I'm back my dear readers!

Sorry for the long wait, been moving to a new and bigger apartment. And other things have kept me busy. I usually inform if something delays me on the latest chapter, in the comments. But rejoice, for I've returned... Anyhow, enjoy this slightly longer chapter. :D

The Union of Hands

Malinda walks through the ballroom while stepping on the laid out carpet that ends at the thrones and begins a few meters from the front entrance, but what catches Malinda’s flickering eyes is Madelyn. She sits on her father’s giant throne, slumping forward with elbows supporting on knees as her palms cover her face, not hearing the incoming footsteps in front of her as if in a daze.

As her older sister comes upon the few steps going to the thrones, she squints, troubling about what has happened to her to be in this kind of state.

But, she stops moving when her foot land on the first stage of the long and broad flight of steps, going between the grand stairs that reach the second floor. Malinda gains a frown, remembering what her sister did to that servant, and what she decided yesterday; that she won’t let her act as she does anymore.

Her hands form fists as she takes the last steps to be right in front of her little sister, looming above her while a shadow form on Madelyn, which she only now notices.

Madelyn jerks her head up, gawking at her sister while slamming against the backrest. She instinctively squeezes the arms of the throne as if an upcoming terror stands there with glaring eyes, ready for a reckoning.

“S-Sister…” she averts her eyes, not finishing what she wants to say.

Malinda forms a cross with her arms as she bends forward, glaring to shake her up a little. To make her dear little sister spill all of her troubles. She goes even further by putting her hands on the armrests while Madelyn winces away with arms and hands gluing to her bosoms. Malinda is too close. And her eyes, dead serious.

“I heard from my lover about what you did yesterday,” she says, peering into Madelyn’s avoiding eyes. Her lips spasm from trying to utter excuses, but alas, she can’t, her sister already believes that she’s at fault. “I should give you another slap on your other cheek for what you did… You’ve gone too far, too far, baby sister. And I won’t have any of it.” She sniffs the air, scenting the perfume of a newly washed body. “Bathed already…? How slothful can you be?”

Madelyn curls up, ready for tears to flow. Because Malinda, who stares, beat her in everything; personality, intelligence, even beauty, so she’s particularly weak against her sister’s words.

“Well?” Malinda questions, getting her head right in front of Madelyn’s face.

‘Why did she need to come back now, why?! I hate you, I want to see you cry as I’ve cried! You always make me look small compared to you—wait, isn’t this is a perfect time?’ Madelyn realizes, opening her shut eyes to gaze into her sister’s, to begin her secret war with her. To make her fall to her pathetic knees in grief. To make her lose that which is hers to begin with. “I know, I’m horrible… I was even going to send her out in mere rags. I don’t even deserve to be called Honored anymore… I even… I even got so angry that I slapped Liriana…”

“Madelyn! How could you?!” Malinda screams with a recoiling body, looming above her again, to gaze down at the grimacing girl of beauty.

“I know, I should be imprisoned by the DLO for domestic abuse… They frown upon such actions and give the harshest punishment. Celyssa banned me from buying anything for a week, can you believe it, a week!” Madelyn moans, still sitting on the throne, but now she’s the one who plays an act of a guilty girl. “But I understand… I did a horrible thing… to my own dear Liriana, my handmaiden.”

“You’re indeed a vile little woman, to harm a handmaiden that’s so much younger than you…” Malinda turns her body away as she shakes her head. “I was going to introduce you to my lover, Xe’Reth, today, but now, I don’t even want you near him, ever.”

“I’m sorry, Malin, don’t hate me!” Madelyn cries, falling off the throne to grab Malinda’s plate leg as if she’s a child, clinging to it. “I’ve done wrong, so please, I don’t want to lose you! You’re my only friend…! Please!”

Malinda’s eyes twitch from hearing that. Yes, her only friend. Because Madelyn’s handmaidens doesn’t count. Except them, Malinda is the only real friend she’s got. None dares to come close to her since she’s arrogant to the lesser nobles, even the higher ones who tries their best yet ultimately fail.

“Friend? What kind of friend are you? No, you aren’t my friend, you’re my sister. And as such, I have a responsibility to look after you, that’s all,” Malinda says with narrow eyes, but her sinking lips tell of the pain of even saying such words because she loves her sister dearly. So much so that she spoke to Xe’Reth, a young man she didn’t know, to ask him for forgiveness on her behalf.

“Y-You don’t mean that!” Madelyn raises from the ground in shock, to be in front of Malinda, but her sister’s grimacing face with closed eyes indicate that she has won. Even a grin for a second reveal on her juicy lips. Then she hugs her sister. “Please, Malin,” she wails into Malinda’s ear, “I was wrong, I will make up for it, so please, don’t loathe me. I love you, I don’t want to be alone… Ever since mama and papa died, I’ve changed. B-But, I can become better, you just need to help me.”

‘Come on, take the bait sis…’ Madelyn strokes Malinda’s hair, trying to be as clingy of a sister as she can be. For Malinda always enjoy being the one who’s kinder, especially when she’s trying to win an argument against Madelyn.

Malinda’s arms soften, only hanging as she gazes to the main entrance where Taryna walks toward them. Why now? Why didn’t Taryna come along when she left the carriage? She wonders but her eyes travel to Madelyn’s blond hair that’s caressing her cheek.

Malinda laments as her plated arms coil her little sister’s waist while Madelyn grins as she too squeezes her embrace.

“All right, I forgive you… But only for the last time,” Malinda says while rubbing her head against hers. “Next time, I’ll slap you around, understand?”

“Mhm, I’ve realized my wrongdoings, Malin. I’ll even raise my cheek for your palm if it ever happens again!” Madelyn acknowledges, backing her head so she can gaze into Malinda’s half-open eyes. Even a gentle smile have sprouted on her lips. “I love you sister, I love you so much you’ve no idea.”

“Yes, yes, I love you too,” Malinda chuckles, giving Madelyn a kiss on her swollen red cheek, which causes her to wince in pain. “That is your punishment for doing such horrid acts. Never again, you hear me?”

“I hear you loud and clear. I’ll change, I promise… but…” Madelyn pouts her lips, averting her eyes, “but, can’t you help me buy things for me, now that—“

“Madelyn…” Malinda scowls but sighs while shaking her head. “We’ll see, but not at present because I have an important day and night ahead of me with Xe’Reth… You know… we’re going to have sex for the first time. And I’m very nervous about it.”

“Is-Is that so…” she pauses, then her expression contorts as her eyes start to water, “I’m… I’m… *Sniff* happy for you...” She embraces Malinda again, but the current grimace of sorrow change into that of a hidden fury. She had thought they already had sex. Seems that’s not the case. But, her streaming tears contain truth, relief, for she might still succeed in taking Xe’Reth because a unique being isn’t unique if it has been used twice.

“Madelyn… don’t worry, I’ll always be here for you,” Malinda comforts in a quiet and gentle tone, smoothening her little sister’s hair. Patting it, stroking it in a patient flow while they hold each other since she must be crying for her happiness surely? Smiling, she thinks that Madelyn repents for her actions, and that, that causes Malinda to pardon her so foolishly, for she forgives a vile serpent which coils her grasp around her pure mind.

“I’m so jealous of you, Malin… You’ve found someone to love… As always, I can never beat you in anything,” Madelyn says, remembering Xe’Reth’s words about Malinda being superior to her, which oozes even more loathe for her dear big sister.

“Oh, Lyn, you don’t need to be like that. Competing over such petty things…” Malinda pats Madelyn’s head, but gains full eyes, realizing what her sister had said at yesterday’s breakfast table. “Wait a moment, didn’t you also have someone you love?”

Madelyn freezes up. Her eyes, unmoving. ‘What should I say, what…’ Madelyn lowers her head as another sniff sounds out. She leans forward, her head on Malinda’s plated chest while arms clasp around her back. “I just found out that he… he already has a loveeer…” Her voice cracks, sounding out her woes for real this time.

“Oh, dear Mady…” Malinda latches onto her sister too. Throwing away her recent unforgivable actions. But she frowns while raising her lips, “Tell me who it is, Mady, and I’ll see to it that he will regret choosing someone else than you. No one plays a daughter of an Honored One, least of all, a Tertin.”

“I love him…” Madelyn cries with a tremoring chin and lip. “Why did he pick someone else…? Why… Malin…?”

Her shuddering knees turn to water, so she falls to the elevated floor as Malinda too follows with arms embracing her. Those cold plated but still warm arms. That warmth of a loving big sis who would do anything to ease the pain that inflicts her baby sister. They remain there, squeezing each other while Taryna just now comes below the few steps, staring with wide eyes at the scenery of her Miss and Lady Madelyn.

But she doesn’t interrupt them. She just stands a few meters away while her eyes stare at Malinda’s stroking hand which flows down Madelyn’s unflawed blonde hair. She’s crying, Lady Madelyn is in grief. Though why? Maybe something happened in the Citadel while they were away?

Taryna remains silent with one hand over the other on her stomach, tilting somewhat forward.

“Shh, shh. It’s okay, it’s okay,” Malinda comforts, cuddling her arms tighter to give Madelyn her utmost attention while tears river down her baby sister’s face. “Everything will be okay, I promise…”

Madelyn clings as a child to a mother, however, as she raises her head to gaze at Malinda with pouring eyes, she begs, “I don’t want…—Please, I don’t want to be alone. Malin, please, I don’t know how to contain myself… I’m so angry and… and… Uuh, uhh…” Her weeping continues. Real expression of grief, yet, a goal nonetheless is what she’s trying to reach.

“Oh, Madelyn… you’re certainly a handful today, aren’t you?” Malinda sighs as both of their eyes now stare at one another.

Madelyn. Her slothful and evil and utterly grimacing sister asks for help. Help which Madelyn knows, she’ll get. Because Malinda never declines her aid if it involves her family. Xe’Reth even managed to convince her to help the people of the slums, his people. She sent the letter to her mother’s friend to seek assistance since her knowledge of such business counts as zero.

“I know that you’re supposed to… spend your time with Xe’Reth today,” Madelyn begins with lonesome eyes piercing Malinda’s heart. “But, can’t I… spend some time with you two… so, well. So I can get to know him better. You know, to earn his pardon in… humiliating and extorting him…”

Malinda gains a frown as Madelyn lowers her head in shame. ‘I forgot all about it… She did do those things to Xe’Reth… Will he even forgive her? Ah, of course, he will. Stupid of me to think like that. I need to trust him more, yes.’

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry about what I did…” Madelyn whispers in anxiety, trying to gain back her stand from those lowered eyebrows which direct at her. “I know I went too far that time. But as I said, I want to change…!”

“Mm,” she nods and says, “Come, stand up,” as her plate armor resounds upon rising herself off of the floor. But Madelyn doesn’t have time to respond since she's being heaved up by her sister’s superior strength.

With flickering eyes, thinking that her sister won’t believe her plea, Madelyn’s face grows sadder. Her whole expression lowers. Mouth, eyes, and eyebrows, yet, upon gazing at Malinda’s beaming smile, her worries vanish in an instant. To be replaced by victorious success.

“I can’t let you be alone after telling me all of this…” Malinda grabs her sister’s head on both sides, so their identical azure eyes stare at each other. “Ahh…” she sighs, “I was going to spend the rest of my time with Xe’Reth today, but… But you… You shouldn’t be left alone. Not now, not ever. We’ll speak about the one you love later. However, for now, follow me so you can meet your future brother-in-law. Hehe… brother-in-law.”

Malinda swipes with a plated but underlining leather finger, so she removes the tears from Madelyn’s eye, while her sulking doesn’t change, it only grows.

“Now come, let’s go to my quarters to pretty you up a bit so you won’t look ghastly in front of… my lover,” Malinda tilts her head while giving a relaxed smile with loving half-closed eyes. “Come – and Taryna, I want my most stunning dress prepared for me. Go.”

“As my Miss commands of me,” Taryna obeys with a curtsy as she stands below the few steps. Turning right, she walks to the staircase leading up to Malinda’s wing… then she disappears to the second level of the Citadel… ‘I wonder what happened to Lady Madelyn. When did she get a loved one? Ah, yes. She did say something about it at yesterday’s breakfast table…’

“Ah, my sweet and beautiful baby sister…” Malinda says as Taryna reaches the head of the staircase. “Let us go. We should try to cover your cheek… but… it’ll be a challenge.”

Holding Madelyn’s hand with her gauntlet, she treads down the few steps, then leads her to the upper level without her even speaking. Only the silent rose petals which don't open, just being obedient while her head is in her scheming thoughts, ‘I should probably say that I’ve already met Xe’Reth… No, I’ll let him do the honor… hehe…’

“Madelyn, what has gotten you in such a happy mood all of a sudden?” Malinda asks with brows raising as Madelyn giggles without her even realizing it.

“Oh…” she stops in her tracks but goes in front of Malinda with a quick spin of her body to hug and kiss her on the cheek. “I just love you so much. Because you’re always there for me… while I only cause trouble for you and everyone around me…”

“Good thing then, that you’ll change your ways… Maybe even cut down on your ridiculous spending,” Malinda cuddles up against her sister, rubbing cheek against cheek, though this time, she spares the swollen one.

“Sister!” Madelyn shouts, pushing herself away from the armored she-brute. “Th-That is just asking for too much! Just think of the clothes and jewelry I’ll miss if I don’t keep up with the latest fashions and trends! What if some of the other Honored Ones comes to visit us out of nowhere? I need to keep buying! I just need to!”

“Hmm, is that so…?”

“It is so!” Madelyn barks, stomping her heeled foot on the floor while crossing her arms and her head whip up in utter stubbornness. “You never decide what to buy when it comes to dresses and cosmetics and trinkets. You’re a complete amateur in that regard, unlike yours truly…”

“Mady…”

“…I mean…” She lowers her head, “I’m sorry. I’ll try harder in keeping my foul mouth shut from now on…”

Malinda shakes her head, gaining a smile while exhaling, “Let’s go and tend to those eyes of yours. I don’t want you to be all horrid when meeting up with Xe’Reth. Maybe he’ll even let you take a peek at his mother…”

“His… his mother?” Madelyn gulps, remembering that she threatened Xe’Reth with hurting her if he doesn’t choose her over her sister.

“Mm,” Malinda nods as she slaps Madelyn’s shoulder, saying, “I’ll tell you on the way. Now come.”

……

…

In Theresa’s quarters, on the upper level, Xe’Reth looms over a table with a sheet of paper laid on top of it. It’s rather large with drawn lines indicating points of interests, which Xe’Reth has done.

He holds a quill over an inkwell, readying to dip it to continue with the sketching. But a sigh escapes from his mouth as he complains to himself, “That damned wall and tower have vantage points over Malinda’s garden… But if I keep the herbs growing here,” Xe’Reth points with the pen, “then the sun won’t be able to reach them…”

He pushes his hands into the table, to heave himself backward while spinning around.

He paces back and forth as he ponders of what to do about the Yran’Gilis. Because he must plant them before the winter comes. Sure, the herb can withstand the drop in temperature. But what he fears the most is if it gets too cold. The slightest breeze can crystallize the herb into dust. Destroying his batch in the process.

Theresa was in her usual foggy state. Neither recognizing nor remembering what have happened around her. She has been fed and cleaned. Her health, nothing out of the ordinary. She’s rather hale and hearty, which has Xe’Reth in a bright mood. But the current son who walks back and forth, eying his mother isn’t what one would call happy.

He still wears the same tight clothes of dark fabric. They bring out his masculinity, also his fierceness with those two lowered brows of darkness. However, as he ceases to move, he gets back to drawing, even gaining a smile on his lips. For he does enjoy a real challenge.

“Hmm, yes. Building a couple of covers on the side of the wall will limit the sight. And if I… well, if the tower somehow becomes inaccessible, then I won’t need to worry about trivial annoyances,” Xe’Reth explains, turning to gaze at his sleeping mother. Her groans have stopped. ‘I hope she’ll get better now that we’ve escaped the slums… The untainted air will…—!’

“That’s it!” Xe’Reth shouts but grimaces as he gains full eyes in reflex, staring again at his mother, but ultimately laments with a chuckle. “Mother… I’m afraid that you’ll be moving once again…”

Xe’Reth carries on with his garden design… Yet what worries him are the full-fledged servants. For they roam wherever they want if it’s their workplace. And the Citadel’s labyrinth and gardens are where some of them work. He needs to set up some kind of precaution so they won’t enter. But nonetheless, Xe’Reth puts it out of his mind since he must prepare for Malinda’s arrival. A servant had come knocking on the door to forward a message that she has come back.

“Rather a calm day today…” Xe’Reth sighs, turning toward the staircase. “But ugh, it really takes a lot out of me… All these niceties of being caring.”

‘I’ll need to make a list of all the names of the servants in Malinda’s wing so I can gain their trust. To make them like me as they like Malinda,’ Xe’Reth ponders as he goes to blow out the candles on the upper floor, then walks downstairs, to see to the fireplace which burns the wood to charcoal. ‘Though that servant who brought the news sure was acting strangely. As if she couldn’t keep herself in check from smiling.’

After poking the burning wood here and there, he walks to the large window beside the hearth to gaze at the scenery. His eyes go down, right and left, but what catches his eyes as he stares straight ahead – two servants. They’re in one of the empty rooms in Malinda’s wing, yet they’re only standing there in front of each other, staring into each other's eyes.

One in conflict. The other, trying to say something with saddened grimaces, gesturing with flailing arms. But the conflicted servant turns her back against the other while shaking her head, also gaining an even sadder expression.

Xe’Reth can’t hear them. However, their lips tell him everything.

“I… Love… You… huh?” Xe’Reth copies the words of the talking servant. He sighs again, shaking his head with a slight chuckle. “The servants are truly something interesting. So many of them turn to the same gender since they can never be with a man. Though, I don’t blame them. Being alone – never to experience the warmth of another can stir unwanted emotions.”

The servant with her back turned gains full eyes. She spins to hug the confessor, even giving a kiss since the speaking one was about to leave the room as she thought her love confession was unsuccessful.

‘I pity them… They’ll be used. So many of the servants will be used to further my current position. But time, time is on my side,’ Xe’Reth relishes with a smile. His eyebrows raise in shock. The two women are undressing each other. ‘Are they really going to…? So early? Don’t they worry about getting caught?’

They disappear behind the wall as one of the servant’s bosoms lay bare, which ceases Xe’Reth’s peeping show.

He shrugs at their boldness. But as he turns around, he narrows his lids with a frown, ‘Those two… They must be in their mid-twenties. And maybe they won’t stand for any threats? Though, loving another female – I wonder what punishment they get if I rat them out?’

Xe’Reth traces his finger on his lower lip, gaining a grin as he chuckles, “Though they’re a pair to shake a man’s heart. Many beautiful women here in the Citadel but only two ladies are what I need to focus on… Now then—.”

His head turns to the door with such speed, hearing faint footsteps on the carpet outside the chamber. They’re coming closer and closer from the direction of East. However, he sighs at his own alertness. He has always been to caution of intruders. Yet now, it can be a young servant to an older one. Not strangers from the slums. Nevertheless, the feet have stopped to move in the corridor, right by the double doors.

*Knock, knock*

Shaking his head to rid himself of useless thoughts, he strides to the door, then pulls down the handles to welcome whoever it may be with open arms. Even if it were to be his enemies, for he must have his mask of kindness on, and not off.

“Ah, yes… There we have him, the son of Theresa Quinery,” a woman says, bobbing her head and bending a knee to recognize Xe’Reth’s new stature. But the gentle smile on her lips shines so brightly. So bright that Xe’Reth does the same; bending his upper body with a hand placed on his chest. “Oh, oh, you know courtesies well? Yes, that’s for the best. We can’t have you being uncivilized in the presence of the Honored Ones. More so in the presence of our Honored Mistress, the rightful ruler of the Tertin line - Tertania. Namely, Malinda.”

With flickering eyes of bafflement, Xe’Reth becomes confused by the way of this woman’s speech. As if everything she says has already been decided.

“Oh, how forgetful of me – we haven’t met yet. I’m Ereanna, the Sanctuary’s Matriarch,” Ereanna bows again but follows up with, “And you’re my Mistress’ lover. Meaning, one day you’ll be the Master of this Household. But look at me talk – aren’t you going to invite us in?”

Xe’Reth looks over Ereanna’s shoulder to see two other women standing behind her, having closed eyes while they wear the attire of the Sanctuary. Much alike the handmaidens’ and servants’. And of course, all of them have bun hairstyles – complement of Tanya’s taste.

“Please, do come in,” Xe’Reth says, stepping to the side as his hand flows to the right to welcome them in. ‘Why is that woman here…? Did Malinda perhaps tell her to come, or Cerinn? Agh, I don’t like it at all.’

All three women step inside, one after the other. And as the door closes behind them, in the corridor further down the hall, Malinda peeks out to gaze toward where the three women were. But as none stands there, she waves her hand for Madelyn to continue to her chamber so they can present themselves to Xe’Reth in a more beautiful state.

“Why are we sneaking around for?” Madelyn asks, flickering her eyes down the hall in the direction of Theresa’s quarters. Then begins to walk east, to Malinda’s chambers. “I have this,” she points at her reddened cheek, “so why are you all jumpy – you’re more beautiful than me at the moment… So why?”

“Mmm… I don’t know why…” Malinda follows Madelyn while having her eyes toward Theresa’s doors. Moving with side steps. “I just want to be… you know. Be presentable enough. And not in this plate armor.”

“Mhm. You look like a brute with that armor on…” Madelyn says, shaking her head in embarrassment for her own sister. “At least wear something lighter to show some skin like my regular armor.”

“Sh-Should I…?” Malinda responds with furrowing brows. But shakes her head in disagreement. “No, I’m not like you sister, who can show skin to appease the crowd of leering men.”

Madelyn’s eyes go wide in shock. She spins around to frown at Malinda for saying that.

“I’m not some whore who spreads my legs whenever a man wants me to! I only do that to the one I love!” Madelyn shrieks with an upper lip rising.

“Wa-Wait, I didn’t mean it like that… I just…” Malinda says in defense, but her own eyes go wide in shock too as she scowls, making Madelyn grimace while backing away. “Mady… I may have forgiven you, but do not test my patience any further. Do keep your words to a minimum, so you don’t begin to throw tantrums.”

“But… But you started it…” she pouts with a lowered head while her eyes peek up at Malinda.

“Oh. Yes, that’s… that’s right… I’m sorry,” Malinda tries to smile but fails since she's rather harsh against her sister at the moment. But can one blame her? Madelyn beat up her own handmaiden, even tried to send out Cerinn out into the harsh world with nothing but rags.

“I forgive you,” Madelyn crosses her arms beneath her bosoms and raises her head with a single nod declaring.

With a head turning to Theresa’s quarters, Malinda sighs out in relief, then grabs her sister with an arm around her shoulder while smiling, “Come, let’s outdo every Honored Lady in the Kingdom! They’ll become stunned and jealous of us, the Tertin sisters. But don’t worry my dear baby sister. We shall find you a worthy man yet.”

“If-If you say so…” Madelyn’s head wilts, remembering that she’s supposed to be in sorrow from losing her unrequited love - her Xe’Reth.

“Ohh, don’t be sad, I’m always here with you, Mady,” Malinda snuggles up with her head on Madelyn’s shoulder as they continue to walk and walk and walk, side by side until they arrive in front of her double doors, which stands open.

As they disappear through the entrance, the silence of the corridor remain. However, as a few minutes pass, the closed doors leading into different rooms, open up as servants peek out to notice that nobody’s there. The servants leave their hiding places since Taryna ordered them to remain hidden until Malinda and her sister walked past.

Then as the women of all ages reside in the corridor, they begin to clean or go to their other various chores…

……

…

“Marvelous. What an extraordinary young man we have here,” Ereanna chuckles while smiling at Xe’Reth. Because he just revealed that he knows that she sent Cerinn to spy on him. Forfeiting Cerinn’s usefulness. But only Ereanna laughs while the other two seated women glare at him. “That little girl sure knows how to make someone want to throw her out, for insubordination.”

“Heh, please do forgive her. I kinda made her reveal everything as I… Uhm, well, threatened to throw her out myself if she wouldn’t talk,” Xe’Reth snickers, waving away Ereanna’s thought of throwing Cerinn out of the Citadel. “She’s rather loose-lipped if her life is on the line. Not a girl for spying, to say the least.”

“I knew it, he’s with that snake of a woman!” one of the other women shouts, pointing her trimmed finger straight at Xe’Reth, who’s on the opposite side of the table. “We… We must—,”

“Are you stupid and blind girl?” Ereanna snaps, scowling at the Battle-Maiden, who’s wearing the Sanctuary’s attire and not the Battle-Maiden armor. “Can’t you think for yourself for once? He has only said that he knows that we spied on him and that he’s a little sinister. Nothing about him being in league with that serpent, Celyssa. Now be quiet and sit still.”

The Battle-Maiden’s head sinks to a dangerous level as Xe’Reth’s chuckling voice resound, “No harm done. But really, I have to say – you coming here, was something I didn’t expect, and so soon.”

“Is that so…?” Ereanna turns to Xe’Reth, raising a gray brow in wonder.

“Indeed,” Xe’Reth nods, “I thought you would wait a bit so you could hear from Cerinn of how I’ve acted. But sadly… I’ve been beaten by you, Ereanna. So, what brings you here, ladies? Come to marvel at the man in black, or simply just… make contact?”

“Both. Because you’ve become the talk of the century in the Sanctuary. A young man gaining the heart of one such as my Mistress, and having black hair and eyes; repairing the Sanctuary’s main gate while earning awe from women who has never seen a man before; stopping Lady Madelyn’s cruel hand in throwing out a poor young servant… And… fighting with words against the Madam of the Tertin Household – making her scream at you – making her so flustered that she escaped with her daughter to eat in her own room. Truly, someone worthy of attention.”

Ereanna’s hand movements fly around as she speaks, and the pure life in her eyes show how much she has been waiting for this moment. Someone that’s worthy enough to support. She has waited and waited for a man such as Xe’Reth. Xe’Reth, who isn’t with anyone, he’s neutral without having fangs imbedded in him.

“However, what worries me, dear Xe’Reth, is that you have been living a somewhat dangerous and wicked life until now… Which we cannot allow any longer…” Ereanna says, growing grave; her hands clasp together, her elbows situates on the table, and her eyes peer at him in perfect clarity. She doesn’t smile, but the way she gazes at him with those veteran eyes of hers, causes Xe’Reth’s own eyes to go wide in worry.

“Our Mistress, Malinda… isn’t as bright as people might think. She reasons with her heart – her emotions. Not with her head,” the last woman finally speaks, unbuttoning a satchel to take out a ripped off insignia of an attire belonging to the city guard. She places it on the table, sliding it forward for Xe’Reth’s eyes to witness. “You know who it belongs to, yes?”

Xe’Reth becomes silent as he stares at the emblem. His mouth opened; his eyes, full of terror.

‘I… I am finished…’ Xe’Reth lowers his gaze, grabbing his tights as teeth clench.

“You were careful indeed, boy… But… did you honestly think that a person such as our Mistress, would only have a single handmaiden around her?” the woman asks, shaking her head with eyes pitying Xe’Reth for his well-earned effort. “No, is the answer, boy.”

The woman gets off of her seat, to walk around the table to be beside Xe’Reth, putting her hand on his shoulder while making him twitch in surprise.

“Unfortunately, boy, we aren’t as gullible as our Mistress. But we are patient and understanding,” she lets go of his shoulder, to pull out the chair that’s next to him. She sits down while tilting her head to gaze at his hidden, dire expression. “That said, I would like you to answer me this… is killing easy for you? Taking a life, or more like, ordering the death of someone?”

While listening to their planned interrogation, Ereanna sits unfazed, staring at Xe’Reth as he lets out a tiring sigh. He turns his head to glare at the woman next to him. A lady of her middle-years. Around forty, but a fierce beauty nonetheless. She does have the Sanctuary’s uniform, but the muscles of leanness can’t be hidden from Xe’Reth’s eyes. She’s strong. But no weapons. Neither have the finger-drumming Battle-Maiden that sits beside Ereanna.

“Well, answer me,” she urges, meeting Xe’Reth’s glaring stare with ease.

“Killing is… It’s a simple act which can be done swiftly without pain, or it can be done slowly with excruciating agony. It all depends on the situation. One’s own emotions. And what’s needed to be done to survive,” Xe’Reth rambles with his glare piercing the woman’s eyes. “To answer your question – yes, I find it easy to kill. But I only do it if I really need to, as you might’ve already guessed.”

“Justifiable,” the woman answers in an instant, nodding her head in satisfaction.

“Xe’Reth dear,” Ereanna says, making Xe’Reth turn his attention to her. “We mean you no harm as long as you follow our orders and rules. And they aren’t hard to follow.”

“What kind of orders and rules?” Xe’Reth snarls. He can’t even keep his frown in check since he has been had. Such carelessness on his part, because never would he’d thought that Malinda was being watched by someone else than her handmaidens. Where were the watchers? Why couldn’t he hear or notice them? It pisses him off that he could be so easily played… again…

However, apparently, they mean no harm. They want what’s best for Malinda and the Tertin line.

‘Let me test them a little bit…’ Xe’Reth sighs out in defeat as all three women blink with their eyes at the sudden exhale.

“Well, they’re simple, dear Xe’Reth,” Ereanna continues, having a brow raised at his unexpectant calm appearance.

“Firstly – you must be faithful to Malinda. If you sleep around... with Madelyn, we’ll end you. And I mean that we’ll kill you.”

“Secondly – you must give Malinda a daughter as an heir so she can be put as the head of the family. More than one would also be highly recommended. Sons are somewhat unwanted. Only females, for males, they’re much harder to handle and are useless to the Tertin Household.

“Thirdly – you must join the City’s army, the Ebon Wall’s Middle Gate, to take over as General when Lord Maldoran steps down years from now.

“Fourthly – you must never seek power beyond your current and future position as the husband of Malinda.

Last but not least, fifthly – you mustn’t betray any of the Tertin supporters. We are many in numbers – more than you think. We hear everything, we see everything, we are everywhere. Remember what I’ve said, Xe’Reth Quinery.”

“Any questions or complaints? We can consider changing some rules here and there if it’s too demanding,” Ereanna says, relaxing her whole body. “Please, do reveal your thoughts.”

“Number one, two, and fifth I’ve no problem with,” Xe’Reth begins, having his head high and gaining a smile on his lips to show that he ain’t beaten yet. He’s rather interested to hear about who followed him… And who dug up the fat slobs’ brother’s grave to rip off that emblem. “But… number three and four. Well… me joining the army have already been arranged by Maldoran.” His smile becomes a leer, “Surely you’ve already heard… old lady?”

“What your mouth!” the Battle-Maiden barks, but Xe’Reth answers in an instant, “Can she please leave, Ereanna? She’s interrupting me. It’s rude.”

“Rude?!” she stands up, slamming her palms onto the table.

“Leave. Now,” Ereanna says. Nothing else, just her scowling eyebrows which direct at the Battle-Maiden.

The Battle-Maiden’s eyes shudder upon gazing at those sharp daggers, causing her to leave the room with haste, not uttering a single word of complaint. With the doors closing behind her, the two women sighs out in embarrassment.

“Do forgive her, she’s—,”

“—much alike Taryna Orilldera,” Xe’Reth cuts in while glaring.

Both of the women recoils a bit, becoming confused as they stare at each other.

“Xe’Reth, why bring her up? Has she done something?” Ereanna asks, growing worrisome since she hadn’t heard anything about a quarrel, other than when Malinda was in Taryna’s presence.

“I thought you said you have ears everywhere? That you see everything?” Xe’Reth smiles while gazing at the old lady in front of him with downcast eyes. But before she can answer, Xe’Reth interjects, “She threatened to hurt my mother. I want her dealt with, or I’ll reveal that she’s a lesbian to Malinda, which will damage their relationship as Mistress and Handmaiden.”

Ereanna’s head whips to the woman sitting next to Xe’Reth, asking, “Why haven’t I heard of Taryna’s threat, Annettria…?”

“Someone wasn’t keeping a constant watch to overhear them talking to each other it seems,” Annettria says with a frown. But with a headshake, she continues, “She’ll be handled, boy, and we know of her taste in loving the same sex.”

“Mmm… is that so?” Xe’Reth purses his lips while holding his chin. “Many women in the Citadel seems to be lesbian, are you two too?”

“Have something against it?” Ereanna asks with a smile.

“Not at all, but you should restrict such activities,” Xe’Reth says, jerking his head toward the window where the two lovebirds begin to cover their bodies since they have had their fill for today. Rather a quick toss in the hay. Making the vantage point clear as day for Ereanna and Annettria, even if the distance is somewhat far.

However, as both of the lovers goes to the window to look out at the garden courtyard below, one stares straight across to witness Xe’Reth, Ereanna, and Annettria sitting at the table in Theresa’s quarters. One woman leaning forward because Xe’Reth’s in the way, yet her frown can’t be unseen. The other, covering her face in utter shame, while Xe’Reth smiles with closed eyes, being rather pleased with their sudden appearance.

*Whistle*

The door to the corridor opens up to reveal the Battle-Maiden, who’s having a grimacing expression as usual. She asks, bowing, “Yes, Gran Ereanna?”

“Take care of those two! They’ve been practicing forbidden acts – now go!” Ereanna barks for the first time as she erects a pointing finger. The embarrassment of witnessing those girls when she’s trying to have a serious conversation know no bounds.

“Ah…! Those…—!” She storms out the double doors as she slams them shut, to circle all the way around to the corridor which leads to the ballroom.

“The Citadel has interesting people indeed, Ereanna - but I’ll have to disappoint you by saying that I won’t obey the fourth rule, order, whatever you call it. Because I have my own goals, which I want to achieve on my own. And I won’t have anyone meddling, least of all, some old woman who thinks she can bend whoever she wants to her will,” Xe’Reth declares, making the woman next to him sprout a rather engaging smile. Ereanna, too, smiles but begins to chuckle at his forwardness.

“And what goals are those, if you don’t mind me asking, dear?”

“I do mind. I’ll not speak of it more than I already have. Though I do wonder… who followed Malinda and me around, and how is it that you seem to know everything about me?” Xe’Reth asks, placing his elbows on the table as he holds his fisted hand with the other below his chin.

“Boy, you do not need to know. As a matter of fact, we won’t tell you. However, know this, we’ll be ever-watching. Though I’ll give you a hint of what to expect in the Citadel. The walls have ears,” Annettria reveals, still smiling at him.

Xe’Reth’s eyes widen, raising from his seat to stare around the room for anything out of the ordinary. And there, a shaft on the left side of the wall with metal bars. He doesn’t mind the sitting women as he goes climbing on a desk to reach the channel of air.

Jumping, he grabs the metal bars while a whistle sounds out from Annettria in praise.

He presses his ear against the cold metal, closing his eyes, listening for whoever eavesdrops on their conversation. As he lingers there with feet on the wall, he hears the vibration of something, but he can’t indicate what sound it is.

“How is the Matriarch's conversation goin—?”

“Shh, shh…”

Two voices ring into Xe’Reth’s ear. He now knows what kind of instrument they’re using. Some sort of ear trumpet, going down to wherever the eavesdroppers reside. The mouth of the device hides a bit further down the shaft, making it so that if someone like Xe’Reth were to search for such a thing, he wouldn’t find it. Only the voices which ordinary people might not catch now lie silent as Xe’Reth jumps down to go sit in his chair.

‘Dammit. I only thought they were used for air circulation between the different rooms… Damn,’ Xe’Reth curses at his own stupidity. But the thought of them overhearing about the garden, makes him gain full eyes, asking, “Is there one on the second floor too? I don’t remember seeing one…”

“There is one,” Ereanna answers, tilting her head to inspect Xe’Reth some more. ‘Never would I’ve thought that this young man is the mastermind behind the hideout in the mountain. The man cloaked in darkness who controls the escaped criminals. Hmm, though the DLO informant was vague describing Xe’Reth.’

“Boy, I must ask. How in the world did you manage to form such a band of criminals under you? And where are they now?” Annettria asks leaning closer to Xe’Reth.

Xe’Reth recoils as he responds with total confusion, “Wh-What do you mean by that…? I don’t follow.”

“Dear Xe’Reth, no need to hide it. We know what happened in the east mountain valley,” Ereanna chuckles with a finger going side to side.

“S-Still, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Band of criminals? I was alone in my garden. Other than me, the DLO agents were there. They hunted me, but I managed to beat them using various tricks that I’ve made… using the Yran’Gilis,” Xe’Reth begins to explain, not bothering to hide anything…

……

…

“Indeed, Xe’Reth dear, we’ve gotten information that was false it seems. Our watcher lost sight of you when you began running with such speed… But you and Malinda have talked about healing… fast. What is that about. Don’t try to hide it, you’re supposed to be a torture victim. However, you’re as healthy as ever. People don’t heal so fast – now out with it,” Ereanna demands, being rather grumpy by the informant's wrong information.

Witnessing Xe’Reth’s lowered head, Annettria places her hand on his shoulder, saying, “Boy, we only want what’s best for our Mistress, and of course, for you too. So tell us, why do you heal faster than regular people?”

‘So careless… so fucking irresponsible of me. To have them know - dammit. Dammit! Curse them all and those eavesdroppers!’ he clenches his teeth, grimacing as his mouth begins to open. Are they truly his ally? No, of course not. He can’t trust them. He can’t trust anyone. He can only trust himself. “I don’t know how I regenerate faster than others. I was just born with it. That’s all I know of my enhanced affliction.”

“Hm, is that so…” Ereanna purses her lips while drumming her fingers. “But who’s your father? We have found no information about him. And we know our information, Xe’Reth dear.”

“H-He died when I was only a newborn is what my mother told me. Killed when the first layer of the middle gate was destroyed. He was a soldier,” Xe’Reth says. His gloomy expression display as Annettria frowns in sadness, stroking his back as if she’s comforting him—No, that’s exactly what she’s doing. Making him feel secure, making him want to speak more. Why does he feel so sick to the stomach? He doesn’t want to talk about such forgotten memories.

“We’ll come back to you about that. And your mother, she’s inflicted with the Fire-Brand disease…” Ereanna says, straightening to sit as high as she can while her proud guise catches Xe’Reth’s eye, making him raise his head to stare at her. “What if I told you we know who released that hideous disease upon the people. Would you join us? Pledge your allegiance to the Tertin family? To suppo—!”

She cuts herself off with a rasping gasp as her eyes grow full in horror. His stare, as if death wants to come and take the living soul out of her. Even Annettria’s hand recoils in terror, feeling the pure dread beginning to brew inside the room.

Xe’Reth stands up to gaze down upon the old woman in front of himself. His eyes, wide. His mouth, eyebrows, and his whole expression calm. Only those eyes of obscurity pierce her old mind, making her utter out as if she can’t do anything else, “X-Xe… Xe’Reth, please. Xe’Reth dear, calm down.” She shakes her head in pain with a hand covering, “Please, calm dow—!”

“Who…?” Xe’Reth asks, leaning forward with palms on the table. His eyes have dilated to be bigger, peering into Ereanna’s. “Who I sai—Guh!”

Annettria kicks Xe’Reth’s left side, causing him to topple down on the floor rather hard since that kick had her full power behind it. However, she gasps with hands covering her mouth as she realizes what she has just done.

“I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that…” she says but stares into those shadowy globes. She asks with slight fear behind her shudder, “B-Boy… what are you…?” Though as her eyes travel to Ereanna, they widen in even more shock. “Matriarch!”

As Xe’Reth lies there on the floor, by the fireplace, he gets up with a groan, touching his sore rib. Never has he felt such a blow before. ‘So that’s what it's like to get a real kick. I must be careful around her. Ugh, hope nothing broke…’

“Matriarch, Matriarch! Are you all right?!” she yells with extreme worry while also gazing at Xe’Reth out of reflex since he did cause this, somehow.

“Whew, that… Ahh… That proves something indeed,” Ereanna puffs out, breathing heavy as she waves away the worrying Annettria with a flick of her hand. “D-Dear Xe’Reth, you almost gave me a heart attack. Please refrain yourself from… whatever that was… Though now I know you have some power in you – magic perhaps? Well, at least something.”

“What do you know about magic?” Xe’Reth mutters as his whole life lie in ruin. They know every single thing, so he just despairs over his own failure with hands covering his face while elbows press on the table. But as he almost forgets about what Ereanna said, he jerks his head to peer at the old lady who smiles at him. “Who was it that spread it? Tell me.”

“Celyssa’s family, of course, who else?” Ereanna says as if it’s obvious. But she has no real proof, only a theory. Yet nonetheless, her mind have already made up her conviction that the ones who caused it was the Bradinox family. “Let me tell you what happened here in the Citadel those years ago.”

“Everything was blissful. Our Mistress and Master both tending to their own duties; my Mistress, the City, my Master, the army. Lord Maldoran, he followed his father’s teachings even though he was old enough to take the mantle of General. Lady Madelyn, being as slothful as ever, while my Mistress, Malinda was tending to her own duties as Maldoran did. But then came the disease; the City was closed off.”

“The different layers were heavily guarded so the sickness couldn’t come through to the Citadel’s outer grounds. Yet somehow, the disease managed to inflict two people – my Mistress and Master. None other, only they succumbed to its horrible illness. I still blame myself… however, the food, the drinks, nothing had been brought in since the disease took hold of the City and in the Tertinum domain. Nothing! But… they gave our Mistress and Master the disease through poisoning. They poisoned them right in front of my eyes, and I didn’t even notice it!”

“The nerve of the perpetrators…” Ereanna growls, forming fists as this topic does get her emotional. “The nerve of Celyssa and her villains! She poisoned them, she caused your mother's disease! Her and her disgusting family! They must pay for their genocide with their own blood!”

“So you plan on murdering them then?” Xe’Reth interrupts rather unmoved by the unveiling. His head turns to the window. Those two lesbians have run away ever since the Battle-Maiden ran out the doors, so they didn’t manage to catch the little brawl.

As he awaits for Ereanna to stop considering whether she should reveal her real intent or not, he ponders himself about this news. Though the way of her speech, Xe’Reth knows she means business.

“Can I count on your allegiance, Xe’Reth dear?” Ereanna asks while heaving with her arms to stand up, to get higher ground than Xe’Reth.

Doing the same as Ereanna, Xe’Reth stands up; his height exceeding hers. And with a hand forwarding to her, she copies with a wrinkled hand squeezing his as Xe’Reth says, “I understand. You have my allegiance if you stop calling me dear, old woman,” adding in his mind, ‘at least for now they’ll be useful… Can’t really anger them.'

“Done and done,” Annettria says, being very pleased by Xe’Reth’s willingness to comply.

“By the way, how far does your hand reach exactly?”

“Her hand reaches far enough, boy,” Annettria answers for Ereanna, once again sitting next to Xe’Reth, to inspect him up close. “Our Sisterhood is—!”

“Anne!” Ereanna retorts for she’s revealing too much.

“…Are you two from a cult or something? For the Sisterhood is a religious organization which the Divine Queen commands,” Xe’Reth says, but as Ereanna chuckles at his knowledge, he can’t help but chuckle too, “Heh, I guess it was formed by your former Mistress?”

“No, not by her. I would say more than hundreds of years back, though we’re ever-growing through the collection of children from the orphanages around the Kingdom. Oh, look at the time,” Ereanna cuts off with a smile as Annettria stands up. “I thank you for giving an old woman your time. It has been pleasant to speak to a young man such as yourself. And I do hope we’ve gotten through to you enough. However, we’re going to give you time, a lot of time. But, Xe’Reth, do give Malinda a daughter, will you?”

“May the Divine Queens bless my seeds for a good harvest…” Xe’Reth prays with arms outward to wait for a miracle to shine upon him. But with a laugh sounding out, Xe’Reth nods his head, “I’ll bed her tonight, so, expect news soon.”

“Boy… Sigh, nevermind,” Annettria says but stops, shaking her head in dismay. She moves to the double doors to wait for Ereanna, who paces around the table with slow steps because this has been her hardest day in awhile now. She’s drained.

“We’ll be seeing you again soon, or if you need anything, shout down a shaft, hehe. And do not try to tell Malinda, otherwise we would need to dispose of you,” Ereanna laughs as Annettria unseals the doors, but Xe’Reth gains a somewhat victorious smile as it stands open.

“G-Gran! Wha-What are you doing here?!” Malinda as beautiful as ever shouts with Madelyn and Taryna behind her…

Thanks for reading!

Oh, I'll put out a character sheet in some days(pushed up), so do expect it to be full of spoilers from Chapter 1 through 36.

The Citadel, the City... Wonder what lies beneath it, hm? :>

Anyways, voice your thoughts/or if there are some grammar thingies that needs my attention/or if you just want to comment in general!

Have a wonderful day/night/evening/morning. :D

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