Author's Note: AMG… chapter THIRTY? :le gasp!: Damn, this is turning out to be SO much longer than I expected…
)Ayunli( - O.o damn, I didn't know ff(dot)net accepted those symbols even… haha so cute. Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you like Lenta :happy tears: She's been an OC of mine for a while now but I never really developed her except this really short one-shot… but writing so much about her here actually inspired me to continue writing this story I started about her a looooonngg time ago :D Oii, so sorry about Tomo and Mei… but honestly at this point I don't really know anything unique/interesting about their feelings except, well, as we all expect, very upset… but hopefully this chapter make up for it just a tiiiiiiny bit!
)HappyHam( - Haha, that's sort of the "foreshadow"… though not much of one now that I'm telling you… n.n; but yes, the point of that was in a way for Syao to change history and blah blah by introducing 'divorce' and such… kinda like how that King from England built his own church or something just to get a divorce and marry another woman… though he ended up killing that wife! D:
)BiskElle( - Haha the Jelensta and Syao pairing was suppose to be very brief! But I get so into my writing they end up… well, like this. This story was seriously supposed to be about 17 chapters total… Aww, I'm very flattered 'Wanted' is worth for you to think about even after you read it! Although aren't these 'mystery' things suppose to be written to be misleading the readers to someone, so at the last minute, BAM! It's a total surprise? Well, I failed that, haha. Well you'll be glad to know I am almost done it now! I've got like 1.25 chapters left to write and the story is DONE (assuming the last chapter doesn't turn out to be too long…) and then Ima back the crap out of it so that no matter how many hard drives I lose it will never be lost!
)ZBZ( - Hey, I'm in Waterloo… which according to statistics is the city that surfs 'FML' the most by like a huge percentage… we're so depressing… T.T
Big thanks to my reviews!
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Chapter Thirty
The Escape
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Tomoyo's room…
"I… I can't believe it… she's… she's really going to be executed…" Meiling hiccupped, her head leaning against Lord Ferrer's shoulder, who is currently sitting on what used to be Kaho's bed.
Sakura was sitting by herself on the ground, her head leaned back against the wall, her hair an array of mess plastered against the tears on her face. She looked terrible, and barely sane. "Ilonka…"
"We could try to visit her…" Lord Ferrer suggested.
"No." Eriol shook his head grimly. Tomoyo was sitting on her bed, her back against the headboard, her face turned to the direction of the wall nearest to her. Eriol was standing next to her bed, watching her with deep worry and concern. The fact he could only see the back of her head was not helping things. "Ilonka's been sentenced to death… the cell she's being kept in is highly secure and no one is allowed to visit."
"But we're not just people. We are people of status." Ferrer said.
"Even the King himself is not allowed to visit. The only way he can see a death row criminal is by ordering the person to be brought to him, with guards all around for the King's protection. I mean this isn't a small issue… she tried to kill the King." Eriol replied.
"But surely, the King would anticipate the girls to want to see Ilonka for one last time before tomorrow…" Ferrer said.
Eriol's face darkened. "You heard what he said at the trial today. He asked us all to get out, and that is that."
"We have to see Ilonka…" Sakura whispered in a raspy voice, her pupils still dilated and staring forward, not blinking.
"It's not that easy, Sakura…" Eriol said softly. "There is literally nothing we can do…"
Meiling's eyes flashed. "Unless… we kill every single guard there."
"That is crazy!" Eriol exclaimed. "First of all assuming we can, it'll take less than five minutes for the whole castle to be alarmed and we'll be caught again—that's hardly enough time for us to speak to Lady Fai. Secondly do you know how severe of a crime that will be? We're talking murder!"
"So?" Meiling retorted angrily. "Yeah, murder, just like how the King is murdering Ilonka!"
"Lady Raye while I understand your pain…" Ferrer said. "But it's too much to put such a label on King Syaoran. Lady Fai is a kind young woman under normal circumstances, I have no doubt, but she did admit to attempt to murder the King on multiple accounts and if he did not kill her, she would continue to do so! What would you do in such a situation?"
Meiling shook her head rapidly. "I don't know, but not kill her! I would not kill her!"
"Regardless we should all stop moping. Night has fallen and we've all shed enough tears for the day. What we need to do is figure out what—if anything—we want to do. Ilonka's… execution is tomorrow." Eriol said.
"And that's why I keep saying we should go see her!" Meiling cried exasperatedly.
"But that's ridiculous! There's simply no way around it! Perhaps we should consider something else." Eriol said.
"No." Sakura replied firmly. "It's not about changing the plan; it's about how badly we want it. If there's a will, there's a way."
"Not without murder!" Eriol exclaimed. "Or at the very least getting someone hurt!"
"Well think harder, you're supposed to be the brains! Maybe you just don't care enough." Meiling said.
"Don't care. Don't care? How dare you accuse that of me?" Eriol said.
"Well, for one, you have nearly as much power as the King and you're telling me you can't do anything to get us to see Ilonka?" Sakura said.
"SILENCE!" And so it was, as everyone stared at Tomoyo. Slowly, she turned around to face them, her stare icy, but determined. "We are not to argue anymore about how to see Ilonka tonight. Instead, we are to discuss how to get her out."
"Well said, Daidouji." And the door to Tomoyo's room suddenly swung open, and in walked Jelensta, her strides ever so confident.
"Jelensta." Suspicion was clear in Eriol's voice. "What are you doing here?"
"I'd love to chat, but we haven't got time. Tomoyo's right; we have to get her out."
Lord Ferrer frowned. "And why is this so important to you?"
Jelensta rolled her eyes impatiently. "That's a long story for another night. For now, just know you need me, because I'm the one with a plan."
"But—"
Tomoyo cut off Eriol's protest. "No, let her talk. She's right, we have but a few hours before Ilonka's judgement, and if we are to get her out, we should take advantage of the night. Time is of essence. Please, Lady Kalira, tell us your plan."
—
"…and, I think it's needless to say, but Eriol will have to be the one to get Ilonka out."
Eriol frowned. "This is preposterous… it's… it's treason! I cannot do this to the King! It is unthinkable!"
Desperately, Tomoyo ran forth and clung onto the collar of Eriol's clothing. "How can you still defend the King at a time like such?" Her eyes were filled with a crazed light, but despite that, tears were also forming and it broke Eriol's heart. "The King is cruel, cold, and heartless! He feels nothing for Ilonka; all he cares for is his pride! And why should he care for her? He's never known her the way I did, the way we all did. He doesn't see her as a person, he sees her as an object. He sees her as a chance to teach a lesson to his people, to threaten any potential future assassins. At a time like this you're choosing your loyalty to the King over a friend's life? Listen to yourself!"
"Tomoyo, that's not true… I've known the King for a very long time and I don't think what he's doing to Ilonka is as clear cut as coldblooded murder… I do believe… deep down, he does feel pain... he does not want to kill her… truly, he wants to let her go…"
"Oh, really? Then why doesn't he? Open your eyes, Eriol! He is the King! If he really wanted her to go, if he really cared anything for her at all, HE WOULD JUST LET HER GO! Why can't you understand that?"
"But he has duties, duties he must do as the King—"
"BUT IF HE CARED ENOUGH HE STILL WOULD DO WHAT WAS RIGHT! If I were him, what do you think I would care more for? Some intangible thing like reputation, or the life of someone I care about, someone I love?"
"Tomoyo…" But at that moment Eriol wasn't thinking of the King anymore… her words rang in his ears, and he thought only of himself and his Tomoyo… What do I care more for… my reputation? Or my love…? And so he convinced his heart of her words. And slowly, he reached up and wiped away her tears with his thumb. "You're right… it is up to us. If the King could be depended on, he would've already done something."
Tomoyo closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Thank you…" she whispered softly. "Eriol…" At last, she seemed slightly less hysterical.
"Great, I'm glad we got that settled." Jelensta said, completely ignoring the emotional scene that had just occurred. "So let's go over this again. Arwin, you'll pretend to go out for a late night stroll and come back home with two prostitutes; a red head, and a black-haired one. Try to show little of their face, and as much of their hair as possible. During this time, Eriol will get Ilonka out. Eriol will bring Ilonka to his room to 'question', and Arwin will bring the two prostitutes to Tomoyo's room where Sakura, Meiling and I will be waiting. Ilonka and I will switch clothing with the prostitutes. We'll wait about half an hour. During this time, Sakura and Meiling, I need you two to sneak the prostitutes out. Drug them, knock them unconscious, anything goes. But I need them out of the castle without anyone seeing them within half an hour. Since Ilonka and I will leave from the east gates, you two should get the girls out the west gates. And keep an eye on all guards that have seen the girls, make sure they don't go anywhere near the East gates. Meanwhile Arwin will be escorting Ilonka and me out of the castle, sending his 'prostitutes' home. During this time, Tomoyo I need you to cry and scream and beg at King Syaoran. Whatever it takes, keep him distracted and make sure he doesn't hear of or suspect of this plan; not until we get Ilonka out. Once it's done, I will ask to see the King immediately, and that's your cue it's been done, and you can leave. Eriol, I want you to lay low during this time; after all, your role is the riskiest. Everyone understand?"
Everybody nodded.
The mood was heavy and serious. The plan was dangerous and they're putting all their lives on the line for this, but they realized Tomoyo was right; they had to get Ilonka out. And now that Jelensta was here, they actually have a plan.
"Great, let's not waste any more time. Arwin, Go. Try to pace yourself. In exactly one hour Eriol will head down to the dungeon to retrieve Ilonka."
Lord Ferrer nodded solemnly as he stepped out the door.
"Wait!"
Arwin spun around to the voice, and came face to face with Meiling. "Yes, Lady Raye?"
"…call me Meiling." She said softly, staring into his eyes. "I… I appreciate you doing this. But… why?"
And his warm smile returned. "Lord Eriol and Lady Jelensta are both very good friends of mine. It is a favour to them. Also… I notice this situation is hurting you a great deal. I'd like to ease your pains, any way possible."
Meiling gave a tiny smile in return. "Thank you, Lord Ferrer." And she gave him a kiss on the cheek, before walking back into the room, and closing the door behind her with a small smile.
Arwin's eyes widened slightly, as his hand rose to touch his cheek where she had kissed him. And suddenly, he felt like nothing could go wrong tonight.
An hour later…
"Ohh, stop it!" The redhead giggled as she snuggled up closer against Lord Ferrer's back.
"Why?" He whispered in a husky voice against her bare neck.
She just giggled some more as the black-haired girl traced her fingers along his chest.
For the life of him Arwin couldn't figure out how he even managed to pile three girls plus himself onto this one horse. Oh, his poor horse… One girl sat in front of him, while the other two each sat on one of his leg.
"Now listen Aria, I'll pay you up front, and I want you to give my friend a good time, and keep him busy the whole night, got it?"
The brunette pouted. "Why me? I'd rather please you, milord." She said flirtatiously.
Arwin forced a smile onto his lips. "I promised my friend, that's why." He was pretty sure giving the guards one girl would help in keeping their mouths shut about him sneaking girls in the castle in the middle of the night.
"But my techniques are soooo much better than Ruby or Love over there…"
Lord Arwin could only sigh. Of course they all wanted to please a Lord. Everyone knows Lords have more gold. His legs were already getting numb. This is going to be a long ride… he thought miserably as the girls fought over him.
—
"Lord Ferrer has been gone a while now. Eriol." Jelensta nodded at him.
Eriol sighed as he nodded back, picking up a golden scroll onto which he forged the King's handwriting, as well as the King's seal. "I'll be back."
He tugged the scroll neatly in his sleeves as he walked towards the door.
"Wait!" Tomoyo cried, running up to him just as he was about to close the door behind him.
"Yes?"
Tomoyo stared deeply into his clearly concerned and hesitant eyes. "I… I know you're only doing this for me, Eriol… and… thank you."
"You know I'd do anything for you…"
"I know." Tomoyo replied, tears of happiness filling her eyes. "And… I love you." The last words stumbled out in a hurry out of her mouth as she closed her eyes tightly and pecked Eriol quickly on the lips.
When she pulled back, her face was red, and she could barely bring her eyes up to meet his.
"I will be back soon." Was all Eriol said, as he closed the door behind him. Little did Tomoyo know, the moment the door closed Eriol leaned against it and let out a deep breath he didn't even know he was holding in, as he clutched at his rapidly pounding heart. He took out the scroll and read over its writing one more time, then he thought of Tomoyo, then he thought of the King. "I'm sorry, my liege…" he whispered, as he headed towards the dungeon.
—
"HALT! NO ONE'S ALLOWED IN!" The guards cried, holding up their spears.
In the dim light from the torches on the wall, Eriol could barely make out two guards standing by the narrow entrance. "It is I, Advisor Hiiragizawa Eriol."
"My Lord!" The two soldiers kneeled before him at the recognition, but then quickly stood up and blocked the entrance with their spears. "Unfortunately my Lord, you should know that absolutely no one is allowed in. Not even the King himself, and it is our duty to make sure of that."
Yeah, perfect example of that earlier with Jelensta, huh… he thought with a roll of his eyes, but said nothing. "Do not worry. I'm not here to enter; I come to deliver a message from the King himself." He said, pulling out the golden scroll from his sleeves.
Seeing the King's command, the two soldiers quickly kneeled once more. "Your Majesty! What is your command?"
Eriol unrolled the golden silk scroll slowly, and held the parchment before him and began to read. "By direct order of King Li Syaoran of the Li Kingdom, I hereby ask for Ilonka to be released at once and be put under custody of Advisor Hiiragizawa to conduct further questioning. Her trial today was rushed and not all facts were heard; it is my belief that my Advisor, who is a master when it comes to manipulating the mind, alone will be better at extracting a more complete confession from this criminal."
The guards looked at one another. "Are you asking us to hand over Ilonka, an attempted assassin, to you?"
"It's not what I'm asking; it's by order of the King."
The guards paused. "It doesn't sound right…"
Great. Of all days I get the smart ones. "You dare question the King's order?"
"Not at all, my Lord. An order's an order."
And Eriol breathed a mental sigh of relief.
One of the guards went into the dungeon, and after a few minutes came back dragging a dirty and tired and tied up Ilonka, who still had enough energy to shoot death glares all around her. "This her?"
Eriol pretended to examine her. Luckily for him Ilonka was smart enough not to blurt out his name and continued to look pissed off. Well, or maybe she's just pissed off. Regardless, it was a good thing she gave no indications of knowing him. "Yes. That red hair and that hateful stare are unmistakable. Bring her to my interrogation room as soon as possible, I will be waiting." And without a second glance, Eriol walked away.
"Ay…" the guard holding Ilonka sighed. "Royalties, never worried what trouble they bring us, always just orders, orders, orders… well, quickly now, go get Larry and Black to take this girl away, they should be patrolling the other side now. Man, she's giving me the creeps…" The guard shuttered glancing at her hateful, dark eyes.
—
"My Lord, what are you doing out so late?" The soldier asked, as Lord Ferrer approached the gates on his horse.
Lord Ferrer smirked as he stepped off his mount. "Well, it's been a hell of a day here today, I'm totally stressed here. A man's gotta get some, ya know what I'm sayin'?"
The soldier chuckled. "Hear, hear! What a mess it's been! One of the King's own women, trying to murder him! And some commoner girl rejecting his proposal? What's this Kingdom come to. Go have yourself a good time my Lord, while you're at it, some good ale wouldn't hurt either!" He stared at the three lovely girls up and down.
Lord Ferrer patted the soldier on the back. "Thanks, my good man. And listen… I'd prefer if you didn't report this to King Syaoran… he's got enough to worry about as it is, no need troubling him with knowing his guests are bored out of their wits… and in return, I'll let you have one of the girls."
Arwin could almost see the guard drool. "Daaammn, haven't been with a woman for way too long… Do I get my pick?"
"Nope. Red head and black haired ones are mine. Take the brunette, she's pretty skilled from what I hear."
"'Course, course, keep the exotic ones for yous self…"
But Lord Ferrer didn't have time to chat. "Go have fun with her." he said, pushing the whining brunette onto the guard. "Enjoy the night."
The soldier nodded eagerly as he put an arm around the girl and they walked away.
The moment they were out of sight, Lord Ferrer quickly straightened himself up and grabbed each girl by the hand. "We have to hurry." He whispered, taking big strides towards Tomoyo's room.
"Oooh, someone's impatient!"
"I like a man who takes charge!"
He really couldn't wait to get rid of them.
—
The door to the damp, shady interrogation room of Eriol's suite opened as the guards threw Ilonka onto the stone cold ground in front of Eriol.
"My Lord." They both went on their knees.
"Rise."
"My Lord, would you like us to stay here? We can assist you with various torture methods."
"No need, Ilonka and I will be needing a little… alone time." He smirked wickedly looking down at her.
"Yes, My Lord. Would you like us to guard the door then? To ensure no one enters?"
"No, that is quite alright. I'd much rather you two go back to your shifts and make sure no criminals escape their cell. No one would enter this room by free will. Especially not at night."
"Yes, My Lord." They bowed quickly, and began to retreat.
"Oh, Ilonka…" Eriol said, circling Ilonka like she was his prey. "There's much you haven't told the King... but I'm going to get it out of you, if it's the last thing I do…"
The door slammed shut behind the soldiers.
Almost instantly, Eriol knelt down and untied the cloth around Ilonka's mouth, enabling her to speak. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU, YOU SICK BASTARD! YOU THINK I DIDN'T TELL YOU EVERYTHING? REALLY? YOU ROYALTIES ARE ALL THE SAME WORTHLESS—"
Out of reflex, Eriol shoved the cloth back into Ilonka's mouth. "Ilonka! Calm down! What do you take me for? I love Tomoyo more than anything in this world, and you're her best friend, how could I possibly harm you?"
Ilonka moved her mouth awkwardly, signally she'd like to talk.
"Promise you won't start screaming at me again?"
Ilonka nodded.
With a sigh, Eriol removed the gag once again from her mouth.
"If what you say is true… why am I bound by ropes from head to toe? What are you going to do with me?"
Eriol gave her a thin smile, for deep in his heart, he felt ashamed of himself for his betrayal to the King, whom he grew up with. "Nothing. And it's not me, it's us. We are going to give you your freedom."
—
"Now both of you," Lord Ferrer tapped each woman on the tip of their nose. "Close your eyes, I've got a surprise for you…"
"Oohhh, a surprise! Of course, of course!" As the two whores closed their eyes in anticipation, Lord Ferrer quickly opened the door, stepped in and ducked, as two wool sacks came behind the door and trapped one woman in each. Before the surprised girls could let out their horrified scream, Arwin slammed the door shut.
"!"
"WHAT IS THIS MY LORD? WHAT IS THIS?"
Despite the shut doors and empty corridors, Lord Ferrer couldn't help but to worry. Those girls sure had a voice.
"Please stop screaming!" Sakura begged. "You're not being kidnapped, but before I can let you out I need you to remain calm!"
"I'M GONNA DIE! I'M GONNA DIE! AHHHH! SOMEONE HELP ME! SOMEONE! ANYONE! I'M BEING KIDNAPPED BY A CRAZY GUY! HEEELPP!"
"No, you're not going to die!" Lord Ferrer said frantically, trying to calm them to no avail. "I'm not going to kill you, or do anything to you! But please, just hear me speak!"
"MY LIFE! MY YOUNG LIFE IS OVER! I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS OH GOD HELP ME! MOTHER! FATHER! I AM SORRY FOR WHAT I'VE BECOME BUT I DON'T WANT TO DIE!"
"SOMEBODY HEEELLPP! HEEELLPP! HEEELPPP ME! AAAHHHH! HEELLPP!"
"Can you two quiet down just for a second and hear me out?"
"HEEELLPPP ME! HELP! HELP! I'M GOING TO DIE! HELP ME HELP!"
"Oh for goodness sake…" Jelensta growled as she picked up her wooden make-up box, and smacked it across the two girls' heads.
The two sacks stopped moving and slumped to the floor.
Immediately, the room was filled with silence.
Sakura sweatdropped. Meiling twitched. Lord Ferrer sighed. "Well, I suppose that was unavoidable…"
"Hey, I gave them ample time." Jelensta said defensively.
"Yup, all of a minute and a half." Meiling bristled.
"Well we're not going to risk anybody finding out about this! And my gosh those girls had voices of screeching, off-tune trumpets…" Jelensta knelt down as she began to pull the sack off one of the girls. "Oh come on." Jelensta cried out in dismay, looking at the black-haired girl she just took the sack off of. "This is supposed to be me?" She glared at Lord Ferrer. "What brothel did you go to—the Dumb and Stupid? This girl looks like she's got the intelligence of a rock—with all due respect to the rock."
"Uh, hello! Why are you focusing on what she looks like?"
Jelensta simply shook her head in distaste as Tomoyo helped the other girl out of the sack.
A minute later Sakura and Meiling came back with some plain dresses, shoes, and two blonde wigs.
"Well… I was hoping it didn't have to be like this but…" Jelensta turned to face Lord Arwin. "Other room, please."
"What? Why? What are you going to do to the girls?"
Jelensta rolled her eyes. "Strip them like barbarians and steal their clothing, what do you think?"
"You know they're technically my girls… I should get to see them nak—alright I'll go!" Arwin mumbled as all the girls shot him death glares.
Ten minutes later they got the two unconscious girls into their new clothing and wigs, while Jelensta put on the black-haired prostitute's clothing, and had the red-head one's folded neatly in her grasp. "Sakura, Meiling, wait until those two wake up, and get them out."
"Why don't we just leave them here? I think it's safer that way."
"Probably. But if we do get caught, King Syaoran might consider them to be our accomplices, and they might be sentenced to death. I don't want that kind of blood on my hand. I didn't hit them that hard; they should wake up within the hour. And if they don't… um, try cold water. If that doesn't work, try hot water."
Sakura's eye twitched slightly. Never make an enemy of her… on second thought… probably a safer idea to never make a friend of her either…
"Tomoyo." Jelensta nodded knowingly at her.
Tomoyo nodded back. "In ten minutes, I will seek the King. I will do everything I can, but please do hurry back."
Jelensta pinned her hair up, and quickly swiped on a bright red lip paint. "Oooh, my Lord! Shall we go?" She batted her eyes and giggled in a sarcastic high pitch tone after she opened the door and joined Arwin outside.
"Let's get this over with…" Arwin rolled his eyes as Jelensta grabbed his arm. Looking down at her face, Arwin smiled slightly seeing the determination in her eyes. Despite her casual demeanour, she was so very kind, and smarter than anyone he'd ever known. What a little heart breaker… Not King Syaoran, not Prince Swan… you must be waiting for someone amazing.
—
The door creaked open, and a ray of light illuminated the room.
"Oh God, Lonka…" the moment the door closed, Jelensta fell on her knees, hugging the crouching Ilonka tightly to her.
"Lenta…" Ilonka's arms hung by her side. "What are you doing?"
Jelensta pulled back slightly, a frown on her face. "What's the matter? Did Eriol not explain to you?"
"He did… and I think this is a ridiculous plan."
"What do you mean?"
"The King will find out. He will suspect you guys. And you guys will be punished for me."
"Yes, for you to live, we all think that's very much worth it."
"Live… yes, but what point is there to that? I cannot go back to my father and face him like this! I will be so ashamed! I failed to kill the King, and I escaped my punishment! What meaning is there to life to be so degraded and—"
Jelensta growled. That stupidly crazed and determined look was returning to those dark eyes. "Oh shut up about that will you? If your father will be ashamed of you because you chose life over death then he's stupid!"
"Don't talk about my father like that!"
"I'll talk about him however the damn hell I please! If he rather his daughter dead than dishonoured, he is no father."
"Because my father has pride! Not like this despicable Li family!"
"Oh for crying out loud you have to shut up!"
Ilonka frowned. "How can you say that? After knowing what he's done to my mothe—"
"Yes, King Syaoran's father was without a doubt a total bastard, but stop pinning that title on King Syaoran! Do you understand?" Jelensta grabbed Ilonka by the shoulders, as her eyes softened. "I understand how much pain you suffered because of King Syaoran's father, but revenge doesn't work like that… if you were to kill King Syaoran then you'll become a murderer, do you understand? You would have murdered an innocent, and trust me, you won't be able to live with yourself when that happens, no matter what you think now…"
Ilonka's eyes glistened, as she blinked back the tears that threatened to spill at Jelensta's words. "But… But my father—"
"Your father is blinded by hatred. You need to convince him what you believe, what you know is true deep in your heart—that King Syaoran is not his father, and no matter what you do, you cannot avenge one life with another..."
"Lenta…"
Jelensta hugged her tightly. "We don't have much time, Ilonka. We have to leave now, before the sun rises. You know… if you do not wish to face your father just yet, you don't have to. I've brought enough gold for you to last you a life time—not a life of luxury, but a decent, independent life, nevertheless."
Ilonka nodded, as she wiped a tear away with her free hand.
"My Lords?"
"Of course." Eriol and Arwin bowed as they headed into a nearby room.
"C'mon, get dressed." Jelensta tossed the red-head prostitute's clothing at her along with a small make up kit and some hair pins. "Ever wonder what you'd look like as a slut?"
Ilonka couldn't help but to laugh through her tears. "I love you, Lenta…"
"I love you. And that's why I'll do anything for you. All you have to do is promise me you'll forget about this blood vengeance, and live."
Ilonka nodded, a wan smile on her face, as she pulled off the rags they gave her as a prisoner.
—
"Loorrrddd Ferrreerrr!" Jelensta whined snuggling up to him.
Lord Ferrer had one arm around Ilonka and the other around Jelensta as he walked towards the castle gates, ushering them forward. "Fun time's over ladies, time to go home."
"B-But we're tiiired! Let us stay my Lord, I'm sure we can please you more tomorrow!"
"I paid for the services. I ain't signing up to pay for your living expenses as well."
Ilonka grumbled as Lord Ferrer's strong arm pushed her forward.
Step by step, with timed whining and complaining from Ilonka and Jelensta, they made their way to the castle gates.
"Halt! Who goes there?"
"It is I, Lord Ferrer Arwin."
"My Lord!" The soldiers went on their knees as Arwin came into view.
"Open the gates, I'm sending these two home. I'm done with them."
"Must you at this hour?"
Arwin narrowed his eyes. "I paid them exactly enough for one night, and that's all I'm responsible for. Shoo, go now!" Arwin pushed the yelping girls forward out of the open gates. "Hey you!" He cried, startling a young soldier. "Stop trying to peek at them."
"What's the big idea… they're just whores anyway, what's with the faces all covered up with some fancy veil…"
Jelensta looked up into the soldier's eyes. Her green satin veil wrapped around her head and covered everything from her nose down. "We still got family you know… how do you think they'd react to us having such a profession?"
"I really wouldn't call it a profession…"
"Enough chit chat! Get going."
"Hm! What a stingy Lord!" Ilonka whined out loud to Jelensta.
"Shut you before I beat you!"
"Ohhh!" Jelensta giggled as she took Ilonka's hand, and the two ran into the distance, into the darkness.
"What a pain…" Arwin rolled his eyes as he turned to walk away.
"You know…" one soldier said to another, when Arwin was out of sight. "I always thought Lord Ferrer was a one-woman, loyal kind of man… who knew this is what he really does?"
"Yea, you can never tell with people…"
—
"We made it! Oh my Gosh, I can't believe it! I'm actually out!" Ilonka couldn't help but to twirl and jump into the air, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"That's right. You're going to live, my love. I will not allow anyone to take you away from me, so long as I live."
Hand in hand, under the white, bright moon, the two girls ran as fast as they could through the wildflowers, their dresses fluttering behind them; it was truly a beautiful sight to behold. With all the excitement, they did not feel any fatigue.
They did not know how long they ran, nor which direction they were running towards, all they knew is that they were further and further away from the castle, to a place where Ilonka will be a free woman.
"Hey, I think I see something in the distance…" Ilonka pointed out at something glistening under the moonlight. As they approached, they realized they reached a small pond, surrounded by white lilies, with the moon and stars reflected in the clear water. "How beautiful…" Ilonka murmured as she stopped and knelt by the water. Gently, she scooped a handful of water as she drank. "Mmm, it's cool, but sweet."
Jelensta frowned slightly. "Ilonka, we should keep going…" she had a bad feeling…
"Come on, Lenta, who's going to notice us now? For all they know two whores just left the castle, which I bet happens all the time. And the King is probably kept busy by Tomoyo's crying and whining—and I tell you that girl sure can cry." She winked. "Besides… look at how beautiful this is… it's like… it's like it's meant for us… for our… last night together…"
Jelensta's eyes dropped as she sat down slowly next to Ilonka, leaning her head on Ilonka's shoulder. "Yea, you're right… our last moment… but no more than a few minutes, okay?"
"Don't worry Lenta… no one knows us here…"
"Jelensta?"
Jelensta stiffened. No. Way. Quickly, Jelensta fixed her veil so that it covered her face properly. "Ignore him." She whispered through gritted teeth as Ilonka did the same. Talk about irony…
But her lack of response didn't seem to discourage the young man. "Jelensta?" He called out again, walking faster and faster towards them.
I suppose it would be too suspicious if we both jumped into the pond right now…
Jelensta continued to ignore the man as she giggled and gossiped to Ilonka about all the men she's been with.
But whoever it was didn't know when to quit. "Jelensta." He said once more, this time somehow with more confidence, as he laid a hand on Jelensta's shoulder.
Jelensta stiffened, but turned around with a giant, overly sweet, and fake smile. Oh my dear God… But her face never betrayed her erratic and frustrated heartbeats. "Why, hello there!" She squealed in a high-pitched, flirty tone. "You talkin' to me, good lookin'?"
"Jelensta what are you—"
"Why, I ain't this Jelensta, but for the right price, I can be." She winked, then reach for Ilonka's hand, licking her lips. "Hell, for the right price, we can both be yar Jelensta…"
The young man frowned. "Jelensta stop… I can recognize you from a million miles away… I can feel it when you're nearby… you think this kind of disguise can fool me?"
"Look darlin', it was kinda cute, but now's getting just a tad annoying. I ain't your Jelensta girl and—"
"Jelensta!" He yelled abruptly, cutting her short, as he reached forward to pull off her veil.
"Alright, alright, stop!" She mumbled in irritation, slapping his hand away. "God, Charles, you of all people, what are you even doing here?"
Slowly, a warm smile came over Charles Swan's face as he for some reason took her words as an invitation to sit down next to her. "I knew it was you…" he said excitedly. "I just knew, ya know? My Jelensta… I haven't seen you in so long, but I could never forget you. Everyday, all I can wish for is night time, for that's when I dream of you. And every night, in my dream, we—"
"Okay!" Jelensta quickly cut him off. "I… really don't think I want to know… and you haven't answered my question. What are you doing here?"
But he was too excited to answer her. "My God, Jelensta, when was the last time we saw each other? I thought for sure I'd see you at the Ball, but was sorely disappointed when I didn't… I almost gave up on you then; I thought, it must be a sign from God that it's just not meant to be… he's helping me get over you… but now… now!" His eyes sparkled. "This must be destiny! Jelensta, I never married Jacquette; I've been delaying the marriage year after year so I could—"
"Charles!" Jelensta frowned, an edge entering her voice. A very sharp edge. "Look, I'm kind of busy right now. If you really care for me even the tiniest bit, you would walk away, and tell no one you saw me tonight."
Charles frowned. "You didn't… really become a prostitute, did you?"
"Of course not!" Jelensta snapped. "Just, go away."
"No… think about it, what are the chances of us meeting here, at this hour? None. There was no chance of this happening—"
"Clearly that's not true…" Jelensta muttered under her breath.
"—but it did. Why? Because it was meant to. You need help with something, that must be it. And I want to help you. I want to do everything I can to help you."
"No, Charles, you don't. If you really knew what I was doing you'd get me killed."
"You really think so little of me? Jelensta you know I would do absolutely anything for you. Did me giving up my entire family, inheritance, and kingdom just for a chance of being with you mean nothing? I would give my life to you willingly; how could I ever get you killed? How could I ever even have you harmed?"
Jelensta sighed. They really should get going… and knowing Charles, this was going to drag out for a long while. "Look Charles—"
But next to her, Ilonka rolled her eyes as she got up and stood in front of Charles. "Jelensta this man is head over heels for you—"
"See? She understands!"
"—we could really use that to our advantage."
"Eh?"
"Ilonka don't—"
But Ilonka had already pulled her veil off. A gentle breeze blew by, and her bright, firey hair fluttered like dancing flames in the air.
"Oh, my, God." Charles's eyes widened. "Y-You're… you're…"
"Yeah, I'm that assassin that caused such a huge commotion today."
"W-What are you—"
"She's my best friend." Jelensta said, as she too stood up, and stood next to Ilonka. "I love her, and I'm not going to let her die."
"Y-You're b-b-best friends with an a-assa-assassin?"
"Yes, I am. Now are you going to help us get away or not? We don't have much time."
"I-I—"
Jelensta smirked. "I knew it, all your talk of love, it's all just fancy, meaningless garbage all you royalties are so good at throwing around. Let's go Ilonka."
But at those words Charles's expression became serious, and he grabbed Jelensta's wrist. "You know, that's what I love about you. That you are always so honest and forthcoming. Ever since meeting you I also wanted to be more direct. I don't want to be one of those royalties who's all talks. I don't know why you're best friends with a criminal or how you two even met, but I believe in you, and I am a man of my words. I will help you. Come."
"Where?"
"You can take my carriage. It's carried by two of the best horses from my land, they'll take you two far away, somewhere safe."
"And what about you…?"
"I'll walk back, it matters not as long as you're safe."
A small smile touched upon Jelensta's lips as she reached up and brushed his hair back. "You're a good man, Charles. Please don't take this as more than it is. I will never love you nor marry you, but I do think you are an honourable man worth knowing."
"And I will never forget you, nor give up on you."
"Enough talking. Take us to this carriage you promised."
"Of course." Charles offered his arm, but Jelensta ignored it as she walked forward, holding tightly onto Ilonka's hand.
They walked along the pond for less than five minutes before reaching a large oak tree, under which stood two majestic white horses, tied to a frilled carriage. "Well, this isn't going to attract attention at all, clearly…" Jelensta mumbled.
"Beggars can't be choosers, right?"
"Well, I'm not a beggar, now am I? But, I suppose this'll do." Jelensta ushered Ilonka forward, and she complied by getting into the carriage.
Jelensta paused, as she turned around, facing Charles. "I won't forget this, you know. Thank you."
"You never need to thank me. You've shown me more to life than I'll ever know. It is I who should thank you. For opening my eyes to the real world."
Jelensta smiled, as she held up the veil that shielded the entrance of the carriage. But before stepping on, she just had to ask one question. She just had to. "You know, Charles, you never told me why you are here in the middle of the night…"
"Oh, I am here with—"
"CHARLES?"
Jelensta could actually feel the hair on the back of her neck stand up at the screech. "Oh no…"
"CHARLES!"
Charles smiled guiltily. "—Jacquette." He finished before turning around to face her, only to be greeted with a full slap across the face.
"I KNEW IT! It's always her, ALWAYS! You're like the plague of my life you disgusting vermin!" She screeched at Jelensta, shoving Charles aside. "God, and look at you! Look at that shameful clothing you are wearing! Is this how you're seducing men? How you brainwashed my fiancé?"
"First of all, I did not brainwash your fiancé, nor have I ever intentionally 'seduced' a man. What can I say, men just like me more than you." Jelensta smirked. "And in all honesty Charles and I met here by accident. If you would've kept to yourself for ten more seconds I would've left and gotten out of both your lives for good."
"Oh, and you expect me to believe that based on the fact you're about to get on my goddamn carriage with my fiancé?"
"Um, actually," Charles pointed out meekly. "She was about to get on your carriage. Just her."
Jacquette turned around, her eyes glaring so hard it was as if she was trying to set Charles on fire with her willpower alone. "You were going to let that slut leave with our ride?"
"She needs to get somewhere urgently…"
"Oh, that's just perfect you fool. And how exactly are we suppose to get home?"
"Well, we're under no time constraint; we could always send one of our guards to fetch another one from the castle for us…"
"Yes, an hour freakin' later! It is freezing out here! You know what, I want to go back." She glowered at Charles. "Now. It's urgent."
"Jacquette…" Charles reached forward to grab her arm but she shook him off angrily. "Don't be unreasonable, Jelensta really does have somewhere to get to, we can wait, she can't."
"No, I can't wait actually. Are you going to tell me this whore's needs are more important than your fiancée's? More important than the needs of an Eyre princess?"
"Jacquette—"
But she ignored Charles, and attempted to shove Jelensta from the entrance of carriage. But Jelensta didn't budge. "Move."
"No."
"I said MOVE!"
"No. You're not going in that carriage. We can stand here all night, and drag this out, or you can let me go."
"Let you have your way again? Like how you get your way with everything? Over my dead body Kalira!"
"Oh wouldn't I love to have that arranged…" Jelensta muttered under her breath.
"MOVE IT!" Jacquette screeched clawing at Jelensta's shoulder, trying to move her out of the way. She kicked, she scratched. But Jelensta wouldn't budge. There was no way she's going to let Jacquette in that carriage. "STUBBORN LITTLE SLUT! HOW DARE YOU DEFY ME!"
Jelensta scoffed. "I wouldn't call this 'defy' as I'm not one of your servants. You have no authority over me."
"Oh, sure I do, my family is one of the most powerful—"
"Like I give a damn! It's still just one of many kingdoms! And you're just one of many princesses throughout this land!"
"Get, away, from my carriage!"
"NO!"
"KALIRA GET THE HELL AWAY FROM MY CARRIAGE!"
"NO!"
"AAARRGHH! MOVE IT!"
"NEVER!"
"What is all this fighting?" Jelensta felt her blood turn to ice as behind her, the curtains to the carriage opened, and out stepped Ilonka.
As Ilonka locked eyes with Jacquette, she knew in that moment she was screwed. Especially with her head wrap having fallen around her shoulders. Quickly, she pulled it up and covered her hair hastily.
Jacquette's eyes were round with shock at who she had just seen. She's so familiar… that hair… those eyes… And it clicked. The assassin. What's she doing here— And suddenly everything made sense.
Slowly, a vengeful smile crawled upon her face. "So that's why you were so desperate to get out of here… My, my. To betray even King Li, who has been sheltering you for years now; who is your childhood friend; your once-betrothed! Scum of the earth, that's what you are Kalira!"
"It's not what you think…"
"Hell, I'm sure it's exactly as I think. And I think, as a guest at the Li Kingdom, it's only right for me to help the King out any way I can… say… for example… recapturing an escaping assassin?"
"I'm no assassin. I'm just a simple whore." Ilonka defended feebly.
"Princess Eyre…" Jelensta began slowly. "Let us go. And I promise you, you will never see my face again. Nor will your fiancé. I will be out of your lives forever, this I guarantee you. Don't make this a bigger deal than it has to be. This is my friend. You understand? Just my friend."
"Oh… friend, you say? Now tell me, is she a good friend to you?"
"The best. She's my best friend."
"So you care for her…"
"More than anything."
"Good." Jacquette's tone was surprisingly light. "Then I'm going to make you live through every moment of pain I had felt. GUARD—"
Before the terrifying full volume of her insanely loud and high-pitched voice could be released, Charles slammed his hand over her mouth.
"MMMNNM!"
"Jacquette…" Charles whispered softly. "Don't do this…"
Furiously, she ripped his hands off. "How dare you embarrass me like this! This tramp has made my entire life miserable! And I'm going to make her feel the same pain!"
"Miserable…? Because I love her?"
"Huh. So you finally admit. You do still love her after all this time. And goddammit yes that is why! Do you know the shame and frustration I feel daily that I can't even make my fiancé love me? That he is instead in love with another woman who he doesn't see everyday, who doesn't love him, and who isn't even trying to make him love her? Do you know how painful that is?"
Charles lowered his head. "S-So it's my fault…"
"No, not your fault. Her fault. She poisoned your mind, that's what!"
Charles grabbed her hand. She tried to shake them off but this time he wouldn't let it go. "Jacquette, let them go, and not only does Jelensta promise to never see me again, I promise I'll never even try to see her again. I promise I will do everything in my power to forget her and devote myself only to you…"
Jelensta's eyes softened. Charles… His warmth and selflessness in that moment reminded her of Syaoran, many, many years ago. She often wondered why men loved her so, and to this moment, she's still never figured it out. She wished she could make at least one of them happy… she touched her fingertips gently to Ilonka's palm. But she couldn't.
Jacquette stared into his eyes, and let out a bitter laugh. "It's always for her… always. But that's not enough anymore." She dropped her hands, and turned to face Jelensta. "In addition to yours and Charles's promise that you two will never have contact with one another in any form, for the remainder of both your lives, I want you to kneel for me."
"What?"
"Kneel. Kneel in front of me, tell me all the ways I am better than you, call me Your Majesty, apologize for all the wrongs you've done, and to show your sincerity, you're to kiss both my feet."
Jelensta stared in disbelief. "Is this some kind of a joke to you?"
"Oh, not at all! Merely to make you feel humiliated. How could that ever be a joke?"
"I know what you want me to say, and I know what you want to hear, but even if I say it, you know I won't mean it."
"I care not. It's more enjoyable to know you'll say those things even when you don't believe them. I want Charles to see you're not that free spirited woman you pretend to be in front of him. All of us have responsibilities and burdens that force us to act in a way we despise, and you're no different. And it's about time you admitted to it. I want you to say those words like you know they're lies, but you're forcing yourself to say them with sincerity."
"You're unbelievable…"
"Why, thank you. And make this quick. If you take too long, I will assume you don't agree to those terms, I'll have my guards here, this fast." She snapped her fingers, her eyes looking down at Jelensta with condescension.
Jelensta frowned.
Ilonka grabbed her hand. She could feel Jelensta's disgust.
Jelensta hesitated.
Ilonka stared at her face in profile view. How beautiful, and pure, and honest a person she is. If she were to bow down to Jacquette, it won't be a moment of shame… it'll be something that will weigh her heart down for the rest of her life. She'll never be able to hold her head high and declare that she is a free spirit and bound by no man nor woman.
Jelensta clenched her hands into fists, and closed her eyes, frowning deeply.
And really, even if she lived, what did it matter? Her and Jelensta would never see each other again… she would never have the face to see her father again… she would be someone no one knew… so what did it matter? Why sacrifice Jelensta's innocence for a meaningless future?
Jelensta's knees wobbled.
"No."
"What?" Jacquette said in shock.
"No, Lenta. No." Ilonka grabbed Jelensta around the waist just in time as Jelensta's knees buckled. But Ilonka held her up. "You're not to bow to this bitch."
"YOU DARE CALL ME A BITCH YOU—"
But they paid her no heed. "But Lonka…" Jelensta stared in her eyes, her own reflecting fear and panic. "No Lonka… I can't let you—"
"No." Ilonka said, her eyes confident and bold. "You and I are free spirits, Lenta. Let's be honest, we both know I can't live out the rest of my life in hiding and constant fear. Plus, I'm marked as a wanted criminal, which means, Lenta, you and I will never be together again. Not in this life. And if that's the case, what meaning is there to my life?" She held Jelensta's eyes. "I won't have you disgrace yourself to this worthless hag."
"Worthless—you call me—hag—worthless—" Jacquette was so angry she was turning bright red, choking on her words. "I've given you whores more than enough chances and this is how you repay me? THAT IS IT! GUARDS! GUARDS! THE ASSASSIN FAI ILONKA HAS ESCAPED AND SHE IS HERE—Oh heavens!" Jacquette stuttered when Ilonka kissed Jelensta fully on the lips.
"Oh my dear God…" Charles stared in absolute shock and disbelief at the scene. "Y-You two are… are…"
But they took no heed of the bystanders. In the distance, four fully armoured guards began to charge towards them.
"I love you, Lenta. Always."
"Lonka… God, I love you."
With that, Ilonka faced the charging soldiers as she pulled her head wrap down, throwing it into the winds. Her hair had always been her pride and joy; she's not going to lie, nor hide, ever again. If she's going to be captured, she's going to be with dignity. Step by step, she walked boldly towards the soldiers. "You all heard right! I am Fai Ilonka, the woman who tried to assassin the King on multiple attempts. I may have a bad reputation when it comes to cutting down soldiers, but you needn't be afraid of me, I won't resist—"
But they never let her finish her sentence.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Jelensta cried in horror as she watched a soldier kick Ilonka across the face as the other three quickly jumped her, bounding her hands and feet roughly.
"SHE'S DANGEROUS! MAKE SURE SHE STAYS DOWN AT ALL COST! SHE IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS, I REPEAT, HIGHLY DANGEROUS!"
"DON'T HURT HER!" Jelensta rushed forth to cover Ilonka's body but Charles grabbed her from behind. "LET ME GO!" Tears poured rapidly out of her horrified eyes. "DON'T LET THEM HURT HER! NOO!"
But Charles held her tightly. He said nothing. For a while he couldn't understand how two women could love one another like this, but he could imagine how much pain he would be in if it was Jelensta they were kicking on the ground right now, which he also knows is what they'll do if she is foolish enough to try to protect Ilonka. They were Jacquette's men and she would demand for them to hurt Jelensta and Ilonka both should Jelensta decide to shield her lover, princess or not.
"NOOO! NOOOOO… Nooo…" helpless sobs racked her body as her struggles became fainter and fainter, and eventually she was completely limp, and could only watch the soldiers brutally kick and beat Ilonka unconscious.
"Lonka… Lonka… Lonka…" she whispered repeatedly, like a broken doll.
—
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—
Author's Note: So this was originally going to be 1 chapter… which ended up being about 14,000 words long… so I decided I had to break it into two parts; this and the next chapter.
Anyway, as an aside, I sometimes wonder about random crap, like this: I used to upload the chapters as I write them… more impulsive, less consistent, and definitely worse plot-wise. Nowadays I write a whole bunch and update them periodically, which allow me to do more revisions, update more consistently, and fix plot-holes… overall better. But here's a question: For my A/Ns, do you think it makes more sense for the A/N to be what I thought at the time I was writing it, or at the time I am posting it? Which believe it or not, are verrryyy different thoughts.
So far I've been doing a mix of it and well, it bugs me 'cause I like consistency (ironically not with what I do in my life on a day-to-day basis… in fact I can't stand doing the same things consistently!), and… I can't decide which makes more sense. So… thoughts?
9479 words.