CHAPTER SIX ‘Her Grace’

Halfway into the Star town, the chief executive of Lagsu district called for his right hand man, “Balle.”

 

Balle who was originally walking next to his Lord's carriage turned to face his Lord through the carriage window, “Yes my Lord”

“Go check on the saintess's carriage and tell her people to hurry up, we should both enter Star rock together, it'll only be appropriate.”

After a nod, Balle disappeared into thin air.

“Let's stop here for a moment.” Balle yelled, loud enough for his guards to hear.

“But my Lord, the road is busy. We'll only cause hold up for the people if we suddenly stop here.” A guard said.

The chief of Lagsu district shrugged, “We went through so much to reach star clan, I'm sure it doesn't matter if we take a break for a little while.”

“Yes, my Lord.” A few of the guards said and stopped the carriage, right in the middle of the road.

“Don't let anyone pass here for the meanwhile.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

***

“What's taking them so long?” The chief wondered while tapping his feet on the carriage wooden grounds impatiently.

“My Lord, they're here.”

Before the chief could ask any more questions, his right hand man appeared, “My Lord, the Saintess is here.”

The sound of horses and a carriage convinced the chief so he huffed, “Let us go.”

***

When they reached the Star Clan gate, they were surprised to see that the gate was not heavily guarded. Instead, only two fair men clad in blue stood on either side of the gate.

‘They got rid of all the guards.’ Phillip thought.

The Chief of Lagsu district got down from his carriage and approached the two gate keepers.

“Where's your Master?” 

The two gatekeepers bowed, “We're sorry, Chief Phalan, we're only in charge of the gate. Earlier, we received word to welcome you and her grace. Please forgive our master for not greeting you. I'm sure he'll give you an explanation once you enter through the gate. 

Chief Phalan of Lagsu scoffed, and was about to enter his carriage when one of the gatekeepers said, “I'm sorry but your guards cannot enter star rock with you.”

A roar escaped Chief Phalan lips, “How dare you?! Are you trying to fight me right now?”

The gatekeepers bowed, “No, it is not in our Master's order to fight you.”

“Then what is it, I cannot bring my guards along with me to star rock? That's impetuous!”

“Alan, Matt. What's going on?” A man clad in a sky blue robe appeared in front of the gate, his eyes looked young and stormy like the deep blue sea.

His voice was deep, yet gentle. His black long hair stopped just above his shoulders giving him an elegant yet dangerous look with his sharp jawline which looked like they were sculptured.

“Senior Lance.” The two gatekeepers bowed to the man with stormy blue eyes.

“We told them they could not enter with their guards and the chief of Lagsu district got offended.” Alan, the one with messy curly brown hair said hesitatedly while Matt bit his lips nervously.

Lance waved the boys off and turned to Chief Phalan, “This is the rule of Star rock. No one shall enter with their guards, for security reasons.”

“Are you saying I have a spy amongst my guards?”

Lance kept his head up, “I didn't say that. But since you mentioned it might be possible.”

A gasp escaped the lips of Chief Phalan, “Y-you—”

“—Your guards will be taken care of in the headquarters of the Star guards. I assure you, this is for the safety of both you and her grace.”

“My Lord,” Poison cut in, “Her Grace has something to tell you.”

Chief Phalan scoffed, “Her??”

Poison showed Chief Phalan the Saintess's sword signifying that he was speaking on her behalf, “We'll go in without our guards. But my personal guard, Dean will go with me.”

The Chief sighed, giving in, “Let my right hand man, Balle go with me then. I won't feel comfortable if there's no familiar person around me.”

Lance nodded, “Thank you for understanding, your grace, Chief.”

Poison walked back to the Saintess's carriage and handed over the sword through the window.

Then he hopped on the horse attached to the carriage and rode right behind Chief Phalan through the opened gates.

As they entered through the gates they were greeted with a calm tune played by the lute.

Immediately, Violet recognized it. It was The opening of warmth; The song was formed from a poem that was popular during the young days of Violet's mom and her sister. Even though so many years had passed, it remained the favourite poem of Violet's aunt.

With warm blood on his hands, he strode on the field ragged and pale, sunlight cannot warm his soul.

The flowers showed their thorns and pricked when his fingers caressed, but the injury felt like sweet and warmth.

Among the thorns and cold flowers, he lied.

Eyes burning with fire as he faced the sun, but his heart was cool.

It was the last words he said that made the flowers cry and hold onto his cold hands, forever.

Violet forced back a smile. It was a beautiful welcome.

She stared out the window but didn't see the person who played the song. The tone had disappeared from her ears, into the wind but the way the song made her feel was imprinted into her heart.

Not only the people of the star clan were pretty, they played beautifully too. Even their grasses were green and looked so pure as well.. And the atmosphere, it felt almost magical. Violet liked it.

Poison drove the carriage untill his hands began to hurt.

“What is wrong with the Star Clan people? We've been riding for hours but the buildings are still very far away and no one is even escorting us. What the heck?! Where do we even know we're driving to!” Poison eventually bursted out.

“But they just did.” Violet said nonchalantly.

Poison grunted, “What?”

“Stop the carriage.” That was all she said and poison complied. He didn't know where to ride the horse anyway.

After the horse stopped moving, Violet got off the carriage and looked everywhere, taking in the environment.

The greens.. the flowers which beautified the fields from the distance. The building which looked far away suddenly didn't feel that far at all.

“They're finally coming here.”

Violet looked at the building and a group of pretty men in expensive robes and some in expensive tartans and shirtsleeves with soft pair of shoes on their feet. They all looked elegant.

“Those punks! Are they trying to show us how they can dress really well?”

“They at least look good in what they wear.”

Poison snorted as a few of the handsome men went to greet Chief Phalan first since he was standing in front.

Suddenly, Poison eyes widened. He looked almost threatened.

“Are you alright?” Violet inquired.

He didn't Iook at her, “Get inside the carriage and follow my lead.”

“I—”

“—This is not the time, get inside the carriage.”Poison whisper-yelled.

Violet was beginning to feel uncomfortable and threatened, “I'm sorry.. but I don't have the heart to trust you. It's only both of us that are here a-and if something happens, wouldn't you just desert me and escape by yourself?”

Poison looked into her eyes, her desperate and natural purple eyes others probably wouldn't be able to see even if they paid attention.

The laughter of the seemingly merry men alerted him so he sighed and nodded at her, “Then, I promise.”

Unconsciously, she felt her heart calm, “Thank you.” 

And with a small smile, she entered the carriage with her head lifted high. She would have to bet on him now. But if he broke his promise, she would make sure the both of them go down together.

“Goodday, Mister—”

“I'm Lady Musa's personal guard. Her grace is feeling unwell at the moment so she won't be able to greet you today. Please forgive her.”

Chief Phalan glared at Poison, “Y-you— Tell Lady Musa to get out of the carriage right now and greet the leader of Star Clan.”

Poison looked at Chief Phalan, “If the Saintess's condition worsen due to your carelessness, will you take responsibility for it?”

“You—”

“—Chief Phalan, don't worry about it. The Saintess can greet me when she feels better. It is my fault for not giving you and the Saintess a proper welcoming in the first place, please forgive me.”

“Oh it's alright, Leader Avon. The Saintess cannot greet you today, I apologise on her behalf.”

Leader Avon chuckled, stroking his silky white beard. His brown eyes shimmered as he spoke and Chief Phalan smiled back warmly, “Why don't you rest tonight and we talk tommorow? You must be tired from the journey.”

Chief Phalan smiled, “Believe it or not, Leader Avon. I don't feel at all tired talking to you. You're like the sun in the sky that lights up the entire earth.”

Leader Avon stared hard at Chief Phalan, his eyes focused on the Chief's face.

“If you say so. Then I'll show you around my manor for a little while.. Is that alright with you?”

Chief Phalan nodded quickly, “Of course!”

Leader Avon smiled, “Good. Lance, why don't you take the Saintess to the lotus lake hall?”

Lance hesitated, “B-but,” he whispered near leader Avon's ear, “That's near his residence.”

“It's no big deal. She's the Saintess of Lagsu district, she deserves to live in the best place.” Leader Avon said.

“But—”

“—Do as I say.” Leader Avon said and Lance nodded.

“Yes.”

“This way, sir.” Lance said to Poison and led them away from the leader's resident.

It was the most weird sight for Violet and Poison. There were actually no guards scattered everywhere around Star rock. Everyone was dressed in rich and elegant robes. 

Violet's Thestryn was exactly like this except, the warriors always wore breast plates beneath their clothes and took Spears with them wherever they went.

And they were always everywhere but here.. Barely anyone necessarily littered about. It was quite scary.

The weather was chilly and it kept being so as they rode. Poison couldn't hold back his annoyance, they had been riding for hours and it was already evening yet they hadn't reach the so called Lotus lake hall.

“How long untill we get there? We've passed so many buildings but..” Poison sighed, “You've been walking for so many hours, aren't you tired?” Poison asked Lance who smiled briefly.

“Of course not. I'm used to walking such long distance, and besides the Lotus lake hall isn't that far from here anymore so don't worry.” Lance told.

Poison rolled his eyes but followed Lance's directions.

Soon enough, they arrived in front of a big hall. Not as big as the others they passed earlier but it was too good for Violet.

Written on the building was Lotus lake hall. Near the building was the kitchen, and around it were smaller rooms, probably meant for her helpers, if she had any.

Across the building was a big lake with lotus flowers blooming everywhere on it. Violet was thrilled. Since there was a wooden chair and table right in front of the lake, she could sit there during her leisure time and enjoy the view.

Poison stopped the carriage and Violet got ready to exit the carriage.

“Could you please leave, Lance? I'll help the Saintess get comfortable.”

Lance smiled, “I'm afraid that's not appropriate.”

Poison smirk disappeared. “What did you say?”

“Her grace is a young woman and you're..” A smirk crossed Lance's face for a moment, “A man.”

Poison clenched his fists, “You ugly bastard! How dare you? Are you trying to taint her Grace's reputation?”

Violet stepped out of the carriage with her dress inched upwards, with Saintess's sword hanging by her side.

Lance took a moment to see what she looked like, “Your grace.” he said, his head slightly bowed. “I apologize for what I just said but—”

“—Any word you say after 'but' will be counted an insult to my title and Lagsu strength.”

Lance cleared his throat, “I apologize.”

“Not only did you restrict my people from entering here with me,” Violet walked around Lance annoyedly, “I wasn't properly welcomed and I don't even get maids to serve me! Yet you want to take my only loyal servant under the guise of doing good. What are you planning?!” she stopped in front of him, staring down at him making Lance avert his gaze.

“I'm sorry. It's been so long since we had female visitors and we've been busy with the ceremonial— Anyways, please forgive me and my master for the poor hosting, I'll send out a job application tommorow morning so that you will be served well by as many maidens as you want!”

Violet smiled beneath her veil, “Don't exaggerate it. Two or three maids are enough to serve me, as long as there are other workers who will help clean my yard—I mean, resident.”

Lance nodded, “Yes your grace. I'll send the cooks here so you can eat dinner.”

“Are you just thinking of that? Go on, hurry!”