тнє ℓαυяєℓ fℓσωєяѕ NEW THREAD delete this please.

[katomorakwarrior]

Seven days, four hours, three minutes, and thirty-six seconds since the last chapter.

I don't mean to be a nag, but . . .
Please!

[.:A r i c a R e e:.]

Seven days, four hours, three minutes, and thirty-six seconds since the last chapter.

I don't mean to be a nag, but . . .
Please!

Its been that long? -calls red and starts nagging her to post more- XD

[*ajayred*]

Seven days, four hours, three minutes, and thirty-six seconds since the last chapter.

I don't mean to be a nag, but . . .
Please!

Its been that long? -calls red and starts nagging her to post more- XD

Your the editor!

Sorry guys, stuff is just going to pudding at home, I'm trying, I am! But hey, a week is better then a month, right? Right?! Once my silly laptop gets over its connection issues with my internet, more shall be posted

[.:A r i c a R e e:.]

Seven days, four hours, three minutes, and thirty-six seconds since the last chapter.

I don't mean to be a nag, but . . .
Please!

Its been that long? -calls red and starts nagging her to post more- XD

Your the editor!

Sorry guys, stuff is just going to pudding at home, I'm trying, I am! But hey, a week is better then a month, right? Right?! Once my silly laptop gets over its connection issues with my internet, more shall be posted

Cant edit if i dont got nothin to edit. .-. XD We know, we know. Your trying. -pat pat-

[katomorakwarrior]

We understand. And sympathize.
And are waiting.
But are patient.
See?
-
-
-
-
See?

[.:A r i c a R e e:.]

Ahhh, Im about as patient as a.... well, since i cant come up with a example, lets just say im not very patient.

[katomorakwarrior]

13 days, 23 hours, 13 minutes, 09 seconds from last chapter.

Please!

[*ajayred*]

Chapter 21

I often wondered why girls where so looked down on and why so many girls just accepted what was handed to them. Or had to sneak around to get what they wanted, when boys could be blunt and say as they pleased with less rebuking. My mother pondered with me, but always answered with.

“Because, this is a man dominated world and women haven’t been giving the chance, I think we best leave it up to someone else for a later day, when men have less competition with everything.”

I could live with that answer until I turned twelve and then things got hard on the both of us when I decided I wanted to be that person; I would make that day come somehow.
I started wearing pants to replace layer after layer of dresses in the winter in secret, I started doing the same in the summer, but with trousers I cut off to my knees. When I started my embroidery lessons, I put a spin on the designs with more interesting things then flowers, I added swords and animals. I even spared with my brothers when the chance was presented.
Of course, my mother was driven mad with my antics, but was only angered for my own good even if didn’t see it then. She tried to keep me a lady because of the troubles I would have faced if I continued my ways with my status, I would have thanked her for it now if I could, because she held me back just long enough. Neither of us had to worry about it anymore.

“You…want me to cut your hair?” Jane echoed for the third time.

“Yes, I want you to cut it, I don’t have anything sharp enough to do it right and it is already getting a bothersome length.” I patiently repeated.

“If it is just bothersome, can I just try something before cutting it?” Jane asked, running her fingers through my hair and flipping the ends out. “It would such a shame to keep it short…When it is longer you can just tie it back you know.”

“Alright, fine you can try whatever but it I don’t like it, and you won’t cut it, then I will butcher it myself.” I warned, crossing my legs and crossing my arms.

I had been in Jane’s cell for over thirty minutes trying to get her to cut my hair for me, as she had mentioned hours ago in Lacey’s cell, she used to cut her brothers hair. She didn’t seem happy with my decision, but just because I was a known as a girl, didn’t mean I had to look like a proper one. I felt her rake through my hair, gently pulling knots out and pulling the sides back.

“So, why do you want to look so boyish?” She inquired.

“Because if I look more boyish, they shouldn’t look at me like a girl, at least that’s what I hope.” I countered.

“A man will see a woman as a woman if that is how he seen her before, changing your appearance won’t change the fact they know who you are if they already found out.” Jane reasoned, and despite her constant bubbly attitude, she was a very wise girl.

“Well it would make me more comfortable, then.” I retorted calmly.

“So, do you want to look boyish to feel comfortable, or to you want to be comfortable if it means looking boyish.”

“I want to be comfortable if it means looking boyish, and if it helps the way I want to be viewed, then that is an extra reward.”

“So, you want to look boyish, but be a girl. Doesn’t the defeat the purpose of trying to step out of the gender chains?”

I blinked a few times and grinned. “Heh, I guess that’s true. I suppose if I want to break those chains, instead of being like them, I need to be like myself even if it has some ‘manly traits’ right?”

“Now you’re getting it! See this is why most of us girls don’t try to wear all out man clothing and act like they do, we also want to be seen as more than a possible mother or maid.” Jane exclaimed victoriously. “If we act like how we want instead of what they expect, it will soon change their view, and at the same time we don’t want them to treat us like normal men, because let’s face it men are very crude creatures.”

I snorted and laughed, personally I wanted to be treated more like a man than a woman, but after hearing that, perhaps I would have liked to avoid the crudeness.

“Alright, I have finished a master piece!” The bubbly girl exclaimed happily.

“How am I supposed to see this masterpiece you speak of?” I asked bringing my hand up to my head.

“You will have to just feel it for now until I find something shiny enough to act as a mirror. “ Jane shrugged as she walked in front of me.

I touched the sides of my head, starting from my temples were tight braids which continued on the sides of my hair until reaching the back where I felt some sort of tie off on the braids and the rest of my wavy hair was free.

“Hmph, well that works pretty well.” I nodded with a grin.

“Why thank you, Lara.” She beamed at me. “Have you thought about joining our group?”

“Ya know, I don’t think I could stay in a cell just making a lot of weapons.” I chuckled.

“Just making weapons? Oh no, we only do that in the evenings. At night is when we get out of the cells.”

“Aren’t the cells locked at night?”

“Yes, unless you have a sneaky thief who can slip a hand over a key belt without getting caught.” Her lips pulled upward into a sneaky grin.

“Well, what about getting caught?” I narrowed my eyes.

“Oh they know we go out there, matter of fact we trade with a few guards and other sneaky inmates. Night is when only the best groups meet up. It really weeds them out, matter of fact, why don’t you try it?”

“Will you get me out of the cell?” I asked.

“Well, Lacey might try to make you do it yourself first, but the end result would probably be yes, I would. The locks aren’t that hard to get open, they look elaborate but really aren’t. I mean the thing on the inside is also pretty short, so it wouldn’t be hard to just…make it not lock properly…” She grinned, obviously trying to give me a hint.

“Alright, I will see what I can do. “ I stand standing up from her cot.

“Yay! Oh, and don’t worry most people are very civil at night.”

“Good, I had to avoid a lot of people today and I could use some more civil association.” I laughed walking toward her cell door. “I’ll see you tonight, maybe.”

“I better see you!” Jane giggled.

I walked down the hall, ignoring the suspicious eyes and cold glowers. I wore my whip once again around my hips, only over my shirt.
I indifferently just walked past them like they were never there. It was easier then thinking they only avoided me because of the things Henry and Avery did. I wasn’t ungrateful that they did what they did, I just wished they didn’t do it the way they did. I was being treated like a naïve child who would ruin a plan by just being told. Even when they speak of escaping the prison, the discussion goes silent after I add my bit. I wasn’t sure if it was because I was a girl and they thought it didn’t matter what I said, or because I was a girl coming up with valid points. When I made it back to my cell and saw them leaning in talking close I knew it was one of those times.

“I know one guard is very loose with the inmates, we can easily sneak some keys away from him and then we can explore the block without being so suspicious. “ Avery said lowly, his back facing me and his chin resting in his hand.

“How do we know there won’t be guards out there?” Henry asked, his burgundy eyes slowly moving up to meet mine.

“What is it?” Avery asked, turning to look at me.

“There-“ I started but stopped, they barely listened when I added to their escape strategy, so I decided I would hold it in for a while. “Never mind, you boys want to play a game?” I asked walking in and sitting next to Henry.

“What kind of game?” Avery asked.

“A question game!” I exclaimed happily. “That one where you answer any question as truthfully as you can, the only difference is if you refuse to answer truthfully, you pay a penalty presented by the person who asked the question.” I explained.

“Sounds suspicious…” Henry said slowly, eyeing me carefully.

“Oh come on. I’m bored out of my mind; Avery’s played it before and he’s still alive. Think of it as a trust exercise for training, if you want.” I arched my brow, poking his ribs.

“Alright, I’m in.” Avery commented, leaning back on his cot and tucking his hands under his head.

“Well fine then…” Henry said sliding down the wall and flopping one arm over a raised knee.

“Avery, you want to go first?” I asked.

“Yeah, I guess.” He nodded and sighed deeply. “Henry, have you ever been punched in the face by a girl?”

“What? No! No girl could ever hit me!” Henry laughed.

I slowly grinned and tilted my head. “Doesn’t that call for penalty?” I asked.

“Henry, one more time, has a woman ever punched you?” Avery grinned too.

“Like I said n-…oh...” Henry said looking at me, seeming to remember the time, or times I had punched him. “Yes.” He grumbled.

“Alright, it’s my turn then.” I laughed. “Avery, does bill intimidate you?”

“Yes, a little bit.” Avery admitted.

“My turn, right? Rencette, What was the scariest thing you have ever seen?”


I shrugged. “I don’t really know.”

“Penalty!” Avery pointed at me.

“What? I’m not refusing!”

“But you can’t answer, I say you do a little da-“

“I will think of something! Hold on!” I said throwing my arms in the air. “Alright…probably…when I went swimming with my brothers before learning how to swim properly and sunk like a rock, at the bottom off the river I saw a white adder swim in its hole and let out all my air and nearly drowned. Now, Henry what is the hardest thing you had to do?”

“Learn how to use my sword properly. Wait, was it even your turn? “ Henry looked at me, arching his brow.

I shrugged and brought up one knee to my chest and wrapped an arm around it.

“Well then I’ll go. Rencette, when did you first meet Avery?” Henry asked, apparently having heard about my first kidnapping.

“When I met Bill.”

“You didn’t meet Bill when you met me.” Avery responded.

“Yes I did. I was covered in mud and the both of you had caught a thief.” I chuckled, resting my cheek on my knee.

“Oh, now I remember! You really did look like a drowned dog.” Avery laughed. “Alright, Henry tell me your thoughts on Lara being Lara?”

“I think you have to be some ugly woman to look like a man.” Henry said shaking his head.

“Funny, I thought to same about you henry!” I exclaimed.

Henry turned to glare at me and I just smirked. “What? Does it hurt when I say something to you like what you said to me?”

Henry chose to leave me unanswered and looked to Avery. “Well what’d you think?”

“Well at first I thought of how well it fit. Then I thought about all those awkward times that would have been normal with another man…” Avery began and stopped himself.

“Okay, this question goes to the both of you! What awkward times?” I asked, expecting a few good laughs out of the answers.

Both seemed to glue their mouths shut, tucking in their lips and frowning.

“Not gonna answer? Want the penalty?” I grinned.

Avery looked at Henry, then me and untucked his lips to bite his bottom lip. Henry filled his cheeks with air and let it out.

“Alright then, the penalties…Avery, grab your blanket and wrap it around your waist. Henry, grab yours and put it over your shoulders and hunch over, you are going to be an old lady, and Avery is going to be your loving daughter for three turns.” I mischievously smiled.

“What, oh come on? Really?!” Avery shouted.

“Yes, really, you agreed and now you didn’t answer, so you have to pay the price. Play the roles right now.” I sniggered, handing out their blankets.

Avery folded his and wrapped it around his waist, tucking it in at the front while glowering at me. Henry pulled his over his head and held it together with one hand and drooped over, sulking all the while. Avery took his place next to Henry and arched his brow.

“My turn…” Avery darkly purred.

The game went on deep into the day, the boys had more penalties then I could think of, so I made them think of each other’s to save their own skin. Things got pretty interesting from there, but the most interesting was when Avery had to imitate a chicken and a horse at the same time, and Henry had to do his cancan dance while singing a matching tune. Though that isn’t to say they hadn’t got back at me. I was dancing cancan, singing a lullaby with an accent of their choice with a loud happy tune. Exhausted by the time the lights where out and everyone was took into their own cells, I had fell flat on my cot. Just has sleep was blanketing my mind like snow I heard a clank of metal.

“Lara? Hey, Lara you awake?” Jane whispered harshly, then softly, and then repeated louder.

“What?” I grunted in reply.

“Are you coming, or what?”

I rolled over and hit the floor, catching myself with my hands and pushing myself up as I slide my feet under me. I jumped up and walked over to the cell door. I could only hope my little trick would get it open. I jammed a piece of thin metal in my side of the lock the same moment a man closed and locked it, I hoped it hadn’t locked properly with it there.

“Yeah, I’m gonna try.” I answered.

I placed my hand on the small metal piece and bent it back a bit, then pulled. With no results, I pressed my back to the bars, and kicked the metal piece. I may not have been sure how that might have worked, but I heard a click and was able to push the door open.

“Well, I can say that was creative, for sure.” Lacey said rather dryly.

“Uh…yeah, I just kinda hoped it would work in all honesty.” I laughed half-heartedly.

“Well come on.” Lacey yawned walking ahead; I still saw the smirk however.

I followed after and glanced at Avery who was still awake, his eyes following me with clear suspicion. I smiled at him overly sweet and kept on my way with the other girls. I felt a bit of satisfaction for whatever reason, maybe because I got out of the cell, or maybe because they boys could follow along to babysit me.
The satisfaction had worn off quickly when I saw the doors pried open at the hand of Maggie. A feeling I couldn’t describe at the time took root in my gut as I stepped out into the block with the girls.

“Well the ladies made it!” A raspy voice yelled.

I turned to see a number of men the voice could have belonged to, as all men seemed cheery and expectant. The only women around where us, yet none of the other girls seem to care, as a matter of fact they walked up to the men and they cleared the way. I knitted my brows and followed along until Lacey turned and grinned widely.

“Let the trading begin! Please, do be civil, I have a guest.” Lacey declared to the crowd.

“So, you really are the strongest group here?” I asked almost doubtfully.

“Why of course, didn’t I say that?” Lacey asked a bit irritated.

“Well, I just heard that the biggest group is the strongest…” I replied lowly.

“Yes? And you’re looking at the rest of our group. Each one of us girls led a small portion of this group, which helps keep it organized and if someone doesn’t like how one of us is, they can trade their position with someone from another of our group, it is easy for more leaders to control such a mass.” Lacey explained, examining the crowd of men, and even a few women I noticed, donning men’s clothing.

I let a small laugh escape my lips and shook my head slowly. “It’s brilliant!”

“Well, it does have its flaws.” Lacey murmured and smiled somewhat sheepishly.
Her personality was confusing me more and more. One moment she would be cocky, the next independent and then sheepishly humble. Quite the peculiar woman, I had to admit.
I hadn’t known what to do in my current situation, so I just stood there boldly with crossed arms and weight on one leg, eyes gazing over the crowd. I had to wonder if people saw my persona just as strange. I knew I had a temper and quickly became a little ball of fire, but could hold true to reasonableness and remain calm in situations that should make me visibly angry, but that didn’t say much. Truly I couldn’t pinpoint my own personality, so I shook my thoughts away, finding no need to try and pinpoints someone’s personality when I didn’t know my own.

An hour seemed to pass and I had still done nothing but observe the laughing and mingling, it just reminded me of a ball, but within a prison and no dresses. People held tension in front of some, feigning politeness with mask of smiles, eyes the only indication of resentment.


“Things seem high tension…”I said lowly, just enough to be heard from Lacey.

“Yes, I know. As I said, it has its flaws these men agree on little, and though we girls try t’keep our leading similar, others in our sections do not.” She replied with a lopsided, apologetic smile. “Nothing we can’t handle though!” She grinned.

“How did this all start up?” I asked, then added “I mean you becoming leaders and getting them to follow.”

“I was captured with half of my crew, and their support helped me earn the support of some of the men, who helped me earn more support and I couldn’t keep up with the men and saw that as women came in they felt like prey. So when my crew got moved to the other sect of the prison, I talked the girls into it. They don’t seem like it, but they are better leaders then they let on. “


“So these gatherings are just for talking and trading, right?” I prodded.

“As well as forging alliances, no matter how fragile…I suppose you can leave now if you liked, it really ain’t much else.” Lacey shrugged.

“I’ll try talking to a few people first…” I said, deciding to give it a shot.

I had did just that, however, people seemed wary of me as if my skin was blotched with illness. I would look at someone and they would turn their heads, I would bump into someone and they would look down at me and jerk away. What got me the most was when I tried to speak to someone, they would tell me, bold as brass, they couldn’t be seen with me. Exasperated and annoyed I slide down a wall next to an older man. Just as he shifted and I expected him to move her turned his head toward me with eyes as bright and blue as my own.

“Quite annoying isn’t it?” He guffawed suddenly.

I blinked and leaned away from him and his deep throated laugh. “Just…a bit…” I answered him, unsure if I was answering to what I thought.

“It isn’t anything personal, just so you know...” The old man randomly said and flipped his dingy grey cloak from his shoulders.

“What isn’t personal?”

“The avoidance…the reason behind it isn’t personal.” He answered and looked ahead. “They just know better then get to close to you.”

“And why’s that?” I scoffed.

“Because of the brand you wear, child. Rumors move around fast in such an excluded area.”

“What brand?” I bristled, beginning to think the man a nut.

“Why, the kings brand!”

“What in the world are you talking about?! You are not making any sense!” I exclaimed.

His hand reached out, I drew back but he took ahold of my wrist anyway. With the way veins shown in his hands, and his knuckles turn white I was glad for the bracelets I still wore protecting me from his likely bruising hold.

“When I say brand, I mean when the king himself had you sent to this prison. He made sure everyone knew who you are. He wanted them to break you down and shun you until you got tired of it.”
I was silent for a moment, unsure how much i should believe him. “The girls treat me fine.” I stated.

“They want to get out, child. And you’re their key. Anyone the king ever sent to prison himself where taken from it, along with the people close to them. I advise you to socialize carefully, anyone you talk to could be relocated with you.” He hissed, never releasing his hold.

“Why bother telling me this.” I narrowed my eyes.

“That’s because, we’re in the same situation. “

[*ajayred*]

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

I wrenched my wrist from the man and looked him up and down for a moment and assessed him, he was a fit man, if I didn’t see the grey peeking out of his hair that was one auburn and gathering around his temple, or the wrinkles creasing around his eyes, I would have thought him years younger. I felt my heart rate speed as he stared at me, eyes growing more intense by the second.

This isn’t what people think with my eyes, is it?

I couldn’t help but think, but quickly brushed the thought aside. It wasn’t the color, it was the man himself giving the gaze.

“Please clarify. And why should I even care?” I hissed through clenched teeth.

“The king wants us here just long enough to make us think we are safe, just after we stop thinking about when he is coming for us, he is gonna snatch us up and during the stunned process-“

His words stopped, his eyes roving up behind me. The scowl etching into every fiber of his face forced me to turn slowly; a gasp escaped my lips just before hands covered my mouth and grasped my jaw and cheeks.

“Time to go.” Kyran beamed, bright eyed and grinning.

I let out a strangled scream as he gripped tighter and tried pulling me up with my jaw.
Furiously I shot up to my feet and held his wrist, digging my nails in and staring at his with challenging eyes. Taking my fist and bringing it down on the soft part of his elbow made his grip falter enough to wrench myself free and start running, but even has I did so I knew it was a prison, I had few placed to go.
Nevertheless I ran as fast as I could to the door leading inside the building. I weaved through the few corners there were, yet knew not where my feet where taking me until I was in front of Avery’s and Henry’s cell, clutching the bars and catching my breath.
Waking them would do nothing for me; I had no idea where I would go after they took me away, if they would bring Avery and Henry or even- my thoughts where cut short as a hand snaked around my mouth and pulled me back.

“They will find you anyway; go as peacefully as you can to avoid injury.” Avery whispered, spinning me around to face him.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but breath. Think. React.” Avery said as he ran down the hall.

Ice seemed to pool in my gut, I hated that feeling. I had gone places on my own, fought for myself and survived when I had left home, I shouldn’t have feared capture, and I shouldn’t have feared the Kings plans. Worst of all, I shouldn’t have feared separation after so long of protecting myself.

I pulled my shirt up and down over my whip, hoping they wouldn’t think much about it, I might have been surprised to notice how long it took them to catch up to me if I wasn’t already thinking up a plan. I pulled out my pipe weapons and tossed them to the ground for them to see and lifted my hands in the air, palms to them and head low.

“I won’t fight!” I cried out, hoping they’d believe me.

Moments later hands where upon me, binging my hands behind my back and gripping my elbows so that I was between two men. All sounds but one ceased, the sound of heavy, yet calm steps coming toward me. Hands found my hair and jerked my head back so that I was looking up, right into contempt filled eyes.

“A chase for nothing then, no kicking or screaming like before?” Kyran enquired, almost disappointedly. “To bad, it is always fun to chase the rats when they forget there is no way out. Bring her along, and go ahead make a scene, give the people something to talk about during their stay.”

I closed my eyes and ignored him; I would give him nothing to go on. I bit down my fear before looking up at him with a new kind of fire. Cocking to my head side and putting my most challenging grin I told him.

“Trust me when I say, they are gonna have plenty to talk about with just my being here.”

His frown appeared and he turned, snapped his fingers and like the dogs the guard’s where, they needed no other command to push me along down the hall. I held my head high, hooded my eyes and took strong strides down the hall and out to large doors that led to freedom. Upon walking out the doors, I acknowledged my four week stay was over and so was my protection.

Normally, inmates would rejoice leaving the prison, even if it meant their death soon after. I on the other hand knew the moment I left was the moment I got closer to being in the king’s possession. For the first time I was able to see the outside of the prison, not that it was much to look at.
Desolation was what I saw with the castle sticking out the mountain to my right and the rocky hills of the mines to my right. I figured I wouldn’t be going to the castle; they probably would have just taken me under the passage way again, the mines then seemed like the most likely place until I noticed they were dragging me, not to the cage on wheels, but the carriage next to it. The light caught the silver vine décor of the carriage, reflecting it painfully into my eyes.

“I thought he said she would try to escape?” One guard said to the other on my left side.

“I will take her from here.” A deep gruff voice said and suddenly I was pulled away from the guards and to the side of the man wearing the pieced together mask.

I had the sudden urge to run then. He helped get us captured and he was clearly different from the other knights and guards, likely a close underling I reasoned. He pulled me closer to the door and jerked me over as he leaned down.
“Don’t make any mistakes, miss. “ He whispered sharply, grey eyes glinting as he opened the door and practically tossed me in.
“Why she made it in one piece!”

I know that voice…
“Audrey!” I shrieked, ready to lunge at him.

“Calm yourself, sit down and shut up.” Audrey hissed.

Crudely I flopped down on the seat in front of him, glaring at him with threats dancing behind my eyes, trying to creep to my mouth and spill out. I lifted my hands and clawed my fingers, as though I was ringing his neck before heavy shackled where clasped around my wrist, heavy chains weighing them down and getting held by the man I decided to call Puzzle mask.

“Like a cat run through the ringer!” Audrey laughed, leaning back, crossing his arms and cocking his head to the side.

I leaned back pulling the chains up to the seat next to me as I let out deep, weary sigh. I had too many questions and so few ways to word them. I was expecting taunting and ridicule, yet the silence around us reminds other than the clanks of chains and heavy breaths.

“You were supposed to be expecting the king, you know.” Audrey said suddenly, leaning forward. “But he shoved the duty onto my Uncle, whose letter I intercepted. I may have just saved you from much abuse.” He enlightened me.

“Should I thank you? How should I know you won’t treat me the same?” I glowered.

“You take me for an ignorant fool like my uncle?”
“I take you for a young man who is spoiled and dislikes me, who had also attacked and tried revealing my secret, in the process getting himself ashamed and injured.” I said jutting my chin out, like my mother used to do when she argued with other nobles.

“It was merely part of my plan. “ Audrey replied relaxed.

“And do you plan on telling me what it is before I find even more flaws in it? I could already point out at least ten.”

“My plan…” He smirked slowly, one that said he was ready to bring me in and jerk me around it.

I bit back a sarcastic reply about a potato and stared at him until he continued.

“I won’t explain the details, but you are a very important part in it, and I need you alive…and unharmed.” Audrey said, his tone hinting at things yet to come.

As I opened my mouth to question him, he raised his hand and stopped me.

“Now, you are going to be a servant. The kings wants you near, he wants you to calm down. To be honest, he is cruel and cleaver, but underestimates people and has expected you to be broken by now, and willing to do anything for a better situation. ”

“A wha-“ I started again, but he interrupted me again.

“Don’t believe things so easy!” he chortled, much unlike a noble.

I kicked his shin and he stopped laughing, but Puzzle mask jumped forward. I looked at him and leaned forward as he did, narrowing my eyes and observing him.
“Who is the goon?” I asked; knowing he wasn’t that at all.


“He is not a goon. He is a loyal knight who sworn his loyalty to me. “Audrey corrected, a bit irritated.

“Then why was he the one to help take me in?” I asked, still staring at the hard grey eyes beyond the mask.

“I had him go with Kyran to keep you from getting to crazy, and Yes he was there for me. Ss soon as you were caught I told the others they would hurt you to get information on me and it would be best to let me go, Bill be the reasonable man he was, let me go.” Audrey answered, relaxing and leaning back from where he was leaned forward, rubbing his shin.

“Alright, so where will Henry and Avery be, and you never told me where I’m going.” I said, still scowling at Puzzle mask.

“You are going to be a…guest in my home.” Audrey said.

“A guest?” I narrowed my eyes dangerously.

“Really a prisoner and I live with my parents, who live in a house carved into the same mountain as the castle.”

“I thought you wanted me unharmed! And where are Henry and Avery in all of this!” I said, almost sounding panicked.

Mentally I slapped myself.

“Relying on them now, are you Miss independent?” Audrey purred, smirking until my black glare hit him.

I turned my head away, hating the feeling in my gut telling me it was so. After everything I went through, to have to rely on those two made me uneasy, it was too easy to get used to.

“Anyway, they may show up. I don’t know fully what is going to happen to them however.” Audrey shrugged.

“What do you need me for in your plan?” I asked suddenly.

“Well, I can tell you later, but you need to use your acting skill-“

“I won’t do it if you don’t ensure their safety.”
His eyes lit up with challenge and defiance, but seemed to think better of it and nodded. “Their safety will be ensured. “he answered slowly.

“I am not wearing another corset.” I added.

“There will not be a need.”

“I will not go without a weapon.” I crossed my arms.

“Of course,” Audrey growled.

“And-“

“Enough with your demands! I suggest you sleep while you can. Ryker, you may also sleep.” Audrey said, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.

Ryker nodded his head. “Thank you, but I must decline in the presence of this barbaric woman.”

I was taken back from the liquid, smooth and calm of his voice, one you would expect to tell bedtime stories and put children to sleep. “Oh, out sweet of you to notice, Ryker.” I replied kindly leaning over and placing my elbow on the arm rest, despite the chains.

Ryker stared at me for a moment and crossed his arms. I simply smiled, closed my eyes and put my chin in my hand, thinking of tomorrows awaiting advents.

….

I must have feel asleep, because when I opened my eyes, I saw grey orbs looking at me from close up, above me. I blinked a few times, trying to register I was sleeping moments later.

“Good, you woke up I was just about to yell.” Ryker said sitting back in the carriage seat, Audrey nowhere to be seen.

“We stopped, where are we?” I prodded, leaning over to open the curtain, only to see there was another outside hiding my view.

“I need you to confirm a few things.” Ryker indicated. “The more compliant you are, the better.”

I let out a heavy breath and nodded, wiping my face as though my sleep was a mask of paint I could rub off.

“First, can you affirm that your name is indeed Laurel Jade Silvrin?”

“I don’t know, maybe.”

“Yes or no.”

“I could be. I used to be.” I said, feeling difficult.

“Is your real, given name Laurel Jade Silvrin?” Ryker growled annoyed, yet seemingly trying to keep it out of his voice.

“Yes, it is.” I smirked, bringing one knee up to my chest and resting my chin on it.

Ryker looked away with modesty, maybe distaste, I believe. I however didn’t care if this pose was not normal for girls my age, it was comfortable and I was going to use it.

“Your age is sixteen, correct?”

“What month is this?” I furrowed my brows.

“Okrobris.” He answered, surely clenching his jaw under his mask.

“Yep, still sixteen. Why do you wear that?” I inquired, pointing to his mask, only to have him slowly move my hand to the side and down with stoic eyes.

“You are part of the rebellion against the-“

“Can you take the mask off?”

“No. Answer my question.”

“Only if you will take your mask off.” I grinned.

I watched his eyes narrow and he reached up to his head, reaching back and soon the mask came loose, I leaned forward to get a better view when only the top layer of his popped free.

“What?! No, take off the rest too.” I exclaimed.

“You said mask, not how much.” He stated, using his hand to brush the dark brown fallen hair off his forehead.

I narrowed sapphire eyes and sat back again. “I am part of it.” I finally answered.

“How long have you been in it?” he asked question after question, one after another about my life and rebellion experience.

While most I could easily use vague answers or answer with question one caught me off guard.

“Do you know a woman known as Falon Penelope Swan?” He had asked, for the first time about someone other than my family.

“I do.” I nonchalantly answered, shaking the feelings I was getting.

“Are you aware of her treatment in the castle?”

“Yes.”

“Do you fear the same?”

“No.” I found that was almost a lie.

Ryker stared at me a moment, calculatingly and decisively. I could see he was trying to find the answer in my eyes, but before he could question me further, the carriage door opened, the face of Audrey staring back at us.

“You will be staying here, safe and sound for a few days until you have a trial. From there, you may be put in the private prison. There is no need to get any information out of you, as they believe as a woman you couldn’t have learned much there, these are not my words but the three high judges. And this would be no time to prove them wrong.” Audrey explained as briefly as he could.

I leaned forward, trying to peer out the crack Audrey left in the carriage door as he spoke, only able to make out a sliver of a rock face and short path way climbing up it.

“You will have to act the part of an innocent women while you stay here, build up a nice reputation, or at least keep it from being terrible. I will help raise it, as though you are willingly here to help and the brainwashing you suffered was been done away with, you must make them believe this.” Audrey continued.

I felt a coldness wash other me and I closed my eyes and nodded, opened them with clear determination, then questioning. “Why are you helping me so much?”

“I need you, and for that you must be alive.” He stated, mysterious intentions dancing in his eyes. “You will need a dress.”

“You said no-“ I started as I moved forward to the door as he backed away, hand instinctively reaching for his hand as a crowd of people where insight.

He took my hand and helped me down the carriage, my old forcibly taught manners showing.

“Said no corsets!” I whispered harshly, sliding my hand away from his like it was covered in slim.

“No, you said no corsets, and I never said you would be wearing one, just a dress. I swear with the conclusions you jump to, you won’t need any exercise in this castle!”

“You know very well there won’t be a single dress in this castle without one.” I glared.

“You are correct.” Audrey purred.

I down cast my eyes and slightly tucked my chin, desperately wanting to lift my head high to take on the whispers as if I had every right to be there as they had, yet thought better of it. The Shy act is what would keep me safe in that situation.

Audrey had played the part of a well-respected gentleman leading the poor young lady back into the castle, and he has played it well. His head was high, his eyes glancing back to me ever now in then that to other would look like concern, to me I could tell it was something else, akin to triumph or commanding me to be careful.

I knew from that moment I was about to become an enemy’s pawn, but not without something in return, and oh yes. I wasn’t going to let anyone in this play get away with it.

We walked up to the path way of carved smooth stone to a door in the side of the mountain we were on. I stopped before entering, which made Audrey jerk back as he was holding my elbow. I turned my head slowly to see the country from so high up. I had seen it before, at night on the night of the Ball, where the lights of the town looked like stars fallen to the ground, in the day it looked far and wide, large buildings around the center, while smaller ones where on the outside ring.

“One day...” Audrey mumbled, almost where I couldn’t understand, even hearing it, I don’t know what he meant.

He pulled me the building quickly, my feet sinking into the rich blue carpet.

“Servants, please do something with her appearance, make her look like a women-“Audrey started, only for me to cut him off.

“Wait, I want to keep my clothing!” I exclaimed.

“Then keep it!” Audrey said as the maids began trying to pull me off down the brightly lit hall way into a room.

Before long, after some wrestling with the girls when they tried lacing a corset on me, fear drove them to search hard for a dress that could be worn without one. Then rough lady hands washed, pulled knots free from my hair and painfully added a few sliver and blue flowers before I was consider presentable.

I ran out of the room as soon as they brought out jewelry and face paint. “That is enough!” I bellowed during my escape.

Thankfully, no one was around to hear my outburst aside from Audrey and Ryker. Both had let out snickers, Ryker the quicker one to hide it.

“Those are interesting jewelry pieces.” Audrey commented, smirking as he spoke.

The comment made we realize I still had my cuff bracelets. “I may or may not have hit a few of your servants with them…” I said, grasping I had at one point wildly swung my arms around to avoid a wig.

“Are you sure you were a noble?” Ryker asked, with a tone suggesting he was raising his brow.

“Yes, I am. Just as I can confirm I was once been living as a man on the streets and then in a rebellion.” I scoffed. “I can however vouch; this is just part of my personality.”

“Well, then us get this masquerade started, shall we?” Audrey said.

…

I was escorted around, at first by Audrey and Ryker, and then Audrey had to leave and speak to his mother. She was a beautiful woman, tall yet still delicate and refined, with long black hair, a streak of silvery grey on the side.

“Her eyes used to be as dark as Audrey’s.” Ryker has informed me as we walked away.

“They looked lavender to me?” My brows knitted.

“They are, now. When Audrey was a young boy, his uncle once gave her some eye powder of her favorite color, white, but the more she wore it the more her vision failed her.” He explained.

“Kyran gave her poisoned eye powder?” I questioned.

“Slowly her eyes started to cloud over, now all she sees is shapes and blobs.” He nodded.

“Why bother telling me that?” I prodded.

“If you find sympathy within this family, you are less likely to do something reckless not knowing the entire story.”

“Well, nice to know you think that is how I am.” I scoffed. “I may act reckless, but I do think things through.”

“Let’s agree to disagree, shall we?” Ryker said in an end-it-there tone.

“Hey Ryker, do you have any family?” I asked, trying to start a conversion.

“I do have a wife and child.” He answered curtly.

“What are their names?” I smiled.

“I see no reason on telling you further information.” He replied.

“Oh come on I told you about mine.” I argued back.

“I hope you are paying attention on this tour, because if you get lost you’re on your own.” Ryker laughed, ignoring me.

I started at him for a moment at his side, slowly is grey eyes turned to me.

“What?” he dryly asked.

“I’m just shocked. Not only did you laugh, but you laughed at something so…simple.” I explained stunned.

“You just reminded me of my family, is all.” He said back to his calm demeanor.

I felt calmer around him, like another brother, actually he was a lot like Dezil. I felt the need to test the waters.

“Hey, Ryker…” I started to get his attention again. “Why do you wear that mask?”

“It is something I wear to protect my family.” I was sure he smiled as he spoke those words, his eyes where smiling.

“I wish I could have done something like that, hide my identity better. In the end though, I’m sure I would have been found out anyway.” I smiled sadly. “My brother always said I was terrible at hide and seeks.”

“Which brother?” He asked.

“Dezil mostly, but I could climb trees better then him so it was evened out.” I chuckled.

“My own sister was bad at hiding herself, I am sure she and you would have been wonderful friends.” Ryker laughed quickly, a deep warm chuckle.

“How did you wind up here?” I asked, just before I walked into the corner of a hip level table.

“It is a long…story…” He said turning around and seeing me grabbing a vase on the table, biting my lower lip and rubbing my hip with my free hand.
He started me a moment as I straightened the vase with an overly dramatic pouty face as I rubbed my hip. Within seconds the hall was filled with a deep throated laugh of Ryker.

“It isn’t funny! That hurt!” I whined, sitting up straight.

“That’s why it’s funny.” He continued.

I glowered at him for a moment and lifted my chin. “So, where are you going to take me next, Patchy?” I asked.

“I suppose I will take you to the kitchen for the last stop, as you won’t be allowed to go anywhere else.” He replied, sideways glancing at me as I called him Patchy.

“Hey, Ryker what do you think is going to happen to me?” I asked, skipping ahead and walking backwards.

“I don’t know.” Ryker said, looking ahead.

“Well, if it is anything to do with Audrey, I will have to do something…” I muttered.

Moments later, a large hand grasped my arm and jerked me upward. Ryker being so tall I was on my toes to be face to face to him even though he was leaning down. His grey eyes mimicked the coldest steel.

Past the shock and fear coursing through me, he said in cold, harsh words.

“I won’t let you hurt Audrey in anyway, so if you think of using harmful tactics for your freedom, I expect you to forget them now if you wish to leave unscathed. “
I nodded, staring him in the eyes. “I wasn’t even thinking about hurting him, Ryker.” I stated and he released my arm.

“I apologize, then.” He cleared his throat. “Whether it was true or not, ether way I hoped I had proved my loyalty. I won’t let anyone hurt Lord Audrey.”

“I…understand, but the least you could is find out more about my personality before assuming I would do something like that. I wished I disliked him more, But I wouldn’t go to the extent of harming him unless he harms me, and he shows no signs of doing so.” I said carefully, rubbing my arm.

“I understand. If my brashness leaves a bruise, I will be sure to make up for it.” He cleared his throat.

“You don’t have to be the gentleman. I had much worse from much more painful things.” I retorted. “And what did he do to gain so much loyalty from you; you seem like the kind of guy who wouldn’t see any difference between royal and common?” I asked calmer.

“He did a lot to secure my family and I. Thanks to him I didn’t have to be put on the front lines, my sister was kept safe at her home and my wife and child where given a job. This was just the first step…he has shown many kind acts, and despite his exterior persona, he is very caring to the people of this kingdom.” Ryker said, his eyes beaming with warmth. “Over these years he has also become a close friend of mine.”

“It makes sense, anyone would want to protect a close friend they are indebted to. “ I mused as I nodded my head.

“What got you where you are now?” he asked. “I know about your family problems, but why take on the role of a man and join a rebellion, making facing the king more likely; wouldn’t you want to avoid him?” Ryker added.

“I used to sneak out at night and head into the towns, and I liked their life more than mine, and living as a man proved easier then as a women. I just stayed in the rebellion because it presented opportunities I needed, which was to get closer to the king.” I reasoned, despite forming my plan as I was dragged along with the events leading up to this.

“Well, if you thought you would be getting opportunities then, you will be drowning in them before long.” Ryker replied over the sound of aloud bell. “Its dinner, go back to your room and listen to the maid, you will be eating your first meal with Lord Audrey’s family.”

“That’s seems like a lot of trust to put in a stranger on the first day.” I cautioned.

“We merely want to see what king of dog will be living in our home for the time being. “ a voice chimed in, sending chills down my spine.

Ryker stepped in front of me, blocking my view of Kyran as he spoke the words, refined and cold “She is a guest, not a dog, Lord Kyran, Audrey had asked his family to respect that.”

“Fine then, our guest cleans up nicely, despite being a Rulitian dog.” Kyran purred, walking towards us. “I almost didn’t recognize her…” he added as he walked past me under Ryker’s suspicious eyes.

I could feel his eyes on me, and so I looked up at him defiance clear in my expression with rancor in my eyes. A smile crept to his lips, as if remembering something which brought him amusement.

“I was right; you are making quite the expensive decoration.” Kyran whispered as he walked past me.

I lowered my eyes for a moment, no longer finding it within myself to ignore who this man was. It made my eyes burn with unshed tears, it made my throat sore with held back sobs and screams. I had realized a short while ago who he was, what he has said and done to shake me up when I had been held captive. As a child, it wasn’t so scary being confronted, not knowing the consequences. Now it was terrifying because I knew what he could do, I didn’t have bars separating us and I was on his territory.

“Does he live here?” I could hear the strain in my voice as I held back the tremor threatening its way out.

“He does, as many of the other Wethers family members. It is not uncommon for them to stay in the same household over certain seasons.” Ryker replied, curiosity coating his voice.

I nodded, breathing steadily to compose myself. I had failed. Having no chance of ignoring who Kyran was, I could see him sneering at me every time I closed my eyes. My head started to throb, my heart began to pound, my eyes began to water and I gripped my head. The imagines refusing to disappear no matter how I tried to force them to.

“I found this little girl under the floor board.”

“Hand her here.”

I was shoved from the dully dressed knight into the arms of a squatting Kyran, whom held my shoulder with one hand and shoved my bangs back with his other hand.

His glower went to a grin in a mere second. “Well, you are certainly different.”

“Laurel?” Ryker inquired softly.

The pain worsened and I dropped to my knees, head in hands and tears blurring my vision of the floor.

“In the cage, put The Mark on that one!” Kyran cried out happily.

I was lifted in the air and thrown over a hard shoulder which pushed up into my ribs. I screamed and kicked, pulling at everything but it got me know where. I was pulled from the shoulder and plopped onto someone’s lap. I was held down and an instant my shoulder was searing with pain.

I looked up, fear falling from my eyes in the form of tears as Ryker gripped my shoulders and gently shook me.

“Miss, what is wrong?” Ryker said, his voice letting in a more concerned tone.

I stared up at him, blinking at the tears and the pain, not daring to move my head to fast. I hated it, crying in front of someone I barely knew. It wasn’t just the memories; the pain was enough to make a grown man cry.

“Ryker, what did you do to her?” I heard Audrey’s voice behind me, more curiosity in his voice then anything.

Ryker looked up behind me. “I did nothing, she just became like this.” Ryker said, keeping his voice calm.

I choked back a sob and rubbed my eyes with frustration. It was bad enough to cry in front of Ryker, it was worse to cry in front of a person that practically declared war on me.

“Pick the hysterical woman up and take her to the room.” Audrey growled stepping up behind me.

I swung my arm back and hit Audrey’s calf with my balled fist and glared up at him with more ferocity then fear. “Die!” I yelled.

Audrey hadn’t even moved, hadn’t flinched. He just looked down at me stoically and held out his hand when Ryker was slow to pick me up as he was told.

I smacked his hands away and went to stand, however my head pounded in refusal and I barely made it got my knees off the floor. Ryker’s hands slipped around my arms and pulled me up slowly.

“You should tell me what happened.” Audrey had advised.

[Lillymay]

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