The Onyx chamber hadn’t been used since Ienia had returned home with a broken body. There was no use for it once all his military acquaintances, subordinates and friends abandoned him. Since he had become a person who no longer could protect or challenge others he was essentially useless in their society.
The people he used to trust implicitly showed him their true faces once they knew he wouldn’t die. Once it was clear that he would survive the pity turned into resentment and disgust. If he had died the Royal Tactician title could have been given to another, however, he didn’t die.
He lived and his position was retired. There would never be another Royal Tactician only the title of High Tactician would be given. It was a mercy from the Emperor but it didn’t matter because if he had died he would have been honored rather than the way he was treated now with a retired title. His ego was crushed during those days.
He had not only lost the battle in the Deuha region but he was injured critically by someone he trusted like a brother. The culprit was his former best friend Fhain'dea Lashir. The very person that was scheming against him now.
Fhain’dea had the backing of the imperial family, most notably the Empress. It wasn’t hard for Ienia to conclude after reviewing everything that happened during the year leading up to his defeat. Fhain’dea couldn’t do half of the things he did without the help of someone with a great reach.
The Empress never hid her distaste for him or his family, but the reason why she would join hands with Fhain’dea was beyond him.
At the moment none of that mattered since he had to fight off the current scheme. He didn’t have time to dwell on the past.
Unfortunately, the very room he was in reminded him of the past. It was a strong reminder of everything that was taken from him. He went from the Royal Tactician to a blind, mute, and crippled man relying on others for help.
He would have drunk the Belladonna tea that the Empress sent to him days after the incident if not for Euïya, his mother and sister. The three of them begged him not to leave them. Their sobs had broken his resolve to die. He could not leave them to fend for themselves. Even if he was physically broken, his mind was sharp and his position as the heir to Seukine was the only way to protect his precious ones. He didn't hesitate to become the Estate Master even with his disadvantages because protecting them was what was more important.
As they entered, he could hear the girl's breath hitch. The court was truly something to behold. Though he had not seen it in years, his memory of it was bright and clear. He had spent many evenings concocting plans of action for the emperor. In his memories of the room it was large and imposing with a round table in the center that sat nineteen people comfortably. Above the table was a circular skylight that allowed for natural light to enter the room during the day. A map of the empire was engraved into the table and there were figurines representing their forces and enemy forces. The Onyx room held too many memories for him, good and bad.
Entering the room after so long only stoked the fire burning in his heart. Euïya pushed him at a steady pace as they moved toward the head of the round table. The floral scent in the room was from the attendants cleaning it routinely. It was well taken care of though no one used the room regularly. He had ordered the attendants to care for the room and court regularly.
The soft hesitating footsteps of the young woman caught his attention. She hadn’t the faintest idea where she was to go. Her footsteps earlier were almost silent and each step was taken with care. The woman did everything in her power to prevent attention from shifting to her, but his hearing had become so sensitive that her attempts were in vain. Though it was an admirable trait for a slave, it was utterly useless for a concubine. Concubines fought for the attention of their husband. She was unfit for the position he gave her.
He still had time to send her away or to her death. Death, however, was not an option he was willing to take, but sending her away was something that stuck in his mind. Allowing her to be his concubine would lead to her suffering for the position he bestowed upon her, but sending her away would also lead to troubles. She would be unprotected from Fhain'dea and whatever the general had in mind involved hurting or killing the girl.
It was something he could not allow, even if taking her in this way could backfire and cause his reputation to suffer. Who had ever heard of an Estate Master taking in an impure Danu Ro as a woman of his own? A sixth rank Danu was the lowest person in an Estate, but it was far too late to backtrack now. There was also the matter of the girl’s identity and why Fhain'dea wanted her dead. Her response to stating her family name and rank was unexpected.
Her pulse had quickened, and the hesitation was very telling. Whoever her family was would caused her to be ridiculed. The crest and the withholding of her family name only meant she was of a noble house that had fallen. That was normal if the clan had angered the Emperor. Yet, it was more than that.
She entered his ring of awareness without alerting him. She was a Child of the Golden Lights as he was, but of the few that he had met none was as young as her, nor could they perform such a feat as she had. It was impossible and inconceivable for one to be born outside of the time frame, but he experienced her sudden presence for himself. If she was not one of the children then what was she?
“You must not stand. You have become a Fanu, so you must sit. You are still a slave of sorts but with a certain amount of importance given to you.” Euïya explained it to her gently. The Rini moved away from him probably to guide her to a seat. Funnily his attendant was ready to beat her to death yesterday but now he took the time to explain things to her.
Ienia found his change of heart humorous. Euïya was a fierce servant with a mouth like a whip but a heart softer than a down pillow. He listened as the girl apologized and sat in the seat on his right. He figured she was a quarter of the table away as her voice was neither far nor close to him. It was where she should be. It didn’t take long for the General to appear with his two attendants.
“Not a speck of dust to be found. Your attendants surely worked their fingers to the bone cleaning this unused court for their Estate Master. Though it is a shame that the sight of this room is unseen by so many.” Fhain'dea boldly taunted.
Euïya exhaled stiffly before speaking, “May General Lashir make haste as the noon meal must be served punctually. We have little time.”
“A Rini with such a bold mouth. I do not know of another like you.” The general said taking a seat at the opposite end of the table. Fhain’dea hated to be bossed around by those he saw beneath him. It was a flaw that Ienia still remembered.
“Rini Rei would never attempt boldness. Rini only wishes to convey concern for my Estate Master’s health.” Ienia felt Euïya’s stance shift. Most likely he lowered his head in a facade of humility, especially with the use of formal servant speech.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“Today, the arrangement of Fanu Phi will be settled,” Euïya said as he rested his hand on the wheelchair armrest.
“Yes, we should not procrastinate on such an important matter.” Fhain’dea had a smile in his voice as he spoke.
“Master wishes to arrange the wedding for the next week. It must be done then as it allows for a smooth transition into Seukine. The longer the wait the more Fanu Phi will suffer as the matter cannot be hidden for long.”
“I do not agree with the rushing of this matter. Danu Phi is leaving Asila. Her home for all of her life. Should she be stuffed into a box and brought in under the cover of night? Surely your beautiful wives will find fault with this method.” The general purposely misspoke to remind them what Phirynei was. It was a disgusting blow to him but Ienia would not fall for the bait. The general tapped on the edge of the table with something metallic impatient for an answer. The sound was irritating to Ienia's superb sense of hearing but he had to ignore that as well. Euïya kept still only after a quick word from him. He didn’t need another pavilion scene.
“My master does not wish to hide anything, only to protect the reputation of Seukine. You certainly understand the weight of reputation and dignity. Though General is only acting Estate Master of Asila you must understand Master Seulnine’s priorities in this matter.” Euïya said with such care that Ienia had to stop himself from making an expression and laughing.
The tapping of the metal item stopped.
Ienia kept his face passive even though he smiled inside. An acting Estate Master was a high position but only a figurehead in the long run. Fhain'dea felt the sting of Euïya's words.
“Such an intelligent Rini. Studying the laws and matters of the estates out of concern for the master, right? Surely you must covet what is beyond your birth? If that is not so, then Seulnine you must honor such a loyal companion and helpful servant. He clearly holds you above all else.” Before the Rini could fire off another scathing retort, Ienia shifted in his chair. The Rini took notice of his heftier warning and quieted himself before becoming too unruly. Euïya's loyalty to him made the Rini avoid bringing him embarrassment.
The small girl had not spoken once, not that Ienia thought she would. She barely moved a muscle, seemingly not existing in the room. A trait that could be helpful in many situations. Taking Euïya's hand Ienia thought to end the arrangement meeting quickly for the girl’s sake. She was innocent in all of this but was rapidly becoming stuck in the center of a silent war.
“Master wishes to know what General Lashir wants of this arrangement?”
“I simply want Danu Ro to have a wedding fit for someone ascending. The wedding should be announced as an alliance between our houses.” The man explained.
“Surely you jest,” Euïya scoffed, “Impossible. The Danu’s origin would come to light. That is something unacceptable. Should that happen Seukine will drag down Asila. What will others think once they know that she came from the famed Asila known for obedience and loyalty?”
“Is she to come into Seukine with her head hanging low? No matter the circumstance she should be given some dignity.” The General said with a smile in his voice. His voice was directed at Phirynei. The girl's heartbeat skipped in fear and Ienia quickly came up with a solution for the girl’s sake. Fhain'dea wanted to make a joke out of her.
“Master will allow for an introduction to the Estate but to no one else outside these walls. She will not be known to others outside lest you wish to explain Asila’s hand in this marriage. Others will conclude what has happened on their own.” Euïya was loud and clear on the matter.
“Does the Estate Master of Seulnine not see this as an opportunity to ally with Asila? You must see the need as you and your Seukine are not as protected since that terrible incident.” The words caused a terrible ache in Ienia's chest. Reflections of his memories cropped up at the edge of his mind. His screams echoed loudly in the memories.
“Master states, the alliance between the two would be considered a joke. As the chosen wife is an impure slave. Asila will be seen as sending an inferior representative for marriage. Asila will become laughable and dishonorable. General’s honorable father could not bear such a taint. In addition, Seukine would take some blame for accepting someone so low. It is unacceptable. Fanu Phi was sold by Asila, there will be no alliance for both families' sake.” Euïya spoke so promptly and precisely that the general was grasping for another response once he finished. Ienia was thankful the Rini was so quick to respond since his mind was slightly chaotic. The general's words opened wounds, but Ienia did not dwell as these matters were more important.
“W-well something must be done other than the debut. This child’s mother would be the laughingstock of Asila. Tongues will wag about how she came into Seulnine’s favor.” The second threat didn’t go unnoticed.
“Master states that there will be a small announcement of her home estate but nothing more will be mentioned, nor will a name be divulged. That is all that the master can offer the Fanu’s mother. If she is still unsatisfied, she can be sold to Seukine or gifted as part of her dowry so that she can remain at her side.” Ienia heard Phirynei's movement at the offer. She wanted to say something but was afraid to speak in front of her superiors. He prompted Euïya to ask her.
“Fanu Phi what do you wish to say? Speak now and clearly as this may be your only chance.” Euïya said.
The girl's voice came slow and shaky as she spoke, “F-fanu Phi wishes to have her mother as a dowry. Please allow this former master. My mother is sick and can no longer do much of the work given to her. Please let her rest here by my side until her days are gone. I only ask this of you former master. Nothing more.” Her voice quivered, and she was on the verge of tears but Ienia knew Fhain'dea. He would not give her what she begged for no matter what she did. If she was a pawn, then surely her mother was as well.
“Your mother was brought by Asila she cannot be owned by you, since you are a slave. Thus she can not be given as your dowry as she was brought by Asila.” Phirynei was holding in her sobs and Ienia didn’t need to see her to know there were tears on her face.
“Do not fret little slave girl. Your mother is well taken care of and your dowry will be provided. As your former estate master, I must see to it that you are respected and given honor in your marriage.” The enjoyment in Fhain'dea’s voice was almost enough to send the girl over the edge into a wail but she somehow contained it. Ienia heard the deep ragged breaths she took in trying to remain silent as a slave should.
“The cleansing will take place four days from now. The introductions will take place three weeks from today and the wedding on the last day of the month.”
“All fair arrangements. Only she has no one to accompany her. As a woman of Seukine can she toil about like a slave anymore?” Fhain'dea said ignoring the girl now.
“An attendant will be provided for her if you don’t have one,” Euïya answered.
“Why not let us both provide her a companion and gifts as a part of her dowry? It is fitting then that we both pay for her dowry. She has no one else to provide for her. As her soon-to-be husband and I, her former master, it is only right that we do so.” Fhain'dea actually proposed he pay for the girl’s dowry. A dowry that would go to him once they were married.
He was to pay himself. The man knew nothing but how to be shameless, but this also alerted Ienia to the fact that Fhain'dea could not pay for a dowry for her without it becoming known to the real Estate Master of Asila. If the real Estate Master of Asila found out what was happening Fhain’dea would be punished severely.
“Master finds this sufficient. Asila must lack funds to provide a dowry for a simple slave. Our Seukine will provide for the one who will become one of ours.” Euïya said without a hint of mockery or sarcasm. Attacking with such swiftness that Ienia was sure the young man was waiting for an opening.
Fhain'dea chuckled, “Then I agree--”
“But since we must pay ourselves, then you must at the least provide the Fanu’s mother as part of your payment. Master does not wish to have a sulking Fanu and pay himself a dowry owed to him by Asila. Allow her mother to come here and live her days out with her daughter. If not then we have no choice but to announce this wedding for what it is. Honorable ‘dea Lashir could not bear the embarrassment and though Seukine will suffer, Asila will as well. We both know what this is. If you wish to dirty Seukine, we will drag your Asila into the mud with us.” Ienia expressed through Euïya, making clear what was on the line.
Fhain'dea's laughter died immediately as his plan backfired, “Seulnine you are so noble for the comfort of a slave. Her mother will be sent with the dowry.”
“Thank you, former master. Your mercy is too great for this slave,” Phirynei's voice almost broke as she spoke but the relief Ienia heard from her gave him a sense of relief. He detested seeing innocent ones suffer.
“Yes, well a threat will do that to one,” Fhain'dea said with an edge of annoyance. “Since we are finished this meeting, then I wish to exercise my last right as the former master to speak encouraging words to this Fanu before I leave her in your care.”
“Master has agreed,” Euïya said as Ienia had no choice but to allow the private meeting. He didn’t trust the man, but it was within his right to speak to Phirynei before she was married.
“Let us say our farewells then,” the general said as he accompanied the girl out of the room. Ienia pinpointed the moment fear swallowed the girl again. Her heartbeat accelerated with each step away from his and Euïya's presence. She was frightened by the man. Understandable since she ruined his first plan, but Ienia doubted Fhain'dea would kill her now especially since she was his Fanu. That was a price not even with all the assets of Asila, Fhain'dea could afford to pay. For now, he figured the general wanted something else from the girl or wanted her to do something. Either way, if she continued with innocence and learned loyalty to him, he would protect her with everything he had. If not she would be killed in such a way that being beaten to death was the better of the two.