and we are back~ thank you for your patience with the cliffhanger x'D I hate doing that but if I didn't the last chapter would have been like 12k words long and covered 3 in story months or something and that's way too much for one chapter lol. all the same, here we are, enjoy.
Song Suggestion: You Broke Me First by Tate McRae
Alt Song suggestion: Arcade by Duncan Laurence [sorry I couldn't pick just one. both fit, I'll kick myself for it later but it's worth it]
Disclaimer: I own nothing x'D also this chapter is a drama llama. I recommend comfort food and a cozy blanket. I promise this story has a happy ending X'D
"L-lord Heisenberg... Mother Miranda is calling for the lords. She says it's urgent." The villager states as they nervously bow. "So if you'll please come with me."
Of course, Miranda would need something. Stupid festivals. probably just wanted to make some grand proclamation again like last time and wanted everyone there for it... He gives a tired sigh and takes out a cigar. "yeah yeah, let's go." he replies and starts casually meandering over.
Meanwhile, Charlotte was happily chatting with a handful of other women in the village that were around her age. to be fair thanks to the population issue that age range was a bit wide.
"And then he proposed, ah, can you believe it? surely such a happy dream is a good omen" the youngest said giddily as the others chuckled.
"Looks like someone's got it good. you haven't even told the boy your name. Dreamin of marriage. pah," said one of the older women of the group that appeared to be in her second trimester of pregnancy.
"What about you Charlotte? any exciting dreams?" asks one in a teasing manner which causes the others to laugh.
"You're too much. No nothing interesting to report." Charlotte says, knowing better than to share anything with any of the gossip bugs of the village that she didn't want everyone to know in a matter of days. "My work serving the lords and the villages comes first," she says before messing with the skirt of her new white dress to dust it off even though it was clean.
"PAH! Now there a laugh," says another of the more opinionated ones. "Servin the lords," she adds with a tone of amusement. "You still got that trinket of yours around your neck, you're not fooling any of us."
Charlotte nervously laughs in return, she couldn't really say anything for or against that. If she shot it down she'd lose her protection but if she spoke for it, it was a lie that could cause Karl trouble and the villagers would probably see it as bragging. This was a decent reminder of why she didn't join the gossip circles often.
"Miss Charlotte?" Says one of the men who seemed kinda terrified.
"Yes?" She asks as she turns to face them and the women start to giggle. oh gracious, did her little protective ward really lose its effectiveness? suppose it has been some time.
"M-Mother Miranda is summoning you. She says it's urgent... she's gathering everyone to the center of the village." the man explains.
Small miracles, thank heavens. Charlotte thought and nods. "Of course, I'll be right there." She says and starts on her way.
'Well suppose if she's gathering everyone we should go too,' 'True, I wonder what it is,' ' Perhaps another vision?' 'oh maybe a blessing for our faith and devoted to her last proclamation 'that would be lovely' 'quite so'
Charlotte could hear the gossipers chattering behind her. She hadn't exactly suggested as much, and Miranda had not mentioned anything in the last meeting, so if there was another announcement it was news to her. as she approached she started to feel more nervous. the villagers lined the edges of the village center and Miranda was standing with Salvatore and Lady Benevento.
"Salvatore?" Charlotte whispers with quiet concern as she noticed he was openly sobbing while Lady Benevento was gently holding the sides of his face. Angie was being way too quiet...
"Mother Miranda, I've returned with Miss Charlotte as you requested." the villager says and steps back to stay at the outer edge of the circle.
"Come, child step forward," Miranda says in a cool even tone.
Fear started to set in. What happened? All the same, Charlotte complied with the request and approached. By the time she was in the middle of the circle thick roots and branches sprang up from the ground, catching her and pulling her down to force her to her knees.
The action caused an audible gasp from the villagers before chattering speculation filled the air.
What's going on? what happened? why was she being- oh. oh god did someone rat her out? did they know about the army? Thoughts raced through her mind as panic started setting in. Everyone was here...
Lady Dimitrescu joined the lords shortly after with a cruel smile like a fox that had a rabbit trapped in a corner. Was it her? Did Dimitrescu find out she was making changes to the spreadsheet during the typing lessons? oh god.
Heisenberg walked to the town center, gracious that Mega-bitch really did need to be the center of attenti- he stopped as he was able to see the full scene now. Miranda standing with the other lords and Charlotte bound and forced to kneel in the center of town a good 20 or 30 feet away from the group.
What the hell happened... he cautiously approached Miranda and the lords.
"Heisenberg, good of you to join us," Miranda says while keeping her eyes trained on Charlotte. she waits patiently for Heisenberg to take his place before speaking again. "I think I speak for all mothers when I say my children are my pride and joy." She says cooly. "And as a leader. I don't take kindly to traitors," she says with a sneer.
"Traitors," Charlotte whispered horrified as she realized what was happening... she was being used as an example...
"So imagine my surprise when one of my beloved children come to me in tears from a broken heart," she says as she moves to walk over to Moreau, and donna moves to step away. "and mentions that you have been sneaking around behind my back to see some 'man in the woods'," She repeats the words.
Heisenberg's eyes widen as his heart sinks. That freak really went crying to mommy over a few cut flowers. of course, the dumb blob was too afraid of him to even mention who it was that actually hurt him. Only why he was upset.
"What? I. No that's-," she didn't know what to say to that. a broken heart? He saw her talking to Alex? ... He sold her out... why now? It's been days... he seemed fine before.
"Silence," Miranda hissed cutting off Charlotte's stumbling response. she adjusts her posture slightly before returning to her accusations.
"Now, my sweet child is so sensitive. and a broken heart is a difficult injury to repair. it takes far too much time..." She says returning to her calm tone. "So as a mercy to him, the memories of you shall be removed. It should only take a bit longer. You however..."
Charlotte looked over to Moreau again. Suddenly Angie's silence made sense. They were busy purging his mind... this wasn't kindness, knowing Miranda, this was just the easiest route to get him to stop sniveling to her about his problems...
"I let you into my family, accept you into this village with open arms and this is how my kindness is repaid?" Miranda asks in disgust.
There had to be a way out of this. think. come on. THINK!
"Name," Miranda says with a frown.
"wha-"
"GIVE ME THEIR NAME," She ordered as her wings unfurled. "The man in the woods, the outsider you've been sneaking off to see. Give. Me. A name," she ordered with clear anger. " And I just might see a reason to spare you." she lied.
Come on, just give her the guy's name. Heisenberg thought while nervously glancing between Miranda and charlotte while gritting his teeth.
Charlotte remained quiet and lowered her head.
She's just going to go through your shit anyways come on don't be a martyr. Heisenberg thought as his panic increased.
"Mother Miranda if I may be so bold," Lady dimitrescu says stepping forward. "I was promised that should this mortal fail her duties that she would be given to me." Lady Dimitrescu more than happily points out. It's been a while since she had a meal.
Miranda looked over to Lady Dimitrescu. She was just about to speak when another voice cut in.
"No need to go and kill yourself over this sweetheart," Heisenberg says stepping forward. "It was me."
"Explain yourself," Miranda says irritated.
"Simple. I'm the man in the woods. We've been seeing each other in secret," he sorta lied with an even tone. "Told her not to say anything," he adds with a short laugh. "See I didn't want anyone knowing. Figured Moreau might react like this... and it would look bad if a lord was playing favorites with the villagers," he says as he drops what was left of his cigar and snuffed it out with his boot. "Suppose everyone gets to know now." Heisenberg says with a shrug, "Besides, That promise to her largeness was made before Charlotte held her roll in the village. We work together frequently. it would make more sense for her to be given to me."
It didn't completely make sense, Miranda knew that well enough but it was an answer... if the little slug wouldn't talk. maybe she could get the truth another way... "Is this true?" Miranda says looking at Charlotte.
Why was he sticking his neck out for her like this... If Miranda found out he was lying he'd be in trouble too. "It is," Charlotte replies. What else was she supposed to do, throw him under the bus? Suppose it was their saving grace that Miranda had already started wiping Salvatore's memories. This still didn't make sense, Salvatore was her friend, why didn't he just talk to her... Was he really so upset that he'd sell her out? Suppose that explains where he's been for the last day...
Miranda paused and with a wave of her hand the roots and vines retreated however Charlotte continued to kneel, knowing better than to move without permission at this point.
"I've made my decision then," Miranda says as she gestures to Lady Dimitrescu. "A promise is a promise. While I except she will be kept alive until further notice. Charlotte will be transferred to serve under house Dimitrescu. She will continue to work on the village as usual but she will be yours to use as you see fit otherwise."
"I'll be keeping a close eye on her I assure you," Lady Dimitrescu replies while staring at the kneeling woman. " I run a much tighter ship than my brothers and I expect nothing less than perfection," she adds as a silent threat. one slip up, just one and it would cost her life this time. there would be no trial.
"Heisenberg," Miranda says as she looks to him "while your honesty is appreciated. You still went behind the back of your brother and in turn. me as well. As consequence for your actions, your request has been denied. and I will not be reconsidering this. You'll go through Alcina if you need access to her servent is that understood?"
he really fucked up... "Yes, Mother Miranda."
"Good." She replies before looking to Charlotte. "Go to the reservoir and pack your things. Anything that remains will be disposed of."
"Yes Mother Miranda," Charlotte nods and cautiously moves to get up.
Everything here can and will kill you, even me.
She frowned as she remembered the warning... that was her mistake for thinking Salvato-... Moreau. was an exception. She made her way back to the Mines. she hated this place when she first arrived here. but it had become a safe haven for her. She quickly got to work. She set up her computer and did a factory reset. wipe everything. she couldn't leave any trace of anything she'd worked on while under Moreau's watch. She'd have to limit working on her work reports to when she was out of town and do a reset again before coming back. She looked at her phone next and quickly started deleting everything she could find. she stopped as she got to contacts...
[Charlotte] We've been compromised... Don't come back. I can't get anyone else out.
[Alex] What
[Charlotte] I'm sorry. please stay safe.
She deleted the messages after that and cleared out the last of her contacts. she deleted pretty much all of her apps and paused once more as she noticed the chess app. she opened it and tapped at the screen. before powering down her phone and packing that away as well. she'd maybe be able to get away with keeping it on her while she was outside of the castle. it depended on if she was going to have a private room or not. at least now if someone messaged her or if Miranda powered up the phone she wouldn't have a name so easily. both Heisenberg and Alex's numbers were under her ownership so checking the number would just lead back to charlotte. At least she was able to keep them safe. She packed up her things once that was finished. it was more than she could carry. She resigned to taking only her filled backpack and a box that held her clothes, some food, and the water purifier. she wasn't sure what her situation would be like but at least this would cover the basics.
She looked around at everything she'd be leaving behind. the memories that no longer existed. With that, she left and made her way to the castle.
Heisenberg waited with the lords while the crowd dispersed.
"Heisenberg," Miranda says without looking at him. "I expect better of you."
"I understand," He replied begrudgingly. and notices the phone is his pocket buzz quietly.
"Good," Miranda says evenly. "You're free to go." She says as she left to go to the Reservoir to remove the remaining filth that was left in the mines.
He walked off back to the woods for a bit before cautiously taking out the phone.
Wednesday, June 24th, 1:47PM
[Chess] - Opponate forfeits
He moves to hold his face in his hand. God damn it...
'*'*'*'*'
The next few days were interesting. sure enough, Moreau was fine and back to his good old timid self. Any effect Charlotte had on him had been removed completely as the memories of her were also destroyed. Charlotte spent the more of her days juggling her now compounded responsibilities. From 6 am to noon she was expected to work around the castle. from noon to 6 pm she was to work in the village and from 6 pm to 10 pm she was expected to work around the castle more. 10 pm to 5 am Was spent in the shared servants' quarters and she'd get 1 hour a day to herself to prepare for the day to come. On Fridays, she was expected to take further time to teach Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters about the computer since they were now rather well versed with touch typing.
While she was certainly better cared for with regularly cleaned clothes, an actual bath, and real food twice a day that wasn't just a slice of cheese, this place was hell. According to the Lady of the house, because Charlotte was only there and working during two meal periods, she only deserved to receive two meals in return.
Lady Dimitrescu was relaxing in the lounge when one of the maids walked in and gave a slight bow. "You have a phone call ma'am."
"And who is calling?" She asks as she looks up from the book she had been reading.
"Lord Heisenberg..." the maid answers which causes Lady Dimitrescu to smile.
"I see, I'll tend to it," she replies as she gets up and walks with very little urgency to her private quarters. "Hello Little brother, how good of you to call," she says in a taunting tone.
"Shut the fuck up," He replies irritated, he hated being called 'brother' especially by her.
"Very well, I'll hang up then," she says though she doesn't move to do so, this was fun.
"No! that's," he takes a breath. "Look I need to borrow Charlotte for a bit."
"Who?" She asks coyly.
"You know damn well who," Heisenberg replied still fully irritated.
She smiled as she enjoyed having something to dangle over his head. "Oh, Charlotte. Well, I'm afraid she's quite busy. Mother Miranda would not be happy if she found out you were distracting her again."
he grumbles a bit as he pulls the phone away from his face to avoid having his string of profanity picked up. "Okay, when is she not going to be busy."
"I'll have to get back to you on that." Lady Dimitrescu says with a laugh and hangs up.
Heisenberg glares at the phone before slamming it back on the receiver. If she wasn't going to play fair then neither was he.
Charlotte gave a quiet sigh as she walked through the village, carrying another plank of wood towards the house she was working on. the air was muggy and humid. What an awful Monday. She shifted it to lean the plank against the wall of the house she was working on. This new working schedule was a bit difficult but she'd find a way to manage, she thought as she went into the house to grab her saw that she'd locked up in case one of the village kids wandered in and tried playing with it.
The second she walked in the door closed behind her causing her to jump and instinctively grab the saw to hold as a weapon before looking around and finding Heisenberg waiting there.
"Karl?" She asks quietly "what are you doing here? you'll get us both into trouble."
"What is this?" he asks in English as he takes the phone from his pocket and shows it to her
Monday, June 29th, 3:59 pm
[Chess] - Opponate forfeits
"Karl..." she replies with a frown. "I can't take that kind of risk anymore, it's too dangerous."
"So what, that's it? you just. give up? now?" He says annoyed. Guilt gnawed at the back of his mind. this was his fault.
"What other option is there, I don't exactly want to end up eaten," She points out. "there's always the trips. we can talk then."
"Bullshit, you know as well as I do that we're being punished. we won't be going anywhere any time soon..." He points out.
He was being punished because of her... "I'm sorry," Charlotte says which caused him to frown.
He should tell her... "It's not your fault."
"Yes, it is. you stuck your neck out to save mine... Thank you," Charlotte says which makes the gnawing guilt worse. She looks away with a quiet sigh "look it's not like I want to give up but. I'm kinda pinned here." she says as sorrow could be heard in her tone despite the fact that she started to laugh and looks back at him. "Karl do the math, I'm losing. She just wiped the board. I have nothing left to fight back with." She moves to hold the side of her head as tears threaten to fall. "All that's left is to see how long I can hold on."
"Would you shut up with that garbage," He says in a low growling tone. "You're panicking. Get your shit together. We can figure this out but I can't do that alone. You need to talk to me." the metal lord adds as he holds up the phone and shakes it at her.
Charlotte paused and looked away again. he was trying to give back her ability to choose. "... What's the plan?" Charlotte asks him for once.
'*'*'*'*'
Time passed since then and just like they figured. Miranda was not going to be giving them a supply run so soon. Charlotte continued running at both ends to keep up with the demands of fixing the village and working for Lady Dimitrescu. She only ever saw Moreau during the meetings. it was odd seeing him and receiving no greeting. She didn't dare speak to him for fear of what Miranda might do or accuse her of.
The betrayal still stung but she was getting over it. She finished hammering down another board for the roof before climbing down the ladder and going into the house again.
once the door was closed and she was sure she was alone she takes out her phone. She could have sworn she felt it buzz to alert her of a new notification. A few of them actually.
Saturday, July 18th, 2:16 PM
[Chess] - It's your move
She smiled at that and scrolled to see the next one.
[Karl] - Got some notes for you to review. I'll stash them in the house. keep an eye out for them tomorrow.
Charlotte nods and scrolls down to see the last notification figuring he double texted again. he never could figure out how to fit everything in one message. though, it had been an hour or two since she last checked her phone so she couldn't be too hard on him.
[Unknown number] - I'm here. Where are you?
Maybe a wrong number? it was sent 3 minutes ago... she opened the message menu to check the number and stared in horror as she recognized it. she quickly deleted the message and stowed her phone before attempting to casually leave the house and walk down the path. please no one notice her.
she made her way to the woods and once she was sure then she started running.
Heisenberg walked through the woods. it was an odd tradition but. it was one all the same. The third Saturday of the month. He figured he at least owed it to the sap to let him know Charlotte wouldn't be back and to piss off. he shook his head. She was a clever one she'd know better than to come out here when she was in this hot of wa-
he paused as he noticed none other than charlotte booking it towards the little hiding place she had been using for the last few months. You had to be shitting him... She was that stupid... He gave a tired sigh. He'd talk to her about it after this. 'oh Karl it's too risky to talk to you' Because running through the forest to meet an outsider definitely isn't risky when that's exactly what she was accused of...He rolled his eyes at that thought. Whatever.
Charlotte looked around in a panic. Where was he? why was he here? She told him to stay away. He didn't message back. she thought he understood.
"Charlotte?" Asks a quiet voice from the hiding place as Alex Peeks out.
"Alex" She replies with a defeated smile. "What are you doing."
"One last trip." He says as he walked over to hold her. "Come on. We're getting you out of here."
She returned the hold and shook her head no. "I can't."
"Why not, you're already here?" he replies as he shifts so he can look her in the eyes.
"There are people stuck in there because of me," She says as her eyes started to water. God, She was terrified. She wanted to run away with him more than anything right now. "It's my fault. I trapped them here because I couldn't tell her no. I can't leave them here. I won't trade 7 lives for mine."
"You got 10 people out. you've done more than enough." Alex counters in return as he refused to let her go. "I'm not losing you too."
"I'm sorry," She replied which caused him to shake his head.
He stared at her before noticing a glint of light. He noticed the compass. Fuck that guy. Heisenberg was no lord of his anymore. He held the side of Charlotte's face and pulled her closer to kiss her.
Heisenberg's annoyance exponentially compounded as he saw this and pain started radiating from his chest. It was like all those little stings from before just a thousand times worse.
She was surprised at first but relaxed shortly after and returned the affection. He was kind. He believed in her. This is what she should want... so why was she thinking of- a resounding thud caused the ground to shake as a large metal hammer landed at their feet which cause the two to jolt and look around.
Ooooh she fucked up. Charlotte thought as a terrified expression crossed her face. Alex moves to stand in between Heisenberg and Charlotte and steps back to try and nudge Charlotte to move as well.
Heisenberg laughs "Oh so you want to die? If you knew what was good for you, you'd be hiding behind her cause that's the one reason your head isn't in the ground already." He says as he walks over and picks the hammer back up. "Charlotte, get over here. We're leaving. Now." The longer they stayed here the more likely they were to get caught.
"she's not going anywhere with you," Alex replies with determined anger.
"Last fucking warning. shut your hole." Heisenberg says as he tightened his grip on the handle.
Charlotte places a gentle hand on Alex's shoulder. "it's okay. I promise." She says as she walks past him to stand next to Heisenberg. "Just. Stay safe okay?"
"And don't come back," Heisenberg adds. While his heart still ached, this forced victory was still somewhat acceptable.
it hurt but she nods in agreement with Heisenberg. She told him not to come back before. it was harder to do this in person. "He's right...you shouldn't come back."
Alex frowned and stated in place.
"Go. Please." Charlotte pleaded. It took a moment but he slowly backed away with a nod and turned to leave. once he was out of sight Charlotte turned to Glare at Heisenberg. "What is your problem?" She hissed. Had he been stalking her?!
"my problem? What is your problem?" He countered just as upset. Did she seriously not see the plethora of problems here? "You know I was fucking joking when I'd call you a harlot but I guess I wasn't too far off."
"Excuse you?" She replied offended.
"look I'm not the one running around with one man only to go smooching another." He points out with a sneer. They'd spent so much time together did that really mean nothing?
"I'm not," She replied as her face contorted to a scowl. That was the stupidest. after everything she's already been through. Yeah, she might have feelings for Heisenberg she didn't completely understand, but not if he was going to act like this. entitled?! To what?
"Then what the hell was all that junk with the toaster?" He asks at wits end. there were better examples but that's the first one that came to mind. maybe because it was the first time he felt like she maybe felt the same way...
"Are we really bringing the toaster into this?" She asks as she continued to match his Ire. "It was a joke. it was funny. we laughed about it."
His chest sank as the wind was knocked out of him thanks to the sting from her words. He pressed his lips together and shook his head as he looked anywhere else for a moment before staring her down. "... So that's what I am to you... a joke?" He asks as he set down his hammer, they were not going anywhere until he got an answer. it took a second but as he put down the metal contraption a realization struck him. It's kinda cute, in a weird way "You think I'm just like Moreau... Don't you?"
She winced as she realized her mistake in her choice of words. "Karl- " She started as she started to calm down and mentally worked through apologizing and explaining herself better.
He cut her off in his anger "Some. Sick. Mutated freak of nature that you pity for breathing?" He accused causing her to take half a step back as he stepped forward. "Is that what I am to you?!" He shouts, in the heat of the moment he continues talking. "you know maybe it's actually a good thing I told Moreau you'd never love him because it's better than being strung along."
That caused her to pause as his words soaked in. "...what?" she asks hurt. Did she hear him right?
At this point, he came to a similar realization of what he admitted to and his anger began to subside. "...shit" he says under his breath.
Her mind was racing, that was just. "it... you." she paused as her tears began anew "You were the one that sold me out... not Moreau."
Heisenberg winced as the truth came to light "Charlotte listen" he says quieter as he finally realized just how badly he messed up with this conversation.
"NO," She replies as the tears freely fell "You. How could you?" she says as she takes another step back. "It's your fault. You told Moreau that I was seeing Alex? You told him I wouldn't love him?"
"That's not" he winced as she cut him off.
"SHUT UP," She replies as her anger boils back over. "You. this whole conversation you've been accusing me of these horrible things. I did NOTHING." She says as she balled her hand in a fist. "The only mistake I made was trusting you..."
"Charlotte," He tries once more.
"I am not done." She says with a sneer. "Because you brought it up, I don't know what my feelings are about you right now," she admits. "I don't know what my feelings are about anything! I don't trust myself to make that call right now since I'm in a homicidal maniacs death cult!" She says with a frown. "I wanted to wait until we were free, so I could know this was a choice that I would make when I was safe," she explained which caused him to look down and away. "I was going. to turn him down.. because the choice I wasn't sure about was you," she admits even though it hurt. Hearing that caused a stunned expression to cross his face. oh god he really, really fucked up. "My one friend in this place doesn't remember me anymore because of you." She says as a few more tears leaked down the side of her face. "I don't have to wonder anymore..." She says with a frown before shaking her head.
"Stick with calling me Harlot, it suits you better," She says and walks off.
He wanted to reach out and stop her. say something, anything. in the end nothing was said and he was alone. again. and it was his own fault.
WHOOO. Hope you guys had tissues cause I cried writing this one ahaha. Probably going to try and have the next chapter up sometime on Saturday? I'd offer to finish it sooner but think this one is going to need a bit of a delicate touch. I also feel like I need to explain the title. Castling is a chess term for a move where the player switches the place of the king and the rook only if the king and rook have not been moved yet. I've used chess terms for a few chapters but this was probably the one that would be less likely to be checked if someone saw it in passing.
Review Responses:
Black Moons Daughter - I apologize for the almost tears from the last chapter and I apologize in advance for any this one caused XD We'll be going back to cuteness soon I promise XD Heisenberg just has to pull his ship out of the drink.
nadillaandlaprasthefireandice - glad you enjoyed the flirting of the last chapter. It will be back soon. as for Moreau, he needs a hug I feel so bad because I did this to him X'DD Mother Miranda who, I am the villain x'D
Charadrius - I am so glad that you enjoyed the sweet silliness of the last chapter. Salvatore does deserve better. I'll have to write a happier friend fic for him sometime lol sadly this is not it. Hopefully, you'll continue to enjoy the story.
Guest - Well. kinda. it just wasn't a goat she was after lol
DamnationOfTheDead - Yeah it was a cute chapter ovq I keep saying this in these reviews but once more I am. so sorry for any whiplash this chapter gives you and I promise this story has a happy ending.
Scaryberry - ahh it's been a while! good to hear from you and thanks as always I'll go back and try to fix those asap. u glad you enjoyed the last chapter. well. she's not in a triangle anymore at least? I still recommend the Moreau hugs.