Chapter 5: Part II
Philip watched with a blank, stoic expression as the casket which carried his mother's body was carried out into the courtyard on its way to the riverside. Funerals in Mucche were quick and simple, for commoners and royals alike. Usually, bodies were dealt with the day of passing. But Queen Katherine passed away late in the afternoon, and so her body had been kept within the castle over-night until morning. Commoners were buried in the local graveyard with little or no ceremony. The royal family, however, traditionally were taken to the riverside on the western border, where a funeral pyre would be waiting. The townspeople would attend, depending upon the popularity of the deceased. Many would undoubtedly attend Katherine's funeral, but none in attendance would truly mourn her. Respect was extremely hard to earn in Mucchean society, and being known as the mother of the biggest joke ever to be allowed the title of King of Mucche didn't really leave one with much chance of gaining a lot of respect. Philip had no intention of attending the funeral. To do so would be a pointless waste of time. A number of nameless peasants would show up, shed meaningless tears for a departed queen who none of them ever gave the time of day after Princess Chloe disappeared and Katherine showed she did have a heart. All the while, a traditional funeral dirge was sung by a village innocent who was probably too young to even know who Queen Katherine was. Philip wanted none of it. What care had he for such disgusting displays? Not a soul in the kingdom gave a damn about his mother. To them, she'd been dead for years.
"Aren't you going?" Jan asked quietly, coming up behind Philip on the courtyard steps. Perhaps not another soul on the face of the earth knew that Jan could have a compassionate side, when it was convenient for her. Don't get her wrong, she wasn't sad to see the old bag go. But, the look in Philip's eyes because of his mother's death was... disturbing to say the least. Such cold, ruthless emptiness should not be seen in the eyes of one with such power, and not a soul in the world was left who could possibly care for a creature such as him.
"What's the point?" Philip murmured in reply, turning away from Jan's touch. "Her body will be burnt to ashes, the ashes placed in a dreary tomb, and her memory forgotten the instant the tomb is shut, just as Father before her."
"Philip..." Jan started, but was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat behind them. General Michael stood in the doorway, his helmet tucked under his right arm.
"Your Majesty, I have news from Eric," Michael announced.
"Leave us," Philip instructed of Jan.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Jan said, respectfully bowing and excusing herself. She walked out into the courtyard, exiting the castle grounds, mostly because Philip had actually been smart enough to think to dismiss her.
"What news do you bring, General?" Philip asked, brushing past Michael to walk back inside the castle.
"Eric has sent confirmation of the alliance. He sent a written message, but you needn't read it. The only important news to speak of is the confirmed alliance of Nero, Rubino, Supervisore, and Arcadia against you," Michael answered.
"We learned nothing else?" Philip asked harshly; and all his subjects thought him to be incompetent?
"I'm afraid not, sir. Samantha wasn't able to penetrate security in the castle. They may have anticipated us. Security was on high alert. All that's known is the official decree against us was signed without much debate by all of the Kings, including King David. They each went their separate ways early yesterday afternoon. Samantha followed King Jason, while Eric trailed King Shawn. No further report from either of them, and not a word from Roman and Abraham in Nero."
"Incompetent fools. I'm better off without them," Philip swore as he and Michael walked through the hallways, toward the main conference room.
"Sir, I think it best..."
"Prepare the men," Philip interrupted.
"Your Majesty?" Michael question. He was going to suggest they hang low for the time being until more was revealed. With all four kingdoms united against them, it didn't looking good for Mucche. Michael was beyond disappointed with his associates, and had every intention of scoping out the situation himself.
"Do you really take me for such a fool, Michael? I know what my subjects think of me. I may not be the brightest king Mucche has ever seen, but I am not blind. What other reason could King Brady have for wishing to unite the four kingdoms if not to strengthen his army for a full scale attack against us?"
"Your point is well taken, Your Majesty, and though I agree that an attack now is very likely, I think it will be wise to..."
"I'm not going to sit around like a fish out of water and just wait for them to attack the city, Michael. I want the entire fleet to be on high alert. You may use your own discretion, I trust your judgment. But I want every able-bodied man of age on alert. If the alliance doesn't make a move soon, or we do not learn any further information, then we will strike first. I'm tired of all this waiting. John Black caused my family great pain. It is time that my debt to my family be paid. John Black is not around any more, but now it is time that his son Brady pay for both his sins, and his fathers. And he will pay for those sins with his life," Philip vowed. "You have my orders. You are dismissed."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Michael bowed his head in respect, before replacing his helmet on his head and turning back the way they had come. Philip continued on toward the main conference room. He walked past the conference room, entering the door on the left. Inside was a simple study; rough, dark wood walls, an oak desk and chair, a small, uncomfortable looking sofa, no pictures or decor of any kind. Philip closed and locked the door behind him, before making his way to the desk. He sat down, opening the bottom drawer. There were many papers scattered inside. One in particular stood out, because of its yellowed state.
It was that paper that Philip choose. Handling the aged, delicate paper with more care then a mother handles a newborn child, Philip gently unfolded the paper, revealing a black ink drawing of his mother, as she was nearly 15 years ago. Chloe had drawn it on her 6th birthday. Very few things ever impressed their parents; Chloe's amazing talent for art at such a young age was one of the few. In fact, there was only one other thing that had ever caught their attention, and that had been Chloe's angelic singing. But even those achievements had been ignored, until she was already gone. Nothing about Philip had ever been recognized by his parents, except that he was nothing but a screw up. At times, Philip truly believed that his parents wished Chloe had been the one to escape from John Black rather then him, even though the son should have been favored over the daughter to rule. That made him curse his sister's memory at times, but it more made him curse himself for allowing such thoughts of his dear twin sister to cross his mind. In truth, he was not angry at his sister for being the only person to ever gain his parent's acceptance, even if it were only after she was gone. He was disgusted at himself for not being able to, no matter how hard he tried. And now, before it was ever even appreciated, the shining light that was his sister was gone, lost forever because of one man's need for vengeance. Philip rubbed his thumb tenderly over the tiny signature scrawled across the bottom right corner of the drawing.
"I will avenge you, Chloe. I swear it. If it's the last thing I do, I will avenge you... at Brady Black's expense..."
Arciana groaned in protest as the early morning sun bathed her form in light. She turned on her side away from the open window, pulling the covers over her head.
"Don't you even think about going back to sleep," came a male voice from the doorway, startling Arciana awake. She sat straight up, expecting some stranger to be in front of her. Instead, she was relieved to find that it was Brady, with a large tray in his hands. "I thought you were never going to wake up, so don't even dare attempt to go back to sleep."
"I'm a late sleeper..." Arciana mumbled. Now that she could be freely at least. With Paul, she was up before the crack of dawn. Being free now, she slept as late as she could when possible. It was a luxury she rather enjoyed.
"Wish I could sleep late... I'm the kind of person who has to be up at sunrise." Brady stated. "I rode up to town and got breakfast," Brady said, placing the tray in front of Arciana. Arciana smiled as she surveyed the assortment of fruits, grains, and breads.
"You didn't get breakfast, you got a meal to feed the whole army," Arciana joked. "Aren't you going to join me?"
"No, that's all for you. I ate already, before you got up." Brady answered.
"This is all for me? What do you think I am, a pig?" Arciana teased, in reference to the rather large amount of food Brady had provided. Brady laughed, shaking his head.
"Well, if your anything like Izzy was, you'll eat it all, and then complain for hours about how I shouldn't have ever allowed you to violate your "diet" because over-eating makes you fat," Brady returned. Brady's smile faded slightly as he picked up the small wooden box which he'd retrieved earlier from his still yet unnamed horse's saddle bag. "It is all for you. And, this as well," Brady said quietly, placing the wooden box on the side of Arciana's tray. He avoided her eyes, turning away towards the window for he was unable to watch as she opened his gift. Arciana hesitated, unsure of whether to open the box or not. He had already given her so much. It would be unfair for her to take anything else.
"Brady, I can't..."
"Please, take it. When I saw it, I knew it was for you. It was like with my mother's glass. It wishes to be with you," Brady stated. "Open it, please." Arciana again hesitated, but this time, she did pick up the box, slowly opening the lid. She gasped in surprise at what she found inside.
"Oh my..." Arciana breathed, lying the box lid down so she could gently remove the purple teddy bear with both hands.
"Is it that awful?" Brady asked, gazing out the open window at the gorgeous day which had dawned. Had he really believed she would care for such a childish gift?
"It's beautiful," Arciana exclaimed honestly, running the pad of her thumb along the embroidered rose. "It's like... it's like you knew... I've always wanted a teddy bear, just like this one. Of all the toys and trinkets I had as a young child, they were all meaningless to me. It may seem stupid, but... all I ever wanted was a toy like this. All the other children I saw had them. I wanted to feel normal, like I wasn't different from all the other children... something to make me fit in, feel like I belonged. But... my father, he wouldn't allow me to have any such toy. He said they were pointless, and far too childish and girly. He said the moment he handed me one, I wouldn't want it any more. But he was so wrong..." Arciana said. "Brady, this is wonderful. I can't even begin to... thank you. Thank you so much." Brady smiled as he turned from the window to face her, relief flooding over him to wash away the anxiety when he saw her awe-struck face. His gift had truly touched her heart, he could tell by the look on her face. Nothing meant more to him now than seeing her happy. He made his way back over to her, reaching out to gently caress her cheek.
"I'm just glad to see it makes you happy," Brady said in near whisper, unconsciously allowing his hand to linger a moment too long on Arciana's velvety skin. "You deserve all the happiness in the world."
"I am happy, now," Arciana replied softly. Brady lingered a moment longer, his eyes meeting Arciana's, before the moment became too awkward and he begrudgingly had to move away.
"I... um... your clothes are still in the bathroom. I didn't think you'd have time for a bath, if you wish me to accompany you back to the castle. We must leave soon. It's probably for the best. The stream's water is so cold, especially this time of year," Brady stated.
"It's cold year round?" Arciana asked, attempting to ease the sudden tension in the room. She lovingly held her new gift to her with one hand, picking up a ripe berry from her plate to eat. So many gifts and signs of affection from a man she hardly even knew. But not just mere possessions or items, not to either of them. Each token of affection, whether it be in the form of a simple gesture or a seemingly meaningless toy, meant so much more. What they meant exactly, Arciana was unsure of. But the feeling they gave her was enjoyable, comforting, none the less.
"Yes, it is. The waters spend most of their time underground or in the cold shade of the mountain rocks. The little time they see daylight is when they cycle around the meadow. I myself always found the temperature to be perfect... but Isabella always believed the water to be simply freezing. She wouldn't so much as set foot in it if she could help it. I remember once..." Brady started, pausing to smile at the memory as he cleared the remnants of his own breakfast from the desk. "Once, as children, I decided to pull a practical joke on her, and I pushed her in, fully-clothed. She threw such a fit over her ruined dress, and so-called cold, which I knew well enough she was faking, she didn't speak to me for weeks. It might have been much longer, if I hadn't finally given in and apologized. Of course, a simple "I'm sorry" wasn't nearly enough for Izzy."
"What did you have to do?" Arciana asked curiously, biting into a piece of toasted bread, smeared with delicious strawberry jam.
"I had to cook her favorite pastries because father refused to allow Cook to prepare them except on special occasions for a whole week. She even made me wear her mother's apron," Brady replied, grinning at the memory. He'd looked ridiculous, and Shawn had never let him live that one down, but it was a small price to pay to be in his sister's good graces again.
"Your mother cooked?" Arciana questioned. It was not customary, after all, for a Queen to cook her own family's meals.
"My step-mother did, yes. Isabella's mother came from a poor family. They were simple farmers before my father met their eldest daughter, Marlena. Much like my own mother, Marlena refused to be waited on just because of a mere title," Brady replied. Growing a bit uncomfortable discussing his dead relatives, Brady decided it best to change the subject. "I'm going to go downstairs, get the horse ready to go. Whatever you don't eat, you can just throw over the edge of the balcony. There are many birds and squirrels who would probably love to share your breakfast," Brady stated, heading for the door.
"That horse is going to need a name you know," Arciana pointed out.
"I'm working on it," Brady called over his shoulder as he exited the bedroom and began to descend the stairs. Finding a name for that horse would be nearly impossible. Only one name ever really meant anything to him... where could he find a name suitable for a male horse that meant 'to bloom'?...
A little over half an hour later, Brady and Chloe were well on their way back to the castle. They'd been riding along in comfortable silence, each content to take in the crisp, glorious morning which had dawned. A cool gentle breeze blew from the south, causing the surrounding trees and flowers to sway softly to the music of the many song birds, singing out the praises of another beautiful morning. The scenes around them were so peaceful, given the true turmoil the people of Nero were in because of the constant war. Mother Nature seemed not to care about the battles between the Black family and the Kiriakis family; life still continued on, so peacefully that it was as if they had left reality and stepped into a fairy tale world. With Arciana's arms wrapped comfortably around his waist from behind, Brady was in a blissful heaven. A blissful state, however, that was soon to be interrupted. Ever since they left, although she tried to focus solely on the beauty around her, Arciana had been thinking: thinking of how wonderful Brady was being to her, and how awful and unfair she was being for constantly lying to him. He'd done so much for her, not because he felt obligated or felt as if he had to, but because he wished to, to make her happy. And what had she done for him in return? It was true, she knew he expected nothing of her in return, but it was more of what she expected in return from herself. She'd done nothing for him, but she would do something; she would break his heart, whether or not she told him who she truly was. Arciana couldn't honestly stay with Brady any longer, not when he didn't know who she was. And she couldn't tell him who she was, or he would hate her. So either way, no matter what she did, she would be breaking his heart, whether she chose to just leave without notice or telling him her dark secret. It was either that, or live the rest of her life as a lie, and that wouldn't be fair to either of them. Arciana sighed deeply, before breaking the peaceful silence.
"Brady?"
"Yes, Arciana?" Brady replied, pulling the reins to nudge his horse onto the right forest path.
"I... I couldn't help but notice, you seemed a bit... uncomfortable before, talking about your step-mother and sister. Can I... can I ask why?" Arciana asked. It wasn't any of her business. She shouldn't be making everything worse for him. But she desired to know. She felt as if she didn't have much more time with Brady, and it pained her to think she would never truly get to know the one man who had ever been kind to her.
"You can ask me anything," Brady stated in reply, although he did not really wish to discuss it further. But for her... he would do anything. "I know I have been nothing but forth-coming when it came to stories of my family. I've probably told you more then you even care to know. But the truth is... even though the tales come so easily when I'm with you, I haven't spoken of my family to anyone, not even Harold, in a very long time. It's just been too uncomfortable, still to painful, to discuss them."
"But... if it's such an uncomfortable subject... why can you tell me all these things? I mean, I do wish to know. Unlike what you must think, none of your stories have bored me in the slightest. But... well, I mean... we did only just meet," Arciana said.
"I do not know why I can talk to you so easily. I've never been one to share how I feel, not even as a child. If you do not feel comfortable with me talking about them..."
"No, no, no, that's not what I meant," Arciana interrupted. Of course she would do something to mess everything up again! She could never say anything right; it had been a long time, assuming she ever had been able to, since she could easily express her feelings. No, she once had been able to; as a child, through her music. But that talent had been lost with the first strike from Lord Paul, and Arciana feared she would never regained her ability to truly speak her mind. "I just... I do want to know more about you, I truly do. I enjoy every one of your stories, and I'd love to hear more. I just... don't want you to feel uncomfortable, that's all."
"Well, I wouldn't tell you if it made me too uncomfortable to keep telling you about myself, now would I?" Brady asked. "There is only one thing that does bother me, however."
"What is that?" Arciana asked.
"Even through all I've shared with you... I still know nothing about you," Brady answered, hesitantly. He did not wish to push, but he could take only so much. He wanted to know everything there was to know about this girl, but he wanted her to want him to know. Brady felt Arciana tense slightly, and regretted ever mentioning it. But, she had been the one to ask him the first question... "I do not mean to sound demanding or pushy. I have never asked anything of you, and I do not intend to start now. But I... I would like to know more about you, Arciana. You say you wish to know more about me, for whatever reasons, but... how can you really know me if I don't know you?" What reasons could she have for wishing to get to know him? Brady could only pray that her statement meant that perhaps, she was falling for him, as he had already for her...
"Well... um... what... what would you want to know?" Arciana asked cautiously. She should not be doing this. She knew in her heart she wanted nothing more then to tell him everything, no matter what the consequences. But her heart had never held power over her mind. And her mind told her to stay away, get out while she still could. For the first time in so many long painful years, she trusted someone; but, did she really trust this man so much as to risk her own safety? He'd never harm her, she knew, or at least he would never harm Arciana Miller. Chloe Kiriakis was another story. And why, why did she trust him? Why did she feel so drawn to him that she would even contemplate letting down the walls she'd built around herself? She knew better from years of harsh experience. So why was Brady any different?
"Anything you would wish me to know," Brady answered, making another turn in the forest path which would lead them back to the front gates of the castle.
"Well, I wouldn't know what to tell you. There's not really much to know about me," Arciana stated. What a lie that was!
"I think there is," Brady stated.
"You'd be surprised... I don't have stories of my family as you do."
"Then do not tell me stories about your family. I wish only to know you, but I only want to know what you wish me to know." Brady said. If only it were true, if only you didn't care about my family... Arciana thought to herself.
"There's not a lot to tell. I was sold into slavery when I was 8 years old, and I've been with the same family, up until my owner died fighting in the war a year ago. After that, his widow and son granted me my freedom and I left for Rubino. There is very little to tell other then that," Arciana said. Brady hesitated, before asking his next question.
"If you don't mind me asking... who sold you into slavery? I mean... most slaves here in Nero, up until recently however, are captives from Mucche or imports from the distant lands. There are a few cases, however, where someone is sold by their own parents. It's a... very horrible thing to think of, but I've always thought slavery itself was a horrible issue. But I... I guess I am curious... as to how you came to be a slave? If you don't mind me asking. I do understand if you'd rather not talk of it," Brady stated. Arciana bit her lip, contemplating her answer. She couldn't very well lie; he deserved truthful answers for his questions. But the truth, just might not be the best idea either.
"I... I don't mind answering. I... wasn't sold into slavery by my own parents. They wouldn't have cared enough to bother. I was sold into slavery... by... your father," Arciana gushed out hesitantly. Brady's eyes went wide as he pulled the horse to a complete stop in his shock and turned his head to look back at her. Had he heard right? HIS father!
"My father! What do you mean, my father would never..." Brady hesitated as such realization hit him. Yes, his father would so do such a thing. As if still allowing the practice of slavery wasn't enough, he had once willingly sold someone into slavery. A mere innocent child no less. But that had only been once... hadn't it? He had had his reasons, however misguided, for that one instance. What possible reason could he have for selling Arciana into slavery? Had his father developed a separate life Brady never knew of? A life in which the once proud man would do anything to continuing funding his war for revenge? Brady shook his head sadly, resigned to what Arciana was saying was in fact true. And no wonder she didn't fully trust him...
"I am sorry," Brady started as he turned away to take up the reins and start his surprisingly patient horse back into a slow steady pace. "I did not mean to react so harshly. Up until now, I never wanted to believe anything so terrible of my father. After his death, I felt I owed it to him to believe he was just a good man who was defending his family and his country. But, I must face the truth now. My father would do a thing like willingly sell someone into slavery. He had done it once before, although I do not understand why he would cause you to be sold into slavery." Brady was rather suspicious of that one, but he didn't wish to pursue it. It was obvious he did not know his father John as well as he wish he did. He knew he had been a good man, but unfortunately, John Black let all his pain and anguish get the better of him. He became so corrupted that he stole two innocent children from their homes and tried to sell them into the tortures of slavery as vengeance against their father Victor. What was to say he did not attempt this more then once? "And, I am also sorry, for what you went through because of my father. I don't know the details, and I sense you don't want me to, but I do feel the need to apologize. Now, I understand why you were so reluctant to trust me, and why you still are. I understand your reactions to me now."
"Brady, I should never have treated you differently because of who your father is. I had no right to judge you because of the sins of your father," Arciana said honestly.
"Perhaps not, but that is human nature. I do not blame you for feeling as if I can not be trusted. I do not know what all you have gone through because of my father. I would like to say though... that, my father was a good man. He just... he let his pain take over, and he started committing the unthinkable. I would really like it if you believed, at least, that my father was once a good, honest man."
"I do, Brady. Despite my better judgment... I really do. An evil man... couldn't possibly raise such a noble, honest son," Arciana said honestly. "And, I really respect you for being able to see both the bad and good in your father. I know you really loved him and miss him very much." She was also relieved to have at least that little bit of information out in the open. Maybe she could tell him... no, she couldn't get ahead of herself. Honestly, Brady had made no connection. Perhaps he was too young, although she doubted that. He was older then her, plus the stories still spread like wildfire even to this day.
"No, it is I who have the utmost respect for you. To be able to forgive my father, at least enough to trust in me. After what was done to you... I'm honestly surprised you ever came back that night after you ran away," Brady stated, vividly remembering Arciana slapping him and running away when she discovered his true identity. The Palace was beginning to come into view by now, and, although very faintly, men fully clothed in battle armor could be seen exiting the castle and marching away to join the others waiting for their orders at the court square.
"What was done, was no fault of yours. I'll admit, at first, I could not see that. But now I do. Now I know what kind of man you are, and I'm very glad that I did not run away. I would not wish to miss all I've been through with you in these few short days," Arciana stated.
"I am glad you feel that way, Arciana. Along the years, I have been judged solely based on my family history. Whether that be good or bad, I don't want to be judged for who my family was, but who I am. I had hoped you would understand, and now I see you do," Brady said. Arciana sighed, allowing the tension to leave her mind. Yes, she understood, she could understand like no one else. But, would he understand her? Victor Kiriakis, unlike John Black, had never been a good man, nor had any of his ancestors before him. The Kiriakis name was looked on with disdain, as pure evil and hatred. She could never consider herself a Kiriakis, but she also couldn't deny her blood.
"I do understand, Brady. More then you know," Arciana replied, as they approached the castle gates. The few men still left milling out of the castle had caught sight of them, and now hails to their king could be heard clearly. Harold was one of those that still remained. He was first to approach, coming up to the horse's side as Brady slowed to a stop in front of the stairway.
"You do realize that it would be much more convenient if you would at least warn us when you're going to run off like that," Harold scolded. Brady grinned with pride, dismounting and holding out his hand to help Arciana down.
"But then it wouldn't be nearly as fun," Brady stated smugly. Arciana held back a grin as she dismounted with Brady's help, now holding a brown satchel which held her precious teddy bear as well as her unfinished dress. She would have to give the precious gift a place on her desk next to the pink glass figurine.
"Your Majesty, this is no laughing matter. We here were truly concerned. This is not the time to disappear for any length of time without notice. When your driver returned without you, the council assumed the worst!" Harold stated. Brady sighed, shaking his head.
"I know, Harold. I am sorry. I should have thought to inform you I would be staying out. I apologize," Brady said honestly.
"Well, I do know how impulsive you can be... especially when it concerns such lovely female company," Harold said, causing Arciana to blush slightly. "But do try to remember to at least send word. I realize you're a grown man, but not just any man, and this is not just any time."
"I'm aware of that Harold. I promise, it will not happen again. Now, if you please... will you take my horse to the stables? I will join you there in a moment for a briefing on the current status," Brady said, handing Harold the horse's reins. Harold nodded, promptly taking hold of the black stallion's reins.
"Another horse I see. You realize there are dozens of horses in the stables."
"This one's special. Thank you, Harold. I'll shall see you in a moment," Brady stated, attempting to hint to Harold to get going already. Brady wanted to speak to Arciana alone before he had to get to business. Harold picked up on the vibe, and was more then pleased to oblige.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Harold said, dismissing himself and leading the black stallion off. Brady turned to Arciana, gently taking her free hand to lead her from the noise of the soldiers bustling around. He led her to the left side of the stairs, reveling in the feeling of her hand in his.
"I would wish to speak more with you, if you will allow. Say, over dinner? Tonight?" Brady asked. Arciana smiled, nodding.
"I would like that," Arciana replied. He would be leaving in the morning, much to her displeasure. She did wish to spend as much time with him as possible, before fate split them apart. Brady smiled, bringing her hand up to brush his lips gently against the back of her hand.
"Then it is a date. I will meet you in the gardens, an hour before sun down. Does that sound alright?"
"Yes, that sounds perfect," Arciana replied. Brady reluctantly let her hand go, allowing her to return it to her side.
"I will see you then," Brady said. Before he could stop himself, Brady moved his hand to her chin, tipping her face up to meet his. Without realization of what the consequences of such an action might be, he brushed his lips to hers, gently kissing her silky lips. Much to his surprise, and hers as well, Arciana returned his kiss, with no complaint-- other then the fact the gentle gesture was far to short. After a moment of looking into her eyes, hoping to read her reaction, Brady smiled, before he nervously stepped back. "Until tonight," Brady said, barely above a loud whisper. He then quickly departed, before he could lose his nerve. He couldn't read Arciana's reaction. Frankly he didn't know how he himself was reacting. But that could be discussed that evening, when it was just the two of them. Arciana, almost too stunned for movement, slowly brought her fingers up to her lips, savoring his sweet, short kiss.
"Until tonight..." Arciana repeated slowly, a smile spreading across her lips.
"Awww... how sweet," Cynthia mock-cooed from behind, startling Arciana. She turned to face Cynthia, who was standing there with a sly look on her face. "I hope you enjoy it... while it lasts."
"Lady Cynthia, I do not know what you are talking about."
"Oh, I think you know exactly what I'm talking about, Arciana. Or should I say... Chloe?" Cynthia asked slyly. Arciana's eyes went wide with fear, dropping the leather satchel in her hands. No! She couldn't possibly know the truth!
"Wha... what did you call me?"
"You heard me. I know the truth about you, my dear. And what a satisfying truth it is," Cynthia stated, thoroughly enjoying taking in the panic radiating from the woman before her. Ah, reeking havoc was so much fun! "I know all about you. What your real name is, who you are... who your family is. I know everything." Chloe stepped forward, firmly grasping Cynthia's upper arm.
"You can't tell anyone," Chloe hissed urgently. Cynthia pushed her hand away, sneering at Chloe for daring to threaten her.
"You are in no position to make demands, Chloe. I'm the one who holds the power here, not you."
"Why? Why would you even care who I am? What business is it of yours. I've never done anything to you."
"Why? Oh, lets see... you barge in here playing little Miss Innocent. You get King Brady to completely ban slavery from Nero. You talk down to me and insult me... and if that's not enough, you're knowingly mooching off our poor, heart broken king, knowing that if he knew the truth he'd toss you out on your ass in the gutter where you belong."
"You don't give a damn about Brady, you selfish bitch. All you care about is yourself," Chloe hissed. Cynthia grinned deviously.
"Ah you know me so well. You're right, I don't care. All I care about... is that you got in my way. And now, you're going down. Don't think for even a moment that you will actually be allowed to stay here once Brady finds out the truth. You'll be lucky if you make it out alive. And I'm just the person to tell Brady of this sinful crime being committed," Cynthia said smugly.
"He'd never believe you," Chloe stated.
"Oh, I'm sure you're right. Brady wouldn't believe me. But... I'm sure he'd believe the entire Mucchean Army, which will no doubt be pounding down his door once your dear brother King Philip finds out his long lost sister is here with the very Black who killed Victor," Cynthia threatened. "Enjoy what little time you have my dear, because I swear if it's the last thing I do... by the time I get through with you, Brady Black will want nothing to do with you. If you'll excuse me now, I do have a coach to catch." Cynthia stated proudly, turning on her heel. Chloe reached out, desperately grabbing Cynthia by the arm.
"No, wait! You can't!"
"Uh uh uh. Get your hands off me, Chloe. We wouldn't want all the people around to get any of the wrong ideas. All soldiers, Chloe. Soldiers loyal only to Nero and their King. If I were you, I'd get your dirty little Mucchean hands off me before I call out for help," Cynthia warned. Chloe narrowed her eyes at Cynthia, wishing only to choke the life out of the little snake. But, Cynthia was right... though no one was looking at the moment, Cynthia could easily cry out and have at least 10 armed men surround her. Chloe harshly pushed Cynthia's arm away.
"You won't get away with this," Chloe vowed. Cynthia grinned evilly.
"Why my dear Chloe, I already have," Cynthia stated. With that she was gone, and there was nothing Chloe could do about it. Cynthia was obviously a very devious woman. She wouldn't give Chloe any opportunity to pursue her. And that was true, as one of Cynthia's male associates had been waiting anxiously just outside the castle grounds to escort her away. Chloe fought back tears as she turned around to pick up her brown leather satchel. She turned to walk into the castle, but didn't make it past the third step before collapsing into tears, dropping down to sit on the steps below her and uncaring of the others around her, who had, despite their orders to begin evacuating to their check point, turned to watch the scene.
Chloe buried her face in her hands, dropping the satchel into her lap. The satchel, which held a gift that would now become meaningless to Brady, all because of some selfish deceitful little manipulator. Chloe no longer fought the tears as she contemplated all that would happen to her now. Everything she was starting to feel, every safe feeling, would vanish once Brady discovered the truth. All the feelings he might be starting to have for her would be shattered, and be as if they never were, leaving only disgust. Whatever future she thought she might have with Brady, now would never be. Cynthia was not bluffing, Chloe knew. She would travel to Mucche, and alert her brother Philip. Brady would never believe Cynthia, but no doubt Philip would. Any excuse to feel even more hatred for the Blacks would no doubt be accepted. And his army would come, storm the country... no matter what the outcome, Brady would find out why Philip had come. No matter what she did now, Chloe was doomed. She sat sobbing on the steps for another few moments longer, until everyone had finally left, before she forced herself to stand. She wiped her red eyes, mustering up the strength to smooth out her dress and pick up her bag. Well, if she was going down... it would be on her terms. She could no longer avoid the truth, so she would face it, her way. Chloe was not about to allow Brady to find out who she truly was from Philip, or Cynthia for that matter. Now she had no choice... tonight, she would tell Brady her true identity, Chloe Kiriakis... no matter what the consequences...