Book 1: Chapter 21 - Breaking In [Part 1]
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Under intense scrutiny, some things become vague and indistinct, while others take on a perfect crystal clarity.
- The Human Question, by Gideon de Salavia 378 A.C.
Unleashing the song had unintended consequences—chiefly, it hindered her return journey. Once they slipped into an alley, Seraphina ordered her the three men at her command to hold back the crowd. As for the Bard, they had lost him somewhere in the press of the crowd.
The chasing masses stalled, the path was now clear and with her exceptional Strength came remarkable speed. Even burdened by the unconscious boy slung over her shoulder, she managed a brisk sprint back to the castle.
She smiled, remembering the gain in Charisma her little performance had earned her. Word would inevitably spread that the Duke's daughter had sung for the masses, the people of Sariens. The thought brought a smirk to her lips—or perhaps just a girl who looked like her, she mused to herself.
As the castle came within throwing distance, she glanced at the boy and realized he was quite a bit worse for wear. Perhaps she had bumped him against a few narrow alley walls in her haste. Honestly, though, Seraphina couldn't recall boys being so fragile. Was this a sign of the younger generation growing softer? She shrugged delicately at the thought.
She was not a medical expert, but surely knees weren’t supposed to bend like that. Not to mention that he was bleeding slightly over her dress.
More intent on concealing her recent blunder than acting out of genuine compassion, Seraphina cast Heal on the boy. The Song of the Covenant surged through him, straightening twisted limbs and erasing bruises as if they'd never existed. A truly marvelous convenience, she thought.
Avoiding the main gate, and the inevitable questions from the guards, she headed instead for the servants' entrance. Her parents would learn of her actions soon enough, but perhaps this route would earn her some sympathy and understanding from the staff.
Decision made, she walked confidently toward the entrance as quickly as she could—only to be halted mere yards from safety.
"What have you got there, Lady Seraphina?" demanded a matronly servant, nearly as wide as she was tall. Suspicion edged her voice; she was well acquainted with the young lady's penchant for mischief.
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Catherina had served the de Sariens for years, overseeing those tasked with the castle's drudgery—laundry, cleaning, and other menial labors. A mother of eight, she embodied the term "matron" in every sense, her gruff exterior barely masking a wellspring of care.
Seraphina met her stern gaze. "This one will be staying with us," she declared, authority ringing in her tone. "See that he is fed, cleaned, and bathed..."
As if on cue, the boy stirred, his eyes blinking open in bleary confusion.
"Now, Lady Seraphina, we've had this discussion before. You can't just pick people up off the streets to be your friends," chided Catherina, tsking.
"This boy is an orphan. I am taking him in out of charity. See to it that he makes himself useful," Seraphina commanded.
"Yes, milady. I don't have a heart of brass, and we have room for charity. But can't you see his eyes, Lady Seraphina? The devil's in him and his people. We simply can't be taking him in..." the matronly woman protested. “It wouldn’t be right.”
Time to attempt a bluff. "But my mother already knows of this. She would have stopped me by now, wouldn't she, Catherina?" Seraphina lied smoothly, pressing on before the woman could respond. "This is nothing more than noblesse oblige. We should not judge a person by the color of their eyes but…” she paused for a moment. “...but by the content of their character, right? We should be generous in our charity. I have decided to have a page."
"I know, Lady Seraphina, that the Goddess wishes for mercy when possible. But this... I really can't say, milady," Catherina continued, her concern evident as her brow furrowed in worry.
"I understand you are busy, Catherina, but this is something I want—something that needs to be done. It may take some time to tame him, but tame him we shall. You have experience with boys his age, and Mili can assist as well. We must do our part in the light of the Goddess," the young noblewoman insisted with a firm smile.
"Just for now, I suppose," Catherina relented grudgingly. She could deny the golden girl she had half-raised nothing. Rumors whispered through the castle that Seraphina was special, after all. "But only until I confirm it with the Duchess Anaselena..." she added with a final grumble still clearly disconcerted.
"Of course, but my mother will be persuaded—or perhaps she already knows," Seraphina replied with a sigh. The boy was struggling now, making incoherent sounds in her grasp. She gave him a light tap on the head, which quieted him. Catherina flinched slightly at the display of casual violence.
"I'll leave him to your care. Give the boy a meal and a set of new clothes, at least. If anyone needs me, I'll be in my chambers. Today has been most trying!" she declared, foisting the restless lad over to the woman. "It's very important that you feed him. He's all skin and bones."
At the mention of food, the boy's struggles subsided, his interest visibly piqued. Inwardly, Seraphina smirked. People were easy to sway once you found the right levers to pull.
"There will be food, and regular meals at that. Do not try to run away, or I will find you, and I will be very cross with you. You don't want that, do you understand?" Seraphina said slowly looking him dead square in the eyes. Though she smiled sweetly, there was an unmistakable authority infusing her voice.
Temporarily subdued, the boy could only nod as he felt the full force of her Charisma.
With that, Seraphina de Sariens turned away and headed to her rooms, confident that she had secured a new and useful pawn. It was a shame that he still so young as she needed as much power as possible now!