The man held the dark brush to his face and paused. There was an extra dark smudge on his face. He cursed but not too loudly.

The man glanced behind him at the guard stationed by his door.

Grumbling under his breath, he hurried to wipe away the mistake and reapply the paint.

Despite his natural likeness to the Lord of Feldgrau, there were certain features he needed to accentuate and others he had to hide in order to sell the act. Luckily, his past trade had required fine art skills, which meant he had been practicing for years.

Taking a final look at the mirror, the man shrugged, “Well, good enough.” He twirled around. “About time I get a break from your ugly face.”

The guard only rolled his eyes before heading over. The man lifted his chained hands, smiling when they were uncuffed.

“Do not come back late, Romelo,” warned the guard. “The lord is already displeased with your activities.”

“Cease your worries.” The man waved the concerns off. “Our ice prince has someone follow my every move. What could I possibly do?”

The guard huffed, “Do not be late.”

But Romelo paid no heed as he skipped out of the room. “I’m coming, my precious Elody!”

—

Faye blinked awake slowly. The fog in her mind slowly parted. She winced at the sudden brightness. Raising a hand she tried to block out the piercing glow.

She could make out a blurry figures standing by her bedside. “Too bright,” she croaked, throat dry.

Thankfully, the person was quick to draw the curtains, blocking out the sun’s glow.

Faye groaned and pushed herself up.

“My lady!” squeaked a voice happily.

Multiple hands helped her to sit up. Faye opened her eyes and stared at Aimee and Bian.

The two stared at her with glowing smiles. “It is not like I rose from the dead, stop looking so amazed,” sniffed Faye. “It would take more than some poison to get rid of me.”

Aimee huffed angrily. “Don’t say that, my lady.” She burst forward to hug Faye by the waist. “I was so worried!” The girl sniffled.

“I am sorry for worrying you.” The Raven General pat the little one’s head. Smoothing out her knotted hair. Aimee looked haggard, clothes filled with messy stains. It was not the way a happy child like her should look.

There was the hungry sound of a growling stomach.

“I am well now.” Faye gently pushed the girl away. “Go freshen yourself and eat.”

When Aimee hesitated at the door, Faye’s tone hardened. “I will speak to Bian privately.” She shot the girl a sideways grin. “Go, Aimee.”

Seemingly convinced, the girl left.

Bian approached the bed. A guilty look marred his face.

“You are not supposed to be here.” Faye stared at him in half-surprise. “Why have you not left?”

Although she remembered seeing him before fading to the poison’s effects, she found it unbelievable to see him here. “You defied a direct order.”

Bian’s head lowered. The boy knelt on one knee. He signed, “Please punish me, general.” His eyes did not hold regret. “But I had to save you.”

Faye stared at his resolve, unmoved. But the tense silence only lasted for a moment. Finally, she sighed. What was done was done. She crossed her arms. “What of the message to Livye,” her brows pinched. “There was a reason I wanted to send you, Bian. Please tell me you did not assign it to another.”

The boy reached into his pockets and held out the letter she had written.

His hands began to sign, “The assassin is caught and the danger has passed,” he paused briefly. “If the general still believes in me, I will depart tonight.”

“Bian, it would take more than this for me to lose faith in you.” Faye’s hard expression melted in the heart of the boy’s sincerity. “I would trust no one else, little bird.”

Bian looked up, eyes shining. A small smile broke out on his face.

Faye shifted. The longer she was awake, the more she was anxious to begin moving around. The aches in her muscles and the crick in her neck were telling. She must have been asleep for many days.

“How did you find the antidote?” asked Faye, suddenly curious. Her eyes glanced around. This was not her room… but Nikolai’s. Faye’s face warmed as her heart quickened. The fact she was alive…

“It was the lord,” signed Bian quickly. “Once we brought the assassin back, he made him give up the antidote and had it brewed immediately.”

Faye scratched her head. The assassin did not seem like someone who would give up that information easily. “How did he do it?”

Bian shrugged. It mattered little to him as long as the general was awake and well.

“Maybe he was charmed by Nikolai’s good looks too,” murmured Faye.

Bian stared at her in disappointment but was too polite to object outright.

Faye crossed her arms. “It worked on me!” she protested.

The boy held his head in his hands. Maybe the Raven General wasn’t as recovered as he thought.

—

Sighing happily, Romelo stood in front of the Lucky Charm. The aunties in his village had always said he had a flair for the dramatics. Out in public, he now assumed the name Nikolai the ice prince.

He strolled inside the establishment like he owned the place. It was surprisingly quiet. Most of the early patrons were left over from the night before, passed out drunk on their tables.

To his surprise, Madam Athena was nowhere to be seen. Romelo’s sixth sense tingled with foreboding. He had been a notorious thief for years before the real ice prince caught him. Romelo knew better than to disregard it. Suddenly, his pompous air was gone.

The man slinked into the background, trying to call as little attention to himself as possible. He slid against the wall as he made his way towards Elody’s private rooms.

Taking the lesser known route, he slipped in through the servants’ quarters so as not to be seen.

As Romelo watched, he noticed a notable silence unassociated with the Lucky Charm. The usual chatter and laughter were muted.

Romelo stopped in front of the artist’s rooms, stiffening at the extra voices. There were the shadows of men with swords and a seated woman in a cloak. Then there was the kneeling form.

Suddenly, the artist spoke in the form of the kneeling shadow. “Your Highness,” Elody’s voice trembled. “What can this humble one do for you?”

The seated woman’s voice was sharp, carrying a domineering air. “I wish to know of my son’s visit to you.”

There was a pause.

Elody’s tone was one of confusion. “I’m afraid I have never met with Crown Prince Argan, Your Majesty-“

“Not him,” snapped the queen, because who else could it be, realized Romelo frantically. “I want to know of your meetings with,” her voice lowered, “The Lord of Feldgrau.”

Romelo’s eyes widened.

“The Lord of Feldgrau?” gasped Elody.

“Will you not help this poor mother?” sneered the queen. “I hear he is a frequent patron of yours.”

“He… is,” Elody dipped her head, voice trembling. “What,” she bit her lips, “what do you wish to hear?”

“Everything.”

The artist nodded, “Of course, my queen.” Elody straightened, “I will tell you everything I know.”

At those words, Romelo turned tail and ran. Face pale and heart pounding, he could not leave the Lucky Charm fast enough.

This was bad, really bad.

Romelo cursed himself. If he knew he was going to be in such a mess, he never would have taken this job in the first place. He gulped. The ice prince was going to kill him.

—

In the basements of the Prince’s Residence was a small row of cells.

The bars were sturdy but slightly rusted from the years. In the basement, there was the ever-present scent of iron and mildew that stuck to the air. It was an archaic function of the Prince’s Residence, its use mostly faded over time. Until now.

All the cells were empty but one.

At the sound of footsteps, the two guards peered up curiously. They shot the gray-haired woman a grin. “Abby, what brings you here?”

The old woman smiled weakly. The recent events had taken a toll on the head maid. Her shoulders were hunched and the fight had drained out of her.

Abby held up the meager meal in her hands. “For the prisoner.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

The two guards shot a look at one another.

“Seems a bit wasted on him, doesn’t it?” commented the first. He reached out to take the bread but was slapped away by the older woman.

Abby glared, “It is the lord’s final mercy.” Her words were sharp. “Do not sully it.”

“Apologies, Abby,” stammered the guard. He was confused at the sudden hostility but tried not to show his bruised pride “The one-armed bastard’s to be sent to the royal dungeons tonight. Guess he should enjoy a good meal first.”

Abyy smiled tightly. “Yes.”

Stepping around them, she balanced the tray and carried it to the last cell. Her eyes peered in, almost fearfully.

The hunched form looked up. “What are you doing here?”

Abby lowered herself down. She slipped the meal under the bar and beckoned the assassin closer.

As he crawled forward, he murmured lowly. “Now that you know the truth you must be ashamed.” The man grinned ruefully as Abby’s eyes trailed down to his missing hand. “Disown me if you wish, Mother. I will not hold it against you.”

The assassin reached for the bread. He froze. A weathered hand was touching his face, caressing it softly. He stared into Abby’s teary eyes.

“Oh, Harold,” she sobbed quietly. “My poor boy, what have they done to you. My son.”

“I do not need your pity” The assassin stiffened. He backed away from his mother. “Your precious mistress was the one who took my hand.”

Abby’s eyes widened, then hardened. “Faye did this? But-” She shut her eyes to try and suppress her tears. “How could she, I- My lord should never have married her. He is too kind and she is a savage.”

But her son only sneered, “Kind? Mother, surely you jest. Your useless master tortured me until I revealed the answers he sought.” His eyes burned with hate.

Abby reeled back. “What?”

“They say he is a spineless coward, but the ice prince stabbed me with my poison blades,” he clenched his fist, “Until he got his antidote for that demoness.”

Abby took in her son’s battered form. “Nikolai,” she stammered. “He did this to you?” Then, her voice softened. “But you tried to kill him. Harold, you, you’re a killer.”

“I’m a survivor,” snapped the man, eyes dark and dead. “With no thanks to you.”

Abby flinched like she had been physically struck.

“Now, I see what I always feared to be true,” laughed the assassin. “You will always choose another.”

The guards shifted. They turned to stare, unable to hear their conversation but a moment’s away from storming over.

“Leave, mother,” sighed the son. “I do not wish for our last meeting to be like this. It is best if you forget you ever had a son like me.” He looked down. “I still think of our memories fondly, even if you cannot bear to look at me.”

Abby’s head snapped up. “Do you think so little of me?”

The guards’ armors rustled. “Abby! Are you all right?”

The woman turned to face them and called, voice normal without a hint of a tremor. “Yes, I will be right over.”

She lowered to pick up the tray. “Who do you think set the fire for your escape?”

The assassin’s eyes widened.

“I will not watch my son be taken from me again,” her gentle eyes found his and she nodded at the bread. “Be careful, Harold. Chew slowly when you eat.”

Under the tray, she unstrapped the kitchen knife and slid it into the cell. The assassin was quick to tuck it under his tattered shirt.

Abby’s voice lowered. “The guards switch watch at-“

He cut her off. “I know.” As she left, he reached out for her hand. “Let us meet again, Mother.”

“I-“ Abby’s eyes widened.

“Unhand her!” The guards rushed over and banged at the cell.

The assassin scurried back, clutching the bread to his chest. He curled in on himself.

The guards turned to a frazzled Abby. “Are you injured, Abby? Did he try anything?”

“I, no, he-“ The woman shook her head. “No, he startled me is all. I think he was hungry.” She pushed past them, muttering apologies under her breath. “Please excuse me.” The woman practically ran from the dungeons, stumbling as she went.

The guards turned to glare at the assassin. “If you value your other hand, don’t you dare try anything else.”

The assassin only watched them with dark eyes, refusing to say a word.

When the guards returned to their post, his grimy fingers stabbed into the bread. He smirked as it caught onto something something hard. Ripping it in half, he victoriously pulled out the iron key.

Grasping the kitchen knife, he grinned at the guard’s turned backs.

—

“I need you to send a message to my uncle as well, Bian,” Faye’s grin faded. “The poison from the soup and the poison from the blade are both from Wenge. Twice is no coincidence. There may be a traitor within my father’s council.”

The boy signed, “Should I alert Chief Fadye as well?”

Faye shook her head. “No, we cannot make any moves until we know for certain. The traitor might be watching my father’s every move.” She crossed her arms and sighed, “If I were anyone else, the poisoned blade would have killed me.”

It was only lucky that she had gained a sort of immunity to most of the poisons known to her people. Many revered the Raven General, but it was also a position constantly ridden with danger and envy.

While she was away, her uncle was the only one she would trust.

The Wolf had a high enough ranking to investigate without her father’s permission and loyalty to ensure the culprit would be found.

“Go rest, Bian,” Faye’s words were hard but she meant well. “You have a long journey ahead of you, little bird.”

Bian nodded.

The door slammed open as Aimmee stumbled in, a tray of food in her arms. The little girl grinned widely at the Raven General. “My lady!”

She dropped the platter onto the general’s lap and picked up a spoon as if to feed her. The utensil was quickly taken away. “Please eat, my lady,” Aimmee chirped, “You have to regain your strength.”

By the time Faye looked up, Bian was already gone. She glanced at the opened window.

At the door, she saw Frederick walk by. The olde rboy peeked his head into the chambers. Although the Lord of Feldgrau no longer resided in his own rooms, Frederick made sure to keep to his duties in tidying the room. As their eyes met, he hurried to bow.

She nodded towards him. “At ease, Frederick.” Her voice lowered in case others were listening in. “Bian told me of your help. For that, you have my thanks. Ask for anything within my power and you shall have it. ”

“That is not necessary.” The boy flushed but smiled brightly. “It was nothing, my lady.” He leaned against his broom. “If there is anything else I can do for you, please do not hesitate.”

Faye nodded, “I will.”

With a final bow, the boy left. Aimee stared, gaze shifting between Frederick and the Raven General.

Faye sipped the warm soup.

“My lady, I am glad to see you on better terms with the Lord of Feldgrau,” commented Aimee. “Frederick is very trusted by the lord.”

Faye continued her slurping. “I suppose so,” she managed to say between gulps. “Aimee, please send my things back to my chambers.”

The girl froze, a curious expression coming across her face. “Your chambers?”

“Yes,” Faye set down her bowl. “I cannot keep staying in the lord’s rooms, can I?” The tips of her ears grew red. “I should return to my chambers as soon as I finish this meal.” She picked her spoon back up,

“You wish to return to your chambers?” Aimee crossed her arms, shooting her lady an unimpressed look. “The one you burned down?”

A stream of liquid flew out as Faye spat out the soup. “What did you just say?” “I think I must have heard wrong,” said Faye weakly. Coughing, she pounded against her chest. “Burned down?”

—

Nikolai wasn’t exactly expecting it, but he was far from surprised when the doors to his study burst open and a furious woman stormed inside. After days of silence, he almost welcomed the noise that accompanied her presence.

“Why are people saying I burned down your house?” Faye scowled, amber eyes flashing. “How exactly would I set fire to a room when I was busy saving you from your assassin?”

Nikolai set down his parchment. “It is good to see you as well.”

“You sent your men to start the rumors,” said Faye, crossing her arms. “Just like you did about Rufus.”

The ice prince shrugged, “I required a story that would take attention away from my stepmother’s tale about me and the crown prince.”

“The one of your pitiful battle?” Setting her sword down, Faye stalked forward. She peered down at his relaxed form. “Did her version include striking you while your back was turned?”

“Of course not,” said Nikolai, almost flippantly. “Luckily for us, your act of arson seems to have a stronger appeal with the people. It’s all they talk about, dear wife.”

A book came flying above his head.

The lord loudly protested the attack.

Faye rolled her eyes. “It was not even close to you.”

Shooting her a look, the ice prince picked his parchment up. There was almost a petulant air about it.

“Thank you.”

Nikolai did not look up. “For what?”

“You did not harm Bian despite his identity,” Faye looked away. “And for saving me.”

Nikolai flipped a page. “Bian and Healer Johnathan did most of the work.”

“But you could have forbidden them from interfering,” interjected the Raven General eyes knowing. “I believe there is a part of you that does like me.” She crossed her arms behind her head and sauntered over to his side. “I just need to give you some time.”

The ice prince looked up at her in shock. “I do not!”

“Yes, you do,” sang the Raven General. “You have feelings for me!”

Nikolai held up his hands in defeat. “You’ve lost it.” He pursed his lips, even as a slight flush crawled up his neck. “I was merely repaying your debt.”

But the Raven General refused to listen.

“You like me, you like me!” she crowed, prancing around the room.

“Do not!” The ice prince crossed his arms. “Stop spouting nonsense! Shouldn’t you be resting?”

Faye laughed, “I’m all healed!”

“I would hope so,” grumbled Nikolai. “The tonics Healer Johnathan were the best we could buy without arousing the queen’s suspicion.”

The young woman suddenly froze. She turned slowly to peer at him.

“What?” Asked Nikolai, suddenly afraid of the silence. “Did you wish to be bedridden for longer?”

“You really do like me,” a wide grin broke out on Faye’s face. “Is that why you let me sleep in your rooms all this time? My, what a devious lord!”

“Please stop talking!” groaned the man, burying his face into his arms. “It was the most convenient! Do you think I enjoyed lugging your weight around?” He brushed away the memory of Faye nuzzling into his chest.

“Hey!” screeched the woman suddenly offended. “What are you implying, Nikolai!”

“Nothing!” His blue eyes widened slightly in fear as the Raven General’s scowl grew. “You misunderstood, I meant that it was a delight carrying you!”

“Liar!”

“Stop throwing my books!”

It was at this moment that Cristin walked in.

When the two turned to stare at him, he took one look and raised his hands in surrender. “I will leave.” And he did.

After an exhausting arguing match, the couple sat in their respective chairs. Arms crossed, they refused to look at each other.

“How exactly do you get the rumors to spread so fast?” asked Faye suddenly.

Nikolai was silent.

Faye sniffed, “Never mind.”

“I hire some very loud people,” began Nikolai. “To shout in very crowded places. For days.”

Faye turned to stare at him, an incredulous expression across her face. “You are joking.”

Nikolai shrugged, “It truly works.”

—

At the market, the vegetable vendor suddenly sneezed.

Strange, he thought, it was not allergy season yet.

He rubbed his ears. It was probably nothing. The man turned back to his counter, counting the extra coin he had received from the Prince’s Residence.

“Excuse me,” called a voice. “Can I buy that sack of carrots?”

“Of course!” The merchant smiled, blocking the coins from view. He began to pack up the customer’s items.

“By the way, have you heard of the fire at the Prince’s Residence?”

The merchant’s eyes gleamed. “Well, if you want to know the truth…”