CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT 'Not done yet'

The next day came quickly and information was received in the morning. Some of the several brokers Uak paid had done their jobs right. It was just the information Violet needed.

In the government, most of the power belonged to the men and the fraction of women in the government were little. They were either secretaries or healers— Very insignificant title. At first, it seemed insignificant but the titles could make a change. A great one. She just had to bid her time and make the perfect move.

Even though it didn't look like it, the power belonged to the women that were silenced.

When Violet studied Lagsu, she noticed that majority of the men that supported the government were animals. They only had one reason.

To exploit.

It was high time she changed the narrative.

To do that, she would have to borrow the power of the saintess of Lagsu.

That meant she had to make a quick trip to her old friends and she would do so tonight.

She dressed in a long white dress with a veil over head and elegant shoes. She had to be like them if she wanted to be successful in her quest. By afternoon, she stepped out of Alaric's mansion and to the cottage in the woods.

Outside the house was Musa, caressing a cat on the wooden table. 

She smiled without looking up, “I knew you'd come back.”

Violet smiled back, lifting the veil. “Where is Piggy or Timi?”

“He went hunting.” Musa informed while carrying her cat close to her chest as she stood from the table. “I'm sorry for the harsh things I said the other day,” She said before bowing her head, “I couldn't show my respect to you because Timi was there. He's not what he claims to be.”

“Please stand up. Let us talk more inside.” 

Musa nodded and led Violet inside before closing the door.

“Where's the lady you saved?”

“I sent her to go to the market. Her family guards will protect her, don't worry.” Musa said after noticing the sour look on Violet's face. 

 Violet wiggled a finger and the entire house was surrounded with a noise blocking spell. No one else would be able to hear their conversation even if they cut their ears and placed it against the door.

“It's been long, Musa. How have you been?”

“It's been three years and five months. After you saved me and had Timi escorted me out, everything was good. He treated me really well but after news of your death and you becoming possessed, he changed. He started acting really weirdly and one day, he ventured out and left me alone for days with no food. I had to steal to get food..” Musa eyes darkened at the thought and she held the cat tightly. “I was of course, beaten and assaulted by some of those men. The others gave me food in exchange for my body.”

Musa lips were shaking now along with her hands. The cat got scared and jumped away from her lap. 

“When Timi came back, he said I was tainted. Then he raped me to punish me. Afterwards, he said he could no longer provide me shelter and I should get going.”

“Why didn't you go back and take your place as Saintess of Lagsu?” Violet asked.

Musa inhaled deeply, then exhaled. “My reputation was ruined. I was supposed to be dead after killing the chief of Star rock. If I suddenly appeared, I'd still be blamed. I heard the townspeople talk about how pathetic I was and how I only brought bad luck to the town. How could I go back?”

Violet sighed, “I failed in keeping my promise, I'm sorry.”

Musa shook her head, “You're wrong. You kept your promise. Even when you were possessed, you did not let anyone take advantage of you. You were true to yourself and believed in your judgement even though you were muddled. That is something I never would have done as a Saintess.”

Violet bit her bottom lip, “There were times I also doubted myself.”

Musa smiled, “You are amazing. Because of what you did, I had the courage to tell Timi to train me to become an assassin at his service.”

“Musa..” Violet said.

“Then I made him marry me. By doing so, he wouldn't easily kill me. Timi of course was blinded by lust, I was too good at serving him in the bedroom. All the rape gave me experience.” Musa smiled as she reminisced the past while Violet held her hands that were shaking, the opposite of the look on her face.

“One day, I found a letter in his bedroom. It was his subordinate informing him that he had injured the queen and the face masks that was supplied to her beforehand had been poisoned and entered her bloodstreams, making it difficult for her to survive.”

Violet eyes darkened, “Who supplied the face masks?”

Musa looked at Violet and exhaled, “Atheral.”

Tears rolled down Violet cheeks as she soaked in the situation.

All this time, Atheral was their enemy. Thestryn had done everything to prevent war from reaching their territories but all this time, Thestryn was their target. Even Poison had nothing to do with her aunt death.

Because Keitan and it's people were audacious, it was easy to place the blame on them.

Everything finally started to make sense. She laughed. It was all coming together. Piggy was with her all this time but he never sent the queen of Thestryn any letters so she would worry. At the final moment, he sent one and she fell for his trap.

The queen of Thestryn fell for a little boy's trap. She laughed louder.

Atheral was a castle for monsters and it raised Timi who wasn't only a monster but a psychotic element that needed to die. 

“What else did you find out?” She asked.

“Your mother isn't your real Mother.”

Something in Violet chest shifted.

“She was never pregnant. In fact, she had romantic feelings for Queen Thea. That was why it was easy for her to choose between you and queen Thea. In her eyes, you've always been a freak because of your unique qualities.”

“What else?”

“Poison, that man that wanted to save your mother had an unspeakable sickness so it was easy to defeat him.”

Violet remembered the day at the cold mountains when Poison came to see her. She had been angry and refused to listen to what to say.

She wondered how he was now. How come he had an unspeakable illness? He was a god as well, wasn't he? He could easily overcome the trial..

But then she remembered, the heavens were too strict in their deals. Perhaps even he could not avoid it.

“Where are the letters?”

Musa shook her head. “I couldn't keep any of them and make him suspicious.”

Violet nodded. “Can I get some tea?” She asked.

Musa nodded and disappeared somewhere in the corner.

Violet leaned against the chair in a relax pose and took in everything she had just heard. She let everything sink in and the voices in her head were surfacing again, mocking her. She just sat there, listening.

If Lilly was not her mother then.. Could it be the prayers of people that birthed her? She had no idea for now. But she would get her answer if she focused well enough. But now was not the time.

She thought of Atheral. Recently, they were on par with Thestryn. She had to give it to them, they were clever. However, they weren't the focus right now.

Queen Thea was dead and Thestryn now had Queen Dinah. She was not an idiot. She probably knew about them before but if she didn't do anything about it, there was probably a reason.

The focus now was on Lagsu. Her mission was to take over the government.

She didn't have to raise a finger to take over.

She just needed the enslaved to speak up and she would ensue justice. She was after all, a god of justice. If Thestryn intervened at the right time, they would be able to control Lagsu governance. It was the same thing as taking over.

Musa came back, a tray in hand.

She poured the tea filled kettle in the tea cup and Violet grabbed it and blew on it, making it warm. Then she drunk it down in one go, leaving Musa surprised.

“It's still hot!” 

She could not believe Violet drank it like that.

She rushed to the kitchen only to bring back of bowl of room temperature water.

“Please have some cold water.” 

Violet looked at Musa, “Don't worry about it. I can't feel it anyways.”

Musa looked at Violet, a look of guilt on her face. Then she knelt down, “Your Highness please forgive me! I've wronged you.”

Violet sighed and started at Musa who was on her knees. “What is it this time? Get up.”

“I insulted you that day and called you ugly. Nothing I say can take away my sin.”

Violet shook her head and tried to lift Musa. “Aren't we past that already? You said what you said because you couldn't risk arousing Timi's suspicion. If he got a whiff that you were on my side, he would've killed you.”

Musa kept her head bowed, “After everything you went through, it was uncalled for to call you ugly.”

Violet shrugged, “Fine, if you insist. How do you intend to make it up to me?”

“Your highness, what do you want?” Musa asked.

“Your Identity.” Violet stood from the table and walked past the spot Musa was kneeling, her back facing musa. “The reason I came here is to control Lagsu governance. I've had enough of scoundrels and pigs who name themselves lords of Lagsu. I want a world where justice reigns. Don't worry, the people won't suffer but I can't promise the same for the officials.”

“Then.. Why don't I help you?”

Violet turned to face Musa, urging her to speak.

“In the past, you gave me a way out from Phalan exploitation of me. Even though the result wasn't very favourable, it opened my eyes to many things. I'm no longer weak. My sword skill still lack but I can tell you that my mind is comparable to that of a lion. I will no longer run from my destiny. I shall face it. You've promised to free my people so I shall help you and do all the things I should've done years ago.”

Violet placed a hand on Musa right shoulder, lifting her up. “There won't be another Lagsu officials, I promise you.”

Musa nodded, “I trust you with my life. Like you did with your sword. You barely knew me, yet you trusted me with your sword.” She said a summoning spell and a box appeared in her hand. She knelt and handed it to Violet.

“I, the saintess of Lagsu returns the sword of the second princess of Thestryn, Yak Ann Sinora.”

Violet sighed. Lilly was not her biological mother but still adopted her so she could only bare the name for now.

She opened the box in Musa hand revealing a sword, sheathed in place.

She grabbed the sheathed sword and unsheathed it, staring at her reflection in the silver.

That was the only solid gift her aunt gave her that she had her hands on. The sword. 

She ran her fingers against the sabre, remembering the solemn look on her aunt's face as she passed away. 

“Do you have your heirloom? I asked Timi to give it to you.”

Musa nodded and stood up from the ground, “Yes.”

“Good. You have a job to do today.”

Musa understood. It was time to go back.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

“I'll go back to being saintess after my new friend gets back which should be soon enough.”

Violet nodded, “Alright then. Make sure to take good care of yourself and her.”

“Of course, your highness. Let me see you out.”

Violet did not hesitate.

Musa held her cat close to her chest as she escorted Violet out the cottage and closed the door. 

Through the flowers in the front yard, they started to arrive at the woods. But then, Violet smelt something wrong.

“Your highness, why have we stopped?”

Violet sniffled, “I smell something.”

“What?”

“Blood.”

“Fool!” A voice cursed behind them. They turned around in surprise and were more surprised to see Timi holding a blade to the neck of the lady Musa saved.

“Rina!” Musa yelled as blood soaked through the chest pocket of the lady's robe.

“Timi.” Violet acknowledged, “Let the girl go.”

Timi scoffed, looking at Musa. “It's a good thing I placed a spell on your beloved cat, if not, I would have no idea what you were up to, witch.”

Musa looked at the cat in her hand and dropped it, a tear rolled down. So Timi was privileged to listen to her conversation with Violet because of her cat?

“Let Rina go, she has nothing to do with this!” Musa yelled, looking at the girl who looked like she had trouble breathing. If she wasn't saved on time, she would die.

“Pass me your heirloom and maybe I shall let her live.”

Violet looked at Rina. Her spirit was faint. Timi had broken the tendons in her feet and she could barely stand if he wasn't holding her up. Her will to live was little and even if she survived, she wouldn't last a long time as the arteries in her heart has already been ruptured.

It was no option to give away her sword.

Rina struggled to open her eyes and before any of the parties made a move, she moved closer to the blade and her neck snapped off. Timi took a step back in surprise and Rina landed on the floor in the puddle of her blood, lifeless.

Musa gasped and ran towards Rina in shock, she'd committed suicide without a second thought.

Timi held his blade out and ran towards Musa, his aim to finish her.

Violet didn't move. This was Musa choice to make. Kill or be killed? It would be interesting to see.

Suddenly a man descended from the sky and opened his hand fan as he landed on the ground, in front of Musa. His aura swept across the woods as he closed his fan, looking at Timi who stumbled backwards due to the deadly aura.

“Alaric,” Violet said. She recognized him from the back. 

Alaric turned around with a smile, “Nothing passes under your nose, huh?”

“What are you doing here?” She asked.

“I was worried,” he said, not giving any other explanation. “Should I kill this small fry?” He asked straight forwardly, playing with his fan.

“Musa will deal with it.” Violet said simply.

Musa lifted her head, getting into order with the situation. She placed Rina on the ground and summoned her sword with bloodstained hand.

Alaric removed himself from the situation and stood beside Violet, “I told you to tell me if you needed help.”

Violet sighed, “You sound as though you're begging to be my prisoner. I don't plan to get you involved in trouble as long as you mind your business, you fool!”

“Shh,” Alaric placed a finger on his lips, “The fight is starting.”

Violet ignored him and watched Musa unsheathed her sword and attack Timi immediately.

Her speed was good and it matched Timi evenly but her strike wasn't as powerful as his which made her look weak compared to him. But she had one thing he didn't, inner strength like she said.

Musa changed her technique, involving move footwork. Her legs had more strength than her arms and she would use that to her advantage. 

“Purple head, I learnt a new recipe on how to cook meat soup. I'll cook it for you when you get back—”

“—No.” Violet interupted, “I don't need your soup. Compared to a weak mortal like yourself, I don't need to eat food to survive. I just eat for the satisfaction sometimes, nothing more.”

Alaric rolled his eyes, “Show off.”

“That's a fact.” She said as Musa landed a powerful kick on Timi's leg and substituted her punch for her sword as Timi stumbled on the ground, his legs weak.

Musa slashed her sword across his shoulder and against his chest causing him to scream out in pain. 

“The saintess of Lagsu is indeed impressive!” Alaric praised.

“You owe me a lot for killing me back then, Alaric.” Violet said, no expression on her face.

Alaric cleared his throat, “I know. That's why I've been stalking you to see if there's any way I can help. Unfortunately for me, I can't do anything.”

Violet sighed. So he felt guilty that was why he appeared and willingly accepted to be her prisoner. It.. wasn't that she was threatening enough.

It made her angry. The guy wasn't only a murderer but a sneaky bastard.

Unfortunately, she didn't feel any hate towards him. She could only mentalise what her reaction was supposed to be and that was it. She looked at Alaric who was already looking at her with a look she couldn't recognise. She frowned. “Why are you staring at me like that, do you want to die?”

“Of course not, purple head—”

“—Don't call me that!” She snapped. Even Musa didn't dare to call her that.

“Your highness,” Musa bowed. She had slayed Timi and her cat. The floor and trees were splattered with blood. “I'm going to bury my family so I will not see you off.”

Violet understood. Timi was her husband, her cat was her friend and so was Rina.

“If you need to send me a message, send it to Alaric's address.” Violet poked Alaric who cleared his throat and told Musa his home address.

“Understood.” Musa bowed and Violet turned away, walking out of the woods with Alaric by her side.

“Hey!” Alaric said as he caught up with Violet. “Why don't you use a portal to send yourself back?”

Violet let down her veil, covering her face. 

Alaric sighed, walking beside her since she wouldn't speak to him.

Violet looked at the inn called Rose Inn and entered with Alaric by her side.

Immediately they got inside, they were greeted by the waiter.

“What may I get the gentleman and the beautiful young lady?”

“Meat.” Violet grumbled.

Alaric smiled and looked at the waiter, “Lamb meat, chicken meat and some lettuce. Don't forget to include the best drinks in the special.” 

The waiter looked at Alaric and winked, “What about some liquor to spice things up?”

“Fine.” Alaric said. Tonight he found out the purple head tolerance for drinking.

Then he followed her to the table she had choosen by the window and smiled, “Didn't you say before that you didn't need to eat to survive.”

“You're responsible for footing the bills tonight.” Violet simply said and waited for the food to arrive. She scanned the inn to see if any housekeeper was roaming about. She thought of paying Poison a visit but she wasn't sure if that was appropriate.

When the food arrived, Violet exhaled and grabbed the knife. It would be better if she focused on her task. Alaric laughed as he gazed at something across the room, “Hey, purple head, you've become very popular. Look at your frame on the wall.”

Violet followed Alaric eyes direction only to see a portrait on her over the counter. Her jaw dropped, how did she not see that?

She sighed, standing from the table. “Let's go back then.”

Alaric grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to her seat, “What Is there to he scared of? You have me by your side.” He said seductively.

Violet forced back a yawn. 

That was lame. Very lame.

“You're my prisoner, if you become exposed, your mansion will no longer be safe so let's go—”

“—I'm back,” The waiter interupted, while placing two trays of food by the table. Violet was immediately intoxicated by the scent of the food. It smelt so good.

“I'll be right back with the drinks!” The waiter giggled as he jogged away.

Alaric looked at Violet as she lifted a portion of meat under her veil and started to chew the meat. “Should we go back now?”

“Yes.” Violet said, “As soon as I'm finished eating.”

Alaric smirked, “Of course.” He grabbed a forkful of meat and gently ate. He was indeed elegant.

The waiter came back with four bottles of wine and placed it on their table. “Thank you,” Alaric said, handling a huge silver to the waiter directly. The waiter gladly collected it with a smile and moved close to Alaric ear.

“I remember you sir, you're the one who paid for a pretty woman's food and sent a bouquet of flowers to her. You're really lucky to have choosen someone else because that miss is now wanted for killing a man. If you'd choosen her as your wife, she would've found a way to murder you.”

Alaric smiled, seeing the glare on Violet's face through her veil,  “She really is wild, but that's the kind of woman I prefer, the one that will actually kill me.”

The waiter chuckled, “You're joking.”

“You think?” 

“Excuse us, waiter.” Violet said. She couldn't eat comfortably with the talkative waiter around.

“Ohh, of course. I'll give you two some privacy.” He grinned before walking away.

“Are you jealous of the wild girl the waiter just talked about?”

Violet grabbed another handful of meat and the moment it went under the veil, it was finished.

“Men make the lamest jokes.” Violet simply said, “Don't bother to talk to me, I don't want to talk to you. I just want to clear my mind.”

“Are you okay?” Alaric asked, his expression softening.

“Of course not. I thought he was a friend but he wasn't, he was ambiguous with only his selfish goal in mind. I spent years thinking if he was alright and now that he's dead, my stomach is sick. I want to throw up so bad but I can't even do that.”

So that was why she decided to eat at the restaurant.. because she felt sick. Alaric realized.

He grinned, “I have just the thing to make you feel better.”

Violet looked at him, confused. “What?”

He pushed a bottle of wine to her side.

Violet pushed it back to his side and Alaric returned it, “Drink with me, don't worry, I'll take care of you.”

Violet scoffed, “I don't have to worry about any man taking advantage of me. Also, I don't think a bottle of wine will knock me out. It's useless to me.”

Alaric smirked, “Then I dare you to finish the whole bottle. If you finish it without getting drunk, I'll no longer ask about the coins you borrowed from me.”

“Easy peasy.”

Violet opened the wine bottle and directly dunk it down her throat, it burned the back of her throat but it was nothing she couldn't handle. Once she drunk half of it, she placed the bottle on the table and suddenly felt really sweaty— That was a rarity for her even since she came back to life.

“You're not done yet.” Alaric said.

Violet sighed, her eyes tearing up.

She grabbed the bottle and continued, gurgling down the liquid. She felt something start pounding in her chest and her head. It gave her some sort of adrenaline feeling.

“So,” Alaric smiled as he looked at her, “How do you feel?”

“I..” She sighed, “I.. feel so hot.”

She immediately started to remove her clothes.