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âShe must be working.â Jack shook his head helplessly and explained as he saw that the worry written all over Harrisonâs face was genuine âShe tends to forget time when she concentrates.ââWife...â Jack called out as he knocked on the door.Mira had just completed Aunt Bethâs pattern when she heard Jackâs voice. She came out of space and opened the door happily only to see Jack frowning and Harrisonâs anxious face. Seeing the light outside had faded, Mira blinked with a silly mischievous grin as realization hit herâŚ. An entire day had passed!Jack really wanted to scold Mira, but he couldnât say a word of reprimand as he saw her silly grin.âYou are not allowed to do this.â Jack shook his head helplessly and spoke in a gentle tone as he pulled her into his embrace.âUmâ Mira readily nodded.âNext time...â Jack tilted his head to look at Mira with a serious gaze; Mira didnât let him continue. She jumped to cover his mouth and shook her head hurriedly âNo next timeâŚ.ââI ⌠I will get th
In a forsaken corner of the city stood an old forgotten cabin. Inside the wooden cabin that was dark, dingy and stinky, a figure was slouched on the floor like a piece of rag. The wind howled relentlessly protesting the injustice and brutality, but the cloudy sky seemed like heavens closed its eyes.The sound of horse hoofbeats broke the symphony of the lamenting wind. A decent looking carriage moved through the dark night towards the cabin. The horses neighed as they were halted to stop.Inside the cabin, the figure struggled to get up at the sound of a carriage stopping outside the cabin. Hope ignited in her heart; She was unwilling to believe⌠maybe, just maybeâŚ...The door was pushed open, and a well- dressed man and woman entered.âJasonâŚ.â The figure called out in a feeble attempt.âNot dead yet?â A disdainful male voice sounded.âWhy?â Mira raised her head painfully with every ounce of her strength. She had to knowâŚ. She had to know why the man she loved from the age of 10, the
Mira felt a small light lighting her path in the darkness. She wondered if she was being guided on the way to hell for her deeds. She stepped in the path lighted by the small light. She was ready⌠she deserved itâŚ.Her life flashed past as she followed the small light engulfed in the darkness around her⌠Everything made sense to her. The seal that the wicked couple was talking about was not her fatherâs seal of authority as the âHead of Trade and Book of hereditary rightsâ but the seal that belonged to the Zumerong estate. The Zumerong was one of the oldest and most prestigious families in the old world, but due to a political unrest, the family had to leave the city under the cover of the night some 15 years ago and no one had heard about them ever since.The Zumerong seal was given to her father by his best friend who was the heir apparent to the estate for safe keeping until they returned. He didnât want the seal to fall in the wrong hands if they met with trouble on their way. He
Jackson pursed his lips. He didnât know whether to believe or not. He had also read about rebirth and reincarnation in ancient textsâŚ. But they were all mythsâŚ. No one had ever reported or seen anyone proof.âI donât want you to make a hasty decision.â Mira smiled. âI will give you a small proof.âJackson raised his eyebrows skeptically; it would be a lie to say that his interest was not aroused.âGive me the parchments, unlock the door and hide behind the curtain. Donât make a sound.â Miraâs lips hooked up with a knowing smile âIf I am not mistaken, Jason should be coming in anytime. He will come in apologizing for all the pain he put me through.âJackson felt that her smile was becoming brighter and more charming. He stared half dazed in her smile.âHe will pretend to be very happy when I tell him about you agreeing to null the marriage but then become sorrowful as he tells me that this was not right time and that he finally has a chance to be appointed as one of the advisors at the
On the way back, Mira told Jackson that she wanted to stop by the village supply shop and buy something for his aunt and family. She had borrowed some money from her father but didnât tell him.âLetâs do it another day.â Jackson couldnât wait to get home and be alone with his wife. The other reason was, he didnât have enough money in his pocket. Everything he had saved up for the month was used up for her at the healerâs place.âThatâs okayâŚ. Just a quick lookâŚ. PleaseâŚ. pleaseâŚ.â Mira blinked pitifully.âAlright.â Jackson couldnât bear to refuse. He planned to ask the shop keeper to open a borrowerâs account for him. This was common in this era. Most people would have this sort of borrowerâs account against their household with the supply shop, the butcher, the milkman and so on⌠There were only few individuals who could pay as soon as they bought something, others would pay it off slowly or when they got their wages or sold their harvest.Mira also wanted to look at the items in the
Jackson went to the nearby woods to get some wood as soon as they got home. He had to solve the problem to the henâs cage since they had already bought the hen.Mira started to prepare supper. It was nothing special. Just some roasted vegetables and porridge. That was all they had.Mira sat thinking about how she could make money while the porridge cooked. She remembered how she had learned to sew in her past life after she divorced Jackson and had gotten married to Jason. At that time, it was more a passing fancy for her to kill time as Jason was never home; he was always meeting up with people in the big city and at the kingâs court.Heh! She was too naĂŻve⌠he must have been holed up with Alina. Mira shook her head to free herself of the thoughts of the vicious couple. Thinking back to the sewing lessons she learnt, she didnât know if she had really learnt anything worthwhile. She had to try to see if it was any good.She was very good at embroidery⌠Ursula had taught her well since
Jackson slowed his pace for Mira as they walked to the collection point for the carriage. The usual 5 minutesâ walk took them 15 minutes, but they still had plenty of time before the carriage departure. Being early meant they got a seat in a comfortable position in the carriage.Jackson usually did not waste money on carriage ride. He would walk; it would take him an hour and a half to get to his office in the Slegh estate following the shortcut through the fields and streams. But today, since Mira was coming along, he decided to splurge and take the carriage. It would cost him 3 silver pieces each.Mira handed 20 pieces of silver to Jackson as she knew he didnât have any money on him. She left the 30 pieces with her as she wanted to see if she could find something in town to make money.âSleep. I will wake you when we get there.â Jackson put his arm around her shoulders pulling her into his embrace. He knew she was tired. The trip to the city in the carriage would take an hour.Mira
Jackson felt a heartache as he saw all the stuff, she bought but he didnât have the heart to scold her. He only sighed inwardly as they walked to the carriage pick up point.They sat in the carriage quietly on the way back. Mira gave Jackson the buns she bought for him and dozed off as she was really tired. Jacksonâs lips curled up as he ate the buns his wife bought for him. He was really hungry as all he ate since morning was the half egg and slice of bread at breakfast. He woke her up when they reached the stop near their home. He carried all the items while Mira carried the basket with needles and threads from the corner shop.âLet me tell you an exciting newsâŚ.â She paused as she remembered the money she spent and sighed âActually there is one good news and one bad. Which do you want to hear first?ââBad news.â Jackson pursed his lips. He didnât want to hear as he thought she was going to tell him that she regretted her choice and wanted to go back on her word to live a good life
âShe must be working.â Jack shook his head helplessly and explained as he saw that the worry written all over Harrisonâs face was genuine âShe tends to forget time when she concentrates.ââWife...â Jack called out as he knocked on the door.Mira had just completed Aunt Bethâs pattern when she heard Jackâs voice. She came out of space and opened the door happily only to see Jack frowning and Harrisonâs anxious face. Seeing the light outside had faded, Mira blinked with a silly mischievous grin as realization hit herâŚ. An entire day had passed!Jack really wanted to scold Mira, but he couldnât say a word of reprimand as he saw her silly grin.âYou are not allowed to do this.â Jack shook his head helplessly and spoke in a gentle tone as he pulled her into his embrace.âUmâ Mira readily nodded.âNext time...â Jack tilted his head to look at Mira with a serious gaze; Mira didnât let him continue. She jumped to cover his mouth and shook her head hurriedly âNo next timeâŚ.ââI ⌠I will get th
Jack and Oden followed Carl the next day to familiarize themselves with the different businesses of the estate. Mira literally locked herself in her work room designing the dresses. She made an agreement with Almera to deliver the embroidered materials for the dresses of her mother, godmother, Aunty Beth and Anne-Marie first followed by the embroidered materials her father, godfather, Uncle John, Big Cousin and Cousin. The next batch would be for embroidered materials for Jack and Thomas; theirs would be the last.John busied himself with the cattle and rabbits while Anne-Marie spent all day with Dax. No one was happier than her. Beth wanted to make herself useful but there was nothing for her to do. The kitchen was basically manned by Harrison and the 2 maids. She wanted to find Mira and ask what she should do but Mira was nowhere to be found. She decided to harvest the spinach and other vegetables. John joined her once he finished his work with the cattle. They looked at each other
The kingâs men actions were swift. It took them a day to find the truth behind Jackâs drugging event and submit their report. Meanwhile, the Sleghâs gathered in the old masterâs study to discuss counter measures. Old master Slegh rubbed his chest uncomfortably as he listened to his sons quibbling.âFather, the only solution is to give up on Lotta.â Cole decided to be the devilâs advocate. Cain frowned; It wasnât that he had any love for the bastard, but his intuition told him that Lotta was just the tip of the iceberg.âWhat are your thoughts?â Old master Slegh looked towards Cain. Caster and Cole followed the old masterâs gaze.âSomehow, I doubt that will be enough.â Cain shook his head as he slowly lifted his face âFather, do you think itâs old debts catching up with new ones?ââWhat old debts??â Old master Slegh furiously tapped his walking stick on the ground âDonât speak carelessly.â His fury shut their mouths but not their doubts, which danced all over their faces in the form o
âCome... come⌠letâs talk inside.â Matthew invited everyone inside.âDadâŚâ Almera stood up in surprise as she saw the newly arrived guests âWhy are you here?ââHave you finished dinner?â Aldrin asked Jack before anyone could respond.âUmâ Jack chuckled although he was curious why the Dulstons were here.âIt was âŚyummâŚâ 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 âDad, why you here?âCyrus sighed not knowing where to start.âItâs a long story.â Albert spoke in an unhurried tone as he couldnât bear to see his fatherâs embarrassed face.âStart from the beginning.â Almera crossed her arms as
âErmâŚ. I have not seen them before, so I donât know⌠but there was a man who was leaning back against the cartâŚâ Ursula squinted as she tried to think back âHe looked very miserable⌠like he was on his last legâŚ.ââCan you try and think where he was hurt?â Orseus asked excitedly.Ursula pursed her lips downwards as she tried to think back âNot sure⌠but his shirt was dyed redâŚ. The ladyâŚ. I mean Jackâs mom had a wound to the left side or may be rightâŚ.â Ursula frowned âShe had a wound that was oozing blood on one side⌠I remember because she was clutching this wound as she was urging me.ââAunt, do you remember anything?â Jack turned towards Beth.Beth shrugged pursing her lips before whispering âIt was a complete shockâŚ. One minute we were happy and looking forward to the future⌠the next second everything came crumbling down.â No one thought more about Bethâs mumbling.âUmmmâ Thomas hummed as he narrowed his eyes in thought âLooks like we have to unlearn everything we know and start
Thomas continued with the narration-âBy 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.â Thomas shook his head helplessly âThey knew something wasnât right but couldnât do anything from where they were.ââWhen they got back, fate wasnât generous. There wasnât 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.ââHe didnât go along with them which was very unusual for him given the enormity of the trouble at the southern borders.âŚ. He didnât state his reasons, but father said that he thought that it must be due to trouble at home.â Thomas pursed his lips âFather said that Uncle Alex would never let them wander into deathâs lap without himâŚ. this was the firstâŚ. but who kne
Mira ignored him and continued to ask Thomas hinting at the extra guests âShould I get Harrison to entertain them while we go down?ââBig sisterâ Tyson called smiling sweetly shocking Almera and Thomas. When did the little devil turn sweet?âI will be bored if I sit with you all. Are there kids in my age-group so that I can play with?â Tyson blinked innocently looking at Mira with his most adorable expression. Thomas raised his eyebrows skeptically as he heard his brotherâs strange request. âWhen did his brother think adult company was boring? When did he start enjoying the company of kids his age? Didnât he think they were silly?ââOh⌠how silly of me!â Mira tapped the back of her head as she pouted âThere isnât anyone your ageâ She twisted her lips âJackâs cousin is much younger than youâŚ. but she can show you her pet bunny if you like.â Mira tried to entice, thinking Tyson wouldnât be interested.âAlright.â Tyson shrugged feigning an unwilling expression and muttered âBetter than ad
âWhat case?â Martin turned around curiously before realizing that he was the butt of the joke and sitting back crossing his arms resentfully.âHurâŚhurâŚhurâŚ.â Oden and Jack burst out laughing along with Mira âPuchiâŚ.âIn the evening, everyone started arriving as planned. First Matthew and Harry arrived with Ursula and Agnes.âYour mothers didnât want to stay at home on their own.â Matthew shrugged when Mira raised her eyebrows quizzically.âWe came to keep Beth company.â Agnes walked forward ignoring the skeptical gazes of the boys and Mira.âYes⌠yes⌠we came to give Beth company.â Ursula nodded with a guilty smile.âAnd not to spy on us.â Mira raised her eyebrows in a playfully taunting manner crossing her arms.âWould we?â Agnes blinked innocently as she whispered to Mirah âEven if your fathers have that intention, do you think we would betray our dear girl?ââOld woman, are you digging my grave?â Harry put on a pitiful expression which led to a bout of laughter.Mira quirked her eye
âI donât think I heard anything confidential that warrants his fear.â 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.âWhat is it love?â Jack noted that she didnât agree.âMaybe⌠maybe notâŚâ Miraâs expression didnât loosen as she continued âThink about itâŚ. this is knowledge that only a few shareâŚ. 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.ââBut what puzzles me is why the old master decided to take it sitting down.â Mira twirled her finger around a loose hair strand âThe Haribeortâs must have had some clout to be able to write their own law of inheritance that didnât conform to the normal laws of the land.âMira kept twirling her hand as she spoke âHe must have been betting on his grandson⌠something must have reassured him that there was no need