The Trickery of Love

Blasphemous words.

The speech of betrayal to his deceased wife is what Jessica just uttered. Marriage? What marriage? And the Matriarch agreed? Agreed to what? What is this hag even talking about?

Reconon has retreated, standing a couple of meters away beside a red-curtained wall in complete bewilderment, while Jessica, she still has her risen curves on her cheeks, savoring this moment. Her chuckle echoes in the corridor. She has gained so much ground in just two days. Two days of scheming. A scheme that has worked brilliantly in her favor.

“What are you cackling about…?” Reconon chokes, averting his eyes from her. But gazing back with scowling loathe, he barks, “Explain yourself, woman! What is this about… About our marriage? I had already declined you decades ago!”

“Now, now, don’t get upset. It isn’t good for your health. I’ve just stated the truth. In exchange for keeping Madelyn on a leash, they’ve given me you. Simple, isn’t it?” Jessica says as she stands up to walk over to him, to place her hand on his plated chest. Sighing out, “You’ve no idea what I can do with Madelyn at my fingertips. Maybe influence her to be more… Ambitious? To reach for something like… Head of the family? Madelyn and Lady Malinda has almost the same education. But Madelyn… Oh. She is much more headstrong than her sister. Much more if she sets her mind to it – if she has something to fight for.”

“And what about—“

“Our marriage?” Jessica interrupts, shushing him with a finger on his lips. Though her voice grows cold with old anger. “You chose your wife long ago. While I… You threw me aside after… After everything I gave you… My body… My heart… Even my soul. I… I would have killed you and your wife back then if it weren’t for Matilda, my Mistress. She knew everything, about our relationship, yet you… After that whore had swayed her hips at you, opened her legs for you! You went into her arms. While throwing me to the side…! You… You are a cruel man. That you are.”

“Then why would you do this?” Reconon asks while grimacing with such an expression of confusion.

He had used her. He was foolish. A young man exploring a Citadel of women. While Jessica, she was a young handmaiden under the tutelage of the heir to Tertinum.

Being the child of the former Battle-Master and Battle-Mistress, Reconon was brought in when he turned twenty. Their deaths happened long ago since they got him in their forties. They even had the same house that Recina grew up in.

As Xe’Reth, Reconon was something spectacular in the eyes of the servants. He was a young male in the midst of thirsty women. Though none dared to come on to him since their fright and shyness exceeded to such a height. However, handmaidens were a whole different story. Jessica enjoyed his company, so did Reconon with her. So their relationship formed away from prying eyes.

Since Jessica had permission to leave the Citadel to go on errands, she would visit his house to spend time with him… as adults. Though what she didn’t know… was that another person had caught his attention.

Jessica was still in her training phase in the Sanctuary’s Sanctum, so she didn’t have as much time as she would’ve liked, considering all of her other duties of being a handmaiden to Matilda Tertin. The time went. On and off they would meet. But on an off day, she caught them sharing a bed. A woman she knew, someone she respected. A friend. A fellow handmaiden to the Great Mother herself!

Jessica had been with him for a year! A year! While that woman, she had seduced him within a week!

…

……

“Mistress! Please don’t make him choose! Please, don’t!” Jessica had begged Matilda while being by her side, tugging at her dress. Her tears, staining it.

“J-Jessica…” Reconon called with regret. He was kneeling to await his sentence in front of influential people in the giant throne room.

He had several eyes on him at that time. His two lovers. His parents. His old Lord and Lady Tertin. And many handmaidens. While the young heir, Matilda, she ultimately had the final words since it involved her handmaidens.

Matilda’s own mother, she watched with amusing eyes as her daughter sentence her handmaiden to sorrow. To learn from her lack of knowledge. Yet Matilda knew of her handmaiden’s infidelities, but she just let her have her little fling. However, to learn of her other handmaiden having an affair with Reconon. That was a surprise. She wasn’t informed by her mother about that.

“The one you choose is the one you marry, adulterer. You’ve already desecrated this Citadel with your presence by polluting two of my handmaidens. I should castrate you for your treachery…” Her narrowed eyes had wandered to the kneeling Battle-Master and Battle-Mistress who could only beseech her by showing their utter shame of raising such a disgraceful son. “However. Since your parents are the definition of loyalty to our family, I’ve decided to let you choose your wife. But, if you can’t choose, I’ll have to abandon them; throw them out of the Citadel. Now choose.”

Reconon with grieving ache had gazed at Jessica. But his pointing hand was not aiming for her.

“I’m sorry that I led you on, Jessica… But… I don’t love you as I love her. Forgive me… Forgive me…”

……

…

“You had wounded me. You abandoned me for that strumpet. Yet the reason why I’m doing this is so that instead of her waiting for you in the Divine Sky… I’ll be the one to join you, not her. I won in the end, hehe. The reward comes to the patient. And you will comply. Otherwise, I will turn Madelyn against the Sanctuary. She has a fortune almost equal to Malinda, even after her excessive spending. With it, I can destroy the Sisterhood. Reveal everything I know,” Jessica threatens as she grins, caressing Reconon’s silvery hair while he just keeps on grimacing.

He knows that Ereanna can’t eliminate this woman, for she has subordinates that can keep Jessica’s fire burning after she’s gone. Too much of a hassle to exterminate so many servants. “But we have come to an agreement, Ereanna and I. She’s giving me you, in exchange for keeping Madelyn’s ambitions in check. It seems that she has been waiting for me to make a move, hehe.”

‘Though they still haven’t figured out that we started the riot…’ Jessica keeps on smiling. ‘It was a good idea to make Malinda’s girls initiate the insurrection. My little mole did a mighty fine performance.’

“And if I refuse? Because we’re speaking about blasphemy to our Goddesses. To marry twice is unholy. Sure, I might have had some affection towards you. But I have nothing for you now. You’re just a revolting, scheming, old woman,” Reconon curses, slapping away her caressing hand. “You think I’ll just agree to what Ereanna orders? To give in to your demands? No, I will not.”

“Reconon… Reconon…” Jessica tuts with her tongue as her finger goes side to side. “You’ve no say in this. Else, someone you hold dear might not wake up after going to sleep. Someone that is expendable, a nuisance.”

“Disgusting! To rely on threats!” Reconon sneers, wanting to snap this woman’s neck. Bringing in his daughter? She knows him too well. Because Recina is the spitting image of her mother. Not the most beautiful like Jessica was in her youth, but Reconon was drawn to his wife’s strength. If only she had made contact before Jessica did, then maybe he wouldn’t be in this situation.

“But…! It will have to wait until I have settled down as a handmaiden in my holy lady’s presence. In about a month I will have everything ready for our marriage. Nothing grand, just us two and a priestess that will be giving us the ceremony,” Jessica muses in joy. She’s radiating with success. Even exhaling in pleasure, “Yes… Our life will be completed, no matter how short it is. Though, come! Let’s sit down again.”

Jessica goes to her seat, slapping the cushion next to her. “Come, my dear, come!”

He scoffs as he crashes his back against the curtained wall, crossing his arms.

“Don’t you have anything else to do than pester me with your presence?” Reconon grunts, closing his eyes to wait for Madelyn because he won’t get anything out of speaking to this serpent. ‘But if Ereanna really did give permission… then… Damn her…! She wants me to forsake my beloved wife, just like that? To never meet with her again? My Queens, I beg of you. Give me strength.’

“Fine, fine. I’ll find you when you’re less grumpy. Maybe even in your bed?” Jessica suggests, pursing her lips at him in heat, which makes Reconon facepalm.

“Keep your dirty old mind to yourself. I don’t want to see you until…—”

“You accept?!” Jessica screams with delight, taking words from his mouth. “Then, in a month?”

“I will fight to the very last day… But… If I haven’t succeeded to persuade you or Ereanna in abandoning this foolish notion of marrying, then I’ll concede. However!” Reconon flings forward, spinning towards her to thrust his gauntleted finger. “Know this, wench. My love will never be yours. Harboring inside me is emptiness… There is nothing for you!”

“Haha, that’s absolutely fine by me! Ah-Haha, I take so much after my Mistress that it isn’t even funny. Ahh… Ah…?!” Jessica gasps as she jumps from her seat to be right in front of the double doors. And seeing Reconon not moving, she waves him over as she snaps, “Madelyn is finished, come!”

Going wide-eyed, Reconon strides to be next to her, lowering his head to greet his Honored Lady.

Seconds go by, and as Jessica said, the doors open to reveal an armor-clad maiden.

“Silver hair! You are late!” Madelyn echoes through a helmet as she wobbles forward, being supported by her two scarlet-haired handmaidens. Madelyn’s feet aren’t even touching the floor. Only when they lower her, do they hit the ground.

Her waning strength is becoming too much for her. She so wants to stay home, but getting to have Xe’Reth all to herself? No way she’s missing that, no matter how ill she feels.

“Forgive me, Mistress, I got caught up at the moment. I kept him here since you were still changing. I wouldn’t want him coming in at the wrong time,” Jessica responds with hands on her lap, almost wanting to prostrate. But rising, she goes close to Madelyn to inspect her, so the twins didn’t miss anything.

It is one of her lightest; less thick material and more fabric and silk. A short, thin dress with mounted pieces of armor. Highly exaggerated for what she’s supposed to do today. Nevertheless, the more expensive and grand display, the better.

Precisely like Xe’Reth’s armor.

“It is as your handmaiden says, Lady Madelyn. She kept me busy until you finished dressing up,” Reconon affirms, also rising and nodding to acknowledge her Honored presence. “It’s good that you dressed in something lighter than yesterday. But how is your health? I can see even though that helm hides your features that you’re tired.”

“Old man, can’t I stay home?” Madelyn whines, putting her gauntlet on her hidden forehead and her other hand goes to her stomach. She doesn’t want to stay home, but maybe he would let her? “I’m having such a headache, and my stomach hurts… I don’t think I can travel today…”

“Out of the question, Lady Madelyn. You’re healthy enough to stand. I thought you would enjoy spending some time with your brother-in-law. To show him how an Honored One should act,” Reconon says while smiling, while also stepping closer to give his arm to her. “Come, Lady Madelyn, I won’t let you fall again like yesterday. My life is yours until your Honored brother says otherwise.”

Madelyn sighs deep as her upper body tilts forward.

But taking a step to gain balance and waving Jessica away, Madelyn pouts with her lips as Reconon has his arm locked to hers, beginning to escort her without saying goodbye. He drags her away while she is too preoccupied with breathing in and out since her body is drained.

Verelin even follows; her own armor is fastened to her frame, yet with a body turning and a hand thrusting at her, Reconon declares with glaring eyes, “Your presence is not needed for today. Return to your duties, now, Verelin.”

Saying her name, Verelin does halt in her movements. She knows him well enough, but abandoning her Mistress now? When she needs her assistance the most? No matter how brave this old man is, that is just not possible. Who does he think he is?

“But… She’s not feeling well… I need to be there if…”

“If she so happens to collapse again? Letting your Mistress fall in front of so many people? How humiliating wouldn’t you be if you were in her position?!” Reconon shouts with stinging tones coming out of his mouth, while Madelyn, she nods in agreement.

When she woke up from fainting yesterday at the training ground, she had heard what happened. So many eyes, so much gossip.

It won't be a surprise if some rumor about her is going around, saying that she’s weak. Sickly, nothing like her father. Sure, centuries ago, Tertin females were more active in the army. As the decades went by, though, they ceased to exist. Only male Tertins were given such a burden.

Recently, Malinda was the first in about two centuries to join the army. Hence nobody knowing any other Honored One in Tertinum than her to go off of.

“Yes, Verelin? Why didn’t anyone catch me?” Madelyn asks, growing grumpy as her eyebrows inside her helmet descend. “You’ve been disappointing me more and more as of late. I agree with silver hair. You should stay and do your duties. I’ll have that crippled friend of yours at the garrison to aid me. Now go help Jessica with whatever she needs. Go! ”

“But… But…”

“Don’t test my patience! Do you also want to get strung u—… Ahh! Just leave! Go away now!” Madelyn snaps as she almost reveals what happened to Liriana. So instead of saying it, she shrieks. “If you follow, forget about what I promised this morning! Go silver hair! Guide me away from this disappointment!”

Without further ado, they disappear from Verelin’s sight as they round that very corner that he had rounded. She stands there, wanting to call out to her Mistress with an outstretched arm. But sighing, her body limps back to the other two.

“Ah, you came back. Forgot something, sister?” Velyn muses, her hand over her grinning mouth.

“You… You want a beating don’t you, whore?” Verelin warns, brandishing her gauntlets as she forms claws. Ripping out her tongue will be the least of her sister’s concerns.

“What are you waiting for? I’m standing right here, aren’t I? Or has my sister gone blind, huh? Have you? Verelin, the Cocksucker?” Her grin rises even more as her sister’s scarlet globes stare in horror.

“Y-Y-You… You so want your own death!” Verelin screams while charging straight at her, while Velyn, she runs away, goading her sister with more offensive name calling. “Wait until I get my hands on you! I’ll make you swallow your filthy lies!”

“Hahaha, what lies have I said?! You did do it! Your breath must be foul!”

As the echo of their screaming becomes further and further down the corridor, Jessica sighs as she slams her palm on her forehead, “Goddesses… I’m getting too old for this. How can they still be so childish? They’re in their thirties…” However, she purses her lips in wonder, “Though, now that I think about it… Doesn’t Mistress mind when someone else touches her man…? Interesting… Might she be more open than I had thought? If she’s like her mother... then her sensitivity must also be high? A burden when in bed.”

…

From the corridor where the twins vanished comes two servants. The two had helped Madelyn with Liriana. They, unlike Jessica, still wear the servant’s outfit with the ribbon.

Arriving, they bow, deeper than ever before.

Jessica did gain permission to become a handmaiden when she visited the Matriarch. She’s pushing the border between life and death. Ordering such an aggressive move could have backfired. But knowing Ereanna for so many years, she knows her mind through and through.

Though that snake Annettria, Jessica will put an end to that woman sooner or later. She above all else must experience pain. Since living a rather lonely life after what happened with Reconon, Jessica’s single desire to execute that interloper exceeds almost as high as wanting revenge on her man. But now that that is on the way, she can finally focus her energy on the real serpent in their midst.

Much to do, much to scheme.

Taking a deep breath to collect herself, Jessica asks, “Have you put trusted servants on every entry point to Madelyn’s wing and to the third floor?”

“It has been arranged, Matron.”

“And the rest of the servants have been gathered up?” Jessica narrows her eyes but relaxes them as the two nod. “Excellent. Start the test of allegiance to weed out any stragglers who we don’t know about yet.”

They curtsy, flowing with their arms to the location where the servants are.

Jessica goes in between them, while they follow after her like faithful dogs…

……

…

Out in the main courtyard, Xe’Reth and Recina stand beside the bear-filled cage; one caring, the other glaring.

“How is it…? Last time I saw it, it was… Well…” Recina scratches the back of her neck in confusion.

“The wounds will heal. But what I’m worried about are the broken off claws. Seems like two were ripped out of its sockets from all the scratching at the metal bars. Or was it the DLO that did that too?” Xe’Reth inspects, gazing with sunk eyebrows. The bear is sound asleep, while Xe’Reth, he had sewed up the wounds before going to Malinda, but still, the empty claw sockets are on his mind. If not treated, they can get infected, or when they grow back, deformities can occur.

Xe’Reth is crouched in his armor, also without his gauntlets that rest beside the bear.

“Where would you want us to move the beast after you leave, Sir?” a Battle-Maiden asks while being beside them, her voice echoing through her lowered visor. Three more stands next to her, silent as if they aren’t even breathing.

“It’ll be out cold for when I return, though, you can move it to somewhere… Hmm… It’ll need food… A lot of it…” Xe’Reth says as he scowls.

Recina too scowls, gazing up at the sky to find a right place in the Citadel.

“Sir, how about near the kitchen? I remember seeing a shed close to the stables, but far away enough from the animals. If something occupies it, you can order its vacancy within a moment's notice,” the same Battle-Maiden suggests, bowing to him for speaking when not spoken to. Which narrows Recina’s eyes. This one is talkative. But since these ones’ allegiance lie with Malinda, it isn’t a surprise that they want to aid him.

“That… That’s an excellent idea, actually. Yes, please, I’ll leave the bear in your care until I return. Make sure you don’t open the cage, because I don’t know if it will wake up before I return,” Xe’Reth says as he gives them a smile. That smile which quickens hearts, but also stops them.

“They will see it done,” Recina answers for them since they’ve spoken enough without restraint. They’re supposed to be statues… As such, their mouths should be sewed shut. Their voices shouldn’t sound, only their armor.

She throws them glares for good measure.

“All right then.” Xe’Reth puts on his gauntlets as he stands up to close the cage. ‘Be a good cub and recover your strength. I’ll see to it that the DLO will regret killing your mother, your sisters, and brother.’

“Sir, we will be using the same carriage when you first arrived at the Citadel. I will sit beside my father in the driver’s seat. While you, you’ll have to be on guard since Madelyn will share the same ride as us with her handmaidens if she chooses to bring them,” Recina informs, crossing her plated arms.

Recina won’t be able to talk to her father so openly. With Madelyn beside him, he won’t even have time until they return home. ‘I will find the time!’

Xe’Reth’s ears twitch, causing him to move his head towards the stables; four neighs sounding out but also a weak, whiny tone of a voice is resonating through the opening of the Citadel. ‘Both the carriage and Madelyn will arrive approximately at the same time...’

A half a minute later, Madelyn and Reconon exit from the double doors; Madelyn as if an old woman is being guided. Her body hurts, her head hurts, everything hurts! She wouldn’t mind staying home, even if she misses a chance to be alone with Xe’Reth because she’s actually sick. Though as the two snails down the stairs, Xe’Reth squints, still having his mind in turmoil because of the bear cubs.

‘This… This isn’t good at all… Don’t tell me I’ve caused her to be this frail too?’ Xe’Reth considers, but with a sigh, he puts it out of his mind to focus on it another time.

Glancing out between the visor’s slit, Madelyn startlingly pushes Reconon away as he recoils in surprise. But through Madelyn’s lack of balance, she topples forward; the stairs’ height still high to cause damage from a fall. Grunting, Reconon catches her with ease.

“My Honored Lady! Cease this nonsense, you might hurt yourself!” Reconon reprimands with such harshness, gripping onto her arm. He knows that Madelyn doesn’t want Xe’Reth to see her hold another man, but such girlish thoughts are beneath him. He’s for crying out loud an old man.

Madelyn too realizes her foolish way of acting. Even a silent cry reverberates in her armor. ‘I should have never left my room…’

Descending to the foot of the stairs, they arrive next to the other two, while the four maidens in armor have already begun moving the bear-filled cage to where the Battle-Maiden suggested.

They disappear, leaving only the four to fill the atmosphere with the intense burning of emotions.

Recina, grumbling about her father’s secrecy. Reconon, sighing from witnessing his daughter’s glare. Xe’Reth, smiling at the old man since he has never had the chance of meeting him. While Madelyn, she jerks away her arms to cross them, shaking from the exertion of standing without aid.

No words, just silence.

However, as Reconon’s flickering eyes travel to Xe’Reth, he is the first to greet with a bow, “Sir. It is an honor to finally meet the lover of Lady Malinda. Truly now that I see for myself, she has chosen a worthy life partner. The Lord’s armor suits you well.”

As inflated as the blacksmiths. Yet nonetheless with a pure heart.

“Thank you. Likewise, it’s a pleasure meeting the Battle-Master of the Citadel,” Xe’Reth curtsies with a bend of his torso, sounding the layered plate. Tilting back, his eyes journey to Recina and then back to Reconon. “And obviously you’re Recina’s father.”

“That I am. But unfortunately, Recina’s mother left us too soon to await in the Divine Sky for when our time… has come. Which is getting closer and closer the more years pass. She was an extraordinary woman. A loving mother and wife. Also a monster in battle as my daughter…” He grows silent, shaking his head with a sigh. The memory is still engraved into his mind; the relief in her eyes that slowly closed, and from her smiling mouth, blood flooded. “She is missed in the Citadel.”

“Well, it was your fault that she died, father,” Recina sneers, squinting away to not catch his sorrow in his widening eyes from hearing that. “Not able to protect yourself… Mother came to your rescue. While you, you let her die in front of you. That’s what kind of man you are.”

‘Wow… Such tension…’ Xe’Reth crosses his plated arms. He didn’t expect them to have such a relationship. But his face descends. “At least your father is still alive, Recina. You should count your blessings. Sure, your mother sacrificed herself for her husband’s safety. In doing so, she gave her greatest gift. Her life for the man she loves. Above all else, I would do the same if I could save the one I love.”

Reconon and his daughter, they go wide-eyed at Xe’Reth’s statement. But Reconon with such gladness chuckling out between his curling lips, he bobs his head, “Thank you, Sir, for your kind and reassuring words.”

He begins to snicker while scratching his jawline, which Recina grimaces at. The pain, the grief… Her hate for a second turns into warmth in her narrowing eyes. Yes, the harsh reality is, that it wasn’t her father that killed her mother. It was her mother that killed herself for the love of her life.

What about Recina, why would her mother so eagerly throw away her life and abandon her daughter? Didn’t her mother love her too? Then why? She had turned to the Queens for answers, but she got nothing from them.

A moment’s choice is what it was; either live and mourn her husband’s death or trade places and leave her beautiful daughter in her husband’s caring arms. She chose the latter.

Though she couldn’t foresee how her daughter would react to her death. The hatred that boiled over the edge, the sorrow that never ceased, and the rejection from Theresa. Recina dedicated herself to her art, to her mother’s teachings in the Sanctuary with the Battle-Maidens. To drown herself in pain to block out any emotions that might have arisen.

She has barely spoken to her father these past sixteen years. However, the gaping wound is beginning to heal, slowly. While the news of the secrets involving the Madam, it has only started a furnace in her heart. A fire of revenge for the former Lord and Lady of the Citadel… Which her father must have too…

“Goddesses… How long are you three going to stand there…? Silver hair, aren’t you going to help me get in?! Hurry up, you decaying fool!” Madelyn commands, supporting herself on the handle of the carriage door which arrived as they reached the foot of the stairs as Xe’Reth predicted. She’s already fuming with impatience, waving the old man over. “But seriously, I saw enough of your bickering yesterday. So quit it. My head hurts, my stomach hurts, and my whole body hurts! I just want to get this over with.”

“Of course, Lady Madelyn. Forgive the delay,” Reconon apologies, striding to his Honored Lady in an instant. Even nodding to the Stable-Master who’s at the front, keeping the black armored monsters at bay.

Helping her inside the carriage, she moans, “Aaaahhh…” as her butt plants on the comfortable cushions. Her whole body going limp from the relaxation. “You can now leave…”

Stepping out, Reconon positions himself beside the door, hailing Xe’Reth in. “Sir, I would much appreciate if you could keep an eye on Lady Madelyn while we journey to the Ebon Wall. It’ll take about an hour because of the traffic of people. Maybe even more.”

“Don’t worry, I can handle this little Lady,” Xe’Reth whispers, nodding his head to the head-shaking old man.

“That too, of course,” Reconon chuckles. “But for some reason, she is feeling even worse than before. So keep your eye on her and call out to us if anything happens.”

“Will do,” Xe’Reth nods.

“Then I’ll leave the rest to you.”

Reconon goes climbing up to the driver’s seat as Xe’Reth enters the carriage.

While sitting, Reconon nods again to the mute Stable-Master, indicating that he’s free to go. And that he does, or at least going to stand to see them off. Just a bow, nothing more, nothing less. A man of no words.

Recina, though, her gauntlets claw at either side of the door’s frame, glaring at both of them; one in the back and one in the front, which she nods at. The deed Madelyn did yesterday weighs heavily on her heart. And having both of them in the same carriage can only brew trouble. But going with two rides instead of one would be too extravagant.

“Lady Madelyn, I highly suggest that you keep to yourself. Everything you do will be reported on. And Sir, whatever she says, you don’t need to listen. Whatever she orders, you needn’t worry. Lord Maldoran were strict about your punishment Honored Lady. You’ve no weight to your words at this moment, know that. Without further time spending, let us be off,” Recina says as she retracts her gauntlets, closing shut the door.

Doing what her father did, she heaves into the driver’s seat next to him.

“Daughter.”

“Father.”

Nothing else.

The two just sit there for half a minute, tasting that awkward silence until Reconon sighs, whipping the long reins connecting to the neighing beasts. The wheels of the golden carriage trundle and the metal hooves clank upon the cobble.

Though as Reconon drives half a circle around the courtyard, steering the plated horses to the now rising portcullis, four Battle-Maidens on their own monsters awaits the Honored carriage, to be bodyguards. For these armored women always journey to the Ebon Wall. To see to it that their Master or Mistress reaches their goal without any complications.

Reconon with a plated thumb points to the rear, which motions the Battle-Maiden’s helmets to affirm his command. The trained and flawless maneuvering of their own horses is displayed as the carriage soars through the Innermost Portcullis, while the senior of the Battle-Maidens positions herself in front of the other three, making them ride in a T-shaped formation.

The two gate-guards who salute gains back a nod from Reconon as his expression is strained by these horses because he has actually never driven Malinda’s carriage before. And these beasts aren’t taking it kindly on this old man, an unknown entity controlling them.

The sight of it makes Recina pleased, asking while they descend the tilting street, “Want me to take over for you, father…? You seem rather troubled. As if you’ve never steered a carriage before.”

“I can handle it!” he shouts, easing the horses down with a backward pull, so they don’t arrive too fast to the bottom of the Citadel’s Outer Ground’s gate that leads to the Inner Layer of the City. “I’m just a little rusty controlling these horses, that’s all.”

“They don’t like you, that’s why they’re giving you so much trouble. Because only women have ever sat in these seats. Of course, the Stable-Master doesn’t count,” Recina explains with a scoff, crossing her arms as her eyes peek. “But… You do you. I’ll enjoy your squirming.”

“Anything for you, my daughter,” Reconon replies, his eyes narrowing gently which hasn’t been shown in a long time.

Another scoff sounds out with Recina’s head whipping away. Her hidden grimace hides from her father. Maybe she should forgive him after all? ‘No! He… He…! Dear Goddesses… What should I do? Why didn’t he tell me about Celyssa and her family? …But I guess I’m at fault for pushing him away. Oh, mother, I miss you. Father… He misses you too. Just wait for us. We will meet again.’

Inside the carriage, a pleasant sight displays in front of Xe’Reth. Madelyn is straining to even sit in her seat because of the tilting street, making the gravity her enemy. While Xe’Reth, his smile hasn’t left his lips since they started descending. But her helmet covers her contorted face of embarrassment. Even her feet slide in exaggeration and hands clawing at the cushions like a scared cat.

Nevertheless, no words.

Xe’Reth wants peace and quiet for the remaining journey. Though he doesn’t despise Madelyn as much as he would like. He is indifferent. Last night benefits both of them if it isn’t brought to light. He can just use the pretense of being forced – drugged. Madelyn can’t hope to gain anything but Malinda’s anger—sorrow in knowing what her dear little sister did.

She has the same symptoms as Malinda… However, there must be something off. Not in a hundred years is Malinda weaker than Madelyn, yet here she is, being conscious. While her sister, unconscious.

‘Why is she able to put up with it…? It must be the same, right? But no vomiting, losing all her strength, and… well… being here.’ Xe’Reth contemplates vigorously since he hasn’t given much thought to it… until now. ‘What has Madelyn done in these past few days… I met her in her garden… met her in Malinda’s living room… in my mother’s quarters… Her foolish suicide attempt… Being forced to follow Maldoran then fainted… Had her way with me… Did it cause both her and Malinda such trauma to grow such an illness yesterday…? Wait… It is different from Malinda…’

Xe’Reth squints at Madelyn, touching his healed neck wound, which Madelyn notices under her visor, smiles at even.

“Serves you right for picking my sister over me,” Madelyn taunts, gritting her teeth as she finally braces herself from the carriage reaching the foot of the road. “Goddesses, I never thought blood would cause such an arousing effect. You do know when you caught me, it dripped on my private part… And my throat too! The taste of it still lingers. Though it wasn’t so bad as I expected. The drinking of your blood that is… heh. I have now two parts of you inside me. Heh-Hehe… Hehehe…”

‘Mothers of the Queens… Of course… Of course!’ Xe’Reth lights up in disbelief, and his teeth-clenching mouth, arching upward in such excitement. It is not the same! Madelyn has his blood inside her! ‘Does my blood have… Ah! Such blatant stupidity! Of course, it has an enhanced effect on others if it has such a strong effect on me… Madelyn’s cheek also healed faster if I heard correctly. Maybe I don’t even need a cure after all. Mother! Just wait until I return. I’ll cure you! Just wait for me! And Malinda too… But side effects… Madelyn fainted? Is it too risky…?’

“What are you smiling at…?” she asks, almost wanting to recoil in surprise. But what surprises her even more, Xe’Reth rises from his seat. His smile as he bends to go to her makes her scoot to the side. He thuds down beside her. “W-W-What…? What is it…? G-Go back to your seat…”

“Oh, my wonderful Madelyn… Thank you so much. Never change, you hear me?” Xe’Reth relishes, playing the fool in love. He clutches onto Madelyn’s thin gauntlets, leaning in too close. His eyes stare into the visor of her helmet. However, she is stunned. Such shock on her agape mouth and eyes; she hasn’t felt this before from him. “I was a fool indeed to not choose you… I can see that now. You are special…”

Madelyn slams into the side wall, withdrawing as his face approaches closer and closer, until his hands ascend to her helmet. Her breath speeds up, her eyes flail about, while her mind, fearful of displaying her current appearance.

After branding Liriana with her whip, Madelyn had gone up close to enjoy her little handmaiden’s suffering. But, with Madelyn turning her slave’s body around to face her teary eyes, Liriana headbutted her with such rage.

“No, no, no, no! Wait, no!” Madelyn moans, trying to push him away with her shaking arms, yet her strength right now, well, she has none. For her dear life, she strains to keep him from closing in. “Ah… no… No, please!”

Not backing off, Xe’Reth removes her helmet, with her arms going limp in humility.

The shame in Madelyn’s evading eyes, blushing cheeks, and turned head when the helm is removed. Because for Madelyn, she keeps her values—her looks on the highest pedestal. Having any fault ruins her pride. And now she tries as much as she can to hide it, the black eye given by Liriana.

“Wow, who gave you that?” Xe’Reth asks in total shock. However, before Madelyn can cry out her answer, he grabs her chin, swooshing her head to peer into his black globes. His head only centimeters away. “Heh, even with that, your beauty radiates above anyone else’s… Like your sister. But you… Your body is more erotic than hers. She has a warrior’s body, while yours, a Lady’s. Thin, curvy, smooth, soft, and those mounds. Yes, you do take care of your health.”

“W-Why—“

“Shh, shh, shh.” Xe’Reth locks his finger to her lips. “Don’t speak, Madelyn… I… I don’t know what was wrong with me. But can you… Can you forgive me for picking your sister instead of you?” His eyes are filled with such bewilderment. But his smile, almost creepy. Though by going off Madelyn’s expression, disturbing isn’t what she would call it. For her to have this much attention from him... she loves it.

Xe’Reth all of a sudden turns and leans forward, falling into depression. His gauntlets press to his face. His plated elbows on his knees. His sigh sounding out between his lips. He’s genuinely sorry for being so dumb to choose such a faithful lover as Malinda when he has this great Lady next to him.

“W-What…? Y-You really mean it? You’ll cast away my sister… for me? Really?!” Madelyn exclaims as her arms embrace Xe’Reth’s forward-tilting body – her mind too weak to notice anything out of the ordinary. “You’ve no idea how much that means to me!”

Tilting back up, Madelyn clasps hold of Xe’Reth’s hands. Her excitement is reaching such a height. Abandoning all her defenses so quickly for him. He could ask her to murder her brother, and she would probably do it if it means that they can be together. Her prison is her desires. She’s driven by it. Without such wants, she wouldn’t know what to do with herself. Like her sister, flattery is essential. But for Malinda that day they met, she was vulnerable. Her heart needed warmth from her loneliness. Unbearable loneliness which Madelyn too has.

She’s gazing so zealously at him. A smile that even catches Xe’Reth off guard.

‘I’ve never seen her like this…’ Xe’Reth closes his eyes to ready himself.

“*Hic* I… I...” Madelyn’s eyes tear up while her lower lip quakes. “I hate you… Why did you… Why couldn’t you have waited a bit longer for me…?”

“I’m sorry,” Xe’Reth apologizes, gaining a scowl as he witnesses Madelyn’s contorted face of sorrow.

“No, don’t be. As long as you mean what you said… I don’t mind what you have done. I would forgive anything you do.” She flicks her hand, waving away all his past deeds.

“Madelyn… What I meant by, I’m sorry… Is that everything I just said… was a lie,” Xe’Reth sighs, placing his massive gauntlet on her shoulder. “I have a lot on my mind right now. I just needed to unburden it on you. But since you forgive anything I do, no hard feelings, right?” He gives her a wink with a grin. Yet, before she can react from her frozen state of mind, he puts on her helmet again, then escapes to his side of the carriage. “You should really try to not be so susceptible, Madelyn. People might try to take advantage of you. But since you only act like this around me, I shouldn’t be worried. You are strong-minded enough.”

It takes awhile for her to finally react.

Her helmet tremors as a shaking begin. Her hands form into fists. Her whole body convulses.

“Y-Y-Y-Youuuu!” Madelyn explodes, raising her quaking finger at him. She wants to hit him. ‘I want to hit him! How dare he play with me?! Ahhh! Next time! Next time, I’ll show him whose Mistress he belongs to!! Just you wait, you dog!!’

“Someone caught your tongue?” Xe’Reth grins even more. But all jokes aside, he couldn’t care less about her because she brought in his mother. She’s nothing to him, a disposable woman that can bear him children. Bastard children. Nevertheless, Tertin children. Without a big family, one can’t rise to the highest height possible. Loyalty between blood is far better than loyalty between outsiders. “You don’t honestly think I’ve forgiven you yet, have you? You threatened me, bringing my mother into this.”

The disgust and dread pierce Madelyn, dawning a revelation.

“Oh…” Madelyn’s rage disappears in an instant from hearing that. “I forgot you’re such a mamma’s boy. Mm. But like I said before, I never meant what I said. You know that, so why are you still holding it against me?”

“You have no idea how much she means to me,” Xe’Reth says, leaning thoroughly on the backrest’s cushions. “Now we are even, Madelyn. Childish, I know. But...” He points at his eye, then points at hers. Making a statement. “If you ever bring in my mother again, consider yourself banished from my eyes.”

“I… I understand.”

“See? You’re gullible. Why do you even bother with me? I’ve no redeeming qualities. And first of all, you know nothing about me, about my hardships. You’ve only seen me when I train or fire out arrows on the Ebon Wall. So before you have any right, educate yourself if you ever want to reach my heart,” Xe’Reth explains, giving out such a tiring sigh. Even being in the same carriage drains a lot of energy. “You can go ahead and release your anger if you want. I’ll just watch the show. Go on.”

“Hmph! I’m above such pity tantrums!” Madelyn declares, raising her pouting lips to the roof. ‘Hmm… What if I… What if I get through to him via his mother? Never met her, but, she might convince him to be with me instead? I’ll try that!’

“Are you, huh? Heh,” Xe’Reth chuckles, shaking his head. “Then what about yesterday?”

“I… I got possessed…”

“By what..?”

“Oh just leave me alone! Go back to that brooding state you were in when I came down the stairs!” Madelyn shouts out, flipping him off.

She covers her upper body with the window curtain, beginning to scour the street of the Inner Layer. Busy with people; children, servants, high-standing couples taking a stroll, browsing the boutiques. Individuals of noble origin, but among the masses, regular folk still mix in with the others. Since they have permits to go into the Citadel’s Outer Grounds, having the fortune to witness the splendor of the Inner Layer.

Though, two massive gates block off the residential areas of the nobles. The crescent formation of the Inner Layer makes it so that the middle is where most people are, while on the sides is where no filth can reside. The noble families have taken it upon themselves to take care of their area of the City. As such, the heads of the households know each other rather well. Some are friends, some even marry their children to strengthen their house to a higher position. Yet the one that keeps them all in check, the Artistones.

Over the ages, they have had the most leeway. For the single reason being: Their connection to the founding head of the Tertins. Not anymore though, because over the recent years, the Bradinox family have used Celyssa in their favor, moving in on all sides, putting pressure on the excavation sites belonging to the Artistones. Celyssa has demanded much more materials, but the Artistone’s dowry is immense. They have pushed their advances back.

Bad blood between those two respected households. However, alliances have formed, yet kept in secret. Because having an underground network under the City requires money, secrecy, and loyalty…

……

…

Half-way through the Outer Layer, exiting one of the market districts, Madelyn finally removes the curtain to scout out the atmosphere inside the carriage. Her eyes, going agape. Xe’Reth is scowling out the window with a raised lip. Though as they journey further away from where his eyes are glued to, he covers his side of the window, shaking his head to rid himself of his dread.

“What is the matter?” Madelyn asks, which startles him in his seat.

‘When did she start looking at me…? Dammit, I showed something unsightly. Better stay focused.’ Xe’Reth chuckles, scratching his chin. “Oh, nothing. Just… Bad memories...”

“How so?” Madelyn raises one of her brows and purses her lips. “One of your hardships…? As you said?”

“It’s nothing… Only… Hmph, no need to keep it a secret – a noblewoman tricked me into selling my mother’s house when I was… thirteen.”

“Since my mother had the Fire-Brand disease, and it was known to her buyers, nobody dared to buy anything. We had a small clothing store, which my mom had put all her savings into,” Xe’Reth broods, shaking his head side to side while clicking his tongue. “Because of the illness, I had to buy all kinds of merchandise that were overpriced. Ointments for her skin, sedatives for sleeping, but those damned store clerks were greedy. They squeezed everything, or more like tricked me. Throwing in flowery words to make a little boy enthralled by the magical effects!”

Madelyn flickers her eyes, not daring to interrupt his little exhaust of rage.

“Then she happened… The promise of fortune – help for my mother. Gold. Empty lies to lullaby a child. I knew I couldn’t keep up with the rent. And the woman had money. She wanted to buy the house which we were living in, buy the whole damn street! That she did. And those who knew about money – the currency of gold – bargained with the woman, while I on the other hand… So innocent.”

“I didn’t know how much a gold crown was worth because my mother had never taught me about the currency of gold, only silver and copper. Was it worth a thousand silver crowns? Ten thousand? Foolish. I accepted it with gleaming eyes, not knowing what I gave away. There was a contract… I didn’t read it. Only signed it,” Xe’Reth sighs in shame, hating his former self. “And as I signed it, it was over. Thankfully, I arranged another house in the slums. The house I recently moved out of. The landlady was rather eager enough to rent it out to me.”

“I had left my ill mother there while I went to see to her shop, a shop that was demolished by that wench. She lied to me, told me that she was going to clean the filth away… Meaning, us. I thought she was actually going to clean, to make everything beautiful.”

“Heh, pitiful me. Here I am whining about a noble that wronged me, while in front of me, sits the very embodiment of nobility. Arrogance Incarnate,” Xe’Reth curses, pointing straight at Madelyn. Childish indeed. Not his usual collected self. Anger is boiling to the brim. However, happiness is bordering his anger. If he’s right about his blood, he will finally ease his mother's pains. “But forget everything I just said. I don’t mean to carry over my hatred to you. Forgive me.”

He gives a plate-sounding bow, then returns to peek out between the curtain, utterly unmoved by his recent speech. He ventures through this street all the time, but the sight of it still digs up old wounds.

Scratching his itching scar, he glances back at Madelyn who fiddles with her hands and legs. Her breath has sped up while muttering echoes from her helmet into his ears. But as her gulp declares, Xe’Reth’s eyes narrow in suspicion. His dark brows descend, glaring at her.

“You know whom I speak of…?” Xe’Reth inquires as Madelyn’s head shakes side to side and tilts forward.

“I… I don’t… I mean, I do… No, wait, I don’t…” Madelyn mumbles, not having the courage to gaze into those dark depths of his which peer at her with unmeasurable wrath. “I-I… Aw, I’m sorry, Xe’Reth…” Her voice shivers, clutching her gauntlets together to pray. ”Goddesses… My… My mother, she… Before the disease came, she had made arrangements to bring in an influenced clothe designer into the City. To give those who enjoy clothes somewhere to nest. To both regular folk and nobles, to heal the crevasse between them. She… No. I wanted it to happen too. Not for the people, but for myself… It helped me deal with the loss of my parents.”

“I’m so sorry, Xe’Reth…” Madelyn even removes her helmet to display her heartfelt regret in her teary eyes that gaze into his enthralling orbs, and her trembling lips that are afraid. “I… I’ll do anything to repair the damage my mother, and I caused. I know the owner very well. I can arrange a meeting with her if… i-if you want her to, well… If you want revenge. I have enough power to… Ruin her… Maybe you want her to… Die? If she harmed you, I… Then she will pay for her crimes.” Madelyn’s eyes break off from his black globes, flailing about in bewilderment, in madness. “She has come to deliver my purchases many times to get on my good side. I can have her come by at night… If you want to… torture her for her sins… D-Do you?”

Madelyn innocently peeks at Xe’Reth. Such spew coming out from her mouth.

‘So it was the Tertins that sponsored that woman, huh? No wonder she could do whatever she wanted. To me at least…’

Xe’Reth closes his eyes as his whole face relaxes. He doesn’t want to kill the woman, but frightening her? He wouldn’t mind that. Jeopardize her business in Tertinum perhaps? Yes. He can’t lie to his mother forever, or can he…? He will make her feel how he felt. The undeniable cruel fate of those who are… lesser.

‘Madelyn seems eager enough to help, so why don’t I put her to use? I do need a boutique to show mother. Her new shop that I kept afloat over these past four years. Mm, that will do.’

“Xe’Reth, please, speak to me…!” Madelyn beseeches, wanting to crawl on all fours to him, but she’s too exhausted. Even rising would doom her to darkness. She’s actually out of breath from her heart increasing. Why such angst. Why doesn’t he speak! “Xe’Reth…!”

His eyes are still closed, waiting a little longer, so Madelyn falls over the edge of her sanity, into the depth of her insanity.

‘How should I handle this? Show fury? Show sadness? Ah, yes. Emotionlessness. My forte.’ Xe’Reth decides, opening his eyes in slow motion as his mouth becomes unbiased, no emotion weighing on his heart. Fully opening his lids, he peers straight into her sky-blue spheres, which she responds with terror on her grimacing face. “A meeting would be much appreciated, thank you. Now, if you would excuse me. I don’t want to look at you right now.”

Once again, he moves his hand to the curtain to uncover the window. He just sits there, unemotional. The hint of sadness in his out-gazing eyes damage Madelyn. She merely lowers her head in humility, not saying a single word in response.

She understands full well of what he experiences—What she has done. No control of those who have wealth and power. The nobles run rampant even with the DLO’s watchful eyes. No order. She is indeed the embodiment of nobility because her likeness is uncanny.

‘Sister has even begun to help the City with that old lady coming back. Mother… What should I do?’

Peeking again at Xe’Reth’s lonely narrow eyes, she descends into depression. Like a meek little pup.

‘Maybe… Maybe I should also do something… for the City, too? Yes… Yes! Just you wait, my revenge will come sister. Just you wait. But for these next weeks… Hmm, I’ll speak to Jessica to get her advice on what my mother would do in my situation. Yes, I must try to appear like a proper Queen’s Lady… At least on the outside.’

The rolling of wheels, the bombarding of hooves, and the shouting of salutes from the newly situated gate-guards are the only noises that ring into their ears. Silence inside the carriage, while on the outside, people’s eyes and mouths stand open as they witness the golden embroidery of what they’ll never have.

The citizens make way for the carriage to exit through the Outer Gateway in an organized fashion because words had been sent for their arrival.

Soldiers salute while being in two different lanes on the bridge; the City has been overrun by them. Order must be upheld at all cost. And it will cost the Tertins a lot. But their wealth had founded a thousand years ago. Over the millennia, it has only grown because of the traffic into the City, coming from those who journey to the Ebon Wall.

However, one’s reputation is far more important than anything else in this Queendom.

Without the trust of its citizens, a City is nothing more than a place of corruption. Of sinners. Maldoran has work to do, and so does his wife. But their worries won’t end anytime soon. It will only rise and rise until the people have lost all respect for their Honored ruler. An unfortunate victim to be strung up, to be the scapegoat.

Because when did the descend into turmoil start?

When Maldoran and his wife took over the City.

The rightful ruler will be hailed with love when the right time comes to unseat the unworthy…

Reconon drives past the bridge and into the countryside, to journey to the visible Ebon Wall in the distance, the emerald trees from afar, the farmers that harvest the fawn wheat, and the waving villagers that greet them with warmth. A sunny day, a good day to travel. Though thankfully, the traffic on the road is minimal. So their arrival will be in their favor. Perfect to get everything in order before the Honored Assembly…

………

……

…