《Behind a Blue Veil》


 Chapter I: Where it all began

    "Come on Julia! Can''t you hear the sound of the horses approaching the farm? Hurry up dammit and shoot once and for all!¡± ¨C With glassy and slightly red eyes; holding back tears as she felt a lump in her throat make it hard to breathe, Julia held the gun with both hands pointed at the chest of the man standing in front of her.


    His knees were shaking and his index finger on the trigger seemed stiff, as if his body refused to respond to such an order. She knew that this was one more opprobrium on her shoulders, that the guilt of staying alive would follow her until her bones reached the grave.


    Yes, more and more the sound of the steeds'' hooves echoed over the cobblestones that led to the main entrance of the farm, like the beat of a clock that moves its hands, frightening with its sound what a sepulchral melody within the room.


    The sweat bathed the white skin of his forehead, spilling over his beautiful green eyes, which contrasted with the blue of the coat of his crown officer uniform. While her delicate lips trembled with impotence at not being able to utter a word.


    ¡°My daughter, it is not your fault that you were born a woman. If you had been a boy, my title could have passed to you, without you being condemned to live a lie for all these years. But this kingdom will never see women as anything more than an instrument to produce heirs. I''m so sorry I couldn''t do anything for you, my beloved Julia¡± ¨C Rogelio Buenaventura Valera, was known among the nobles for being a man of integrity and remarkable principles. Heir to the dukedom of Valera, he made countless contributions to the development of the kingdom of Antioca . From the economic to the legislative, his knowledge placed at the service of King Edward II was never questioned in his loyalty.


    Except for a single detail that was impossible to avoid, even for the most intelligent person in the midst of a kingdom of patriarchal roots.


    Within the circles of the nobles, there was a long-standing struggle for the successors of King Edward II. On the one hand, there were those who wholeheartedly supported the first prince as a direct successor to the throne line. On the other hand, a faction was strong in its interest for Princess Elena, as the first-born , to take the crown. But the existing laws on succession issues that affected the heirs of the great noble houses, had a counterweight so that the princess herself was not taken seriously, because there were no precedents within the nobility for a woman to inherit. .


    Knowing such a situation, King Edward secretly entrusted his faithful minister Rogelio to advocate for changes in the laws of succession within Parliament. In order to guarantee the promotion of his eldest daughter, for which he did not hide having his greatest approval in contrast to the first prince.


    Seeing the opportunity to restore the honor of his beloved Julia, Rogelio spared no resources or time at the cost of making powerful enemies within the chamber of the nobles.


    Within the walls of the palace where only secrets are usually heard in whispers, Julia made her rounds through the corridor that led to the chambers of the first prince. For her, the whispers of the maids were things that she did not usually take into consideration; Except for those rumors that had to do with Rafael, the first crown prince.


    ¡°Why the frown so marked Andr¨¦s? Are you still getting angry at the licentious tongues of these vulgar commoners? Maybe you should have them cut so they stop disturbing your ears¡± ¨C Placing his thick hand on Julia''s delicate shoulder, Rafael smiled subtly while with his eyes he glared at the maids, who hurriedly left the corridor without noticing. time for their faces to be distinguished.


    Five years had passed since Julia''s appointment as personal guard to the first prince; the highest distinction to which a noble could aspire, although for her it was more of a burden due to the risk of being discovered.


    Within the secrets of the palace, it was known that Rafael enjoyed sharing his bed with beautiful young men at night. Of which, many times Julia had to take care of dispatching before the sun rose, so that the secret of the young prince would not be discovered.


    ¡°Crown Prince, be so kind as to take your hand off my shoulder. We are in a public place and the walls not only have ears inside this palace¡± ¨C Letting out a laugh that echoed in the walls of the corridor, Rafael withdrew his hand from Julia and quickly changed his countenance to a more severe one.


    She knew it, that defiant look devoid of empathy in the prince''s eyes was something that made her blood run cold no matter how many times she had witnessed it. Even more so when those brown eyes stared into his as if he wanted to devour him with their gaze.


    ¨C ¡° It has been five long years, since I chose you as my personal escort, Andr¨¦s. And in this time, as much as I wanted to give you all of me, you despise it as if it were a cheap gift.


    - " My lord, I have never thought of it like that..."


    -¡° Shut up!¡± ¨C Taking her tightly by the neck crashing her fragile body against the wall, Rafael did not hold back squeezing the delicate skin of Julia''s neck. Who uselessly held the thick wrist of the corpulent prince with his hands, who pressed his fingers making the young woman feel at times that her life was ending.


    "What''s going on here?" - A feminine voice but full of strength made a noise that took the first prince out of his barbaric trance. Accompanied by two maidens, dressed in a dark red dress with fine diamonds adorning it, Princess Elena rebuked Rafael who was still strangling Julia''s poor humanity.


    -¡° Andr¨¦s is my escort, do not dare to interfere in my discipline methods!¡±


    -¡° Can a rabid dog teach manners? Even an ape knows the obligation of nobility better than you prince.¡±


    Dropping Julia''s body to the ground, Rafael rushed towards his sister, being stopped in the act by the cold edge of a knife that almost grazed the skin of her neck. Accustomed to her brother''s hostility, Elena learned from an early age in the art of hand-to-hand combat. Even with her father''s reluctance, the princess considered that studying self-defense was an important asset for her physical integrity. Learning from masters brought from distant kingdoms, where women were seen as equals.


    "Enjoy that empty confidence of yours while you can, I will soon see that arrogant smile turn into a sea of tears, dear sister" - Scaring the maidens as he abruptly made his way between them, Rafael left with the air of a fighting bull that had been thrown into the arena.


    Getting up with difficulty while leaning against the wall, while putting her right hand to her neck, Julia sucked in breaths with difficulty, feeling her eyes bulge out of their sockets. Right next to her, the princess hurried to help her sit up properly, reflecting on her face a legitimate expression of concern.


    ¡°If you hadn''t shown up for appointments just that day as I asked, you would have been assigned to my care. You are a fool Andr¨¦s¡± - With her heart overwhelmed by seeing him in such a way, Elena took her handkerchief wiping the sweat from Julia''s face, while ordering her maids to take her to the shade of one of the trees in the interior garden of the palace.


    Feeling the softness of the grass beneath her, Julia lost her gaze in the direction of the treetop as the princess''s hand rested on hers. Unaware of the secret she kept in her heart, Elena silently loved Andr¨¦s. Like a maiden looking beyond the moon, the princess was mesmerized from a distance watching the young guard as he served the palace. Treasuring moments like this, where he could innocently brush the warm touch of her skin against that of his impossible love.


    Being a royal princess, Elena had the immutable destiny of being given in marriage as a sign of alliance with a neighboring kingdom. Even if his father wished otherwise, to act impulsively to assert himself against the house of nobles was to weaken the legitimate authority of the monarch.


    "If life were fair, I wouldn''t mind being born as a commoner if that allowed me to be with you" - Like a whisper that was lost in the sound of the wind blowing through the leaves of the tree, those words drowned between her lips reached subtly Julia''s heart. Who simply lowered his gaze sadly, answering that message with a light squeeze of his hand to the princess.


    Hours past these events, Julia was still standing guard near the crown prince''s chambers, when her ears picked up on a heated argument behind Raphael''s bedroom doors.


    ¡° There is no more time, the Duke of Valera has committed treason tonight my lord! If we don''t act now, in two days the weight of their deceit will be impossible to reverse. If we act now, parliament will have to freeze legislative approvals to attend an impeachment trial. It is the only thing that will allow us to gain time to destroy all the tricks of that damned Rogelio¡± ¨C The voice that was heard with great anxiety behind the doors, was undoubtedly Count Alberto Solera. An upstart nobleman who, colluding with the faction that supported Prince Rafael, was taking over the properties of other lower-ranking nobles whom he framed as enemies of the crown.


    Exploiting his vassals within their territories with heavy taxes with which he secretly financed a clandestine army in support of the first prince.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°I know you have a particular appreciation for young Andr¨¦s. If he causes his father to fall from grace, he will lose his title as a noble and will be nothing more than a commoner. Don''t you think that would have given you up?" ¨C Feeling a shiver run down her back from the back of her neck, Julia took a step back, putting her hand to her mouth in shock.


    She knew that her father was working on legal reforms for the succession of the inheritance among the nobles, but she never imagined that such scope could put the succession race for the crown at stake. If those despicable subjects were successful in their enterprise, not only would his father lose his life, but Princess Elena would also be at the mercy of Rafael''s whims. Who, taking advantage of the fact that King Edward had been bedridden for several days, had carried his conspiracy to this point.


    Hurtling through the palace corridors until she reached the stables, Julia hastily mounted her steed, bending her ankle against the stirrup of the saddle.


    The pain that shot through his right leg made him gag as the horse flailed violently in the stable, trying to calm it down so it wouldn''t attract the attention of the stable keepers.


    The full moon that bathed the green meadow in front of her with its light, little by little was hidden behind thick storm clouds that threatened to drop a barrage. The cold wind that began to blow rocked her brown hair, confirming that those clouds were far from temporary.


    Hitting the steed with the whip, Julia left at full gallop through one of the side entrances of the palace where she knew the guards would not be because of the shift change; trying to buy time before the machinations of the sinister plan of Rafael, who had already given his approval to the mean Count Solera.


    Kicking up a light cloud of dust on the dirt road, the steed strode briskly, making Julia''s uniform cape flap like the wings of an owl lost in the night.


    From the correspondence that she used to exchange with her father because she spent most of her time in the palace, Julia knew that Duke Rogelio was not in the mansion in the capital that night, but in a farm on the outskirts of the territory. of Valera.


    Because Count Solera was unaware of this, Julia would have enough time to warn her father to leave the kingdom while she found a way to protect him. However, such a task of convincing, he knew, would be difficult, since it implied not only that he abandon his dignity as a nobleman but escape as a mere criminal. But he would also put Julia''s life on the line for helping a traitor escape.


    The clouds that until recently only darkened the sky, began to drop a light drizzle that gradually formed a thick curtain of water that made it difficult for her to see the road in front of her.


    The water lapping with the horse''s hooves on the mud that formed on the dirt road, making it increasingly difficult to maintain speed. But curtailing her career now would put her at a serious disadvantage, when her father''s enemies must have already noticed her absence when they raided the mansion.


    Just when on the horizon he spotted a pair of luminaries that marked the main entrance to the main road of the farm, the steed''s legs collapsed as his hooves slipped against the cobblestones due to the mud on his horseshoes.


    The crash with which the animal collapsed threw Julia''s body to the floor, who managed to cover her head with her arms, dislocating her shoulder in the process.


    His body was completely bruised, both his ankle and his shoulder in such pain that it was difficult for him to maintain consciousness. Forcing her at times to bite her lips trying to withstand such intense punishment.


    Due to his injuries and the intensity of the rain, it took him a little over half an hour to reach the entrance of the old house on the farm. That place that many years of his childhood, he used to enjoy during the summer in the company of his father and mother.


    Crossing the threshold of the door, the young woman noticed that the place was plunged into complete darkness. Only illuminated for brief moments by the light of the lightning that filtered through the curtains of the windows.


    Disturbed by the thought that she had arrived too late, Julia hurried with difficulty up the stairs that led to the second floor of the house. Leaning against the wall in an attempt to keep from losing his balance and breaking his neck on the fall.


    When his eyes caught sight of the edge of the stave floor on the upper level, a fine light like that of an oil lamp filtered through the corner of his father''s office door.


    His heart began to beat rapidly, while he brought his hand to his waist looking for the hilt of his saber, preparing to face any enemy that faced him as soon as he crossed the door frame.


    "My daughter! What are you doing here? This is not a safe place, if they discover you with me they will hang you¡± ¨C With a serious tone of voice, which could barely stand up to the impression that this unexpected encounter meant to him. Duke Rogelio looked astonished at the face in which Julia''s body was found, who, seeing herself in the mirror hanging on the wall of the study, could not help but go into a little shock.


    The blue jacket of his uniform was torn and full of mud, his white pants were tinted by the pigment of the green grass against which he had rolled in his fall. His lips bore the deep marks left by his teeth as he bit them down to endure the pain, showing a slight shade of crimson that contrasted with his fair complexion.


    ¡°Father, you must run away from here ! Prince Raphael''s soldiers will come to the estate to arrest you. You have to escape and stay alive. Count Solera has set a trap for you¡± ¨C Almost losing her voice due to the pain she had to endure in her body, Julia begged her father with eyes full of desperation. Whoever looked saw how her daughter''s face looked like a vivid portrait of the agony close to death.


    ¡°Julia listen to me, it''s already too late for me! Earl Solera ordered in the morning to secretly arrest the nobles who supported me in parliament. If it weren''t for one of Baron Vargas''s servants, the fruit of our efforts would have been completely lost. I cannot waste the sacrifice of so many good men just because of an act of cowardice.¡± ¨C Oblivious to the whole situation, Julia had acted recklessly governed by her emotions. Intentionally forgetting her father''s firm and stoic character, as if trying to convince herself that everything would be okay.


    Unlike her, her father had remained calm in the face of the inevitable outcome of Earl Albert''s betrayal, preparing copies of official documents that he gave to a servant who had hours since fled to the border to meet allies of the princess.


    He knew that his fate was sealed, running away would only make Julia pay instead for the charges that Count Solera had brought against him. There was no hope of leaving the kingdom, not for a father who loved his daughter like the apple of his eye.


    ¡°You have the same face as your late mother. How I would have liked your beauty not to be overshadowed by the heavy shackles of the succession" - Thinking those words to himself, walking slowly to his desk, Duke Rogelio opened one of the drawers and took out a pistol that he placed in the thin hands of Julia.


    Taking five steps back, the duke exhaled a bit as he tried to calm his thoughts at the dire order he was about to give his daughter. Looking at her fondly for the last time, he changed his frown to one full of anger, as if another being inhabited his body.


    ¡°If it weren''t for you, who were born a woman! Our lives would not have reached this point of no return!¡± ¨C Seeking to intimidate his daughter''s soul, the duke wanted any feeling of love towards him to be clouded by the negative emotions that were growing in Julia''s mind.


    Who, without understanding the situation, let her emotions flow by asking her father why he said such harsh words against her.


    That man who for so many years loved her and cared for her with such care, was now in front of her attacking her, raging like an animal that does not have filial love for its offspring.


    ¨C ¡° Why do you tell me that father? I am Julia, your daughter.¡±


    ¨C ¡° That is the problem, you are a daughter and not a son. A woman clumsily playing the role of a man. Without achieving a better thing than making a fool of himself by giving the image of a delicate man.


    Look in the mirror, you''re just a scarecrow in the uniform of the royal guard. You are far from being a man, just a satirical caricature of what you can never be.


    The rudeness of those words completely broke Julia, who collapsed on the floor with difficulty bringing her hands to her face while shedding bitter tears from the depths of her heart.


    All his life since he had the use of reason, he lived wearing a mask that society had imposed on him. Suppressing her deepest desires between frustrations, contemplating how the girls of other noble houses wore beautiful dresses and enjoyed their true being without the need to pretend anything.


    From the academy to the knight training school, she had to endure the mocking looks of her classmates, who, seeing her as a fragile man, secretly frightened her, making her day to day more difficult.


    Seeing that scene, Duke Rogelio wanted to take off his tyrannical mask and run to hug his vulnerable daughter who lay disconsolate on the floor in a flood of tears. But ruled by reason, he buried his feelings in the depths of his chest as if a heavy rock oppressed his heart.


    The rain that had stopped falling let the silence of the night give way to the roar of the horses that came at full gallop to the farm. Count Solera''s men had already caught up with Duke Rogelio, it was a matter of minutes before there would be no salvation for Julia. Unless , as a member of the prince''s personal guard, he executed his father out of loyalty for treason.


    The laws of the kingdom stipulated that if a descendant executed his ancestors for treason against the crown, the charges against him were annulled by demonstration of loyalty. All the evidence that Solera had imputed about Rogelio, had not touched Julia at any time. So that scenario of salvation for his daughter was a real possibility that he could not ignore.


    -¡° What are you waiting for? Take the gun and shoot the hell out of it?"


    -¡° I can''t! Don''t ask me to do that, as much as you hate me, I love you father! Don''t put such a weight on me."


    -¡° If you die, Princess Elena will have no one to protect her from Count Solera''s machinations¡± ¨C Julia felt as if a bucket of cold water fell on her, taking her out of her trance for a brief moment. Recalling Elena''s words that afternoon, the young woman sat up once more in front of the duke while raising her arms pointing the gun towards her chest.


    Put between a rock and a hard place, the young woman was confronted by her love for her father and her sworn duty to the royal family. Despite the fact that he was a traitor, that act would make her a parricide. And once her innocence was known, she would be ostracized in the same way.


    In the eyes of the princess, any virtue or value that could have him would be on the ground. He would be nothing more than an outcast, someone who is far from any feeling of compassion or consolation.


    "It''s not fair father. This heavy burden that you have placed on me is something that I will not be able to bear until the end of my days. Without your love, without the love of the princess, what do I have left to live? ¨C Swallowing hard as she focused the sight of the gun on the center of her chest, Julia sighed for a brief moment while the sound of the guards'' boots echoed on the stairs approaching the office door.


    -¡° I love you dad¡±


    - " Me too, daughter"


    Finished saying those last words, the sound of gunpowder rumbling in the chamber of the gun completely filled the room as the guards opened the door wide.


    Before their eyes, the bullet pierced the duke''s chest, cutting him down to death. Making his body fall to the floor of the room, filling the pattern of the carpet with his blood.


    The guards hurried to take Julia prisoner, at the same time they approached the body to verify that it was not some trick.


    Dragged out of the room, Julia looked at her father''s inert body out of the corner of her eye, while she wept inside with the bitterness that filled her heart.

 Chapter II: No way out

    The sound of the creaking of the wooden planks of a worn carriage belonging to the royal guard, added to the wobble of the wheels due to the uneven dirt road after the rain, made the unfortunate Julia be on the verge of screaming.


    An hour had already passed on the road since she was handcuffed and taken captive inside the carriage cage. The feeling of pain in his body that until recently was bearable, now felt as if every muscle fiber and bone was broken one by one.


    Thanks to the adrenaline that circulated through his bloodstream, due to the sum of emotions while he was going to save his father, he was able to resist the ravages of the road until he could reach him.


    Thinking of that man who saw her grow up, Julia kept shedding her tears in deep regret for taking her life. Physical pain was nothing to her, compared to the affliction she felt in her heart.


    ¡°Stop yelling dammit! Not only does your appearance look effeminate, but also your screams sound like a woman giving birth. Shut the hell up!" ¨C Firmly taking his rifle, the guard hit the young woman''s skull with the butt, silencing her in an instant as if he had killed her with the force he used.


    "Moron! What did you do? Prince Rafael ordered to take him alive. Do you want our heads to roll along with our families because of this queer? ¨C Frightened by his partner''s words, the guard hurriedly bowed, putting a mirror up to Julia''s nose.


    The light vapor he exhaled on his breath clouded the surface, giving the man relief to see that he had only passed out.


    -¡° What do you think the prince will do with it?¡±


    -¡° He is the son of a traitor. The only thing that saves him is that he was the one who took his own father''s life, but I wouldn''t want to be in his shoes when that prince uses him like the others¡± ¨C Bringing his index finger hastily to his lips, he guard towards the gesture to his partner to be silent. Since it was known to all, that those unfortunates who came to mention the private life of the prince did not have a good end.


    The carriage continued on its way without stopping, while the first rays of the sun slid over the tops of the snowy mountains that circled the horizon. The year was in spring and with it, the cold morning wind made the guards shiver due to their soaked clothes.


    Julia? Julia, where are you? ¨C A gentle and warm voice that emanated an almost angelic aura, called a little girl who was hiding cheerfully behind the trunk of a leafy oak, in the meadow in front of the summer house where the Dukes of Valera used to spend their vacations.


    Approaching her giving the impression of not knowing where she was, the duchess humored her little daughter who barely covered her lips with her little hands trying to contain her laughter.


    "Catch you!" ¨C Picking up the little girl, barely two years old, the Duchess of Valera smiled happily in tune with the laughter of her little girl who protested at having been found.


    Curly blond hair, which shone like wheat ready to be harvested, pearly skin that reddened at her cheekbones like a pair of Castilian roses that had just bloomed. Adela Augusta de Valera, the wife of Duke Rogelio, was considered one of the most beautiful women in the kingdom only after Queen Virginia herself.


    Many nobles at social gatherings praised her beauty, sometimes causing some jealousy in her husband, who more than once thought about stopping attending events. Being dissuaded by his wife, who reminded him that he was a figure that represented the crown itself with his behavior.


    ¡°Julia, it''s time to change your clothes¡± ¨C Being such a small girl, young Julia barely kept the memories of that happy childhood with her mother. But what she always had in mind is that since her birth, pastel colors and lace were out of her wardrobe.


    Men''s clothing was what she always knew due to her condition. Due to the Duchess having a delicate health condition, the idea of having another baby was dismissed by the Duke without a second thought. The mere fact of losing her was a situation that he wished would never arise.


    Being an only child, Julia had to take on the role of a man in society. Pushed by the shackles of the law and the constant threat of the duke''s distant relatives. Knowing that Adela had delicate health, they insistently suggested to the Duke to adopt one of his offspring to decree him as successor.


    Living in ostracism, Julia spent her first years in the company of her mother in that farm on the outskirts of the capital. While her father stood firm in his duty as a crown official, preventing malicious eyes from finding the secret of his beloved daughter.


    ¡°Tell me Julia? You like?" ¨C Placing a mirror in front of her daughter, Duchess Adela smiled at her daughter, who did not take her eyes off the reflection that appeared before her.


    A coordinated navy blue with silver buttons, olive leaf embroidery made with fine threads of a darker tone. Those clothes were something that was not comfortable for her, she felt that they were not her own as if they had been made for another child.


    "Mom, why do I always wear ugly clothes?" - That innocent question devoid of all malice, penetrated deep into the heart of the duchess. Who couldn''t even explain to her beloved daughter the complexity of her situation, forcing herself to think about the subject using any resource that came to her mind.


    Adela''s beautiful green eyes dimmed as a lump formed in her throat, unable to give her daughter full happiness. Sitting up in bed, she brought her hands to her lap and tried to hide her sadness by lowering her face while letting out a sigh.


    "Please do not cry. Did I say something mom shouldn''t say?" - A pair of small chubby hands rested on hers, who when looking up could contemplate that expressive face of the innocent creature that did not hide her concern.


    "It''s nothing my little girl . I was just feeling a little tired and that''s why I came to sit on the bed. You shouldn''t worry about mom, my pretty treasure¡± ¨C Hugging him gently against her chest, the duchess placed a tender kiss on Julia''s hair. Who listened to the slow beating of his mother''s heart; which had some months of not feeling well, avoiding leaving the limits of the farm.


    Like a wind-up clock that stops its mechanism little by little, Adela''s heart slowed down over the years. The fateful outcome came one gloomy winter morning, bedridden in that same room where she shared so many moments with her beloved daughter.


    The white snow that covered the greenery of the valley seemed like a carpet that welcomed the worthy lady to the tomb. That day few friends close to the duke attended the funeral, many of them arguing that they were traveling and it was impossible for them to meet him, but they accompanied him in his pain.


    Rogelio knew that he had earned a lot of dislike for his honest character, but he never gave up on him, being what his late wife adored most about his personality.


    Holding hands wearing black suits, Julia and her father stood near the coffin contemplating for the last time who took part of their hearts. With a serene countenance as if she were asleep, resting on white roses with which the coffin had been filled, Adela''s body was seen through Julia''s eyes with a wish that all this was a dream.


    That as soon as he put his head on the pillow he would get up the next day and run as usual down the hall of the house and open the door of his mother''s room, to find her in front of her dresser combing her long golden hair.


    "It''s a shame that he died so young, in the full flower of his life and with only one child to his credit" - Rogelio''s malicious words from a relative reached the ears of Julia, who, being shocked by that harsh reality , he burst into tears inconsolably in the presence of the assistants and the sacristan.


    -¡° Andrew! This is not the time or the place."


    -¡° If this is not a time to cry for the one you have lost, when is it my dear Rogelio?¡± ¨C Those present made way and prostrated their knee before the arrival of an assistant who was not expected at that time. King Edward II, upon learning of Adela''s death, paused in all royal activities in order to accompany his most faithful collaborator in his sorrow.


    Behind him, two children came walking with the proper solemnity that characterized the members of the crown. A girl with jet black hair and turquoise eyes, who was hugging a small rag rabbit that looked a little worn at the seams. To his right, a brown-haired boy with a plump complexion and a frown from the look that gave the impression of always being annoyed.


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    They were Elena and Rafael, the princes who accompanied their father as a sign of respect for the ducal house of Valera.


    -¡° Please forgive the rudeness of my words my lord¡±


    -¡° I know that as nobility they live under a constant disguise of appearances. Some to show off, others like you, to protect what is important. But let Andr¨¦s cry for his mother without caring about the vultures that prowl around here¡± ¨C The strong words of the king made more than one feel a sting in the conscience, causing the ladies who until a moment ago were whispering viperously to restrain the impetus of their language.


    Giving a signal to the priest, the king asked him to continue with the funeral rite to see off the noble Adela until her last rest. After the liturgy, the minister gave peace to those present and concluded the funeral.


    The gravediggers taking their shovels began to pour earth on the lid of the coffin, while Julia restrained herself a little so as not to cause more problems for her father. At nine years old, the girl''s innocence was marked by the departure of her beloved mother. Who would no longer be with her, leaving her alone in the farm where only the servants were present.


    Abandoning formalities and protocol, that same afternoon King Edward and his sons accompanied the remnant of the Valera family; which were astonished, since it was not a common behavior that would be expected from the crown.


    Seeking the opportunity to speak alone with Roger, the king asked his sons to accompany Andrew while they discussed some personal matters. Elena accepted without making any protest, but Rafael showed his displeasure by considering the young man as someone unmanly to play with.


    Giving her a vigorous rebuke, the king slammed the tip of his cane on the wooden floor of the room, causing even Julia to widen her eyes as expressive at the imposing presence of the monarch.


    "It''s okay, father" - Clenching his fists in a huff, Rafael walked through the middle of the children, pushing Julia with her shoulder, who could barely stand up before the corpulent figure of the first prince.


    ¡°Don''t pay attention to him, he''s always like that¡± ¨C Holding the worn rag rabbit against her chest, Elena gazed at Andr¨¦s''s eyes, slightly captivated by the ease with which he could express his emotions.


    Taking him by the hand, she gently pulled his arm to guide her to her bedroom to play for a while until the grown-ups finished discussing their business. When they got to the room, Rafael was already inside rummaging through the toy chest that was at the foot of the bed.


    "What is all this? Here there are only simple toys, there are no soldiers or horses, only board games and to top it off only two people¡± ¨C Julia watched shocked as Rafael did not have the slightest delicacy with all the things he took out of the trunk. Throwing them on the floor at the risk of breaking more than one.


    Pursing her lips as if she wanted to contain herself since it was the first prince, Julia tried to remain calm in the face of Rafael''s haughty attitude.


    The games that he enjoyed in the company of his mother were treated as if they were mere trinkets in the hands of that imprudent boy. Elena, who noticed the expression in Andres''s eyes, wanted to yell at her brother to stop. When at that very moment, an object appeared before Julia''s look of anguish.


    Holding it with both hands, Rafael vigorously shook a musical snowy sphere inside which rested the figure of an angel embracing a baby. That object among all those that were in the trunk, was the most significant for Julia. Since it was the last birthday present that her mother had given her before she died.


    "I beg you, please don''t break it?" ¨C Falling to her knees unable to hold back her tears, Julia vehemently begged Rafael to stop at that moment, feeling her heart break in two at the possibility of losing that valuable memory.


    "Oh I see. So this is important to you right?¡± - With a malevolent smile that was not typical of a child, Rafael was gloating to have Julia at his mercy. For him during all these years, his sister was more an object of his games than his blood. But before him now a new toy seemed ready to entertain him.


    ¡°Get on all fours and bark like a dog, beg as if you were your master¡± ¨C Elena was about to pounce on Rafael, when Andr¨¦s stopped her by grabbing the hem of her dress arm.


    Downcast gaze shaking her head in disapproval, Julia did as the prince had ordered. Walking on all fours, he approached him barking like a dog. Like a poodle, Julia lowered her dignity at that moment in order to preserve the memory of her beloved mother.


    Laughing uncontrollably, Rafael watched Andr¨¦s make a fool of himself to his morbid delight. But in a brief moment, when she got down on two legs begging, Rafael looked into her eyes and contemplated those green gems like emeralds drowned in tears.


    At twelve years old, the first prince had never before experienced that sensation in his chest like the one he had felt when meeting Julia''s eyes. Which made him confused, since for him it was another man just like him.


    "Enough!" ¨C Raising his voice for a moment, Rafael kicked Julia in the stomach, throwing her against the base of the bed. Elena, who until a few moments ago had remained on the sidelines at Andres'' request, came to his defense by putting herself between the two of them.


    -" Get out of my way sister, do not get in the way of these men''s affairs!"


    -¡° Rafael, is it that you did not suffer for the death of your mother? Or do you not have the heart to understand how Andres feels? ¨C Snorting air through her small and sharp nose, Elena glared at the prince while she stood firm before his imposing presence.


    Julia, on the other hand, was still on the floor coughing as if she felt that something was preventing her from breathing easily.


    "I''ll keep this!" Keeping the small sphere inside his jacket, Rafael left the room without another word, leaving behind Julia who was desperately trying to say a word as she extended her arm begging for the object to be returned.


    Feeling suffocated, her vision blurred until she was plunged into complete darkness.


    "We have already arrived!" ¨C When the carriage stopped suddenly, Julia opened her eyes from her deep sleep after having brought back those memories of her past.


    Confused that she was still in a daze from the blow to her head, she was taken by the arms by the guards escorting her to one of the palace''s first-floor rooms. Laying him down on a bed and then drawing a curtain and leaving to make way for the royal doctor.


    Coming to her senses, aware of the situation she was in, Julia tried to get out of bed to get out of there. But he quickly realized that his hands had been tied to the rails of the stretcher.


    ¡°Damn, damn! It can''t be, no please no!" ¨C Completely lost, the young woman realized that it was a matter of minutes for the royal doctor to realize that it was a woman. If that happened, all his efforts and his father''s sacrifice would be in vain.


    Pleading with a god she no longer believed in, Julia was terrified when she heard the creak of the door hinges opening as a couple of steps approached the curtain that covered her.


    ¡°Nurse, remove the gentleman''s garments without untying the ropes. We have orders from the captain of the royal guard to treat you like a prisoner¡± ¨C Taking a pair of scissors from the instrument tray, the nurse followed the doctor''s order by proceeding to cut the fabric of Julia''s jacket.


    The young woman begged him to stop, giving the false impression of being in a lot of pain. But far from dissuading the nurse, she hastily removed the jacket and continued with the shirt.


    -¡° Doctor, come see this!¡±


    -¡° What is happening? Is it that serious? ¨C The eyelids of the doctor who was still sleepy opened due to surprise. Under Julia''s clothes, the bandage with which she compressed her chest was exposed, not being able to hide the delicate contour of the waist and part that protruded from the edge of the fabric.


    ¡°Summon the captain of the guard immediately! We must report this¡± ¨C Julia felt her blood freeze to the point that her heart almost stopped. His secret, the secret he had managed to keep in the dark for so many years, was coming out at the worst possible time of his life.


    When the captain entered and looked at the situation, he ordered the doctor to treat his wounds and cover him again so that no one else would know about the situation. Threatening him and the nurse that, if they divulged anything that happened in the room, they would be executed on the spot.


    With their lives at stake, they proceeded as the captain ordered and left the room. By the time he and Julia were left alone, the captain''s gaze changed to a mocking tone as he stroked his beard, making a smug grin.


    "Who''d say! Andr¨¦s, the worthy son of the traitor Valera, turned out to be a delicate flower not only in form but also in essence¡± ¨C Approaching the head of the bed, the captain furiously grabbed the young woman¡¯s hair, tilting his face until their gazes locked. facing.


    -¡° What is your real name? Answer you filthy bitch! Or I''ll beat that pretty face until it can''t be recognized."


    -¡° Julia, my name is Julia!¡± ¨C Desperate, feeling that she was on the edge of a precipice, her voice was broken, drowned in a helpless cry due to the pain she felt in her body. Although as knights they had undergone strenuous training to increase their resistance to pain, at the moment the condition he was in was beyond the ability of any human being.


    "Sir, the prince has ordered that you take her to his rooms" - A soldier knocked on the door of the clinic reporting the situation to his superior, who as soon as he heard the order, took the young woman tightly, wrapping her in the sheets of the bed. Scaring her under threats to keep her quiet until told to do so by the crown prince.


    With her face completely covered, Julia was carried like a bundle on the shoulder of the captain, who went up the stairs to the corridor of the prince''s chambers.


    Every step that man took echoed on the marble floor like a heavy hammer hitting rock. Each second that passed seemed like an eternity for Julia, who, keeping her lips closed, murmured pleas for the miracle of not falling into Rafael''s clutches.


    - " Sir, I have come as you have ordered"


    -¡° Go in quickly and close the door, Miguel. Don''t let anyone else see you¡±- That unmistakable voice was the sign of the end of the road for Julia. Any hope or miracle had vanished as soon as they heard the bolt on the door close behind them.


    Placing her on the carpet in the room, Miguel violently removed the sheet from Julia. Who could barely put his hands on the floor in order to avoid hitting his face.


    "Remember this?" ¨C A melody that evoked a distant past, where happiness had been buried by the cruel passage of time. It was the musical sphere that had been taken from him ten years ago by Rafael. That valuable memory played its melody resting on the table near the fireplace.


    ¡°Leave us alone Miguel, but stay near the door¡± ¨C When the captain left the room, Rafael walked slowly until he reached where the unfortunate Julia was prostrated on her knees.


    ¨C ¡° You have been a very bad dog. I was a good owner with you to the point that I spared nothing to have you by my side, but you only dared to bite your master''s hand. Cheating on me all these years


    -¡° I''m sorry¡± ¨C With a soft voice as if the air was insufficient for her to breathe, Julia tried to appeal to Rafael''s sympathy. Who, taking her by the chin, raised her face to look at him in front while holding the incisive gaze on the teary eyes of the young woman.


    In that instant, the melody of the musical sphere stopped completely. Only silence remains between the prey and the hunter.

 Chapter III: Crime and Punishment

    Inside a cold dungeon where the rays of sunlight cannot penetrate, lying in the middle of a pile of moldy straw, curling up in a fetal position to keep warm. Julia awaits the hour of her trial alone with the company of the rats that usually sneak through the holes in the wall.


    Five days had already passed since his arrest, without the possibility of mediating a word with Rafael. Having barely confirmed what his officer had informed him, he gave the order to throw the young woman into the cells in the basement of the castle.


    With her lost gaze in the direction of the bars, Julia saw how a dim light was intensifying, projecting a silhouette on the wall. The jingle of the keys hitting her belt was the signal that the jailer was approaching to transfer her to parliament to start the trial.


    Spitting on the ground as he turned the key in the lock, the guard bawled incoherently as if drunk.


    ¡°Retreat now! From here I will proceed to escort the prisoner¡± ¨C The voice of a man in his thirties was heard from the other side of the fence, his appearance was barely distinguishable in the middle of the darkness by the flames of the torch, but the brightness of the pin that he wore on the lapel of his coat was unmistakable.


    Antioca military academy . At the time as a fencing instructor, Alfonso shared brief moments with Julia; barely exchanging half a word except for the essentials, but having mutual respect conveyed by the clash of the blades of their sabers.


    -" Alfonso, I..."


    ¨C ¡° I don''t want to hear anything that comes from you. If you have something to say, save it for the jury¡± ¨C The harsh attitude with which Alfonso treated Julia was something that she already expected at the moment they spoke to each other. For all these years, she had lied to the world without the slightest qualm. In her thoughts, she considered it fair that Alfonso did not want to know anything about her, even more so for having taken her confidence as a mockery.


    Putting the shackles on her wrists, the lieutenant pulled the chain signaling for Julia to start moving to get out of the prison. Putting her eyes focused on the ground, the young woman realized that Alfonso was taking her through the parts where roots or pebbles could hurt her bare feet.


    That subtle gesture of kindness comforted Julia, who thought for a moment that perhaps there was hope of obtaining his forgiveness even on the brink of death.


    ¡°Liar bitch! Kill her !¡± ¨C As soon as they stepped through the threshold of the cells to the main courtyard, the sunlight was so blinding that it did not allow Julia to see clearly around her. A crowd of commoners had gathered awaiting her release from prison, ready to shout insults at her and throw stones at her seeking to hurt her.


    Alfonso looked at her out of the corner of his eye as she put her arms to her face trying to cover herself, making her react instinctively as a knight, raising her shield to cover her with her cape, pressing her body against his as they walked through the mob.


    "Thank you, lieutenant." ¨C Trembling a little from the cold air that hit her clothes dampened by the confinement, Julia gently pressed the edge of Alfonso''s cape, who only remained silent continuing the march until reaching the doors of the court.


    The officers stationed at the ends of the great door of the court, immediately approached the lieutenant to take the prisoner and take her inside the enclosure. Turning her face away for an instant, Julia watched the worried expression on Alfonso''s face as the door closed.


    At each end of the great hall, the dais set up for the royal officials were packed with a huge crowd. Both nobles of the capital and the always marginalized nobles of the countryside shared a place, without making distinctions between them as if they were unitedly gathered to put an end to the sinner.


    Arriving at the stocks that had been arranged for the occasion, Julia was taken by the head with force and held firmly while the plank closed on her neck and wrists. Leaving her in an awkward position on her knees, causing her shoulder injury to ache as she hadn''t fully recovered.


    "Everybody stand up! Prince Rafael and the honorable Count Solera have entered the premises to preside over this trial!¡± ¨C As a mockery of the word honor, Solera strutted with his chin up as he walked alongside the imposing figure of the crown prince. The nobles who were aware of their true nature kept their faces straight while trying to contain their contempt for a man they considered worse than a dog.


    When Rafael came to the throne in front of the accused, he smiled with an expression of satisfaction at seeing the state to which poor Julia was reduced.


    ¡°The sinner has been singled out by the royal house on charges of identity theft, crown fraud and filial conspiracy against a member of the royal family! How is it declared? ¨C Reading the charges with a severe tone that echoed on the walls of the silent room, Solera inclined his gaze with contempt on Julia, hoping that the accused would protest her innocence of the charges against her.


    "I am guilty, your honor!" - With a defiant tone considering that she had nothing left to lose, Julia felt no fear when pronouncing those heavy words directly from her lips.


    She thought to herself that declaring innocence would be useless in the face of the accusations that implicated her. Knowing very well that that trial was just one more of Rafael''s petty games; the captive young lady preferred to face death directly to serve as a mockery with the pompous nobles surrounding her.


    ¡°Your majesty, you have already heard her! She shows no remorse for her crimes, execute her!¡± ¨C The angry voices of the nobles erupted like an effervescent eddy of emotions in the courtroom, igniting the spirits before the haughty attitude of Julia.


    "Silence! Do you dare give orders to your lord?¡± - Pounding his fists against the armrests of the throne, Rafael raised his voice and directed his gaze to the dais where the nobles were scolding him.


    The awkward silence that followed the monarch''s outburst left the room submerged in a tense calm, while Rafael put his hand to his forehead while gnashing his teeth with a crouched look at her.


    That reaction was unexpected for Julia, who did not know why Rafael, being so impulsive and complacent towards those who wanted to gain his favor, was keeping quiet even though that request was very much in keeping with the bloodthirsty tastes of the heir to the crown.


    ¡°As you know, my father, King Edward II this morning has fallen into agony after his illness worsened. In the last moments of lucidity, your lord and my lord, as a last wish, have asked me to show mercy to the accused.


    That is why, before the plenary meeting, this is my verdict as the wish of your king: Since her real identity is not that of Andr¨¦s de Valera, the accused is deleted from the family lineage registry of the Valera house. Being relegated to commoner status.


    On charges of fraud against the royal family and conspiracy, his punishment should be the death penalty. However, for having yourself executed the traitor of the Duke Rogelio Valera, you are acquitted of all charges¡± ¨C The verdict of acquittal pronounced by the lips of Rafael, was like receiving a breath of air in the midst of the suffocating ordeal of the confinement that he had lived .


    Julia considered that being demoted to commoner was something insignificant if it allowed her to stay alive; allowing him to leave the kingdom, in search of Princess Elena''s allies and bring with him the documents that would end the prince''s tyranny.


    ¡°However, the fact that the accused was impersonating a nobility identity at the time of executing Valera''s traitor, assumes that a commoner injured a member of the nobility. For this reason, I, Prince Rafael, in my capacity as representative of the law of the kingdom of Antioca , condemn you to receive the status of prisoner in slavery for life¡± ¨C Unanimously, the nobles seconded Rafael''s decision on the sentence verdict that fell on Julia''s head.


    At the moment of hearing the resolution, the young woman felt the ground beneath her split in two, swallowing her in a bleak abyss of despair beyond what hell itself could mean.


    The guards on the sides opened the trap and threw Julia at Rafael''s feet. Who, giving a sign with his right hand, asked to be held by both arms while an executioner carried a bracero from which smoke could be seen coming out like a dense cloud.


    Still desperately resisting what was to come, Julia''s pleas fell on deaf ears in the face of Rafael''s attitude. Who, taking the red-hot iron seal, placed it on the delicate white skin at the level of the young woman''s sternum.


    The pleas quickly turned into screams of agony that were accompanied by tears that kept flowing from Julia''s eyes. There was an expression of abandonment on them, as if everything had ended the moment he received the cruel mark of slavery. Losing consciousness as soon as the iron was detached from his lacerated skin.


    When the room was about to conclude the meeting, the church bells sounded in a solemn tone of series of three. Announcing with it that King Edward II had ceased to exist in that world.


    -¡° The king is dead! Praise your monarch, long live the king!¡±


    -¡° Hail, hail our new King Rafael I¡± ¨C The nobles, led by Count Solera, shouted the acknowledgment cheers for their loyalty to the new ruler. Without the approval of the law of succession, there was no impediment for the prince to take the crown on his head.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Bowing his face as if moved by mourning as his body shuddered, Rafael gave the impression of shedding tears of pain for his father. However, under his hands that covered his face, an unhealthy smile was outlined as he held back his laughter at his victory.


    "Take the slave away and prepare her for her duties!" - Count Solera maintained his indolent posture before the despondent woman, instructing the guards to take her by the chains and transfer her to the servants'' quarters.


    In their departure at the beginning of their true torment, the nobles did not take their mocking eyes from the young woman. Mocking under his breath as he contemplated Julia''s battered body, which exhibited bruises and dirt on her white skin.


    "What''s up Andrew? Does mama''s little boy want to cry again?" ¨C Nailed deep in his memories, that vivid memory came to his mind with the clarity of a crystalline torrent of a river.


    At the age of eleven, Duke Roger had arranged for his daughter''s admission to the military academy. Unlike other levels of education within the kingdom, students who entered their classrooms were allowed to stay off campus, as long as they were accompanied by a higher level student.


    Being a perfect opportunity for his daughter to receive academic instruction beyond private tutoring, the Duke made a deal with the house of the Marquis Olvera. Edmundo Olvera, an illegitimate son who had entered the family with the sudden death of Orlando Olvera, leaving only his sister Noemi without the possibility of ascending to head of the family.


    For the Marquis, Duke Rogelio''s offer was a highly profitable long-term benefit; since not only would his heir receive a better status in social circles by appearing as guardian of a ducal house, but it would also allow him to obtain certain concessions over the duke. Who was well known for his inflexibility in business that seemed marginal to the ethical.


    During the first year of her stay, Julia was careful enough to change her clothes in the same room as Edmundo, taking advantage of the moments when the young man was late getting up to go to the academy.


    The fact that he was a lazy man favored the young woman, who thought that her secret would remain safe and she would succeed in her studies. But reality is sometimes a bucket of cold water that falls on us without warning, as she experienced before the arrival of her first period.


    Without a mother to talk to her about the intimacies of a woman, for Julia, who had never experienced such a situation, she made her scream in the room as she changed behind the bimbo.


    That cry of terror barely made it out of the thick walls of the room, but it was enough to make Edmundo come out of his morning lethargy and jump out of bed thinking that some thief had sneaked into the house.


    - ¡° But what is this? Blood?"


    -¡° Please don''t look, turn around¡± ¨C With her face flushed as she covered herself with a sheet, Julia''s eyes were shedding tears of fear of what she was suffering at that moment.


    Trying to conceive the magnitude of that situation, Edmundo put his hand to his mouth as he took a few steps back without being able to react appropriately to the scene. Minutes passed and seeing that she wasn''t bleeding to death as she thought, Julia asked him for a bucket of water and some cloths to clean up.


    Still stunned by the situation, Edmundo nodded and did as the young woman had requested, remaining outside the room leaning against the door while waiting to go in for his things.


    Having finished bathing and dressing as usual, Julia opened the door a little, revealing part of her face through the crack. Still embarrassed at having been seen naked by Edmundo, she slowly opened the door and sat on her bed with her eyes downcast.


    ¡°So, are you Andrew? How long did you think you could hide it? Hide that you are a woman¡± ¨C Leaning against the door frame, not daring to enter the room due to the discomfort of the moment, Edmundo fully approached the situation looking for an explanation from Julia.


    Who between sobs began to tell her how her life had been in the last twelve years, how she was forced to behave and dress like a man in order to inherit the dukedom of Valera.


    -¡° So if you had to get married to keep up appearances?¡±


    -¡° I don''t know ¡±


    -¡° And what about the heir? all nobles are forced to have a son¡­¡±


    -¡° I told you I don''t know ! You think I have an answer for everything, I don''t know. I just don''t know what to do, or how to live. Having to keep up appearances for being born a damn woman¡± ¨C Julia burst into tears, unable to control her emotions as she trembled with helplessness at the situation she was experiencing. Nothing guaranteed that Edmundo would not reveal his secret, or that he would blackmail her into keeping it and thus obtain a puppet at his service.


    For a marquis, being able to control a duke was a highly beneficial business, so the silence that was maintained for a few minutes made him feel those fears materialized.


    ¡°My mother, she was a good woman. A simple servant in the house of the Marquis Olvera, who worked to send money to her mother who lived in the countryside on the edge of the kingdom. When the wife of the Marquis found out that my father had taken her by force one night when he arrived drunk, instead of taking his side, he threw a bag of silver coins at her and threw her out of the mansion¡± ¨C With a serene voice and the eyes full of nostalgia, Edmundo contemplated the window of the room, diverting his gaze from Julia.


    ¡°Having nowhere else to go, Mother returned to Grandma''s house and told her what had happened. My mother was terrified, she was a single woman and she was pregnant.


    When he told the grandmother that he was thinking of aborting me, she slapped him saying that the blame did not lie with those who were innocent.


    That she should give birth to me no matter what the evil tongues would say, because she was not to blame for having been raped, but she would be guilty of taking an innocent life instead of the perpetrator''s¡± ¨C Bearing the burden of his tears, Edmundo finished his story before the expectation of Julia, who was looking at him directly with a pained expression to the point that he felt the impulse to get up from the bed and hug the young man to comfort him.


    -¡° What are you doing? I''m supposed to be the one who should comfort you."


    -¡° Just shut up, let me stay like this for a moment longer¡± ¨C The young woman''s heart was moved by Edmundo''s words, who had far exceeded Julia''s negative expectations. Feeling her face drop in embarrassment for having thought ill of such a noble knight, Julia buried her face against his chest as she tugged at the lapels of her jacket a little with her fists clenched.


    ¡°Don''t worry, I''ll keep your secret so no one hurts you. My real mother would not forgive me for lowering myself to the level of my father¡± ¨C Edmundo placed his right hand on Julia''s head gently caressing her, while the rooster sang his trill to make way for dawn.


    The days that followed inside the academy, Julia experienced as if a great weight had been lifted from her. With young Edmund''s unconditional help, it was easy for the young lady to sneak out of the academy under the pretense of being injured from sword training, in order to hide her periods.


    When they finished the academy, that friendship continued for several more years through correspondence between the young people. Those who told each other their day to day life even in the most trivial details, so much so that for Julia, that relationship touched a very deep fiber within her being.


    But one day the correspondence abruptly ceased between the two, as if something had happened to young Edmund.


    Some months later, within social circles it became known that the Marquis Olvera had to throw his son out of the house because it had been discovered that he came from commoner blood. For the aristocracy, an illegitimate child was already something difficult to tolerate, but the fact that such a child was the product of what they contemptuously called dirty blood meant that it was impossible to inherit any title or receive honors.


    Edmund who had graduated from the academy at the top of his class, aiming to be a suitable candidate for the royal guard, was stripped of all distinction and his name crossed out of the academy records. As if it had never been registered in it.


    For Julia, knowing this was a devastating blow, something that affected her for weeks, causing her to be unable to get out of bed due to depression. The man in whom she had found her oasis in the midst of a filth like nobility, had been taken from her in the worst possible way.


    The last thing he heard from him was that thanks to the military training he had received during the academy, he enlisted in a mercenary corps that used to work for merchants escorting merchandise between the kingdoms.


    With no chance of ever seeing him again, Julia wept for her dear friend with great bitterness, swearing that one day she would take revenge on the man who had spread those rumors that stripped him of his place: the infamous Count Solera.


    ¡°Wake up already at once! We don''t have all day, you damn liar¡± ¨C A bucket of cold water was poured over Julia''s body, who woke up from her memories in the midst of trembling and fear caused by the disorientation in which she found herself.


    The maids who were assigned to clean and dress her treated her with extreme rudeness, rubbing her delicate skin with rough sponges that left reddened marks that soaked into the touch of soap.


    Tugging at her hair, the maids took out their frustrations on her. Remembering him when he pretended to be a man in the service of his majesty.


    Finishing drying her and dressing her in clothes that appeared to be rags made from patched fabrics, the maidens cruelly exposed the mark of slavery that had been etched like a scar on her skin.


    ¡°What are you doing like an idiot looking in the mirror! Take these utensils and go clean the hallway corridor outside the prince''s quarters. Oh it''s true, our new king¡± ¨C Saying those words with a mocking tone, the maidens mocked Julia; who , repeating old habits, looked at them with an inquisitive look.


    "Who do you think you''re looking at like that, you piece of trash?" ¨C A strong slap was marked on Julia''s right cheek, to the point of splitting her lip a little. The maidens, angered by his defiant attitude, reminded him that he was no longer a nobleman to whom they should respect. But also as a slave, she was nothing more than a simple object whose rights had been withdrawn.


    ¡°Hurry up and move! Or I''ll tell the butler that you don''t want to follow orders so he can take you to the stables and whip you like a beast¡± ¨C Clenching her teeth trying to contain her rage, Julia lowered her gaze before the maidens, nodding her head as she walked in silence with bucket and mop.


    The stairs that she had once climbed with the dignity of her royal guard uniform now greeted her like a dirty beggar. She had become a slave, subject to the whims of the servants and whatever the will of his majesty commanded.


    When she got to the floor where the new monarch''s rooms were located, a malicious silhouette interposed her foot, causing the young woman to fall face down without being able to put her hands in.


    His right cheekbone where he had received the slap was now purple, and from his nose a slight trickle of blood could be seen. Wiping him painfully with the sleeve of his rags.


    ¡°But what a filthy thing we have here. Oh, but it is Her Majesty''s new toy. How clumsy of mine, forgive my rudeness my lady¡± ¨C Using a sarcastic tone while covering his nose with a handkerchief making gestures that he stank, Count Solera looked at Julia with implacable contempt. Who could not answer any insult, since that would mean being flogged for offending a noble.


    ¡°I beg your pardon, Your Excellency! This beast will not stand in your way by dirtying your tracks!¡± ¨C Without falling into Solera''s provocation, Julia wiped the dust off her clothes and continued walking without turning to look at that despicable man. Who throwing a tantrum at not getting his way, stomped down the steps to attend King Edward''s funeral.


    Passing through the hallway windows, Julia watched the pigeons take flight. Hundreds of them in a flock, an offering that was made as part of the king''s funeral rite. Seeing those white plumage capturing the essence of the sun''s rays, the young woman sighed briefly thinking about how her father''s body should have been treated due to the charges of treason.


    " Andres !" ¨C A voice from the other end of the corridor was heard calling the young woman, who out of habit reacted by turning towards the fountain, dropping to her knees in shock.


    With a black dress and a veil that covered her face, that silhouette accompanied by her maidens was none other than Elena. Who hurried to catch up to Julia, standing before her like a scene of a sinner pleading for forgiveness from a goddess.


    "Elena, I..." - Unable to contain the tears of regret for having lied to her all those years, Julia looked up at her like a stray cat looking for a comforting caress.

 Chapter IV: The Heart of a Maiden

    Face to face, as if providence played with the threads of destiny to cross their paths, two souls who came to share the same sky on equal terms, now they saw each other''s faces as princess and slave.


    Elena and Julia''s gazes couldn''t tear themselves away from each other; while one reflected in her eyes a pleading air, in the eyes of the other one could see a deep sadness and disappointment.


    "Why? Tell me why Andrew? No, that''s not your name. That name belongs to someone who lives in my memories like a false illusion, who is in front of me, I don''t know who he is. I don''t know if he is the endearing friend to whom I entrusted my secrets or an impostor who has stolen the most precious of my heart "- With her hands together resting on her chest while declaring those words, Elena had an agony on her face that she could barely contain.


    Until a couple of hours ago, his father was bedridden struggling with the last of his strength to cling to life. But now, this man who had loved her as much as the air she breathed, lay inert in a coffin. Surrounded by men and women to whom he never hesitated to show his contempt for their false hearts.


    Like her father, Elena had a strong and determined character, hating lies and anyone who professed them. That is why it was disgraceful to him to meet Julia, who had kept that secret and denied the truth to whoever was her only friend besides Edmundo.


    -"Elena, I..."


    "How dare you address the princess like that?" ¨C One of the maidens who accompanied Elena rebuked Julia, for addressing with such familiarity a member of the crown, being she a mere slave. But the princess raised her hand in front of the maiden signaling for her to stop, because even though it was true that Julia made a mistake, something in her heart clung to hearing him pronounce her name from her lips.


    -"I do not deserve any forgiveness, nor that you, my lady, deign to look at a commoner like me or interrupt your path to address your valuable words to me"


    - "Why do you start talking about yourself?"


    ¨C ¡°But the desire to lie to you was never really in my heart! If there is one thing I didn''t want in this world, it was to even hurt him with my thoughts. But I, I¡­¡± ¨C Feeling as if a dagger pierced her heart, Julia kept her head down as she remained on her knees with her hands resting on the floor.


    The tears that flowed from her eyes spilled on the floor of the corridor, to the point that they came to form a small puddle that reflected light flashes of sunlight. There was so much that Elena wanted to tell Julia, to let out her anger at feeling left out by that person she carried deep inside her heart.


    Biting her lip, frowning on her face, the princess exhaled a little and ordered her handmaidens to continue on their way again.


    "Excuse me please. Forgive me¡± ¨C Muttering that on the floor, Julia was left behind by Elena. Who contained the tears narrowing his eyes to keep in his mind the pitiful expression of the person he loved.


    - "My lady, do you want me to whip that insolent slave?" - As the maiden said those words, Elena stopped suddenly and turned in her direction. The expression on the princess''s face was filled with anger, as she raised her hand in an attempt to slap her maid, barely refraining from doing so.


    "Eunice, if you value having your head resting on your shoulders, never suggest what to do again" - In all the time she had been serving him, Lady Eunice had never seen such an expression or heard those words from her mistress''s mouth. She knew with this, that she had made a serious mistake and stammering, she begged her mistress to forgive her.


    ¡°Today my father died, no blood should be spilled or anyone hurt. It is a day of solemn mourning¡± ¨C The princess turned around again, continuing her way in silence accompanied by her maidens, who maintained the same reverent attitude until they reached the chapel.


    Inside the atrium where the funeral rite was performed, the smell of incense and the sound of the requiem of the choirs permeated the scene in front of his senses. In front of her, traced the way by a deep red carpet edged with gold thread, the coffin of the fallen sovereign lay there. As if her father was patiently waiting for her to meet him.


    In Elena''s memories, a memory of that place remained as vivid as that same autumn day several years ago.


    ¡°Elena, if you want to cry, don''t hold back. This will be the last chance you have to say everything you can to your mother¡± ¨C A thick and firm hand delicately held a small hand that protruded from a sleeve with fine lace.


    Being only five years old, Elena had to experience one of the first pains a child should ever experience. Due to a sudden epidemic, Queen Beatrix had contracted a strange disease that the royal doctors were unable to control.


    The venerable queen was known for her big heart and altruistic spirit, volunteering at orphanages in the royal capital. Elena, who always accompanied her along with her brother Rafael, saw her mother''s smiling face while she took care of the children in the care homes.


    For the princess, her mother''s benevolent spirit was something she admired from the depths of her being, as if she were contemplating an angel that had descended from heaven. Until the day misfortune knocked on her door, prostrating her in bed, consuming her body, withering her beauty.


    Yes, she remembered it well with each step she took on the carpet. He remembered the faces of the nobles who kept up appearances that day. She saw again those faces so familiar that at some point they dared to judge her mother, pointing out that she had fallen for not knowing how to keep her place.


    Elena felt her blood boil, but the memory of her mother and the memory of her father made her restrain their impetus as faithful advisers from beyond.


    ¡°Dear mother, beloved father. If there is any fault in me, please forgive the feelings that I harbor in my heart¡± ¨C Repeating to herself that as if it were a mantra to suggest herself, Elena reached the coffin where her father''s body rested. Positioning himself on the left side, while Rafael occupied the right to mount the honor guard. When both princes were in their respective places, the minister began the liturgy in honor of the deceased monarch.


    At least four hours passed in the midst of prayers and funeral songs, offering their prayers the sons of the monarch prostrate on their knees.


    While Rafael had arranged for a servant to give her a cushion to prostrate herself on the floor, Elena had spent the entire liturgy with her knees level with the cold marble floor. Making his joints swell to the point of reflecting the pain on his face.


    When the ritual was finally over and it was time to stand up to leave the chapel and give way to the honors from the people, Elena could not get up without the help of her maids. Shaking his legs to the point of staggering more than once.


    ¡°Sister, let me take you to your chambers. I see that you are so afflicted that you cannot support yourself properly¡± ¨C Giving a false appearance of filial love, Rafael took the princess and carried her walking down the central aisle before the gazes of the nobles.


    "How much the king must love his sister that even sharing the same sorrow, takes strength from weakness to carry her and carry her burdens too" - The adorned viper flattery of the nobles, was an insult to the princess who could barely hide her anger .


    - "Not even at your father''s funeral can you behave at the height of what a king should be?" - Speaking that insult in a low voice, Elena squeezed her brother''s neck. Who kept walking without flinching, just pronouncing a sentence that completely chilled the heart of the princess.


    "I''ve never had a virgin slave" - With that sentence, Rafael threatened Elena to curb her behavior. Anything was bearable if he could scold his brother; but threatening to hurt Julia was something he didn''t dare provoke.


    Being a slave, Julia had lost all recognition or rights as a human being according to the laws of the kingdom. It subjects its life or death, and even transfer of property, to the hands of whoever owned it.


    For Rafael, being able to control both Julia and her sister was like killing two birds with one stone. While the girl''s will had been lost thanks to the enslavement mark , Elena would not be able to move freely under her brother''s gaze. Who had already cut off any possibility of uprising with it, as well as gained control of the nobles who secretly supported his sister.


    Arriving at the main door of Elena''s bedroom, Rafael signaled his maids to make way for him without getting in his way. Looking out of the corner of their eyes with some fear, the maids hesitated for a moment causing the monarch''s anger.


    "Guards, take these insolent women into custody and behead them this very instant!"


    -"Nope! I beg you, brother. Forgive them just this once. I beg you¡± ¨C For the first time in all the years they had been living together, Rafael had heard a plea coming from lips he considered arrogant. Looking into her eyes, he felt that the pain and anguish reflected in them was the product of his intimidation. But he was far from knowing that that pain was the burden for the fate of his only love.


    ¡°As you wish, dear sister. I am a benevolent ruler and I don''t want it to be said that I am indolent towards my family¡± ¨C Gloating in his attitude, Rafael ordered the guards to sheathe their swords again. Changing his order of execution to a more moderate disciplinary act.


    The maids were taken to the punishment cells designed to discipline the servants, forbidden to eat for a week and barely receive a little water to subsist. Despite the harshness of that punishment, for Elena it was preferable to losing her life at that moment.


    "Well, why have you personally brought me to my room brother?" - Closing the door with a bolt, Rafael pushed Elena knocking her to the ground, while rudely stepping on one of her knees making her scream in pain.


    ¡°Where is the arrogant woman who could put a dagger to my neck? Has this bobcat''s fangs fallen off and he can''t help but mumble like a little stray cat purring? It is good to see that you know the position you are in, but before the public you must maintain your dignity as Princess Elena.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    You know, the punishment on the servants of the ducal house of Valera has not yet been decided. I think that this is a topic that I cannot put off too long; but with the days of national mourning that will come with the funeral of our father, I will give you the opportunity to decide how I am going to proceed¡± ¨C With a cold look and a heavy tone of voice for anyone who came to hear him directly, that statement between lines it was a sign that he was thinking of involving Elena in his shady plans.


    -¡°What do you mean brother, you know very well that Julia exonerated them of treason by taking the life of her own father. What do you mean by punishing them?


    -¡°Betrayal is one thing, but hiding the fact that Andr¨¦s, the only son of Duke Rogelio was a woman, is a very serious crime for which they cannot deliver their punishment.


    There are only two possibilities sister, either the duke''s family was so meticulous to hide the truth even from the staff who served them day and night, or they acted in collusion to deliberately lie to the crown." ¨C Since her birth, Julia had been under the care of her mother at the estate, but it was true that several of the closest servants knew the secret that the young lady kept.


    That fact could not be overlooked, which meant only two paths for Elena to decide: In the first, Julia, being the only survivor of the ducal house, would be sentenced to corporal punishment that implied being physically mutilated. His tongue and eyes would be gouged out as part of the punishment for lying to the crown.


    In the other, the servants who had knowledge of the Valera family''s secret would be taken to the executioner to be beheaded and their heads displayed on the walls of the royal capital.


    "Why? Tell me why are you doing this to us? What harm did Julia and I do to you, Rafael? How can you have such a black heart and stain the memory of our mother with your actions?


    "Don''t you dare ever mention mother!" - Raising his voice with great fury as he clenched his fists hitting the furniture in the room, Rafael was dismayed by the fact that he even mentioned the late Queen Beatrix.


    Inside her heart, there was a deep wound that the years could not heal, Elena often thinking that the sudden death of her mother and the difference in the way her father treated them was the cause of her brother becoming so sinister


    Trying to keep his temper, Rafael turned around to leave his sister''s room, while holding on firmly to the door frame, his fingers clenching to the point of slightly cracking the lacquer that covered the wood.


    "You have only one week to decide sister, if by that time you have not made a decision, I will apply the punishment to everyone without exception" - Closing the door furiously, the rumble on the wall knocked down a family painting that was hanging in the room .


    It was a small painting, so discreet that it often went unnoticed by those who used to enter the room. In it, the image of Queen Beatrix holding two children while smiling candidly, was Elena''s last memory of the time when she and her brother truly seemed like family.


    "My lord and god, tell me what should I do?" ¨C Holding him while her tears fell on the painting, Elena sobbed in the silence of the huge room. Meditating on the bitter decision he should make about it.


    The hours passed and the first day of the king''s funeral had come to an end; the sun that had reigned imposingly over the horizon, gave way to the cold night and with it the late rain that continued until the dawn of the second day.


    Inside the rudimentary room for servants of the palace, Julia lay on a blanket on the cold stone floor, feeling as if every part of her body was going to come off.


    ¡°Wake up slave! Today it''s your turn to clean the stables and carry the fodder for the steeds. Hurry up and move!¡± ¨C Gertrude, the head maid in charge of the palace employees. A woman in her fifties with a bad temper and little tolerance for ineptitude, she projected onto Julia the contempt she felt for the nobles.


    Considering how relaxed they lived their lives compared to commoners, he had in Julia his perfect valve to release the frustrations of living in the palace.


    "Yes ma''am, as you order" - Responding obediently, Julia looked at the whip in the maiden''s hand, knowing that delaying or making mistakes would mean receiving the whipping on her back as happened the day before in the corridor of the king''s chambers .


    The marks of the blows remained fresh on his back, covered by a thin cloth under his clothes, seeking to avoid the curious looks that could reproach him for his appearance in the corridors.


    Dutifully after eating a piece of stale rye bread and some sour goat''s milk, Julia moved straight to the stables to grab the rakes and start picking up dirt from the stalls.


    The foul odor that was accentuated by the heat caused by the sun evaporating the rainwater, entered through his nostrils, making him vomit the very meager breakfast that he had consumed just a couple of minutes ago.


    Wiping the dirt from her mouth with the sleeves of her clothes, Julia continued moving the buckets of dirt to the septic tank that was shaded by a couple of live oaks. Dizzy from hunger and fatigue, she nearly fell into the foul-smelling filth at the bottom of the well. Being arrested on the spot by Lieutenant Alfonso, who could barely hold him at the risk of being dragged with her due to the weight of the buckets.


    "Moron! What are you looking to die anyway? ¨C Looking at her more carefully, Alfonso noticed the cracked lips and the pale tone in her gums; remembering that same countenance that he saw on the battlefields, when the soldiers were about to die of starvation.


    "!Arthur! Damn Arthur, come right away!¡± ¨C Screaming like crazy possessed, Alfonso called his squire, who left everything he was doing to run to meet his lord.


    -"Sir Alfonso, what is happening?"


    -¡°Bring me quickly the first-aid kit from my mount''s bag and get water with honey and a little salt! Quick, I have no time to lose!¡± ¨C Alerted by the tone with which his master approached him, Arturo ran out in search of the things that the lieutenant had requested.


    The faithful squire had been with Alfonso for more than four years, accompanying him in the countryside, fighting in combat to the sound of clashing metals and the sulfurous smell of gunpowder mixing with the iron smell of spilled blood.


    Sir Alfonso was for him, he was a man who could maintain his composure even in the worst situations they had experienced on the war front. Just seeing him so distraught when holding that slave in his arms, did not allow him to understand his master''s attitude.


    "Who is that slave for my lord to be in such a state?" ¨C Arturo continued to think about that doubt to himself, turning it over several times, while he returned with the belongings that had been requested.


    Mixing the water with the honey and the salt, Alfonso shook the jar where that fluid was found until it formed a homogeneous mixture. Taking a small glass tube of ammonium salts from his medicine cabinet, he passed the mouthpiece close to Julia''s nose, who briefly came out of her lethargy to see the lieutenant''s confused face.


    -¡°Alfonso! What happened?"


    -¡°Don''t talk and just drink this! Keep your head down and don''t try to get up yet¡± ¨C Holding her neck gently, Alfonso slowly gave Julia a drink of the concoction he had prepared. That solution was commonly used by soldiers at the front, when they had faced the immense heat produced by the leather and metal of their armor.


    The lieutenant had seen even men as big as bulls collapse from dehydration, many times dying instantly from heart attacks. Julia was not only malnourished, but her body showed clear signs of acute dehydration.


    ¡°But what the hell is old Gertrudis thinking by sending someone so weak to such a demanding job? If he didn''t know her, it would seem that she was trying to kill you¡± ¨C Clenching his fist with force to the point of hearing the metal of the armor creak, Alfonso could not control the anger he felt at that moment when contemplating the vulnerability of Julia''s state.


    "Arthur! Come with me to the palace! I''m going to pay that damn devious old woman a visit¡± ¨C With a spark lit in the corner of his eyes, Alfonso looked as if he was going to face the enemy inside the battlefield. Realizing that, the squire preferred to remain silent and reserve any comment on the matter. Since he knew well both the character of his lord and that of the maiden Gertrude.


    ¡°Gertrude! Does he want his head to roll on the floor? - Opening the door with a kick while holding Julia in his arms, Alfonso made his way to the rest room of the palace servants. Before the panicked looks of the younger maidens, who screamed fearfully running to stick to the walls.


    -¡°Sir Alfonso! Is it that the battlefield has turned him into a simple beast that does not distinguish forms or manners?


    ¨C ¡°And you old lady is so stupid for becoming senile that you don''t know when a person is at his limit? Julia almost passed out in the waste pit. I would have died if I wasn''t around to catch her."


    - "So much scandal on your part just for a simple slave?" - Raising her left eyebrow making a grimace of a sarcastic smile, Mrs. Gertrudis did not show the slightest sign of regret or fear for Sir Alfonso''s words.


    -¡°Yes, a simple slave. But have you already forgotten who bears the seal of slavery on his chest? If you want to see her as mere property for being a slave, I agree. But I remind you what the penalty is for embezzling the properties of the royal family¡± ¨C When Sir Alfonso mentioned the ownership of the slave''s property, the head of the maidens experienced a chill that ran down the back of her neck.


    She was so caught up in the opportunity to intimidate a disgraced nobleman that she completely forgot that her actions, had she caused Julia''s death, would be considered robbery of the crown and her punishment would be to be hanged along with her. his family.


    ¡°Sir Alfonso, please forgive me! I beg you, do not bring this matter to His Majesty''s ears!" ¨C Falling to her knees holding the cape of the lieutenant''s uniform, the woman begged trembling for the mercy of the man-at-arms.


    ¡°It is not with me that you should be asking for forgiveness. If you want to remedy your faults, try to take care of her as if your life depended on it. Because the moment I know that something like this has happened again, I myself will take you to the scaffold so that your neck hangs from a rope¡± ¨C With an empty expression like an angel of death, Sir Alfonso instilled great fear in Gertrudis and the rest of the maidens present, who did not hesitate to agree in unison at the knight''s orders.


    "Everything is fine now, you should not fear for your life from now on" - Lowering Julia''s feet with great care until she was planted on them, Sir Alfonso said goodbye running his hand through his hair as he would with a child little.


    The expression on Alfonso''s face was calm and equanimous, reflecting in his eyes an air of relief at seeing Julia a little more composed, while the gentleman continued his walk leaving the room.


    ¡°Why are you so nice to me? I don''t understand¡± ¨C Julia thought to herself reflecting on the attitude that Sir Alfonso showed towards her since the day of the trial. They never shared a moment as friends, save for the time of sword training as student and pupil.


    A sea of doubts swirled in the mind of the young woman, who was taken by the arm by a servant to take her to change clothes and receive some hot food.


    ¡°Alfonso, tell me how is she?¡± ¨C Walking down the main corridor, a woman''s voice was heard from the steps of the palace as she descended holding the railing.


    - "My lady, what are you doing here?" ¨C Arturo and Alfonso knelt immediately in the presence of Princess Elena, who was alone without the maidens who regularly accompanied her.


    ¡°I was on my way to the palace servants'' prison to see my maids. I''m afraid that Rafael didn''t keep his word and executed them¡± ¨C Tightly squeezing the railing, Elena closed her eyes while turning her face a little in a tone of guilt.


    -¡°Do not be afraid my lady, an hour ago I sent one of my men to verify that Eunice and Tabata were alive. Although I must say that according to their report, they were beaten in the face in a considerable way "


    -"Damn!" ¨C Hitting the railing with her hand, the princess lost her support, feeling her knees buckle due to the lack of strength due to what happened in the chapel the day before. Being taken by Sir Alfonso around the waist, trying to do it with his forearm so that his hands did not touch his body.


    ¨C ¡°I appreciate that you still have respect for me as a lady¡±


    - "My lady, how could I see her in another way?" ¨C Being loyal to the princess, Alfonso always remained suspicious of Rafael''s behavior; considering him only a monarch in name, without swearing his vow as a knight to him so far.


    Smiling at him in a condescending way, Elena took Alfonso''s arm and supported herself to go down to the first floor. Staying thoughtful for a moment because the knight was there, when he was not attached to the royal guard post.


    -¡°Did something happen, Sir Alfonso?


    -"Nothing that my lady should worry about, it is a matter that has already been resolved as it should be" - With a firm tone in his voice, Alfonso looked at the princess in such a way that she understood what it was about.


    -"I ask you to take good care of her"


    -"So I will do it for you my lady" - Alfonso was in love with Princess Elena for a long time. Knowing that their love was impossible due to social difference, he was content to be able to win her heart even if it ended in a political marriage. Swearing that he would serve as his personal knight until the end of his days.


    But some time later, as he saw her in the distance like the unreachable moon in the sky. I notice how his wife directed her eyes and heart to another man who was none other than Sir Andrew.


    Seeing himself defeated without a chance, Sir Alfonso swore to protect the man who gave his mistress the ability to smile again after so many years of mourning.


    "I must go my lady" - Kissing the back of the princess''s hand with a slight bow, Sir Alfonso waved his cape and continued on his way again to the stables.

 Chapter V: Apprentice servant

    Five months had passed since the day Sir Alfonso had protected Julia from the ill treatment she received from the head maid; many things had happened in that short period of time, some for the better and some for the worse.


    Just as he had said, King Raphael returned to his sister''s room to receive the answer of his choice. For Elena, that decision was the most difficult to make in her short life as a princess. Putting Julia''s well-being above all else, the weight of her choice led to the doom of ten souls in one fell swoop.


    The servants of the dukedom of Valera who worked on the family estate, between men and women, were persecuted throughout the kingdom until they were taken prisoner along with their families.


    Taking them handcuffed to a scaffold that was set up in the middle of the main square of the capital, the crowd cornered them with shouts and disjointed faces full of fury, as if they were the vilest criminals.


    Before the eyes of their relatives who were at the front of the stage, one by one they went to the stocks with their hands tied behind their backs. The executioner sharpened his heavy axe, while his assistants passed the scissors over the hair of the women to uncover the nape of their necks.


    Pleading as if waiting for an act of divine intervention, King Raphael was sitting on a throne while holding tightly to his sister''s arm, squeezing firmly ordering her to keep her eyes on them; unless he wanted to, under penalty of sending Julia to share the same fate.


    The heavy ax was raised over the first condemned, to the roll of drums as if it were a military execution. When the chords were finished, the executioner dropped his instrument with force, cutting off the head of an elderly man.


    Don Federico, the main foreman who had control of the farm, saw reflected in his eyes for one last time the face of his grandchildren who were in the crowd. Silenced by the overwhelming sea of screams from the crowd, the little ones drowned their tears as they watched their grandfather being mercilessly executed.


    Thus the parade of blood continued before Elena''s eyes, who felt each death she witnessed was as if she were raising the ax and ending their lives. When the moment of the last sentence arrived, the blood had already impregnated the wooden planks of the scaffold, to the point that crimson threads slipped through the cracks in the boards.


    ¡°It seems to me that this person is too special for someone. Don''t you think so, sister?" - Resting his face against the back of his hand as he reclined on the back of the throne, Rafael snapped his fingers, sending for one of his officers.


    -"Bring my slave here at this very moment"


    - "Raphael, don''t you dare!"


    ¡°Just keep quiet and keep watching. It''s the only thing you should do, if you know it suits you" - With a calm tone of voice, as if he was bored waiting for something to entertain him, Rafael did not take his eyes off the condemned woman who remained waiting on the gallows.


    A few minutes after the soldier had left in the direction of the castle, the sound of a galloping horse echoed its hooves on the cobblestones of the square. With his face bandaged and his hands tied; Julia was being carried by the officer who, as soon as she arrived, lowered her from the horse, being careful not to hit her.


    The bustle of the crowd that was heard like the echo of a mighty river, hit the ears of the young woman, who clumsily walked barefoot through the rocks staggering because of the bandage on her eyes.


    "Put her on her knees and hold her hands against the ground" - Obediently, the guard did as his master ordered him, placing Julia against the floor of the dais in the direction of the scaffold.


    Approaching slowly while holding a dagger in his hand, Rafael leaned down to Julia''s face and whispered something strange to the slave in her ear.


    "This present that is before your eyes, is from your dear friend Elena" - Passing the edge of the knife over the bandage, the fabric fell to the ground letting the light hit Julia''s eyes making her see everything blurry.


    As her vision cleared, the harrowing scene in front of her hit her so hard that she couldn''t stop crying loudly. The blood that had pooled on the scaffold reflected the sunlight, while, on straw baskets, the heads of the servants with whom he lived for much of his life, lay inert with lost expressions.


    When she was able to recover her senses from the shock of that massacre, Julia looked at the old woman who was waiting for her head to be cut off as well.


    ¡°Nana? Nana Mireya? ¨C After her mother, a woman had been present in Julia''s life as if she were another member of her family. As if she were her real grandmother, Mrs. Mireya took care of the young lady from birth. Spending much of her childhood taking care of her when the lady of the Valera house was convalescing.


    ¡°I''ll give you a chance. Until the drum roll ends, you can choose to lose a part of your body to save her. If it is to my liking, I will tell the executioner to release her¡± ¨C Throwing the dagger against the rope that held Julia''s wrists, they broke freeing her from her bonds.


    The temptation to take that dagger and plunge it into Rafael''s heart was too much, to take revenge on the man who had killed her family, was a unique opportunity that presented itself to her. But seeing Mireya brutally subjected to the neck on the stocks, made the young woman desist from that impulse, who took the dagger with her hands and thought that it would be the best to satisfy the sadistic monarch.


    The drums began to roll in anticipation of the execution signal, causing Julia''s heart to pound to the point of collapsing with anxiety. Trying to make a decision that would be useful, he remembered Rafael''s words when he took the vow of knighthood.


    Bringing her hands up to her face, the slave pointed the dagger and without further delay, furiously pierced her right eye causing her to fall to the floor screaming in agony.


    The crowd, which until recently had been cheering euphorically at the execution, fell silent as the young woman writhed in pain with that dagger embedded in her face.


    "Enough! Stop the execution.¡± ¨C Raising his arm in the direction of the gallows, Rafael leaned quickly to one side of Julia''s body, trying to hold her to prevent her head from continuing to hit the ground and prevent the blood from flowing faster.


    Taking her in his arms, he ordered his guards to bring the royal carriage as soon as possible, while his assistant gave instructions to clear the way and prepare the palace doctors.


    ¡°Your look makes me sick, nothing would make me happier than tearing out your eyes myself¡± ¨C The day the crown guards were taking the oath, Rafael had said these words leaning into Julia''s ear. Those present, seeing him, confused that signal with the traditional kiss on the temple that tradition marked as proof of choosing a personal guard.


    The prince during the years that followed from childhood, kept great suspicion against Andr¨¦s. Feeling uncomfortable since that day of the snowy sphere incident, unable to understand what was the origin of those mixed feelings he had experienced when looking into her eyes.


    "Sir, the carriage is ready!" ¨C Escaping from that trance in which he had been enraptured watching Julia''s face, King Rafael walked with the maiden in his arms along the dais until he reached the small staircase. The crowd that could not believe what their eyes saw, could only be expectantly stunned at the volatile behavior of the monarch.


    "Coming!" - Mounted in the carriage, Julia remained unconscious with cold sweat running down her skin. Rafael tried not to move the dagger from the eye socket, trying to prevent the young woman from bleeding to death. His hair was soaked with blood, and his white skin was dyed the crimson of life.


    The single vulnerable image in which the slave could be seen on the king''s lap, gave the appearance of a pious act. But the truth behind that gesture was none other than the curiosity that moved Rafael; why he had followed his order, taking even his life as something disposable.


    The palace doctors when they examined Julia were horrified at the extent of the injury, having only seen something similar on battlefields, where hope of survival always hung in the hands of the scales of death.


    Fighting for hours to stabilize the young woman, they could do little to save her eye, which had practically been crushed by the force with which the dagger pierced it.


    That was how Julia remained unconscious for two weeks, being frequently visited by Elena, who came to stay by her side even at night, being upset more than once by her maids.


    When the month ended, Julia had recovered the vitality of her body and was put to work that did not imply great physical effort for her. Taking care of carrying the baskets with dirty clothes, sewing or helping in the kitchen.


    Those who came to observe her for a long time, saw a change in the countenance of her face. Beyond the loss of his right eye, his face reflected the essence of someone who has stopped fighting to live. Moving mechanically as if it were just an empty shell.


    ¡°Girl, take this bucket to the cistern and bring water to wash the dishes! Hurry up¡± ¨C Dinora, the kitchen manager, was a woman with a pleasant character who rarely lost her composure. Always with her shoulders stiff from work, she sat from time to time at the kitchen table massaging them while she watched the pots boil on the stove.


    Taking the bucket in both hands, Julia headed for the cistern near the stables. The shade of the trees cooled the warm air of the season, dropping small flower buds by the swaying of the wind. Giving impulse on the lever of the cistern pump, Julia lost herself looking in the direction of the tree where she had been rescued by Sir Alfonso. Who had already been out of the palace for several days, fulfilling a patrol mission on the eastern border.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Where will your footsteps be guiding you now, Sir Alphonsus?" ¨C Absorbed by the warmth of that thought, she did not notice that the water inside the bucket began to overflow.


    "Big sister, you''re spilling water!" ¨C A shrill voice with an energetic tone woke up the distracted Julia, who, looking for the source of that sound, raised her eyes without being able to find someone.


    Suddenly she felt a slight tug at the hem of her skirt, forcing her to lower her gaze to realize that it was a little girl, no more than six years old, who was pouting, puffing out her chubby cheeks a little.


    Brown hair tied in two braids, with slightly thick eyebrows and honey-colored eyes that contrasted with somewhat long eyelashes. Margarita, a little girl who not long ago started working as a maid-in-training, served in the palace near the kitchen.


    ¡°A maiden must not waste her time daydreaming! It''s what Miss Gertrudis always tells me¡± ¨C Moving her hand with her index finger raised, bringing her left hand to her hip while repeating the head maid''s gestures, her behavior made Julia laugh. Having time not to put a smile on her face, the innocence of that creature made Julia''s broken heart feel relieved.


    -"Oh I see! So you are very diligent in your duties as a maid?¡±


    -"!Of course!"


    -"So I suppose that basket with red fruits has collected them just to pass the time, right?"


    -¡°The raspberries for the cake! My mom is going to scold me again!¡± ¨C With her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Margarita took the basket and ran towards the kitchen. Colliding on his way with a maid who came out with the basket of freshly washed sheets to hang.


    "Well, I''d better get to work too" - Carrying the bucket with some difficulty, Julia felt a small sting under the bandage that covered the right side of her face. Remembering the doctor''s instructions, I try to make less effort when carrying the bucket of water, so as not to open the wounds.


    -"How many times have I told you that you should not run through the corridors of the palace!"


    -¡°I, I''m sorry¡­ mom!¡± ¨C Listening behind the closed door of the kitchen, Julia realized that the girl she had met a few moments ago was being strongly reprimanded by the voice of an older woman.


    Crossing the threshold of the door, Dinora showed a stern countenance as she leaned against the table as she called Margarita''s attention. The little girl turned out to be the daughter of the maid in charge of the kitchen; despite being so small, Dinora was forced to introduce Margarita to the palace because the friend with whom she used to take care of her had recently married.


    At first, Mrs. Gertrudis was reluctant to allow the girl to enter the palace to accompany her mother. But thanks to the intervention of Princess Elena, Margarita was able to stay with her mother, serving in small tasks that did not imply a major problem for her.


    ¡°Mom, it''s her! It''s the sister who was doing her job wrong and I had to admonish her! If I hadn''t messed around with her, I¡­¡± ¨C Taking a wooden spoon that was on the table, Dinora shook it against the girl''s hip while raising the arch of her eyebrow.


    "I''ve told you that you shouldn''t point with your finger, it''s disrespectful" - Feeling a small sting where she received the blow, Margarita rubbed her hands to the place while crying to hide behind Julia.


    ¡°Mom is bad! I behave well¡± ¨C Snuggling firmly on Julia''s hip, the girl sobbed with those expressive eyes looking for comfort in the person whom until a moment ago she had blamed for her tardiness.


    "But what a hard face of yours. Isn''t she the one you were blaming for your tardiness?" ¨C Laughing at the situation, Dinora sat on the chair and signaled for her daughter to come to her. Still suspicious of her mother, she took small steps until she took her in her arms and stroked her head.


    For the young slave, that emotional image reminded her of her late mother. To the point of being moved to tears, causing a little burning on the wounds where his eye should be.


    "Come young lady, sit down and let''s talk a little" - With a warm tone that bordered on the maternal, Dinora asked Julia to accompany the two while she finished making the afternoon meals.


    Sitting at the table with Margarita, Dinora served a couple of plates with the leftover beef stew that had been served for the king''s meal. Taking a piece of barley bread, he plunged it into that thick broth and taking the first bite, he felt the tears roll down his cheeks as he continued to hide, bringing the spoon to his mouth.


    ¡°Calm down sister! I have enough with my plate, you eat slowly¡± ¨C Margarita did not understand that those tears came from a heart that was freeing itself from a great weight. Thanks to the kindness that both mother and daughter showed her regardless of her status as a slave, they made Julia see herself as a human being again. Someone who deserved to be happy even in the face of tragedy.


    ¡°Lady, when the duty shifts are over, come meet me here in the kitchen. I would like to talk to you calmly¡± ¨C Kindly taking her by the hand, Dinora looked directly at Julia, who nodded silently as she finished taking bites of her food.


    After sweeping the floor of the corridor leading to the main entrance of the palace, the slave gazed out the window at the sunset on the horizon. Hearing the town crier announce the time the servants were to finish their shifts, she hurried to the kitchen to meet Dinora.


    Meanwhile, on the eastern border where the sunlight had already given way to night, the fires of the fires gathered Sir Alphonsus''s knights to warm up food and have some warmth in the middle of the cold night.


    The faces of the soldiers reflected the tiredness in the dark circles under their eyes, without having had a single night of good sleep in a bed, they camped under the sky without something to protect them from the inclement weather.


    The eastern border abutted the kingdom of Tigris, a region surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains with little vegetation, reflecting the hostility of the tundra climate. The howls of the silver-tailed wolves kept the soldiers with one hand on the hilt of their swords, expecting to be attacked by those wild beasts as soon as they closed their eyelids a little.


    Sitting apart from his men, Sir Alphonsus sipped some hot brown sugar liquor to warm his body, clutching a small locket as he thought of the woman who had given it to him.


    "My lady, I pray to the goddess that he is out of all danger" - Gently kissing the jewel to keep it again under the breastplate of his armor, Sir Alfonso was alerted by the creak of fallen branches in the thick darkness.


    Rushing violently against the silhouette that was a few steps away from him, he drew his dagger and was only a few seconds away from piercing the throat of a man who could barely utter a word due to exhaustion.


    When the moonlight lit up his face a little, Sir Alfonso realized that it was Archibald. An officer who performed infiltration functions between the border of the kingdom of Tigris and Antioca.


    ¡°My lord, it nearly made my heart stop with fright!¡±


    -¡°Stop wasting time and give me a report on the situation¡± ¨C Keeping his dagger in its sheath, Sir Alfonso sat down to listen to his informant. Who brought unfavorable news for the kingdom of Antioca.


    -¡°As the report of our spies in the palace of Tigris told us, King Archimedes has begun to form a regular army despite the peace agreements he had signed with King Edward. It seems that he does not trust the new king, considering him an immature and arrogant young man.


    -"Certainly not wrong"


    -¡°Sir Alfonso! What he has said can be considered treason! Don''t say it out loud¡± ¨C The informant looked around hoping that none of the men on the expedition had heard the lieutenant. Feeling a lump in his throat loosen, he continued his report to Sir Alfonso. Who maintained a sober posture when listening to every word from that man''s lips.


    "Mrs. Dinora, I''m here" - Holding an oil lamp, Julia entered through the kitchen door observing how the place was immaculate with all its belongings in order. During the day, the kitchen was a bustling space that was filled with all kinds of aromas and servants who moved from one place to another to attend to the orders of the royal family and guests.


    But at night, even the sound of a pin hitting the ground was easily audible to Cook''s keen ears.


    ¡°Thank you for coming young lady. Please take a seat. I''ll serve you some hot milk with honey¡± ¨C Taking a small pot that was still warm on the stove, Dinora poured the drink into an earthenware cup that she extended into Julia''s hands. Who, thanking the gesture, took a sip of that nectar that delighted his palate.


    ¡°In this kingdom slaves are seen as nothing more than simple objects. Even many of us as commoners forget that nobles are no different in how they treat us. We can have houses, marry whoever we want or have the children we want. But at the end of the day, if a noble decides so, all that becomes nothing¡± ¨C With her head bowed without looking up from her cup, Dinora talked to Julia as if she had a heavy heart; as if a secret was trying to get out, looking for someone to trust.


    ¡°I had a younger sister, her name was Angela. She was so young and beautiful with her honey colored eyes, her smile captivated any man who saw her. She had so many suitors that she became jealous of her at times.


    She lived in the province of Asores, she went to live there when she married a boy who was an apprentice blacksmith. My parents were against that marriage, but young people are impulsive. And they do a lot of crazy things for love¡± ¨C With her eyes clouded with tears and a melancholy smile sketched on her face, Dinora continued telling Julia that memory of her life.


    When that young couple brought their first child into the world, Angela''s husband was going through a rough patch with his newly formed blacksmith shop. With the low demand for jobs, income was so meager that she could barely cover the daily needs of the small family. Being forced to ask for a loan from a moneylender who was a lender for a nobleman, who, seeing that the blacksmith could not pay the high interest on the requested loan, proceeded to take him and his family as slaves.


    Both he and his wife, and even the little two-year-old girl, received the mark of slavery on their arms making them the property of the nobleman who duped them.


    Seeing Angela''s beauty, that noble fabricated evidence of a crime framing her husband. Provoking thereby that he was sentenced to be beheaded, since, for slaves, the least of the crimes was the greatest offense that deserved death.


    With tricks, under the promise of sparing her husband''s life, that man took Angela as a concubine. Threatening her to serve him as much as she wanted, if she wanted her husband and daughter to stay alive.


    But that vile man, far from keeping his word, gave free rein to his depravities with the unfortunate woman for a month. Time in which she never knew that the same night she agreed to enter her bed, her husband had been executed in the property''s stables.


    ¡°The maids said that when she left the mansion, her eyes were dead! She walked naked to where her husband''s body was hanging, while the dogs continued to devour him. Seeing her those beasts threw themselves at Angela and her, she did not resist. He let himself be killed by the dogs¡± ¨C Bringing her hands to her face, Dinora cried softly trying not to wake up Margarita, who was asleep in the small room off the kitchen.


    Taking Julia by the hand, Dinora asked her to accompany her to the room to see the girl. Lifting one of her sleeves revealing the mark that horrified Julia to the point of almost dragging her to the grave.


    ¡°Margarita is the daughter of my sister Angela. A maiden friend of mine who worked on Count Solera''s estate helped me bring her to the capital. When that bastard ordered her to throw her to the dogs, my friend wrapped her in a blanket and threw a little pig for them to devour.


    Thanks to her, my little niece was able to survive and I have passed her off as my daughter. I pretended to have a daughter out of wedlock to allow her to live free. How weird is that word? Free! It is a mere dream, with the mark on his arm, being free is something that can never be while he is alive¡± ¨C Dinora exclaimed bitterly, cursing the sky for such a cruel fate to which she had thrown such an innocent creature.


    Turning to Julia while squeezing her hand tightly, Dinora pleaded with her to keep an eye on her niece at all times so she wouldn''t expose her identity as a slave.


    The maiden knew of Julia''s noble spirit, who took part of her sight to save a commoner from execution. He felt that in her, he had found someone he could trust with his niece''s life, someone who could understand the horrors of being a slave in that kingdom without judging him.


    Looking at the innocent and defenseless Margarita sleeping in bed hugging a rag doll stuffed with sawdust, she thought to herself that this girl was the opportunity to redeem herself from guilt for not having protected her servants, who were executed by the Raphael''s tyrant


    "I promise you! I will protect her¡± ¨C Making a solemn vow in front of the maid, Julia left the kitchen to go to her room to sleep. That night when she rested her head on the pillow, the young woman could not fall asleep at the revelation of such a horrendous crime orchestrated by Solera.

 Chapter VI: When the ravens dance

    "So King Archimedes has already made his first move, it seems that he cannot hide the desire to take my crown" - Sitting in the throne room, rocking a cup that was filled by a one-eyed slave, Rafael watched from high to the noble gentleman who rendered his report prostrate with his knee and fist to the ground.


    -¡° It is as your majesty informed us. My men and I were able to corroborate firsthand the preparation that the Tigris knights have¡±


    -" And like a dog that returns with its tail between its legs, you dare to show your face to me in this way!" ¨C Rising from his seat throwing the glass against Sir Alfonso''s head, the sour wine mixed with the blood that flowed from his forehead. Rafael showed a disjointed face, clenching his jaw as he looked around at the guards , who kept their gazes avoiding his eyes.


    The men in the service of the king''s escort tried to hide their dissatisfaction with the treatment received by a subject as loyal to the crown as Sir Alfonso was. Who had returned from a mission that was practically a suicide.


    Not only because of the adverse conditions of the terrain to be explored, but also because a petty hand had been involved to the point of laying a trap for them; Completely exposed, Alfonso''s men found themselves surrounded by a contingent of soldiers from the kingdom of Tigris in the dead of night.


    When the informant had finished his part, Alfonso was about to dismiss him when he was alerted by the sound of a trumpet in the silence of the night. The soldiers who were gathered around the fires of the bonfires, took their swords to repel the combatants who entered the camp in a frenzy of blood and steel.


    The smell of gunpowder from the guard rifles of the kingdom of Antioca permeated the cold air to the point of turning it rancid by the sulfur triggered by the flash of ammunition. Sir Alfonso watched as one by one his men resisted the onslaught, maintaining their position in order to give him time to flee to report what had happened.


    They had sworn their loyalty to the lieutenant, regardless of who wore the crown, Sir Alfonso''s men were gentlemen who saw within the military discipline who they should serve and follow.


    With a heavy heart, Alfonso took the reins of his horse, leaving through the thick mist of cold and gunpowder. Being hit by an arrow that he could barely dodge thanks to his steed, leaving a mark on his face that ran from his cheekbone to his forehead. Narrowly saving the sight of his left eye.


    Rafael did not take his eyes off that knight, who even prostrated on the ground, inspired the gallantry and courage of a man who has known the glory of the battlefield. Sir Alfonso knew that the king would not let him go clean from that event; for a lieutenant to leave the enemy camp, whatever the reason, was a dishonorable act.


    ¡°Guards, take Sir Alfonso prisoner and bring him to the west tower! He will remain locked up for the next few days until parliament decides what to do with him¡± ¨C Feeling upset by those orders, the guards looked at Sir Alfonso with deep sorrow on their shoulders.


    "It''s nothing personal lieutenant" - One of the guards muttered that as he placed the handcuffs on the hands of the gentleman, who in absolute silence could only nod his head understanding that it was part of the duty of a soldier.


    Sir Alfonso was taken by the guards and walked down the corridor of the throne room until he crossed the threshold of the great door that opened with a creaking noise that echoed off the walls of the room.


    As the doors closed, Raphael was left standing where Sir Alfonso had been kneeling. Bringing his hand to his chin, as if a sinister machination were lucubrating in his mind.


    Silently approaching, Julia bent down to pick up the glass and with a cloth wiped away the spilled wine that had mixed with the knight''s blood. Lowering his eyes while biting his lips in impotence, seeing how the monarch took in such little esteem the knights who swore to serve the crown.


    "How''s your eye doing?" ¨C Surprisingly, the monarch had bowed until he was at the height of Julia''s face, who could not utter a word due to surprise. Grabbing her chin and lifting her face a little, Rafael scrutinized every expression in her eyes.


    ¡°Do you think I have been unfair to Sir Alfonso? Should I have acted differently? ¨C With a different tone than usual, Rafael questioned Julia as if he really wanted to know her opinion. During the years that he served as a knight under the identity of Andr¨¦s, the monarch had never been interested in knowing the feelings of the maiden.


    Perplexed by the direction that event was taking, Julia did not know what to answer for the first time in so long of knowing each other. There was a silence between the two, like an abyss that was widening as the seconds passed.


    "You''re right, in the end a king doesn''t need to hear anything from a mere slave" - Violently, Rafael dropped Julia who felt that the strength had gone from her body due to the fear that the man inspired in her.


    Snapping his fingers, the king ordered his attendant to take Julia back to the servants'' quarters. Just watching her for another minute was difficult for the sovereign, who felt a slight tightness in his chest just being near her.


    In order to clear up his feelings that had resurfaced in him since the day of the scaffold, Rafael had taken Julia from their ordinary activities within the palace to serve him personally. For the maiden that was not strange at all, since as a personal knight he had served the monarch day and night. But it was not the same for the king, who felt that something inside his mind was out of place.


    Arriving the afternoon of that same day, Rafael was in his rooms reading the reports of the spies and the part narrated by Sir Alfonso. Maintaining a stern countenance with each line his eyes passed analyzing the text.


    -¡° Sir, have you sent for me?¡±


    -¡° Yes, Count Solera, I asked my servants to bring him to my presence. Sit down¡± ¨C Like an elusive fox that has entered the bear''s cave, Solera approached the table where the king was sitting and bowed to him.


    -¡° Have you read the reconnaissance team report?¡±


    -¡° I have read it, Your Majesty. And I consider that Sir Alfonso''s words are extremely biased and I dare say a little exaggerated¡± ¨C With a servile tone, Solera attacked Sir Alfonso without the slightest hesitation. Causing the king to feel confused by his words.


    Count Solera was a man who, like Sir Alfonso, had served in battle under the orders of the royal house. The fact that a man-at-arms claimed that a fellow man''s report was exaggerating was completely foreign to Rafael. Who having read the report, despite his differences with the lieutenant, agreed that the actions of King Archimedes were something that could not be overlooked.


    -" Solera, since before ascending the throne I had seen in you a reliable adviser in whom I could deposit my concerns "


    -" Thank you for such words my lord..."


    -" However, I am afraid that I cannot take you seriously at the moment and I want to think that you are being light in your assertions" - Rafael kept his hand on the hilt of his sword, as if he was ready to brandish his edge waiting for the words that would come from the count''s mouth.


    Solera had read the atmosphere and cleared her throat a little, experiencing a legitimate fear before the imposing figure of Rafael.


    ¡°My king, despite the fact that there is an agreement between the kingdoms of Antioch and Tigris not to prepare regular armies, I believe that you are also aware that the threat to the kingdom comes from the east, but not from the lands of King Archimedes.


    Since his father signed the pact with the king of Tigris, various territories belonging to the eastern monarchy presented their desire to separate from the central government. Those territories in these years have grown economically from a position alien to both kingdoms.


    That is why this generated great concern in King Archimedes; that upon seeing that his counterpart had died, he felt the need to take precautionary measures in the face of the latent threat¡± ¨C With a prodigious lip, Solera had led Rafael to a reasonable doubt in his thoughts.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The autonomous territories derived from the war between Tigris and Antioch , had reached the categories of principalities in the last twenty years. Focusing on serving as trade-trading territories, both grew as shadows in full view of King Edward.


    "That still does not explain the reason for the behavior of King Archimedes" - Pressing Solera a little more, the young monarch kept his eyes fixed on the nobleman, who knowing that he had made the king fall in his oratory, continued his speech with an air renewed confidence.


    "My Lord. I beg your pardon for what I am going to say, but in your wisdom you will know that it is without intent. If the man with whom you signed a pact dies, would you trust his successor to keep his word? The autonomous principalities have begun to employ mercenaries under the guise of escorting goods through wastelands. Understand Archimedes'' position as one of his peers


    If the situation were reversed, wouldn''t we as a kingdom do the same in the face of a latent threat?" ¨C As expected, Solera''s speech had encouraged Rafael''s psychotic side. Who thought it was logical that King Archimedes would seek to protect himself as he felt abandoned by the sudden death of King Edward.


    ¡°So what do you suggest Solera? How could I gain Archimedes'' trust?" ¨C With a smile on her lips, Solera kept talking to Rafael until late at night.


    The west tower was a fortified structure of the palace, where the captivity of nobles who had committed an administrative offense against the royal house was held. Twenty stories high, thick walls overgrown with vines and moss, gave the impression of an abandoned fortification.


    And it is that rarely since the arrival of Edward II to power, the tower was used as a prison. Due to the firm character of the former monarch and the assertiveness of his subordinates such as Duke Valera, the need to have a special prison for the nobility had fallen into disuse. Being used mostly as a warehouse for grains, in order to guarantee the subsistence of the royal capital during the winter.


    On the top floor of the tower, a man sat in the shadows surrounded by a few rats that peered at his motionless figure. Sir Alfonso was in a deep post-traumatic trance, unable to fall asleep after vivid memories of his comrades-in-arms falling to enemy shrapnel.


    ¨C ¡° My lady, we don''t have much time. If the king finds out that we are here, it will be dangerous for you.¡±


    -¡° Eunice, a member of the crown is due to his subjects. But if they have been loyal as Sir Alfonso is. Any price to pay is small compared to the gratitude I have for him¡± ¨C Head covered by the thick fabric of a hood, Elena approached the light of the lamp to the bars of the cell seeking to see Sir Alfonso in the darkness.


    -¡° Alfonso! Are you okay? Answer to me!" ¨C Despite the little light that reached him, the silhouette of the gentleman was seen battered and full of dirt. When Elena saw the state in which her knight was, she lowered the lamp to the ground and held on to the bars, sinking her face a little as if trying to reach him.


    "My lady" - Raising his face when he saw Elena desperate for him, Alfonso dragged himself with the little strength he had left in his body until he reached the bars, falling exhausted from fatigue.


    Within the knight corps, there was a sharp class division that resembled the caste system. On the one hand, the sons of the nobles of the kingdom who had graduated from the military academy. And on the other, the knights of commoner origin who had received their title due to their achievements in battle.


    Sir Alfonso had been born in a humble cradle from a family of farmers in one of the provinces of the kingdom. When the kingdom of Tigris went into battle with the kingdom of Antioch fifteen years ago, he entered the fray as part of the royal draft.


    At the end of five years of bloody fighting and bathing in the blood of both enemies and allies, the commoners who had rendered their military service were rewarded with the title of knights. With no land to inherit, that title was more of an honorific that allowed commoners to get involved with the nobility of the country.


    Most of the knights of plebeian origin were scattered throughout the territory of the kingdom, serving as bailiffs of provinces or security forces.


    The remaining knights in the capital all came from noble houses except for the two young men guarding the throne room. The moment Sir Alfonso''s chain of custody passed into the hands of the knights of the noble faction, they had no qualms about secretly beating him within the walls of the tower.


    -¡° This is all my fault! If you weren''t involved with me, my brother¡­¡±


    - " None of this is your fault my lady, I have failed as a gentleman and this punishment is fair"


    -¡° But what nonsense are you saying! Where is the justice in this!¡± - The tears that fell from the face of the princess, reached the hands of the knight that protruded from the bars. Feeling that warmth, Sir Alfonso found strength to get up on his knees and sit in front of his mistress in order to calm her down.


    ¡°My lady, as you can see there is nothing to worry about with your servant. Please listen to Eunice and get out of this tower before the shift change comes. I really appreciate you honoring me with your presence, but if you stay here I won''t be able to protect you¡± ¨C Making a sign to the princess''s servant, Alfonso ordered her to escort his mistress back to the castle without attracting attention.


    Just as they were about to leave, Sir Alfonso took from among his clothes a piece of paper that he had avoided being snatched from him by the guards.


    ¡°My lady, in my report I did not include the details written on this paper. This information was given to me by my informant moments before the detachment of Tigris soldiers attacked us¡± ¨C A folded piece of paper lightly stained with dried blood was handed to the maiden, who bowed her head in reverence to Sir Alfonso and then disappeared. with his mistress among the corridors at the top of the tower.


    Exhausted by the effort to maintain his composure, Alfonso collapsed, hitting the bars with his thick back. Exhaling pitifully as he completely surrendered to exhaustion.


    Eight days after Sir Alfonso was imprisoned, the streets of the royal capital were plunged into a bustling atmosphere. In order to strengthen friendly ties with the Tigris kingdom, King Raphael arranged to hold a royal banquet with the visit of representatives and ambassadors from both the Tigris kingdom, as well as from the principalities of Almera and Elidora . All of this under the premise of reinforcing the pact celebrated ten years ago, exchanging promises of prosperity between nations.


    Within the walls of the palace, the atmosphere was no different from that of the streets of the capital. Only with the contrast of the rush and stress that was felt by the servants of the royal family.


    "Julia goes with Margarita to collect the eggs from the chicken coop!" ¨C Wiping the sweat from her forehead with the sleeve of her dress, Dinora was stirring a ladle inside a large pot that was bubbling with the afternoon meal.


    Despite the preparations to celebrate the great royal banquet, the daily tasks of the servants were not reduced in any way. Always needing many hands, trying to get their tasks done on time.


    Although the celebration was still nine days away, the servants were working hard to please the headstrong monarch.


    "Come on big sister, take your basket and follow me" - With a wide smile, Margarita was enthusiastic about the tasks assigned to her. Used to only running small errands, the girl was happy to be able to do things that were more complicated.


    -¡° Margarita, don''t pull Julia''s clothes¡±


    -¡° Don''t worry, Mrs. Dinora, we''ll be back soon¡± ¨C With her sincere smile and her best-looking face, Julia took the little girl by the hand and led her through the corridors of the palace until she reached the rear part that communicated with the stables.


    Near the cows and goats, the chicken coop was brimming with different specimens of chickens that had been brought from other provinces or kingdoms. The vivid colors of the plumage of some of them shone in iridescent colors as soon as the light passed through them.


    Margarita could not hide her amazement and happiness at being in contact with those animals, staying distracted following her chicks as if she had forgotten the task that had been entrusted to her.


    For Julia, seeing that girl happy with something as simple as playing with animals was something that reassured her after knowing the sad past that she kept secret.


    -¡° Margarita, if you don¡¯t collect eggs I will tell your mother¡±


    -¡° You''re a bad sister, you shouldn''t accuse my mom¡± ¨C Holding a little chick with her hands, the girl threw a tantrum as she put it back on the straw to take her basket and collect eggs.


    Finishing filling the baskets, Margarita and Julia went once more to the kitchen to deliver the baskets to Dinora. Overflowing with happiness while holding Julia''s hand, Margarita walked along humming a lullaby that was engraved deep in her memories.


    -¡° Did Dinora sing that song for you?¡±


    -¡° I don''t know sister. Every time I try to sing it I feel like I''m missing something, so I think that if I sing it once in a while, I''ll be able to remember what that is." - With lost eyes while saying those words, Margarita seemed like a different girl than she was usually used to.


    Julia felt that if she kept asking, it would make the girl more uncomfortable. Quickly changing the subject, to distract her and recover the atmosphere they had until a few moments ago.


    -¡° Incompetent! I have told them clearly that invitations for dignitaries should be delivered by royal guards and not by servants."


    -¡° We are sorry sir, please forgive us¡± ¨C A group of maidens was on their knees on the floor of the palace in front of the figure of a man who did not stop raising his voice and attacking the backs of the maids with a whip.


    "It''s the other time, it''s better to get out of here before Margarita sees us, Margarita?" ¨C Trembling to the point of dropping the basket with eggs, the girl felt an inexplicable terror when she heard the timbre of that man''s voice. With eyes full of tears, the girl''s voice would not come out of her throat despite wanting to cry with all her might.


    At that moment, Julia understood that the girl had recognized that man who hurled insults at the servants. Despite having been only two years old when misfortune struck her family, the girl kept that trauma deep within her.


    "What are you two doing over there looking?" ¨C Turning in the direction of where Julia and Margarita were, Count Solera walked slapping his heels on the marble tile with a face full of anger.


    Seeing that Margarita did not stop crying, Julia stepped between her and the nobleman and with a defiant look she faced him thinking about the promise she made to Dinora.


    ¡°I see you are still as arrogant as ever, Miss Valera!¡± ¨C With his gaze fixed on Julia''s face, Count Solera pressed the whip against the palms of his hands while bending it in a threatening manner.


    The crows that were resting in the pavilions near the west tower, instinctively began to caw as if something ominous was riding rampant to the palace; raising its wings in flight, giving the appearance of starting a macabre dance.

 Chapter VII: Angels with broken wings

    Just like a bear that stands between the hunter and her cub, Julia remained firm and immovable before the angry presence of Count Solera. The looks of the servants that until recently were diverted from the punishment on the maidens, now were incipiently nailed to the morbidity of what would happen to the slave.


    Feeling Margarita''s trembling hand clutch her skirt tightly, Julia frowned, clenching her teeth at the count who was about to swing the whip at her face.


    ¡°How dare you give me that kind of look! You miserable slave!¡± ¨C When the piece of leather was about to hit Julia''s face, a hand got in the way of the whip, holding it firmly.


    The fine fabric of the glove, immaculately white as snow, soon began to stain a vivid shade of carmine.


    -"You have so many desires to lose your head, Count Solera!"


    - "My lord, why have you intervened?"


    -¡°You forget that this woman belongs to me!¡± ¨C With his face visibly angry, Rafael had made an appearance when he heard the tumult in the room on the first floor. With his black hair and clean-shaven face, dressed in his white suit with scarlet and gold motifs. He was about to celebrate the graduation of the new cadets of the academy when his gaze went to the crowd that was milling about the heated discussion.


    Without giving it much importance, he was about to go to take his horse when he heard Julia''s voice coming from the large crowd. Driven by the curiosity that the actions of that woman had provoked in him lately, he approached slowly and as soon as he saw that incident in the distance, his body moved instinctively as if he did not control his impulses.


    ¡°But what am I doing? Why am I defending this woman? - Rafael thought to himself as he looked at the incredulous Julia, who was squatting hugging Margarita against her chest.


    ¨C ¡°Solera, you are one of my most reliable men. Therefore, I will overlook this incident so please immediately withdraw from the palace.¡±


    -"Yes my lord. As you say¡± ¨C Trying to contain himself, Solera resented the humiliation that slave had caused him, swearing to himself that he would take revenge on her as soon as he had the opportunity.


    ¡°What are you doing standing here watching? Take the maids and take them to the infirmary immediately. We cannot afford to lose manpower when the banquet is so close¡± ¨C Extending his hand giving the order, Rafael rebuked the servants, who, seeing the monarch''s attitude, were confused to the point of being petrified.


    ¡°Is that perhaps I have to repeat my orders! Withdraw¡± ¨C Raising his voice even more, Rafael made his dominant air felt over the maids and servants, who fearfully nodded and proceeded as the king had ordered.


    "Solera hurt you somewhere? I asked you if Solera hurt you!" ¨C Like the servants, Julia was speechless at Rafael''s behavior. Who, taking her firmly by the wrist, lifted her off the ground with force, making their faces close to each other.


    Losing himself for an instant in the clear green hue of Julia''s iris, the king reacted to her behavior by letting go of her, leaving the imprint of his fingers on her skin.


    "What have you done to me woman?" ¨C Turning around, Rafael approached his assistant who already had a change of gloves ready and as planned, he left the palace for the academy.


    The question that Rafael had asked made Julia feel confused, even more so when she thought about the moment their eyes met for that brief moment when they were so close to each other.


    "Sister, I want to go with mom" - Barely speaking in a low voice, Margarita seemed to have come out of her panic attack. Visibly exhausted from bursting into tears at the overwhelming trauma of meeting Solera, the little girl sighed momentarily as Julia carried her to the kitchen.


    Dinora was as usual near the stove testing the seasoning of the dish she was preparing, concentrating on the quantities and adding in proportion what she felt was missing on her palate.


    Hearing the sound of the kitchen door opening, I glance sideways to tell Julia to put the eggs on the table. But his gaze was distorted in an aspect of panic, seeing that little Margarita came in his arms with a slightly reddened face soaked with tears.


    Carrying her to the bed and laying her down to sleep for a while, Julia left the child and asked her aunt to take a seat in the kitchen for a serious talk.


    -"We met Count Solera on our way back"


    - "Did he recognize Margarita?"


    -¡°I don''t think so, if that were the case, I couldn''t have brought her back¡± ¨C As established by the slavery laws of the kingdom of Antioca , any runaway slave upon discovery had to be handed over to its rightful owner. If someone was found covering up his escape, he would be considered a criminal and the penalties could vary in each situation.


    If it was a nobleman, the penalty would be a fine only on the amount of the value of the slave. In the case of a commoner, he would become a slave owned by the owner of the fugitive and would have to spend the rest of his life in servitude.


    But in the specific case of Julia, the fact that a slave hid another, was entitled to the death penalty.


    If the solera count had suspected Margarita, at the time the king questioned him, he could have invoked the legal clause on the kingdom''s slave code. In the presence of all the witnesses, not even the king could have intervened on Julia''s behalf.


    "We can''t stay in the palace any longer! If that man ever discovers her¡­¡±


    ¨C ¡°That will not happen, trust me. I''ll find a way to get you and Margarita out. But you must be patient¡± - With the preparations for the big banquet, the fact that the cook and her daughter were suddenly absent would raise suspicions. Knowing the petty character of Count Solera, Julia anticipated that he would seek a way to hurt her through the girl. Therefore, he asked Dinora not to let the little girl leave the room until the day of the royal banquet was over.


    "Damn bitch!" ¨C In a mansion within the first square of the royal capital, with large pillars as white as pearls and on the sides of the main door two heraldries with the fleur de liz . Blinded by rage attacking all the objects inside an office, Count Solera did not stop yelling and cursing Julia.


    Being a proud man and devoid of any consideration for outsiders, Solera had experienced such humiliation for the first time in the presence of commoners. The job of brainwashing Prince Raphael for years seemed to have vanished in one fell swoop just by having the slave nearby.


    ¡°If you think that you are going to throw away all my efforts and sacrifices of these years, you are very wrong Valera. Just as I incriminated your father to direct the prince''s wrath on him, so I will also do to you, you dirty whore¡± ¨C Deafened by the noise inside the office, a knock on the door was not noticed by Solera. Who, thinking that it was a servant, threw a letter opener that stuck dangerously against the edge of the door.


    ¡°I heard from the servants that you beat the housekeeper to a pulp for asking if you wanted some soothing tea. But I didn''t imagine you would be so out of your mind to almost kill your daughter¡± ¨C Waist-length wavy red hair, a pair of curious heterochromic cat-like eyes and slightly full lips adorned with cool lipstick. Berenice Solera, the count''s second daughter, was a beautiful woman with a sober and calculating character.


    Unlike her father, the coldness with which she used to handle situations that bothered her had earned her the nickname of the ice princess in social circles.


    ¡°It would be a shame if you died before being useful to your father¡± ¨C Unlike the treatment he had with his eldest son R¨®mulo, Solera did not hide his misogynistic behavior even towards his daughter. Whom he saw only as a piece on his twisted board of games.


    ¡°I have heard that the king has invited the sons of the king of Tigris to the banquet. Isn''t this dangerous for your plans? I know that Princess Sofia is a lady who knows how to keep her form in meetings, but Prince Eleazar has a bad reputation for loosening his tongue after drinking too much. If he talks too much at the banquet and it reaches Rafael''s ears, don''t you think that¡­¡±


    "You don''t think I''ve thought of that!" ¨C Pounding his fist on the desk, Solera glared at his daughter, admiring how capable she was of anticipating every detail that he himself had previously thought of. That intelligence that he wished R¨®mulo had inherited had remained in the daughter he despised so much.


    ¡°For the night of the banquet, I have a plan to take care of that undesirable detail with Eleazar. And I''ll also be able to get rid of an annoying rat that won''t stop screeching around me¡± ¨C Feeling a chill from the cloudy expression on her father''s face, Berenice thought that she was lucky not to be the person on whom her father''s anger relapsed


    -"To all this, how is your relationship with Rafael?"


    ¨C ¡°It seems that it is just as the rumors say about him, he is a man who has unconventional preferences in bed. But I have ordered a drug from an herbalist that will allow me to have it in my hands soon¡± ¨C Smiling capriciously, Berenice rested her left arm against her belly. Implying that she was prepared to conceive a child by Raphael and thereby bind him to her as the future queen of Antioch .


    Two days before the banquet, as Dinora and Julia had agreed, the little girl had remained inside the kitchen area without accidentally looking out into the halls of the palace. Since that day they met Solera, Margarita had remained taciturn in character, in stark contrast to her usual smile.


    Understanding the girl''s feelings after having gone through similar things during her childhood, Julia set out to go to the market in the main square to get her a gift.


    Coinciding with the date on which the banquet would be held, the little girl''s birthday was near; Giving Julia the opportunity to cheer up the girl a little, with whom she had grown fond in the short time of meeting him.


    Being a slave, the young Julia did not have an assigned salary for the work she performed inside the palace. Occasionally earning a few coins by doing chores for other maidens, who took the opportunity by delegating their work to Julia, to go meet her lovers. The young woman had saved enough to buy a hair clip.


    Since slaves were not allowed to decide on their own bodies, Julia had grown her hair to her shoulders in those months. Accustomed by her role as a man to having short hair, her hair used to make her uncomfortable while she was scrubbing the floors.


    Ribbons or barrettes, despite being common elements among commoner women, were still a luxury that slaves could not easily dispose of. Even if someone wanted to give them one, slaves could not have personal property beyond what their master granted them. In the same way, sellers would hardly sell anything to a slave, unless they did it secretly, increasing the cost of the object.


    -"Mrs. Dinora, how is Margarita?"


    ¨C ¡°These last two days you have eaten better and talk a little more. But he still has nightmares at night. Julia, were you able to find a way for us to escape?¡±


    -¡°Yes, yesterday I spoke with Gregorio, the old man who is in charge of supplying the palace with oil. I told her that a friend needs to go to see a relative in the country, but she has no money to pay for a carriage. He has agreed to take them halfway to Sicona .


    When you get there, look for a small cabin near the willow forest. That place was a little shack my father used when we went goose hunting. There under the floorboards, you will find a small box with some money.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    They were some savings that I made when I was a child and I used to play thinking that I was a pirate burying his treasure. It''s not much, but it will allow them to get some food and lodging for a few days¡± ¨C Evoking childhood memories that will never come back, Julia felt a lump form in her throat at the thought of her father. Despite being a tough man, the moments they shared on the hunt were the ones when she felt closest to him.


    ¡°You are an angel my girl. I can''t understand how life has allowed so much pain to hit you¡± ¨C Sincerely moved by Julia, Mrs. Dinora brought her hands to the young woman''s face, gently caressing her cheeks.


    -¡°Mrs. Dinora, I will go to the market in the square for a birthday present for Margarita. Please if anyone asks about me, just tell them you saw me on the way to the stables¡±


    ¨C ¡°But girl, you have already done a lot for my niece and me! I could not accept more than what you have already given us.¡±


    ¨C ¡°I do this because I am very fond of Margarita. You shouldn''t worry about it¡± ¨C Smiling like she hadn''t done in a long time, the warmth in Julia''s face reflected the grace of a heart that has been saved from darkness. Captivated by that expression on Julia''s face, Mrs. Dinora asked her to wait for her while she looked for something in her bedside drawer.


    Asking her to close her eyes, Dinora carefully took Julia''s hair and gathered it behind her neck while the sound of a latch closing was heard. A brass brooch in the shape of a butterfly rested on the burnished brown of her hair.


    -"Dinora, is this?"


    -"Yes my girl, a farewell gift" - Giving each other a hug, the two women realized that it would probably be the last time they would see each other. After the banquet, Dinora and Margarita would be far from the heavy walls of the royal palace. Leaving Julia in that prison where she would see the years of her life consumed.


    "I have to go" - Feeling heavy heart, Julia gently said goodbye to Dinora to go to the market before someone noticed her absence.


    The flea market in the capital''s square was the most popular place for commoners and servants of the nobility. Concentrating products from different parts of the world, it was a place that totally captivated the senses.


    From the aroma of oriental street food and spices, to the vivid color of imported fabrics, the flea market had everything a person could imagine.


    From the troubadours singing verses near the fountain, to the street performer practicing illusionism, such a sight was a delight to the eyes no matter which way one looked. During the time she served as royal guard, Julia rarely left the palace except for Prince Raphael''s personal errands. Who had a predilection for mint and honey candies that were sold at the market.


    ¡°Miss, miss, come over and see if you like something!¡± Julia was trying to cover her bondage mark with a cloak she had taken from the stables. Firmly pressing the cloth to his chest, in order to pass through the crowd without that ominous emblem being seen.


    Arranged on a carpet on the floor, a large number of rag dolls with hair of different colors towards a rainbow that could captivate the eye of any girl who sees them.


    Thinking of the doll Margarita slept with, Julia thought that a doll would be the best idea for a birthday present for the girl. Bending down to reach one of the dolls for a better view, one of the passers-by stepped on the hem of the cloak, exposing the slavery mark to the merchant''s view.


    -¡°You are a slave! Get away from my post immediately. I have nothing to sell you."


    ¨C ¡°Please, it is for a birthday present. I''ll pay you double."


    ¨C ¡°I told you that I have nothing to sell you. Get out!¡± ¨C Violently pushing Julia towards the crowd, the young woman felt that she collided with the chest of a man who was standing behind her.


    -"So sorry!"


    "Are you apologizing to me for crashing? Or is it something else you feel you should apologize for?¡± ¨C That man''s face was covered and his head had a black cape that highlighted the tone of his skin. But that voice was unmistakable for Julia, who felt her heart beating so hard that, being so close to him, she could be heard with some effort.


    -"Re..." - Bringing her hand to her mouth to silence her, Rafael took Julia firmly while throwing two silver coins at the feet of the seller to take the doll that the young woman was looking at.


    Moving quickly through the crowd until he reached the trees of the central park, Rafael released the young woman, who fell to the ground on her knees in front of him, clutching her cape begging for mercy.


    ¡°Seeing you as a skittish rabbit has become boring for me. So much so that it would sound strange for me to say it, but I miss the days when you challenged me with your eyes when I thought you were a man¡± ¨C Lowering the scarf from his face, Rafael had a smile different from his usual sinister way. To Julia, it was as if someone else was wearing the face of the king.


    For a few days, Rafael had stopped drinking the tea that the maid served him to help him fall asleep at night. Feeling how his character changed to a more relaxed tone, the monarch continued pouring the tea into the fireplace, making him believe that he was drinking it. Well, he was beginning to suspect that something strange was happening behind his back.


    "Here, wasn''t this what you were trying to buy?" ¨C Throwing the doll into his arms, Rafael pulled a cloth bag from the side of his belt, from which he took a small mint candy that he put in his mouth and began to savor.


    -"Do you still like mint and honey candies?" - Afraid that the man in front of her was acting, Julia said those words with a shyness that she had never experienced before. It wasn''t fear what he felt inside his being, but something more strange that caused a tingle when talking to him.


    "Wake up Julia! This man was the one who brought my father to ruin. He is responsible for your hands being full of blood¡± ¨C The young woman thought to herself that crude truth, trying to deny that feeling that confused her heart.


    ¡°The palace is currently very busy. If you arrive alone and they discover that you ran away, you know that the punishment is twenty lashes. With all the dignitaries who have come to stay in the palace, not even I as king could protect you¡± ¨C Despite being the most powerful man in the kingdom, it was that same power that tied him in many ways to his behavior. A king who cannot follow the very laws that emanated from his onslaught, in the eyes of the nobles, was someone who would not have the moral capacity to demand that they be complied with.


    Aware of the heavy burden, Julia nodded to her lord and proceeded to escort him back to the palace in the carriage that was waiting a few meters from the park. Looking at him for moments without realizing it, the young woman observed the melancholic countenance of the king while the carriage circulated through the streets of the capital.


    From the talks she used to have with the princess in the past, Elena had expressed concern about her brother''s sudden change in behavior in childhood. After the queen''s death, the two princes had been left in the care of a governess who had been recommended by a nobleman whose name she could not remember. Being that point where Rafael''s demeanor gradually changed to the point where everyone currently knew him.


    ¡°On the day of the banquet I want you to be by my side serving me. I''ll have my assistant prepare some clothes for the occasion and a prosthetic eye. Do not separate yourself from me for a moment that day¡± ¨C That order took Julia by surprise, who being a slave never thought that she would be allowed to attend the royal banquet as a servant.


    Without a doubt, the change in Rafael''s behavior coincided with the fact that he stopped drinking the tea that was served to him at night.


    "!My Sir! Please, follow me this way¡± ¨C The king''s assistant had a pale face, as if he had just seen something that could disturb his lord''s good spirits.


    -"What happen? Can''t I, being the king, go freely through my palace?


    - "My Lord, Count Solera has applied the law on the ownership of slaves and has killed the royal cook"


    -"What have you said?" ¨C Quickly getting down from the carriage while taking Julia by the arm, the king hurriedly walked through the corridors that led to the palace kitchen. Feeling for an instant how the temperature in Julia''s skin dropped to the point of looking like a walking corpse.


    -"What''s happening to you? Why are you pale?


    ¡°Margarita¡­ Dinora¡± ¨C Seeing how she squeezed the doll she was holding in her arms, the king realized that this gift was for the girl he had protected from Count Solera days ago.


    "Sebastian! Take her to my chambers right now and do not allow anyone besides me to enter. It is an order¡± ¨C The king''s assistant agreed to his lord''s command, taking Julia by the arm, taking her slowly to Rafael''s chambers.


    Seeing her dismayed face, the monarch preferred that the young woman move away from his side as he continued on his way to the kitchen.


    Arriving at the place, Rafael''s gaze was completely lost in the scene that was in front of him. The place was completely scrambled, as if a fight had broken out inside that room. Wheat flour along with other foods was scattered on the floor until it reached the door of a room. Where Solera remained leaning against the door frame, holding his hand to his chest trying to stop the bleeding caused by a kitchen knife.


    -"Solera! What has happened in this place? Answer to me!"


    -¡°My lord, days ago I had an altercation with your slave who protected the girl who lived in the kitchen. You didn''t let me explain at the time, but that girl was familiar to me because of her face.


    It was the same face of a slave who had run away from my farm four years ago. Suspecting that it was the daughter of my slave, I asked the cook to uncover her left arm to check that the mark was there.¡± ¨C Lifting the sheet that was placed on the bed, the bodies of Dinora and Margarita remained embracing, bathed in blood.


    From the torn fabric of the sleeve of her dress, the mark of slavery with the symbol of a fleur de liz could be seen . The heraldry of the Solera family was irrefutable proof that she was a slave.


    ¡°But why did you kill her? Why also the girl? ¨C Visibly upset by the shock of seeing the bodies, Rafael took a few steps back while trying to maintain his composure in the face of such an unpleasant event.


    ¡°As you can see, the maid, when she was discovered, went after me with the kitchen knife. That is why I defended myself with my sword, proceeding according to the law before commoners who wound a nobleman. But unfortunately, she was holding my property at the time I swung my sword¡± ¨C Referring so coldly about the girl, the king couldn''t stand Solera''s behavior anymore. Grabbing him hard by the neck crashing him against the wall.


    -¡°My lord, being the king will not keep the proper compliance with the law? Won''t you watch over my interests as your loyal subject?"


    -"It is due to your services that I do you the favor of not sinking my sword into your chest at this time"


    ¡°It would be a pity, my lord, if the assembled witnesses witnessed such deplorable behavior of a king towards his subjects and laws. But if I am also doing him the favor of covering up his slave. Since she was an accomplice in hiding the fugitive¡± ¨C Whispering those words so that only Rafael would hear them, Solera smiled cynically at the king, who was aware that the fate that awaited Julia would be to be beheaded if that secret was known.


    ¡°My king, I will continue to serve you loyally, no matter the circumstances. Just as you will continue to listen to me, even though you don''t want to¡± ¨C Releasing his neck allowing him to breathe more relaxed, Solera ordered the guards to take the bodies of the executed women and wrap them so that they would not be seen by the eyes of the invited dignitaries. .


    Feeling guilty deep in his heart, the king ordered the servants to leave the kitchen, collapsing on the floor next to the bed where until a few moments ago Margarita and her aunt had been.


    Carrying his hands on the floor trying to stand up, his fingers collided with an object that was lying near the bed. Taking it firmly, he could see that it was a rag doll that was stained by Solera''s shoe prints.


    ¡°Julia! I must go see her¡± ¨C Coming back to his senses after losing his temper, the king hurried to his chambers opening the doors wide.


    On the bed, holding the musical sphere, Julia listened to the melody produced by the cylinder inside her. That melody was a lullaby, the same one that Margarita came to hum.


    Sensing that something was not right, Rafael approached the young woman, who had a distant look as if the brightness in her had been extinguished.


    ¡°Julia! Answer to me! Julia!¡± - Holding her hands tightly trying to come back to herself, Rafael felt his heart was going to see that the maiden did not react to his voice.


    After a brief moment, Julia came out of her trance and turned to see Rafael with her eyes shedding tears that did not stop flowing.


    -¡°Edmund! What I am going to do? If they find out I''m a woman I''ll have to leave the academy. They''ll even kill me."


    "Who is Edmund? Julia, react!¡± ¨C Desperate to see her in that trembling state, Rafael hugged Julia trying to make her come back to herself. Being surprised by the touch of her lips.


    "I can only trust you Edmundo" - Kissing him firmly, Julia held Rafael''s neck. Who stunned without knowing how to react to that situation, still experiencing the aftermath of having seen the bodies of the maid and the girl, surrendered bitterly to the warmth of lips that did not pronounce his name.


    For so many years, the monarch had been in love with Julia without caring that it was a man. Since that day in the mansion when he snatched that musical sphere from her, Rafael had awakened his feelings for the young woman. Seeking to keep her by his side in any way, like a child who has seen the vastness of the ocean for the first time.


    That warmth of her skin that pierced the thin fabric of her clothes, made Rafael surrender to the young woman, laying her down on the bed. Bringing her hands under the fabric to her chest, hearing a moan in response to her touch.


    -¡°Edmund! Tell me you''re going to protect me."


    ¨C ¡°Yes, as long as I live I will protect you. Julia¡± ¨C A pang pierced the broken heart of the monarch, who felt guilty for taking the flower of innocence from that young woman. At the same time he shed tears when he saw that she gave herself to him thinking about another man, feeling like a thief taking something that wasn''t his.


    Due to the damage that the drugs put in the tea for so many years had affected his emotions and affections, making him a more visceral than rational man, Rafael let the flesh rule the passion on his bed. Consummating the union with Julia by depositing his seed in her womb.


    Hours passed while the sun fell over the horizon until nightfall, time in which, like animals that follow their instincts, Julia and Rafael gave themselves to each other, remaining exhausted on the bed sheets, stained by the blood of the virtue of the maiden.


    ¡°My lord, is it propitious for me to enter?¡± - On the other side of the door of the room, Sebastian''s voice was heard a little dismayed waiting for his master''s response. Taking a dressing gown from his closet, Rafael got dressed and incidentally covered Julia''s naked nudity with the sheets.


    -"What''s wrong Sebastian?"


    - "Sir, Miss Berenice has requested an audience for tomorrow before the banquet is held"


    - "The daughter of Count Solera?"


    -"Yes my lord. He says that it is an urgent matter to deal with regarding the delegates who will participate in the banquet¡± ¨C Being the person in charge of coordinating the affairs of the diplomatic mission to be held, it was normal for Rafael that Miss Berenice asked to see him.


    Having her in a different concept from her father, he saw her as a reliable and capable woman to handle such matters.


    -"Alright. Tell her I''ll see her two hours before the banquet."


    -"As my lord orders" - Closing the door, Rafael directed his gaze towards the bed where Julia was fast asleep. Still thinking of the hours they had shared, he leaned to one side not daring to lay a hand on her.


    ¡°Mother, what would you think of me if you saw what I have become? ¨C Bringing his hand to his face, Rafael exhaled deeply and proceeded to turn off the light of the lamp.

 Chapter VIII: To the jaws of the wolf, all meat tastes the same

    A man in a white coat peers through a pane of glass at the pupil of a taciturn young woman sitting on the bed. Grasping his wrist trying to locate the pulse, the doctor shakes his head a little as if refusing what he sees.


    "Your Majesty. I have checked her signs and seen her reflections, everything about her physically is normal. The state in which it finds itself is not the product of any physical ailment; I feel that more than her body, it is her mind that has become ill¡± ¨C After spending the night together, Rafael woke up in the morning to see how Julia was. Realizing that the young woman who until a few hours ago could communicate, was now submerged in a trance from which there was no reaction no matter how much she spoke to him.


    -¡°You are supposed to be the best court doctor! Are you so incompetent that you can''t cure her?


    -"!My Sir! This has nothing to do with whether or not I''m able to cure her! What the young woman suffers is not in the hands of what a doctor can do. If it is as she says, the impact of yesterday''s news must have affected her to the point of wanting to disconnect from reality.


    If I wanted to put it another way, she has locked herself inside to find herself in her own safe place¡± ¨C With a serious look, the doctor faced Rafael without caring that it was the king. As a doctor, he felt obliged to look after the well-being of his patient rather than comply with the whim of the monarch.


    "If you''re really worried about her, I think it''s better to keep her away from people and any situation in which her condition could be further altered" - Taking his briefcase from the bureau next to the bed, the doctor left leaving a prescription with a list of medicinal herbs appropriate for the nerves.


    Standing next to her in the room, Rafael looked at Julia with an air of regret, reflecting on his face the anguish of not being able to do anything for her.


    ¡°Everything has been my fault. If only I had realized the situation of the girl, you would not have to be in this state. I don''t know if you can listen to me, but I want you to know that from now on I will try to make amends for all the damage I have caused in your life. Until the day my heart stops, I will watch over you¡± ¨C Kissing her on the forehead while holding the delicate hands of the maid, Rafael left the room giving the order to a maid to help her clean up and dress her in the dress. that he had prepared for the banquet.


    On the other side of the capital, where the transition between buildings clearly divides between the popular district and the slums, a woman covered in a dark cloak wandered the alleys without an escort or company. The strands of red hair that protruded from the fold of the fabric, gave faint sparkles when the light that filtered between the roofs collided with it.


    The air stale by the smell of rotting garbage that was piling up in the cracks of the sidewalks, made the lady take a handkerchief to her nose trying to avoid the nauseating aroma. Walking without hesitation, dodging at times the drunks and beggars who lay on the floor resting from the stupor of alcohol.


    At the end of a desolate alley, a thick wooden door with rust-beaten rivets hung a sign engraved with herbs and medicines. As that place was frequented more by illiterate people, the owner of the place felt that it was more practical to put her advertisement like that, than to show her name to the public.


    Hitting the doorknob three times, Berenice waited attentively for an answer to her knock, tapping her slipper impatiently on the tile, waiting for the moment to quickly enter the premises.


    ¡°I see you have already arrived. As promised, the concoction is ready. It happens before someone realizes that you are a noble lady and they kidnap you to sell you to a brothel¡± ¨C An elderly woman, with silver hair and a face full of wrinkles, her back was bent by rheumatism and she hardly gave a few steps outside your premises.


    The children of the prostitutes who lived in the alley used to call her the witch grandmother, because from the windows of her house came the penetrating aroma of the herbs she used to make her potions.


    Taking the hood of her cloak trying to cover her face more, Berenice entered the old woman''s house wiping her feet preparing to sit at the tea table.


    Just as the sense of smell could detect being close to the door, inside the penetrating aroma of the herbs came at times to give the visitors slight headaches. Added to the lack of light due to the thick curtains that covered the windows, the objects arranged in the surroundings of the room cast sinister shadows when the flames of the candles were snatched.


    "Wouldn''t it be better to open the windows a little?" ¨C Berenice approached one of the curtains to draw the fabric so that the sunlight entered the room, being stopped by the old woman''s wrist. Feeling surprised by the strength of her thin and calloused fingers, the young lady looked at the witch''s dazed expression, feeling her heart race as she continued to hold her.


    ¡°Many of the concoctions and herbs in this room would not withstand sunlight. Most of these plants grow in caves or dark and humid places, they are very careful if I want to preserve my work material¡± ¨C Releasing her wrist pointing to the table, a bottle containing a purple liquid was ready for the young woman to take it. it will take.


    ¡°When you mix this concoction with any drink, its aroma and color will meld and no one will know the difference. You must make the person drinking the elixir look you directly in the eye. Only then will it have the effect you want¡± ¨C When Berenice took the jar from the table, the documents that were in it were blown away by a gust of air that she did not know where it came from.


    When the old woman saw that, she quickly approached to where the young woman was, noticing that the engraved symbol on the table still had traces of a faint glow like blue flames. Moved by curiosity, I take a candlestick and place it at the height of Berenice''s face, perfectly seeing her singularity of the iris.


    "Girl, you can''t leave yet. Take a seat and listen to me very carefully, what I am about to tell you are not tales of yesteryear or superstitions as the clerics usually call them" - Dragging a chair to stand in front of her, the old woman sat down and began to tell a story that time had brought to oblivion.


    Before the age of the kings, beyond the myth of the creation of the world that the church usually recounts in its homilies. Men lived in harmony without borders or racial differences, connected to nature and its flow of life. They lived celebrating the elements and their blessings, their relatives died without lamenting for them. They were all aware that, being part of creation, they were all one.


    Thanks to the innocence of their hearts and the purity of their minds, the spirits coexisted with men without any restrictions. Occasionally falling in love with each other, putting aside their physical nature and other times adopting flesh and blood.


    The spirits that took human form mixed with the sons and daughters of men, bringing offspring into the world. The sign of her mix was passed on to her children in the form of red hair and the mark on her sight: eyes with two-tone irises.


    These descendants were called hufiras, beautiful young people with great talent to control the elemental energy that surrounds creation. Each one with its own affinity to each element, in a constant balance of its environment. With their abilities they were capable of wonders of immeasurable power and beauty.


    But that was creating a gap between the humans and the hufiras, passing from admiration to contempt and eventually to persecution. Although it was true that the hufiras were powerful, their number was considerably low compared to the sons of men.


    The years that followed the bloody struggles made the spirits feel horrified at the nature of man. When they thought of intervening, the Gaia became aware and ordered them not to participate against the men, they being responsible for mixing.


    Grief-stricken at the death and persecution of their descendants, the spirits prayed to Gaia for a blessing upon the world. Hearing their pleas, I grant men the gift of oblivion; doing with it, that at some point the hufiras existed.


    The few hufiras left on earth wandered for centuries wandering without a place to lay their heads. Surviving thanks to their powers under a curse: if they were seen by men using them, at that moment they would drop dead.


    ¨C ¡°Why are you telling me all this old lady? What does that have to do with me?"


    -"Just for a moment, look at me carefully" - Standing up with the help of a cane, the old woman recited a song that radiated from a light that illuminated the dark room. For a brief moment, the skin that was dry and wrinkled, became as smooth and perfect as that of a young girl. The silver hair was dyed a beautiful vivid scarlet and the virtue that had been lost for decades bloomed like a rose in the middle of the field.


    Seeing this, Berenice got up in astonishment taking a few steps back while trying to contain the expression of astonishment on her face.


    Just like the fire of a match that burns out in an instant, the glow disappeared from the old woman''s body, returning her to her original state. Spitting up blood as he couldn''t hold back his cough.


    - "Old woman, what''s wrong with you?"


    ¨C ¡°Girl, did you not listen to the story I told you? Certainly you have hufira blood in your veins, that''s why you have that reddish hair and your beautiful eyes; but you also carry human blood in you, turning you into a half-breed.


    A hufira can use his power against another hufira without problems, but if he does it against a son of man, his destiny is to die¡± ¨C Trying to maintain her composure, the old woman used her last strength explaining to the young woman that she could handle the spiritual power in almost the same way as a pureblood hufira. That she just needed to diligently study over the ancient writings and she would be able to control its power without risk to herself.


    Indicating with her hand the shelf where a book already worn by time was, as if it were a relic passed down from generation to generation, the old woman dropped her arm almost with her strength leaving her body.


    -¡°The elixir I have made for you is powerful, but in the hands of a hufira its power is unimaginable. Choose well the person to whom you will give it to drink, look for someone who has the power to protect you "


    ¨C ¡°Why did you do it old lady? Why did you decide to lose your life? ¨C The woman who had never shown a single emotion earning the nickname of ice princess, was at that moment shedding tears for an old woman whom she had only known for a few days. Moved in her heart by a distant sensation of her childhood, as if nostalgia for the past hit her soul, Berenice delicately took the head of the old woman who already felt the heavy hand of death on her eyelids.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°When I first saw you, I felt like your spirit had suffered for years. As if you were bound by heavy shackles that had cut off your freedom. I felt deep sorrow for you, as if I saw myself decades ago. I thought of just giving you the elixir and letting it go, but seeing your eyes and how the table reacted.


    I didn''t have the courage, I couldn''t leave you in that state. Only by revealing who you are, you could achieve freedom¡± ¨C Giving one last breath, the old woman exhaled her last breath and the weak heart stopped beating. At that moment, the woman''s body began to feel lighter with each second.


    Stunned by what she saw in front of her, the old woman''s body began to turn into a fine powder that only left behind the clothes she wore with her before she died. That was the fate a hufira faced upon revealing his power, the extent of the curse of oblivion.


    If Berenice had been a mere human, the memories of dealing with the old woman would have completely vanished. But by carrying hufira blood, the young woman continued with her memories intact.


    ¡°Thank you old lady! Go in peace¡± ¨C Getting up from the floor, Berenice took the elixir bottle from the table and went to the shelf to get the book. Grabbing her hood, she covered her head and hurried out of the witch''s home; surrounded by the eyes of the children, who wondered if she lived in that house.


    The sun was moving on the horizon, reaching its zenith when Berenice had once again arrived at Count Solera''s mansion. The butler, who was already waiting for her at the door, indicated that her trousseau for the banquet was ready in her room.


    The noble lady only listened to him without answering half a word, walking down the hall to the stairs where a maiden received the cloak and the bottle with the elixir. Receiving instructions to pour it in its entirety into a bottle of wine that would be presented as a gift to the king.


    - "Miss, what is this liquid?"


    - "Do not ask unnecessary questions and just follow my orders" - Berenice fixed her gaze on the eyes of the maid, who hesitantly answered affirmatively to her mistress, to immediately go to the kitchen to proceed with her mandate.


    After four hours of diligent preparation by her ladies-in-waiting, the beautiful lady wore a dark blue dress accompanied by light blue stone jewelry. His long reddish hair, he wore a white gold headdress that resembled a fan-like shining curtain of rain.


    Ready for her meeting with the king, she ordered one of her maids to take the bottle of wine and escort her to the palace carriage already waiting outside. When His Majesty''s attendant closed the door of the carriage, they began their march in the direction of the palace.


    Looking from the window of his room, Rafael noticed the arrival of the carriage and went to his study to receive Count Solera''s daughter.


    "Eternal glory to the sun of the realm!" ¨C Inclining the back and lowering the face; In a slight bow, putting her right foot forward while spreading the hem of her skirt, Berenice paid her respects to the king.


    ¡°As always, your formalities and tact are worthy of someone who is in charge of diplomatic affairs¡± ¨C Despite being a woman in a patriarchal country, Lady Solera had earned her last name to be able to approach Her Majesty and show her their capabilities. Much to her regret, Berenice recognized that the weight of her father''s name had served as a stepping stone to show herself to the world.


    -¡°As my lord requested, the delegates of the kingdom of Tigris were diligently attended by the corps of maidens. However, Prince Eleazar is a bit difficult to handle."


    -"Say it as such, he is a complete idiot"


    -¡°Rafael, you can''t say that out loud! If anyone listens¡­¡±


    ¨C ¡°Berenice, besides you and me. My office is off-limits even to the head maid when we are together. This place is safe for you¡±


    "Then you are right, my lord, Prince Eleazar is a pain in the ass" - Listening to such a fine lady use such vulgar language, Rafael could not help bursting into laughter so much that his spirit could be heard through the door.


    ¡°Since we were children, you are the only person who has made me laugh at any time or circumstance. I am really grateful to have you by my side as an assistant¡± ¨C Rafael''s words shook Berenice''s heart, who felt that warmth that flowed from the deepest feelings of her being. Since childhood, she was always in love with the king; seeking to follow him at all times, regardless of the outbursts of rage he used to experience.


    Love is an emotion that usually covers many defects when seeing the person you love, no matter how difficult they are to handle; even if he was the ice princess, that man always had the ability to melt his heart.


    Allowing herself to be carried away by the warmth of the moment, Berenice approached Rafael and took him by the hand, looking him straight in the eye. Surprised by that gesture, the king looked back at those beautiful bicolor eyes in which he could feel that a genuine feeling beyond admiration was reflected. Inadvertently taking a gentle kiss from the noble lady''s lips.


    "Miss Solar. I''m sorry, but I can''t reciprocate your feelings. In my heart, someone else has already left part of their being. Even if I can''t be reciprocated, I can''t deny what my heart feels¡± ¨C Lowering her head with a bit of resignation, Berenice had bet her feelings on that unrequited kiss.


    ¡°I understand, Your Majesty. Please forgive my impertinence¡± - Pressing her hands against her hips, clenching her fists, the wounded lady asked the monarch to allow her to make a toast to celebrate between the two of them for the success of the banquet.


    Acceding to Berenice''s request, Rafael sent for his servant to bring the bottle of wine that the lady of the Solera family had brought.


    "Berenice, I..." - Feeling guilt in his chest, Rafael tried to comfort the lady in front of him. Being silenced by her shaking her head at the monarch''s words.


    "Your Majesty, it is not appropriate for a man to say a woman''s name if there is something more than a friendship" - The smile on Berenice''s face contrasted with the redness of her eyes as she tried not to shed tears of pain. Trying to keep her composure like the ice princess once again.


    ¡°To your health, great sun of the kingdom¡± ¨C Raising the glass, Berenice drank the wine and Rafael followed him; without taking their eyes off each other, as the witch instructed.


    "Miss Solar. Berenice, what did you give me¡­¡± ¨C Feeling that the room was spinning, the king collapsed on his knees on the floor at the lady''s feet. Who bowed before him with eyes drowned in tears.


    ¡°Forgive me Rafael, forgive me for what I just did to you. But if you would never open the doors of your heart for me, then you would not be able to protect me by your own desire either¡± ¨C Kissing him once more on the lips, Berenice stood up and wiped the tears with the gloves of her dress.


    ¡°You will protect me from any danger or threat. It is an order, get up¡± ¨C Like a doll whose will has been taken away, King Rafael obeyed the lady of the Solera family without question. As the old woman told him, the will of the man who took the elixir would be subject to the woman who looked into the eyes after drinking it.


    The person would act under the will of his slaver, without putting up any resistance even if that meant taking his own life.


    ¨C ¡°Act normally, you should not attract attention. But in public you must be affectionate with me if I ask you to."


    -¡°It will be done as you say¡± ¨C For Berenice, subjugating the one who was the love of her life ate her up inside. She was aware that in doing so, she was no different from her petty father.


    "My lord, may I enter the office?" ¨C On the other side of the door, as if he had summoned the devil, Count Solera sounded anxious to know what had happened inside with the meeting his daughter was holding.


    ¡°Passe count Solera¡± ¨C Conditioned on Berenice''s will, Rafael allowed the count to enter his study, where no other nobleman had ever set foot, except for his daughter.


    With a smile that did not hide her joy, Solera slowly applauded as she approached her daughter to put a hand on her shoulder.


    - "My daughter, have you told the king about Prince Eleazar''s request?"


    - "What request are you talking about father?"


    -"Which more? The request for a political marriage with Princess Elena, of course¡± ¨C Berenice at that moment understood her father''s words, when he meant that he would find a way to control the uncomfortable prince during the celebration of the banquet.


    It was customary in the kingdom of Antioca, that the royal couples had a place away from the public that could only be accessed by a small number of attendees to congratulate them. Knowing of the prince''s interest in Elena, the count took the opportunity to get rid of the princess by celebrating the political marriage.


    -¡°Father, how can you suggest such a thing? You know that Prince Eleazar is a vile womanizer and I could never allow Elena¡­¡±


    -"Shut!" ¨C Attacking her face with a slap that threw her to the ground, Solera had lost her composure at her daughter''s challenge in front of Her Majesty.


    Just as Berenice had ordered before the count entered the room, Rafael held him with both hands by the neck, strangling him while lifting him up forcefully, leaving him with only the tips of his feet touching the floor.


    -"!My Sir! I was just disciplining an ungrateful daughter! Spare my life¡±


    ¨C ¡°He will not listen to you, now he only obeys me. You should have thought twice before hitting me in the face, father¡± ¨C getting up from the ground wiping her blood from her lips, Berenice stood proudly as she approached Rafael''s shoulder.


    ¡°So many years trampling on me, humiliating me. Making me feel like trash when the trash was you. But no more, dear father¡± ¨C Just when Berenice was about to give the order to Rafael to break her neck, Count Solera smiled and used his trump card.


    -"I hope you can live with a clear conscience, when you kill your father and your mother"


    -¡°My mother died when I was four years old. What are you talking about?¡±


    ¨C ¡°That was what I made you and your brother believe. She is alive, in a place that only I know and if I die, my men have orders to kill her¡± ¨C Laughing barely with the little breath she had left, Solera looked at her daughter''s panicked face upon hearing such a revelation.


    -¡°Rafael, let him go right now¡±


    -"As orders" - Releasing the grip of his hands, Count Solera fell to the ground coughing while rubbing his throat.


    Berenice felt her entire reality crumble in front of her, needing to sit up due to dizziness. Giving time for Count Solera to get up and from his jacket pocket, he took an object that he threw into his daughter''s lap.


    A lock of red hair, some of which were already graying. That, without a doubt, was proof that it was her mother''s hair. The gray hair was evidence that he had aged, since if it had been taken when he was supposed to have died, all the hair would have been a vivid shade of red.


    ¡°When you were still a child, your mother challenged me, just as you just did. I had already decided on your marriage to the prince, but she started threatening to reveal all my illicit dealings if I went ahead with my plan.


    For an instant I thought about killing her, solving the problem in one fell swoop. But you know me better than anyone, I am a man who always looks to the future¡±- As Count Solera used to say, through trickery he had convinced Berenice''s mother to go on a family trip to the family estate on the outskirts of the city. capital.


    In the memories of the young lady''s childhood, on that trip the carriage was attacked by a group of bandits who took prisoner her mother, her brother, her and some servants. Leaving their father behind to hold him ransom for them.


    When they were taken into captivity, the bandits took their mother aside by covering the children''s eyes. Unable to see where they had taken her, the children spent days locked up until a group of kingdom guards freed them.


    When they left the hut where they were locked, Berenice saw a smoking pile of bodies in the distance, making out a faint golden glow from the wrist of one of them.


    Running with tears in her eyes, freeing herself from the soldier''s grasp, the girl was able to identify that the bracelet was one of her mother''s jewels. Stunned by the scene, she couldn''t contain her emotions and collapsed on the ground unconscious from the impact.


    - "I saw her, I saw her cremated corpse!"


    -¡°What you saw was the corpse of one of my farm slaves. The idiot thought that she was giving her freedom when I took off her chains, she thought that the bracelet I gave her was for her to use to survive, when it was the sign of her imminent death¡± ¨C Laughing out loud, Solera remembered the face of the slave girl who begged for mercy as the overseers doused her with lamp fuel and set her on fire.


    ¡°Now that you know the truth, my dear daughter. I hope you can cooperate with me as obediently as you have been doing. I don''t know how you got the king to become a puppet in your hands, but it''s wonderful.


    But remember, you can have the strings of your precious toy. But I have the puppeteer''s strings¡± ¨C Shaking her mother''s lock of hair in front of her face, Solera incited Berenice''s fury to prove that she had her at her mercy.


    ¡°Princess Elena''s marriage will be announced at this banquet. Try to make all the necessary arrangements, my daughter¡± ¨C Closing the study door, Solera left Berenice dejected on that leather chair. Who put his hands to his chest as he wept bitterly at the misfortune of a life in which he had only known misfortune.


    "I will be free. What a beautiful lie you told me old lady, I''m just a beautiful cardinal. A cardinal that sings in his imprisoned cage and now, now I have dragged the man I love to my hell¡± ¨C That study remained submerged in deathly silence until it was time for the banquet.

 Chapter IX: Wheel of destiny

    Holding Raphael''s hand, Berenice descended the staircase before the gaze of the nobles present who were disconcerted by the unusual companion of His Majesty.


    Everyone knew the rumors surrounding the king''s preferences, also that Miss Solera was almost like the monarch''s right hand in terms of diplomacy and was the most diligent in the task of silencing gossip. But what had captured the attention of those present was none of that, but the way the noble maiden was dressed.


    A regal gown, silk embroidered with silver thread on olive-green cloth, from which hung a half cape that stretched from the shoulders to the waist. And on her head, a silver tiara in the shape of an olive garland, with twelve ruby tears embedded in quadrants.


    That clothing could not be used by any woman, regardless of whether it was the princess of the kingdom. Since that arrangement was intended exclusively, for whom the king himself appointed his crown consort.


    "I can''t believe it! She has been chosen by her majesty! Was the daughter as ambitious as the father? ¨C The whispers of the noble ladies in the banquet hall could barely be heard by the human ear; but not being so, for those who had Hufira blood running through their veins.


    After going through the trauma of believing that her mother had died, little Berenice unconsciously developed her spiritual abilities by having an affinity with air. At first the girl thought she was going crazy, because she was hearing whispers while she was in her room. As time passed, he understood that those whispers were the voices of the people inside the mansion, realizing it when he surprised his father talking to the king in his office.


    Over the years, she was able to control that ability by focusing by thinking about the people whose voice she was interested in hearing. Until reaching a selective perfection, to the point of losing the capacity for wonder and with it many of his emotions. Transforming the weak character of a girl, until she reaches the cynical and calculating ice princess.


    ¡°You look upset. Do you want me to kill everyone who makes you uncomfortable?¡± ¨C With a cold expression looking straight ahead, Rafael asked his mistress for the order. Causing Miss Solera a mix between panic and sadness.


    The man she knew and loved had become a lifeless shell; a mere doll without a spirit, who moved by the threads of the young woman''s desire.


    "It''s not necessary, I''m used to hearing them talk trash behind my back" - Berenice firmly took the king''s arm, while they continued walking along the carpet until they reached the table of the dignitaries of Tigris.


    Holding a glass of liquor in his right hand while holding a slave from his harem in his left arm, Prince Eleazar looked in the direction of the couple as he carried the glass away, hiding the smile behind it. Snapping the fingers of his left hand, the young heir ordered the slave to prostrate herself on her knees on the floor, bowing her head, while he placed the cup on the table and stood up with his arms outstretched in affectionate greeting.


    ¡°Glory to the sun of the kingdom of Antioca , may the grace of Astrea shower blessings on her land¡± ¨C Carrying her right arm with her hand against her chest, bowing her body in reverence while keeping her left extended, Eleazar showed respect to her host who he would soon become an in-law.


    "Grace be with you, morning star from the sky of Tigris" - According to the protocol, the king responded only by placing his hand at the level of the forehead and lowering it to the height of the heart.


    Dressed in a white linen robe with red embroidery, Prince Eleazar was covered in jewels on his hands and neck. His wavy black hair and dark skin were characteristic signs of people who lived in the sands.


    Although Tigris was bordered by snowy mountain ranges that separated it from Antioca , the land that lay behind them contrasted in the golden tone of its sands. That even despite how inhospitable it might seem, civilization flourished in that territory thanks to the various rivers that crossed the vast territory.


    -¡°Your Grace. I ask you to prepare properly to receive the official announcement after the toast that His Majesty will give¡±


    -¡°Oh, it''s Lady Solera! From what I see, it seems that King Raphael has already put his blessings on you. Well, I will do as my future sister-in-law asks¡± ¨C Taking the glass from the table to take a sip of the liquor, Eleazar looked at Berenice''s face in search of a reaction.


    According to protocol, it was considered disrespectful for a dignitary to raise a glass in front of a future royal consort. By making this gesture that could go unnoticed by the attendees who did not dare to look in His Majesty''s direction, the young prince sought to intimidate Berenice, whom he always viewed with contempt.


    ¡°I appreciate the consideration of my future brother-in-law. I can see that the prince was properly educated by the royal family of Tigris¡± ¨C Miss Solera''s words apparently sounded polite, but to the prince''s ear it was a diplomatic response to her insult.


    One of the prince''s escorts took a step forward ready to draw his sword, being stopped by Eleazar with the gesture of his raised hand.


    ¡°Then I will wait for the toast, your majesty! ¨C Looking directly at Rafael deliberately ignoring Berenice, the prince left his table pulling the chain of his slave in the direction of the outer courtyards of the palace.


    "My lady, what are you worried about?" ¨C Taking her by the hair passing the brush to untangle it, Eunice observes her mistress through the reflection of the mirror, who kept her eyes serene, putting her hand to her face.


    ¡°First Sir Alfonso''s imprisonment and now Julia''s trauma from that damned Count Solera. Tell me how could I not be worried if two of the most important people to me are going through such moments and I can only confine myself to observing?


    I feel useless, what good is being the princess if I only have a bombastic title without any power other than being a piece of exchange between nations!¡± - With the tips of her fingers holding her hundreds, Elena bowed her head in exasperation while exhaling deeply.


    Placing the royal tiara on her mistress''s head, Eunice was adjusting the last details of the hairstyle when the escort sent by her majesty arrived in the room.


    "You don''t have to worry about anything my lady. I have been responsible for providing food and water to Sir Alfonso without being discovered by the guards. And regarding Miss Julia, I promise that I will watch over even the smallest detail for her peace of mind¡± ¨C Inclining her body in reverence with her hands folded in her lap, Eunice said goodbye to her lady without being able to accompany her to the banquet.


    Walking down the long corridor that leads to her chambers, the young princess contemplates the flowers that were arranged at the ends of the corridor with their subtle tones and intoxicating aromas. It was like walking through a garden within the walls of the imposing palace, a scene that any maiden would have found captivating.


    But in Elena''s heart, a growing shadow of doubt and fear began to grow before the faces of the servants who stood at the end of the corridor showing reverence to the monarch''s sister.


    -¡°Sebasti¨¢n, why are there so many servants at this point in the corridor?


    -"As the king ordered my lady, the servants are here to serve you in everything you have during the meeting" - Maintaining a firm posture when walking, the assistant held the arm of the princess as an escort would do. his lady to debut. What turned out yet stranger for the already confused Elena.


    ¡°Glory to the kingdom moon! Hail our honorable princess!¡± ¨C Like the thunder of a thousand voices, the nobles'' cheers echoed in unison off the walls of the banquet hall as he descended the staircase.


    "Sister, I am honored that you give us your presence" - Taking her hand and putting a kiss on the back, Rafael bowed his face before the eyes of those present, who applauded the monarch''s gesture.


    Elena immediately noticed that something out of the ordinary was happening; not just because of the reaction of the nobles present. But also because of the behavior that her brother was showing towards her.


    For years, their relationship had gone through many ups and downs to the point of generating an almost sworn enmity between the two. But now, he was there in front of her, with a behavior that I consider outside his usual behavior.


    ¡°Looks like my fianc¨¦e has arrived!¡± ¨C From the other end of the room, Prince Eleazar approached in a hidden way through the crowd to a young woman wearing a purple linen dress with long sleeves and a veil that covered half her face.


    "Where do you think you''ve been? If you spoil this link, father will not sit idly by even if you are his firstborn¡± ¨C A woman with a firm character who could rival the ice princess, with her long black hair to her hips and honey eyes that looked sharp around the edges like a cat. Princess Sofia was someone of singular beauty who, were it not for the vitiligo that invaded her body, would have been considered one of the most beautiful women in her kingdom.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Unlike Antioch , Tigris was a kingdom that was very open to women participating in public and governmental life. However, that opening was limited to low-level service, without the possibility of reaching positions that were considered to be of great power.


    In addition to this, any person with physical defects was considered marginal. Condemned to ostracism and many times to begging, because that kingdom had a distorted concept of beauty; taken to the point, of revoking the right of succession in the nobles if the candidate had any mark or defect.


    ¡°Oh my sister, do you think there would be something for which I would miss out on such a wonderful opportunity to obtain such a valuable prize?¡± ¨C Staring at Elena, Prince Eleazar stroked his chin, holding a mischievous smile on his face.


    "Blood! Were you attacked by an assassin? ¨C Speaking softly in her brother''s ear, Princess Sofia took a handkerchief cleaning the blood from the prince''s hand.


    ¡°Just as you say sister. He was an assassin hired by one of the autonomous principalities, but the poor wretch was no match for me. I must admit that I have had a lot to drink and under other circumstances I would have possibly died.


    But the blessing of the goddess Astrea always accompanies her chosen ones¡± ¨C Saying those words with a sparkle in his eyes, the prince took his sister''s hand and walked among those present until he reached where King Rafael was with Elena.


    The princess took the folds of the dress and bowed to Eleazar, giving the greeting that marks the protocol, causing a good impression on the young heir. Who stood erect without responding to the greeting, causing discomfort in Elena, who knew that the fact that a man did not respond to the greeting of a lady at a banquet, implied that it was her fianc¨¦.


    ¡°Since we are all present, I ask the nobles, dignitaries and royals of principalities and kingdoms, raise your glasses and let us toast to this decree. In fifteen days Princess Elena of Antioca will marry Prince Eleazar Primus of Tigris.


    In order for the celebration of this union between royal houses to strengthen our pact as sister nations, ensuring our well-being in common¡± ¨C Cheering for the official couple, those present drank the wine that on the lips of the princess had a bitter taste of treason.


    The brother in whom she still harbored the hope of finding the light that had been lost during her childhood, with that act sealed the life of the young princess with darkness, who felt how the tears that flowed from her eyes were mixed with the must of the wine in the glass.


    While everyone was gathered on the ground floor where the banquet was being held, two silhouettes walked through the corridors of the palace until they reached the corridor that led to the king''s chambers.


    - ¡°Why has Count Solera brought me to this place? If someone at the banquet notices my absence I¡­¡±


    ¨C ¡°Shut up ungrateful daughter! Calling your father by his title as if we were strangers. No one will notice your absence after the announcement is made¡± ¨C For Berenice, listening to her father talk about the sense of filial belonging caused her disgust, considering him a shameless subject with whom she did not want to have to share her blood.


    But the insistence with which he dragged her to the king''s chambers with that malicious sparkle in his eyes, made her move her feet quickly as if something bigger than her was knocking on the door of her being.


    ¡°Here is the heart of your puppet¡± ¨C Opening the doors wide, surprising the maid who stood guard inside the room, Count Solera dragged Berenice by pulling her by the arm while ordering the maid to leave the room. .


    "Count, you can''t do this! These are the king''s chambers, you can''t even enter without permission¡­¡± ¨C Throwing a slap that knocked the maiden to the ground, Solera rebuked her for her status as a commoner and threatened to execute her due to her insolence. Taking advantage of the fact that her daughter was present, she used her position as a diplomat to blatantly lie to her that it was an order from the king.


    The servant looked Miss Berenice in the eye fearing for her life, receiving a cold look that made her scream begging for mercy and then exit closing the doors of the room.


    Sitting on a sofa near the fireplace, the silhouette of a brown-haired woman who was muttering a lullaby was bathed in the glow of the flames that were snatched between the embers of the fire.


    Berenice slowly approached the young woman, taking slow steps while feeling that for some strange reason her heart accelerated with each inch that she approached her.


    Reaching the sofa, what his eyes saw made him shudder to the last fiber of his being. She had knowledge of the existence of Julia as one more slave of the palace; knowing the rumors of her past, up to the events that led up to that day.


    He brought his right hand to the slave''s face, running his fingertips over her right side, where a cosmetic patch covering the eye socket that was torn off during the execution of his servants rested.


    The first time Berenice heard of that incident, she thought that the woman had gone mad for sacrificing one of her eyes for a simple commoner. For a noblewoman, such an act was somewhat preposterous; but after the sacrifice of the old woman in the alley, young Solera''s thoughts about Julia had completely changed.


    Lowering his gaze to the height of the young woman''s lap, he saw with surprise that in her hands she held a rag doll like the ones usually seen among the daughters of commoners. When I tried to remove it, Julia''s fingers tightened around her wrist as she continued to sing the lullaby she remembered from the music sphere.


    ¡°As you can see. His Majesty is madly in love with this crazy woman, who would say that the sun of the kingdom would fall for such an insignificant creature without an iota of beauty compared to you¡± ¨C Using that sharp tongue full of poison that always characterized him, Count Solera frightened his daughter seeking to hurt her pride so that she would show herself to the vulnerable woman before her.


    Instead, Berenice ignored him and humbly knelt at Julia''s lap and placed her hands on hers, tilting her face with an expression of legitimate sadness in her heart.


    ¡°If the circumstances were different for me, as they were with this poor woman, I am sure that you would have done with me. You , who appreciate nothing more than your pride and vanity, would throw me away like a dirty rag if I had no use.


    Tell me, father, how many women like her did you destroy? How can you make it to night and fall asleep knowing that you have trampled so many families because of your hunger for power? ¨C Turning her face with a look full of determination, Berenice counterattacked her father knowing that now more than ever he would be incapable of harming her due to the curse that controlled Rafael.


    Count Solera for a moment choked on his saliva with an expression of astonishment in his eyes. The daughter she had always used as a bargaining chip spoke with the weight of eloquence and power behind her words. That feeling of hostility that he saw in her eyes made him see himself, as if a fiery index pointed him out for something like divine judgment.


    Recovering his composure at this unexpected reaction, Solera came to himself and walked over to where Julia was sitting. Holding her hair forcing her to get up from the couch.


    -¡°Look at her well! Only the servants of the palace know that this woman exists and a few more know that she is someone important to the king! You that you want to become the queen you will be the mockery of the noble ladies of this kingdom.


    Oh no, even Tigris will laugh at you! Tell me how Eleazar would see you being the sister-in-law who shares the bed second?


    - "What are you talking about count?" - The last words said by her father made Berenice get up from the ground with her arms at her sides, clenching her fists and directing her angry face towards him .


    Laughing at his daughter''s reaction, Count Solera took his left hand to Julia''s chest, traversing it until it reached her belly. Slapping hard on the fabric causing a slight moan of pain to come out of the young woman''s lips.


    ¨C ¡°I think that this adorable beast must still be in pain. You know that Rafael is a bit rough with those who share his bed. I thought she was only interested in other men, but it came as a surprise that she shared a bed with this slave.¡±


    -"You lie!"


    -"To lie? You wish my words were lies. But I checked the sheets with my own eyes when the maids took them to be washed. Rafael took the flower from this slave and made her his wife¡± ¨C Looking at Julia in dismay, Berenice''s lips trembled and then she burst into a fit of fury, taking a vase from the table to throw it against the wall. Since that day in the alley, Lady Solera''s emotions and temperament had been upset, leaving behind the ice princess that had existed for years.


    Seeing that he could still manipulate his daughter beyond the control of holding her mother captive, Solera felt satisfied.


    ¨C ¡°You know very well that this woman is a danger if she remains in this castle. You must take care of her."


    -¡°I will not be a murderer like you! I will never be like you!¡± ¨C With eyes full of tears, Berenice trembled with rage at her father''s statements; who, keeping calm, sent for the maid who was still on the other side of the door listening to the scandal inside the room.


    ¡°At the service gate where the vendors are being dispatched for the banquet, there is a man in black robes bearing a crest of the Begonia Principality Merchant Union. Bring him here and don''t be long, damn useless¡± ¨C With the fear that the feeling of hostility inside the room overwhelmed her, the maid proceeded as ordered and after a few minutes she returned with the man in the black cloak.


    "Here I am Count Solera" - The man whose face was covered by a white mask bowed to Solera and approached Julia to examine her.


    ¡°Try to see my face! This woman is not only mutilated, but also does not retain her virtue! If I were to try to sell it to the nobles of Begonia my business would be a laughingstock¡± ¨C Known for their explosive temper, Begonia''s slave traders had once been mercenaries who valued honor of their word more than money itself.


    For that man, the fact that Solera offered him a poor good made him furious to the point of drawing his pistol and aiming it at his head.


    ¡°Calm down please! Take a good look at what I meant when I told you that it was a very valuable asset¡± ¨C Breaking the dress at the neckline, the emblem of slavery with the heraldry of the royal house caught the attention of the merchant who soon put away his pistol and I look carefully at the brand.


    ¡° You''re right, you damn lying fox! This good will be sold for a good sum of gold among those petty nobles¡± ¨C Being formerly a territory belonging to the kingdom of Antioca , the autonomous principality was formed under the wing of several noble houses that were pointed out by the former King Edward as traitors to the crown .


    Unable to return to the kingdom, they financed mercenaries and merchants to make the territory devastated by the conflict between Tigris and Antioch flourish . Creating what was known as the Principality of Begonia.


    Being a slave owned by the royal house, the nobles resentful of the former monarch would pay anything for her regardless of her shortcomings. Just having something that belonged to his old enemy paid more than its weight in gold.


    ¡°Then all is said my good friend. And as a sign of my good will, also take that maiden as merchandise¡± ¨C The maid who had taken the man to the room tried to escape, being forcibly taken by the merchant who imprisoned her neck with his forearm making her pass out.


    -"What do you think you''re doing father?"


    ¨C ¡°We cannot leave witnesses of what we have just done, my future queen. Is a commoner worth the risk of losing her place with the king?¡± ¨C Turning around escorting Julia while the merchant was carrying the maid, Count Solera left his daughter in the solitude of that room.


    Berenice stood firm in front of the fireplace gnashing her teeth trying to regain her calm at what she had just done. Accepting the complicity that was thrown in her face by that ruthless man, the young lady lamented for the sins that were accumulating in her soul.


    "If there is a hell, I have to drag you to it so that you pay for all your sins, father" - The fire in the fireplace that little by little was extinguished, let the cold that enveloped Berenice''s body, remind him how he should stay your heart.

 Chapter X: When I thought I would never see you again

    With the banquet taking place in the great hall, the palace servants and maidens had gathered at the venue to serve the guests. Leaving a good part of the castle deserted, where occasionally some nobles were seen who took advantage of the noise to sneak away and give rein to their libertine behavior.


    So it was not suspicious to casual glances to see Count Solera accompanied by a woman, already intoxicated by the liquor and ready for the desires of the flesh.


    "It seems that tonight everyone is having fun inside the palace" - Exclaimed the head of the merchants'' union, while he gave a mocking laugh at the debauchery of those who called themselves nobles.


    That scathing comment resulted in an injury to Solera, who limited himself to giving him a grimace of a smile containing his anger.


    Arriving at one of the back doors of the palace, a soldier who was on duty stopped them when he saw that one of the men was carrying a palace servant. When he saw that the man accompanying the hooded man was Count Solera, the guard abandoned his position and made way for them until they reached an old wagon pulled by two horses.


    Throwing the maid inside the car, the hooded man grabbed Julia''s arm, who kept her hands clinging to the doll that Rafael bought.


    -"Solera, you did not tell me that this slave was retarded"


    ¨C ¡°It is not my dear partner, the real doctor diagnosed her and she only suffers from a trauma. But with time he will recover¡± ¨C With a skeptical look on Solera''s nervous face, the hooded man kept his hand on his pistol holster trying to intimidate him to check that he wasn''t lying.


    ¡°I''ll believe you just because of the fact that we''ve made deals in the past. But if I have any loss, I''ll charge it on any future deal we have¡± ¨C Leaving his hostile posture, the hooded man again held Julia and put her on the car, closing the door with a padlock.


    Departing from the palace courtyards, the carriage began its journey through the cobbled streets of the royal capital. Just like in the palace, in the streets the commoners celebrated festivals with total hubbub between lampposts, food and liquor.


    The sounds of the laughter of the passers-by, the street music and the smell of the food, reached the interior of the car, causing the servant to wake up from her lethargy by the swaying of the carriage.


    "Where we are?" ¨C Putting a hand to her head, still stunned by the hooded man''s assault, the maid looked around her, dismayed at the situation she found herself in.


    "Who are you? Let me out of here!¡± ¨C Clinging to the bars of a window that communicated with the front of the carriage, the servant hit her face trying to convince her captors to release her. But all their pleas were in vain, only causing one of the men in front to close the window, leaving them completely in the darkness of the car.


    The sound of the horses'' hooves hitting the cobblestones became a dull echo after a few hours. That vehicle had left the residential area of the great capital, to make its way through the dirt roads that communicated with the rural environment.


    While the maid was on her knees on the floor of the car, imploring a god to whom her pleas would never reach, Julia was prostrated on one of the benches inside the carriage. Indifferent, as imperturbable as days ago she was lost in her thoughts.


    As the sun began to break through the dawn, the carriage stopped dead at the neighing of the horses in response to the bridle.


    With dark circles on her face under her eyes reddened from crying, the maid kept her gaze in the direction of the carriage door as if searching for an opportunity to escape.


    On the other side, the voices of the hooded men seemed to be arguing over some matter regarding what they called disparagingly as merchandise.


    -¡°We must call Demetrius first, you know very well that he is the only one who knows how to contact the nobles for the auctions. If Demetrius finds out you''re acting on your own, he¡­¡±


    -¡°Demetrius, Demetrius, Demetrius! You already have me fed up with your babbling, Rub¨¦n! Have you perhaps forgotten who is in charge here?


    ¨C ¡°Gabriel, you know that I have always followed you in your plans! But if Demetrius finds out that you are pretending to be him¡± ¨C Just as the door began to open, as if it were a beast trying to escape from its hunters, the maiden threw herself against the door board.


    Due to the surprise caused by that situation, Rub¨¦n fell to the ground on his hips while the maiden jumped to try to run as soon as her feet touched the ground. Blinded by the glare of daylight, the maiden raised her arms to eye level, trying to see the path ahead of her in the clarity of the light.


    A countryside surrounded by a thick forest, where the meadow seemed desolate except for an abandoned farm that stood imposingly on the plain.


    "Where do you think you''re going you fucking bitch!" ¨C Pulling violently by her hair, Gabriel took the maid furiously, knocking her to the ground while resting her knee against the maid''s fragile back. Who gave a cry of pain as he felt how part of his spine was injured by the weight of his captor.


    "Damn Ruben, stop rubbing your ass and come help me with this slut!" ¨C Screaming at the top of his lungs in the deserted field, Gabriel cursed his partner who ran to where he was to tie up the maiden and take her inside.


    Spitting on the ground while scratching the back of his neck, Gabriel returned his steps to the car where Julia was still. Leaning on the door frame, that man pushed himself in, placing himself next to the young woman, who he took by the hip and proceeded to carry her out of the carriage.


    - ¡°Hey Gabriel, why do you treat that girl who looks flawed differently and treat the other beauty as if she was worth nothing? They would pay more for her than for this¡­¡±


    ¡°Ha, you are an idiot! This cutie will make us filthy rich and you''re thinking of that cheap thing. Take a good look at the emblem marked on his chest!¡± ¨C Uncovering the torn fabric at the neckline of the dress, the mark of the royal family of Antioca looked as fresh as the day it was placed on her pale skin.


    Seeing it, Rub¨¦n effusively nodded to Gabriel with a smile from ear to ear, savoring in advance the immense amount of gold that the nobles of Begonia would pay to possess it.


    ¡°Take it along with the other one and tell Marcos to prepare the hardware on the coals. And let Matilde know that she is ready to fix these two sluts for tonight''s auction¡± ¨C Leading the tied young women almost dragging their feet through the mud, the men talked about their plans until they reached the mansion.


    Without the slightest chance to escape, the maidens and Julia were thrown into a cell in the basement below the mansion. Inside it, a group of young people were tied against the walls with their arms outstretched deprived of all mobility.


    The looks on their faces were dull, their expressions like that of a china doll languishing on a shelf gathering dust.


    ¡°Prepare first time. Hold her tightly by the arms and put a gag on her so she doesn''t swallow her tongue." ¨C A robustly built man with an abundant beard that contrasted with the baldness of his head, held the red-hot iron in front of the maid who screamed for mercy as they bare their chest to place the burning metal.


    The smell of charred meat bathed in the maid''s sweat mingled with the stench of the stale basement air as her screams drowned in the limestone walls. As the iron peeled away from the lacerated flesh, the maid fell unconscious to the ground with blank eyes and her mouth open.


    The young women who were imprisoned there had already lived and seen that spectacle several times, making them lose all sense of surprise. Without shedding a single tear, knowing that such destiny was shared by all of them and the unfortunate woman who came through those doors.


    When Julia''s time came, Marcos ordered them to turn her over to place the ironwork on the slave''s back, since he did not want to accidentally damage the mark that gave it its considerable value for the auction.


    ¡°It''s a nice skin! It is so white as snow that I feel sorry for putting another brand on it. But business is business¡± ¨C With an unprecedented viciousness, Marcos pressed the red-hot iron on Julia''s back. Who, due to the immense pain that caused him to feel the scorching heat of the metal on his spine, woke up from the lethargy in which his mind was plunged. Giving a scream that resembled the scream of a woman giving birth.


    ¡°Okay, it''s ready. Take all these beauties to Matilde so she can clean and tidy them up. That woman is an artist with makeup, she will hide how emaciated these slaves look¡± ¨C Taking Julia by the chin, the cruel executioner looked at the face of his victim licking his lips like a wolf that has seen a rabbit.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°Put more force in the hips, keep your back straight and launch the rapier with the weight of your body¡± - Under a blue spring sky, when the leaves of the trees begin to recover their green, two young men practiced their fencing in the fields surrounding the military academy.


    -"You are not going to give me a break, Edmundo"


    -"I don''t know, would you do it, Andr¨¦s?" ¨C After learning Julia''s secret, Edmundo had fully committed himself to the task of protecting her inside and outside the walls of the academy. Spending their days as two good friends, sharing their concerns and wishes for the future.


    Feeling relieved to have someone who did not judge her for her secret, Julia had found in Edmundo that oasis that her thirsty soul longed for with all her heart. The months that followed that day seemed like a dream to the young woman. Who came to smile from the depths of his heart, as he had time not to have done.


    "Hey Julia. Julia! Wake up, I can''t believe that on a day like today you want to stay in bed¡± - With just a few rays of sun peeking over the horizon, Edmundo shook Julia''s shoulder trying to make her get up.


    The still sleepy young woman rubbed her eyelids trying to clear her vision, seeing a blurred silhouette on one side of the bed holding a box.


    -¡°It hasn''t dawned yet. What do you want, Edmundo?


    -"Happy Birthday!" ¨C Unable to remember the last time someone congratulated her on her birth, Julia opened her eyes in surprise at Edmundo''s smiling face. Who stood firm in front of her giving her the box in her hands.


    A long box wrapped in olive green paper and adorned with a gold bow, provoked Julia''s curiosity, who glanced at Edmundo''s impatient expression.


    Carefully opening the folds of the paper without tearing it, the young woman unwrapped the box, leaving the ribbon aside. The anxiety that overwhelmed her with every second of anticipation made her fingers tremble as she lifted the lid of the box.


    -¡°Edmund, what is this supposed to be?¡±


    -"A dress. Don''t you see it?"


    -¡°! Why am I seeing it is that I ask you. Is it a joke? Get out of the room!"


    - "But Julia?"


    -¡°Go away!¡± ¨C Throwing the box to the floor, Julia sat on the bed bending her legs to cover her face. Edmund, seeing her in that state, remained silent and left the room fulfilling his partner''s wish.


    For Julia, who had lived her whole life longing to be able to wear the same clothes as other girls her age, the very idea of having a dress was something she could not afford due to the iron scrutiny of her father.


    After an hour that the house was silent, the young woman looked up to see the dress that was lying on the floor.


    A beautiful dress with ruffles and ribbon at the waist in sky blue, accompanied by a pair of matching gloves. Without a doubt, the fabric of that dress and the workmanship seemed designer; costly even for a marquis''s son''s grant, coupled with being despised by his own father.


    "I''m rubbish!" ¨C Getting up from the bed and taking the dress from the floor, Julia took off her nightgown and dressed with that beautiful gift. Seeing in the mirror how the silhouette of the dress clung to the contour of her body from the waist and back, she turned around causing the hem of the skirt to rise up like an umbrella.


    "What''s that?" ¨C Looking curiously at Edmund''s bed, there were still two gift-wrapped boxes that had been prepared by the noble knight. In one was a pair of slippers that matched the dress, while in the other, a hat and a wig of long black hair was laid out for a costume.


    Completing the outfit, the young woman opened the door of the room and carefully walked down the stairs until she reached the first floor where Edmundo was sitting in an old armchair.


    "So sorry. You deprived yourself of many things for me to make this gift and I treated you unfairly¡± ¨C Hugging him from the neck and kissing him gently on the cheek, Julia realized that Edmundo had a sincere expression of pain in his eyes.


    ¨C ¡°I did not think well about your feelings. The one who should apologize is me and not you."


    -¡° Shhh , don''t say anything else. Just take my hand and take me to eat" - Smiling candidly, Julia''s eyes sought Edmundo''s, who nodded and took her by the arm as an escort out the back door that led to the alley so as not to be seen.


    "Come on, what are you waiting for, bring her to the bench and sit her down so I can do her makeup" - A somewhat harsh female voice from years of being a compulsive smoker, made Julia open her eyes once again.


    Looking bewildered around her, the walls with an old navy blue wallpaper peeling off and the aroma of tobacco permeating the air, made the young woman see that she was no longer in the palace.


    The last memory she had was of Rafael telling his assistant to take her to his chambers, leaving her in total darkness as soon as she followed him a few steps.


    Unable to react properly, the slave stood still looking at herself in the dressing table mirror while Matilde passed the blush over her face while she puffed on her cigarette.


    ¨C ¡°Okay, all set. Are you ready for the big night?


    -"Great night?"


    ¨C ¡°Little one, you are in an auction house. Dozens of nobles from Begonia often come to this mansion to buy some concubine. Some girls are lucky and are bought by good nobles, while others¡­¡± ¨C Pausing, lowering her eyes, Matilde took a deep drag on her cigarette while shaking her head with a deep feeling of sorrow.


    -"Take this. It may be your good luck charm¡± ¨C Placing in Julia''s hands the rag doll that Rafael had bought her at the capital''s flea market, Matilde leaned over giving a kiss on the forehead of the young woman who looked at her incredulously.


    "It''s time" - Opening the door of the room, a hooded man with the crest of the merchant union entered by Julia to escort her to the events room. Walking through the corridors of the mansion, the aroma of burning candle wax mixed with the subtle fragrance of the jasmine perfume with which Matilde had prepared it.


    "Stay here with the rest and don''t try anything crazy" - Leaving Julia with the rest of the young women in a pavilion near a stage, the hooded man left, locking the door.


    Looking carefully around her, the faces of the young girls who had been diligently made up by Matilde, gave the appearance of ladies who were about to make their debut to society. There was no doubt that this woman was a skilled makeup artist who managed to get the best look out of any face, even those that were marked like Julia''s.


    ¡°Distinguished gentlemen of the principality of Begonia, it is an honor for the merchant union to bring to you the following items for tonight''s auction. Without a doubt, the beauties that you will see parade on stage will be able to captivate your hearts. And for the grand finale, we will have a very gratifying surprise prepared for you¡± ¨C The voice of the announcer reverberated so intensely in the acoustics of that stage, only being overshadowed by the thunder of applause from those attending the event.


    Just finished the welcome speech, the auction began with the first girl who was brought to the center of the dais.


    The nobles present had their faces covered with masks decorated like a carnival, with drawn smiles leaving small tails at eye level. Some with well-shaped silhouettes that stood out in their suits, gave the impression of being nobles who came from a lineage of skilled knights in combat. Many others showed in their waists the abundance of food and comfortable life that they used to enjoy.


    That motley hue of characters bid incipient amounts ranging from 10 to 200 gold doubloons for the first young woman in the auction. Closing the bid at close to 300 doubloons, it was given to a nobleman with a graceful appearance and whose countenance in his eyes looked like that of a person without malice.


    The second to be auctioned was the servant who came from the palace along with Julia, who remained trembling before the eyes of the men who began to bid up to a thousand gold pieces, just knowing that it was a woman who served him to his majesty Raphael.


    The two men who bid the most at that time were well known for being exiled noblemen from Antioch ; Bloodthirsty men who enjoyed torturing their concubines, knowing that the woman in front of them belonged to the corps of maidens of the royal family, did not hesitate to raise the amount until it reached five thousand gold pieces.


    When the mallet of the master of ceremonies hit the table, closing the offer, it did not matter who the young servant ended up with, since her tragic destiny was already marked in blood.


    The auction continued for a few more hours until it was time for the main event. Just as the announcer said at the beginning of the auction, the most desirable product was walking onto the stage with her beautiful face veiled at eye level.


    The initial bidding began with thirty thousand pieces of gold, rising drastically from a thousand to a thousand before the rampant strength of the greedy nobles who yearned to possess the woman who belonged to his majesty Raphael.


    The figures accumulated until they reached the sum of five hundred thousand gold coins to the delight of Gabriel, who was behind a pillar in the enclosure observing the auction in silence.


    ¡°I offer six hundred thousand gold coins!¡± - Just when the deck was about to close the offer, a voice was heard loudly from one of the balconies reserved for the highest ranking nobles.


    Unlike the nobles who were at the forum level, the bids of the nobles on the balconies were considered closing bids. Only the nobles on the balconies could continue to bid from then on, leaving the nobles on the forum unable to continue.


    "Sold to Duke Voltaire!" - With a shout the announcer closed the offer granting that man the right to claim Julia as his property.


    Directing her gaze in the direction of the nobleman on the balcony, Julia noticed that the man did not take his eyes off her as she was escorted into the halls of the mansion.


    ¡°The duke ordered that you take her to his room. He will be waiting for her, hurry up¡± ¨C The master of ceremonies firmly took the shoulder of one of the guards, whispering it in his ear, emphasizing that he should not allow any of the nobles present to see the slave going up the stairs.


    Covering the woman with a sack, the guard took her around the waist and shifted her weight onto his shoulder as he made his way to Duke Voltaire''s room.


    - "Sir, I have brought it as you requested"


    ¨C ¡°Leave her and go right now. Let no one bother me tonight¡± ¨C Removing the sack from her, the young woman stood in the middle of the room illuminated by the lights of many candles placed around it.


    In front of her, a man of considerable height with his face covered, stood firm looking at the window, turning his back on the young woman; who, feeling attracted by an air of familiarity, slowly approached him.


    ¡°How many years has it been since I last saw you? I feel like it was yesterday that I saw you in a dress just like that. Without a doubt, sky blue always favored you¡± ¨C That last sentence that man pronounced completely shook every fiber of Julia¡¯s being, who brought her hands closer to her face, placing them on the mask , longing to remove it as she did that year with the gift wrap.


    -¡°Edmund!¡±


    -"It was many years without hearing from you, my dear friend" - Taking the girl''s hands, Edmundo smiled with that purity of the years spent in the academy.


    His face marked by the relief of scars resulting from countless battles as a mercenary, was drenched in tears of joy as he contemplated in front of him the woman he had carried every day deep in his heart.


    Hugging her around the waist, holding her tightly against his chest, Edmundo rested his head on Julia''s shoulder. Who cried at the top of his lungs as he pressed his hands against the back of that man he thought he would only see again through dreams.


    The light from the candles that illuminated the room cast the shadows of those two bodies made one by that embrace, an embrace that broke the barriers of time and distance.

 Chapter XI: The time away from you

    Edmund still remembered the contents of the letter that had arrived at Olvera Manor during his first year as a royal guard. The main butler of the house had delivered the envelope to the Marquis, who with a reddened face was frantically beating his desk without stopping.


    The letter contained a royal decree that was impossible to deliver; Thanks to the machinations of Count Solera, the Olvera house was framed under the charge of fraud against the crown.


    Two days after the letter arrived, the kingdom officials entered the mansion grounds to place the marquess and his wife under arrest. Due to his position as a member of the royal guard, Edmundo received a different treatment from his family, receiving the condemning looks of the Marquise, who had always seen him as a bastard who usurped the place of his firstborn son.


    At the end of the trial, the marquess and his wife were demoted to commoners and all their properties were seized by resolution of parliament. As a token of gratitude for the favor rendered, Duke Valera interceded for both Edmundo and Virginia to free the mark of slavery.


    The young Virginia, still a minor, was taken into the custody of some direct relatives of the Marchioness. Being taken to the territory of Baron Eliseo, whose lands were adjacent to the eastern border to the kingdom of Tigris.


    But in Edmund''s case, things seemed to be going as if he was struggling to swim against the current.


    ¡°Having been found guilty of conspiracy to commit the crime of fraud against the crown, Sir Edmund Olvera is dishonorably discharged from the corps of knights in the service of his majesty King Edward II¡± ¨C The army marshal who presided over the trial martial hit the table blunt to dictate that verdict.


    The members of the jury made up of gentlemen of noble descent looked with contempt at Edmund, who was chained to a scaffold standing up while the arguments against him were presented.


    Those looks full of repudiation did not cause a dent in the heart of Edmundo, who from an early age experienced the rejection of the people in the mansion, being a son born out of wedlock.


    Nothing had changed for him, just ceasing to be a noble took a great weight off his shoulders by spending all those years away from his mother. Free from what he considered a golden cage, Edmundo took the liquidation that the army gave him and with a bag on his shoulder full of his belongings, he decided to start his trip back to the town where his mother was.


    The only thing he could regret from the bottom of his heart, is that he would no longer be able to exchange correspondence with the dear friend from his days at the academy. Within a society with a marked separation of classes, the fact that a commoner contacted a nobleman by letters was considered an insult.


    Although perhaps for Julia the remarks of the nobles within social circles could be insignificant, for Edmundo it was a great burden that he did not want to put on the shoulders of that woman who struggled day by day in that world as fragile as glass.


    Before leaving the capital, the disgraced young gentleman guided his steps one last time to the sidewalk in front of the Valera mansion. Hiding his face with a hood and standing behind the trunk of an oak tree, Edmund watched Julia dressed in her majestic blue uniform leap into the stirrup of her horse, slapping the reins to start her gallop, letting her cloak billow in the wind.


    That delicate face and her green eyes shining with the sun, made Edmundo''s heart beat faster, making him put his hand to his chest with a sensation of surprise. What for some time he mistook for admiration, misfortune made him see that it was love.


    A love that at the time he thought would never be reciprocated by the immense abyss that now divided them.


    ¡°Stop daydreaming. Now you are a commoner and she is a noble, they will never allow us to be together in this life.¡± ¨C Taking the fringe of his hood to hide his eyes, Edmundo walked down the street until he was lost in the horizon.


    Using some coins from his severance pay, Edmundo took a few wagon trips to where the rural area began. Walking for days under the scorching sun and the inclement cold of the night on the plain, only stopping to buy something to eat and seek refuge in some sheds where he lay accompanied by cows or pigs.


    By the time he arrived in his hometown, at least thirty days of arduous travel had passed, which was reflected in the wear on the soles of his boots and the dirt that impregnated the fabric of his clothes.


    The townspeople barely saw him, thinking he was some wandering mercenary because of the sword that hung on his back and the bushy beard that hadn''t been shaved for several days.


    The looks of the people were somewhat irrelevant to the young knight, who could barely drag his feet a little due to the accumulated fatigue that took its toll on his body. The mere hope of getting home and opening the door to meet his mother was more than enough to make him forget that heavy sorrow.


    Being only a few meters from the old house, the overgrown weeds in the meadow and the neglected appearance of the facade caused a fear to grow inside him, which became more acute as he took each step that brought him closer to his old home.


    "Mother! Mother open me! It''s me, Edmund. I''m back mother¡± ¨C Knocking hard on the wooden door without hearing a response inside the house, Edmundo got desperate to the point that he tried to knock it down with a kick.


    ¡°There is no one in that house! It has been uninhabited for at least a year¡± ¨C The voice of an old man who was pulling a cart with a pair of mules was heard in the distance from the path where the day laborers were walking.


    -¡°Do you know where the woman and the old woman who lived in that house are?¡± ¨C Agitated from running to catch up with the day laborer, Edmundo rested on his knees panting as he felt that each arch trying to draw in air was like needles stabbing into his lungs.


    -¡°Your search is in vain, a year ago an epidemic hit these areas and claimed the lives of many people. The first to die were the old woman and her daughter who lived in that house¡± ¨C Collapsing completely upon hearing those dire news, Edmund let his body succumb to fatigue and lost consciousness, refusing to accept reality.


    The day laborer, seeing him down, tried to make him react but all his efforts were useless, leaving that stranger to his fate, who was left lying on the side of the road until nightfall. The wind blowing from the north brought with it storm clouds that gradually covered the night sky to make way for precipitation.


    With the first drops of rain falling on his face, Edmundo opened his eyes feeling his head heavy as if he had a hangover. Trying to get up several times, falling over and over again until his legs responded.


    His lips were so parched and his throat burned as if he had swallowed a brand from the fire. Forcing him to raise his face trying to drink from the rainwater that fell torrentially on the meadow.


    Moving instinctively like an animal, Edmundo continued his pilgrimage aimlessly walking the path for hours until his legs couldn''t stand it anymore. Convinced that fate had mocked him, the young man cried bitterly in the rain lying on the ground.


    A short distance away, moving stealthily hiding the sound of his footsteps with the rain, a hungry wolf saw in Edmund an easy prey to devour to feed his young. Throwing his body against the young man, the wolf lashed out with his jaws searching for the warrior''s throat.


    By mere reflex, the knight moved his right arm to block the wolf''s violent bite, feeling how the fangs pierced the leather of his forearm protector as it thrashed furiously trying to destroy the bone.


    Sensing that he was about to languish, Edmund accepted his fate as the wolf''s claws tore through the skin of his face, leaving a throbbing wound that ran through much of the flesh.


    It was then that the sound of a rifle shot into the air reached the ears of the beast, alerting him to the presence of a poacher, forcing him to free Edmundo in order to preserve his life.


    ¡°There is no home to return to, there is no one waiting for my return. I''m just an outcast that even death refuses to take to the afterlife¡± ¨C Dropping his arms to the ground, the young man felt how the blood that mixed with the rainwater ran over every inch of his skin.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°If you are so convinced of your words, then why don''t you come with me?¡± ¨C With his vision clouded by fatigue and blood loss, Edmundo saw a corpulent figure that extended his hand to him, remaining unconscious once again.


    The person who had saved him at that time was a woman in her mid-thirties with a vigorous body that was more like a man''s.


    Carlota was a fighter who belonged to a corps of mercenaries called the silver fangs. Being in the service of a nobleman from Begonia, Carlota and her team were passing through that town escorting a caravan with merchandise from Antioca.


    Feeling curious about Edmund, the young woman nursed his wounds for a week as the monsoon passed and she was unable to move due to the rising river. After hearing the story from the young man''s lips, Carlota offered him to join the mercenary corps under her command.


    Those days while Edmundo made his way facing outlaws protecting the caravans with his companions, the knight was recovering his desire to live for the simple fact of carrying the hope of meeting Julia again. Earning the admiration of his comrades-in-arms and somehow, drawing the attention of the nobleman he served.


    As an ironic twist of fate, while Edmund was adopted as heir by that nobleman already close to the gates of death, the fall from grace suffered by Julia reached the ears of the knight.


    Who looked for the slightest opportunity to free the woman who had won his heart in his youth, moving his influences and contacts to use the corruption that prevailed in the kingdom of Antioca in his favor.


    "As I have told you so far, that is what has happened to me in all this time that we have stayed away" - Holding Julia''s hands sitting opposite each other, warmed by the fire in the fireplace, Edmundo said those words with a feeling of regret in his heart.


    ¨C ¡°What are you going to do with me? You have bought me at auction for a lot of money, I am your possession¡±


    -¡°Am I that kind of man in your eyes, Julia!¡± ¨C When Edmundo raised his voice exalted, Julia felt fear for a moment remembering Rafael''s character.


    Seeing the woman''s reaction in front of him, Edmundo apologized to her and calmly explained what was about to happen. According to Begonia''s slave laws, slaves acquired outside the territory of the principality acquired the status of citizens as soon as they entered the border.


    Therefore, if they requested it from their buyer, they could acquire their freedom at the time they wished. Except for cases where slavery had been imposed for a punishable cause derived from a court ruling.


    -¡°But I have been condemned by parliament for fraud against the crown. Begonia''s law will not recognize my desire for freedom."


    -"It will. Because you will not enter the principality as a simple slave, but as my fianc¨¦e¡± ¨C Surprised by Edmundo''s proposal, the young woman rejected it almost immediately after hearing it. For her the idea of marriage had never crossed her mind and less for ulterior motives such as getting rid of slavery.


    -¡°Edmundo, what you are proposing to me is something that¡­!¡±


    -¡°Julia I haven''t finished talking! Just wait¡­¡± ¨C Holding the girl by the hand, Edmundo tried to calm her down for a few minutes to continue explaining his plan.


    Certainly Edmund was in love with her, but he was also aware that taking her as his wife in such a way would reduce her to a simple object. To him, Julia was a woman whose courage was unimaginable, someone who had earned his admiration for her tenacity and strength.


    ¡°Our marriage will be a contract marriage. We will be married for a period of one year as established by Begonia law to be recognized as valid and at the end of that time, I will give you a divorce if you wish. I will not touch you in private to respect your wishes, but in public we must pretend to be a very united couple¡± ¨C The seriousness in the tone of Edmundo''s words reassured Julia, who, remembering the time they lived as students, was aware that he noble knight never took advantage of the lady''s secret.


    - "Only for a year?"


    -"Just as you heard"


    Agreeing to that plan, Edmund extended his right hand to seal the deal with a handshake. Getting ready to rest that night before leaving in his carriage the next morning.


    Three days after the royal banquet was over, the atmosphere in the Antioca palace was still as hectic as in the days prior to its celebration. The maids of the palace diligently prepared the princess''s luggage, as well as the presents to be given as a dowry in marriage for the royal family of Tigris.


    Walking through the palace gardens, Elena was thoughtful in the company of her maid Eunice, who like her mistress was confused in her thoughts as the date of departure approached.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, it''s rare to see you outside your room. Do you feel better?" ¨C Accompanied by a eunuch escort, Princess Sofia met Elena by chance while taking her walk through the castle gardens. Unable to feel comfortable with the presence of Eleazar''s sister, she tried to be diplomatic by giving a brief greeting before hurrying away. Being held by the wrist by Sofia, seeing those honey-colored eyes stand out from the purple veil like two amber jewels.


    ¨C ¡°The palace of Tigris is like a den of hungry lions. You must watch your back at all times and trust no one at all."


    -¡°Are you threatening me?¡±


    -"Take it as you like. But I recommend having someone strong by your side if you want to keep that beautiful and thin neck in one piece¡± ¨C Finishing saying that warning, Sofia gave the order to the eunuch to continue on their way until they entered the palace.


    Feeling her heart almost stop at the sight of that cold gaze on Princess Sofia, Elena felt the urge to head straight for the throne room.


    -"Announce my arrival to the king" - Ordering the guard at the door to make way for her, Elena walked down the corridor that led to the throne where Rafael was sitting. Bending his knee and bowing his face reverently.


    On one side of the king, seated at the right hand of the most powerful man in the kingdom, Miss Solera looked at Elena with expectation for what she was about to say.


    ¡°My brother, if I have found grace in your eyes, allow me to request a favor as a personal wedding gift¡± ¨C Within the custom marked for royal political marriages, the law stated that the princess could request anything from the king as a dowry own before the nuptial commitment.


    -"What is it about?" - With a monotonous voice as if he were being sharp, Rafael directed his empty gaze towards Elena, who was terrified to see those eyes that collided with the memory of what he had in mind about his brother.


    "I want Sir Alfonso to accompany me as a personal escort to the kingdom of Tigris" - The silence that preceded that request made Elena feel fear for her brother''s response, who remained unperturbed on the throne as if he were waiting for something.


    ¡°It will be done as you say princess Elena. Sir Alfonso will be released from his cell and will be placed under your command as you have requested.¡± - Responding instead of Rafael, Berenice extended her hand in Elena''s direction as a sign of approval.


    The fact that her brother did not question or attack Berenice for speaking in his place, made manifest the doubts that the princess had since the day of the banquet. Somehow his brother was being controlled by Miss Solera, but there was no conclusive evidence that could help him unmask her.


    Taking Berenice''s position to her advantage, Elena accepted those words and withdrew from the throne room to go to the west tower.


    Sitting as if time had stopped, Sir Alfonso gazed at the bars of his cell waiting for the day the verdict of the military council would be delivered. Holding her precious locket as she prayed for her mistress''s well-being.


    "Sir Alfonso, react" - His mistress''s voice made him react, stopping suddenly to approach the cell door. The gloomy expression on Elena''s face caused a hint of fear in the knight''s mind, who, moved by duty, asked his mistress if something had happened to her.


    -"In a few more days I will have to leave the kingdom to marry the royal family of Tigris"


    - "My lady, that can''t be!"


    -"It is as I have told you, the king has decided that my marriage will help to reinforce the pact that maintains the peace of both kingdoms"


    -¡°Ha, peace? Do beasts know peace? - Unable to contain himself by the anger that caused him to hear that news, Sir Alfonso responded sarcastically to his wife, who looked him directly in the eyes, disapproving of the slip of his tongue.


    -¡°Watch your tongue, Alfonso! That your neck and mine share the same destiny"


    "What do you mean, your highness?"


    ¨C ¡°You have sworn loyalty to me above all things, right? That is why I have come here to ask you to fulfill your vow as a knight that you once offered me¡± ¨C Extending her hand through the bars, Elena looked once more with the dignity of her bearing at the knight in front of her.


    Who obediently knelt down to his lady and took her offered hand, placing a kiss on her skin while reciting the oath of the knights.


    As decreed, five days after that event in the tower, the princess''s caravan set out from the capital to the cheers of the commoners who rushed to bid their princess farewell.


    Inside the cabin of the carriage, Elena kept looking out the window at the tumultuous sea of people who smiled and threw flower petals at the passage of the princess''s entourage. Sitting next to him, Eunice nodded sleepily lulled by the movement of the car, being stopped from hitting her head thanks to Sir Alfonso.


    ¨C ¡°My lady, I do not want to question your decisions. But of all the maidens in her service, why her? - The expression of concern visibly marked on Sir Alfonso''s face made Elena laugh, who felt relaxed seeing him that way.


    ¨C ¡°Apart from you, she is the servant who has been most loyal to me during all these years. I''ve known her since she was a simple brat who tripped while walking in her maid uniform. If I had to put it in other words, I see her as a little sister."


    -"My lady, try the cookies, they are very tasty" - Stammering in her sleep, Eunice drooled on Sir Alfonso''s hand, who could not hide the disgust that the situation caused her.


    ¡°How is it possible that his character changes while he sleeps? No one could say that it is the same person when they are awake¡± ¨C Princess Elena''s laughter made the maid wake up from her lethargy and realize Sir Alfonso''s face. Blushing all over seeing the result of his behavior while he slept.


    ¡°I, I am very sorry Sir Alfonso! I''ve made him see something unpleasant. My lady, forgive me too¡± ¨C Stammering as she tried to apologize, the maid provoked a laugh from Sir Alfonso, who took his handkerchief and extended it to the maid to wipe her face.


    ¡°Remember the spirit we have in this carriage today. Because we are going to need that same strength now that we are heading to the kingdom of Tigris¡± ¨C With the firmness of her character and the determination shining in her eyes, the princess called her companions who responded affirmatively to her lady''s command.


    The road ahead of them was littered with countless trials, like the thistles and thorns they must traverse now that they were heading to a kingdom that would outwardly welcome them, but secretly would be utter hell.

 Chapter XII: Decisions

    Three months had already passed since Julia''s arrival in the territory of Voltaire''s dukedom; where just as Edmund had promised, the heavy burdens of slavery had been exchanged for designer dresses and freedom.


    The employees of the mansion received the young woman as their new mistress as soon as she crossed the threshold of the house''s door, recognizing her as the new duchess even without having signed the marriage papers.


    Feeling as if she had surfaced after being underwater for a long time, Julia''s vitality became manifest to the point of drawing favorable attention from the servants. Those who felt comfortable with the new duchess, who was always understanding and supportive towards them, even though they were simple commoners.


    ¡°My lady, the grand duke said that he would come to eat with you after three in the afternoon. He will come accompanied by the Baron and Baroness of Salinas¡± ¨C At the request of Edmundo himself, Carlota had left the mercenary corps to serve as personal assistant to the new lady of the house. With her blond hair tied back and dressed in a maid''s uniform, the former mercenary''s appearance contrasted with that of the rest of the maids.


    ¡°Thank you Carlota, I''ll take care of the preparations for¡­¡± ¨C When she was taking a sip of her tea, Julia felt a sudden disgust that made her run to the dresser in her room. For a few days in the mornings, the duchess had experienced slight discomforts that I consider natural, due to the long periods of fasting to which she was subjected as a slave.


    At first it only happened with fatty foods or fermented products, but suddenly any food became intermittently nauseating. Every time a similar incident occurred in Carlota''s presence, Julia asked her not to tell the duke so as not to worry him.


    But Charlotte''s zeal for her lord outweighed her loyalty to the lady, making every little detail having to do with the duchess known to Edmund.


    -¡° Carlota, prepare the light blue dress. I must hurry to coordinate the employees¡­¡±


    ¨C ¡° I am very sorry my lady but I must disobey your orders at this time. His countenance does not look healthy and it would be better if he rested until the time comes. I''ll take care of the details and I''ll keep you up to date¡± ¨C Grabbing her tightly by the waist to carry her in her arms, Carlota lifted her mistress as if she were a light bird''s feather.


    Placing her gently on the bed, the maid wrapped Julia up to the point that she felt the sheets pressing her against the bed. While it was true that Carlota was a diligent woman, so was the fact that she did not know how to measure her strength when dealing with other people.


    Bowing farewell to her mistress, the maid left the room to proceed as she had informed her mistress.


    When the agreed time for the meeting arrived, Julia descended the stairs to the first floor to duly receive her husband and companions. Eliseo and Ruth de Salinas, were older people with a kind and cordial treatment, who warmly greeted their hosts while smiling warmly.


    ¨C ¡° Oh dear! Have you gotten used to the role of duchess yet?¡±


    -¡° Yes, Baroness Ruth, thanks to your good advice it has been easy for me to learn to handle the administrative obligations of the mansion¡±


    -¡° Well, Edmund, it seems that your beautiful wife has been quite diligent in helping you!¡±


    -¡° You''re right Eliseo, my wife has been a huge blessing for me¡± ¨C Unable to get used to Edmundo''s dazzling smile, Julia couldn''t help but blush when she saw him, trying to cover her embarrassment with her fan.


    The old couple, seeing them, smiled at each other like two young people who found it pleasant that their friends'' relationship was on the right track.


    Recovering her composure, Julia led the guests into the dining room where the employees had already laid out the plates and cutlery awaiting diners.


    The meal went smoothly without incident, while Edmundo and Eliseo talked about the importance of strengthening the defense of the border with the principality of Arabella to reduce incidents of theft of merchandise, Julia and Ruth discussed new clothing trends in the capital.


    Being a woman who had trained for the service of arms, at times the conversation of the knights caught her attention making her lose concentration in her talk with the baroness.


    -¡° Julia, darling, are you paying attention to me?¡±


    -¡° I''m sorry, Baroness, but lately I haven''t been feeling well in the mornings¡± ¨C At that moment when the maid brought the dessert to the table, the aroma of the candy made Julia get up suddenly to run to the dressing table again.


    ¡°Edmund Voltaire! What are you still doing sitting there? Go see how your wife is doing¡± ¨C The tone of the baroness''s voice, far from being annoyed by Julia''s sudden behavior, seemed more like that of a mother worried about her son-in-law''s indifference.


    Taking the napkin to place it on the table, the duke got up from his place and went directly to the door of the service, listening to the sounds of arching that shook Julia''s frail body.


    "My lord, do you want me to call the doctor?" - Carlota''s tone, unlike Baroness Ruth, sounded with a hint of mistrust around her lady. Which he had been suspicious about for days due to the constant morning disgust.


    Knowing that the duke and duchess slept in separate rooms, Carlota thought for a moment that the lady had been unfaithful to her master. Filling her with rage as she felt that her old comrade in arms had passed the bitter cup of betrayal.


    "If you value our friendship Carlota, you better watch the tone with which you are conducting yourself" - Throwing a fierce look at the maid, Edmundo ordered her to go call the doctor and hasten to dismiss the guests.


    -" My lord is sorry to have to interrupt the meeting, but apparently the lady is not in good health"


    -¡° You should not worry, we understand that there are things that must be taken care of in private. In a few days we will send a letter to arrange another meeting¡± ¨C Being understanding of the situation, the couple said goodbye, giving their good wishes to the Duchess, praying for her speedy recovery.


    After an hour the doctor arrived at the mansion and went up to the duchess''s room, who was bedridden with a weak countenance.


    ¡°Please duke, wait outside the room. I''ll tell you what happens once I finish checking on the duchess¡± ¨C Squeezing Julia''s hand a little, Edmundo stood up from his chair and left the room, staying close to the door in case something happened.


    The doctor took Julia''s wrist and checked her pulse while checking her pupils, and then felt her belly in search of a reflex.


    -¡° Duchess, when was your last period?¡±


    -¡° I don''t really remember it doctor, my periods have been irregular since I was younger¡±


    -¡° Well, Duchess, I will prescribe you some herbal teas rich in minerals and some soft diet to help you with the morning sickness. Congratulations, you will soon become a mother¡± ¨C As if a bucket of cold water had fallen from her head to her feet, the doctor''s words disturbed Julia to the point that the shock caused the duke to suddenly enter the room.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    -¡° Julia! What happens? Doctor! What does my wife have?


    -¡° Calm down duke, what your wife has is¡­¡±


    "Doctor be quiet!" ¨C Julia''s scream shocked the doctor, who did not know how to respond to Edmundo. Sensing that something was going on that he should not interfere with, the doctor left the room to wait in the living room.


    "Julia, what is the matter with you?" ¨C Visibly worried, Edmundo approached where Julia was, who was unable to utter a word due to nerves.


    ¡° It''s fine. I will retire for now¡± ¨C With a downcast countenance, Edmundo withdrew his hand from caressing his wife''s head, leaving the room to meet with the doctor. Not without first ordering Carlota to keep an eye on the duchess.


    ¡°Duke, please take a seat. What the duchess has is not about any disease or condition that could put her life at risk. It''s quite the opposite, the duchess is pregnant¡± ¨C Smiling nervously, the doctor clenched his fingers, containing fear before Edmund''s gloomy countenance.


    ¡°I hope this matter remains private, doctor. Only you, the Duchess and I are to know of this incident. Otherwise, I won''t be able to guarantee your safety¡± ¨C With a cold and threatening tone, Edmundo stood in front of the doctor who was trembling as if his soul was leaving his mouth.


    "It will be done as you order, your excellence" - Grabbing his briefcase rushing out of the mansion, the doctor took his cart and hit the reins of his horse to leave the mansion grounds as soon as possible.


    "Charlotte!" ¨C Giving a shout that echoed in the walls of the building, the duke called his faithful servant who hurried to reach his side.


    -¡° What are your orders sir? Do you want me to get rid of the doctor?¡±


    -¡° No! I have given my word to that man to respect his life as long as he remains silent."


    - " So what is the order my lord?" ¨C Taking a deep breath to try to contain his anger so as not to lose his temper, Edmundo put his hands to his head sitting back on the sofa.


    For Carlota, who had known Edmundo for several years, seeing him in that state made her relive the moment when she found him dejected on the country road when he was letting himself die. Grinding her teeth helplessly, the maiden tried to put her hands on the duke''s shoulders to comfort him, being surprised by her lord''s words.


    - ¡° On the day of the auction a maiden of the palace was also offered for sale. Go to the bastard who bought it and if he''s still alive, offer him a hundred thousand gold coins for it. I need to know who the father of that child is."


    -¡° But sir, that is a lot of money¡±


    -¡° Just do as I told you¡± ¨C Edmundo''s timbre of voice sounded icy, like that of a bloodthirsty murderer. Carlota knew that that tone in his voice was a signal to keep absolute silence and obey him to the letter.


    ¡°It will be done as you order, my lord¡± ¨C Taking one of the fastest horses from the stables, the former mercenary rode for two days without resting until she reached the territory of the Marquis Aleppo. A man who was known for his despotic and violent attitude, his unbridled vices for alcohol and gambling.


    There was no guarantee that the slave that was sold to her was still alive, but Carlota did not dare return to the mansion without fulfilling the mandate imposed by her master.


    Arriving at the mansion, she was received by the main butler who led her to the marquis''s recreation room. Where that man was intoxicated surrounded by slaves whom he had subjected around him, with visible wounds and bruises on their naked bodies.


    The scene was repulsive to Carlota, who resisted the impulse to take the dagger under her skirt and plunge it into the belly of that pig. Taking a few seconds to calm down, he offered the sum his master had authorized him to buy from the maid.


    With the money spilling out on the table, Aleppo''s eyes shone at the dazzling metal that every man coveted. Sending for his butler, so that he would bring to his presence the slave that was about to be bought.


    There was not a single area of his skin that did not have any mark, the scars crowded one on top of another leaving his body seriously injured. Her face was covered by a white mask, in order to hide the traces of mistreatment that had disfigured her.


    Carlota could barely contain her tears of impotence and anger at seeing that woman in such a sorry state. Thinking for a moment that he would have preferred to see his mistress, whom he considered guilty of betraying his master, in that place.


    "The duke appreciates your understanding" - Bowing, the maid took the slave covering her with a blanket as she led her to the horse to help her mount.


    "Don''t be afraid, everything will be fine from now on" - As a reflex in response to Carlota''s words, the maid pressed the woman''s back while sobbing relieved to feel comforted.


    Feeling her stomach turn with hunger, Charlotte hurried her horse, trying to reach an inn before the night overtook them.


    The next day after leaving at dawn, Carlota arrived at the mansion accompanied by the slave. Being received by the duke, who was stationed at the entrance of the house with a taciturn expression.


    -¡° Is she able to speak?¡±


    -¡° Yes my lord, she can speak¡±


    - " Very well, then..."


    -¡° My lord, please be kind to her¡± ¨C Edmundo looked at Carlota''s face, who had an expression of anguish and suffering due to the state in which the slave was. The duke knew Charlotte well, knowing that it was difficult for her to be moved by someone unless that person was worthy of it.


    "It''s okay, Charlotte. Take her to the maids room, clean her up and dress her properly. Have her eat something hot and when you feel she ''s ready , take her to my study. I''ll be reviewing some documents¡± ¨C Following her master''s orders, the servant did with the slave what her master had ordered. After noon, the slave took Carlota''s arm, indicating that she should take her to the master of the house.


    Remaining present in the office while the interrogation took place, Carlota heard firsthand the horrors that Julia had to go through during her stay inside the Antioca palace .


    From how he lost his eye to the abuse by the servants, each narrated event made Carlota''s conscience ache, who only a day ago had wished something so terrible for her mistress.


    Edmund could barely contain his fury, he was blinded by rage to the point of wanting to take his personal army and charge against the palace of Antioca , but restraining his impetus, he continued the interrogation until the incident he sought to clarify.


    ¡°The night that the cook and her daughter were murdered at the hands of Count Solera, the king went to his chambers to meet Julia. I was passing near the door of his room when I heard Miss Julia call him by the name of Edmundo.


    When the king questioned her, the slave only repeated that name and shortly after, only the sounds of a couple could be heard behind the door¡± ¨C The servant finished her story and remained silent, waiting for the reaction of the duke, who had his face crouched with a surprised expression looking at the ground. Unable to look up due to the weight of the words that had pierced her heart.


    "Charlotte. Take the maid back to the maids room and stay with her please. I need to be alone¡± ¨C Containing the impulse to disobey that order and stay with him, Carlota fought against her wishes and nodded as she escorted the slave back.


    Everything had become clear to him after hearing the maid''s story. Julia had been raped by Rafael, taking advantage of her emotional vulnerability due to the sudden death of her friends.


    Remembering how his father had abused his mother using his status to intimidate her, Edmundo felt his head spin as he began to destroy the objects inside the office in a fit of anger.


    "Damned! Damn you Raphael! How could you do something so mean to Julia! I swear I will not rest until I kill you and cut off your head¡± ¨C Edmund cursed the monarch from the bottom of his heart, while his screams reached the room where Julia was. Who remained fearful in bed in anticipation of what might happen to her.


    An hour after Edmund''s screams ceased to be heard throughout the mansion, the door to the duchess''s room opened and the duke entered. Who was holding a glass of water and some pills in his left hand. Sitting carefully on the bed, with her back to Julia.


    ¡°You don''t have to speak. It is not necessary for you to explain anything to me, only you know well the suffering that you have had to carry inside during all this time.


    Some time ago I told you how my mother had lived through the same thing you went through, you listened to my story and the resolution reached by that servant who was abandoned to her fate by that damn bastard.


    I can''t force you to love me, I don''t dare to do something so mean. But soon your waist will show the signs of pregnancy and you can no longer hide it from social circles.


    In Begonia to annul a marriage after one year, it is requested that the couple has not conceived any descendants, in order to avoid future problems with the succession. If I try to divorce you after you give birth to the baby, the law will consider you a disowned woman and you will revert to the status of a slave. Your son unfortunately will be too.


    If you wish to have the baby despite that, I will help you flee to the principality of Arabella. I have acquaintances there who can help buy an identity and you can rebuild your life.


    Even I could come to love as my own the child you carry in your womb and stay by your side.


    The pills that I will leave on the table are abortion pills, in case you make a different decision than the ones I mentioned.


    Whatever you do, no matter what decision you make, I will be here to support you. Because I didn''t lie to you when I told you I loved you¡± ¨C Edmundo got out of bed, leaving the glass of water and the pills on the bedside table , avoiding looking back in an attempt to contain his tears, remembering his mother and the difficult situation for the one she had to go through when deciding to give birth to her.


    As the door closed, Julia looked up at Edmund, looking at the pills that had been left by the side of the bed. Feeling her heart beating in her chest almost as if it were tearing apart, Julia approached the tips of her fingers to the pills, to take them in her hand while raising the glass of water. Staring at those objects, while his mind was torn by the decision he was about to make.

 Chapter XIII: War Drums

    ¡°The troops are already in position in front of the delta of the Galmena river , we have prepared the carabineros framed with the infantry on horseback. And the archers have already flanked any escape route for the enemy troops. Before the sun sets, our army will have already taken the border cities of the principality of Arabella¡± ¨C A bearded man with a warlike look leaned on the maps that were on the table.


    Marshal Timoteo Balbuena was a highly experienced man in the art of war, being respected both by his men and by the enemy on the battlefield. The intention in his words full of optimism in the face of the imminent military incursion, provoked in those present his feeling of approval.


    "Then we will proceed as marshal has informed us, I am counting on you so that the cleaning is quick" - Sitting on his throne stroking the chin of a tiger, Prince Eleazar gave his approval to his military chiefs to end the strategic meeting .


    Five years had passed since the day of his wedding with Princess Elena, during which time his father King Archimedes had initiated military action to recover the territory of the Principality of Arabella. Everything seemed to favor the monarch, but the goddess fortune stopped looking at him with pleasure, falling ill in bed without possible recovery.


    With the nationalist feeling exalted in the troops and motivated by the generals, Eleazar took advantage of it and began to increase his share of power within the royal family. Going even to reduce the support that his sister Sofia had among the most liberal nobles of the kingdom.


    -"Lucio, how is Princess Elena right now?"


    -"Your highness, the princess has not left her room for two days nor has she asked to taste any food" - The words of the eunuch unleashed the anger of Eleazar, who rose from his throne and walked quickly accompanied by his escorts , who were trying to keep up with the frantic way the sovereign moved.


    ¡°You dare to challenge me once again! Haven''t you learned anything in all this time?" ¨C Prince Eleazar opened the doors of Elena''s bedroom, surprising both her and Eunice who was fixing her hair.


    -"Greetings to the morning star of the kingdom"


    -"Stop teasing me! I know that your greetings are just lip service¡± - A week ago while a dinner was being held between high military officials in the presence of His Majesty Eleazar, some men already drunk from the liquor began to loosen their tongues saying ill-intentioned comments about her highness ellen


    Enduring his hurtful words about her inability to produce an heir to continue the royal line, Elena just smiled diplomatically while Sir Alfonso held back as much as he could bear. Calling the attention of Brigadier Vargas, a soldier who had under his command a quarter of the infantry on horseback.


    ¡°Your Majesty, perhaps you should ask my daughter to become your concubine! His mother comes from an extremely fertile lineage and possesses wide hips perfect for breeding. You need a woman in bed and not a mule¡± ¨C When that insult came from the brigadier''s lips, Sir Alfonso could not bear the verbal abuse of which his wife was a victim any longer, to the prince''s pleasure. Going full with his fists to the face of Vargas, who clumsily tried to cover himself from the incessant punishment that Alfonso gave him.


    -¡°I can only give diplomacy to a man who does not protect his wife from the sharp tongues of his vassals. Even more so if he disposes of my servants as if they were his property¡±


    -¡°Is that man you brought with you from Antioca worth enough to disobey me and not eat a bite? What will the nobles say about me?¡±


    -¡°You sent Sir Alfonso to the war front! To my bodyguard! Do you know how many times I''ve feared for my life since I married you? It''s those very nobles you care so much about pleasing. They wanted this war and they found in you a perfect puppet¡­¡± ¨C Elena received a slap in the face from Eleazar in the presence of his escorts, who remained firm, although stunned by the behavior of the future king.


    -"Hold the princess''s lady-in-waiting and don''t let her shut her mouth"


    "What do you think you are doing with my maid?" ¨C Taking a dagger from the sash of one of his escorts, the prince bowed as his escorts held Eunice roughly by the cheekbones, forcing her to open her mouth while Eleazar pulled her tongue by the tip. Cutting her in one fell swoop amid screams of pain and blood spilled by the maiden, who uselessly tried to contain the bleeding with her hands.


    Eleazar walked intimidatingly to where Elena was, throwing the still throbbing flesh of the amputated limb at her feet.


    ¡°Defaming a member of the royal family is a crime that is punishable by cutting out the offender''s tongue. Since you are a member of royalty in this country, your servants are considered an extension of your body.


    who looks out for the welfare of her vassals, you had better learn to know your place. Or they will pay the consequences¡± ¨C Throwing the bloody dagger to the ground, Eleazar took a cloth and wiped the blood from his hands while giving the order to take the maiden to cauterize the wound.


    Elena collapsed in horror at the prince''s cruelty, pulling at her hair in frustration that she hadn''t been able to protect her maiden.


    While the traces of war were drawn between Tigris and Arabella, elsewhere the gears of war began to move from the heart of the parliament of the kingdom of Antioch .


    ¡°Tigris, our sister kingdom! It has already been preparing for five years to recover that territory that was taken from it in the midst of the confusion. Perhaps we, as the worthy kingdom that we are, will remain as mere spectators?


    Members of this honorable parliament, Antiochus of noble and powerful lineage, I have not come here today to try to convince you with mere words.


    No, but with the living testimony of the conspirators who threaten our great nation¡± ¨C The now Duke Solera addressed parliament with the effusiveness of a great orator, bringing with him to the presence of the nobles two spies who had been captured by the royal guard.


    On their bodies you could see the signs of the torture that the army inquisitors had practiced to obtain the information that Solera threw written on the floor of the parliament, while he continued in his speech igniting the spirits of those present.


    When he finished speaking, the nobles present rose from their places elated to the cry of war. With bloodlust shining in their eyes as they instructed their personal armies to join the royal guard in coalition.


    Seeing how successful his work had been, Solera withdrew from parliament in the direction of the royal palace. Where as soon as he got out of his carriage, he was escorted to the throne room where Queen Berenice was holding an audience with the representatives of the people.


    -¡°Everyone leave the room immediately. I need to speak with His Majesty in private."


    -¡°Duke Solera. Although he received powers from King Edward to act in his absence, he is exceeding his powers by disrespecting me in this way¡± ¨C Berenice rose from the throne infuriated with her father, looking askance at the expressions of disagreement that the commoners they threw him looking for him to prevail over the arrogant attitude of the nobleman.


    ¡°Guards! Escort the duke to my office and have him wait for me. I''ll go when the audience is over¡± ¨C Approaching the duke, the guards surrounded him and proceeded to escort him as the queen commanded.


    Hiding the anger that was eating away at his ego, Solera bowed and apologized to His Excellency for his lack of tact in the situation.


    Entering the queen''s office, Duke Solera went to the display case where the liquor was stored and poured himself a drink while he waited for his daughter. Squeezing the glass hard to the point of almost causing it to break.


    After a few minutes, the door''s hinges screeched, causing the duke to rise from his seat and direct his gaze toward the doorway. Surprised by the presence of a little boy of no more than four years of age, who was holding in his arms an old rag rabbit that he had collected from one of the rooms of the palace.


    With red hair and piercing black eyes, the creature was the spitting image of Princess Elena. It was Princess Adela, daughter of His Majesty Rafael and Queen Berenice.


    -"!Grandfather!" ¨C With the innocence of her age, Adela ran to her grandfather to extend her arms looking for him to carry her.


    Being true to his cold nature, Duke Solera looked down at the princess, who kept her eyes full of expectation to receive the affection of the man she considered part of her family.


    "If only you had been born a man, I wouldn''t have to mix with the barbarians of Tigris" - Duke Solera thought as he crouched down for her at the height of the little princess. Bringing his hands around the girl''s neck, as if trying to strangle her.


    ¡°Even someone like you knows the penalty for injuring a member of the Duke Solera royal family! Keep your dirty hands away from my daughter¡± ¨C Seeing her father''s dark intentions, Berenice entered the room threatening him when she saw that her daughter''s life was in danger.


    ¡°Then the queen should keep in mind that many things can happen to the royal family in times of war. Some spy or assassin could enter and finish off such a delicate sprout.


    Wasn''t it just a few days ago that my men intercepted the spies from the principality of Begonia?¡± ¨C Smiling sarcastically while pulling the edge of his mustache, Solera rebuked the queen for the low security inside the palace.


    -¡°You know very well that the king has mobilized with the entire regular army to the border with Begonia. We are short of knights and only have the recruits from the academy patrolling the streets. If only the nobles would lend their personal armies¡­¡±


    ¨C ¡°It is precisely the topic I wanted to talk to you about when you kicked me out of the throne room, ungrateful daughter. Today in parliament I have obtained the motion of the chamber to use the private armies as a single warlike body to protect the eastern border¡± ¨C Surprised by that statement, Berenice was incredulous at her father''s words regarding the situation with the border that adjoined the territory of Tigris.


    ¡°Why would you move a large contingent to the borders of an allied nation? Prince Eleazar would take care of Arabella''s territory, it is King Rafael who needs those men ¡±


    "Silly girl. You don''t know how the movements of war are and you intend to teach me how to lead an army? I will send the troops as reinforcement to contain the escape of the rebels when the autonomous principalities fall due to the movement of pincers¡± ¨C With a cloudy look and a low voice, Solera attacked Berenice making her keep silent.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°I have only come to inform you out of mere protocol, Your Highness. I remind you that the decisions about the military forces were given to me by our brave king who is now on the front lines. I hope you continue to be diligent about pleasing those filthy commoners you adore so much, so they don''t turn on you when the going gets tough¡± ¨C Leaving the room leaving Berenice speechless, Solea boarded his carriage to go to his mansion.


    -¡°Gertrude!¡±


    "Is my name your highness?"


    ¨C ¡°Take the princess to her room. I need to be alone for a moment¡± ¨C The housekeeper took the little princess in her arms, who watched her mother sit in front of her desk resting her elbows on the table, resting her forehead against her clenched fists as the door closed.


    Pulling out a goatskin parchment from one of the drawers, Berenice injured one of her fingers and spilled a drop of blood on the symbol drawn on the animal''s skin. Singing a chant in the Hufira dialect , causing a strong wind to blow into the center of the room.


    ¡°Why have you called me daughter of Gaia? What business do you have with the spirit realm this time?¡± ¨C After diligently studying for all those years the book that the old woman gave her in the alley, Berenice had become able to use the spiritual power that resided in her blood.


    Avoiding at all costs that anyone could see her, the queen put her life on the line every time she used the arcane spiritual arts.


    -¡° Eolos , you must follow the man who drank from this cup. You will be my ears and eyes from this moment on."


    -"Little creature, if you do that your body will be defenseless!"


    -¡°I know the risk of doing this. But there is a greater danger that I must avoid at all costs¡± ¨C Very reluctantly, the spirit of the wind took Berenice''s soul from her body and infused her with spiritual breath so that she could separate herself from the flesh for a short period of time.


    Blending in with the flow of air that oscillated through the palace garden, the queen went all the way in pursuit of Duke Solera''s carriage until she caught up with him. Arriving at the mansion that I inhabit for a long time in the past.


    "My lord, the emissary of the kingdom of Tigris is waiting for you in his study" - The butler bowed before his lord, opening the door to escort him to where that man with dark skin and coarse facial features was waiting.


    -¡°It is a pleasure to see you again Chancellor Avalos! I hope your trip went smoothly."


    -¡°Leave the formalities Solera. You know very well that my visit has nothing to do with diplomatic trivialities. Are the troops you promised to King Eleazar already ready?


    -"For me to call him king instead of prince, it must be because his majesty Archimedes has already left this world" - Laughing like a madman possessed, Avalos hit his knees with the palms of his hands while throwing his head back pulling air in. your lungs.


    The nobles who sided with Prince Eleazar''s faction had conspired to slowly poison the Tigris monarch. Being a man with a firm character and honorable convictions, he had rejected on more than one occasion the proposals of the nobility to break the pact with Antioca and take the autonomous territories to move towards a total conquest of the continent.


    With the death of King Edward and internal support from Duke Solera weakening the hierarchical structure of the kingdom, the Tigris nobles saw the perfect opportunity to build an empire using the young and inexperienced Eleazar as a puppet.


    ¡°Soon we will begin our advance against the capital of the principality of Arabella. By the time that moment arrives, we want to be sure that you will be on the right side of history, my dear friend¡± ¨C Leaning his hand on Solera''s right shoulder, Avalos brought his face close to the ear of the duke, who responded with a malicious smile to the request of your ally.


    When that unwelcome visit was finally over, Solera loosened the knot of his tie and unbuttoned his shirt to release the tension. Heading for the stairs that led to the basement of the mansion.


    ¡°Little girl, your physical body is already beginning to weaken! If you keep staying out of it, you''ll end up dead.¡± Feeling her spiritual strength rapidly weakening, Berenice was about to leave when she heard a woman''s whisper coming from the basement.


    Due to the stale air emanating from the mansion''s basement, the queen''s energy depleted faster and faster as she descended. Being helped by Eolos to maintain his spiritual form, even at the cost of the physical integrity of his body.


    ¡°It''s almost time for our plans to bear fruit Karina. Soon you will be able to take revenge on this cursed kingdom for all the damage they did to you and your tribe¡± ¨C A woman with shoulder-length black hair took a needle into the veins of a lady who was tied to a bed unable to move.


    With his body emaciated by hunger and constant blood extraction, his hair had almost completely fallen out. Leaving only red strands that were scattered across his skull. Berenice''s former mother countess, was used for many years as living material for the dark arts of the woman Solera spoke to.


    ¡°You know better than anyone that my cause is just. When you were wounded on that battlefield with shrapnel piercing your heart, Eduardo abandoned you like a dog. But I saved you, taught you the sorcery that my tribe passed down from generation to generation. The heart that beats in your chest belongs only to me¡± ¨C Approaching the duke holding him by the lapels of his jacket, Karina kissed him deeply as lovers would.


    Berenice realized at that moment that her father had conspired for a long time against the kingdom for reasons of revenge, seduced by that woman who had been torturing her mother for a long time.


    -¡°I need you to take care of that little rat inside the palace. We cannot allow your bastard daughter to act freely and destroy our plans."


    ¨C ¡°You have nothing to worry about. I come from the palace just after moving the last piece of our game board¡± ¨C Feeling a panic that almost took her to the grave, Berenice begged Aeolos to take her back to her body as quickly as possible.


    Like an explosion from a whirlwind, the queen''s office swayed causing the books and documents on the shelves to fly into the air. Returning the queen to her body, feeling how each of her organs struggled to stay alive due to the lack of oxygen in the blood.


    ¡° Gertru ¡­ ger ¡­!¡± ¨C Unable to speak, the queen collapsed on the floor dragging herself trying to reach the doorknob of her office.


    "My lady! What has happened to him?¡± Sebastian, King Raphael''s attendant, entered the door alarmed by the noise he had heard coming from the room.


    -¡°Sebas¡­ tian . The pri ¡­ceases, my daughter. Where is it?"


    ¨C ¡°My queen, Mrs. Gertrude left the palace with the princess. He said that you had asked him to take you to your grandfather¡± ¨C The impact of that news made Berenice collapse, leaving her unconscious in the arms of the butler, who called the royal doctors to attend to him.


    On the other side of the sky, crossing the border with the kingdom of Antioch ; the gardens of the Voltaire mansion were filled with the euphoric cries of a maiden running desperately across the lawn.


    ¡°Miss Vanesa, please don''t run! What will I tell his father if he gets hurt?¡± With her brown hair covering half of her face hiding her scars, Ofelia panted for a while leaning on her knees pulling air to continue chasing a five-year-old girl.


    With black hair and a face similar to Julia''s, little Vanesa had been born thanks to her mother''s last sacrifice.


    The night that Edmundo left Julia to make her decision, the young woman ingested the pills to put an end to the life that was growing in her womb. But just remembering the words and the face of Duke Voltaire, she put her fingers to her mouth to vomit the medicine in deep tears ashamed of herself.


    In the months that followed that bitter night, Edmundo worked hard to make Julia happy. Who saw how her belly grew and felt comforted by having by her side the man who little by little came to reciprocate her love.


    But no blessing comes without a trial, nor can happiness be achieved without experiencing brokenness. The day Julia was about to give birth, the doctor who closely followed her pregnancy suffered an accident and died when his cart overturned.


    -¡°Charlotte! Where is the doctor? Julia can''t stand the contractions any longer."


    -¡°My lord, there was a landslide on the main road and the guards tell me that they cannot find the doctor. Only his cart has been knocked down on the path, but there is no sign of him¡± ¨C With her face reflecting deep concern, Carlota was snapping her fingers impatiently at the sight of her wife bathed in sweat while her belly convulsed.


    ¡°Sir, in the village where I grew up there was a midwife who I occasionally helped with childbirth. If you allow me, I can do something for the duchess¡± ¨C Feeling obliged by the favor that the duke had done for her by saving her from the clutches of the marquis, Ofelia approached the bed where Julia was convalescing.


    After carefully observing and feeling the uterine cavity of the young woman, the maiden knelt on the ground shedding tears of sadness.


    -¡°My lord, the baby comes in a position in which it will not be possible for him to come out through the birth canal. There is a way to save him, but¡­¡±


    -"But what? Speak up woman! What?"


    -"To save him the lady has to die!" ¨C Lightning lit up the night sky with the storm hitting the windows with its wind. The moment Edmund heard those terrible words, he cursed the sky for the situation in which they had been placed.


    ¡°Ed¡­Edmundo¡± ¨C With the little strength she had left due to the pain, Julia called her husband, reaching for his face with her hand.


    Julia, here I am! I told you that I would be by your side no matter what happens¡± ¨C Unable to control his tears, Edmundo felt a lump in his throat when he contemplated the lost look of his wife.


    ¨C ¡°These months that we have lived together, you have made me a happy woman. You made me regain hope when I was plunged into a deep abyss. But the time has come¡­ when we must say goodbye¡±


    -"What are you trying to say Julia?"


    ¨C ¡°I want the baby to live. Let me give her the only gift that as a mother I can give her¡± ¨C The resolution with which Julia said those words petrified Carlota and Edmundo, who refused to even think about sacrificing her.


    -"Julia, don''t ask me to kill you!"


    -¡°No¡­ you are killing me. You saved me that night when you reached for my heart. If you had not been there for me, with that noble spirit inside you, I would be descending to the grave with my conscience stained¡± ¨C Squeezing his hand while smiling, Julia asked her husband to come closer so she could say a few last words before to give his life.


    ¡°If there is another life¡­if we could be reborn. Without a doubt, I would fall in love with you, no matter what¡± ¨C Taking a delicate kiss from his wife''s lips, Edmundo took the dagger from his belt and brought it up to his chest.


    ¡°In this life and the next, my heart will be yours alone. Goodbye my beloved Julia¡± ¨C Sinking the dagger straight into her heart, Julia tried to scream while in her mind a memory blocked her.


    "So that''s how you felt that night father?" ¨C With that last thought in her mind, Julia surrendered her soul to oblivion, closing her eyes with a smile on her face. Edmundo took the dagger again and opened Julia''s womb, helped by Ofelia who was trying to introduce her hands to break the placenta and take out the baby.


    With the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, the baby had a purple hue as if she had suffocated.


    Desperate while asking for warm water and clean towels, Ofelia carefully cleaned the creature while removing the umbilical cord trying to free its neck so that the blood could circulate. Giving light pats on her back to get the baby to react.


    When they thought that everything was lost, as an act of divine intervention, the baby began to cry, thus recovering the color of the skin of her face.


    "My Sir. It''s a girl¡± ¨C With the baby wrapped in towels, Ofelia approached Rafael who found his hands full of the blood of whoever was his wife. Unable to take the girl, Carlota went over to pick her up. Reflecting in his eyes the agony of losing the Duchess.


    "Miss Vanessa, please!" ¨C Looking back while running, Vanesa collided with the legs of a man dressed in military uniform. Falling to the grass on her hips, beginning to cry uncontrollably.


    ¡°Now do you realize that you should listen to your nana? Let me carry you my little princess!¡± ¨C Gently lifting the girl, Edmundo approached her face to give a tender kiss on the forehead to whom he considered the greatest treasure that the woman he loved had entrusted to him.


    -¡°My lord, I''m sorry! I should have taken better care of her."


    ¨C ¡°Don''t worry Ophelia. It was just an accident. Take the girl and tell Carlota to come see me¡±


    - "Dad, are you going to go?"


    ¨C ¡°I will return for your birthday my little princess. In the meantime, behave yourself."


    -"You promise?" ¨C Hearing that question with the face that reminded him of his late wife, Edmundo felt his chest tighten, making a lump in his throat, making it difficult for him to answer immediately.


    ¡°I promise you¡± ¨C Saying goodbye to her father waving her hand, Vanesa was taken by Ofelia into the mansion. While Edmund stood under the shade of an oak tree waiting for Carlota.


    ¡°Is the situation at the border that bad?¡± ¨C With a serious tone, Carlota approached Edmundo who nodded without saying a single word. The advancing royal troops of King Raphael had broken through the defense lines and threatened to enter the capital of Begonia without further resistance.


    ¨C ¡°Leave everything and run away with your daughter! Let''s go back to the times when we were mercenaries."


    ¨C ¡°You know that this is impossible. If we don''t fight in the capital, there won''t be anyone to buy time for you guys to escape."


    -¡°Then let me go with you! You are practically going to commit suicide!¡±


    "You think I don''t know damn it!" ¨C Shaking from his shoulders with the eyes of a man who goes to his execution, Edmundo did not hide the fear he felt for the friend who accompanied him so many times in arms.


    ¡°I can only count on you to protect Vanessa and escape to the kingdom of Tigris. On the border there is a group of dissidents whom we have been secretly training for the last five years.


    If I don''t come back alive, please¡­¡± Holding his face to give him a kiss on the cheek, Carlota looked at the man she had secretly loved since their days as mercenaries.


    "You will come back. Because you made a promise with that little girl and you are a man who always keeps his promises¡± ¨C With a smile on her face, Carlota lost herself in Edmundo''s eyes. Who took the reins of his horse and began his gallop with the wind hitting his face.


    The drums of war sounded across the continent, setting the stage for a cruel battle that would be written in the history books in bloody ink.

 Chapter XIV: The ancestral tribes

    ¡°Bring more water over here! Don''t let the fire reach the magazines!" ¨C The cries of desperation of the soldiers of Begonia resounded in the meadows that surrounded the capital of the principality, while their eyes were filled by the reflection of the flames that consumed everything in their path.


    The vanguard of the army of the kingdom of Antioch made its way through the trenches, covered by the fire of the archers who did not stop firing, coordinating so that the fray kept the enemy infantry at bay.


    That timing without an iota of human error, made the hearts of the brave Begonian combatants slowly begin to succumb to the horrors of the front line.


    -¡° Sir, the enemy has broken the defensive formation on the right flank! Our men are falling one by one under the sword of the Antiochians. What do we do?¡± ¨C An infantryman with his face covered by the mud and blood of his comrades, panted trying to maintain a bit of composure before his commander. Who kept observing with his spyglass in the direction of a small hill.


    -¡° Sir!¡±


    -¡° I already listened to you, damn it! I have been able to locate the general who is coordinating these mad dogs. I will engage him directly, while you try to push back your front lines with the cannons."


    -¡° But sir, you will be caught in the crossfire!¡± ¨C Giving a long sigh as if the soul left the body, Edmundo lowered his spyglass and held the reins of his horse firmly. Turning to see his subordinate, the gentleman did not say a word, but a conviction of success in his company could be seen on his face.


    The soldier, seeing the confidence his lord had, felt infected by that spirit and ran towards his contingent to communicate the orders of his commander.


    Gazing at a small hand-woven ornament tied to his wrist, Edmund smiled warmly and slammed his horse''s stirrup to begin his advance.


    The arrows that fell like a rain that darkened the sky, were sticking on the corpses that were shot down in the path of the brave commander. Who raised his shield covering his head in order to keep his eyes straight ahead.


    Being close to his objective, Edmund saw the imposing silhouette of that general who rested stoically on a white horse with the coats of arms of the royal family.


    "Can not be? It is impossible that it is him¡± ¨C Dressed in black armor and a helmet that covered his face, that knight with an imposing figure unsheathed his sword while pulling the reins of the steed to charge against his opponent.


    Bracing himself for the onslaught of his opponent''s blade, Edmund held his sword, letting go of the shield to catch the horse''s reins entwining them around his arm.


    When the swords collided, the knight could feel the impact of that powerful blow that almost dislocated his shoulder. Causing his horse to almost lose its footing and knock him to the ground. The blows of the enemy''s sword sparked with each full blow, while the crunch of metal echoed in the heat of combat.


    Feeling that his arm was going numb, Edmund aimed at the horse''s head in order to blind it and make the rider fall. But in that instant without warning, a rain of arrows fell on both combatants indiscriminately.


    ¡°Have they gone crazy? Their general is here with me and they have not hesitated for a second to attack us¡± ¨C The arrows fell hitting the steeds and their riders, knocking them down on the field among the rocks and wild grass.


    When Edmund tried to sit up, a sharp pain stabbed at the level of his left calf, clearly seeing that the arrows had pierced his armor, tearing the sinews and muscle.


    Unable to move properly, the knight leaned on his sword for a moment; raising his face for an instant to realize that his enemy was standing erect as if nothing, with his sword raised in two hands to deal him a forceful blow.


    Resigned to his fate, Edmundo lowered his head waiting for his adversary''s fatal blow, when suddenly there was an explosion that raised dust and rocks where they were standing.


    Coughing with great difficulty in breathing from the cloud of dust, Duke Voltaire rubbed his eyes to visualize his opponent. Who due to the impact of the explosion lay on the ground with his face uncovered.


    "But what the hell is going on?" ¨C An ominous sensation ran through Edmund Voltaire''s body as he fixed his gaze on the man in front of him. There were visibly fresh wounds on his face, but without a drop of blood. The pupil of his eyes was fully dilated with a gloomy appearance that he had only seen many times on corpses within the battlefield.


    King Raphael, the monarch of the kingdom of Antioch, had had his heart stop beating in his chest weeks ago. But he was standing there, in the middle of the battlefield as if a supernatural force controlled him like a puppet.


    Just muttering unintelligible guttural sounds like a beast, he picked up his sword from the ground, his arm nearly severed by the impact of the cannon.


    Edmund didn''t have time to try to rationalize what his eyes were seeing, just in an instant the monarch''s sword came down forcefully against the ground, leaving a clean cut on Edmund''s face in its wake. Who barely saved his body by taking a few steps back the instant Rafael attacked.


    Blood spurting bathing the metal of his armor, Duke Voltaire tried to stay on his feet feeling every fiber of his muscle ripping as he held back each attack from Raphael.


    "Not only do they get stronger, but they get faster that I can''t keep up with them" - In the last blow his sword received, the metal shattered like glass when it hit the rocks. The shards of metal looked as if they were falling in slow motion, while his chest felt a sensation of heat that soon gave way to pain.


    Raphael plunged his sword through the breastplate of Edmund''s armor, furiously thrusting the edge tearing through flesh and bone, collapsing the knight''s right lung. Who fell to his knees on the ground with his eyes cloudy and fine threads of blood running from the corners of his mouth.


    Pushing him with his foot to remove the sword from his chest, Rafael slammed his foot down on Edmund''s body, raising his sword once more to deliver the final blow against his skull.


    ¡°Stop you fucking idiot! I need his brain intact¡± ¨C A female voice resounded in Rafael''s skull, stopping instantly according to the command that was given.


    From the basement of Duke Solera''s mansion, Karina watched the battlefield through her spirit arts, sharing the sight of the reanimated corpses. The scenes of anguish and suffering of the citizens of Begonia, were for her a spectacle that filled her with satisfaction.


    ¡°Soon I will have under my control an unstoppable army that knows no fear or pain. And it will be then that I will be ready to take revenge for the blood of my tribe. I just wish you were alive Eduardo, that you would see with those same lying eyes that I have turned your son into¡± - Forty years ago, long before King Edward II came to the throne, on the banks of the river that flows between the kingdom of Tigris and the principality of Arabella, a tribe was settled from times before the foundation of the kingdoms.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    When the Hufira were almost exterminated by men, the people loved by the spirits were divided in two. The Hufira who decided to remain nomadic by hiding among the crowds and a small group known as the Houris.


    Isolating themselves from the eyes of man in the middle of the forests that grew on the banks of the river, the houris flourished in culture and civilization, adopting a sense of protection to nature, thus giving worship to Gaia.


    Fearful of being discovered because of their physical characteristics, the Houris had developed their spiritual arts by channeling their power into gems that hung around their necks or as earrings. Turning her beautiful red hair a shade of blue-black, at the same time the heterochromia was disguised thanks to illusion magic.


    As the kingdoms of men grew, the distance between the houris and the rest of humanity was considerably reduced. Making them more of a group that over time was considered sectarian.


    ¡°Karina , find your brother Ignis! It''s time to eat¡± ¨C A ten-year-old girl was wandering near her home collecting some medicinal herbs. When her mother called her, she obediently left her basket and ran towards the river in search of her brother who must have been fishing.


    ¡°!Ignis ! Where are you?" ¨C Bringing her hands to her face so that her cry could be heard louder, the girl walked on the rocks looking up in search of her older brother.


    "Karina come quickly, I found a boy!" ¨C Rushing to where her brother was, Karina saw how he was carrying the child on his shoulder. With wet clothes and hair, he gave the impression of having fallen into the river by accident.


    -¡° Is he alive? I feel his skin very cold¡±


    -¡° Of course you''re alive, you piece of fool! Can''t you hear him breathe?"


    -¡° You are rude! I''ll tell mom you called me dumb¡± ¨C Bringing his right hand to Karina''s head, Ignis ruffled her hair with a mocking smile.


    The children managed to reach the village with great effort, being received by their father who helped them carry the child to take him inside his dwelling to dry him and prevent him from catching a cold. Despite being a tribe that avoided getting involved with outsiders, the Houris could not let a life be lost through an act of omission.


    When night fell, the fire in the fireplace that burned warming the house woke up the little boy.


    ¨C ¡° You finally woke up! You know how hard I tried to bring you with how heavy you are¡±


    -" Karina, those are not the ways I have taught you to treat guests!" ¨C Little Eduardo saw that beautiful woman with black hair hugging the girl, taking her into her arms. Immediately turning around to know where he was.


    -¡° Where am I?¡±


    -¡° Unfortunately I cannot tell you, but I promise that we will take you to the limits of the forest as soon as you recover¡±


    -¡° They are kidnappers! Do you know who I am?"


    -¡° Yes, you are a big fool¡± ¨C With swollen cheeks and big expressive eyes, Karina could not contain herself before the child''s insult towards his mother. Who apologized to him, berating his daughter once more.


    ¡°What are you laughing at? Because of you, mom scolded me¡± ¨C Putting his hand to his mouth hiding his laughter, for Eduardo that girl was pleasant compared to the children of the nobles who kept up appearances with him.


    As the days passed, Karina and Eduardo forgot their differences, beginning to leave the cabin behind their mother. Visibly excited by the immensity of the beauties that surrounded that forest, Eduardo felt that his place no longer belonged to the cold walls of the palace of Antioca.


    "Hey, do you want to see my secret place?" ¨C Pulling his hand insistently, Karina dragged Eduardo to a forest clearing where there was a spring from which gems of different colors adorned the bottom.


    -¡° Look! These are the gems we use to protect ourselves.¡±


    -¡° Protect yourself?¡±


    -¡° Yes, protect us from bad men. But shhh, don''t tell anyone that I told you. It will be our secret¡± ¨C Winking at him while making the gesture of silence, Karina deposited in Eduardo''s hand a blue gem like the color of his eyes.


    "Why are you giving me this?" - Keeping a brief silence, the girl lowered her gaze fiddling with her fingers nervously.


    -¡° It is so that you do not forget me when you are gone from here¡±


    "What?" ¨C Suddenly surprised by Karina''s kiss on the cheek, Eduardo saw how the girl ran, leaving him behind completely embarrassed. At eleven years old, the young prince had experienced a confession so pure, that his heart fluttered as if responding to those feelings.


    The day her father took Eduardo to the edge of the forest, Karina watched him from the cabin window without daring to go out and say goodbye. Feeling that that separation left a hole in her chest, to the point that she felt a deep sleep that left her asleep on her bed.


    "Karina, wake up! We must flee!¡± ¨C Trying to open her eyes, Karina saw Ignis''s terrified face blurry. Waking up completely to the screams of the residents who could be heard through the windows.


    ¡°Don''t let anyone escape! These people are responsible for kidnapping Prince Edward!¡± ¨C Upon hearing that name, Karina told herself that it was a misunderstanding. That Eduardo couldn''t possibly have brought the bad men to the village.


    ¡°Hurry up Karina, mom said to go to the caves. She and dad will follow us later¡± ¨C Saying those words in a low voice, Ignis took his sister sneaking through the brush in order to avoid the soldiers'' eyes. Who attacked the villagers with the edge of the sword, taking their lives one by one.


    "Breast?" - Those eyes full of pure innocence began to turn into tears when seeing a familiar silhouette hanging by the neck from the branch of a tree. The arms that had once held her tenderly now hung limp, dripping with blood.


    ¡°There are two more! Don''t run away!" ¨C Upon being discovered, Ignis took his sister in his arms and ran with all his might in an attempt to leave his pursuers behind, reaching the bushes that bordered the caves.


    ¡°Karina, whatever happens, don''t make any noise. Stay here quiet. I''ll try to distract them¡± ¨C Holding tightly the sleeve of her brother''s shirt, the girl looked at him with pleading eyes not to abandon her. But Ignis knew there would only be a chance for her if he sacrificed himself as bait.


    ¡°claudere labia tua¡± ¨C Invoking a spirit magic spell, Ignis sealed his sister''s lips and sounds, rendering her motionless in the bushes.


    - ¡° There''s the brat. Hold it tight¡±


    - " And the girl?"


    -¡° It doesn''t matter. They ordered us to get one alive to reveal the location of the jewels¡± ¨C Dragging Ignis by the arms, the soldiers moved away from where Karina was, who saw her brother leave her side to leave her completely alone in that moment. forest.


    "All these years, these damn forty years I have waited to avenge my tribe" - Putting her hand to her chest as if she was in pain that would not allow her to stand up, Karina leaned on the table in the basement while looking at her mother. Berenice.


    -¡° I still can''t die. Not without completing my revenge."


    -¡° Then tear out the heart of that plunder¡± ¨C From the doorway, Duke Solera looked at Karina while holding Adela in her arms, who slept peacefully unaware of the danger she was in.


    With an unhealthy smile spreading across her face, Karina nailed her hand to the former countess''s chest as she recited an arcane incantation. Little by little, the little vitality that remained in the body of the unfortunate woman withered, leaving an empty shell without a drop of life.


    A sparkle in Karina''s eyes manifested itself as unequivocal proof that the enchantment had worked. Feeling that the oppression that I had in my chest began to disappear.


    ¡°Is that little girl your granddaughter?¡± ¨C Stalking Solera, Karina brought her hand up to the girl''s face, who shuddered as if she felt she was in a nightmare.


    ¡°Very soon I will make you the king of this nation. Just wait a little longer, my dear duke¡± ¨C Kissing Solera on the lips, Karina thought of her army of undead parading through the lands of Begonia towards Tigris.


    Walking through the corridors of the royal palace, Elena was accompanied by two eunuchs as she made her way to the infirmary to check on Eunice''s condition. Wearing a silk dress that trailed its train across the carpet, the princess kept a solemn expression on her face at the sight of the nobles passing through the palace.


    "Leave me alone" - Obeying their mistress, the eunuchs stood firm at the door of the infirmary allowing her to enter without escorts. When the door closed, Elena felt the cold metal of a dagger rest on her neck, while a hand hugged her waist.


    - " I did not tell you that you should be careful in this palace"


    - " Does your sister-in-law serve you dead in your plans, my dear Sofia?" ¨C Turning around to face each other, Elena grabbed Sofia by the wrist forcing her to drop the dagger, catching her before the metal hit the ground.


    ¡°This place is no longer safe for either of us. If you want to recover the throne of Antioca¡­ no, if you want to keep even your life, then follow me without asking questions¡± ¨C The expression on Sofia''s face was that of a person who was pressing time.


    Guided by the advice of the nobles, Eleazar had determined to kill all his brothers that night. Including Princess Elena, who would be replaced by the daughter of Marshal Vargas.


    For the princess those news were not a revelation, because she had gained the trust of some servants who informed her of the prince''s movements.


    -¡° Your proposal is interesting. But how will we deal with your crazy brother?


    -¡° I have a small contingent of dissidents near the border with Arabella. If you follow me I can guarantee your safety and that of your maid¡± ¨C Taking Elena''s hands, Princess Sofia looked her directly in the eyes hoping to hear a satisfactory answer from her lips.


    "Then we must hurry, in two hours your brother will give the order to close the doors to begin the purge of the palace" - Thinking that the extermination plan would start at midnight and not in two hours, Sofia realized that If he hadn''t sought out the princess to propose his plan, his head would have rolled without the slightest chance of a fight.

 Chapter XV: Winds of Change

    ¡°All the servants have already left in the caravans, Miss Charlotte. Only us, the butler and the coachman remained¡± ¨C With a backpack on her back, Ofelia looked agitated due to the evacuation preparations from the mansion.


    Distant on the horizon at the height of the territory of the marquisate, a sinister aurora drawn in the clouds by the fire, was a sign of the proximity of the enemy troops. Being only two days away on horseback, the distance between the pursuers was far from comforting for the experienced mercenary. Who had seen warriors fall countless times who took the chance of retreat lightly.


    "Mama Carlota, aren''t we going to wait for daddy?" ¨C Putting her thumb to her mouth out of nervousness, Vanesa looked expectantly at the maid waiting for a response.


    Trying to comfort her by taking her against her chest in a hug, Carlota picked her up and carried her into the carriage with her without letting go of her for a moment. Giving the order to the coachman to drive towards the place that Edmundo indicated.


    Advancing without stopping, marching at full speed over the cobblestones that resounded with the wheels of the cart, the last convoy entered little by little into the forest until it reached the secondary roads.


    The sound of the owls added to the howl of the wolves, made Vanesa shudder clinging to Carlota''s chest.


    Three days after leaving the mansion, Carlota looked at a map verifying the marks put by Duke Voltaire. Following with his index finger on the paper the path drawn to an intermediate point to his destination.


    "Mauricio, take the cart to that cave" - Guiding the coachman extending his right arm in the direction of a path where the bushes were overgrown, the wheels of the carriage passed over them to the point that the rear axle almost detaches from the cart.


    ¡°Edmundo, just let me see you and I''m going to punch you in the stomach¡± ¨C With her hair disheveled due to the hustle and bustle of the car, Carlota looked at Ofelia who was trying to hold back vomiting due to dizziness. While Vanesa raised the visor of the hat she was wearing to match her ruffled dress.


    "Mom Carlota, you shouldn''t hit dad or I''ll stop loving you" - Pouting, slapping the maid''s lap, Vanesa didn''t hide her discontent at having heard Carlota say that threat.


    Laughing at the way the girl tried to correct her, the maid picked her up with both hands holding her back while trying to smile at her to reassure her.


    ¡°From here there are no more secondary roads. We must continue on horseback to reach the riverbank; I suppose that, if we make few stops, we will achieve it in no more than five days¡± ¨C Putting her hand to her chin, Carlota devised a plan that would allow them to move with greater ease. Although she could take Vanesa with her, the problem was Ofelia; who after having suffered torture and harassment by the Marquis, experienced a trauma that prevented him from being close to a man.


    -¡° Mauricio, take Vanesa and protect her with your life. I will take Ophelia with me."


    -¡° Miss Ofelia, I can ride a horse with Mr. Mauricio¡±


    -" Girl, have you not seen how your hands tremble while you tell me that?" - Completely embarrassed by that fact, Ofelia turned her face while Carlota took her by the shoulders comforting her.


    Mounting themselves on the steeds, the small contingent undertook their journey once again under the shelter of the starry night. Dodging the branches of the trees that rose in front of them.


    "It seems that the sky is beginning to cloud over" - Carlota knew that the rainy seasons were near in the kingdom of Tigris. But he wished deep in his heart that they could arrive before the first rains began, before the rising of the river was difficult to cross.


    At the other end of the river four days away, Princess Sofia and Princess Elena, accompanied by a small handful of servants, crossed the inhospitable sands of the Tigris desert.


    Unlike the searing heat felt during the day on the sand, the nights of this desert were frigid to the point of killing any unsuspecting traveler who succumbed to sleep in the open.


    With poisonous vermin prowling through the sparse vegetation, carriage drivers kept their eyes on the ground to prevent their horses from running amok when they encountered a threat.


    "Eunice, do you still have a fever?" ¨C Putting her hand on the warm forehead of the maiden, Princess Elena looked at her with deep sorrow at who, due to the lightness of her actions, had paid the consequences with her body.


    Despite having lost her tongue, Eunice didn''t think for a moment that it was her mistress''s fault. But the shock of being cruelly stripped of her ability to speak prevented her from fully opening up to the woman who was trying to care for her.


    "Stop trying to impose yourself just because you have feelings of guilt. How can you become a good ruler if you act in such a way?" -Seated at the front of the car next to the coachman, Princess Sofia took a sip of water from a small vase, passing it to her companion to cool her throat.


    -¡° How come being worried about her is imposing on me?¡±


    -¡° Four days have passed since we left the palace and you have not left her. You don''t just escort her to bathe or feed her personally. Do you know what it''s like for a servant when his master changes roles? You are practically giving her to understand that she has become useless, losing her reason for being. Isn''t that being cruel? - Feeling how that reasoning hit her in the face, Elena reacted to think of the time that Eunice has served her since they were young.


    "Forgive me Eunice, I did not consider your feelings" - Lowering her face because she recognized her clumsiness, Elena tried to turn around when her hands were held by the maid. Who tried to articulate some words making efforts with what was left of his tongue.


    Elena leaned her head against Eunice''s, feeling relieved to understand that brief message her maid had given her.


    -¡° My lady, there are lights a few meters away¡±


    -¡° Allies or enemies?¡±


    -¡° I''m not sure ma''am, I...¡± -Soaring the distance in the dense darkness, an arrow dealt a lethal blow to the coachman''s neck. Who was left with the body lying on the seat, leaving free the reins of the horse, which began to run wild due to the shock.


    The wagons that came behind the princess''s carriage increased their pace trying to catch up to him, while Sofia fought with the steed to stop him before he took them directly to their adversaries. The force with which the horse was whipped from the bridles caused the straps to hurt the princess''s hands. Who despite the pain continued to hold them with the haste of confrontation.


    ¡°Antonio , go to the back and signal the convoy with the flashlight! Tell them to prepare immediately to fight¡± ¨C The eunuch did as his mistress ordered, lighting the wick of the oil lamp. Covering the light with the hand pauses in order to send the coded message.


    The morning after a day after arriving at the Tigris riverbank, on the side of Arabella''s territory, Carlota could already see part of the river''s flow in the distance. Despite having a partly sunny sky, the rain had started to fall for hours in a light way. Giving relief to the servant, who thanked the gods for listening to her prayers before the company that had been entrusted to her.


    ¡°If we continue down this path, we will be only half a day''s journey away. According to the map there should be a pier that fishermen usually use in the spring season¡± ¨C During the summer that ravaged the land with the dry weather, the fishermen left their boats tied to the piers downstream, unable to fish duly. Waiting for the following spring when the river was in its bed after the tributaries of autumn.


    Aware of this, Edmundo had paid the fishermen to leave their boats at the docks near the delta, with the risk implied by the increased flow of the river during the first days of the monsoon.


    When the sun was at its lowest point on the horizon, leaving the sky dyed red before giving way to the dark night, the four travelers descended from the horses heading to get into the boats.


    -¡° Mama Carlota, will I go with you on the boat?¡±


    -¡° I''m sorry my lady, but the boats are too small for three women to go in one. She will have to go again with Mauricio¡± ¨C A little crestfallen, the girl nodded obediently to Carlota, taking the coachman''s hand. At Ofelia''s gaze, she couldn''t help but feel guilty for making her young mistress uncomfortable.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    - " Please forgive my weakness miss"


    -¡° Don''t worry Aunt Ofelia, I like Mauricio¡± ¨C Smiling at the maid with an innocent expression, the girl got on the boat that was pushed from the shore by the coachman. The one who hurried up to her hardly felt that the water was already touching her above the knees.


    After a few minutes, when they were already a quarter of the way from the shore with Arabella, Mauricio began to feel that it was difficult for him to move the oars against the current of the river.


    -¡° Lady Charlotte! Did you notice too?"


    -¡° Yes, the river has begun to change its flow. But the rains that fell were light, this should not be happening¡± ¨C It was then that Carlota realized a detail that she had overlooked regarding the orography of the high ground that connected with the river delta.


    Every three years the masses of snow that accumulated in the mountain ranges of the eastern Tigris suffered landslides due to the weight. Rushing to the lower tributaries of the delta, drifting on the current gradually melting.


    ¡°Row fast Mauricio. I don''t like this at all, do it quickly¡± ¨C Seeing that the tributary increased its violence, the coachman swallowed saliva as he struggled to lift the oars from the water as quickly as possible. Seeing how the filth that had mixed with the melted snow accumulated darkening the crystalline torrent of the river.


    -¡° Miss Carlota, the current is dragging us away from the meeting point. If this keeps up¡­¡±


    -¡° Mauricio shut up once and for all! If you have time to talk, better use it for paddling! ¨C The sky that until recently was almost clear, began to cloud over accompanied by a strong wind that shook the boats.


    Suffering the onslaught of the cold rain and the tumultuous torrent of the river, the boats were about to reach the other side when suddenly the boat where Miss Vanesa was coming was hit by the fence that was following the riverbed.


    The impact shook the small boat causing the little girl to fall into the water, before Carlota''s helpless gaze. Who, seeing how the small body was dragged down the river, did not hesitate to risk his life by throwing himself into the flow in an attempt to reach it.


    "Mom... Mom Carlota!" ¨C Moving her arms desperately swallowing part of the muddy water of the river, the girl began to feel that the strength of her legs abandoned her to the point of not being able to stay afloat any longer.


    ¡° Vanessa! Vanessa! Hold on to the logs, don''t let your body sink! ¨C With her ears covered by the water, the girl could not hear her nana, when the worst happened.


    Before she could cling to a trunk, the girl did not notice that one of them was about to hit her on the head, opening a profuse wound that stained the water with blood. Leaving her unconscious at the mercy of the flow that dragged her away from Carlota.


    -¡° I am very sorry for this terrible confusion, your highness Sofia! We hadn''t been notified that he was coming and we thought they were Prince Eleazar''s contingent. We have committed a grave sin, take our lives as payment!¡±


    -¡° Idiot! If you take the value of your life so lightly, then lose it on the battlefield. Not here. Atone for your sins by serving and not by useless things like honor¡± ¨C With her face contorted into an aggressive expression, Sofia lashed out with a slap on the face of the lieutenant in charge of the rebel battalion.


    Three days had already passed since the night the princess had been attacked by confusion in the command line. Time in which, together with Elena, he had arrived at one of the rebel camps distributed throughout the desert.


    Still puzzled by what her eyes saw, Elena could not believe the military organization they had achieved in the short span of five years. Thanks to the efforts on the part of the principality of Arabella and Begonia; Providing not only supplies of weapons but also military training, men who had only known farming became soldiers with unwavering determination.


    "Isn''t that amazing to you? Surely you thought that I was just a beautiful vase like the rest of my sisters in the palace. But I''m more like a sand snake, I contract giving the impression of being submissive so that my enemy can''t see my fangs ready to attack¡± ¨C Chatting her teeth at Elena through the veil, Sofia smiled playfully taking Elena''s hand. his comrade-in-arms heading to one of the military strategy shops.


    ¡°Hail your majesty! Long live the morning star of Tigris.¡± Clicking their heels with their hands to their chests as they gave their salute, the soldiers made no secret of the fact that they already considered their mistress the rightful ruler over her brother. Calling her by the title that was only reserved for the direct candidate in the line of succession.


    Giving such a salute was considerable to recognize the crime of high treason, but on the lips of these men, it was a firm declaration of principles. Of those who had abandoned their lives in pursuit of their goal at any cost.


    -¡° What do you plan to do with that girl? Are you going to eat it?"


    ¨C ¡° So much time living in that wolf as a container has made you an animal, my dear Enoch?


    -¡° I have not become anything. I am still the same spirit for thousands of years, but even I am often hungry.¡±


    -¡° Don''t worry, soon I''ll have the mutton stew ready. Just be patient¡± ¨C The aroma of the meat cooking with the potatoes and the touch of sour cream in the broth reached Vanesa''s nose, who woke up suddenly due to the growling of her stomach.


    ¡°I see you''ve woken up girl¡± ¨C A gentle-looking man, but with a longing look in his eyes, back-length black hair, and a pair of ruby gem earrings. On his face with delicate features similar to those of a woman, a scar ran from top to bottom of his lips.


    To one side of him sitting passively without moving a single thread of his fur, a black wolf with red eyes kept his gaze on the girl, causing the creature to begin to cry as it was vulnerable to that beast unknown to it.


    -¡° Enoch! Why did you make our guest cry?


    -¡° Stop blaming me! That brat only started crying because I was looking at her, can''t I look at her?" ¨C Taking his hand to his head, stirring his beautiful black hair giving a deep sigh, the man left the ladle inside the pot and approached the girl, extending his hand.


    The warmth of the touch of his fingers running over her cheek made him calm, as if that feeling was so familiar. Vanesa looked up looking for the man''s eyes, discovering that a bandage covered them.


    "Are you also sick of your eyes like my mommy? She also covered her right eye with a bandage. I know because I saw his portrait every day in the mansion before going to sleep¡± ¨C Stopping his hand at that moment, the man took his fingertips feeling the fabric that had time on his skin, to the point that he had forgotten that was there. As a reminder of his distant past.


    ¡°I''ll go serve the stew, please try to stand up and come to the table. If you take too long, Enoch will also eat your part¡± ¨C Giving the girl a complicit smile, that man approached the pot again, serving two plates on the table and one more on the floor, which overflowed leaving the pieces of lamb meat overflowing.


    Vanesa felt hunger tighten her stomach, forcing herself to walk clumsily step by step to the table, leaning on the chair to get on it to the point that the legs rocked almost letting her fall.


    Filled with fear, the girl closed her eyes for an instant as her head was about to hit the rock floor of the hut. When he felt a current of air that supported his body, opening his eyes to realize that he was floating.


    "What is this? Sir, you are a fairy!¡± - With the pure look characteristic of children, Vanesa''s mouth was open with an angelic smile that surprised Enoch himself. Who raised his eyes for a moment leaving his plate aside to contemplate her.


    -¡° Heh, heh, heh. That was funny Ignis , the brat has you confused with those weak forest creatures!¡±


    -¡° Enoch just shut up!¡± ¨C With his face flushed and his lips slightly raised showing his teeth, the man put his index finger to his mouth trying to silence his partner.


    -¡° Ignis ? ¡±


    -¡° Yes, little lady. My name is Ignis Salvaterra . A humble hurie at your service¡± ¨C Standing up with a bow, banging his head against the table, Ignis appeared before Vanesa who laughed when she saw how the man rubbed his forehead while Enoch did not stop making fun of him.


    ¡°Your Majesty, we have already arranged the messengers on their way to the camps. In two days we will meet in the plains of Esmerios with the rest of the army¡± ¨C With his knee bent and bringing his arm to his chest, the soldier informed Sofia that the preparations to launch the battle for the throne of Tigris were ready .


    ¨C ¡° It seems that your plan is going perfectly. Soon I will have to swear allegiance to you as your vassal from what I see¡±


    -¡° Princess, no, Queen Elena. I don''t know why you are confused with my statement of intent, if it was clear enough about it. The fact that you had to marry that bloody bastard of a brother has nothing to do with who you swear allegiance to.


    In the eyes of some you will be a hero, in the eyes of others a mere villain. The world will have a perception and opinion about you, but none of them will matter. The only person whose opinion should really matter to you is the one you see reflected in the mirror every morning.


    Sometimes you will be an angel, other times a demon. But in the end, it is the mere sum of everything, it will always be you¡± ¨C Saying those words while holding her shoulders firmly, Sofia looked at Elena as an equal. Someone who shared the feeling of having been trampled, despite having the ability to surpass anyone, just for the simple fact of being a woman.


    Giving him a hand to help him into the carriage, the two women led the contingent that was already preparing to leave.


    - " My lady, a problem has occurred"


    -¡° Be clear and say it at once¡± ¨C Contemplating the man who looked agitated, with his skin bathed in sweat and his heart rate accelerated. Sofia stepped down from the carriage for a moment to attend to him in view of the curious looks of the officers around her.


    -¡° The people entrusted to us by Duke Edmund have suffered an accident due to the flooding of the river. We formed a small patrol to walk along the riverbank and managed to find three of them. But¡­"


    -¡° But what?¡±


    -¡° The daughter of Duke Voltaire has not appeared! We have been searching for hours, but we have not been able to locate her¡± ¨C Upon hearing that report, Sofia put her hand to her forehead, lowering her head a little with a dark mood.


    She was aware that they had to leave immediately, to take advantage of the fact that the royalist troops were still several days away in Arabella. But that army that was now at his disposal could not have been possible without the help of his benefactor.


    - ¡° Colonel Arturo, come immediately!¡±


    - " Order my lady"


    -¡° Take the contingent and continue with our original plan. I will go as soon as I have confirmed if the duke''s daughter is still alive or has died. It''s the least I can do with the man who has supported us so much¡± - Obeying his mistress''s orders, the colonel mounted his horse and gave the signal to the contingent to leave immediately.


    "I''ll go with you" - Holding a cape over her shoulders, Elena had placed a sword at her waist with the firm determination to be useful to the woman who trusted her.


    ¡°Then let''s not waste time and hurry up to meet the patrol. The faster we resolve this, the sooner I''ll settle accounts with Eleazar¡± ¨C Nodding their heads, Elena and Sofia got on the horse, hitting the stirrup to start the gallop over the soft sands of the desert.

 Chapter XVI: A Hurie Called Ignis

    The leaves that covered the mud on the ground crunched with each step of Ignis''s boots, who was carrying Vanessa on his back, while Enoch followed closely just a few steps away as if he were watching around him.


    The path that led to the riverbank had leafy trees that dropped small caterpillar-like insects from their tops, causing the girl to pull Ignis''s hair out of fear more than once.


    ¨C ¡° Young lady, I am not a horse. If you keep pulling my hair, I''ll go bald."


    - " I''m sorry sir Ignis"


    -¡° I''m not angry, don''t worry. And just call me Ignis."


    -¡° But Mama Carlota will be angry if she finds out that I was rude to an adult¡±- Clinging closer to Ignis''s back, the girl gave a small sigh as if she longed to be with her nanny again.


    -¡° Your mother must be very wise¡±


    -¡° I don''t know that. She died to give birth to me¡± ¨C At that moment the man realized that he had made a mistake, apologizing to Vanesa. Who only limited himself to answering that he was not to blame.


    ¡°You know, I also lost my mother when I was born. I think I can understand you a little in your pain.¡± ¨C Being a newborn orphan, the village leader and his wife took him under their care. Receiving the surname Salvaterra from the couple, Ignis grew up in that home filling the heart of Micaela, who had been trying to give birth to her own child for years, but unfortunately all of them ended in abortions.


    When he turned four years old, Ignis stopped being the only child in the family, welcoming a little baby named Karina. For the little boy, having a younger sister was something that filled him with joy to the point of committing himself to taking care of her as the most valuable treasure in the world for him.


    The day the troops of the kingdom of Antioca attacked the village, Ignis remembered that childhood promise and ran with his sister to the edge of the forest. Hiding it in the brush while he served as bait to attract the attention of the soldiers.


    Bound hand and foot, the young hurie was brought into the presence of the monarch, thrown to the ground while one of the guards lifted his head pulling his hair. While placing a dagger dangerously close to his neck.


    Under torture and threats, Ignis led the king''s men to the source of the precious gems used by the houris to channel their magic.


    With their eyes shining for the abundant loot, from which they took entire chests almost as if it had no end, the soldiers threw the valuable load to the horses dragging the young captive again to where the king was. And to one side of it, Eduardo remained motionless as if he were being threatened.


    -¡° Edward! Do you know these people?


    -¡° Insolent, how dare you so casually address His Majesty''s eldest son!¡± ¨C The guard who was escorting the prisoner lashed out furiously at Ignis''s knees, who fell to the ground hitting his face.


    ¡°Father spare his life! He is not much older than me¡± ¨C Breaking the silence getting rid of that lump in his throat due to guilt, the prince begged his father for mercy for Ignis. Who looked up in the direction of the prince, with the frown of his eyes visibly marked.


    ¡°Certainly that boy is good looking. I think it will be a good present for King Archimedes¡± ¨C Throwing him into a wagon, Ignis was transported to the capital of the Tigris kingdom as a slave and presented before the ruler of the desert. Who barely saw the boy''s delicate appearance, ordered his servants to take him to the preparation room, where an inquisitor was already waiting for him.


    Tying him at arms length, a maid placed a gag on the young man''s lips, while the red-hot iron imprinted the mark of the royal family on the delicate skin of his chest.


    Nobody felt sorry for him, his moans of pain continued like the sobs of a baby choking behind the gag. When he thought that the worst was over, two eunuchs took him by the arms and legs with force and whipped him on a surgical table, tying him with his legs apart.


    With malicious smiles on their faces, the eunuchs murmured in a language that was foreign to the young man''s understanding, who quickly understood what it was about as soon as he saw the doctor approaching with the surgical instruments.


    That immense pain he felt when the cold metal began to cut his skin, was nothing compared to the agony he experienced when he was granted the mark of slavery.


    Without painkillers or anesthesia, the maid held Ignis''s skull preventing the young man from hitting his head against the table for that torture.


    Several days passed before Ignis regained consciousness; When he opened his eyes again, he saw himself prostrated in a bed wearing clothes that he never imagined in his life.


    ¡°I see you have finally woken up. Don''t be scared, you are in one of His Majesty''s chambers. You are very lucky, since you are beautiful you have been chosen to serve the king''s wife. We may both be slaves, but your status is greater than mine¡± ¨C A young woman with pearly skin and amber eyes, with wavy hair and her body already defined by age; Sabina had lived her entire life within the palace as a slave, serving until recently as the king''s night companion.


    Explaining her duties to Ignis very diligently, Sabina kept a smiling face that contrasted with the dull gleam in her eyes. Even if it was a golden cage, a cage was still just that.


    For her, who had not known freedom since she was born, seeing other young people walk freely through the streets from the windows of the palace plunged her into deep sadness, wishing at times for a similar life. Even if that meant going through hardships.


    With the passing of the seasons, the years came to Ignis''s body. Who day after day showed a more pleasant appearance in the eyes of whoever saw him, regardless of whether they were men or women.


    On the day he came of age while serving at one of the royal family''s banquets, the lustful gaze of a high-ranking army officer fell on him. With his delicate face and shiny black hair, that man stupefied by alcohol dared in his drunkenness to request a favor from the king.


    -" My lord, I have already thought well about the dowry I wish to receive for my services at the front"


    -¡° I see, then tell me what you are looking for from me¡±


    -¡° I want that slave as a reward¡± ¨C Raising his arm pointing in the direction of Ignis, the officer could not hide the desire on his face driven by alcohol intoxication.


    Hesitating for a few seconds, the king scratched his beard looking at the young slave, who for a moment felt the impulse to deny the soldier. Being the request supported by the queen, who saw in Ignis an important threat within the palace due to her beauty.


    That bitter night when he entered adulthood, the young hurie wept bitterly as his chastity was taken away by that man in the room of his house.


    Serving by day as a servant in the stables and spending his nights in the officer''s quarters, Ignis understood the pain he saw in Sabina''s eyes that day they first met.


    Entering into a territorial war with the kingdom of Antioch, the armed forces of Tigris were brought to the front lines. With no chance to refuse, Ignis was drawn into the horrors of war, serving in his lord''s tent as a mistress by night.


    As the battle raged near the riverbank, the troops of Antioch came by surprise to the camp where the officers of the Tigris kingdom were, wounding them one by one, leaving no head unsevered.


    Staring into space, leaning against the center pole of the tent, Ignis spotted a soldier approaching menacingly with his sword drawn.


    Sensing that death could release him from his suffering, the young hurie shed a few tears closing his eyes for a moment. Smiling at his executioner waiting for the end.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°It would be a waste to kill you at once. I think I''ll have a little fun with you¡± ¨C Startled by those words, the young Ignis begged for death while that man removed the shackle from his neck and lowered his pants.


    Throwing him on the bunk tearing at his clothes, the feel of those rough hands made him sicken as they ran over his body. When the soldier put his mouth on Ignis''s delicate lips, the young man reacted violently giving him a bite that made the barbarian furious.


    Who, taking his dagger, wounded him in the mouth, cutting his lips, making Ignis scream in pain while covering the blood that did not stop flowing with his hands.


    "You even scream like a woman, it shows that you were mutilated when you were very young" - Laughing while squeezing Ignis''s head, the soldier satiated his low passions with the slave until he stopped offering any resistance.


    When the commander of the Antioca army gave the order to withdraw, the soldier left Ignis abandoned in that tent, completely badly wounded on the verge of death.


    Feeling his heartbeat begin to slow down, Ignis stared at the tent door, his gaze almost lost in space. Spotting a black silhouette walking on all fours to him.


    ¡°Child of Gaia, you are dying. Do you wish to make a contract with me? I can help you take revenge on your enemies if you wish¡± ¨C Feeling in his heart how the rage accumulated over the years was taking over him, the young Ignis silently nodded at the beast, remaining unconscious.


    When he opened his eyes, his sense of smell had sharpened and the pain in his body had disappeared. Incredulous at what his eyes saw, the young man had transformed into a great wolf with red fur with an uncontrollable thirst for blood.


    Smelling the bunk where the soldier''s sweat remained, Ignis ran in the direction of where the soldier was stationed with his companions.


    Leaving instinct to rule his flesh, the young hurie sank his fangs into the soldier''s neck, tearing his throat apart, before lashing out at the rest of the soldiers who tried to attack him with spears and the edge of their swords.


    When the frenzy of the carnage ended, the young man regained consciousness and saw in horror the fruit of his deeds. Fleeing towards the woods near the river delta.


    Fatigued from using all his strength, Ignis lost his transformation back to his human form, passing out on the grass as he panted trying to control his breathing.


    "Well, how does it feel to be a murderer?" ¨C Standing in front of him, the black-furred wolf stood imposingly on his four legs with a defiant gaze on Ignis. Who shed tears when he was aware of the magnitude of his actions.


    Showing compassion for the boy, the wolf lay down beside him waiting for him to recover his strength, protecting him from the wild creatures that roamed within the forest.


    Feeling that the energies had returned to his body, Ignis got up and walked straight through the forest accompanied by the wolf, who saw how the young man seemed lost in thought.


    ¡°Those men had committed terrible acts against their fellow men, none of them was innocent. Stop worrying son of Gaia¡±


    -¡° I killed them! That doesn''t make me better than them, no matter how much I suffered, I just acted like them."


    Lying on his knees, the young man cried at the top of his lungs in the immense thickness of the forest.


    "Lord Ignis, Ignis!" ¨C Returning to the present from that sea of bitter memories, Ignis felt the call of little Vanesa. Who had a worried face because the man remained silent for almost the entire trip.


    -¡° Son of Gaia, are you alright?¡± ¨C Enoch saw the wet forehead of Ignis and that look of consternation. Knowing that the hurie had remembered things that his subconscious was trying to bury.


    ¨C ¡° It has been a long time since you told me that Enoch. Do not use strange terms in front of our dear friend¡± ¨C Ignis''s expression changed from the overwhelming weight of the past, to a smiling face with a hint of anger. Making Enoch shiver just looking at him.


    -¡° Don''t smile like that, it disturbs me just to see you do it¡± ¨C Laughing at Enoch''s reply, Ignis took a few more steps forward. When he felt the edge of a sword pointing threateningly at his chest.


    -¡° If you value your life, let go of that girl right now¡±


    " Little lady, do you know this woman?" ¨C With his hands raised, turning towards Vanesa looking for an answer, Ignis felt how the tip of the saber sank a little into the skin without going through it.


    "I do not know you! Stop hurting Mr. Ignis¡± ¨C Seeing the girl''s face, Elena dropped her sword with an expression of astonishment as she put her hands to her mouth due to the shock of seeing him.


    -" Julia!"


    -¡° Do you know my mommy?¡± ¨C Vanesa, feeling curious about that woman, asked Ignis to put her on the ground. Slowly approaching Elena, who remained on her knees in astonishment, bringing her hands to the girl''s face, running over it with her fingertips.


    ¡°Well Enoch, it looks like we''ve found someone who knows the little lady! It''s better to go back to our home¡± ¨C They had barely turned around to leave, Ignis felt a knee hit his back making him fall to the ground.


    -¡° Who are you and what are you doing here?¡±


    -¡° I would like to answer but I find it hard to breathe¡±


    -¡° Speak now or I will cut off your head¡± ¨C Seeing how Elena was lying on her knees on the floor, Sofia quickly thought that the strange man had hurt her and was trying to flee from the place. Without giving time to observe the environment, being surprised by Enoch, who went over her chattering his jaws. Barely supporting the weight of that tremendous animal.


    -¡° Enoch leave her. I''m not hurt, I don''t want you to spill blood."


    -¡° As you wish, Ignis. But she didn''t trust this human¡± ¨C Alarmed by the fact that the wolf spoke, Sofia reacted slowly by backing away while the animal did the same in the opposite direction.


    -¡° Are you a shaman? Why can this wolf talk? And why does he call you Ignis?


    -¡° Emmm, maybe he can talk because he is a spirit. And maybe he just calls me Ignis because that''s my name?" ¨C Making a mocking face with outstretched hands, Ignis cocked his head in anticipation of what that woman would do.


    ¡°The mark on your chest is the slave seal of the Tigris kingdom. Are you with Eleazar''s troops?" ¨C Seeing the tattoo through the tear in Ignis''s camisole, Sofia raised her sword threateningly against the man. Who soon changed the expression on his face into a more gloomy one, as if he was ready to kill her depending on the actions of the princess.


    -¡° Leave it! Mr. Ignis knows no Eleazar. He lives with Enoch in his cabin in a village deep in the forest."


    -¡° Silly girl, in that forest there is no village. It was a lair of kidnappers that was razed by the troops of Antioca¡±


    -¡° We didn''t do anything wrong!¡± ¨C With trembling hands and clenched fists, Ignis remembered the scenes of the massacre that day that marked his life forever. Falling to his knees, putting his head in his hands, while Enoch tried to calm him down by bringing his muzzle to his cheek.


    ¡°Are you the hurie slave they brought into the kingdom forty years ago?¡± ¨C Keeping her sword in its sheath, Sofia approached Ignis cautiously while Enoch growled at her, unable to attack her due to the orders he had received.


    "Do n''t hurt me!" ¨C As vulnerable as a child who has woken up from a nightmare, Ignis felt the gentleness of a caress on his hair. The aroma of jasmine essence that emanated from Sofia''s skin reassured the man who felt familiarity with that fragrance that he once smelled in the royal palace.


    "Sabina! Are you Savin? ¨C Taking Sofia''s hand, Ignis looked anxious to hear the answer from the lips of that woman in front of him.


    ¡°Sabina was my mother''s name. She was a slave who served in the palace until the queen had her head cut off, when she learned that she had sired me with the king''s seed.


    I am a princess in name only, just the mere daughter of a slave. I lived with my mother until I was nine years old and she told me stories of a beautiful young man who lived inside the palace and became her most faithful friend.¡± ¨C The words of the princess moved Ignis, who felt his heart break knowing that the only person who treated him like a human being in that cold palace, had died at the hands of the royal family.


    -¡° Do you want to take revenge on the royal family?¡±


    -¡° Yes, I wish¡±


    -¡° Then take my hand and follow me¡± ¨C Sofia extended her arm to Ignis to help him up, when Enoch bit the fabric of his tunic stopping him in the act.


    -¡° Ignis, don''t do it! Do you not remember how you suffered to stain your hands with blood that day? ¨C Reacting to that fleeting memory, Ignis withdrew his hand before Sofia ''s gaze . Who asked him once again to accompany him trying to convince Enoch in the same way.


    ¡°I want to bring justice to this kingdom! So that people like my mother or like you, never have to suffer similar things" - The sincerity in the tone of voice of the young sovereign convinced Ignis, who asked Enoch to also follow him on his journey to the capital real.


    "Your mother! Your mother, how is she? Is happy?" ¨C For her part, Elena questioned the girl, given the amazing resemblance to Julia. Without news of the woman I love, the princess had on her face an expression of hope to meet Julia again within the contingent of Duke Voltaire.


    The girl''s eyes looked like they were about to burst into tears at Elena''s insistent questions, who felt an ominous foreboding at Vanesa''s silence.


    -¡° Mommy is not here¡±


    -¡° Isn''t it? Did you stay with the duke? With the contingent?


    -¡° Mrs. Julia is no longer in this world, Princess Elena¡± ¨C Carlota, who had just arrived with the rest of the patrol, felt her heart tremble when she said those words in front of little Vanesa.


    Being hugged by the princess, who cried inconsolably holding the daughter of the woman she would never see again.


    - Ignis! Did you feel it too?


    -¡° Yes, Enoch, I can feel it. There are traces of arcane magic moving towards us, but¡­¡±


    ¨C ¡° You don''t need to say it, my sense of smell makes it very clear to me. It''s reanimation magic¡± ¨C Without being able to understand Ignis and Enoch''s conversation, Princess Sofia questioned them about what the magic they talked about so much was about.


    -¡° Daughter of Sabina, tell your companions to stand behind Enoch and me. Do not waste time, they are already very close to us¡±


    -¡° They? Who?¡± ¨C Turning her face in the direction where Ignis was pointing, the princess felt horror overwhelm her soul upon seeing that scene.


    Part of the soldiers who had been sent to fight in Arabella''s territory, walked with their damaged armor exposing rotting flesh, dragging their swords as they walked slowly grunting.


    -¡° Enoch, is it her work, right?¡±


    -¡° I fear that if Ignis. This corrupted magic can only come from Eris, the guardian spirit of the void¡± ¨C Hunching his back while maintaining his threatening posture, Enoch waited for Ignis to give the order to attack.


    ¡°There are too many! We won''t be able to with all of them¡± ¨C Being behind Ignis''s back hugging Vanessa tightly, Elena felt fear when contemplating those creatures devoid of humanity.


    -¡° Don''t worry. This amount will hardly be a minor problem for the two of us. Are you ready Enoch?


    -¡° Give the order son of Gaia¡± ¨C Throwing himself forward with outstretched hands making symbols in the air with their fingers, Ignis and Enoch went full force to protect the precious lives behind them.

 Chapter XVII: Immortal Army

    The air thinned by the essence of the reanimated corpses altered the nature of the environment, causing the birds that were huddled between the branches to come out flapping their wings frantically.


    With each step that small regiment took on the ground, the ominous feeling of emptiness in their bodies spread dangerously, while they raised their swords against the enemy that came to face them.


    ¡° Infernal Sphaerae ¡± ¨C Incandescent orbs like small suns formed in a halo behind the silhouette of Ignis , who just by extending his arm projected them like cannonballs that hit the chest of the dead through them.


    Leading the vanguard, Enoch bowed his head stopping short before raising his jaws and releasing a howl that split the earth under the feet of the fallen soldiers. Making the young hurie ''s attacks hit squarely on the flanks they kept as defenses.


    ¡° Ignis , don''t relax. These puppets are far from being defeated by such simple attacks, we must concentrate on cutting the strings of whoever is controlling them¡± ¨C Growling without turning his back on the enemy, Enoch felt in his beast body that those unnatural beings must be being controlled by an experienced elementalist .


    Eris, the spirit of the void, was an entity that bestowed her gifts on creatures indiscriminately. Unlike the first spirits that gave life to the hufiras , that entity had contempt for all existing forms of life. Sowing chaos and destruction on everything he laid his eyes on.


    Those who came to form contracts with her paid a high price to obtain her blessing, allowing her to feed on their desires and deeper dark feelings. Thus shortening their life expectancy.


    To keep so many reanimated corpses moving, the consumption of life energy took a heavy toll on the caster''s body. Making the strands of spiritual connection visible at times.


    -¡° Ignis I can see the threads, shoot at his eyes¡±


    -¡° ! Tondendas you come !¡± ¨C Clasping his hands as if holding a disk, Ignis projected gusts of wind that cut the eyes of all the corpses that were still standing. While Enoch for his part, conjured a song that made the roots of the trees grow through their bodies until they were destroyed.


    The regiment of fallen soldiers had been exterminated before the astonished look of Princess Sofia, who felt like the sword she held in her right hand was heavy. Not only for the fact that these men had been citizens of Tigris, with families and a life made. But rather , by the mere idea that he was powerless against an enemy of such magnitude.


    "Princess, are you alright?" ¨C Ignis ''s friendly face smiled carelessly at Sofia, who for a moment was grateful that the man was not her enemy. If only things had been different at the moment she threatened him, the one who would be in pieces would be her and not the reanimated corpses.


    ¡°What were those things? Why did they suddenly appear here? ¨C Addressing Ignis recklessly, Carlota had no qualms about questioning the hurie who kindly answered her questions.


    ¡°Those were corpses reanimated by arcane arts, under a spell of control of the dead. Casting such a spell requires an elementalist who has made a contract with the spirit of the void, the one who rules on the fringes of life and death.


    The caster often takes people in their dying state, just before death, when their desires and emotions are out of control, making them easier to manipulate.


    When the soul is extinguished when the heart stops, the spirit that should return to the flow of Gaia is tied to the flesh in an unnatural way, making it possible for the body to move fueled by the desires that the dying person had in life.


    Ignis ''s voice timbre was so calm while he said those words, making Carlota feel a cold that ran through her body. from head to toe.


    The very thought of taking innocent soldiers who had just died on the battlefield just to enslave them was a stomach -churning idea for the former mercenary, who had seen and experienced so many times the horrors that death brings. bitter farewell to combat.


    "Who is the abomination that did such a thing to these men?" ¨C With an expression full of anger in her eyes, Carlota felt her blood boil in her veins, wanting to cut off the head of the person behind that macabre act.


    ¡°Any human could be Eris''s contractor, but only a hufira he would be able to handle so much spiritual load that spell entails without turning to ashes¡± ¨C Enoch intervened in the conversation looking at Ignis with an air of concern. While Carlota could not understand what they meant by hufira .


    ¡°A hufira looks like this¡± ¨C Removing his earrings with an enchantment, Ignis turned his long black hair a red color as vivid as blood. Making Elena get up from the ground and with her head bowed, she gritted her teeth while her heartbeat accelerated.


    ¡°I know where is a person similar to you¡± ¨C With her eyes slightly reddened by tears, Elena pronounced the name of Queen Berenice, causing the astonishment of the people who were gathered.


    -" Ignis , do you know the consequences of what you just did?"


    -¡° I know it very well Enoch, I know it perfectly¡± ¨C Bringing his hand to his mouth to contain the spasm, Ignis began to spit blood on his knees to the ground, struggling to draw air into his lungs.


    Upon displaying his hufira form , the fact that he had previously manifested his powers in public began to take its toll on him. But thanks to the contract he had made in his youth with Enoch, the hurie had partially bypassed the curse that fell on his race.


    ¡° Listen well sons of men, when a hurie reveals his magic to eyes outside his kind, the curse of oblivion begins to corrode his physical body. The gems Ignis was wearing allowed him to use arcane magic even in front of you.


    But the damage was still latent, that''s why they see it now in such a regrettable way¡± ¨C Frowning his snout showing his teeth a little, Enoch''s expression was one that reflected affliction for the man he had served for years.


    ¡°If revealing your true form was lethal to you! Because you did?" ¨C Sofia approached Ignis , putting herself at his level, resting her hands on his shoulders, shaking him violently in search of an answer .


    -¡° There is a limit to what I can do in my veiled form. If I kept hiding my true appearance, I wouldn''t be able to face what''s to come."


    -¡° What do you mean? What is to come ?" ¨CThe sound of a great number of footsteps on the lands of the margin of Arabella, was made to sound through the air with vibrations that stunned the soul of the people who were on the side of Tigris.


    ¡°The little regiment was only an outpost, but the biggest of our problems is that. An army of immortals¡± ¨C The overwhelming image of rows of countless undead soldiers stationed on the banks of the river, could extend from one end to the other on the riverbank.


    Fearless, stripped of any emotion that might make them take a step back, that army rose imposingly with a single voice that made the roar of many waters.


    ¡° Groaaaaar ¡± ¨C Like the growl of a beast from hell, the army that knew no death, began its unstoppable march over the turbulent waters of the river with the firmness of a rock.


    -¡° Son of Gaia, we must do it now¡±


    -¡° That''s right Enoch, we don''t have much time left. We must finish off the elementalist ¡± ¨C Getting to his feet with great difficulty, Ignis took a few steps to where he could see a clearing where the grass did not grow. Taking a rod from the ground drawing two circles with engravings in inscription of dead language.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Enoch walked into the center of one, while the young hurie perched on the other, extending his hand to the small group.


    ¡°Daughter of Sabina, please you and your men enter the circle where Enoch is. The others enter mine without wasting time.¡± ¨C Doing as Ignis asked them, the group divided in disbelief at the request.


    -¡° Enoch, take the princess to where her troops are. I will take these to where the contractor is.¡± ¨C A halo of light surrounded the circles engraved on the ground, enveloping the two groups in a mass of energy that glowed blue. While Ignis sang the chants of the ritual with his hands intertwining his fingers, Vanessa''s eyes went to where Enoch was.


    Who gave the girl a pitiful look, as if she felt existence slipping away from her like drops of water in a broken bowl.


    "Girl, take good care of that fool" - As if it were the reflection of a person''s ghost, Enoch''s true form was revealed only to Vanesa''s eyes, who could see the spirit smile at her with an expression full of nostalgia.


    -¡° See you soon Enoch¡±


    -¡° So be it, my old friend¡± ¨C Said those words, the energy that surrounded the circles made a strong explosion of light, leaving soot marks on the ground where they were standing.


    Miles away marching over the sands at a redoubled pace, the soldiers of the rebel army saw a pillar of light descend from the sky impacting the surface, kicking up a cloud of dust that blinded them for a moment.


    Approaching the point of impact, the soldiers saw Princess Sofia come out of the light accompanied by the men who made up the rescue patrol, as well as a person completely unknown to them.


    -¡° My lady! What kind of sorcery is this? Who is the woman behind you?


    -¡° Woman? Elena! Weren''t you in the circle with Ignis ?" ¨C When she turned around looking for him, Sofia could see that the woman behind her was not Elena, much less Carlota.


    Dressed in a robe engraved in archaic language, her silver hair and dark skin gave her the impression of a forgotten deity. The irises of his eyes were a shade of red like blood that rested on a sclera as black as night.


    -¡° Ignis asked me to protect you and lend my strength. For this you have to respond to the contract¡±


    -Contract ?¡± - Imposing as the waves of the raging sea, Enoch walked to Sofia giving her a kiss on the lips, sinking his fangs until he let a few drops of blood flow.


    "This will be enough for me to serve you" - Cleaning with his fingers the blood that still flowed from the lips of the princess, Enoch took them to his mouth licking each drop as if it were a precious elixir.


    -¡° What do you think you are doing to our queen, you damned witch?¡±


    -¡° Silence!¡± ¨C With his voice causing a rumble in the plain, Enoch subdued the soldiers making them fall to the ground as if they were subjugated.


    Rebuking the spirit for his behavior, Sofia did not hide the concern and anger she felt when seeing how her men were belittled by Enoch. Who only clicked his tongue giving a snap of his fingers, freeing the soldiers from the invisible ties that had them subjected.


    "If I were you, I wouldn''t waste my time on minor concerns and I would tell them to get ready" -Walking a little to get away from the crowd, Enoch stared thoughtfully at the horizon in the direction of the river delta.


    -¡° My lady!¡±


    -¡° Commander, prepare your men and get ready to arms immediately! We must advance against the city walls and take them as soon as possible¡±


    -¡° But my queen, the incursion is scheduled for within a week. How do you ask me to make the men march now?


    -" If we don''t march right now, in a week there will be no army or soul that can face what is coming!" ¨C Having witnessed the incredible power of the army of immortals, Sofia had her pupils dilated while holding her subordinate by the collar of his shirt. Who swallowed saliva in dismay at the visceral reaction of his general.


    At the other end of the continent just outside the royal palace of Antioch , another pillar of light crashed to the ground, destroying the slab by sending debris flying and impacting against the castle walls.


    ¡°! Argh , my head! I don''t know how Enoch can withstand this kind of spells¡± ¨C Rubbing his sore neck, Ignis contemplated the magnificence of that palace in front of him. While Elena, Vanesa and Carlota remained on the ground still stunned by the displacement magic.


    "Guards, there are intruders at the main entrance of the palace!" ¨C The main butler, seeing that scene, gave the alert voice to the officers who were still serving in the castle.


    -¡° Everyone stop! Can''t they recognize their own princess?


    -¡° Princess Elena! But how is it possible? ¨C Lowering their weapons at His Highness''s order, the officers fell to their knees as a sign of respect.


    "So if you are a princess?" ¨C With expressive eyes full of astonishment, Vanesa looked at Elena once more, with the ingenuity typical of a girl of her age. Being carried in the arms of the princess, who was escorted by Ignis and Carlota in the direction of Queen Berenice''s chambers.


    Keeping her hand on the doorknob to turn the knob, Carlotta was violently pushed away by Ignis , as a gust of air tore through the thick wooden door like a sheet of paper.


    ¡° Filthy hurie , are you so eager to meet death that you come looking for a fight?¡± ¨C The voice of the spirit Eolus echoed in the walls of the corridor, almost to the point of deafening everyone present.


    ¡°Stop beating around the bush! I can''t believe that a wind spirit like you has allied with Eris; stand aside right now, you are no match for my arcane arts. I have come to put an end to the machinations of your contractor¡± ¨C With his hands ready to conjure his attack spells, Ignis stood hunched over with his vision blurred due to the debris floating in the air.


    Just as he was about to throw the first blow, Elena''s arms wrapped around him from behind, begging him to stop right away.


    -¡° What''s wrong with you, woman? Why are you stopping me?


    -¡° Look carefully at the bed!¡± ¨C Hesitating for a few seconds before Elena''s call, Ignis was taken violently by Eoulus hitting him against the floor of the room a few steps away from the bed.


    "But what is this?" ¨C Surrounded by an emerald green spiritual essence, Berenice remained prostrate motionless on the bed as if she were in a deep sleep. The complexion of his body and the features of his face seemed disjointed, as if he had gone for a long period without tasting any food.


    ¡°Machinations? Ally with that trash Eris? I think you know absolutely nothing of what you say, son of Gaia¡± ¨C With a calmer tone of voice, as if he were weakened by having used a large amount of power, Eoulos took the form of a bird and prostrated himself to a side of his wife''s bedside table.


    ¡°During the five years that I have served this little creature, I have witnessed the immense value of his heart. Despite having power that could rival that of the Hufiras of ages past, he never allowed himself to be consumed by it or misuse it. Quite the contrary¡± ¨C Eolus told him how the queen had used her powers relentlessly, ensuring the well-being of the commoners.


    Secretly using healing spells on the poor who couldn''t afford a doctor, or helping with the crops for orphanages and nursing homes. Like the previous queen, Berenice used her power and influence to mitigate the suffering of the oppressed classes, earning the contempt of the nobles who saw them as nothing more than a plague.


    Hearing these words, Elena felt as if her heart would break in half as she recalled the memories of years ago while accompanying her mother on her visits to the most disadvantaged.


    Whoever was called in social circles as the ice princess, had shown in those five years that that heart was far from being a cold piece of ice incapable of being reached by human warmth.


    When Eolus ceased his words, Ignis stood in stoic silence at the side of the bed, contemplating the vulnerable woman who lay on it. Unable to move or hear what was happening around her.


    Placing the tips of his fingers on his forehead, the young hurie closed his eyes and submerged himself in the subconscious where the soul of the queen remained captive. Swimming in complete darkness, Ignis moved in all directions trying to find any trace of Berenice''s spiritual strength.


    "This way" - A light whisper like the whistling of the wind through the leaves of the trees, reached Ignis ''s ears unexpectedly, making him move in the direction of its source. Swimming with all his strength through the thick darkness that grew denser with each stroke he took.


    "I''m here" - Distant nestled in the darkness, a tiny point of light almost extinguished was snatched with force like the flame of a candle that is about to leave its light in the world. Taking it gently in both hands, Ignis felt warmth flood the center of his being, like a mother''s caress on an infant''s head.


    The small light floated from the hands of the young hurie , to settle in front of him, spreading out in the form of two female silhouettes. One of them was unequivocally belonging to Queen Berenice, while the other wore a form that was familiar to Ignis , not quite knowing who it was.


    -¡° My sister, daughter of Gaia. Your hands are not like mine that are stained with blood and in your soul there is not an iota of darkness. Let me release you from this prison, I can return you if I¡­¡±


    -¡° How? Sacrificing you? Would you give your life for a complete stranger to you?


    -¡° Yes, I would without hesitation! My time in this world had already ended years ago, were it not for the contract with Enoch, my soul would have left this existence on that day.¡±


    ¨C ¡° Then give this soul the opportunity that you offer me. My father took everything from her and in my selfishness I did nothing to stop him¡± ¨C As if his eyes had been opened before the immensity of daylight, Ignis began to see the memories and memories that enveloped the essence of the woman''s soul that Berenice held in her arms.


    -¡° So she is?¡±


    -¡° As you saw it, she is the mother of that girl you rescued on the Tigris riverbank. Her soul was about to disappear from this world when I found her here in the middle of the void, trapped and fearful, crying for her baby¡± ¨C Biting his lips helplessly, Ignis understood Berenice''s firm will. No matter how hard she tried to convince him, the ice princess would be firm in her character without wavering for a second.


    Just a few moments before Princess Elena and her group arrived at the palace, Queen Berenice had felt how the life force of her little Adela had left that world behind, dying at the hands of the cruel Karina.


    "Please?"


    "IT''S OK, I''LL DO IT!" ¨C Giving a piercing scream, Ignis took the hand of Julia''s soul, while Berenice released her to dissolve into the darkness with tears in her eyes and a smile full of sadness.

 Chapter XVIII: The Return of the Female Knight

    Opening his eyes, catching his breath, spitting blood on the bed sheets, Ignis fell to the floor in agony before the eyes of Elena, Vanesa and Carlota. The foundations of the palace rumbled as if a tremor shook the earth, shaking the souls of all those who were in it.


    "Is that what she chose?" ¨C With his eyes full of sadness, Eolus looked for the face of Ignis , who nodded silently while his body began to turn to dust little by little.


    "Mr. Ignis , don''t die!" ¨C Hugging the body of the young hurie , Vanessa clung to her clothes crying while the man brought his hand to her head to caress her hair.


    ¨C ¡°Little lady, it was fun spending these few days by your side. But my time has come to leave this world, without regrets.


    -¡°It is not fair, you will leave Enoch alone!¡± ¨C Listening to those words from Vanesa''s lips; With a slight smile on his lips, Ignis thought for a moment about the words that bully spirit had once said to him.


    ¡°Everything must return to its cycle, like the sun that dies on the horizon with the end of the day. But, just as the moon leaves the night sky to make way for the king star again, death must give way to a new life. It''s never a definitive goodbye, just a see you soon¡± ¨C Quoting that thought from the arcane spirit, Ignis left that world turning to dust in the girl''s arms.


    The body that was in the bed enveloped by that spiritual energy of Eolus , was soon covered by a thick mist as if a dense fog had prostrated itself there.


    Elena, who did not take her eyes off that spectacle, took a few steps still stunned by the noise of a few seconds ago. The mist dissipated completely, leaving that body visible again, which little by little was recovering the color of its skin as if its cells were coming back to life.


    The long red hair gradually turned brown, while the skin on her face fell off like a thin layer of mud, exposing a different face from Queen Berenice''s.


    Listening strongly to the beating of a heart that began its march again, the woman opened her eyes, getting up pulling air as if the vital force returned to her. Turning her face slowly in the direction of the blurred silhouettes she could see with those emerald green eyes.


    Julia? Julia!¡± ¨C Throwing herself towards her trying to hug her, Elena recognized the woman who was in front of her, as if a miracle had occurred.


    Disoriented and confused, Julia pushed Elena away while looking around completely terrified, unable to place herself or know how she should react. Having spent five years floating in the void, clinging unnaturally to this world, Julia''s consciousness seemed almost blank.


    "Mommy?" ¨C From the side of the bed, still next to the remains of Ignis , Vanessa contemplated that woman who looked very much like the lady that she contemplated every night in the old portrait of the Voltaire dukedom.


    At the sound of his voice, a sharp pang hit Julia''s head making her put her hands to her temples, bending over from the sudden pain that racked her brain. The memories that lay in the mind of the late Berenice were gradually displaced by the memories of Julia, who saw her whole life pass until that moment when Edmundo''s dagger pierced her heart.


    ¡° Mom ? Are you?" ¨C Taking both Carlota and Elena by surprise, Julia suddenly pounced on Vanesa, making them fear the worst. Surprised on the spot, seeing how that woman hugged the daughter she left behind five years ago, shedding tears from the depths of her being.


    A few minutes of emotional reunion passed, until Eolus uttered a word again.


    ¡°Daughter of men. You who were brought back to life by the sacrifice of two Hufira nobles , must stop the source of all evil that threatens to destroy the continent. Let me show you what we''re up against¡± ¨C Leaving the chair where it was perched, the spirit threw itself squarely against Julia''s forehead, merging completely with her body. Suddenly revealing everything that Berenice had seen moments before losing her consciousness,


    As a vision of the future, the spirit showed him the outcome that life would have on the world, if they were not able to stop Karina''s dark plans.


    The land was devastated, without a single herb growing on it. Animals lay rotting like corpses in the fields, while the sons of men struggled to survive, killing each other for food.


    Sitting on a throne of black stone on top of a mountain, an unclean spirit was exalted in the form of a winged being. Who held in his claws an orb where he locked the souls of every living being who dared to challenge him.


    "What is this?" ¨C With a pale face and a lost look, Julia rebuked Eolus , who limited herself to telling her that this was the end of that world if the spirit of the void was not stopped.


    ¡°My lady¡± ¨C Prostrating herself as a knight who swears allegiance to his master would, Carlota plunged the point of her sword into the ground and surrendered completely to Julia''s orders. Being seconded by Princess Elena, who gave the order to the servants who still remained in the palace, to prepare horses and armor, in order to go directly to the wolf''s cave.


    ¡°Foolish child, so in the end you won''t keep your word¡± ¨C Holding a soldier from the royal palace of Tigris by the neck, Enoch felt Ignis ''s life energy vanish from the world.


    Sofia''s troops had completely assaulted the walls of the great capital, with little resistance from the small regiments that had remained behind guarding it. The citizens who for years had endured the mistreatment and abuse of the nobility, took to the streets to subdue the officers and allow the entry of the rebel troops, who rode through the streets until they reached the royal palace.


    Abandoned by the nobles who once swore allegiance to him lip service, Eleazar watched as the last subordinates who remained with him inside the throne room fell one by one under the edge of Sofia''s sword, who was accompanied by the imposing presence of Enoch.


    Unable to cope with the situation, Eleazar went berserk, lunging at the princess in an exchange of sword strikes.


    The screeching of metal edges echoed in the immense throne room, where the flames of the torches snatched by the cold wind that entered with the arrival of the night, projected the serpentine shadows of those bloodthirsty brothers.


    Watching them from a distance without getting in their way, Enoch remained silent with her arms crossed leaning on one of the pillars that supported the roof. Thinking about the dark nature that led human beings to kill each other, regardless of blood ties, just for something as ephemeral as what they called: power.


    -"I will never allow a dirty blood to usurp what is mine by right!"


    -¡°Do you call right the simple fact of being born with a golden spoon? What makes you different compared to a simple community member? Just luck, the sheer luck of being born into royalty.


    Outside of that, you have no merit of your own that you can attribute to your name¡± ¨C Printing more force to her blows, Sofia bent Eleazar to the point of making him lose his sword. Falling to the ground completely subdued by the superiority of the woman I despise so many times.


    The two brothers looked at each other with heavy breathing and almost without force in their bodies, leaving Sofia standing almost on the verge of collapsing. Feeling the fatigue building in the muscles of his arms, the metal of the sword felt as heavy as it had at the moment he met Ignis .


    "What are you waiting for? Claim your victory and kill me! Become a fratricide like I am. It doesn''t matter that I''m not on the throne, someone with his hands stained with the blood of his family will occupy it¡± ¨C Laughing shamelessly, Eleazar felt the edge of Sofia''s sword sinking into his chest, piercing his heart. Going dead almost instantly, staring blankly at the empty throne, extending his arm which fell limp to the ground.


    ¡°I will never be like you. Who took your life, are those brothers you killed to keep the throne. The blood you spilled cried out for revenge and I was only its instrument.¡± ¨C Collapsing to her knees on her brother''s body, Sofia raised her face to the ceiling to gaze at the night sky through the glass dome of the throne room. .


    The moon that until a few moments ago shone in the sky with its whitish glow, was dyed a sinister blood red that predicted misfortune.


    "It seems that it is already late for all of us" - Enoch, who until recently remained silent, said those words when he saw that red moon in the night sky, while helping Sofia to get up from the ground.


    "Princess Elena, the horses have already been prepared for your departure" - Adjusting the last parts of her armor, the princess dismissed the servant giving the order that the officers clear the way in front of her.


    Walking once again through those corridors that so many times saw her dress in glamor, Elena contemplated the paintings that hung on the wall where the effigies of her deceased parents could be seen. Carrying with regret in thought, that his entire family had been completely lost.


    "Mom you look beautiful!" ¨C Dressed in that characteristic blue uniform of the royal guard, Julia had cut her hair with the edge of her sword, leaving it very similar to how she wore it years ago.


    Looking at her wistfully, as if trying to catch up with her in time, Elena checked her impulse by putting her hand to her chest. Barely smiling when Julia turned in her direction.


    -¡°Ophelia, Charlotte. Please take care of my daughter until I come back for her."


    -¡°Come back safe and sound my lady¡± ¨C Bowing their heads in reverence, the maidens of the dukedom of Voltaire paid tribute to their mistress who was about to leave.


    The girl who for years longed to be with her mother, cried inconsolably when she saw him leave, once again leaving her behind. Being comforted by the maidens, who told her that they would soon be together again.


    "Julia, no, Duchess Valera, could you lend me your strength to save this kingdom?" ¨C Placing her sword on Julia''s shoulder, Elena asked for her former knight''s vote of loyalty. Who knelt before her, raising his sword with both hands, offering it with loyalty to his mistress.


    "It will be as I ordered, my lady" - With a smiling face, Julia accepted the honor restored by the princess regent. Taking her hand to give her a kiss on the back.


    -¡°On foot¡± ¨C Running to the stables, clanging the metal of their armor, the maidens mounted their steeds and began the race bound for Duke Solera''s mansion.


    Glimpsing the red moon on the horizon, the two women realized that Karina''s plans were already underway. Noticing how sinister-looking creatures began to emerge from the shadows projected by objects on the street.


    The people who ran frightened by those beasts, pushed each other causing some to fall to the ground to be crushed to death by the crowd. While others were trapped by those beings, being dragged into the shadows from which their screams of agony and terror could be heard.


    "Don''t look back princess. Keep your eyes straight ahead, don''t lose your objective¡± ¨C With a cold and almost distant tone, Julia reminded Elena that her objective was in Duke Solera''s mansion. If both of them wished to put an end to this nightmare, some lives would have to be lost in order to save the world.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Despite herself, the princess understood her knight''s words and clenched her teeth as she gripped the horse''s reins tightly, marking the leather against the skin of her hands.


    By the time the horses reached the gates of the mansion, the lights inside were off as if no one was inside the building. Trying to open the door, Julia realized that an object similar to a lump was resisting her, pushing it hard while lighting a torch to illuminate the passage.


    What at first he thought was a bundle like a sack, turned out to be the body of one of the mansion''s maids. Who had a wound on his chest as if someone had ripped his heart out.


    Seeing that, Princess Elena felt her stomach churn as she gazed at the huge pool of blood spreading across the carpet. That as they continued into the bowels of the gloomy mansion, the parade of bodies scattered around every corner, gave the impression that the employees tried to flee from someone.


    "No my lord, have mercy!" ¨C The shouts of a man coming from the second floor alerted the combatants, who with sword in hand made their way through the darkness until they reached Duke Solera''s office.


    Kicking open the door, Julia saw the infamous nobleman standing over the corpse of the mansion''s former head butler. With his heart still beating between his thin fingers, the duke devoured it, biting it as if it were a wild animal.


    Dropping the torch due to the impression of that scene, the fire lit the carpet, completely illuminating Solera''s silhouette with its flames.


    His eyes no longer had any shine, and the veins marked in a dark tone could be glimpsed on his skin, as if the blood had coagulated for several hours. Just like the soldiers who marched on the battlefield in Tigris, Duke Solera had been reduced to a mere puppet without will.


    Without any legitimate desire in his rotten being, that proud man was reduced in his death to a simple beast that was guided by primitive instincts attacking every living being to rip out its heart.


    Chattering his teeth like an animal, the Duke launched himself directly at Princess Elena, only to be intercepted by Julia; who, with a movement of the sword, cut off the head of the corpse by rolling it into the flames.


    ¡°Welcome, Your Highness and Duchess! It is an honor for this simple commoner to be able to receive them in this elegant tomb¡± ¨C As if the floorboard began to bend, the foundations of the mansion began to come to life trying to cross the two women, who made their way through the flames and the he sharpened planks of wood to the edge of a sword.


    -¡°Princess, the fire is beginning to surround us! We should jump out the window into the backyard of the mansion."


    -¡°Are you crazy Julia? We are on a second floor, there is no guarantee that we will not break our necks doing something so reckless¡± ¨C At that moment the windows of the mansion broke due to the heat, causing the gusts of wind to fan the fire until it completely surrounded them .


    Feeling that it would be the end if they were hit by the tongues of flame, Julia hugged the princess and pushed herself back against the window behind her to throw herself into the void.


    As she fell from the window, Julia saw how the fire came out like a blast engulfing everything, just a second after making that decision. Slamming her body hard against the floor, the young duchess felt her rib bones crack from the hard surface she fell on.


    "Julia Julia!" ¨C Trying to revive her, the princess shook the battered body of her companion, while a sinister laugh could be heard at the end of the garden, right in the middle of a small square surrounded by rose bushes.


    ¡°What a moving scene! The noble princess cries for her loyal subject who has just sacrificed herself to save her skin. How sad, how sad¡± ¨C Standing on a magic circle holding a dagger, Karina placed her left hand on a large ruby rock in which the body of little princess Adela was enclosed.


    -"!Monster! What have you done to the girl?"


    -"Monster? I''m just a messenger for my lady. This child has given her body and soul to bring my lady Eris into this world. Greater honor could not have such a pathetic living being, than being the container of a goddess¡± ¨C Through the fine purity of the ruby glass, the girl''s face could be seen with total clarity bathed in the rays of moonlight.


    That expression of pain was the reflection of someone who, in his last seconds of life, had known disappointment.


    ¡°Wretched human hyena!¡± ¨C Running with her sword drawn, Elena pounced on Karina. Being violently repelled by the blow of a sword that was swung through the shadows.


    "!No, you do not. Can not be!" ¨C The princess''s eyes filled with tears as she contemplated the face of the reanimated corpse in front of her. The brother for whom I always silently prayed to return to what he once was, was standing right there, like another puppet in Karina''s macabre games.


    ¨C ¡°Oh my poor princess, you cry for the brother you always carried in your heart despite being trash. Although I must admit that I was largely to blame for your pure brother becoming what you saw for all these years ¡±


    -"What do you mean damn witch?"


    -¡°The governess that the late Duke Solera had given to the royal family at the death of your dear mother, was none other than me. Every day since he was eight years old, I fed the young prince''s heart with black magic to bend his will and gave him a tea made with the blood of a hufira to drink to enhance the effects.


    The cute little boy you once knew I was molding into the perfect tyrant, if it wasn''t for the damn slut behind you trying to keep up, I wouldn''t have had to kill him to complete my plan¡± ¨C Leaning on his sword while spitting a little blood, Julia wiped her mouth with her glove while directing her furious gaze at Karina.


    ¡°The day Margarita died, when we were at the market in the square. I saw a different Rafael, one with a broken heart, like a real human being.


    He comforted me when I heard that Solera''s bastard had killed him. The only difference between that man and the one I knew is that this week he had stopped drinking the tea you gave him.


    You took a good man and turned him into a tyrant, you¡­ You damn!¡± ¨C The force that had been granted by Eolus manifested itself in Julia in the form of a violent explosion of air, causing objects that were not anchored to the ground to fly violently.


    "It''s not possible! You are not a hufira , since you are able to manipulate elemental spirits. Rafael, stop her right now. I need to finish the ritual¡± ¨C Nodding his head, the deceased king launched himself against Julia, leaving Elena behind, who tried to stop him without success.


    Just as his sword was about to touch Julia''s body, a supernatural force stopped the monarch in his momentum, bending him as if someone commanded him not to hurt her.


    Thanks to the fact that Berenice had sacrificed her body to bring back the young duchess, the hufira blood that beat in her heart made the potion that the king had taken continue to have an effect even after death.


    -¡°Elena, I will go for Karina! You take care of stopping your brother¡±


    -"Do it like this then" - Changing places in the fight, Julia went squarely against Karina, who used her arcane spells to attack the brave warrior. Who, assisted by the power of Eolus , kept dodging each attack in search of a gap to deliver an accurate blow.


    "My lady, the monsters advance no matter how hard we fight. What shall we do?" ¨C Under the same moon, from the night sky of Tigris, the battle of the army of immortals raged a few meters away with the city walls.


    Thanks to Enoch giving them some of his power to empower them, the soldiers could fight alongside the undead. But without a gap to cut the strings that manipulated them, as soon as they fell they rose again.


    ¡°Sofia, I will soon run out of spiritual energy. Unless a miracle occurs, your people will be massacred by that infernal army¡± ¨C With his arms outstretched towards the battlefield, Enoch had a tired face as if he was short of breath. By abandoning its primitive form to take on its authentic form, the energy expenditure became more demanding as the minutes passed.


    Sensing that it was a matter of time before everything was destroyed, the princess cried out to the goddess for a sign on that fateful night, where the souls of countless citizens of Tigris hung by a thread.


    "You''re pathetic! All you can do is run away from my attacks? I think I overestimated you¡± ¨C Laughing like a maniac, Karina kept Julia at bay while Eolus ''s strength was diminishing.


    Due to the fatigue in her lungs from the effort of breathing with her broken ribs, Julia felt her vision blur, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground, receiving one of Karina''s attacks, projecting her against a sundial obelisk. .


    "Hahaha. This is all a mere human like you can do, just futile efforts against the inevitable.¡± ¨C At that moment Karina felt that the heart she had taken from Berenice''s mother was beginning to fail, like a joke of fate that was spitting in her face.


    "No no no. It''s not time yet, I need to finish¡­ I need the ritual¡­¡± ¨C Like a bolt that breaks the night without warning, Julia''s sword pierced Karina''s chest driven by the last forces of Eolus . Hitting her squarely against the ruby cocoon where Adela''s body was impaling her.


    "You''re a fool, thanks for helping me complete the ritual" - Exhaling her last breath, Karina''s blood spilled over the magic circle causing it to light up in a violet tone, from which black rays began to flow violently cutting everything in its time. Forcing Elena to throw herself to the ground, at the moment that one of the rays reached to split Rafael''s body in half.


    The earth began to tremble and the moon, which until a few moments ago had a bright red hue, began to turn black. Leaving the world in complete darkness.


    ¡°Finally, after so many eons plunged into the solitude of the void. I am free at last¡± ¨C Emerging from the crystal cocoon, a macabre silhouette in the shape of a woman with bat wings soared through the sky. With a deep red glow in his eyes, his macabre laugh resonated loudly in every corner of the planet.


    "Girl, girl, do you hear me?" ¨C Immersed in a light that enveloped everything around her, Julia had left the physical plane and was in what the spirits called the primordial flow: Gaia.


    -"Who are you?"


    ¨C ¡°I usually have many names. Some call me god, others call me life or mother, but I have never had a proper name. It has always been given to me by the creatures I love¡± ¨C That warm voice that came from the light completely overwhelmed the essence of Julia, who felt like her spiritual body was rocking in an ocean of peace.


    "Has the world come to an end? And my daughter?"


    -¡°Calm down creature, this space is outside the timeline. Here concepts such as minutes or seconds, years or centuries do not exist. This is the here and now, nothing and everything. The world you come from, time has not elapsed since you are here¡±


    "Then return me to my world! I must stop her¡±


    - "And how will you do such a prodigal?"


    -¡°I, I¡­ I don''t know¡± ¨C Putting her head in her hands, Julia felt that a sea of doubts was eating away at her brain, struggling to find a solution to the crossroads she was at.


    - ¡°Girl, child. I''m sorry to act so abruptly with you. You have been through many things since you were born, unpleasant experiences, but there are also good things that allowed you to survive in the face of so many injustices¡± ¨C The sound of a melody coming from a musical box reached Julia¡¯s ears, who immediately recognized that tune that It brought back memories of his childhood.


    -"Mother?" ¨C The musical box that her mother had given her on her birthday before she died, appeared in Julia''s hands, dissolving like a metal that began to cover her body.


    -"What is this?"


    ¨C ¡°Just for a few seconds I will give you my power, the power of the eternal, my girl. With it you can destroy the darkness of Eris and return her to the void forever.


    But you should not hesitate at any time, because you will only have this one chance. Since my presence in your world is limited¡± ¨C Bringing her hands to her chest, Julia closed her eyes as she concentrated on the melody of the lullaby that her mother sang to her at night, thinking of the face of her little daughter that I was waiting for her on the other side.


    -"I''m ready" - With her eyes injected with determination, the duchess extended her right arm projecting a sword and her left a half-length shield. Letting sprout from his back a pair of wings like those of an eagle that prepares to take flight.


    "Then I wish you luck, my little creature" - The light that surrounded Julia was breaking like a crystal, letting her eyes see again the darkness in which the world was plunged due to Eris.


    "What the hell is this?" ¨C When she saw him standing on the ground with that brightness that stood out from the darkness, like a beacon that pierces the darkness with its light, Eris began to attack Julia with blasts of dark energy trying to kill him.


    As instructed by Gaia, the young duchess wasted no time against the spirit of the void, repelling its attacks by brandishing her sword and covering herself with her shield.


    "I won''t let you ruin my plans, damn mother!" ¨C Raising her arms to the sky gathering energy of darkness, Eris growled like a beast feeling that every centimeter of her flesh lacerated with the effort of accumulating such an amount of energy.


    "Take this damn!" ¨C Throwing that immense orb of dark energy against Julia, Eris laughed nonstop thinking that it was the end of the duchess. Just seeing how that mass of power returned to her, fully impacting her, preventing her from escaping as she rose above the clouds.


    ¡°It can''t end like this! I am the true goddess of this world, I am the supreme being of the void¡± - From the mass of dark energy emerged the luminous blade of a sword that completely dispelled the darkness. Eris''s eyes saw the smiling face of Julia, who had a peaceful expression in her eyes as if she had surrendered to her end.


    "You are finished, goddess of the void" - An explosion of light flooded the entire sky around the globe, making the night sky for an instant become as clear as day.


    Falling to the ground from a considerable height, Julia''s body gradually lost the spiritual armor that had been given to her by Gaia to face the spirit of the void. Impacting against the ground leaving her dying, with just a little strength to maintain consciousness.


    ¡°Julia! Julia!¡± ¨C With the death of Eris, the undead returned to being lifeless corpses that collapsed to the ground, including King Raphael. Leaving Princess Elena free to run to meet Julia.


    "No, no, please no!" ¨C Seeing Julia''s body shattered by the impact of the fall, the princess held the hand of the duchess who felt how the force left her body. Beginning to feel the warmth of the princess''s touch being displaced by the cold comfort of death.


    ¡°Elena, I can''t see anything anymore. Everything is so dark, tell me, tell me that you can see the moon shine in the sky¡±


    "!Yes, I can! I can see her, she''s beautiful. As beautiful as you¡± ¨C The tears that flowed from Elena''s eyes, fell on Julia''s delicate face, who felt how those salty drops mixed with the blood that flowed from her lips.


    ¡°Elena, build a kingdom. One where no girl is robbed of her smile, or her dreams, don''t let someone else suffer like us. Promise me!¡± ¨C Squeezing the princess''s hand with her last strength, Julia felt that her hearing was beginning to fail her.


    "I promise you, I will bring a kingdom where women can be happy" - Drawing a smile on her lips, Julia''s heart stopped beating once again .

 Chapter XIX: The Dawn of a New World

    The days that followed the terrible night that devastated the kingdom of Antioca and Tigris, the world shook violently with the revolution caused by the princesses Elena and Sofia. The nobles who had benefited from the dark manipulations of Duke Solera were arrested and tried as war criminals by the crown of the kingdom of Antioca.


    Their assets were seized and both they and their seed were led to the gallows in the presence of the people they had oppressed for decades, seeing for the last time the faces of those commoners they despised, the heavy blade of the executioner falling on their necks.


    The sole survivor of the Duchy of Solera was never found, presumed to have been one of the rotting corpses that were incinerated after defeating the immortal army.


    The body of King Rafael and Duchess Valera were escorted by the royal guard, with military honors, to the cemetery of the great temple of the capital. The people, knowing that the king was a victim of Solera''s plans, changed their anger for a deep affliction as they became aware of the harsh truth that he went through as a small child. Weeping him in his procession next to the coffin of the Duchess who accompanied him sharing a carriage.


    Carrying a little girl in her arms whose gaze was lost, Princess Elena led the procession with her face covered by a black veil, which hid the gauntness of her countenance from the long nights of crying she suffered when she lost both her brother and to the woman I love.


    From that day when the clouds were moved in tears for the countless lives, fifteen years passed in the continental calendar.


    -¡° Queen Sofia, on behalf of Queen Elena, I thank you infinitely for being so diligent in attending to the trade agreement between our nations¡±


    -¡° How could it not be when my dear friend does not rest for a second building her kingdom, I would be lazy if I did less than her¡± ¨C Wearing a gold miter as a symbol of her rank, Queen Sofia was seated on her escorted throne by her faithful bodyguard who did not detach herself from her as if he were her shadow.


    -¡° Diligent? If this daughter of men knew that you were a sloth who needed to be dragged out of bed to do her job, I don''t know what face she would make."


    ¡°Enoch! It''s enough¡± ¨C With a mocking smile on his face, the ancestral spirit looked at the woman who remained with her knee bent on the ground trying not to burst out laughing.


    -¡° I feel that a certain girl needs to learn to respect her elders together with a ladino bodyguard¡±


    -¡° Your Highness, please don''t get upset!¡± ¨C Rising from her throne accompanied by Enoch, walking to where the emissary of Antioca was, the queen lifted the woman by the sides looking directly into her eyes. To later give him a hug tightly while laughing uncontrollably.


    -¡° How could I get mad at you little tadpole¡±


    -¡° Enough, aunt, I am no longer a girl¡±


    -" At least in my eyes you still look like that brat that Ignis picked up on the riverbank"


    -¡° You too, Enoch?¡± ¨C That woman was none other than Julia''s daughter, Vanesa Voltaire de Valera. The current Duchess and diplomatic representative of the Kingdom of Antioca, under the blessing of Her Majesty Queen Elena.


    After the death of her mother, Princess Elena took under her protection that little girl who reminded her of her beloved Julia. Fulfilling the promise she made to her friend on her deathbed, she built a kingdom by implementing the necessary policies so that women could access education, public service positions and above all, the ability to inherit the position as head of the family.


    Along with the kingdom of Antioch, Tigris flourished with the wisdom of Queen Sofia, who abolished the kingdom''s dominant religion that stigmatized people with physical defects. Purging the kingdom of the noble houses whose corruption had grown under the protection of the ruling clergy.


    - " Aren''t you too old to play with your niece?"


    -¡° Have the years made you senile, old witch?¡± ¨C Dressed in armor bearing the coat of arms of the Duchy of Valera, Carlota served as assistant and escort of the current Duchess. Preserving her rough character, the old mercenary continued to get uncomfortable every time she saw Queen Sofia act so familiar with the young Vanesa.


    "Enough two o''clock. Remember that this is an official visit¡± ¨C Laughing out loud echoing in the throne room, the group of women strengthened their bonds in an atmosphere of brotherhood while they said goodbye to each other.


    In the carriage on the way back to the kingdom of Antioca, Vanessa looked through the car window at the landscape that changed from the golden sands of the kingdom of Tigris, to give way to the thick green forests of Arabella''s territory.


    Letting out a deep sigh like the ocean, the young woman''s eyes were filled with nostalgia as she contemplated that scenario through which she fled from her pursuers a few years ago.


    "Miss, are you alright?" ¨C With her hair tied back with a lace headdress, wearing her maiden uniform, her black hair already showed the gray hair that narrated the passage of time.


    -¡° Ofelia, I want to visit my mother''s grave¡±


    - " In a few more days we will arrive at the capital, miss"


    -¡° I am not referring to that Ofelia tomb, I am referring to the true tomb of mother¡± ¨C Since she was born, the young Vanesa had been taken by her father every day to a tomb that was within the limits of the property of the Voltaire dukedom. Where the remains of the original body of the first Duchess of Valera rested, that body that carried her for nine months and that her mother had sacrificed to bring her into the world.


    -¡° But miss!¡±


    -¡° Shut up Ofelia, if the duchess wants to go to that tomb, you are not the one to question her¡± ¨C With her arms crossed, sitting next to Vanesa, Carlota remained with her eyes closed while trying to rest during the heavy trip back.


    "My lady, we have already reached the old dukedom" - Stopping the momentum of the horses, Mauricio descended to open the door and extend his hand to the young duchess. Who leaned softly on the tall grass, looking at the ruins of Voltaire''s former dukedom.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    When her eyes saw that bleak panorama, tears welled up in her eyes as she nostalgically evoked memories of her father playing with her in the vast garden.


    "Child, if it''s too difficult for you..." - Shaking her head at Carlota''s concerns, the young duchess began to walk in the direction of the north wing of the land, just behind the ruins of the old mansion. Cutting some flowers on his way that he gathered little by little until he reached the place where there were two tombstones next to each other.


    ¡°Dad, I know you didn''t mean to break your promise. But still, I can''t help but feel angry with you. If only you had escaped with us that day, if only you had left the battlefield maybe you and mom would be alive¡± ¨C Crying with all her might, the young duchess fell on her knees dropping the flowers on the tombstones trying to cover her face.


    Watching her from a distance, Carlota was hugged by Ofelia while Vanesa let her soul flow with each tear that flowed from the bottom of her heart. The strong woman who grew up with the conviction of the ideals of her mother and father, could not help but bring the little girl who longed for the warm arms of her family.


    ¡°Mother, I want you to know that Queen Elena kept her word. Antioch is no longer the kingdom that you had to know in your childhood; nothing compares to the blessed land that is these days.


    Girls can smile freely, study, they are not underestimated for being born women. There are no longer girls who have to sacrifice their femininity to preserve the family lineage, that nightmarish time is left behind.


    Wherever you are, dear mother. I want you to know that I am happy thanks to you, thanks for loving me and giving me life . For escaping death to save us all in this world.


    Rest in peace, my beloved woman knight¡±- Rising from the ground wiping the dirt from her dress, Vanesa felt a light breeze caressing her hair making her turn in the direction of Carlota and Ofelia. Wiping tears from her eyes, the young duchess ran toward them, throwing herself into their arms.


    Just as Gaia dictates, countless are the worlds and realities where souls flow in an endless cycle, where death is not the perpetual goodbye or the bitter farewell that men usually believe.


    Where stories like the one written in the kingdom of Antioca, are written in the same way in our vast world in front of us.


    In some city on our planet, between the walls of the great buildings that rise imposingly as a testimony to the talent and aspirations of our species, the story of a young woman is written within the corridors of a private school exclusively for young ladies.


    -¡° Lourdes! Aren''t you listening to me, you damned four eyes?"


    ¨C ¡° I''m sorry, I''m really sorry. I seriously had the money with me today, but someone opened my backpack and stole my wallet."


    -¡° You know very well that if you want to finish high school in peace, you must pay for protection¡± ¨C Delivering a blow to the pit of the stomach, the young bully dragged Lourdes by the hair to the bathrooms, where she continued attacking her until she was fed up.


    "If tomorrow you don''t bring the money, we will repeat the same Lourdes" - Leaving her lying on the ground, the young women came out laughing at the unfortunate student.


    When dismissal time arrived, Lourdes went directly to her locker and took her things into her backpack, slamming the metal door shut. With teary eyes trying to control the tears to avoid the insidious looks of the other students.


    Being the only child of a middle-class family, Lourdes had obtained a scholarship for her high average to study at that prestigious school. Hoping to finish her studies there and get a recommendation to a prestigious university, the young woman endured for a long time in silence the abuse she was subjected to by some girls from wealthy families.


    With the cloudy sky and the light drops of rain that were beginning to fall, Lourdes walked with her eyes towards the floor shaking from the pain caused by the blows she had received.


    Reaching the height of a small bridge that crossed a pluvial canal, two young men ran towards her, pushing her to make her hit the railing of the bridge. Making his backpack fall directly into the rising current of the canal.


    "No, it can''t be" - Running up the stairs until she reached the level of the tiles that marked the perimeter of the canal, the young woman desperately tried to throw herself into the mighty current to try to retrieve her books.


    Just as she was about to throw herself into the wild rushing water, an arm wrapped around her waist firmly, pulling her back as they fell to the grass.


    -¡° Let me go, let me. I have to get my books back."


    - " Are those books more valuable than your life?"


    "Yes they are!" ¨C A slap was marked on the face of the young woman, who began to yell at the person who had just stopped her.


    "What do you know about my life to mess with me? Did you just see me with pity as if I was looking to be saved? No one asked you¡± ¨C Angry, unable to control her temper, Lourdes took out her frustration on that girl with brown hair who had a fringe covering the right side of her face.


    "You''re right, I''m not the one to get in the way of a stupid woman who thinks her life is worth nothing" - Lifting her fringe with her right hand, that young woman exposed the scar that rested on her delicate skin, covering her eye with a patch.


    "What happened to your eye?" ¨C Reconsidering her impulsive behavior, Lourdes felt guilty for treating that young woman as her classmates had done with her.


    ¡°My father is an alcoholic and my mother a prostitute. I had a little sister who I loved with all my heart, but I never realized that she was bullied at school because of our parents.


    One day when my father was stupefied with drunkenness, a call rang at the house from the school administration. The director tried to contact my mother but she had turned off her phone.


    My sister had been abused by some of her classmates behind the gyms and asked to come pick her up.


    When I got to school, my sister was sitting in the office, her crotch covered in blood, not saying a single word.


    At that moment I felt that the blood was boiling in my veins and I could not control myself. So I left the office looking for the bastards who had hurt my sister, I just wanted to kill them with my own hands for hurting her" - The young woman''s voice was breathy, as if she was trying to stay calm while the rain continued to fall on her. them while telling their story.


    Lourdes came a little closer, as if trying to touch her face with the tips of her fingers trying to dry the tears that were mixed with the raindrops.


    ¡°When I finally found them, I pounced on one of them with blows; that bastard was laughing, as if what he did to my sister was something funny. I couldn''t help myself and dropped my fists on his face, not letting him get up when suddenly I began to see only half in black and I felt something warm run over my face.


    The moment I was able to react, the pain made me fall to the ground as I screamed with my bloody hands covering my face.


    When the prefect of the campus saw me, she ran to help me, calling the director to ask for an ambulance.


    It was in those minutes that they left my sister alone, that she took scissors from the desk and stuck them in her neck. By the time they realized what he did, it was already too late.


    That day I lost my eye and the only person I could call family¡± ¨C Listening to the full story, Lourdes cried as if something inside her had completely broken.


    Aware of the suffering of that girl in front of her, the young woman felt ashamed of herself begging him to forgive her.


    "I am sorry forgive me. I offended you and you''ve been through so much that¡­¡± ¨C Placing her hand on Lourdes''s head, the young woman shook her hair a little while looking at her with that emerald green eye she still had.


    "Follow me crybaby, maybe we can find your backpack stuck in the gratings down the channel" - Turning around revealing a ponytail tied by a clever sky blue, Lourdes felt a headache shake her mind causing her to collapse on her knees .


    Images like memories that were foreign to her memory flooded her head, to the point of dizziness worrying the young woman who held her in her arms.


    -¡° Hey four eyes, react! Hears!"


    -¡° Julia¡± ¨C Fainting from the impact of that experience, Lourdes stayed in the arms of the young woman who was surprised to hear that name from the lips of a stranger.


    ¡°Where did you hear that name from? Answer to me?" -Strongly shaking Lourdes shoulders, the mysterious young woman tried to make her react under the cold rain that fell on them.