Chapter 14
“I see, so that’s what110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl2iK6cyrU
happened.” Vander was sitting in Cuvera’s room on a blue couch while his friend110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9sdY8TjE2
reclined on the other smoking on his pipe. Cuvera had excused himself from the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Xa20HSEJt
party early under the guise of being tired, but he made sure to slip Vander a110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdhOdWvby6
note on his way out telling him to meet him in his apartment ten minutes later110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCW935q5sT
to not arouse suspicion. He half expected Kiara to be there when he arrived,110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IPVQ3jQtb
but he had been told that they wouldn’t share a room until they were married110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAPBd8sIc4
per her customs.
“Are you angry?” Vander asked,110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ71NPTu65b
rubbed his hands together. He didn’t look up at his friend the entire time he110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKKyRYkEC3
explained what happened during the prince’s absence as he was too afraid as to110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQua178RrMm
what he might say.
“Why would I be angry?” Cuvera110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KebZPNQMb
asked. Vander looked up to see confusion etched on his face. “You saved my110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRsBQVYNNM
father’s life; I’m surprised he hadn’t given you a parade to celebrate. Did he110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCu7DDt0UI
offer you anything at all?”
“No,” Vander shook his head. “He110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0RsxWcwFE
wanted to keep everything quiet because it wouldn’t be wise to let the people110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJEoZlgRzF
know how close he was t death. He didn’t want to start a riot or anything.”
“Sounds like him.” Cuvera snorted110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhjQ22IW9C
taking another hit on his pipe. Smoke billowed out as he continued to speak. “Have110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu2vykz1Rg
you had a chance to interrogate the prisoner yet? I bet he has some details110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPjOqvgSgS
that he should share with the class.”
“Not yet.” Vander hesitated. “I’ve110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0qACaTpri
been busy.”
“Well, there is no time like the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoIfK4sEr7
present.” Cuvera got up from the couch then disappeared into his room. He110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbfN6jx1B6
reappeared moments later wearing a Blade uniform with a hood to obscure his110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWvfYUs5Zu
features. He strapped a fake sword to his belt. It would pass as a real one110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzSchqA3c3
sheathed, but the blade itself was made from rubber. It would fail if anyone110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nXgKFaGVW
asked him about it.
“You should rest.” Vander shook110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19eZjyPXuy
his head. “You only just arrived home. Surely this could wait for another day.”
“And miss the chance to see who110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12RS4r0yW9
tried to kill my father?” Cuvera scoffed. “Nonsense. Plus, based on how you’re110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW45tnSXSXk
past year has gone, I think you could use the chance to unleash your pent-up110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOZjZ9dy07
anger. Come on, this will be fun.”
Never one to say no to his oldest110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpDderhiiX
friend, Vander relented then followed his friend out the door and deeper into110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu8wQ5COq4
the castle.
The dungeons were in the bowels of110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcXtKlb28J
the ground underneath the castle walls. It was on the same plane as the Pitts,110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgXS3HvNeU
but very few people knew that. As far as people knew, dungeons didn’t exist.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8DunIqGta
They believed that all prisoners of the crown were sent to Jewelthorne’s mines110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdmLg6Ik0p
to live out their days mining precious resources until the day they died, and110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDAnQgINds
that was true for most prisoners. However, those who tried to take out nobility110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhTcanbuaf
or members of the crown, a fresh hell waited for them.
The dungeons were on the other110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvNj83tub9
side of a secret panel that opened by pulling a torch handle located within the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JCFwXv5Gp
cellars. Vander grabbed the torch so they could see, but Cuvera walked down110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtBdEFyqO1
without hesitation. The cellars were cold and damp with a winding staircase110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5kgzNpauZ
that led several stories down. It was a pain to clean, so many of the servants110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXVuKO5r1H
didn’t bother leaving cobwebs and dust everywhere. Only those being punished110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x9lFB6y8a
were every told to come down here, so many were on their best behavior.
When they stepped off onto the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojqNh4iEyc
ground, they spotted two Blades guarding the door that would lead into the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH6w9qAKES
actual prison. They were tough, tougher than most Blades, who took their job110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uaXwPzgfN
seriously. No one would be allowed through without prior authorization, unless110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjFxgdU1G1
you were the King or Prince.
“Stop where you are.” One of the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUt20mS06W
voices boomed. They lowered their pikes, so the tips were pointed at Cuvera and110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXCmmZ3I9u
Vander. “No one is allowed through here, even if you are Blades.”
“Oh sorry.” Cuvera removed his110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4aDbjLdJd
hood revealing a glimmering smile. “I didn’t want to be seen by any other. Is110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxPpLUe1wS
it alright if we go in? I’d hate to use my status, but…” He let that threat110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG6ITQdR3g
hang in that air allowing the guards to figure the rest out.
“We are under direct orders from110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ibHyAp2kV
Lord Cranton,” they hesitated. However, they knew the Prince out ranked him.
“I’ll deal with the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92NCrmNcdu
repercussions.” Vander nodded. “Let us through.”
“As you wish.” One of the guards110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76OkD5Cj2K
removed a set of keys from his belt then unlocked the steel door that opened110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTxjcZwxSN
into the prison. “If you want to open the door you’ll need this key.” He110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOzNRRhyaP
unclipped one of them then handed it to Vander. “Leave him in one piece. I110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3oql8KzbV
think the King wanted him interrogated tomorrow.”
“Might not be needed if we can get110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldPmwuILYu
the information out of him tonight.” Cuvera frowned. “Thank you.” He opened the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38381phxYJ
door then stepped inside. Thanking the two Blades, Vander then followed his110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhiO3IDYnf
friend.
Thankfully the royal dungeons110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sDXFPMtzC
weren’t used too often so there was only one person, and he was locked in the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEALQHoO2v
cell farthest from the door without any windows or ventilation. The space stank110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33ntN9hCWJ
of unwashed body odor and festering wound and that was something no amount of110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKf9NV5YE7
cleaner could remove. At least there were no rats or cockroaches waiting to110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJY8tLZ7Ug
feast on you, but it made it painfully boring being here on your own. Vander110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyequNnLYw
was surprised the assassin hadn’t gone crazy in the days he hadn’t been here.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIGWXt9qv2
Most went insane after the first.
The assassin looked worse than110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeloNzyeL9
Vander remembered. He must have gotten roughed up when he was brought down110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtTpHbTZwe
here. His eyes were swollen and there were bloodied bandages wrapped around his110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1XxuVIBIn
stomach. All he had was his tattered cloak to protect him from the chill. Moldy110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEsS6kD3HW
bread and hard stew sat in bowls inside of the cell, untouched.
“So, this is the man who jumped110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX4I45TVwN
you in the alley.” Cuvera frowned. “He looks likes any of the bums I’d trip110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KqMuUP3e1
over in the slums, not a scary assassin.”
“Give me a knife and we shall see110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7iFetph2f
how scary I am.” The man growled. He looked up from under his cloak and while110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno1jxHsK65
Vander could see the determination in his eyes, he knew the assassin could110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bsinxBdHT
barely stand let alone hold a knife.
“Someone with balls I like that.”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7CcPlxTGf
Cuvera took the key from Vander’s hand then used it to unlock the cell. The110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9DY1J5QW1
door swung open, but before Vander could stop him, Cuvera walked inside, kicked110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRKG9aKIKR
over some of the bowls, then punched the assassin in the face. Blood splattered110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoFDAuRaM0
the ground, but he didn’t stop at one. He punched the man several times until110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3mEXnewQK
he heard teeth hit the stone floor. The man groaned as Cuvera kicked him in the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkpcRbYwdQ
side. He would have continued if Vander hadn’t grabbed him around the waist and110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jR05hFoN3
throw him to the side.
“Stop.” Vander blocked the prince110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtICv13AVp
from going near the assassin causing his friend to squint his eyes in anger.
“He tried to kill you Vander and110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fkk50stK8
you’re just going to stand there and not punish him?” he asked. “Where are your110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5FOZmXE3w
balls?”
“It’s not my place to torture him,110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT2GD2fgpR
Cuvera.” Vander scoffed. He looked down at the man who curled back up into a110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NmIGN1Vc3
ball instead of standing up. He didn’t even wipe the blood from his mouth. “There110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLmZ3q9jww
is information he has that we need, but it’s up to my grandfather and your110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsgG8QjEPi
father to decide who gets to do it.”
“Why are we waiting around?”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuJLgSS8AM
Cuvera asked. “He knows where those bastards went who ordered my father110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC9yKNZkQk
poisoned.” He violently kicked one of the bowls, so it shattered against the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFzewG6mve
wall. “This is so annoying.”
“Someone tried to poison the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo4YoCjKaI
King?” The assassin laughed. “I know nothing about that. My orders were to kill110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysMBGXSxYf
a Blade. My friends and I were given the time and place. We didn’t know it was110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1FbvsjJOL
going to be you.”
“Do you know who ordered the hit?”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznrCVeMKaL
Vander asked.
“It’s not my place to know.” The110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJNWLzKIqP
man shrugged. “I just follow orders. That’s all.” Vander strained to tell if he110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpzEDyE8zF
was lying, but based on the steady beat of his heart, he was telling the truth.
“Tell me more about the poisoning110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTR41Slg3E
of my father.” Cuvera squats down in front of the assassin. “And I want to know110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N8rqiGM1N
everything.”
“I told you princeling,” he said110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDFrWPp2xv
with a sneer. “I know nothing about that.”
“Which group do you belong too?”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTou2vf6RPA
Vander asked. The assassin fell silent, but his eyes smoldered with rage.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIjHwChJYE
“There are ways I can use to find out.” The assassin stuck his chin out110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KYnOeXjLc
indignantly.
“Hold him.” Cuvera demanded. “This110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBWmiGm38x
is an order as your prince, not a request from a friend.” Nodding his head,110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU70IPbK57
Vander grabbed the assassin then held him against the wall, so his feet were110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7dIiU0ccJ
dangling. Even though he struggled, he wasn’t strong enough to do anything110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGI3zyTmBg
after days of not eating. So, after a few seconds he hung there like a limp110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBpuWAFUk8
noodle. “Knife.” Vander removed a knife from his belt then placed it in his110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqWg1KuoWk
friend’s outstretched hand.
Cuvera placed the knife against110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GsJvxtH0h
the man’s arm then cut open the sleeve. He wasn’t gentle doing it drawing a110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1M4kcOiZQ
little bit of blood in the process. He pulled the rest down to reveal a heavily110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQix1IQEjGj
muscled, but bare arm. Frowning, he moved onto the next arm with the same110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV87tUsicD
result. He clicked his tongue annoyed as he walked around the assassin who110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh4Pjl7316
likely knew what he wanted but wasn’t in the mood to help.
“Make him kneel.” Vander pulled110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjyBUUSKQ1
the man off the wall placing him on the ground. Then he kicked out both knees110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdPGCaEAS2
making him cry out in pain, but he fell to the ground placing his hands out in110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY7XEk8CNU
front of him to catch himself. Vander gripped the back of his neck then110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoZfpTE0sy
squeezed causing a small cry of pain to squeak out of the assassin, but he110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2utALyLxH3
didn’t move.
“You won’t get your answers by110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnISstwRj6
torturing me.” He rasped. “I’ve been through far more than you have.” Without110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrN2X1ToP5Y
warning, Cuvera slammed the knife into the man’s shirt then ripped downward.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNFjSXjpEV
The man stifled his screams as the knife tip bit into his flesh.
Vander wasn’t110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8VM2eXH5B
sure what the prince was after, but it became clear once he parted the bleeding110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ16O77sVj
shirt from the back to reveal an emblem that sent chills down his spine. It was110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9o7Yt9pvF
an entwined green snake tattoo with a sword shoved through the mouth and110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtEqhzXj4S
through the back. Even though he hadn’t seen it before, he knew that this was110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWoLF0WduY
the emblem of the Green Serpents.
“Well, we have110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEat2wk2hW9
one answer.” Cuvera smiled. “We know you are a Serpent and that lines up nicely110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr1mTWlySh
with the intelligence that we already have.”
“I already told110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrUcuSTgt0
you,” the assassin shivered. “We had nothing to do with the King’s illness. It110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAgueCJi4m
wasn’t us.”
“Vander.” Cuvera110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDV5XIhItl
stepped back but tilted his head towards the assassin. Sighing, Vander hauled110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsW9PTB3Qn
the guy up to his feet then punched him in the stomach. The man doubled over110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuY3ilwYIMc
but Vander brought his knee up right into his jaw. The assassin stumbled110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLP8Z0O23N
backwards, but he quickly righted himself. He spat out a wad of blood at110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdMYMNmZEI
Vander, hitting him in the face. As he struggled to wipe the blood away, the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPVXMbAYVl
assassin tackled Vander pushing him into the bars. He let out a cry of pain but110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjUDeXPjA4
recovered quickly. He brought both fists down onto the assassin’s back slamming110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPfaUyYXg1
him into the ground. The assassin tried to crawl away, but Vander grabbed his110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUJZa2poBG
leg pulling him back in.
The two of them110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd20zqh0qw
fought while Cuvera sat there with a small grin on his face. The fight ended110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3MlCP2Co6
when Vander drove his elbow into the man’s already damaged jaw. That final blow110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkJDo7qzdA
was enough to dislocate it then to keep him from crying out, a blow to the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLEROR8AOD
temple rendered him unconscious. Vander got up, staggered for a second, before110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7sz2iTwkp
fixing himself.
“Why did you make110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCrFx8zHer
me do that?” he asked the prince.
“I didn’t make110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseIGmeNpyH
you do anything.” The prince shrugged. “It looked like you need to release some110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z4JyR9mYF
rage, so I merely gave you the opportunity, plus we learned something in the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPwMieYfSc
process. Come on let’s go.”
Vander looked110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaw285RFqn
down at the assassin before following his friend out of the cell and back110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GoxrXf1og
towards the door. Cuvera didn’t say anything as they left, but Vander whispered110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHQLzbqDW2
to send a healer for the man inside. The guards nodded their head but didn’t110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukgBTzbFp4
move. They would wait a few minutes before ‘discovering’ that the man had tried110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60ch76o0TW
to harm himself. It wasn’t the first time they did something like this.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNquftT8is
However, the King would find out then there would be hell to pay.
“Man, that was110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKBkZnVpIc
awesome.” Cuvera cheered. “You were so badass when you were beating him. You110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJywj3dfFf
got to teach me how to fight.”
“If I remember110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMjxbpJR9s
correctly that didn’t go so well the last time.” Vander mused. He held his hand110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK1c9kwaWa
out for the knife then promptly sheathed it as to not arouse suspicion. Last110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83TCQmG7PI
time Vander had tried to teach the prince how to fight, they were ten years110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaZhuEKwAt
old, and one punch was enough to send him crying to his mother. The King110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwp5cCKL0QZ
shortly put a stop to that.
“This time be110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJhQN8Pbau
different.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m in peak physical condition.” He threw a110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j9TUXYIxI
couple of jabs into the air. Normally Vander would have laughed, but he had110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqtPoCyobg
just been ordered to beat a broken man and it didn’t sit right with him. Cuvera110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDZTBNQptP
had his moments, but he wasn’t cruel. This was out of character for him,110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeaQyg0f1b
hearing about his father almost dying must have spooked him enough to act.
They made their110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbiEM6L9Gf
way through the castle heading back towards Cuvera’s apartment. They saw a110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr44vuHM9x
couple of noblemen with their escorts, but they all bowed their heads once they110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bSrEMZeOs
realized it was the prince which allowed Vander to go unnoticed. He still110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcfpPXtydP
hadn’t covered from his other injuries and now he could add fresh ones to the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gPau8Q0hD
list. Despite being weakened, that assassin wasn’t a push over. He got in a few110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmTzw7Drmn
strikes causing some pain in the process. Despite the quicker healing he had,110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfxQ06Q8sI
these injuries would still take a bit.
Vander noticed it110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvocCxaJRXf
before Cuvera, but there were two people waiting for them inside of his room.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bytVpOJKf
He relaxed once he recognized their scents as Eliza and Kiara. Shea must like110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2aW5j3bMg
them because he didn’t sense any distress from their bond. If anything, she110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJiyfB3Eom
felt joy and excitement. Vander decided to keep his mouth shut about the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiMWg9Qhbz
visitors, his little dose of payback.
“Let’s get110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO10O30vnq8
something to drink.” Cuvera gripped the door handle. But when he pushed it open110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUFwGqZZFm
his face fell. “Shit.” He whispered.
Kiara was sitting110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6EUz7uxPl
on the couch running her hands through Shea’s fur. Shea was standing on top of110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyoPa6Kq5X
her knees licking her face as she laughed. Eliza was standing behind her sister110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTktvHqlI4d
with a bemused expression on her face. Upon hearing the door open, the two women110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rfv3RDdXd
turned to look at them. Eliza nodded her head respectfully, but anger flooded110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVYuBS2DGk
Eliza’s .
Both had changed110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1dy02zA3s
their outfits to match the cooler climate of Eluvia. Eliza had been given a110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0l2vBNsFq
long blue dress, but was wearing an orange shawl over her arms, an ode to her110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl3bAKdNXl
home country. Eliza was given slacks, a blue shirt and a jacket that looked a110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1Gux4QGwm
lot like a Blades. Her hair had been pulled back into a tight ponytail. She110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsjyFKaprg
gave Vander a small smile then she turned back to look at her sister.
“You were110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPTByQCCy0
supposed to escort me around the castle.” She growled. She got up from the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuNvjYLTYo
couch and stormed over towards them. “Where have you been?” Vander quickly110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAfL0BuAdH
tried to slink back into the shadows, but she caught him. “You’re not going110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Am1IHy0yn
anywhere.” She snapped. Her face softened once she saw the blood on his face.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7BEBYLk4w
“Are you injured?” she asked.
“It’s nothing.”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCEDbFM0ZA
Vander tried to hide it, but Kiara grabbed him. Vander hissed in pain, so she110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSANSxRIGF2
removed her hand.
“Eliza, can you110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvADWbejaPU
tend to his wounds so I can have a chat with my fiancé?” she asked. “Please110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKowQM05rG
don’t fight me on this Vander, I’d hate for our friendship to start on a bad110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXWBrTziSt
foot.” He looked towards Cuvera, but he averted his eyes.
“As you wish.”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF3XrElbKx
Vander bowed his head.
“This way.” Eliza110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1HLwJ7WrN
escorted him to the bathroom then she shut the door. Moments later he could110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQimStp25kU
hear Kiara yelling at him, but he couldn’t hear what was being said. “Undress.”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSSrGD9Jdd
Eliza said.
“Excuse me?” he110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNyvlAZOXy
asked.
“You’re not the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2PffDHNap
first man I’ve seen naked.” She scoffed. “And I doubt you’ll be the last.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGEQC3EbGA
Undress so I can see what I’m working with.” He hesitated, but due to her110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmpG7c4NJN
incessant staring he did as she asked. Moments later his clothes were in the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqhnmKVY2P
corner of the floor as he stood there not even bothering to cover himself. If110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoKvZpdHpC
she wasn’t embarrassed, neither would he.
She looked at him110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyoxuInnZk
over tracing the scars on his body lightly with her fingertips. The gentle110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjT1uMwyCHX
touch caused him to shiver which placed a delicate smile on her face. Looking110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iPRNkuoy7
down at himself, he noticed more bruises than he thought spreading across his110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKqCnJEVYk
body. However, nothing compared to the giant bruise along his back. When she110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEbqRMsDHY
touched it, he was filled with such immense pain he almost turned around to110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt6jsdbhAh
punch her in the face.
“You’ve been110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt3e9fa2Ft
involved in multiple fights recently.” She muttered. “But this one seems110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr9mKtyGwI
recent. I heard the person who tired to kill you is locked in the dungeons. Is110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCftQk7MQbD
that where you were?”
“Yes.” Vander110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9MqvkjY55
said. He wasn’t sure how she knew about the assassination attempt on him or110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQIynxlnFq
where he was located. He suspected Bricen’s spies told her, but there was no110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhbj8PX9lw
way of knowing for sure.
“You shouldn’t110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoM4FCYYkX
beat those who can’t fight back.” She said. “It’s not a good look, especially110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzxaKEhVWS
for a Blade.”
“Even if the110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW27bI0m6oZ
prince ordered you too?” she didn’t say anything else after that. She applied110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupFi7k90Si
some salve onto his wounds and the numbing cold allowed him to finally relax.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dzTbV3UVD
Once she was done she told him to put his clothes on while she went out to talk110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YrUWx78hN
to Kiara. When he got outside he saw that Cuvera was nowhere to be found.
“I told him to110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7q92Iol2e
tell his father what happened as well as what you discovered.” Kiara said. “He110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpxX7vMtcP
didn’t want to leave me, but I said you were here to protect me if I needed it.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsWZrH31Hg
Now, I’m asking you to escort me around the castle. Are you up for it?”
“Yes.” Vander110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7xMDR3qcs
bowed his head. She turned to look up at Eliza who nodded her head in110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUzElnNBku
agreement.
“Good thing your110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmbEi2spcB
fight with the assassin didn’t go worse or I’d have gone without an escort.”110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFIctlLSsY
She grinned.
“Someone would110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYu3tCeOky
have taken you around when I couldn’t.” Vander explained. “We tend not to let110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo5Jd9VpoB
those of the royal family go without one, even within the castle.”
“You Eluvians are110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37qc0vO5iz
so protective.” She sighed. “You should really let your noblemen learn to fight110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIiy5nzqsi
for themselves.”
“Do you know how110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj3TpJJcGm
to fight?”
“It’s rude to ask110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYeJAGiAhL
a lady,” she grinned. “But perhaps if you’re nice I’ll give you a110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB63PxnXDP
demonstration.” Eliza coughed into her hand. “Alright, escort. Let’s go.” She110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXre2hQhxv
got up off the couch and headed towards the door. Vander hesitated for a moment110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEklGz8JB1
then followed. Shea stayed where she was in front of the couch.
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“Let’s go.” He110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrOv9TmKna
said to her. She quickly got up and raced out the door nearly knocking Kiara110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwGHDaKwkQ
over in the process.
