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“Wife I am truly sorry… forgive me…. I can’t live without you…. I just wanted you to be happy. I don’t want you to suffer.” Jack hugged her tighter refusing to let go. He had wronged her…twice in one day…. “Happy?” Mira narrowed her eyes “Do you think I will be happy without you? Happy without you holding me close?” Her voice wavered. “I was wrong.” Jack stood up to kiss her tears away… he barely managed to stand firm for a second before loosing balance…Mira held on to him tightly. She kissed him and came out of space. “I will forgive you this last time.” Mira hmphed. She didn’t want to cause him more distress…. She was not really angry… she just wanted to teach him a lesson, not to have such thoughts. “I won’t dare…” Jack shook his head childishly as he hugged her refusing to let go. “Lie down now.” Mira led him to bed. She entered space from their bedroom close to their bed as she didn’t know what state Jack would be in when she had to bring him back. She took their blanket fro
Mira had lots to do. She closed the door, locked it and went to the room to check on Jack. He was truly exhausted… he was sleeping. She tucked him in with the blanket and entered space to start on his coat. She patterned the embroidery envisioning a two-piece coat set. The pattern she decided on was one that was not popular in her country. It was a picture she had seen in the house of the ambassador of far east island in her previous life. She loved the explanation the lady of the house gave her… this flower… known as cherry blossom symbolizes the everlasting friendship and love in a life that is fleeting. She tried to reconstruct the picture in her head as she started to work on the design. For the suit coat, the whole of the cloth was embroidered branches filled with cherry blossom flowers; On the left flap of the coat, slightly on the side of the chest she embroidered two love birds resting their heads together. The vest was embroidered with cherry blossom flowers connected by bran
“Come… join us for dinner although it is a humble soup today.” Mira invited with a big smile. “We just had dinner before leaving home.” Almera whispered giggling “Dowager Duchess came to visit and complain.” Mira nodded giggling. “How’s Jack?” Thomas asked as they sat down in the front room. “He’s better now.” Mira nodded. Matthew and Harry came out after they finished eating. Both their steps paused as they saw Thomas. “Baldwin?” They blurted out in stupor. “Huh?” Thomas raised his head to look at the two elders. He stood up in respect even though they were below his station as he understood them to be Mira’s parents. “That is my father.” Thomas pursed his lips “You know him?” “Of course…. Of course…” Harry laughed to hide his embarrassment while Matthew was a bit more reserved. “Otherwise, he would have had to drink the elixir of youth.” Harry chuckled before turning to Mira with raised eyebrows. “Godfather, let me introduce.” Mira smiled sweetly “This is my ….” “I know m
Next, they stopped at Aldrin’s shop. Mira needed a lot of materials. She got herself a few large rolls of silk threads of different colors, a few different shades of green, red, grey golden, silver, pink, 10 marks of yellow beads, 5 marks of two shades of orange 5 marks each of reflective metal bits that were line shaped in green, brown, red, different shades of blue, white, orange and yellow color and 10 marks of small white pearls. They were also smaller rolls of various colors. “Did we rob the treasury?” Aldrin looked in shock at the generous amount of things Mira took. Mira rolled her eyes. Almera and Thomas didn’t come, they were sitting in the carriage debating whether Almera should wear what Mira suggested. Thomas was brave to fight a losing battle… He still hung up his sword with dignity, not feeling embarrassed in the slightest at losing. “Seriously… do you know how much this is going to cost you?” Aldrin still couldn’t believe it. “Are you not going to tell me?” Mira aske
Mira didn’t know how long she slept for; the bell rang outside waking her from the peaceful sleep. She opened her eyes to stare into two pools of passion. “How are you feeling?” “Better” “Um” Mira nodded noting that he was looking much better “Sleep a little longer.” She tucked the blanket around him before leaving the room. “Who is it?” “Mira, it’s aunt and uncle.” Beth’s voice came from the outside. Mira opened the door happily “Come… come….” Beth decided to come with the boys and to leave Joan and Emma to fend for themselves. The two girls had angered her to death yesterday. The morning sunk into a flurry of activity with John milking the cow and cleaning the barn; Oden and Martin watering the land. Last week’s plan was to plant the seedlings today… but Jack was unwell. They decided to water the land so that it was well irrigated. Beth and Mira cooked breakfast. Beth made bread while Mira heated up the soup from yesterday and made some scrambled eggs. Matthew and Harry arri
Everyone went home early with Jack almost back to normal. John still told Jack that he would come in the morning to milk the cow and to rest another day and recover. Martin promised to bring the chains that he normally delivered on Monday. Beth had cooked a pottage soup for the two to drink for dinner while Ursula and Agnes baked the bread before leaving. Mira slipped into space and picked the flowers for Jack once everyone left. Jack locked the doors and returned to the bedroom. “Eat.” Mira gave him the flowers as she came out of space. Jack obediently ate the honey. They sat for a while… this time it took longer for Jack to sweat, and he wasn’t as flushed. This time, he bathed on his own, but Mira had to watch… she wanted to see for herself… of course Jack didn’t have any problem with his wife watching him… the smug man purposefully slowed his actions flexing his muscles. Sadly, for Jack, Mira didn’t notice… her attention was solely on the color of the foam. She smiled happily as
“Alina… Alina… my dear child, wake up…” Muriel called out in fear. Alina stirred and opened her eyes in a dull manner. “What is it?” “Someone left a bouquet for you…. it….it…” Muriel stuttered in fear. She handed the bouquet and the message still trembling in fear. Alina opened the small scroll not knowing what to think…. She still felt a little spaced out due to the drink from yesterday… The message read “I had warned you… I keep my promises…” “Who gave this?” “One of the maids found it by the door…” Muriel shrugged. “Mom, help me dress up.” Alina sat up in a hurry “I know how to fix this.” She told Muriel all about her previous visit to Mira’s place with Jason and how they met a lady there who seemed to be high born and of her threat. “My dear girl…” Muriel shook her head in disappointment “Why have you gone through so much trouble? Weren’t you friends?? Did she hurt you?? Haven’t you got Jason already?” “Isn’t it all because of you...” Alina looked at her mother hatefully
Caster felt depressed that he couldn’t achieve his goal. He looked at the pretty girl sitting in front of him smiling like a flower. She would do for now although she wasn’t as beautiful as Mira, at least she was a virgin. He had been thinking of her since they met yesterday, more correctly, the soft sensation of her bosom rubbing against him. He had the urge to taste them... but he resisted. He placed his hand on her knees “Did I cause you trouble?” “No… no…” Joan smiled with her head lowered, raising her eyes to look at him bashfully. “My little brother is ill-tempered. He has been spoiled by my parents.” She put on a wronged expression “I am used to them … it doesn’t matter when it is for someone you like.” Caster’s lips curled up. His narcissist ego had received a boost “Don’t worry. You are my person…” He pulled her to sit on his lap. Joan feigned a struggling expression. “My lord…” She called out softly making a gesture to hold on to her chastity. “Um” Caster hummed as he pu
“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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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