Kicked Out, Invited In

"Mother, I missed you so much!"

Madaura smiled down at the young boy who hugged her leg.

"Mother, look at what I've made!"

She nodded towards the drawing of a bird that a young girl showed her with gleaming, hopeful eyes.

"I love you so much mother!"

The children crowded around her as if she was a celebrity. They respected her like she was a queen. They were in awe of her, more than one would admire one of the highest members of the twelve.

It was absolutely perfect. Even the young gremlin were able to serve their purpose properly.

She walked through the halls, relishing in the cheerful waves and admirations the children sent to her. The women had spent her life raising the next generation of leaders and raising them into vessels for her will. Whether they knew that or not was irrelevant, and she really didn't care if they found out. As long as they were all loyal to her to the end, then she could use them through their lives. If she got enough supporters, she may someday have risen to the ranks of the twelve. Was that not everyone's dream? Madaura was a patient women. She would MAKE them powerful. She would MAKE them useful. If she couldn't, she would get rid of them.

Speaking of useless children, there was one limb to her family tree that she had to cut short.

As she waded her way through the children in her hallways, pointedly ignoring one of the smallest children who struggled to move through the crowd, she spotted Fatima waiting for her patiently at the end of the hall. Outwardly, she checked that her smile got bigger to appease him. Inwardly, she nearly groaned. While he was one of the most useful boys she had, but since she already had him under his wing, she did not prefer continuing to waste her time on him. There were so many others that she had to continue to work on.

The plan was that her children would grow up, become successful, then later come back and be indebted to the women they loved so much. Fatima had never left, and instead chosen to stay as close to her as possible. It was useful having another hand around the place, but his harsh attitude and possessiveness sometimes made it harder to deal with the children than if she had been alone.

When she got closer, she smiled brightly at Fatima. "Oh my dear child, how are you today?"

She could see his eyes twinkle when she called him her child, but he said nothing of it. "I am perfectly find mother. Did you have a nice journey to the store?"

"Yes, I most certainly did." Turning to her side, she gave her companion a tender smile. "Evangalina here was a great help." Behind her, the young women brightened happily. She was another girl who had come to her as a child, grown up in her care. She was not the most intelligent of the children. She was described as…ditzy would be a good term. But despite that, she was extremely popular and her social skills were impeccable. The women had grown to be absolutely stunning, with long bright hair that glowed in the sunlight and a clear face. Even when she was eighteen many men had come to Madaura asking for permission to marry the women. Of course Madaura had refused them all.

If the women's brains could not be used, than her beauty would be a good substitute. It was only a matter of time before some rich nobleman passed through town and asked for her.

Even Fatima took a moment to look away from her and back to Madaura. "That's good. I'm am glad you have returned. Nothing new has happened here while you were gone." Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Fatima was hiding a bruised hand behind his back. From the way he carried himself, she could bet that he was the one who had done the punching.

Purposefully ignoring this, she nodded to his information without complaint. "I see. That is good my son. By any chance, do you know where Hakuei is this evening?" Fatima's eyes widened, puzzled. Madaura hadn't even mentioned Hakuei since she had injured her leg a few days ago. And even then, she'd only come out to visit when her friend Ali had come. Of course she acted like the perfect mother, feigning shock at the whole thing and promising to take care of her in front of Ali. Even as she completely ignored her and only spoken to him. She hadn't spoken to her or of her since that.

Lately she only would visit them if Ali was around.

"I haven't seen her myself mother," he hesitated. "But if I were to bet, I'd say she was in the living room sewing something." A yes. Hakuei was an excellent knitter and tailor. When she'd been younger Madaura had thought she would be useful with that skill. But as it turned out, she was just too much trouble to be worth it.

She had thought about it. Hakuei was helpful around the house and with the children. But her influence over the children was making things difficult for her. Hakuei acted like a sister, almost a mother to the children in Madaura's absence. It wouldn't be a problem for her if Hakuei was one of her children, but the women had decidedly kept her distance and retained a different set of morals and ideals than her. Those ideals were passed onto the children she helped take care of. Just the night before one of her more intelligent, useful children had been crying over being bullied. But instead of going to Madaura, he'd rushed over to Hakuei.

That was not good.

But it could easily be fixed.

"I'll just have to pay her a visit then." Without any arguments, Fatima moved to her side to follow her to the living room. Evangalina's eyes twinkled with curiosity and excitement, inspiring her to follow along to. Perhaps she wasn't as foolish as Madaura accused her of being. The young women smiled in anticipation, hopeful for what was to come.

Before they found Hakuei however, Madaura decided to make sure of one thing. On their way to the living room, Madaura caught sight of the young girl. Marga? Yes, her name must have been Marga. She was drawing something on a piece of paper. Three people wearing specific masks that Madaura had never seen before. Most likely her idea of what the twelve would look like. She wondered where they got that idea from.

"Marga?" The young girl glanced up at her in surprise. There was respect, but Madaura could see there was little love in her eyes. She did not like that. Perhaps that young girl had spent more time around the two siblings that she thought. While Hakuryuu could have to wait, at least she would be able to handle one.

"Yes mother?"

"Tell me my child, is your friend Ali here today?"

Behind her, Fatima scowled when she mentioned the stranger, but she chose to ignore it. She didn't care whether Fatima felt threatened by the amount of attention she sent towards another. As long as it didn't hinder her plans. Perhaps his jealousy would even keep him closer to her.

But Ali. Now that was a man she wished she could have gotten to know when he was a child. That man may have been just a wandering travellor, but she could tell from the way he carried himself that there was more to him. That he would be very useful. If she had him with her, she knew that she would not regret it in time. No matter how hard it would be to do so. The only problem was how she would do that. She had no way of knowing if he was an orphan, and even if he was not, he seemed much to mature to fall for her mothering techniques. He had come by to visit the orphanage many times since his first visit. Each time he'd been polite to her, but even she could tell it was only surface deep.

If only he hadn't been friends with those two brats.

"No," Marga answered innocently. "I don't think so."

Good. Then Madaura could get rid of the first thing that stood in the way of her getting to Ali.

Or at least, one of them.

"Thank you dear," She pulled away, returning to her stroll towards the living room. Evangalina had swooned a bit at the mention of Ali. She, along with many of the older children in the orphanage, and fawned over the young man who told stories of foreign places. While his friend group mostly consisted of the two siblings Hakuei, Hakuryuu and the child Marga, he was very charming and had no problem speaking with others. Or flirting. Evangalina had just been another victim to his charm.

Just another reason why he could be very valuable to Madaura.

When she found Hakuei, she realized Fatima was right. She had been in the sitting room. She sat on the old couch fixing a pillow that had a large cut through the middle. Hakuryuu was cleaning of a small blade that had a suspicious amount of cotton on it. Perhaps next time she would listen when Fatima told her Hakuryuu was practicing his fighting technique. She'd thought it had been ridiculous.

What would Hakuryuu have to fight for?

When they entered the room, both the siblings looked up instantly. There was obvious surprise written all over their faces. They hadn't been oblivious to Madaura's separation of them over the last few days. It was normal, and they hadn't put much thought into it. What they did question was the abnormal. Madaura coming to visit them without Ali there, or any specific reason. "Mother," Hakuei greeted, pushing the pillow to the side and getting to her feet. Hakuryuu just watched her (Or mostly Fatima) with a wary glance. The bandages poorly covering the scars and the limp in her step was pointedly ignored by everyone. "What can I do for you?"

Mother smiled gently. "My dear, I'm afraid there is something very…important that I need to talk to you about."

Hakuryuu's eyes narrowed, but Hakuei nodded. "Of course mother. What is it?"

Madaura glanced behind her to make sure that none of the children had followed them. There was only Fatima and Evangalina in the back, watching the scene with curiosity. With a long, practiced sigh, she placed her hands on Hakuei's shoulders. The young women blinked at her in confusion, glancing at her brother who looked just as confused as she did for answers. Probably not the best option. She shook her head, trying to look sadder than she felt. "My child, I wish it didn't have to come to this. But given the circumstances, I felt I had no choice."

Her words meant nothing to Hakuei as she continued to keep that puzzled expression on her face. Fool, Mother thought to herself. Perhaps I will be able to put on a show for my dear children.

"I don't understand," Hakuei replied patiently, eyes darting to her brother for answers. "What do you need to do?"

Sighing, she forced Hakuei to look into her eyes. Hakuei was so confused, she didn't even try to look away. "My dear," She pretended to hesitated. Perhaps she could even fake a tear or two. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to let you go."

All eyes in the room widened to the size of dinner plates.

"What?" Hakuei asked.

"WHAT?" Hakuryuu repeated, jumping to his feet. "You-why? Under what grounds?"

Madaura shook her head, ignoring Fatima's obvious victorious smile and Evangalina's hidden smirk. She and Hakuei had never been enemies, but they'd never been allies. More than that, like Madaura, she enjoyed watching the strife and fear the crossed their faces. While she enjoyed it, mother did her best to look like she didn't. "My dear, I'm just trying to think of the best for the rest of the children. Not only have some of the children been poisoned from your cooking, but I've heard that you've been giving the children ideas that they shouldn't have. One of them refused to obey when Fatima told him to clean the table yesterday." A wide exaggeration, but no one had enough proof to argue. "I just don't think it's good for you to be around the children my dear. I'm only thinking of what is best for them."

That wasn't entirely true of course. Not only was Hakuei gaining the support of the children who were supposed to be following her, but she also had the man Ali on her side. When she'd seen him last and tried to speak to him, she could feel his despise even through his charming smile. Not only had she influenced the children, but now she was influencing the people who didn't even live with them? That was unacceptable. Besides, Ali would be hers. She would make sure that boy took her side, no matter how difficult. And Hakuei would not get in the way.

There was, of course, the worry that Ali would no longer visit when Hakuei was gone. But there was still Hakuryuu and Marga who he visited just as frequently. Even if she was gone, he would continue to visit them, she was sure.

Besides. With a bit of work, she was certain she could get Evangalina to replace her in Ali's heart.

Maybe make her become even more to him.

But one step at a time.

"Look at what your clumsiness did!" Madaura pointed to her leg. "What if one of the children had been there? It's just not safe for others to be around you."

"How is that my sister's fault?" Hakuryuu argued. "How could anything that you just said possibly be her fault? It was the one with the Oedipus complex who hurt her!" he spat at Fatima, whose face turned bright red at the accusation. Evangalina could hardly contain her laughter.

Hakuryuu ignored both of them. "Yes she's a bad cook, but she didn't do that on purpose, and she hardly cooks at all anymore! And how can she control how every kid in this entire building interprets her? She was just doing her job and trying to take care of them. What 'ideas' has she possibly been putting in the children's head that's so wrong that she would get kicked out?" Madaura decided it would be in her best interest not to answer that question. There was no way she could get that out and make it sound reasonable. Better just make her leave and let them guess.

"My dear child," Madaura cooed, reaching up so she could put her hand on Hakuryuu's cheek. "You must understand that this is for the best. She's just not helpful here."

Hakuryuu recoiled, visibly disgusted at her touch. "Not helpful," Hakuryuu snarled dubiously. "Why don't you just admit the truth? That she's just not useful enough for you to take advantage of her in the future." Madaura had no trouble keeping the smile on her face, despite her surprise. So the boy had figured out her long-term plan. Perhaps he was wiser than she had given him credit for.

No matter.

She'd never cared to hide it from the useless ones.

As long as the naïve ones didn't know the truth.

And the reality was, there were more naïve people in the world than enlightened.

"Don't worry my dear," she tilted her head to smile at Hakuryuu, who was shaking with rage. "In time, you'll understand." Perhaps, without his sister around to support him, she could gain the boys support as well. He may have been stubborn and intelligent, but he was also very impressionable and seemed to desire love and acceptance more than most, whether he admitted it or not. Turning back to Hakuei, she put her mouth into a set line. "But as for you, you must leave. Immediately."

Hakuei didn't answer right away. She was too stunned. She'd never intentionally done anything wrong, though she'd admit she had gone against Madaura's wishes a few times. But to be forced to leave? There weren't many helpers other than Fatima. And he was more of a slave driver than a babysitter. Who would actually leave him alone with children? Maybe Hakuei wasn't the most qualified, but she thought she had done a good job. And to be forced to leave under such vague excuses? Where would she even go? She'd lived in the orphanage since she was a little girl. She'd never left, and hadn't planned on leaving until her brother was able to. But she couldn't bring him with her. Legally, if she had no way to support him, she couldn't adopt him. And even if she could, what about the other children? Marga?

"…I…."

The door swung open.

Everyone spun around to see a young boy standing at the door. His eyes were wide, his mouth hanging open like he was going to say something but nothing would come out. "What are you doing? Can't you see we are busy?" But the red headed boy didn't move. Even with Fatima's death glare and the obvious tension in the room, he didn't leave. That was odd.

"I-I'm sorry Mother," The boy whimpered, for the first time in front of mother. "T-they wanted to talk to you immediately."

"It's alright," Hakuei urged him, seeing him struggle to get the words out. "Just tell us what,"

"It is not 'alright!'" Fatima bellowed. "This is why you are being sent away! You would let these kids get away with anything!" Turning back to the kid he growled, "I don't care what's going on, get out of here!"

"B-But sir," The child begged. "T-there are soldiers,"

"What soldiers?" Hakuryuu interrupted. "What do you mean?"

Before the kid could answer, a hand was placed on his shoulder. "Allow me to speak to them if you don't mind." Nervously, the boy didn't argue as he left the room immediately.

The men who followed on the other hand showed no intention of leaving. Madaura nearly choked when she saw the first mask. There was five men in total, though most likely there was more outside. They all wore white clothes with red at the shoulders, waste and ends, covering metal armour underneath. Madaura recognized the clothes as ones from Balbaad from when she went there. Had they found out about what she'd done? What bothered her more were the masks. The four soldiers at the back had regular ones that all soldiers at the palace of Balbaad had. Tan clay masks showing the image of the first king, without the eyes and including the beard. The one at the front however wore a similar mask, but it had a golden sash across the eyes. Sign of the leader.

They weren't just the guards from the streets. They were soldiers of the twelve.

Most of the children had never even seen soldiers of the twelve. They'd never even dream that they would come into their home. What a day for Ali to be away, Hakuryuu thought. He would have loved this! "S-soldiers!" Madaura bowed, gesturing to the others to do the same. "W-what can I do for you?"

The one at the front tilted his head respectfully. "Good evening ma'am. I'm sorry to trouble you, but we will be out of your hair in a moment." After a pause to make sure they were all paying attention he continued. "I'm sure you've see the posters that have been hung around town?"

Madaura was about to say yes, but Evangalina tilted her head in confusion. "No, I haven't. What posters?" Madaura cursed inwardly. How dare she waste the time of the soldiers of the knights, and in turn, make Madaura's reputation worse?

She would have wrung the girl's neck if the man hadn't simply nodded. "The king of Sindria is to marry a women from the capital city of Kina. We are here to see if there are any eligible women between the ages 20-30 that are citizens of Kina who are able to come." Evangalina gasped in surprise while the two boys stared at the soldiers in shock. Each of them had seen the posters, but they'd assumed it would only apply to members who were related to the twelve. Ladies of the court, not regular citizens. Madaura had assumed that as well. But when she realized that it wasn't so, her heart lit up with excitement.

A chance. A chance to get one of her children into the ranks of the twelve.

That was it.

That was the chance she had been waiting for.

Soon it wouldn't be people running and hugging her.

Everyone would be bowing to her.

As Madaura tried to handle her excitement, the man turned to steal a glance at Hakuei. He took in the sight of her, considering. "You. How old are you?"

Hakuei blinked in surprise. "Me? I am 25."

"Are you currently in a romantic relationship?"

The question just made her even more puzzled. "No, I am not."

"And I take it you are a legal citizen of Kina?"

Madaura got a sinking feeling as Hakuei nodded again. "Of course I am."

He nodded. "Good. Then you will come."

WHAT? It was like Madaura had just been handed a trophy and then broken it like a sheet of glass. Hakuei would go? No no, that would not do at all! Hakuei would not help bring Madaura any power. Because of her experiences, she may even bring Madaura into a bad light and make things worse for her! Why on earth would they want that girl?

Hakuei didn't seem any more welcoming of the idea than Madaura was. "Sir, I-I don't think I quite understand. Just because of those things I am eligible to go to the palace that was locked up from the outside world for centuries? What exactly is going on? Why is this happening now?"

The man bit the inside of his lip, a clear indication that he was hiding something. But nonetheless, he spoke without a hint of hesitation or doubt. "For the king to decide who he would choose to wed, the twelve has decided to pick out women from the city who fit these criteria. Once all of the women have been found, they will be escorted to the palace where they will go through the traditional beauty treatment for one month. After that the women will be able to walk freely among the palace for two months, participating in balls and various celebrations. After that for about one year a women of the kings choosing will spend the year as his 'wife' as a trial run to see if he is satisfied. If he is not, the process will continue until he has chosen a women he prefers of all the eligible women."

Fatima mumbled under his breath, "Lucky guy."

"In the palace of the twelve," Hakuryuu awed. Madaura did not like the look of hope in his eyes when he turned to his sister. No doubt going to the palace of the twelve-even if only for a few months-was an absolute dream come true. He must have hoped it would come true for his sister.

But Madaura couldn't let that happen. Even if there was many girls to choose from, she couldn't risk Hakuei being chosen. However unlikely.

"Sire-what is your name, if I may be so bold?"

The man frowned. "You may not."

Oh.

"Sire, H-Hakuei dear would not be pleasing to his majesty, trust me. We would not want to send her as our house's representative. B-Bring Evangalina! She is 20 years old, she can go!" Actually the girl was only 18 years old, but no one dared to correct Madaura. Evangalina stepped forward eagerly, a hopeful look in her eyes. "She's such a beautiful young women, loved by all," cooed Madaura in a desperate attempt to convince the soldiers. "She would make the perfect wife for the king of Sindria. Hakuei on the other hand is a terrible cook, has many enemies and does not even know her own families past! I was just about to send her away before you got here! Evangalina would make an excellent wife instead of Hakuei, who will obviously not be going,"

But the man shook his head. "No. the order says that only one from each household may be chosen. If there is more than one, the eldest must be selected."

Madaura blanched. "What?"

"You said that this girl was only 20, correct?" the soldier tipped his head towards Evangalina who felt like her heart was breaking. "Our orders say that if a household has more than one women between the ages 20-30 who fit the criteria, then we are to pick the eldest one. If this women here," he gestured to a confused looking Hakuei. "Is really 25, than she would be brought instead of Evangalina." Evangalina looked like she was going to cry. She'd better not dare cry tears in front of the soldiers, Madaura thought.

"So that means," Hakuryuu concluded, a wicked smile reaching his face. "That Hakuei will go to the palace, even if Madaura says she can't."

"Absolutely not!" Madaura cried out. No. This was her chance! Her chance to get a foothold in the twelve, and she was losing it! "Hakuei, I absolutely forbid you to go!" Hakuei hesitated, giving Madaura a gleam of hope. Even though Hakuei had no reason to obey Madaura's wishes, they both knew deep down how must Hakuei wished to be separate from any of the twelves affairs. It wasn't a secret what she thought of their lifestyle and the secrets she kept. It wouldn't take much to convince her not to go, and allow Evangalina to go in her stay.

Again the man in the mask refused to let Madaura have her way. "It is not up to her anymore. Our orders were to bring in all eligible women between the ages 20-30, and the eldest one if there was multiple. These orders are straight from the twelve, and it is mandatory that they are followed to the point. If there are any arguments you may take them up with one of them but for now," He pointed to Hakuei. "That women is to collect her things and come with us." Fatima stared at the scene in stunned silence. It was beyond him why they would ever think Hakuei would be the preferable choice over someone like Evangalina. How dedicated were the soldiers to following their orders?

Hakuei also wished to test this theory. "Can't I say if I wish to go or not?"

The man at the front shook his head once more. "I'm afraid you may not. Unless you are in a serious relationship that we do not know of, you fit all the requirements. We were ordered to bring every women who fit the criteria to the palace." Glancing down, he noticed Hakuei's injured leg. "Any injuries or special needs will be dealt with at the palace. Your leg can be treated as soon as we get there."

"B-but…" Madaura mumbled, frantically searching her brain for some kind of escape. "There must be someone else who can go instead of Hakuei. S-someone?" If they had been able to see the man's face, they would have seen him holding back an exasperated sigh. How much longer did they have to discuss before he would be allowed to do his job?

"Is there any other women available within the proper age that is older than her in this household?"

There wasn't. All the children were younger than her, since Hakuei only stayed there as a worker. The only reason Evangalina even stayed was because Madaura wouldn't let her leave until she could marry her off. The other girls would never pass off for twenty, much less twenty six. Reading Madaura's face, he concluded such. "Then Miss Hakuei here must be the only one."

Madaura didn't know what to say. That couldn't be it. He said it with such finality, but there must have been another way. There was always another way, if only she could just think of it in time. But there wasn't time. Hakuei had to leave right away.

Hakuryuu saw Madaura trying to grasp at straws. He wouldn't let her get her way again. Not after she was about to kick his sister onto the streets. Turning to Hakuei he ordered. "Hakuei, you've got to go."

Her eyes widened when she stared at her younger brother in shock. "What?"

"Go!" Hakuryuu urged her again. "This will be great for you. You can get out of here!" Hakuei was stunned. She couldn't believe her brother was actually telling her to go to a strange place where she wouldn't be able to see him or anyone she knew for months! "Sister, you will be alright. You are about to go somewhere no one ever thought possible before! Besides," he turned to Madaura with a wicked gleam in his eye. "You had to find a place to go anyway." Madaura felt the blood boil in her veins.

But Hakuei was not convinced. "But what about you?" If she had been about to throw Hakuei out on her own, she had little doubt that she would do the same to Hakuryuu. Since he wasn't an adult, legally, she couldn't throw him out. But they both knew there were other options.

Despite that, Hakuryuu had a confident look on his face. "Don't worry about me. If I have to, I'll take Marga and we'll go find someplace else to go. Ali's a traveller, I'm sure would help us find a good place to start. Maybe in another country." Hakuryuu relished in the look of horror that crossed over Madaura's face. It only occurred to her then that Ali's main reason to visit was because of the three of them. If all three of them disappeared, she would lose her chance at getting close to him as well.

Everything she wanted. All her goals were right in front of her, just in her line of sight.

But she couldn't get it.

She couldn't even reach it.

It was gone.

Hakuei glanced at the soldiers waiting at her door. How hard would they fight if she resisted? Either way, she knew she wouldn't get far with her leg still injured. And she knew her brother would never forgive her if she didn't take this opportunity to leave. He'd been trying to convince her for a while. Now she had no choice.

With a shaky breath, she nodded. "Alright. I'll go."

Reading this over, I think I need to do more practice on, 'show not say.' Hoped you like the chapter anyway!