A fire crackled and spit into the night sky. Embers rose lazily up, and Magnus watched. It reminded him of the night his empire fell, the night a sword was shoved through the top of his head and into his body. He pulled the blanket he was in close to his body, and looked down at the pot in his hand. There was a small sprout, a flesh-colored stem poking out of the soil. So, this would really grow into Drake’s heart? And what then? He would grow his body and then they would always be on the run. He knew what was coming. But like adulthood from the perspective of a child, it seemed like it never would. It felt like he had time, but he did not. The current empire would have to be toppled. The Empress would have to be killed, or thrown into a deep dark dungeon and never let out. Magnus heard whispers to his right, and he looked over to see a group of people huddled around another fire. Homeless, they must have been. He set the pot containing Drake’s heart down and got up to approach them.

“Hello,” he said, standing awkwardly just behind them all. “Erm… what are you doing here? I didn’t think there was anyone else.” There was silence, and all of them stared at Magnus.

“Have you been living under a rock?” A grimy woman said. “The Empress had our homes demolished to make way for wheat fields!” Many of them said nothing at this and simply stared into the flames.

“That’s… awful…” Magnus trailed off.

“We thought things would be better under her reign,” A man interjected. “But it’s all the same.”

“The same?” Magnus asked.

“Empires and governments. They’re all the same! Oppressive and manipulative!” He replied. “Allura Anois is just a synonym for Magnus Evanteus! A pompous greedy little pig who delights and benefits off of the suffering of people like us!”

“I was around for the rule of Magnus,” Magnus said as if he weren’t the former Emperor. “I was quite pleased with his rule.”

“Pleased?!” The same woman said. “Well, that’s good for you! The rest of us were living in poverty, while the wealthy made more and more. The stupid idiot thought that giving more gold and wealth to the rich would somehow end up flowing down to the poor, or something like that!” Magnus rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. Is this what they really thought of him? He spent all of his reign at fancy parties and networking with wealthy landowners. Had he really never stopped to think of and relate to the underprivileged?

“I’m sorry,” Magnus said. “That was presumptuous and defensive of me…” The woman sneered and ignored Magnus after that. He went back to his flame with his hands in his pockets. In that small conversation, he was thinking more than ever. Maybe he had to rise again and take the throne. And when he did, he would think of the lower class, and the less fortunate. Imagine that, Magnus the Kind. No longer The Loveless Knight, no longer The Celibate. He would be known for his kindness and care among the communities of his new empire. One step at a time, though. For now, they were his only hope. Before he got to his fire, he stopped to think about this. Yes, he needed them right now. And when he rose to power with their help, he would honor them as warriors and nobles.

“Hello, I’m sorry to interrupt again,” Magnus said, walking back to the flame. “But… I’ve been thinking. Why do we need to just sit here and complain about The Empress and all she does? Why don’t we take her down!” Everyone looked at each other, and then back at him. “We should organize a rebellion. We outnumber all of The Empress’ warriors by a huge number. She would be too busy prancing around her office with her scantily clad guards to do anything about it!”

“Look, people like you come around,” The man said. “Most of them are fanatics bent on bringing back the Evantean dynasty. All of them fail. They disappear, and we don’t know what happens to them after that.”

“We will not fail!” Magnus said and then gulped down some pride. “And we will not bring back the empire! We will create a new society where we can all think for ourselves!” It was a lie. He knew that people needed order and leadership, or else everything would crumble. But how else would he achieve their help? How else would he get out of this mess?

“Sounds nice,” The woman replied. “You really think we can do that?” She said it sarcastically, scoffing and chuckling to herself. “You’re crazier than them all… what was your name?”

“M-Jean!” Magnus said. “My name is Jean.”

“Jean, do yourself a favor,” She leaned in close. “Lay back and let the wave wash over you. It will treat you better. If you fight it, it will fight back and you will drown.” Magnus stood there for a moment.

“What is your name?” He finally asked.

“Gabrielle,” she answered. “Now leave us alone. We want to be in peace.” Magnus nodded and dejectedly went back to his flame. He had a lot to learn. And once he did learn, he would convince them. He would get them on his side, and once they realized how much he cared they would help him. Picking up the pot, Magnus turned it in his hands and examined it. It would be easier once he got Drake back. Once he got his help.

“Oh, Drake,” he said to no one. “I hope you’re alright.”

…

Allura gripped Jacob’s neck, and red light shined from her palm. The skin between his neck and the socket where the sword had cut it began to fuse together. She concentrated and focused hard. The energy she had gotten from Sophie was nearly out, and she wasn’t keen on using herself. There was a large scar forming along Jacob’s neck. He was still pale, and his eyes were shut. Allura looked at him. His eyes were shut, and his mouth was tightly closed. He looked so at peace, so serene. “I will bring you back, no matter how many it takes,” Allura said. When she felt herself growing tired, she stopped and sat down next to him. She put her face in her hands. She needed more. To bring back a life took so much. You either had to give most of yourself, maybe even all, or the lives of others. Rubbing her chin, she sighed.

This was too depressing. She stood up and left the room. His body wasn’t going anywhere, not unless she wanted it to. The large metal door shut behind her, and the slam rang through the dark hall in the basement. Allura made her way up the stone stairs toward the main floor of the palace. Her heels clacked off of the cement as Allura ascended the stairs to the main floor. The palace was quiet, nearly desolate. She heard a door close from time to time, but otherwise, she was completely alone. What was she to do today? She thought for a moment. She supposed she could check on the prisoner. It was the most pressing matter, anyway. As she was making her way down the hall, however, a door behind her swung open.

“My Lady!” A familiar voice said. Allura winced and slowly turned around wearing an awkward smile. “The advisors are all ready, would you like to sit in?”

“Can’t Lucillo just- oh yes!” Allura said. “Erm, I’m going to do some important business. I’m sure you all can manage without me!” She turned around and quickly made her way down before anyone could protest. She grew tired of being called into constant meetings and sitting on the throne to judge people's issues. It was boring and tiresome, but it was an Empress’ job.

A guard stood beside the double doors leading to the Prisoner’s room. Sauntering up, Allura gave her a little wave. She was one of the pretty ones, Emmeline was her name. “Hello, darling!” Allura said, taking a finger and stroking her chin. She blushed and smiled. “Has he said anything yet?”

“No, My Lady Empress,” Emmeline said dutifully. “Not to my knowledge, anyway.”

“I’ll see if he’s ready to talk. Don’t go anywhere,” Allura gave a small wink and a nudge of her elbow. After that, she opened the two big doors with a loud squeal. A large cauldron sat in the middle of the room, chained up and covered with a huge metal lid. “Emmeline, dear!” Allura called. The door stopped before it could close, and Emmeline poked her head in. “Would you be a dear, and lift the lid with your big strong arms?” Allura batted her eyes and clasped her hands together.

“Yes, Ma’am!” Emmeline said, striding into the room and heading towards the cauldron. With both hands she lifted the lid, grunting and straining a little. After a moment the lid crashed to the ground with one thud, and Emmeline clapped her hands together.

“Lift him out of the fluid, would you?” Allura asked graciously. Emmeline nodded and walked over to a crank nestled in the corner of the room. It began to click as she pushed and pulled it, and the chains went taut. Allura watched as they rose from the water, taking with them a skeleton, dripping with green fluid. It didn’t move, and Allura stopped Emmeline just before its feet could exit. “Drake Evanteus, was it?” Allura said. “My, you’ve seen better days. I wouldn’t have even recognized you if no one had told me!” She laughed, and the skeleton said nothing. Instead, it just hung there motionless. “Look, you can drop the whole skeleton act. I know what that cauldron is, it's a resurrection cauldron. How you got your hands on one when you were dead is unknown to me.” Again, nothing. Allura looked to Emmeline and pointed a finger up. Emmeline cranked the lever a few more times and the Skeleton’s feet rose from the cauldron. Now he was completely out. “You can’t survive more than a few moments outside of the fluid, yes?” Allura said with a smirk. For a second the skeleton didn’t move before finally its head was thrown up and it let out a long scream. “Drop him back in,” Allura commanded. Emmeline obeyed and let the skeleton fall back in. Drake wrapped his skeletal fingers around the rim of the cauldron and looked at Allura with hollow eyes.

“You crazy bitch!” He said. “I’m not telling you anything, murderer!”

“Aw, all my best features!” Allura mocked Drake. She walked forward until she was just a foot away from the cauldron and stared at him. “We have you, Drake. Be a dear and tell us where your brother is.”

“Never,” Drake retorted. “I will never put my brother’s life in danger!”

“Listen to yourself. You’re acting as if you have a stake in this. As if I couldn’t wave a hand and turn you to ash. As if I couldn’t pull you from this cauldron with my bare hands and watch you die slowly.” Allura folded her arms across her chest and pursed her lips. “You lost, Drake. Empires rise and empires fall, it's just what happens. I won, where is your brother?” Drake didn’t answer and simply regarded Allura. He wasn’t going to crack, Allura knew that. In order to really get through to him, she would have to turn the charm on. She knew what he was like before the empire came crumbling down. She knew the kind of things he liked. I mean, she would readily admit she had partaken in a few things with him. They had even been married at one point. Her face suddenly softened, and she gave him a smile. “You wish for your body back, yes?” Allura said. “You long to feel again?”

“Where are you going with this?” Drake asked suspiciously. Allura approached the rim of the cauldron and looked down at him.

“I can get it back for you,” she said. “And not only that. If you get me Magnus, I’ll give you me.” Allura rested a hand on one of his skeletal hands. Drake looked down at her hand, and then back up at her. “Don’t you want to feel that ecstasy again, Drake? Don’t you remember what we used to share?” Allura smiled.

“Yes…” Drake trailed off. Allura smirked, she knew she had him now. She trailed both of her hands up his arms and cupped his skull in her hands.

“I will give you all of me,” Allura let the words fall from her mouth like a flowing river. “Every curve, every limb, every hole.” Drake’s bones rattled as he shivered. “It’s been ten years since you’ve felt the touch of a woman. If you had your body I wager you’d be hard as stone right now!” She chuckled seductively. Allura leaned over the cauldron and ran her hands down Drake’s ribcage. She then grabbed both of his wrists and placed his hands on her hips. “Do you miss the feeling of my thick ass in your sturdy grip?” She asked playfully, putting his hands on her ass. She felt his bony fingers instinctively tighten around it, and he pulled her close to the cauldron. Allura lifted a leg up, letting her silk robe fall away and expose her silky smooth thigh. She began to enter the cauldron, feeling the warm fluid rise up to her waist. Drake made room for her, scooting to the back of the bowl. “You can’t quit me, you know that,” Allura said softly, scooting close to him. He shook his skull, looking her up and down.

“Mommy…” Drake mumbled. Allura felt his skeletal hands run up and down her back, and she smirked.

“Give me everything I want and I will give you anything you want,” She said. “You may do whatever you please to me.” Drake looked into her eyes as she pressed her forehead against his. “Where is your brother?”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

…

Clarisse stood at the mirror, looking at herself. She was still in her nightwear, her hair not done yet. She could do it herself, but her newfound nobility dictated that she needed a servant to do it for her. This was quite strange, and she was still not used to it at all. She turned around and looked around her room. A large bed with a red velvet comforter and silken sheets was nestled in the corner. She had a vanity, a large wardrobe with many dresses and other clothes, and many paintings adorned the walls. This was very overwhelming. Not one week ago she would have awoken in the basement, in her servant’s quarters. Now she was doted on by many servants and partook in the dining instead of just pouring wine for all the guests. There was a knock on her door, and Clarisse turned to face it. “Um… enter!” She said softly. The door slowly opened, and her new servant girl walked in. Lucienne was her name. She wore a modest servant’s gown, with a cowl on her head.

“My Lady Clarisse,” she said, curtsying. “Would you like help getting dressed today?” Clarisse gave her a warm smile.

“Yes, please,” Clarisse said. This was strange. Lucienne was hired just for her. Clarisse supposed she may have gotten Helena if she wasn’t fired. It made her glad she didn’t have to deal with her anymore. For a split second, she wondered where Helena was and what she was doing. Then she pushed the thought from her mind, realizing she did not care.

“Let us pick out an outfit for the day, shall we?” Lucienne said, moving gracefully over to the closet. “Or perhaps The Lady would like me to draw her a bath?”

“You really don’t have to refer to me as ‘The Lady’” Clarisse giggled. “You may call me Clarisse.”

“That’s so unprofessional, though!” Lucienne said. “It is not befitting of a Lady of the house to be referred to by only her first name!” She shook her head and opened the door to the closet. “Would you like to pick out an outfit, My Lady?” Clarisse walked over to where Lucienne was standing and peered inside the closet. It was a little overwhelming, as outfits stretched back nearly as far as she could see.

“Perhaps you would like to pick for me?” Clarisse said, looking at Lucienne. She was taken aback by this for a moment and then straightened herself out.

“Whatever The Lady says!” She said dutifully, entering the closet. She turned back to look at Clarisse, before looking back to all the outfits. “I think something modest today, no?” Clarisse nodded. Lucienne walked up and down the wardrobe for a moment, before reaching in to pull something out. An emerald green dress, sparkling in the light. Clarisse looked at it for a moment before nodding her approval. Lucienne brought it out and set it down carefully on her bed. “Turn around,” She said politely. Clarisse did so, and Lucienne began to unlace her nightwear. “By the way: Lady Ember Eloux is eager to break her fast with you this morning. She requests you make haste to the dining room.” Clarisse blushed at the mention of Ember. She was excited to see her. Lucienne took her nightwear off, and placed it on the bed, picking up the emerald dress. She helped Clarisse put it on. “Shall I do the Lady’s makeup as well?” she asked.

“I can manage, thank you, Lucienne!” Clarisse said. Lucienne nodded, exiting the room. Clarisse sat down at her vanity and looked at all of the makeup at her disposal. It was a lot to take in, and she looked at herself in the mirror.

Half an hour later, Clarisse descended the stairs and made her way to the dining room. A servant was there to slide the door open for her, and she thanked him graciously. Entering the dining room, she saw Ember was already sitting at the table. She gave her a smile as she entered, feeling completely out of her element. “Hello, my love!” Ember said, giving her a warm smile. “Please, sit,” Clarisse obeyed, sitting down at the table and looking over to Ember. “How did you sleep?” Ember asked.

“Very well!” Clarisse answered. “I’m still getting used to my new bed, and my new room.”

“I can imagine, it's probably been a huge leap for you,” Ember replied. “What would you like to do today?” Clarisse looked to Ember. No one had ever asked her that before. She thought for a minute, having no idea what she should say.

“What do you usually like to do day to day?” She asked Ember. Ember looked at her and smiled.

“I think I know what to do,” she said. “Let’s have breakfast first.”

They dined for the next hour. Clarisse ate a hefty breakfast of eggs, sausage, and toast. She was still not used to these kinds of breakfasts, it only having been a week. As they ate she felt a little awkward in the silence. She had to say something. “Erm, My Lady…” She started.

“You don’t have to call me that anymore, you know?” Ember said. “You may just call me Ember, you are my equal now.”

“Oh, um,” Clarisse stammered. “Ember. Are you going to tell your father and mother about me?” Ember dropped her utensils onto her plate and looked up at Clarisse. Perhaps she had overstepped her bounds with the question. For a moment they sat in an awkward silence again.

“Shit!” Ember finally said. “I completely forgot about them. Fuck!”

“I’m sorry,” Clarisse said softly.

“I have no idea what they are going to say,” Ember bit her lip and put her chin in her hand. “I didn’t even think about that!”

“I don’t expect you to tell them,” Clarisse said. Ember looked at her and bit her lip.

“But… I don’t want to keep you a secret,” She said. “I don’t want to hide you away.”

“I’m flattered,” Clarisse said. “So…”

“I may have an idea…” Ember said, thinking. “My mother forgets servant’s faces as if she passed them on the street. What if you pretended to be from another noble family? What if you were someone else? And we told her then?”

“From another noble family?” Clarisse asked. “Which one?”

“We’ll make something up!” Ember replied. “It should please Mother that you are at least of noble breeding, no? I mean technically it's not a lie, you’re a noble now.” Ember gestured to Clarisse. “We’ll just have to come up with a new name, and a family crest for you. How about that?”

“Oh! Sure!” Clarisse said, smiling at Ember. “That sounds… fun! But what should my name be?”

“It has to be something mother will not question,” Ember said. “Something she can’t check. Subtle, but dominant, yes?” Ember thought for a minute and wracked her brain in thought. “Like… Anois,” Clarisse nearly choked trying to swallow a piece of toast, and shook her head to look at Ember, wondering if she had heard correctly.

“Anois?!” Clarisse said. “The Empress’ family name?”

“The only person my mother respects more than herself is the Empress and all her family,” Ember replied. “If you want her unquestioning loyalty, all you need to do is mention that name. She’ll also be pleased to hear I am planning on marrying a sibling of House Anois.” Ember smiled, pleased with herself. Clarisse blushed. Could she really inhabit all of the qualities of the Empress? She was so stunning, seductive, and beautiful. She felt she couldn’t live up to those expectations.

“When will you see her next?” Clarisse asked, playing with her food a bit.

“In a few days,” Ember replied. “It gives us enough time to come up with a believable story and to get your outfit figured out. Anyway, shall we go out now?” She stood from her seat, and Clarisse quickly stood as well. She was going to pick up her plate but then realized people did that for her now. This was going to take some getting used to.

…

Magnus cranked the bucket up on the well and took some water from it into the palm of his hand. He poured the water into the pot, and the flesh-colored plant shivered as it seeped into the soil. He didn’t really go over the proper way to take care of it with Drake. He supposed it was just like any other plant. Water it regularly, place it out in the sun, and let it bask for a bit. He was obviously doing something right, as it was growing. Did it need blood? It was a weird question to ask, but maybe it did. Maybe water was good enough, but blood would be better. Next time he watered it, he would try it.

“Oy! Jean, right?” Magnus turned around to see who was there. It was the woman from last night. Gabrielle was her name if he remembered correctly. She stared at him with her arms folded across her chest. “There’s someone looking for you. Didn’t mention your name but I thought you ought to know, you fit the description. A huge man with a big gun along his back, he was with a little girl too.”

“What?” Magnus asked. “A bounty hunter?” Gabrielle shrugged.

“I would make myself scarce if I were you. He did not look happy,” Gabrielle gave him a pitiful look and turned to walk away. Magnus held the pot close to him and stole away from the well. Finding a small abandoned home with the roof caved in, Magnus entered, trying to find the least noticeable place he could that was still near a window so he could peer out of it. He set the pot down and did his best to hide. At his size, it was difficult. Positioning himself under the windowsill, he peered over it. There was nothing yet. His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword. As he gripped it, he saw a figure rear from around a home. It was a familiar-looking man, older in years.

“Xavier Loupe,” Magnus whispered to himself. It was; he would recognize the square shoulders and stocky figure anywhere. And that blunderbuss, it still sent shivers down his spine what Magnus had seen done with that weapon. And in toe was a little girl, dressed in all leather like a rogue. Magnus furrowed his brow at her. Did he have a new apprentice? She was very young. It didn't matter, he had to get out. He had so much work to do, but he also couldn’t risk being found this early. Magnus flinched at the sound of a door being kicked open. He quickly crouched and made his way from the abandoned home. Quickly, he made his way for the wheat field, which was just now sprouting. Once he felt he had gotten far enough, he started to run across the field. He made his way as far as he could until he got to the river. Looking behind himself, he felt he had no time to find a bridge. He jumped in and began to wade. The river was deeper than usual with all the rains, however, and Magnus had trouble getting across. His big burly body, coupled with the sword weighing him down was difficult to deal with. When he was about halfway he lost his footing. The current swept him up, and he didn’t remember anything after that.

He didn’t know where he was when he woke up. On some remote beach soaking wet. He felt himself for the sword, and when he finally got his hands around the hilt he sighed in relief. But then the thought hit him. The pot! Where was the pot?! He searched around his robe, trying desperately to find it. But it was not there. He became more frantic, searching around the beach. If the current had brought him here, then surely the pot should be around here somewhere. He searched for the better part of an hour but found no sign of it. He overturned every rock and waded into the shallow waters to look for it. It was long gone, he had no idea how long he had even been out. A day? A week? Maybe just a few hours. Magnus cursed and stomped on the ground angrily. He should not have tried to ford the river, he should have just found a bridge. Now his brother's heart was probably lost to the river, he would never get his body back. After a lot of screaming and thrashing, Magnus finally sat down on the shore and buried his face into his hands. He was beet red, convulsing, and shivering. He used to rule an empire. The people would move a mountain if he had commanded it. And now he was crying like a child who didn’t get his way, alone by the flowing river.

He stood up. He had to control himself. He was being hunted, by a damn good bounty hunter no less. First, he would find a quiet village and hide there for a bit. He would find something to eat and somewhere to sleep, and then he would keep moving. He knew that Xavier would not give up, and he wouldn’t either. He would stay away from the city until he had to go back for the birth of his daughter. Walking into the dense thickets in front of him, he silently wished Drake was okay. He would find his heart again, no matter how long it took.

He walked well into the night, searching endlessly for a sign of civilization. When he was just about to give up hope, he saw it. A small and quaint strip of buildings, no one around. It must have been nearly midnight, so Magnus didn’t think anything of it. He limped into town, exhausted and beaten down. He was still damp, sometimes dripping onto the dirt road. There must have been an inn open, or at least somewhere he could sneak into and sleep. This place was a lot different than Anoisn. Nearly desolate, it looked abandoned. Magnus found what looked like an inn, with light spilling from the bottom of the door. He trudged up the steps and into the small building. There was a young man sleeping behind the bar, and no one else there. Magnus approached slowly. “Hello?” He said. Stirring, the young man blinked twice and then looked at Magnus. “Looking for somewhere to sleep,” Magnus said.

“Yeah?” The young man said. “Never seen you before. What happened to you?” He looked down at Magnus’ wet and mud-caked robes.

“Fell in a river,” Magnus said matter of factly. “Can I have a room or not?” The young man threw his hands up.

“Yeah, there’s always one available. Right now they all are. One gold piece.” Magnus slapped it down on the bar, and a key was thrust in his direction.

“Do what you want but keep the noise down, I’m trying to sleep.” The boy leaned back again and shut his eyes. Magnus took the key and headed down the hall. He found the door to his room and opened it. The room was a mess, the bed not even made, and cobwebs lining the ceiling. But it was a place to stay. Magnus took his robe off and fell into the bed. As he stared up at the web-filled ceiling he thought of Marella. He wondered if she was doing okay. She was probably showing now. Hopefully, she didn’t miss him too much. He was never as good a husband as he could be, not being able to love. It was a bit sad, but there was nothing wrong with him. There was nothing wrong with not being able to love. He had no disease, nor was he uncaring. Soon though, he knew, he would have to choose between his wife and his empire. The thought sent shivers down his spine, and he tried to push it from his mind as he rolled over to fall asleep.

…

Xavier and Rebecca followed the frantic footsteps through the wheat field. They were big and deep, leading to the river. They couldn’t actually go into that beast of a river, Xavier thought. Magnus must have been dumber than he reckoned. Rebecca ran ahead of him, following the footsteps until she got to the river. “He jumped in!” Rebecca confirmed, pointing to the footsteps which stopped right at the river.

“He’s either mighty brave or mighty stupid,” Xavier commented, looking ahead and following the flow of the river. “We aren’t stupid, are we?” He looked down at Rebecca, who shook her head. Ruffling her hair, he thought. “We’ll follow the flow for a time,” He said. “There’s no way he wasn’t swept away by the fast current. It’s strong this time of year.” He repositioned the blunderbuss on his back into a more snug position and beckoned Rebecca as he began to walk along the shore. Rebecca followed him closely, and they walked for a time. The sun was just beginning to set below the horizon, and the world was bathed in a hazy blue as the light began to disappear.

“Hey, look at this!” Rebecca said excitedly, reaching down by the shore. When she turned, Xavier saw the pot in her hands. It was empty.

“Hm,” he said, taking it from her and examining it. “It would be too much of a coincidence to say this wasn’t the same pot with the heart. But where is the heart?” He thought for a moment, and so did Rebecca.

“Well, it’s living isn’t it?” Rebecca said. “Maybe it… walked away…?” Xavier looked down at her and thought.

“That is just stupid enough to make sense,” He said, dropping the pot on the ground. “So, now we have two things to look for. This is getting more complicated.”