The trio entered some hidden passage of the existence of which Miriam wasn't even aware of. Despite overwhelming semi-darkness neither Michael nor this strange woman needed any source of light as if they were so familiar with this path already that they didn't need it any longer.
Unlike her…
She could as well be a blind as a bat in here, only the silver hair of the man in front of her helped a little in this claustrophobic darkness to get directions right.
The courtesan could only assume that they were in some kind of fortress, walls were old but well-kept at the same time. She didn't understand why the knowledge about this place would be any danger to her well-being. Truth be told the fact that Michael blindfolded her was somehow irksome, but in the end she decided to let it go and simply trust her guardian angel at this once again.
Suddenly she nearly smashed her nose between man's shoulder blades. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice when they stopped before another well-hidden door, barely visible from within the hidden passage.
Once Ley touched something, Miriam heard muted click and abruptly thin line of light indicating the frame of the exit almost blinded her once again. As she blinked furiously to regain her vision they entered a spacious empty room.
A room she knew very well despite the fact she was here only once in the past.
The Audience Hall in the Royal Palace.
With widened eyes she quickly glanced at Michael mutely demanding some answer but the man only smiled at her and delicately pushed her further inside the most hated place of her life.
"Why on earth are we within the Palace?!" she finally exclaimed unable to hold it in any longer. To wait patiently for some kind of reasonable explanation was beyond her confused-self right now.
The exotic woman casually sashayed towards the throne and slowly sat on it while putting one leg over other knee in strange relaxed pose "This Miriam, is our battlefield..." Lena gestured with her slim palm while carefully observing the stunned woman in front of her.
The courtesan frowned thinking rapidly while trying to wrap her mind around this unexpected outcome, but still too many puzzles were missing to make any sense to her. She glanced desperately at her angel completely at loss.
Seeing her perplexed nearly comical expression the man couldn't help and snorted. Michael slowly strolled following steps of Lena until he stood beside her "Kid, allow me to introduce the Child of the Prophecy to you" he bowed gallantly his outstretched arm slightly pointing at Ley who grimaced hearing that title of hers.
Miriam gaped at the man and without thinking, despite years of training about proper etiquette pointed her slightly trembling finger at the exotic woman "It's…. HER?!"
At his nod the baffled woman glanced at scowling at Michael's side female sitting on the throne "Really, you just had to have high standards, didn't you?" she muttered to herself while eyeing the pair little resentfully "You just had to fall for the next queen? Hah! Why the heck not?! Just make my life even harder, why don't you? You–"
Thankfully none of them heard her grumbled comment and seeing their questioning gazes she only shrugged her shoulders refusing to elaborate more. "Why would a Child of the Prophecy need a help of retired courtesan?" she asked instead.
Lena cocked her head to the left "I thought I already explained the reasons…"
Miriam put her hands akimbo and raised her head defiantly "DETAILS, honey…"
The exotic woman slowly stood up and strode to the arcade of windows which ensured that the alcove was always properly illuminated. Then she glanced over her shoulder at the other female who only arched her brow at her still waiting patiently for an answer.
Lena sighed heavily and once again turned towards window, the beautiful sight of gardens below seeming far away from her at the moment "You may have heard some rumours about me, frankly I don't even want to know what kind of gossips…"
"The reason I asked Michael to blindfold you was for your own safety. We can't allow anyone to find out about secret escape routes from the Palace. Not so long ago I used a similar one to sneak into another fortress so I know what I'm talking about" as if sensing upcoming denial she continued "Michael trusts you and because of that so do I, never doubt that Miriam."
"The ones I don't trust are other interested parties who may try to torture you later on to learn this secret" she leaned her shoulder on the near column and gazed at the red setting sun "Thankfully for both of us they are not aware of your existence at the moment, and I'd like to keep it that way for the time being."
Miriam frowned "You keep saying 'them' or 'interested parties' who are they exactly? Who would try to go against the Saviour of Kabul?"
Hearing that Lena chuckled humourlessly at this naïve notion "The ones who decided to get rid of this 'saviour' you just mentioned."
The courtesan paled suddenly, since Ley still faced the gardens she quickly glanced at Michael only to find his grim expression. As she looked down she noticed that the knuckles of his clenched fists whitened slightly. Even though he didn't say a word his entire body vibrated with barely contained need to find those enemies and get rid of them.
Somehow Miriam could understand that. After so many years he finally found someone worth LIVING for and now, some unknown enemies threatened to take this person away from him – permanently at that.
"Who are those enemies exactly, and how do I fit in this picture?" she asked to buy herself more time to think everything through once again.
Lena finally turned to face her and folded her arms over her chest "The point is, that we don't know WHO are they exactly. Only because of their failed assassination attempt on my person, which was more like testing waters before real attack, alarmed us that despite the fact that I didn't make a decision whenever to accept the crown I already became obstacle in somebody's plans."
"Wait! Just wait a minute…" Miriam raised her hand and massaged her temple with the other palm "You still don't know yet if you'll take the crown? Well, hon sorry to break it to you but from what I heard in the city, everyone is convinced it's not the matter 'if' but rather 'when' you'll sit on the Kabul throne…"
Ley scowled at her from under her fringe defiantly "Don't even go there, even now I have the urge to kick Sigfrid and Sir Wulf for all that whenever I see them. I never said I want the throne at all!"
The puzzled courtesan looked at Michael seeking some explanation but the man innocently gazed at the ceiling as if he had absolutely nothing to do with this matter at all. Then as if he noticed her questioning glance he winked at her and whispered conspiratorially not so silently "those two orchestrated the rumours and spread them later on without her knowledge."
"And you had absolutely nothing to do with this, huh?" Ley accused him petulantly "You are strangely humble here, completely differently from what I overheard within the Palace."
The man turned the most innocent face at her without even blinking, his guileless gaze firmly in place "I have totally no idea what you are talking about, Ley.."
The woman snorted diversely "I wonder how are you able to keep such straight face after telling such a blatant bullshit…"
Michael only grinned at her mischievously refusing to admit to anything aloud "Years of practice I suppose…?" he smirked under his nose.
Miriam looked back and forth between the two of them little confused by their casual friendly bantering which created an impression of close relationship, or more like in this case, camaraderie. To think that she would be able to witness her saviour behaving like any other man while teasing the woman he's fond of…
He was joking and honestly at that, it was no act on his part, no forced mask. Simply a man in his prime while flirting, if you could even call it that, with a woman who was completely unaware of it.
Miriam scowled at Ley and sighed in exasperation.
Long way to go, my 'queen'…
"You still didn't explain where do I come in this plan" she reminded.
Lena knitted her brows while searching for best words "The assassination attempt failed as you can see, the killer has been caught and dealt with, but the true mastermind is still hidden somewhere within this complex."
Then the exotic woman explained her reasoning and the only logical conclusion – that they needed to lure out the real culprit. They needed a good bait – namely her.
When she got to the part of 'weak-little-woman-who-was-saved-by-her-knight-in-shining-armour' Miriam had to fight her rising amusement "Just to make sure… It was your idea with this plot, right?" she asked while strolling casually around the room with her hands clasped behind her back making sure they won't see her almost gleeful expression.
Just maybe there was a ray of hope in front of her… Ley just gave herself on silver platter and all that out of her own volition.
Things couldn't be better.
Lena frowned while searching through what they discussed already "Is there something wrong with my reasoning, Miriam?" she finally asked little confused.
"No, nothing is wrong! In fact this kind of charade is a brilliant idea, I have to give you that!" the woman immediately reassured the exotic female before she'd change her mind. As she glanced at slightly amused Michael she announced "Shoo!" she waved at him "Since I know the details now, we have to discuss something between the two of us. Go away and don't disturb us!"
The small grin vanished as if someone wiped it off of his face "Why do I have to leave?" he probed suspiciously eyeing Miriam.
She planted her fists on her hips, her nose high "You will only get in the way, besides it's female talk, no man should be present here."
Lena felt slightly uncomfortable if not little panicked. What the hell this woman would demand from her that her friend had to leave?
Michael scowled at stubborn Kid and quickly glanced at clearly worried Ley "Just what on earth are you teaching her, huh?!" his eyes narrowed suspiciously.
The courtesan met him straight on and lied smoothly "None of your business, besides you'll know soon enough. Now go somewhere! You have to find some fine clothes for yourself and it's already evening, if I were you I would start searching now."
The man shoot her the last warning glare but couldn't really argue with her reasoning. Before he reluctantly left the same way they entered the Audience Hall he flashed Ley reassuring smile.
When Lena slowly turned to Miriam once again she saw wide blinding grin rivalling this of Cheshire Cat.
She swallowed with some considerable difficulty somehow nervous all of sudden.
Oh crap…
As Lena swayed towards her own room she felt so exhausted that she could even sympathize with Ben right now. She expected to discuss some things, she wanted to hear some good advices about proper banquet and possible difficulties with its organization. Instead Miriam took everything in her hands – to Ley's internal relief – and came up with some 'innovations' – to Ley's despair.
The worst was, she couldn't really say 'no' since it was her idea to begin with…
She couldn't see the reason for those changes but somehow she was so tired at the end of their dress rehearsal, she decided to trust more experienced woman with the rest. It was bad enough that the courtesan decided to help her with her clothes the next day, what was more alarming was the fact she practically announced that she will oversee Ley's 'transformation' into 'weak-little-woman' which the exotic woman called with stubborn determination 'disguise'.
She vaguely remembered that Shine promised to give her something which would temporary help with her 'night guest' and was even a little intrigued why he would need to go to the city for that. What was more thought-provoking though was strange absence of Arans. King Eric was too quiet for her liking. As she tried to remember any reason why he would be so secretive now, the first thought that came into her mind was about his elation and plans for public announcement about their connection.
Lena shuddered at this mere idea, already panicked just what he may come up with given enough time since his resolve and family-oriented obsession had no limitations whatsoever.
She crawled to her bed little relieved that she won't have unexpected guest tonight since Gideon decided to punish Maria for 'borrowing' his clothes and forbid her to sneak in. Finally she had her own bed all to herself and she could think calmly about what was to come. Not that it was small bed, but somehow the easiness with which she could get used to little kid at her side was in a way 'disturbing'. Not only she had Maria now in her life but she kept picking up strays so similar to her at their age – and that was even more startling.
First Maria, then Geralt, Ben and even Arena… Her closest friends she decided to not to count since it would alarm her even more. Why did she keep doing it to herself was complete mystery to her. Really, she picked up weird hobby which was starting to complicate her life more and more with each passing day.
Tomorrow she'll have to help Sir Wulf and arrange the 'scene' properly with Miriam, only then she could perhaps check out what Arans were up to. About Lucien's 'slip' she didn't want to even think about. It was strangely the same expression as when he caught her while she was returning from her reconnaissance when he accused her of some nightly rendezvous. She didn't have the luxury of time to wonder what to do with him at the moment.
With that resolution she covered her head with blanket and tried to catch some sleep while tugging her sheathed sword near her.
The man looked at his companion, who was cleaning his weapons by the candlelight with delight if not open admiration. The flames of near fireplace bickered merrily as if announcing the long awaited day.
Their target announced that in mere day there would be open audience for arriving guests, they'll finally see against whom they are preparing. The nobleman who hired them was clearly obsessed with that woman, but since he paid well there was no reason to refuse. After all it was simply their job, no different from any other.
"...vraiment ... on ne peut rien esperer de toi… Tu sais que ce sera qu'une simple reconnaissance? Même si tu nétoies ses lames , elles ne seront utilisées qu' ultérieurement. (…really… you're hopeless. You know that it will be only simple recce? No matter how much you'll clean those blades you'll be able to use them only much later)."
Eyes of other man flashed at him in return reflecting flames "Tu ne sauras jamais , en plus (You'll never know, besides…)" he pointed the tip of his stiletto at his companion "je préfère être prêt quand l'occasion se produirait , contrairement à vous , qui tendent à bavarder beaucoup trop à mon gré (I'd rather be ready whenever the occasion will occur unlike you, who tend to divagate way too much to my liking.)"
His companion leaned more comfortably in his armchair and smirked while hiding his face in the shadow cast by candles "Parfois , je me demande s'il y avait une autre profession qui vous conviendrait mieux , mais mon imagination me fait défaut (Sometimes I wonder if there was any other profession more suitable for you, but my imagination always fails me.)"
"Car il n'y a qu'une seule réponse-aucune (Because the answer is only one – THERE ISN'T.)" the young man snorted derisively and put away his knife almost reverently "mais quand à vous , vous pouvez vraiment être quelqu'un d'autre . vous n'avez aucun problème lorsque vous vous déguiser comme un noble et le plus important , ils vous croient toujours (But as for you… You could be really someone. You have no problem with disguising yourself as a noble and more importantly they always believe you.)" Brown eyes glanced in direction of the sprawled man in the armchair "je me demande , pourquoi ? comment un simple villageois peut être si convaincant , hmm ? (Why is that I wonder…? How a mere villager can be so convincing, hmm?)"
The silhouette tensed for a moment but the man immediately chuckled deep from his chest as if surprised by the stubbornness of his conversationalist "Vous n'abandonnez jamais huh ? je pense que nous avons décidé de ne pas poser des questions inutiles ? nous sommes des partenaires , et ce qui devrait être suffisant pour vous...(You never give up, huh? I think we agreed to not to ask unnecessary questions? We are partners and that should be enough for you…)" the last sentence was wiped out of any emotion and stood completely opposite towards previous burst of amused laugh.
The hand holding the cloth froze in mid-move while cleaning another weapon, but after brief pause he resumed his evening ritual as if nothing happened "Et ça me suffit... (And it is enough for me…)" the man raised his eyes at his companion and arched his brow meaningfully "La véritable question est : est-il suffisant pour vous ? (The real question is: is it enough for you?)"
At late noon, after hours of meaningless to her debates between Sean, Sir Wulf and Miriam, Lena strode from kitchens where she had to ask Marry to prepare some certain dishes which apparently were as important as the places where certain people would 'sit'.
This blew woman's mind to no end but she decided to be wiser and kept her mouth shut for the time being, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention. It was bad enough that she would have to go through all this dressing up not to mention the act she'll have to pull off no matter how irritating it will be in process.
The cook didn't seem overly surprised, quite opposite – as if she expected that new menu should be chosen for such occasion. You could even say she was excited by this challenge. Ley felt little bad that she still kept her identity secret but somehow despite the fact that in one day everyone will probably know it all, she didn't want to lose the normal atmosphere she still had now. Since Marry's helpers said that Ley was some kind of aide of bearded nobleman it wasn't so surprising it was her who came with the list.
As she passed the yard she heard agitated shouts and loud neigh in her own bloody garden… Well, maybe not 'HERS' precisely but certainly for the time being it was under her care!
Yeah… keep telling yourself that..
Lena stood for a moment unable to make a decision but loud crash convinced her that something definitely wasn't right and she quickly strode that way following this ungodly ruckus. As she turned around a corner she found big paddock she had no idea even existed and group of agitated men in dirty cloaks clearly fresh out of the road as they tried to subdue a black horse.
Nobody noticed her and she could observe calmly for a moment just what this all noise was about. As the animal galloped inside the paddock she even noticed few ropes attached to its neck – clearly someone tried to grab it.
She followed with her gaze to angry men and saw that few of them cradled either their hands or held their stomachs. You didn't have to be a genius to figure out that the animal clearly disagreed with them at some point.
The woman glanced at either brave or simply stupid man who tried to come at big stallion from behind, another rope ready as it circled by him gaining even more speed. Before she could yell a warning that it was downright idiotic plan even for her - a person from modern times who before coming to this world saw horses mainly in the movies or pictures – rarely alive, the fool threw the line and miraculously caught the horse around its neck.
And then stallion pranced and tossed stupid man right and left all the while hooves dangerously close to the sprawled idiot.
Grumbling under her nose Lena hopped gracefully over the fence and cut the rope with one precise throw of her knife. As the line fell to the ground together with the man who didn't even have the strength to crawl further away from agitated animal the horse froze hooves still in the air little confused by the lack of constant pull.
"Open the bloody wicket!" she yelled at surprised men.
"No! We can't!" one of them yelled back stubbornly.
Really, their friend could be trampled all over in mere seconds and they sprouted such nonsense.
As the horse lowered it front legs mere inches from the face of frozen man on the ground Lena had urge to curse them all "People keep telling me that no horse would deliberately step on a laying person, but forgive me that I don't want to test it out on your friend!" She turned on her heel and kicked the wicket before the men could stop her.
Then she slowly approached the animal which was perking up its ears in surprise. As the woman murmured some nonsense words in Korean it allowed her to grab the temporary 'reins' and steer it away from unconscious now man. When they were far enough Ley picked up her knife and continued to whisper meaningless words in calm tone and cut off the rest of ropes.
Once its neck was free stallion's head snapped as if he woke up from some trance and he resumed angry run but now more slowly. The confused woman glanced back only to see that men once again closed the gate. Little irritated she strode towards them and hissed "Either you open the wicket or I'll do this for you with your empty head preferably" she addressed the leader of 'idiots'.
The man made one involuntary step back of which woman took advantage of and re-opened the provisory gate. As she pushed the door wide open the horse run right through it into the gardens quickly disappearing in the green.
"It was supposed to be a gift!" the leading imbecile growled at this damn intruder, after overcoming his own shock.
Lena surveyed bruised all over men and smirked at him openly "That animal hardly can be a gift for anyone. It would rather 'break' completely than 'bend' to anyone's will."
"It was a fucking gift from out princess to the Child of the Prophecy, you bloody fool!" the man yelled at her.
Ley slowly turned towards him and brushed away her long hair from her face which got out of her ponytail at some point "Huh? That's great! Since it's for me I can do as I please, even if it means to let it roam freely in my frigging gardens…"
The battled man blinked slowly several times his mouth agape and only now he noticed long silky black tresses and obsidian tilted eyes which twinkled at him sardonically.
And then his eyes rolled back into his head and he promptly crumbled at Ley's feet.
When Shine came back to the Place he immediately headed toward Ley's quarters intending to give her the 'charm' as soon as possible. As he brushed with his fingertip the object hidden in his flap he wondered briefly if she will be pleased with it. True it was some kind of jewellery and she rarely even noticed such things but this time it had some 'usage' that even she had to acknowledge. Really, no man would ever be bored with her since he'd have to come up with the most unusual ways to give her a present with which she'd be actually pleased.
Quite a challenge.
Despite himself he was somewhat nervous like some teenage boy – really that his own heart could reduce a grown-up man to 'this' was a complete mystery to him. In a way he was selfishly glad that he used this unusual situation as excuse to give her something. The thought she'd wear a gift from him strangely pleased him to no end even if it will be only a temporary solution.
As he was passing by the big alcove where they usually met in bigger circle he heard loud uncontrollable laugh accompanied by other more stifled ones. Over all this noise one slightly offended well-known to him female voice tried to calm down the rest of her companions.
It turns out I don't have to search for her after all… Shine thought little amused by this coincidence and opened the door.
What he saw made him freeze in doorstep.
The cheerful Laoud prince was laying on the couch while holding his stomach and gasping with considerable trouble, but that wasn't anything unusual for this kid. What made the Leone pause was trembling back of Sir Wulf as he tried really hard to not to follow the young royal's steps. His one hand braced on the wall and the other at his mouth, muffling one chuckle after another.
And he was clearly losing the battle.
As bewildered Leone looked around he saw slightly blushing Ley with defiantly crossed arms glaring at wheezing Sean. At boy's side sat Sharris with forcefully straight face but constant twitching of the corner of her mouth indicated she too won't last long, and just as he thought that she abruptly snorted and joined the prince.
Then Shine noticed unfamiliar blond female sitting in the comfy armchair her face hidden in her hands her elbows perched on her knees her back trembling as much as Sir Wulf's.
Slowly he firmly closed the door behind him and asked "Will the answer to your unusual behaviour make me laugh so hard too?"
Only then the present people noticed that they had another companion. At first the sniggering stopped but sooner than he could ask another question kids burst once again almost rolling on the sofa.
As he looked at the only person who didn't laugh he noticed that the unfamiliar female froze after seeing his face almost staring at him openly with her pretty blue eyes "Greetings lady, is there something wrong with my face? Did I get dirty during my little escapade?"
"My name is Miriam, sire…" she discreetly looked him up and down with widened eyes "And there is nothing wrong with your attire, it's only… I know a person who is very similar in terms of looks to you…"
"Ah…" Leone nodded "Your accent tells me you are from Sevia, so the person you must be talking about should be Michael, am I right?"
The courtesan nodded hesitantly little surprised the man would immediately narrow it down to that one person.
"My apologies, I'm Shine from the Leone Tribe" the man bowed gallantly and smiled at her reassuringly after seeing her shocked expression "There is no reason to fear me, lady Miriam, I assure you that rumours about my tribe are vastly overrated."
Hearing that Lena snorted mockingly and arched a brow at him "Let me disagree with you on that."
In return he smiled at her widely "Care to explain what exactly caused this joyous reaction here?"
The exotic woman shut her mouth defiantly, refusing to elaborate, but petite archer relieved her from this uncomfortable 'duty' "She… she scared a poor man so much he… he fainted at her feet!" she managed to say before once again she snorted and started laughing all over again.
The confused man looked at Ley seeking some explanation but once again she kept silent, stubbornly glaring at rolling teenagers in clear displeasure.
"It appears Lord Shine, that my future queen caused quite commotion near palatial stables mere moments ago" Sir Wulf as first one reined his own amusement enough to utter this coherent sentence "Apparently some foolish servants of one of our guests tried to subdue wild stallion and got severely injured in the process. One of them somehow got right under hooves of agitated animal and got almost trampled over but Lady Ley interfered and freed the horse into gardens…"
"I'm telling you it's closed area! It's not like I truly set it free or anything!" the woman muttered angrily "And I never said I will accept the crown!"
The old knight pointedly ignored her last comment and continued "It looks like the animal was a gift for the Child of the Prophecy, and as furious men accused our lady of interfering needlessly and destroying in a way supposed present she introduced herself causing one man to faint at the scene."
Shine glanced in disbelief at Lena whose cheeks reddened even more as she turned her head aside and glared at gardens petulantly. Leone's lips curved and he snorted seeing her barely hidden embarrassment "I warned you that you should dress up more properly, didn't I?" he smirked "Perhaps that will finally convince you to not to use this male disguise so often, hmm?"
Her offended silence was his only reply "I hope there won't be any political problems with the person who picked up this weird gift?" he asked no one in particular.
"The problem is that Ley quickly run away from the scene and the only thing we know is it was some princess or something…." Sean sniggered.
"I did not such a thing!" the woman exclaimed hotly.
"Oh yeah? Then how is that you don't even know the name of your benefactor, huh?" Sharris grinned impishly.
"I-I had more important matters to attend than to look after some idiot who could be so easily fazed by a minor surprise." Lena mumbled while studiously avoiding their amused glances.
"Really, from the moment I met you Ley, you keep shocking me" Miriam scolded her "What if that was some important guest, huh? Do you really have the luxury to complicate your life even more right before upcoming banquet? What about your plans?"
The exotic woman grimaced slightly as if she bit a lemon "I know I should stay longer to get more details, but they were staring so hard at me mutely that I figured that in their current state nobody will answer me…"
"A-ha! So you did chicken-out!" Sharris pointed at her triumphantly.
"But why the man would faint?" Shine wondered aloud unable to imagine that particular scene.
"He yelled at Ley first, even cursed her, and only then she told him just to who he was talking to all this time." Sean smirked.
"Ahh…" the Leone shook his head at Lena "You can't keep doing that, sooner or later some poor man will die of heart attack, you know?" he yanked her chain enjoying every second of it since it was her who did that to him lately.
"Fine-fine!" she threw her hands in the air "It was all my fault, satisfied now?!"
"Not nearly enough…" he chuckled openly causing her blush to deepen even more.
Seeing that flirty attitude of that Shine Miriam's eyes narrowed slightly, and little thoughtful line appeared between her knitted brows.
Before the exotic woman could come up with some snarky riposte, a hesitant knock at the door announced that they hand another visitor. Since none of their friends would knock AND wait for an invitation anymore both teenagers quickly straightened and donned more serious expression.
Frowning Sir Wulf adjusted his kaftan and pushed away from the wall completely "Come on in!" he announced calmly.
As the door opened they saw a complete stranger.
The female wasn't tall, in fact she was the same height as Sharris, but unlike her she had generous curves in all right places indicating that despite youthful face she was a grown-up woman already. The cascade of long mahogany curls fell down her back reaching her hips, the golden mesh holding all this mass in place revealing heart-shaped face. She was wearing travelling female clothes common for horse riding completed with high boots.
As the unexpected guest strolled inside the alcove she slowly took off elegant black leather gloves which reached her elbows while examining the group. As she gestured to her servant to close the door behind her she sashayed straight to frowning Lena her eyes never wavering from her until they stood face to face.
She had a dimple in the chin and the most enchanting eyes Lena ever saw. They were crystal blue with the circle of green around her pupils and golden freckles scattered on the irises. One brown soft-angled brow arched almost sardonically.
"I didn't believe when my brother told me you survived, and yet here you are…" the melodic voice filled the room, and Lena got impression that if this woman ever decided to sing for a living she'd earn a fortune. Not that she needed it considering the extravagant clothes she had.
Feeling little uncomfortable under this strange examination and not so hidden disappointment in this tone Ley instinctively mimicked the pose of the woman and commented casually "You have an advantage over me then, since I have completely no idea who you may be, my lady…"
The woman ignored that and wrinkled her nose in clear disgust while asking "Why the male clothes, God knows you're flat enough without emphasizing it even more…"
Black eyes narrowed dangerously "What I wear is mine decision alone, I appreciate your 'care' but since you haven't introduced yourself yet I'm at loss whom exactly should I thank."
The stranger shook her chestnut head at Lena and looked around the room almost smirking at something "You are as rude as that mother of yours…"
Hearing that the exotic woman paled slightly her lips forming the stern line "Now I'm even more intrigued just who might you be…"
The guest snorted derisively and strolled towards the window looking at the gardens "I heard you didn't like my gift for you…" she glanced over her shoulder and raised a brow at the frowning female "It was such a fine horse and yet you just had to get rid of him… Was he too much for you, O' Child of the Prophecy?"
The more that woman talked the more the previous atmosphere seemed like distant pale imagination. Suddenly the present people didn't care anymore if they would cause some political scandal since this intruder just asked to be thought a lesson or two about good manners. She may look like petite angelic beauty but her tongue was as poisonous as vipers.
Before Sir Wulf could say something they heard a scolding cluck of someone's tongue at entrance and it was enough out of place that everyone turned towards the door. Once again it was opened at some point, but since they were too focused on intruder they didn't notice they had another visitor.
The man stood with his shoulder propped at the doorframe his arms folded over his wide chest and shook his head at rude female "Freya, quit behaving like spoiled brat and answer properly, Granny thought you better than that!"
"She is not a 'Granny' to me! She is a complete stranger just as her!" suddenly infuriated woman pointed in Ley's direction.
"Glad that we finally agreed on something" Lena smirked provocatively while leaning against the column and crossing her arms defiantly.
The man sighed heavily and pushed away from the door and only then as the sunlight from the window fell on his head bringing out mahogany reflections the exotic woman noticed that he bore a big resemblance to the female. True his stature was obviously masculine, on top of that he had strangely familiar slight trimmed beard but the eyes twinkling at her with inner laughter as if they were sharing some kind of private joke were exactly the same as those of the woman.
"Now, now… Don't say that Yeodongsaeng (little sister)… we are a family as crazy as it may be, but nevertheless a true family…" he smiled at Lena and through her shock that he'd call her in almost-Korean lady Chun Hei used, she could see that he really meant that "My name is Frey and this little brat over there is my younger twin sister Freya. Don't pay her any attention perhaps it's her day of the month…" he waved his hand dismissively ignoring invisible daggers thrown in his direction by just mentioned sis.
He bowed slightly but then as if he changed his mind he eloped the surprised exotic woman in warm hug "I'm glad father was able to finally find you" with last squeeze he released petrified Ley and chuckled seeing her perplexed expression "I hope our crazily dotting father didn't cause you too much worry, hm?"
Before the stunned woman could answer they heard surprised gasp accompanied by loud clack of well-known cane "Yu ar finally here!" the tiny exotic granny beamed seeing the couple.
King Eric delicately escorted her to the alcove and grinned at his other children "Bisal told me he got missive from you, Frey. And here I was even preparing a welcoming party but you came much faster than we expected."
He enveloped his younger son in bear hug and outstretched his other hand to Freya, but instead of letting him hug her too, the woman raised her head proudly and gallantly curtsied "We arrived as soon as this joyous news reached us, Father."
A brief painful expression flashed over man's features and he allowed his hand to fall slowly at his side lifelessly "I'm glad you arrived safely, my daughter…" his voice lacked previous elation and his smile was little forced even to Ley's inexperienced eyes.
"Really, you will never change, will you?" Sigfrid frowned at his stubborn sibling while shaking his head at her behaviour "You will never forgive him?" he asked as he closed the door behind him.
"It's not me whose forgiveness he should seek…" the redhead commented while turning towards window once again refusing to elaborate and take part in family reunion.
Before any of his sons would say anything Eric squeezed their biceps and shook his head in denial.
Frey grimaced at his twin's back, turned towards worried Lady Chun Hei and smiled from ear to ear at her in order to turn her attention elsewhere "I didn't see you Halmeoni (grandma) in a while, if I knew what Dad prepared I would have come with you" he kissed her wrinkled cheek and honest to God to Ley's utter shock the ancient granny blushed like some young maiden as she petted his cheek in return affectionately.
Lena looked from Frey to Eric and Sigfrid nearly smirking to herself. It appeared the womanizing abilities or more like gentlemen manners run in the family in various versions.
"Really, how do you always do this?" Sigfrid eyed his younger brother petulantly "Grandma is really weak against you, for me she always had her cane prepared…"
Frey grinned over the head of overjoyed granny and smirked "Perhaps it's because I use my brain and not that particular body part you're so fond of?" he winked conspiratorially.
"You damn rascal!"
"Old geezer..!"
"Imprudent brat!"
"Womanizing idiot…!"
Abruptly young men ceased to throw invective at themselves and grinned at the same moment. Then they hugged each other in this manly manner while petting strongly their back.
"…I missed you..!"
"…Where the hell did you run off to, Sig? Before we knew you left a farewell letter announcing you're going on journey to find a country for yourself… What was that all about?"
"Well…" the Aran prince cleared his throat uncomfortably and glanced at Ley who donned unreadable mask and observed entire scene from safe distance "I planned to kidnap the bride but things got more complicated once I got here…"
Frey frowned and followed after Sigfrid's line of sight and scowled "Oh no! You don't! She is your sister for crying out aloud!"
"We are not blood related!"
"So what? The blood ties aren't so important!"
"I'd have to disagree" Freya commented her back still to the room "But if you think Sigfrid that I will acknowledge that brat as my sister-in-law I'll skin you alive myself." She warned nonchalantly.
"If he'll keep up with that idiocy I may even help you" Lena added while checking her fingernails.
Female twin's head snapped up and she quickly glanced at Ley with knitted brows but otherwise didn't react or say a word at this comment.
As Sigfrid glanced around he noticed that nobody seemed to care about those threats, in fact even his family members nodded in agreement. Finally the prince threw his hands in the air in frustration "What the…?! I'm some kind of leper or something?"
"You're worse…" his own brother and father commented unison with strong conviction.
Shine looked back and forth between those strange family members in bewilderment. To behave thus toward his father like this young lady did was simply unthinkable to him. Interactions, at times even absurd, between those people told him one thing – despite the obvious differences, they were close to each other.
Using the family reunion as distraction he leaned beside Ley and unfolded his gift revealing silver thin circlet ornamented with various runes and glyphs from his language. In the middle of it there was one empty place for a stone. As confused woman glanced at him he smiled and asked if he may demonstrate. At her wary nod he almost smirked – almost – and brushed aside her fringe to expose her jewel.
Each time he had an opportunity to see it up close he warred with fear and wonder. It was so dark it resembled the colour when a member of his tribe was dying, but then in the most unexpected moments as she moved her head slightly like now the lost ray of light would bring it to life with a riot of navy blue reflections.
She patiently waited as he was finishing with adjusting it and once again arched her brow questioningly. Despite the male clothes it looked perfect on her and the Leone had sudden urge to kiss her. Before he could do something downright suicidal in this certain circle of people behind his back, he turned Ley and showed her own reflection in the window taking advantage of fact that this alcove had a rare glass put into frames.
When confused Lena complied she saw reflection of her face and silver crown of sorts in middle of which was her own jewel almost defiantly exposed, but thanks to beautiful ornaments it looked as if it was a part of the circlet and not her forehead.
As she glanced at the reflection of the man who stood beside her she caught his strange expression very similar to this when he teased her about him being single. Before she could comment on it he noticed her stare and quickly grinned at her covering the previous impression under joking mask.
"It suits you perfectly, now you don't have to worry about revealing it accidentally and I bet it will suit your creation for tomorrow."
The woman cocked her head and noticed that they had a companion in person of certain ex-courtesan "You had a good idea, Sire" Miriam nodded in agreement "I don't know what those tiny letters means but they're cute in a way."
Hearing word 'cute' the exotic woman grimaced slightly causing Shine to chuckle "Ley, if I'm not mistaken you intend to look 'cute' purposely so there is no reason to cringe now. It's far too late for this, don't you think?"
Lena sighed heavily and took the circled off delicately allowing her hair to cover that blasted piece of rock so it would disappear completely. If only it was so easy…"I'd really prefer if you would quit needling me so…"
"Oh, but where would be fun in that I wonder?" the Leone winked at her.
The day didn't even end and she already had enough... damn and tomorrow will be no better.
Just peachy…
Lena tossed back and forth on her bed while fighting with her own nightmare. She was in some dark place without any directions and boundaries and wandered aimlessly for all eternity. It was her biggest fear manifested – to get lost somewhere far away from human realm because of that cursed Leone-like power.
On top of that to the previous impression of being utterly lonely, all alone in some strange sphere was disturbed by a new factor – someone was stalking her.
The frightening feeling of someone following your each step as you desperately search for any way out magnified the overwhelming terror she could feel. The only lacking thing was some pompous music in the background and she could be some character from horror movie for all she cared.
Suddenly she was fed up with constant running and little annoyed at herself that she allowed someone to reduce her to shivering little woman she was supposed to act out tomorrow. She froze in mid-step and flopped defiantly on the ground – or so she hoped at least it WAS safe ground.
She crossed her legs and folded her arms while glaring at the overwhelming darkness "I don't know who you may be but I've had enough already! Come out and tell what exactly did I do to you, huh?!"
Was it her imagination or indeed at her left side the darkness seemed to deepen even more? As she squinted her eyes she saw more clearly that some humanoid shadow really appeared.
"What?" she scowled at her 'visitor' "What the hell do you want from me, huh?"
The creature wavered as if strong wind was trying to blow it away and suddenly the woman noticed her own Leone sword still sheathed laying on her bent knees. As she glanced up she smirked "You don't like him, hmm? Suits you right! Now tell me what you want or leave me all alone."
The shadow faltered once again but she could hear one whispered word "…promise…"
She cocked her head in puzzlement, abruptly sneezed and woke up in her own bed the handle of her sword firmly in her palm.
"What on earth have you done to yourself!" Miriam exclaimed in agitation "Why the hell do you have dark circles under your eyes, dammit! It's important day and you look as if someone chewed you and threw you up!"
"Nice description, thank you very much!" Lena tiredly flopped on the chair and pinched the base of her nose "I didn't sleep well, ok?"
"It's not like anything is going to fix her, even at her best she is mere cloth hanger, all sharp angles and no curves whatsoever…"
The exotic woman pointed angrily at Freya "What I want to know is, why the heck she is here too!"
Sharris sniggered "It looks that our naughty princess promised king Eric to help us with preparing you for today since he was firmly excluded by you, and if I'm not mistaken lady Arena will join us soon too on King Lucien's behalf."
Lena looked at her in disbelief "Why on earth there will be so many of you, huh? I only need to pick one dress and brush my hair or something, I already visited baths" she shot annoyed glare at Sharris "and I was already tortured there, what possibly more could you do to me?"
"O Ye of a little faith" the archer smirked "And Miriam, I don't think the bloodshot eyes and dark circles are necessary a bad thing… After all, our little female was just rescued by her knight, it's obvious she would be shaken up by the assassination attempt to the point of sleepless nights, don't you think?"
The courtesan frowned thoughtfully and massaged her chin while examining exotic features "You know… you may have a point… now she looks more vulnerable…" she tilted her head to the left "Perhaps we should simply change the tactic and follow this line, huh? I bet men would rush trampling over each other just to aid the exhausted beauty in trouble…"
"Oh please! Just what beauty?!" Freya snorted contentiously "True she is exotic, but just look at her! She is what? A twenty? And she looks more like a teenager and boy at that!"
"For your information, my lady " the petite blond sneered fed up with annoying woman "Ley likes comfortable clothes and for a notice I can even understand that since I too would have been unable to use my bow in those silly frivolous clothes you are so fond of! And she is not flat! She just uses silly bandages to hid her figure!"
Lena hid her face in her hands and glanced at Miriam who patted her hunched shoulder pityingly clearly understanding that it wasn't a rescue she wanted to hear.
The Aran princess turned her falsely horrified face to Ley "My dear! If you keep doing that to yourself you will lose the little curves you still have! I beg of you in the place of my respectful father! Don't follow this path!"
Lena had really strong need to clobber the annoying spoiled noblewoman over her head but thought about better solution. Noting like killing two birds with one stone could lighten more her mood now.
Once Sharris noticed the strange calculative gleam in obsidian eyes she feverishly wondered just what she was up to this time.
"A pity then Princess Freya, that most of the clothes your Father told me you personally prepared for me are way too big for my skinny self…" she commented nonchalantly while observing the Aran.
The redhead widened her eyes innocently and started playing with her red lock "What can I say? I thought you might have taken more after your mother, I never expected you to be so undeveloped…"
"I wonder if you would be able to fit into those gowns, you are so short after all…"
The outraged woman raised her head proudly "I assure you that with proper adjustment I would look way better in them than you could ever imagine!"
Sharris smacked her head with her open palm and muttered low under her nose "This bloody idiot…!"
"Ah? If so then I'd gladly give them all to you, since it would be such a waste on me…" Lena smiled widely causing confused Freya to cringe under that beatific expression directed right at her.
"Y-you will give them to me? But…!"
"Oh! There is no need to thank me, after all you spent so much time picking them especially for me that you earned them in my humble opinion!"
The bewildered Aran glanced back and forth from Miriam and Sharris noticing their frustrated glares at her person "W-what?"
The courtesan shook her head "Really, for such educated woman of high standing you let her manipulate you so easily, my lady…"
Once she got rid of way too many gowns Lena happily hummed under her nose no longer interested in the talk while searching through her clothes.
"You really don't get it, huh Your Highness?" Sharris angrily pointed at the suddenly chirpily exotic woman "You think she loses? Because you're getting dresses, hmm? Well sorry to break it to you, but you just made her a huge favour!"
Stunned Freya looked at Ley who nearly danced, the contentment clear in her hum. When the Aran princess looked back at both frowning blonds, Miriam added "I haven't known Ley too long, but even I can tell she really doesn't care about her attire, jewels or so on." she waved her hand dismissively "By accepting gowns you just made her day."
"Oi! Don't tell her that! I still have some more of them to get rid of~!"
When Arena arrived just as Sharris foresaw, the real torture began. They picked some pale silvery dress almost white like this of a bride with golden embroidery in some flowery and geometric style and long transparent sleeves.
The worst part of this gown was the corset though. Lena could understand that with it her figure would look more feminine, but the fact that it forced her to breath carefully in order to not to flash too much of her cleavage was beyond her. At first Miriam scolded her for still healing scratches on her arms but them commented that maybe with silky bandages over her wrists peeking out of sleeves she'd look even more like 'prey'.
In the end they fastened the corset so tight that even Freya couldn't complain anymore that Ley looked like a boy. She had definite curve at her hips and bosom and the girth of her waist was even more visible than Aran's.
They debated what to do with her hair for hours as it seemed, but in the end they left them lose deciding she would seem more virginally since it was common custom that young wives pulled their hair up and covered them with bonnet nowadays. Hearing that conclusion Lena nearly snorted, or at least she would do so if not for the tight cage around her ribs.
The mere hour before appointed time the exotic woman managed to lure Tom from under her bed with some dry fish and grabbed him before the panicked animal could hide once again, reminding him that they had a deal and now was his turn to pay it back.
This torture was almost over when the Head Dressmaker came to see the effect of their efforts. With one experienced look she gestured Ley to sit back on the seat and ordered her servant to bring her secret bag.
Little nervous Lena glanced at the door over and over again wondering feverishly just what the hell could be within this blasted bag.
Soon her curiosity was satisfied.
This frigging tiny tormentor picked up some stinky goo and tried to touch it to Lena's face. Faster than lighting the woman bolted from her seat and scrambled far away from outreached wrinkled hand "Oh no! You don't! I endured everything up till now patiently! You will not smear me with some lousy excuse of ancient cosmetics! God only knows what you put in there!"
"Now-now Ley!" Sharris crooned "There is no need to panic, really… we only want to make your eyes more visible, your lips more red and cheeks rosy… you'll not go through what Ben had to endure since your complexion is flawless now" she tried to circle the stubborn woman but Lena quickly placed a chair between them warily retreating one step after another.
"Quit bullshitting! It stinks even from here, there is NO way in hell I'm going to allow you to put it in any proximity to my face!"
The blond archer took the skirts of her own burgundy gown and hopped on the stool "Don't be such worrywart! It was your idea in first place" she looked down her nose at frowning Lena who bit her lover lip nervously "It's the last finishing touch I promise we will discuss everything with you before putting any of it 'in the proximity of your face'" she crossed her heart as it that was supposed to reassure Ley.
Far from that.
Black eyes narrowed dangerously "If it's not such a big deal then why don't you let them do this to you too, huh?"
Sharris faltered a little while jumping off her perch but quickly donned serious almost honest expression "You need such assurance? Very well… I-I will to this too, as any other woman in this room I suppose" she nonchalantly shrugged her shoulder "Really, maybe you should treat it like camouflage or some war-paint of sorts? Will that make you feel better?"
Lena warily examined outwardly uninterested faces well aware that if she will finally sit, she will be once again at their mercy.
Tough decision.
In the end she reluctantly nodded but before Sharris could smile with relief she smirked at her and bowed gallantly gesturing the archer to precede her "Since it's not such a big deal let me observe while they'll experiment on you first, then it'll be my turn…."
And it was the petite blond turn to pale...
Deserted men paced strangely nervously all dressed up in the bigger alcove waiting impatiently for women to arrive. Really, what could they do for so long?!
It would be even a little funny if not for the seriousness of the plan which the exotic woman intended to follow till the very end. The possibility that something may go terribly wrong was constant worry at their side but none of the men admitted to it aloud.
Finally the door opened and Sharris peeked inside noticing various wary faces directed at her "The plan changed slightly, since we are little behind the time schedule. Ley is already within the Audience Hall with the rest of women."
Men looked at each other in confusion since from their calculations there was still some time left.
The archer smirked at their confused expressions and shook her head causing her blond waves to bounce slightly "It's all right, the Hall is still empty, C'mon!"
As they neared towards the Audience Hall, Michael felt slightly nervous despite years of practice, he wondered if because of his own foolishness he won't screw up something. Once again he glanced at Sharris and to break nerve-racking atmosphere commented "You look really adorable in this dress, you radiate with warmth I would say…" he joked slightly while pointing at the colour of the gown.
The blond frowned a little but after seeing he was completely honest she blushed slightly.
"You look even more mature, what did you do to obtain such effect?" the silver-haired man asked curiously.
"T-they just put on me some make-up, that's all… if you noticed this I wonder how will you react once you see Ley right now… I couldn't recognize her even though I too helped with her make-over!"
The puzzled man glanced at her agitated face and decided to not to follow this direction since it was way too dangerous for his poor heart which was pounding rapidly at the moment. Instead he hit Sean in ribs with his elbow meaningfully and inquired "Prince Sean, isn't Sharris lovely this afternoon?"
The boy glared at him while massaging abused side and frowned at girl "Huh? The power of make-up sure is terrifying at times, you really can look like a woman with that, huh?"
Michael scowled at idiotic brat seeing angry tears welling in archer's eyes as she proudly tried to not to shed them at all cost.
"I appreciate your opinion Sean, I'm sure Head Dressmaker will be elated with your compliment, after it is all her doing!"
Confused boy frowned at her "Why being so angry? I just think you don't really need any cosmetics to look pretty!" he scowled at surprised by his comment pair and exclaimed in irritation "Really! I'll never understand women!" and with that he entered the Audience Hall leaving Sharris strangely touched by his last words, the traitorous blush creeping up her cheeks.
Once men entered the room they froze as one and gaped at the throne.
And there sat a woman, almost ethereal with her delicate exotic beauty, her pearly complexion warmed a little by golden thread of her gown her cheeks slightly rosy, lips red and asking to be kissed over and over again. Despite slight shadows under her eyes she radiated with serene peace and you could only wonder why exactly she didn't get enough sleep last night, or more like because of WHOM…
She gracefully cocked her head and smiled beatifically at the little black kitten in her hands with huge pink ribbon with bell at his neck and snuggled her face into its gleaming fur. As she smiled mysteriously, her circled shining in the sunlight, black tresses fanning around her shoulders she broke the silence "Convincing enough?" she almost purred her voice low, sultry and full of unsaid promises...