Dahlia POV
Practice went by quite quickly today. I'm lucky I wasn't paired with that magnetron. I don't know what I would do if I was again.
Although we only fought once, or rather twice if you count the hallway incident, Evgeny seems to be happier. It isn't very obvious, but his mannerisms have changed a small bit. I think that small fight is a treasured memory of his. He has no shortage of moments watching of me too. If I amuse him, so be it.
The king did come a few times to watch us spar. Both my parents told me that Maven isn't a warrior and relies on his mental strength more than his physical strength. But his skill must have improved with time. Everyone gets better with time. It's a known truth set in stone. But perhaps getting better isn't entirely accurate. Rather, time changes people, for better or for worst. I hope the latter isn't true for the king; it'll be a curse if it is.
Arven began to pair me with a little bit more with Silvers than newbloods. I guess it's because I've already proven my worth in front of many with the fight I had with Evgeny. Although Maven never witnessed that fight, he saw me spar with a Silver nymph and win. It was one of the many victories I had against Silvers. Some of them seem to be a little fearful of me now, avoiding me when they can. I don't mind. They are right to be afraid. If Maven is, he doesn't show it. I wonder what his reasoning is for him coming here. Perhaps he just wants bloody entertainment. He's Silver after all, a ruler who has only known a world of division. He's also the reason why Dad is hiding in the shadows. I think the only thing I can applaud the false king is the fact that he's lasted this long. He was smart enough to pull that off.
"Daly," my cousin's taps me on the shoulder pulling me back into reality. "Are you gonna go back to dorm with us?"
"Probably not," I reply quietly. "You, Kiera, and Ally can leave first. I'll join you soon."
Right. Allison joined our dorm too, making it a full house. The person she was lodging with went back into servant work. It was better for her age. Fighting is not something suited for an elderly person.
"Alright," Clara shoots me a smile and a wink. I smile back and wave her off. She seems to be more cheerful these days despite the grave mission we have at hand. I saw my mother a few times, but they were fleeting. Whenever we saw each other, it was our message of saying "I'm okay, and stay safe." She looks worse as the days pass by with her thinning body and paler skin. It would make me nervous on the inside and further my efforts to get her out of here safely.
I make my way about the training arena, trying to blend into the crowd. The more people, the easier it is. And despite the large number, I do my best not to bump into them. But while I am successful, another is unfortunate. Soon, I hear a loud voice, marking the start of a conflict.
"How dare you try and push me!" The words are hard, paired with an angry tone. "Who is the person so bold as to even try pushing me?"
The sudden commotion makes me pause. Leaving could be a good option as I'd be away from problem and pretend I had nothing to do with it. But conflicts are one of the ways people gain information. When you're angry, you don't bother to think about what you're saying. If I'm lucky, I might be able to learn something even if it is small.
Some of the newbloods flee the scene because they don't want to get involved. Others, like me, are onlookers, wanting to watch the situation unfold. When I arrive, there is already a small crowd around in the shape of a circle. One side is filled with red-blooded people. The other side has Silvers. Division in its prime.
At the center are an older woman and a Silver lady wearing black and green on her uniform. The former is an elderly lady who is a newblood healer. She's quite weak for as her age might imply. As for the latter, the colours she wear alert me of her House. House Viper, Mom whispers in my head. They can control the lesser minds of fauna. The stronger the will of the animal, the harder it is to tame.
"I'm sorry!" The older woman says frantically to the animos. "My lady, please forgive me!"
"Forgive you?" The Viper woman laughs. She looks like a predator who's finally found her prey. "They say Reds lack a certain elegnace to the way they walk. And it seems they were right. You obviously don't know how to be careful enough."
The red newblood healer shivers under the Silver's gaze. For so long, we've let Silvers step all over us, treating us as nothing more than slaves. Even now when our kind have variations of their abilities, they treat us as though they could dispose of us in an instant. We are lower just for the sole reason that we don't bleed the same. Being afraid has become something we learned and gotten used to. Submission has become our defense.
"Don't worry though," Lady Viper says, her voice still audible throughout the arena. She circles the newblood while watching her with hawk eyes. "I'll forgive you . . . but only if you are willing to get onto your knees and beg for it like the rats you are."
I hold my breath. The animos' demand is ridiculous. She's asking the healer to perform a shameful act, stripping her of her humanity. Yet no one stands up for the her. No red-blooded person wouldn't risk their necks angering a Silver in defense of one of their own. They would rather watch on, and thank the gods that it wasn't them in the center circle.
"What are you waiting for?" Lady Viper sneers. "Kneel."
The healer too looks around, making eye contact. The desperate pleading with her eyes is evident, making it a pitful scene to watch. But no one goes in to save her. And if no one does, she has no choice but to kneel. It's an injustice I won't stand for. If I need to be the example of all Reds to look up to, so be it.
After a slight pause, I stand and walk towards the center of the conflict. It is an unexpected move, but the right one. The newblood healer breathes out a sigh of relief and part of her anxiousness disappears. It makes me smile to know that she is protected by me.
"She only bumped into you," I say, stopping in front of the newblood. My body shields her from view, making Lady Viper a tiny less incensed than before. "Lady Viper is generous and benevolent. This is hardly a matter to get so angry over."
The animos watches me arrive in front of her and steps back a little. But instead of the condescending attitude she had before, she wears one of anger. She did not forsee this just as much as I did.
"Oh if it isn't the infamous red Dahlia." Lady Viper says, forcing a polite smile. Although she seems polite on the outside, the slight shift to the side indicates her fear. My presence must make her uncomfortable. "What business does Dahlia have here? This isn't a matter high ranking Silvers discuss with the lower class."
"Justice belongs to a righteous heart not rank," I reply, my voice even. "Could you dispute that Lady Viper?"
Lady Viper turns back to face me, obviously annoyed. A sneer rises up to her face again as she crosses her arms.
"You think because you are a little beautiful and have some skill you can step all over me?" Her eyes grow dangerous, like a large cat's waiting for the right moment to pounce. Waiting for me to make a mistake. But as much as the crowd would like to see me suffer, I only smile. It's a nice way of hiding my emotions. And it's easy after so much training with my parents. I could lie to them and they wouldn't even know.
"I wouldn't dare think like that," I reply, dipping my head. "And I'm afraid I'm not worth your praise. Rather, I'm here to preserve your moral reputation. If word gets out about your pettiness, I'm afraid it will leave a terrible scar on your name as well as bring shame to the entirety of Norta's High Houses." The courteous smile remains even as I continue. "I hope Lady Viper will consider the consequences before making a rash decision."
The animos purses her lips and stares at me angrily, at a loss for words. But she still finds her voice. "I'll remember you," she says, her tone venomous. "You have a face I could never forget."
"Your beauty is so indescribably moving that you will be remembered by all who have glimpsed your face," I reply with a smile. It's a play on her words, turning her response the other way. The calm exterior that I have worn only incenses her further.
The room goes silent as they watch the both of us face off. The anger in her face becomes more and more obvious, her skin turning paler by the moment. Soon, some of the Reds begin to giggle. Some Silvers join in too. It's quiet but distinct. The smirks on some peoples faces on both sides are also unmistakable. It must be somewhat satisfying. We're supposed to be nothing under them and they are supposed to be everything above us. Yet a Red got the better of a Silver. Lady Viper must feel so humiliated.
If I can hear the laughter in the crowd, than so can she. That is the last straw. She finally breaks, unleashing whatever pent up rage she has inside.
"You little rat!" Lady Viper snarls and raises her hand, intending to strike me. "How dare you speak back to me like that!"
I stand there calmly, waiting for the blow. Even if I do sustain a physical injury, it is nothing compared to the blow I've made on her pride. And Silvers care about their pride more than anything else. Though I admit, it must be embarassing for her to resort to such crude methods of punishment. It seems Lady Viper's words are not her true weapon of choice. She must not know how to wield them properly.
But the blow never comes. Instead, a pale, silver hand grips the animos' wrist tightly, stopping her midair. She fight's back with all her strength, trying to wriggle free, but it's useless. Whoever is behind possesses a greater strength and a greater will than her.
"That's enough," a male voice says behind her. "Lady Viper, control yourself."
I know exactly who that belongs to. The flash of silver metal doesn't escape my vision either. Why he would step in, I have no idea.
"Lord Samos," Lady Viper hisses, sounding like a very angry snake that has been denied her catch. "Let go of me this instant."
"I'm afraid I can't if you're so intent on ruining your virtuous reputation," the magnetron replies swiftly, meeting my eye. He too is playing on my words. "Or if you're intent on harming another."
"Harming!" The animos shrieks, laughing at Evgeny's choice of words. "A little more like punishing someone who doesn't know their place."
Evgeny is a master of control. I've seen it before both within the arena and outside it. But something today just snaps within him. The changes in his eyes are subtle but visible shifting slightly from surpressed anger to anxious worry. The Viper woman yelps as the grip on her wrist slowly becomes tighter. "Let go of me," she screams, fighting again to no avail.
"Before I do, you should be thankful to Dahlia," Evgeny says, his voice dangerous. "Without her, you would have already tarnished your own name."
"And what do you know of family name?" Lady Viper's words are as poisonous as ever, but these specific ones especially seem to set him off even more. "House Samos is on the verge of falling, only held together by your aunt Lady Evangeline and your old, senile grandparents."
My eyes widen as she speaks. This is information that I didn't know of, yet the way she says it makes it seem as though the story is quite familiar in the eyes of Silver society. I don't dare speak for fear of cutting the conversation short. Even if Lady Viper's words are hurtful, they might come in handy some day.
"You shouldn't speak of my parents in that manner." The magnetron takes in a breath, trying to keep himself in check. "Unlike you, metal knows how to bend and adapt to situations, a skill you know nothing of."
"Both your parents are having scandalous affairs," the animos continues, not caring a single bit. "Where should I begin? Should I start with your father and Wren Skonos? Or should I dissect a more entertaining story about your aunt, Lady Evangeline? I wonder how she and your mother get along so well!"
His grip tightens but the animos is still able to laugh through the pain. "Evgeny Samos," she says, cackling. Angering others must seem to make her happy. "You've grown but pushing your buttons is as easy as ever. We all know why you exist. You know it too."
I feel the situation grow tenser. My body seizes up, not even daring to move a slight bit. The room does the same, staying in a standstill almost as though time has stopped. But Evgeny has it worse than I do. He can't do anything but hold her back. He can't even utter a single word.
"Lady Viper," another voice enters the conversation. I see Leo Iral stand, making his presence known. He's probably the only ally Evgeny has in this world. "Stop digging your own grave and apologize to Dahlia now. It's what we stopped you for."
The animos sneers at his defense but still yields. "I'm sorry."
"And promise you'll never do this again."
"I promise!" she screams. I think I see tears spring in her eyes. The pain must be getting to her now. "Now let me go."
"I'm not letting you go until you apologize to Evgeny too." The words spill out of my mouth before I even realize what I'm saying. "Tarnishing his repuation is a crime as well, and one that is less forgivable."
"It isn't a crime if it's well known, factual information," Lady Viper sniffs. She even has the nerve to giggle. "Everyone knows of it. Seriously, ask anyone-"
"Do it!" My voice is firm, demanding, and intimidating. If she is afraid, she tries not to show it. I personally don't care. She is right to be afraid. Everyone in this very room knows I have enough strength and power to match Evgeny in the arena. And she can't even match either of us.
"Fine!" the animos says indignantly. "I'm sorry Evgeny. I won't do it again."
But even as she speaks, the words don't register in the magnetron's head. He seems paralyzed and terrified at the same time. Still, his hand loosens enough for the animos to wriggle free. The Viper woman rubs her wrist, trying to get it the blood flow back into it. His grip must must have hurt a lot.
"You're weak!" Lady Viper spits, turning around to face Evgeny as soon as she's free. The immediate change in her behaviour is astounding. "Mark my words, one day your weakness will come and bite back at you."
"So far it hasn't happened," Evgeny replies politely, coming back to his senses. He's careful not to anger her further. "But bide your time when it does. I'm sure you will be pleased."
The animos merely sneers before turning her anger onto someone else. "And you!" she says angrily, pointing to Leo. "I wonder how Lady Provos doing. You aren't afraid of me spilling known information too right?"
"Don't bring her into this!" The silk sounds fierce, but also panicked. It's not only visible in his voice but in his body too from the way he stands. Angry but also tense, almost as though he wants to protect something, or rather someone. "Don't you even dare try."
"Then don't make me," Lady Viper hisses. "I'll bide my time with you as well."
"Go ahead," Leo says. He clenches a fist, probably to keep whatever anger he has inside. "But if you even dare as repeat that known information again, death will be waiting at your doorstep."
"Is that a threat?"
"No," he replies. "It's a known fact."
The resolve in his eyes never wavers. He's actually intent on doing it if the need arises. Whatever feelings he must have for Lia are strong. Almost as strong as the love I see within siblings but also couples. Each one is willing to sacrifice in order to protect the other. How poetic. Really, it is.
There are no more words to be said. The animos sends a contemptuous smile to all three of us before departing. The locks of her raven black hair move with every step she makes, widening the distance between us. Although defeated, she has left in a good state of physical health, and has also done more damage on our mentality than we have done to hers. It's an action of defeat and mockery. She lost, but she won too.
The arena resumes normally, almost as though nothing happened. Newbloods and Silver alike pass by me quickly, in a hurry to get places. And while the whole world recommences their own schedule, time stands still for me before the realization hits.
It's over.
My lungs finally have a sense of relief as I finally breathe, gulping the cool, fresh air. The tense feeling I had is finally gone, leaving as soon as the animos did. The only thing that remains is a small sense of victory . . . and pity.
I look up to see Evgeny stands still, partly supported by his Iral friend. Lady Viper's words must have stung him deeply. Even if I do greatly dislike the magnetron, seeing him in this state makes me feel terrible. I wonder what hardships he's endured these past years for him to end up like this.
Although Lady Viper's words are indeed painful, but they hold truth to them. She mentioned the relationship between Evgeny's father and someone named Wren Skonos? His aunt Lady Evangeline and Evgeny's mother were also paired. Are both his parents having illicit affairs? And considering Silver society, is Lady Evangeline's affair with Evgeny's mother considered a shameful act?
Could it be . . . that Evgeny exists for the sole reason of honour and reputation?
I look down towards the floor, feeling my skin crawl. That's a horrible reason to be alive for. Mom knew that having me would make everything difficult; being bedridden for nine months with a child must feel terrible when there is a rebellion going on. But she still chose it. She chose to bring me rather than be selfish for her own gain. If Evgeny is only alive for a name and reputation, then who truly loves and cares for him?
The thought chills me to the bone.
"My child," a voice says, pulling me away from my thoughts. I turn around to see the lady from before. She kneels, her expression full of gratittude. "Thank you so much."
"What are you doing?" I ask, obviously shocked. "Please stand."
I help the older woman up, keeping part of her weight on me. It gets harder to move around as you age and she is no exception. Although she doesn't own a cane, the weakness in her body still exists. It must have been repaired temporarily by the Silver healers. But their skills can only go so far. You can't reverse aging forever unless you are a blood healer.
"Thank you do much," the lady repeats, breathless. "Without your help . . . I don't want to think about it."
"It was nothing!" I say, shaking my hands. "Please don't think so much about it Ma'am."
"Call me Althea," she replies. "And I should. Your kind and righteous heart will bring you good fortune in the future."
I nod my head and smile kindly. "Thank you for your kind words."
Althea smiles and begins to hobble off towards the two Silvers behind me. I follow her, making sure she doesn't injure herself along the way. Aging people need to be taken care of. I used to care for my grandmother Ruth back when I had time as a young child. Althea does bring back some of those surpressed memories just by her presence.
Both Leo and Evgeny watch us as we arrive. It must be a surprise to both of them as suggested by their widened eyes. We stop right in front of them without a hint of hesitation.
"I didn't know if I would ever say this truly to a Silver," Althea begins, her voice delicate, "but thank you to both you and your friend for helping me today."
"Please don't worry about it," Leo says, speaking in the place of the two of them. "I'll apologize on behalf of Lady Viper. She shouldn't . . . have treated you like that."
The last bit of Leo's response seem to surprise me a little. Silvers in this world are taught to hate and look down upon red-blooded people. Naturally, it would be safe to assume that most Silvers you come across share that belief. There are a select few in my life who don't believe and question what their taught. Julian was one of them. Maybe I'll have to add more people onto my list.
"No need," the older woman replies. "I'm here to express my thanks. Please, do not concern yourselves with anything more."
The silk nods his head and smiles at us both. "If you insist. Please take care of yourself. Older people have a harder time with their health compared to the younger generation."
"Ah, what it is to be young," Althea says smiling, her eyes faraway. "Youth is something we all experience. Make good memories when you're young. And you!" She turns towards me specifically. "I'll always be here if you need me."
I smile back. Her words have a certain weight to them, almost like a reassurance. I dimly wonder if I'll ever need to pull her into my web of conflict. Hopefully I won't. With her age, involving her in my own affairs might just kill her and that is a very unfavourable outcome.
"I shall take my leave now." The elder curtsies and walks away, hobbling unevenly as she leaves. I guess it was the best the Silver healers could do. Prolonging life by their abilities is possible, but not definite or certain. She might need to receive treatement from them periodically. Even then, it must be better than what the Red doctors could do. They could probably, at most, give her a brace to help with her walking. Their efforts wouldn't hold a candle to her condition now.
I turn back to the two Silvers, my feeling towards them changed somewhat. Once Lady Viper left, it made me realize how warped my image of them has been for the both of them. Before I used to believe that they were just mean children. Now they have a reason that is very much valid.
"Thank you for helping me," I say. "You didn't need to involve yourselves with it but you did."
"Don't thank us now," Evgeny replies, coming back to his senses again. He seems to go in and out of reality. "And forget about it. Lady Viper has been a bully ever since she came into this world. It was about time someone needed to teach her a good lesson."
I drop my gaze and turn around, preparing to leave. "Just . . . please take care of yourselves better. Especially you Evgeny. We can't have you distracted now can we?"
"I can't have you distracted either or I'll be in lack of a dance partner."
My head turns back quickly to face him, questioning my own ears. But he didn't misspeak and I didn't hear him incorrectly either. Evgeny even wears a little bit of a smile on his face almost as if to cement his response. "Go on."
I lower my gaze and walk away. But unlike the quick pace I usually use, my steps are somewhat slow. Perhaps too many strange events have happened today. To many strange events are happening in this palace.
Don't think about it, my mind says.
Don't think about it.
It's a nice Sunday morning when I finally wake up. It's the only day I have off from the entire week and the only day I can really do what I like without consequence. Of course they have to be within the rules and boundaries of the palace, but that is the only restriction.
I decided to visit Lia as a result. When I arrived, she was sitting in her office reading a fictional book. It seemed like a captivating story because she didn't see me walk in.
"Hi," I say, tilting my head slightly. Lia looks up to see me smiling lightly. She does the same.
"What brings you here?" she asks politely, setting her book down. The cover is black and lined with gold, devoid of any text. "I shouldn't really be telling you what to do anyway. You're already good enough to spar with Silvers too."
I smile awkwardly, unable to handle her praise. "You think too highly of me. And I'd rather remember myself as a better fighter with words than ability."
There's a cap to being good with only one skill. There is also a cap to knowing many things in a limited manner. Mom used to use the saying often "a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." But when I was too young to really understand the words, she would simplify it and tell me that the master of one was like a well whereas the jack of all trades was a pond. Either way, she pushed me to be both.
"You are," Lia looks down upon her desk. "I watched you handle Lady Viper. You did very well in my opinion. I would be too soft-hearted to even argue with her because I don't think I can win."
"Then you should try." A soft-hearted Silver shouldn't exist, not if they grew up in this society. "You should learn to fight back."
"I know how to, but I'm just non-confrontational." She sighs, closing her eyes. "It's just, Leo said something yesterday that I wasn't able to get my mind off of."
My heart skips a beat as I do my best to remember the events from yesterday. Slowly, the events come flooding back, each detail permanently etched into my consciousness. "Was it about not bringing you into something or am I thinking about this wrong?"
"Gossip is a huge part of Silver society," Lia explains almost as though she is teaching me something. She might as well be. "Yesterday Lady Viper mentioned reviving long, but also well known rumours from below. She already did that with Evgeny about his parents. And she threatened Leo."
"So it is true that Evgeny's parents are having affairs," I say quietly. It must certainly be correct if it is common knowledge. "He exists for the sole reason of House Samos' reputation right?"
The fact still sends shivers down my spine. I can only imagine if Mom had me for that reason, for the possibility that if she died I would take up the reins. How could I live knowing that I am unloved? How different would I be?
"You're quite skilled at reading politics," Lia remarks with a smile. "But to answer your question, yes. It's the reason why he hates his family so much and why . . . he ended up the way he did."
I blink, unable to look at my instructor who could also be known as Lady Provos. The truth she might have terrifies me. Suddenly, I imagine a world in which my parents have left me to my own devices and without love. It makes me shiver. I don't think I'd last very long. The lack of emotion in that environment could distort one's view on love.
"You are right to misjudge him," Lady Provos continues. "Most people do. But most people are also ignorant. They don't know everything. And this is certainly not information I would share with just anyone too."
"Then what of Leo?" I ask uncertainly. My voice is careful on how to praise the question to avoid as much pain. "He's certainly an important person in Samos' life."
Lia sighs once I mention Iral's name. "You and I both heard what he said clearly," she says quietly. "It's not good to dwell on the past but knowing him and his stubborn, intent personality . . . " My instructor trails off, thinking. It must have awakened a long buried memory from before. "I wish things could go back to what they were before."
"Things could go back to the way they were before?" Her words shock me. "What exactly do you mean?"
"Leo didn't grow up in a healthy family," my instructor explains. "It's one way of putting it. His parents argued often to the point where it would turn physical. Yesterday, you and I also heard about Evgeny's family too."
"How they were both having affairs," I say softly. Everything begins to fit like a well pieced puzzle. "So that's why they're so close."
"I was once close with them too," she muses. Her eyes seem glassy, like she's transported to another world. "Every Silver knew that since both families were dishonourable despite their name, it wasn't optimal for them to associate or befriend them. But I was a bit of an outcast. I didn't care about rank, status, money, power or anything Silvers stand for. You could say I was innocent, kind, and stupid in some ways.
Because every Silver didn't want to associate with both Leo and Evgeny, they supported themselves. Their friendship transcends the typical boundaries that you would have with normal friends. They're like brothers. Inseperable and always there for each other. When I friended them, I too became an outcast. But I never cared. All I wanted was to be with them. And I think the reason why Leo even fell for me was because I gave him the care he needed as a child. Sadly, the only Iral I see now is a shell of himself, not who he was or who he could be."
My eyes widen. It's like I'm seeing these three Silvers with a new pair of glasses. The lenses clear the picture as I begin to see everything in a new light. "So when did things change?"
"A lot of things did," Lia says. Her eyes glisten with tears but they don't fall. "Many mistakes were made which is why things ended up the way they are now. But I'll finish the story later. I don't know if I'm ready to continue."
"It's okay," I reply reassuringly. "I think everything will get better with time. Don't worry about telling me everything now. Tell me when you're ready."
She smiles, facing me. "We shouldn't dwell on sad topics for long. It's not good for your health."
"Instructor Lia, caring as always." My voice is light, upbeat, changing the mood completely. "No wonder you're so likeable among us."
"Thank you for your compliments." The telky grabs a sheet of paper within her desk. "I just realized that I need someone to get some books from the royal library. Could you do me a favour and get them for me?"
My eyes widen as she passes me a list of books she needs. I take it, slightly timid. "But-"
"Are you afraid that you don't know how to read?"
That completely caught me off guard. Sometimes I forget that I'm not the average Red living in a slum. Unlike them, I had a good education filled with a variety of subjects. I can read, write, and can also use an ability for both defense and offense.
"No that's not it," I say, tripping over myself. "I was just shocked that you would allow me to even go to the royal library to get you books. And I can read, it won't be an issue."
"You can read?" Lia raises her eyebrows, astonished. "That's quite a rarity."
"It is." The list in my hand feels lightweight and easy to carry around. "Could I stay there longer though? I just want to also explore some books there if you don't mind."
Stay in a royal library to seek knowledge. Possibly find some clues. Explore the place a little more. I wouldn't mind doing that to pass the time.
"Of course," she replies. "If anyone asks, just say that you got permission from me. I trust you won't do anything sketchy in there right?"
I smile. "Your student wouldn't dare."
We share a knowing smile. "You should go soon," Lady Provos suggests. "Be back before night at the latest."
"I'll take my leave then!" I say excitedly. "Thank you!"
She smiles as I leave with a light skip in my step. "South wing, fourth floor, second door to your right!" Lia shouts urgently as I close the door. "And don't get lost!"
South wing, fourth floor, second door to my right. Her words repeats over and over in my head. A location to remember coupled with the knowledge I'll receive once I arrive.
I just need to make my way there first.
I mull over the list of books, making sure each one is in order. I've organized them according the list I was given. It looks quite nice if you ask me. Each one is about the same size as the other, making it look like well stacked blocks of pages. They all fit perfectly atop the other.
The book I currently have in my hand is a history book. It's about Norta's line of kings and queens, each one with their own unique history and circumstance. I remember learning this when I was very young. The minders taught me alongside my parents. Dad knew the books better than Mom did but she was still of some help. Though I will say, Dad was never as good. Maybe I can reread this and concentrate a little more I can-
"How interesting to find a person here."
The intense focus I had on the book disappears in an instant. My head turns instinctively to find the king standing at the doorway, watching me with his ice blue eyes. I stand instantly and pay him a formal greeting. Strangely, Maven doesn't let me finish and waves it over. Instead his eyes gravitate to the book I was reading, the one which I am currently holding.
"You aren't pretending are you?" Maven says, eyeing the volume in my hand. "Most of the Red population don't know how to read."
I raise an eyebrow and flip to a random page in the history book. He seems to doubt me. As he should. What he said is a true fact and a valid assumption. My eyes quickly skim over the passage so I can avoid as many stumbles as I speak. The passage I've decided to voice is about Norta's first queen, Andura Calore. A heroine of mine too when I was a kid for the sole reason that she was the first female ruler of this country. The idea seemed to fit well with me.
"As the first ruling queen of Norta, Andura faced considerable opposition from the nobility and her government," I begin. "She married through the first Princestrial, wedding a son of House Blonos, who became her prince consort. Queen Andura was a famed warrior and diplomat, able to hide Nortan involvement in the Prairie wars with the Lakelands. She maintained a shaky peace with the north while secretly building up her nation's armies, expanding Red conscription to include females as well as opening the military to any Silver woman who wished to enlist. Andura's only child did not inherit her burner abilities, and to maintain peace in the kingdom, she upheld her father's decree of succession. Her brother remained her heir until his death during a Red uprising in Harbor Bay. Similar uprisings were gaining strength in Norta, the Lakelands, and Piedmont, where Silver overlords struggled to maintain control of a larger Red population. Andura's son, Ambrosin, left Norta following his mother's death to seek his fortune in the west. He is a highly skilled blood healer, nearly immortal because of his ability, and still lives as King Triarch in Tiraxes. He is over one hundred years old."
Having finished the passage, I turn back to Maven, a slight glint in my eye. "I should let you know that I'm not like the other Reds. And I'd like it if you didn't assume."
He smiles. I don't know if he's pleased or angry. Maven is a master at faking and hiding his feelings and this could be another persona he's fabricated in order to maintain control over us. But I've been able to see past the mask a few times. Maybe I can do that right now. Hopefully I can.
I'll bet on it.
"Are you surprised?" I ask, breaking the silence. I hope I haven't said anything wrong.
"I am," Maven replies, smiling kindly. At least it looks like it. "You're a good fighter, you can read, you had a good education . . . I have yet to find a flaw in you," he adds quietly.
"Hopefully I don't bring back bad memories." My voice has no bite to it, but the words are still as painful to him. "Besides, it wouldn't be right for a king to call his subject perfect. After all, His Majesty is the prime example of what we should aspire to be."
Use factual information he cannot deny. Royalty can never admit that they're lacking. If that was the case, then their power would be weakened in the slightest of margins. Who would want to follow a flawed ruler compared to a perfect leader? The answer is simple. We both know it.
"The more you speak, the more skills you reveal," he says, still smiling. He seems amused rather than offended by me. "You have a ready tongue, always prepared to praise or to fight."
I don't respond to that, using silence to cement his words. It's a way of saying that I don't want him to know more about me. And I'd rather he didn't. I hate him with every fibre of my being, all the way from head to toe. Not turning him into a lightbulb is already enough mercy for him.
"Who taught you all this?" Maven asks suddenly breaking my thought. "I'm curious. Really I am."
I suppress any desire to snap at him. "People I was fortunate enough to meet."
That's partly a lie. I didn't meet everyone, but both Mom and Dad- and a ton of other people- taught me etiquette, reading, mathematics, and even sewing. Aunt Gisa taught me the last one. Such deft fingers for someone her age. She's quite patient too. Sewing was something I never liked to do as an art. Most of my stiches are used for utility than for design. Better use of thread in my opinion.
"I didn't expect such expertise in these subjects from you," Maven admits, keeping eye contact. "Your were lucky to meet those people. You've grown past the common Red because of them."
"I was fortunate to have met those people," I reply, a slight edge to my tone. My grip on the book becomes tighter. "It's a pity the rest don't know. They only live to serve menial jobs."
Menial jobs. Factories. New Town. Merry Town. Each one is only a small portion of the Reds I need to save one day. They do everything for us and all they get in return is ash, smoke, and a whole lot of ailments.
"You seem to have a strong stand on this topic." The observation is obvious but another way of prying into my real thoughts. "Then, I wonder what you'll suggest as a solution."
The next response I have dodges the question. "I wouldn't dare involve myself in politics. It's not something a trainee should concern themselves with."
Maven smiles kindly, finally entering the room fully. "I suppose you could do that."
The tips of my mouth rise to form a smile too. False masks and leading roles are the way to survive around a monstrous king. It might as well be the only way. Silvers love using plastic, unnatural faces to fight. It must be something he is familiar with and will always use as well. They say soft knives hurt more. Harder weapon to wield but once mastered, an ideal choice. And it's my ideal choice.
"I really wonder though, what other skills you have," Maven says watching me. "But I'll figure them out with time then."
"I hope you'll enjoy doing so." Again, avoid bite in your tone. The real weapon is in the choice of your words. "Hopefully it won't be tiring to the point where you cannot run your own country."
Something flashes in his eyes but I cut him off before he can even speak. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me," I say. "Just as many things that I don't know about you."
A stolen throne. Mom always said that she didn't really know Maven until the day he betrayed her in the throne room along with his mother. She told me that the wickedness in his eyes was impossible to conceal. But I could never really understood how she didn't understand. However, her life as Mareena Titanos was like wearing a blindfold while forced to make her way through a maze. She had no experience.
Mom knew her mistakes. She was just gullible at that age. She was uneducated in the matters of politics. She was too blinded by emotion to see the signs. And Maven heavily concealed his intentions so well that by playing different roles catered to her desires. He's a skilled actor in the matters of manipulation and despite all my training, I still think he's a bit better than I am. Might always be.
"If you want to know things about me, you should observe a little more," Maven replies. "Maybe that's another skill of yours."
He even takes a step closer. It's not big, but it represents a slight threat. Although we both know I'm much stronger than him by ability, his presence is enough to intimidate. Besides, there are a couple Sentinels waiting outside. Even with my own skill, I'm still unsure whether I can take them all down.
"What use is observation if what you observe is another illusion?" The question, while phrased innocently, has a deeper meaning to it. "A lie?"
Another step. "We are all liars in life. See past that. Find the truth."
Truth. It's a little bit of a ridiculous idea to me sometimes. "There's no such thing as truth."
"I might have to agree with you on that." The king ignites the spark in his hand and turns it into a small flame. "There is no such thing as truth."
"Are you one of them?" The question slips out of me before I can stop it. "Are you a liar?"
He merely smirks at me. "After all the education you've received, you should be smart enough to make judgement yourself."
"It isn't just anyone else, it's the king." There is no bite to my tone, but the words are threatening enough. "All kings lie. Any royal really. Kings, queens, you name it. They lie just as easily as they breathe because they have to."
A royals hold on power should never waver, not even for the shortest second. Every Silver noble watches the throne, always waiting for a chance to take it. One important rule of being a royal is projecting an image of strength and invincibility. Dad told me that. And no one should ever tell a royal that their wrong. If you do, you must do it very carefully. It's an art. Otherwise, you might find your head on a spike before you can even explain yourself.
"What a sharp tongue you have," Maven remarks, tilting his head. He watches me, intrigued. "Now let me ask you that question. Are you a liar?"
I've lied in life. I'm lying right now. I'm lying about my identity in order to complete a mission and to survive. Of course I am. Saying yes might make enemies. Saying no would mean having to put up a virtuous reputation while also being a blatant lie itself. I have to remain as neutral as possible with my next words.
"The king is always right, even if what he says is a lie," I reply with a slight smile. "You could kill me right now for a crime I didn't commit, but it wouldn't matter if I did it or not. The king's word is law. At least in this world." I raise my chin, imbuing my next words with a little bit of confidence in them. "If you think I'm a liar, then I am. It all depends on your idea of me."
"True." Maven finally takes his final step forward, standing at least a couple meters away from me. "And do you trust the king to make a righteous judgement?"
Dangerous ground. But the answer is clear. My feet move on their own, also walking towards him. There can't be a sense of fear right now. Any other sort of emotion I have must be hidden as best as I can. It wouldn't help me as of now.
"I wouldn't dare criticize His Majesty," I say, lowering my gaze to the ground as I stop in front of him. "But you know your own heart better than I do even if it's pure white or a shade of black."
You wouldn't deny your crimes would you? You can lie to the rest of the world and paint a false picture of yourself, but the true self you have is something you can never run away from. Maven, you of all people know who you truly are.
My eyes move up to meet his own. As I predicted, my word choices seems to set him off a bit. But he recovers quickly. Kings can't falter either in the presence of their subjects. "I'm amazed."
"Thank you for your compliments." My voice is level and neutral. His words have no effect on me. "Though I could never surpass His Majesty. In other words, I'm not worthy of your amazement."
"You seem quick to say that."
"Because it is a fact."
"Yet who you are is based on the idea of what the king thinks," Maven says. "I am the king. Therefore, my judgement of you is what everyone else should think."
I smile, knowing that I myself can't say anything. It would both condradict my original statement and perhaps create a bigger enemy. Besides, thoughts of rebellion can't be heard in a place like this. Even if it is right.
"Then I must thank you instead for being amazed by me." Except for the added warmth, everything else is stone cold. "However much I would like to continue our chat, Instructor Provos must still be waiting for me to return."
"She sent you here to pick up books?"
"Yes," I reply simply. I wouldn't want to reveal any more information than needed.
"She ought to let you come more often then," Maven says with a smile. "I think . . . the knowledge you can find here will benefit you."
"And why me specifically?" The question catches the both of us off guard. Once it's out, I regret it. "I'm genuinely curious why I would be chosen."
The answer should be obvious but I want to hear it from him personally. I want to know that he said it so himself. I want to receive verification without being too obvious. Whether he will give it to me is another question. Either way, his answer will be valuable.
"Because you're smart." The king's response is only three words long, short and to the point. "You could use some help. And I'd like to have a person like you beside in court."
His words set my emotions on edge. I would never serve a king like him much less serve him in court. Firstly, my beliefs don't align with his and will ultimately lead to my death. Secondly, I could never use my power to continue another century of slavery. And lastly, I will never forgive him for what he did to Mom.
But his next words are what tip me over the edge.
"You also remind me of someone I know," Maven says. "And of my younger self. Partly physically and partly mentally."
Partly physically and mentally. My mind blanks and I try not to think about his words. They were carefully chosen to set me off as much as I did to him. Even if part of me is curious to what he has to say, I want to run. It's almost as thought his words might scare me.
"I'll take my leave first," I say hesitantly, lowering my gaze again. "But please let me know on your thoughts."
He smiles but it holds no feeling to it. Maven knows what he's doing as well as I do. "I will. Good day to you then."
I bow and take the stack of books with me. How it doesn't fall, I have no idea. Either way, the stack reaches Lia as she inquires about how my experience was. I tell her the usual, leaving Maven out of the picture. But once I return to my dorm room, it dawns on me. And I shiver.
What consequences will this encounter create?
Once I think about it clearly, probably not many. But if I seem to interest him, perhaps Ally's fantasy of climbing the ranks might come in handy. The only concern I have is keeping my cover on me. I know Maven well enough to be well aware of his ability when reading others. I would rather be away from him as much as I can to avoid revealing more about myself. But if I do reveal myself a little bit . . .
The thought sends a new shiver down my spine. Although I'd like to be as far away from Maven as possible, I'm doing this for Mom. If getting information means staying near him, I'll take it. The benefits seem equal to the risk. They might even outweigh the risks.
I just hope my head is not on a spike by the time I'm done.
Maven POV
Her presence lingers in the air as she leaves. It's infectious.
Dahlia is definitely not ordinary. She can try as much as she wants to hide it. My eyes can seek out any sort of discrepancy between Reds and nothing escapes my notice. Still, it was the way she looks is what led me onto this trail of madness. Then it was who she was that made me continue it.
On the outside, Dahlia is alluring. She has a charm that makes eyes are drawn to her like magnets. But the more you know about her, the stronger the pull.
At least for me.
River brown hair, blue eyes, quick witted yet intelligent, and a sense of confidence I could never possess. Cal could. He was always confident when it came to his own element of fighting. Mare was confident too but she had a sharp cleverness to the way she thought. Living on the edge taught her that. As for Dahlia's mental strength and blue eyes, they have a strong resemblance to me. If you can't be strong physically, find another way to be. She has three, valuable qualities that I could only dream of. Yet she has her weak spots as well. It only took a few words from me to set her off.
There is nothing wrong with stating the truth. Though I wonder how probable the possibility is.
There is one chance. It's happened during a night where Mother's voices stopped. Being in Mare's embrace as much as she was in mine was what drowned them out. And the similarities between both me, Mare, and my brother seem to be strong. Unless I'm overthinking it as I do a lot of things. If I wanted, I could dig into it. But as of the moment, it isn't optimal. And even if I were to investigate myself, I would need to do it very secretly.
I don't pick up books from the library this time. Instead, my eyes stare at the chess set I tucked away on the top of the shelf. I used to play games with Cal. Once he left I set it out of sight and out of mind. Now, it brings a certain longing for me to play.
Slowly, I remove the board set from the top shelf. There is a small layer of dust on it turning the cover a slight grey. I blow the cover off to reveal the checkered board below. White and black, representations of good and bad. My hands find their way to the old pieces of wood, setting the game up. The pawns stand in front like disposable legions in a war. They protect the king and queen.
White always moves first. It's both a priviledge and a curse. And in this game of politics, the Silvers mostly, if not always have the upper hand. We move first and we treat it like an advantage. We almost disregard its hidden, dark misfortune it can bring. And my job is to stop that from happening. I have to if I want to keep my hands on the throne.
And she seems like a threat.
An educated Red. I almost want to laugh at that. The nobility will laugh at that, thinking it's impossible. Yet the fact stands before me, a denial of what Silvers believe Reds to be. We think like this because we fear them. We fear the millions of Reds that could take us down with sheer numbers. It's why we keep them ignorant and in the dark. If Reds break through their already developed false-consciousness and rise up, they could take us down. The Scarlet Guard is built off of those who have broken through. And they didn't need anything more than a terrible experience.
But another thing. Reds are often believed to be too stupid to learn anything. But this fact is something I had the pleasure of learning first hand with Mare. And now there's Dahlia who can think for herself as well as any Silver.
Do I really need another example and another lesson?
In short, I don't. I need to play her off as I did to Mare. Harder than it seems, but it's the only option.
The chess set in front of me still lies untouched. Without much effort, I take the white king in my hand and use it to tip the black queen over. The king follows suite. Then there's me standing above controlling each piece however I want. My power left untouched. Play both sides off and get what you want.
And my power is left untouched.
I smile cruelly. The rest of the pieces fall. And one by one, I return them back onto their rightful place. It'll be a good play to watch no doubt.
And I'll direct it to the best of my ability.
Last one!
Hello, I might write this later since it's so late, but have fun reading!
Edit: The fight between Dahlia and Lady Viper was something I came up when I was about to go to bed.
It seemed to fit. Once I started writing that scene, everything seemed to flow really well. I was really happy about that since I usually suffer from writer's block. Now that I think about it, that scene provided some depth to Dahlia and Evgeny's outlook on each other as well as their relationship as opposed to what I originally had. LOL.
I also want to quickly mention that Evgeny was also a natural like Dahlia. They both studied a lot but while Dahlia's was meant for her to defend herself, Evgeny did it because he felt the need to carry his name although he had an incredible hatred for it. Still, they're both smart and that's what matters!
So the gun part is actually a League reference to a champion, but the four bullets also hold a little bit of a morbid meaning to them. The first shot is a warning shot, the next two are for his parents, and the last one is for him. But Evgeny would never attempt that because he knows his limits :D
Lia is extremely sweet but she's also very clever. She knows how to play the game as well as anyone else. Here's a little bit of a spoiler but I was thinking of adding a little chapter which would explain her relationship with the other two Silvers a little more. I don't know if you would like that, but I guess it might help :)