It was the sensation of being shaken that woke Sybil up again. Everything was still bleary when she tried to open her eyes and she wanted nothing more than to close them again. A groan escaped her lips and she tried to sit up, only to have an arm pull her back down to where she was laying.
She was in a carriage. A cloak that had traces of snow on it had been draped over her, and she looked up to see that she had been resting against Shaw’s lap. Sybil once more tried to move, only to be forcefully held in place. “... L-let me go.” When she tried to speak, her voice came out in as a croak instead of a whisper.
“Go back to sleep. You’re being taken someplace safe.” He moved his hand over her eyes so she wasn’t able to see anything.
“... Just you?” Normally Shaw was always at Duxton’s side, and she had Beat. Did they somehow know that strange woman or that necromancer?
He let out an annoyed sigh. “Just me.”
Sybil gave a nod and closed her eyes again. Her arm still hurt, but it seemed like Shaw had been using his magic to heal it. Weariness was more in control than her curiosity. Her senses faded quickly, and it still felt like it was night when she woke again. She didn’t want to open her eyes. Every time she did, it seemed like there was going to be either some strange or horrid scene awaiting her.
That’s when the image of Barcus’ body hit her mind. His eyes were wide but glazed over, and his mouth ajar from when he had gasped his last breaths. She had been lying in a slumber right next to him... What had happened to her while she was asleep? Or was it all just some horrid dream?
“Alton…” She called out for him in a pained manner. Sybil could hear someone lean over her and brush the hair away from her face. A fever must have broken out while she was asleep, as there was sweat on her brow and her skin felt dirty. When he pulled away, she grasped at his sleeve. “Please don’t leave me.”
There was a pause, and then he lifted up the covers so he could lie down next to her. She pulled herself closer to him and buried her head against his shoulder. He felt warm while she felt chilled to the bone.
“... It was horrible, Alton. I wanted some fresh air, and suddenly Barcus was there. He used his magic to push me off the balcony. I had the worst dreams after I lost consciousness... There was some necromancer there, maybe Vex, or someone who looked like him, I don’t know... I don’t want to think about it anymore. I want someone to tell me that everything that has happened was just some horrid nightmare.”
“Shh…” Was the only reply she got.
His hand went to her cheek and he lifted her chin up so he could press his forehead against hers. As his locks brushed up against her, they felt damp and cool in contrast to his hot skin. The smell of bathing oils invaded her senses. He must have just finished washing himself off…
Sybil lined up her nose with his as they laid there in silence. She hated that she didn’t mind when he was clingy like this. Even if he was a controlling ass, he was trying to give her a place in this world where she could do some good. And if she failed, he’d be by her side to help pick up the pieces and give her perspective on what she could do to be better.
Maybe that’s what she needed in a partner. He really was everything that she could ask for and yet she still wanted to resist him. She had even chosen to become his wife and yet she still refused to let her heart open up. At this point, she had trouble understanding why that was. What was wrong with giving in now?
Sybil’s voice came out as a nervous whisper. “I used to be in love with you, but… But now I’m just afraid. I don’t know how to feel anymore.”
Her head gave a slight tilt so she could kiss him, but he looked off to the side so that her lips brushed against his cheek instead. He then eased head against his shoulder. A weary sigh escaped him as he settled in.
Sybil took comfort in his grasp for the few hours that followed, sleeping soundly in his arms. When she woke again, she could make out the sounds of birds singing as they perched by the window. Her grip tightened against his shirt and her toes scratched at his ankle. This spot made her happy. She didn’t dare lift her head in fear that it could be another dream.
“Are you awake?” He gave a tired nod and began to play with her hair as she spoke. Every once in a while, his nails would dig against her scalp in a pleasant manner. “... I saw Zyris at the event last night.” She let out a weak laugh. Her body still hurt. It was like she had been running for hours yesterday. “He… He seems to have a thing for Caitlin now. I guess it makes sense why Zani and Chickadee didn’t want me visiting the Cully family.
And please don’t be offended... I knew I was giving him up when I chose to go to Braytons. I knew that. I really did. It’s not like I’m not happy with you, but it’s been half a year and I find myself still thinking about it. Not just Zyris, but with everything that’s been happening.
I find myself wondering what else I gave up on when I left the core. It feels I gave up everything... I don’t want to go back, but I can’t help but to miss it. Especially when it feels like I’m not moving forward anymore.”
He didn’t give her a verbal response. His hands started to massage her back and he leaned his head in so that he could slowly nibble at her neck. She inhaled sharply and tilted her head to the side so he would have an easier time.
“... I could use some words of advice here,” she whispered. Instead, he grasped at her all the more firmly and growled as he bit into her skin. A thin whine came out as she completely forgot what it was she was complaining about.
“What are you...”
She opened her eyes and realized that she didn’t know this bedroom. It wasn’t hers or Altons. Sybil recognized that the decor was similar to the hotel where Duxton was staying. Was that where Shaw had brought her? Patting herself down, she noticed that wasn’t wearing a nightgown or her dress. It was a man’s tunic over her underwear.
“... W-what is happening?!”
“You certainly take forever to come to your senses.” Duxton sat up. “I’ll admit, I only had a passing interest in you before, but seeing how easily you can get into it...” He gave her a wild look full of arousal. “I’m starting to like the idea of there being something not dull about you.”
“Don’t you dare touch me!” Sybil pulled the blankets up and around herself. “Tell me what’s going on! Why am I here and not at home?!”
He put a hand on her leg and she pushed it away. “Save the questions for later. You’ve left me burning for a woman’s touch... Take some responsibility for your actions and lay back down. I promise that you’ll enjoy it.”
She shook her head. “No.” The thought of him even thinking that way left her shaking with disgust. “Tell me what’s going on right now. Why am I here? … Also who changed me?” There were so many pressing concerns that she didn’t even know where to begin.
“Beat did.” Sybil grimaced at the idea. Better him than either of the other two she supposed. “I sent Shaw to find you after I saw the fish flitting about. He found you unconscious in the snow. You had a broken arm. We assumed the railing gave way on its own and the snow broke your fall.
The mage, Barcus you say..? He got away. I’ll be certain to tell the guard to keep an eye out for him. Shaw attempted to treat your wounds but all you did was mutter before passing out again. He gave you some pain medication and we sent word to the fish’s estate that we had taken you to a hospital. You don’t seem well though. Lie back down and both of us will take our time to relax... There isn’t a rush for you to go anywhere just yet.”
“It’s morning. I would like a change of clothes and to be taken home immediately.”
Sybil moved to take a stand while keeping the blankets around her but Duxton grabbed her elbow. He yanked her back to the bed and a bracer made of orange energy appeared about her wrist. This was used to pin her down as he forced her on her back. Duxton quickly grabbed at her other arm as she tried to push him away, and another bracer wrapped around her wrist so that couldn’t move.
When she opened her mouth to scream, he clamped his hand over her mouth. “We have a deal, remember? I get your company whenever I want it. In exchange, I leave your friends alone... It’s morning. While the sun is out, you belong to me.”
Duxton frowned as Sybil bit at his palm. He pulled his hand back to look at the severity of the injury. An animalistic growl escaped his lips as he put his palm to his mouth to lick away the blood.
“You said you would never try to assault me. You’re breaking your end of the deal... I wish to leave.” Sybil tried to pull at the restraints, but her body was still feeling drained.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“No. You’re going to lie there and enjoy conversing with me.” He laid down on his side and watched her struggle against the restraints.
“I don’t want to talk to you,” she argued back.
He shrugged. “I know... You want to talk to the fish. You must have hit your head hard if you had mistaken me for him.” Duxton sighed and smoothed out his bed head with his fingers. “And you didn’t need to snap out of it so suddenly when I had just started to have some fun… Why are you even complaining so much? Do you know how many women would kill to be in your position?”
“This isn’t a comfortable position to be in.” Sybil yanked against her constraints, but they refused to budge.
“Are you even able to comprehend how much power you have at your disposal? There was a reason why you have not been allowed to leave my side... Once you’re more established, a single word from your lips can overthrow the duke.
Yet your mind is still trapped in that hole you were born in. You’re a toad who found its way out of its well and wants nothing more than to go back to your prison rather than take advantage of the world around you. Is what you have right now not good enough for you?”
Was this the prince’s way of giving a pep talk? It didn’t feel like one... This felt like abuse. Especially as he firmly tapped his finger against her temple as though that would help get his words through. She had no idea where he was going with this, but she would much rather not be restrained to a bed while he said it.
“... I don’t know.”
Barcus’ last words were in her head. He was a knight of this city, and murdering her was for the good of Carapace. Was it because she had gained so much power with so little effort? She had been forced into this position, but she certainly wasn’t a danger to anyone.
“What if I offered you more? Would you be happy then?” He rolled on top of her and placed his hands on her shoulders as he straddled her legs. “Right now, you’re in bed with the future king…
I can give you Lustro. I don’t mean that in the way I do with my usual harlots, I will truly give you whatever you ask for and even more.” He lowered himself down, and his breath felt hot as his lips brushed against her ear. “If you were my consort or even my queen, would you be happy then?”
Her breathing became shallow. She strained to pull herself away from him as he blew into her ear. “You don’t want me... The only reason why you put up with me at all is because you want to hurt Alton.”
Duxton pushed himself up so he could stare down at her again. “He must have told you about his birth family, has he not? Alton isn’t human. Get that through your head. You have had only a taste of their mental illness, but the danger is real.
Wulfric ignored their disease and it led to his death. The same will happen to you as long as you let him drag you about. As the one who understands that best, it is my role to protect you. Regardless of how I have to do it, I have a responsibility to free you from this burden.”
Sybil let out a scream. Her feet kicked upward, but he used his weight to pin her down. Shutting her eyes tight, she wished herself away from this place. She would give anything for the chance to get away from him.
That was the moment with a horrific chill overtook her senses. Sybil’s body turned into a thin mist that struggled to keep any sort of form. Duxton fell through her. His hands pawed at a mist as he began to panic.
Floating away from the bed, she became whole again once she reached the door. The experience left her feeling torn apart. Every ounce of her body was screaming in pain and begging for her to stop. Her nails scraped at the door as her legs gave out from underneath her. Fingers catching at the doorknob, she managed to use the last of her strength to pull it open, only to come face to face with a set of boots.
Beat was standing over her. Instead of looking at her, he was glaring at the prince, seething in absolute rage. Duxton’s eyes had gone wide in confusion as he twisted about and stared at the pair. Sybil was scooped up by Beat, and he slammed the door shut with his foot before he carried her to the couch.
This was the suite that she had been to many times before. The couch she had been set down on had pillows and blankets on it, as though Beat had slept here. That must have been his room that she had been set down in. Beat set her down and knelt before her, immediately checking her left arm first.
“Did he do anything to you?” Beat wrapped a quilt around her shoulders as she nodded. “... I won’t let him touch you like that ever again.”
“Why wasn’t I brought home?” She asked quietly. Her voice was shaking.
“The state we found you in was questionable. This location was closer than the Toval Estate, and the security is better. We wished to keep you guarded and away from the media’s eyes until we understood what happened.” Beat stood up. “I slept out here to give you privacy…
He must have snuck into my room when my defenses were down. I apologize. I would have removed him if I had realized it sooner. Neither Shaw nor I tolerate this sort of behavior from him. I want you to know that.”
Sybil nodded. “... I know that.” If Beat was supportive of Duxton’s actions, he wouldn’t have removed her from the room in the first place. Her eyes kept darting between him and the door. It didn’t seem like Duxton was going to come out anytime soon.
“... I’m sorry that I was not there to protect.” Beat crossed over the room again and placed her sword on her lap. “Mister Tuton had asked us if we had seen you, and we expanded our search to outside of city hall once it seemed like you had left the party. You were found some distance away in an alley, and that was next to you.
Some time had passed since you fell off the balcony. You had a broken arm and a mild case of hypothermia. Shaw treated your wounds and brought you back, but you didn’t regain consciousness. Your clothes were ruined. I changed you and put you in my bed. You weren’t quite coherent but we assumed that you had been attacked. We have people looking into it.”
Her hand went to her mouth as she looked down at the sword. If she had anything in her stomach, she’d probably vomit it right back up. It wasn’t a dream. It couldn’t have been. Barcus was dead, and someone had done some sort of ritual on her... They even returned her sword to her, but how and why? Was what Iath told her true? Was he even there in the first place?
“I... I-I don’t remember what happened.” Sybil picked up the sword and clutched it to her chest. Even if she didn’t want to be a god among men, it was at least her responsibility to keep the sword safe until she could pass it on. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I’ll be much help.”
Beat studied her. It didn’t appear as though he believed anything she had said. “I will get you a sling for your arm. Do you need to go to the hospital? Paladin magic can only do so much. A cleric will be able to help you more if you are still feeling ill.”
“I’m fine.” That was a lie. She felt absolutely terrible, but she also didn’t want Beat to worry about her.
He frowned at her response and put the back of his hand against her forehead. “There are new clothes waiting for you in the room. I will escort the prince out so that you may change. You will go back to the Toval Estate afterward and take the rest of the day off.”
Sybil continued to clutch the sword as Beat entered his room. Her heart hadn’t stopped racing, as though it had gone out of control. She could hear the two men talking with each other, followed by angry yelling as they began to shout at one another. Duxton then opened the door and strode through the suite.
Duxton entered his own room and slammed the door behind him. Sybil’s cheeks puffed out for a moment. Maybe if she asked nicely, she wouldn’t have to see him for a very long time. Beat returned and asked her to get dressed.
Sybil changed her clothes then waited as Beat put a sling on her arm. It was still sore, and it was covered in bruises. Paladin magic had mended the bones enough that she could use the arm, but pain shot up her arm whenever she bent it.
After she had prepared herself, they took a carriage to the Toval estate. Beat asked if she needed help walking to the door, and she replied that she didn’t. She excused herself quickly and entering an oddly quiet manor. There would normally be the sounds of Zynn playing with Zikor or of Iofea baking in the kitchen, but there was nothing. She clutched her sword to her bosom. Despite her being safe, her chest was still feeling tight.
As she tried to climb up the staircases leading up to her room, she began to grow dizzy. Sybil felt almost fine when she first woke up, but something about her whole body turning into mist had made her feel ill in such an odd way. Her hands and feet were beginning to feel numb. To the point where she couldn’t use them anymore.
She stumbled to her knees and dropped her sword in the process. Why did stairs have to be so hard? Her room seemed far away and she needed a nap. Everything was so cold, and she was desperate to feel warm again. Blankets, warm water, whatever would do it. Sybil grumbled to herself and stood up, only to fall down to her knees again. Stupid feet weren’t working.
“Is anyone there?” Veximarl looked over the railings. “Sybil!” He raced down and helped her stand up. “I know they said they would be giving you medicine to manage the pain, but… Wait, is that your sword?” His face twisted with concern as she began to mumble. “Sybil? You’re not making much sense.”
“I’m fine... Must lie down,” she muttered.
Veximarl put a hand on the side of her neck briefly closed his eyes. “Sybil, you’re… What happened to you?” There were traces of necromancy magic all over her, with a splash of paladin to fix her arm. That and something else he couldn’t identify. Something frightful.
Sybil shook her head. “I… You, fine… Vex not worry…” She shook her head again.
I need you to stay calm... You’re going into shock. If nothing is done quickly, there is a risk that you will expire. I am going to take you to my room and get you some medicine.”
He picked her up and brought her to his room. Setting her down on the bed, he knelt down by his storage chest and started to fumble with his vials of dried herbs. Picking out a gnarled looking root, he rushed over to Sybil and helped her sit up.
“Bite down on this and keep it between your teeth. It will make a slurry with your saliva, and I need you to swallow it.” Veximarl adjusted his blankets and pillows so Sybil could stay sitting up. “It’s going to make you feel absolutely horrid, but it’s better than dying again.”
Sybil did as she was told. A vile tasting mixture bled out from the fibrous material. It was bitter and thick, and she wanted to immediately spit it back out. Veximarl quickly walked out of the room and returned with a teapot, pouring hot water over a mixture of herbs he had placed in a cup.
“Mother, help me,” he muttered to himself. “We were told that you suffered a fall and had been taken to the hospital for a broken arm… An emergency came up and we were unable to check on you right away.” Veximarl stared at the herbs while they brewed before he turned his head to Sybil. “Tell me what happened. I know you are not feeling well, but I cannot treat you unless I know what’s been done to you.”
She shook her head and pulled out the root so she could talk. “I want Zani and Chi here first,” she whispered. “... I want to talk to them.”
Veximarl gestured for her to bite down on the root again. “I understand that, but...” He brushed his hand against her cheek and held it there while he studied her eyes. They were somewhat dilated and glazed over. “There was an ill event last night, aside from your ordeal. I will tell you what happened while the medicine takes effect, but then you will tell me your side of the story.”