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Someone brave enough to step on the tiger’s tail?
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Second chance at happiness I swear on my legions to King and country.
“All rise.” The royal messenger announced as Orseus stood up from his seat to leave the hall. The king’s private legion of guards ushered the royal family and the members of Mira’s family to the King’s private chamber while the crowd in the hall were left to be dispersed in an orderly manner by the palace guards. Once everyone was settled and the guards left the room, Orseus looked at Mira with a sizing gaze and ordered “Speak” “Your highness, I need your word that anything I speak from this moment will not leave the four walls of this room before it is resolved.” Mira shook her head. She was still not confident in voicing her request. Orseus narrowed his eyes. “I swear on my legions to King and country.” Thomas stood up to support; He knew his sworn brother was on the verge of losing his patience. The rest of the members in the room, including Jack, stood up to swear. Mira giggled as she saw Jack standing to swear the oath but soon covered up with a cough as she felt a burning g
Second chance at happiness We were not always well-behaved farmers.
Orseus raised his eyebrows as he looked towards Thomas, trying to restrain the smirk spreading from his lips as he saw the blatant expression of love from the lovebirds in front of him. This was torture to a single man like him. His sworn brother had no intention of reciprocating his sentiments. Orseus turned his attention to the only two single dogs in the crowd and his lips curled up. Martin was rolling his eyes while Oden had a smirk…. They understood! “The person I used to like …... before my marriage…” Mira’s voice was barely audible, a whisper; She didn’t raise her head… she was too embarrassed, but she had to voice this concern as she felt it was a vital clue to the mystery. “That person was with me to find out where the seal of the Zumerong’s was kept. He has asked me about it in a roundabout way many times. Luckily for me and sadly for him, I didn’t know much about this until recently.” Cornelius rubbed his forehead as analyzed all the information he had just received and s
Second chance at happiness The older, the spicier or the young and vibrant?
“Your majesty” Mira called with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “You can call me godfather like Leander.” Cornelius dismissed impatiently as he continued to stare down the youngsters. “I for one have never heard of the winged-flame brothers nor your majesty’s exploits.” Mira giggled; she didn’t take Cornelius’s dismissive attitude into account. “Little Mira…” Harry called out pitifully; He was despised by his goddaughter. Mira feigned ignorance to Harry’s theatrics and continued “Why not have a competition?” She had successfully captured the attention of all the men in the room. “Let’s test the theory- The older, the spicier or the young and vibrant?” She shrugged with her signature mischief and turned to rally Aglaya “Your majesty what do you say?” “I think it is a brilliant idea.” Aglaya clapped her hands “I haven’t had so much fun in years.” “I bet whoever is on my husband’s team will win.” Mira giggled tooting Jack’s horns. “We’ll see.” Harry’s competitive spirits was a
Second chance at happiness Wouldn’t the dragon make a ruckus?
The Dulston’s stood outside the palace waiting for Mira and group to come out for a long time. “Dad why don’t we go home now and see Mira in the morning?” First brother asked with a conflicted expression; he couldn’t bear to his father’s anxious expression. He was also worried that Mira might not like them once she knew who they were. He didn’t want his father’s enthusiasm to be met with disappointment. “How will we….” “Aldrin knows the way. He has been there several times.” First brother, Albert, knew what his father wanted to ask. “Really??” Lord Dulston was not convinced; he knitted his brows “Why?” “Must be to eat delicious food.” Third brother, Alwyn chuckled. “We are business partners.” Aldrin decided to ignore third brother and spoke in a serious tone. He would never admit third brother was right. “What business?” Lord Dulston was even more confused. “He would eat all the dishes served to him.” Third brother kept mucking around. “Mira’s husband makes the slate stand for
Second chance at happiness My home is where my Duchess resides.
“Your Grace” Harrison pursed his lips into a conflicted expression. “What is it?” Jack knitted his brows. “Are you ready to come home?” “Aren’t we home?” Mira twisted her lips. “Your Grace, as Duke and Duchess of Southamberston, your home…….” “Husband, I want to stay here.” Mira interrupted Harrison tugging Jack’s hand with a cute pout. “Then we will stay.” Jack turned to look at Mira with an affectionate gaze before turning his gaze back at Harrison “My home is where my Duchess resides.” His tone and aura were not that of a peasant but that of one born to rule. Harrison bowed low to acknowledge “What orders do you have for us, Your Grace?” “Go about as usual.” Jack waved as he turned back to enter the house. Harrison and the others still stood without moving. “Anything else?” Jack half turned his head as he asked noting that there were all standing in attention. “Your Grace, we are your personal staff.” Harrison spoke with an embarrassed expression “Our place is with you.”
Second chance at happiness Do you dare to despise?
“No, Your Grace.” Harrison answered truthfully although his face was twisted with embarrassment. “We haven’t either.” Mira giggled “Come in… I will see what we have.” “No, Ma’am… we can’t possibly…” Harrison trembled at the thought of making his mistress cook for him. “Husband, they despise my cooking.” Mira pouted as she tugged Jack’s hand as they entered the front room. Jack looked at Mira causing mischief for no reason with a helpless yet affectionate gaze, but he couldn’t bear to see her pouting, so he turned his stern gaze back at the men “Do you dare to despise?” “Not on my life…” Everyone responded in unison and rushed to enter the front room and stood awkwardly. “That’s more like it.” Mira giggled shrugging happily as she ran to the kitchen. The men waited in attention in the front room while Jack followed his wife. Mira winked at Jack and took out the bread and some of the scrambled dry peasant from space and scrambled some eggs. She poured a jug of warm milk from the p
Second chance at happiness Let me see who dares.
Jack and Mira set off along with their personal entourage while the maids and men were busy cleaning the cottage getting it ready for the Wards. Old master Slegh along with his three sons and a few guards arrived at the Ward cottage around 9:30 in the morning. Joan too arrived along with Caster accompanied by Emma wearing a silk gown; It could be seen from her gown that she had received new favors from the Slegh’s. John and Beth along with Oden, Martin and Anne-Marie were gathered in the front room, anxiety written all over their faces. They didn’t know what to expect or what to do…. Neither John nor Beth thought they would live to see the day they were free men ever again. Although Oden and Martin were aware, they didn’t expect their dream to be a reality so soon. They were all dressed in the outfit they wore to yesterday’s event; this was their best outfit. The neighbors were all gathered around the cottage, some filled with jealousy while the others genuinely happy for their good
Second chance at happiness I never knew revenge felt so good.
“Let me see who dares.” The guards paused their steps as everyone looked towards the source of the ferocious roar. Jack and Mira walked forward with an entourage of knights; Harrison and Carl followed closely as well. Old master Slegh twisted his lips in displeasure as he saw the person who arrived; the people who he had trodden under feet were now riding in heights beyond his reach. Old master Slegh knew his station was way below that of the Duke and Duchess of Southamberston. Anne-Marie sighed in relief as she saw reinforcements arrive and ran to Mira’s side. Oden and Martin nodded gratefully towards Jack and Mira but were ignored. Mira hugged Anne-Marie comfortingly as she walked towards Beth. “Very well” Cain laughed sinisterly and ordered his men “Check the cottage for damage and other liabilities before this lot run away.” He was thoroughly angered by Jack’s arrogance. “That is a must.” Jack nodded as he ordered Carl “Mr West, please follow and document the condition of the
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Second chance at happiness If you don’t listen…. You might not have a head to marry anyone.
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
Second chance at happiness I am innocent
“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
Second chance at happiness How could a simpleton rub shoulders with Uncle Alex?
“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
Second chance at happiness What if they don’t know they should come back?
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
Second chance at happiness When did the little devil turn sweet?
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
Second chance at happiness Old woman, are you digging my grave?
“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
Second chance at happiness My world is besides you…. whether it is murky or still waters.
“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
Second chance at happiness Who do you think has been guarding the place like a ghost?
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
Second chance at happiness Where would your loyalties be?
“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
