Vol 2. Prologue.

AND THE OLD MONARCHY SHALL BE NO MORE.

GONE ARE THE DAYS OF ONE ABOVE ALL.

GONE ARE THE DAYS OF AGATHEN’S SOLE RIGHT.

Ren sat around his table in the office surrounded by old literature from decades of past. He rubbed the upper lip beneath the nose, a nearly permanent wrinkle between the eyebrows. Once again for hours his eyes had been fixated on the letter delivered that one early summer day by the messenger who arrived on the doorsteps of Aurelius Manor of The Northern Duke. When Ren first opened the letter, with widened, shrinking iris’s centering those amber eyes, he was faced with an unfamiliar blood-covered curved symbol above words written with drooping red letters. Barely given enough time to dry before folded inside the envelope.

A threat since it had clearly been written with using blood?

Or perhaps a warning instead? Such trick would’ve seemed almost childish in Ren’s opinion, besides, the sender had clearly been in haste to hide it judging by the smudged edges of each word.

Whether this or that, Ren recognized those beginning words of the peculiar riddle although filled with misspelling. Many in the whole continent of Frahan would. They were a direct citation spoken by the last Emperor of The Monarchy once the peace treaty had been signed. Once each Land had their own sole independency, and decades of the new world had finally begun.

Sure. Ren knew where those words were taken from, but no idea for what reason other than targeting the most important upcoming day, and thus the frantic search for the origin of the letter began, ending with no avail. The King had immediately been advised to cease the public celebration approaching, but he wouldn’t acquiesce. The day remained too much of a symbol for the whole nation to simply be cancelled, all the work and preparation for a single ominous letter. The VonGehall’s tried to reason with King Gerald Magdam II, for there must’ve been a specific reason why they, whoever they were, sent the letter to the military base of Agathen out of all places and not The Kingdom Capital instead. Thus, since The King wouldn’t budge with the plans to keep the celebration going, the security had to be maxed by VonGehall’s orders. Each corner of The Kingdom Capital, alleyways of Quarter Streets, Academy District, the quarter streets of the Devil’s Trick, Town’s Market and Night Market. Even the orphanage Yumne Gera so very dear to Queen Milafina.

But in those couple of months they had time to prepare, investigate and find whatever hinted at their direction, absolutely nothing came out of it. Not until nearing the actual celebration, a little bird came and tattled. Another letter. Someone had sent another hint barely on time. Playing a game with one step ahead. Ren understood it was not The Kingdom Capital nor its celebration targeted, but as he reached The Town of Brifena, too late as feared, the houses barely held up the burning walls. The piles of bodies. Those who could not escape in time.

It left him enraged.

A failure he couldn’t digested.

Yet someone clearly toyed with them. And Ren doubted it would be left to that single victory.

No. It felt like the beginning of something far more sinister.

The room smelled of freshly changed linen and the perfectly rich summer morning dew as Ren opened one of the many high windows bringing in the natural light. His room was bigger than many houses build for families of four, an excessive amount of squares to fill thus felt rather empty. He wore loose cotton pajama pants and a white bathrobe left open as he walked in front of the full-sized mirror standing in the end of his walk-in wardrobe. Carved cloud-like shapes of silver framing the reflection. The wardrobe had endless suits on each sides and glass cabinets for various pocket watches, cufflinks, neckties and gloves.

Staring at the reflection of himself, Ren noticed his skin now regaining its healthy shade. Gaze brighter from a goodnight's sleep. He moved the soft bathrobe on the side from the right shoulder, staring at the wound which had began with a simple bullet and ended with burned skin yet to be healed to its best ability. The scar where the bullet had entered now with rough uneven darkened edges from the hot medicine, spreading towards the chest. Almost complimenting the already existed long thick scar on his neck, connecting into one.

Guess this adds to the charm, huh?— Ren huffed out a silent laughter and began to choose his clothes for the day. Nothing special, a full day spent in the office ahead after all. It had been a couple of days since him and Sophia Dilamor had entered The Town of Delmaer together, greeted with worried Aurelius Manor staff who hadn’t expected his early return, then began to frantically prepare the room for Sophia and calling in the family doctor among additional help with preparations.

Two days gone already. Does that mean Miss Dilamor will begin her journey back?— Ren thought as he chose the nice regular black pants with a leather belt, a white button-up shirt and a matching black vest on top. He rolled up the sleeves and wore dark leather dress-shoes before leaving for breakfast. Normally he would be up for earlier, but since coming back he had stayed in bed a couple of hours more going through the accumulated paperwork before heading out.

Military training had forced him to become a morning person by nature—whereas Sophia regularly had trouble getting out of bed before nearing lunchtime. Or so he had learned. Ren wondered perhaps she still had trouble falling asleep at night, when a sudden unpleasant feeling began to seethe, reminding him of their conversations on the road.

’’Good morning, Sir.’’ A maid with the uniform of a simple black dress and deep blue apron greeted politely while carrying a basket of laundry. Ren nodded as a response and continued fixing the sleeves of his shirt to have them turned and rolled up as evenly and precisely as possible before entering the breakfast lounge. The white detailed wooden door clanked open, revealing a bright room with arched windows side by side filling the space with complete morning haze, the last minutes of the sunrise—orange and red on the edges of the bright yellow—creating lovely reflections through the many crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Many round tables were decorated with porcelain flowerpots with fresh flowers delivered now on both days since his return. A task he’d ordered the maids to prepare for the very first time, creating some buzz amongst the employees. Not even Duchess Katherine cared much for flowers. At least not enough to decorate on regular weekdays.

Around the furthest table and in its own round alcove surrounded by walls of glass windows, Ren set his eyes on his savior enjoying her breakfast whilst reading an old newspaper with a delicate porcelain cup held by equally as delicate fingers. The view outside one of the few beautiful gardens in the area, meticulously taken care of like a rare gemstone from the hidden caves of Tempe Deur. Mostly green grass and weeping trees’, one with a swing tied from its sturdy branch. Never sat on and used, of course. Not unless there were guests staying in the manor.

Ren walked slowly with his hands behind his back, wondering if she’d sense him approaching.

Which surprisingly did not happen.

’’Good morning, Miss Dilamor.’’ Ren pulled a chair for himself opposite from Sophia as she lowered the newspaper, the porcelain cup nearly spilling its content by the unexpected company. Ren smiled ever so slightly, seeing her complexion also beginning to get healthier. Her sunny waves were as silky as ever, must’ve been bathed in the finest oils from The Land of Naévy which he had ordered the maids to prepare to her private bathroom. She wore a creamy corset top with puffy sleeves and a square neckline, a matching long skirt with a lovely flaring hem. Her shoes were white with a slight heel since Ren had ordered the employees to find anything enough suited for a noble, but comfortable enough for a commoner. Once he had given those orders, the maids nearly grew gray hairs on the spot with so many demands. And all for the never before seen mysterious Lady with a messy hair, dirty harmed skin and ripped hospital clothes beneath a shirt borrowed by the man himself. A sight to see, indeed. Though soon enough everyone inside the Aurelius Manor and beyond all the way to the most darkest corner of the town knew about her deed.

’’Good morning— Sir.’’ Sophia lowered the newspaper down on her lap and as she did, Ren was reminded by the bandages now wrapping in the wounds of her left hand, covering up to the tips of her fingers, ’’What a lovely morning. Sun does reach The North at times, doesn't it?’’

’’At times, yes.’’ Ren’s jaw felt tight. He had ordered the family doctor to examine Sophia first and bring in the Dir Naer. The sole one who’d stayed in Delmaer at times since it was normal for powerful healers with Yumne Dir flowing through their soul to settle down in the largest towns, near the wealthiest families. Northern Delmaer being the most unpopular option to be chosen because of the climate difference compared against the south-eastern Land of Mifarn where The Subjects of Yumne Dir spend many years training their abilities. Not many felt the need to get used to the cold and gray after enjoying the warmth and beauty of near eternal summer. But not even his abilities could salvage Sophia’s burned hand entirely, ’’How are you feeling?’’ Ren meant to ask in general, yet Sophia could see him staring at her covered hand with the most regretful stare.

’’Never been better.’’ She smirked knowingly, mimicking the tone which Ren had used before when asked a similar question, ’’Don’t worry. The scar left will allow me to tell a great story.’’ She took the final sip of her coffee. Already done with the vegetables, salty scrambled eggs and roasted sausages served immediately upon arriving.

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

’’The skin of a maiden should stay unharmed.’’ Ren murmured quietly as his breakfast was already being served. Calm, collected and very precise butlers showcasing their meticulous training.

’’Is that what you noblemen and women are being taught?’’ Sophia finally lowered her porcelain cup that had lovely blue flowers hand painted on vines around it when a butler already filled it up till the middle, familiar with how Sophia liked her coffee. A drop of milk and one sugar, ’’Well, I suppose. But I’ve been picking wooden splinters from under my skin since I was ten, fallen from trees’ and bandaged my knees at least a dozen of times. It was about time I’d get something permanent on my skin.’’

’’Your optimism is admirable.’’ Ren lifted his own cup and hid a faint smile behind it, ’’Sadly we do not have the newest newspaper.’’ He nodded towards the one resting on Sophia’s lap. Changing subjects. He knew it most likely wasn’t optimism driving her witty tongue.

’’It’s fine. I wanted to read through it for one more time.’’ There it was. Sophia’s tone seemed to go sadder, and for a moment Ren regretted bringing even the news up in conversation, ’’I wondered perhaps I could find something. Anything that could tie in with the events of.. My hometown. But there really isn’t anything in hindsight. So I’ve been meaning to ask you, Sir. How did you and your men know something was coming towards Brifena? I heard you talking in the cellar. There’s nothing in the news, yet you knew something was coming.’’ Sophia’s eyebrows twitched closer at each other with anticipation.

’’That, Miss Dilamor, is knowledge left confidential.’’ Ren said calmly as he leaned back against the chair, one leg over the other. The way he strictly said it left no room for bargain.

’’I see.’’ Sophia sighed, ’’The Kingdom is hiding something, then. Keep your secrets. Today, I shall send a letter ahed to Lufin. And I’ll begin my way back by early tomorrow.’’ Sophia doubted Marié and the others would find a house in a couple of weeks, and wouldn’t know their new address even if they managed, but decided she could still try and send a letter to the hospital for Derrik and Vivian. She wanted to inform them that she had been in Delmaer and will be coming back as soon as possible. A letter would reach them faster than she would.

’’Very well. I shall fill the saddlebags with supplies.’’ Ren nodded agreeing. In a way he felt a small sting in his heart with hearing those words confirming what he already knew was coming. Must’ve been the loss of a great possible employee, ’’If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to contact me. Afraid I still owe you a great deal.’’

’’Very kind of you, but I’ve already received enough. And thank you. For the room. And clothes. And food.’’ Sophia answered quietly. A little bit embarrassed and trying to hide it.

’’Anything.’’ Ren began to finally enjoy his breakfast, the stinging in his heart strangely not easing its grasp, ’’You can ask for more. If there’s anything you need.’’

’’Sir—’’ Sophia couldn’t believe his persistence as she smiled brightly yet with a hint of everlasting sorrow, as bright as the sun shining from behind the windows. She looked like a saint. His savior. A real descendant from the heavens, ’’I’ve acquired more than enough—’’

A sudden burst of the door behind them instinctively forced both to flip their heads towards what had caused the interruption. A man already wearing his military uniform stormed in with a great balance of urgency and collectiveness. He was tall, with ashy blond hair short and neatly cut, down turned serious eyes with a hint of mischief noticeable even without the very first spoken words.

’’Colin. When did you arrive?’’ Ren got up from his chair as the man with piercing blue eyes reached them, ’’What about The King? I trust no other to stay beside his family at a time like this. It was an order!’’ The Commander side of him switched in an instant, fascinating to Sophia who stayed seated as a bystander.

’’I left amongst few other men, not long after you.’’ Colin handed a mysterious envelope decorated with the coat of arms of The Kingdom Capital. Pressed wax of emerald green background with a shimmering golden tree, ’’The King ordered me here. Each road has been shut not long after you left The Town of Lufin. No one is allowed to travel. Not until this situation is settled.’’

’’What?!’’ Sophia sprinted up from her seat, hitting thighs against the table which resulted in each antique porcelain to clink on one another, ’’What do you mean shut? A traveling ban?’’

’’Yes— and who might you be?’’ The man asked eyeing her up and down. It was clear to Sophia that the two were close enough friends more than colleagues by the way the husky-eyed man addressed Ren casually and left out all sorts of antics typically showed towards the higher society.

’’Sophia Dilamor. A survivor from Brifena.’’ Ren stepped aside, ’’And one who saved my life, so play nice.’’ He seemed to direct a great deal of telepathic warnings towards Colin, ’’Miss Dilamor this is Colin Fior. You could say one of my best soldiers, though even that much could go straight to his head.’’ He added and received a mocking gasp from the man who knew it to be true. Colin Fior was a man who knew his worth and wouldn’t be shy to flaunt with it.

’’Fior?’’ Sophia’s head shot towards the man with a new found interest, ’’You do resemble him, from what I can remember at least. But it cannot be. You look to be more of my own age..’’ She mumbled although more to herself, fixing some of the beautiful hand painted tableware neatly after making a bit of a mess.

’’I don’t believe we’ve met before? I would remember.’’ Colin sounded confident, annoyingly so. His buffed up chest and grin forced even Ren’s upper lip to turn up, cursing this airhead of a friend of his only serious while on the training grounds or a full blown battle.

’’No, I guess we haven’t. Long ago I met a man who was addressed as Rescuer Fior. He helped me greatly. Although that was ten years ago, when the paper factory..’’ Sophia finished cleaning the slight mess, placing the unused dessert cutlery neatly side by side and keeping her head low.

’’Oh, is that so? Rescuer Fior, you say. Then, that could be my older brother.’’ Colin crossed his arms nonchalantly, ’’He was a newcomer around ten years ago. The paper factory accident was his first great mission.’’

’’An older brother?’’ Sophia smiled gently, ’’Could be then. Fior is not a common family name after all in Agathen, more so in Berull I’ve read. What a small world.’’

’’Small world indeed.’’ Colin smirked, ’’He’s doing fine. Married, a couple of kids still back in The Kingdom Capital. He did sometimes worriedly talk about the children left by the accident. I’ll gladly forward a message for you, if you’d like.’’

’’Thank you.’’ Sophia smiled, ’’I’d appreciate that. I always wanted to thank him if I ever was given the opportunity. He remained so calm, hard to believe it was one of his first assignments. You have an impressive family, Mister Fior.’’

’’That’s enough, Colin.’’ Ren smacked his back a bit too hard as he could sense the compliments beginning to get to his friends head once again, ’’Would you quit bothering our breakfast and find something useful to do.’’ He leaned against the armrest of his chair and took the cup of coffee which began to go lukewarm from the interruption.

’’Harsh as always.’’ Colin laughed from between teeth, ’’I suppose you’re not sad about missing out on The Kingdom Capital banquet then?’’

’’Not even close.’’ Ren clicked his tongue, pissed at him for even mentioning the event. But only because Colin would know his reaction beforehand which made the question all the more useless. Now even more, thinking about all those higher status noblemen and women dancing and drinking and eating the most expensive meals whilst elsewhere people were being slaughtered to death, houses burning and having to flee with barely clothes on their backs. Two different realities playing at once. Thinking about the ball, the frilly over the top clothing, smell of million different perfumes all mixed at one, to what Sophia had gone through on the other side of the coin made his stomach turn in an odd way.

’’Okay okay, I’ll go. Training starting from tomorrow, don’t forget.’’ Colin waved his hand with the back already turned, bold of him to remind a Commander not to forget his own work, ’’It was pleasure to meet you, Miss Dilamor.’’

’’Well, isn’t he a— character.’’ Sophia did not bother sitting back down, finished with the breakfast and the earlier cup of coffee already kicking in just fine by itself.

’’So.. You won’t be able to go back now.’’ Ren looked up towards the woman, trying to read her current mood. It made sense why King Gerald chose to order each road to be shut down while those responsible for the attack remained unidentified. Now, anyone found breaking the order would be brought in questioning immediately, and each town could be searched and turned upside down in a manner similar to a witch hunt. No one would be able to know how long the roads would remain shut, resulting into many complications since no cargo of supplies would travel through in or out Agathen’s borders. Ren doubted The King would risk further panic amongst his people by prolonging the process for too long, whether the criminals were found or not, but it wasn’t exactly an easy week or two operation either.

’’Right.’’ Sophia sighed, ’’Which means I can’t send a letter either.’’ She brushed her hair on one shoulder and rubbed the side of the forehead beginning to throb, worry written all over her face, ’’I should’ve turned back right there in the woods of Agrom while I still had the option.’’

’’You’re welcome to stay here. As long as is necessary.’’ Ren said calmly before taking a sip of his now cold, bitter coffee.

’’Thank you— I appreciate it. Truly.’’ Sophia’s words were sincere. They were. Despite laced with uncertainty, disappointment and a hint of anxiety.

The first couple of days went on with the mind adjusting to new reality. Then, as the initial shock from the turn of events had settled, time went on like walking through a cloud of mist. At first the body relaxed, adjusted in the absence of a need to rush. Lack of purpose. Without the need to push towards the next goal.

Sophia went on a few walks by the garden, sat on the grass beneath the tree with the swing hanging from the strongest branch, staring up towards the sun beaming from between the leafs and went through the notebook and its worn pages. By the sixth day, feeling like she had done absolutely nothing at all, she hadn’t noticed a new bad habit beginning to form on its own, fidgeting with the fingers obsessively as they had nothing better to do.

She read her notebook in different parts of The Aurelius Manor grounds, not going in any rooms out of respect towards a home that belonged to someone else. A guest only. Finding herself always back at her own room.

Sitting on the windowsill, staring outside with a blank gaze until a stinging sensation of sudden pain made her shoulders twitch, the skin beside the nail of an index finger now bleeding, ripped from the endless rubbing.

─•~❉᯽❉~•─