Chapter 14
“I see, so that’s what151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXtuypY83F
happened.” Vander was sitting in Cuvera’s room on a blue couch while his friend151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzh0PKm8bi
reclined on the other smoking on his pipe. Cuvera had excused himself from the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEvoyQrspU
party early under the guise of being tired, but he made sure to slip Vander a151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVILPYQkVC1
note on his way out telling him to meet him in his apartment ten minutes later151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWfHTWKI09
to not arouse suspicion. He half expected Kiara to be there when he arrived,151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZPoCzWaXO
but he had been told that they wouldn’t share a room until they were married151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzFeoByu6e
per her customs.
“Are you angry?” Vander asked,151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8mqT9YppZ
rubbed his hands together. He didn’t look up at his friend the entire time he151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX59m1eOF0F
explained what happened during the prince’s absence as he was too afraid as to151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVqSSxpDZ0
what he might say.
“Why would I be angry?” Cuvera151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQfffbL87N
asked. Vander looked up to see confusion etched on his face. “You saved my151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n1ikeuJx0
father’s life; I’m surprised he hadn’t given you a parade to celebrate. Did he151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5obp3JrIZ
offer you anything at all?”
“No,” Vander shook his head. “He151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWEw4pEy57
wanted to keep everything quiet because it wouldn’t be wise to let the people151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbLOeI9yqg
know how close he was t death. He didn’t want to start a riot or anything.”
“Sounds like him.” Cuvera snorted151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxHnv9W197
taking another hit on his pipe. Smoke billowed out as he continued to speak. “Have151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbVPhpxJfn
you had a chance to interrogate the prisoner yet? I bet he has some details151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQwfDUU9qh
that he should share with the class.”
“Not yet.” Vander hesitated. “I’ve151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fPLDZBMXo
been busy.”
“Well, there is no time like the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZjgRvjTzZ
present.” Cuvera got up from the couch then disappeared into his room. He151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEb9gOhDtN
reappeared moments later wearing a Blade uniform with a hood to obscure his151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9fvusxSdL
features. He strapped a fake sword to his belt. It would pass as a real one151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCp9dQAXW7
sheathed, but the blade itself was made from rubber. It would fail if anyone151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDZmExOde8
asked him about it.
“You should rest.” Vander shook151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCI3e8Dpq9
his head. “You only just arrived home. Surely this could wait for another day.”
“And miss the chance to see who151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3qKs9lMMi
tried to kill my father?” Cuvera scoffed. “Nonsense. Plus, based on how you’re151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzswF1EXVF
past year has gone, I think you could use the chance to unleash your pent-up151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK7bPlngub
anger. Come on, this will be fun.”
Never one to say no to his oldest151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx6poJnkn4
friend, Vander relented then followed his friend out the door and deeper into151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6ji53g0G9
the castle.
The dungeons were in the bowels of151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRyT9AcqUC
the ground underneath the castle walls. It was on the same plane as the Pitts,151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYmAO7NL6c
but very few people knew that. As far as people knew, dungeons didn’t exist.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRzBYSZnOR
They believed that all prisoners of the crown were sent to Jewelthorne’s mines151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMiKxWVXP4
to live out their days mining precious resources until the day they died, and151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBory5mDxp
that was true for most prisoners. However, those who tried to take out nobility151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4CYVfSR9l
or members of the crown, a fresh hell waited for them.
The dungeons were on the other151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl4VqO6EvF
side of a secret panel that opened by pulling a torch handle located within the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs62LjOHLkm
cellars. Vander grabbed the torch so they could see, but Cuvera walked down151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4b8f0bOZy
without hesitation. The cellars were cold and damp with a winding staircase151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhKOWlHHvW
that led several stories down. It was a pain to clean, so many of the servants151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmjEwQV6JV
didn’t bother leaving cobwebs and dust everywhere. Only those being punished151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GmDOvf6fQ
were every told to come down here, so many were on their best behavior.
When they stepped off onto the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeyMejlgAy
ground, they spotted two Blades guarding the door that would lead into the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBO23SkjOv
actual prison. They were tough, tougher than most Blades, who took their job151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAlToEvKyr
seriously. No one would be allowed through without prior authorization, unless151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFHN6JgSOF
you were the King or Prince.
“Stop where you are.” One of the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwb6VEzkgs
voices boomed. They lowered their pikes, so the tips were pointed at Cuvera and151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQc5UFsbwoW
Vander. “No one is allowed through here, even if you are Blades.”
“Oh sorry.” Cuvera removed his151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbfm1ZjCto
hood revealing a glimmering smile. “I didn’t want to be seen by any other. Is151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcZBkXMlvf
it alright if we go in? I’d hate to use my status, but…” He let that threat151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplC8a3Vz3F
hang in that air allowing the guards to figure the rest out.
“We are under direct orders from151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDYB9NoGfl
Lord Cranton,” they hesitated. However, they knew the Prince out ranked him.
“I’ll deal with the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwrexqDJZg
repercussions.” Vander nodded. “Let us through.”
“As you wish.” One of the guards151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2Fj2vNw0a
removed a set of keys from his belt then unlocked the steel door that opened151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUayuglnsz4
into the prison. “If you want to open the door you’ll need this key.” He151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oVPa635ME
unclipped one of them then handed it to Vander. “Leave him in one piece. I151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEaY9SdDLG
think the King wanted him interrogated tomorrow.”
“Might not be needed if we can get151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbohxbdOx6
the information out of him tonight.” Cuvera frowned. “Thank you.” He opened the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZfeOf3NW0
door then stepped inside. Thanking the two Blades, Vander then followed his151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrlOBqzFWK
friend.
Thankfully the royal dungeons151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTVWxiaDNC
weren’t used too often so there was only one person, and he was locked in the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FNB2Zn1Se
cell farthest from the door without any windows or ventilation. The space stank151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EBspQ4CHe
of unwashed body odor and festering wound and that was something no amount of151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlv5rbnsVV
cleaner could remove. At least there were no rats or cockroaches waiting to151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysQU2sgrvq
feast on you, but it made it painfully boring being here on your own. Vander151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDqIKEguh8
was surprised the assassin hadn’t gone crazy in the days he hadn’t been here.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDw9UUbK3l
Most went insane after the first.
The assassin looked worse than151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7Ut89dXEU
Vander remembered. He must have gotten roughed up when he was brought down151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzt3mD1TZA
here. His eyes were swollen and there were bloodied bandages wrapped around his151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPNpaVsgLO
stomach. All he had was his tattered cloak to protect him from the chill. Moldy151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt40lexeWZB
bread and hard stew sat in bowls inside of the cell, untouched.
“So, this is the man who jumped151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4O89vdMD7
you in the alley.” Cuvera frowned. “He looks likes any of the bums I’d trip151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV11X1fdw0z
over in the slums, not a scary assassin.”
“Give me a knife and we shall see151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgwE208h2G
how scary I am.” The man growled. He looked up from under his cloak and while151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VrE8zjJeu
Vander could see the determination in his eyes, he knew the assassin could151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5wv5qIHSb
barely stand let alone hold a knife.
“Someone with balls I like that.”151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF6oSnT9zO
Cuvera took the key from Vander’s hand then used it to unlock the cell. The151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMeHlVT8IA
door swung open, but before Vander could stop him, Cuvera walked inside, kicked151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImtfd1h4J1
over some of the bowls, then punched the assassin in the face. Blood splattered151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbweJ1xv0n
the ground, but he didn’t stop at one. He punched the man several times until151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLoaZjuav4
he heard teeth hit the stone floor. The man groaned as Cuvera kicked him in the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7UaQMpaz8
side. He would have continued if Vander hadn’t grabbed him around the waist and151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAnQQZ5ZhH
throw him to the side.
“Stop.” Vander blocked the prince151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuTBM3JVSU
from going near the assassin causing his friend to squint his eyes in anger.
“He tried to kill you Vander and151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1hezFDMcH
you’re just going to stand there and not punish him?” he asked. “Where are your151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPUMZdC5BC
balls?”
“It’s not my place to torture him,151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNA9gAaKlk
Cuvera.” Vander scoffed. He looked down at the man who curled back up into a151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2uYU5K15X
ball instead of standing up. He didn’t even wipe the blood from his mouth. “There151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNd6rvgfkl
is information he has that we need, but it’s up to my grandfather and your151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgZOVcbslY
father to decide who gets to do it.”
“Why are we waiting around?”151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFPliftpOI
Cuvera asked. “He knows where those bastards went who ordered my father151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E1DfHKmIT
poisoned.” He violently kicked one of the bowls, so it shattered against the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLCRE0Wyv0
wall. “This is so annoying.”
“Someone tried to poison the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzceeXPudx
King?” The assassin laughed. “I know nothing about that. My orders were to kill151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwix2nkgRPP
a Blade. My friends and I were given the time and place. We didn’t know it was151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ddZUy9BeO
going to be you.”
“Do you know who ordered the hit?”151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtfs4FQWD7
Vander asked.
“It’s not my place to know.” The151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlUzMznktc
man shrugged. “I just follow orders. That’s all.” Vander strained to tell if he151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21lUXMIF1e
was lying, but based on the steady beat of his heart, he was telling the truth.
“Tell me more about the poisoning151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky98tM9De9
of my father.” Cuvera squats down in front of the assassin. “And I want to know151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRozvjRcYeC
everything.”
“I told you princeling,” he said151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7svmD2xVsY
with a sneer. “I know nothing about that.”
“Which group do you belong too?”151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQFoRmgmOK
Vander asked. The assassin fell silent, but his eyes smoldered with rage.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldBiHdPI3L
“There are ways I can use to find out.” The assassin stuck his chin out151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvK1HfvuhK
indignantly.
“Hold him.” Cuvera demanded. “This151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRzsVUaz8D
is an order as your prince, not a request from a friend.” Nodding his head,151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUurofQe8Jt
Vander grabbed the assassin then held him against the wall, so his feet were151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTvKyEIrlj
dangling. Even though he struggled, he wasn’t strong enough to do anything151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zUh3KlcaN
after days of not eating. So, after a few seconds he hung there like a limp151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUtLrSqFFt
noodle. “Knife.” Vander removed a knife from his belt then placed it in his151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYx5MZW8m8
friend’s outstretched hand.
Cuvera placed the knife against151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2K2nBpE39
the man’s arm then cut open the sleeve. He wasn’t gentle doing it drawing a151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhvLEobFjH
little bit of blood in the process. He pulled the rest down to reveal a heavily151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse3BHkfJ8P
muscled, but bare arm. Frowning, he moved onto the next arm with the same151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjtV0exJpS
result. He clicked his tongue annoyed as he walked around the assassin who151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gVCHf0Bmq
likely knew what he wanted but wasn’t in the mood to help.
“Make him kneel.” Vander pulled151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQTD9psET3
the man off the wall placing him on the ground. Then he kicked out both knees151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKim73P03wa
making him cry out in pain, but he fell to the ground placing his hands out in151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MvafjwsS0
front of him to catch himself. Vander gripped the back of his neck then151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡect3BvVUiu
squeezed causing a small cry of pain to squeak out of the assassin, but he151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBo1kpgq0I
didn’t move.
“You won’t get your answers by151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLR9OssQDh
torturing me.” He rasped. “I’ve been through far more than you have.” Without151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8MrRC3rU2
warning, Cuvera slammed the knife into the man’s shirt then ripped downward.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcpWQ1YJAq
The man stifled his screams as the knife tip bit into his flesh.
Vander wasn’t151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZDNkWnMeT
sure what the prince was after, but it became clear once he parted the bleeding151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtntfeab0Ao
shirt from the back to reveal an emblem that sent chills down his spine. It was151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzdhWAqFRB
an entwined green snake tattoo with a sword shoved through the mouth and151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20MLjuaDDy
through the back. Even though he hadn’t seen it before, he knew that this was151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PeTpTK3LL
the emblem of the Green Serpents.
“Well, we have151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1h8oL5RJz
one answer.” Cuvera smiled. “We know you are a Serpent and that lines up nicely151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW20wcF7xH
with the intelligence that we already have.”
“I already told151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEptu9A5Ox7
you,” the assassin shivered. “We had nothing to do with the King’s illness. It151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRv6qqrMDd
wasn’t us.”
“Vander.” Cuvera151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50xcXb5Os6
stepped back but tilted his head towards the assassin. Sighing, Vander hauled151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO5iDzgBzE
the guy up to his feet then punched him in the stomach. The man doubled over151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79hcqdFJYb
but Vander brought his knee up right into his jaw. The assassin stumbled151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTSV0yFQXq
backwards, but he quickly righted himself. He spat out a wad of blood at151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb5Jgl1BOh
Vander, hitting him in the face. As he struggled to wipe the blood away, the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM311KWyUB
assassin tackled Vander pushing him into the bars. He let out a cry of pain but151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf7QR7QHXM
recovered quickly. He brought both fists down onto the assassin’s back slamming151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWGdPQpcmh
him into the ground. The assassin tried to crawl away, but Vander grabbed his151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGbLZSbYT8
leg pulling him back in.
The two of them151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtBW8REp9U
fought while Cuvera sat there with a small grin on his face. The fight ended151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D2QOXa4VI
when Vander drove his elbow into the man’s already damaged jaw. That final blow151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDfjfL7ubM
was enough to dislocate it then to keep him from crying out, a blow to the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBtDPch4Lr
temple rendered him unconscious. Vander got up, staggered for a second, before151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFAcPVC3uw
fixing himself.
“Why did you make151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVmKRMvEdH
me do that?” he asked the prince.
“I didn’t make151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15S51VoCiE
you do anything.” The prince shrugged. “It looked like you need to release some151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyNrZjliI4
rage, so I merely gave you the opportunity, plus we learned something in the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eHebXzCXl
process. Come on let’s go.”
Vander looked151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTDgoQ9mom
down at the assassin before following his friend out of the cell and back151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsZepjWfkZ
towards the door. Cuvera didn’t say anything as they left, but Vander whispered151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecRDmyndIY
to send a healer for the man inside. The guards nodded their head but didn’t151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLgzsaeAhP
move. They would wait a few minutes before ‘discovering’ that the man had tried151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5R4tCyX45
to harm himself. It wasn’t the first time they did something like this.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6KW2ktmNH
However, the King would find out then there would be hell to pay.
“Man, that was151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zGmy7niQP
awesome.” Cuvera cheered. “You were so badass when you were beating him. You151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mW2BMolCG
got to teach me how to fight.”
“If I remember151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85zZMFs1bD
correctly that didn’t go so well the last time.” Vander mused. He held his hand151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzHXswhTHI
out for the knife then promptly sheathed it as to not arouse suspicion. Last151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqix18WA4D
time Vander had tried to teach the prince how to fight, they were ten years151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vOcm5a5U2
old, and one punch was enough to send him crying to his mother. The King151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2WXC9G5qm
shortly put a stop to that.
“This time be151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdvs2EDpjU
different.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m in peak physical condition.” He threw a151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4Uu1tnbYW
couple of jabs into the air. Normally Vander would have laughed, but he had151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD5FQovWiY
just been ordered to beat a broken man and it didn’t sit right with him. Cuvera151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwMMZqAsfl
had his moments, but he wasn’t cruel. This was out of character for him,151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8ITEVy2Co
hearing about his father almost dying must have spooked him enough to act.
They made their151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv7pARZXyY
way through the castle heading back towards Cuvera’s apartment. They saw a151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eM6FiXHSv
couple of noblemen with their escorts, but they all bowed their heads once they151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlRXG1hde5
realized it was the prince which allowed Vander to go unnoticed. He still151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6DLrwyDSu
hadn’t covered from his other injuries and now he could add fresh ones to the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn8V80rZ2R
list. Despite being weakened, that assassin wasn’t a push over. He got in a few151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv1D5FleWq
strikes causing some pain in the process. Despite the quicker healing he had,151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKOx21OYXx
these injuries would still take a bit.
Vander noticed it151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHHx37Z0sb
before Cuvera, but there were two people waiting for them inside of his room.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbtKqwR2w3
He relaxed once he recognized their scents as Eliza and Kiara. Shea must like151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5XoCDZQEi
them because he didn’t sense any distress from their bond. If anything, she151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMeZ6Bm0CY
felt joy and excitement. Vander decided to keep his mouth shut about the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqAx4UkBVq
visitors, his little dose of payback.
“Let’s get151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUZZjJWr1t
something to drink.” Cuvera gripped the door handle. But when he pushed it open151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7cUqIFz7x
his face fell. “Shit.” He whispered.
Kiara was sitting151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKCgYqLRTo
on the couch running her hands through Shea’s fur. Shea was standing on top of151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi03OAXrsG
her knees licking her face as she laughed. Eliza was standing behind her sister151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i3GtEd2aS
with a bemused expression on her face. Upon hearing the door open, the two women151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMvW8g5BmH
turned to look at them. Eliza nodded her head respectfully, but anger flooded151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GPufkfzaN
Eliza’s .
Both had changed151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mdEJ17N8W
their outfits to match the cooler climate of Eluvia. Eliza had been given a151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPTYOsGeIf
long blue dress, but was wearing an orange shawl over her arms, an ode to her151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNaTKSi3eS
home country. Eliza was given slacks, a blue shirt and a jacket that looked a151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdlgzsLIUB
lot like a Blades. Her hair had been pulled back into a tight ponytail. She151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK6tYw0vzv
gave Vander a small smile then she turned back to look at her sister.
“You were151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgxZGx0DGc
supposed to escort me around the castle.” She growled. She got up from the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkqMthML1M
couch and stormed over towards them. “Where have you been?” Vander quickly151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFl2VSDy6R
tried to slink back into the shadows, but she caught him. “You’re not going151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27jMmDKqeq
anywhere.” She snapped. Her face softened once she saw the blood on his face.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFJcFWli0P
“Are you injured?” she asked.
“It’s nothing.”151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IEWPl4W93
Vander tried to hide it, but Kiara grabbed him. Vander hissed in pain, so she151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao1QJtQCjJ
removed her hand.
“Eliza, can you151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE8s0utHdN
tend to his wounds so I can have a chat with my fiancé?” she asked. “Please151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQgDTrFnmi
don’t fight me on this Vander, I’d hate for our friendship to start on a bad151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP1FBtO8B1
foot.” He looked towards Cuvera, but he averted his eyes.
“As you wish.”151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUHFLG6Nzw
Vander bowed his head.
“This way.” Eliza151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF4wNRNX71
escorted him to the bathroom then she shut the door. Moments later he could151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUzYvAkXH7
hear Kiara yelling at him, but he couldn’t hear what was being said. “Undress.”151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoMafd30ES
Eliza said.
“Excuse me?” he151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl1Mc71yIM
asked.
“You’re not the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSmdg67UtA
first man I’ve seen naked.” She scoffed. “And I doubt you’ll be the last.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ6PTseJ43
Undress so I can see what I’m working with.” He hesitated, but due to her151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFhEOurJ6t
incessant staring he did as she asked. Moments later his clothes were in the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtufrKze5S
corner of the floor as he stood there not even bothering to cover himself. If151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rY8PaU9ih
she wasn’t embarrassed, neither would he.
She looked at him151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J2CKExBFQ
over tracing the scars on his body lightly with her fingertips. The gentle151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85VmI16A1G
touch caused him to shiver which placed a delicate smile on her face. Looking151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT3gqAzEz8
down at himself, he noticed more bruises than he thought spreading across his151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4iBu202xZ
body. However, nothing compared to the giant bruise along his back. When she151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh0gYT89fC
touched it, he was filled with such immense pain he almost turned around to151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCX8WTd1Fh
punch her in the face.
“You’ve been151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzKWJAl1Lm
involved in multiple fights recently.” She muttered. “But this one seems151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZaxId3BKK
recent. I heard the person who tired to kill you is locked in the dungeons. Is151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfXHoqjAvV
that where you were?”
“Yes.” Vander151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUKrh8khQ2
said. He wasn’t sure how she knew about the assassination attempt on him or151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWSyKD6vMt
where he was located. He suspected Bricen’s spies told her, but there was no151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdfqdWf6Wk
way of knowing for sure.
“You shouldn’t151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRmoJw9AOp
beat those who can’t fight back.” She said. “It’s not a good look, especially151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyeHP4cmmb
for a Blade.”
“Even if the151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVObMDiCYx
prince ordered you too?” she didn’t say anything else after that. She applied151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHghSOEL8fH
some salve onto his wounds and the numbing cold allowed him to finally relax.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3ojDxQXsB
Once she was done she told him to put his clothes on while she went out to talk151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6BBwE9gHZ
to Kiara. When he got outside he saw that Cuvera was nowhere to be found.
“I told him to151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgawmJng0QU
tell his father what happened as well as what you discovered.” Kiara said. “He151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmF21FySZc
didn’t want to leave me, but I said you were here to protect me if I needed it.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoBOpoCXBM
Now, I’m asking you to escort me around the castle. Are you up for it?”
“Yes.” Vander151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnPFJZQpBG
bowed his head. She turned to look up at Eliza who nodded her head in151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9Xroh1R9Q
agreement.
“Good thing your151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjejCF1UtN
fight with the assassin didn’t go worse or I’d have gone without an escort.”151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkzrKRfGb7
She grinned.
“Someone would151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj54cUUe30E
have taken you around when I couldn’t.” Vander explained. “We tend not to let151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk8NQdP7lK
those of the royal family go without one, even within the castle.”
“You Eluvians are151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr6bhGrx2p
so protective.” She sighed. “You should really let your noblemen learn to fight151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgrixVTQpe
for themselves.”
“Do you know how151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0mNayqTft
to fight?”
“It’s rude to ask151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYook4VRC7a
a lady,” she grinned. “But perhaps if you’re nice I’ll give you a151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprisSenqr0
demonstration.” Eliza coughed into her hand. “Alright, escort. Let’s go.” She151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMb9HO7Y2x
got up off the couch and headed towards the door. Vander hesitated for a moment151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxIQtmuyHW
then followed. Shea stayed where she was in front of the couch.
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“Let’s go.” He151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwnlXGl0pR
said to her. She quickly got up and raced out the door nearly knocking Kiara151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBLobtQCnP
over in the process.
