Seated at the head of a long table, Faye thought that this was quite possibly the worst day of her life. And she had once fought enemies with a broken arm, in a pit of snakes.

Across from her, Abby smiled evilly. Pure malice dripped from the creepy expression.

The dreaded words echoed in the room.

“Which. Fork?”

Visibly flinching, the general stared down at the three identical forks. They taunted her from their place next to her empty plate. Dread filled her. They all looked the same! Amber eyes glanced around, only to spot two more forks above her plate.

This was the origin of nightmares, Faye decided.

You are a general, the hero of Wenge, she chided herself. Puffing up her chest, the young woman mustered an expression of false bravado.

“This one!” She picked the one in the middle, jabbing the utensil at Abby.

“Wrong! Wong, wrong!” crowed the older woman. She clapped her hands together gleefully.

The Raven General’s forehead twitched. Few dared to talk to her like this.

“Again,” barked Abby.

Pushing her seat back, the young woman stormed towards the door. It was the tenth time they were repeating the exercise, just this morning alone! Per Abby’s orders, she strutted forward, almost tripping on air.

Passing servants peeked in. They gawked at the sight.

“Now enter. No! Back straighter! Walk lighter, like a flower in a river! No! You look like a blind cow! Again, again, again!” drilled the maid. The general looked in between collapsing and spearing the head maid with her tiny fork.

Abby sneered, “By the gods, you walk like a man. Even the peasant children have more class than you!”

Faye wasn’t sure if that was an insult but it sounded like one.

“Why does anyone care how I walk?” grumbled the young woman. Her voice teemed with frustration. They had been at this for days! This wasn’t what she had in mind for appeasing her boredom.

Lessons upon lessons of etiquette and meaningless formalities. At first, the change of pace had been interesting. However, it didn’t take long before they both found out that such things were not the general’s strong suits.

For one who prided themselves on the knack for picking up things eerily fast, the failures for such frivolous things were grating on the general’s nerve (and pride).

Faye sighed. Was this retribution for the endless drills she often made her soldiers go through? But surely that wasn’t as horrible as perfecting the angle of forks after a meal! What was the point of silently signaling one was full or wearing suffocating shoes and balancing on their stick-like legs?

When Abby had made the general practice pouring a chalice of wine perfectly into her “husband’s cup” for the entirety of one afternoon, Faye began to get the sense that the older woman was tormenting her for the mere sake of it.

Groaning, Faye pulled out a random chair and sank into it. The general stuck an elbow on the table, leaning her face tiredly against it. “Where is the lord anyway? Should he not be practicing as well?”

WHACK!

“Hey!” The young woman glared at the wooden stick in Abby’s hands. She growled lowly.

“The lord is out on important business,” snapped the older woman.

“So you had to attack me?” exclaimed Faye, bewildered.

“No elbows on the table,” chided the other. But Faye could make out the unnerving smile creeping on the side of the other’s face.

Rolling her eyes, the young woman rescinded her elbows… only to cross them against her chest. She smirked at the frown enveloping Abby’s face.

“A lady does not cross her arms.” The older woman held out the stick threateningly.

“You are enjoying this too much,” said Faye, ignoring the point. “Can we rest for the day?”

Abby glared at the young woman. “So that you can chop down more of the lord’s trees? Absolutely not!”

Gritting her teeth, the Raven General decided she had enough of the games. Getting to her feet, Faye tore the heels off, chucking the horrid things into the distance. They soared in the air for a good moment, reaching an impressive distance.

“This is meaningless,” snarled Faye. The general stormed towards the door. “I will not entertain you for another moment more.”

She reached as far as the door handle before Abby chose to break her silence.

“Do you think this is a game?” asked the older woman, tone grave and serious.

Faye raised an eyebrow. “Are you telling me it is not? Your nobles parade around in their castles, their ladies even more so. Why?” She gestured towards the fancy table with too many utensils. “Your meal will reach your mouth regardless of what fork you use, maid.”

“It is how we show power,” replied Abby calmly. Her voice took on a lecturing note. “From the table placement to who gets to sit closest to the lord," the older woman sighed, "All of these are how you assert yourself. How we show our power. That is why it is crucial for you to learn!”

“Where I am from,” snapped Faye, “We speak with words and fight with weapons… not cutlery. I think you will find it more efficient and the effects more permanent.”

Unfazed by the clear disgust in the other’s voice, Abby pulled out a chair. The older woman brushed her gray hair behind her ear and took a seat. She gestured to the other chair opposite her.

Faye watched her warily. She did not move to sit.

Abby sniffed, unused to being disobeyed.

“Women in Eburean are not given knives and swords. We must fight with our etiquette and,” she huffed a laugh, “cutlery. We all do what we must to survive.” Her wise eyes landed on Faye’s. “This is as much a battlefield as any other, general. Do you not see? A wrong move will result in death. And not just yours, but all of ours.”

The ominous ring of the words struck a cord within the battle-hardened warrior. Faye was quick to anger, but she rarely let the rage cloud her judgement. It wasn't hard to see the precarious position the Lord of Feldgrau held in the capital. A not-prince who could usurp the throne but had no support. Yet.

“I do not know you very well, girl” said Abby gruffly.

Faye bristled at the title.

“But your eyes are not that of a coward.” Smirking, the old maid gestured towards the table. “Will you run away now because of… some forks and knives?”

The Raven General looked downright murderous. Her lips were downturned and a thick cloud formed between her brows.

Like a furious predator, she stalked forward. The general's footsteps were powerful, reverberating through the floorboards. Staring down at Abby, she leaned forward until they were eye to eye.

“I said enough games,” warned the general lowly. “You will find I do not enjoy repeating myself.”

Shooting out like a viper, her hand struck. It snatched something on the table. The older woman flinched at the sudden action. Her wariness belayed her true unease. The speed was inhumanly fast.

“Enough games.” Face blank, Faye placed the item in Abby’s hand. “For today.”

Turning on her heels, the general walked out of the room, back straight and proud. It was not the walk of a noble lady… but even Abby had to admit it was quite the sight. Majestic… and untamed.

The heavy wooden doors slammed shut. The old maid could hear the servants scurry out of the way. She glanced down at the object.

Unbidden, a stunned laugh burst out of her.

A dessert fork. The last cutlery of any noble evening.

Poetic.

Abby hated to admit it but… the general was starting to grow on her.

She clenched the fork and laughed again.

“Perhaps you were too early to judge her, my lord,” she whispered. It was an admission for her ears alone. The general would be a formidable foe… but a powerful ally in equal measures. And... considering the young woman hadn't erupted into the murdeorus rage like expected... perhaps it wasn't too late to get her on their side. Abby's eyes glinted as a plan came to mind.

—

Cristin paced the study, worrying his lips. “Was it wise to send the letters directly to their estates, my lord?”

From his desk, Nikolai gave a half-hearted shrug. “It is not as if we had any other choice. The fewer hands they pass through, the better.”

“Still,” protested the attendant. “For you to go yourself.” His voice trailed off as he shook his head defeatedly. Cristin was close to glaring at his lord. “You could have been caught! And all of this would have been for nothing.”

A guard could have decided to check his identity, or a visiting noble might have recognized him. Bad thoughts clouded Cristin’s head. How could they ever explain why the Lord of Feldgrau was dressed as a messenger, delivering mysterious missives to some of the most powerful men in the kingdom? If she found out, Rewanna would laugh in glee before throwing them into the cell for treason.

“You have spies in every household, Cristin. Tt was as safe as it could possibly be.” Picking up a page of meaningless words, Nikolai pretended to scan through it seriously. “Besides, there was no choice.”

Squinting, Cristin pointed an accusing finger at the cause of his stress. “That’s starting to become a catchphrase for you, my liege.” The attendant dropped into the seat opposite the lord. Despite his greatest efforts, Cristin could not deny that the Lord of Feldgrau knew the city's ins and outs. With their limited resources, it was true that Nikolai had been the best choice to play messenger.

“How is my dear wife faring?” asked Nikolai absently.

The attendant shrugged, picking at his nails. “Abby complains about her, then compliments her, all the servants fear for their lives around her, and…” He raised a brow at Nikolai. “I hope you aren’t too attached to your great grandfather’s ancient arrow-wood bushes.”

"“And why is that?” Setting down the page, the lord commented, "I did not realize they were at risk. Has something happened to them?"

"They're gone." Still sour from the previous argument, Cristin was blunt. “Along with half of the garden.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

The Lord of Feldgrau stared at his attendant for a good minute, as if attempting to process the information.

Finally, he sighed. Waving a hand, Nikolai beckoned for Cristin forward. “Well, since you have enough time to be counting arrow wood bushes, I have a mission for you.”

“Thank the gods.” The attendant smirked. He leapt to his feet. “What can this humble servant do for you, my lord? Please don’t make it too easy.”

Leaning back from the eager expression, Nikolai warned, “Don’t get too excited. This is important.” Clasping his hands together, he rose from his chair and approached the window. The lord stared out at a specific part of the city in the distance.

“I want all the information you have on Lucky Charm.”

Cristin’s eyes bulged as he did a double-take. “The brothel?” he exclaimed.

Blue eyes glinted mischievously. “Don’t be a prude, I’ve heard they serve excellent meals and music there nowadays as well.”

But the words did little to comfort the attendant. Cristin stared at his liege like the other had grown a second head. Since when had Nikolai grown an interest in such places? And if he wanted to experiment, why now in enemy territory? Cristin almost cried at the absurdity of it all.

Unfortunately for him, Nikolai was unaffected by the poor man’s plight.

“I want you to look into securing a private room,” said the lord. “Large enough to host the pleasure of ten lords who desire the utmost… privacy.”

Suddenly, Cristin’s eyes dawned with understanding.

The attendant nodded along and asked seriously. “And are the people to know that this is a request of the famed ice prince himself?”

“The queen mother has long wished for me to be half as promiscuous as her son, and now,” Nikolai laughed, but it was a sound without any joy, “Rewanna wishes to use my ill-fated marriage as a leash. I see no reason why I shouldn’t entertain her desires.”

Hesitantly, the attendant asked, “And the general?”

The question gave the lord pause.

Cristin sighed. For such an intelligent man, his liege could be quite dense. Most married women would be furious at the thought of their spouses heading to a place like the Lucky Charm. Based on what little Cristin had seen of the Raven General and his experience with Wenge warriors, the general would be more than livid. Although the grasslands often practiced polyamorous marriages, the young woman was quite firm in her stance on fidelity. Cristin shuddered. Although he found it hard to imagine the young woman breaking into tears, the Raven General might just murder his lord based on the principle of the entire thing.

“Let her confront me if she wishes…” Nikolai was hesitant to admit that he had forgotten to consider what Faye may be led to believe. Or her reaction to such news. Either ways, he had to see the bigger picture. “The plan takes greater importance.”

In all likelihood, Faye would likely be busy chopping at the rest of the estate to notice. That was if she even cared to check in the first place.

After their encounter in the stable, the Raven General had not even bothered to ask after his missing presence. Nikolai could only hope that their tiny bubble of peace would last, and not be to his detriment.

"Very well then." Bowing their head, Cristin promised, “Consider it done, my lord. All of Eburean shall know of it by the fortnight.”

—

The latch to the roof jiggled. With a grunt, a figure shoved it open and pulled themselves out. They squinted at the bright sunlight and sighed happily at the breeze.

Fresh air at last.

Faye squatted, aware that the wind could offset even the most balanced of assassins. She wasn’t suicidal.

Her amber eyes glanced over the cityscape. It was a different beauty compared to the grasslands she had known all her life. The general had never known that men were capable of building homes as tall as the wall she had encountered near the borders. There was color lining every alley of the street as the festivities for the new year continued.

Listening behind dark corners, Faye had gathered that a great week-long celebration was to be held at the end of the month.

Throat itching, the young woman pulled out a leather pouch. Uncapping it, her eyes formed eager crescents as the familiar burn of the drink trickled down her throat. She enjoyed the flowery but fiery aftertaste of it.

If there was something that she appreciated more in Eburean, it was the drinks. Who knew so many flavors existed?

Wiping her mouth with her sleeves, Faye sighed. The young woman stared back at the city. Her fingers clasped together, twisting and turning unconsciously. It was a habit from childhood.

The lock of the hatch jiggled once more.

Calmly, Faye’s fingers brushed over the hilt of her dagger. She had not brought her sword up to the roof.

The hatch burst open and slammed against the roof. Glancing over her shoulder, Faye stared.

A tuff of hair popped up, followed by blue eyes. There was a childlike eagerness in them. However, it faded into guardedness as soon as it landed on her.

It had been days since the Raven General had seen her husband. Surprisingly, the man looked gaunt, dark circles lining his under eyes.

He looked torn between leaving without a word and offering a polite excuse.

“Come up if you wish, I won’t disturb you.” Faye settled the decision for him. Holding out the leather skin, she gestured towards the vast expanse of the roof. “There’s plenty of space… And it is your house after all.”

Pausing for a moment, Nikolai pulled himself up. The wind ruffled his hair like an old friend and his chilly expression melted slightly.

Surprisingly, the young man took a seat by Faye’s side. “Somehow I’m not surprised you found this place.” He paused, “I used to come up here with my brother when we were children.”

Taking another sip, amber eyes floated over to land on Nikolai.

Sensing the heavy gaze, the lord offered, “I apologize for Abby. I hear she has been tough in your lessons.”

But the Raven General chuckled, “It is fine.” She shrugged, “The woman is growing on me. Slightly.”

“That is… reassuring,” decided the lord, unsure what to make of the sentiment.

Smiling, the general nodded, “Abby reminds me of an old caretaker. He used to get on my nerves as well. I could never decide if I wanted to strangle or thank them.” The young woman paused, “Not that it mattered in the end.”

A breeze blew between them.

“What happened?” asked Nikolai. He didn’t expect an answer.

A loose strand of hair fell, framing her face.

“I killed him.”

The words reminded him of who he was sitting next to.

Faye spoke of death in a way that was both emotionless and detached. As if the Raven General were stating a plain fact. Nikolai supposed that in a way, she was.

With that, the general got to her feet. Taking another swig from the leather pouch, she headed for the latch door. Reaching down, she took ahold of it with familiarity from handling it these past few days. The young woman lifted the heavy metal easily.

“Why?” Nikolai faced away from her, staring resolutely at the cityscape.

Faye studied his back.

“Where have you been these few days?” she asked instead. "Why does a foolish prince look so haggard and spend his days locked in his study, writing missives and letters?" Faye raised an eyebrow. "I would worry of a mistress, but I fear that you may be doing something greater."

Silence. But it was answer enough.

There were secrets and mistrust as wide as the sea between them. It was not something a conversation on the roof would magically solve.

"Faye, why are you really here?" Nikolai's blue eyes studied hers. "I hear your father has many daughters. Why send his most valued soldier? Why would you agree?"

Faye looked away. She took another swig from the pouch. Wiping her lips with the back of her tunic, she sighed, "In truth, husband, I could tell you." She smiled sadly. "But then I'd have to end you. And wouldn't that be a pity?" She shot him a smirk. "I wouldn't want the blood of such a beautiful man on my hands. The goddesses would curse me."

Nikolai finally looked away. It was clear they would not be getting answers from each other. He sighed, "Can I at least trust you?"

"You shouldn't," came the immediate reply. "But-"

When he glanced over, Nikolai could see the guardedness in Faye's eyes. "But what?"

"Trust that I am as much a prisoner here as you are," she chirped cheerfully. Faye got to her feet. "Or maybe I'm slightly less, the whole treaty letting me leave for battle and all that."

Nikolai shot her an unimpressed look. Faye took it heartily and patted his head like he was a child. Her husband froze at the motion, eyes wide. She smirked, "Not to worry, husband. You're pretty enough that I will return to you." Her scarred hands ruffled his hair, marveling at the softness.

The Lord of Feldgrau batted her away. "Can't say the same," he grouched.

"For now," offered Faye, somehow making it sound like a threat. Nikolai shivered.

The latch door flipped open. Pocketing the pouch, the slim figure slipped through. Amber eyes gleamed.

“Until next time, husband,” called the general.

And they disappeared under the door.

Nikolai waited for the sound of climbing down the ladder to fade. When it did, he let out a bone-weary sigh. Unlike his stoic expression, the young man’s heart was beating like a rabbit. The Lord of Feldgrau rubbed his face tiredly.

Faye was scarier when she was being civil!

—

The Raven General yawned loudly.

Although it was much later than the usual time she rose, the young woman had spent the night before pouring over the lineage scrolls of each noble family.

Her thoughts flashed to the young scholars on the streets. No wonder they were so ruffled and desperate. She would be too if this type of torture was her every day!

A ruthless finger flicked the back of her head.

The Raven General could only weakly glare at Abby.

But the older woman was already striding down the hall.

When she noticed Faye hadn’t followed, she turned and snapped, “Well, come on! Do you expect me to carry you or something?”

Getting the cue, Faye rose tiredly. She trudged forward until she reached Abby’s side.

Huffing at her disheveled hair and groggy eyes, the older woman huffed, “It is a gift from the lord.”

That got the young woman’s attention.

“A… gift,” she gaped. “What do you mean?”

But Abby was already unlocking and pulling at a wooden door. Without ceremony, the older woman headed down the stone staircase behind the door. The older maid grabbed one of the flaming torches inside, lighting the dark stairwell.

The two descended the stone staircase. Unfamiliar guards patrolled below. Abby ignored them and continued forward. Although they eyed the Raven General with suspicion, none dared to say anything much less stop them. The lord’s trusted head maid was at the young woman’s side. They were all men and women of Feldgrau. Abby was one of the lord's most trusted people.

Faye followed in awe. “I didn't known this place existed,” she admitted.

The stonework was impressive, and the chilled air of an underground layer filled her with excitement. What secrets were hidden behind these ancient walls?

Finally, they reached the end of the hall.

Pulling out a ring of keys, Abby counted the keys quietly to herself. She flipped past keys as she counted silently. Finding the right one, the older woman sighed. Then, she stuck the rusted metal into the hole and turned.

The wooden door swung open.

Stepping inside, Faye gasped at the sight. Her amber eyes widened considerably.

Before her was a grand armory and training room.

“Can I?” she asked Abby meekly.

The older woman was shocked at the tone. It almost sounded… ladylike. She nodded, trying to hide her distress.

Sprinting off, the general began to fawn over the different armor and weaponry in the space. They tried the training mats and nodded in satisfaction at the training dummies stuffed with fresh hay.

As if the thought was finally dawning on her, Faye turned to Abby. “You said this was… a gift?”

The head maid nodded. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out the short note the lord had handed her yesterday. Abby held it out to Faye.

The general took it gingerly, her usual brashness mellowed by shock. Unfolding the page, her amber eyes scanned the note’s contents.

”Dear Wife,

Those bushes you murdered were one of the few lasting legacies of my ancestors. Next time you wish to vent your violent tendencies, I ask that you do it here instead. Whatever you wish for, the servants will bring.

Spare the trees.

-Your Suffering Husband"

Faye rolled her eyes. She tossed the note aside. The paper fluttered and flew to the ground forgotten.

Abby gaped at the action.

Was there not a romantic bone in the young woman’s body, she anguished. Abby frowned. She had thought such an action would lure the general's favor. But the young woman seemed unresponsive to the thoughtful gift! Although it was true the lord intended to use it as a diversion, the nature of the gift was quite sweet.

Amber eyes scanned the room once more. “Abby! Help me bring over these dummies. I wish to test the strength of Eburean spears against my own.” There was an unbridled glee in the general’s voice as she listed all the weaponry she wished to unleash against the dummies.

Abby sighed. Nikolai was not one to give things away thoughtlessly. For him to have had the room cleaned and the secret underground shown to the Raven General... Sweet as it may be, the gesture was completely lost on this dense wife.

“This bow is quite well crafted,” Faye tested the string, tugging on it slightly. “I’ve been meaning to practice my archery against the willow tree. This bow will be perfect!” She raised her new weapon of destruction happily in the air.

Bow in hand, the young woman rushed out. Her skipping form breezed right by the grimacing head maid. “Sorry, Abby. But classes are canceled for today. The willow trees await!”

Abby sighed even deeper. So much for sparing the trees.