A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: SUGGESTIVE SITUATIONS, OOC, LANGUAGE
Chapter 11: Exchange of Hearts
Sera waited for Cielo nervously…She had been waiting for Cielo for God-knows how long. He had left to probably speak to his superior. What were they talking about? They were most probably speaking about their "special person"; the man that the other members were flocking around to when they were trekking through the woods…
That and then there was her.
She sighed.
Sera owed her life to Cielo. If he had not been there…the other members would not have taken her with them and would have just left her there to fend for herself…
She had been there when they were talking about her. Cielo had spoken to them and didn't know that she knew…but she knew because she heard them.
Flashback
"Who is the woman?" one voice said.
"She's a slave…She was taken captive against her will." Cielo responded evenly.
"What is her business with us?" another voice asked suspiciously.
"I offered to take her away…" Cielo replied casually.
"Why?! She'll just be a burden to us!" a female voice said.
"Listen, the Resistance is about helping those people who had been oppressed by Arkanadara. She came to me, begging me for help! I couldn't just leave her behind! And if none of you can understand that, then none of you deserve to be in the Resistance."
Sera's heart skipped a beat as she heard Cielo speak in her behalf…
'He…He fought for me…' she thought with so much happiness.
End Flashback
"He fought for me…" she repeated, with a small smile on her lips.
She knew that she had only met Cielo in less than twenty four hours, but she could tell that he was a good man. He was a man with honor…
He was a friend to her already…
She suddenly clasped her hands together, her fingers intertwined in front of her face, and bit her lip, worried.
'What if they…decide to expel me? Where will I go? What will I do?' she thought worriedly. She cursed herself as she thought such thoughts.
She left Arkanadara so that she may find a way to get stronger; so that she may grow as an individual…She wanted to have her own strength as a person, and not as a mere parasite; dependent on its host.
She wanted to show the world, her sisters…and most especially, Heat, that she could stand on her own; that she was a woman, a person with value…
She was doing this for Heat; so that he may see her for who she really was…so that he may appreciate her and love her for her.
But most of all, she wanted to do this for herself. She needed to know that she was a real person and not a mere lifeless puppet that would twirl and spin at its puppeteer's pull on her strings…
'No!' she vowed to herself, 'I'm through running away!'
She was suddenly brought back to reality as she heard the rustling of the curtain. She immediately stood up and saw a grinning Cielo, "Hey…" he said, his hand on his hip.
Sera looked at him with worried silver eyes, "Hello…Well…what did they say?"
Cielo grinned, "Nothing. I just convinced them to let you stay."
Sera couldn't believe what it was she was hearing! They decided to let her stay? But why? They didn't even question her? There was something amiss…
"But Cielo…wouldn't they want to question me first?" Sera asked timidly.
He shook his head, "Well, that'll come in due time. Maybe tomorrow or the day after; don't worry about that right now. I'm exhausted and so are you. Let's get some rest first, okay?"
Sera smiled tightly, "Alright…" she hesitated and looked from left to right, "Um…Cielo…where will I stay?"
Cielo sweat-dropped, "Right…Well, for now, you're going to have to stay with me. Is that alright with you?"
She blushed and looked down. Cielo scratched his head sheepishly and blushed himself, "Er…sorry about that Serish…You see, your arrival is sort of short notice…But…! I promise I'd be a good boy."
Sera immediately looked at him and saw the faint tinge of pink on his cheeks as he struggled with his words.
"I mean…what I mean to say is that…you don't have to worry about them hands." he said, showing her his hands, "I'll be a real gentleman." he finished, slightly moving back and forth from where he stood.
Sera laughed and she put the back of her hand in front of her mouth, "Oh Cielo…I have no doubt about that…" she giggled.
Cielo, not being able to get the feeling of giddiness out of his body, plopped down right across from her and feigned a hurtful pout, "Why do I get the feeling that you don't believe me?"
Sera sweat-dropped, "It's not that I don't believe you Cielo. I do believe you. It's just that…I find it hard to believe that you were the man who saved me last night…"
Cielo laughed, "Aah…I should have known better!" he said, feigning his anger, "Girls like you are only after the macho-type of a man eh?"
Sera giggled again, "That's what I'm talking about! Hahahaha…Last night, and earlier today, after we escaped, you were so serious…But now…"
Cielo grinned at her, "Well…It depends, Serish. There are times that one has to be a man…and there are times that one should be a child." he finished with a low tone. He smiled sincerely at her, "I'm glad that I met you though."
Sera's heart felt as if it had been caught within her throat as she found herself staring hard into his young and handsome face. She found herself speechless as he continued to smile at her.
"With you," he began, his voice deepening and his sapphire blue eyes twinkling, "I could be a child once more."
She blushed furiously at his remark but said nothing. Cielo nodded and leaned back, "Come on, you can take the bedroom. I'll stay out here." he told her, smiling.
Sera blinked, "No! Cielo; you've done too much for me already…Please…I'll be fine here…" she insisted, her voice meek.
Cielo shook his head, "No deal. You're a lady and as such must be treated like one." He stood and held out his hand, "Come on."
Sera nodded and smiled weakly at him, "Are you certain? You've done too much already…I do not wish to be a burden…" she finished timidly, taking his hand and letting herself be pulled up.
Electrical jolts passed through her as they touched and again she blushed but turned away, not allowing him to look at her.
He led her through the small living room and towards the bedroom. He opened the door for her and motioned for her to get in, "Please make yourself at home milady." he said politely, yet mischievously, grinning.
Sera allowed herself, for the first time, to grin and walked within the room. Cielo closed the door for her firmly and left.
Sera pressed her back against the door.
What was she just thinking about Cielo…?
She shook her head; she was to remain obstinate.
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"So, alone for a week huh?" Argilla asked Jenna, smiling.
Jenna rolled her eyes, "Well, I'm glad. I can't stand that man! He has no class…no sense of decency! Ugh…" she cocked her head backwards, "He…he's incorrigible! He…he keeps doing these things that really annoy me!"
Jenna stood up, pacing back and forth within the room, "I mean, Argilla, what would you think when a man suddenly just…grabs your hands and kisses them! Ugh! He's so annoying! All that I just want to do right now is to…is to…"
Argilla couldn't help but grin as her sister continued to pour out her heart. She could see how serious Jenna was about all of those things about Gale.
Her face was beet red and her silver eyes were fiery…
"…is to strangle him with my bare hands!" she yelled, settling back on the cushion across her sister.
Jenna turned back to her sister who had nothing but a smug grin on her face. She narrowed her silver eyes into slits, "May I ask as to what is so funny My Queen?" she asked; her voice laced with undeniable sarcasm.
Argilla chuckled, "Nothing is funny Jenna…Nothing; except you."
Jenna's eyes dilated as she leaned back, incredulity written all over her features, "Me?!" she asked incredulously, "Why me?!"
Argilla shook her head and closed her eyes as she continued to chuckle. She stopped herself from continuing, however, as she heard her sister growl in displeasure.
She looked at Jenna and sighed, "Did you ever stop to think that Gale has been what we have being talking about for the last ten minutes? Gale this and Gale that is all I ever got to hear out of you…And the way you talk about him, I'm wondering Princess Junia," she said, drawling her name and leaning closer to her sister, "whether you loathe him or love him."
The color from Jenna's face drained as she understood Argilla's words as she leaned back further, "M-me?! L-like that…filthy…indecent scoundrel?! I think not!" she defended defiantly, her eyes wide with shock.
Argilla laughed; she was having a lot of fun. She enjoyed letting Jenna crumble this way. Normally, she was as cold as ice and as hard as stone…but when presented with a truly provocative trigger, she melts as quickly as butter melts in fire.
And it would seem that Gale was the trigger.
"What about you Your Highness?" Jenna asked her, her eye narrowing as she grinned; a toothy grin.
Argilla raised an eyebrow, "What about me?"
Jenna leaned closer to her, "How is the king in bed?" she asked vulgarly.
Argilla's eyes widened and she laughed; she had never thought that such vulgar words would come out from her stern sister's lips. She should be offended at the provocative question, but instead, she laughed as she found it funny.
"Well Highness?" taunted Jenna, her eyes never leaving hers, "How is he?"
'She wants to play?' she thought evilly, 'Then let's play!'
Argilla leaned in closer and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, "My husband? Oh Jenna…he's most amazing in the matters of intimacy…Ah…he was big! Bigger than anything that you had every imagined…He had me begging for it…Oh Jenna, how we moaned each other's name…You should have been there…His skin was so smooth…and his tongue…such an exquisite tongue that he-"
"Enough!" cried Jenna; her face beet red.
"But I haven't finished!" Argilla yelled defiantly, "Where was I? Oh yes, his tongue-"
"I said enough!"
Argilla burst out laughing. Jenna was never the intimate type. She was the most uncomfortable of the three of them at the subject of erotic pleasure…
She was just happy to know that she hadn't changed…At least, not in that department. She watched with amused eyes as Jenna clutched her heart and breathed in and out heavily within her juni-hito. Argilla almost forgot. Jenna was still wearing the juni-hito.
"Jenna?" Argilla asked.
Jenna glared at her, "This had better not be about your life with the king behind closed doors!" she hissed; annoyed.
Argilla smiled, "No. It's not. I merely want to ask you of your juni-hito. You've never worn the sari. I'm surprised Gale hasn't asked you to wear it."
Here, Jenna grinned evilly, "Oh he did, dear sister. He did."
"And?" she urged her.
"I told him no. I would never part with the juni-hito Argilla. Not until I die." she said seriously.
Argilla looked within her sister's silver eyes and saw the resolution within her eyes and her tone of voice. She could only guess that Gale had already attempted to convince her…but knowing Jenna, she would have refused consistently, never letting her guard down…
She was just proud that Jenna didn't let a man overwhelm her. Or, it was just that Gale wasn't forceful enough; at least, not in the way Serph and Heat were…
She sighed; that was one thing that she envied about Jenna…She had been given to a better man…
'There is no one better you idiot!' her inner self said, 'They're all the same!'
"Why? Did the king force you to wear the sari?" Jenna asked; her voice no longer playful but concerned.
Argilla smiled, "No. He didn't. I just thought that it would be best since I'm marrying into his family. I had better appreciate my husband's culture after all. It's great for the unification process of our countries."
Jenna made a face and she snorted, leaning back, turning her head to the side as she closed her eyes and folded her arms, "Of course it is My Lady. It would prove useful for the unification."
Argilla didn't miss the sarcasm in her voice; who would? Jenna was a frank person. She was also sharp when reading people.
"Argilla," she began, "you should assert yourself against the king. He needs to understand that you're-"
"I will not tolerate your prying into my business Junia." Argilla said coldly, glaring at her.
Jenna was taken aback; Argilla's response was not what she expected…
'Or shouldn't it…?' Jenna thought.
"The king and I are none of your concern. And if you are to give me counsel or any of that sort, I beseech thee that I am not in need of any of them. You may keep them to yourself. Thank you." She stood up and there, looked at her sister with malevolent eyes, "I shall speak to the general. But I will not promise anything. This audience is at an end." and with that, she began to walk out of the room.
Jenna could only look on after her…surprised.
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Argilla had been within a chamber, playing the koto, letting its musical notes take her to a faraway place…A place where there was no suffering, no grief…no sadness…no longing…
She gasped as she saw Roland's face within her daydream. She furrowed her eyebrows and her fingers immediately struck a wrong tone, letting its mistake echo softly within the room.
"Your Highness?"
Argilla snapped back up; it was Roland. She had asked for him to keep her company. The room had no guards at the doors, and she had no attendant with her, so, she had asked Roland to guard her, making sure that the room had no secret passageways-a practice that she had picked up in order to follow Serph's definition of "safe", and had him accompany her as well.
It was hitting two birds with one stone.
Roland came in front of her and knelt, "Is there something wrong Highness?"
She shook her head and laughed lightly, "Nothing's wrong Roland. I was just too engrossed in my thoughts that I struck a wrong note!"
Roland nodded, "Is there anything you need My Queen?"
Argilla frowned, 'Is this all that he's ever see me as?' she thought sadly.
"Roland," she began, "you do not have to address me so formally. I may be your queen, but I am also your friend." she told him, smiling.
Roland furrowed his eyebrows, "I am a servant to Her Majesty. To treat her in any fashion other than as a servant bowing to his mistress' desire is treason."
Argilla smiled, "Then it would be treason for you to not treat me as a friend then, considering that it is my desire."
Roland cursed himself; she was making things difficult.
"I am loyal to His Majesty. His words are law."
Argilla blinked, "His Majesty had given you to me; thereby, I have your loyalty."
Roland, feeling his anger rise, slowly raised his head and looked at her, their eyes peering into one another's. Yes. There was no longer doubt in his mind; she did feel something for him.
"My Queen, what is it that you want from me?" he asked steadfastly.
Argilla saw the look in his eyes; they were fighting so hard…She wanted to walk over to him and take him in her arms, telling him that it would be alright; but it would be wrong. She wanted a friend; not a lover…
But she had already admitted to herself that she indeed found herself smitten by him…
She closed her eyes and then opened them once more, smiling, "I want your friendship."
Roland didn't reply. Argilla sighed; she really shouldn't ask this of him. After all, she had already seen how Serph would react when a man would near her…No. She was wrong. She shouldn't ask this of Roland.
'Do not enter the furnace lest ye had the desire to get burned…' she told herself warningly.
She looked at her koto again and deemed that she was no longer interested in playing. She slowly stood up, earning her a curious look from Roland.
She said nothing and proceeded to the doors. Roland opened them for her and watched her move out before walking out himself, closing the doors behind him securely, following his queen.
Argilla had been wondering all day about Sera; but seeing as she had a misunderstanding with Jenna a few hours passed, she did not deem herself ready to face the general with the perpetual foul mood when she herself was having the same foul mood. But playing the koto had relaxed her nerves and she now felt ready to face her sister's husband.
She walked along the halls, knowing where she was to go.
A few minutes later, she had reached the War Room. Roland opened it for her and the people within bowed respectfully at her; the general included.
"Leave us." she said aloud; her eyes meeting the general's.
The staff hurried out of the room without question, leaving her with him and Roland. "Rise General." she told him firmly.
Heat did as he was told and met her sparkling pink eyes, "Your Highness, what can I do for you?" he asked politely, yet gruffly.
"I wish to see my sister milord." she told him truthfully.
Heat nodded, "I'm afraid that it's not possible My Queen." he told her.
"Why not? Explain."
"I had her leave upon a religious pilgrimage. She had offered to embrace Arkanadara's religion and thus made to pray for all of our temples. She would not return for another week My Queen…" he told her apologetically, kneeling.
Argilla raised an eyebrow; Arkanadara and Flavius Adeodatus did not have much of a different religion…Their religion was based on Arkanadaran theology after all…But she could understand if Sera wished to get to know this religion more carefully.
She nodded and bowed, "Thank you for your time milord." she said curtly, yet politely, before sauntering off.
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Heat frowned when she was completely out of sight. She couldn't know what had befallen her sister. No. At least, not until he found her first, or until Serph arrived back from Radhakrishna.
He cursed himself; he didn't like to deceive her this way…but the king's commands were absolute.
No one was to know.
Now, aside from the elite soldiers, he had also contacted his informants, feeding them the information. He told them to find a maiden that had Sera's features…
It wouldn't be long now…until he found her.
He clenched his hands into fists; he would find her. He would find those responsible for taking her and would kill them mercilessly, as painfully as possible…
But if he should know that she had left with them with her own accord…he would make sure that she would never do it again. He would make sure that she be punished severely so that she would only think of him and nothing else.
That was his promise to himself. And he intended to keep it.
And then, there was the other problem. Roland; the queen's loyal dog. He still had that sneaking suspicion that Roland desired the queen…He needed to make sure…He would find out.
He would.
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"Are you not worried about Princess Severina?"
Serph frowned within his mask and looked on at the grassy fields, "Yes. Quite. Like you, I've known Heat for as long as I could remember. I know how he would react when overly frustrated. I have never seen him so attached to a woman before." he told Gale in a low tone, his voice hardly audible as they continued to ride.
"And with the things that he tends to get attached to, he gets emotional. I'm wary more about his mental state as a general should the princess not be found."
Gale said nothing but just nodded; yes. If Princess Severina could not be located…or worse, killed, even they cannot predict Heat's behavior. They had an idea of what it would be like…but they cannot be absolutely certain though. It could be described in one word though; disastrous.
Gale sweat-dropped; he really hoped that the princess be found. The sooner, the better. Even now, he worried about how Heat was handling situations back at Arkanadara.
Of course, they had confidence in his capabilities; most especially Serph. He wouldn't have given him control of the country for a week if he didn't trust Heat's strong personage. No; the country would be fine. For now.
Now, it was time to move ahead to the agenda that they had presently set course for.
'Radhakrishna…' Serph thought, grinning.
It was the powerful country to the north. Serph snorted, 'Powerful? They are just arrogant.' he thought haughtily. For centuries, Radhakrishna had not even set foot on their lands and had built tall and strong walls encompassing their whole kingdom.
Serph's eyebrows furrowed, 'They probably thought that we're merely savages who are not worthy of their attention.' he mentally spat.
He then grinned, 'Well, things have changed. They owe me their attention now.'
That was true; Radhakrishna had been a wise and prosperous country. But it had made a critical error; it had been complacent. Thinking that the lands to the south to be unworthy of their attention, they had unwittingly given the people within the opportunity to form communities…that eventually led to whole kingdoms.
Now, they were all unified under Serph.
And now, they were as big as Radhakrishna itself. They were of equal strength now…
Serph laughed; that was the reason for this meeting. Radhakrishna was looking forward to peaceful co-existence with Arkanadara.
Serph sighed; there was a part of him that wanted this land…Like the way he craved Flavius Adeodatus, he craved Radhakrishna. Suddenly, he saw a flash of Argilla's face within his mind and he blinked repeatedly, 'What…?'
He frowned; if he really wanted Radhakrishna, he would wage war…Again, he would find a pretext for war…He would be again on the battlefield, dodging and cheating death…
But, now, things had changed. He wasn't the same man who had brought Flavius Adeodatus on its knees…No.
Things were different now…
He had established the country that he desired for so long a time; he had already created with his bare hands the country that he had aspired and dreamed of for too long a time…And now, he had merely wanted to settle.
He was married now and now looked onward to the prospect of having an heir…
Yes. Should he go to war…everything that he had built could go up in the searing flames of death and destruction. He narrowed his eyes; Argilla would be taken from him…possibly killed, or worse.
No.
As of now, he would halt his military aspirations…
Not for the country's sake…
It was all for her.
'All for you My Queen…'
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Cielo softly knocked at the door and waited for her reply. Nothing. He tried again; no response. Grasping the handle gently yet firmly, he pushed the door open and ventured within…
He made his way into the semi-darkened room and smiled. There, on his bed lay his strange angel. He had been right; she had been exhausted…
He walked over to her and looked at her closely. She was lying on her side, the pillow tightly within her arms. Her cheeks were drooping and her full lips set on a quaint little pout.
Cielo smiled; he had made a friend…
She was a rarity though…He had never seen such beauty…Feeling himself get entranced, he quickly shook his head and turned around, 'She's a lady.' he thought, willing his mind to be filled with nothing but chaste thoughts.
And as such, must be respected. It mattered not to him whether she had been used over and over again by the general of Arkanadara or not. All that mattered to him was that she was now free of that demon and was among friends.
He turned to look at her again; he would never see her hurt.
Never.
Flashing a cheeky smile again, he wondered how funny it was that she easily tired. She must have made a terrible slave…
'Unless…' he thought, his mind adrift, 'she wasn't born into slavery but was made into one…'
He narrowed his eyes and his sapphire orbs glowed palely, coldly, 'Those scum of the earth…'
Most probably that was what happened to his angel. She had most probably been stripped of her title and her noble birth ignored and was transformed into a whore…His heart suddenly felt painful and his eyes burned with heat.
Well, she was safe now…
That was the most important thing…
He was glad though…Through out all the times that she had looked at him, there remained within her silver pools, the mark of innocence.
Cielo's heart felt lighter then; she had not allowed herself to be tainted…
She really was an angel.
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Argilla had been staring at the window for God-knows how long when she felt a familiar presence. Without looking at the person, she narrowed her eyes; she already knew who it was. She wasn't really in the condition to deal with that person at that moment…
"Amadeus."
"What do you want? I have not summoned for you." she told the person coldly, still not looking at her.
She heard a sigh and then, a soft thump. Argilla turned around and saw Jenna looking at her with sad yet piercing silver eyes, "These are for you." she said, pointing to the small sack in front of her on the table.
Argilla turned to Roland, "Leave us."
He left without hesitation. The two waited for a moment to ensure that they were alone…and then, as the chamber doors firmly shut, the two locked gazes.
Argilla raised an eyebrow, "And what sort of interest should I exhibit for this…mundane and unattractive sack Junia?"
Jenna rolled her eyes, "Really Amadeus…Anyway, I'm not here for a butting of heads with you. I know you need whatever is in this 'unattractive sack'." she finished, drawling.
Argilla narrowed her eyes; she did not appreciate being bested in an argument. So, she made her way to the sack and opened it, peering at its contents. She looked at Jenna with blazing pink eyes, "Vegetables and herbs Junia?! Do you think me a servant!?" she yelled.
Jenna rolled her eyes, "I think not sister. These vegetables and herbs are your hope for the moment."
Argilla was getting tired of this, "I demand to know the meaning of this Jenna."
Ah…so it was back to Jenna now was it?
Jenna smirked within, "I won't insult your intelligence Amadeus. You are perfectly capable of knowing what these things are for…"
Argilla wanted to strangle her sister; she was leading her around…like a donkey with a carrot stick. Tearing her eyes away from her irritating sister, she peered within the contents of the sack again.
"Spinach, tomatoes…rose hips…parsley…horseradish…and…mercury plant." Argilla trailed off.
She looked at Jenna who merely nodded, "I had my servants gather them. I know you'd need them. You have only been married for less than a month. It hasn't been that long…"
Argilla frowned; she knew what Jenna meant.
"Jenna, these are…herbs that would kill the-"
"The devil's spawn." Jenna muttered darkly, cutting her off, "It's not a child Argilla. It's not yours. It's his." she spat venomously.
Jenna walked over to Argilla and held her hands, looking into her surprised and mildly scared pink eyes, "You could be with child…These would ensure that it would not progress…"
Argilla felt a lump in her throat and turned around, "I would never get to use them…the king…"
"Is lustful." Jenna finished for her, "I am quite aware of his shenanigans Argilla. But, there is always a way. Ingest these in the morning." Jenna then took the parsley, "These should be used two to three times a day."
Argilla narrowed her eyes, and looked at Jenna, "Thank you Jenna. I had not even considered this to be a possibility."
Jenna nodded, "The king will be gone for a week. It's enough time to terminate the gestation."
Argilla nodded, "Ah…"
Argilla agreed with Jenna wholeheartedly. She did not wish to have a child with a heartless man like Serph…No…She paled as she imagined what it would be like. She would keep his seed from her womb for as long as she could.
But there came the problem; Serph did mention to her that he wanted an heir…badly.
It would mean that he wouldn't stop mounting her until she bore him a child. Her throat suddenly became very dry; it was a disgusting and disturbing thought.
But on the other hand, if she proved to be infertile in his eyes, he might dispose of her and marry someone else. She laughed at that thought; yes…that would be a more favorable scenario.
Jenna then embraced her sister, "I only want what is best for you…"
"Thank you…"
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The days had gone by and for Sera, they had been her happiest. She felt guilty at that thought all of a sudden. She missed her sisters terribly. She missed Heat terribly…
She sighed; but it couldn't be helped.
It had been three days now since her stay with the Resistance and now, she found herself by the river, near the waterfalls, with a few other women, washing their husbands' clothes.
She cast her head down and transfixed her eyes on the sparkling water in front of her as she hand-washed Cielo's clothes. She frowned and furrowed her eyebrows together in sheer concentration.
This was the least thing that she could do for him, she thought. That was why she had taken it upon herself to serve her new friend…
She winced a bit as she felt her hands rub painfully together, causing bruises.
She really had no idea of what she was doing…Not really.
"It looks like you need a bit of help there." a gentle female voice said.
Sera looked up at the source of the voice and almost choked at seeing her, "You…"
The young woman smiled warmly as she seated herself beside her, "I should be the one telling you that…"
Sera blushed and looked away, "What are you doing here?"
The woman smiled as she took one of Cielo's shirts, washing it carefully, indirectly showing Sera how it was to be done, "The same thing you're doing here I suppose."
Sera frowned at that. She stole a glance at her companion's hands and there, she saw how it was to properly wash clothes…She felt silly there…She was rubbing the cloth so much that it was nearly torn!
Oh well; she really couldn't blame herself. She was of noble birth after all…
"Aren't you supposed to be at the castle?" Sera asked; a bit irritated at the young woman beside her.
The young woman sighed, "I should be. But the king dismissed me from your sister's service."
"Priya I…"
Priya shook her head, "No. I won't say anything about your identity Princess Severina, princess of the fallen Flavius Adeodatus, rightful wife of Arkanadara's general, The Red Dragon."
Sera nodded, "I'm grateful."
Priya stood carefully, earning her a confused look from Sera. She smiled, "I trust that you know how to wash these clothes now. Take care Sera…"
"It's Serish…" Sera corrected her.
"Ah," Priya nodded, "Serish it is then."
She turned and walked away when she suddenly stopped, "Oh, Serish…"
Sera looked at her and stood, "What?"
Priya looked at her with a small smile, her eyes sparkling…sadly. Sera was taken aback; why was she sad?
"You are very lucky to have captured not one but two passionate hearts…" she said, smiling tightly.
Sera's face burned; two hearts?
Did she mean Heat…? Of course she did! But what about…?
"You misunderstand if you are speaking of Cielo. He regards me nothing more than as a friend…" Sera said, whispering.
Priya giggled, "Do not be so bashful…Love is a bit tricky isn't it?"
Sera peered at her closely, "What do you mean?"
Priya sighed, "Just when you think that you've found the one for you…you see someone else…"
Sera's cheeks blushed beet red as she read the message hidden within Priya's innocent statement.
"No…Cielo is…"
"Take care of the Prince…"
"P-prince…?" she asked, stammering at her most unexpected discovery.
Priya laughed, "Yes…He was from a fallen tribe further east from Arkanadara. They were called the Sanada Clan. They specialized in stealth. Their fighting style is unique…using the shadows to blend in the surroundings…But of course, they only used this for hunting…never for killing other human beings."
Sera's eyes were as wide as saucers.
Priya nodded, "Well, it's a long story…and I am confident that he himself would tell you the rest…"
Sera could only nod in concurrence, flabbergasted.
Priya smiled again, "Good luck Serish." And with that, she walked away from her. Sera could only look on as Priya's back got visibly smaller and smaller as her distance became farther and farther away…
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Heat ran a shaking hand through his hair. It had been three whole days and two whole nights now since Sera's disappearance…and still there wasn't a trace of her.
He growled, "How the hell can one girl with her odd features elude an entire elite task force?!" he cursed.
He slammed his fists on the table in frustration. The villagers and the townsfolk had all been questioned but…so far no lead had yet to present itself.
He gritted his teeth in anger.
'No one had better touch you Sera…for if they will, I will make sure that they suffer a most agonizing death!' he thought possessively.
Closing his eyes, he sat down and slowed his breathing; no. He would find her…If the rebels were hiding her, then, he would find them and crush them.
His mind raced as he traced back all of the events that had thus far led to his current predicament. He would merely contact his spies again and ask them once more…There wasn't any other choice.
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Serph looked on the darkened sky, lazily smoking his pipe when Gale came, "It's a beautiful country Your Grace." he commented.
Serph nodded, without looking at him, "That, it is Gale."
"The negotiations have gone well."
Serph nodded, "Yes. They have."
"What are your plans?"
Serph laughed, "Nothing."
Gale looked at him as if he grew two heads, "Nothing?" he asked in disbelief.
Serph turned to look at him with a boyish grin on his face, "I mean it. Nothing. As of now, I have no other plans for this country other than as what we had previously discussed. This is a peaceful meeting between two leaders of the respective countries that they are leading…"
Gale blinked, "O-of course…"
Serph laughed again, "Don't give me that look Gale. I've…made up my mind."
Gale's eyes narrowed slightly, "Made up your mind? Or had changed it?"
Serph's boyish grin disappeared and he stood, taking his pipe and setting it on the table, "What are you implying?"
Gale immediately shook his head, his emerald pools returning to their original stoic demeanor, "I imply nothing Highness. I merely noted your shift of disposition with regards to the Radhakrishnans…I had expected that we would…"
"You are not to expect anything from me Gale." Serph sneered coldly, "Nothing."
Gale bowed, "Of course…Forgive me…"
A moment later, he disappeared.
Serph gritted his teeth; he needed to control his emotions better and get his façade fortified. He knew of what Gale spoke…and what it was he was implying…
Of course.
King Shailendra III had decided to put peace as his current priority because of a woman…Serph laughed at that; it was sheer weakness…But he didn't care. He would make the world perfect for his family…He would make sure of it. And if Radhakrishna would wage war at them, that would be the time that he would take up his arms.
And for the first time ever, he wouldn't be the one who would draw first blood…
No.
Not him; not this time.
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Argilla smiled as she continued to embroider the white handkerchief within her hands. She had been trained by her late mother about how to do it…She used to tell her that embroidery told of a woman's intelligence, grace and elegance…
She smiled at the memory of her mother; her stepmother, the mother she and her sisters shared. She smiled; she may not be her real mother, but she felt all the love a mother could pass on to her child from her…Argilla loved her as she would a real mother…
'I wonder what she would think of me now…' she thought sadly, thinking now of her current state.
Not only had she led her country to ruin by letting them fight a war that they cannot possibly win, she had also capitulated with the enemy by consenting to their blasphemous marriage…
And now, to make matters worse, she had conceded to the notion of murder. Yes. She considered it murder; murder in cold blood.
She shut her eyes tightly as she forced such ugly thoughts from her head. But alas, she could not.
How many days had it been since she had started ingesting those herbs…and using those plants? Mere days…but for her suffering soul, it seemed much longer than that.
But still, Jenna was right. She could not afford to bring a child into their loveless marriage…And knowing her husband, he would only transform their innocent child to that of a beast full of nothing but greed and carnage…
No.
She wasn't that selfish…
She would save her child…even if it meant killing him. She furrowed her eyebrows together as she thought more and more of her conundrum.
She sighed.
"Something the matter Highness?"
She stiffened then lightly laughed; she had been so wrapped up about her thoughts that she hadn't even noticed that Roland was still within the chamber.
She halted her finger-work and looked at him, smiling, "Nothing's wrong."
Roland nodded then directed his gaze elsewhere…
'Anywhere else but me…' she thought sourly.
She frowned at that thought. Wasn't she a nice person enough for him? Wasn't she a good enough mistress to him? He would rather pretend that she didn't exist rather than speak to her at all.
Well, she really didn't know that for certain. She sweat-dropped; she really shouldn't be assuming things.
'Many people died at wrong assumptions…' she trailed off mentally.
Replacing her frown with a small smile instead, she looked at him again, "Roland…?"
He looked at her with dead fisheyes, "Yes milady?"
Something within her shivered at seeing him; he looked…disturbing.
Wanting to get over her unfavorable reaction, she giggled, "You never did tell me of what happened to your country…We never got to finish our conversation up at that hill…on that day…"
Her guard had not an ounce of change of countenance whatsoever, but she knew that he felt apprehension within his gut; she could practically feel it oozing out of him.
"There's nothing to tell really milady." he told her curtly.
She giggled, "I highly doubt that. People, no matter the stature at the socio-economic strata would always have a story to tell…"
He looked at her with steely eyes, "My country, my tribe, was defeated. That's all…"
Argilla was taken aback; his eyes, once dull, now blazed at her, filled with emotions that she couldn't even begin to fathom…She understood though…That part of his life had been painful; even to recall such a memory proved to be a feat of the most arduous endeavors…
No.
She would not be the one to stir such ill feelings within her companion. As a good mistress, she hadn't that right.
"I apologize." she told him truthfully, casting her head down in which, doing so, she had dropped her handkerchief on the floor.
"Oh!" she exclaimed; embarrassed. She immediately made to bend to retrieve it, when Roland had beaten her to it. He took the handkerchief in his hand, not seeing the queen…
Argilla blushed beet red as their hands touched…It was meaningless; hardly any contact at all…But there was no mistaking it; the invigorating feeling that she felt for him on that day, on that hill so many weeks ago still continued to plague and haunt her…
"Oh…!" she exclaimed.
Roland recoiled his hand back with lightning speed. Still kneeling, he offered her, her handkerchief back, "I am the one who must apologize for that shameful display…"
Argilla, who had now leaned back on her chair, no longer cared for the handkerchief and merely gazed deeply at Roland, "Roland…"
Roland could feel his inside swirl with emotion as his name passed through her lips so effortlessly…He looked at her and saw how her face glowed, how her pink eyes sparkled as she looked at him…He could feel his resolve beginning to crack as he felt his ache to touch her grow at an accelerated rate…
How he longed for her…for his Lady…for his Mistress and Queen…
Argilla saw the emotions of longing within his eyes…and she was glad; but at the same time, angry. She knew that he wanted her…and had come to terms that she, in turn had wanted him…But given as to who they were, mistress and servant, their attraction would never go anywhere.
Nowhere but towards the direction of the gallows…
The king would have them condemned the moment he learnt of their attraction towards one another…
The Queen would be condemned…because of him.
"Roland…" she spoke once more.
"Milady…?"
She sighed, "Why won't you ever look at me? Why do you always look away?" she asked painfully, a stinging pain within her chest.
He cast his head down, "I have not the right to gaze upon you…"
She immediately felt angry, "Feelings are free Roland…"
Now it was his turn to be angry, "No…they are not Highness…To be able to live your life the way you want it to with the person that you want…Those things are never free."
She stiffened at his statement; completely agreeing with him…It mattered not whether the person was rich or poor…
"You and I have obligations to the people around us and have responsibilities to the posts that we occupy. I cannot be your downfall…" he said firmly, looking at her with resolute eyes, standing up from where he knelt. He offered her, her handkerchief back and she took it from him without saying anything.
Argilla was speechless…She couldn't believe that he would actually say such things to her…She could feel her chest tighten at his cruel yet truthful words…
She quickly looked away, not able to say anything more. She had been rejected; but…at least now, she knew really of how he felt…
"Is there anything I could do for you Highness?"
"No…Thank you." she told him firmly.
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Serph pulled the reigns of his horse, willing it to stop. They had just arrived from Radhakrishna…A whole week had already gone by…
'A week that felt more like a century…' he thought dryly.
A small smile suddenly found itself on his lips; he couldn't wait to arrive home…Not only would he see his queen again, but he would get to know whether or not she was with child…
The chances were good, favoring him of course…
After all, he had dismissed too many of his women, too soon…It was because that they had conceived…
He grinned within his mask; he couldn't wait to see her…He got down from his horse and let his servants take the stallion to its stable.
Turning to Gale, he spoke firmly, "I shall meet you and Heat in an hour."
Gale bowed politely and said nothing.
Serph walked away from him, heading for the castle…He wondered what his queen had been up to the last week…
'If I know her, she had been thinking of doing things that are unlawful but not really exercising it…She's got a dirty mind, she has…' he thought smugly.
Amadeus was both royalty and a commoner. She was both a deity and a mortal…There were many things in her life that she had craved of doing; but of course, she always saw her position as royalty first…
That was why she was always the righteous one…But that didn't mean that she would completely submit to the rules…
He saw that firsthand when she fought for her people at the battlefield…He saw it again when she denied him his right as a husband and even attacked him.
He sighed; it was what he loved about her…
He suddenly stopped.
Love?
He narrowed his eyes and shook off the thought of weakness. If he did love her, he would never admit it. Never.
He arrived at their chambers and threw the doors open, revealing her and her physicians. He had asked for her to check her fertility just before he left; it was a good thing that she had done what he had asked of her.
He grinned at her and turned to the physicians, who had by now, kneeled humbly before his feet, "Rise."
The three women rose and cast their heads down on the floor instead.
"What say you about the queen's condition?"
The head physician, who was an elderly woman, raised her head, "The queen is not with child My King."
Serph frowned heavily within the mask. He was disappointed…In actuality, the word "disappointed" couldn't even begin to explain what he felt at that very moment. He was distraught; dismayed…
He stole a glance at his wife who merely gazed at the window, unbothered, unfazed at the discovery. He could feel his anger rise; how dare she be calm like this?!
How dare she be that calm when he was there, ready to crush someone out of sheer anger and disappointment?!
How dare she not conceive!?
'Something is going on here…' he told himself.
He had taken it upon himself to be intimate with her at an almost nightly basis…How could she have failed to conceive? It was purely illogical in his view…
He turned to the physicians again, "Get out."
The three left with haste.
Serph did not really wish to ask them about issues of fertility. No; he knew he was fertile enough. If she failed to conceive at his past passionate endeavor, he would merely double his efforts, now would he?
He touched his mask and removed it, setting it on the table.
"I trust that you had been faithful?" he said silkily as he made his way to her standing form by the window. He walked up to her and embraced her from behind. She snorted and held his hands, slowly prying them away.
He didn't let go and held on, chuckling, "Aa…I've grown weary Argilla…" he whispered into her ear.
She growled, "Then perhaps My King should get some rest…After all, his journey had been tiring…"
He chuckled again, "I've longed for you…" he whispered seductively.
Argilla wasn't really in the mood for such things; not that she had ever been in the mood whenever she was with him in the first place.
Wanting to distract him, "I have yet to hear of my sister, Your Grace. Where has she gone?"
At hearing her question, he immediately released her. That was right. He still had to speak to Heat about that…It was a pressing matter…He really needed to deal with that issue. Argilla wasn't going anywhere; she would be there when he would retire…
Their little activity could wait.
He took a step back. Argilla raised an eyebrow and turned around, facing him, "What is the matter milord?" Something told her that it wasn't just mentioning Sera that had gotten him out of the mood…
It wasn't that she wasn't thankful either. It was just that, the king wasn't the type to capitulate so easily…Something was amiss. She could feel it…
Serph grinned at her, "I cannot stay My Queen…But rest assured, I shall return to you before the night is over, and then, I would answer your questions to the best of my abilities…"
Not waiting for her response, he bowed courteously and left her.
Argilla could only narrow her eyes at him. He promised her that he would answer her questions…He had better live up to his word; she had many questions to ask him…
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Jenna crossed her arms; she had heard from Argilla that her sister was to return that day from her religious pilgrimage…but it was not so. She had still to return. She had asked Argilla about it but she said that she knew nothing…
She sighed; there was something good that came from all of that though. The king and her fiancé had arrived.
Perhaps Gale could fill her in some of the missing details…
She frowned, "That is…if he would even consider me worthy…"
"Worthy of what?"
Jenna stiffened; he had a bad habit of doing that to her. She turned and looked at him stoically, "Gale…"
Gale blinked; since when did she start calling him by his name and not his title? He couldn't help but give off a small laugh; she really was headstrong. She wasn't hesitant to speak her mind…
"Where is my sister?" she asked him calmly; her arms folded, the white paint on her face making her look colder, matching her unfeeling silver eyes…making her appear cadaverous.
Gale repressed a shudder; he had been cold and unfeeling all his life…But Jenna seemed to outdo him even in that…
Aside from appraising her appearance and focusing on her question, Gale internally was in turmoil. What was he to tell her?
'Just what Serph told you to tell her.'
'Absolutely nothing.'
"I know not of your sister's whereabouts." he spoke stoically, mimicking her stance.
Jenna could feel her discomfort and annoyance grow; how come no one was telling them anything?! Her mind raced. Suddenly, she came to a conclusion. Her silver eyes widened, 'They're not saying anything because they've been ordered not to. They're hiding something!'
Her mind reeled; something had happened to Sera…!
She gasped and Gale raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong?"
She gritted her teeth and set her arms on her side, clenching them tightly into fists. Her silver eyes flashed dangerously, "You know something! Tell me!"
Gale was amazed; she saw right through him…He really must commend her; she had done what most could not. But be that as it may, he could not tell her anything; at least, not yet.
He shook his head; he wasn't telling her a complete lie either. He really didn't know of her sister's whereabouts. If he did, or rather, if anyone of them did, they wouldn't be in this fiasco!
But still, he did feel quite the feeling of awkward remorse. He couldn't bear to be in her presence for much longer.
He nodded, "As much as I've enjoyed this trivial conversation, I must go. The king has asked for me."
Jenna frowned as he turned and walked away. She did the only thing that she could think of to make him stay, "Wait Gale! Please!"
Please.
Gale stopped and made a face; he had never before heard such a word from her lips…Never this desperate. He turned and peered into her face. It mirrored her desperate tone. Sighing, he walked over to her, no longer surprised to see that she had not moved a step back, and took her hands in his, giving them a reassuring squeeze, "I know nothing of Princess Severina." he told her, his emerald eyes boring into hers, "But I shall tell you when I do."
Jenna could feel herself being dizzy within his mesmerizing gaze that she couldn't move a strand of her hair…
His touch on her hands felt so warm…She sighed; she would not really openly speak of it…but his touch, at that moment, was all that could soothe her.
He let go a moment later and left altogether.
Jenna closed her eyes, "Sera…"
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"Heat," Serph said as he arrived at the War Room, "what is the status of your search?"
Heat frowned, "Nothing had been resolved."
Serph growled, "And what is the reason for this?" he seethed angrily, his silver eyes narrowing into slits.
Heat met his king's gaze steadily, "The nature of this investigation works against me Your Highness."
Serph flared at him, "I've made you general so that you may bring me the results I want; not so that you could make flimsy excuses!" He paused before continuing, "Honestly Heat; I am quite displeased with your performance…"
Heat cursed himself inwardly at his lack of results…He vowed to double his efforts.
"I have not found Raveeh or Princess Severina; but I had captured more of the rebels." he stated, diverting the attention.
Serph narrowed his eyes, "Where?"
"The Sanada territory."
Serph nodded; that was the tribe to the east that had fallen to them two years ago.
"And?" he urged Heat to continue.
"They were captured while gathering supplies for their base. The townspeople were helping them."
Serph's eyes burned, "What have you done to the people helping them?"
Heat narrowed his eyes, "I've had them tortured for the information before disposing of them."
Serph grinned within; Heat was still Heat…
"Aah…"
"I've also caught a few of them from each and every town…" he shook his head, "I've had the villages searched…and some of them, burned, so as to show the reward of being disloyal to the crown. But so far, the rebel's forces are scattered…They could not be located."
Gale touched his forehead, "That's because the rebels' stronghold isn't located on any of the towns…"
The two turned to him. Gale blinked lazily, "The towns merely serve as supply depots; nothing more. They are located somewhere else…somewhere where they know the terrain and can manipulate the surroundings…"
Heat growled, "The forests."
Gale nodded, "Yes. It is highly probable that they had taken up refuge within the thick forests."
Serph frowned, "It would make it harder for us to draw them out…" he trailed off, looking at the map.
"There are forests at every direction." he said, irritated.
Gale nodded, "I need more time to devise a plan. I need a second opinion."
Heat and Serph raised an eyebrow but did not question him. Gale was brilliant; in all the ways that mattered. He wouldn't be doing anything that would prove to be disadvantageous to them.
Needless to say, they trusted him…
Serph looked from Gale to Heat who looked nothing short of distraught. He knew that his friend missed his wife terribly…After all, if he could miss Argilla so much in a week, Heat would long for Severina a thousand fold since she was missing…
He put a hand on his shoulder, "Locate the Princess Heat. That is your main priority. Leave the rebels to us."
Heat looked within Serph's eyes; he was glad that his friend and king understood. Serph just didn't want to appear weak by sympathizing. That was why he gave the finding of the princess as a formal order and chose not to offer him comforting words…
Gale suddenly spoke up, "What of the Princess Junia? She is becoming increasingly suspicious."
Serph sneered, "Do you really need me to explain as to how you could tame your woman Gale? But, no matter. Tell her the truth. Tell her that Princess Severina had been taken by the rebels and that we are doing all that we could to retrieve her."
Gale nodded.
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A/N: More names.
Sanada: A samurai clan who became vassals of the Toyotomi clan (Toyotomi Hideyori and Toyotomi Hideyoshi). The most famous of which is Sanada Yukimura who had a long dispute with the Tokugawa shogun and his brother Sanada Nobuyuki who sided with the Tokugawa during and after the battle of Sekigahara at 1600. Sanada Yukimura is well known for victories against Tokugawa Ieyasu's overwhelmingly large armies.
Sanada (story): The name of a tribe to the East of Arkanadara.
