ARC. 3
"AFTERMATH OF THE HEART"
"Evil creeps even through the most solid bars. The quiet river is the most dangerous one, and having a wise enemy is far better than having a stupid friend ... All these sayings come to show something during the new times. A man, back from the grave, returns to envenom life in Heatherfield, inflicting devastating damage on many souls. The rejected rulers are imprisoned as the noble hunt has ended, but has Kandrakar made the best decision? Even behind the walls of her prison, the golden princess does not seem to stop weaving a dangerous web of lies and secrets that the guardians struggle to untangle. Old wounds burn. New twists and turns emerge, and all who are no saints bear their crosses... Is there still light for the heart that has waited for the last sunset?"
Chapter 21: Betrayal and Fidelity
"It's funny how the one person you'd take a bullet for...Tends to always be the one behind the gun."
Meridian...
Cedric had never felt more torn in his entire life. On one side, there was his obligation and the vow he had given Phobos, to loyally stand by him and never betray him again, and on the other was Mancy; the little girl that was now sleeping in the bottom of the damp cave. She represented another liability of his, something which he had never thought would happen in his life. But it was a fact- he and Miranda were now sharing this responsibility and were handling it poorly.
"You must forget about the darned prince if you want the best for us!"- Miranda attacked him again, just like she did since the crack of the new dawn. "You can't continue to recklessly risk our lives and chances to crawl out of the dumps!"
Cedric sighed gravely and sat by the booming fire. The cave they had managed wasn't anything special, but at least it could contain some heat. Yet he knew- it was a dump. Just another one of those dumps Miranda was speaking off, and it wouldn't serve them as home much longer. She didn't want that. She wanted power and vengeance; he was beginning to doubt the chances of that ever happening.
"Would you stop badgering me?"- he hissed. "I had found Mancy a place to stay, had I not? If I didn't care why would I bother with that?"
"Yes, as a spy in the Palace."- Miranda sneered bitterly. "An awfully insecure place which she lost because of that dumb vow you gave to Phobos. You call that caring?"
Miranda was unabating as usual. Once she had her teeth in something, letting it go was impossible. After ten years, she had finally abandoned the form of a teenage girl she had been so fond of for many reasons. She now stood in the cave, looking like a young woman in her 20s, frocked in old tatters and her messy jet-black hair, reaching to her shoulders, framing her pretty features in perfect contrast with her freckles. However, instead of the mischievousness, which usually danced in her remarkable eyes, there was now only sure-footed anger.
"What other choice did I have."- Cedric closed his eyes tiredly. He was tired of everything. His evil intentions and past, the dying good in his heart and all the trouble he was going through again. "The Prince is contumelious and unpardonably evil. But he has done so much for me in the past... Betraying him another time wasn't going to help either of us. But by being in coalition with that bimbo he is tying the rope around his own neck."
"Maybe you should stop living in the past and focus on the present."- Miranda hissed, indifferent to his words and inner pangs. "Because if you keep choosing to be Phobos's favorite pet, I'll take Mancy and leave this wretched realm."
"Don't talk nonsense."- the Lord hissed back, towering above the woman. "You can't, either way. The veil is all around Meridian and finding a portal is more difficult than you think."
"Hey, I was able to make the royal guards take me for a corpse and throw me out of the dungeons, remember?"- she rocked a catty smile that enraged him. "Don't underestimate me. If I want to escape Meridian then I will. And I won't be waiting for you any longer."
"Miranda you are unbearable. I asked you to have more patience; Phobos's current situation might unfold to be in your favor...He and Leonida are now under royal watch, their plan to unite dimensions and rule over them is terribly hindered. All that will help me be free of my liability to serve the Prince without overstepping my word-"
"Oh, overstep it already, who cares about your mother. She's dead!"
"I do!"- Cedric clenched his teeth, approaching Miranda in a dangerous manner. His serpent-like pupils glistened with fury. "My mother was everything to me and the only person to ever love me unconditionally, I won't allow the memory of her to be tarnished!"- he stopped for a minute and observed the effect his outburst had caused.
Miranda was looking back at him with growing resentment, but her mouth was shut- she had obviously gotten the message.
Good, Cedric thought. The more time I win, the better. If I can postpone dealing with the situation long enough, maybe everything will get solved on its own...
But it was not the ridiculously low likelihood of that thought that kept him on thorns. It was the knowledge that Miranda and her outrush couldn't be stopped for long. Soon, she would take things in her hands, despite his warnings and harsh tone, and he knew it. Maybe it was about to happen sooner than he supposed.
"What's this?"- he cocked an eyebrow at the object which the other shifter took from one of the sacks that they had in the cave- holding all the possessions they had managed to keep in the life of outlaws. The object that Miranda was presenting to him was an antique looking box- not bigger than a book.
"All that you'll need for your new job."- Miranda said with an odd spark in her eye.
"Job? What job?"- the blond man didn't understand.
"You vowed to be loyal to your Prince."- Miranda shrugged, faking indifference. "You might as well at least try to benefit from that. Without breaking the given word, of course."
"I don't quite get it- "
"You'll return to Phobos's side. You'll stay with him and will help him with his lunatic plans, regardless of the imbecile situation he and Leonida got themselves into by falling for Nerissa's trap."- the woman went on, ignoring Cedric's shocked expression. "To do that, you'll have to surrender to Elyon, but don't worry; it will be a staged surrender-"
"What?! You want me to take such a risk?"- the man narrowed his eyes. "But why? I thought Phobos was just a problem in front of our future- "
"And that he is. But some problems are masked opportunities."- Miranda smiled wickedly, her eyes wandering into the non-existent distance. "And of course, you're not going to give up just because of Phobos. No, he's not that special. You'll help him and you will stay true to the vow, you so foolishly gave him. But this time. This time you will ask for something in return."
Christmas was the most wonderful time of the year, but this particular year, a certain young redhead was doubting that old saying more than she could ever remember before.
Will huffed in annoyance and total exhaustion as she managed to steal a few minutes of peace and quiet, on the terrace, away from Linda Olsen's bustling Christmas gathering. The cold air outside did feel soothingly after hours of stress.
Sure, at first, she had thought that it's nice of Matt's mom to include so many of their friends and close ones to her annual celebration on the 25th. At first it had appeared like the most wholesome idea and everyone were happy, but then, the true essence of the party had showed itself and Will wasn't liking it one bit.
Amid the fact that Susan had refused to come along, offended by the fact that her daughter has declined her invitation for annual Christmas lunch (despite Will trying to explain that Mrs. Olsen had been first to invite them), the other guests' annoying question regarding her relationship with Matt and Matt's obnoxious cousin, Sean, Will was simply unable to find herself a place. On top of that, there was a strange tension between Cornelia and Caleb, which Cornelia was unceremoniously passing to the others, and Nerissa was practically trying to steal the attention from the poor hostess. Other than that, the rest of her friends and the less-demanding guests were doing fine, one could even say that they were having a good time. No, the party wasn't really an unbearable failure, not at all, Will realized.
The problem was in her. She wasn't feeling too well, she was tense and tired and she was letting all that project on the background of a decent social gathering. Yes, I guess it's my fault, the guardian thought. Just because I'm under the weather and don't wanna be here, doesn't mean that the same applies for the others.
"There you are, Wilhelmina!"- Will jumped in her place at the loud sound of a familiar, but unexpected in that certain moment, voice. "What are you doing here, smoking? Tsk, tsk, tsk. What a baad girl. Not when there are parents downstairs! Or at least not without me."- Irma winked at her amicably, snuggling in her fur coat which she had thrown over her shoulders.
"Irma, I almost fell over the handrail thanks to you."- Will gave her friend a dirty look. "You know I hate it when you sneak up on me like that."
"Alright, I'm sorry, geez!"- Irma exclaimed. "You're cranky. On Christmas. Why's that? What's the matter?"
"Nothing."- the redhead mumbled, staring into the snowy distance of the suburbs that surrounded the Olsen house.
"Girl. Don't give me that crap."- Irma's wayward tone made her sigh. Of course, she wouldn't be satisfied with that kind of answer, who would? But the truth was that Will really didn't know what else to say. 'Nothing' seemed like the perfect summary.
"I know you, Will, we've been friends for so many years."- Irma threw her arm around the other woman's shoulders in a reassuring manner. "That's why I know when you're hiding something, so spit it out already! What's bothering you?"
"I told you, Irma, it's nothing."- Will freed herself of her embrace, shifting to a more distant part of the terrace. "Or at least I think so. I don't know, I'm just having a crappy day, I guess. For some reason, I'm in a terrible mood and everything annoys me- take this stupid slide for example."- and she poked at one of Linda's holiday decorations. "Who invented these tacky decorations, anyway? Santa didn't fly on a drone back when I still believed in him."
"Oh, I get it."- Irma declared in a sly voice. "I know what you're trying to do."
"You do?"- Will turned around a tad surprised. How could someone else get her problem when even she wasn't aware of its true nature?
"Yep."- the Latina said, still very convinced in herself. "You're trying to get out of the situation with humor. Nice try, you can't humor me, my jokes are still a thing in 'Sheffield'', and I graduated forever ago. Now, cut the crap and tell me what's really going on. You had a fight with Matt? You hate your future mother-in-law? Oh, oh!"- and Irma clicked her fingers with a devilish smile on her face. "You argued because of her and he took her side! Did he really? Is Matt a momma's boy? I, at least, didn't think so, but whatever you say..."
"Thanks a lot, Irma."- Will rolled her eyes. For a moment there, she had forgotten that the Water guardian is the queen of joking herself. "You reaaally got it. You nailed it."
"Oh, come on, babe."- Irma forced her to turn around and face her. Above them, it was beginning to snow. "We all have bad days, but just come with me downstairs, back to the others. We'll figure this out; it's Christmas, you shouldn't be so gloomy today! We still have to push it up through dinner with the Hales tonight. If you start falling apart from the afternoon, how are you going to live through Vera's stories from the world of high life? I know how to fix you!"- Irma caught her friend under the arm and led her with herself. "All you need is a cup of eggnog with some extra vodka in it."
Will couldn't help but snicker at that. Her spirits were slightly lifted up.
"Gee, you're so farseeing, Irma."- she noted playfully. "Guess its that psychology course you took during your second college year."
Downstairs, Linda Olsen saw herself forced to take a seat. In all her years of organizing Christmas lunch parties with friends and family from all over the world, she had never felt more un-included in everything.
Nerissa Crossnic was a sensation at her party. A sensation that she had at first found delightful but had later on recognized as a threat. A threat to the recognition of her presence at the party. For Pete's sake, with that woman around, nobody seemed to notice that she, the one that had organized everything and invited them, was even present!
With a lamenting sigh, the aging brunette took a sip from her tea and turned to her sister, who had just approached her to take something from the kitchen island.
"Carolyn?"- Linda waved her hand in front of her sister's face. "Hi, I'm here, you noticed. So, tell me, how do you find the party this year? You think the guests will leave with satisfaction?"
"Oh, hey, Lindy."- Carolyn smiled. "I was wondering where you've gone to. Oh, absolutely, don't worry. In fact, this year's party might be the best you've held in decades! I mean, sure, you've had the occasional entertainment over the years, games and magicians and what-not, but you've never invited anyone quite like Nerissa before! She sings and she dances, and she just entertains everyone! Not to mention she's a bombshell, someone told me she's a mother to a boy near Matt and Sean's age? I mean damn!"
"I know, isn't it incredible."- Linda replied, unable to hide she was peeved by her sister's words. "Plastic surgery is a fascinating thing when done rightly."
Carolyn shook her amused and playfully popped a dot of her cupcake's green icing on her sister's nose.
"Come on, Linda. Don't be such a Grinch on Christmas! Come with me and let's just celebrate!"
A few days later, Meridian...
In the chills of the icy mountainside lay the mine base-village of Gray Woods, the largest and richest in stock of mystic ore after the demolished Underwater Mines.
The winter weather of Meridian had the Gray Woods Mines surrounded by frost. Here and there, there were piles of snow. The village itself was small, but practical- it had just enough buildings of every needed shape, size and nature for the miners to live a normal life when not in the mines. Recently, one of the buildings in the village had become a temporary cloister for a certain royal figure under house arrest.
The last day of the calendar year, Nerissa had never imagined she would have to spend like this. Not ever since she was free and sentimental. But then again, she had never imagined she'd be Mage again either.
She set foot on the hoarfrost-covered grass in front of the magically restricted rest house, in the middle of the mine village, and eyed it critically. The dwelling was hardly anything special, but it was still too pleasant to be inhabited by Phobos.
"Good morning, Mage."- Aldarn and his father, who were to live in this village, in order to keep an eye on the so-called prisoners, greeted her solemnly.
Nerissa eyed Aketon a little irritated. He was one of those who'd never accept her without poorly closeted hostile feelings, as it appeared, but she couldn't care less. She was here to do other things.
"Phobos and Leonida have been quiet ever since the guardians last checked on them. He complains about the food, but he'll get over it."- Aldarn reported, not even waiting for a question. He was aware that they were all on the same page- they were to help the Queen rule over Meridian, especially when she was about to take the reins of yet another kingdom too. Their help at that point could be expressed in the execution of Phobos's sentence, he knew, which was why he was somewhat bewildered when the woman said:
"Oh, no, Aldarn. I don't care if they're dead or alive. As a matter of fact, I would have been much more thrilled had you told me that they've perished overnight."- she declared with malice, well powdered with the softness of her tingling, unconventional for such a line, tone. But that was just Nerissa. Those who knew her for a longer time were familiar with her unpredictable style.
"Then what leads you to Gray Woods Mines?"- Aketon asked flatly.
And because Nerissa chose not to answer, for the opportunity to create awkward silence, Aldarn moved his glance from his father to her and intervened:
"We're also unhappy with how Phobos dodged a bullet with this footling sentence, but one day he'll get what he deserves, don't worry."- he said. "This is not final. Sooo...that being said, what's up? How's the holiday season going on Earth, is it over?"
Nerissa smiled and wrapped herself tighter in her pale blue fur mantle. She liked to tease and stall when she felt the need to hide her own anger and the fact she was about to have a fit over what she was forced to endure and do.
"Almost, Aldarn. We'll get to that. We're actually here to drop another prisoner to stay with Phobos."- it was now that father and son noticed their old friend and leader, Julian, approach them from the entrance of the village.
"Another prisoner? To be put in the same place?"- Aketon exclaimed. "Good grief. Makes you think that all the dungeons have come to an end."
Julian shrugged somewhat apologetically. Nerissa curved a spiteful smile. She, for once, shared the old metalsmith's opinion.
"Did the Queen order this?"
"Never mind that, who is that priso..."- but Aldarn needed not finish.
Julian had made it to them, leading the cloaked figure on the way. The wind took the hood off of the shifter's head, revealing his familiar frontal.
"Cedric?!"- the younger galhot exclaimed in utter shock. "Cedric will be staying under house arrest together with Phobos and Leonida? But that's..."
"Bizarre? Moronic? And idea worthy of a pea-sized brain?"- Nerissa helped him. "Well. I couldn't agree more. But then again, how could I ever argue with the errant Light of Meridian and the Basilidian wiseacre. Here's what. If Cedric here starts any trouble, you can kill him. He will, after all, never be involved with the child the Coronian tramp carries, anyway."
Cedric glowered but didn't open his mouth at the provocation. The more he thought of it, the more he realized that the provocation on Nerissa's part was not metaphorical at all.
"But I don't understand..."- Aketon seemed to be at a loss of words. "This decision...to bring the tyrant and his right-hand man together. How did it come about?"
Nerissa and her husband exchanged glances. She just nodded at him as he ran his hand over hers in a placatory manner, proceeding to answer his old friend's question:
"Cedric turned himself in, earlier this week. He informed the Queen of an unbreakable vow he has given Phobos, swearing to be by his side during the war. Because he betrayed him the last time, this time Phobos demanded this oath upon breaking him out of imprisonment during Elyon's engagement. Now that his master is disarmed and put to prison, Cedric felt like not following him would be a violation."- the veteran rebel recounted. "This led to an emergency meeting in Kandrakar where it was decided that, given his surrender and confession, Cedric's request should be complied with."
"But that's highly suspicious!"- Aketon protested. "This might as well be a try to help the tyrant escape here. Why would the damned Lord be willing to surrender himself since he managed to escape at the Queen's staged wedding."
"We do realize, Aketon."- the other man retorted calmly. "But this is the decision we were sent to carry out. As for now, we have to trust the wiser-"
"Wiser my ass."- Aldarn mumbled under his nose. "These people are experimenting with our kingdom's safety...How can the Queen fall for their cruel suggestions..."
His blood was boiling with outrage from what he had just heard. Noticing that his father and Julian are engaged in a talk, his eyes moved to Nerissa who stood by blankly with an ice, pensive expression.
"Mage."- he whispered as he approached her. Ironically, someone who he had feared, now looked like the only possible lifeline to him. "You can object to this and you should. Why are you allowing Cedric to move in with Phobos? It's crazy! Kandrakar are just taking chances with us, aren't they?"
Nerissa slid her eyes over the young man's features and carefully pulled him by the sleeve, a little bit further from her husband and his friend, but just so that their movement wouldn't be noticed.
"Mage, ain't' I right?"- he insisted in a whisper. "I'm sure Caleb doesn't approve of this too. I mean, give us a break, wasn't it enough that Phobos got to live here in this village instead of being thrown in the deepest of dungeons? All I'm saying is that I hate seeing all that we've fought for, a free Meridian and rights for everyone, mocked by someone's decision to reprieve the most despotic man these lands have ever seen. Correct me if I'm wrong."
"You aren't wrong, Aldarn."- the ex-guardian narrated under her breath. "I don't want to comment this when I know that they're watching. Trust me, I'm as enraged by the situation as you are, if not even more. But patience."- her green eyes shone dangerously. "Just because the snake dances to the piper's music, doesn't mean that it'll dance to his tune, also."
Somewhere far from there, in the ideal center of Infinity, beyond space and time, this very scene was being projected for a selected audience.
"She hates me more than ever before. And I can't blame her this time."- Elyon stated despondently once the waters of the all-seeing fountains washed Nerissa's image away. "If my decisions didn't please my people before, then by now they surely piss off everyone. Even Aldarn and his dad...I'm a poor ruler, aren't I, Oracle? Be honest with me."
"I believe that, as usual, I have the honors of being the main target of Nerissa's hatred."- the Oracle smiled cordially. "As for your kingdom and subjects, when the right time comes, they will recognize your efforts for the best exit out of the critical situation which you have at your hands."
"Let us not forget that you accepted Kandrakar's strategy, Queen Elyon. This means that you must also accept our guidance."- said Luba, who stood nearby with a stolid expression. " Phobos is a universal threat. But for his defeat to eventually become a fact, few should know the details of your coping plan. Nerissa doesn't fall into that number and you know why."
"We don't want the power which she carries to lure her into evil deeds again."- Tibor further explained, even though Elyon had already heard all that. "Her solutions are often way too radical, and we cannot risk the child's life."
Elyon sighed and looked down. For some reason, she really wished she could tell the sorceress the details of her newest strategy. Even just so that she would stop looking at her like that each time their eyes met. Nerissa looked at her with unalloyed revulsion and disappointment. It was painful to be back on her blacklist after being exposed to her softer side for a while.
"I'm starting to feel like I'm my own echo, however-"- Will interfered, annoyed. "- I have to say it again, Oracle. I do admit Nerissa can be dreadful; I don't deny that she can really cross almost any moral line there is, but for God's sake, she'd never kill a child! Even if the child is Phobos's! I know her well enough to aver this."
"No, you don't."- Luba cut her off angrily before the Oracle could retort. "Nerissa's soul is prone to corruption and proven with the capability to ahold immense darkness. Regardless of any current changes, she will never truly be considered good. "
"I guess that's true, but practice shows- "- Will argued back. "- believe it or not, that among all her bad traits, Nerissa doesn't lack maternal instincts. In fact, that was what triggered her redemption most strongly, which comes to show- "
"There's a great difference between caring for your own child and that of a nemesis."- Luba emphasized coldly.
"True."- Will went on, furious by the fact that the cat woman seemed to deliberately miss her point with every new sentence. "But throughout the years, she has never threatened any child's life and safety, not even when she had a great chance to do so with Lillian. She tried to win her on her side instead of taking her for ransom or anything of this sort-"
The meeting near the all-seeing fountain in Kandrakar was threatening to turn into yet another session of arguing and yelling. Elyon, Himerish, Will, Luba and Tibor had a harder time coming to a shared opinion, especially because of their different ethical views, Will, herself, realized grimly. On top of everything, she couldn't share what was happening during her private meetings with the Council representatives, with the girls, and that only further bugged her.
"Guardian, the Council holds you taking a liking to Nerissa in high regard; after all, it was your task to be her sovereign and indirect conservator upon her quote on quote, redemption, but you must respect our position and the decision which we've all taken."- Tibor held his hand open while speaking as if that helped his words flow more fluently.
In the end, the redhead saw herself forced to keep silent and just scowl. She had never imagined that such a day would come when she'd be a lawyer to Nerissa. But she disliked the way Kandrakar had decided to proceed. She hated their secretive and underhand approach, which seemed to be something they couldn't function without.
"I do sense discontent on many parts here."- the Oracle spoke. "Have some patience, my friends. I assure you that we are working for a better future together. Even if, as for now, some of you feel dubious about our private meetings. The most astute of decisions appear to be irrational at first, but when a series of them are made, their true wisdom becomes evident."
"Oh, what joy! The nice people from the Palace have come to visit us."- Leonida showed herself at the porch of the rest house with a steaming cup and a big smile.
Her statement caused major bewilderment and irritation among the people who were still talking in the front.
Nerissa narrowed her eyelids with contempt at the sight of the young ex-princess. What were this harlot's true motives, which remained draped in a veil of mystery till date? She had to find out more about Leonida's true intentions and plans.
"Say, does Elyon send any gifts for her unborn niece or nephew?"- Leonida asked with voice sweeter than sugar.
"Go back inside and don't come out unless you're told to, outlaw!"- Aldarn turned around to growl at her. "Brash woman..."
Leonida didn't appear fazed by his words one bit.
"Oh, Aldarn. You're too much. None of us can cross a certain magical line behind you, even if we tried to. Not until we have these on, anyway."- and with the same undying smile, she held her hand up to reveal the restraining bracelet put on her hand by Elyon. "But no worries. You truly are devoted to your kingdom and job. I love that, Aldarn. How are you still a bachelor?"
The young man felt his cheeks flush with color but said nothing in response. Aketon gave his old friend a tired, deplorable look.
"Phobos is an absolute lout, this girl not so much. She's been nothing but this, ever since they got here. Whether its all an act or not, I don't understand as to how someone like her could fall in love with the tyrant."
Julian shrugged, unable to give him an answer himself. But Nerissa just smirked awry. It wasn't a surprise for her that a group of men failed to see through such an act. But then again, Leonida was a good actress for sure. Not only that, she was also quite persistent as it seemed. What was giving her the motivation to keep it up?!
"I'm sorry if I have bothered you."- the blonde said. "We couldn't help but notice your soldiers have captured Cedric. I came to welcome him in our little home. I'm sure that my king will be happy to see him."
Cedric hissed under his nose, revolted to see that bimbo again. He despised her, but he had to focus on why he was here.
"In fact, Cedric surrendered himself and requested to be here with you. He vowed in loyalty to Phobos."- Aketon clarified. "I think you should both reconsider who you're loyal to. Especially you, Leonida."
Leonida smiled again, shaking her head in a doll-like manner, her honey-blonde locks bouncing with her every move.
"If I could, I would, sir. But the heart wants what it wants. I love my King and I will bear his child. Changing that at this stage is beyond my power and will."
Nerissa raised an eyebrow as she watched the other woman talk, jeeringly. Her manners and words... How peachy, the ex-guardian thought and then took a step forward.
Leonida seemed surprised at first, but she didn't go back or move when the taller woman stopped right next to her.
"Aren't you awfully bubbly for a prisoner."- Nerissa commented scoffingly.
"It must be so because I don't feel like a prisoner at all."- Leonida shrugged. "I'm with the man, who I love and I am carrying his baby. What more can a girl wish for? As a matter of fact, I'm actually glad that we fell into your trap, Mage. This way we no longer have to do wrong things. We can focus on ourselves and my King's redemption. I agree that he has to go a long way, but I believe that in the next seven months, he will be a new person. Just like you. You redeemed yourself, didn't you, Mage?"- she added with a playful spark in her eye.
Nerissa smiled coldly, even though on the inside, her irritation was growing bigger and more heated with every passing moment.
"Oh, yes, you can say that. But I and your so-called King are quite far apart from each other. In views and intelligence."- she breathed theatrically, keeping the fake smile glued on her face as she talked to Leonida. "But enough about me. Say, before thinking of the impossible, why don't you concentrate on redeeming yourself first. After all, you did cause your father's death, didn't you? There was a reason why your mother dethroned you, now, wasn't there?"
"I suppose."- Leonida pursed her lips in response. "Was there a reason for when you were deprived of your properties of Heart keeper for Kandrakar?"
Nerissa's smile quenched.
Why you little bitch, she thought as she watched her smugness grow.
"My point is that there's a reason for everything, Mage. It's not important. One mustn't dwell in the past, one must forge their own future. Aren't I right?"
Cedric gawked. What was the bimbo doing?
"Oh, you're absolutely right. Why don't you start forging your better future by giving your mother her original form?"
And Nerissa took the glass vial out of the inner pockets of her fur and cotton dress with a victorious look on her face. This time it was Leonida's smile that quenched. Of course, when searching through their old hideout, the rebels must have found the entrapped Magana in the basement...Leonida cursed a thousand times in her head.
Cedric couldn't hide his own gloating. He wanted to see the little bitch squashed like a bug, even if that would result in points for his other enemy, the hateful, ridiculously-rejuvenated hag.
"I can't."- Leonida declared. "I mean that I can't undo this spell. Phobos put it on my mother after a particularly unpleasant confrontation we had with her. She said some really gruesome things...he lost his temper."
Julian and Aketon exchanged glances. It was bedazzling to them that someone could speak of Phobos and his actions as if they were understandable and grounded.
Nerissa was triumphant as she looked down at the ex-princess with sarcastically furrowed brows.
"I'm sure he did. He used to have a garden of such black roses. Each time someone crossed him or tried to get to the palace, Phobos turned them to flowers like this one, adding their poor souls to his collection. Rather tacky, if you ask me, but I'm sure you already knew all that. Just like you know so much else about Meridian and us." - she added darkly.
Leonida tossed her hair back and shook her head, regaining her composure.
"I would really prefer to move on and not think of past tragedies like this one."
"And you have the chance to start this journey. Restore your mother Magana's human form."- Nerissa repeated, bringing the glass closer to her face. "Persuade Phobos to do it. After all, it's his black soul you supposedly want to atone."
Leonida didn't react at once. After a long few seconds, she attempted to receive the rose from the other woman, but Nerissa moved it away from her reach.
"Good. We will talk again when and where that is to happen."- Nerissa declared with a broad, self-glad smile, as she put the rose back in her mantle. "Until then, you have time to persuade your King."
Not uttering another word, Leonida just stood in her place watching the sorceress and her husband set off after bidding their goodbyes with Aldarn and his father. Soon, she and Cedric were the only ones left on the porch of the rest house. The man eyed her hatefully and headed for the inside of his new prison, but she didn't follow him.
She gave herself a few minutes to be alone and think about the uncertainties and risks which she was taking. Yes, things definitely weren't going exactly according to plan. And she had already been forced to change her entire strategy once they had fallen for the staged wedding...She couldn't afford to do that again. But then again, what could she do? Nerissa was breathing in her neck, dreaming of the day when she'll vanquish her for good. Phobos was out of control because of the fact that he was once again restricted by his sister, and the fact that Cedric had joined them in home arrest, didn't seem to help or relive Leonida one bit. She dreaded the possibility of her mother coming back among her enemies because she knew that, given the new circumstances, the crone could as well decide to reveal all of their secrets and then her chances for success would be equal to none.
No, mommy. I can't allow that to happen. I have to hamper your return, the ex-princess pondered with eyes pinned on the snowy distance. I have to keep the family secrets buried until this baby is born. I know I have to... But how?
A/N: Let me in on your thoughts. The third Arc. is here and it's going to be getting us near to the real culmination!
