The Undying Love

Past noon, Maldoran gallops up to the Citadel, but he isn’t welcomed. Instead, he witnesses with his two lowered eyebrows a pair of armored love birds twittering at each other, throwing kisses back and forth while standing on either side of the portcullis; two of his soldiers with their shields and spears holding in one gauntlet, throwing kisses with the other one.

Though upon noticing the menacing armored stallion and plated giant riding toward them, their eyes shudders as the woman heads with quick and nervous legs straight into the gatehouse to signal the Citadel’s servants to open the entrance for their Lord and General. For those two soldiers are stationed here because every single one of the city guard was gathered up, however, some slippery bastards managed to see through the gather up and escaped with their lives, to leave the City, to find some sanctuary that they can hide out in.

“Fo-Forgive us General…” the man stutters, walking up and beseeching Maldoran with his most elegant forward tilt of his upper body. “It… It’s our anniversary. We were going to return home, but the order came yesterday night… so right now we couldn’t keep ourselves in check. It won’t happen again I promise.”

“…Keep your loved ones close,” Maldoran says with an unexpectant smile on his lips. He can’t show his current furious emotions starting to take hold of his heart. “I’ll look the other way for today, but next time I won’t be so forgiving, understand?” He winks with one eye to show that he doesn’t mean anything by what he says.

“Y-Yes, General! Thank you for your generosity!” the soldier shouts in complete surprise yet with overwhelming joy. His whole expression lights up as if the Goddesses themselves smiles down at him. Never has he seen his own General be so lenient to someone not taking their duty with utmost seriousness.

“I’ll return through here soon enough, so be ready for it. And congratulations on your anniversary; after the business on the field has been concluded, do take a well-earned vacation. It’s on me,” Maldoran smiles as the grinding of cogs lifts up the massive portcullis in front of him. With a “Ha!” Maldoran digs his feet into his stallion, making it gallop forward and into the courtyard, leaving the man there as his wife returns to be by his side.

Her expression beyond worried for what punishment they got for lacking in their guarding duty. But her husband throws away his spear and shield to the ground to lift her up while spinning. His laugh declares his joyful mood, causing her to also let go of her gear, to plant her plated bosoms on his head, coiling her arms to hug him.

…

With Maldoran’s feet crashing on the cobble of the courtyard by the main stairs leading up to the front doors, he scans around him. Nobody. Then as the double doors open up, a heavy breathing servant hurries down the stairs to welcome him with a curtsy since his arrival isn’t expected.

“H-Honored Lord, we didn’t know you were coming back so soon…” the servant says with heavy breaths. She mustn’t have had must training in her youth for she’s around thirty, though with an alluring slender body. Though the bun hairstyle catches Maldoran’s eye.

‘One of Malinda’s servants huh?’ Maldoran thinks, looming over the woman as he utters with a growling tone, “Where is my wife? Has she left yet?”

“Y-Yes, Honored Lord, she left a while ago with your daughter and their handmaidens and a couple of servants…” she peeks up to catch his expression, but she startlingly averts her eyes since his frowning eyebrows and down curved mouth tells her of his utter displease in being too late to return.

He turns to start walking back and forth, thinking, ‘Should I go back to the field or tell Malinda and the boy that they were right? That they were so correct..?’ He stops as he returns to his spot in front of the eye-following servant. Crossing his arms and raising a brow, he asks, “Where is Malinda and the boy…?”

“They…” she pauses with a biting lip, “I, I don’t know…” She lowers her head in shame since she’s just returning from the laundry room and hasn't gotten the news of Malinda’s whereabouts yet. For all the servants washes the clothes in the same place, down in an underground room where running water supplies their every need to use all kinds of soaps and fragrances. “But I think they’re either in Mistress’ quarters or in Theresa’s quarters…

‘Theresa’s quarters…?’ Maldoran raises a brow wondering who Theresa is, but it wallops him, ‘Ah, of course, it’s the boy’s ill mother. Though what a coincidence that they have the same name.’

He ponders for a couple of seconds if he should really tell them or not. However since he’s already here, “I’ll find them myself, return my horse to the stables. I’ve vital information that I need to give to both of them.” And with a wave of his hand, “Now away with you. Tell the stablemaster to remove the armor, then feed and brush him.”

The servant’s expression winces, tilting to the side as her eyes go wide at the neighing monster behind the already massive giant. She hasn’t even been trained in horses, not even touched a horse before. And Maldoran wants her to take that proud stallion of the finest breed to the stables? But before she can beseech him, he stomps past her to climb the stairs. Her mouth shudders while tracing him with her eyes, but no words escape from her moist, rosy lips.

Turning as slow as she can to not startle the beast, the horse’s hooves clanks on the cobble as it begins to move in calm steps. Homing himself to his very own part of the stables where he gains the luxuries he needs. The finest hay, the mares of his choosing, and the scrubbing, oh that cleaning of his belly and back because he has had a rough couple of days with his master since he goes where ever he needs to go.

Following the stallion a bit further away, the servant is astonished by this animal’s mind. To actually find its way home all by itself. ‘Amazing… are all horses like this… Though I‘m not going anywhere near it. Never ever never.’

……

…

In Malinda’s lounging room at the dining table where they had eaten their breakfast in the morning, Xe’Reth, who has his black clothes fitted on his body, sits next to Malinda, who wears a revealing tight trimmed black dress, a low-cut dress that shows Malinda’s lower thighs. Her legs, covered in thigh-high socks in a dark color too.

Her dress is sleeveless to display her slender, well-trained arms. Her bosoms beneath poke out with a v-shaped cut, and her face prettied up but with no lipstick. Even high heels hide underneath the table. But she regrets having them on because she’s now higher than Xe’Reth if she were to stand up.

And Madelyn still wears her same dress she wore when she met Malinda by the thrones. Though her makeup, thick on her face, especially on her reddened cheek; dark eyeliner, powder, and a light red color stains her lips, for she’s indeed in Xe’Reth’s presence, which makes her want to show off her beauty.

A pair of the highest standing ladies on either side of the table; Madelyn alone, and Malinda sitting beside Xe’Reth, gazing at him with a grateful smile, even blushing innocently. Because they’re sitting rather close to each other, coiling their hands because Madelyn isn’t showing any reaction from what they’ve been doing. They’ve secretly given kisses, whispered to each other, gaining full eyes and wide mouths from all the secrecy, and just pure romance at work.

Madelyn is as quiet as she can be, though Xe’Reth knows why. It’s because of the old lady. The protesting girl was dragged away when they left and returned a couple of minutes later.

Even though shouting voices came from the corridor, Malinda wasn’t able to catch it with her ears, but Xe’Reth did, and oh what resourceful that granny can be. To actually charm this cobra sitting across from them right now. But he’s rather pissed that they knew of Madelyn’s threat… Who spied on them? The guiding bath servant perhaps?

Madelyn’s eyes haven't even dared to make eye contact with Xe’Reth yet, which causes Malinda some trouble. They did a quick introduction when Madelyn returned from being cussed out, but it was only a hello from Madelyn and some sweet talk from Xe’Reth. Complementing her, telling her whatever she wants to hear, which made Malinda happy.

“Madelyn, I know you’re in pain, but cheer up, okay? Eat something, it’ll help take your mind off of him,” Malinda says with squinting sad eyes on the opposite side of the table, putting some sliced salad into her mouth while still clamping onto Xe’Reth’s hand rather tightly. She can’t bear having her sister being so sorrowful.

“Has something happened…?” Xe’Reth probes, kissing Malinda’s now raised hand for good measure with a smile blessing his lips, making his lovely maiden sigh out her worries.

“Malinda… don’t…” Madelyn whimpers and pouts. It’s as if Xe’Reth and she hasn’t even met yet, for she’s acting so awkward.

First, she thought she could keep up her little act of trickery, but now after that old hag revealed her little threat, she doesn’t have any leeway and doesn’t know what to do next, her mind is in turmoil. She’s frightened so much of Malinda getting to know everything.

She lets go of Xe’Reth’s hand to rise and walk around the long rectangular table to sit next to Madelyn instead. She forces her to lean on her bosoms, stroking her loose hair gently as if she’s the mother figure now.

“Her heart has been broken Xe’Reth…” Malinda begins, hugging Madelyn tighter. “A man took advantage of her feelings… He chose someone else than her! Can you believe it?!”

“What…?” Xe’Reth gains full eyes, then with sweeping hand gestures, he praises Madelyn, “But you two are the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen in the Tertinum domain. That man certainly is mad for not choosing your sister…” He smiles toward Madelyn, “Commander, don’t be in grief over a mere man, for you can choose whoever you want. You simply need the courage to confess since I’m wondering if you even did it? Or did you just keep your feeling to yourself? Did you bare your emotions to the man?”

“Madelyn…? Did you confess to him…?” Malinda asks with a tilting head, peeking down at her sister.

“I did… but… but he just gave me a disgusting look and left me there without giving a reply…” Madelyn says with a shaking voice, almost tearing up from the lying.

Malinda scowls as a click with her tongue resounds, voicing out her utter displease. This bold man who dared hurt her dear innocent sister, she wants to beat him up to show how pathetic of a man he really is.

“Don’t worry, I’ll always be here for you… always…” Malinda whispers, lifting her chin so their eyes meet. “We’ll find you a man worthy of your love instead of that man who doesn’t know what he just lost…”

“Mm,” Madelyn nods, still not being able to make eye contact with Xe’Reth. He does smile, but a smile can mean two entirely different expressions. That of happiness, or that of mocking. Though which one he uses, Madelyn knows.

“I’m sorry, she isn’t usually like this… I wanted to be alone with you for today, but I can’t just let her be alone…” Malinda apologizes to Xe’Reth, who flaps his hand, responding with a gentle voice, “Anything to ease her pain.” But, his eyes widen; a creaking hinge resounding out in the corridor. A hinge he fixed to sound out before coming here. He didn’t lock his mother’s doors this time, for he wants to catch anyone who tries to get to his mother.

He gets off of his chair in a quick fashion, beginning to walk toward the double doors while saying, “If you’ll excuse me, I forgot to lock the doors to my mother’s quarters. Be right back.” He then escapes through entrance, without waiting for their reply.

……

…

With the doors behind him closed, Maldoran scowls around the room; nobody in sight. He sighs out as he turns around to head out the doors again, but he goes alert. A whine. A voice coming from the upper level.

‘The boy’s mother…?’ Maldoran raises a brow, curious about how she looks like. He turns his head directly down to the carpet beneath him, “I better not… But…” his head travels again to the upper level. “They won’t know if I take a little peek, right?” His feet moves toward the stairs, and as he reaches the foot, he places his plate boot on the first step. He groans with eyes closed, thinking that this isn’t such a good idea after all. Though with another hmphing groan, he ascends the stairs. And reaching the head, his eyes catches a woman lying there on the bed a few meters in front of him.

He squints to get a better look, but it’s too dark. However, the light from downstairs does shine in through the openings that overlook the lower level.

Another whimpering resounds from the woman’s mouth, causing Maldoran to move closer and closer until his eyes are completely open. Theresa’s bandaged body is on full display. The cover has been tossed to the side from all the moving. The remnants of the disease, scar her whole body. Newly revealed burn marks have also begun to show. And the body of an utterly thin woman lies there in a degrading way all sprawled.

Almost as old as himself, he guesses.

“Dear Divine Queens…” he says with a grimacing expression with his pair of eyes full of horror in them. An expression of pure sorrow, for he recognizes the disease all too well. An illness his parents suffered. Though with his voice sounding out, he introduces himself even though she’s in a deep sleep with nightmares plaguing her, “So you’re the boy’s mother… Theresa was it? A beautiful name, and it is a pleasure meeting you even under these circumstances. I’m Maldor-Maldoran… Ter…tin…”

He stops his voice from speaking any further, having his eyes fixated on a particular spot on Theresa’s face. Kneeling down, he looms over her to be so close that it’s almost as if he’s going to kiss her. But the darkness reside in this room, making his eyes not work as well as he likes.

With squinting eyes peering at that spot under her lip, he throws himself backward, slamming hard into the table behind him as a loud banging noise resounds from his plate armor and rattling of equipment getting spread out onto the floor. His breath, in conflict. He’s breathing as if he has run a thousand miles with full speed. And with his gauntlet clutching at his heart, he sits there on the floor while gawking at Theresa.

With a gulping throat, he gets off the floor to once more be beside the bed to stare at her. Then with a lip starting to shake, he asks in distress, “How… how could this be? T-Theresa… Oh, dear Divines…” His voice trembles for it’s indeed the woman he loved those many years ago, a woman he still loves even though he’s married to Celyssa.

Those seventeen years ago, he searched for her, he wanted to know why she left all of a sudden. But all Maldoran could find was the little information that she had given to her own General. Her full name, her former address, and a funeral arrangement which Theresa didn’t stay for.

She didn’t stay for her own mother’s funeral.

Theresa was mad and wanted revenge, so setting out into the Kingdom, Theresa searched for the villain. Her father that had abandoned her when she was little. Leaving only her mother who couldn’t even take care of herself because she had an illness of her own that made her so that she couldn’t work. Her father had left enough money for ten years of living. A meager sum that Theresa had to scrounge out of to even be able to keep her mother alive.

A mother who died in Theresa’s shaking arms. A pathetic and sorrowful way to go.

Even since she joined the army, she was able to live a life not worthy of begging. Though the life of her mother, she couldn’t save no matter how much money she had. A similar disease regarding Theresa’s current affliction. Her mother couldn’t get off her bed, she couldn’t do anything by herself, even her memories disappeared, and her body stopped functioning so Theresa couldn’t for the life of her, feed her regular food.

But Maldoran got to know the reason why she left, even though he straight up lied to Celyssa, telling her that he didn’t know Theresa’s name when in fact he knew it all too well. A name he wanted to be found, yet gave up on it years ago. He even knows of Recina’s relationship with her on the battlefield.

Friends-in-arms.

“Theresa… why did you change your last name… I could’ve found you… To save you from this—,” he scowls at the sudden thought of another man touching her, giving her a child, Xe’Reth, but he throws away such childish thoughts of purity immediately. Not caring about it. As long as she’s alive, everything will be all right.

However, shame strikes him hard.

Here he sits on his knees thinking about a long lost love when he has his own wife and child.

In front of him, Theresa whose body is beyond repair. Sure, getting some fat and muscles on her would enchant her appearance to her usual self. But those scars can never be undone. The disease too; no cure, nothing to save her from this horrible fate.

Maldoran has unconsciously taken ahold of Theresa’s quaking hand, holding it tight, giving her the will to continue. He wants to cry out in joy for finding her, but nothing about this is enjoyable. She’s sick with the Fire-Brand disease, an illness that kills everything it touches.

As a shuddering sigh escapes from his mouth, he does a headshake to rid his mind of impurities.

“To think your son have kept you alive… My sweet, sweet Theresa. Heh,” he chuckles with his mouth rising to form a grateful smile. Even boldly kissing her hand, for he can’t help himself from the joy that circulates in his heart. A pleasure he shouldn’t, no, he can’t have… but he wants to give this woman his all.

All of his emotions are battling inside him. The deceit that Celyssa has stirred, the truth from Malinda and the boy. His blindness in guarding the City against any who seek it ill. And his precious daughter. Ah, his Merissa. He does love her to his last breath, but in the back of his mind, he has always wanted an heir – a son to take his place as General when it’s his time to resign. A boy he can train to become the greatest of them all. Yet he only got a daughter out of Celyssa.

Before when the battles of the Ebon Wall were many, almost every week, he sought Theresa out on the red grass of war. Since he wasn’t in charge of a squad then, he could witness the beautiful maiden with her dual swords, cutting and thrusting and slicing her enemies with such technique.

Her plate armor was pitch black, fitted tightly on her slender and long body. Showing off all her lean curves which he worshiped profusely. Maldoran was addicted to watching her fight. So much so that sometimes he had gotten too caught up that his own opponent almost got the better of him.

Specifically on the day that the first layer of the middle gate was destroyed.

Such a massive battering ram was brought forth from the Forest of Scarlet by the enemy, and no matter how many boulders hit it from the top of the Ebon Wall, it just kept on going while being supplied with fresh enemy soldiers, to grind its giant wheels forward.

The Ellenorian army thought that they were ready for it, they had time to prepare, but every combat decision they made were wrong. That battle lasted for over a month. The enemy, innumerable. They came in droves. A hundred thousand every wave, every day.

The bodies stacked so high that it became a mountain by itself, two mountains on either side of the grand battering ram, for it was free from corpses since the enemy carried away the dead, flinging and stacking them on the sides.

The Magicians of the Kingdom watched as thousands upon thousands of its Kingdom’s soldiers died without giving the needed aid. A spell to destroy that battering ram. But no such spell was cast. The scarlet grass fed on the blood, and as it fed, so did the enemy. Without food, without anything with them. They became cannibals, eating their own dead to stay alive, drinking the blood, causing them madness. Only death awaited them because there was no retreat.

Either the enemy committed suicide, or they did their best in taking the Ebon Wall. The majority chose the latter.

Maldoran had searched for her, for Theresa on the battlefield when it was his father’s army’s turn to head into the fray. He split from his teammates. To do whatever it takes. He wanted to be by her side. But, no matter how long he fought, he couldn’t find his Goddess. Day after day, retreat after retreat.

Was she dead he had thought in turmoil.

However, as he was too deep in enemy territory, beyond the battering ram, he caught a glimpse of a sprinting shadow among the warring soldiers, only leaving death where the shade ran. And there she was, as beautiful as he remembered her to be.

He had never seen her face before, only the visor of the helmet that hid her beautiful appearance, surely? Though at a second notice, her attention turned toward him. It was as if she recognized his love for her. She waved a sword at him while his own fantasy took him out of combat for a couple of seconds.

She sprung as fast as she could at him, baring her dual-wielding swords, slashing at enemies that were in her way, vaulting over allies to reach Maldoran. But he was too trapped by her beauty. She dug her feet into the ground to sprint to him, to save him from the incoming horde of slaves behind him.

Her voice was a blessing to him, but a warning, “Maldoran, my Lord, run!”

It snapped him out of his daze. He stood with his back toward the Forest of Scarlet a few kilometers away. Turning, he gasped out in terror while taking a step backward in fright as he and his fellow soldiers of the wall started running for the middle gate to get through the shield barrier of troops.

“What is wrong with you, are you completely out of your mind?!” she shouted through her helmet while running beside him, being out of breath, “What... what if I didn’t come and get you?! You would’ve gotten run over!” But all he could do was smile beneath his helmet. Giving her whatever response she wanted.

Then after hundreds of meters, they escaped through the Ebon Wall’s small passage. They began to walk with each other instead of running. Both of them were safe.

She had to apologize for her rash words, “Do forgive me, but what exactly were you doing back there? You stood as if in a daze… Haven’t you been in numerous battles before…? Young Lord?”

He couldn’t respond, for she had just taken off her helmet to show off her flustered red cheeks and puffing mouth. His legs were weak, his heart pumped madly, and his breath under his helmet gave away his current excitement. To actually had her standing there with blood dripping off of her sheathed swords and armor. Her helmet was under one arm, awaiting his response.

“But it’s good that you’re safe and sound…” Theresa gave him a gentle smile with one hand placing on his shoulder, “We can’t really have the Tertin household loose their only son, now can we? Mm.” Nodding she turned to all the screaming and shouting further down the passage.

All the soldiers were crowding up to make them squeeze in a tight formation, though Maldoran and Theresa were in a corner, getting his plated chest against her bulging one. In the process, his heart pumped quicker. Her face was so close, so beautiful, causing him to turn his helmeted head away in embarrassment.

It felt like an eternity for him, however, as the soldiers vented out through the passage to charge out into the field, Theresa remained there for he had his arms around her. He hadn’t even known of his own act until her voice said, “Young Lord, everyone has left… It’s time for battle again… Young Lord…?”

“F-Forgive me… I, I didn’t mean to… do that…” his words trailed off. What did he mean by, I didn’t mean to do that? Of course, he expressed his reversed emotion, but it was an unconscious act of wanting to keep her close. For if he were to let go, he might never again meet her. What if he had confessed right there and then? Might he had gotten through to her.

He just needed to swing his power to make her his woman surely?

But he did let go, and she waved goodbye without uttering a single word.

His greatest mistake of his life.

…

“Ahh… you’ve lived your life with this disease, and I didn’t even know it… my love…” Maldoran sighs with a sad smile, removing traces of hair from her teary eyes. “What am I even doing… If the boy were to see me here with his mother… he would probably think of me as some kind of brute who does whatever he wants…”

“Isn’t that exactly what you’re doing, Maldoran?”

He gasps aloud, turning his head to the stairs as his eyes widen, ‘When did he…?’

Xe’Reth is leaning at the rail overlooking the stairs, peering with his abyssal eyes directly at him. He has stood there for some time now. The double door’s squeaking hinges were easily fixed to not make any sound when he sneaked inside to catch every single sentence that Maldoran uttered.

“B-B-Boy…!” Maldoran shouts, letting go of Theresa’s hand, also standing up as if he has done something worthy of death.

“Shh…” Xe’Reth silences with an index finger, in turn, a grimace from Maldoran declares as he gets out an, “Ah…” as he rotates back to Theresa, checking if he disturbed her. But with a sigh, his eyes widen.

Maldoran stands up so quick that it takes Xe’Reth by surprise, removing his leaning elbow on the rail to be straight with arms crossing, though his dark peer doesn’t change. He’s watching him, waiting for him to explain himself. However, Xe’Reth got every piece of information he needed. Maldoran knew his mother, and he has a love for her that he can’t really put together.

‘The witches will probably hear what we say if the eavesdroppers are down there…’ Xe’Reth’s squinting eyes travel to the metal-barred shaft above the bed, right under the ceiling. ‘Though… if what Maldoran said is true… he once loved my mother. Dammit, to use my own mother… Dammit!’

“I… I’m sorry, Xe’Reth, my boy… I shouldn’t have—“

“—kissed her hand? Wiped away her hair strands? Coming in here unannounced? Not knowing what you would do to her…?” Xe’Reth says in such a vile tone. His eyes, deadly; his brows, lowered to get it through this oaf’s head that what he was doing was wrong.

Maldoran startles himself, “No, no, no, I would never harm your mother, Xe’Reth, never… I… I once loved her with all my heart… Even though I was unable to get my feelings through to her. Heh, I was so shy of women back then. It makes me kind of jealous of you, Xe’Reth. To actually be at this age and handle women without an ounce of shyness, as if you’re a player…” He chuckles, thinking of how pathetic he was back then. The only thing he got from Theresa was an unintentional hug, which he unconsciously forced.

“So I did hear you right…” Xe’Reth confirms yet raises a brow to try the water, “But you don’t anymore…? Love her that is?”

“B-But of co—“ he interrupts with an averting head, gaining full eyes and clenching teeth at his obvious choice of words. “…I-I have my wife, Xe’Reth, and it has gone seventeen years since I last saw her. She was a maiden many wanted, and I guess she did find someone to love… your father, at some point after the middle gate’s destruction…”

“After the destruction?” This time, Xe’Reth becomes wide-eyed. That doesn’t make any sense at all. His father died when the middle gate was destroyed, not after. “That can’t be true because my mother said that he died when the battering ram was finally demolished – pinned beneath all the rubble. And she wasn’t even part of that battle. She was at home, nursing me since I was recently born…”

“What…? No Xe’Reth, she was at the Ebon Wall that horrible day… I witnessed her myself – she saved my life from being run over by the slave horde. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be standing here right now, speaking to you,” Maldoran shakes his head, remembering clearly when she took off her helmet in that narrow passage. “See, under her lower lip. Those two tiny birthmarks. I can recognize them anywhere. She’s Theresa Vaethren; thirty-eight years old. Her only remaining family, you. Her mother, dead. Died from a disease that is hereditary. Most of the time at least. And her father… Couldn’t get any information on him sadly.”

“Thirty-eight…?” Xe’Reth says with shock on his tongue and a slightly open mouth. “No… no that’s wrong – she’s turning thirty-seven…”

“…I’m afraid not, my boy. I’ve investigated her whole life when she disappeared right after that horrible day.” Shaking his head, he continues, “Twenty-two years ago, she registered herself into the regular army belonging to the Ebon Wall. She was sixteen, too young to join the army at the gates, but because of her General, a woman I know, she let Theresa join even though her age wasn’t eighteen. And as she turned twenty-one she just went up in smoke,” Maldoran recalls as if he had seen the reports just yesterday.

Those reports, he burnt them when he married Celyssa. To start a new life. To forget his broken heart. Yet with his head turning to stare at Theresa, his emotions grasps hold of his heart, making him grimace in sorrow. ‘You didn’t need to leave, Theresa. If only you stayed after your mother died, then, then I might’ve noticed your grief.’

Xe’Reth’s head moves in minute movements, so does his lips, trying to figure out why her mother would lie, ‘So she got me after the middle gate’s destruction? But that would make me… not seventeen but sixteen… maybe even fifteen…? No, definitely not fifteen since I did gain an awareness earlier than a normal baby would.’

“Xe’Reth my boy, are you all right…?” Maldoran asks, stepping forward to put his hands on his unmoving shoulders. Xe’Reth did get tortured yesterday, so of course, Maldoran is still worried about his health. He can’t give more reasons for her dear sister to kind of hate him. That gripping of Xe’Reth’s hand yesterday still goes around his brain. But, the boy in front of him seems absolutely fine. Only slight vertigo from the sudden news.

“Yes… I am… I am all right,” he responds, drawing out the words in slow tones. His eyes meet Maldoran’s while he forces a smile. “To actually think you know my mother… Such fate… Yes... fate,” But his dark globes goes alert, remembering where he is at the moment.

He can’t miss this chance.

Ever since Xe’Reth got the information about Celyssa’s involvement in spreading the Fire-Brand disease, he has thought of maddening ideas, insane ideas even. For her family must surely have a cure, right? To rid his mother of this burning affliction upon her body. If they have a cure, and he can find it, then all the merchandise that Tanya will bring back will be for naught. And now what better way to gain Maldoran’s trust and friendship… to slowly get him to love his mother than to love that vile snake. To draw the Lord away from his wife so he can easily divorce her when the time comes.

Xe’Reth wants Celyssa and her family destroyed, but he can put aside his revenge for Celyssa, only Celyssa if she were to confess her involvement, which Xe’Reth will get out of her by any means necessary. He must be extremely careful from now on. Though he has wondered if the old ladies can listen in on Celyssa’s conversations too, however, he had just shrugged it off, removing it from his already busy mind.

If he has to become even more of a villain, he will run the Bradinox family to the ground – revealing their every secret, every murder that they’ve committed, and of their disgusting techniques. Because their reputation extends to their extensive knowledge in medicines, producing them too to become filthy rich. Though having a daughter as an Honored One also helps them gain customers.

A dynasty stretching a couple of centuries, nothing compared to the Tertin line which is over a millennium.

But he has thought, should he perhaps tell Malinda or Maldoran about what he had heard from the old lady? Well, he would certainly be dumb if he did that. Because why does he need to reveal himself, can’t he just pull the strings behind the curtain? To become the shade that Malinda told him about in secret, away from Madelyn’s snoopy presence?

He must also take Malinda up on that favor she promised him, for they whispered to each other so Madelyn couldn’t catch any of their secrets. She swore that she’ll do whatever in her power to get the ebon bears back since he said that they’re like family to him.

To buy them before they are sent to the Capital to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. So much has happened, but so little time to respond. To think that those DLO agents lied about their find. To fabricate that a criminal organization actually ran that hideout in the east mountain valley, when in truth, a boy built it from scratch.

Xe’Reth dug out the waterways, he built the fences and the shed, and he planted the various flowers, which some he risked his life for, especially the Yran’Gilis flower, for it was so dangerous to even gain a sample of it.

A mere boy cloaked in darkness; the Ghostly Shade. No face, only the found arrow which can’t be traced back to him, because the arrowheads he bought is used by all kinds of hunters and archers of the wall. But, those two sibling agents that Malinda briefly spoke about… He must come up with a soundproof alibi. Though the boss’s corpse had already been dug up by the old lady’s spies, or at least Xe’Reth hopes so.

Xe’Reth must take care of those men who came with their boss then they raided his home, too… But little does Xe’Reth know that they’re actually on the training field with all the other city guards. Awaiting their trial to be sentenced. Will they reveal what happened? Or will they keep it quiet? Xe’Reth can only hope that he scared them enough.

“Don’t worry Maldoran…” Xe’Reth raises his mouth to give him a grateful smile, “I will keep your secret about being in love with my mother…”

“…” He doesn’t reply, only flickers his eyes in surprise.

“It’s just that I’m grateful to you and Malinda… Both of you care so much about her… It’s just too good to be true,” Xe’Reth turns away, almost ready to cry fake tears. But his vessels are already dried up, only dust that awaits to be reversed back to its watery substance so he can actually cry out his real sorrows.

With an oiled up plate arm stretching out, making almost no noise, Maldoran puts his gauntleted hand on Xe’Reth’s shoulder. “You’ve had it rough, haven’t you, my boy?”

From such little words, Xe’Reth’s emotions stir immensely. To hear it from a man such as him, Xe’Reth can only secretly grin inside. Though his guilt tugs at him. ‘I’m just horrible… But no matter who stands in front of my goals, they’ll either be pushed to the side, or they will step willingly away from my path, to follow or run as far as they can to escape me… Heh.’

“Do not worry, my boy,” Maldoran squeezes his shoulder to give his own strength to him, “If you ever need anyone to talk to, I’ll lend you my ear. Anytime you want, just come and find me…” His eyes go wide as he gasps, “Ah!” remembering that he completely forgot about the city guard. “Xe’Reth! You and Malinda were right! The city guard has… Ah, I’ll tell you all about it… Come, let’s sit down in those chairs…”

……

…

“What’s taking him so long…?” Malinda wonders, blinking excessively while biting her lower uncolored lip, combing her hair in worry. “Did something perhaps happen to his mother?!” She jumps from her seat, but Madelyn grabs her arm, dragging her back down on the chair.

“Malin, how about I go get him instead…?” Madelyn suggests all of a sudden, having a new air about her. “I… I mean… If he’s going to become my brother-in-law, I might as well exert myself to get on his good side—not that I already am of course… Didn’t he say that he doesn’t hold a grudge against me? You remember him saying it, right? Right, Malin?”

“Mm,” Malinda nods with a sigh, bowling her sister’s cheeks in her palms to give her a kiss on her forehead. “All right. It’ll give me time to make some arrangements for tonight… Hmm, keeping him busy for ten minutes will do, can you do that?”

“Yes!” Madelyn shouts in absolute joy, standing up from her chair to bend forward and hug her. “I’ll keep him busy for as long as you want me to!” Then with her lips touching her cheek, leaving a red lip smudge, she heads straight out the doors in such quickness that it takes Malinda by surprise.

Her eyes and mouth, open to the fullest. Though as she chuckles at her sister’s liveliness, she travels with her head to the silent-as-night servants who also chuckles with their Mistress, as if they’re just going along with the mood. But deep down, they hate her sister. They know of her personality, so witnessing her being so silent and pitiable, brought them joy, even though it’s something Malinda would punish them severely for.

“Why hasn’t Taryna returned yet?” Malinda asks with a growing frown that only descends further and further down, which snaps the servant’s actions into play; they bow while standing at the wall beside the door to the right where Madelyn went out; the first one apologizes with, “I don’t know, Mistress. I didn’t even know she had an appointment with the Matriarch today.” While the other says, “Though… Gran did have a frown on her face as they went away… Maybe she did something?”

“Hmm… I’ll have to speak to her when she returns…” Malinda answers, moving her mouth side to side with her frown still embedded in her expression. “Enough! Onto the task at hand. I want everything prepared for tonight. I want it absolutely magical since it’ll be my first time with Xe’Reth. Candles lighting in a peaceful way, incense that will calm Xe'Reth and me down for our conjoining, and… lubricants… I don’t really want it to hurt since Xe’Reth does have… *Cough*.” She blushes, and so does the other two, giving each other open-mouthed smiles. “Ahem, where was I…?”

“You were…”

“I know where I ended, no need to reply,” Malinda whips her head up to pucker her lips.

“But…”

“Ah yes,” Malinda remembers, ignoring the servants’ words in a playful tease, “Bring also wine, red wine, I kind of liked the taste of it and it’ll get me to calm down also.” She then starts to count on her fingers of what supplies she wants for her night of pleasure… or pain…?

…

With Madelyn reaching the double doors, her head turns both ways before going in. ‘No one… Heh, Xe’Reth will get a reckoning for telling that old wrinkly mummified body! He’ll know despair like he’s never felt before!’ Then stepping with a high-heeled foot through the opened doors, she lowers her head to sneak inside to make as little noise as possible.

On the upper level, though, Maldoran was about to shout out about who it’s, but Xe’Reth’s finger pressing on his own lips told him to be quiet, and he has been quiet.

Xe’Reth whispers with a tone that makes it as if they’re at the moment doing something wrong, “Maldoran… Stay up here until I’ve left with whoever came in, then meet me at Malinda’s quarters. Because that person shouldn’t see you in here, being with my mother, right…?”

Though nobody would think of such a silly idea, that Maldoran is here for Xe’Reth’s mom specifically. But for Maldoran, he nods his head like a good brute, seriously thinking that someone might catch that he loves Theresa, so he ducks down low as Xe’Reth heads downstairs with a smiling nod returning back to him.

However, with Madelyn’s acid voice declaring, “Xe’Reth?! If you’re up there, come down immediately, now!” Maldoran’s expression turns extreme, gawking at Xe’Reth’s back while he descends as calm as he can be, not minding the order from his youngest sister. But he remains seated on the chair he spoke about before, having his elbows on his plated knees with cupping hands covering his mouth.

“Ah, yes… There you are… you fucking traitorous mutt…” Madelyn growls as she strides as fast and as loud as she can, raising her hand up in the air, then whipping it down on Xe’Reth’s cheek, causing a sharp smack sound in the chamber.

Her glaring eyes mean business, now more than ever. She must have him be an obedient dog that doesn’t betray her. And with a licking lip, as her hot breath escapes from her mouth, she snarls, “You dare tell them about my threat…? Do you even care about your disgusting mother, ha?! Ha, do you?! For if you ever do something like that ever again, I’ll have her stripped and tossed down from the highest wall of the City! To have her displayed for what she truly is, a fucking whore that birthed such a disobedient mutt!”

Xe’Reth doesn’t respond; such an unemotional expression. It’s completely relaxed, for a mere slap to touch his cheek, is nothing compared to what will come of it.

Rubbing her red hand to ease the pain, Madelyn’s eyes narrow to glare with such anger but with such longing. Even licking her lips some more to sate her endless fury. ‘I’ll have him begging for forgiveness when I’m through with him… Maybe I should do it now…? Now when he’s alone, instead of doing it after they’ve done it? No, he’ll easily get away… I need my handmaidens to keep him restrained…’

Though as his slightly tilted head returns to be straightened, he grins with such satisfaction, such victory, for his back is turned towards the stairs. He will enjoy this greatly. Threatening his mother…? He can care less about this pompous girl. All he needs to do now… well, it’s left to be seen…

“W-What…?” Madelyn asks, taking a step back from his sudden leer. Not being as obedient as she wants him to be. It causes her to clench her teeth in even more fury, to spit out her disturbing thoughts, “How dare you! I’ll really have your sick mother murdered if you don’t obey me! Do you hear me?!” Taking hold of his collar, she screams with her all, “I was the one who wanted you first! Not my sister! Me! I was first! And whatever it takes, you’ll be mine, even if I have to imprison you! You will be—“

*Boom!*

“Ah…!” Madelyn sounds out a startling yelp. “What was that… is someone…” Her eyes go wide instantly. And with Xe’Reth’s grin in front of her, she tilts her body so the staircase is in clear view.

Such a loud cracking of wood from upstairs.

But as the stomping noises declare, Madelyn’s lips shakes in fright. She has messed up again. Though with a “Humph,” escaping from her mouth, she toughens up to glare at whoever comes down those stairs. Then with the banging of plate on wood, her eyes catch a large plate boot, then another one. Too large for any servant, someone Xe’Reth brought in? Does he even have any friends? However, the further down the person stomps, the further Madelyn’s mouth opens up.

Her whole body freezes up, letting also go of Xe’Reth’s collar immediately, even taking steps back with her head lowering.

She recognizes that gleaming dark armor which descends, and with Maldoran in plain view, she starts having a panic attack; her breath exhaling and inhaling in such a rapid speed; her body begins to shake, and her eyes have such terror in them. Her brother has heard everything. All of her words that she uttered, words worthy of imprisonment. She chokes when trying to speak, even having problems breathing now.

“Madelyn…” Maldoran calls with such a rumbling voice, “You… You… How dare you?!” He stomps his foot on the floor, cracking the wood as his heart crumbles. “How dare you?!” he yells again, wanting answers, but he already knows those answers. “Have you fallen to such a depth…?! Answer me, girl!!”

Madelyn shrinks with hands defending her face from his loud voice, having zero strength to speak.

Maldoran too shakes with quaking lips rising and lowering to show his grinding teeth. His muscles contort as veins ripple on his forehead and neck, turning red as he bellows out, “You’ve gone too far this time sister! To actually threaten his mother with murder?! How could you…? No, how dare you be so vile?! How in the Divine Queens’ names have you become as such!? Answer me Madelyn! Don’t think for one second that you’ll escape punishment… No… You won’t escape… You need a proper and real punishment this time…”

“No, no, please brother… I didn’t mean anything by what I said… Please…” Madelyn whimpers, walking closer with small steps, but she shrieks away as he grimaces in anger, glaring with such disgust. Never has her brother given her such a look, not even to the city guard.

“Yes… this is my fault… My own fault for letting you live with such a depraved mind… Ah…” he cries out, “Mother! Father! Forgive me…!”

Maldoran’s eyes turn to the floor, even watering up as if he speaks to his dead parents. But with a slow gaze traveling to Madelyn, he begins to growl in a dark tone, such a menacing expression of lowered brows, narrowed eyes, and a shaking, teeth-clenching mouth.

“You… I’ll put you on the front line of the Ebon Wall for your crimes against this poor boy’s mother… Yes… No need for you to be a Commander anymore…” he says, speaking of such madness on his tongue. “I’ll have you trained ‘til your body breaks, ‘til your mind changes for the better. I’ll have you slay our Kingdom’s enemies to atone for your horrible ways! You’ll never have this boy’s love, if that’s the last thing I’ll do, that I promise, you little wench! No more free time, no more slothfulness, no more enjoyment, you’ll become that which I choose you to be!”

“Wah…? No… Noooo…!” Madelyn moans with a shaking head, refusing everything, but with eyes turning to the doors, she dashes while screaming, “Nooooo!” almost stumbling to the floor because of her high heels.

She runs right out the doors, not even looking back, but she doesn’t sprint toward her wing. Instead, she turns to Malinda’s chambers.

With Madelyn disappearing out of sight, Maldoran howls, “You can run, but I’ll find you, you ungrateful little girl!” Maldoran’s personality has turned a hundred and eighty degrees into pure fury, throwing away his own dignity to catch this sister of his. “You should’ve turned to me sooner… If I had known that you are Theresa’s boy… I could’ve… Ah, come with me! I’ll have you be by my side when I bring her to justice in front of Malinda, for she must know of Madelyn’s threat and feelings for you, come!”

‘Oh dear… I had hoped that we didn’t have to bring Malinda into this… but judging from his vindictiveness… guess I can’t evade it any longer… Though seeing those flailing arms of hers, heh…’ Xe’Reth sighs with a smile as he too follows behind Maldoran’s stomping boots out the doors. ‘Guess I need to put on my saddest performance yet… I’m sorry Malinda… but I’ll have to break your bond with your dear sister…’

“Ah, she went into Malinda’s chambers!” Maldoran shouts, pointing at Madelyn as she gasps at his booming voice, then closes the doors behind her, even locking them since they’re made to have an easy-to-lock mechanism with a turn of one’s wrist on the inside.

…

“Madelyn, what’s the matter…?” Malinda asks, sprinting out from her dressing room with a pair of wide eyes, “I heard someone shout… What happened? Where is Xe’Reth? Was that brother’s voice?” She bombards her with questions, while Madelyn runs to hide behind her, to hug her waist as she falls to her knees.

“H-Help me Malin… They… They…” she can’t get out her tremoring words, even tears start to run down her cheeks, staining Malinda’s low-cut dress with mascara.

“What do you mean…? What happened?!” she tries to bend down to comfort her, but a big *Bang* hits the door after the handle doesn’t work since it’s locked.

“Madelyn! Open this door right now!” Maldoran explodes on the door, and with such impatience, he takes a step back as his whole strength gets put into his leg, to throw himself forward to have his boot connect between the doors’ handles.

Since the door is supposed to go outward, the entrance cracks asunder from his sheer strength, blasting the door inward as wooden pieces fly and with new dust spreading everywhere. With his whole body inside, he catches Malinda standing there with the shriveling girl behind her, clutching onto her for her dear life.

“Brother!” Malinda screams, removing her covering arms from her face to glare with such spite. “Have you gone crazy?!” And with Xe’Reth walking up behind him, she makes eye contact with him. ‘Wha… why does he look so sad…?’ Malinda’s eyes moves down, just her eyes as she freezes up, peering at those arms around her waist. ‘What have she done now for brother to be this mad…?’

“Crazy? Crazy?! Of course!” Maldoran roars, wooshing his gauntlet to point directly at the shaking Madelyn, “She has done something unforgivable and needs to atone for her horrible sins!”

“Nooo! Malin, don’t listen to him! Don’t listen to him! Don’t!” Madelyn cries, tugging at Malinda’s dress in such a desperate manner. “They will lie! Everything they say will be a lie! I didn’t do anything wrong! I dideeent…!!”

Her tears pour out from her eyes, resounding hiccups from her throat. Malinda’s waist and back quivers from Madelyn’s shaking, but with her reluctant gaze going to her brother, she stutters, “W-What… What did… What did she do…?”

“Noooo!” Madelyn howls out her last ounce of self-respect, to turn into that of a crying child. “Noooo! Nooo! No! Ahhhh! Ahhh!!” She desperately tries to stop any words from being spoken, though, with Maldoran’s booming vocals resounding, her whole body shrinks even more.

“BE QUIET GIRL!!”

……

…

Thanks for reading!

I think I see a storm heading toward the City, moving closer and closer... with every Chapter... xD

Ah, poor, foolish Madelyn, to be caught by her own brother so easily. And I wonder what Madelyn meant by what she thought... *Grins* :gwake:

Don't forget to voice your thoughts! Or tell me of mistakes you find! It helps!

Until... next time...

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