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By Friday morning, Mira was bored out of her skin and couldn’t wait to go to the shop. Almera was waiting for her as usual, the only difference being that her face had the blissful smile of a married woman who was loved and cherished by her husband. “You’re here.” Almera smiled as she pursed her lips mysteriously “I have something that will make you happy.” “What is it?” Mira asked in excitement. Almera took out 4 gold sheets and extended it towards Mira “This was delivered by the palace messenger as a payment for her beautiful gown.” “Really???” Mira’s eyes widened. She didn’t expect to get a payment for the work. “Um” Almera nodded. “The cloth was also delivered by the queen.” “Don’t feel bad. She paid me for the dressmaking as well.” Almera giggled “Our queen is very rich, don’t worry.” “In that case…” Mira smiled as she snatched the gold sheets and kept them in her square shaped pouch. She handed the four completed work and Almera paid her 75 gold coins for each work. She ha
“I am just worried that Aunt Beth and Uncle John might not be able to enjoy it.” Mira knitted her brows “They are servants of the Sleghs. Everything they own….” She stopped midway; the meaning was understandable. “Is that all that worries you?” Almera laughed. “Um” Mira pouted “You don’t understand…” “Maybe I don’t… maybe I do...” Almera shrugged with a her lips curling up with a cunning hint “But I sure as hell have a solution.” “You do???” Mira’s eyes widened before her expression became despondent “I have embroidered their names on the blanket, but I doubt that will do it….” “You’re right…” Almera nodded “They might not want to use something with their servants name on it… but they sure can destroy it stopping your aunt and uncle from enjoying it.” Almera agreed before clapping her hands “My idea will most certainly work.” Mira moved closer to Almera and started tugging her hands with a cute fawning expression. “You can give it to them saying it is a loan and for safe keeping
“Aunt, we are here.” Jack announced as he stood at the door holding the baskets along with Mira. Anne-Marie came running as always with Aunt Beth coming out wiping her hands on the apron. Mira had bought Dax along with them and handed him to Anne-Marie. This would keep the little girl occupied. “Aunt, there is something I need to talk to you about.” Mira spoke in a serious tone and literally dragged Beth out of the house along with Jack. Just as they were about to start talking, Mira saw Uncle John coming and pulled him into the conversation. “Mira has done a blanket for the two of you to keep warm during the winter.” Jack did the talking while Mira kept watch to make sure there were no prying ears including Joan and Emma. “Son, no need…. Our old bones can cope.” John shook his head. “Uncle, this is what we want to do. But...” Jack pursed his lips “We don’t want others to take away what we did for you.” “So, we are going to make you sign a contract in front of everyone…” Jack ex
Harry and Agnes’s reaction was even more exaggerated. Agnes wouldn’t let go of the blanket… her fingers lingered on the embroidery. Harry and Agnes insisted on everyone having supper at their place and Agnes rushed into the kitchen to prepare. Mira and Ursula followed while Mira told Agnes all about the wedding... Mira told Jack about the wedding dress she had to do for next week on their way back. “Love, if you are going to stop eating and do what you did last time… then I won’t agree.” Jack frowned. He didn’t want her to tire herself out like last time. “No…. no… I won’t… I promise…” Mira fawned coquettishly hanging on his hands. “Husband don’t frown…. Truly, I promise.” Mira coaxed Jack who kept his smelly face like a grumpy old man. Mira discovered Jack had become more childish, stubborn, domineering and more possessive since they had the heart-to-heart conversation in the pool. He was more himself in her presence than before. She liked him more for being himself… “I promise…”
Thomas enjoyed 2 weeks of uninterrupted peace with his beloved before getting busy with the task of suppressing the rebellious tribes from the west end. Almera settled into their new home which was far away from the reach of the Dowager Duchess interference and watchful eyes. She spent her days between the Dulston manor and their new estate, the love garden estate. Aldrin was a constant visitor as Ferran was the chief cook. Mira's days were also idyllic. She finished her work for the week and completed the blanket for themselves. She embroidered little angels with a floral pattern on the four corners. It was simple yet looked divine. Friday was Mira’s favorite day of the week. Firstly, she gets to chat with Almera and secondly, she gets paid…. Makes her a step closer to her goal. As usual, Almera was ready with bucket loads of gossip. She told Mira all about how Aveline rushed to the Amberton estate under the pretense of being her best friend only to be ridiculed by the Dowager Duch
Oden lowered his head respectfully as he watched the carriage move away before going back in. “Lady Marsden is very quick-witted, I am impressed.” Samuel laughed as he praised unreservedly “I didn’t mean….” “No need…” Mira laughed “One learns to survive when among vultures.” “This???” He pointed curiously at the root in her hand. “My little gift for you.” She walked back into the kitchen and came back with a whole bunch. “For helping me take revenge with the price.” Mira giggled innocently. Samuel watched the innocence with the affection of an elder while Oden returned with an expression to say he escaped from the clutches of hell but soon changed to an indifferent expression as he realized Samuel’s sizing gaze was on him. “But what will I do with this?” Samuel looked helplessly at the roots. He had not seen them before. “Then how about I make something delicious for you while you wait? Do you have time?” Mira smiled “This is the first crop; we were going to harvest during the
The next morning, Mira was busy with preparing the 5 rabbits Jack had skinned for a rabbit stew when she heard the cacophony of chatter from the front. She didn’t wait for the voices to become clear and ran to the barn where Jack was cleaning. “Someone’s outside.” She gasped, her eyes reflecting her fear. Jack had finished cleaning and was washing his hands and feet. He quickened his pace. He came up to her and hugged her comfortingly “I am here.” “It must be Big brother and second brother.” Jack chuckled to lighten her mood when he saw that she was still shaking. “No… no…” Mira shook her head “There’s many …. Many people.” “Let’s go take a look then.” Jack kissed her forehead and comforted “This is our house. I am here.” “Um” Mira nodded, regaining her composure; She raised her head and smiled sheepishly. Jack hugged her closer chuckling ‘His wife was too cute!’ The doorbell rang by the time they came into the kitchen. Mira’s face blushed further as she recognized the thunder
After everyone left Mira and Jack went to check on the traps that they had set. Heavens were truly merciful. Four of the traps had pheasants in them. Jack carefully took them out of the trap and handed them to Mira who threw them in space. The rest of the week went blissfully with Mira completing the work on the three cloths for Almera’s sister-in-law. But it was not the same for others. Jason was wholeheartedly playing the dutiful fiancé while keeping Alina happy. Alina on the other hand managed to recruit Lotta into her web. At first it was a harmless catch up; they had a common ground, were both illegitimate children who couldn’t share the glory of the light of day. Slowly, Alina started enticing her into the web by telling her sob story of how the one man she loved had his heart stolen by Mira and then how she mercilessly ditched him. Lotta could relate. Being an illegitimate child, she could never have what she wanted and had to be content with what was given to her. From the ti
The king’s men actions were swift. It took them a day to find the truth behind Jack’s drugging event and submit their report. Meanwhile, the Slegh’s gathered in the old master’s study to discuss counter measures. Old master Slegh rubbed his chest uncomfortably as he listened to his sons quibbling.“Father, the only solution is to give up on Lotta.” Cole decided to be the devil’s advocate. Cain frowned; It wasn’t that he had any love for the bastard, but his intuition told him that Lotta was just the tip of the iceberg.“What are your thoughts?” Old master Slegh looked towards Cain. Caster and Cole followed the old master’s gaze.“Somehow, I doubt that will be enough.” Cain shook his head as he slowly lifted his face “Father, do you think it’s old debts catching up with new ones?”“What old debts??” Old master Slegh furiously tapped his walking stick on the ground “Don’t speak carelessly.” His fury shut their mouths but not their doubts, which danced all over their faces in the form o
“Come... come… let’s talk inside.” Matthew invited everyone inside.“Dad…” Almera stood up in surprise as she saw the newly arrived guests “Why are you here?”“Have you finished dinner?” Aldrin asked Jack before anyone could respond.“Um” Jack chuckled although he was curious why the Dulstons were here.“It was …yumm…” Thomas rubbed his tummy with an exaggerated satisfied expression. Aldrin pursed his lips into a dissatisfied pout while everyone laughed, breaking the awkward situation.Jack invited everyone to take a seat while Mira and the ladies withdrew to the dining room. Orseus and Bernard came out and took their seats with faces full of jouissance, ready to watch the show. Almera stood at the doorway between the two rooms and repeated scrunching her face “Dad, why you here?”Cyrus sighed not knowing where to start.“It’s a long story.” Albert spoke in an unhurried tone as he couldn’t bear to see his father’s embarrassed face.“Start from the beginning.” Almera crossed her arms as
“Erm…. I have not seen them before, so I don’t know… but there was a man who was leaning back against the cart…” Ursula squinted as she tried to think back “He looked very miserable… like he was on his last leg….”“Can you try and think where he was hurt?” Orseus asked excitedly.Ursula pursed her lips downwards as she tried to think back “Not sure… but his shirt was dyed red…. The lady…. I mean Jack’s mom had a wound to the left side or may be right….” Ursula frowned “She had a wound that was oozing blood on one side… I remember because she was clutching this wound as she was urging me.”“Aunt, do you remember anything?” Jack turned towards Beth.Beth shrugged pursing her lips before whispering “It was a complete shock…. One minute we were happy and looking forward to the future… the next second everything came crumbling down.” No one thought more about Beth’s mumbling.“Ummm” Thomas hummed as he narrowed his eyes in thought “Looks like we have to unlearn everything we know and start
Thomas continued with the narration-“By the time they returned, it was 3 years later and never a word of the trouble brewing in the heart of the city. The letters your father sent kept them abreast of state and political affairs but never his personal affairs.” Thomas shook his head helplessly “They knew something wasn’t right but couldn’t do anything from where they were.”“When they got back, fate wasn’t generous. There wasn’t much time for them to even ask your father about things as trouble broke out in the southern borders and they were deployed again. Your father urged them to go and would discuss when they got back.”“He didn’t go along with them which was very unusual for him given the enormity of the trouble at the southern borders.…. He didn’t state his reasons, but father said that he thought that it must be due to trouble at home.” Thomas pursed his lips “Father said that Uncle Alex would never let them wander into death’s lap without him…. this was the first…. but who kne
Mira ignored him and continued to ask Thomas hinting at the extra guests “Should I get Harrison to entertain them while we go down?”“Big sister” Tyson called smiling sweetly shocking Almera and Thomas. When did the little devil turn sweet?“I will be bored if I sit with you all. Are there kids in my age-group so that I can play with?” Tyson blinked innocently looking at Mira with his most adorable expression. Thomas raised his eyebrows skeptically as he heard his brother’s strange request. ‘When did his brother think adult company was boring? When did he start enjoying the company of kids his age? Didn’t he think they were silly?’“Oh… how silly of me!” Mira tapped the back of her head as she pouted “There isn’t anyone your age” She twisted her lips “Jack’s cousin is much younger than you…. but she can show you her pet bunny if you like.” Mira tried to entice, thinking Tyson wouldn’t be interested.“Alright.” Tyson shrugged feigning an unwilling expression and muttered “Better than ad
“What case?” Martin turned around curiously before realizing that he was the butt of the joke and sitting back crossing his arms resentfully.“Hur…hur…hur….” Oden and Jack burst out laughing along with Mira “Puchi….”In the evening, everyone started arriving as planned. First Matthew and Harry arrived with Ursula and Agnes.“Your mothers didn’t want to stay at home on their own.” Matthew shrugged when Mira raised her eyebrows quizzically.“We came to keep Beth company.” Agnes walked forward ignoring the skeptical gazes of the boys and Mira.“Yes… yes… we came to give Beth company.” Ursula nodded with a guilty smile.“And not to spy on us.” Mira raised her eyebrows in a playfully taunting manner crossing her arms.“Would we?” Agnes blinked innocently as she whispered to Mirah “Even if your fathers have that intention, do you think we would betray our dear girl?”“Old woman, are you digging my grave?” Harry put on a pitiful expression which led to a bout of laughter.Mira quirked her eye
“I don’t think I heard anything confidential that warrants his fear.” Oden knitted his brows as he opened his mouth for the first time since he entered the room.Jack nodded to agree but Mira pursed her lips and knitted his brows.“What is it love?” Jack noted that she didn’t agree.“Maybe… maybe not…” Mira’s expression didn’t loosen as she continued “Think about it…. this is knowledge that only a few share…. Knowledge that could if used by those with malicious intent, incriminate the king of a treacherous act. One if instigated in the right amount could even start a rebellion.”“But what puzzles me is why the old master decided to take it sitting down.” Mira twirled her finger around a loose hair strand “The Haribeort’s must have had some clout to be able to write their own law of inheritance that didn’t conform to the normal laws of the land.”Mira kept twirling her hand as she spoke “He must have been betting on his grandson… something must have reassured him that there was no need
Carl took a deep breath as he regained composure “We were later told by the old master in confidence that we were not to ask any questions and that the dukedom would be annexed to the Royal estate due to lack of heir. We were strictly forbidden from contracting this version of the story.”“The current king as far as I have heard is righteous.” Jack pursed his lips skeptically “If this property was annexed unlawfully, then he would have passed it to its rightful heir and never kept it, let alone gift it to another.”“Your Grace, the inheritance rights of the Haribeort family are not widely known. Only a select few are preview to this knowledge and are not allowed to reveal it to another soul. Other than the Haribeorts, the king and the chief of chamber of inheritance rights no one has the privilege to know this.”“Usually after the new king’s coronation, there is ceremony where the chief of every governing body in the country will have a meeting with the king… something like a rite of p
“This current understanding is that Southamberston was annexed under the management of the king’s estate as our master died without an heir…. But that is not true.” Carl started at the beginning.“Is that not the case?” Mira raised her eyebrows.“Not in its entirety.” Carl shook his head. His eyes reflected a deep-seated regret.“Continue.” Jack waved his hand.“The Haribeorts who are the original owners of Southamberston do not follow the norms of inheritance. The father to son or closest male relative rule for inheritance does not exist for Haribeorts.”“Their legacy has always been father to the oldest offspring, whether it is a male or female.”“The only exception is when the heir passes the inheritance to the next in-line.” Carl continued “Let’s say, the eldest daughter who is the heir marries off to a distant land or another dukedom where managing both estates is more than she can handle; She can pass her birthright to her next sibling.”“That is such a fair system.” Mira nodded