Chapter 8 The Wrong Timing

7

Madrix had turned out to be a nice and helpful man.

Renai couldn't thank the family enough for their hospitality throughout the week. It had been a week living with them and they had always treated her like a family. Even they let her take their daughter to the market and sleep with her every night. Who did that in the 18th century? Sebria wasn't as cruel as she thought while travelling, and well, she couldn't be more grateful for that.

She was combing her wet long hair after taking a bath. It was dawning. Dim grey clouds strung out in the clear sky, casting a shadow on the ground by curtaining the hues of the emerging sun. The scenery was mesmerising. Birds' chirping made the moment more magical.

A loud thunder clapped in the air, rendering Renai's eye to fly toward the sky. It was going to rain. She would have showered under the drizzle if not taken a bath. While done braiding her damped, luscious honey-brown hair, she gazed up to glance. Her eyes flung at Madrix getting out of his room. A genial smile surged on her face as she strode toward him. He was walking down the balcony when his orbs noticed her feet, making his gaze shot up. His steps instantly halted.

"Ah, I was coming to you. I just received some news regarding your job. I heard there's an agent who helps women with jobs. He takes them to his workshop and teaches useful skills, I reckon why not test it?" He broke to her and blinked happily.

A ray of joy glinted in her eyes. "Yes..please, I would love to be of use," Madrix graced her with a cool smirk and bobbed his head before walking away.

A droplet of rain hit her forehead, making her head tip. A smile stretched on her lips as she carefully sniffed in the bulks of air. This unexpected freedom had brought back her shaken confidence. In those few days, those dark monsters at the back of her mind left her for good.

In the evening, Madrix came back but this time brought a man with himself who was attired professionally. He had a grave face, no ounce of friendliness. His impassive and professional smile made her cautious to communicate freely. He explained to her about their social work. Renai carefully listened to him. They were offering a secured job along with an efficient amount of money and a place to reside. This was enough to prompt a nod out of her.

She needed to stay away from that house to avoid her past. Neither did she want Celina to get to her and take her back, so she said yes.

"But one thing you have to be clear of, once you get yourself in, there's no stepping back. We don't appreciate quitting in the middle," Officer Larford professed.

Renai nodded humbly.

****

It was night when Larford came back with his carriage full of women who were leaving for the workshop. Renai collected her bag and farewelled Felecia and Madrix for the last time. She rained kisses on Rimmel's face until her face was soaked with her saliva. Her eyes were glossing with tears of remorse, she would miss this little munchkin.

She stepped out of their house and walked to the carriage, before she climbed in, her head turned toward them. She passed them a small smile with the thought of leaving them behind for a new journey. The horse came into motion once the dutch door closed.

Renai's eyes slipped over to the one of the girls who were travelling with her. A girl sitting opposite gave her a deadpan look, she offered a smile which was returned by a scowl. Her eyes blinked in embarrassment along with her smile sweeping off. She threw her eyes on her wringing fingers and kept it that way.

****

The royal guards beat the life out of drums as the giant doors of the imperial palace parted. Revealing an army of hundreds of horses carrying men inside. King Zebian walked near the balcony and witnessed the arrival of the king of Azura. His one hand held red wine and the other stayed behind his back.

In the middle of the horses was an enormous royal carriage that must have been carrying the King and his daughter. He sipped on his drink and put it aside as they crossed the gate. He went inside in all his glory while his men followed him. The main doors of the castle opened for him and he halted near the staircase. The army only stopped a mile away on the ground while the carriage kept rolling ahead until it practically reached the castle and the King.

The royal servants, standing in two queues opposing each other, witnessed the whole scene while the horses jogged down the path. The drum beating ended with the halting of those horses. "The arrival of the King and his pure maiden; the princess of Azura!" The announcer proclaimed melodiously, making everyone kneel in respect. The general stepped down the horse, bowed before Zebian and stepped back to open the door for the other king. He paid no heed to his greetings.

His eyes perked up to glance a hand on the dutch door and the next, the old King of Azura climbed out of the carriage, glancing around the gigantic outer-grounds of the castle. Zebian's jaw clenched looking at the good-for-nothing king but loosened when his eyes found Zebian's face. A pragmatic smile cooked on his lips as he stepped down.

"My Lord," Zebian grinned and stretched his arms to embrace The King.

The king chuckled, listening to the powerful King calling him 'Lord' made his happiness knew no bounds. He happily embraced his son-in-law and shared a triumphant laugh. "I shall be hailing your praises, it would be no lie if I say you are the future world conqueror," Benedict patted Zebian's back through his robe.

"I shall be full of joy but It is Your Majesty who teaches us the rule of ruling." His voice confident as ever.

"Sebria admires you for your intellect and success, your Majesty," He bowed respectfully, taking The King and his daughter in the carriage aback. His eyes gleamed in gently, concealing every menacing aim behind them. Zebian's insides burned with rage and jealousy but he was too smart to let it slip on his face.

Benedict's impressed eyes stayed focused on Zebian while his hand raised over his back. "The Princess, please," His General bowed and opened the door for the maiden. Zebian's eyes flitted back to the door. The king smiled pleasingly. The general held out his hand which wasn't taken by a white-skinned hand. She grabbed the edge of the door and poked her head out. Her blonde hair was the first thing he caught a glimpse of.

Instantly, his heart jolted in annoyance. A blondie.

Everyone was holding their breaths in order to see their King's first official concubine. The princess' green eyes were downcast but she could feel a heavy gaze set on her. Zebian dragged a deep sigh and stepped ahead, reaching closer, he extended out his hand.

There was when she raised her head and their eyes collided in a click. She blinked at him but forgot to breathe for sure, Zebian was wearing a soft smile. The world seemed to be blurring for the princess as she couldn't take her eyes off his handsome face. Her eyes swam to his deep ocean-like blue eyes, light brown hair, a turned-up nose and full kissable mouth. He was too dashing to be true but mine, she wondered out quietly. Zebian noticed her losing herself in checking him out, that only satisfied his inner-devil. He cleared his throat and gestured to his hand through his eyes. t

She faintly shook her head and looked down at his hand which she hurriedly took and stepped down. Embarrassment crawled on her cheeks. A loud hail in the name of both kingdoms erupted in the air. Queen Meriall stepped ahead and greeted the guests with utmost respect and kindness.

Benedict's eyes fell on the Queen. His eyes, of their own accord, were lost in ogling her. His mouth greedily touched the ground over her bewitching beauty while she attended to the princess. He wiggled out of the trance before anyone could notice but one didn't know the monster had witnessed it all.

He was oblivious to Zebian's hawk-like glare. His jaw clenched again and if not for the sake of his country's betterment, he would have taken this man down right here and gouged his eyes out before ripping his mouth in halves.

"Your Majesty, please proceed the way," His mother's voice faltered the vicious thoughts brewing in his head. He, sooner than a flash, stretched a grin, nodded and glanced at Benedict to follow him.

They were currently in the royal lounge hall, sitting on the huge thrones while watching a play prepared by the people of Azura as a gesture of paying farewell regard to their princess. Zebian was feigning to enjoy the performance but he also feigned sneaky glances of Princess Arlet.

At last, when he grew vexed by her constant sly looks, he turned to her and shot a smirk along a single nod, making the princess lower her gaze in embarrassment.

He turned back to the performers and felt inwardly satisfied. The king was sitting beside the other king witnessing the unspoken exchange of expression. He bent closer to Zebian's ear, his breath reeking of cigarette. Zebian's nose scrunched in disgust.

"My Lord, my daughter is a pure maiden who has never been touched by a forbidden man. The princess shall give her virtue to the rightful owner. I must suggest If you would like to bed her right now, I shall be more than delighted to make your wish come true," Benedict glanced at his daughter who was now looking at her dance.

Zebian's nails dug in the wooden armrests. He would rather kill her corpse than fucking her. He never fucked a blondie. He fucked those who looked like her. Zebian's cold gaze turned to Benedict whose eyes were intoxicated by leering at his royal whores who were wearing deep-neck gowns, exposing their cleavages like an invitation.

"With all respect, Benedict. I shall refuse your invalid piece of suggestion. For the maiden shall be my concubine. I shall respect her boundaries and not force myself," He spat with all the patience he had.

Zebian knew he was never going to touch her. He was going to use her as his punching sack. She wasn't of his taste. Or maybe he would divorce her after his plan succeeded. Who knows.

Benedict pouted his lips amusingly, "Very well, my king. You are very courteous," He turned back and ground his teeth in frustration. He needed Zebian to bed her for an heir. He needed this state more than he needed his breath.

The performance ended. Zebian smiled at the performers and hailed their praises. Queen Meriall stood up and handed precious jewels to each one of them. Benedict also presented gifts in return. Friendly pleasantries were exchanged between them before Zebian stood up and grabbed Benedict's hand.

He stepped ahead, the people looked at them with curious eyes. "I am glad that both of the kingdoms have merged together. No one could have wanted it more than me. I shall thank the merciful kingdom and his beautiful daughter for extending their hand and being a part of our ruling journey..." He gave a long appreciative speech in their favour. He paused before walking up to his right where Princess Arlet was sitting with her maidens. He extended his hand which Arlet took without any hesitation. He brought Arlet to the stage.

"I shall be proclaiming..." He turned to Arlet and kneeled on the right knee and he held her hand. "...Princess Arlet of the Azura, will you, with all of my sins and deeds, agree to marry Zebian, the King of Sebria?" Arlet's eyes scooped out of their place when she saw the king on his knee.

She glanced at her father who smirked in pride and nodded. Her mouth was touching the ground.

"Yes..." She said thoughtlessly. "I agree to marry you, my lord," She curtsied while blushing the darkest shade of pink.

Zebian pulled her hand to his mouth and placed a warm kiss. Arlet hitched a breath and smiled timidly.

A howl of applause cracked in the hall. Everyone clapped; including King Benedict and Queen Meriall.

After that, they walked ahead to the table that had their contracts to sign the treaty. Treaty of King Zebian marrying the princess and King Benedict gifting his army to conquer the states. One of them had no idea this treaty was leading him toward hell.

Benedict was the first one to sign the contract and seal the deal with his blood while Zebian followed suit. He pinched his thumb with a needle and smeared blood underneath his name. The chief picked up the contract and presented it to the people who clapped with all their hearts.

It was now an hour to present food to the guests. Zebian clapped loudly and the hustles started to kick in. While people enjoyed the delicious food, Zebian witnessed them having the meals of their lives. A few moments passed by, his sword of honour made an entrance and urgently strode toward him. Zebian spotted his eyes glinting in agitation.

Arlet keenly witnessed the scene along with her father who was sitting at a distance.

Lucian bowed and stepped closer near his ear. "My Lord, the lead is in the castle," It was enough to strip the mask of facade off his face. He felt many emotions at once. Restlessness, excitement, satisfaction, repose but the next they moulded into frustration, anger, betrayal and last but the most;

Fire of Revenge.