From there, the party went on as though nothing had happened. Yet, as both the young nobles had expected, Aderico did not return for the remainder of the celebration.
Viktor
The Empress of Iradas arrived at her husband’s office in time to watch him scrunch up a piece of paper angrily and throw it into the fireplace behind him, accompanied by a choice of colourful words to send it off. Dominika smiled, despite knowing Viktor would not have seen it with his head down amongst his work. “What’s wrong, my Love? You’ve been so stressed these last few days, you haven’t spoken more than three words at a time to me.” she said by way of greeting.
Viktor dropped his pen and ran his hands down his face, grumbling as he did. “As much as I would love to just leave all this work behind and spoil you with my attention, The Allied Kingdoms don’t wait for anyone. When I’ve sorted out one problem, I’m immediately met with another.” he paused to sit back in his chair and he could not help but smile as his young wife dropped into his lap and ran her hands around his neck. “Believe me, there’s nothing I’d rather be doing more than just lying in bed with you and enjoying each other’s company but, my father’s death has left the Redbanes in quite a mess.”
Dominika rested her head against his shoulder, whilst her fingers gently stroked her husband’s neck. “I know. I don’t mean to sound so displeased, it was just a selfish thought of mine to want to have you to myself.” she looked down at the papers scattered across the Emperor’s desk and she wondered how he had not lost his sanity yet, having to deal with all of it. She supposed he did not have the luxury of losing it, not as Emperor. “Is there anything I can do, to help ease the burden a little?” she asked. As she spoke, she paused to press a kiss against Viktor’s neck every once in a while. “Or will I just be a distraction?”
Viktor swung his wife up onto the desk, for a moment not caring about the papers crumpling slightly beneath her. He kissed her deeply. Savouring her taste. He worked his hands up her legs, pushing them past the long tunic she wore, taking in the feel of her soft skin against his fingers. “What were we talking about again?” he asked in turn, behind a smile. The Emperor unlaced the front of his wife’s tunic and opened it up, exposing her to him. His own attention had been so fixed on her, Viktor had not even noticed Dominika undoing the front of his breeches in turn.
“I’d actually come to tell you,” she began and paused to suck in some air as her husband found his way inside her. “I have written a letter to my father. Asking for his support.” she paused again to run her hands up Viktor’s neck and she tangled her fingers in his hair, keeping him close.
Viktor steadied his wife as she leaned back a little, allowing him a better chance of entering her. They had to conceive a child at one point and there was little time to spare waiting for an opportunity. Although they both knew atop a desk was perhaps not the best place to go about it.
“All we can do is wait.” Dominika added in.
“Wait for who – oh, gods! Sorry, I,” a voice said from the door of the study.
Both Emperor and Empress looked back to find Saff Redbane standing some distance away with his gaze averted. Viktor was quick to wrap his wife up in her tunic again and when she was decent enough, he used her position on the desk as a hiding place whilst he fixed up his own clothes. “Saff?” he began. The heat was already rising in his cheeks. “I, we – hadn’t heard you come in. I didn’t think you’d be back so soon.”
The Prince of Iradas thought it appropriate to approach his brother and his blushing wife and he did so with a smile. He looked fresh and wide awake, as though having just awoken from a rest which Viktor did not doubt was very much needed. Saff greeted Dominika with a gentle squeeze of her hands and a kiss on each cheek. “I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything too serious. Although, I had knocked.” he said by way of introduction.
Viktor let out a cough. He did not want to say it aloud but, he could sense his wife’s embarrassment at having been found by her brother-in-law like that.
Saff, however, felt they had no reason to be embarrassed. Even so, he did not push the topic any further. “Is my brother what you had expected, Dominika? I assure you he’s a real charmer once you get to know him well.” he asked.
Dominika failed to contain a laugh and when she looked back at her husband, she took his hand in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m a lucky woman. Thank you for asking, Saff.” she looked to Viktor again. “Shall I leave you to attend to business with your brother? In private?”
Before Viktor could even answer, Saff shook his head. “Please, I don’t mean to scare you off. As Empress I’m sure you would like to be well informed about the events in both Aarengoth and Anderaith?”
Viktor had taken the time to pour a drink for himself and his brother, apologising to his wife for his lack of non-alcoholic choices of drinks. When he had settled himself in his chair again, he took a sip of wine and asked, “So what news in Anderaith then? Is it worse than I had hoped?” it was a question he disliked having to ask but, knew was necessary to.
Saff waited until the young Empress had found a seat of her own beside him, before sitting down himself. He rubbed his chin with a pale hand and took a sip of his own drink. “Ah, V. I don’t know how to tell you this but, Axel’s negligence has caused us more trouble than we deserve. Riots in the streets, most of which I don’t blame the citizens for. What kind of message do you think it sends them, a Chief of Staff not up keeping the defences of the city when he is supposed to? The people are scared and angry. They feel betrayed by Axel’s lack of care and, well, they most likely place part of the blame on us too.” he paused to take a swig of his wine this time. As though it would somehow make the news taste less bitter. “We need to name a new Chief of Staff of Anderaith. With Dedric and Boros both dead, Axel has made his allegiance clear. We can’t afford to have a spy in our midst. Not one working directly for Marcus Valenti himself, either.”
Viktor seemed distraught by the news and he had every right to be.
“Who did you have in mind to replace this Axel?” Dominika asked the young Prince.
Despite it being his suggestion, Saff was not too sure who would play the suitable candidate.
“We’ll make it our top priority. I agree with you, we can’t run two cities alone between the three of us. Father had an army of men behind him to see the cities running smoothly and, right now, our connections are getting weak.” Viktor paused to run his tongue over his teeth. He needed to put something else on his mind. “How is Adelaide? Will she be returning home anytime soon?”
Saff smiled at the mention of their sister and he nodded. “I hope so. She seems to have everything under control, despite Athon’s attempts to dismiss her authority – he was bold enough to confess that he doesn’t trust the judgement of a woman, nor the decisions one makes. Adelaide, she’s stubborn and level headed. She seemed to be in good cheer before I left so, I’m hoping that can only mean good news.”
Dominika’s face lit up at the prospect of the Princess returning home soon. “Oh, how wonderful! I’ve been waiting eagerly for her to come home, it’s been a while since I have had any real friends. I think your sister and I will get along wonderfully.”
Viktor was pleased to see his wife so excited about something. He just hoped it did not mean she was unhappy about her life here; she had reassured him many times over that she had everything she needed and still, Viktor felt rather selfish not spending as much time with her as he wanted to. But he had the duties of an Emperor to handle first and he could not have been more glad to learn that Dominika understood this well. At least Adelaide would be back soon enough to his keep his wife company when he could not. “Thank you, Saff, for the reports, and thank you, Dominika, for having written to your father. We can handle the case of a new Chief of Staff whilst we await Yhannisan’s response.” he just hoped that the Emperor of Illia would not take too long to answer now, because there simply was not enough time to waste waiting.
&n
bsp; Marcus
After all the noise of the party in the grand hall, Marcus needed both air and some peace and quiet. His guests had long since gone home and his wife was tending to Kalyani’s needs, seeing as her daughter appeared quite upset near the end of the celebration; when she finally had to accept her mother was leaving again. A part of Marcus felt selfish for having agreed to allow his wife refuge amongst the peace of their Manor house in Faradwyn; whilst the other reminded himself that if was Alexandria who had agreed to leave the castle when she felt the things her husband did would upset her too much. They could not risk a family feud now and if Alexandria felt she had the right to a say in the matter, she would have only made the whole war against the Redbanes on Marcus’ part harder. So she had chosen on her own accord to leave her husband be when he needed the time and space to think. It was not as though Valerius and Kalyani were children anymore either. In fact, Marcus hoped that in their mother’s absence, his children would learn to become the Lord and Lady of the castle that they were, in preparation for when the time came to start families of their own. Whilst Valerius seemed to be excelling in such a personal development, Kalyani’s efforts were rather lacking. Only time could tell whether she would be ready yet to venture off with a suitable husband of her own.
Out on Marcus’ private balcony, the night air was cool and crisp. It did not smother the Lord and for that he was glad. He did not look her way as a serving girl refilled his glass of wine for the last time, curtseyed and excused herself from his presence. Marcus heard the clicking of the door as it closed behind her.
“I’m beginning to think you believe these parties are getting out of hand too.” an unexpected voice said to him from behind.
Marcus did not look back as he took a sip of his wine. Placing the glass down onto a table beside him, he slouched a little deeper into his chair. “To what do I owe this pleasure, Serendipity?” he asked solemnly.
The Princess dared to venture out onto the balcony and she found a seat opposite the table which Marcus had sat himself by. She folded her arms over, black curls slipping off her naked shoulders at the gesture. For a hostage, the girl appeared calm. Content, even. “I’ve never quite known someone to throw such an extravagant party, celebrating the brutal murder of their enemy.” she began.
“You’ve never known me.” Marcus cut in.
“Until nearly a year ago. Don’t make me re-live it.” Serendipity replied. She let out a calculated breath, knowing what she was about to say next would not be to Marcus’ liking. “You shouldn’t have done it. That was your one chance to make things right; make amends. Yes, it would have been difficult to right the wrongs of past generations but, it wouldn’t have been impossible. When you killed Hathor Redbane, you killed the best chance at peace along with it.”
Marcus left his drink to be. He laughed harshly and looked to where the Princess sat. “What do you know of peace and how to secure it? You don’t expect me to take to heart the words of a sixteen-year-old,” he paused and his eyes widened as he continued to stare at Serendipity.
The Princess raised a brow at him. It was a challenge. “Go on, say it. A peasant. I suppose I wasn’t expecting you to.” she said.
Marcus ran a hand down his face. He was too tired for such talk. “I was going to say girl. As though I’d risk my pride in doing so.”
Serendipity found her feet, and she reached across the table, taking up the Lord’s glass and the jug of wine. She turned away from him and went to discard of the alcohol.
“Where are you going with that?” Marcus called out to her. He hardly appreciated her handling his precious wine.
The Princess stopped to address him for what she hoped would be the last time. There was no kindness in her tone; no place in which Marcus could seek some much wanted comfort from. He was a monster and monsters deserved no better.
“I don’t intend to sound like I’m on your side in this war, my actions are only carried out in the best interest of your family. You drink too much, Marcus, and wine turns you as giddy as a fool. Do yourselves and those around you a favour – make an acquaintance out of water. It’ll serve you and your conscience far better.” then she was gone for good and the alcohol along with her.
Marcus’ wife did not come to bed until late. It was her way of telling him she was upset with him and, having guessed already, Alexandria must have sought comfort in the Princess earlier on; as she too sensed the alcohol on her husband’s breath upon her return to their chambers. And because of it, she only did so much as to press a single kiss goodnight against Marcus’ cheek, before rolling over to show him her back as she slept.
Adelaide
“I’m glad Saff had managed to get somewhere with Athon before he’d left for home.” Adelaide said as she gave her horse a heavy pat on the neck and waited for the beast to finish drinking from a small stream she had found. The Princess had been travelling to Bordennia with her Guardians for near enough a day now, as urgent business with the young Prince called her there with no time to delay. Adelaide let loose a sigh.
Above her, a trickle of daylight broke through the canopy of the forest and it danced from tree to tree. Rays of sunlight chased after each other, enjoying one last moment to play before night fell and covered the land in darkness again. The days were going by far too quickly. When would the first day of spring finally arrive to release The Allied Kingdoms of winters burdens?
“I know the King is still proving stubborn but, as a sixteen-year-old what chance did I have of even getting close enough to whisper in Athon’s ear? I just hope the young Prince of Bordennia will be kinder to my cause, seeing as we’re near enough the same age and might actually listen to each other because of it.” Adelaide had been brooding on the topic of Athon Broadblade’s blatant disregard for her authority for days now. In fact, she had not let the issue rest since having arrived at Faradwyn Castle.
From atop her horse, Daegar was bundled up in the Princess’ blanket, and he remained fast asleep despite the talk around him. The poor thing. Being cooped up inside a library for only the gods knew how long had not prepared him for a journey like this. No doubt if he were awake, he would tell Adelaide to stop wallowing in her self-pity and get a move on. There were lands in need of saving.
Dallius, besides the three assassins, was perhaps one of the few men in Faradwyn willing to listen to the Princess. With high hopes, maybe Ahvi Broadblade would continue to show his allegiance to the Redbanes too – in particular, to the young girl who had been brave enough to carry out such a task in the first place.
“The world is no easy place for anyone, Ada.” Myron began, looking her way as he ran a hand down his own horse’s neck. They were all exhausted. “But I understand where you’re coming from. The ignorance of most men towards women is quite unsettling and I hate to remind you that your age certainly doesn’t help. Yet, does all that not make you even more determined to be heard? You’re right, if a man far older than yourself – like Athon – refuses to see any potential in you, then I believe you’ve been selling yourself to the wrong buyer this entire time.” he finished off.
It was true. Athon had not stopped once to consider the importance of what Adelaide had to say. But, as soon as it left the lips of her older brother and Prince of Iradas, only then did he consider this alliance worth his time. For now. He changed his mind with things as often as a woman would change her clothes, a different gown for every new time of the day.
Adelaide nodded to herself, feeling rather satisfied with Myron’s answer. “Very well. My business in Bordennia will be with Nicademius and Nicademius alone. If we’re to be married,” she said and paused to swing herself up onto her horse; with a helping hand from Berethos. “Then we might as well start burying each other in our own burdens now. For soon they won’t be so personal anymore.”
*****
The Prince of Bordennia sat in the grand hall of the castle with his mother and father, bored out of his mind as he half listened to what Nynae was telling him. It wa
s not proper of him to ignore his parents as they spoke to him but, he could not help it. All conversations concerning his engagement to the Princess of Iradas had become slurred, and they throbbed in his head like a dull ache. Nicademius looked around the hall instead, hoping to find something that would entertain him, when a little boy rushed into the hall and ran towards a serving woman.
He jumped up and down with excitement. “Mother.” he cried out. “There's an imp outside the castle.” he announced and jumped up and down again.
The woman shook her head and held the boy still. “An imp? Who in Iradas has an imp?” she asked, looking around the hall in embarrassment as people drew their attention to the little boy.
“A girl. The Princess of Iradas, she's here, and she has an imp. I swear. Can I go see it?” he tittered.
Nicademius was the first to take note of a sudden commotion stirring up outside the castle. There came the sound of people cheering, spears stomping against the floor and guards yelling out for people to get back.
“What in damnation is going on out there?” Dominicus demanded to no one in particular. He turned away from a table he had been hunching over, losing all interest in the maps and records he had been prying through with his father; the Captain of Bordennia. All whilst the Queen lowered her needle and thread and sat up on her own throne. The doors to the castle were heaved open, and the hall fell silent at the sudden and unexpected appearance of Adelaide Redbane.
The Princess carried herself with such grace and confidence, hardly noting the people she passed bowing down to her. She was not here to drown herself in the apparent adoration of the people. Behind her came three hooded men, their steps full of purpose and their hands pressed against various weapons at their side.
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