Priscilla flinched as the sunlight bathed her. Her eyes felt heavy from her sleepless night, and throat stung. No amount of make-up could cover her bright red nose. She glanced over at her mother as she fussed over Vaera.

  “I’m sorry about last night dear.” Her mother said mournfully. “I promise that nothing like that will happen again.”

  “You don’t need to apologize… your Grace.” Vaera performed a clumsy curtsy.

  “That’s sweet dear, but as the noble family of this land, we’re responsible for the people.” She sighed sadly, brushing Vaera’s hair. “And this incident shows we haven’t been as attentive as we should have been.”

  “We should be going mother.” Priscilla pulled Vaera towards the carriage.

  “It was lovely meeting you.” Rosalynn waved at them. “Please come visit again.” Vaera waved back enthusiastically as the carriage pulled away.

  Priscilla rested her head against the seat and let her eyes drift close as she recalled the days after Maelon’s death. Her mother wept for days after hearing the news, and her father ran around the castle in a blind rage. Phineas spent his days drilling the guards mercilessly in preparation of finding Maelon’s killer. While she confined herself to her room in mourning. The memory of those days made her chest burn. It was all his fault!

  The image of Master Legion filled her mind. Those red eyes taunting her every time they met. Her anger grew, and she would make him pay.

  “Priscilla?” She flinched as someone touched her shoulder. Vaera’s concerned gaze tempered her anger a little. “Are you not feeling well?”

  “I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

  “Is it because of me?” Vaera looked at her feet.

  “No, it’s not your fault!” Priscilla replied, twirling her hair. “Last night opened my eyes. There are people in this town, leading it to ruin. They need to be removed, so that everyone can live happy lives.” She looked at her friend with watery eyes. “From what you’ve said, I fear that Master Legion is one of those men.”

  Vaera nodded solemnly. “I wouldn’t call master a good man, but he’s takes care of us.” She said, staring out the window. The bare framework of new buildings filled the windows, and the citizens of the lower city walked through the street. Priscilla remembered seeing them in rags, but now they wore proper clothing. “It’s changed a lot. They’re too afraid of being robbed and killed. Mama and I had to bring men to protect us when we went shopping, but it’s not like that anymore.” Vaera turned to her with a bright smile. “People can move about freely without fear. They don’t have to worry about food or shelter, and children don’t have to sell themselves on the street. Master is not a good person, but he’s the one responsible for this change.”

  “That may be true.” Priscilla stuttered. “But others could have done the same thing.”

  “Then why didn’t they?”

  Priscilla’s throat tightened. “I don’t know.”

  The carriage rocked to a stop, and the door quietly swung open. “We’re here my lady.” Kogna stood by the door. His usually hard eyes softened as he scanned the area. “It’s changed a lot.”

  The square was filled with people going about their day. Cheerful voice filled the air as children played around the central well. Women carried baskets full of food off their hips, and men were hard at work finishing the construction of nearby buildings. Several adventurers wandered about warmly greeting everyone, and members of the House of Destiny were out serving the community. The streets, which were once littered with trash, were clean of all debris. Even the alleys were cleared of their obstruction.

  “It’s hard to believe this is the slums.”

  “We are no longer calling it that.” Everyone turned to see Meridith coming out. “Slums indicates an area run down and filthy. An area for the dregs and unwanted. Master Legion wanted to show these people that someone still cared for them.”

  “He’s doing a wonderful job.” Priscilla replied. Her mouth hurt as she forced a smile. “Is he in? I wish to speak with him.”

  “I’ll let him know you’re here.” Meridith bowed before turning back inside.

  “I noticed Ada and the zymarrian were at the banquet last night. Is there a reason why they were there?”

  “Lord Triemiere’s taken a liking to Ada, so he hired her as an escort.” Meridith replied with a snicker. “He also hired Cynmora when he learned about her. I fear he’s taken on more than he can handle.” Meridith’s laugh sent a shiver down Priscilla’s spine.

  She sat at the bar as the red-headed woman disappeared below. Her eyes glanced around nervously, but she couldn’t see anything out of place. The barmaids went about their work to get the tavern ready for another day. Men hauled in the supplies from the back, one being a young boy around her age.

  “Mama!” Vaera ran and embraced her mother tightly. “I’m back.”

  “I’m glad.” Yula lovingly ran her fingers through her daughter’s hair. The woman glanced at Priscilla with red eyes. “Did you have a good time?”

  “Something… happened.”

  “Vaera was attacked last night ma’am.” Priscilla tightly gripped her skirt as she approached. “We caught the man responsible, but that doesn’t excuse our negligence. Please forgive me.”

  “I’m also to blame, Yula.” Kogna bowed deeply. “Please forgive me.”

  “All that matters is my daughter is safe.” Yula said, pulling her daughter closer. Priscilla watched the two closely as guilt pained her heart. She reached towards them but then snapped her hand back.

  “My lady.” Meridith’s voice drew her attention. “The master is ready for you.”

  With a deep breath, Priscilla made her way to the stairs. She tried squaring her shoulders, but fear clung to the edges of her mind. The shadows around the basement door reached towards her, ready to snatch her. It was a struggle to keep her legs from failing, even with Lana at her side. A haunting melody seeped through the door as she stepped into the luxurious basement.

  Master Legion smiled at her as she approached while his attendant played her instrument at his feet. It reminded her of the stories of the Opulent Gheyn. A monster, from an age long gone, that granted the wishes of all who bowed before it. Unfortunately, those wishes came at a great cost. She slowly sat on the pillow, trying to hide her nervousness.

  “Is something the matter, Princess?” Master Legion asked, his head tilted at an unnatural angle.

  “There was an incident last night that still have me a upset.”

  “I heard all about it from Meridith.” He chided. “To think the Patron would assault one of our own.” A cruel sneer came to his lips. “Too bad the cathedral was burnt down. We would have loved to return the favor.”

  “The ducal family will punish him.” Priscilla said sternly. “The last thing we need is more suffering.” She glared intently at the man. “Vaera told me something as well. You were the one that murdered my brother.” Her lips twitched into a smile at his shocked expression.

  “She did, did she?”

  Priscilla sat straight. “Yes, and if you don’t want me telling my father then you’ll hand over everything that you own. Gold, property, and your slaves!” Legion’s eyes fell to the ground, and her smile grew.

  “Kogna, bring Vaera to us.” Priscilla’s smile faded at the man’s severe eyes.

  “As you command, master.” Kogna’s words barely reached her ears.

  “What are you doing?” She asked, desperately glancing between Legion and Kogna.

  Master Legion’s growl struck her. “Vaera’s actions brought us trouble, so she must be reprimanded.”

  “She didn’t know!”

  “Ignorance is not the same as innocence, and Vaera won’t learn from her mistakes until she is corrected.” Master Legion’s said cruelly, “Stop dawdling Kogna! Bring her now.”

  Priscilla turned to the swordsman. He stood there staring at the door with his hand tightly around his sword’s hilt. The minstrel, Kogna’s sister, kept her eyes focused on the floor, her fingers shaking over the strings of her instrument. Meridith sat straight up with a cold expression, but tears shown in her eyes. Then Kogna’s footsteps made Priscilla’s blood run cold.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  She ran forward, clutching at Legion’s robes. “Stop it, please!” she begged through her tears. The cloak tore away from his body, revealing the cold metal underneath. The flesh around his face faded away, and she stared horrified into the monstrous eyes. “Don’t… hurt her.” She whimpered.

  The monster reached down, petting her head. “Let this be a lesson. The next time you try blackmailing us, make sure you hold all the cards.” Priscilla nodded, ignoring the pain running across her scalp.

  “I understand.”

  There was a knock at the door before it creaked open. “You wished to see me master.” Priscilla quickly wiped away her tears as Vaera stepped inside.

  “Come here child.” Master Legion said. Vaera silently stepped forward, glancing at her friend. “We heard about what happened last night. Were you hurt?”

  “No sir, but I was a little scared.”

  “We’re happy to see you well.” It said, tenderly petting. “Why don’t you and your mother take the day off. Go enjoy yourselves on us for today.” It chuckled, holding out a small purse.

  “Thank you, master!” Vaera beamed at the monster and gently took the pouch. Her gaze shifted between her master and Priscilla. “Is Priscilla joining us?”

  “That’s up to her, but let’s give her some time to think it over.” Vaera nodded solemnly before leaving. Master Legion waited for the door to close before speaking. “Sweet child, it would be a shame if something happened to her.”

  “You’re threatening your own people!” Priscilla snapped.

  “We’re simply stating a fact.” It growled. “If you tell the Duke that we killed Maelon, then he’ll never stop hunting us. We can easily disappear, but our servants cannot, and we’re certain your father won’t go easy on Vaera simply because she’s a child.”

  “You murdered my brother. You should be brought to justice!”

  “And he violated our Meridith!” Legion’s foot slammed onto the floor, making Priscilla jump back. Its claws dug into the stone floor. “Where was her justice?” It snapped while towering over her.

  “Had… she come forward-”

  “Don’t be so na?ve child. Maelon was the Duke’s heir, none would have laid a hand on him.” Legion caressed Meridith’s cheek, wiping away a stray tear. “We wouldn’t stand by while she suffered, so we took matters into our own hands.”

  “You’re a monster.” Priscilla snarled at it.

  “So was your brother.” It sat down, eyeing her. “We wonder, how many other women did your brother attack?”

  “He… didn’t attack anyone!” Priscilla said, unable to look it in the eyes.

  “If you say so. If you have nothing else to speak about, then we’re done, and do remember to keep your mouth shut. We wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to our people.”

  Priscilla rose on shaky legs and smoothed out her skirt. She tried her best to glare defiantly at the monster, but its piercing red gaze made it difficult. She quickly turned around, wasting no time in leaving the darkened room and the monster within it.

  As the door clicked shut, Reviled turned to Meridith. “Have a donation sent to the castle immediately. We need to remind her why we are needed.”

  “How much should I send?”

  Reviled’s eyes flickered in thought. “Send five gold bars. That should provide enough of an incentive to keep her mouth shut.”

  “Do you think she’ll tell the Duke about us?” Mina stared at the door worriedly.

  “The threat has been made, and all we can do is see what she does. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strength our ties to the Duke. Not when we’re so close to fulfilling our goals.”

  Priscilla rested her head against the carriage wall, staring out the window. Her breath fogged a small portion of the glass, obscuring her view. They passed a pair of guards on patrol. It was only the third pair they’d seen since leaving the castle.

  “There’s less guards out.” She whispered to herself.

  “I hear the guard’s budget was cut again, and they weren’t the only ones.” Lana replied. “Both servants from the kitchen and cleaning staff were cut. Only the administrative staff have remained untouched.”

  “We’re running out of coin, and that monster knows it.” Priscilla sighed deeply.

  Lana gave her a half-hearted smirk. “Is that why you tried extorting it?” Priscilla nodded silently, her frown deepening. “You should reconsider this new knightly order, and you should release Sir Kogna.”

  “I know.” Priscilla whimpered. “But that would mean telling father everything, and it would ruin their lives, especially Vaera’s.”

  “Making sacrifices is part of being a leader.” Lana gently patted her hand. “Sacrificing Vaera and Sir Kogna would be best for the city.” Priscilla couldn’t look her maid in the eye. “At the very least, we should tell Sir Halligan.”

  “Then he’d think me a foolish child.”

  “You are a child, my lady. Keeping quiet when you know something is wrong is what would make you foolish.” Priscilla wiped away the tears as the carriage pulled to a stop.

  Priscilla stepped out of the carriage, briskly heading inside. Her knuckles turned white as she headed up the stairs, and her footsteps drummed loudly in her ears. The servants bowed as she passed, but terrifying thoughts came to mind.

  Were they working with the monster too? With their heads bowed, she couldn’t see the servants’ faces. Were they greeting or mocking her? Could she truly trust them? Could she trust anyone? The thoughts drove her faster down the halls until she was pounding on her father’s office door.

  “Enter.” Priscilla didn’t hesitate to step inside. Her father’s and brother’s presence bring a sense of security. “Are you alright dear? You look awfully pale.” Her father asked.

  “No father, I’m not.” Priscilla replied, wiping at her eyes. “I’m in a terrible dilemma.”

  A warm, firm hand settled onto her shoulder. “Come dear, tell me all about it.” Her father gently led Priscilla to the sofa and sat next to her. “What happened?”

  “Master Legion is a monster!” She cried. “He’s a terrible, awful creature, completely inhuman. He called Maelon a monster that attacked women!” She growled deeply, looking towards her father, but his expression wasn’t what she expected. His shoulders fell, and he looked suddenly tired. “Father, it’s not true, is it?”

  “Maelon wasn’t perfect Priscilla. Truthfully, he had more flaws than I care to admit, and women was one of them.” He sighed deeply. Priscilla stared in disbelief as her father rubbed his face.

  “Pardon, your grace.” Minister Cromwell’s voice came from the door. “We’ve received a message from Master Legion.” Priscilla sat straight up, staring towards the door.

  “Enter.” The Duke stood, glaring at Cromwell as he entered. “What did he say?”

  “He wanted to offer an apology.” Cromwell replied, handing over a letter. “Apparently, he made Lady Priscilla upset when she visited him, and to atone for his actions, he sent a gift, a donation to your coffers.” Cromwell gave the young lady a sympathetic smile.

  “How much?” The Duke asked.

  “Five full gold bars.”

  “Excellent, we’ll accept his apology, but make sure he knows that we won’t stand for such disrespect again.” The Duke snapped. “Turn the gold into coins and start hiring soldiers. The King has demanded we send reinforcements to the front lines immediately.” Cromwell bowed and left the room.

  “You’re going to accept his gift?” Priscilla screamed.

  Her father let out a deep sigh. He suddenly looked older with deep wrinkles around his eyes and mouth, and his golden hair taking on a silver sheen. Dark circles sat around his eyes, and his clothes looked too big on him.

  “I have no choice dear.” He smiled pathetically at her. “We’re running out of gold.” He knelt in front of her taking her hands. “I swore to the King that I would dedicate everything to this war, but wars cost money.”

  “Then raise the taxes!”

  “We can’t Priscilla.” Phineas snapped at her. “Most of our citizens barely get by as it is. If we raise taxes again, then they won’t be able to feed themselves. We’re already making them pay with their lives, the least we can do is let them keep their coin.”

  “He’s right Priscilla.” Her father chuckled humorlessly. “For the past several years, I’ve had to rely on unscrupulous sources of income, and that includes this Master Legion.”

  Priscilla’s heart dropped. “What do you mean?” She stood up, backing away from her father.

  The Duke looked at the floor ashamed. “I used men like Bartholomew Decker to fill our treasury.” He said, “I would allow them to engage in criminal activity for a portion of their profits. The coin they brought in helped us hire soldiers to fight in the war, and I have extended the same deal to Master Legion.”

  “How could you?” Tears poured down her cheeks.

  “I did what I thought was best for my people.” Her father sighed deeply. “Why should I rob them when I can take from the wicked. They make more than enough from their illicit deeds, and men of ill-repute are easy to scare, especially when they are well known.”

  “But-”

  “This isn’t one of your fairytales Priscilla!” Phineas snapped, slamming his fist on the desk. “Everything doesn’t always work out for the greater good. Sometimes, there are only terrible choices.”

  “Y-you’re wrong.” Priscilla wheezed, running towards the door.

  She heard her father call for her, but she didn’t want to hear anymore of his words. Priscilla yanked the door open and slammed into something hard. Kogna stared at her, and her heart froze. She pushed him off and bolted down the hall, trying to get away.

  As she ran to her room, the stone halls, which once made her feel safe, felt cold and ominous. The warm, cheerful smiles of the servants twisted into smirks of contempt and mockery. The knights patrolling the halls no longer appeared gallant, but wicked in their expensive uniforms. Her entire world felt like a lie that she wanted to escape.

  Priscilla pushed into her room, slamming the door behind her, and flung herself onto the bed. The weight of her father’s words made her cling to her pillow. As time passed, she eventually ran out of tears to shed, but her mourning was interrupted by a knock at her door.

  “My Lady, may I enter?” Kogna’s deep voice pierced the door.

  Priscilla scurried backwards, pressing herself against her bed’s headboard. “No, leave me alone!”

  Priscilla felt her heartbeat loudly in her chest as she glared at the door. Her breath was caught in her throat when the door clicked opened, allowing the swordsman to enter.

  “Are you here to threaten me?” She said, hiding behind her pillow.

  “No, my Lady.” Kogna replied simply. “I’m here to check on you, nothing more.”

  “Well, I’m fine. So leave, now!”

  Kogna stared intently at her, and it made her cower beneath her pillow. “Having your world ruined is a terrible feeling.” He said, sitting down at the edge of her bed. “It makes it hard to see things clearly. It’s even worse when your own father is the cause of it.”

  “How would you know?” Priscilla snapped.

  “Because my own father did the same to me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Kogna stared at his left hand, thumbing the back of it. “Honor means everything to my people, so much so that it blinds us. We’d even forsake our family to maintain our oaths.” He gave Priscilla a pitiful smile. “But I couldn’t do that, so I did what I thought was right and abandoned my post.”

  “Then why serve the monster?” Priscilla asked, setting her pillow down.

  “Because it protects all that I hold dear. My sister is all that I have left, so I’ll submit to it, for her safety.”

  “Even if it means siding with evil?”

  “Yes.”

  Priscilla scoffed with a shake of her head. “Do you expect me to do the same thing?”

  “I expect you to do what you think is right.” He chuckled. “Even if it means going against us.” He rose from the bed, heading to the door.

  “Then you’ll simply kill me!” Priscilla shouted, crawling closer.

  “Until my master commands otherwise, I am your knight, and your safety is my first priority.” Kogna closed the door behind him, leaving her in silence.

  Priscilla wrapped herself in her sheets. “What should I do now?” Worry gnawed at her heart as her eyes slowly closed.