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sjsmith56 · 7 months

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Declarations - Chapter 5, Lord Buchanan

Summary: The day of Sir Samuel’s investiture as Lord Falcon is marred by the return of the emissaries that were sent to the Kingdom of the Green Lands. Horribly disfigured the men are able to tell the King that Prince Loke is planning an attack on his kingdom. Buchanan urges Ileana to return to her world before warfare overtakes this one. As the various Lords ride out to their lands to raise their armies she makes an important decision.

Length: 5.2K

Characters: Lord Buchanan, Ileana, Sir Samuel, King Steven, Queen Peg, the Sorceress.

Warnings: Minors DNI. Contains sexual content which is not suitable for readers under the age of 18. Also contains graphic descriptions of mutilation by a hostile force on emissaries of diplomacy. (It is gruesome - I’m warning you.) Those are the two big ones. There is also angst, betrayal, and fear of warfare.

Author’s notes: Photo edits by Instagram artist nixakimbo. Remember, this is a medieval world, where mutilation of perceived enemies was seen differently than in a modern world. Prince Loke is trying to provoke a response by his deeds and he’s going to have to deal with the consequences of FAFO. The image of the runes are from an actual archeological dig in Norway. The pieces with the runic love poem have been dated to about 1200 AD.

<<Chapter 4

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The next day dawned bright and Ileana woke early. She caressed James until he took her again. He was in a much better mood than the night before and had slipped under the covers spreading her legs, searching her most tender parts with his tongue and fingers. The intensity of it had surprised Ileana so much so that she curled up after, pressing her hand into her pelvic area to settle the twitching muscles he had left her with. He seemed amused by her reaction.

"Don't the men of your world taste you?" he asked, caressing her skin with his calloused hands.

"Not like that," she said, kissing him. "You have a very strong tongue, James."

"I have a surprise for you," he murmured.

"Wasn't that it?" she replied, looking coyly at him.

He laughed. "I have another gown for you, for the investiture," he said. "Alice will bring it after breakfast. I hope you like it."

He left to get dressed then talk to Sam while Alice, with Gerard bringing up the water, drew her a bath. Alice poured the essence of wildflowers in and helped Ileana in while preparing the red dress for her to wear for breakfast.

"Lord Buchanan said you will be bringing in a dress for me for the investiture," stated Ileana, watching the maidservant closely. "Can you tell me about it?"

"No, he swore me to secrecy," she replied. "But I can tell you that it is a most beautiful colour and has beading on it. You will also wear a head piece."

At breakfast Ileana rejoined Buchanan and the others. The Queen was not eating due to feeling queasy but encouraged everyone else to partake in the meal. The mood was light with everyone chatting and laughing as they ate. Suddenly Ileana felt lightheaded. She turned to Buchanan but his voice seemed to be far away. He turned to her with a smile but his face changed from laughing to horror as he jumped out of his seat to catch her on her fall off her seat. Her eyes opened to a room with bright lights above and many people surrounding her, yelling out commands. The assault on her senses was intense and she heard the word seizure. Looking to her side, she saw James but he wasn't the same as he wore a modern suit. Ileana had the sudden realization this was Bucky, from her world, and he seemed to be distressed ... over her. Everything seemed to collapse into a tunnel of darkness while the image of his handsome but concerned face retreated to a vanishing point, until it was replaced by her lord, her James.

"Ileana," he cried. "Come back to me, love. Don't leave me."

"Buck, she's awake," said Sam. "She's blinking her eyes."

She focused on James face and raised her hand to his cheek, where he grasped it and kissed it. The Sorceress appeared with her calm, wise face and asked Ileana where she had been.

"I think I was in the emergency room," she replied as James helped her up to a seated position. "I heard the word seizure, then I turned my head and saw..."

She didn't want to say the next part as James was right there.

"You saw Lord Buchanan's counterpart in your world," said the Sorceress gently, "didn't you?"

Ileana nodded. There was a brief moment where the Sorceress frowned but only Ileana noticed it. The Sorceress stood up and made a slight motion of her head to the Queen and they retreated to the edge of the room. They came to a decision and the Sorceress asked Buchanan to carry Ileana to her reception room. The Queen also accompanied her then the Sorceress dismissed Buchanan saying she had to deal with womanly matters.

"Since you were last in my room what do you remember of me?" asked the Sorceress.

"I remember you saying some words that sounded like Latin," said Ileana, "after you told me of Lord Buchanan's wife and how you had to create the illusion that she died."

The Sorceress sat back, clearly surprised by this. "You were not supposed to remember that," she said. "I had given you a forgetting spell so that you wouldn't accidentally blurt it out during your passions with Lord Buchanan. This little seizure that you had has reset your mind and your memory. It also changes your future."

"What do you mean?" asked Ileana, worriedly.

"It means you may be the one who stays after all," replied the Sorceress. "I see both futures equally able to happen. But if it is you who stays the you in your world will die. You can't be alive in both worlds. At least, that has not been our experience with the other modern women."

"Shit," said the Queen. "She has to choose, like I did."

"This happened to you?" Ileana asked of the Queen. "How did you know what to do?"

"I trusted my heart," she said. "I loved the King and he loved me. His counterpart was in my world but we weren't even dating. He was always just ... there. For several months we did this dance around each other. But I knew my life with the King would be certain so I chose to stay."

"And your counterpart?"

"She died in a bombing with Steven's counterpart, not even together, separated by the rubble of the destroyed building they were in," said the Queen, sadly. "I didn't know that until after I committed to staying."

"If I stay here what will happen to Bucky?" Ileana asked.

The Sorceress thought for a moment. "He will grieve for that which never happened," she said. "It will take a while but he will move on and he will find love, although he will always wonder "what if Ileana had lived." Your mother will grieve for you as well and it will take her a long time to get over your death."

"Mom...," Ileana said, starting to cry. "If I go, what happens to James?"

"I see that you have already talked together about when you leave," said the Sorceress. "So he knows in his mind that it will happen but his heart has given itself to you fully. It will be broken so badly that he will become hermit like and may not be open to love ever again, even with the next one. He will be alone and his heart may harden against the world. I did not see this before, otherwise I would not have advised you to love him."

"Are you going to mess with my memories again?" asked Ileana.

"No, to do so risks damage to you," said the Sorceress. "But you now must decide what you are going to do. If you stay your life will be privileged and full with the love of an honourable man, but there will be challenges. If you go back you sentence Lord Buchanan to a miserable existence. The longer you take to decide the harder it will be for you to go back."

"I suppose you want me to keep quiet about all of this," said Ileana sullenly.

"Actually, it doesn't seem to matter if you talk to him about it or not," said the Sorceress, her eyes looking far away. "He wants you to stay but he also wants you to be happy. Like you he is torn between securing his own happiness and being unselfish enough to let you go."

Ileana stood up, smoothing her skirts and left the Sorceress and the Queen. Buchanan waited nearby and came forward when she approached him. He could see she was troubled but said nothing as he offered her his arm and escorted her to his room. There was a sitting area near a window where the tapestry had been pulled back to allow light into the space. Sitting across from her he watched the play of emotions across her face.

"My love," he said softly, "you are troubled. That is plain to see. Please let me help you with your struggle."

"The Sorceress has told me that I have reached a point of decision," she replied. "Whether I stay here with you or return to my own world."

His face lit up. "It's possible for you to stay?" he exclaimed. "We could be married, have children and I would do all in my power to make you happy."

"But would I be happy?" she said, her voice catching. "I'm a modern woman. I liked my job. There is so much I would have to give up to stay. You're the only thing keeping me here."

"I'm not enough," he said suddenly. "You love me but you're not sure if love is enough to keep you here."

She looked at him and he saw the pain she felt; its evidence on her face. "I'm not sure if I can leave you," she whispered. "If I leave you will be devastated and will never love again. I can't do that to you."

"You are caught between a rock and a hard place then," he said, taking her hands in his. "Then let me make it easy for you. Return to your world. I don't love you anymore and release you from any obligations you feel you owe me."

"Stop it!" Ileana said, standing up. "Don't be all noble and sacrificing like that! It's not your decision to make, it's mine."

Buchanan jumped up with her and grasped her firmly by her arms. "I can't ask you to give up everything just for me," he cried. "I'm not worth it, Ileana."

He kissed her as she cried and shed his own tears, then pulled himself away and left the room. Ileana sank down on the chair and wept, until she heard another enter the room.

"M'Lady," said Alice in a soft voice. "It is time to prepare for the investiture. I have brought the gown to your dressing room."

Ileana went with the maid into her dressing room and saw the most beautiful gown she had ever seen. Made of gold velvet it was trimmed with beaded brocade strips, covered in a front panel of rich gold brocade in a second pattern. The beading accentuated the bust. Its sleeves were long and flowing with their insides lined with the same brocade as the front panel. She touched the cloth, marvelling at its soft and luxurious feel.

"It's beautiful," she whispered. "It must have cost a fortune."

"Lord Buchanan picked out the velvet and brocade himself," said Alice. "He paid 10 gold pieces extra to have it sewn in the last few days. The brocade has actual gold thread in it. He must love you very much to want you to wear this."

"Alice, what do you have for my eyes, to get rid of the puffiness?" asked Ileana, making a decision.

"Witch hazel would do it," she said. "I will put it on a compress for your eyes. He made you cry, didn't he?"

"We made each other cry," said Ileana. "He thought he was doing me a kindness by releasing me but I'm not ready to let him go yet. Is he out there, getting ready as well?"

Alice looked and came back nodding. He was being dressed by Gerard. "Prepare the compress and let's make me look more beautiful than ever before," said Ileana.

After 15 minutes the compress did its trick and Alice helped her remove the red dress. Because of the richness of the gold velvet fabric the cotton chemise she normally wore was replaced by one of silk that felt incredibly soft. It was trimmed with it's own white brocade border in a squared off neckline that would match the neckline of the gown. Before she put it on Alice came with a long thin strip of fabric.

"You did say you wanted to be the most beautiful," she said. "If I wrap this around your bosom just so it will plump it up so that it shows above the neckline."

"We have under garments that do that in my world," said Ileana. "They're called push-up bras. Wrap me up."

After wrapping it tightly around the bottom half of her breasts Alice helped Ileana put on the silk chemise. Smiling at her reflection in the mirror both women were pleased with the rounded breasts peeking above the neckline of the chemise. Next was the gown and it was heavier than any she had worn. Alice matched the necklines of the dress and the chemise then went to the back and started pulling on the cords that tightened the dress.

"Not too tight that I can't sit or breathe," cautioned Ileana. "I'm not that much of a slave to fashion."

Alice nodded and loosened it slightly, asking her mistress to sit in the chair in order to properly gauge the tension. Realizing she would have to sit with perfect posture to maintain the look she wanted, Ileana told Alice that was sufficient and to tie off the cords. Alice did so, then turned her attention to Ileana's hair. She left for a moment, coming back with what looked like curlers.

"They're made out of bone, M'Lady," said Alice. "I'll put them to warm near the fire, then quickly wrap your hair in them to provide loose curls."

Alice's hands and fingers quickly flew as she rolled strips of hair over the warmed bone pieces, fastening them with strips of rags. While they cooled Alice went out for a moment then returned with a wooden case.

"Lord Buchanan has asked if you would wear these," she said.

Ileana opened the case to a gold chain with a gold crucifix decorated with precious stones. There was also a pair of earrings, gold strips with strange markings on them. Alice gasped when she saw the earrings.

"Runes," she said. "Written in the ancient language. M'Lady these are only given to one's true love."

"What does it say?" she asked, curious.

"Remember me, I remember you. Love me, I love you. Normally it is written as one line but he split it up between the two earrings. Perhaps to encircle you with it's power."

Alice fastened the necklace with the crucifix noting it nestled itself perfectly between Ileana's breasts. She started unrolling the now cool bone pieces, satisfied with the curl they provided. Using her fingers she pulled the curls loosely apart into strands of waves. Then she brought out the gold woven headpiece shaped like a Juliet cap. It fit on the back of Ileana's head, extending down to just behind her ears. Alice fastened it in place with pins then slid the earrings onto Ileana's ears, noting that this modern woman had pierced ears like many of the women of her world.

"M'Lady, if this doesn't move his heart, I don't know what will," said Alice, almost in tears. "You are truly beautiful and any Lord would want you on his arm and in his life."

With as much dignity as she could muster Ileana stepped out of the opened door into the main room to face Lord Buchanan. He sat in the seating area waiting for her, rising as she entered. She tried not to react to his appearance but he looked every bit a nobleman as she had ever imagined. He wore a rich dark green brocaded jacket, trimmed in pale gold brocade that matched her narrow trim. Under that he wore a dark green brocade vest that matched the pattern of the brocade of her front panel. His tunic was black silk that matched the color of his leather breeches, with knee high black leather boots. Across his chest hanging diagonally from one shoulder was a gold, black, and green brocade strap, attached to a scabbard that held a larger sword than he normally carried. He bowed deeply when she stopped in front of him. In response, she curtsied as low as she could.

"Lady Ileana," he said softly. "Words cannot describe the beauty I see before me."

"Lord Buchanan," she said formally. "You do me a great honour in providing these fine clothes for me. Thank you."

He offered her his hand but it was that of a formal offer, palm side down so that she rested her fingers on top of the back of his hand. They walked out of the room with distance between them and made their way to the great hall where the investiture would take place. Escorting her to a pair of empty seats, he then took her hand and kissed it ever so gently.

"I have a part to play in this ceremony so I must take my leave of you briefly," he said. "Rest assured I will return to your side as soon as I can."

She settled in while others took their places. Suddenly she heard the fanfare of trumpets announcing the entry of the King and Queen. Everyone rose as they paraded down the centre of the hall to where their thrones had been placed. The Bishop came next, accompanied by a priest carrying a crucifix mounted on a staff, and several others carrying candles on long staffs. The Bishop stopped in front of the King, bowed to him and turned. A low stool was placed in front of him.

"To all gathered," he announced, "we are here to consecrate the installation of Lord Falcon, Baron of Eden Vale. We begin with the confirmation of nobility."

Next was the procession of lords. Lord Buchanan was the first and he stopped in front of the Bishop.

"Lord Buchanan," said the Bishop. "Do you accept the investiture of Sir Samuel Wilson as the next Baron of Eden Vale, making him Lord Falcon?"

"Yes, your Grace, I do," he replied.

The Bishop made the sign of the cross at Buchanan and he returned to his seat next to Ileana. Eleven other lords came, accepting Sam as Lord Falcon. Sam, in his suit of armour representing his current status as Knight Commander, then proceeded to the Bishop and kneeled on the stool in front of him. The Bishop said a prayer for Sam, asking for God's guidance in his life. Then he stepped away and the King rose to do his part. He stood in front of Sam, offering him his hands. The soon-to-be lord placed his hands between the King's hands which were then folded over enclosing Sam's.

"Do you, Samuel Wilson, Falconer, Knight Commander, Baron of Eden Vale, Lord Falcon, accept me as your liege lord?"

"I do, your Majesty," replied Sam solemnly.

"Do you pledge to conduct yourself with honour and dignity in all that you do?"

"I do, your Majesty," he replied.

"Do you pledge to protect the inhabitants of your lands from all threats?"

"I do, your Majesty," he replied.

The King released his hands and Sam removed his sword from its scabbard, offering it to the King, by holding it upright in front of him then laying it flat on his outstretched hands.

"I offer you my sword, whenever you require it to protect your kingdom," he said. "Along with my sword I offer you my life and the life of my children into your service."

"Then arise Lord Falcon and take your place as a nobleman in the Kingdom of Broken Lands," said the King.

Sam rose, sheathed his sword and they took each other's right arm at the elbow in a gesture of fealty. The trumpeters sounded again, signalling the end of the ceremony. Buchanan offered Ileana the top of his hand again and they rose as the King, Queen, Bishop and Lord Falcon left the area first. Then everyone else followed out behind them. They gathered outside in the royal gardens where tables of drinks and finger foods had been prepared for everyone. The newly invested Lord Falcon disappeared for a few moments, returning dressed in as fine a set of clothing as any of the nobles there.

"Sam, brother," said Buchanan, giving him a manly hug. "Lord Falcon suits you. Now you have to find a lady to share your life."

"If I could find one like the Lady Ileana I would be happy," he replied, then noticing the looks between them. "Is something not right?"

"I have released Lady Ileana from any obligations she may feel for me," said Buchanan, in a curt tone. "She will be returning to her world."

"I haven't decided that yet," she sighed. "Don't put words into my mouth."

"She worries that I will turn into something unfeeling without her but she doesn't have to worry about me once she returns to her world," said Buchanan. "Tell her, Sam. Tell her I will be alright."

"Tell Lord Buchanan that he has a strange way of releasing me then giving me earrings with a rune love spell on it," she said, her voice quavering.

Sam looked at the earrings and turned to Buchanan. "Buck, why would you give her these if you didn't mean it?"

Buchanan coloured but was saved from answering by a messenger from the stables. He ran to the King, saying something in his ear in a low voice. His face grew dark then he answered the man before turning to the crowd.

"I need all the noble Lords and Barons to accompany me to the stables, immediately," he announced. "Our emissaries have returned prematurely."

Leaving the others behind the King and noblemen strode to the stables where a brutal sight awaited them. The two emissaries had been tied to their horses. Both were still alive but barely, as one had his eyes cut out and the other had his tongue cut out. In all of their pain they had to bring the other back alive to first find their way, then to give the message from the other kingdom. The King himself cut their bonds and sent for the Sorceress to relieve them of their injuries.

"Your Majesty," gasped the one whose eyes were gone. "Prince Thorn has been overthrown by his brother Prince Loke. I know not whether Thorn still lives. His hammer was beside his empty throne and you know he keeps it with him always."

"Who did this to you?" demanded the King. "Loke himself or one of his followers?"

"Loke himself," said the blind man. "The soldiers we inquired about were part of a scouting group to test our borders. They were already amassing there and may have already crossed. We tried to get back as quickly as possible but we are both grievously hurt. I'm sorry we failed you."

"You did not fail," said the King forcefully. "You made it back alive and have done your duty at a painful price. You and your families will never want for anything ever again."

The Sorceress arrived at that moment, dismayed to see what faced her. With distress she placed a cool hand on each man's forehead and relieved their pain but by her look it was obvious she could not restore what had been taken so cruelly from them. The King stood and faced the noblemen there in the stable with him.

"Lords and Barons, prepare for war. Make haste back to your lands and raise your forces. We will rendezvous near the border of the Kingdom of Green Lands. If you face attack on your own lands send a messenger hawk and we will respond. Go, all of you, now."

He turned back to the two injured men. "I promise we will avenge your disfigurement," he pledged.

He went to Sam. "You haven't been able to see your lands yet, let alone find out the state of them," he said. "I will send you a company of men to support you as you take possession of what is rightfully yours. Take your knights with you as well. Return with an army as soon as you can."

Buchanan had already left, almost running back to his rooms to change into his travelling clothes. Word had already spread to the guests in the garden about the declaration of war and Ileana ran as fast as her tight clothing allowed her to Buchanan's room to see him before he left. She got there as he was just attaching his scabbard to his sword belt. His heavy black leather garb was different from his travelling clothes. There was nothing stylish about them. They had one purpose, combat.

"James," she cried, running to him. "Is it true, there is war?"

"It is true," he said sternly as he looked down at her. "Go back to your world, now, before the fighting reaches the castle. Truthfully I don't want to lose you but you will be much safer there and I can accept that you are gone if I know you are safe."

"If there hadn't been war and I chose to stay what would you have done?" she asked.

His face softened as he gazed lovingly at her. "I would have married you within a day, made you Lady Buchanan, and spent my life making you happy," he replied.

Pulling her close, he touched her cheek and kissed her gently then more passionately. "Remember me, I remember you. Love me, I love you," he said, his mouth close to her ear.

He picked up his gloves and saddle bags, running from the room. Ileana ran out to where she could see the stables and saw him approach Magnus, who was already saddled and waiting for him. He mounted the great horse, then looked up to the sky and saw her. She blew him a kiss which he received, enclosing his fist upon his heart. Then he was gone, riding out of the courtyard with many other lords who returned to their lands to raise their armies against this threat. She went back to the rooms and started disrobing, looking fondly at the fine clothes he had given her. Putting her travelling clothes on, them being the most comfortable and most like what she wore in her world, she sought out the Queen. She was with the King, as he entrusted command of the palace to her.

"Use all of your future knowledge of warfare to protect the palace, Peg," he said. "I know what you are capable of and I believe in you. Are the Queen's Guard ready?"

"Yes, Steven, they are and will be a formidable force," she said. "Loke won't know what to do with them."

"I'm sorry, your Majesties, I didn't mean to interrupt," said Ileana, not wanting to startle them. "I want to know what I can do to help."

"Does that mean you're staying?" asked Peg, stepping towards her. "You know the decision is final. If he dies in battle you will be alone."

"I love him," replied Ileana. "I want to marry him and have his children. Give me something to do so I don't go mad."

The King smiled and kissed Peg passionately. "I will let you handle this," he said. "The castle is yours Peg. I love you and I will come home."

He also had dispensed with the fine clothes and wore leather clothes meant for combat. He left running for the stables to assemble the soldiers he had on hand, then they headed to the border to prevent Loke's force from crossing.

Peg excused herself briefly, went to her dressing room and changed into more comfortable clothing. When she came out in red leather breeches and knee boots, a leather vest and a white silk tunic, Ileana looked wide eyed at her.

"We can have a set made for you, if you wish," said Peg. "I was a spy on several missions, but I was a soldier first in my world. I already know how to fight in hand to hand combat, although Steven had to teach me sword play. Come meet the Queen's Guard, my own personal company of soldiers."

The two women went down the grand staircase and out the castle to a large building. Modern-looking no entry signs (the red circle with a white horizontal bar) were on it but the Queen went through the door. Various women in leather combat gear stood to attention as she passed and she motioned for them to follow her. Inside, in the centre of the building was an open space where the fifty or so women assembled in front of the queen.

"Ladies, war has been declared against Prince Loke," she announced. "I have been left in command of the castle and the King has asked that you be activated to defend the castle and all it's inhabitants."

There were murmurs of anticipation as the women drew closer.

"I know some of you were considered deviant by the church because you loved other women, some of you wanted the right to choose your own man and not be forced by your family into a loveless marriage, and some of you are just like me and wanted to join the fight alongside your men," she said. "Our King believes in you. This is your time to shine and prove to the world that women are as capable as men. Are you ready to fight?"

"Yes!" yelled the women.

"Are you ready to reveal yourselves to those other soldiers out there and prove you are their equals?"

"Yes!" yelled the women.

"Then gear up, ladies," said the Queen. "The word is given."

Ileana looked at the Queen. "What were you?" she asked in wonder.

"I was a captain in the infantry of the British Armed Forces in Afghanistan," said Peg. "Then I transferred to the Special Reconnaissance Regiment and went undercover in a burka to gather intelligence on the Taliban. I was injured in the line of duty, extracted back to England, and put on desk duty in London at Army headquarters when the building was destroyed by an Al Qaida suicide bomber, but I didn't know that at the time. I landed here in this world. Steven found me in the forest, unconscious, in my uniform, recognizing it as military. He was different than other men I had been with. I didn't have to prove myself with him. When the Sorceress told me my options I chose to stay, then I found out I had already died in my timeline. I couldn't go back but it was better if I chose to stay before I found out."

"I want a set of that clothing," said Ileana. "I don't know how to fight but I'm willing to learn if you can teach me."

"That's my girl," said Peg. "For now, you can be my assistant. Gather the palace staff in the great hall. I'll handle the outside staff. The Queen's Guard are going to make quite a ripple in the fabric of this society."

As Ileana gathered the inside staff she reaffirmed her decision. She would stay and if James survived the war she would marry him and bear his children. In the meantime she would become a soldier and learn how to defend herself. It was her choice and always had been, she just had to make the decision.

Chapter 6>>

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royal1asset-if · 1 year

Text

Late Story Part 2

Another late story, sorry about that just finished my exam today and I'm so happy that I got a good score and still happy to write this snippet😁😁.

Continuing with were we left off, MC recounting the events.

(Before, MC's Story)

You hear the birds chirping and rooster crowing, signaling a new day has arrived.

You groaned in annoyance due to the sun is blasting your eyes with it's blinding light, you turned to your other side and raised your arms to hug your wife.

But only emptiness and the soft foam of the bed is all you feel, you prod along the edges maybe your wife is at the far-end of the bed but still not feeling her smooth skin.

Opening your eyes, you saw that no one is there and that your all alone.

Then your remembered that the children has class today and maybe your wife is the one who took them to school.

Well, your sleep gone and deprived the touch of your wife, you got off from bed and freshen up a bit.

Getting and wearing clothes fit for this sunny day, you exited the bedroom and arrived at the hallway.

It's very quiet, alarmingly quiet or maybe you're just paranoid because the kids are at school right now.

You past the kid's bedroom doom and descended the staircase.

Going straight ahead to the kitchen to calm the beast that is your stomach, your eyes landed on the oaken table finding a note and a plate covered with a another plate.

You pull the chair and sat down and pluck the note to read it.

Dear, Firefly

I woke up early and prepared the kids for school, I also noticed that your sleeping soundly and I did not want to disturb your slumber.

There is pie on the table but it's cold as ice but I think you can manage to warm it on your own ;)

Also, Serena and Elrick drop by telling that we should have get-together this evening and should meet at the "Bullseye"

And don't forget to pick up the children after school!!!

With Love, Moonpie

Dropping down the note, you made a mental reminder to not forget the kids because the last time you did that.

It did not bode very well for you, who would have thought that the combined wrath of kids and your wife will spell the apocalypse, for you at least.

Gaining the kids forgiveness is easy because they have a great time watching your ass get whooped by your wife but you can't say the same for your wife.

You chuckle remembering all the hard work she dropped down on you as punishment for your negligence.

Working hard and begging her forgiveness she started to come around and finally forgave you but did not really forget your transgressions.

Rising up from your chair and getting the pie to reheat it on the fire.

Up to this day, you're still trying to wrap your head around the fact that your wife who is and vicious and relentless assassin loves pie and that one of her childhood dreams is being a baker.

Ah yes, you still remember how you try your best stop laughing when she confess.

Honestly speaking you really did your best and mustering up your strength to stop from falling over but it's just to much to bear and like a dam bursting off you exploded.

You laugh and laugh, you only stop when you felt a shiver went down on your spine and noticing that she is glaring at you and it's the most terrifying glare you have ever seen.

Gulping because you know that this particular glare is different from her default stare and preparing yourself for the worst.

Yet, your still breathing and what she did next made you think that you're going insane.

She is laughing and is the most beautiful thing you have seen, sure others might call you dramatic but to you is the most heart moving scene you have ever scene.

Maybe you can say that it outrivals the joy that you felt when you hold your kids in your arms when they are still an infant.

Times sure is fast and you start to think that maybe you're getting old.

Nose wrinkling and smelling that something is burning, you look down and saw that your pie is ablaze.

(Intermission)

"HAHAHAHAHA!" A familiar and annoying laughter interrupted your story.

You glare at your companion and clearing your throat hoping that he will get the hint.

He continued to laugh and others laugh with him, you cleared your throat again and this time you really want to punch his face very much.

"Alright, Alright I stop!" Elrick wipes the tears from his eyes and gathering his composure.

"But you have to admit MC it's kinda funny!" Serena says in a mocking tone.

"HEY BE QUIET YOU TWO!" Garry The Barkeeper saves your pride and dignity.

You looked at him and tip your imaginary hat to him to which he in response raise a mug in your honor.

"So let's continue shall we?" so that no one can further disrupt your story and preventing another rounds of laughter from your audience.

(Resume Story)

Managing to avert the disaster of burning the house down because you know deep down that the blazing flames is no match for the hellfire that is the wrath of your wife when she learns that you burnt the house and burnt her pie.

So you took a spoon and bite the pie to which your surprise that is still delicious even after it's ordeal.

Finished eating and washing the dishes, you went with your daily activities such as cutting wood for fire, feeding the chickens and milking the cows.

The day went on without any further incident and the sun is starting to go down.

You clean yourself up and preparing to pick the children from school, you started the journey.

It's a little far away because your wife preferred the quietness and company of Mother Nature rather than the bustling town.

Maybe this is her way of coping from all the gruesome work that both of you have done when you were active in duty as the "Royal Assets" of the King.

Arriving at the school grounds and seeing your children waiting for you at the school's gate.

Something is wrong you can feel it in your gut, you can almost feel it as a father intuition.

Why is your children not running towards you? So you walk towards them hell bent on wanting to know to what is causing this.

Getting closer you can see that Nick head is cast down and not quite looking you in the eyes.

This is what they usually do this when they feel that they have something done wrong and feeling ashamed of their actions.

"What's wrong?" you inquire him with worry.

Nick remained silent and still not looking at you, Richard is the one who gave you an answer.

"Dad, Nick got into a fight with a bully and the principal wants to talk to you if you have free time." he tells you the news with shaking in his voice.

Your hand balls into fist on instinct, your child is being bullied and have been hurt, you knelt down to Nick's level and put your finger under his chin.

You tilt his head up so that you can meet eye to eye and you want Nick to be the one to tell the truth.

"Is it true Nick?" you steel your voice but it cracked under the pain seeing that your son has a bruise on his cheek."

"Luna will not like this, not like it at all!" you ponder worriedly.

The last time someone hurt those people who she held dear is lying 6-feet underground or some is too wounded to stand up.

Let's say that Luna tend to loose control, more like go berserk. You still remembered that night, when you and her just talking a walk after having dinner.

You saw two silhouettes at the far end of the road that you were currently walking, noticing that they are drunk evident by the way they stumble and walking swaying side to side.

You didn't pay it no mind focused on your date but when the 2 drunks got nearer they sucker punch you on your gut.

Knocking the wind out of you and dropping to your knees, you can't defend yourself and your date.

You looked upwards to your attacker and saw that he is winding up another punch but your date intercept the attack by punching him in the throat.

The drunk's friend got pissed and charged at your date and raising a fist.

Your date dodged to the side and evading the attack then she delivered a kick to the shin and you swear that you remembered that you heard bones breaking.

The friend sunk down to his knees and crying loudly, your date hold the head his head like a bull and slam her knee to his face.

Leaving a ugly look on his face plus a broken nose to go with it.

She offered her hand to help you to which you accepted gladly, standing to your feet albeit still wobbly.

You have to hold her back to prevent her from killing the two and have to beg her to return to her senses, that is the day you knew that Luna tend to be vengeful and murderous.

"Dad?" the voice of Nick brings you back to the present.

You looked down at a worried and scared Nick, holding onto the hems of your clothes.

"Wil Mommy be angry?" he ask you and eyes starting to tear up.

You hug your child knowing that he needs this the most right now, you calm him and rub his back to soothe him.

"No Mom will not be angry." because you know that her fury will be directed at the antagonizers and you know this will not end peacefully.

You hoist Nick to your arms and wrapped your arm on Richard's shoulders and getting him close to you.

"C'mon let's go the bakery and get you two Mom's delicious pies!" you try to divert the worry and attention of the 2 but to no avail they remained quiet.

Leading the way and thinking how can you gently break this news to your bloodthirsty wife.

"No rest for the wicked!" you murmur tiringly.

TO BE CONTINUED

#Luna #royalasset #First Blood #War Is COming

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