Chapter 14
“I see, so that’s what111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO1zWRJETh
happened.” Vander was sitting in Cuvera’s room on a blue couch while his friend111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWi24iM6e3C
reclined on the other smoking on his pipe. Cuvera had excused himself from the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62Zl6X1QAV
party early under the guise of being tired, but he made sure to slip Vander a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzV3wX7ndH
note on his way out telling him to meet him in his apartment ten minutes later111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhylluftyV
to not arouse suspicion. He half expected Kiara to be there when he arrived,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0tFaHcqJX
but he had been told that they wouldn’t share a room until they were married111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0VfZY3jEQ
per her customs.
“Are you angry?” Vander asked,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QFosWHg3r
rubbed his hands together. He didn’t look up at his friend the entire time he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vxmidHYRO
explained what happened during the prince’s absence as he was too afraid as to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6oYjsYOdF
what he might say.
“Why would I be angry?” Cuvera111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPtQGTvfOK
asked. Vander looked up to see confusion etched on his face. “You saved my111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDiWbEx1Ws
father’s life; I’m surprised he hadn’t given you a parade to celebrate. Did he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPjcLhVJjZ
offer you anything at all?”
“No,” Vander shook his head. “He111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUnW1mY3cN
wanted to keep everything quiet because it wouldn’t be wise to let the people111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTaqplIuM6
know how close he was t death. He didn’t want to start a riot or anything.”
“Sounds like him.” Cuvera snorted111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ959RCHfwZ2
taking another hit on his pipe. Smoke billowed out as he continued to speak. “Have111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvlABJHyyh
you had a chance to interrogate the prisoner yet? I bet he has some details111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyo80vR3ym
that he should share with the class.”
“Not yet.” Vander hesitated. “I’ve111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBWdbKf4RP
been busy.”
“Well, there is no time like the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XN8BXePIH
present.” Cuvera got up from the couch then disappeared into his room. He111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBQXrhrCzF
reappeared moments later wearing a Blade uniform with a hood to obscure his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzA5FuhmHn
features. He strapped a fake sword to his belt. It would pass as a real one111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo0XVYoMWN
sheathed, but the blade itself was made from rubber. It would fail if anyone111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA6nr8ywjJ
asked him about it.
“You should rest.” Vander shook111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63o8K79CF7
his head. “You only just arrived home. Surely this could wait for another day.”
“And miss the chance to see who111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnnb3H94Ge
tried to kill my father?” Cuvera scoffed. “Nonsense. Plus, based on how you’re111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8OEAXAnmY
past year has gone, I think you could use the chance to unleash your pent-up111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWILOWDYCn
anger. Come on, this will be fun.”
Never one to say no to his oldest111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo91vwelI4
friend, Vander relented then followed his friend out the door and deeper into111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y0w45Ln3u
the castle.
The dungeons were in the bowels of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFYmtRJd0Y
the ground underneath the castle walls. It was on the same plane as the Pitts,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt87owAJL3g
but very few people knew that. As far as people knew, dungeons didn’t exist.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5cIvoGCQm
They believed that all prisoners of the crown were sent to Jewelthorne’s mines111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvoxYj7HMz
to live out their days mining precious resources until the day they died, and111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPyXVwv2lY
that was true for most prisoners. However, those who tried to take out nobility111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeYe93yDDn
or members of the crown, a fresh hell waited for them.
The dungeons were on the other111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfurk91CV1
side of a secret panel that opened by pulling a torch handle located within the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc6AblH4XW
cellars. Vander grabbed the torch so they could see, but Cuvera walked down111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC2kCTxrii
without hesitation. The cellars were cold and damp with a winding staircase111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1dNIM6VWP
that led several stories down. It was a pain to clean, so many of the servants111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QZlPSYvhZ
didn’t bother leaving cobwebs and dust everywhere. Only those being punished111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZV24lixKT
were every told to come down here, so many were on their best behavior.
When they stepped off onto the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPA9YOqFc0
ground, they spotted two Blades guarding the door that would lead into the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv7IwLNCFL
actual prison. They were tough, tougher than most Blades, who took their job111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8HusL1rDJ
seriously. No one would be allowed through without prior authorization, unless111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpHYabDm7v
you were the King or Prince.
“Stop where you are.” One of the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS15VOYmpUy
voices boomed. They lowered their pikes, so the tips were pointed at Cuvera and111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICcrb5VoOS
Vander. “No one is allowed through here, even if you are Blades.”
“Oh sorry.” Cuvera removed his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiJz4YTfa0
hood revealing a glimmering smile. “I didn’t want to be seen by any other. Is111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0irnIO1LiD
it alright if we go in? I’d hate to use my status, but…” He let that threat111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wbD2BMHdR
hang in that air allowing the guards to figure the rest out.
“We are under direct orders from111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKwIIzW4au
Lord Cranton,” they hesitated. However, they knew the Prince out ranked him.
“I’ll deal with the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffVXgJQNqt
repercussions.” Vander nodded. “Let us through.”
“As you wish.” One of the guards111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSdw5ou0Tt
removed a set of keys from his belt then unlocked the steel door that opened111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSoEYFRQA4
into the prison. “If you want to open the door you’ll need this key.” He111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0xvHWPErV
unclipped one of them then handed it to Vander. “Leave him in one piece. I111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBvKNdJ0KZ
think the King wanted him interrogated tomorrow.”
“Might not be needed if we can get111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTlZTylQ1N
the information out of him tonight.” Cuvera frowned. “Thank you.” He opened the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMxKCm22TE
door then stepped inside. Thanking the two Blades, Vander then followed his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUeQYH2Ov5
friend.
Thankfully the royal dungeons111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNuoT3whSp
weren’t used too often so there was only one person, and he was locked in the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXQaeww1oZ
cell farthest from the door without any windows or ventilation. The space stank111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiMEjpBrZy
of unwashed body odor and festering wound and that was something no amount of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B9wXdOKoE
cleaner could remove. At least there were no rats or cockroaches waiting to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2mEZzAsUz
feast on you, but it made it painfully boring being here on your own. Vander111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg4AZ52Gol
was surprised the assassin hadn’t gone crazy in the days he hadn’t been here.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M2WfPIzLh
Most went insane after the first.
The assassin looked worse than111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugQjhjDl06
Vander remembered. He must have gotten roughed up when he was brought down111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuEIQ09Qkb
here. His eyes were swollen and there were bloodied bandages wrapped around his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBLKq2DbH2
stomach. All he had was his tattered cloak to protect him from the chill. Moldy111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoek04vJWnt
bread and hard stew sat in bowls inside of the cell, untouched.
“So, this is the man who jumped111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXzgkH8sd1
you in the alley.” Cuvera frowned. “He looks likes any of the bums I’d trip111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlW4umMuYB
over in the slums, not a scary assassin.”
“Give me a knife and we shall see111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxfPn6fo3W
how scary I am.” The man growled. He looked up from under his cloak and while111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QtjMubnBH
Vander could see the determination in his eyes, he knew the assassin could111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaUPC1sww4
barely stand let alone hold a knife.
“Someone with balls I like that.”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnRWq1Cdi6
Cuvera took the key from Vander’s hand then used it to unlock the cell. The111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRfwnZZ3QM
door swung open, but before Vander could stop him, Cuvera walked inside, kicked111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MyVjOsYdd
over some of the bowls, then punched the assassin in the face. Blood splattered111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcje5XBOU8d
the ground, but he didn’t stop at one. He punched the man several times until111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMGGcaim3l
he heard teeth hit the stone floor. The man groaned as Cuvera kicked him in the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPs9gbdwZT
side. He would have continued if Vander hadn’t grabbed him around the waist and111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlNbKIEJyc
throw him to the side.
“Stop.” Vander blocked the prince111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBwxol1i7H
from going near the assassin causing his friend to squint his eyes in anger.
“He tried to kill you Vander and111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDSO8Rqurr
you’re just going to stand there and not punish him?” he asked. “Where are your111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgbZEhJdvO
balls?”
“It’s not my place to torture him,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3GXNO1mNG
Cuvera.” Vander scoffed. He looked down at the man who curled back up into a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9n8KuGdEF
ball instead of standing up. He didn’t even wipe the blood from his mouth. “There111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3SxIpEgSn
is information he has that we need, but it’s up to my grandfather and your111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjR9oWxi7j
father to decide who gets to do it.”
“Why are we waiting around?”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtjQm6Byti
Cuvera asked. “He knows where those bastards went who ordered my father111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5N8FTuNYs
poisoned.” He violently kicked one of the bowls, so it shattered against the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaHNkHiYNm
wall. “This is so annoying.”
“Someone tried to poison the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIMmSLo91w
King?” The assassin laughed. “I know nothing about that. My orders were to kill111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBSuEK2JXs
a Blade. My friends and I were given the time and place. We didn’t know it was111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA3uMBW1UJ
going to be you.”
“Do you know who ordered the hit?”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyofW33rkt
Vander asked.
“It’s not my place to know.” The111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpNVyyFg6x
man shrugged. “I just follow orders. That’s all.” Vander strained to tell if he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLEDp2DBWj
was lying, but based on the steady beat of his heart, he was telling the truth.
“Tell me more about the poisoning111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtQsOx8hZj
of my father.” Cuvera squats down in front of the assassin. “And I want to know111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4s68wGrZp
everything.”
“I told you princeling,” he said111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbewsyr8kC
with a sneer. “I know nothing about that.”
“Which group do you belong too?”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fjm7qNIFc
Vander asked. The assassin fell silent, but his eyes smoldered with rage.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34LGnFJiBV
“There are ways I can use to find out.” The assassin stuck his chin out111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSUAR1I3d9
indignantly.
“Hold him.” Cuvera demanded. “This111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylAXBKvtyA
is an order as your prince, not a request from a friend.” Nodding his head,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tJM1vToum
Vander grabbed the assassin then held him against the wall, so his feet were111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXuJQQnCSd
dangling. Even though he struggled, he wasn’t strong enough to do anything111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5oA4Hfjxi
after days of not eating. So, after a few seconds he hung there like a limp111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFqS82nrFL
noodle. “Knife.” Vander removed a knife from his belt then placed it in his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgej7ZqgU5j
friend’s outstretched hand.
Cuvera placed the knife against111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSh13Oyj5S
the man’s arm then cut open the sleeve. He wasn’t gentle doing it drawing a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmPtb0e3dg
little bit of blood in the process. He pulled the rest down to reveal a heavily111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bVtTbcJGm
muscled, but bare arm. Frowning, he moved onto the next arm with the same111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPaxSUoQ3b
result. He clicked his tongue annoyed as he walked around the assassin who111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRGesvUyBW
likely knew what he wanted but wasn’t in the mood to help.
“Make him kneel.” Vander pulled111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7FGTo5hde
the man off the wall placing him on the ground. Then he kicked out both knees111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5KXKn6ktA
making him cry out in pain, but he fell to the ground placing his hands out in111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pVrwO1OK4
front of him to catch himself. Vander gripped the back of his neck then111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa6IWqdeR7
squeezed causing a small cry of pain to squeak out of the assassin, but he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBfU1C8i5t
didn’t move.
“You won’t get your answers by111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GMUFpKpV9
torturing me.” He rasped. “I’ve been through far more than you have.” Without111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8bhTSC8ss
warning, Cuvera slammed the knife into the man’s shirt then ripped downward.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q8wUA8eXM
The man stifled his screams as the knife tip bit into his flesh.
Vander wasn’t111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd13RUlWoOv
sure what the prince was after, but it became clear once he parted the bleeding111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfbbr7xzRA
shirt from the back to reveal an emblem that sent chills down his spine. It was111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIaUDTXfWA
an entwined green snake tattoo with a sword shoved through the mouth and111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidWSLbfIZR
through the back. Even though he hadn’t seen it before, he knew that this was111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20QRlsgf6C
the emblem of the Green Serpents.
“Well, we have111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWoxeIMN35
one answer.” Cuvera smiled. “We know you are a Serpent and that lines up nicely111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XG00Aieu4
with the intelligence that we already have.”
“I already told111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb2g8BMEx7
you,” the assassin shivered. “We had nothing to do with the King’s illness. It111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkfC02LVN8
wasn’t us.”
“Vander.” Cuvera111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS8P57zmOz
stepped back but tilted his head towards the assassin. Sighing, Vander hauled111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpFrl1w1c8
the guy up to his feet then punched him in the stomach. The man doubled over111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQcBx3g5es
but Vander brought his knee up right into his jaw. The assassin stumbled111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P2D6f0iv6
backwards, but he quickly righted himself. He spat out a wad of blood at111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYWOQSLBAs
Vander, hitting him in the face. As he struggled to wipe the blood away, the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt2yzaHN6S
assassin tackled Vander pushing him into the bars. He let out a cry of pain but111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYlvrkRWrd
recovered quickly. He brought both fists down onto the assassin’s back slamming111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHl0zOqp8Z
him into the ground. The assassin tried to crawl away, but Vander grabbed his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv8CuhrQV1
leg pulling him back in.
The two of them111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lbgdAhh5Z
fought while Cuvera sat there with a small grin on his face. The fight ended111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06FKmxzHQ5
when Vander drove his elbow into the man’s already damaged jaw. That final blow111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHKat5C3K2
was enough to dislocate it then to keep him from crying out, a blow to the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBtzJYhtgH
temple rendered him unconscious. Vander got up, staggered for a second, before111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOt4ZjhBAn
fixing himself.
“Why did you make111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLCQ5X4Smh
me do that?” he asked the prince.
“I didn’t make111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VMgvBVr4X
you do anything.” The prince shrugged. “It looked like you need to release some111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXSN7sEvGX
rage, so I merely gave you the opportunity, plus we learned something in the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KZ7dK8bzJ
process. Come on let’s go.”
Vander looked111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTl1Mag1td
down at the assassin before following his friend out of the cell and back111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cQmgh6Vcz
towards the door. Cuvera didn’t say anything as they left, but Vander whispered111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcK1iRqmLq
to send a healer for the man inside. The guards nodded their head but didn’t111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7gh5ZDUWp
move. They would wait a few minutes before ‘discovering’ that the man had tried111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOShiSLhMvc
to harm himself. It wasn’t the first time they did something like this.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGy84uXM96
However, the King would find out then there would be hell to pay.
“Man, that was111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Myg1ZiZpG
awesome.” Cuvera cheered. “You were so badass when you were beating him. You111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgEAY6qXd3
got to teach me how to fight.”
“If I remember111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SQ9AVmdlV
correctly that didn’t go so well the last time.” Vander mused. He held his hand111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeESb9p4vlP
out for the knife then promptly sheathed it as to not arouse suspicion. Last111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKM2TdzntnU
time Vander had tried to teach the prince how to fight, they were ten years111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6Z8ZsJ1Pq
old, and one punch was enough to send him crying to his mother. The King111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubTo7g9lrT
shortly put a stop to that.
“This time be111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4zp6qIXoa
different.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m in peak physical condition.” He threw a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1mjBkSj7j
couple of jabs into the air. Normally Vander would have laughed, but he had111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN37ybidXX
just been ordered to beat a broken man and it didn’t sit right with him. Cuvera111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBjxOeqaOq
had his moments, but he wasn’t cruel. This was out of character for him,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIsOUW0YVV
hearing about his father almost dying must have spooked him enough to act.
They made their111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfNzSL2gUY
way through the castle heading back towards Cuvera’s apartment. They saw a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHOgXoZn9j
couple of noblemen with their escorts, but they all bowed their heads once they111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYRU7YYgMX
realized it was the prince which allowed Vander to go unnoticed. He still111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9znUN0Xlw
hadn’t covered from his other injuries and now he could add fresh ones to the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUJhhOnhw5
list. Despite being weakened, that assassin wasn’t a push over. He got in a few111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOMF3dRmeX
strikes causing some pain in the process. Despite the quicker healing he had,111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWuN1u1u0i
these injuries would still take a bit.
Vander noticed it111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntXeHjthdX
before Cuvera, but there were two people waiting for them inside of his room.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX2TWSMFxR
He relaxed once he recognized their scents as Eliza and Kiara. Shea must like111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJZ7VxYogl
them because he didn’t sense any distress from their bond. If anything, she111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAH6pJLbqu
felt joy and excitement. Vander decided to keep his mouth shut about the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTw0X5MXYj
visitors, his little dose of payback.
“Let’s get111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX5UcClQK0
something to drink.” Cuvera gripped the door handle. But when he pushed it open111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwbflBzF8S
his face fell. “Shit.” He whispered.
Kiara was sitting111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO44QTmoSf
on the couch running her hands through Shea’s fur. Shea was standing on top of111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFonZe7Ozs
her knees licking her face as she laughed. Eliza was standing behind her sister111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHewepHa5L
with a bemused expression on her face. Upon hearing the door open, the two women111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf2wOauqIS
turned to look at them. Eliza nodded her head respectfully, but anger flooded111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV6JPsWTV4
Eliza’s .
Both had changed111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3AFyMCZ35
their outfits to match the cooler climate of Eluvia. Eliza had been given a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXKGCLCZ9x
long blue dress, but was wearing an orange shawl over her arms, an ode to her111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4abhVnoJ0
home country. Eliza was given slacks, a blue shirt and a jacket that looked a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0e6jA4lHe
lot like a Blades. Her hair had been pulled back into a tight ponytail. She111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqlsl4OoXJ
gave Vander a small smile then she turned back to look at her sister.
“You were111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSsb0sHzo7
supposed to escort me around the castle.” She growled. She got up from the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbm8bH2IDR
couch and stormed over towards them. “Where have you been?” Vander quickly111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW6YATCSiX
tried to slink back into the shadows, but she caught him. “You’re not going111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWsfHQTqKq
anywhere.” She snapped. Her face softened once she saw the blood on his face.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGYSp3qbGA
“Are you injured?” she asked.
“It’s nothing.”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa2wWIghqa
Vander tried to hide it, but Kiara grabbed him. Vander hissed in pain, so she111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF44InyYp76
removed her hand.
“Eliza, can you111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqIx8vs01H
tend to his wounds so I can have a chat with my fiancé?” she asked. “Please111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95ubJ7vaBw
don’t fight me on this Vander, I’d hate for our friendship to start on a bad111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKv8Tsmwqx
foot.” He looked towards Cuvera, but he averted his eyes.
“As you wish.”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2VlKOXr0H
Vander bowed his head.
“This way.” Eliza111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFC41aHm4M
escorted him to the bathroom then she shut the door. Moments later he could111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAzjSIxB4A
hear Kiara yelling at him, but he couldn’t hear what was being said. “Undress.”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTPptshNg5
Eliza said.
“Excuse me?” he111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1thrw3Swff
asked.
“You’re not the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82jtAk543U
first man I’ve seen naked.” She scoffed. “And I doubt you’ll be the last.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3V9RJJKsn
Undress so I can see what I’m working with.” He hesitated, but due to her111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lUeaFOrfA
incessant staring he did as she asked. Moments later his clothes were in the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe0sfZrp4N
corner of the floor as he stood there not even bothering to cover himself. If111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmQRn6Pe6m
she wasn’t embarrassed, neither would he.
She looked at him111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmMirBcfa1
over tracing the scars on his body lightly with her fingertips. The gentle111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyG5HZJxdN
touch caused him to shiver which placed a delicate smile on her face. Looking111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO15exUCwAI
down at himself, he noticed more bruises than he thought spreading across his111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3t0UssdQ3
body. However, nothing compared to the giant bruise along his back. When she111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIWeKKOVR5
touched it, he was filled with such immense pain he almost turned around to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77Rd3KOky9
punch her in the face.
“You’ve been111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70XceHWrtZ
involved in multiple fights recently.” She muttered. “But this one seems111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k1U630fR1
recent. I heard the person who tired to kill you is locked in the dungeons. Is111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq7HMy41En
that where you were?”
“Yes.” Vander111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIdTp25mwy
said. He wasn’t sure how she knew about the assassination attempt on him or111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVHurFPobc
where he was located. He suspected Bricen’s spies told her, but there was no111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzyu43OzpM
way of knowing for sure.
“You shouldn’t111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi2YTbh1Tv
beat those who can’t fight back.” She said. “It’s not a good look, especially111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxcBpX10i1
for a Blade.”
“Even if the111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2kkJ7NEjs
prince ordered you too?” she didn’t say anything else after that. She applied111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kLzz52Miq
some salve onto his wounds and the numbing cold allowed him to finally relax.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGKU9ouMLi
Once she was done she told him to put his clothes on while she went out to talk111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9c0ze2PPK
to Kiara. When he got outside he saw that Cuvera was nowhere to be found.
“I told him to111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTTLOj6HLA
tell his father what happened as well as what you discovered.” Kiara said. “He111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7ys5X3nrm
didn’t want to leave me, but I said you were here to protect me if I needed it.111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOWX0TNNRv
Now, I’m asking you to escort me around the castle. Are you up for it?”
“Yes.” Vander111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuRWRDRRx3
bowed his head. She turned to look up at Eliza who nodded her head in111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHF8CW0x8g
agreement.
“Good thing your111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvicCxY1vI
fight with the assassin didn’t go worse or I’d have gone without an escort.”111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3FPw8oeNd
She grinned.
“Someone would111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbPhmdsGq2
have taken you around when I couldn’t.” Vander explained. “We tend not to let111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mwec5dF4z
those of the royal family go without one, even within the castle.”
“You Eluvians are111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbRHidUJsW
so protective.” She sighed. “You should really let your noblemen learn to fight111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKMPZhLcWF
for themselves.”
“Do you know how111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKl367Ec52
to fight?”
“It’s rude to ask111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG5Lih2wqy
a lady,” she grinned. “But perhaps if you’re nice I’ll give you a111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRoYpSXtD0
demonstration.” Eliza coughed into her hand. “Alright, escort. Let’s go.” She111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM6lxKn0g0
got up off the couch and headed towards the door. Vander hesitated for a moment111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVJO6fdmev
then followed. Shea stayed where she was in front of the couch.
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“Let’s go.” He111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZMGcz8DUL
said to her. She quickly got up and raced out the door nearly knocking Kiara111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSyyMfxAWc
over in the process.
