Chapter 14
“I see, so that’s what9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjvLPxKJSQ
happened.” Vander was sitting in Cuvera’s room on a blue couch while his friend9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPuSL6oLJK
reclined on the other smoking on his pipe. Cuvera had excused himself from the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo91wi2f4ow
party early under the guise of being tired, but he made sure to slip Vander a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5llOTm1kMC
note on his way out telling him to meet him in his apartment ten minutes later9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAUnMvUXjx
to not arouse suspicion. He half expected Kiara to be there when he arrived,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVL2PZffWl
but he had been told that they wouldn’t share a room until they were married9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND26mcYOTT
per her customs.
“Are you angry?” Vander asked,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvmdoI71Mq
rubbed his hands together. He didn’t look up at his friend the entire time he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNZTlvJ7pz
explained what happened during the prince’s absence as he was too afraid as to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI489R2YUo
what he might say.
“Why would I be angry?” Cuvera9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAELkU24tP6
asked. Vander looked up to see confusion etched on his face. “You saved my9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21mGgXM83G
father’s life; I’m surprised he hadn’t given you a parade to celebrate. Did he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CGccrx7lS
offer you anything at all?”
“No,” Vander shook his head. “He9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNixU9zws02
wanted to keep everything quiet because it wouldn’t be wise to let the people9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUvLayWqQL
know how close he was t death. He didn’t want to start a riot or anything.”
“Sounds like him.” Cuvera snorted9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqSKZGd0vm
taking another hit on his pipe. Smoke billowed out as he continued to speak. “Have9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgqLKAgjYf
you had a chance to interrogate the prisoner yet? I bet he has some details9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXOrAMcjOL
that he should share with the class.”
“Not yet.” Vander hesitated. “I’ve9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9qfdiA64w
been busy.”
“Well, there is no time like the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe2M4rfGTS
present.” Cuvera got up from the couch then disappeared into his room. He9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1pd8rTHrW
reappeared moments later wearing a Blade uniform with a hood to obscure his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapgYoqu7tr
features. He strapped a fake sword to his belt. It would pass as a real one9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AA0JnNrKB
sheathed, but the blade itself was made from rubber. It would fail if anyone9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kbYGb0Iuv
asked him about it.
“You should rest.” Vander shook9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHpXw3wQsQ
his head. “You only just arrived home. Surely this could wait for another day.”
“And miss the chance to see who9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjGtZF3UkW
tried to kill my father?” Cuvera scoffed. “Nonsense. Plus, based on how you’re9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhovKdkiCjR
past year has gone, I think you could use the chance to unleash your pent-up9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hCAPw2vHl
anger. Come on, this will be fun.”
Never one to say no to his oldest9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmoIUKTTAb
friend, Vander relented then followed his friend out the door and deeper into9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WqPb2PtaX
the castle.
The dungeons were in the bowels of9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6006ZBVdZw
the ground underneath the castle walls. It was on the same plane as the Pitts,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVIY7P4wHx
but very few people knew that. As far as people knew, dungeons didn’t exist.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTYsoVr47W
They believed that all prisoners of the crown were sent to Jewelthorne’s mines9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0fLrnV07U
to live out their days mining precious resources until the day they died, and9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OJjMTdgdV
that was true for most prisoners. However, those who tried to take out nobility9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5hB7C6Tkj
or members of the crown, a fresh hell waited for them.
The dungeons were on the other9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOKJSDVkM3
side of a secret panel that opened by pulling a torch handle located within the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i5pXZgyxy
cellars. Vander grabbed the torch so they could see, but Cuvera walked down9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPBfIg0P44
without hesitation. The cellars were cold and damp with a winding staircase9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjwotIrrzs
that led several stories down. It was a pain to clean, so many of the servants9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNYqPkjgqs
didn’t bother leaving cobwebs and dust everywhere. Only those being punished9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCfTcpAhKq
were every told to come down here, so many were on their best behavior.
When they stepped off onto the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkj6eYZ0H7
ground, they spotted two Blades guarding the door that would lead into the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHLF4gVpMY
actual prison. They were tough, tougher than most Blades, who took their job9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7a5Az8dFy
seriously. No one would be allowed through without prior authorization, unless9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFHnXbcyql
you were the King or Prince.
“Stop where you are.” One of the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rc0w0jVwf
voices boomed. They lowered their pikes, so the tips were pointed at Cuvera and9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ImTIH3gqt
Vander. “No one is allowed through here, even if you are Blades.”
“Oh sorry.” Cuvera removed his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uYcrf8nUu
hood revealing a glimmering smile. “I didn’t want to be seen by any other. Is9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhmiwo5UK4
it alright if we go in? I’d hate to use my status, but…” He let that threat9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IKvGMmNht
hang in that air allowing the guards to figure the rest out.
“We are under direct orders from9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPchVcwLrR
Lord Cranton,” they hesitated. However, they knew the Prince out ranked him.
“I’ll deal with the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvPJPxhQd2
repercussions.” Vander nodded. “Let us through.”
“As you wish.” One of the guards9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4z9gmlwvc
removed a set of keys from his belt then unlocked the steel door that opened9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8SDYAplFB
into the prison. “If you want to open the door you’ll need this key.” He9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrnYGiJtQZ
unclipped one of them then handed it to Vander. “Leave him in one piece. I9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGH3qw89ki
think the King wanted him interrogated tomorrow.”
“Might not be needed if we can get9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjkwM3sYxI
the information out of him tonight.” Cuvera frowned. “Thank you.” He opened the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1Ot0ts1lb
door then stepped inside. Thanking the two Blades, Vander then followed his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI4oG8PRD9
friend.
Thankfully the royal dungeons9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2JEhbpGpJ
weren’t used too often so there was only one person, and he was locked in the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBFu2GgET2
cell farthest from the door without any windows or ventilation. The space stank9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPZSBZxNz5
of unwashed body odor and festering wound and that was something no amount of9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0svSv8Xb1
cleaner could remove. At least there were no rats or cockroaches waiting to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiOGBv0s5C
feast on you, but it made it painfully boring being here on your own. Vander9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqPxQmJIam
was surprised the assassin hadn’t gone crazy in the days he hadn’t been here.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZAWdHX8A8
Most went insane after the first.
The assassin looked worse than9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83FWAinqud
Vander remembered. He must have gotten roughed up when he was brought down9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FIeaqjbX4
here. His eyes were swollen and there were bloodied bandages wrapped around his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZU1kAfv7M
stomach. All he had was his tattered cloak to protect him from the chill. Moldy9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhNsgYdj1s
bread and hard stew sat in bowls inside of the cell, untouched.
“So, this is the man who jumped9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkEpNKSsrZ
you in the alley.” Cuvera frowned. “He looks likes any of the bums I’d trip9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvxaSJIbqu
over in the slums, not a scary assassin.”
“Give me a knife and we shall see9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYTv3Jdm7d
how scary I am.” The man growled. He looked up from under his cloak and while9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSCqatJN5C
Vander could see the determination in his eyes, he knew the assassin could9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkD6hclVxW
barely stand let alone hold a knife.
“Someone with balls I like that.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKVrxXxey3
Cuvera took the key from Vander’s hand then used it to unlock the cell. The9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9yljr5VQX
door swung open, but before Vander could stop him, Cuvera walked inside, kicked9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MU9PEMbgN
over some of the bowls, then punched the assassin in the face. Blood splattered9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDjidD8gSE
the ground, but he didn’t stop at one. He punched the man several times until9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAlamYvYeA
he heard teeth hit the stone floor. The man groaned as Cuvera kicked him in the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsoC3QNUyh
side. He would have continued if Vander hadn’t grabbed him around the waist and9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziHWNxNshj
throw him to the side.
“Stop.” Vander blocked the prince9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguyOWFhucD
from going near the assassin causing his friend to squint his eyes in anger.
“He tried to kill you Vander and9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrod6sptvs4
you’re just going to stand there and not punish him?” he asked. “Where are your9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vbAM4lQQw
balls?”
“It’s not my place to torture him,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvQGkPhi2Z
Cuvera.” Vander scoffed. He looked down at the man who curled back up into a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SZe69292i
ball instead of standing up. He didn’t even wipe the blood from his mouth. “There9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvec9v8OQpc
is information he has that we need, but it’s up to my grandfather and your9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcfJXNkBdz
father to decide who gets to do it.”
“Why are we waiting around?”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq4jHdze6n
Cuvera asked. “He knows where those bastards went who ordered my father9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWX0pCcoMs
poisoned.” He violently kicked one of the bowls, so it shattered against the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu9TQLOm0O
wall. “This is so annoying.”
“Someone tried to poison the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtyoWqwYm2
King?” The assassin laughed. “I know nothing about that. My orders were to kill9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8HoyfnXdl
a Blade. My friends and I were given the time and place. We didn’t know it was9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaUdkbOgWl
going to be you.”
“Do you know who ordered the hit?”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpU38uZwjT
Vander asked.
“It’s not my place to know.” The9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5il6GbIzA
man shrugged. “I just follow orders. That’s all.” Vander strained to tell if he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisXSlfQek0
was lying, but based on the steady beat of his heart, he was telling the truth.
“Tell me more about the poisoning9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI9QdVXmsk
of my father.” Cuvera squats down in front of the assassin. “And I want to know9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RSP7H65xX
everything.”
“I told you princeling,” he said9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq7cQnuSKC
with a sneer. “I know nothing about that.”
“Which group do you belong too?”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiwPX7PGTJ
Vander asked. The assassin fell silent, but his eyes smoldered with rage.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o2rjMj5aJ
“There are ways I can use to find out.” The assassin stuck his chin out9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2dv4VwQrp
indignantly.
“Hold him.” Cuvera demanded. “This9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZphhUwZpm
is an order as your prince, not a request from a friend.” Nodding his head,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPpf4dv3td
Vander grabbed the assassin then held him against the wall, so his feet were9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoBP2Y6x6Q
dangling. Even though he struggled, he wasn’t strong enough to do anything9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNrLg6dKqr
after days of not eating. So, after a few seconds he hung there like a limp9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgEcl6m3TI
noodle. “Knife.” Vander removed a knife from his belt then placed it in his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cuoL5lyz0
friend’s outstretched hand.
Cuvera placed the knife against9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSNBEx6pcT
the man’s arm then cut open the sleeve. He wasn’t gentle doing it drawing a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0oRGns3q9
little bit of blood in the process. He pulled the rest down to reveal a heavily9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH14yacu7uZ
muscled, but bare arm. Frowning, he moved onto the next arm with the same9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73bZaKMeQd
result. He clicked his tongue annoyed as he walked around the assassin who9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMdWGe7z1R
likely knew what he wanted but wasn’t in the mood to help.
“Make him kneel.” Vander pulled9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29brlH2tWs
the man off the wall placing him on the ground. Then he kicked out both knees9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDoBxF0Ell
making him cry out in pain, but he fell to the ground placing his hands out in9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZvVURpnIb
front of him to catch himself. Vander gripped the back of his neck then9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx2VaXf2Af
squeezed causing a small cry of pain to squeak out of the assassin, but he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1wSWTNiQS
didn’t move.
“You won’t get your answers by9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspdsUXBSEw
torturing me.” He rasped. “I’ve been through far more than you have.” Without9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfro7iPput
warning, Cuvera slammed the knife into the man’s shirt then ripped downward.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMW8AN5Q1I
The man stifled his screams as the knife tip bit into his flesh.
Vander wasn’t9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JjLMV8RJg
sure what the prince was after, but it became clear once he parted the bleeding9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTmPPnOURF
shirt from the back to reveal an emblem that sent chills down his spine. It was9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ygAZTgCex
an entwined green snake tattoo with a sword shoved through the mouth and9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUUwJZP4dH
through the back. Even though he hadn’t seen it before, he knew that this was9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPB3egPOQ2
the emblem of the Green Serpents.
“Well, we have9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHJL9zKM8v
one answer.” Cuvera smiled. “We know you are a Serpent and that lines up nicely9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaX9HktByc
with the intelligence that we already have.”
“I already told9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX959V2LtP
you,” the assassin shivered. “We had nothing to do with the King’s illness. It9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc15PIwKyK
wasn’t us.”
“Vander.” Cuvera9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UWWYt2HWt
stepped back but tilted his head towards the assassin. Sighing, Vander hauled9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLXXDl37oG
the guy up to his feet then punched him in the stomach. The man doubled over9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxlmcKSEMZ
but Vander brought his knee up right into his jaw. The assassin stumbled9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiMHGvt7cR
backwards, but he quickly righted himself. He spat out a wad of blood at9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3M0QTOgCbD
Vander, hitting him in the face. As he struggled to wipe the blood away, the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7Fl10FpIn
assassin tackled Vander pushing him into the bars. He let out a cry of pain but9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13RDJVnpPx
recovered quickly. He brought both fists down onto the assassin’s back slamming9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVCzbf2TZX
him into the ground. The assassin tried to crawl away, but Vander grabbed his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MawHlE7Wa
leg pulling him back in.
The two of them9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Po9owDPEL
fought while Cuvera sat there with a small grin on his face. The fight ended9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qdePrQEOj
when Vander drove his elbow into the man’s already damaged jaw. That final blow9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzwkaLKQKi
was enough to dislocate it then to keep him from crying out, a blow to the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwEKcTXFWF
temple rendered him unconscious. Vander got up, staggered for a second, before9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVbY0sqMZ5
fixing himself.
“Why did you make9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal1UZr6921
me do that?” he asked the prince.
“I didn’t make9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6pFLW5qMi
you do anything.” The prince shrugged. “It looked like you need to release some9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CqK0027dO
rage, so I merely gave you the opportunity, plus we learned something in the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZJFX4jcjE
process. Come on let’s go.”
Vander looked9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHXKKEoWVI
down at the assassin before following his friend out of the cell and back9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq74PWOXE0e
towards the door. Cuvera didn’t say anything as they left, but Vander whispered9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr1c64dbbc
to send a healer for the man inside. The guards nodded their head but didn’t9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxStqCN7JxA
move. They would wait a few minutes before ‘discovering’ that the man had tried9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyfcFHKQuB
to harm himself. It wasn’t the first time they did something like this.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzIgd3Z7VP
However, the King would find out then there would be hell to pay.
“Man, that was9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWgfG69NiV
awesome.” Cuvera cheered. “You were so badass when you were beating him. You9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW5hJwZMGj
got to teach me how to fight.”
“If I remember9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqOEmLI7YX
correctly that didn’t go so well the last time.” Vander mused. He held his hand9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX6CKce4aL
out for the knife then promptly sheathed it as to not arouse suspicion. Last9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3ZpXoRaUI
time Vander had tried to teach the prince how to fight, they were ten years9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHkkKqHusN
old, and one punch was enough to send him crying to his mother. The King9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIcMHSmifI
shortly put a stop to that.
“This time be9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpgnw3TKoe
different.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m in peak physical condition.” He threw a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiptFDCgWY
couple of jabs into the air. Normally Vander would have laughed, but he had9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWY9S6dbpe
just been ordered to beat a broken man and it didn’t sit right with him. Cuvera9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqveIOdEbqs
had his moments, but he wasn’t cruel. This was out of character for him,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctsrkxMHqj
hearing about his father almost dying must have spooked him enough to act.
They made their9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsrH0B5dp2
way through the castle heading back towards Cuvera’s apartment. They saw a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yOluK35o0
couple of noblemen with their escorts, but they all bowed their heads once they9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoyNEPlNZT
realized it was the prince which allowed Vander to go unnoticed. He still9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiMdaFzxRE
hadn’t covered from his other injuries and now he could add fresh ones to the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKmk9bvyfD
list. Despite being weakened, that assassin wasn’t a push over. He got in a few9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGATN6spnNg
strikes causing some pain in the process. Despite the quicker healing he had,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubbjCP1OAD
these injuries would still take a bit.
Vander noticed it9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPLyZ6QKOZ
before Cuvera, but there were two people waiting for them inside of his room.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG2ODGnWbQ
He relaxed once he recognized their scents as Eliza and Kiara. Shea must like9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxGG8w3r24
them because he didn’t sense any distress from their bond. If anything, she9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyexpbQQMn6
felt joy and excitement. Vander decided to keep his mouth shut about the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccuFNs6ZBi
visitors, his little dose of payback.
“Let’s get9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLHHKJaQhM
something to drink.” Cuvera gripped the door handle. But when he pushed it open9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65kZQlOMtk
his face fell. “Shit.” He whispered.
Kiara was sitting9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmCYyaWZu2
on the couch running her hands through Shea’s fur. Shea was standing on top of9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLUeHcXyIM
her knees licking her face as she laughed. Eliza was standing behind her sister9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU8wxLk1TN
with a bemused expression on her face. Upon hearing the door open, the two women9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BJ5Gsuqp3
turned to look at them. Eliza nodded her head respectfully, but anger flooded9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbNK90KxZh
Eliza’s .
Both had changed9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGolyVbsIA
their outfits to match the cooler climate of Eluvia. Eliza had been given a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5G9AJzahz
long blue dress, but was wearing an orange shawl over her arms, an ode to her9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9FTEoIbQ5
home country. Eliza was given slacks, a blue shirt and a jacket that looked a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvThR9qIPbT
lot like a Blades. Her hair had been pulled back into a tight ponytail. She9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPZF2rkO7S
gave Vander a small smile then she turned back to look at her sister.
“You were9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCNJSE5gHh
supposed to escort me around the castle.” She growled. She got up from the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4celllaar
couch and stormed over towards them. “Where have you been?” Vander quickly9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1ToxuHcQF
tried to slink back into the shadows, but she caught him. “You’re not going9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqhBL8s8Fv
anywhere.” She snapped. Her face softened once she saw the blood on his face.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dhkKwLK8s
“Are you injured?” she asked.
“It’s nothing.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK9iNlPEQR
Vander tried to hide it, but Kiara grabbed him. Vander hissed in pain, so she9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMFhkm0P5U
removed her hand.
“Eliza, can you9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDluvVvGpFK
tend to his wounds so I can have a chat with my fiancé?” she asked. “Please9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUGmUGzoHj
don’t fight me on this Vander, I’d hate for our friendship to start on a bad9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2UIdSZdpu
foot.” He looked towards Cuvera, but he averted his eyes.
“As you wish.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXDwesHcit
Vander bowed his head.
“This way.” Eliza9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsXBhZhhAm
escorted him to the bathroom then she shut the door. Moments later he could9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpDcWiwgBu
hear Kiara yelling at him, but he couldn’t hear what was being said. “Undress.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVq2CLyomJ
Eliza said.
“Excuse me?” he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8DYBGwW1x
asked.
“You’re not the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypeBThdfDe
first man I’ve seen naked.” She scoffed. “And I doubt you’ll be the last.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVdLOUjlQN
Undress so I can see what I’m working with.” He hesitated, but due to her9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc3yAcLdVx
incessant staring he did as she asked. Moments later his clothes were in the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXAsxJstnd
corner of the floor as he stood there not even bothering to cover himself. If9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo2id9sbSI
she wasn’t embarrassed, neither would he.
She looked at him9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdxI3HwbO5
over tracing the scars on his body lightly with her fingertips. The gentle9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCNgAciEOn
touch caused him to shiver which placed a delicate smile on her face. Looking9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQIP7R2aP7
down at himself, he noticed more bruises than he thought spreading across his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVj5ceNkbYN
body. However, nothing compared to the giant bruise along his back. When she9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGVO94QyHO
touched it, he was filled with such immense pain he almost turned around to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GLvY6o2Nu
punch her in the face.
“You’ve been9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzWBv8j8E6
involved in multiple fights recently.” She muttered. “But this one seems9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pzcNkVfeI
recent. I heard the person who tired to kill you is locked in the dungeons. Is9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPWMRbGMdq
that where you were?”
“Yes.” Vander9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGStzKkCwd
said. He wasn’t sure how she knew about the assassination attempt on him or9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQhrDOYgOD
where he was located. He suspected Bricen’s spies told her, but there was no9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jPBfIi98z
way of knowing for sure.
“You shouldn’t9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMlOo5QpPM
beat those who can’t fight back.” She said. “It’s not a good look, especially9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVEokGBB33
for a Blade.”
“Even if the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSfa2T7poy
prince ordered you too?” she didn’t say anything else after that. She applied9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqYUAMVzL3
some salve onto his wounds and the numbing cold allowed him to finally relax.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUirZuUQ6C
Once she was done she told him to put his clothes on while she went out to talk9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9Ry5SywiM
to Kiara. When he got outside he saw that Cuvera was nowhere to be found.
“I told him to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOx6ekeyzc
tell his father what happened as well as what you discovered.” Kiara said. “He9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNfswQFVWN
didn’t want to leave me, but I said you were here to protect me if I needed it.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JSBc0cBSf
Now, I’m asking you to escort me around the castle. Are you up for it?”
“Yes.” Vander9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj4Rn3ieL5
bowed his head. She turned to look up at Eliza who nodded her head in9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8e0jsSqp3
agreement.
“Good thing your9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SPUdnunqG
fight with the assassin didn’t go worse or I’d have gone without an escort.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPDEMTgTgk
She grinned.
“Someone would9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP9sUqOBWm
have taken you around when I couldn’t.” Vander explained. “We tend not to let9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN0Jx3d91w
those of the royal family go without one, even within the castle.”
“You Eluvians are9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFKNXivYXi
so protective.” She sighed. “You should really let your noblemen learn to fight9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMKiFGX2nA
for themselves.”
“Do you know how9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo43R0Q0k4
to fight?”
“It’s rude to ask9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsC1vJtgWI
a lady,” she grinned. “But perhaps if you’re nice I’ll give you a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ780DYlOQFq
demonstration.” Eliza coughed into her hand. “Alright, escort. Let’s go.” She9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdWt5eJj50
got up off the couch and headed towards the door. Vander hesitated for a moment9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmCOERZ84l
then followed. Shea stayed where she was in front of the couch.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42nq55BslR
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“Let’s go.” He9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrvvRSVvA8
said to her. She quickly got up and raced out the door nearly knocking Kiara9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJJjlgXS2e
over in the process.
