The Wicked House of Caroline

“Your what?” Deo snapped his head towards her with a stunned face. He lifted a fistful of the dress. “What is your wedding dress doing here?”

“I’m as surprised as you are!” Bek shouted back.

“Are you sure it’s yours?”

“I worked with the late Queen and numerous royal seamstresses on every detail of that dress! And even if I didn’t, I think I, of all people, would remember what it looks like!”

Her brother drew his head back and after a thought, seemed to nod. “That still doesn’t explain what they’re doing with your dress.”

“It doesn’t matter!” Beks shouted. She looked over her shoulder and glanced at the four men on horseback desperately racing to catch up, only to have their horses neigh and resist as Deo sent another horizontal arc of fire at time. “It’s clearly the most valuable thing on that wagon for them. Just take it!”

Deo’s brows shot up and he looked back at the chasing paladins. With a mocking smirk, he lifted his arm and almost waved the dress above him like a flag. “You want this?” He held out his free hand and created a flame in his hand. His face twisted with diabolic perversion as he waved the flame around the dress.

The yelling from the paladins rose and Beks could hear swearing and threats coupled by demands that he let go of the ground. “Let go of the dress and we’ll spare you!” one of the paladins managed to yell in broken Jasper.

Deo laughed, tossing his head back. “You think you’re in a position to threaten me?” he shouted. He grinned. “If you want it, come and take it!”

Beks didn’t know how brazen her brother was until he stepped off the side of the wagon. Her heart shot to her throat as he cleared the short distance between the side of the wagon and one of the horses Beks was desperately trying to keep control of.

How he managed to get on the saddle while keeping his eyes locked with the paladins and holding on to the shimmering dress was a one-in-a-million chance to Beks, but somehow he not only did it, but easily took the reins from her, as if it had been well-practiced choreography.

Her stupefied expression lasted less than a breath before she heard her father yelling orders.

“Leave my horse and go! I’ll follow!”

Beks’ only confirmation was to grasp the reins and lead the horse into the forest. “Brother, keep them at bay! We need to go back!”

“Then hold the dress!” He tossed it towards her and Beks threw her arm around it, pulling it against her body. A slight scent wafted from the layers of fabric as she pushed it down on the saddle in front of her so she could better grasp the reins. She smelled the scent and her skin curdled with a mixture of anger and disgust.

It was the incense from the Shrine to the Goddess of Marriage.

Those wretched bastards had my dress blessed at the shrine for another woman? For a moment, all the memories with the late Queen picking out fabrics and lace, holding them against each other to compare flashed through her mind. The late Queen’s hands were hard and calloused from her youth. Even if her later days were that of any other high ranking noble woman with little physical labor, her hands never returned to the smoothness and softness of her youth.

The late Queen had been hesitant to touch the delicate fabric, for fear of damaging it, so she’d carefully prepare for each session by soften her hands with oils, making sure her nails were smooth, and sometimes even wearing gloves so Beks’ wedding dress wouldn’t have a single thread caught. She’d even sewed a part of it.

Beks ground her teeth together.

She’d only worn it once when it was completed. The late Queen was already bedridden, but she had been excited to see her in the dress and lamented that it was a pity that she’d never get to see Beks wear it walking down the aisle.

Now, no one would.

It was tainted.

Her eyes reddened. This wasn’t just a dress to her, it was a memory.

She heard fire roar through the row of trees separating them from the road. Deo was galloping beside her, sending fire towards the paladins who were struggling to turn their horses around. As soon as the flames came, the horses stepped back to avoid it.

It was enough time for her and Deo to emerge from the forest and back on to the main road. “The cliffside path is too steep; the horses will slow down too much. We’ll go down the tourist path with less of an incline,” she told her brother so he wouldn’t bother with the cliffside path that they’d pass.

Deo maintained his speed with her and looked over his shoulder. “Wave the dress again!”

“It’s too bulky to wave around with one hand!”

Deo leaned over and grabbed a chunk of the cloth. He pulled it off the front of her saddle and waved it around once more.

“This looks expensive! How much do you think we’ll get for it?”

“Don’t you dare damage that dress! It belongs to Her Eminence!” The blond man leading the four paladins seemed to snarl at them.

“Why are you provoking them?” Beks said as she leaned forward to keep her speed up. Once they began downhill, they’d have to slow down to avoid an accident. She didn’t want to tumble off her horse and die before any revenge was had.

“If I provoke them, it’s no longer just a recovery mission. It’s a matter of pride,” Deo said as he put the dress over the front of his saddle and looked ahead. “Paladins won’t let it go, even if all they’re able to get back are tattered rags.”

Beks sneered. “That’s all it is now, anyway.”

Deo glanced over at her. “Isn’t this your wedding dress?”

“They had it blessed at the shrine. How can I wear a wedding dress blessed for another woman?”

“I didn’t think you were the type to be so concerned about a dress.”

“That isn’t just any dress,” Beks said as a sourness filled her. “My foster mother helped make that dress. The first button at the base of the back is a pearl from a tiara that was part of her engagement gift from the late King Consort. She sewed it on herself.” Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t know how they found the dress.”

Deo didn’t answer her. He followed her in silence as they turned on to the path leading down to the cascades. The paladins were relentless. Beks could hear them pursuing, even as they approached the waterfall and the roar of the rushing water filled the air.

“Beks, we’ll be cornered.”

“That’s the plan.” She eyed the open space just past the break in the trees. From there, there was a beautiful view of the third waterfall and its narrow, sheer drop. Mist floated from the rocks below, filling the air with a cool dampness. Beyond the waterfall was a lush forest spreading for miles. The large town where they stayed was visible far in the distance at that height, along with various lines that were roads and lakes dotting the landscape. As she and Deo reached the cliff’s edge, she pulled back on the reins of her horse and slid off. “Give me the dress.”

Deo dismounted and handed her the dress before sending the horses over to the tree line so as not to be spooked by any flames that got too close to them.

Beks grasped the shoulders of the dress and waved it out in front of her, revealing it’s full shape and size. Her eyes narrowed. “The sacred sable fur is gone.”

Deo rushed back to guard her at her side and frowned. “What?”

“The neckline here,” she said, moving her hand along a heart-shaped bodice. The solid fabric made the heart shape neckline, but a thin layer of lace had been sewn to it that would go up one’s neck. “There was no lace. The neckline was trimmed with white sacred sable fur Mommy sent me.”

“Is it not your dress?” Deo asked as Beks grasped one of the sleeves and ran her hand down the tapered fabric to the end. Once more, it ended with lace, not fur.

Beks narrowed her eyes. “No, this is my wedding dress. The embroidery with the gold and silver thread were designed specifically for this dress and the pattern on the side is lace woven with different shades of luminescent lotus silk to write out my name and ‘Kadmus’ in Jasper calligraphy.” She turned it around and lowered her eyes. She scowled as she saw the familiar pearl that didn’t match with the rest of the crystal buttons. She pinched it between her fingers and with a firm tug, ripped it off.

“Her Majesty’s pearl?” Deo asked. He glanced towards her before looking back at the hillside, where the pale uniforms of the paladins could be seen flashing through the trees as they descended.

“The rest of this dress can become rags, but I am taking her pearl with me,” Beks said in a low voice. The horses chasing them finally reached the cliff side and Beks narrowed her eyes. She grasped the dress by the shoulders once more and held it up. “Where did you get this?”

“Hand over the dress!” They hadn’t dismounted, as if being seated higher and on the backs of the horses would intimidate Beks and her brother.

Deo narrowed his eyes and created another flame in his hand. Slowly, he brought the flame closer to the dress in Beks’ hands. “Answer her.”

The paladins seemed to take in a collective breath, their eyes fixed on the dress. They seemed to hesitate to make any sudden movement.

“Don’t be so hasty,” one of them said. He held up his hands and carefully dismounted. His movements were slow. “All we want is the dress.”

“Who’s dress is this?” Beks asked in a low voice.

“If you hand over the dress, we will not pursue this further,” the blond man said, still sitting proud on his horse. “That is the wedding dress of Her Eminence Oracle Iris Elpidah, who will be marrying King Luther of Kadmus.”

The burst of mocking laughter couldn’t be stopped from escaping her lips. “This isn’t her wedding dress. This was locked in the royal vault with the items of the late Queen Letizia’s unsorted belongings.”

The blond man, whom Beks was now sure was the leader, narrowed his eyes. He dismounted, keeping his eyes locked on her veil covered face. “Who are you?”

Beks chuckled. “Have you killed so many people that you’ve forgotten who they were?” she asked. “Or does a knight of the Temple simply not care how many lives he takes.”

His hand flew to his side and grasped the hilt of his sword. He managed to pull it halfway out when Deo moved the flame close to the dress once more.

“Go ahead and take another step further. I can incinerate your beloved oracle’s dress in the time it takes you to breathe,” Deo said.

“Don’t!” The man put his sword back and raised his hands, like the other paladin. “I am Captain St. Moore, the head of Her Eminence’s paladins guard. Tell me who you are. What do you want? The dress has nothing to do with you.”

Beks adjusted the dress before she lifted one hand to her veil. She grasped the part tucked into her collar and lifted it up, over her head to reveal her face. She didn’t expect any of them to identify her immediately.

“Due to my disguise, you may not recognize me at once,” she said as her eyes crinkled up and she smiled. “So let me give you a clue. I’ve been meaning to ask...you with the black gloves.” Her eyes darted to his hand. “How’s that stab wound I gave you with my hair pin?”

The realization that filled his face was as satisfying as she’d hoped. The surprise, the confusion, and finally, the anger. His face twisted as he spat out the words.

“Rebecca of Caroline.”

She grasped the side of her skirt and did a small, mocking curtsey. “You’ll forgive my rudeness. I don’t know your name, nor do I care to.” She lowered the dress in her hand and moved her arm over to the edge. “Do you remember what I told you before you pushed the carriage into the sea?” The four men didn’t answer. “Let me refresh your poor memories: you better pray to whatever gods you believe in that I don’t survive, because if I do, you’ll be the one praying for death.”

She released the dress.

“No!” Several cries came at once and she snatched the dress before it fell over the edge. She narrowed her eyes.

“The other two get off their horses.” Her voice was low and demanding. The two remaining on their saddles didn’t dismount immediately. They glanced towards the blond man for confirmation. He was quiet for a moment before giving a single nod of his head. They dismounted in silence. “Brother, send the horses away.”

“Of course.” Deo waved his hand and an arc of fire was created where his hand passed. It flew towards the paladins and they shrunk back to avoid it, but the flames separated to go between them. It looked more dangerous than it was. The horses felt heat at the most and backed away, neighing and jostling as they retreated into the forest without their riders to stop them.

The blond man frowned; his eyes fixed on Deo. “She called you brother...you are-”

“Amadeo of Caroline.” Her brother smiled and lifted his hand, playing with a ball of fire between his fingers as if to show off his control. “Surprised to see me?”

“How are you able to use fire biha?” Another paladin almost choked out. “I saw you get the suppression marking!”

“What can I say?” Deo said with a cheerful smile. “There was too much to suppress.” His smile remained the same, but the atmosphere around him seemed to grow cold in an instant. “Step to the side.”

Three of the paladins looked at each other, confused. Beks waved the dress over the edge of the cliff. The paladins took decisive steps closer to the edge closest to them.

“What do you want?” the blond man said. If they took another step or two back, they’d fall into the waterfall and go over the edge.

“Is this dress important to you? To your oracle?” Beks asked. They didn’t answer, but silence in itself was enough. She narrowed her eyes as frost filled her face.

She released the white gown.

“No!” Someone stretched out their hand and another almost jumped forward to go after it as it fluttered down, disappearing over the edge of the cliff.

“What are you doing!”

“Did you really think that you had a chance to salvage that dress? That was my wedding dress. I would sooner let it be ripped apart or burned in front of me before I allow that oracle who attempted to assassinate my family to wear it!” Beks said with a scathing look.

The paladins’ stunned expressions at her defiant action turned to anger. Almost at once, they drew their swords.

“Her Eminence spent days searching the palace for something to wear for her wedding so as not to further spend royal funds. Out of all those dresses, out of all the offers given to prepare a new dress for her, she chose that one for the sake of the kingdom. You have the gall to discard it like a piece of trash.”

“I have the gall?” Beks’ brows shot up. “If anything is a piece of trash, it’s those two trying to sit on the throne of Kadmus. I’ve done nothing to you. My family has done nothing to you or your oracle. Nothing! I had even accepted the false accusations and ridiculous punishment given to me by Luther, leaving his side so your oracle could have his pathetic hand. My family accepted banishment, but that wasn’t enough. You had the gall to try to kill my family,” Beks said as her eyes darkened. “Did you honestly think we’d let you get away with that?”

“I’m sure you’re wondering by now what happened to all those paladins sent east, west, and north,” Deo said with a pleased smirk. “They’re not missing. Well...their bodies may be.”

Several of the paladins’ faces paled.

“The only reason that you’re alive right now is because I lacked the ability to end your lives when you tried to end mine,” Beks told them. She motioned her hand towards her brother. “But now I have such an ability.”

The blond man scoffed. “You’re going to have your brother kill us? That is what you call ability?”

Beks tilted her head to the side and blinked. “Did your oracle push the carriage off the cliff herself?” His face twitched. “If she can utilize her paladins, surely, I can utilize my family.”

“If you think you’re loyal to your oracle, you have never met a Caroline.” A low voice spoke behind them. Beks looked past their shoulders and focused on the tall red-haired man melting from the shadows of the forest on a horse. One hand held the reins while a sword was gripped in his dominant hand.

“Duke Caroline,” the blond man said.

Robert’s cold expression of indifference made it seem as if they were nothing to him. “What do you want them to do Beks?”

“Jump.” She motioned her hand gracefully over the side of the cliff.

“Are you crazy?” one paladin said as his face flushed. “Do you think we’ll just jump into the waterfall-ah!”

His sleeve caught on fire and Deo lowered his arm. “It’s fair, isn’t it?”

“You pushed me off a cliff, so now I’m pushing you. I managed to survive,” Beks said with a matter-of-fact voice. “Maybe you will, too.”

Another paladin helped him put out his sleeve. “You are crazy!”

“I’m giving you until the count of three and then my brother will force the matter,” Beks told them. “If you try to run, my father will stop you before you can reach the trees.”

“You can’t do this to us! When Her Eminence finds out-”

“Do you think I’m scared of your lying, conniving, spiteful oracle who not only sleeps with an engaged man, has an entire barrack poisoned, and conspires to kill a king, but also sends her dogs to kill innocent people, including two children?” Beks asked. She lifted her chin defiantly. “She is an arrogant coward and an utterly selfish fool. If the gods really did bless her with foresight, then they’ve made a terrible mistake.”

The blond man rushed forward, his face red and his hand reaching for his sword. “How dare you speak of Her Eminence in such a way! You are nothing compared to her!”

The look of defiance on her face never faltered. “Brother.”

Deo took a step in front of her and didn’t bother to use his biha. Instead, he stepped forward, getting into the instep of the lead paladin and grabbing his wrist and twisting to the side, keeping the blade turned away from his body.

“Count to three, Beks.”

“One.”

With one arm gripping his neck and the other twisting the paladin’s arm back, Deo brought him over the cliff’s edge.

“Release me!”

“You didn’t release my sister when you pushed her off the cliff,” Deo said in a low voice as the lead paladin’s feet scraped against the ground, trying to push away from the cliff’s edge.

“Two.”

The paladins lowered their weapons, one even tossing his to the ground as they tried to barter for the blond’s safety. Behind them, her father continued to sneer at the groveling men.

“One.” The paladins began to yell and just as Deo was about to shove Captain St. Moore over the edge, her father’s brows shot up and he sat up straight.

“Quiet!” Suddenly, her father called out. He held out his arm in a silent order not to move. His earlier lofty expression was gone as his lips tightened and a serious look filled his brow. His eyes narrowed as he seemed to sit in place, unmoving. She watched as his gray eyes dilated and locked onto hers. He yelled in Sagittater. “Deo, get your sister and get to high ground!”

Beks furrowed her brows. She didn’t have time to ask why.

The paladin in her brother’s arm was shoved off the cliff without any warning. There was no chance for her to look over the edge to see if the fall killed him. Her brother grabbed her and heaved her over her shoulder. She was not a small woman, but Deo tore past the remaining three paladins.

He let out a high whistle and Beks heard a horse chuff. She saw her father block the paladins from coming near them as Deo put her on the saddle and climbed on to the saddle behind her.

“Hold on!”

“Go!” Her father shouted; his voice filled with worry. “Move away from the cascades!”

She leaned forward on the horse as it struggled up the hillside path they’d come from. “What’s going on?”

“Water is coming!” her father shouted behind her.

She knit her brows together, unsure what he meant. Of course, water was coming; they were next to waterfalls.

“Beans!” Deo yelled and whistled. “Beans, follow!”

Beks’ horse seemed to rush from the forest. Her father reached out and grasped her reins to keep a lead on her as they rushed up.

“Daddy, what do you mean water-”

Her mouth clamped shut when she heard a low rumbling coming from the upper falls. She turned towards the cascades, peering through the various trees as they rushed up.

“Do you hear it?” her father asked. “Deo, faster! Get back on the main road quickly!”

“The horse can only move so fast!” Deo shouted back.

Cracking could be heard. The sound of trees splintering as they toppled over by force. The air was still, as if the world were waiting for something.

The low rumbling grew louder until it drowned out the sounds of the horses, and anything else. She knew her brother and father were shouting orders at each other, but her attention was focused on the barely visible waterfall through the trees.

The steady pour of water seemed to move faster and the space the water was coming from grew wider. It lasted for a few steps before water shot out above the waterfall, as if a dam had burst above it.

Trees fell over under the force as muddy brown water spewed out, making the water levels rise. The river went from being so far below that they’d have to ride back down to touch it to almost lapping at their heels.

The higher they got, the more stable the ground and the further the water was. The main road was untouched, but she could still hear the rushing water dying down as it roared through the cascades in the forest below. Beks could see the tops of trees falling in its wake.

The father and his two children stood at the edge of the road overlooking the forest where the river and cascades cut through.

“How did you know?” Beks asked, breathless.

Her father’s lips were still in a tight line as his eyes watched the glimmer of water in the sunlight. “I know the sound of a deadly wave coming when I hear it,” he said in a quiet voice.

Deo was frowning. “There isn’t a dam that could break to cause this. The water source comes from underground. Why would a sudden wave come crashing down?”

“I didn’t feel an earthquake...that’s the only thing I can think of that could cause this outside of someone with immense water biha,” their father replied.

Beks squinted. “The source of the water is the same source as Quartz Lake,” she said. “Perhaps it is the spirit of the St. Akajai’s water wyvern.”

Her father and brother both looked at her as if she’d said something ridiculous. “How would that be possible?” her brother asked incredulously.

Beks watched as the water overflowed the banks below and spread across the forest, not going further than the last waterfall. Her eyes narrowed. That should’ve been unnatural. The river it fed into cut through the large town below, but by overflowing the banks in the forest, the river wouldn’t become oversaturated and the town wouldn’t flood.

“I prayed that I would get back to Snowflake safely,” Beks said. “Maybe they were answering my prayer.” Beks looked towards the mountain where the shrine was and bowed. She didn’t know if her far-fetched theory was true, but she’d give thanks anyway.

Her brother let out a heavy sigh and put his hand on top of her head. “Then perhaps the gods really did give you permission.”

Beks looked back towards the forest. Her eyes drifted to the path where they’d raced up from and frowned. “None of them came after us, did they?”

“I don’t believe they understood what I said when I told Deo to bring you to higher ground,” her father told her. “The only reason I was able to respond fast enough was because I knew the sound. They didn’t. By the time they’d hear the water coming, it would be too late to escape.”

“We barely made it up in time,” Deo replied. “What chance did they have?”

Robert frowned and narrowed his eyes. “We should try to find the bodies.”

Deo raised a brow. “You think there is a chance they survived?” he asked with surprise. He glanced out at the forest. “Trees fell over and the water was strong, muddy, and had debris that could knock them unconscious or keep them below the surface. Not to mention the rocks below the falls. If the fall didn’t kill them, they’d drown. The chances of surviving such a disaster are small.”

“Small is not none,” Robert replied.

“The water would have washed them anywhere down its path. There is also the possibility that they’d end up in the river,” Beks said. “How will we find them?”

“If your mother was here, we could utilize her water biha to search wherever the water touched,” Robert told her. He shook his head and frowned. “But we can’t cover this large an area in a few hours. We can’t stay. We need to get to the coast.”

“Then, let’s leave it to fate,” Deo said.

“But they know we’re alive,” Beks told them. “What if it gets back to the oracle and Luther?”

“They should’ve known by now that since the paladins went missing, we’re not dead,” Deo said. “And even if that would-be king found out, what would he do? He’d only ordered us to be exiled, not killed.”

“I’m more concerned about what outrageous things his father and the oracle can do,” Beks told them.

“What more can they do other than send more of their people after us?” Robert asked with a scoff. “We’ll just make sure their people never come back.”

Beks nodded. “All right. Then, let’s go back.”

Deo placed a hand on her head to comfort her before he helped her off his horse. “We should leave now before it gets dark. Mr. Reidan will get worried and may send a search party after us if we get back too late.”

There was an encouraging lightness in his voice as he tried to distract his sister from her dark thoughts. It wasn’t lost on her and the corner of Beks’ lips pulled up a bit as she climbed onto Beans’ saddle.

“Thank you.”

He rubbed her head once more. Ahead of them, their father began down the road.

“Deo,” their father said without looking back. “Just as a precaution. Go down and see if there are any bodies along the river. Take as much time as you need, but be sure to return by morning.”

Deo let out a tired sigh, but nodded. Her brother nodded and turned away, but paused before riding his horse down.

“By the way, Beks. Where did you learn to say such things about others? Calling that woman a selfish coward and fool.” Deo looked over at her. “You don’t leave the royal grounds much and I doubt there was anyone there who’d dare to cross you and would be deserving of such vitriol.”

“Lady Eleanor gives me romance novels to read,” Beks replied.

Deo raised a brow. “Romance novel heroines speak like that now?”

“No,” Beks said as she got back on her horse. “The villainesses do.”

╔═════════════════ ∘◦ ♔ ◦∘ ═════════════════╗

Iris was determined to win the affection and respect of the staff in the Gilded Palace. She would live there from now on and it was important for her to become someone they didn’t just treat well on the surface. She wanted their loyalty and devotion, like they gave that woman.

It was unfortunate that despite her standing as an oracle, they came to know of her first as the woman who was having an affair with the Fourth Prince. No one said it in front of her, but her attendants whispered that they’d heard maids and servants referring to her as ‘the mistress’.

Iris had nearly thrown her teacup when she heard it. She wasn’t a mistress. She was the rightful fiancée and future queen. Mistresses were dirty, amoral figures who broke apart families.

Luther didn’t love Lady Rebecca. Their engagement was purely political and any lingering loyalty to her was from guilt and responsibility, not love.

She was the one who Luther loved. He’d told her that only she could make him feel whole and was the sole solace in a palace filled with unscrupulous advisors.

However, the servants didn’t see her that way no matter what Luther told them and how close they were in the open.

In order to prove she was a better fit as queen and worthy of the position, Iris wanted to show her benevolence and generosity. She had Luther stop buying her gifts, openly rejecting them, and gently admonishing him for doing something unnecessary, as ‘they had to consider the empire’.

She didn’t go out much to shop or eat in Kadmium, so as not to be seen as a squanderer of money or that she was only marrying Luther for his position. She wore her simplest clothing, and to show how loving she was to Luther, she’d bring him snacks and drinks when he was busy.

If she could give raises and promotions, she would, but the kingdom couldn’t afford to do so right now.

All she could do was limit things on her end, which included her wedding gown. Luther’s original idea was to have the most famous designer and seamstresses in the kingdom come to make her dress using the finest imported fabrics, but that would’ve cost money. It was already impossible to limit the spending on the wedding itself, as it needed to be spectacular in order to show the splendid majesty and strength of the monarch.

That was why when she combed through the late Queen’s belongings to find fabrics and stumbled upon that gorgeous fur-trimmed dress that shimmered with gold and silver thread, she had found the answer to her problem. She didn’t think the late Queen would take such excellent care of her wedding dress, but it was in perfect condition.

It wasn’t entirely up to Iris’ tastes and she had the fur trim removed and replaced with a lace bodice, but otherwise it was perfect.

She asked Captain St. Moore to have it blessed for her, as brides who wore blessed dresses were supposed to live happy lives with the partner they married while wearing that dress. The best place to get it done was the Shrine of the Goddess of Marriage. He took a small team to have it done and since then, Iris was giddy with excitement.

She’d already told Luther she had it blessed. He’d wanted to see it, but she refused, wanting to stun him with her beauty on the day they were married. Luther would be left breathless.

She looked down at the silver tray with some pastries and tea she’d held. Her attendant or one of the guards escorting her offered to carry it, but she wanted everyone to see her sincerity to Luther. She reached the door to his office and the guard standing beside the door opened it for her.

“...don’t see how that’s a problem. They paid the asking price, didn’t they?” Luther was saying as she walked in.

She tried to keep her face pleasant as she saw Luther’s cousin, Frank, standing by the desk, appearing rather upset.

“They paid the asking price for the mountain, but I was supposed to have priority over who purchased it,” Frank replied. “This was to ensure that whoever bought the mountain was trustworthy.”

Luther looked down an open folio in front of him. “It says here that the company who bought it was the White Serpent Holdings Company. It’s been buying land to develop into resorts for wealthy travelers.”

“It’s also relatively new. How can a company with no background be allowed to purchase such a large tract of royal property without review?” Frank said, slamming his hand on the desk. “What if they try to develop it and ruin the mountain?”

“White Serpent Holdings Company may be new, but they referenced two of their existing properties and have been vetted by the royal treasury and intelligence ministry.” Luther frowned and pushed forward a piece of paper. “In addition, it looks like they even paid above the asking price.”

“Those people at the royal treasury were impatient! We could’ve gotten twice as much for that mountain if we’d gone with one of my buyers!” Frank insisted.

Iris didn’t say a word as she placed the tray on the coffee table, pretending she didn’t hear them.

“Frank, the Alpine Route Inn and the mountain it’s on was just one of the properties we were selling. What about Green Meadows? Didn’t you say you had a buyer for that?” Luther asked.

“Yes, and we’re in the midst of negotiations now. They’re quite tough. I’m worried that we won’t get the amount we’re hoping for from them.”

Luther frowned and lowered the folio. “If we’re not getting the amount we want, then why are we considering selling to them? Surely, there are other buyers that will pay the asking price.”

Frank froze for a moment. “I’m afraid Green Meadows isn’t as lucrative as Alpine Route Inn or the western grazing lands.”

“Have there been any buyers for the western grazing lands?” Luther asked with a raised brow.

“There are currently multiple bids on the property.”

“When will it be finalized?”

“As soon as the bidders are vetted, we’ll go with the highest one,” Frank replied. He frowned. “I don’t want to sell the western grazing lands to just anyone.”

Luther nodded. “I understand your frustration. Let’s not risk the kingdom’s security for money.”

“Then, what shall we do about the White Serpent Holdings Company?” Frank asked with a predatory look on his face. Luther frowned once more.

“It’s already been finalized. We can’t retract it now. If we did, we’d need to refund the purchase amount and a fine. We can’t afford that right now.” Frank seemed to want to argue about it, but Luther closed the portfolio. He took a deep breath and steepled his hands together in front of him. “I think that’s enough for the day. I still have to prepare for a meeting this afternoon.”

Frank clenched his jaw, but nodded and bowed his head. “Thank you for your time, Your Majesty. I will ensure that the other properties will do just as well.”

Luther gave him a nod to dismiss him and watched him leave the office. As soon as the door closed behind him, Luther leaned back against his chair and shut his eyes, letting out a heavy tired sigh.

“Today just keeps getting worse and worse,” Luther said.

Iris’ heart ached as she looked over his handsome, but worn face. He had some bags under his eyes and his cheeks had sunken in a bit.

“At least the Alpine Route Inn has sold well, hasn’t it?” she asked as she poured him some tea. She picked up the cup and saucer and crossed the room to his desk.

Luther opened his eyes, but continued to stare up at the ceiling. “I don’t know why he complained about it. We got more than we asked and the buyer wants to develop the property into a relaxation resort. It’s what my mother wanted on the mountain.”

“I’m sure he was just being cautious. He did say it was a fairly new company.” Iris placed the teacup in front of him. “Have something to drink. I brought you some pastries, too. You can’t starve yourself while working. You need all the strength you can get.”

He took a deep breath and seemed to count to three before releasing it. “You’re right.” He sat up straight and reached for the cup. Iris walked behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders to rub them. “With the money from the Alpine Route Inn, I’m not as concerned about the remaining spend for the year.”

“The other two properties will sell soon. Don’t worry.”

Luther took a sip of the tea and closed his eyes, appearing to relish her hands squeezing his shoulder rhythmically. “I was trying to gain access to wealth left behind by the Carolines. It is only fitting that the exiled give up their wealth to the kingdom.”

Iris’ eyes lit up, but she restrained herself. Luther said he was trying, not that he had succeeded. “Are you facing difficulty?”

“The Carolines’ wealth is tied up in Sagittate and we still can’t get access to the region,” Luther said in a low, somewhat bitter voice. “To think, they’d sink the land bridge just to keep us from approaching. Any ships we’d sent had faced such turbulent seas, capsizing three of the six ships we’ve sent so far, that the lords and generals I’ve sent are certain there is biha in use.”

“What about the Northern Pass? Don’t the Carolines have relatives there?”

Luther held his breath. His fingers pinched the small handle of the teacup as he stared ahead of them. “No one has found it.”

Iris cocked her head to the side. “Pardon?”

“The Northern Pass...Two battalions, both with strong water biha users, were sent to commandeer the pass from Commander General Hilga of Caroline, but when they came to the fortress, it was gone.”

“Gone?” Iris stopped rubbing his shoulders. “How can it be gone?”

“I don’t know.” Luther slammed his teacup on the saucer, making her jump. He paused and lowered his head. “I’m sorry.”

“No...it’s not your fault….”

“The battalion commanders I sent can’t find it and both had been there multiple times. They’ve scoured the area. It’s as if the fortress and the pass itself disappeared.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Hilga of Caroline is said to have monstrous water biha with the ice and steam variants,” Luther said, shaking his head. “But even knowing that, I don’t know how she’d be able to hide an entire fortress, let alone a natural pass.”

“But we still have time, don’t we? Before the ice beast migration?”

Luther nodded. “I believe so, if the patterns follow as normal.”

Iris drew her lips inward and bit them. The Duke of Caroline really had quite a plan to secure their region from the kingdom even after he was exiled. I never knew they held that much influence in the north....

“Beks was the only one of her immediate family who had an account at the Kadmium Bank.” Luther’s voice was quiet and almost hesitant. Iris looked down at his head.

“Did she?” She held back the urge to ask how much Lady Rebecca had.

Luther nodded. “Everything she ate, wore, and used was provided by my mother. Any pocket money she received was likely put in that account, which after twenty years must’ve been quite sizable. It would’ve been enough to pay for several weddings.”

Iris took a sharp breath, her eyes wide. “That much?” Her hand almost trembled with anticipation. Wouldn’t that woman’s savings help solve their immediate need for money?

“It went to charity.”

Her excitement deflated in an instant. She stared at the back of Luther’s head. “Charity?”

“Her beneficiary wasn’t me. It was donated to several charities throughout Kadmium for different things, from children’s health and education, poverty alleviation, trade training for wounded soldiers, even animal welfare clinics for farm animals.” Luther closed his eyes and let out another exhausted breath. “I’m not angry that I wasn’t the beneficiary. How can I be angry if her money went to good use?”

Iris nodded her head at once. No matter how much they needed it, they couldn’t be angry that it had been donated. “It is good that her money went to help others.”

Luther looked up at her and smiled. “I knew you’d understand.” He lifted a hand and touched hers, still on his shoulder. “But if I had remembered earlier, I would’ve passed an ordinance to seize property and assets from exiled nobility.”

“We can only hope that if this happens again, the money will still go to those in need,” Iris said in a gentle voice. She stroked his hair and then went to fetch him some pastries.

As she sat with him, trying to distract him, Luther turned his attention on her. He gave her a warm smile. “Have you heard from the Temple recently? Their newest oracle has taken root here in Kadmium. I’m worried they’ll be upset.”

She lifted her hand over her heart. He was concerned about her. “I’m all right, Luther. They haven’t sent any demands. They know that when I receive a prophecy, they will be notified at once.”

“Has there been anything significant?” Luther asked, somewhat curious.

“Nothing worth mentioning,” she replied with a smile. Now that she thought about it, it had been some time since she ‘gave a prophecy’ as serious and world changing as the death of the King Laurence. While it wasn’t out of the ordinary for such far-reaching prophecies to only be given by oracles every few years, her cadence had been much faster.

In order to gain the Temple’s attention and be identified as a new oracle, she had given a series of ten prophecies in a few months’ time. That was almost unheard of and as a result, the Temple had paid close attention to her, promoting her to oracle faster than any of the others who showed promise.

She didn’t know if any of those other young priestesses were giving real prophecies from the gods, but she wasn’t. Iris was relying on memories from her past life.

Since she got engaged to Luther, aside from daily prayers and occasional blessings, she hadn’t done much else. She most certainly didn’t give any new prophecies. As Luther praised the pastries, asking if she made them for him again, Iris wracked her memory to try to remember if there were any major events that were happening soon.

“My mother used to love these sort of butter cookies,” Luther was saying as she turned her attention back to him.

“Oh, did she?” Iris gave him a wide smile. “What about you?”

“Well, particularly for your cookies, I am my mother’s son,” he said in a teasing voice. She blushed and giggled. Luther smiled and stroked her hand. “I wish my mother could’ve met you.”

“I would’ve liked to meet the late Queen, too.”

“My second and third brother, as well. If they ever come home, I hope they’ll welcome you into the family.”

Her brows shot up. That’s it! The Second and Third Prince! Something had happened sometime after King Laurence’s coronation that required the Second and Third Prince to leave and return with some injury. Luther had mentioned it once as the incident that resulted in the Second Prince becoming unable to walk properly.

Her heart slammed in her chest as excitement welled in her. It was the perfect thing to ‘prophesize’ and if she were clever about it, perhaps Luther could get a good trading ally out of it. The nobles would praise him and his position would be strengthened. She chewed on her lower lip and turned to Luther.

“This was delicious, Iris. Thank you.”

She beamed and wrapped her arms around him before giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Of course. I can’t let you starve,” she said with a giggle. She untangled herself from him and collected the empty cup and plate. “I will see you at dinner, Luther. Come on time. I don’t want to have to send someone to drag you out because you lost track of time again.”

His eyes crinkled up as he gave her a loving smile. “I won’t. Don’t worry.” Iris smiled as she walked out of his office.

Her two attendants were waiting for her outside and she handed the tray to one of them. “Please go and send it to the kitchen.”

“Yes, Your Eminence,” the young woman bowed.

Iris almost skipped to Luther’s courtyard, where she was now living. Protocol dictated that she was not supposed to, but it was an open secret. Luther had his servants prepare a small room for her to use as her prayer and study room.

“Bring me correspondence paper and ink,” Iris said as she shrugged off her outer coat and walked to her desk. “I wish to write a letter to the Great Temple.”

“Yes, Your Eminence.” The second attendant rushed to prepare writing materials and then bowed as she slipped out of the room.

Iris carefully prepared the ink to write.

At this time, the Empress of Langshe was ill. It was only a matter of time before she died, but what followed after her death threw the Langshe Empire into chaos. The throne was violently fought over by the Empress’ younger brother, and her heir apparent, her only surviving son.

There had been rumors that the younger brother, the Duke of Shan-ra, had poisoned his sister to death, but that had never been confirmed.

And while the Empress had an heir in her only surviving son, he didn’t have as much political backing as the Duke of Shan-ra. The Prince of Langshe, in a desperate attempt to take the throne, sought out his cousins, the Second and Third Princes of Kadmus, for support. The twin princes answered his call by leading support from Kadmus’ battalions to help the Prince of Langshe take the throne from their uncle.

As thanks, the trade between the two nations was stronger than ever, and children of the twin princes were promised the right to inherit property should they ever choose to return to Langshe. Not to mention the rewards that were given to Kadmus for their assistance.

Iris even recalled that just before she was reborn, the two princes and the Second Prince’s wife, Rebecca, were given honorary imperial titles in Langshe.

In this life, Iris wouldn’t let them be so lucky.

First, she’d send the notification of the Empress’ impending death.

Then, she’d talk to Luther about supporting the Duke of Shan-ra. If Luther could support the Duke of Shan-ra, then he would get the favor of the future Langshe Emperor, increase trade, and be the one rewarded.

With each thought, her hands moved faster across the paper. She signed her name and affixed her seal before ordering her maid waiting outside to enter and prepare to send off an official prophecy to the Great Temple.

As she leaned back against her chair and watched the attendant carefully frame the velum paper in a thick, white leather folio, her attendant who had gone to send back the used dishware returned.

“Your Eminence!” She rushed in, appearing frantic as she almost slid past the door. “Two of the paladins that went to the Shrine of the Goddess of Marriage have returned.”

Iris nodded her head, thinking nothing of it until she realized her attendant said ‘two’. She snapped her head towards the door and narrowed her eyes. “Two?” She frowned as she felt a chill sweep through her. “Where are the other four?”

╔═════════════════ ∘◦ ♔ ◦∘ ═════════════════╗

“Daddy? Are you all right?” Beks looked out the back of the wagon as they continued along the route to the southern coast. They had yet to see the ocean, but the sweltering heat was already in the air.

“I’m fine...I just didn’t think it would be this bad here. The heat was bearable in the desert, but this humidity just makes it worse,” her father said, his suntanned face already flushed and glistening with sweat.

Beks frowned. “Perhaps we should stop for a bit.”

“No, no, we’re supposed to reach the coast before the end of the day,” her father replied. “Let’s just keep going.”

Beks took a deep breath. “I can feel the heat and humidity, but it’s not too bad.”

“You’re probably used to it after being on the island for some time,” Deo said. He was laying across one of the benches in the wagon, his own face flushed as he fanned himself. “Don’t forget. Daddy and I are from the north, where it’s cold year-round. The hottest it gets is how mild as your spring in Kadmium is.”

Her father on horseback laughed in agreement. “We’re not used to the heat, Beks.”

She nodded and looked towards the driver’s seat. “Mr. Reidan, how are you faring? Is it too hot?”

“No, not at all. It’s quite warm, but I don’t think it was as bad as the desert in midday. Oh, if your skin isn’t covered, that sun will simply burn you to a crisp there!” he replied. “At least here, the sun doesn’t feel as strong. The humidity is what’s most bothersome.”

Beks nodded. She studied his ruddy face and found that he didn’t seem to be sweating as much as her father or Deo. “If it gets too be too much, let me know. We can stop....” She narrowed her eyes as the pit of her stomach twisted. “Or go further east.”

“Further east?” Deo asked. “That’s out of the way. What a waste of time.”

“No...no, I could’ve made a mistake,” Beks said as she lowered her eyes and frowned. She shut her eyes and sat in place, bringing up the map she’d memorized where the stele marking the old borders of Kadmus was.

“Are you all right? Is the heat getting to you?” her brother teased.

Beks couldn’t shake the feeling that her brother and father simply weren’t ‘not used to the heat’. By her memory, the stele was still further away, closer to the last fortress they’d passed before they reached the cliff. At the cliff where she’d been pushed off of, she was well past the stele and outside the exile borders.

At least, that’s what she thought. The fortress was what she was using as a marker.

“Brother, where’s the map of Kadmus?” she asked as she opened her eyes.

“Under my bench.”

“Get up!” She grasped the edge of the bench cover and tried to push it up while her brother was on it in an attempt to kick him out. Deo sighed and got up, moving across the wagon to allow her access.

“It’s in the brown tube.”

Beks nodded and pulled out the tube, unscrewing the cap and shaking out its contents. She rummaged through the maps until she found one of Kadmus. She’d seen such maps numerous times, but this one had many trade routes, which was what she needed to track her route.

She began to count all the fortresses and compare them with the map in her head. As she reached the last time on the physical map, she paused. Her blood ran cold as she shut her eyes and re-counted the fortresses in her memory.

The physical map was newer, but it had one less southern coastal area fortress than the map in her head.

Beks’ heart dropped. She made a miscalculation.

At one point, there was one more fortress which extended the old border out further than where it currently was. Borders changed all the time depending on geopolitics. She knew that, but to think she’d miss an entire fortress.

This meant that the meeting point they’d established for her to go to and be picked up by rokhs wasn’t outside the exile stele - it was still a partial day’s travel inside.