Masha was tempted to step out of the carriage for a walk. Sitting in a carriage that wasn't moving was worst than sitting in a moving one - she'd just noticed. Her waist was hurting a lot, she feared she might go nuts if she didn't make a move. However, she tried to stretch her patience for as long as possible, until suddenly, she heard voices from behind the carriage. "The queen wants her. You'll need to excuse us," she heard an unfamiliar voice say. Masha raised her brows in skepticism. Next thing she heard were footsteps drawing closer and her carriage door going open. It revealed two ladies with a cloaked face. "We need you to come with us," they inclined their heads.Masha was unsettled. Why was the queen requesting for her? She had been told it was best for the queen not to see her, so her anger doesn't get worst. How did the queen even get to know she was there? She was tempted to decline the lady's offer and just walk out of there, but considering the fact that she was i
Getting into the tavern, Masha and the maid found a perfect spot to sit, just at the corner of the room. While Czar and the guards took a different seat, a little distant from theirs. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meat and ale. Raucous sound of laughter filled the air as clienteles swapped stories and joked over drinks, while clanging of metals could be heard as others rose their cups to a toast. It was a little noisy for Masha - crowded and noisy. "You are not comfortable here, are you?" The maid seated next to her suddenly asked, a light smile on her face. Masha simply titled her head."I understand. Unfortunately, this is the best tavern we could find. When we get to the Palace, you can have a proper meal."Just then, a burly man sauntered towards them, his face contorted into a scowl. Masha knew at that instant that he was one of the workers. "What are your orders, miss?" He placed his both hands on their table and asked. He had a protruding tummy and also an o
Czar had been magnated by the noise from the tavern and rushed in to see what was happening. He was flummoxed to find the flagons running out the door, as tho, they were being chased by death. He scanned his eyes around and it didn't take him a second to notice the cynosure of the tavern. He saw three of his guards down on the floor, with the fourth one being held by a certain man. The young man had his fangs going deep into the hollows of his guard's neck. Jaha believed he was a vampire, but when he saw his claws....he grew perplexed. Vampires could never have claws. So, how was the man in front of him having both? Slowly, the truth began to dawn on him. The realization was like a sudden burst of light, illuminating the blank corners of his mind and bringing confirmation to his thoughts. A man with fangs and claws. Only one man in the history of the world has been able to possess such qualities. One man that was a hybrid and regarded as a demon.The thought made Czar's heart clench
Masha was still in tears and was about rising to her feet when a middle-aged man suddenly ran into the tavern with a younger lady beside him. They both looked stunned at the sight before them - so many people dead on the floor. "For Saint's sake!" The aged man muttered, his wrinkled eyes slowly going round the room. Finally, they rested on Masha and Czar. "Is he dead as well?" He inquired, going closer. "N...No. Not yet," Masha shook her head, another tear rolling down her cheek. Getting to Czar's body, the old man crouched and placed two fingers on his neck. "Okay, he's still alive. He needs to be treated as soon as possible, else he'll die."Masha dabbed the tears from her eyes, using her wrist. "I... I know. B...but, where can I get a healer?" She stuttered. She was still shaking with fear but was trying so hard to get herself together. "My father's a healer," the lady in the room answered. Masha thanked Absalom for bringing her helpers so quick. Otherwise, what would she ha
Masha's eyes were heavy with exhaustion as she sat on the small rickety stool in the cramped room. The air was thick with the heavy scent of herbs that suffused every corner of the room as the old man's hands deftly applied a mixed portion on Czar's wounds. His daughter stood behind him, holding a tray of various herbs and awaiting the next request from her father.Masha was so tired and badly wanted to sleep, but she didn't trust the people enough to close a lid in that situation. Although, they seemed to be helping Czar, she still couldn't trust them.She looked around the room, wondering if they'd be passing the night there. The room itself was dimly-lit, with just the shimmering glow of a candle casting eerie shadows on the wall. It was quite small and cramped, Masha imagined it being a little uncomfortable for herself and Czar.She watched in silence as the old man worked, her eyes fixed on the gen
Still feeling weak, Czar wanted to look away. He knew she wasn't aware of his consciousness and didn't want to take advantage of her ignorance by watching her get dressed. He watched through the dimlight as she let the towel fall freely from her body. Her back was turned to him, but from the shadows, he could tell she was a beauty to behold. Her hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of the moon, stopping just before her waistline. He could feel the curve of her neck, the line of her spine and the way her skin glowed in the dim light. With a fluid grace and her body slender and supple, she slipped into a flowing silk gown that shimmered in the light. Finally, he forced himself to look away - even tho he knew it was dumb doing so when she was already done dressing. Only then was he able to realize he was in a strange place. He remembered passing out in the tavern and knew there was no way they could've gotten to the palace already. So, where was he?He looked back at Masha an
That was one question Masha had been dreading. She had feared Czar noticed back there in the tavern and wondered if he was going to say anything about it. She's also been thinking about it. She remember vividly that she had seen anger flash in Jaha's eyes when he turned at her at first and was surprised at the way he had halted without hurting her. She really couldn't understand why he acted that way. Did he perhaps, know she had something to do with his escape?She looked at Czar and met his cold gaze. He was obviously still waiting for an answer. "I ... I don't," she stammered. "I mean, of course, I do know him as Jaha, but I have no idea why he had halted that way."Silence descended upon them, but Czar kept staring at her. This made Masha uncomfortable. Finally, he looked away from her and hear her heave a deep sigh of relief Getting used to the silence, Masha's eyes would start drifting close again. She was very tired and needed a lot of sleep. As she dozed off, Czar found h
"I... I don't know," she wagged her head. "I mean, I... couldn't really see their faces like I said." she gulped nervously and glanced at her mother."I just need more time. Perhaps... if I could take some strands of your hair and chant on them for a while, I'd be able to discover who was with you at that moment."Jaha was totally displeased. He looked around in a huff before turning back at Martella."Are you sure you did not see anything?" He grumped. There was an echo of desperation and danger in his voice."I... did not," she shrugged. "Why would I keep it away from you if I did?"Tensed silence descended upon them. Jaha found it strange that Martella saw nothing. She was very powerful when it comes to foresight and would barely disappoint.He was pained and didn't know if she was telling the truth or not.Haga