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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
Back at Mira’s place, Mira continued her work unaware of the storms blowing and brewing outside. She only came out when Jack called out to say that their parents were leaving. “We will come early tomorrow and help Jack with planting the seedlings. You concentrate on your work” Ursula told Mira their plan. Mira nodded happily as she waved goodbye. Jack was back to himself and started working on his stands as Mira did her work. Jack decided to make a stand similar to the one Mira had… not similar… an exact replica as he remembered the content from her chattering before. “Love, keep this in your work room.” Jack said as he massaged her shoulders. He had just finished making it. “Huh?” Mira raised her head in confusion to look at Jack; her gaze became even more confused as she looked at the stand that was exactly the same as hers… even the inscription. Jack hugged his wife and kissed her passionately… his wife was too cute and enticing when she looked at him with her innocent big eyes
“You are well?” Aldrin had heard about the situation from Almera; His men had gone to pick up the stands last week and there was no one there. “Yes.” Jack looked apologetically at Aldrin “We apologize for taking payment and not delivering the frames. How about….” “No… nothing to it.” Aldrin waved. It would be a lie if he said he wasn’t impressed once he heard about the whole incident; Any other man would have given in, and it would be an acceptable crime. “But you must have gotten in trouble…” Jack felt uncomfortable. “I have a rubber neck…” Aldrin laughed in good humor “I never hang.” “There are four, ready for pick-up and we have ones that has started to bloom as a compensation for the people who were meant to get last week’s order.” “Good... good…” Aldrin nodded as he handed 2 gold sheets and 25 gold coins to Jack “I will send the lads to pick it up this evening.” He turned back to his ledgers. He didn't want to talk to the man who was his imaginary love rival.... what if he
Almera left the trunk with Mira telling her not to waste money on the trunk since it was for a temporary arrangement and to use the one she bought with them. They could return it when it was no longer required as it was currently not being used. It fit the bill as it was a strong trunk used to store expensive cloths at the dressmakers. “Then, I will owe you one more.” Mira giggled in good nature. “Nonsense.” Almera waved as she rode away. Mira and Jack locked the house and rode to Aunt Beth’s on the cart with the trunk as it was still early. No one was home yet…. Only Oden, Aunt Beth and Anne-Marie. “Aunt, we are home.” Jack announced at the door. “Come… come….” Oden opened the door. “Big brother, help me carry something inside.” Jack asked before stepping in. Mira stood by the side giving the men way to carry the trunk inside. “Keep this in Uncle’s room.” Jack instructed as they walked in. They left the trunk in the men’s room and came out. “Aunt, this is the key for the trunk
Jack washed the furs that were soaking for the last 2 days and meticulously cleaned all the fat tissue and any unwanted remnants from the furs before washing them again and soaking them in the reconstituted pickling concoction on Thursday. Martin came over as usual with the long chains. He was surprised not to see Mira as she usually came out to chat with him, but she didn’t this time. “Where’s cousin’s wife?” He asked curiously. “She’s working.” Jack sighed; He complained about how useless he felt. How she tired herself without stopping even to eat. “You are fortunate.” Martin chuckled as he whispered wishfully “Wish I had a wife who cared half as much.” “My wife is best.” Jack put away his wronged expression and became smug again. The next morning, Jack got ready to go to city as usual. “Husband, take this picture to second brother’s smithy” Mira extended the picture of the crown that Almera had given them. “Ask the master how much it would cost us to have it made in a size t
“We will thank both you and your master for your kindness.” Jack received the token and handed it to Mira. Samuel took out another token and gave it to Jack as he noted that Jack handed it to Mira. “We….” Jack was about to refuse when Samuel interrupted. “Keep one on your person.” He handed the token to Jack and reminded “It is better to be cautious.” “Thank you.” Both Mira and Jack thanked Samuel. Samuel stood up as his purpose of arrival had been accomplished “Then I will take my leave.” “Wait…let me get you some…...” Mira took two steps into the house when Samuel tried to stop her – “No need to get anything. I was just …..” “You can’t argue with me.” Mira pouted childishly; Samuel sat back helplessly. She turned to walk towards the kitchen but turned back once again “Are there many visitors at your master’s place today?” “No… just a quiet meal.” Samuel shook his head. “Does your master like pheasant meat?” Samuel nodded although he had an amused smile. Mira went to the
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