by Isu Yin
He avoided lying himself, sometimes meaning that he’d admit to his crimes, though he never apologized.
He never referred to her as a friend, nor did she call him one. They just spent every moment of every day in each other’s presence, often bickering.
He seemed to consider it his duty to educate her whenever the opportunity struck, and this is when he became the prattler. “I’m not an encyclopedia,” he’d say, “I just know this and this and that and that.”
That’s how Fate heard it anyway—this and that worked as a good substitute whenever she drifted off. Later on, she’d try remembering what he’d really said, but his usage of literal terminology never quite sank in.
She heaved her body from the floor to the window and finally opened up her room. Her gaze followed a group of women to the border, silently judging them for their negligence towards the citizens of Macellarius.
She’d heard that Neco shut himself inside Macellarius Palace, mourning the broken pact day after day. It seemed an odd reaction for a man whose guard murdered her brother. She reasoned it might be the ploy of the murderer in question, driving the Royals of Nex into a corner.
She wandered down the long hallway into the courtyard, the place she first saw Tori on the morning of her escape, and sat by the pond to watch the colorful fish as she thought about how to repay Hero on his birthday.
I can’t afford to get him anything nice. Will sentiment be enough?
She sighed deeply and listened to the trickle of the pond filter. Nothing put her mind at ease more than the sound of water. She secretly wished it would rain, since it had snowed every turn after the Astor Tournament, but she’d never tell Hero. She had become quite conscious of his emotional state.
He watched her just as closely. Whenever she felt down, he sat beside her and talked or read to lighten the mood.
A whimper traced the air around the pond, prompting Fate to lift her head. The second time, she heard a yip and jumped to her feet. “Dog?” She clutched the air in excitement as she tracked the cries to the large rocks on the opposite side of the water.
An ash-colored puppy yelped from between the rock’s openings.
She slipped her hands through and cautiously freed its leg and fur, then picked it up with a smile. “Ahh, fate is on my side, little one. Let’s see, you are... a girl!”
The puppy’s fur puffed out all around its body, emphasizing its stubby legs and beady eyes. It looked chubbier in its mass of fluff.
Fate set it on her lap, and stroked its head, but the puppy wrangled free and dashed into the brothel at full speed.
She gasped, “Not the brothel!”
Her sisters’ screams echoed down the hallway as she chased it. The girls jumped left and right, flattening themselves against the walls to avoid her charge.
Fortuna stepped out of her room and tossed her hands on her hips. “Fate, get this dog out of my brothel!” The puppy slid to a stop, panting at Fortuna’s feet and yipping. She plucked it from the floor and put it in Fate’s arms.
“So sorry, Madam.”
The Madam clicked her tongue. “You can’t help but nurture every damaged creature you see, can you?”
“Don’t worry, I’m giving her to someone else.”
“I don’t hate dogs.” She scratched the pup’s head with her long nails. “But we can’t have them in the brothel.”
The girls whined from the hallway and ran away from Madam’s scolding.
Fate once complained with Tori and Myrna. They wanted so badly to keep a pet, but Madam never allowed it. Now, it was just a good memory. No matter how terrible a place it was, she loved her family dearly. That’s why she found it so difficult to leave them behind.
How can I leave my sisters and mother here when they’ve taken such good care of me?
She placed the puppy in a basket by the entrance, concealed it with a blanket, and collected various cakes from the brothel’s inventory—for the owner of the bathhouse, a bribe to allow Fate’s entry with the pup. Most places in Nitor despised strays, so it was funny that the Prince adored them so much.
“We’ll get you all cleaned up,” she told the pup. “But what shall we call you? I hope Hero gives you a decent name. He’s a little odd, so you’ll have to forgive him.”
It yipped at her in response and ran around the basket.
Fate crossed the path to greet the plump woman at the desk in the bathhouse. “Good day, I brought some cakes from the brothel.”
“Oooh, girl.” The woman closed her book and shook her head. “You’re up to something, no doubt. What’s in the basket there?”
“A gift for the prince. If I may, I’d like to borrow a bath for just a moment.”
“What’ve you got?”
She flashed the blanket open and closed.
The woman moved only her eyes to look at Fate. “The Prince likes strays?”
“Dogs, that is. He couldn’t care less if they’re strays or wolves.”
The woman made a throaty laugh. “All right, girl. Give me the cakes. You’re lucky I like you.” They made their exchange and she gestured towards the open room. “Make it quick. My husband will have a fit if he sees any pup in here.”
“I am in your debt.”
“Not with these cakes. I couldn’t afford these and you know it.”
Fate moved through a hallway to one of the big rooms with an open tub. She contemplated the Rebellion and her bond with Hero while washing the squirming puppy. She had chosen a side, but it wasn’t the side they’d expected her to choose. Actually, it wasn’t the side she’d expected to choose, either.
Should I say it’s Hero’s side or the side of the truth? I suppose we’re both on the side of the truth.
She towel dried the pup and fluffed its fur for a careful inspection. “You’re still ash-colored, huh? I suppose you were just born that way.”
After placing it back in the basket, she hummed and dawdled her way down the path to the palace.
The guards peeked at the basket curiously. “Lady, what do you have today?”
“Nothing! It’s not for you two. It’s for Hero, so no touching.” She adjusted the basket on her arm. “Do you know where he is right now?”
One of the guards scratched his head. “Uhh, maybe his room. He was sparring with Fortis a while ago.”
“I’ll try there, then. Thank you.”
It was always easy to ask around for Hero’s whereabouts, because every guard needed to communicate whether or not he left the palace.
On her way in, Fate glanced at the back doors to note the chains around the handles.
About a month prior, the King paid an unexpected visit to the palace and blocked off all the exits with guards and chains. Of course, this was to maintain their concept of keeping Hero inside, not protecting from outside sources.
She still didn’t fully comprehend how or why this had happened, considering the King had allowed Hero to retrieve her, and Hero never said anything other than, ‘Oh, this is normal.’
According to Fortis, the King realized how frequently Hero left the palace and forbade him from continuing his constant journeys outside.
At least Hero spent some time away from the palace.
Fate pretended not to know how long he really spent in the brothel, as he sometimes fell asleep or stayed to play games with the younger girls.
She sighed at the locks and hurried upstairs, stroking the pup’s head to keep it quiet.
The palace rested at all times of the day, only stirring if Hero disrupted order, or if the maids needed to tidy up.
She understood his need for chaos—nothing ever happened in the palace, and even less happened after the doors were locked.
He’d close himself in his bedroom and curl up on his bed to read. The days blurred together, and when Fate came to visit, he’d squint to see through the hall light.
She worried he might’ve been in his room for too long. After a warning and a knock, she pushed down on the ornate door handle
and stepped in quietly.
Stacks of books towered along Hero’s bed and desk, all their titles and covers immaculately aligned. The light blue curtains shut out the light so he could sleep.
She called to him softly, “Hero, I’m here.”
His eyes opened suddenly. “Fate?”
“Who else? Do you spend time with many other women?”
He sat up, pulling his scarf over his nose. “I was bored last night and I kept thinking about what I should do. Nothing good came to mind.” His words really meant that only bad things came to mind, and that he realized the error in the temptation.
“So you went to sleep?”
“If I don’t, I’m not sure what I’ll do.”
“I’m glad you’re trying to fight it, but next time just send a messenger to me and I’ll come.”
“Really?”
She hesitated to respond. There were times like this that Hero appeared surprised or swayed by her suggestions. She always stopped to study his facial expression, worried that he might still be deceiving her, but there was nothing.
For someone tainted, he could come across quite innocent.
“Really,” she said at last. “I know you get lonely and bored, so I brought you an early birthday present.” She peeked behind the blanket at the sleeping puppy and placed the basket on his lap. “I can’t repay you for what you’ve done, but maybe you’ll be a little happier with this.”
He peeked into the basket and threw his arms around it. “Really?”
“Yep, all yours. She appeared by the pond at the brothel when I was wondering what to get you for your birthday.”
His lips curled up little by little to form a genuine grin.
Fate leaned back and crossed one arm, pressing her free hand against her chin in befuddlement.
“You were listening,” he said.
“Pardon?”
“When I said I wanted a dog.”
“Oh, of course.”
“I’m happy.” He removed the pup from the basket and coddled her. “You said she’s a girl?”
Fate threw open the curtains. “Yeah, what will you name her?”
Hero turned his face away from the light, but couldn’t seem to resist looking at Fate. His eyes often trailed after her even if she paced around the room. “I’m not sure, but her fur has a unique color, so maybe that’ll help me decide.”
“I thought so too. I gave her a bath before I brought her. I know you’re a little weird about cleanliness.”
“Do you dislike cleanliness?”
“I don’t dislike it, I just don’t obsess over it.”
“I’m not obsessive.”
“Hero....” She leaned over the edge of the bed. “What do you think it means to be compulsive?”
He scrunched his nose at her. “I dislike when you say things like that.”
“Like what? The truth? In your own words, don’t be absurd.”
He pouted then relented, “Okay, you’re right, but it’s not always terrible, right?”
Her eyes widened and she swung her head slowly to the side to rest her burdened body along the covers.
He poked her head. “Right?”
“What kind of person trims their hair every morning? Who puts every food product on a different dish? Who color coordinates every article of clothing, and every book in the library?”
“Me.”
“Only you!”
“Yeah, well, if it was only me, then they wouldn’t have a word for it.”
“You snarky asshole. Maybe I’ll take the pup back so she doesn’t have to endure this torturous relationship.” She reached for the puppy.
He recoiled to the head of the bed and shouted. “No! Persephone is mine!”
“Per—what? You named her Persephone?”
“Yeah, just now.”
She dragged her hands over her face. “Have you ever owned a pet? What kind of name is Persephone for a dog? She’s not a stuffy noble woman basking in the blood of her people. She’s a dog. How about Chubs?”
“Ch... that’s a terrible name! She’s not chubby, she’s fluffy!”
“Okay, whatever.... What do you say we step out of this dismal room and get some light?”
“Where?”
“The music room.” She exited first, persuading him to follow by glancing over her shoulder. While she waited, she looked into the hallway and spotted Lara approaching. They stared at each other, locked in a moment of intense deliberation.
“Good morning,” Fate said, closing the door once Hero left the room.
Lara’s brows hung heavy over her eyes. “A dog?”
“From Fate,” Hero said. “She’s called Perse-”
“Chubs,” Fate interjected.
“Damn it, I’m not naming her Chubs!”
“You did this on purpose, didn’t you?” Lara stormed up, waving her finger at Fate. “You’re always clinging to him. Don’t think I’m falling for it, even for a moment!”
Fate leaned away from the aggressive finger. “Falling for what, exactly?”
“I know what you are.”
“A courtesan?”
Lara glanced at Hero and stepped back, glowering at Fate. “I know you’re responsible for the murders. I will expose you to everyone!”
Is she crazy? What in the world is she saying? What murders? She couldn’t know about Hero’s parents, right?
“Arguing again?” Fortis trekked up the staircase into view. “Ladies, there is no need to fight. You need only ask if you’re uncertain.”
Fate gave up trying to follow the discussion and blurted out, “Huh?”
Hero had completely detached from the argument and played with Persephone. He lured her around, trying to teach her to follow his hand.
Fortis delivered careful admonishment. “Lara, you should know that no amount of debate will earn you anything.”
Lara folded her hands in front and lowered her head to avoid his gaze. She’d fold easily under pressure from anyone except Fate. For months, Lara appeared around every bend with an onslaught of insults and accusations. This was her first time saying something so ambiguous, and now it was more like she had something to hide.
Fate figured the best route was to remain calm so she wouldn’t become more tangled in the mess. “I’m not sure what to say. I’ve been called a whore and a demon, but I have to admit this is my first time being accused of murder.”
Lara clenched her apron. “It all sounds true to me.”
Hero pressed his chin against Fate’s shoulder. “Empty accusations are precisely what led to this mess, Lola. If you have evidence of these crimes, kindly present them, or quit pointing fingers.”
She patted the side of his face. “Settle down.”
Fortis studied them, more scrupulously than anyone could guess. The Igni were perceptive in the most mysterious ways. “You’re friends?”
Hero ruffled Persephone’s fur. “Fate and I? We’re close friends.”
“Then there shouldn’t be a reason to argue,” Fortis said. “Unless one of you ladies has something else to add.” His golden eyes gleamed as they shifted to Lara. After a moment of silence, he clapped his hands. “Then back to business.”
Fate sustained her poise until she and Hero entered the music room. Behind closed doors, she released the previously unseen tension she’d experienced. “I can’t seem to counter anyone in this place.”
“The Rahma are vulnerable, but the miasma might be making matters worse.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. I’ll try to consider that next time.”
They sat side by side on the window seat overlooking the community beyond the palace gates. Grey clouds gathered over Nitor to warn of possible weather changes, which may have been natural since Hero appeared both calm and blissful.
Persephone slept in his arms as his gaze followed the people on the street.
When he wasn’t paying attention, Fate stole several glances.
Maybe he really is sad.
/> Small droplets of water splattered against the glass and raced each other down to the window pane. She pressed her hand against the cold glass. “Rain? Hero, it’s raining!”
His expression was still, so much so it might’ve been wiser to consider it forlorn.
She couldn’t empathize as much as she wanted to, yet she understood what it might feel like to watch the rain from inside and never have the chance to touch it. “If you could live for one day, but had to give up freedom for the rest of your life, would you?”
“If that day made the rest of my life worthwhile.”
“So, would memories count?”
He tilted his head. “What are you trying to say?”
“Want to live for one day?”
“With you?”
“Yes. I might get you into a lot of trouble, and I’ll definitely bring you back to this place, but for one day, how about we do whatever we want?”
He laughed softly. “Are you serious?”
She jumped down from the window seat. “Are you coming?” Once she saw him following, she led him to the hall by his room. “Okay, you hide here until the guards move, then you run as fast as you can outside. Don’t get caught.”
“What will you do?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll come.” She smiled at him and ran down the back staircase.
The ceremony hall split into a number of hallways that looped around to various exits and paths. She positioned herself carefully to echo her voice down the opposing hallway, and unleashed a deafening shriek.
The guards dashed in through the entrance, and Fate sprinted for the staircase to avoid detection. One guard instructed the others to search the palace for the source of the scream.
She kept her eyes on them as she crept through the shadows, towards the open doors, and made an escape for the gates.
Hero extended a hand out to her. They held onto each other and continued running towards the woods outside the community, faster and faster, through the pouring rain.
She knew she had done something illogical and reckless, that the idea had just popped into her head without once running through her usual scan of checks and balances. Nonetheless, she ran and ran, blinking away the raindrops from her lashes. Her gaze fell upon Hero’s back as they made their escape through the tree-laden path.
