2022-04-09 23:38:30
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Chapter Thirty: Lady Ivanna's Phobia
"Those birthed from a Slave are immediately determined to be a Slave. The proper paperwork of the Slave's official birth must be turned in to the Association of Slave Owners within the day of that Slave's birth or the following morning."The next day, the former League members reached Bloodrose Villa, with Rein leading the way. Their eyes widened as they took in the sprawling grandeur of the estate. Its towering gates, manicured gardens, and gleaming façades spoke of wealth and refinement far beyond their usual realm. A quiet hesitation settled over them; the opulence felt foreign, almost alien, yet the miles behind them left no room for retreat. They had come too far to turn back now."I'll inform her of your arrival and that you're aware in case she doesn't know," Rein said.Rein took to the air and soon spotted Ivanna in the vast library, her figure silhouetted against the glow of the grand fireplace. She paced restlessly across the polished floor, her hands twisting together in a s
Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Sword of Defense
"All Slave Auctioneers must carry proof given to them upon being appointed, stating that they have been affirmed by the Association of Slave Owners. If proof is not available upon questioning, it will be assumed that the auctioneer in question is not legally appointed."Just a few more minutes. The interminable pageantry neared its end, each passing second dragging like wet wool across Polaris's skin. Soon, only the gaudy revelry would remain—a blur of forced laughter, clinking glasses, and shallow pleasantries. Then he could finally retreat to Thorncove, where the real torment would begin: figuring out how to endure a kingdom ruled by Ariana."Your queen will now choose the sword she deems most important by which to rule," announced the prime minister.Queen Ariana rose with slow, pointed elegance. She placed the orb on the marble pedestal between the thrones, its golden griffin gleaming in the light, then leaned the scepter beside it. Descending the dais steps, her skirts whispered o
Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Triumph of Evil
"All Slave Auctions must be run by auctioneers appointed by the Association of Slave Owners. Any auctioneer not authorized by the Association of Slave Owners will be taken into custody and sold in the next scheduled Slave Auction."Hours after Nadia's lessons ended, Ivanna sat before the black marble fireplace in Polaris's parlor, a chalice of lona cradled in her hands. Her mind churned with countless thoughts, pulling her focus away from the warm glow of the fire and the taste of her drink. Polaris soon entered, carrying a glass of bourbon, and settled into the black velvet chair opposite her."So." The sudden utterance snapped Ivanna back into the room. "You have a plan to prepare the kingdom for Nadia's ethnicity."Ivanna breathed deeply through her nose, and then nodded solemnly. "Remember when the marquis mentioned that he was going to expose me to the kingdom, and we weren't sure if he had a serious plan to do so?"Polaris's eyebrows creased above his eyes. "Yes...""Makiar found
Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Hard-Headed and the Stubborn
"All Slave Auctions will take place once a month on Market Day, the date and time of which will be determined by the mayor of the town."At Bloodrose Villa, a faint wisp of steam curled upward from Ivanna's skin, her body heat rising enough to turn sweat into mist. She held her focus, eyes closed, moisture glistening on her face. The room's temperature climbed alongside the mounting tension, everyone silently waiting to learn what was happening at Bryabay."All right, Iva. That's enough." Polaris reached to grab her shoulder."Don't touch her!" Aleda warned. "You'll burn yourself. Here."Aleda rose swiftly and grabbed an afghan from a nearby chair. Just then, Ivanna finally exhaled the breath she'd been holding, and sagged forward. Aleda caught her just in time, using the soft blanket to shield her own hands."Thank you," Ivanna whispered. "I did it. They won their fight.""You almost killed yourself!" Polaris exclaimed. "What was worth your life?""Rein found a group of people who can
Chapter Twenty-Six: The Rogue Assassins
"Each town is allotted one auction stand to be kept in the center of town for the Slave Market. Each scaffold must be ten feet tall, twenty feet long, and eight feet wide."Nadia looked no different. She was still and ashen, untouched by the spark that had stirred moments before. Her chest lay silent, her limbs slack, as if the breath she'd drawn had been her last. The room held its breath with her, the air thick with unspoken alarm. Without a word, Makiar reached for her throat, his fingers trembling slightly as they searched for a pulse beneath the fragile skin."Her pulse is back to normal, my Lord," he informed."Good," Rallian said with a small gasp. "Inform the leshies that I want her nursed back to health as soon as possible so that she can get back to her chores quickly.""Yes, my Lord," Alik and Makiar replied, and then everyone left the room.Rein wiped away her tears of joy, and flew off toward Bloodrose Villa.※In the parlor, silence stretched thin as everyone leaned into
Chapter Twenty-Five: Secrets
"The death of a Slave must be reported to the Association of Slave Owners forty-eight hours after the death."Rein's fingers hovered over the brittle pages of the journal she'd found in Marquis Rallian's desk, her eyes darting across lines thick with secrets. Every paragraph tugged her deeper, demanding her full attention. She wanted nothing more than to sit down and devour the entire thing. But time was already slipping from her. She would have to return later, once Rallian was asleep. For now, she needed to focus on the entries that mattered most: Ariana and Nadia.As she skimmed, Rein's pulse quickened. The carefully composed façade between Rallian and Queen Ariana was far more fragile than she'd assumed. Beneath layers of calculated civility, there was a quiet war of distrust, unspoken threats, and a partnership strained to its limits. Rallian feared Ariana would soon demand Nadia's execution. He'd already made peace with refusing her, even if it shattered their alliance. But the d
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