Titled : Yuuri Secret Life
Author : ElvinaPotter
"Language" is in Italian.
Warning : This chapter is unbetaed. And be warned that this particular chapter is M-rated for the darker nature.
... . . .
Chapter 21.
Yuuri loved to jog in the morning. It was peaceful, there was no interruption, and the breeze was still a little cold.
There are soldiers already up and about at this time. The maids are busy preparing the day, while other castle inhabitants are slowly being roused by the first ray of sunlight.
Yuuri adored this time of day because it gave him serene before the hassle of the day started. Yuuri hummed a tune as he jogged around the castle's perimeters.
Yuuri could practically feel eyes ogling him from afar. Well, he was practically shirtless. He had discarded his shirt shortly after he started to sweat profusely and it clings to his body, making him uncomfortable. Yuuri was not ashamed of his body. He knew he was healthy. He just didn't think his body was that drool worthy.
Yuuri smirked at the maids as he passed them by. He knew they would blush profoundly and the gentlemen studiously keeping guard.
Oh, alright! Fine. He was being modest. But that doesn't stop him from teasing the maids. They were cute when they blushed.
"I didn't know you exercised, Your Majesty," A voice interrupted him.
Yuuri halted and saw that Lord Weller casually walk up to him. "A man has to keep up in shape," Yuuri answered him pantingly. "And I have been remiss with my exercise. I'm surprise I didn't gain weight," said Yuuri jokingly.
Lord Weller chuckled. "I don't think you have to worry in that department if the blushing maids are anything to go by, Your Highness."
Yuuri huffed. "It's not my fault they choose to stare."
Lord Weller eyebrow raised and he stared at Yuuri's shirtless body before he smirked in amusement. Yuuri scowled. "Shut up."
... . . .
Yuuri had just finished getting dress when there is a knock on his door. "Enter."
The door opened and revealed Nicola, a young woman he had met in Svelera, who was had graciously helped them obtaining the Demon Flute and happens to be in a relationship with Lord Von Voltaire's elusive and exiled cousin, Lord Gegenhuber Grisela. Upon return from Svelera, Lord Von Voltaire vouched for her and introduced her to Lord Gegenhuber's family and they had welcomed her with open arms. She had settled in well last he heard and he hasn't saw her until then.
"Nicola, hello," Yuuri greeted her with a smile. "What brings you here?"
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Nicola greeted him, curtsying as far as her pregnant belly allowed. "I'm here to see Gisela and thought I drop by to see you first."
Yuuri grinned as he strode to Nicola, taking her hand and pressed a kiss on her knuckle. "You honour me with your visit, Nicola," Yuuri told her cheekily. Then Yuuri can't help staring at her abdomen. "How goes the pregnancy? Nothing strenuous I hope?"
Nicola for her part averted her eyes shyly and her hand rubbed her belly tenderly. "It's been progressing very well. I'm glad that the morning sickness has passed. I'm easily tired now and more often than not, my feet could do with a massage," said Nicola teasingly.
Yuuri chuckled. "Well, in light of that information, allow me to escort you to Gisela," said Yuuri offering her his arms. Let it not be said that he wasn't a gentlemen.
Yuuri was shyly about to step outside his chambers when Dacascos, a loyal soldier, appeared before him bearing announcement. "Sire, there is a person at the gate requested to see you?"
Yuuri's face tilted to the side. "Who is it?"
Dacascos squirmed. He looked meaningfully at Nicola. "I'll need to inform you in private Sire. It's personal in nature."
"Dacascos, we are amongst friends here. Whatever news you bear can't be that bad?"
"Well... If you insist, Sire. There is a young person arrived at the castle proclaiming – or should I say claiming – to be the only illegitimate offspring of your highness."
Yuuri's eyes widened and his jaw when slacked. He looked positively baffled. "Ex- excuse me?" He spluttered.
"A child has arrived claiming to be the only illegitimate offspring of your royal majesty!" Dacascos repeated steadfastly.
"What?!"
"A child..."
"I heard you the first time Dacascos!" Yuuri snapped at him. All his manners and his etiquettes when out the proverbial window.
Beside him, Nicola was finding the news too amusing. "Your Majesty must be amazing. Who would have thought that a man such as yourself could accomplish such feat?"
Yuuri turned to Nicola, his eyes still in disbelief. "Nicola, you wound me. After our time in Svelera, and my reputation still hasn't precedes me? Oh woe be me!" came the robotic reply.
Yuuri rounded back to Dacascos. "I have no child!"
Yuuri pushed Dacascos to the side and stormed out of his door. He looked around wildly for his so-called illegitimate offspring.
When Yuuri eyes landed on the so called child, his blinked. His brain jammed and rebooted repeatedly as he stood there gaping like an idiot. Once the shock wore off, Yuuri tilted his head aside and his eyes narrowed slightly, frown etched on his face.
Messily curly brown haired and brown eyes, dark tanned skin, and clothes that had seen a better days, she was unimpressed to look at.
But it was her eyes that got Yuuri's undivided attention. Her eyes were desperate. She was worn and tired. She has dead eyes.
Yuuri eyes darkened. This girl does not seek out a father as she claimed. She's here for other reasons. A scant later, Yuuri's suspicion was proven true.
Yuuri step aside from the oncoming knife and grab the little assassin one by her weapon arm and the other he grab her by her neck, pinch the right spot, and effectively – and painlessly – rendered her unconscious.
Once it all said and done, Yuuri stared at the wall unseeing in front of him. "You've got to be joking me!" Yuuri exclaimed incredulously.
... . . .
Yuuri could feel the various irritating ticks present on his forehead. Time like this he was reminded why he found this world lacking.
Right now, the ire of his anger lies with Lord Von Voltaire and by extension Lord Von Belefield.
A crime is a crime he says, Yuuri thought furiously. And that is enough to warrant persecution without a full investigation?
"You think I care about leniency?" Yuuri voiced out firmly, staring directly at the eldest of three brothers. "Believe me, My Lords, I'm the last person you should look at for leniency if the attempt was really perpetrated by a real assassin. However, we are dealing with a child here. I sense she have a story behind her action."
Of course, the question as to why have yet to be discovered.
"It's fine if she's not talking right now. But I want info on everything about her. I want to know her circumstances behind her actions and I want details to her daily live. When I said everything, I really do mean everything. Her sentence will be on hold until further notice."
His retainers kept silence. There was nothing more for them to say or report. All they could do is carry out the orders that their King had given.
It was clear that they were all troubled by this new affair. Each of them have their own experience with assassination. But none of them have ever faced with an assassin one so young.
By the clumsy attempt alone, it was clear that the child have no bearings of an assassin.
It was as if she was on a suicide mission.
And try as he might not to feel anything, this event really didn't sit well with Yuuri. At all.
"First Svelera and now this. I need a fucking vacation!" Yuuri moaned tiredly.
Dragons notwithstanding, Yuuri really needs to get away for a while.
... . . .
As Yuuri watched the sea as they sail out from the port, Yuuri can't help lamenting of the event these past couple of days. "This has turned out to be one sick joke." Yuuri sighed heavily.
"By the way, Conrad," Yuuri tilted his face aside and look at his ever smiling retainer dully. "Where are we going?"
"We are heading for Schildkraut City, a town famous for its hot spring, in the country of Hildyard. It's a human territory but it's a neutral ground, so there won't be any aggression towards Demon Tribes there. A perfect vacation spot for you to relax in leisure."
"Schildkraut huh. Only hot spring?"
"Well, technically it is a city a trading city so it attracts all sorts of business ventures there. Although," Here Lord Weller cough trying to hide his embarrassment. "The main attraction of Hildyard is its pleasure district. Located slightly inland of Schildkraut."
Hearing that, Yuuri smirks eerily. Pleasure district is the best place to conduct a good place to conduct a certain business. The opportunity there are endless and he didn't mean just the money. As long as you got the balls and the goods to back you up, you're good to go.
Yuuri can't wait to reach there.
"Pleasure District? My..." Yuuri sniggered, his eyes gleaming mysteriously. "No wonder it attracts the businessmen. It's no brainer just why they are there and what they are doing after hours." Yuuri faced Lord Weller leery. "I'm sure Conrad, you can relate."
Lord Weller eyes widened before he cough again, turning his face away from him. From the tips of his ears, Yuuri deduced that he was blushing heavily.
Lord Weller clears his throat willing steadfastly for his blush to recede. "The only thing that's bothering me is Gunter. We did leave without informing him. Are you sure this is wise?"
Yuuri waved airily at him. "He'll get over it."
"By the way, Your Highness, your... trunk," Lord Weller eyed the huge luggage. "What shall we do with it?"
"You can cast it off to sea," came the flippant respond from his king.
"Sire!" exclaimed Lord Weller in surprised. Well, he did not expect that sort of reply at all.
"What?" Yuuri's eyes held a mysterious glint. "Now that's it's on board, I've no use for it." With that Yuuri turned back to the ocean view.
Yuuri stood calmly as he heard Lord Weller walked towards the trunk. A few seconds later he heard the lock was flipped. And then... there was a cry of shock.
"By the Great one! It's the would be assassin!" Lord weller exclaimed in disbelief behind him.
Yuuri hummed. Right, is it really that surprising? Then, Yuuri heard a soft gasped of shock. Yuuri tilted to look over his shoulder.
"Oh, this is not good," Lord Weller said in alarmed. "She's burning up!"
... . . .
"Tell me again... Why am I on guard duty?" Yuuri groused to no one.
Well, other than the two of them, nobody else was in the room. The girl was resting now that she has some medicine to lower her fever, but Lord Weller persists that he searches for more medicine. Just in case.
Thus left him to do the babysitting.
Well, he had offered out of the goodness of his heart, but that was beside the point.
The point is he is tired enough that it makes him grumpy!
Yuuri huffed as he sat down at the bed beside the sleeping girl. Now that no one was around, nothing is stopping him from eyeing her critically.
Technically, the kid doesn't look anything special. She doesn't even have the aura of an assassin. Her health seems to be overall fine – except a little malnourish for being on the journey too long. And she look sullen on the eyes. Other than that, there was no scar to indicate any training or abused.
Yuuri's eyes were drawn to the mark on her upper arms. Yuuri leaned in and flipped the blanket slightly, so that it uncovered her upper chest area. Yuuri stood and inspected the child in detail.
Both her arms have the same tattoo. Well, to be more precise, it looks more like calligraphy than a tattoo. Possibly writings of her parentage.
"Izula," Yuuri murmured. "Your name perhaps?"
The girl shifted, gaining consciousness. Yuuri took a step back to give her some space. Her eyes slowly drifted open and her eyes dazed. She looked around in confusion before her eyes landed on Yuuri. When it does, her eyes widened briefly, before her face close off and her mouth clamp shut.
Yuuri was indifferent to her attempt in ignore him. "Feeling better? You gave us quite a scar with your fever," Yuuri asked casually.
Her response was by shutting her eyes.
"What is your name?" He tried again.
She turned her face away, never once saying a word.
"Where are you from?"
Again, she didn't answer him and continue to act as if he wasn't there. Yuuri could feel his headache building. He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Is there any way for me to find out your origins?" Yuuri sighed heavily.
Still no reply.
Yuuri inwardly growled in irritation. "Fine. Be that way. I'm going to assume your name is Izula then. Nice tattoo by the way."
That got a reaction out of her. She immediately sat up saying "That's not my name! Izula is my mother's name!"
Yuuri smirked briefly and he whistled in mirth. "Not bad, kid," said Yuuri smugly. "You've got fire afterall. Now that I know you can talk, mind telling me your name?"
... . . .
Yuuri whistled, looking at his surroundings. He can't help laughing as he eyed everything in great amusement.
When he was told about Schildkaut, he was expecting something more welcoming. Well it was welcoming alright. He just didn't expect it to be in such excessive extravagant.
Hello Las Vegas counterpart. Yuuri mused inwardly cackling with mirth. At least there is something familiar for me in this world.
"This reminds me of Las Vegas," Yuuri commented lightly. "A place of gambling and debauchery I'm guessing?"
"What a waste of Esoteric energy," Lord Weller mentioned as he sweat dropped at all the new attractions. "It wasn't like this last time. There was no such extravagant back in the day," said Lord Weller beside him.
Yuuri smirked in apparent amusement. "Well, apparently a lot has happened since the last time you visited," He said grinning. Shrugging nonchalantly, he turned to his travel companions. "Well, let's go get ourselves a lodge, yeah?"
As they were walking towards their lodge led by Lord Weller, Yuuri was busy looking around in wonder. He kept on cackling in silent laughter since he finds everything about Schildkaut very funny. He has nothing against the district in general but he couldn't help at the irony about it all. A simple hot spring turning out to be Last Vegas? It's every growing boy wet dream!
And I will most definitely be enjoying myself. Yuuri mused in anticipation.
Yuuri's eyes wondered and they fell on a huge notice board that has a picture of a few creatures with a caption, much like how it was showed in cinema.
'Unusual Beast' Yuuri read the caption. How is a dragon, a scorpion, a bear and a polar-bear is an unusual beast? Yuuri wondered. "Weird, what is it a freak show?"
As he was staring at the board, two ladies walk up to him. One brown haired and one blond, both carrying a basket what looks like full of papers, and from what Yuuri can see, a standard uniform of some kind. A scantily figure hugging dress like any other party girls. Yuuri eyed them as they chatted up mostly with Lord Weller. "Hey, do you want to come with us and have a real good time? We work in the place over there," The blond one told them sultrily, handling both him and Lord Weller a card of their establishment.
Yuuri took the card. His eyes never left the two ladies. His eyes swiftly scanned the ladies lasciviously, particularly their cleavage. What? Unlike her friend, the blond certainly not shameful of showing that much skin! her outfit certainly doesn't leave much to the imagination. Yuuri's eyes landed on the brown haired one. When she saw him staring and their gaze met, she stared sultrily right back. Yuuri smirked.
"An amusement centre? Thanks for the offer but I'm really not interested in gambling," said Lord Weller, affably.
Yuuri snickered at Lord Weller expense. His captain of the guards even managed to do some preaching about something that escaped Yuuri's attention.
Well, Yuuri's eyes glinted mischievously. He may not be interested but I sure am. Yuuri pocketed the card. He might visit the brunette very soon.
There was one small incident that happens outside one gambling establishment. It was nothing that Yuuri haven't seen happened before but what caught Yuuri's interest was the owner's masked bodyguard.
Yuuri's eyes narrowed. That was some reaction the man has when he saw them. Yuuri's piercing gaze locked with the masked stranger. He didn't like how the lone man was blatantly glaring at them.
Yuuri looked over at his companions. Yuuri's face and mood darkened at what he was seeing. Apparently, he wasn't the only one threatened by that obvious glare. From Lord Weller's and the girl's expression, they both clearly have their own story to tell. Lord Weller was staring just as harshly while their little assassin was very much in shock.
They knew him, thought Yuuri suspiciously, his jaw clenched. They know the man's identity. Yuuri eyes peered back to the masked stranger and watched as the man turn and walk away.
... . . .
Yuuri looked at himself on the mirror. A simple shirt of dark blue with chest unbuttoned, and dark brown pants with sashes in the same colour circling his waist and a knee length leathered boots. Arms braces adorned his forearms, and concealed in his boots, his sai daggers.
Yuuri nodded at his reflection, please with chosen outfit. A change of clothes much more suitable for a night out, there is no notion of him being a demon king.
Yuuri step out of his room and looked over his shoulder as he shut his door when his eyes landed on Greta disappearing down the hallway. Yuuri eyes narrowed suspiciously.
Greta, that was the would be assassin's name. After a lot of inquiries, pleadings, cajoling and accidentally healed her with his then newly discovered healing powers, he finally managed to acquire her name! However, that was all he got out of her. She was still tight-lipped about where she came from.
And now she is pulling this stun?
Where is she going so late at this hour? And in this city? Yuuri thought suspiciously. Yuuri followed her silently and discreetly. The would be assassin hastily headed down stairs, keeping close to the wall and peeked at the corner before she passes through.
Yuuri sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in resignation. Really, the kid is obviously not an assassin. Yuuri silently said to himself as he groaned. Never once she looked cautiously over Her shoulder!
Right before she successfully made it to the main door, Yuuri's hand landed on her shoulder, causing her to jump in fright. She turned to Yuuri wide eyed and crinched under Yuuri's pointed gaze and raised eyebrow. "What the hell are you doing outside at this hour, kid? Shouldn't you be in bed?"
... . . .
The casino was brimming with greedy customers. Some was trying their luck by the lucky draw, most was gambling with cards spending whatever they have and lay it down on the table.
In another section of the entertainment centre, is the bars and pubs where people could drink and mingle in open or in privacy. Patrons laughed jovially as the ladies entertain them. Beverages of all kinds were served frequently. And anywhere in this district, there of no shortage of drunk and lecherous men. They laughed boisterously; drunk out of their wits and common sense and slurred pitiful and crudely.
Away from all the noise, at another secluded level, there is a separate room for the more amorous customers and their chosen pleasure; prostitutes and show girls. In one of the private rooms, a couple moaned in pleasure.
Yuuri's mouth lapped the brunette's neck as she shivered. Her hand running down his arms, silently urging for more. Yuuri hold her tighter. "Really? Your friend too from Svelera?" Yuuri purred. She nodded, moaning at what he was doing to her.
Yuuri smile roguishly. His hand reaches out for his drink and took a sip. He then kisses the woman – hard, sharing his ale and inebriating her more.
She moaned and gasped and would have jump hadn't Yuuri pinned her with his body. His hand trailed seductively on her inner thigh. She writhed underneath him. "Oh! My Lord..." She panted, gasping breathlessly.
Yuuri moaned appreciatively. He pulled her top down, exposing her chest area and he rain down kisses all over. "Tell me stories, Madam," Yuuri blew at her belly button making her tingle. "Tell me all the exciting tales you've heard. Share them with me." Yuuri's mouth went lower.
Her eyes widened and she gasped in shock. Her fingers clawing against the sheet, hoping to ground herself against the onslaught of pleasure. But Yuuri won't let her. "What... Oh God!... What would you like?" She moaned.
Yuuri crawled upwards and hovers over her. His hip grounded between her thighs and his hands entangle with hers, completely have her imprisoned. "Tell me tales you heard of other kingdoms? Maybe their lores and legends?"
She blinked at him and she smiled seductively. "Do you have any preference? I know a few exciting ones I heard from a travelling merchant. Where do I start?"
Yuuri hummed distractedly. He flipped them over, with him lying on his back. His companion yelped at the sudden change of position and she gripped his thighs as she straddles him, his hands was holding her by her waist. She gasped as he when he suddenly thrust upward. The friction makes her want to scream. "Tell me stories of affection," Yuuri ordered, moaning at the pleasure she was giving him. "Tell me fantasies of kingdoms that inspired poets..."
... . . .
Yuuri jaw clenched and he inwardly huffed. He had a wonderful evening thus far and when Yuuri stumbled out of the brothel, hoping to return to his room before he was missed by Lord Weller, he was greeted with a sight of Greta making her second sneak away.
Yuuri smacked his forehead. "Damn kid is stubborn," Yuuri mumbled. Apparently, dissuading her with the promise of searching for her someone in daylight isn't enough to appease her. He even escorted her back to her room!
Of course, being the respectable adult that he was, he ended up joining her just to placate her and to keep her safe. As luck would have it, he ended up in a scuffle with a few thugs who – from what Yuuri heard – didn't take well one of their girls quitting on them. As it turns out, it was the blondie from before and as gratitude for getting her out of tough situation, she treated them at one of her favourite stall. It didn't escape Yuuri's noticed that there was something there when introduction was being made.
Once they went on their separate ways, Yuuri decided that they have enough excitement for one night and was heading back to their lodge when – surprise, surprise – he ran into a familiar face, with Lord Weller looking none to please.
"Mr Heatcrife!" Yuuri blurted. "What are you doing here?"
Secretly, Yuuri swore to high heaven. From the looks of Lord Weller, they are in trouble.
Fucking hell! I hope he didn't smell the woman on me. Yuuri shut his eyes and groaned. Oh who am I kidding... I'm in so much trouble!
... . . .
Louis Vuillon in Yuuri's opinion is one sleazy bastard!
No, it has nothing to do with his gambling operations, though that can contribute to it. No. He simply looked like one. Enough said.
Yuuri scoffed at this entertainment franchise owner, dismissing him from his notice. The man wasn't even worth mentioning. He met far scarier men then the one sitting in front of him. This bastard was just an idiot with superiority complex. Yuuri was unimpressed.
Yuuri's eyes found the masked stranger, leaning casually against the wall, concealed by the shadows. The masked stranger smirked at him, and Yuuri stared impassively.
As Heatclife was doing the talking, Yuuri's attention was solely on the masked man. He was obviously the dangerous one than his boss. If what Lord Weller informed him prior to this meeting was true, then this man behaviour is uncertain. Yuuri peered at the boss...
... And was instantly on alert when he saw the scum signalling to his subordinate.
The masked bodyguard lunge forward with sword drawn. Yuuri's eyes widened slightly. His fast!
Yuuri pushed Greta backwards against the wall as Lord Weller intercepted the oncoming attack. The sound of steel clashing vibrated throughout the room.
"You," Lord Weller growled. Yuuri eyes narrowed. He bend slightly, eyes never left the two fighting before him, and grab his Sais.
When the masked bodyguard managed to disengaged Lord Weller and waste no time in moving past him, Yuuri was ready.
The next clash of steel was between a sword and his daggers.
"Yuuri!" Lord Weller cry out in alarmed.
Yuuri pay him no mind. He was on a glaring contest with his apparent attacker. Said masked swordsman suddenly grin. "You are stronger than I thought. Not bad, brat," he jibed.
Yuuri smiled mockingly. "You're not so bad yourself," said Yuuri stiffly. "Although I should warn you, I'm not to go down easily."
The masked man frowned. "You will do well to fight me for real, brat. If you don't kill me, you won't breathe the next minute."
Yuuri smirked at the challenge. "Bring it on old man," Yuuri taunted. What follows after was a series of technique and manoeuvres. Yuuri was fighting with impressive agility and speed and the swordman himself was not lacking in that department. They attack and counter attack each other so fast trying to find an opening and doing their best to not giving the other advantage. Everything else was none existence except for their opponent. Oh for a single sword fighter, the guy was good. He can parried Yuuri easily even with his twin Sais. Yuuri was not only impressed, but he can feel his blood sang. He had never felt this alive in a while!
Around him, both Heatcrife and Conrad gasped in shock. In Heatcrife's case, he was also watching nervously. What was supposed to be a meeting to settle things peacefully had escalated to an all out fight! He was gladdened that his young friend can fight so well but that doesn't lessen his anxiousness even a slight.
Conrad Weller was faring no better. His eyes followed the fighting duo with rapt attention. He was literally gobsmacked and befuddled at this new revelation. He never know his king could fight – and so well. He was extreme fast in his offense as if he was nothing but a blur. The only indication he knew that this was real and really happening is by the barraging sounds of weapon clashing.
Lord Weller suddenly frowned. Yuuri was steadily slowing down.
Yuuri gritted his teeth. Damned the man and his superior strength. There was urgency in his movements now. His opponent is fighting with everything he got! Yuuri doesn't like the desperation behind his opponent's blade.
Yuuri was suddenly toppled over and he hit the floor with a groaned. His eyes widened when the masked bodyguard was plunging towards him with his blade poise to his heart. Yuuri froze. His distraction had caused him.
Lord Weller suddenly appeared from behind, bringing his own sword down with a battle cry. The masked man flipped to block the attack. And everything was stilled.
Yuuri hold his breath in anticipation. The sudden stillness was unravelling. Yuuri cautiously stood up.
At that moment, the masked bodyguard dropped like a sack and his mask shattered into two.
Silent reigned in the room.
Out of the blue, Greta gasped and was instantly by the fallen masked bodyguard's side. "Hube!"
Yuuri gaped. "Hube? Hube who?" Yuuri looked to Lord Weller bewildered.
"There is no mistake," said Lord Weller firmly. "This man is none other than Lord Gegenhuber Grisela."
Yuuri blinked incredulously. He then covered his eyes with his palm. "Gwendal's cousin?" Yuuri murmured flatly.
Oh this is just perfect. Absolutely wonderful. Lovely even. Now, Yuuri could feel a mega bomb of a headache coming.
Lucky for him they are staying in town for a couple more days.
... . . .
"Out of the question!" Lord Weller said strongly. "Your Highness must not have any more contact with him."
"Be reasonable Conrad. The man needed a miracle!" Yuuri snapped at him in frustration. His eyes flashes dangerously. His mood darkened by the minute.
Ever since they returned from Vuillon's office, Lord Weller has been very distant. And not only that, his attitude is close to insubordination. Lord Weller despises Lord Gegenhuber and he made no attempt at hiding it.
Again and again. Lord Weller opposed him; disapprove of his actions and completely dismissing his thoughts! Preventing him from doing what he ought to be doing! Clashing at him at every turn!
Lord Weller should tread carefully because Yuuri refuse to stand for it.
"He made an attempt on your life. No matter what condition he's in, you're not safe around him. I know him. He is not to be taken lightly!" Lord Weller pointed out.
Yuuri stared at Lord Weller unbelieving. Of all the things that went down, he focused on that? The nerve of the man! "You're telling me you're going let him die?"
Lord Weller face closes off. His eyes turned cold. "I can. I will just watch him die."
Yuuri growled in repressed fury. "Why?"
"That's the kind of heartless man I am!" Lord Weller frostily replied.
Yuuri glared at Lord Weller with a new kind of ferocity. He could feel it beneath his skin. The ugly emotion bubbling just waiting to be release. "Really?" Yuuri sneered.
Lord Weller's face hardened. "I'm the kind of man who can be cold and completely ruthless to those who endangered your life. If you would forgive my disrespect towards Your Majesty, but I won't hesitated to remove you from this room by force."
That was a wrong thing to say. And Yuuri snapped.
All of the sudden Yuuri felt the pent-up rage and fury surged, spilling his core and he was seeing nothing but red. All he registered was his fist landed on Lord Weller's jaw and his leg on the mid-drift. "Who are you to force me?!" Yuuri roared. He barely registered Greta scream in fright.
Yuuri growled predatorily, dangerously, deadly. He stood tall and proud, glaring coldly and poisonously at the bewildered captain of the guards. "You don't know how cold and cruel I can be, Lord Weller," Yuuri hissed venomously. "Oh yes, you have no idea at all. And you are not the only one capable of such ruthlessness. I can be the most terrible enemy and your never ending nightmare and let me tell you, you fucking piece of shit! I haven't even started yet." Yuuri lips curled sinisterly. "You all have never seen me do my worst. I can assure you, all my other tempers before are barely grazing the tip of the iceberg. Consider this your fortune to be the first to see this real me," Yuuri snarled threateningly. "And disrespect? That's exactly what all of you have subjected me through ever since I sat foot in this god forsaken realm! I wondered why I even bother with you people. You could all go hang!"
Lord Weller was speechless. He was deathly paled and looked extremely guilt-ridden. But Yuuri was not yet done. He prowled nearer and lowered himself on Lord Weller's lever, looking at him sharply in the eyes. "I don't care how you feel towards him Lord Weller. Frankly it's not my problem," said Yuuri dangerously. He raised his hand and grasp around Lord Weller's neck, and choking him. Yuuri was absolutely malicious and demonic. "But let me make one thing clear," Yuuri's hand tightened and Lord Weller start choking. "Never challenge my authority ever again!"
Yuuri stop choking him and leaned closer, whispering near his ear. "You disappointed me, Lord Weller. You and all of the demon tribe," Yuuri snarled viciously. "And this insult I can no longer tolerate. Be ready for punishment once we are home." He then pressed the pressure point on Lord Weller's neck and the man slumped to the floor, out like a light.
Heavy silence and and suffocating tension feel the air. For a while Yuuri was unmoving, and Greta had frozen terrified. She didn't dare move or utter even a sound, too scared that Yuuri's wrath will be targeted on her. Her legs nearly gave out. She doesn't even want to think about her actions against Yuuri.
Yuuri looked over his shoulder. "Greta, I'm going out. I leave Lord Gegenhuber in your care... As well as this infidel I supposed," said Yuuri motioning to Lord Weller. "I'll see you tomorrow."
That brought Greta out of her stupor. "Wait! Yuuri, what am I to do with Conrad?" she voiced out nervously.
Yuuri sighed as he rubs the back of his neck to be rid of the tension. "Just leave him there. He'll awake eventually."
Once Yuuri step out of the room, he saw that Heatcrife was leaning casually at the end of the hallway. Yuuri strolled towards him calmly.
"You are one scary man, Mr. Mitsuzaimon," said Heatcrife straight up when Yuuri stopped beside him.
"I am what I am," Yuuri said simply.
"Tell me something," Heatcrife asked unabashed, eyes boring into Yuuri. "Are you a friend or a foe?"
"Well, that depends," Yuuri responded ominously as he continued walking. Heatcrife steps beside him. Yuuri smiled mysteriously at his friend. "I can be both friend and foe."
Heatcrife said nothing. There was more truth in those words after what he had seen and heard. His young friend is one dangerous individual indeed. "Where are you going at this hour?" Heatcrife inquired instead.
Yuuri's eyes lowered in exasperation and he sighed. "I need a fucking drink!" He answered honestly. "I'm going get totally sloshed until I can't remember my own fucking name!"
Heatcrife sweatdropped at that. "I think you don't need to go that far, my friend," he said dryly.
... . . .
"Hello, Izula."
Izula turned around in shocked. Her eyes widened when she saw Yuuri sat lazily in her room.
"Yuuri, what are you doing here?" Izula spluttered. "How did you know where I lived?"
Yuuri put her book aside, his hand trailed the worn leather softly. "Oh it wasn't so hard. I simply asked around."
"But what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to discuss Greta," said Yuuri straight to the point. Yuuri lips tilt slightly when he saw that Izula was getting nervous.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Izula denied. "Beside I just met her. I hardly knew her."
"Oh I think you know exactly what I'm on about," Yuuri mentioned flippantly. "Don't try to lie to me. I wasn't blind to your reaction to Greta's innocent remark."
Izula, in a moment of boldness, shot him a dirty look. "Proof it!"
Yuuri smirked condescendingly. "Izula of Svelera. Or should I say... Lady Izula of Svelera, Consort of Zoracia, and mother to the surviving heir of Zoracia; Greta."
Izula's face drained of all colours and she nearly fainted. God help her, she's discovered! "You must be mistaken. I'm not Greta's mother!" she told him shakily.
Yuuri tilted his head back and burst out laughing uproariously. "Oh... oh god..." Yuuri was having difficulty to stop laughing. "Are you kidding me?" By then, Yuuri managed to reduce into chuckles. "Do you honestly think I'm a fool? How many 'Izulas' are there born in Svelera? And how many 'Izulas' that knew the birthmark of the royal family?"
Izula glared at him now that the jig is up and her fears forgotten. "What do you want?" she snarled.
Yuuri leaned back and smiled patronizingly. "Greta."
Izula frowned in confusion. "What about Greta?"
"I'm taking Greta as a political hostage." Yuuri informed her in ultimatum.
Izula eyes widened and she gasped in horror! She stood frozen, gaping like a fish in absolute disbelief. Then she surged at him banging her fist on his chest before Yuuri caught her wrists and manoeuvres her back to chest on his lap, rendering her immobile. "How could you! She's just a little girl!" She shouted at him.
"She committed a crime against me and that alone is treason. What awaits her is her possible execution," Yuuri hissed at her unforgiving.
"I sent her to my relatives to be raised!" Izula glared harshly. She kicked trying to get free but Yuuri only tighten his hold. Her jaw clenched. "Why should I let her go with you after this revelation?"
"Why shouldn't you?" Yuuri instantly retorted. "Greta left Svelera and no reports of her missing being made. From what I've gathered, her guardians couldn't care less if she ended up dead."
"And how would I know you'll treat her well? For all I know you could make her life worst!" Izula seethed.
Yuuri hummed. Then he release Izula and she immediately scurry away from him. "True I could. Especially with her punishment I need to consider." Yuuri sighed mockingly. "If she wasn't of value, we wouldn't be having this conversation. As it stands, I at least am giving you the decency to decide her situation. Of course, I need a reason why I'm harbouring a Zoracian Princess in my country if it's revealed. Political hostage seems to be the most ideal solution."
Yuuri's legs crossed and his arm rested at the back of his head, still pondering on how to solve this situation. "If I were to say, she was sent to my kingdom to be raised... well, that idea is flawed since we have no prior alliances or relations between our two kingdoms."
Yuuri suddenly grinned mischievously. "Or maybe political marriage suits us better?"
Izula wanted to scream in anger! How could he – oh wait, he could. They were no stranger to an arrange marriage and political match after all. Izula feels like cursing in frustration. She was completely scandalized. "Don't you dare lay a hand on her!" Izula screeched.
Yuuri raised his hands placatively, grinning cheekily. "Easy, easy, I was just saying..."
"This is not a joking matter!" Izula spat out indignantly. Yuuri only shrugged, completely disregard her. Izula bristled.
"So yes, I find myself with a dilemma," Yuuri spoke exasperatedly. "What should I do with her? I doubt her guardian would care if I decide to wash my hands clean of her. There is that political standing of course. But as it is, I doubt it means much now that the country is more or less in ruins!"
Izula gritted her teeth. She turned away from him and paced back and forth.
Yuuri was right. Greta's only value lies with her blood as a Zoracian Princess. But since the kingdom is more or less gone, then her value is diminished. If what Yuuri say is to be believed that Greta committed a crime, then her best bet would be held hostage thanks to Greta's lineage come into play.
However, how could she ensure that Greta will be treated and raised with respect?
And then, a realization dawned on her and she felt the world crashing around her. She start panting slightly, body trembled at her knowledge. Well, Yuuri did say it was all up to her. And she was once a consort. She is no stranger on how ladies of the conquered kingdoms were treated as.
With tears running down her cheeks, Izula pushed the sleeve off her shoulders letting the dress pooled to the floor. From the bed, Yuuri watched Izula intensely as she stripped. She stood before him baring everything. "I consented and leave Greta in your care," She told him with clarity. "My only request is that she is to be treated with honour." Then her voiced wavered. Looking uncertain. "I have nothing to offer but myself as compensation."
Yuuri's eyes bore into her. He stared at her expression and took in her resolved – her resignation. Yuuri take no pride in what was about to unfold. It was true that there are many scenarios where he can make this bearable for all of them. He could take Izula herself and bound her to him and through her, Greta will be well cared. But Zoracian royal family is better off dead, especially it's Queen. For Greta's sake and her safety.
Yuuri's eyes soften sympathetically. He shut his eyes in acceptance. Leaning more comfortably against the headboard, Yuuri blow the bedside candle letting the room fall into darkness with only a light from the window illuminating the room. Yuuri motioned her forward and Izula went to him.
...
Author Footnote:
Well, I never said Yuuri was a good guy or a saint. Yuuri was raised with different sort of people. I would think that even at a minimal, he would be influence by the lifestyle he had. And he's a teenager. Enough said.
So what do you think of this chapter?
Review on your way out.
-Elvina P.