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I have enjoyed the bounty, I must pay the price.
Last Updated:
2024-01-18 20:38:03
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“Aunt, we’re here.” Jack announced as he stood at the door with the basket in one hand and his other arm wrapped around Mira’s waist. “Come… come…” Oden opened the door wider; Martin and John had already come back and was relaxing with their mug of ale. “Mira...” Anne-Marie came running from the outside as she heard their voices. She couldn’t go to visit them as second brother told them that the two of them were busy. “Um” Mira smiled as she held Anne-Marie’s hand and whispered in her ears “I bought someone to visit you.” Anne-Marie eyes widened as she looked around “Really?? Where???” “He missed you terribly and snuck in when he got whiff that we were coming here.” Mira giggled. Anne-Marie pouted as she saw the basket in Jack’s hand and the worse thought crossed her mind “You promised” “Ha…ha…ha…” Mira laughed as she saw Anne-Marie’s disappointed face. “Look here.” Mira moved the flap of the apron to reveal the little bunny popping out of her pocket as he heard Anne-Marie’s vo
Last Updated : 2024-01-19Second chance at happiness There is no punishment less than the gallows.
Beth and John were waiting anxiously for their kids to return. But the heartless gluttons happily ate to their hearts content the delicious meal that Mira cooked. She packed some for Beth and John as she had a feeling that they wouldn’t have eaten anything. Jack didn’t stop her… He was truly feeling guilty now that he had calmed down. His aunt had always stood on his side and protected him wholeheartedly… she truly didn’t deserve his temper tantrum. Beth ran to the door as she heard them bickering noisily as they reached close to the house. Her anxious heart settled as she heard them, she knew that the grudge was forgotten. “Son, are they okay?” John asked with a guilty expression. It was his fault that he didn’t educate his daughter properly. “Um” Oden nodded “Jack asked us to tell you that he was sorry.” “More like Mira threatened him into apologizing.” Anne-Marie giggled as she told her parents what she overheard. “What is wrong with that job?” Beth asked curiously; she knew th
Last Updated : 2024-01-21Second chance at happiness My wife is always right.
Mira cleaned the fat tissue and waste of the soaked furs along with Jack before soaking them again to pickle for the next 7 days. She waited patiently even though she was burning with curiosity till they finished supper and entered space before asking “What was that about?” “My sixth sense has never failed me.” Jack’s lips curled up smugly. “I was only being cautious when I told you there has to be an element of truth… but it saved us a lot of trouble.” “Huh?” “The person sent by the Dame followed us into the woods. He left only after he watched us putting the rabbits into the cage.” “I was just making sure he knew that the house was guarded.” Jack chuckled. “I … I am pretty sure he didn’t see me ducking in and out.” Mira narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips as she thought back. She was always cautious when she went in and out. Even if the woods were their private space… she made sure … “Don’t worry. I made sure he was engaged.” Jack smiled slyly “He didn’t have time to look at
Last Updated : 2024-01-22Second chance at happiness How can I be scared of gallows when I have such beautiful company?
Mira arrived at Almera’s shop as usual… the only difference was she was not wearing her normal dress but rather the pink gown. “I will wait for you here.” Jack kissed her goodbye before leaving for work. “You’re here.” Almera smiled. “Ready??” She raised her eyebrows challengingly, waving her hand towards the dresses that were completed and packed. “Um” Mira’s thoughts were no longer on the appointment with the queen. Her mind was reeling on how she could protect Almera. “You seem preoccupied??” Almera teased “Are you scared?” “Nope…” Mira giggled deciding to put her thoughts to the back of her mind “How can I be scared of gallows when I have such beautiful company?” “We will party all the way to afterlife.” Mira giggled, her imagination taking a rich charm. “Ha…. ha…. ha….” Almera laughed happily “That is a must.” The appointment with the queen was only at 10, there was plenty of time. Mira gave the completed work to Almera. “What do you want to charge?” Almera wanted to hea
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The longer Mira took inside, the more anxious Almera became. She started pacing back and forth almost making Deborah dizzy. “Lady Dulston take a seat.” She helplessly invited her to sit. Almera smiled sheepishly as she sat, barely touching her bum on the chair. Deborah shook her head helplessly before turning her attention back to the chamber. The tall ornate doors finally opened, and Mira skipped out but soon assumed a lady-like stance after being glared at by Almera. Neither the queen nor Deborah could hold their laughter. Almera bowed politely as she requested absence from the queen’s presence. “Why did you take so long?” Almera asked in concern, worry written all over her face “What did you ask for?” “The queen gave me her token.” Mira giggled slithering away from the topic. “I am also very rich.” She shook her pouch giggling successfully putting Almera’s mind at ease and away from the topic. Thomas, Jack and Aldrin were all waiting anxiously in Almera’s back office. The lo
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The capital was dressed in pomp and splendor everywhere announcing the banquet later. The entertainment court of the palace grounds started to get busy with the arriving carriages of the lords and ladies. Almost everyone arrived in groups of their immediate family members. The grand hall was filled with the chatter of empty greetings and hollow praises. Almera arrived escorted by her four brothers and father wearing the lilac gown that Mira had designed for her. She was soon pulled away by the Buckworth sisters. Thomas had arrived earlier along with his parents and younger brother who was only ten years old. His eyes followed his beloved from the moment she entered the grand hall. He wanted to rush to her side and tell her how beautiful she looked… if only he could escape from the drooling of those boorish men… but he wasn’t lucky… not tonight! Almera giggled as she saw his terrible plight as she chatted with the Buckworth sisters. “Your best friend is here.” Patricia curled her l
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Thomas’s situation wasn’t any better than Almera’s. He threw a side glance at her. His intention was to comfort her even though he himself was troubled. He was taken aback when he saw Almera giggling. “Has your dukedom paid the dowry to the dukedom of Amberton?” Cornelius repeated her accusations in the form of a question. “Yes.” “For clarity of this court, what was it that was paid in dowry?” “10 percent of the armed forces of Soren.” Danielle threw Almera a disdainful look and continued feigning a respectful expression “And 25 percent of the forces of the Soren at the beck and call of Amberton.” “Is this true?” Cornelius turned to the Duke of Soren, who could only nod. He then turned to the Dowager who too nodded. “Very well. Justice has to be served. I, Cornelius Richard the fourth am not only a just ruler but also a benevolent father and godfather.” Cornelius paused taking in the reaction of his subjects that were holding their breaths. “I decree not only as a godfather but
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Thomas and Almera were both powerful in their own right… Thomas was probably the most powerful Lord in the country, second to none other than the crown prince and yet they needed the intervention of a simpleton. That is because, there is nothing more powerful than knowledge and time. Even the king will be a victim of time if not used appropriately. Mira was fortunate, blessed by the heavens with the knowledge…. How she chose to use it was her discretion! Almera couldn’t wait to fly over and tell Mira all the gossip. But tonight, she didn’t have a chance. She had to first deal with her family and Thomas’s. Both she and Thomas swore inwardly that they would be Mira’s strongest backer, her shield. With the Queen’s indulgence, they both knew what Mira had forfeited for their happiness. Once the banquet was over and the crowd dispersed with the King and Queen leaving the banquet hall, the reaction of the crowd was vivid. The Dowager duchess of Amberton along with her bodyguards rushed o
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“Let’s head downstairs??” Baldwin hooked his eyebrows as he looked at Jack before shifting his gaze towards Cornelius.“Does it matter…” Thomas hooked his eyebrows challengingly “I mean now that we have stocked up our arsenal and are ready to battle?”Orseus had an expression of agreement; he didn’t think that there was a need for secrecy anymore. They were ready to strike.Corenlius knitted his brows unable to make up his mind one way or the other when Jack opened his mouth “Let’s head downstairs. We are not ready; we still have loose ends.”Although both Orseus and Thomas looked unconvinced, they still headed downstairs towards the study without arguing verbally. Everyone, including John and Beth, followed.“Summon Carl.” Jack instructed Harrison on his way downstairs “I have something I need to discuss with him.”Harrison nodded and went to deliver the message.Lazarus left his right-handed man outside the study to bring Carl inside when he arrived, before heading inside, to follow
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Everyone waited outside the room while Leal, Cornelius, Baldwin and Caleb entered the room along with Emeralda and Jerome.“Lie down.” Esmeralda had a faint smile as she requested. It had been more than a decade since she saw their young master; even though he didn’t remember them, her inner world was peaceful. They had found each other, they were halfway…. It wouldn’t be long.She sat by his side, concentrating on the examination once she was able to quieten the noises from her inner excitement. She frowned as she realized that although he appeared to be fit from his physical appearance, the information she gathered from his examination was not so promising.Her brows knitted further as the examination continued, raising the anxiety of the men who were standing in the room observing Esmeralda. While Leal and Caleb stood still like pillars, regardless of their clenched fists and knitted brows, both Corenlius and Baldwin started pacing in the room unable to stand still.“How is it?” Th
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Caleb wasn’t far off with his prediction although the healer's arrival had nothing to do with his message. The healer and a hooded man arrived at Southamberston Duchy late evening of the same day. Everyone was resting in their rooms when Harrison announced their arrival to Jack; Jack asked Harrison to clear the hall of everyone and to inform the others as he went down to the lounge area to greet his old friends. “Venerable one…” Jack greeted as he always did, without the airs of his newly found status. The healer narrowed her eyes as looked at Jack; she didn’t have her usual airy, fairy daze but this time, her gaze was sharp, like that of an eagle, before her lips slowly curled up and she knelt on one knee “Esmeralda greets the young marquess.” She had noted the Butler clearing everyone away from this area and the young commander circling with his men, she knew that there were no more prying eyes around them. The only thing she didn’t anticipate was the audience that was coming dow
Second chance at happiness Do you think his three-legged skills are enough to harm me?
Mira kept scolding and kicking the man, without showing the slightest hint of stopping or displeasure from touching his already bloodied body; the truth was, she was trembling in anger, her eyes red with rage, barely attentive to notice the state the man was in. Jack was stunned for a minute before he rushed after her and held her back in his embrace as he coaxed her, shamelessly boasting “Wife, I am fine. Look…. Do you think his three-legged skills are enough to harm me?” “Wife, calm down… let Lazarus deal with him.” Jack held her tightly in his embrace; he could feel her trembling in his embrace and his heart ached for her; although no one in the room knew, he knew why that statement triggered her so much. She had told him about her past life memories. Matthew and Harry had a helpless expression while everyone else other than Thomas and Almera had their mouths agape as they saw Mira in action. Thomas didn’t have time to admire Mira’s gallantry; he was busy soothing his wife who wa
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Thomas and Orseus stepped on their toes as they leaned over their father’s shoulders and read the scroll along with them; tears rolled down Cornelius and Baldwin’s cheeks as they saw the scroll in their sworn brother’s hand and read greedily.Their tears didn’t stop even though they finished reading the letter. The guilt of not being there when their sworn brother needed them the most was eating into their soul; they listlessly handed the scroll to Jack and Mira.“So now we have to find Esmeralda to cure Uncle Jerome.” Orseus pursed his lips. He called out to Jerome as Uncle Jerome smoothly, he had no difficulty as he grew up hearing these two names, Alex and Jerome; to him, they were family, more closer to him than Uncle Alaistair and his sons.“If we have guessed correctly, we don’t have to go anywhere searching for her.” Cornelius shook his head and added with an air of mystery “She is much closer than we think.”“Are you saying that the healer that we go to is, this Esmeralda that
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“If only we knew….” Harry sighed regretfully “Then we could have followed that man’s trail and found Alex sooner.”“You think too beautifully... Alex would never lead a trail if this was his contingency plan.” Baldwin sneered before his expression turned serious “But we may have stumbled upon some unexpected luck in finding Alex.”“Did granduncle Zumerong shed some light?” Orseus asked, leaning forward eagerly.“Heh!” Corenlius scoffed “They were kept in even greater darkness than us.”“Then are you talking about the man who lives at Mer waters?” Thomas asked hesitantly; he really didn’t know why his father and godfather were so confident, just because he trained with Jack?“Son, you don’t know.” Cornelius shook his head “Leal can never be separated from Alex; wherever Alex is, he will follow, whether it is in life or death.”“There has never been a more loyal shadow.” Baldwin too sighed regretfully.“Then what are we waiting for?” Almera looked around curiously; Mira leaned forward an
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Jack and Mira, along with the rest of their group, dragged their exhausted bodies and reached Southamberston palace at the break of dawn. Without making any noise, they all went to their respective rooms without any fuss. Everyone had a room at Southamberston palace even though they each had cottages specially prepared for them; both Martin and Oden went to the rooms that were prepared for them instead of their cottage.Early morning was unusually noisy with many unfamiliar faces around the breakfast table and yet it was as if no one noticed the familiarity of the unfamiliar faces at the table; the only exception was the three unfamiliar unfriendly faces as they sat through the farce as though they were watching a show and not part of it.Almera and Katherine joined them shortly after breakfast, as noisy as ever with Almera complaining that her husband didn’t love her anymore and that he was in love with his first wife, the estate responsibilities and that she always came second.First
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Jack and Mira rushed back without stopping; their pace was originally fast, but it became even more rushed after they received John’s message which wasn’t much, just a short line written in a shaky hand ‘Matthew and Harry are back with three visitors’.Don’t misunderstand the shaky hand, it wasn’t fear… It was just John trying to write in his best hand. But unfortunately, it was bound to be misunderstood, due to John’s years of acting, acting timid, which was more believable for his son and nephew, more believable than his daring persona.Thomas had just entered his palace when his page rushed in and announced that he had a note from Southamberston and passed the note. It was the same note that was sent to Jack, written in the same shaky hand, 'Matthew and Harry are back with three visitors’. However, it evoked an entirely different expression from Thomas.Thomas stood up excitedly as he reached for his cloak that he had just hung up; he wrapped it around as he walked and called out to
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Back at Southamberston, by late afternoon, a travel weary Matthew and Harry had arrived back at Southamberston with three additional unfamiliar men who were covered from head to toe, leaving only sharp eaglelike eyes.Without Harrison’s calm balancing act, the household was on the verge of being thrown into chaos when Beth walked in, in a hurry, ushered in by one of the maids who was flustered.The chaos resulted from the fact that there were three strangers who looked suspicious; the imaginative minds of the young staff who worked at the castle had worked themselves up with a theory they had concocted.Their theory was that the two elders who had gone to relax were held hostage, and they were unable to escape and were brought back here for the young Duke to save them; but the young duke wasn’t here; even Lazarus and Harrison weren’t here.The young maid who ran over to call Beth and gasped, almost out of breath “Lady…. Lady… Lady Beth, the elders have been held hostages by three sinis
