, always tugging at her stomach. But her eyes goes wide again, descending her head once more.


    The rest of her breakfast empties her.


    ¡­¡­


    After minutes have passed, Malinda sits without support, only hugging herself with her own coiling arms to try to warm her body from this coldness; a mug empty, a cloth piece with saliva residue, and a hand placed on her forehead, checking Malinda¡¯s warmth.


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s indeed peculiar,¡± the healer reflects, removing his palm. He knows almost every disease there is, but he can¡¯t put his finger on what Malinda¡¯s got. ¡°Honored Lady, can you answer me a couple of questions, if you don¡¯t mind?¡±


    ¡°W-What¡­? What am I doing here¡­ I¡­ I need to meet with Xe¡¯Reth¡­ He¡¯s waiting for me¡­¡± Malinda mutters, trying to get on her feet. However, Recina holds her in place, sensing her Mistress¡¯ weakened self from just gripping onto her. It takes nothing to keep her on the examination table. ¡°R-Recina¡­ Gaah!¡± She clutches against her stomach with such a grimace.


    ¡°For the Divine Queens¡¯ sake, do something!¡± Recina barks, thrusting forth her gauntlet to grip his shoulder. But he just frowns, pushing away her hand as he goes around the table to browse a shelf with an amount of various colored vials and concoctions.


    ¡®What in the¡­¡¯ He raises a brow as his eyes flicker in dumbfoundedness. ¡®Why are some missing¡­? Have I used them? No. No, I¡¯ve not. Someone has been inside here¡­¡¯ His eyes narrow. ¡®But who? The Sanctuary? Most likely. Those damned¡­ I must report it to Madam.¡¯


    He snaps out of his slight irritation, picking out an empty, clean, and entirely new mortar and pestle at the very top shelf with multiple others just waiting to be taken. Then he starts stretching out his arm to choose different ingredients hanging down from above the ceiling and in glass containers on the shelves, working with the precision of an experienced healer.


    But his eyes travel carefully to the vial that he had prepared before they came. A gift for a certain somebody that recently arrived at the Citadel. Because an order was given, and he shall abide by his Madam¡¯s verdict as he had four years earlier. ¡®Better hide it away.¡¯


    He places the herbs, the mortar, and pestle beside the vial as casually as he can, opening a closed safe with a key, then with such carefulness, he puts it in there, locking it after.


    He begins working on the medicine for Malinda, an entirely unknown recipe to the two ladies. It¡¯s for the nonexistence fever, upset stomach, and to rejuvenate Malinda. Expensive ingredients while some are extremely rare ones too.


    For all they know, it might be poison to murder Malinda since Celyssa was ordered to do so years ago but refused, only killing the current Lord and Lady Tertin. Yet who knows what kind of allegiances this man has. Maybe he takes orders directly from the Bradinox family and not Celyssa? And it would be a perfect opportunity to blame it on the newly arrived young man if he were to give her something now.


    One can only pray¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Outside on the bridge leading to the healer¡¯s house comes Annettria with such grave eyes. She¡¯s actually running with a couple of bun-haired servants as though their lives depends on it, making the garden servants stop tending to their jobs again. Likewise, as before, they gawk in shock but doesn¡¯t move from their spot.


    It doesn¡¯t take long before they arrive at the stairs of the house, and Annettria can¡¯t spare any time; she leaps up onto the veranda, being followed by Malinda¡¯s servants whose eyes are as their superior, dangerous and extremely deadly. All of them are filled with rage because they¡¯re no mere servants.


    The door is closed. But Annettria as swift as a shadow opens it and heads inside, moving with silent but quick footsteps as her eyes finally see with horror in her widened lids; the healer is about to give Malinda his prepared slime, his filthy mixture!


    Annettria dashes with death-thrusting hands, catching Recina¡¯s slow moving head turning towards her, but Annettria¡¯s mobility is too fast for the unguarded Battle-Mistress. Her hands reach her goal in time, one choking the healer¡¯s throat, the other, crushing his wrist while turning the mixture away from the trance-stricken Malinda who¡¯s so weak she can¡¯t even keep herself awake.


    The mortar falls from the healer¡¯s hand, crashing to the wooden floor as it splashes the blend all over the place. And pushing with such fury, such strength, Annettria flings him backward, making him hit his head on the wall by the single cleared out area. Even the vertical wooden plank on impact cracks a little, knocking him out cold without him knowing what happened.


    Only the teeth-clenching expression of death is what he saw.


    ¡°Annettria?! Have you gone mad?!¡± Recina gasps as she switches to the healer, wanting to run and check up on him, but refrains from it because Malinda is more important.


    ¡°You foolish brute!¡± Annettria shrieks with such new dread. An expression that¡¯s so vile, so much hatred. To think that one of Malinda¡¯s own handmaidens would be a betrayer. To bring her to this place?! ¡°How dare you?! How dare you endanger our Mistress¡¯s life?! You damned deluded wench! Matilda will rise from her grave if anything happens to her rightful heir!¡±


    Annettria swooshes her hand to point at the healer, setting in motion the servants who¡¯re standing out in the hallway, waiting for orders.


    ¡°See to it that he hasn¡¯t died, and after that, carry him upstairs,¡± Annettria commands, switching her pointing finger to Recina. ¡°And you¡­ You and I will have a long conversation after we¡¯ve brought our Mistress back to her wing.¡± She glares at her bafflement, ¡°Well?! Pick her up and move, damn you!¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t understand¡­ What is the matter with you?¡± Recina asks with wrinkling eyebrows while her eyes are as wide as they can be. She knows Annettria well enough but hearing words of anger, that¡¯s a first. She¡¯s usually the collected one, and caring is what she has experienced. ¡°I-I haven¡¯t done anything wrong. I just wanted to have her checked up. She¡¯s very ill at the moment, can¡¯t you see? And the boy is waiting for us.¡±


    Annettria just glares in silence. ¡®I guess it¡¯s time to really bring her into the fold. Should¡¯ve done it sooner. But can she really be trusted with such information? Such a useless mind of a handmaiden.¡¯


    Her eyebrows and mouth descend, gazing down at the floor as she considers to do it. To reveal what happened to Malinda¡¯s parents. However, Recina¡¯s personality is very impulsive. She keeps her mouth shut when in the presence of her Mistress, but when such formalities aren¡¯t needed, she¡¯s too open about her emotions. Strict to the core, like her father.


    ¡°Pick her up, Recina. I¡¯ll explain everything to you when we¡¯ve seen to our Mistress¡¯s health,¡± Annettria says as she turns to leave, waving for Recina to follow.


    Which, after much thought, she does slide her one arm under Malinda¡¯s legs, and one behind her back, lifting her gently, so she doesn¡¯t disturb her too much. Malinda¡¯s own arms coil Recina¡¯s neck in reflex from being carried like this by Xe¡¯Reth.


    ¡°What about the Citadel healer? You attacked him, you hurt him!¡± Recina worries since she has no ill will towards him. Just the unknown anger that Annettria showed him tugs at her heart. ¡®Something¡­ Is there something that not even I know?¡¯


    ¡°He knows what he has done by harboring Malinda inside this disgusting house. When he wakes up, he¡¯ll refrain from speaking out about what I did. That, I know for certain. Now let¡¯s hurry back,¡± Annettria answers coolly with such an unfazed guise of a woman that knows all the dealings inside this Citadel, even the whole domain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ comply¡­ for now,¡± Recina sighs as she pursues Annettria out the door with glaring eyes, while behind her, coming down from the stairs, are the bun-haired servants.


    They carried the man and left him on a bed to let him snooze away the day. But since Celyssa¡¯s own servants are ever-watching, they¡¯ll come shortly. So the sooner they leave, the less of a hassle it¡¯ll become.


    With feet touching the stone pathway, Recina asks, ¡°What about the boy? I ordered my Battle-Maidens to wait at the entrance of the labyrinth. He¡¯s waiting for our arrival¡­ with the single bear cub¡­¡±


    ¡°It has already been dealt with. Ahh¡­ poor boy¡­¡± Annettria sighs as her eyes narrow in sadness because she knows those animals were important to Xe¡¯Reth. But her tongue slip causes her to cough, ¡°He¡­ He¡¯ll be worried about Malinda. But rest assured, he knows his duty, which you also have.¡±


    ¡°Why would she suddenly become like this¡­? She has never been sick before to this extent,¡± Recina bites her lower lip. Malinda is grimacing while clenching her teeth in agony, which intensifies Recina¡¯s troubling heart. ¡°Come, let¡¯s bring her to our healers!¡±


    Recina speeds up, running past the wide-eyed handmaiden as fast as she can.


    Considering that she has plate armor on, she moves as if it¡¯s nothing to her. A strength that Annettria doesn¡¯t have, but she relies more on her dexterity than her muscles. Though sure, her muscles are ripped under her clothes, but compared to Recina¡¯s? They¡¯re no match.


    However, with Recina¡¯s head turning, Annettria has sped up her movements to run beside her while holding up the lower dress of her newly given handmaiden attire.


    Eyes observing.


    Minds pondering.


    The servants tending to their duties stare at them, then the handmaidens disappear as they return to the courtyard where a dead horse is no more. So quickly it has been removed. Yet the pool of blood still shines in the sun. Only the corpse has been withdrawn because just recently, from the portcullis, came Maldoran¡¯s officers of the army.


    Both men and women have arrived to get their new orders from their esteemed General.


    Slowing down her movements, Recina nods to herself, liking how fast the servants have cleaned up her Mistress¡¯ mess. But with servants peering at them in apprehension ¨C carrying buckets of water, scrubbing the cobble, and hurrying back and forth from all the pathways ¨C Malinda¡¯s loyal subjects ascends to the Citadel¡¯s entrance.


    They vanish up the stairs, disappearing from the servants¡¯ watching eyes...


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    The tugging at Malinda¡¯s lower stomach and the painful headaches.


    Unknown ailments caused by an unknown creature of darkness that has been created for one sole purpose...


    Mistakes must ultimately be corrected¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­

 45 - The Negligence of Ones Self

    The Negligence of One''s Self


    <hr>


    The Citadel has once again stirred into a flustered motion, at least, in Malinda¡¯s wing.


    Malinda had been carried into her quarters by Recina rather clumsily and fast yet with such care for her wellbeing, making her servants gather outside the unshattered double doors that Maldoran broke yesterday. However, they¡¯re newly replaced.


    The Battle-Maidens that stand guard at the entrance have let none inside but Ereanna who had come with her helpful healers of her choosing, and Tanya who returned from the vaults with her own servants carrying caskets filled with gold crowns, while Cerinn, she was in awe from the spectacular sight which she had witnessed.


    Malinda¡¯s accumulated mountain of assets which Xe¡¯Reth could only dream of. But now, no longer a dream.


    Cerinn had first thought that Malinda¡¯s wealth was only exaggerated, but as her eyes glued themselves to all those various gleaming objects, her thoughts of Malinda has risen to such a height in her heart. A woman of such magnitude. Through her and her lover, Cerinn will stand above the lesser beings, called, nobles.


    ¡­


    As she squints at the crowd of servants and handmaidens that inspect the heavy breathing Malinda who lies on her bed unclothed, only dressed in a thin long negligee, Cerinn frowns while shaking her head.


    They¡¯re like animals watching over their prey.


    Nevertheless, this opportunity has worked in Cerinn¡¯s favor. For in her right dress pocket, she¡¯s clutching onto gold crowns that she had stolen from Malinda¡¯s vault.


    Because of all the commotion, she could stretch out her hand and grab a fistful when a bun-haired servant had come with the news of their Mistress¡¯s condition. Cerinn was the last one out of the vault, following after the startled maidens.


    She has held onto the crowns so hard so they can¡¯t rattle around, to not make them sound in her pocket as she moves.


    She wants to escape to her newly given abode to quickly stash away her riches. But can she actually leave unnoticed from Tanya¡¯s watchful eyes? That she can, because Malinda¡¯s faithful handmaiden stands with the other anxiety-stricken damsels.


    Last time Malinda was like this was when she was drunk. But a trivial matter such as that doesn¡¯t need this kind of supervision which she¡¯s getting now. This isn¡¯t something trivial ¨C this issue is of utmost importance. Even once when she caught a cold some months back, similarly like now, they loomed on all sides of the bed to tend to their Mistress¡¯s needs.


    Cerinn¡¯s face contorts as Recina emerges from the crowd by the bed. She walks over to her with crossed arms, to stand beside Cerinn next to the blazing hearth.


    Her escape route has been blocked. Still, Cerinn purses her lips in secrecy as her feet silently steps on the floor, trying not to make a sound to alert Recina whose expression, too grave and sorrowful-looking for comfort. It¡¯s as if she¡¯s blaming herself for letting her Mistress get sick with this¡­ with this kind of disease.


    But as she sneaks past Recina with head lowered, a gauntlet lands on her shoulder, ceasing Cerinn¡¯s movement in an instant as a teeth-clenching and closed-eyed grimace displays on her expression.


    ¡°Where are you going, girl? Your new Mistress needs our prayers,¡± Recina preaches with a raised eyebrow, jerking Cerinn to stand beside her again. ¡°Come, join me in a prayer.¡±


    ¡°B-But I need to go to the toilet¡­ I can¡¯t hold it in¡­¡± Cerinn whimpers while bending and crossing her legs to seem as though it¡¯ll leak any moment with innocent eyes gazing up at the looming Recina, giving her a smile. ¡®Why is she bugging me now¡­?¡¯


    Recina, however, doesn¡¯t budge one bit from what she says. She glares at Cerinn, growling out, ¡°What kind of disgraceful behavior is this? Not wanting to pray for your benefactor?¡± She tightens her grip on Cerinn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve been taught the lines of healing like everyone else, yes? Good. Now, clutch your hands and begin the prayer.¡±


    The Battle-Mistress starts by locking her gauntleted fingers together, and as she brings them to her chin, she glares to her side. Cerinn¡¯s hands aren¡¯t forming to pray. One, in her pocket, the other, limp.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Take out your hand from your pocket and begin. You¡¯re starting to test my patience. And my patience is very fragile at this moment, girl¡­¡± Recina warns with a lip rising. ¡°You don¡¯t want to get punished, now do you?¡±


    ¡®Damn her and Annettria for not telling me¡­ No, father-be-damned! How couldn¡¯t he tell me of something so important?! He¡¯s serving Maldoran without telling him of what his wife did! What her family did!¡¯ Recina¡¯s eye ticks the longer she glares at Cerinn. ¡®Why haven¡¯t they thrown that killer in jail yet?! Why?! Matilda¡­ I¡¯m sorry, your vengeance shall come. Just wait. I¡¯ll see to it that that snake will be punished.¡¯


    Cerinn, as frightened as she can be, flickers her eyes while staring at the plated mountain.


    Though stepping away from her, Cerinn gathers her courage with a teeth-clenching grin, ¡°You¡¯re not the boss of me!¡±


    She dashes out the door, and Recina gets stunned by the spring in her feet. Her gauntlet stretches out but yields nothing. She only grabs air. Even scoffing out a chuckling breath.


    Retracting her fisted gauntlet, gazing at it with such a peer, it starts to shake and grasp harder until it can¡¯t handle the strain of such strength any further. Such anger. Not anger for Cerinn, but for those old ladies. Why has she been out of the loop when someone like Tanya, a mere twenty-year-old, knows of information that she doesn¡¯t?


    ¡°Recina! Where did Cerinn go?!¡± Tanya shouts as she, too, emerges from the crowd, gawking with widened eyelids as she strides down the few steps with hands holding up her handmaiden dress, then walks to Recina who only now raises her eyes to glare at her.


    The Matriarch, Annettria, and the Battle-Maiden that was dressed in a servant¡¯s uniform had taken Recina into Malinda¡¯s changing room to speak to her so others who weren¡¯t allowed to hear, couldn¡¯t. It was a quick briefing of blasphemy, of horrendous acts committed by a family known to her. A family Recina thought was untainted by corruption. She had never experienced their presence before, so she honestly believed that they were a loving household, a noble family.


    She doesn¡¯t believe in rumors until she sees it for herself. And having heard of the failed attempts from the servants when the sons of the Bradinox family tried to woo the Tertin sisters, she laughed it off as child¡¯s play. Just fools in love. Fools that were rejected harshly, and spoke out about their failures.


    Heartbroken men can spew out their feeling in different ways. Though, cursing her Mistress with profanity was tactless, which Recina didn¡¯t like to hear.


    Rumors are rumors.


    Though, what the old ladies told her¡­ those aren¡¯t rumors. It¡¯s the undeniable truth; two rulers inflicted with a disease, but none other in the entire Citadel caught such an illness.


    Why haven¡¯t others come to the same conclusion as the Sanctuary? Are they blind? No, it has been covered up. Because what little information that got out was that the Lord suffered a heart attack, while the Madam committed suicide from the painstaking loss of her husband. The Fire-Brand sickness was scarcely in the mix of it. At least not talked about when it¡¯s combined with the former Lord and Lady Tertin.


    A funeral was held, and a funeral was concluded within a span of a month. Too short to mourn the rulers¡¯ passing. But just enough time for people to succumb to the Fire-Brand disease to wash away any brewing minds.


    The Bradinox family worked hard and quick to not have anyone talk about the reasons for the Tertin heads¡¯ deaths. So hard that they put the city guard that they had taken control of to silence any voices of doubt. Then they cleaned up all loose ends. Killing their supporters in secret by inflicting them with the very disease that they helped unknowingly spread.


    ¡°Tanya¡­¡± Recina calls out in a whisper, continuing to glare at this so-called gentle girl.


    What else does Tanya know, that she doesn¡¯t?


    She has only been in the service of Malinda for four years, while Recina, she has been longer. She has spoken to the Honored Matilda, the mother of her Mistress before her passing. She had felt the warmth of that woman, of a goddess when her own mother passed away, for Matilda took her into her arms, welcoming her to the Citadel where both her parents worked, but yet not lived.


    It¡¯s not known to many anymore, but Recina lived in the outer Citadel grounds before her mother fell in combat. Killed when the enemy forces overwhelmed the middle gate. A day that Recina remembers as if it was yesterday.


    Though, one day before her mother¡¯s death, she confessed with her whole heart on the line, her love for another woman which she respected as a friend and battle companion. She wanted more.


    A confession that has made her heart hollow, for she never got a reply. Only a broken heart. A heart that needed comfort from the depression of losing a parent. She¡¯s growing colder the more years pass because of it.


    ¡°Recina¡­? What¡¯s the matter? Why¡¯re you looking so sad?¡± Tanya asks with a hand covering her agape mouth. ¡°D-Did Cerinn say something mean? That girl can be such a handful.¡±


    ¡°How long have you known, Tanya?¡± Recina, in half a second, returns to her principled stance with an unbending expression, glaring down at Tanya¡¯s shorter self. ¡°How long have you known of what Celyssa and her family did?¡±


    Tanya¡¯s body recoils, even starting to bite her lower lip. Her gripping hands tighten on her dress, dropping her head, not having the bravery to meet those watchful eyes of hers.


    ¡°She as you, Recina, have been brought into the secrets of the Sanctuary today,¡± Ereanna, the Matriarch says, with all the ladies by the bed gazing towards the hearth¡¯s direction where the two handmaidens stand, like a flock of ravens perching on a leafless tree. ¡°She had only been let in on minor mysteries, nothing of the sort we spoke about. Those are major subjects that I don¡¯t feel to be worth speaking in the presence of our Mistress, asleep or not. She wouldn¡¯t handle the news well. Her mind would utterly break upon hearing such sentences. She¡¯s already having trouble coping with the terrors inside herself from witnessing the acts of war.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Recina dear.¡± Tanya¡¯s grandmother steps forth, jumping into the conversation. Her guise is so gentle. A calm breeze beneath the burning sun. ¡°Today I¡¯ve told my youngest granddaughter of things she shouldn¡¯t know. She¡¯s too young. Not even her oldest sister have been let in on what is going on in the Sanctuary. But as we couldn¡¯t keep it from her any longer, well, you now know too.¡±


    ¡°Recina¡­¡± This time Annettria walks into the fray, flowing her hands to her sisters of servitude. ¡°Everyone inside this chamber has sworn their undying loyalty to our former Mistress, our Matilda Tertin. Excluding you, Tanya, and of course, Malinda. It¡¯s paramount that what we¡¯ve told you stays a secret. No matter what; you¡¯ll not speak of it nor think of it as long as you aren¡¯t with your fellow sisters.¡±


    ¡°But why¡­? Why haven¡¯t you taken care of those killers yet? Are you a bunch of incompetent fools? That¡¯s what you¡¯re, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯ve had four years, but they¡¯re still free, why?¡± Recina throws glares around, crossing her arms, not yielding one bit. ¡°If we just told the Lord about Celyssa¡¯s crimes, he would surely¡ª.¡±


    Recina ceases her mouth, watching Annettria¡¯s headshake with eyes narrowing and a lip rising; such revulsion on her face.


    ¡°Your mother would rise from her grave and die a second time because of your blatant stupidity,¡± Annettria spews with clenched teeth. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± And upon getting Recina¡¯s wide open mouth and eyes, she dives in to tear at her emotions. ¡°What? You thought your mother was a Battle-Mistress only because of her prowess in combat? Don¡¯t be so damn na?ve. She had done deeds that you can¡¯t even fathom with your tiny brain. You never wondered why both your parents were gone most of your teenage years? Why they always put a servant to tend to you instead of them taking care of you?¡±


    ¡°You were never supposed to gain your title that early. And because of your mother¡¯s own stupidity of wanting to protect both her Lord and husband, she went out to war with them, throwing aside her duties as a Battle-Mistress and a mother. She was supposed to take care of the training inside the Sanctuary, not go outside the walls to play bodyguard.¡±


    ¡°And do you honestly think we can get retribution by simply going to Lord Maldoran or the damned DLO?¡± Annettria asks with open-palmed hands extending out. She scoffs, throwing her arms into the air. ¡°What good would that do? Only numerous investigations upon investigations. What we know is evidence that wouldn¡¯t yield anything but headaches, not revenge. If the Lord himself doesn¡¯t believe us, we can be ruined for throwing out baseless accusations at an Honored One, in turn, gaining unwarranted eyes. We would only be shielded by our Mistress¡¯s Honored title. That¡¯s why it has taken so long. And well.¡± She gains a smile. ¡°We''ve now begun our long-awaited vengeance that¡¯ll be a silent thunder echoing in the shadows.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean¡­?¡± Recina asks but her voice becomes more demanding with a growing frown on her brows. Even taking a threatening step forward. ¡°What are you going to do?¡±


    Annettria chuckles as her one cheek rises as though Recina just said something hilarious.


    ¡°You just worry about your newly given duty. Nothing more, nothing less. You¡¯ll know in due time as everyone else,¡± Annettria finishes, waving Recina away. ¡°Now off with you. We¡¯ll overlook your disregard for our Mistress¡¯s life in taking her to that disgusting house. I¡¯ll also warn you for one last time. Keep your big, flapping mouth shut. Now leave so we can continue tending to Malinda.¡±


    It¡¯s mind-boggling news that Recina has heard, but she does give into their demands as she heads out the door like Cerinn did without saying so much as a goodbye. Just finding Malinda¡¯s lover is on her agenda.


    Unbeknownst to Recina as she strides into the changing room, to her left, stands the man she needs to find.


    Xe¡¯Reth watches her thud past, without her noticing him, for he has stood and listened in on their conversation. He is leaning against the wall that leads to the bedroom, while his arms are crossed. However, the air about him is ominous.


    His narrowed eyes peer at the plated mountain as she disappears out into the lounge room.


    Yet, his lip has risen in¡­ anger?


    Some kind of ill mood must¡¯ve gotten over him. An increasing dread that¡¯s growing and growing on his expression and inside his heart. An emotion that he had felt when he heard of the bear mother¡¯s death from Malinda. And about thirty minutes ago, the display of insanity. Xe¡¯Reth is neither immune to damage to his own mind nor to that of his heart.


    Sadness, anxiety, confusion.


    ¡®If I killed those agents when they dared tread into my valley¡­ Then nothing would¡¯ve happened to those innocent cubs,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth broods while still leaning against the wall, gnawing his lip. Even closing his eyes to try to calm himself down, breathing in unhurried but shuddering intakes of air. ¡®If I had moved their bodies to a far away location¡­ I could¡¯ve protected my valley¡­ Damn them! Damn me!¡¯


    Opening his eyes after standing there for half a minute, Recina comes charging back into the changing room where he is. She goes indeed wide-eyed upon catching him there all nonchalant.


    ¡°B-Boy, what¡­ No, how long ha¡ª. Why haven¡¯t they announced your presence?¡±


    ¡°I told them not to. But before you say anything else,¡± Xe¡¯Reth interrupts, striking forth his palm. She surprisingly does quiet down with a mouth descending in suspicion. ¡°Ereanna and Annettria had already told me yesterday. About¡­ everything involving those murderers. The criminals who spread that disease which my mother, Theresa, have.¡±


    ¡°W-What? Y-You know?¡± Recina chokes, shaking her head with flickering eyes of disbelief. Even the name of her long-lost friend quakes her heart. ¡®They told this boy¡­ so quickly¡­ yet they¡¯ve kept it from me? Or is there more to this boy¡­?¡¯


    Recina squints, taking once more a good look at this boy, ¡°Who are you really¡­? They surely wouldn¡¯t tell you such vital secrets¡­ Because it¡¯s rather odd. You gaining my Mistress¡¯s love so easily and getting the support of those old ladies so quickly, as though you¡¯ve had prior meetings with them. As if planned¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s merely a coincidence,¡± Xe¡¯Reth shrugs his shoulders while forcing a smile, which, for once, is completely see-through.


    Hearing about the news of the bear cubs have shaken his heart. Never in his life has he lost something dear to him to this extent. Sure, objects such as his old house and his secret garden were lost to him. But innocent lives that he cares for? Only his mysterious father was the only life he had lost.


    Nothing else.


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s mother is alive. Her health? Ever-changing.


    Though as his eyebrows lower to form a scowl, he responds, ¡°Who am I?¡±


    ¡°Yes, tell me truthfully,¡± Recina nods, peering with such curiosity.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m just a son that seeks retribution for my mother. The days and nights tending to her. Hearing her cries for help to end her agony. Asking myself why she was inflicted with this disease. It was hard for me. But what kept me going was my mother¡¯s own strength. While all others succumb to their fates, she fought on. Fought for her dear life to not leave her son alone in this cruel world,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as his face ascends into real tenderness. ¡°A few days ago, I hadn¡¯t even met Malinda nor the old ladies. And because they¡¯ve their own network that gathered information about me, they took advantage of my sorrows to gain me in their grasp. It¡¯s simple, Recina. They put out a proposition of revenge, and I, with my ultimate joy, accepted.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t have said it better myself, boy,¡± Annettria agrees as she steps into the changing room with such a humorous smile on her lips, because she didn¡¯t notice him. Very dangerous. Though, placing her hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, she scolds with her finger pointing at him. ¡°But it would be much appreciated if you don¡¯t open your mouth so eagerly while in the presence of someone so unreliable.¡±


    ¡°Annettria¡ªJust stop it. I admit I shouldn¡¯t have brought Mistress to that place. But I didn¡¯t know what that disgusting man had done. So your anger is unwarranted¡ªunfair!¡± Recina shouts, also pointing a finger with a frown, telling the others in the different rooms to not disturb them.


    ¡°Tsk, I don¡¯t have the stomach to look at you. However, you boy,¡± Recina switches her finger to Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°I¡¯ll accept your explanation, for now. Because if somebody had done the same to my mother, I would agree with all my heart. But alas, I can¡¯t really put all my trust in someone that¡¯s so suspicious. Almost as if they used¡­ magic¡­ to make Malinda love you. Although I guess since Lady Madelyn also has a thing for you, it lessens my suspicion a little bit.¡±


    ¡®Oh, you¡¯re so right. You shouldn¡¯t trust me, that¡¯s for sure. Even if you were my mother¡¯s friend back in the day. Sorry mom, but I¡¯ll have to use you once again when this woman becomes unruly,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth just nods, smiling. But still, his smile is unbearable with his sorrow showing in his eyes.


    ¡°All right then.¡± Recina bows with her upper body, then finishes, ¡°Sir, I¡¯ll be waiting in the living room after you¡¯ve seen to my Mistress. Because that¡¯s what you¡¯re here for, yes?¡±


    Pushing his back against the wall, Xe¡¯Reth flings himself forward to stand straight as an arrow, ¡°That¡¯s right. After I¡¯ve checked up on her, I¡¯ll come, then we¡¯ll meet Maldoran. And someone should send word to him that we¡¯ll be there soon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be seen to, Master Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Annettria bows with a chuckle. Also giving such a grin toward Recina because of her newly granted status. An heir to the Sanctuary and a handmaiden to the future husband of the Tertin household.


    Malinda is merely a puppet to them. A doll they love yet need to control. However, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s tugging power over her exceeds their level of comfort. Since Xe¡¯Reth will most likely be the real head of the household when they give back the rule to Malinda, after taking it from Maldoran. For the Mistress is too na?ve and quick to temper ¨C driven by her emotions. So they must both please and put strings into Xe¡¯Reth to make him a puppet as well.


    Scoffing at Annettria, Recina curtsies with her head to Xe¡¯Reth, then leaves again but with much more sound in her steps, resounding her annoyance.


    Watching her with four eyes, Xe¡¯Reth and his handmaiden remains standing there, while Xe¡¯Reth changes to a leaning position once more with arms crossed. Which alerts Annettria to his current mood.


    ¡°How are you holding up, sweety? I guess you saw the beast, yes?¡± Annettria asks while putting her hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s cheek, caressing it. But he pushes it away, frowning at her try at being motherly. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes, hehe.¡±


    Though as Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes go slight wide, he remembers why he has returned, blocking out any other emotion than to hurry.


    ¡°Come, tell me what has happened, other than putting Malinda to sleep. Though I think the others should leave the bedroom,¡± Xe¡¯Reth suggests as he taps his hand on her shoulder, beginning to walk past and into the bedchamber.


    He puts on his mask again. A disguise that¡¯s currently cracked with hidden grief.


    He liked those cubs. So much so that he missed their company when he wasn¡¯t tending to his garden. Painstakingly hard work. But it needed to be worked on a couple of days a week. He had to travel in and out of the City, while still keeping his mother healthy and doing various paying jobs. He can go days without sleeping.


    Witnessing the bear cub with his own similar colored eyes has done a number on him. Yet his rage exceeds his sadness. He had to run to his mother¡¯s chamber then run back to where it was, though thankfully the Battle-Maidens followed his orders in bringing it to the courtyard, so the distant wasn¡¯t so far.


    All done in a couple of minutes. Xe¡¯Reth had told the workers of the garden to continue without him, while the bath servants stayed too, to keep their eyes on them, so they behave. But they will soon get new orders.


    Servants¡¯ eyes had indeed gone wide from gawking at the running young man whose clothes were clad in black.


    Though the urgency wasn''t that crucial. A broken off claw here and a gash in its fur there. Xe¡¯Reth inspected the cuddling creature flawlessly, missing nothing with his dark eyes. Then he put the animal to sleep, for now, giving it the necessities it needs to recover from its wounds.


    It needs a deep sleep. As long as its emotions are running rampant, the healing significantly lessens. Or at least that¡¯s what Xe¡¯Reth thinks because his own regenerative prosperities reduces when his mind is in turmoil. From both outside elements and from within. Like when he woke up, he still had the bite mark from Madelyn on his skin, yet healed now. Sleep didn¡¯t help him there, but that was the cause of the sedative that he got into his system last night.


    It¡¯s a dangerous drug that he hasn¡¯t trifled with¡­


    Sure, having a heart pumping rapidly might improve the blood circulation to give a faster regeneration, but it also exudes more blood than needed from the body if a big enough wound is open.


    ¡°Friends, return to your responsibilities for now. The Sanctuary still needs our watchful eyes, and you too, Tanya. I¡¯ll take care of Malinda for now because you¡¯ve been given a task to perform. Do bring along Cerinn. She requires much more training than you¡¯ve currently given her,¡± Annettria orders with an arm flowing to the door while standing in the middle of the bedchamber.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Getting curtsies and head bobs from the various unknown ladies, they leave, one after the other.


    While Tanya, she stands baffled.


    ¡°You can¡¯t honestly believe I¡¯ll leave Malinda when she needs me the most?¡± Tanya asks as her sorrow-filled eyes travel to Xe¡¯Reth who hasn¡¯t bothered with the women at all, only giving a smiling nod to everyone to announce his presence which they saw immediately. Or rather, everyone waited for him get inside the room so they could take a good look at their future Master and Lord.


    ¡°Orilldera, escort her out. We¡¯ve serious issues to discuss with the boy,¡± Ereanna says with a hand waving Tanya away. Completely undermining her higher rank that¡¯s currently void of any real leverage. Control has been taken from her.


    ¡°Come now, dear. Let¡¯s see to your task, shall we?¡± Her grandmother puts her hand on Tanya¡¯s back, pushing her to the door, while Tanya, she lowers her head in humility since she can¡¯t refuse the current head of the Orilldera family that runs the blacksmith in the Citadel.


    Her own household.


    However, what tugs at her heart the most¡­ is Xe¡¯Reth¡­ How? Why? Who is he really? The voices from the changing room weren''t enough for her to catch with her ears.


    Were the old ladies responsible for their union? Plotted to entangle her Mistress?


    She lowers her head even more as her grandmother embraces her as they disappear¡­


    ¡­


    With everyone gone, Ereanna sighs, gazing at Xe¡¯Reth with half-open eyes. Last night''s events have caused her to get no sleep at all. Likewise for Annettria¡­ and the slight recognizable Battle-Maiden in full plate armor; her face, stern with a downcurved mouth, while her eyes, glaring at the child of darkness.


    It¡¯s the same servant that was with the Matriarch and Annettria when they first met Xe¡¯Reth in Theresa¡¯s quarters but was told to leave because of her outbursts.


    However, as the Battle-Maiden sucks in air through her flaring nostrils, she bows while voicing out with such embarrassment, ¡°Sir¡­ I request your attention¡­ Do forgive me for my previous transgressions when we first met. I only ask to have a new chance, and that you¡¯ll accept my genuine, heartfelt regret. That¡¯s all. I¡¯ll also now leave to take up my new temporary rank of Battle-Mistress while Recina teaches you all that she can. Farewell, we¡¯ll not meet again for some time.¡±


    Raising her upper body from her curtsy, the Battle-Maiden glances toward Ereanna who nods in satisfaction while sitting on a chair by the table. With her nodding back, she leaves the room with booming steps, but not infuriated feet, just the weight of her armor.


    Having sat on the bed next to Malinda, stroking her dripping forehead, Xe¡¯Reth narrows his eyes with a curve rising on his cheek.


    ¡°Ordered her to apologize, did you?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, peering at Ereanna who closes her eyes as her slow nod makes its movement up and down. ¡°Though what kind of sedative did you use on Malinda? Not one of mine I hope? Because they¡¯re way too dangerous for her if you give her a wrong dose.¡±


    ¡°Be at ease¡­ boy,¡± Ereanna says as though her voice means for it to be in a whisper. But since Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s ears hear what most can¡¯t, he raises his brow. ¡°We used our own made concoction that you needn¡¯t worry about. Though what is surprising is that none of our healers know what¡¯s wrong with her. So the question is ¨C what have you done to her¡­ given her?¡±


    Switching his eyes to his sleeping goddess, her blond-haired head comes to his view. She is tucked in on all sides; her eyebrows contort in intervals, her closed eyes are moving under her lids, and Malinda¡¯s body shudders as if she¡¯s in a blizzard.


    Annettria squints at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s growing confusion forming on his expression while standing on the other side of the bed, looming over the two.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with her. The only thing I¡¯ve given her¡­ Well, saliva through kissing and¡­ When I gave her my seed last night,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as if ashamed of saying such unpure words. Frowning, he gazes to Annettria. ¡°I¡¯m different, you know that, but am I so different that I can harm her?¡±


    ¡°Obviously we must ask out of our own fear for her wellbeing, Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Annettria responds, too taking a seat on the bed. But she shakes her head with wrinkling eyebrows. ¡°It may be that you have caused this, yes. Or it¡¯s just that we¡¯re all overreacting because of some unknown sickness that hasn¡¯t been discovered yet. The Tertin family is prone to such things. However, for now, we can only watch over her current condition.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s weird to suffer from this ailment when she hasn¡¯t had any prior afflictions. She was as healthy as she can be¡­ before you came¡­¡± Ereanna wonders, drumming her nails on the table.


    Pursing her lips side to side, she travels with her eyes to Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°Boy, we¡¯ll need a blood sample if you don¡¯t mind. We have ways to distinguish if there¡¯s something wrong with it. And well, Annettria collected a sample from you last night too¡­¡±


    ¡°You did what?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as he whips his head to his handmaiden, causing her to avoid his gaze.


    Coughing, Annettria laughs, ¡°Hehe, it¡¯s currently being examined to search for any anomalies. You needn¡¯t worry, boy. But surely you understand our curiosity in your¡­ enhanced body, right? As you said, you only gave your saliva and your¡­ semen to her.¡± She grins. Saying such a word has her in a humorous mood. ¡°And your blood¡­¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s indeed weird that Lady Madelyn suddenly gained such new strength yesterday, then to only lose it and faint. She never trains, and wearing that substantial armor¡­ It must be his blood, I¡¯m sure of it. If it¡¯s so, then might I¡¯ve found a way to strengthen the Inner Sanctum?¡¯ Annettria ponders in silence, breaking off her sentence completely as both Xe¡¯Reth and Ereanna raises their brows.


    ¡°I mean. We will need your blood, it¡¯s as simple as that,¡± Annettria finishes with an evading smile.


    ¡°If the public knew of your capabilities, you would be branded as a freak of nature, a monster to be put down. Like the Ebon kind.¡± Ereanna says with such clarity, having her head low with peering eyes. ¡°But fortunately for you, boy, we have a need for your monstrous capabilities in the future. It strengthens our faction. Under a single circumstance will we reveal what you are¡­ Even we don¡¯t know what you are. Yet, if Malinda were to die for unknown reasons, I¡¯ll cut off your head and present it to the masses. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Heh, I hear you loud and clear. But granny¡­ you seem rather grumpy today. Have the children given you such a headache that you¡¯re taking it out on me? Because I don¡¯t take threats kindly, no matter who it comes from. So you should be careful,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says while he gives Annettria, not Ereanna, a grin. ¡°By the way¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth turns to Ereanna. ¡°Did you have people watching over Malinda¡¯s wing last night? Because of what happened? I was too tired to hear anything.¡±


    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t have anyone since the Sanctuary¡¯s children, and¡­ adults were causing trouble. Only the shafts are where people are, listening in. Because we can¡¯t have suspicious people that aren¡¯t a part of any wing running and sneaking about the Citadel. Only outside the Citadel walls, in the outer Citadel grounds and so forth is where we can keep an eye on things. Trained maidens in the art of shadows. They blend into their environments using all kinds of tricks and disguises. Even you had trouble noticing them, heh,¡± Ereanna chuckles in the victory of subterfuge. ¡°Can¡¯t believe such innocent beings could have so much hatred in them. Hate for both Madelyn and Malinda. Their factions went at each other¡¯s throats. Many were injured, many were and are being punished. But it was Malinda¡¯s girls that started everything. Though Madelyn¡¯s little rascals joined right after as our faction tried to get their hands on Madelyn. Idiocy!¡±


    ¡°What wouldn¡¯t you do for your idol, huh?¡± Xe¡¯Reth pities the little girls.


    The servants are brainwashed to love their wanted Mistress. Even having the nerve to lash out when they have been given everything on a silver platter. Na?ve minds that don''t know about the outside world. However, their little Sanctuary bubble will never burst, because Xe¡¯Reth himself will brainwash them into further submission. Women can be such dangerous weapons if handled correctly. So can men.


    ¡°True that,¡± Ereanna agrees with a chuckle. ¡°Come, boy, let¡¯s drain a little of your blood. Just to be sure that it can¡¯t wilt a flower within a couple of seconds.¡±


    Caressing Malinda¡¯s forehead to remove hair strands and to feel her temperature, he sighs as he gets off the bed, then walks to the table where Annettria have already sat down with some bloodletting equipment in hand.


    ¡°Already came prepared?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks as he arrives, being forwarded a hand from Ereanna to sit in-between the two on a pushed out chair.


    ¡°The other healers insisted on draining some of Malinda¡¯s blood too. But such base practices are beneath her Honored skin,¡± Annettria explains, taking off Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s upper clothes to have his arm naked because pulling up his sleeve is a big no no. The material is too tough to do such a feat. And placing a bowl on her lap, she holds onto something that makes Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes go wide. ¡°Hehe, it¡¯ll hurt. Do you need to hold Ereanna¡¯s hand to comfort your mind?¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth rolls his eyes, ¡°Just get it over with.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, heh,¡± Annettria chuckles, wanting to pat his head just to tease him even more.


    ¡°Well, then¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    In Taryna¡¯s abode, Tanya shakes her head in embarrassment while supporting her oldest sister to position her at the side of the bed, ¡°How could you fall asleep with your uniform on? Making me change your clothes for you¡­ What are you? A child?¡±


    ¡°S-Shut up¡­ D-Don¡¯t talk¡­ I¡¯ve no strength to argue with you,¡± Taryna growls, grimacing from even moving an inch. She¡¯s drained. Her arms quake as she tries to hold herself up with Tanya¡¯s help, but her limbs won¡¯t listen to her.


    Taryna¡¯s bedroom, as exquisite as all the other rooms that reside on both the second and first floor of the Citadel. Taryna¡¯s furniture is expensive, to say the least, almost like she holds the title of Honored One, for that she has ¨C an Honored title of being a Handmaiden. A bedroom of dark wooden material, even the floor, the walls, and the ceiling have intricate craftsmanship.


    As Tanya throws Taryna¡¯s glossy, patterned cover to the side, clearing room for her to sit beside her sister, she presses Taryna¡¯s head onto her shoulder. She hugs her, clutching her to give her own strength because of what happened last night. Malinda, the love of her life, has been tainted by a man.


    Tanya honestly believes that her sister¡¯s weakened self is because of the blow to her emotions. Yet, the drug that was sprayed is the cause since that drug was in its purest and strongest state. It needs to be blended with other ingredients when used. Otherwise, the effect can be deadly.


    She had come early in the morning to wake Taryna up since she¡¯s usually the one to be the first to open her eyes. But not this time, this time, her sister was slumbering away as though she didn¡¯t want to wake up.


    It took a while for Taryna to arise. Though what awaited Tanya was a person she hadn¡¯t seen before. So weak, so pathetic. She couldn¡¯t even move. Like in a coma but still, her awareness was there. And when her emotions flooded back to her when she remembered what happened last night, she wept and wept.


    Having watched her sister being so sorrowful, Tanya let her sleep in. To be taken by the darkness again. Which helped sort out her feelings about her Mistress and the plot against Xe¡¯Reth. A plot that failed miserably. Or did it?


    Ceasing their sisterly embrace, Taryna sighs while frowning. ¡®I must find out about what happened. It seems they didn¡¯t hurt me other than that kick the dog gave me.¡¯ Her teeth clench. ¡®Damn, if I only took him seriously, then¡­ Then what? Hold an Honored Lady hostage? Don¡¯t think I would¡¯ve made it out of there in one piece. Damn! Damn him!¡¯


    ¡°Sister¡­ What did you do last night?¡± Tanya asks, cocking an eyebrow at Taryna¡¯s grimacing face. ¡°I went to sleep immediately after bathing. But you, what did you do?¡±


    She says with evading eyes, ¡°Eh¡­ I¡­ I took out a bottle of spirits¡­ then I drowned myself in it¡­¡± But not being happy with such a vague answer, Taryna adds with sinking eyebrows, ¡°I think I drank the whole b-bottle.¡±


    ¡°Is that so¡­? That would explain your irresponsible drowsiness,¡± Tanya says with a nod, then narrows her eyes to glare as she catches the wall-leaning Cerinn¡¯s smirking curve. ¡°Cerinn, why are you snickering over there for?¡±


    ¡°Weeeeell¡­¡± Cerinn puffs out her chest, as meager as it is; hand pointing toward Taryna, and her face rising to grin even more, ¡°I drank a whole bottle of wine last night, and I didn¡¯t get to sleep in. Why is that Tanya? Are you just giving her preferential treatment because she¡¯s your sister? Ha! Didn¡¯t know you had such a weakling for a sibling. Can¡¯t even take her alcohol, while I can!¡±


    ¡°You treacherous midget!¡± Taryna shouts, trying to use some kind of force with her outstretching, clawing hands, but her body doesn¡¯t listen to her. She almost falls to the floor if it isn¡¯t for Tanya whose arms coil to support her.


    ¡°Enough you two. And Cerinn, who was it that whined about a painstaking headache? Cried and cried to sleep a little longer?¡± Tanya scolds with a tiring scowl as she positions her sister to sit straight so she can begin to clothe her, for Taryna is currently in her night garment because her sister had changed her clothes when she found her in the morning with her uniform on.


    Hearing Cerinn¡¯s scoff, she continues with her task. ¡°Hmm, we should have someone look at your bruise. It doesn¡¯t look good at all.¡±


    ¡°I''m all right,¡± Taryna ensures with a slow flick of her hand.


    Tanya¡¯s head appears right before her sister¡¯s.


    ¡°Is that so? It doesn¡¯t hurt when I do this?¡± She pokes the hidden rib bruise, making Taryna clench her teeth as her lips shudder, even going wide-eyed. ¡°See? You should go to the Sanctuary¡¯s healers to get a check up.¡±


    Tanya scoffs with a shaking head, ¡°Hmph, falling on something hard¡­ How could you be so negligent to drink that much? But I know you¡¯re going through a lot. So I won¡¯t say anything to Mistress when she feels better. Though she already knows that you were bedridden this morning.¡±


    ¡°Y-You said she¡¯s sick? What happened? What did she catch?¡± Taryna asks, focusing her soul at the question at hand, growing so worried while her whole expression sinks. ¡°Well? How is she? Tell me!¡±


    ¡°The healers don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with her¡­ yet,¡± Tanya answers, placing her hand on Taryna¡¯s cheek. ¡°But don¡¯t you worry. She¡¯ll be back on her feet in no time. As a matter of fact, we¡¯ll need someone to keep a watchful eye on her condition. How about you take that duty since you¡¯re feeling under the weather?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do that!¡± Taryna, in an instant, accepts with a new fire igniting in her coal heart. Blazing with profound duty. She wants to help her love, her Mistress. ¡°Quick, quick! Give me a hand to put on my uniform!¡±


    Taryna with painstaking movements slinks out of her neglig¨¦e, displaying her everything to both Cerinn and her sister. No shame to show her body. A body that has more protruding muscles than Malinda, because Malinda has muscles that almost doesn¡¯t show, while Taryna, her body is trained to the limit, nothing to hide, nothing to be embarrassed about in front of her fellow maidens of servitude.


    It is common for servants to display their nakedness to one another, for most of them live in the same dorms and uses the same bathhouse. Since after all, it¡¯s a Citadel of women. Men must tread lightly to not walk where one should not.


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Tanya obeys as she waves over Cerinn who goes to bring her sister¡¯s handmaiden uniform.


    She has even begun to fix Taryna¡¯s flaming hair into a bun. Such speed with her fingers to crisscross traces into long and thin braids to tie the rest of the hair. But a fastener is needed, so she jerks her head to Cerinn who puts the dress on the bed. ¡°Go to my sister¡¯s desk and bring hairclips for me. Shoo, shoo!¡±


    Cerinn¡¯s dejected head travels to her destination; rummaging through jewelry after jewelry until she finds the objects which are currently holding up her own bun hairstyle.


    Arriving back at the bed, she thrusts forth her hands in front of Tanya, ¡°Here¡­ But aren¡¯t we supposed to do something else? Why are we dressing a handmaiden while we, ourselves, are too? Just put a servant onto this task. I don¡¯t get it why we need to do it.¡±


    ¡°Quit it with your complaining, you little rat. I don¡¯t get it why you were saved by that bastard. A betrayer to your former Mistress will always be a betrayer. Someone I don¡¯t want near Malinda. But I guess it¡¯s fitting. Because he¡¯s a rat too,¡± Taryna chuckles while trying to claw at her once again, but Cerinn¡¯s quick dodge saves her from doom.


    ¡°Do you want me to tell Mistress of your new drinking habit?¡± Tanya warns, jerking back her sister¡¯s head with looming eyes. No tranquillity in sight, just annoyance on her lowered eyebrows. ¡°And if you disregard my warning. You¡¯ll give me no other choice but to tell Malinda about what you said to Xe¡¯Reth.¡±


    ¡®What happened between master and her¡­?¡¯ Cerinn flickers her eyes and tilts her skull in wonder.


    ¡°Y-You¡­¡± Taryna goes wide-eyed but lowers her gaze and sinks her head. ¡°I-I understand.¡±


    ¡°Good, now stop moving so I can fix your hair,¡± Tanya orders while shooing away Cerinn to go back to her position at the wall. Which she does without throwing a fit.


    As Cerinn leans with her back against the wall, beside her, the door opens. Orilldera, the sisters¡¯ grandmother, comes carrying a bowl of warm water for her eldest granddaughter.


    ¡°Ah, ah, ah! Before you clothe her, she needs to freshen up!¡± Orilldera announces with fast moving feet, walking to a round table in front of Taryna¡¯s bed. ¡°Tanya dear, let me take care of her, for you¡¯ve business out in the City with the garden workers. Better get to it so that animal can have a home quickly.¡±


    Tanya sighs since she doesn¡¯t want to argue with her grandmother. She puts her hand on Taryna¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I¡¯ll see you later. Now behave, will you?¡±


    A nod and a smile are what she only gets from her sister as Tanya gets off the bed.


    She walks to Cerinn who leans beside the door. Arriving, she grabs her wrist, dragging her out of the room, ¡°Let¡¯s go Cerinn, we have a long day ahead of us. And I¡¯ll not let you out of my sight for one second after your little theft. Now come.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Tanya¡­¡± Cerinn pouts while her head descends into oblivion because Tanya had come to her room right when she was hiding away those gold crowns that she had stolen.


    Outside in the hallway, a crowd stands in front of Malinda¡¯s quarters, being blocked off by Battle-Maidens. The servants turn to Tanya as soon as she emerges from her sister¡¯s bedroom. Some run, some take it slow, but the flock approaches the two handmaidens with anxiety-filled eyes, clutching their praying hands under their chins.


    ¡°Tanya, Tanya, please tell us how Mistress is doing!¡±


    ¡°Yes! Please, we can¡¯t calm down if we don¡¯t hear how she¡¯s feeling!¡±


    Tanya sighs. These troublesome women have stood out here ever since just a whiff of worry started to brew in Malinda¡¯s wing. Indeed faithful servants. And because this is Malinda¡¯s wing, they had to fight to gain access to Malinda¡¯s service. A servitude that many wants.


    However, some who don¡¯t make it past the Choosing turns instead to Madelyn¡¯s wing. They¡¯re the ones that don¡¯t have the patience to wait another year.


    But these women, they went through the Choosing. Tests after tests, because Malinda¡¯s faction only wants the best. Yet some manages to slip through the cracks. Nevertheless, a faithful servant is a good servant.


    ¡°Be at ease ladies, our Honored Mistress is going to be all right. She¡¯s just exhausted because of¡­ Well, from what happened yesterday and what occurred last night in her bedchamber. She needs rest and absolute silence, you hear me?¡± Tanya comforts them, giving all her most gentle smile in her possession. Her concern, though, hangs on her lowered eyebrows. ¡°Well? Are you not going to return to your duties?¡±


    With the heads of the servants descending in disappointment, bending their torsos forward while arms going limp, they do return to their work as they disperse. All of them go two different ways, one group to the left corridor and the rest, the right one.


    Tanya hasn¡¯t let go of Cerinn¡¯s wrist as of yet. She¡¯s squeezing it hard to have her imprisoned in her hand. But Cerinn remains silent. No words of complaint, just her pouting lips voice her protest.


    Flicking her hand to the Battle-Maidens on either side causes them to open the double doors as their heads nod. Not sparing any moment, Tanya waves to the servants inside Malinda¡¯s living room to follow her, which they do as heaving of the caskets begin. They carry it out the doors, pursuing Tanya since she¡¯s already down the corridor.


    Time to purchase the needed materials to build a giant and expensive enclosure¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Waiting in the living room, Recina stares out the balcony window. This time, she¡¯s in her wondering state to come to terms with the information that she has been let in on. So much, too much. She has even trouble keeping her rage inside with furrowing eyebrows twitching.


    The remaining healers that didn¡¯t go back to the Sanctuary are on the couches conversing and contemplating on what their Mistress have for kind of illness. They browse books, turning page after page to find a cure. Yet all of their flapping mouths yield nothing but a headache, causing Recina¡¯s eye to tick the more she overhears.


    But as footsteps resound from whence she came, Recina turns her head as squinting eyes scan the three people that enter the living room. The closer they get to the middle, the more Recina¡¯s eyebrows raise; Xe¡¯Reth has a new binding on his neck while the other two pushes him forward with their hands behind his back as though to support him.


    ¡°Do you have to pamper me so much¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth whispers, waving Ereanna and Annettria away because they¡¯ve been too overbearing. They can¡¯t help but tease him whenever they can. So unladylike for old women. He sighs, ¡°But you didn¡¯t need to drain so much. I¡¯ve things to do today¡­ and tonight¡­ so spare me your indulgence for now.¡±


    Flickering his eyes, his mouth opens again in joy, ¡°Ah, Recina! Sorry for the long wait. Shall we be on our way?¡±


    As Recina arrives, she just gives a sound nod and a grunt with a hand forwarding him towards the double doors that surprisingly opens after being closed when the casket-carrying servants left, making Recina frown.


    ¡°Taryna!¡± she shouts, booming her plate boots on the floor as she strides to her. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you come earlier for? Our Mistress is in bed, feeling sick. Yet you, yourself, have the nerve to stay in bed for this long?! Have you no shame?! You¡¯re an Honored handmaiden for the Divines¡¯ sake!¡±


    Everyone goes wide-eyed from Recina¡¯s outburst. Even Taryna who can barely stand, much less get out a response. The substance is weighing heavier on her than on Xe¡¯Reth. However, making eye contact with the dark being beside the old lady and Annettria, she lowers her head. She didn¡¯t count on meeting Xe¡¯Reth now. Oh, who is she kidding, of course, she would meet him here, in her Mistress¡¯s quarters.


    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t feel well, so I didn¡¯t want to burden Mistress¡­ And you, what about you? Weren¡¯t you with her when all of this happened? Where is your shame in not seeing her current state?¡± Taryna answers with eyes glaring at Recina, meeting her peer as equals. ¡°I don¡¯t need to explain myself to you or anybody else, only to Mistress, which I will when she wakes up. So just be on your way to take up your new job as¡­ babysitter. You fat ogre.¡±


    Recina scoffs while raising her lip in disgust, ¡°Then out of our way you useless fool!¡± She pushes Taryna to the side with a single arm, which causes her to topple sideways, hitting the floor with her whole body. But she gains no sympathy from Recina, only another scoff as she broods, ¡°Sir, let¡¯s be on our way to the blacksmiths¡­ Now.¡±


    ¡®Wow, she¡¯s in a fouler mood than me,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth smiles, beginning to walk to escape the two women who cover their eyes with shaking heads at Recina¡¯s new way of acting.


    He arrives next to Taryna as she gazes up with a grimacing face, which makes Xe¡¯Reth bend down to forcefully get her on her feet again. She resists as much as she can with hidden fury on her clenched teeth. And getting her to stand straight, Xe¡¯Reth closes in, whispering as quiet as he can, but with such darkness oozing out of his mouth.


    ¡°If you talk to anyone about what happened last night, I¡¯ll destroy you. Malinda will hate you¡­ Your family will hate you¡­ Everyone around you¡­ will¡­ abandon you... Be careful of your next step. Because it can be your last¡­¡±


    Xe¡¯Reth gives her a tap on the shoulder while smiling, then passes her to go out the opened double doors. He disappears with Recina, while Taryna, she begins to shake. Her fisted hands, her tense body, and her lower lip trembling. Even her breath have stopped altogether.


    She just freezes in place.


    ¡°Taryna dear?¡± Annettria asks in confusion since she has stood there for a whole minute without anyone having the patience to converse with her because of her behavior. And because of something else. But Annettria has taken it upon herself to check why she isn¡¯t moving from her fixed position by the doors.


    Not getting any response, Annettria places her hand on Taryna¡¯s shoulder, which she goes wide-eyed at, for Taryna falls to her knees in exhaustion.


    ¡°Taryna?!¡± Annettria shouts with grave eyes narrowing in suspicion.


    However, she felt an inkling of it too, that force pressing at one¡¯s mind, yet only a hint this time. Not like when she first met him since Recina who¡¯s standing out in the hallway didn¡¯t get moved by him in the slightest.


    That other time was something extraordinarily powerful.


    Such pure wrath.


    When Xe¡¯Reth whispered, everyone in the room was influenced by him a little bit. Hence the now quiet ladies by the sofas, even Ereanna has gone to sit down. It just comes naturally to him. The unknown. Not magic, no words, just¡­ him. Even he doesn¡¯t know what he did.


    If someone were to know of his aptitudes, the DLO, the Magicians, the Divine Queen, they would destroy his very existence. Controlling him would be the least of his concerns. The current Queen doesn¡¯t allow any beings other than her bonded Magicians to roam this Kingdom. Anyone off the leash will be put in their place or be killed heartlessly by the hunters.


    An expert is needed to figure out what he has for kind of abilities. Someone who hates Magicians, no, the Queen. Because what the old ladies are doing is treason. Sentenced to death immediately if it were to come alight.


    Though, Malinda¡¯s great aunt. She despises everything she stands for.


    Even Ereanna is afraid that Malinda¡¯s great aunt might not favor Xe¡¯Reth, for he¡¯s someone that¡¯s not worthy of her young niece. Wooing his way into Malinda¡¯s bed, taking her chastity before marriage.


    A rage will come which will be quenched in either fire or water, rejection or acceptance. The decision lies solely with the strongest entity in the family. A member that¡¯s rarely home because of her Queen¡¯s edict ¨C her duty to the Kingdom.


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s sit at the dining table. We¡¯ve much to discuss regarding your threat that we talked about yesterday,¡± Annettria says with her tone growing serious. Eyes peering deep, hands grabbing to lift her up, then guides her to a pulled out chair¡­


    Taryna is void of emotions. Her own eyes stare into nothingness. What peeks her interest, though, is the thought of them not knowing what she did last night.


    ¡°See to it that she knows her grave error in judgment,¡± Ereanna growls as she walks past them to leave too since she has business in the Sanctuary that needs to be dealt with quickly. To make everything return to normal again. ¡°Your fiasco might have damaged your chances of ever mending your deed. Take great care when you open your dirty mouth. For next time, Mistress will be brought in¡­¡±


    Ereanna strides out the double doors while being followed by some of the remaining healers while carrying the blood container of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s. Time for research. Time to bring it to her.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    The coming years shall be the time to give Annettria the reins of the Sanctuary. But Ereanna needs to get vengeance for her Mistress and Master before she hands them over.


    Blood shall river. Fire shall burn. It¡¯ll destroy the Bradinox household.


    Every man, woman, and child will be dealt with¡­ None escaping the wrath to come.


    The sufferers shall become the monsters. And the monsters shall become unidentifiable victims.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    In a large chamber with dozens of grand seats around a huge round table sits Maldoran, his wife, and the finest officers of the Tertinum army while servants sit next to each other on chairs that align with the walls of this giant sanctum; they¡¯ve brought beverages to all.


    It¡¯s a meeting to discuss the restructuring of the city guard, the Tertinum domain, and the army itself since news of what happened yesterday has echoed into the realm.


    Retribution must be dealt.


    Though, many seats are unoccupied because some officers have taken upon themselves the duty to journey to the various towns and communities to round up those who were written in the City Commander¡¯s documents. An army marching to take control of Tertinum land from the guilty.


    They had already been sent out yesterday so the criminals wouldn¡¯t be able to escape as the city guards did. Or at least a few of them managed to slip out of the City in time.


    ¡­


    ¡°Then how about we abolish the city guard entirely and replace it with the army instead? Sure, it might take a couple of months to set it up with proper procedures. But keeping the city guard as it is now, it would only grow hatred in the citizens. Particularly hatred from the poor when the news is generally known,¡± a woman proposes, turning her brown-haired head to Celyssa. Her eyes narrow to glare in dissatisfaction, while Celyssa, she sighs under her gaze.


    The woman turns back to Maldoran who has remained neutral to his officers¡¯ recommendations, flowing with her arms outward. ¡°The head of my household shall abide by whatever decision we come to terms with. And I think I¡¯m not only speaking for myself but for everyone else too. Right everyone?¡±


    The other officers around the table bob their heads and give smiles and sound out with their mouths to confirm her statement. Only the most supportive noble families to the Tertin line have gathered here. Though they¡¯re branch families; no heads of their households, just brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews of the esteemed nobles in the Tertinum domain.


    Through having various members of different houses in the army has given them plenty of favors from the Tertins over the years. Favors that has given them an advantage over outside entities, hence getting the first grab in their family¡¯s chosen field of work. The best products to produce, the best materials from the land of their choosing, and, of course, having the best company in Tertinum, the Lord himself as a protector.


    ¡°Lady Artistone,¡± Maldoran curtsies at her proposal while stroking his chin, feeling the prickling of his growing beard that needs to be shaved, again. He turns to his wife with a raised brow. ¡°My love, do you have something to add?¡±


    ¡°I do not,¡± she answers without question. ¡°Rather, I support Lady Artistone¡¯s suggestion.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Madam, but it¡¯s hardly my idea alone,¡± Lady Artistone says with a bob of her head. ¡°Together we have discussed every scenario that we have presented before coming here. We simply drew straws which would present what. But the idea I just offered is the solution to bring order to the City, yet it¡¯ll cripple our army by a margin. Not by a big one, but still, having the current city guard return to their duties is out of the question. They can¡¯t be trusted even though most are innocent of any crimes.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s your suggestion in handling the city guard and the army simultaneously in a time of war?¡± Reconon asks as he sits next to Maldoran as straight and as focused as he can be. He needs to leave soon to pick up Madelyn but not Malinda since news travels fast. She won¡¯t be joining her devious sister today.


    ¡°My Honored Lord,¡± Artistone says, nodding to Reconon but directs her attention to Maldoran. She leans with eyes peering straight into his azure globes. ¡°We would need to put two-fifth of the army into the domain¡¯s defenses. While the remaining army would need to adjust their formation by a bit for the next surge of slaves. It¡¯ll take weeks, months to choose who will transfer over to guard duty and resources to educate them even further. Our¡ªYour soldiers, Lord, is fit for fighting onslaughts of slaves, not their fellow man with words.¡±


    ¡°How much are we talking about? The costs?¡± Celyssa asks since she handles the immense wealth of Maldoran¡¯s ascendance. But Artistone doesn¡¯t answer. Instead, her eyebrows raise in curiosity as a servant leans close with her mouth to Reconon¡¯s ear, making him bend to his side, whispering something to his Lord, in turn, widens Maldoran¡¯s eyes.


    He coughs out as he rises from his throne, ¡°L-Ladies and gentlemen, I¡¯ll have to leave for a short while to see to my future brother-in-law¡¯s armor. It shan''t take more than an hour. Until then, servants shall bring more drinks so you can continue devising new ways to aid my domain while having my lovely wife and her subordinates help with whatever comes up. I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    All of the officers in unison scoots out their chairs to give Maldoran their practiced salutes, ¡°We will await your Honored return, Lord!¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr>

 46 - The First Born

    <hr>


    The First Born


    <hr>


    The Citadel¡¯s blacksmith, it is situated on the southwest side. It¡¯s where all the armors, weapons, and gear come from. A busy life; day in and day out of chores for both servants and blacksmiths. No rest if orders upon orders are sent from the Citadel or from the Sanctuary.


    Weapons and armors for Battle-Maidens must be made for the new initiates or to the seniors if their equipment is becoming unwearable from all the training. Crafting of tools for the workers of the Citadel. Silverware and kitchen appliances. Anything. However, too much is too much, even for them. So when a large order is requested, it gets sent out to the City, instead of being forwarded to the blacksmiths for they do have limits.


    Everything involving a forge is made in the smithy; smelting of various materials to make what needs to be done while using secret schematics from both new and old to craft the best of the best. Nevertheless, like all the other blacksmiths, they aren¡¯t allowed to work with the one significant power to make the greatest crafts.


    Magic.


    Only in the Capital City can the Queen¡¯s blacksmiths use magic to infuse their many ideas when they craft.


    Of such an essential ingredient, of course, jealousy and awe stem from the other artisans around the Queendom. Many journeys to witness such a wonder with their own eyes. Like the current blacksmiths of the Citadel, they had traveled to the promised City of the Queens to learn from the Wordforgers. Took years for them to finish their education, all from the hospitality of the Tertins.


    Soon another couple shall travel to gain their needed knowledge to succeed the heritage like the current head-blacksmiths have¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Water against red metal sounds out the sizzle of cooling. Hammers resounding time and time again as they hit anvils upon anvils.


    Tools hanging from racks, furnaces spread in even spaces, women with dirty aprons and skins stained with soot, and a single muscled man with a trimmed, short beard inspects them all, walking steadily past them while wanting to instruct the younger girls if they make any mistakes.


    He gazes at any fault in their technique, yet at the moment, he¡¯s satisfied with everyone doing what they should since they¡¯re servants in their field of choice. They range from sixteen to up to the age of retirement. Many women; only a single man. A man with short brown hair, while his relaxed eyes, gentle to the core. He cares for his workers, especially the younger ones like daughters.


    Arriving next to a hammering young blacksmith, he looms beside her with his higher height. Even topping Maldoran¡¯s build. A well-trained man, almost as old as Reconon but a decade younger. He holds his hands behind his back as the young servant continues to craft what she crafts. His eyes, ever-watching for any mistakes. Though, the girl, she¡¯s as focused as she was before he came.


    The rhythm of the hammer swings down and up in short intervals. Precise and skilled. But the girl stops her hammer, dipping the beaten area into a deep basin of water, resounding that sizzling sound. Then while smiling to her teacher, she goes to the furnace to reheat it again.


    A spearhead. It¡¯s deformed, but nevertheless a spearhead.


    ¡°Sir Tefeth?¡± the servant asks with eager eyes gluing themselves to her teacher''s watchful gaze. ¡°When is this supposed to be finished? How long did I have again?¡±


    ¡°No need to hurry, as long as it¡¯s done until the next battle of the Ebon Wall,¡± Tefeth ensures while raising his bushy brow. ¡°I¡¯ve given this task to you ¨C your trial. And if you perform to the best of your ability, you¡¯ll finally gain a senior rank. But that doesn¡¯t mean I want it simply done. I require for it to be decorated with intricate craftsmanship. A spear for an Honored One.¡±


    ¡°W-What¡­?¡± the girl shrinks beneath his statement. Her eyes become wild with nervousness. ¡°Y-You never said anything about an Honored One¡­¡± She falls silent as clenching fists form, almost as if in anger, but no, she¡¯s determined to finish what she started. The servant nods to herself, throwing her devotion to her teacher. ¡°I won¡¯t fail you, Sir Tefeth! I¡¯ll make you proud!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know you will make me proud, my pupil. I know! Haha!¡± Tefeth laughs with such fatherly love, placing his heavy hand on her shoulder which she takes completely unfazed. Her own body is becoming stronger the more days pass. And with it, her craft.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pamper her too much father, she¡¯s a servant,¡± a flame-haired young woman declares rather grumpily while being on the next station hammering her own piece of chosen metal onto an anvil.


    ¡°No need to be jealous, my daughter! I love all my pupils equally!¡± Tefeth shouts for all to hear as he spins around with outstretched arms, making the younger servants giggle, while the older ones chuckle at his behavior. Always so happy, always so gentle. If it weren¡¯t for his stern resting face, he could actually come off as tranquil, like his youngest daughter. But unfortunately, he took his looks from his side of the family, brought in to marry the chosen Orilldera daughter of his time.


    Giving the now-saddened servant a wink to cheer her up from hearing his daughter¡¯s mean comment, he turns to the perpetrator to voice out his grievance, ¡°Tenrya, my daughter, you should really keep your mouth where it belongs. You still can¡¯t be mad at us for your upcoming educational plan? It¡¯s completely free ¨C a chance of a lifetime given to you by our Master. Or are you still brooding about your fiance?¡± Tefeth squints his eyes as he awaits, but adds, ¡°You¡¯ve known about your engagement for many years now. Why can¡¯t you accept it for our sake? We¡¯ve pushed it up for far too long because of your refusals. You know your sisters can¡¯t further our line. Only you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡­ I won¡¯t marry him just because you want me to. If you force me, I will¡­ I will¡­¡± she hesitates to say the next words as she bites her lip.


    ¡°You will abandon your family? Leave the Tertin household after everything they¡¯ve given you? Given us?¡± Tefeth growls, his impatience getting the better of him since this daughter has a mind of her own. She can doom the Orilldera line if she leaves. ¡°So you want Tanya to return to the smithy, do you?¡±


    ¡°What?! No! Leave her out of this! She¡¯s a handmaiden!¡± Tenrya shouts, dropping her hammer and tong into her water basin as she gets up and close to her father, thrusting her gloved finger at his aproned chest. ¡°Lady Malinda won¡¯t allow it!¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong, daughter,¡± Tefeth rumbles, raising his head with narrowed eyes gazing down. ¡°Tanya had already conveyed to our Honored Lady, that if her older sister were to ever decline the marriage for the chosen one, she would take your place willingly, without question. For she knows her duty. Unlike you, it seems.¡± He sighs with a headshake, crossing his arms. ¡°It¡¯s final then? You want your sister to abandon her Mistress so you can live your life as you see fit?¡±


    ¡°D-D-Damn you! I hate you! I hate you!¡± Tenrya screams out while kicking over her basin, so the water stains the stone floor, making everyone turn to them in surprise, but the biggest surprise is Lord Maldoran standing at the far east doorway, flickering his confused eyes.


    None of them have noticed him yet since the scream has taken the servants¡¯ attention. But as tears start to flood, Tefeth embraces his daughter. She fights him off, but his strength exceeds hers.


    ¡°It¡­ It¡¯s not faaair! You can¡¯t bring Tanya into¡­ into¡­ It¡¯s not fair¡­ papa.¡±


    Beginning to cry, she surprisingly hugs her father tighter than him. Though, she has always known that whatever she says, it¡¯s final. She¡¯ll marry the youngest but best blacksmith in the City, and together, they¡¯ll travel to the Capital to study while getting to know each other.


    Tenrya has never met the man to be her future husband. But what she has heard about him is praise. A kind young man who truly envies and worships his future fiance for being allowed to have such fortune of working in the Citadel. For Tenrya, it¡¯s nothing but a prison.


    The male apprentices to the City¡¯s large smithy have over the centuries fantasized of marrying an Orilldera daughter since not a single male heir is in the Orilldera dynasty. Just women. Almost as if some magical power wants female heirs in the Citadel.


    It is, however, only in the Citadel.


    Outside the walls, boys sprout from between women¡¯s legs as regularly as girls do. Even Maldoran wasn¡¯t conceived in Tertinum because his parents went on an extended honeymoon; not returning for a whole year. And when they came back, in Matilda Tertin¡¯s arms was a baby boy. An unplanned child.


    With a smile, Maldoran readies himself to intervene their little embrace of father and daughter, but as a shout echoes through the smithy, ¡°What is the meaning of this?! Why aren¡¯t anyone working?!¡± he startles himself.


    Recina in her worn battle-armor had marched in through the main double doors on the southeast side of the smithy, being as grumpy as she was when she left Malinda¡¯s quarters. She saw everything from a bit away, though, now finally in range to yell out her simmering anger.


    Her eyebrows have lowered while her peering eyes scan the startled servants who continue with their work. And the parent and child that lets go of each other.


    ¡°A-Ah! Honored Handmaiden Recina! What a pleasure meeting you here!¡± he greets with a teeth-showing smile, then with flickering eyes, he witnesses the man in black next to her in an instant, even bowing his upper body in recognition of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s future status. ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth. I, one of the current head-smiths, welcome you with open arms. I hope you didn¡¯t hear my little quarrel with my daughter. She¡¯s hearty when it involves her future as the heir to the blacksmith.¡±


    Tefeth¡¯s eyes creep to the southwest, catching Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s attention since a bit of shame linger in his gaze.


    His daughter? Has run away in embarrassment, leaving all her work unattended because her tears have destroyed her sooty face; ripples of clean skin from the moisture has run down from her eyes. She doesn¡¯t have the strength of the mind to meet such influential people as of now. Though from her lack of restraint in revealing everything in such a high tone has gotten Xe¡¯Reth an idea to bring her into his fold.


    If she so hates to marry, why not throw away such traditions as forced marriage?


    Though making Tanya take over for her¡­ That won¡¯t do at all. So why not have the oldest daughter of the Orilldera line take it upon herself than her younger sisters? To banish Taryna from Malinda¡¯s service, forever¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°I do apologize again, Sir, on my daughter¡¯s behalf,¡± Tefeth says while shaking and clutching Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s outstretched hand, making it all dirty, which widens Tefeth¡¯s eyes. ¡°Oh... Ah¡­ I apologize for a third time, Sir. Come with me to wash your hand. I should¡¯ve done that myself before forcing you to take my hand. I apologize¡­ Ah, for a fourth time¡­¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, always such an innocent child, Tefeth!¡± Maldoran bellows as he finally joins them since standing in the shadows bored him. He isn¡¯t much for sneaking about. Servants even saw him right as he came in their line of sight. But with a finger to his smiling mouth, he had silenced them.


    ¡°I was wondering when you would join us, Maldoran,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckles, moving his head slowly with eyes of peace as if catching Maldoran the moment he saw Xe¡¯Reth, which he did. Well, it wasn¡¯t hard to notice a big muscled man standing there at the corner of his eye, trying to shush the servants to not yell out in surprise. ¡°Took you long enough.¡±


    ¡°H-Honored Loooord?! When did you arrive?! Why didn¡¯t anyone announce your arrival?!¡± Tefeth shouts, gawking with such panic because Maldoran is indeed his Lord, his benefactor. His boss.


    He shoots his glare to the working servants from where Maldoran came; their hammering has sped up to a speed that tells him of their shame. But the Lord gave them orders to stay silent, and silent they were, are. Just their hammers banging away. However, they stop, meekly eyeing Tefeth for forgiveness, which he gives with a chuckling nod.


    ¡°At ease, Tefeth!¡± Maldoran comforts as he gives him a royal slap on the shoulder, echoing the hit for all to hear. Some wince away in fright while some stand with gaping mouths. That slap must have hurt a lot.


    ¡®Goddesses¡­ I¡¯m thankful that he didn¡¯t do that to me when we had breakfast. Malinda would¡¯ve been furious.¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth scoffs with white teeth displaying, wanting to laugh. Though he holds it in, even growing sullen again, remembering what the DLO did to his bears.


    ¡°Both me and the boy have a busy day ahead of us, so enough stalling here,¡± Maldoran declares, giving him another smacking slap for good measure, to test if he¡¯s keeping up with his strength training. That he has, for he took his Lord¡¯s smashing palm like the beast he is. ¡°Time to show him my old armor. I hope you and your wife were able to finish it up in time¡­ Well¡­ have you?¡±


    ¡°W-Why, of course, Lord!¡± Tefeth confirms as though his life depends on it. Exaggerated, but Tefeth actually respects his Honored Lord with his entire soul. And getting an order directly from Maldoran himself has him in such a joyous mood. However, Tefeth¡¯s meekness never changes. He flows his arm towards where his daughter went. ¡°Come, come, I¡¯ve prepared the armor in my family¡¯s modest living room. Also, Lord, various heirloom weapons have been brought as per your request. A shield too, of course. Ah, I gotta stop repeating certain words... Ha-Haha¡­¡± He coughs as he lowers his head. ¡°After you.¡±


    The party of four leaves the smithy as the servants sigh out in relief. A lot of first sightings of Xe¡¯Reth from them. Not every day can they see a young man of such caliber, of such uniqueness. Though the banging upon anvils, the reheating of furnaces, and the searing metals arranged on the cold, hard chunk of iron begins again.


    The smithy continues where it left off. Plenty of work, day in and day out.


    The young servant who works on the spearhead, she gazes to where they disappeared, then to the spearhead, ¡°So this is for him¡­ huh? Better do my damnedest. Otherwise, I¡¯ll never be taken seriously by Tenrya. Always so jealous when her father doesn¡¯t pay attention to her¡­ hmph! Such a child!¡±


    Coughing as two tittering servants walk past her with their own workload, she gets back to the spearhead because they¡¯re laughing at her outspoken words. A trait one shouldn¡¯t have. It¡¯s better to keep one¡¯s mouth shut around competitors. A single mistake can lose her the chance to gain the rank of senior instead of remaining as a mere greenhorn¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    The house of the Orillderas is a modest one. It¡¯s part of the same building as the blacksmith but yet closed off for servants¡¯ eyes. The Orillderas are like common folk, well, at least Tefeth, his wife, and Tenrya, for their other two daughters which they¡¯re so proud of are handmaidens to Malinda, an Honored One. It¡¯s the greatest honor to serve such an esteemed daughter of the highest rank.


    He even takes his duty as a blacksmith to the point of overworking. No sleep for the dedicated and loyal. However, compared to his wife, he lacks in strictness. Sure, when it involves his beautiful Tenrya, he can¡¯t help but push her, for her sake. Because traveling to the Divine City is something she shouldn¡¯t miss. A chance of a lifetime.


    He loves all his precious daughters equally, but Tenrya is someone of greatness to him. A prot¨¦g¨¦ like her own mother was.


    ¡­


    Storming into the living room from the hallway leading to the blacksmith, Tenrya spears toward the stairs leading to the second floor. Yet upon gawking at her mother who finishes coating and wiping the armor for Xe¡¯Reth, Tenrya stops dead in her track. Even trying to sneak past her mother since she¡¯s currently having her gaze glued to the armor.


    Tenrya manages to reach the stairs, but as an impatient voice sounds out, ¡°Come here right this instant¡­¡± causes her to freeze up. Her mother¡¯s sideway glare pierces Tenrya¡¯s mind. For her mother is the strictest and proudest person she has ever gotten the chance of meeting. And beginning to walk to her with an upper body descending in fear, while her own eyes dare not to meet her mother¡¯s peer, she comes upon her.


    Her mother¡¯s blazing eyes and let out long hair belongs to a woman of beauty, an old beauty. Her features isn¡¯t that of a monster of muscles but of a refined lady that takes care of her skin and body. Almost no wrinkles, unlike her husband. Nevertheless, her current squinting eyes of fire blazes with wonder why ripples of clean skin stain her daughter¡¯s face.


    ¡°Explain yourself, now,¡± she commands, walking on the wooden floor to loom above her daughter¡¯s shriveled-up body. She grabs and tears her daughter¡¯s chin upwards, so she forces her to stare straight into her eyes. ¡°You had another fight with your father, didn¡¯t you? On such an important day? A day of our Lord¡¯s arrival, bringing with him our Honored Lady¡¯s first lover?¡±


    ¡°T-They¡­ have arrived¡­¡± Tenrya whispers as she clenches her teeth and puts up her hands to protect herself. But luckily, her mother didn¡¯t catch what she said.


    ¡°Speak up, for the Divines sake! So I can hear you!¡±


    Tenrya recoils from her mother¡¯s shouting voice, whimpering out, ¡°They¡­ They saw¡­ They saw me and papa argue about my fiance¡­ Mama, they saw¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you¡­? You little whore¡­ You dare embarrass me again and again¡­ You humiliation!¡± she explodes, cascading down with her risen hand onto her daughter''s cheek.


    Before Tenrya recovers from such a stinging hit, another slap connects to her other cheek, throwing her off balance. But with her mother clutching onto her hair, she drags her towards the stairs.


    Arriving, she throws her daughter onto the staircase, not having any sympathy for her. Because all her mother thinks of her is that she¡¯s a burden, unlike her other two daughters who has such a Divine place of work.


    ¡°You shall go to your room and stay there until I come, you hear me? You shall answer to our Queens for your complete lack of restraint! Now go! And do not mention this to your father, understand? Otherwise, I¡¯ll give you another whipping, so you won¡¯t ever dare embarrass me again!¡± she threatens as if Tenrya is nothing but her property, like Liriana to Madelyn. However, she becomes so outraged because of her daughter¡¯s lack of movement. ¡°I said up!¡±


    Her daughter dare not to move, just cries as though she¡¯s a teenage girl, but she¡¯s in her mid-twenties. ¡°Do I have to do everything myself?!¡±


    She squeezes her daughter¡¯s wrist while Tenrya lies on the stairs, weeping. Though, compared to her mother, Tenrya¡¯s strength covers in fear before hers, causing her to be carried upstairs to her room.


    As they disappear, the only sound is of a door slamming shut¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°Come come, welcome to our humble abode. It¡¯s nothing special to look at, but it¡¯s home.¡± Tefeth begins to point and smile in all directions, displaying his utter joy in guiding his Lord and future young Lord. But Maldoran has already been here before, so Tefeth focuses on the newly arrived Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°Upstairs is where our bedrooms are and guestrooms for visitors that, heh, never seem to come! And there, over by the hearth! Our family heirloom! The hammer of legends! The hammer that forged the founding mother¡¯s armor and weapon! The only magic imbued tool of the Orilldera ancestors!¡±


    He speaks with such a passionate belief glowing in his eyes. Yet his mouth curves down. ¡°But as ancient as it is, its power vanished long ago. With it, our craft to forge powerful weapons and armor. It¡¯s unfortunate indeed to lose such an artifact of greatness.¡±


    Tefeth laments with pouting lips. However, Maldoran smacks him again to cheer him up.


    ¡°Haha! Stop brooding over a rusty thousand-year-old mallet Tefeth. It doesn¡¯t suit you at all.¡± Maldoran laughs as he switches to place his hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, making Xe¡¯Reth feel the weight of it. ¡°By the way, my boy, how is my sister doing? I heard of her collapse. You two must have really gone at it last night? Huh? Huh?¡±


    Maldoran winks and nudges at Xe¡¯Reth, while Tefeth goes wide-eyed at such a statement from his Lord.


    Sighing with eyebrows lowering, Maldoran shakes his head, ¡°But considering what happened yesterday¡­ she should rest today too. Though Recina will take care of you when you go to the Ebon Wall, won¡¯t you Battle-Mistress?¡±


    ¡°That I shall as though he¡¯s the will of my Mistress,¡± Recina replies while standing a meter behind Xe¡¯Reth, giving the Lord a sound nod. But her squinting eyes do not appreciate such a comment about Malinda.


    ¡®He really has no idea, does he¡­? I so want to tell him immediately about what his wife did¡­ But¡­¡¯ She sighs as her eyes wander around the living room of the Orilldera¡¯s. There! An armor she recognizes. Switching her eyes back to Maldoran who has already begun to guide Xe¡¯Reth towards where the heirloom weapons and armor are, Recina raises her eyebrow. ¡®That belongs to the Lord. Didn¡¯t know he still had that exact armor...¡¯


    Since Maldoran was rather ripped in his younger days, battling as a commander of the Ebon Wall¡¯s middle gate, his armor was smaller than his current size. Though still, he had a slightly bigger build than Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s.


    Tefeth has been up all night and hasn¡¯t even gone to sleep yet, neither has his wife. Because the armor needed repair and alterations so it could fit Xe¡¯Reth. They can¡¯t have him walking around in armor that isn¡¯t fit for his current position as lover of the Honored Lady Malinda.


    Thankfully it was finished in time, yet Tefeth¡¯s forehead that begins to form droplets of sweat tells another tale of worry. Will it be pleasing enough to his Lord, for Xe¡¯Reth even? He still doesn''t know what kind of young man this is yet. For all he knows, Xe¡¯Reth might be one of those arrogant little bastards that criticize every mistake in the armor, then asking for something much grander.


    But surely he won¡¯t do that, right?


    Gulping as they arrive, Tefeth wipes off the sweat on his forehead, even cracking his voice as it comes out, ¡°Aaa¡­ Ahem¡± He coughs and goes bright red from hearing such a tone, while Maldoran chuckles at his nervous posture.


    ¡°L-Lord. Young Sir,¡± Tefeth tries again, bobbing his head at them. Though forcing a smile at Xe¡¯Reth, he flows his arm to the armor. ¡°Hopefully it¡¯s pleasing enough to your tastes. However¡­ now that I take a closer look at you, you have a particular build¡­ You¡¯re only seventeen, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°That¡­ I am, Tefeth,¡± Xe¡¯Reth replies, raising his eyebrow in curiosity while his smile never leaves his mouth.


    On the way here, Recina was rather open about her grievances of finding out what Celyssa and her family did, making Xe¡¯Reth listen to her raving. Nevertheless, she knows when to keep her mouth shut in front of untrusted servants that skulk around the Citadel.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    The sheer number of patronizing comments has her fuming at Annettria¡¯s new pompous way of acting as though she has kept herself in check all these years. Finally blooming her real character.


    ¡°I did see the measurements that were brought, astounding, really. Though¡­ Sir¡­ You must train almost every single day¡­¡± Tefeth is in awe. For being a blacksmith, he must know the physique of the human body. Size, weight, height. Sure Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body isn¡¯t anything special if he was in his mid-twenties, but seventeen in this day and age? That kind of dedication is truly marvelous. Worthy of respect. Xe¡¯Reth also bears himself with pride, his movements, precise and calculated. But his quiet steps is something entirely different.


    ¡°Hehehe, I know, right?!¡± Maldoran bellows with such a grin, wrapping his arm around Xe¡¯Reth to squeeze him close. A brotherly embrace. ¡°If I didn¡¯t know his age when I first met this little rascal, I would think he¡¯s already in his twenties! Astonishing indeed!!¡±


    ¡°Indeed, indeed!¡± Tefeth nods as the chuckling Maldoran lets go of Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°A brother-in-law worthy of your Honored sister! But, Sir, do you have any combat¡­ no wait, you aren¡¯t of legal age to fight down by the gates. Though, what I¡¯ve heard is that you¡¯re¡ªwere an archer for the Ebon Wall¡­ In Lady Madelyn¡¯s squad weren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Ehem, Madelyn is no longer a part of that anymore, Tefeth. She and the boy are joining Tertinum¡¯s middle gate¡¯s squadron,¡± Maldoran intervenes, growing rather sullen by the mention of his youngest sister.


    ¡°What?!¡± Tefeth exclaims in horror, ¡°B-But Lord, you can¡¯t be seriously thinking of letting her join such a dangerous place?! Lady Madelyn is too frail! A refined young lady! She has no combat experience. Even her archery skills are subpar, Lord. I heard what happened in Lady Malinda¡¯s wing yesterday, but aren¡¯t you going too far?¡±


    ¡°Oh ho¡­ am I?¡± Maldoran scoffs at Tefeth¡¯s words, crossing his arms. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m throwing her to the Battle-Maidens to toughen her up. And if you knew what she threatened Xe¡¯Reth with, you wouldn¡¯t be defending her. Even she has come to terms with my verdict. But honestly, I¡¯m not so stupid as to actually let her join the battle if the enemy comes.¡±


    This side of Tefeth; defending the children of the former Lord and Lady Tertin from any harm. Madelyn, though her personality isn¡¯t something desirable, Tefeth swore to serve the Tertin household. He loves Maldoran, Merissa, Madelyn and Malinda equally. He just can¡¯t help but worry about their well-being, likewise, does his wife.


    Hearing Maldoran¡¯s last sentence, Tefeth sighs out in relief, ¡°Thank you, my Honored Lord. I think I would¡¯ve died of worry if Lady Madelyn fought down by the gates. It¡¯s truly a horrible place that you know all too well, so does Lady Malinda.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, the weight of the aftermath has already started to cause damage to my Mistress¡¯ mind a couple of years back. She suffers from all the killing, from all the bloodshed. I don¡¯t want her to continue having such a life, but it¡¯s ultimately her decision,¡± Recina says, glancing at Xe¡¯Reth. ¡°Hmm¡­ But it¡¯s not just her decision anymore, now is it?¡±


    ¡°Well, it would surely give ease to Tertinum if she instead of being in the army, she would join Celyssa to help the domain. She has been educated in such matters. While I, on the other hand, have studied military subjects since I wasn¡¯t the first heir in mind. But because my sister refused such a burden, I stepped in to take it upon myself,¡± Maldoran explains, scratching his prickling beard. ¡°Hmm¡­ Ah, such things are for a later date. Let¡¯s have you, my boy, try on my old armor. Shall we?¡±


    ¡®Celyssa really did push him, huh?¡¯ Both Xe¡¯Reth and Recina thinks that at the same time. Maldoran must¡¯ve just went with what his wife urged him to do. A mindless brute. But innocent nonetheless.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Xe¡¯Reth answers while Maldoran urges him forth with his hand on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s back. ¡°Do I need to take off my clothes before suiting up? Or¡­?¡±


    ¡°That you do,¡± Tefeth says, nodding. ¡°It has comfortable layers of thin fabric and leather on the inside, so the plate doesn¡¯t leave scrape marks on one¡¯s skin, also the finest chainmail. Though since it¡¯s heavy, not light plate, it might take some time getting used to. However, this armor is only for a short period¡­ until I and my wife¡­ Ah, speaking of my wife¡ªThere she comes.¡±


    ¡°Sir Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Tefeth begins with a hand flowing out to welcome his wife. ¡°Let me introduce you to my gorgeous partner in life, Karnya Orilldera.¡± He gives a gracious bow to be formal, which causes Karnya to cover her mouth in laughter as she arrives.


    ¡°Oh honey, you¡¯re embarrassing me. Giving me such a grand introduction to our newly arrived guest,¡± Karnya chuckles, slapping her husband''s shoulder in a tease. And with her own body bending to give a curtsy, her face lights the whole room in warmth. Her smile, so bright, and so very real. None of her expressions she gave her daughter, only her absolute honor in having such esteemed people in her home. ¡°Honored Lord. Battle-Mistress. It¡¯s truly heartwarming to have you in our modest home. Welcome.¡±


    Arcing back up to take a good look at Xe¡¯Reth with her blazing eyes, never removing her smile, she bobs her head, ¡°Ah, welcome. You must be Xe¡¯Reth, aren¡¯t you? It¡¯s such a pleasure finally meeting you.¡±


    She stretches out her hand, which Xe¡¯Reth in an instant takes a hold. A recently washed hand that still has moisture. Karnya even clutches with both of her hands to shake as though she never wants to let go. But she does let go, after thirty seconds of being in admiration. It¡¯s her Honored Lady¡¯s future husband. Someone that¡¯ll reach such a height. Not giving him such a handshake would be a crime¡­ is what she thinks at least.


    However, if they knew how she treats her daughter in such a manner as before, they would probably look at her in disgust.


    All because Tenrya humiliated her mother right in front of the entire Tertin family, which Tenrya didn¡¯t mean to do. But her mother, she takes her belief to a whole other level; her belief to her Honored Ones and to her Queens.


    Those who desecrates one¡¯s own parents without cause must suffer continual atonement. Punishment, it must be delivered to heal the wounded one¡¯s grief and misery.


    If it weren¡¯t for her daughter¡­ she wouldn¡¯t have gotten such a sentence of never gaining forgiveness¡­ from her former Lord and Lady. The greatest failure one can ever commit as a blacksmith. An heir that crafted a faulty weapon, then giving it to Lady Malinda to use when she battled down by the middle gate. A sword that shattered, causing her great harm if she couldn¡¯t handle such an awkward situation.


    Yet Karnya¡¯s humiliation is highly exaggerated. But not for Karnya. For her, she considers it to be sacrilege. She, herself, is also a failure for birthing such a disappointment. But exaggerated nevertheless. An exaggeration that has climbed too high to ever be forgiven in Karnya¡¯s eyes. Because she can never get her forgiveness from her deceased Lord and Lady.


    Something she wanted above all else before their passing.


    Letting go of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hand, she directs her pair to her lap, clutching them together in prayer. While Xe¡¯Reth, he notices her red palm. Only one palm. The other one isn¡¯t that red. Though he puts it out of his mind, for now. Though the murmur of weeping coming from upstairs¡­ He just smiles. It¡¯s not his business to meddle, yet. Since this blaze-haired woman, she¡¯s too happy with her beaming expression.


    ¡°I heard what you were about to do. So I apologize for interrupting. Please, do not let me keep you busy,¡± Karnya says with a bow, taking a step to the side to display the monstrous armor of pure obsidian.


    A mineral-like material used to replicate the Ebon Wall¡¯s jet black color. A crystalized rock that needs other components to compromise for its shortcomings. Yet in its current state, it¡¯s an expensive and well-crafted armor for an Honored One. It hasn¡¯t been used for more than fifteen years. Getting it to fit Xe¡¯Reth though has taken a lot of energy from both Tefeth and Karnya.


    If one looks close enough, the weariness is starting to sink in. Tefeth even tries to hide his mouth as he yawns, yet that just sounds out a rasping cough from him in embarrassment as Maldoran raises a curious brow.


    But from Xe¡¯Reth opening his mouth, Maldoran refrains to say anything.


    ¡°Hehe. No need to be so formal around me. I¡¯m still getting used to all of this. Everyone knows where I came from,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he leans forward to give a bow. Repaying their formality in full.


    ¡°One who¡¯s beyond fortunate should spread that fortune, to the unfortunate, Sir Xe¡¯Reth,¡± Karnya preaches, raising her bowing head to give Xe¡¯Reth her most caring smile. ¡°In the Queens¡¯ handbook, it says that those who¡¯re Honored Ones should marry those who¡¯re lesser. Though most have abandoned such traditions centuries ago. But it warms my heart to have you in my presence; a living embodiment of the Fifth Queen¡¯s edict. So I must show you my real respect, which I do have.¡±


    Maldoran begins to chuckle, putting his arm around Xe¡¯Reth again to squeeze his shoulder.


    ¡°That¡¯s entirely accurate. Many have forgotten such traditions. But let us give praise to my sister¡¯s choice. The High Priestess will surely give her blessing under such circumstance. Though¡­ Hehe, what happened last night will make her raving mad. I look forward to seeing it.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s very true. Xe¡¯Reth and Malinda should¡¯ve waited until marriage,¡± Karnya agrees, giving Xe¡¯Reth her squinting eyes. However, she shakes her head, laughing, ¡°But, hehe¡­ since she has supported the Tertin line for so many years, she¡¯ll give her blessing, that¡¯s for sure.¡±


    ¡°Indeed! Don¡¯t worry, son. She may be a priestess, but she knows who Lady Malinda is. And since her grandmother put this very High Priestess in Tertinum, she¡¯ll bless you to the Divine Sky!¡± Tefeth too agrees, raising his fisted hands to give Xe¡¯Reth his full support. He¡¯s boiling over with such joy that Xe¡¯Reth is so¡­ unnobly. Not arrogant in the least. His smile spasms as it can¡¯t ascend further.


    Releasing his squeezing hand from Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, Maldoran walks over to the armor, his old armor that¡¯s full of memories. He sighs in remembrance while inspecting it. It¡¯s memories of Theresa. Of her prowess; her beauty in combat that he had witnessed. And now her precious son will wear it.


    It fills him with pride.


    A son.


    As Maldoran finishes his savoring, he turns to Xe¡¯Reth who has removed his upper clothes.


    ¡°Aaah¡­!¡± Maldoran gasps as he goes wide-eyed with a shaking breath.


    Xe¡¯Reth has bandages all over his torso, bandages that show tiny spots of blood. Everyone gawks at him. Sure they noticed the neck patch, but they knew Madelyn gave him that. It¡¯s widely spread in the Citadel. But these bandaged-up wounds? Maldoran¡¯s eyes flail around Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body, being in such panic.


    Never in his wildest thoughts had he believed that he suffered so much from those torturers.


    ¡°Those bastards!! How dare they?!¡± Maldoran roars, clashing his feet on the wooden floor, even breaking it, which makes everyone jump in startlement. He shakes, his whole body convulses in pure anger.


    ¡°Maldoran, calm down. It¡¯s okay¡ª¡°


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely not okay!¡± Maldoran roars, beginning to point with a raging finger at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s chest. ¡°Maybe¡­ Maybe you shouldn¡¯t after all go to the Ebon Wall. Yes, you¡¯re recuperating from those¡­ From those damned torturers!¡±


    ¡®How can I be so thick?! They¡¯re out there. They are still out there! Why aren¡¯t the DLO doing their jobs?! I must have a word with Rissara immediately for her lack of charge after I¡¯m finished here¡­¡¯ Maldoran grumbles as he scratches his prickling chin. He scratches for his dear life!


    Xe¡¯Reth is wide-eyed indeed. He wasn¡¯t expecting Maldoran to react in such a way.


    Xe¡¯Reth, Annettria, and the Matriarch only wanted to remove any suspicion since he has been walking around in Malinda¡¯s quarters naked. So they used Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s blood that they drained to use on new bandages¡­ to seem as if the wounds are still there.


    ¡®Oh dear, I need to calm him down,¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth sighs inwardly. He starts to laugh, putting up his hand to calm the raging brute. ¡°Heh, Maldoran. Easy, easy there! I¡¯m feeling just fine. The wounds are closing up neatly. Tomorrow they¡­ no, today they¡¯ll stop bleeding. So no, Maldoran, I¡¯m not canceling my journey to the Ebon Wall. And that¡¯s final.¡±


    Everyone again goes wide-eyed at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s demanding tone. Talking in such a manner to the Lord of Tertinum without any fear. Recina, Tefeth, and Karnya gawk at him. But Maldoran, he crosses his arms as lips begin to pout. He has lowered eyebrows, though not understanding these feelings he has. These feelings of wanting to protect him, like a son, makes him conflicted.


    ¡°But, but,¡± Maldoran stutters with clenching teeth.


    ¡°No buts. Since Malinda isn¡¯t going, I must go with Madelyn. I don¡¯t want to appear weak. So please, let me go. I know you can make me not go. But please. Let me go to the Wall,¡± Xe¡¯Reth beseeches with a pained smile, causing Maldoran to recoil.


    It looks as if a son begs his father, which the three gawks at even more. Were their relationship this great already? In three mere days? They¡¯re in confusion about all this. Recina, though, never heard anyone talking about those wounds he has, only the shoulder injury which she noticed when she first met him. Almost as if they never existed at all. Now that she sees them for herself, she growls. Not at Xe¡¯Reth, but at the torturers, so does the Orilldera wife and husband.


    ¡°Fine!¡± Maldoran shouts, deciding Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s verdict. ¡°But if you start feeling ill, return at once!¡±


    ¡°Will do,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says with a smile that pierces the heart of the brute.


    With him calming down, Maldoran sighs as his eyes wanders to his foot that¡¯s currently over a broken wooden plank.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Maldoran voices in surprise, coughing, ¡°I¡­ I¡­ We can take care of that later, hehe¡­ Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°That we can,¡± Karnya chuckles, understanding Maldoran¡¯s moment of fury entirely. If someone tortured either Tanya or Taryna, she would be furious too. Even destroying some weapons with her hammer wouldn¡¯t satisfy her.


    ¡°Come, come, my boy,¡± Maldoran says with waving hands aiming at Xe¡¯Reth who treads obediently to him. He glares at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s wounds some more. He will indeed have a word with Rissara. Though he knows that she¡¯ll be busy for the coming weeks in sentencing the city guard to their fates. ¡®I guess after I¡¯m done with my people, I¡¯ll head to Rissara¡¯s courtroom. Yes, having me there will make them understand that I¡¯ll not tolerate the way the city guard have acted...¡¯


    ¡°Maldoran, you okay?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks, seeing Maldoran¡¯s squinting eyes that scan his bare upper body.


    ¡°Huh? Ah, yes, right. Let¡¯s get you into my armor, shall we?¡± Maldoran offers with his outstretching arm.


    ¡°It would be my pleasure¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    It took some time, but with such care and worry for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s wounded state, Tefeth and Karnya managed to fit the armor onto Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s body. It was a demanding process since Maldoran spoke out of his concerns about every little face movement that Xe¡¯Reth made, which made him cease from moving his expression at all.


    Now with the armor on, the anxiety rises even more from the Orillderas. Can Xe¡¯Reth move in it? Will it breakdown? Is it too heavy for him in his current state? All kinds of thoughts pop into their minds. Recina though, she nods her head on impulse, liking how it looks on Xe¡¯Reth because his build is what many men desire. It suits him. Like her own custom made armor.


    Xe''Reth fists one of his gauntlets to test it out, sounding out the plate of finger parts riveted together. Liking it, he un-fists it to gaze at the plated knuckles that have curved-out spikes for punching. Though they¡¯re small to not be overly protruding.


    Its pauldrons are in different sizes; one with a neck guard for when one is supposed to form a shield wall, the other is just for shoulder protection.


    The lower breastplate arcs as it goes higher with multiple layers to make it easier to bend forward and backward. It points slightly outward at the top to protect the neck area a bit more. The vambraces also have protruding spikes coming out from the elbows, while the knees have it too. Even in front of the plate boots have pointy edges. An armor of deadly proportions. Armor for the front line of the Ebon Wall. To be as menacing as it can be to frighten the sea of whiteness.


    ¡°H-How does it feel? Come, take a couple of steps. And please, do tell us if it fits loosely or too tight,¡± Tefeth asks and worries, but the expression on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s face eases Tefeth¡¯s heart tremendously. Because as Xe¡¯Reth takes his first step forward, his eyebrows raise in surprise. The armor moves with him. Though there¡¯s still that weight of the armor, however, it¡¯s trivial matters that doesn¡¯t bother him in the least. ¡°Hmm¡­ Excellent. Excellent indeed.¡±


    ¡°Do raise and move your arms and legs about. Bend forward and backward, side to side,¡± Karnya instructs, having gone to inspect Xe¡¯Reth up close so she can witness the armor¡¯s movement, to see if any of the parts act out of order. Which they don¡¯t while Xe¡¯Reth obediently does as she commands. He stretches his body until Karnya nods for him to stop, ¡°I am pleased enough, how about you husband?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m very, very, very please also,¡± Tefeth concludes while lifting Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s limbs by himself to listen to the sounds it produces.


    It¡¯s an outstanding armor, but highly exaggerated since Xe¡¯Reth isn¡¯t going into battle. It¡¯ll be an armor of status. The cost of this armor is the very reason they chose it, also because it was nearly the same size. But having put additional layers of fabric and leather, they were able to make it suitable for Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s thinner build. Nevertheless, it¡¯s just a replacement armor. It¡¯ll be switched out at a later date.


    With the armor on, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s build seems even bigger than his ripped state. Though still, he has his unique lean build for his age.


    ¡°And now missing is only the helmet, which you¡¯ll not wear today because it¡¯s not needed. Having your face show is better than having it hidden. It would be respectless to have a helmet on at an Honored assembly. Formality is above all else for newcomers,¡± Maldoran says as he comes with his hands holding a belt buckle which has a scabbard with a sword in its resting place.


    Maldoran kneels down to attach it to Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s waist.


    ¡°Bare it with pride, for that sword is my father¡¯s. A man of no equal. This very blade has seen hundreds of years of war. It¡¯s one of our family heirlooms.¡± Maldoran explains as he rises. His hand lands on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder, staring into his eyes. ¡°And now I¡¯m passing it to you. This is a decision of importance that I¡¯ve made. Because you¡¯re not really a Tertin yet, it goes against our traditions. But hopefully, you and Malinda will produce many children in the future so you can pass it on when the time comes.¡±


    ¡®Unlike myself¡­ Merissa¡­ My daughter¡­ Forgive me¡­¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s a weapon of history. Of past family members. Only Tertin men have wielded it, fought with it, killed with it. Now it¡¯s yours and Malinda¡¯s.¡± He frowns, gulping as he then breathes out with a shaking breath, becoming too emotional. ¡°¡­Yours and Malinda¡¯s first born child will be the heir to the Tertin line. I¡¯ve come to terms with it without telling my wife. Because my daughter isn¡¯t fit to rule. She¡¯ll never be my heir. And honestly¡­¡± He turns his head to gaze at the eyes of sadness filling the other three. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t believe my precious child will live a long life. Her condition is too grave to just dismiss, which my wife has. She wants Merissa to succeed me. An utterly foolish notion.¡±


    Gazing back into Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s globes of darkness, he finishes with, ¡°Give Malinda children. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s boys or girls. Just be a man of the Tertins. I¡¯ll convince her to retire from the army. While Recina, she¡¯ll support you with her father who helps Madelyn until my return from seeing to this mess my wife has caused¡ªI have caused.¡±


    ¡®And what if I can¡¯t give Malinda a child? What then?¡¯ Is what Xe¡¯Reth wants to ask, but refrains from it by nodding instead with squinting eyes and lowered eyebrows, giving Maldoran such a firm answer, ¡°You can count on me. I won¡¯t disappoint you.¡±


    ¡°Good, good. However, all of you, what I¡¯ve said here remains here, understand?¡± Maldoran warns as he gives all of them his glaring eyes, which they nod to in compliance. ¡°Alright then, hmm¡­ For today, you won¡¯t be needing my father¡¯s shield. It¡¯ll be sent to your quarters with all the necessary equipment for keeping everything up to par. And all those other weapons, return them to their place for when they¡¯re needed. Of course, the boy¡¯s clothes too.¡±


    ¡°Our Honored Lord commands,¡± Tefeth and Karnya bows in unison.


    Recina, though, she¡¯s thankful to her Lord, for the very reason that he isn¡¯t entirely unwise. He has his own decisions that he makes without his wife¡¯s consent, which she smiles at. ¡®So much has happened today¡­ But hopefully, it will be a calm day at the assembly¡­ Hopefully. And that both Madelyn and this boy doesn¡¯t start anything with the other Honored Ones. I must keep them on tight leashes. Though when I get back¡­ I¡¯ll forward what Maldoran said to Ereanna.¡¯


    Clapping his hands, then placing one on Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s shoulder again, Maldoran says, ¡°Then that¡¯s that. I must return to my officers and my wife to continue deciding what to do about the damned city guard¡¯s restructuring. Much to do, much to talk about. So I¡¯ll be seeing you later at dinner my boy.¡± Switching to the Orillderas, he beams at them. ¡°And great work today you two. I know you¡¯re tired. I can see it in your eyes. But inspect Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s armor a little more before he leaves.¡±


    Almost forgetting Recina, Maldoran narrows his eyes as he points at her, ¡°Make sure nothing happens to the boy. I¡¯m counting on you, Battle-Mistress¡­ Though¡­ If some of the Honored Ones tries something, I¡¯ll deal with the aftermath. But my boy, carry yourself with pride, let none put you down. However, be wary of Honored challenges. Many of the younger Ones are more prone to request a challenge, which is why I¡¯ve told Malinda long ago to decline whoever dares. Because we¡¯re a small family. As such, we can¡¯t act recklessly. We don¡¯t have many allies, only a few Honored households.¡±


    ¡°And do keep an eye on Madelyn, so she doesn¡¯t spew out something dangerous¡­ Though, I¡¯ve already told Reconon to keep Madelyn in line.¡± He flicks his hand. ¡°But enough about that. What happens happens. I¡¯ll deal with the consequences, no matter how big they are.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry Lord, Lady Madelyn will surely act like a proper Honored Lady of this household when she¡¯s outside!¡± Tefeth shouts, nodding to himself.


    Maldoran coughs out, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not so sure about that¡­ But one can only pray when it involves her ever-changing mood.¡±


    ¡°Anyways, enough dallying around here, see you later!¡± Maldoran roars as he charges past them, heading towards where they came from.


    Disappearing from the fours'' eyes, shouts of goodbyes from the Orilldera husband and wife rings into his ears.


    ¡®I¡¯m glad that it fits him. Yes, very pleased indeed. Heh-Hehehe.¡¯


    ¡­


    With Xe¡¯Reth and Recina remaining for a while longer, the Orilldera couple begins rubbing their hands together as they crouch beside Xe¡¯Reth to inspect everything once more.


    ¡°Now then, let¡¯s see to the armor, so nothing comes off on your journey to the Ebon Wall!¡± Tefeth declares with a teeth-showing smile.


    ¡°Spread your legs and raise your arms, dear. Stand still also,¡± Karnya orders but with such a caring tone.


    While Recina, she has gone to sit down on the living room¡¯s couch, recovering slightly from standing in her heavy armor, to wait for them to finish. ¡®Today too¡­ Today I¡¯ll be spending a lot of time with my father¡­ I¡¯ll have him explain himself. Why didn¡¯t he tell me¡­? Why?!¡¯


    Frowning, Recina crosses her arms as her gaze moves to the blazing hearth¡­ making her eyes have a battling fire in them.


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    The Citadel and Tertinum¡¯s cathedral, they correspond with each other every single day to sound out the different times. And now, on top of the Citadel¡¯s Innermost portcullis where a giant bell suspends, waves a servant with a flaming torch, signaling to a priestess who watches out for that very light, making her signal another priestess who stands at the ready to release the mechanism to start moving the cathedral¡¯s bell.


    The Citadel echoes first, but only a couple of seconds later, the cathedral¡¯s high tower sounds out to declare that the time is twelve o¡¯clock.


    As the reverberation spreads into the Citadel, Reconon ¨C Recina¡¯s father ¨C turns his head towards the sound, which makes his eyes travel to a nearby clock. ¡®I better hurry.¡¯


    He begins to take longer strides instead of taking his time to his destination, towards Madelyn¡¯s quarters. Reconon had stayed a little longer after his Lord¡¯s disappearance, but only a few minutes since he needed to prepare himself.


    He hadn¡¯t put on his heavy armor before, yet now, he wears it like the man he is ¨C the Battle-Master of Tertinum.


    His steps boom on the carpeted floor as he continues to make his way through this decorated corridor. It¡¯s empty of servants, which raises his one brow in wonder. They¡¯re usually everywhere he goes when he¡¯s on the first floor. But in Madelyn¡¯s wing? He sees none.


    Have they been dismissed? Surely not, because Madelyn is a demanding Mistress is what he knows. If anything were out of order, she would reprimand the guilty party too much. Nevertheless, his relationship with her isn¡¯t as bad as one would think. Rather, Madelyn thinks of him as someone special to the family. Like a grandfather.


    It¡¯s because he served her father, a loving role model for anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Like Malinda, Madelyn was taught how to dance, and her father even encouraged her painting. To do something worth of such a spectacular skill.


    Madelyn¡¯s mother, though, she was too watchful of her little daughter. Always kept her within arms reach. While Malinda on the other hand, she let her live her life as she saw fit as long as she would sacrifice her life for the family when the time came, which hasn¡¯t come yet.


    Everyone in the Citadel knows that Malinda abandoned her duties to mourn when their parents died, but what most doesn¡¯t know is, is that Madelyn¡¯s sorrow was even greater.


    Without having her mother to guide her as she did, Madelyn spiraled down into total depression, into laziness, into anger, into a shopping spree. Only when she was forced to create her now abandoned archery squad, was she set on a path to ascendancy...


    Reconon shakes his silver-haired head, booming his plate boots on the floor.


    Both of his Honored Ladies have suffered as he has; losing his wife, losing his Lord and Lady Tertin. His days are numbered. The least he can do for the remaining years of his lifespan is to help his former Lord¡¯s youngest daughter. To set her on a right path in life now that she has been caught.


    He sighs.


    ¡®Love is hard, my Honored Lady. You can¡¯t always get what you want, no matter how much influence you have.¡¯ But he frowns as he rounds a corner, eyeing a woman who stands outside of Madelyn¡¯s chambers. A woman he knows all too well. ¡®Right¡­ Jessica joined Madelyn some years back. Haven¡¯t seen much of her since¡­ since¡­¡¯


    Shaking his head, he stops brooding about his past, to take a deep breath while closing his eyes instead, collecting his thoughts. But again, he frowns as his lids open. ¡®Why is she wearing her old uniform? I haven¡¯t heard anything about her ascendance¡­¡¯


    Coming closer to the cross-armed woman who has a rather tender smile, Reconon lowers his upper body, sounding out the chainmail under the plated armor.


    ¡°It has been awhile, Jessica,¡± he says still in his curtsying state of showing respect to an old acquaintance of his. Someone whose heart he shattered long ago. Someone who still has remaining feelings which haven''t quenched at all over the years, only risen to finally release it upon this very man in front of herself.


    ¡°It has been a long while, yes,¡± Jessica greets, bobbing her head and giving such a polite curtsy by bending her legs while raising her handmaiden dress slightly.


    Making eye-contact, she gives him an even gentler expression of pure satisfaction. He¡¯s still as handsome as she remembers. Even with the years laid thick. Which catches him off guard. She¡¯s radiating at him with such brightness.


    ¡°You¡¯re here to pick up my Mistress?¡± Jessica inquires, but knowing the answer already she flows her hand to a fabric-covered seat for two people by the wall in front of the double doors, even moving her feet toward it. ¡°Come, let¡¯s sit here for awhile because Madelyn is in the middle of putting on her lightest armor.¡±


    Sitting down, she pats the cushion next to her, ¡°Come. It must be tiring to wear such an outfit, considering your age.¡±


    A breath of fresh air is what Reconon experiences right now. Has she forgotten their history? Reconon chuckles as he, too, goes to sit down next to her, ¡°Heh, indeed. The years have hit hard the past cycles. I don¡¯t know how many battles I can commit to any longer.¡± He raises his one brow. ¡°But Jessica¡­ When did you¡ª¡°


    ¡°Become a handmaiden¡­ again?¡± Jessica cuts him off, smiling. ¡°A recent vacancy has opened up. And since I fit the most ¨C being her mother¡¯s handmaiden ¨C I gained back my position. Just today actually.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡°


    ¡°Who¡­?¡± She does it again, beginning to chuckle at his recoiling head of surprise. However, she narrows her eyes. ¡°You know full well who I am. So does the others¡­ The influence I have over many women and girls are¡­ dangerous for the others in the Sanctuary.¡±


    ¡°Indeed¡­¡± Reconon agrees, growing quiet. ¡°But who? The twins? Or that other girl¡­ Liriana was it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the correct girl,¡± Jessica admits, starting to chuckle even more. So much that she has to cover her mouth. ¡°That girl¡­ Can you believe this? She spied on Madelyn on behalf of Celyssa. It was too obvious. And now she has been dealt with. End of discussion.¡±


    ¡°Obvious, yes, but Madelyn let her go just like that?¡± Reconon asks in confusion. Madelyn wouldn¡¯t rest until she gained her revenge on the wicked.


    ¡°Did I say anything about letting the girl go? No, she¡¯s a handmaiden, not a mere servant. As such, her life is no longer hers. Her life belongs to Madelyn. A grave mistake on Celyssa¡¯s part. It¡¯ll cost the head-handmaiden her daughter. Unfortunate, but justly deserved,¡± Jessica says as though it means nothing to her, which it does. It means absolutely squat. Liriana will now be a pawn to be used against her Mistress¡¯s enemy.


    Though Jessica has no plans for Liriana at this moment. She¡¯ll let Madelyn take out her rage on her.


    This information, it¡¯s highly disturbing, but for Reconon who knows about the ongoings inside the Sanctuary, he can just sigh. Jessica hasn¡¯t changed for the better at all. Still as cold-blooded as usual. Still as ruthless as she was taught to be.


    ¡°What¡¯s going to happen to the girl?¡±


    ¡°Oh Reconon¡­¡± she snickers, putting her hand on his shoulder to test the water. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have emotions towards an enemy, you know that. But who cares about such an insignificant traitor.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to do something that can bring in the DLO, right?¡± Reconon worries, clasping hold of her hand that rests on his shoulder, removing it. ¡°She¡¯s just a child that was¡­ forced to spy on Madelyn. She¡¯s innocent.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯ll not be found dead in an alleyway in the City if that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about¡­¡± Jessica answers with truth. But smiling, she adds, ¡°She¡¯ll be incinerated if it comes to that.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Reconon just glares at her, causing her to give a somewhat innocent wink with her eye.


    ¡°Ah, yes!¡± Jessica startles herself. She was so caught up speaking to him that she almost forgot her permission that she got from Madelyn.


    ¡°Reconon¡­ My dear Reconon,¡± Jessica calls as though tears will flow out of her eyes at any moment, forcing him to take her hands. She squeezes his gauntlets as hard as she can. ¡°I recently returned from the Sanctuary, and I¡¯ve excellent news for the both of us! Though... it¡¯s rather selfish on my part.¡±


    Jessica¡¯s eyes, they soften, and her smile, it curves upward in bliss. She gazes so deep into his widened globes.


    ¡°The Matriarch has agreed to my proposal that I just put out! About our marriage!¡±


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    <hr>

 47 - The Trickery of Love

    The Trickery of Love


    Blasphemous words.


    The speech of betrayal to his deceased wife is what Jessica just uttered. Marriage? What marriage? And the Matriarch agreed? Agreed to what? What is this hag even talking about?


    Reconon has retreated, standing a couple of meters away beside a red-curtained wall in complete bewilderment, while Jessica, she still has her risen curves on her cheeks, savoring this moment. Her chuckle echoes in the corridor. She has gained so much ground in just two days. Two days of scheming. A scheme that has worked brilliantly in her favor.


    ¡°What are you cackling about¡­?¡± Reconon chokes, averting his eyes from her. But gazing back with scowling loathe, he barks, ¡°Explain yourself, woman! What is this about¡­ About our marriage? I had already declined you decades ago!¡±


    ¡°Now, now, don¡¯t get upset. It isn¡¯t good for your health. I¡¯ve just stated the truth. In exchange for keeping Madelyn on a leash, they¡¯ve given me you. Simple, isn¡¯t it?¡± Jessica says as she stands up to walk over to him, to place her hand on his plated chest. Sighing out, ¡°You¡¯ve no idea what I can do with Madelyn at my fingertips. Maybe influence her to be more¡­ Ambitious? To reach for something like¡­ Head of the family? Madelyn and Lady Malinda has almost the same education. But Madelyn¡­ Oh. She is much more headstrong than her sister. Much more if she sets her mind to it ¨C if she has something to fight for.¡±


    ¡°And what about¡ª¡°


    ¡°Our marriage?¡± Jessica interrupts, shushing him with a finger on his lips. Though her voice grows cold with old anger. ¡°You chose your wife long ago. While I¡­ You threw me aside after¡­ After everything I gave you¡­ My body¡­ My heart¡­ Even my soul. I¡­ I would have killed you and your wife back then if it weren¡¯t for Matilda, my Mistress. She knew everything, about our relationship, yet you¡­ After that whore had swayed her hips at you, opened her legs for you! You went into her arms. While throwing me to the side¡­! You¡­ You are a cruel man. That you are.¡±


    ¡°Then why would you do this?¡± Reconon asks while grimacing with such an expression of confusion.


    He had used her. He was foolish. A young man exploring a Citadel of women. While Jessica, she was a young handmaiden under the tutelage of the heir to Tertinum.


    Being the child of the former Battle-Master and Battle-Mistress, Reconon was brought in when he turned twenty. Their deaths happened long ago since they got him in their forties. They even had the same house that Recina grew up in.


    As Xe¡¯Reth, Reconon was something spectacular in the eyes of the servants. He was a young male in the midst of thirsty women. Though none dared to come on to him since their fright and shyness exceeded to such a height. However, handmaidens were a whole different story. Jessica enjoyed his company, so did Reconon with her. So their relationship formed away from prying eyes.


    Since Jessica had permission to leave the Citadel to go on errands, she would visit his house to spend time with him¡­ as adults. Though what she didn¡¯t know¡­ was that another person had caught his attention.


    Jessica was still in her training phase in the Sanctuary¡¯s Sanctum, so she didn¡¯t have as much time as she would¡¯ve liked, considering all of her other duties of being a handmaiden to Matilda Tertin. The time went. On and off they would meet. But on an off day, she caught them sharing a bed. A woman she knew, someone she respected. A friend. A fellow handmaiden to the Great Mother herself!


    Jessica had been with him for a year! A year! While that woman, she had seduced him within a week!


    ¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡°Mistress! Please don¡¯t make him choose! Please, don¡¯t!¡± Jessica had begged Matilda while being by her side, tugging at her dress. Her tears, staining it.


    ¡°J-Jessica¡­¡± Reconon called with regret. He was kneeling to await his sentence in front of influential people in the giant throne room.


    He had several eyes on him at that time. His two lovers. His parents. His old Lord and Lady Tertin. And many handmaidens. While the young heir, Matilda, she ultimately had the final words since it involved her handmaidens.


    Matilda¡¯s own mother, she watched with amusing eyes as her daughter sentence her handmaiden to sorrow. To learn from her lack of knowledge. Yet Matilda knew of her handmaiden¡¯s infidelities, but she just let her have her little fling. However, to learn of her other handmaiden having an affair with Reconon. That was a surprise. She wasn¡¯t informed by her mother about that.


    ¡°The one you choose is the one you marry, adulterer. You¡¯ve already desecrated this Citadel with your presence by polluting two of my handmaidens. I should castrate you for your treachery¡­¡± Her narrowed eyes had wandered to the kneeling Battle-Master and Battle-Mistress who could only beseech her by showing their utter shame of raising such a disgraceful son. ¡°However. Since your parents are the definition of loyalty to our family, I¡¯ve decided to let you choose your wife. But, if you can¡¯t choose, I¡¯ll have to abandon them; throw them out of the Citadel. Now choose.¡±


    Reconon with grieving ache had gazed at Jessica. But his pointing hand was not aiming for her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I led you on, Jessica¡­ But¡­ I don¡¯t love you as I love her. Forgive me¡­ Forgive me¡­¡±


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    ¡°You had wounded me. You abandoned me for that strumpet. Yet the reason why I¡¯m doing this is so that instead of her waiting for you in the Divine Sky¡­ I¡¯ll be the one to join you, not her. I won in the end, hehe. The reward comes to the patient. And you will comply. Otherwise, I will turn Madelyn against the Sanctuary. She has a fortune almost equal to Malinda, even after her excessive spending. With it, I can destroy the Sisterhood. Reveal everything I know,¡± Jessica threatens as she grins, caressing Reconon¡¯s silvery hair while he just keeps on grimacing.


    He knows that Ereanna can¡¯t eliminate this woman, for she has subordinates that can keep Jessica¡¯s fire burning after she¡¯s gone. Too much of a hassle to exterminate so many servants. ¡°But we have come to an agreement, Ereanna and I. She¡¯s giving me you, in exchange for keeping Madelyn¡¯s ambitions in check. It seems that she has been waiting for me to make a move, hehe.¡±


    ¡®Though they still haven¡¯t figured out that we started the riot¡­¡¯ Jessica keeps on smiling. ¡®It was a good idea to make Malinda¡¯s girls initiate the insurrection. My little mole did a mighty fine performance.¡¯


    ¡°And if I refuse? Because we¡¯re speaking about blasphemy to our Goddesses. To marry twice is unholy. Sure, I might have had some affection towards you. But I have nothing for you now. You¡¯re just a revolting, scheming, old woman,¡± Reconon curses, slapping away her caressing hand. ¡°You think I¡¯ll just agree to what Ereanna orders? To give in to your demands? No, I will not.¡±


    ¡°Reconon¡­ Reconon¡­¡± Jessica tuts with her tongue as her finger goes side to side. ¡°You¡¯ve no say in this. Else, someone you hold dear might not wake up after going to sleep. Someone that is expendable, a nuisance.¡±


    ¡°Disgusting! To rely on threats!¡± Reconon sneers, wanting to snap this woman¡¯s neck. Bringing in his daughter? She knows him too well. Because Recina is the spitting image of her mother. Not the most beautiful like Jessica was in her youth, but Reconon was drawn to his wife¡¯s strength. If only she had made contact before Jessica did, then maybe he wouldn¡¯t be in this situation.


    ¡°But¡­! It will have to wait until I have settled down as a handmaiden in my holy lady¡¯s presence. In about a month I will have everything ready for our marriage. Nothing grand, just us two and a priestess that will be giving us the ceremony,¡± Jessica muses in joy. She¡¯s radiating with success. Even exhaling in pleasure, ¡°Yes¡­ Our life will be completed, no matter how short it is. Though, come! Let¡¯s sit down again.¡±


    Jessica goes to her seat, slapping the cushion next to her. ¡°Come, my dear, come!¡±


    He scoffs as he crashes his back against the curtained wall, crossing his arms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything else to do than pester me with your presence?¡± Reconon grunts, closing his eyes to wait for Madelyn because he won¡¯t get anything out of speaking to this serpent. ¡®But if Ereanna really did give permission¡­ then¡­ Damn her¡­! She wants me to forsake my beloved wife, just like that? To never meet with her again? My Queens, I beg of you. Give me strength.¡¯


    ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll find you when you¡¯re less grumpy. Maybe even in your bed?¡± Jessica suggests, pursing her lips at him in heat, which makes Reconon facepalm.


    ¡°Keep your dirty old mind to yourself. I don¡¯t want to see you until¡­¡ª¡±


    ¡°You accept?!¡± Jessica screams with delight, taking words from his mouth. ¡°Then, in a month?¡±


    ¡°I will fight to the very last day¡­ But¡­ If I haven¡¯t succeeded to persuade you or Ereanna in abandoning this foolish notion of marrying, then I¡¯ll concede. However!¡± Reconon flings forward, spinning towards her to thrust his gauntleted finger. ¡°Know this, wench. My love will never be yours. Harboring inside me is emptiness¡­ There is nothing for you!¡±


    ¡°Haha, that¡¯s absolutely fine by me! Ah-Haha, I take so much after my Mistress that it isn¡¯t even funny. Ahh¡­ Ah¡­?!¡± Jessica gasps as she jumps from her seat to be right in front of the double doors. And seeing Reconon not moving, she waves him over as she snaps, ¡°Madelyn is finished, come!¡±


    Going wide-eyed, Reconon strides to be next to her, lowering his head to greet his Honored Lady.


    Seconds go by, and as Jessica said, the doors open to reveal an armor-clad maiden.


    ¡°Silver hair! You are late!¡± Madelyn echoes through a helmet as she wobbles forward, being supported by her two scarlet-haired handmaidens. Madelyn¡¯s feet aren¡¯t even touching the floor. Only when they lower her, do they hit the ground.


    Her waning strength is becoming too much for her. She so wants to stay home, but getting to have Xe¡¯Reth all to herself? No way she¡¯s missing that, no matter how ill she feels.


    ¡°Forgive me, Mistress, I got caught up at the moment. I kept him here since you were still changing. I wouldn¡¯t want him coming in at the wrong time,¡± Jessica responds with hands on her lap, almost wanting to prostrate. But rising, she goes close to Madelyn to inspect her, so the twins didn¡¯t miss anything.


    It is one of her lightest; less thick material and more fabric and silk. A short, thin dress with mounted pieces of armor. Highly exaggerated for what she¡¯s supposed to do today. Nevertheless, the more expensive and grand display, the better.


    Precisely like Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s armor.


    ¡°It is as your handmaiden says, Lady Madelyn. She kept me busy until you finished dressing up,¡± Reconon affirms, also rising and nodding to acknowledge her Honored presence. ¡°It¡¯s good that you dressed in something lighter than yesterday. But how is your health? I can see even though that helm hides your features that you¡¯re tired.¡±


    ¡°Old man, can¡¯t I stay home?¡± Madelyn whines, putting her gauntlet on her hidden forehead and her other hand goes to her stomach. She doesn¡¯t want to stay home, but maybe he would let her? ¡°I¡¯m having such a headache, and my stomach hurts¡­ I don¡¯t think I can travel today¡­¡±


    ¡°Out of the question, Lady Madelyn. You¡¯re healthy enough to stand. I thought you would enjoy spending some time with your brother-in-law. To show him how an Honored One should act,¡± Reconon says while smiling, while also stepping closer to give his arm to her. ¡°Come, Lady Madelyn, I won¡¯t let you fall again like yesterday. My life is yours until your Honored brother says otherwise.¡±


    Madelyn sighs deep as her upper body tilts forward.


    But taking a step to gain balance and waving Jessica away, Madelyn pouts with her lips as Reconon has his arm locked to hers, beginning to escort her without saying goodbye. He drags her away while she is too preoccupied with breathing in and out since her body is drained.


    Verelin even follows; her own armor is fastened to her frame, yet with a body turning and a hand thrusting at her, Reconon declares with glaring eyes, ¡°Your presence is not needed for today. Return to your duties, now, Verelin.¡±


    Saying her name, Verelin does halt in her movements. She knows him well enough, but abandoning her Mistress now? When she needs her assistance the most? No matter how brave this old man is, that is just not possible. Who does he think he is?


    ¡°But¡­ She¡¯s not feeling well¡­ I need to be there if¡­¡±


    ¡°If she so happens to collapse again? Letting your Mistress fall in front of so many people? How humiliating wouldn¡¯t you be if you were in her position?!¡± Reconon shouts with stinging tones coming out of his mouth, while Madelyn, she nods in agreement.


    When she woke up from fainting yesterday at the training ground, she had heard what happened. So many eyes, so much gossip.


    It won''t be a surprise if some rumor about her is going around, saying that she¡¯s weak. Sickly, nothing like her father. Sure, centuries ago, Tertin females were more active in the army. As the decades went by, though, they ceased to exist. Only male Tertins were given such a burden.


    Recently, Malinda was the first in about two centuries to join the army. Hence nobody knowing any other Honored One in Tertinum than her to go off of.


    ¡°Yes, Verelin? Why didn¡¯t anyone catch me?¡± Madelyn asks, growing grumpy as her eyebrows inside her helmet descend. ¡°You¡¯ve been disappointing me more and more as of late. I agree with silver hair. You should stay and do your duties. I¡¯ll have that crippled friend of yours at the garrison to aid me. Now go help Jessica with whatever she needs. Go! ¡±


    ¡°But¡­ But¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t test my patience! Do you also want to get strung u¡ª¡­ Ahh! Just leave! Go away now!¡± Madelyn snaps as she almost reveals what happened to Liriana. So instead of saying it, she shrieks. ¡°If you follow, forget about what I promised this morning! Go silver hair! Guide me away from this disappointment!¡±


    Without further ado, they disappear from Verelin¡¯s sight as they round that very corner that he had rounded. She stands there, wanting to call out to her Mistress with an outstretched arm. But sighing, her body limps back to the other two.


    ¡°Ah, you came back. Forgot something, sister?¡± Velyn muses, her hand over her grinning mouth.


    ¡°You¡­ You want a beating don¡¯t you, whore?¡± Verelin warns, brandishing her gauntlets as she forms claws. Ripping out her tongue will be the least of her sister¡¯s concerns.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? I¡¯m standing right here, aren¡¯t I? Or has my sister gone blind, huh? Have you? Verelin, the Cocksucker?¡± Her grin rises even more as her sister¡¯s scarlet globes stare in horror.


    ¡°Y-Y-You¡­ You so want your own death!¡± Verelin screams while charging straight at her, while Velyn, she runs away, goading her sister with more offensive name calling. ¡°Wait until I get my hands on you! I¡¯ll make you swallow your filthy lies!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, what lies have I said?! You did do it! Your breath must be foul!¡±


    As the echo of their screaming becomes further and further down the corridor, Jessica sighs as she slams her palm on her forehead, ¡°Goddesses¡­ I¡¯m getting too old for this. How can they still be so childish? They¡¯re in their thirties¡­¡± However, she purses her lips in wonder, ¡°Though, now that I think about it¡­ Doesn¡¯t Mistress mind when someone else touches her man¡­? Interesting¡­ Might she be more open than I had thought? If she¡¯s like her mother... then her sensitivity must also be high? A burden when in bed.¡±


    ¡­


    From the corridor where the twins vanished comes two servants. The two had helped Madelyn with Liriana. They, unlike Jessica, still wear the servant¡¯s outfit with the ribbon.


    Arriving, they bow, deeper than ever before.


    Jessica did gain permission to become a handmaiden when she visited the Matriarch. She¡¯s pushing the border between life and death. Ordering such an aggressive move could have backfired. But knowing Ereanna for so many years, she knows her mind through and through.


    Though that snake Annettria, Jessica will put an end to that woman sooner or later. She above all else must experience pain. Since living a rather lonely life after what happened with Reconon, Jessica¡¯s single desire to execute that interloper exceeds almost as high as wanting revenge on her man. But now that that is on the way, she can finally focus her energy on the real serpent in their midst.


    Much to do, much to scheme.


    Taking a deep breath to collect herself, Jessica asks, ¡°Have you put trusted servants on every entry point to Madelyn¡¯s wing and to the third floor?¡±


    ¡°It has been arranged, Matron.¡±


    ¡°And the rest of the servants have been gathered up?¡± Jessica narrows her eyes but relaxes them as the two nod. ¡°Excellent. Start the test of allegiance to weed out any stragglers who we don¡¯t know about yet.¡±


    They curtsy, flowing with their arms to the location where the servants are.


    Jessica goes in between them, while they follow after her like faithful dogs¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Out in the main courtyard, Xe¡¯Reth and Recina stand beside the bear-filled cage; one caring, the other glaring.


    ¡°How is it¡­? Last time I saw it, it was¡­ Well¡­¡± Recina scratches the back of her neck in confusion.


    ¡°The wounds will heal. But what I¡¯m worried about are the broken off claws. Seems like two were ripped out of its sockets from all the scratching at the metal bars. Or was it the DLO that did that too?¡± Xe¡¯Reth inspects, gazing with sunk eyebrows. The bear is sound asleep, while Xe¡¯Reth, he had sewed up the wounds before going to Malinda, but still, the empty claw sockets are on his mind. If not treated, they can get infected, or when they grow back, deformities can occur.


    Xe¡¯Reth is crouched in his armor, also without his gauntlets that rest beside the bear.


    ¡°Where would you want us to move the beast after you leave, Sir?¡± a Battle-Maiden asks while being beside them, her voice echoing through her lowered visor. Three more stands next to her, silent as if they aren¡¯t even breathing.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be out cold for when I return, though, you can move it to somewhere¡­ Hmm¡­ It¡¯ll need food¡­ A lot of it¡­¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he scowls.


    Recina too scowls, gazing up at the sky to find a right place in the Citadel.


    ¡°Sir, how about near the kitchen? I remember seeing a shed close to the stables, but far away enough from the animals. If something occupies it, you can order its vacancy within a moment''s notice,¡± the same Battle-Maiden suggests, bowing to him for speaking when not spoken to. Which narrows Recina¡¯s eyes. This one is talkative. But since these ones¡¯ allegiance lie with Malinda, it isn¡¯t a surprise that they want to aid him.


    ¡°That¡­ That¡¯s an excellent idea, actually. Yes, please, I¡¯ll leave the bear in your care until I return. Make sure you don¡¯t open the cage, because I don¡¯t know if it will wake up before I return,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says as he gives them a smile. That smile which quickens hearts, but also stops them.


    ¡°They will see it done,¡± Recina answers for them since they¡¯ve spoken enough without restraint. They¡¯re supposed to be statues¡­ As such, their mouths should be sewed shut. Their voices shouldn¡¯t sound, only their armor.


    She throws them glares for good measure.


    ¡°All right then.¡± Xe¡¯Reth puts on his gauntlets as he stands up to close the cage. ¡®Be a good cub and recover your strength. I¡¯ll see to it that the DLO will regret killing your mother, your sisters, and brother.¡¯


    ¡°Sir, we will be using the same carriage when you first arrived at the Citadel. I will sit beside my father in the driver¡¯s seat. While you, you¡¯ll have to be on guard since Madelyn will share the same ride as us with her handmaidens if she chooses to bring them,¡± Recina informs, crossing her plated arms.


    Recina won¡¯t be able to talk to her father so openly. With Madelyn beside him, he won¡¯t even have time until they return home. ¡®I will find the time!¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s ears twitch, causing him to move his head towards the stables; four neighs sounding out but also a weak, whiny tone of a voice is resonating through the opening of the Citadel. ¡®Both the carriage and Madelyn will arrive approximately at the same time...¡¯


    A half a minute later, Madelyn and Reconon exit from the double doors; Madelyn as if an old woman is being guided. Her body hurts, her head hurts, everything hurts! She wouldn¡¯t mind staying home, even if she misses a chance to be alone with Xe¡¯Reth because she¡¯s actually sick. Though as the two snails down the stairs, Xe¡¯Reth squints, still having his mind in turmoil because of the bear cubs.


    ¡®This¡­ This isn¡¯t good at all¡­ Don¡¯t tell me I¡¯ve caused her to be this frail too?¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth considers, but with a sigh, he puts it out of his mind to focus on it another time.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Glancing out between the visor¡¯s slit, Madelyn startlingly pushes Reconon away as he recoils in surprise. But through Madelyn¡¯s lack of balance, she topples forward; the stairs¡¯ height still high to cause damage from a fall. Grunting, Reconon catches her with ease.


    ¡°My Honored Lady! Cease this nonsense, you might hurt yourself!¡± Reconon reprimands with such harshness, gripping onto her arm. He knows that Madelyn doesn¡¯t want Xe¡¯Reth to see her hold another man, but such girlish thoughts are beneath him. He¡¯s for crying out loud an old man.


    Madelyn too realizes her foolish way of acting. Even a silent cry reverberates in her armor. ¡®I should have never left my room¡­¡¯


    Descending to the foot of the stairs, they arrive next to the other two, while the four maidens in armor have already begun moving the bear-filled cage to where the Battle-Maiden suggested.


    They disappear, leaving only the four to fill the atmosphere with the intense burning of emotions.


    Recina, grumbling about her father¡¯s secrecy. Reconon, sighing from witnessing his daughter¡¯s glare. Xe¡¯Reth, smiling at the old man since he has never had the chance of meeting him. While Madelyn, she jerks away her arms to cross them, shaking from the exertion of standing without aid.


    No words, just silence.


    However, as Reconon¡¯s flickering eyes travel to Xe¡¯Reth, he is the first to greet with a bow, ¡°Sir. It is an honor to finally meet the lover of Lady Malinda. Truly now that I see for myself, she has chosen a worthy life partner. The Lord¡¯s armor suits you well.¡±


    As inflated as the blacksmiths. Yet nonetheless with a pure heart.


    ¡°Thank you. Likewise, it¡¯s a pleasure meeting the Battle-Master of the Citadel,¡± Xe¡¯Reth curtsies with a bend of his torso, sounding the layered plate. Tilting back, his eyes journey to Recina and then back to Reconon. ¡°And obviously you¡¯re Recina¡¯s father.¡±


    ¡°That I am. But unfortunately, Recina¡¯s mother left us too soon to await in the Divine Sky for when our time¡­ has come. Which is getting closer and closer the more years pass. She was an extraordinary woman. A loving mother and wife. Also a monster in battle as my daughter¡­¡± He grows silent, shaking his head with a sigh. The memory is still engraved into his mind; the relief in her eyes that slowly closed, and from her smiling mouth, blood flooded. ¡°She is missed in the Citadel.¡±


    ¡°Well, it was your fault that she died, father,¡± Recina sneers, squinting away to not catch his sorrow in his widening eyes from hearing that. ¡°Not able to protect yourself¡­ Mother came to your rescue. While you, you let her die in front of you. That¡¯s what kind of man you are.¡±


    ¡®Wow¡­ Such tension¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth crosses his plated arms. He didn¡¯t expect them to have such a relationship. But his face descends. ¡°At least your father is still alive, Recina. You should count your blessings. Sure, your mother sacrificed herself for her husband¡¯s safety. In doing so, she gave her greatest gift. Her life for the man she loves. Above all else, I would do the same if I could save the one I love.¡±


    Reconon and his daughter, they go wide-eyed at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s statement. But Reconon with such gladness chuckling out between his curling lips, he bobs his head, ¡°Thank you, Sir, for your kind and reassuring words.¡±


    He begins to snicker while scratching his jawline, which Recina grimaces at. The pain, the grief¡­ Her hate for a second turns into warmth in her narrowing eyes. Yes, the harsh reality is, that it wasn¡¯t her father that killed her mother. It was her mother that killed herself for the love of her life.


    What about Recina, why would her mother so eagerly throw away her life and abandon her daughter? Didn¡¯t her mother love her too? Then why? She had turned to the Queens for answers, but she got nothing from them.


    A moment¡¯s choice is what it was; either live and mourn her husband¡¯s death or trade places and leave her beautiful daughter in her husband¡¯s caring arms. She chose the latter.


    Though she couldn¡¯t foresee how her daughter would react to her death. The hatred that boiled over the edge, the sorrow that never ceased, and the rejection from Theresa. Recina dedicated herself to her art, to her mother¡¯s teachings in the Sanctuary with the Battle-Maidens. To drown herself in pain to block out any emotions that might have arisen.


    She has barely spoken to her father these past sixteen years. However, the gaping wound is beginning to heal, slowly. While the news of the secrets involving the Madam, it has only started a furnace in her heart. A fire of revenge for the former Lord and Lady of the Citadel¡­ Which her father must have too¡­


    ¡°Goddesses¡­ How long are you three going to stand there¡­? Silver hair, aren¡¯t you going to help me get in?! Hurry up, you decaying fool!¡± Madelyn commands, supporting herself on the handle of the carriage door which arrived as they reached the foot of the stairs as Xe¡¯Reth predicted. She¡¯s already fuming with impatience, waving the old man over. ¡°But seriously, I saw enough of your bickering yesterday. So quit it. My head hurts, my stomach hurts, and my whole body hurts! I just want to get this over with.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Lady Madelyn. Forgive the delay,¡± Reconon apologies, striding to his Honored Lady in an instant. Even nodding to the Stable-Master who¡¯s at the front, keeping the black armored monsters at bay.


    Helping her inside the carriage, she moans, ¡°Aaaahhh¡­¡± as her butt plants on the comfortable cushions. Her whole body going limp from the relaxation. ¡°You can now leave¡­¡±


    Stepping out, Reconon positions himself beside the door, hailing Xe¡¯Reth in. ¡°Sir, I would much appreciate if you could keep an eye on Lady Madelyn while we journey to the Ebon Wall. It¡¯ll take about an hour because of the traffic of people. Maybe even more.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can handle this little Lady,¡± Xe¡¯Reth whispers, nodding his head to the head-shaking old man.


    ¡°That too, of course,¡± Reconon chuckles. ¡°But for some reason, she is feeling even worse than before. So keep your eye on her and call out to us if anything happens.¡±


    ¡°Will do,¡± Xe¡¯Reth nods.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡±


    Reconon goes climbing up to the driver¡¯s seat as Xe¡¯Reth enters the carriage.


    While sitting, Reconon nods again to the mute Stable-Master, indicating that he¡¯s free to go. And that he does, or at least going to stand to see them off. Just a bow, nothing more, nothing less. A man of no words.


    Recina, though, her gauntlets claw at either side of the door¡¯s frame, glaring at both of them; one in the back and one in the front, which she nods at. The deed Madelyn did yesterday weighs heavily on her heart. And having both of them in the same carriage can only brew trouble. But going with two rides instead of one would be too extravagant.


    ¡°Lady Madelyn, I highly suggest that you keep to yourself. Everything you do will be reported on. And Sir, whatever she says, you don¡¯t need to listen. Whatever she orders, you needn¡¯t worry. Lord Maldoran were strict about your punishment Honored Lady. You¡¯ve no weight to your words at this moment, know that. Without further time spending, let us be off,¡± Recina says as she retracts her gauntlets, closing shut the door.


    Doing what her father did, she heaves into the driver¡¯s seat next to him.


    ¡°Daughter.¡±


    ¡°Father.¡±


    Nothing else.


    The two just sit there for half a minute, tasting that awkward silence until Reconon sighs, whipping the long reins connecting to the neighing beasts. The wheels of the golden carriage trundle and the metal hooves clank upon the cobble.


    Though as Reconon drives half a circle around the courtyard, steering the plated horses to the now rising portcullis, four Battle-Maidens on their own monsters awaits the Honored carriage, to be bodyguards. For these armored women always journey to the Ebon Wall. To see to it that their Master or Mistress reaches their goal without any complications.


    Reconon with a plated thumb points to the rear, which motions the Battle-Maiden¡¯s helmets to affirm his command. The trained and flawless maneuvering of their own horses is displayed as the carriage soars through the Innermost Portcullis, while the senior of the Battle-Maidens positions herself in front of the other three, making them ride in a T-shaped formation.


    The two gate-guards who salute gains back a nod from Reconon as his expression is strained by these horses because he has actually never driven Malinda¡¯s carriage before. And these beasts aren¡¯t taking it kindly on this old man, an unknown entity controlling them.


    The sight of it makes Recina pleased, asking while they descend the tilting street, ¡°Want me to take over for you, father¡­? You seem rather troubled. As if you¡¯ve never steered a carriage before.¡±


    ¡°I can handle it!¡± he shouts, easing the horses down with a backward pull, so they don¡¯t arrive too fast to the bottom of the Citadel¡¯s Outer Ground¡¯s gate that leads to the Inner Layer of the City. ¡°I¡¯m just a little rusty controlling these horses, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t like you, that¡¯s why they¡¯re giving you so much trouble. Because only women have ever sat in these seats. Of course, the Stable-Master doesn¡¯t count,¡± Recina explains with a scoff, crossing her arms as her eyes peek. ¡°But¡­ You do you. I¡¯ll enjoy your squirming.¡±


    ¡°Anything for you, my daughter,¡± Reconon replies, his eyes narrowing gently which hasn¡¯t been shown in a long time.


    Another scoff sounds out with Recina¡¯s head whipping away. Her hidden grimace hides from her father. Maybe she should forgive him after all? ¡®No! He¡­ He¡­! Dear Goddesses¡­ What should I do? Why didn¡¯t he tell me about Celyssa and her family? ¡­But I guess I¡¯m at fault for pushing him away. Oh, mother, I miss you. Father¡­ He misses you too. Just wait for us. We will meet again.¡¯


    Inside the carriage, a pleasant sight displays in front of Xe¡¯Reth. Madelyn is straining to even sit in her seat because of the tilting street, making the gravity her enemy. While Xe¡¯Reth, his smile hasn¡¯t left his lips since they started descending. But her helmet covers her contorted face of embarrassment. Even her feet slide in exaggeration and hands clawing at the cushions like a scared cat.


    Nevertheless, no words.


    Xe¡¯Reth wants peace and quiet for the remaining journey. Though he doesn¡¯t despise Madelyn as much as he would like. He is indifferent. Last night benefits both of them if it isn¡¯t brought to light. He can just use the pretense of being forced ¨C drugged. Madelyn can¡¯t hope to gain anything but Malinda¡¯s anger¡ªsorrow in knowing what her dear little sister did.


    She has the same symptoms as Malinda¡­ However, there must be something off. Not in a hundred years is Malinda weaker than Madelyn, yet here she is, being conscious. While her sister, unconscious.


    ¡®Why is she able to put up with it¡­? It must be the same, right? But no vomiting, losing all her strength, and¡­ well¡­ being here.¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth contemplates vigorously since he hasn¡¯t given much thought to it¡­ until now. ¡®What has Madelyn done in these past few days¡­ I met her in her garden¡­ met her in Malinda¡¯s living room¡­ in my mother¡¯s quarters¡­ Her foolish suicide attempt¡­ Being forced to follow Maldoran then fainted¡­ Had her way with me¡­ Did it cause both her and Malinda such trauma to grow such an illness yesterday¡­? Wait¡­ It is different from Malinda¡­¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth squints at Madelyn, touching his healed neck wound, which Madelyn notices under her visor, smiles at even.


    ¡°Serves you right for picking my sister over me,¡± Madelyn taunts, gritting her teeth as she finally braces herself from the carriage reaching the foot of the road. ¡°Goddesses, I never thought blood would cause such an arousing effect. You do know when you caught me, it dripped on my private part¡­ And my throat too! The taste of it still lingers. Though it wasn¡¯t so bad as I expected. The drinking of your blood that is¡­ heh. I have now two parts of you inside me. Heh-Hehe¡­ Hehehe¡­¡±


    ¡®Mothers of the Queens¡­ Of course¡­ Of course!¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth lights up in disbelief, and his teeth-clenching mouth, arching upward in such excitement. It is not the same! Madelyn has his blood inside her! ¡®Does my blood have¡­ Ah! Such blatant stupidity! Of course, it has an enhanced effect on others if it has such a strong effect on me¡­ Madelyn¡¯s cheek also healed faster if I heard correctly. Maybe I don¡¯t even need a cure after all. Mother! Just wait until I return. I¡¯ll cure you! Just wait for me! And Malinda too¡­ But side effects¡­ Madelyn fainted? Is it too risky¡­?¡¯


    ¡°What are you smiling at¡­?¡± she asks, almost wanting to recoil in surprise. But what surprises her even more, Xe¡¯Reth rises from his seat. His smile as he bends to go to her makes her scoot to the side. He thuds down beside her. ¡°W-W-What¡­? What is it¡­? G-Go back to your seat¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, my wonderful Madelyn¡­ Thank you so much. Never change, you hear me?¡± Xe¡¯Reth relishes, playing the fool in love. He clutches onto Madelyn¡¯s thin gauntlets, leaning in too close. His eyes stare into the visor of her helmet. However, she is stunned. Such shock on her agape mouth and eyes; she hasn¡¯t felt this before from him. ¡°I was a fool indeed to not choose you¡­ I can see that now. You are special¡­¡±


    Madelyn slams into the side wall, withdrawing as his face approaches closer and closer, until his hands ascend to her helmet. Her breath speeds up, her eyes flail about, while her mind, fearful of displaying her current appearance.


    After branding Liriana with her whip, Madelyn had gone up close to enjoy her little handmaiden¡¯s suffering. But, with Madelyn turning her slave¡¯s body around to face her teary eyes, Liriana headbutted her with such rage.


    ¡°No, no, no, no! Wait, no!¡± Madelyn moans, trying to push him away with her shaking arms, yet her strength right now, well, she has none. For her dear life, she strains to keep him from closing in. ¡°Ah¡­ no¡­ No, please!¡±


    Not backing off, Xe¡¯Reth removes her helmet, with her arms going limp in humility.


    The shame in Madelyn¡¯s evading eyes, blushing cheeks, and turned head when the helm is removed. Because for Madelyn, she keeps her values¡ªher looks on the highest pedestal. Having any fault ruins her pride. And now she tries as much as she can to hide it, the black eye given by Liriana.


    ¡°Wow, who gave you that?¡± Xe¡¯Reth asks in total shock. However, before Madelyn can cry out her answer, he grabs her chin, swooshing her head to peer into his black globes. His head only centimeters away. ¡°Heh, even with that, your beauty radiates above anyone else¡¯s¡­ Like your sister. But you¡­ Your body is more erotic than hers. She has a warrior¡¯s body, while yours, a Lady¡¯s. Thin, curvy, smooth, soft, and those mounds. Yes, you do take care of your health.¡±


    ¡°W-Why¡ª¡°


    ¡°Shh, shh, shh.¡± Xe¡¯Reth locks his finger to her lips. ¡°Don¡¯t speak, Madelyn¡­ I¡­ I don¡¯t know what was wrong with me. But can you¡­ Can you forgive me for picking your sister instead of you?¡± His eyes are filled with such bewilderment. But his smile, almost creepy. Though by going off Madelyn¡¯s expression, disturbing isn¡¯t what she would call it. For her to have this much attention from him... she loves it.


    Xe¡¯Reth all of a sudden turns and leans forward, falling into depression. His gauntlets press to his face. His plated elbows on his knees. His sigh sounding out between his lips. He¡¯s genuinely sorry for being so dumb to choose such a faithful lover as Malinda when he has this great Lady next to him.


    ¡°W-What¡­? Y-You really mean it? You¡¯ll cast away my sister¡­ for me? Really?!¡± Madelyn exclaims as her arms embrace Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s forward-tilting body ¨C her mind too weak to notice anything out of the ordinary. ¡°You¡¯ve no idea how much that means to me!¡±


    Tilting back up, Madelyn clasps hold of Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s hands. Her excitement is reaching such a height. Abandoning all her defenses so quickly for him. He could ask her to murder her brother, and she would probably do it if it means that they can be together. Her prison is her desires. She¡¯s driven by it. Without such wants, she wouldn¡¯t know what to do with herself. Like her sister, flattery is essential. But for Malinda that day they met, she was vulnerable. Her heart needed warmth from her loneliness. Unbearable loneliness which Madelyn too has.


    She¡¯s gazing so zealously at him. A smile that even catches Xe¡¯Reth off guard.


    ¡®I¡¯ve never seen her like this¡­¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth closes his eyes to ready himself.


    ¡°*Hic* I¡­ I...¡± Madelyn¡¯s eyes tear up while her lower lip quakes. ¡°I hate you¡­ Why did you¡­ Why couldn¡¯t you have waited a bit longer for me¡­?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Xe¡¯Reth apologizes, gaining a scowl as he witnesses Madelyn¡¯s contorted face of sorrow.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t be. As long as you mean what you said¡­ I don¡¯t mind what you have done. I would forgive anything you do.¡± She flicks her hand, waving away all his past deeds.


    ¡°Madelyn¡­ What I meant by, I¡¯m sorry¡­ Is that everything I just said¡­ was a lie,¡± Xe¡¯Reth sighs, placing his massive gauntlet on her shoulder. ¡°I have a lot on my mind right now. I just needed to unburden it on you. But since you forgive anything I do, no hard feelings, right?¡± He gives her a wink with a grin. Yet, before she can react from her frozen state of mind, he puts on her helmet again, then escapes to his side of the carriage. ¡°You should really try to not be so susceptible, Madelyn. People might try to take advantage of you. But since you only act like this around me, I shouldn¡¯t be worried. You are strong-minded enough.¡±


    It takes awhile for her to finally react.


    Her helmet tremors as a shaking begin. Her hands form into fists. Her whole body convulses.


    ¡°Y-Y-Y-Youuuu!¡± Madelyn explodes, raising her quaking finger at him. She wants to hit him. ¡®I want to hit him! How dare he play with me?! Ahhh! Next time! Next time, I¡¯ll show him whose Mistress he belongs to!! Just you wait, you dog!!¡¯


    ¡°Someone caught your tongue?¡± Xe¡¯Reth grins even more. But all jokes aside, he couldn¡¯t care less about her because she brought in his mother. She¡¯s nothing to him, a disposable woman that can bear him children. Bastard children. Nevertheless, Tertin children. Without a big family, one can¡¯t rise to the highest height possible. Loyalty between blood is far better than loyalty between outsiders. ¡°You don¡¯t honestly think I¡¯ve forgiven you yet, have you? You threatened me, bringing my mother into this.¡±


    The disgust and dread pierce Madelyn, dawning a revelation.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Madelyn¡¯s rage disappears in an instant from hearing that. ¡°I forgot you¡¯re such a mamma¡¯s boy. Mm. But like I said before, I never meant what I said. You know that, so why are you still holding it against me?¡±


    ¡°You have no idea how much she means to me,¡± Xe¡¯Reth says, leaning thoroughly on the backrest¡¯s cushions. ¡°Now we are even, Madelyn. Childish, I know. But...¡± He points at his eye, then points at hers. Making a statement. ¡°If you ever bring in my mother again, consider yourself banished from my eyes.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I understand.¡±


    ¡°See? You¡¯re gullible. Why do you even bother with me? I¡¯ve no redeeming qualities. And first of all, you know nothing about me, about my hardships. You¡¯ve only seen me when I train or fire out arrows on the Ebon Wall. So before you have any right, educate yourself if you ever want to reach my heart,¡± Xe¡¯Reth explains, giving out such a tiring sigh. Even being in the same carriage drains a lot of energy. ¡°You can go ahead and release your anger if you want. I¡¯ll just watch the show. Go on.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! I¡¯m above such pity tantrums!¡± Madelyn declares, raising her pouting lips to the roof. ¡®Hmm¡­ What if I¡­ What if I get through to him via his mother? Never met her, but, she might convince him to be with me instead? I¡¯ll try that!¡¯


    ¡°Are you, huh? Heh,¡± Xe¡¯Reth chuckles, shaking his head. ¡°Then what about yesterday?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I got possessed¡­¡±


    ¡°By what..?¡±


    ¡°Oh just leave me alone! Go back to that brooding state you were in when I came down the stairs!¡± Madelyn shouts out, flipping him off.


    She covers her upper body with the window curtain, beginning to scour the street of the Inner Layer. Busy with people; children, servants, high-standing couples taking a stroll, browsing the boutiques. Individuals of noble origin, but among the masses, regular folk still mix in with the others. Since they have permits to go into the Citadel¡¯s Outer Grounds, having the fortune to witness the splendor of the Inner Layer.


    Though, two massive gates block off the residential areas of the nobles. The crescent formation of the Inner Layer makes it so that the middle is where most people are, while on the sides is where no filth can reside. The noble families have taken it upon themselves to take care of their area of the City. As such, the heads of the households know each other rather well. Some are friends, some even marry their children to strengthen their house to a higher position. Yet the one that keeps them all in check, the Artistones.


    Over the ages, they have had the most leeway. For the single reason being: Their connection to the founding head of the Tertins. Not anymore though, because over the recent years, the Bradinox family have used Celyssa in their favor, moving in on all sides, putting pressure on the excavation sites belonging to the Artistones. Celyssa has demanded much more materials, but the Artistone¡¯s dowry is immense. They have pushed their advances back.


    Bad blood between those two respected households. However, alliances have formed, yet kept in secret. Because having an underground network under the City requires money, secrecy, and loyalty¡­


    ¡­¡­


    ¡­


    Half-way through the Outer Layer, exiting one of the market districts, Madelyn finally removes the curtain to scout out the atmosphere inside the carriage. Her eyes, going agape. Xe¡¯Reth is scowling out the window with a raised lip. Though as they journey further away from where his eyes are glued to, he covers his side of the window, shaking his head to rid himself of his dread.


    ¡°What is the matter?¡± Madelyn asks, which startles him in his seat.


    ¡®When did she start looking at me¡­? Dammit, I showed something unsightly. Better stay focused.¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth chuckles, scratching his chin. ¡°Oh, nothing. Just¡­ Bad memories...¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Madelyn raises one of her brows and purses her lips. ¡°One of your hardships¡­? As you said?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­ Only¡­ Hmph, no need to keep it a secret ¨C a noblewoman tricked me into selling my mother¡¯s house when I was¡­ thirteen.¡±


    ¡°Since my mother had the Fire-Brand disease, and it was known to her buyers, nobody dared to buy anything. We had a small clothing store, which my mom had put all her savings into,¡± Xe¡¯Reth broods, shaking his head side to side while clicking his tongue. ¡°Because of the illness, I had to buy all kinds of merchandise that were overpriced. Ointments for her skin, sedatives for sleeping, but those damned store clerks were greedy. They squeezed everything, or more like tricked me. Throwing in flowery words to make a little boy enthralled by the magical effects!¡±


    Madelyn flickers her eyes, not daring to interrupt his little exhaust of rage.


    ¡°Then she happened¡­ The promise of fortune ¨C help for my mother. Gold. Empty lies to lullaby a child. I knew I couldn¡¯t keep up with the rent. And the woman had money. She wanted to buy the house which we were living in, buy the whole damn street! That she did. And those who knew about money ¨C the currency of gold ¨C bargained with the woman, while I on the other hand¡­ So innocent.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know how much a gold crown was worth because my mother had never taught me about the currency of gold, only silver and copper. Was it worth a thousand silver crowns? Ten thousand? Foolish. I accepted it with gleaming eyes, not knowing what I gave away. There was a contract¡­ I didn¡¯t read it. Only signed it,¡± Xe¡¯Reth sighs in shame, hating his former self. ¡°And as I signed it, it was over. Thankfully, I arranged another house in the slums. The house I recently moved out of. The landlady was rather eager enough to rent it out to me.¡±


    ¡°I had left my ill mother there while I went to see to her shop, a shop that was demolished by that wench. She lied to me, told me that she was going to clean the filth away¡­ Meaning, us. I thought she was actually going to clean, to make everything beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Heh, pitiful me. Here I am whining about a noble that wronged me, while in front of me, sits the very embodiment of nobility. Arrogance Incarnate,¡± Xe¡¯Reth curses, pointing straight at Madelyn. Childish indeed. Not his usual collected self. Anger is boiling to the brim. However, happiness is bordering his anger. If he¡¯s right about his blood, he will finally ease his mother''s pains. ¡°But forget everything I just said. I don¡¯t mean to carry over my hatred to you. Forgive me.¡±


    He gives a plate-sounding bow, then returns to peek out between the curtain, utterly unmoved by his recent speech. He ventures through this street all the time, but the sight of it still digs up old wounds.


    Scratching his itching scar, he glances back at Madelyn who fiddles with her hands and legs. Her breath has sped up while muttering echoes from her helmet into his ears. But as her gulp declares, Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s eyes narrow in suspicion. His dark brows descend, glaring at her.


    ¡°You know whom I speak of¡­?¡± Xe¡¯Reth inquires as Madelyn¡¯s head shakes side to side and tilts forward.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ I mean, I do¡­ No, wait, I don¡¯t¡­¡± Madelyn mumbles, not having the courage to gaze into those dark depths of his which peer at her with unmeasurable wrath. ¡°I-I¡­ Aw, I¡¯m sorry, Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Her voice shivers, clutching her gauntlets together to pray. ¡±Goddesses¡­ My¡­ My mother, she¡­ Before the disease came, she had made arrangements to bring in an influenced clothe designer into the City. To give those who enjoy clothes somewhere to nest. To both regular folk and nobles, to heal the crevasse between them. She¡­ No. I wanted it to happen too. Not for the people, but for myself¡­ It helped me deal with the loss of my parents.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Xe¡¯Reth¡­¡± Madelyn even removes her helmet to display her heartfelt regret in her teary eyes that gaze into his enthralling orbs, and her trembling lips that are afraid. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll do anything to repair the damage my mother, and I caused. I know the owner very well. I can arrange a meeting with her if¡­ i-if you want her to, well¡­ If you want revenge. I have enough power to¡­ Ruin her¡­ Maybe you want her to¡­ Die? If she harmed you, I¡­ Then she will pay for her crimes.¡± Madelyn¡¯s eyes break off from his black globes, flailing about in bewilderment, in madness. ¡°She has come to deliver my purchases many times to get on my good side. I can have her come by at night¡­ If you want to¡­ torture her for her sins¡­ D-Do you?¡±


    Madelyn innocently peeks at Xe¡¯Reth. Such spew coming out from her mouth.


    ¡®So it was the Tertins that sponsored that woman, huh? No wonder she could do whatever she wanted. To me at least¡­¡¯


    Xe¡¯Reth closes his eyes as his whole face relaxes. He doesn¡¯t want to kill the woman, but frightening her? He wouldn¡¯t mind that. Jeopardize her business in Tertinum perhaps? Yes. He can¡¯t lie to his mother forever, or can he¡­? He will make her feel how he felt. The undeniable cruel fate of those who are¡­ lesser.


    ¡®Madelyn seems eager enough to help, so why don¡¯t I put her to use? I do need a boutique to show mother. Her new shop that I kept afloat over these past four years. Mm, that will do.¡¯


    ¡°Xe¡¯Reth, please, speak to me¡­!¡± Madelyn beseeches, wanting to crawl on all fours to him, but she¡¯s too exhausted. Even rising would doom her to darkness. She¡¯s actually out of breath from her heart increasing. Why such angst. Why doesn¡¯t he speak! ¡°Xe¡¯Reth¡­!¡±


    His eyes are still closed, waiting a little longer, so Madelyn falls over the edge of her sanity, into the depth of her insanity.


    ¡®How should I handle this? Show fury? Show sadness? Ah, yes. Emotionlessness. My forte.¡¯ Xe¡¯Reth decides, opening his eyes in slow motion as his mouth becomes unbiased, no emotion weighing on his heart. Fully opening his lids, he peers straight into her sky-blue spheres, which she responds with terror on her grimacing face. ¡°A meeting would be much appreciated, thank you. Now, if you would excuse me. I don¡¯t want to look at you right now.¡±


    Once again, he moves his hand to the curtain to uncover the window. He just sits there, unemotional. The hint of sadness in his out-gazing eyes damage Madelyn. She merely lowers her head in humility, not saying a single word in response.


    She understands full well of what he experiences¡ªWhat she has done. No control of those who have wealth and power. The nobles run rampant even with the DLO¡¯s watchful eyes. No order. She is indeed the embodiment of nobility because her likeness is uncanny.


    ¡®Sister has even begun to help the City with that old lady coming back. Mother¡­ What should I do?¡¯


    Peeking again at Xe¡¯Reth¡¯s lonely narrow eyes, she descends into depression. Like a meek little pup.


    ¡®Maybe¡­ Maybe I should also do something¡­ for the City, too? Yes¡­ Yes! Just you wait, my revenge will come sister. Just you wait. But for these next weeks¡­ Hmm, I¡¯ll speak to Jessica to get her advice on what my mother would do in my situation. Yes, I must try to appear like a proper Queen¡¯s Lady¡­ At least on the outside.¡¯


    The rolling of wheels, the bombarding of hooves, and the shouting of salutes from the newly situated gate-guards are the only noises that ring into their ears. Silence inside the carriage, while on the outside, people¡¯s eyes and mouths stand open as they witness the golden embroidery of what they¡¯ll never have.


    The citizens make way for the carriage to exit through the Outer Gateway in an organized fashion because words had been sent for their arrival.


    Soldiers salute while being in two different lanes on the bridge; the City has been overrun by them. Order must be upheld at all cost. And it will cost the Tertins a lot. But their wealth had founded a thousand years ago. Over the millennia, it has only grown because of the traffic into the City, coming from those who journey to the Ebon Wall.


    However, one¡¯s reputation is far more important than anything else in this Queendom.


    Without the trust of its citizens, a City is nothing more than a place of corruption. Of sinners. Maldoran has work to do, and so does his wife. But their worries won¡¯t end anytime soon. It will only rise and rise until the people have lost all respect for their Honored ruler. An unfortunate victim to be strung up, to be the scapegoat.


    Because when did the descend into turmoil start?


    When Maldoran and his wife took over the City.


    The rightful ruler will be hailed with love when the right time comes to unseat the unworthy¡­


    Reconon drives past the bridge and into the countryside, to journey to the visible Ebon Wall in the distance, the emerald trees from afar, the farmers that harvest the fawn wheat, and the waving villagers that greet them with warmth. A sunny day, a good day to travel. Though thankfully, the traffic on the road is minimal. So their arrival will be in their favor. Perfect to get everything in order before the Honored Assembly¡­


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