Chapter 17
“Ow, ow, ow!” Vander sat in the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32GlAcRXbd
chair within the medical room while Topal placed topical ointments on his139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzlDntBMs7
wounds. He had removed his shirt to allow the doctor to check him over and139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMzrKliRKd
there were already colorful bruises gathering on his skin. Eliza, who was in139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23K69wCFWp
the adjoining room being attended to by Topal’s granddaughter seemed to be in139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0vgobrmZ3
better spirits. She was laughing the entire time with no sounds of pain.
“She did quite the number on you139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllKodtrdj8
huh?” Topal asked. Vander could see the little smirk gathering on the old man’s139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3q12rmapp
face as he checked him over.
“You know I heal quickly, Topal.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ8CbTayAT
Vander snorted. “Short of killing me, I’ll be better off sooner than she will.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvi4EuPV5k
So, I’d say we were about even.”
“Don’t forget a lot of the nobles139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvobLOmIVnx
saw you getting your ass beat, so you better pretend like you’re injured for a139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczXPRgmHTr
while.” Topal slapped Vander’s ribs causing him to sit up hissing between139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPa4t1xXoD
clenched teeth.
“I’ll remember that.” He hissed.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF5Y8afie3
Vander turned towards the door. He could hear two people coming down the hall139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaOYEFbH8o
towards the room. Based on their scent and how Shea was acting nonchalantly139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwOc5wklhn
about it, it was Cuvera and Kiara.
Cuvera didn’t even knock, he just139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgIDolCZoG
walked in with Kiara coming up behind him. “Damn, you look like shit.” He139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECZQkWWEkl
grinned. “But don’t you think you should put a shirt on.” he frowned. “You’re139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwUjQRJWFO
making me look bad.”
“Nonsense.” Kiara jabbed his side.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy2r9SDrad
“He’s the one who just got whooped by Eliza. You could have taken her easily.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOe1EawzOK
She winked at Vander when Cuvera puffed out his chest in pride.
“Damn right I could.” He said,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QE6yi8TLC
slapping her on the ass causing her to squeal then punch his arm. “Go see how139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFU6H9Mxpp
your maid of honor is doing while I talk to Vander for a second.”
“You’re wish is my command.” She139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCFKamNbQE
curtsied. Vander told her than Eliza was in the other room then pointed towards139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidqt5Ai5zF
the doorway. She walked through then closed the door behind her, so they139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJYQErsFDl
couldn’t overhear what was being said.
“Doctor, would you mind giving us139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtXsN2710L
the room?” Cuvera asked.
“Of course.” Topal clipped his bag139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGrzDcEqYI
shut but left the container of ointment for Vander. “Rub this on your wounds139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC2AeL7ysw
twice a day. They should clear up in a week or two.” Vander thanked the older139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNSfIs6asP
man and watched as he closed the door.
“What is it you wanted to talk to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XOunAzTxV
me about?” Vander asked. Cuvera sighed then pulled up a seat across from139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUszcNujfM
Vander.
“I want you to be my best man for139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j8YVmQg1M
the wedding tonight.” He said. Vander stared at his friend a little confused.
“Who else were you considering?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGknTcOrr0
he asked.
“No one.” Cuvera sighed. “You’ve139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMhHYWVBZk
been with me since the very beginning and despite what the nobles say, you are139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntZzJ2li1D
the closest friend I have. You are the only one I’ve wanted by my side139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1KMVgeKVQ
tonight.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KgjsaLgRv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5tdFtAfmq
“Why did it take so long139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp369zL0oE
for you to ask me?” Vander laughed, but immediately regretted it, holding his139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpct2JzwBe
side in pain. “Have you asked my grandfather to make sure it’s alright I skip139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fKMtyEi2X
guarding duty tonight?”
“I asked him after you left.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1bBBsOS1V
Cuvera nodded. “He said it was fine provided you agree. My father will deal139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgO1qQZ22a
with the nobles, I just need you to say yes.”
“Do you have something for me to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRfG47J9LG
wear?” Vander asked causing Cuvera to break out in a wide grin. “All my139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6dKoMNR1A
clothing are for going out on the town or performing my duties as a Blade. I139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj726CVlKdt
don’t have anything you would consider,” he waved his hand around. “Appropriate139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJZrCtDY6B
for a wedding.”
“What do you take me for?” Cuvera139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjES9J467x
scoffed. “Come on, this will be fun.”
Thirty minutes later Vander found139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZqI60DqYa
himself in Cuvera’s room standing on a circular stand with three mirrors139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdetUHVYnV
surrounding him. There was an army of people coming in and out of the room with139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPXS8rCvU2
a seamstress taking his measurements with a thin tape. She made notes on a139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5FKP8CtUU
piece of paper then shouted orders to her people.
“Give me the silver fabric.” Opal139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxLtydjghp
Jayne ordered. Apparently she was of no relation to Topal, but Vander found139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JynvOWkXp
that hard to believe. No way multiple people be that bad at naming their139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4rMuM6y3s
children. “Yes, this will match your hair quite nicely.” She muttered to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvvW0QLyua
herself. She snapped her fingers and the helpers brought in some more fabric139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTofw5uBNzg
for her to look at ranging from blues all the way to yellows. She placed the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHJmk7HqDU
silver fabric on Vander’s shoulder. She then started to place other fabrics on139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFqtzqywEc
top until she found a dark blue she liked.
“Is it done?” Cuvera asked.
“I have all the measurements I139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3OgIhqC3T
need from him as well as the colors to best match his complexion along with139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8k9T5HOm0
your outfit.” Opal mused. “I never thought I would get the chance to work on139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVLNxonn6R
you, Vander, it will take all of my power to make this work, but I daresay you139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgewv8zUxNq
will like the results.”
“Thank you.” Cuvera smiled. “Get139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOaaUN17XE
him a few rings and a necklace as well. He doesn’t like spending money on139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJL1Tul2iv
himself, so I get to do it instead.”
“Of course.” She smiled. “I’ll139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF0lRQFK3q
send you my bill. When do you need this by?”
“Tomorrow afternoon.” He said.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WEreUffdS
Vander looked over at him with a frown.
“I thought the wedding was139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnReJPVp5Qi
tonight?” Cuvera and Opal looked at each other then burst out laughing.
“This wouldn’t all be done by139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojoKG1M3nz
tonight dear boy.” Opal wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I have two139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaK54IZcsl
dresses to make and your suit. I’ll be up all night making sure everything is139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSatFA8u1ds
ready.”
“I made sure it was okay if I139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Paf8s9ho
postponed it until tomorrow.” Cuvera explained. “If anything, my father was139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0KpwIqgD6
relieved for more time, so he approved it.”
“What am I supposed to do with139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzzNk27dM2
myself now?” Vander groaned.
“Don’t know.” Cuvera shrugged. “Go139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoLTXeMTxM
for a walk, get drunk, get your dick wet, whatever you want. I’ll see you139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zbweZFfMb
later.” He winked then quickly slipped out of the room.
“Jackass.” Vander muttered. He139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OoydQ2TEB
slipped on his clothing, clipped his sword to his belt, then left the room.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DOFLpcGIo
Shea had been forced to sit outside so she wasn’t in the way, so she joined139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuMAkmcxCx
him.
“That seemed like fun.” She139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFDN7U0mat
said.
“Well, now we have the night off.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4ZionmAwa
He replied. “What should we do now?”
“I would like to head back if139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5MgKX0eeG
you don’t mind.” She said. “I’m tired.”
“You are more than welcome to head139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2PJ8s1eM5
back to the bedroom if you want.” He said. “I’ll be fine on my own.”
“Don’t forget you have to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEWbw8ILXJ
oversee the protection detail around the castle for tomorrow’s wedding.” She139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjdD5PoTWX
said. “Perhaps you should focus on that while you have time.”
“Ah shit, I forgot about that.” He139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgjDG71an7
groaned. “So much has happened within the past several days that it slipped my139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkTDaFazk9
mind.”
“Then it’s lucky that my mind is139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2E5fNXgTt
still about me.” Vander turned around to see his grandfather standing behind139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoNLwlVYLk
them. “How many times have I told you not to talk to Shea where others can hear139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr3xKttBTu
you?”
“Sorry, Grandfather.” Vander139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmd38EpSI2
muttered. Shea licked his hand before walked down the hall and disappearing139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYBBlRq0H7
into the darkness. “She’s heading back to my room to sleep. She hasn’t been139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs7T7eVpL7
sleeping well lately.”
“With all the wardens here, I’m139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGloU86mYz
surprised anyone is sleeping.” Charles sighed. “Anyway, do you have a moment to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbcYYfomw3
chat? There are some things I’d like to discuss with you.”
“Of course.” Charles led the way139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBeYbXgFFb
down the hall and up a flight of stairs towards his office. There were two139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyc5Tb7b2N
Blades standing at the door whom he dismissed with a flick of his hand. Once139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqumbzDGfuR
inside, he poured both a small glass of whiskey.
“Eliza passed.” Charles answered139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzBTKFooiJ
the unspoken question after he drained his glass and poured himself another139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuontKFpDh
one. “After the wedding we will initiate her as a Blade Captain with control of139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGkwlR8DoH
her own squad.”
“Are you sure about that?” Vander139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ivp7VmU5N
asked. “There are abound to be plenty who are going to be pissed they got139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf8acqtXFe
passed for a promotion to someone from Bricen, even if she is qualified.”
“They are able to challenge her139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1ZKwaowuW
for the spot, but based on how she was able to take you down, I doubt the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOF41lzT57
others will be able to keep up with her.” He explained.
“Come on gramps,” Vander rolled139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDGy5O0s98
his eyes. “I was holding back, and you know it.”
“An ass whooping is an ass139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lbpOneb0V
whooping Vander.” He laughed. “Plus, I expect she was holding back as well, and139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpEk25Orj9
she had just finished running the gauntlet beforehand. I think you would have139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5E7l98sfB
lost if she wasn’t exhausted.”
“You’re supposed to be on my139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv6M2BiE7L
side.” He grumbled.
“I’m for whatever makes us139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxahYg7HGm9
stronger.” Charles leaned back in his chair. “Malcolm told me about what Ross139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzW2a6oHRq
had told you when you visited him. While I’m not happy you went there,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYHpJQbXg8
especially without telling me, we now have an enemy to focus our efforts on. Was139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1Mj84bEpc
there anything else he could tell you?”
“There was, but I’d have to fight139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4xuMVDNvF
in the pits against his champions.” Vander explained. “It’s not something I’m139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKMYpX2cWL
keen on doing, but I will if I need to.”
“That might not be necessary.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICh7iQplli
Charles was quiet for a moment. “What do you know of Draken? The man Warden139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87AjfKDjg5
Valarian always keeps with her?”
“Not much.” Vander admitted. “Just139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Eo6TH7fZE
that he’s a strong fighter.”
“Not just that.” Charles got up139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7TVDyXJ4j
from his desk to walk towards one of the bookshelves. He skimmed the shelves139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryB1YE2Ejq
for a moment before selecting an old black book with gold trim. He flipped139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthuuY64izr
through the pages until he found the one he wanted then placed it on the table139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RzO74QfA2
in front of Vander. It was a picture of Aubum, the deity of mortality and139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q4M1TOPDT
death. One of the children of the Darkness.
Aubum was a mysterious deity. Not139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeTMM9YRku
much was known about him even within the texts of the other deities. Before his139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyhW9e1NXK
arrival, humans were immortal, but Darkness had created him to rob them of the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP42ZpRWcNw
one thing they coveted more than anything, their lives. It was a move to try139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFk2vwhXSR
and weaken her parents and siblings, but it backfired because humans prayed to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK41HQGeAJ
the deities even more afterwards. Some believe he did it to weaken his mother,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKipAuuHhT
but that was the minority opinion.
Aubum was human in appearance, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ0X30zBKg
his hair was bright green while his skin was the color of death. He wore white139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeOUtzMYf9
robes with sandaled feet. His weapon of choice was a large scythe, but he used139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1jDmkzL7z
it more to walk with than as a weapon considering how old he truly was.
“Are you telling me that Draken is139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHrA8XGV2x
the Ma’akti of Aubum?” Vander asked. “I thought he stayed out of human affairs139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSfgFTSNtG
until their death?”
“It’s something passed down since139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50k39D1t1C
the Valarian line started.” Charles explained. “Out of everyone in the council,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkvJIjVC0i
only the King and I know who he truly is.” There was a slight gust of wind that139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9wOFmCZmf
wafted around the apartment as the smell of decay appeared in Vander’s nose. In139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1D5Dy8UQE
one deft movement, Vander jumped from his seat and drew his sword pointing it139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6XyA6al3R
at one of the darkened corners.
“Good.” A voice hissed from the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3LMcCrRll
shadows. Two bright yellow eyes appeared as a man stepped out from the shadows,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgedRMUtgM
but they clung to him as if trying not to let him go. Now that Vander’s eyes139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VkC1TFzx4
could adjust, he realized the man had dark green, scaley skin, and large139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz009pK2P5
canines that jutted past his top lip. He was wearing a long-mottled cape which139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3noG0x3Gg
allowed him to blend with the shadows along with leather armor protecting his139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS7o5Dq2dd
chest. He wore a series of knives on his belt, likely his preferred weapon of139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB6pzBu3cS
choice.
“Draken, you came.” Charles bowed139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ulg17TKL7
his head respectfully. “Would you like a drink?”
“No thanksssss, Commander.” He139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjR4ovHrog
hissed. “But why have you asked my missssstressss for me? I wasssss hoping to139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYNP3NXQ8e
enjoy my ssssstay?”
“Can you stop hissing?” Charles139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2zZDA9O0c
asked. “I know you do it just to make people piss their pants, but you don’t139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItohSwAcYT
have to do it here.”
“Sorry.” Draken laughed. It139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBaVBUYzfw
sounded raspy like he had been smoking for decades, it was likely his throat139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NHJNJbq1o
wasn’t used to normal speak. “It’s a habit at this point.”
“How did you get in here?” Vander139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqlojBzys9
asked.
“Do you expose your secrets to any139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9oAQ8Lfi2
who asked Unna’tun Ma’akti?” Vander stared at him surprised. “Only those with139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lp8Vtm0HZ
her abilities can sense me when I’m cloaked considering we are cousins of a139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJS9bIklZu
sort.”
“I guess that makes sense.” Vander139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgjIkC86lW
shrugged his shoulder. “This is something I would kill to keep secret if you139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nbsBL35UP
catch my meaning.”
“Don’t worry.” Draken smiled. “I139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPQXvM7lpO
won’t tell anyone anything. This is a secret that should stay in the shadows139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUu0PXuriw
with as few as possible. None of us wish for our secrets to be exposed,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw3WG01dph
especially not those in power.”
“Only a select few will know of139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bNO3ZLXGQ
this.” Charles explained. “We have sworn on the book of Humjir to keep the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8n4Rj7nBS
identities a secret. If anyone breaks that vow, they will die.”
“I trust you.” Vander sighed. “But139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtkkzaLiG7
onto the question, why is he here?”
“Because I have a job for him.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeN8uGuPE7
Charles explained. “We have someone in our dungeons who knows the location of139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthlthHrkaX
whoever tried to kill our King. I want you to pry the information out of my any139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jckt7pxLM
means necessary then track down whoever sent him here. When you find them, I139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuFCbcPzFN
want to know about it.”
“And who will protect my Warden139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMivnnrmlcI
while I do this?” Draken asked.
“We will have our best protecting139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4tUe1N2jm
her.” Charles assured him. “Captain Alexander will take three others to help139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OnQDEBJTl
protect her.”
“Do you trust him?”
“With my life.” Vander answered.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtppMSIyw2
“We’ve been through a lot together. We will protect her with his life if need139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGhvkaS9Y8
be.”
“Then very well.” Draken bowed his139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk48U3JY4vi
head. “Should I make daily reports?”
“No, only report when you finish.”
“Understood.” With that Draken139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQgLZXomsk
slunk back into the shadows then disappeared. Vander didn’t speak until he was139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSr5UzJavf
sure that the man was gone.
“That was something.” He said.
“He’s always been like that, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwP3Khx3Lx
he gives results and that’s what matters.”
“Will the guards walk in on139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtQHcSYd6t
anything?” Vander asked.
“I gave the guards the night off.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aMR848zqG
Charles sat back down in his chair. “No one will hear the man’s screams. I want139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvAmBkp9uK
to get this done as quickly as possible.”
“Cuvera and I questioned him139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrnPs4Zswz
before, and he swore that they had nothing to do with the King’s poisoning.”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu982Os5mLv
Vander explained.
“You know better than to trust139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxwqnhT57h
someone like that Vander, unless you doubt Ross’ word?”
“Ross always has some hidden139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBH9aY3Jt3
agenda, but he wouldn’t lie to me.” Vander frowned. “It could be his139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVmcTn4sTS
information is wrong.”
“We will see what happens once139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq0xNxa9OR
Draken finishes his investigation.” Charles tossed back his whiskey. “His139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWKkW9Ul5S
methods are cruel, but we need that now. Any moment we waste is another chance139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKU9Qy946V
they must kill Malcolm.”
“I agree with you.” Vander also139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmqM3GsMaL
drank the burning liquid which caused him to grimace. He hated the taste, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNU2cQO1qI
it did relax him. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore gramps.”
“What should we talk about then?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia6UDIvnp8
Charles grinned. “Would you like to talk about your attraction to Eliza?”139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe2f2gZ24t
Vander choked on his drink.
“What?” He sputtered. “I don’t139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM1pBe3oAQ
like her!”
“So that mild bit of flirting139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgnjyNuaxr
while you fought this morning was nothing?” Charles asked. “I might be old, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bSmUL1ZZm
I’m not dead yet and neither are you. You’d be a fool not to be interested in139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiZO0dVXjf
her.”
“Come on, I barely know her.” He139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBczGSF9LJ
protested. “Besides, she can find someone better.”
“I know Bree dumping you hurt, but139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG7KR5sCVq
you can’t close yourself off forever.” His grandfather sighed. “It’s time you139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v7zOZOKBb
found someone to settle down with. I’d like to have great-grand children before139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhD2U9vYqy
I die.”
“I’m only twenty, gramps.” Vander139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGgYphr1iX
sighed. “We have plenty of time.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Charles139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVdaWGC2sf
mused. However, he got a sad look in his eyes that Vander couldn’t quite figure139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhtZRcdR4F
out.”
“Is everything alright?” he asked.
“Yes, yes.” Charles waved him off.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzLuwSSXIH
“I just think she will be a good match for you as well, Vander. Give it some139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bSwN8p1vP
thought, but ultimately, it’s up to you.”
“Thank you.” Vander sipped the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ3Ge6djXz
drink. “It is alright if I sleep? I’ve had a long day.”
“Of course.” Charles smiled. “I139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yFs5woMLG
will see you tomorrow.” Vander walked over to the other side of the desk and139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9FzvPfebD
kissed his grandfather on the top of his head. With a small wave he left the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE8JMYeg6I
room.
He decided to take the long way139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFudzD0o7gG
back to his room opting to take a walk along the outer corridor towards the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZwxhrJp9j
other gardens. The gardens behind the castle were filled with various bushes139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqStHzsiQuS
and flower gardens ranging from roses to daffodils. There were pathways that139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Uayliiim
weaved around each garden bed and benches were people sat while they enjoyed139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDjn7XAZBE
themselves. Here nobles were allowed to visit, but with the wedding tomorrow,139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4zdDomr70
many were resting.
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pxaxPAZlA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlOxRSpsOY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBScAGkkE5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0nHXPwxAD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgJz1yh104
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljEmDHq3cH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwckVqYC1BM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc4YBGC52Q
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoXggr8Nuo
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp80JwXnlkl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VBvHUxrzR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x6qoPgoPv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V15QW97aH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6uozgP4PU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcG5NRAXnj
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSV5ITPVvE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UU3QOAcc0
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l5RI7yNuO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPVe7Y53KG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRVzsGtjkx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m7iFCkSaD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd9AxHTTUv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKWTpR7DVr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXnQi3O5EH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdJ7sgk4vI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk2yYlkpVl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjTH5jJqLB
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C7DfoozSS
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykGfpmbNVI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUKmJd9hno
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3FV9uOIVz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9ydNcvyD4
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EdDPtAxHY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivwLOzX7UO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xomBSu6IS
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwhs1batx1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3ecsRwqm4
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbFPw77Fzu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5VsGkS7A0
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb850sYLlin
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ejuuFj0uJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hsg0Sz0gx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ge7FdlC87
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvcUHXsCrH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybgq5mJutZ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCK7wPSGj4
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAoYEb3MdU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8RvSgcRqa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVY6GOd7yz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnrePrPFcR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2Gi9samY1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1O7F8m2sL
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNMHMCujlU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8pEjVoX8y
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6HohJIReh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXOcg55fuZ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y7T80tyDB
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLylSvUs0z
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXiSliJlHp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0uSf9p3Vr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlygkbwECBA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWYOmtTiQ9
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXcWMbGmhb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R4muZv8Tm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLniNLYscs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWxRmgkh0a
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPPXwQtmiE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEHMnvP7NB
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTKtE0tTfu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpeEOc7ZEs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfGmRDy8bR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UELTPh9wk
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWxsHxRzNp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEr9AD5Wo9
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt51JRPbEb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsAMyNsKNu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1Z3R874qH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HaEhpQEp5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd43IJAqcy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHFISlEish
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw29N7RPp7E
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsicRwDPW6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODfRjaLnzN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYEjmA9O67
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIpu7ePMME
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6ztEZUVXF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIhyhH94ax
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyDvzQ32jU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dc7uZOrKp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4HU0gWjoH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0I2UNO0G8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBtgK52iw6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDZUvOGoiA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7cmkwmWuQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlo37BUSqi
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZpl11J5ve
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwYgsyLGnf
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhC17cQzfE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHaMsuaiUU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpi8D5OFkS
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SZiX9P8LC
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ArAc0kKix
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL09o6ILKpX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTO0tJvoEk
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkzyrlDOea
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjPfLxstkf
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA2GgarJqD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqFu7rycuh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WOEzmVtpr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB6fqwxJlh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkz6qIBcPe
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGWZqDJJkW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0HL1U3zqL
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDm5U5Ya4j
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvdH02zaJg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaMKI6pGVR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKvp7iPbL7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe1FwFyLtE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SwxpuNI42
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ7HTjOFPl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXuNUKmb23
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8mvZDzNrh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ECp3vGuoa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCSONVO8h6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJwalNmrLb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HHPMvFmwn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e4EJgHtDv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsi84ksQnw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5KIZ3dGxQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItU3MMFjoV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lIq94w05N
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpp7rHRwlb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mavGbV5qD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0Lxvf6F1K
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlK1Wt2Fy4
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0W4vGLZU7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidfeMd2Oov
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtt57n0X3D
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNaiOpzhnc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzovghMIAn3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mQQ1qvVjV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOEnX4Kasx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhQG6UuDzR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwKfq6ZahJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AuZ3YanjO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwtKk4KGvY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAmSYcTfIz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMVszapYHQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHAt2MMpB7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s2exdywUk
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa9hc0yHJF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U1QTnkaM5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh2ukxWCbh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpAHsnZUfd
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqypMCAnX8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DaW9fwJLP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ovyJoxiv6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpSBo00865
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirzVH5lMIo
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwitWGUTout
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6qvITtqUz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1t6E0yJTh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqesyLkauT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSE7JG6ib7s
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixZFME76VM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96LFhbYtGB
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnZ6HfwtdE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlJe6wdfWI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGQOpfd06e
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz9vGtfuct
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MRPi2dBHM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI2Jgf54H9
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcER9Br5Vt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OdGksCo2T
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgZyIeYjHQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnefQjqYXl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p3mjCPM2w
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQ2P8oKyZu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIenvi2wGp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzItLhcvQk
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItZxUxaaaF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qYVoCMROH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ287OBpMK7H
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47hInugO6F
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnBcAE3k18
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIXxhPt3W3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT4xaDcvAD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5wSmiDIky
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvF234MNqL
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclVHtD81kP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHrQEKzXrA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr3XocAciQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqc7TjLLc4
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpX8cl33cm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6pz9IaivO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaP1oqt1l0
The full moon was high in the sky139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKqy1oK2Z2
when Vander sat down on a secluded bench in a corner garden. Despite the chaos139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgHvlWMelt
that was his life and Unna’s gifts constantly clawing at him, he enjoyed the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvxw6SIgZd
quiet serenity that this spot offered him. It was one of the few places he139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPghnJPDKu
could feel at ease and not have to worry about anyone else. He lay down on the139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ0KjLtlCa
bench to stare up at the moon before closing his eyes to rest.
