Chapter 14
“I see, so that’s what37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QFVrXQua2
happened.” Vander was sitting in Cuvera’s room on a blue couch while his friend37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0QLtvJpcF
reclined on the other smoking on his pipe. Cuvera had excused himself from the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NuzCnr2Mp
party early under the guise of being tired, but he made sure to slip Vander a37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXS1xFFKMW
note on his way out telling him to meet him in his apartment ten minutes later37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N4MRsMjIa
to not arouse suspicion. He half expected Kiara to be there when he arrived,37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZrwGu1uvH
but he had been told that they wouldn’t share a room until they were married37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL3yRhd0CQ
per her customs.
“Are you angry?” Vander asked,37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqWBKajpqZ
rubbed his hands together. He didn’t look up at his friend the entire time he37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvvS9YPSHn
explained what happened during the prince’s absence as he was too afraid as to37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kU86zumEW
what he might say.
“Why would I be angry?” Cuvera37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcXOiSDwu2
asked. Vander looked up to see confusion etched on his face. “You saved my37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkupH0EU1Mw
father’s life; I’m surprised he hadn’t given you a parade to celebrate. Did he37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyYDsL2mxp
offer you anything at all?”
“No,” Vander shook his head. “He37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6xxTPeipj
wanted to keep everything quiet because it wouldn’t be wise to let the people37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc4Avlwxx3
know how close he was t death. He didn’t want to start a riot or anything.”
“Sounds like him.” Cuvera snorted37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkhdohIsp4
taking another hit on his pipe. Smoke billowed out as he continued to speak. “Have37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcTlm5Kuif
you had a chance to interrogate the prisoner yet? I bet he has some details37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQupxeaocS
that he should share with the class.”
“Not yet.” Vander hesitated. “I’ve37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rTNWVoB4F
been busy.”
“Well, there is no time like the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxwTGQlNNw
present.” Cuvera got up from the couch then disappeared into his room. He37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93JLqVv4ad
reappeared moments later wearing a Blade uniform with a hood to obscure his37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOJbOPy32U
features. He strapped a fake sword to his belt. It would pass as a real one37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iEXUV7dqV
sheathed, but the blade itself was made from rubber. It would fail if anyone37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0n6j6YaoF
asked him about it.
“You should rest.” Vander shook37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeHC50Ga0S
his head. “You only just arrived home. Surely this could wait for another day.”
“And miss the chance to see who37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLRUaOUnaF
tried to kill my father?” Cuvera scoffed. “Nonsense. Plus, based on how you’re37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDrY2TJKa8
past year has gone, I think you could use the chance to unleash your pent-up37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nBNKu4GfA
anger. Come on, this will be fun.”
Never one to say no to his oldest37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW968tegg4l
friend, Vander relented then followed his friend out the door and deeper into37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwcQD98KI9
the castle.
The dungeons were in the bowels of37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdXrHFMlsj
the ground underneath the castle walls. It was on the same plane as the Pitts,37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7WdZ3h0qb
but very few people knew that. As far as people knew, dungeons didn’t exist.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz2KpR9X08
They believed that all prisoners of the crown were sent to Jewelthorne’s mines37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5gyJU0NBH
to live out their days mining precious resources until the day they died, and37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXjKb4w3Mz
that was true for most prisoners. However, those who tried to take out nobility37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnb77pksL8
or members of the crown, a fresh hell waited for them.
The dungeons were on the other37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSBPyC4PxO
side of a secret panel that opened by pulling a torch handle located within the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDUPCGtvTP
cellars. Vander grabbed the torch so they could see, but Cuvera walked down37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH65MbatZdM
without hesitation. The cellars were cold and damp with a winding staircase37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsMkhqBubF
that led several stories down. It was a pain to clean, so many of the servants37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSx0FsjyZ8
didn’t bother leaving cobwebs and dust everywhere. Only those being punished37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ167PBloikU
were every told to come down here, so many were on their best behavior.
When they stepped off onto the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe94L8MLSNj
ground, they spotted two Blades guarding the door that would lead into the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLft9O9CEBT
actual prison. They were tough, tougher than most Blades, who took their job37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP8YSV8Mcq
seriously. No one would be allowed through without prior authorization, unless37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevvckzCxxv
you were the King or Prince.
“Stop where you are.” One of the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpfkOIPxqq
voices boomed. They lowered their pikes, so the tips were pointed at Cuvera and37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhJO1escGR
Vander. “No one is allowed through here, even if you are Blades.”
“Oh sorry.” Cuvera removed his37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4KbM0C5Fx
hood revealing a glimmering smile. “I didn’t want to be seen by any other. Is37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4v1mzdPp8
it alright if we go in? I’d hate to use my status, but…” He let that threat37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauM372aJPa
hang in that air allowing the guards to figure the rest out.
“We are under direct orders from37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNg7IErSNA
Lord Cranton,” they hesitated. However, they knew the Prince out ranked him.
“I’ll deal with the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkLTU0YAYj
repercussions.” Vander nodded. “Let us through.”
“As you wish.” One of the guards37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3cSUI1yBA
removed a set of keys from his belt then unlocked the steel door that opened37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3EGtpze5F
into the prison. “If you want to open the door you’ll need this key.” He37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbL7X1L1vV
unclipped one of them then handed it to Vander. “Leave him in one piece. I37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUipy5MMPe
think the King wanted him interrogated tomorrow.”
“Might not be needed if we can get37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1tCvAILnZ
the information out of him tonight.” Cuvera frowned. “Thank you.” He opened the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmY2vBzeb3
door then stepped inside. Thanking the two Blades, Vander then followed his37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf2yUwZjQH
friend.
Thankfully the royal dungeons37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssl5GxRXN6
weren’t used too often so there was only one person, and he was locked in the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN2n4hVlaK
cell farthest from the door without any windows or ventilation. The space stank37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUDhVQWUtl
of unwashed body odor and festering wound and that was something no amount of37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxTrSXeCkR
cleaner could remove. At least there were no rats or cockroaches waiting to37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnHkFmys18
feast on you, but it made it painfully boring being here on your own. Vander37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89BP5aee4k
was surprised the assassin hadn’t gone crazy in the days he hadn’t been here.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ftRQFK1Jf
Most went insane after the first.
The assassin looked worse than37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni0c9OPWP6
Vander remembered. He must have gotten roughed up when he was brought down37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNc4O4v0GB
here. His eyes were swollen and there were bloodied bandages wrapped around his37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMlteMQMFm
stomach. All he had was his tattered cloak to protect him from the chill. Moldy37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3KJuZ27O9
bread and hard stew sat in bowls inside of the cell, untouched.
“So, this is the man who jumped37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri3ozi2EsQ
you in the alley.” Cuvera frowned. “He looks likes any of the bums I’d trip37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJp4QtZ6AO
over in the slums, not a scary assassin.”
“Give me a knife and we shall see37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNrCodFIQW
how scary I am.” The man growled. He looked up from under his cloak and while37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3f8Q0FsbV
Vander could see the determination in his eyes, he knew the assassin could37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk5L2YlFzE
barely stand let alone hold a knife.
“Someone with balls I like that.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxZzyMI87z
Cuvera took the key from Vander’s hand then used it to unlock the cell. The37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8wtjB4QtK
door swung open, but before Vander could stop him, Cuvera walked inside, kicked37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KIbPEPjz5
over some of the bowls, then punched the assassin in the face. Blood splattered37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIRNhUgtrP
the ground, but he didn’t stop at one. He punched the man several times until37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFbenCUMsd
he heard teeth hit the stone floor. The man groaned as Cuvera kicked him in the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFkInP6wza
side. He would have continued if Vander hadn’t grabbed him around the waist and37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4xplXRxiP
throw him to the side.
“Stop.” Vander blocked the prince37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJQdx6z8ks
from going near the assassin causing his friend to squint his eyes in anger.
“He tried to kill you Vander and37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweyAmNHBon
you’re just going to stand there and not punish him?” he asked. “Where are your37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcEbjzemBJ
balls?”
“It’s not my place to torture him,37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9E9CvYGzB3
Cuvera.” Vander scoffed. He looked down at the man who curled back up into a37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkaxLOp7ov
ball instead of standing up. He didn’t even wipe the blood from his mouth. “There37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt72HwsjAF
is information he has that we need, but it’s up to my grandfather and your37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeUhXj8H4I
father to decide who gets to do it.”
“Why are we waiting around?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ3JfEdDjq
Cuvera asked. “He knows where those bastards went who ordered my father37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM3XCajGZO
poisoned.” He violently kicked one of the bowls, so it shattered against the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxi0TezE0b
wall. “This is so annoying.”
“Someone tried to poison the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKepyKbrfc0
King?” The assassin laughed. “I know nothing about that. My orders were to kill37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN1EkONPZ3
a Blade. My friends and I were given the time and place. We didn’t know it was37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv00L876rc
going to be you.”
“Do you know who ordered the hit?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphOcoRV8bP
Vander asked.
“It’s not my place to know.” The37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCZgj7RexT
man shrugged. “I just follow orders. That’s all.” Vander strained to tell if he37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybosF7pBOB
was lying, but based on the steady beat of his heart, he was telling the truth.
“Tell me more about the poisoning37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQa2CaKHIw
of my father.” Cuvera squats down in front of the assassin. “And I want to know37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjZiUVXckO
everything.”
“I told you princeling,” he said37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUiLUuqGqL
with a sneer. “I know nothing about that.”
“Which group do you belong too?”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS1jRXHwMm
Vander asked. The assassin fell silent, but his eyes smoldered with rage.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySks5lz7EJ
“There are ways I can use to find out.” The assassin stuck his chin out37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrosmqQILk
indignantly.
“Hold him.” Cuvera demanded. “This37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0086xosNKj
is an order as your prince, not a request from a friend.” Nodding his head,37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7QN5eY3ep
Vander grabbed the assassin then held him against the wall, so his feet were37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKrlPuoX7M
dangling. Even though he struggled, he wasn’t strong enough to do anything37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nctFNp75g
after days of not eating. So, after a few seconds he hung there like a limp37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj4nI3iRyf
noodle. “Knife.” Vander removed a knife from his belt then placed it in his37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQnxL1TDCH
friend’s outstretched hand.
Cuvera placed the knife against37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4Z30xtBBu
the man’s arm then cut open the sleeve. He wasn’t gentle doing it drawing a37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7iBR78T1C
little bit of blood in the process. He pulled the rest down to reveal a heavily37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXiXIA0mbF
muscled, but bare arm. Frowning, he moved onto the next arm with the same37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMuaod1oCM
result. He clicked his tongue annoyed as he walked around the assassin who37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLGEnX2GlO
likely knew what he wanted but wasn’t in the mood to help.
“Make him kneel.” Vander pulled37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fgDJT7SY6
the man off the wall placing him on the ground. Then he kicked out both knees37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOsEbrDJI6
making him cry out in pain, but he fell to the ground placing his hands out in37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYWrWzc4OT
front of him to catch himself. Vander gripped the back of his neck then37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpixcCBj4Pe
squeezed causing a small cry of pain to squeak out of the assassin, but he37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4F7KaDHfp
didn’t move.
“You won’t get your answers by37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVAzWefcHl
torturing me.” He rasped. “I’ve been through far more than you have.” Without37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRY61tBLSK
warning, Cuvera slammed the knife into the man’s shirt then ripped downward.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeyKMRpAa2
The man stifled his screams as the knife tip bit into his flesh.
Vander wasn’t37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMokHBvDUEp
sure what the prince was after, but it became clear once he parted the bleeding37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5LHqF2wRx
shirt from the back to reveal an emblem that sent chills down his spine. It was37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSN9zgg3Xh
an entwined green snake tattoo with a sword shoved through the mouth and37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVKH2sJYOm
through the back. Even though he hadn’t seen it before, he knew that this was37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vQfle84G8
the emblem of the Green Serpents.
“Well, we have37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lsheDUANk
one answer.” Cuvera smiled. “We know you are a Serpent and that lines up nicely37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlgr0GU2W1
with the intelligence that we already have.”
“I already told37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoksgnRRDU
you,” the assassin shivered. “We had nothing to do with the King’s illness. It37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dC0yLC5xl
wasn’t us.”
“Vander.” Cuvera37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrgP7yJx8n
stepped back but tilted his head towards the assassin. Sighing, Vander hauled37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EF4CVXSkf
the guy up to his feet then punched him in the stomach. The man doubled over37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2rzgVaLFM
but Vander brought his knee up right into his jaw. The assassin stumbled37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpOWTUxkpC
backwards, but he quickly righted himself. He spat out a wad of blood at37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyx153Iwb7
Vander, hitting him in the face. As he struggled to wipe the blood away, the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YLf6U5F1k
assassin tackled Vander pushing him into the bars. He let out a cry of pain but37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC25PP8oCa
recovered quickly. He brought both fists down onto the assassin’s back slamming37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnodg9mttjP
him into the ground. The assassin tried to crawl away, but Vander grabbed his37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOuHVwpL1t
leg pulling him back in.
The two of them37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0o3qREwEw
fought while Cuvera sat there with a small grin on his face. The fight ended37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTmiihXgTx
when Vander drove his elbow into the man’s already damaged jaw. That final blow37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMcHyTCOae
was enough to dislocate it then to keep him from crying out, a blow to the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZZtgXOt6Q
temple rendered him unconscious. Vander got up, staggered for a second, before37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQRf3RELKj
fixing himself.
“Why did you make37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBB0En3msp
me do that?” he asked the prince.
“I didn’t make37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFFMhdCPPK
you do anything.” The prince shrugged. “It looked like you need to release some37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc8sIxboWK
rage, so I merely gave you the opportunity, plus we learned something in the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEBhRkx3DF
process. Come on let’s go.”
Vander looked37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GyoKl3rNg
down at the assassin before following his friend out of the cell and back37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Bnnf0haky
towards the door. Cuvera didn’t say anything as they left, but Vander whispered37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMQZNbypDv
to send a healer for the man inside. The guards nodded their head but didn’t37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDErGQM3Wf
move. They would wait a few minutes before ‘discovering’ that the man had tried37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOLqW83xuV
to harm himself. It wasn’t the first time they did something like this.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9QUgiNnEl
However, the King would find out then there would be hell to pay.
“Man, that was37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe11QHV7QX
awesome.” Cuvera cheered. “You were so badass when you were beating him. You37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EPwkYaSBv
got to teach me how to fight.”
“If I remember37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D1pcONoCt
correctly that didn’t go so well the last time.” Vander mused. He held his hand37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4Wl322EGx
out for the knife then promptly sheathed it as to not arouse suspicion. Last37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pRVXd8Plm
time Vander had tried to teach the prince how to fight, they were ten years37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA26EWxBQ1
old, and one punch was enough to send him crying to his mother. The King37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJ9uZlZcEb
shortly put a stop to that.
“This time be37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rVEuskP2s
different.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m in peak physical condition.” He threw a37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hlcc9Cm8E
couple of jabs into the air. Normally Vander would have laughed, but he had37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhZIyg9TSh
just been ordered to beat a broken man and it didn’t sit right with him. Cuvera37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJymTdQ0Op
had his moments, but he wasn’t cruel. This was out of character for him,37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICd94XBZbE
hearing about his father almost dying must have spooked him enough to act.
They made their37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bGVU0GZrE
way through the castle heading back towards Cuvera’s apartment. They saw a37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOOMDoLM1Z
couple of noblemen with their escorts, but they all bowed their heads once they37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuFKD6a0PQ
realized it was the prince which allowed Vander to go unnoticed. He still37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0QCcV6FHu
hadn’t covered from his other injuries and now he could add fresh ones to the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6SdTMANwV
list. Despite being weakened, that assassin wasn’t a push over. He got in a few37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ272yzwuCzq
strikes causing some pain in the process. Despite the quicker healing he had,37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjDtCn9PAV
these injuries would still take a bit.
Vander noticed it37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqDd1bPVSB
before Cuvera, but there were two people waiting for them inside of his room.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s2XO3SXX5
He relaxed once he recognized their scents as Eliza and Kiara. Shea must like37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBZji1cHZO
them because he didn’t sense any distress from their bond. If anything, she37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBxYXvEdJI
felt joy and excitement. Vander decided to keep his mouth shut about the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lkF3EDZUc
visitors, his little dose of payback.
“Let’s get37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZgJvpCPY6
something to drink.” Cuvera gripped the door handle. But when he pushed it open37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFaSSRXy0c
his face fell. “Shit.” He whispered.
Kiara was sitting37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXLHkxLKRi
on the couch running her hands through Shea’s fur. Shea was standing on top of37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM8krBGHv7
her knees licking her face as she laughed. Eliza was standing behind her sister37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyPcCi6ZRD
with a bemused expression on her face. Upon hearing the door open, the two women37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56oBaRNwc5
turned to look at them. Eliza nodded her head respectfully, but anger flooded37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn82C5HW6B
Eliza’s .
Both had changed37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF88ceDRx3T
their outfits to match the cooler climate of Eluvia. Eliza had been given a37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoNKa86JQA
long blue dress, but was wearing an orange shawl over her arms, an ode to her37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtqNPpiVf2
home country. Eliza was given slacks, a blue shirt and a jacket that looked a37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7EciblEmd
lot like a Blades. Her hair had been pulled back into a tight ponytail. She37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXtNUeAyBf
gave Vander a small smile then she turned back to look at her sister.
“You were37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycU3HpxKOA
supposed to escort me around the castle.” She growled. She got up from the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ogxDsVngn
couch and stormed over towards them. “Where have you been?” Vander quickly37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpMvLiCYYv
tried to slink back into the shadows, but she caught him. “You’re not going37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC3WTm0V4t
anywhere.” She snapped. Her face softened once she saw the blood on his face.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIAumkLofF
“Are you injured?” she asked.
“It’s nothing.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4hJH6lRRY
Vander tried to hide it, but Kiara grabbed him. Vander hissed in pain, so she37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6IOhiUvNx
removed her hand.
“Eliza, can you37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzzr0qWsSp
tend to his wounds so I can have a chat with my fiancé?” she asked. “Please37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1Vu5asMIM
don’t fight me on this Vander, I’d hate for our friendship to start on a bad37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3g9DiPrDH
foot.” He looked towards Cuvera, but he averted his eyes.
“As you wish.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1emdBEiP4Y
Vander bowed his head.
“This way.” Eliza37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovohlIH2az
escorted him to the bathroom then she shut the door. Moments later he could37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZxvRcZAgy
hear Kiara yelling at him, but he couldn’t hear what was being said. “Undress.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfdUWGvRuE
Eliza said.
“Excuse me?” he37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PUV1VCy5U
asked.
“You’re not the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFElYxn3o9A
first man I’ve seen naked.” She scoffed. “And I doubt you’ll be the last.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EIRiBmpnp
Undress so I can see what I’m working with.” He hesitated, but due to her37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlUod03Wzw
incessant staring he did as she asked. Moments later his clothes were in the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjFfCnd8xB
corner of the floor as he stood there not even bothering to cover himself. If37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw41d2emNyr
she wasn’t embarrassed, neither would he.
She looked at him37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhXkCBWc0s
over tracing the scars on his body lightly with her fingertips. The gentle37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m1N3qGmNQ
touch caused him to shiver which placed a delicate smile on her face. Looking37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYreuuII82W
down at himself, he noticed more bruises than he thought spreading across his37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQJus1Lx6H
body. However, nothing compared to the giant bruise along his back. When she37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT3ZrMbGUg
touched it, he was filled with such immense pain he almost turned around to37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡittDKB6ceL
punch her in the face.
“You’ve been37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQEFs8LCHk
involved in multiple fights recently.” She muttered. “But this one seems37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSSieDAxLb
recent. I heard the person who tired to kill you is locked in the dungeons. Is37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLpOogahFP
that where you were?”
“Yes.” Vander37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX55PTLzq2J
said. He wasn’t sure how she knew about the assassination attempt on him or37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFCh4poQTt
where he was located. He suspected Bricen’s spies told her, but there was no37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUArEcNt3HM
way of knowing for sure.
“You shouldn’t37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NdF4C3YGC
beat those who can’t fight back.” She said. “It’s not a good look, especially37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxrCmborRC
for a Blade.”
“Even if the37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qx6C9hG6W
prince ordered you too?” she didn’t say anything else after that. She applied37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2xZCabvBS
some salve onto his wounds and the numbing cold allowed him to finally relax.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFdzPSAaPp
Once she was done she told him to put his clothes on while she went out to talk37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvrr3Azpxl
to Kiara. When he got outside he saw that Cuvera was nowhere to be found.
“I told him to37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4miZpJIyZ
tell his father what happened as well as what you discovered.” Kiara said. “He37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m5wpYF5XF
didn’t want to leave me, but I said you were here to protect me if I needed it.37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMhEbWRpMQ
Now, I’m asking you to escort me around the castle. Are you up for it?”
“Yes.” Vander37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSHKBnOmyK
bowed his head. She turned to look up at Eliza who nodded her head in37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum9tviSn6G
agreement.
“Good thing your37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnB7InEie0
fight with the assassin didn’t go worse or I’d have gone without an escort.”37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd3JIaCQU2
She grinned.
“Someone would37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BWslll3qW
have taken you around when I couldn’t.” Vander explained. “We tend not to let37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2cFn7LlyW
those of the royal family go without one, even within the castle.”
“You Eluvians are37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf93uWi9PrJ
so protective.” She sighed. “You should really let your noblemen learn to fight37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCWSz5gdsL
for themselves.”
“Do you know how37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtulUJdsfUv
to fight?”
“It’s rude to ask37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbVTrsYwOi
a lady,” she grinned. “But perhaps if you’re nice I’ll give you a37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6te2Cemzk
demonstration.” Eliza coughed into her hand. “Alright, escort. Let’s go.” She37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF6C3zjEKx
got up off the couch and headed towards the door. Vander hesitated for a moment37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MkIyc3SKO
then followed. Shea stayed where she was in front of the couch.
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“Let’s go.” He37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1npcjQmiX7
said to her. She quickly got up and raced out the door nearly knocking Kiara37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSDnfonMlM
over in the process.
