Vitross was darker than Kaid had imagined or read it to be. The descriptions he had read in those old spine-torn books gave off an impression of a beachside palace, warm and inviting. When in fact, the area was as dark and gloomy as the skies above. It still gave an impressive appearance of grand architecture, gothic and almost archaic compared to the rest of the surrounding city. The entire area was shrouded in this oddly comforting darkness where the sun didn't touch.

The harbor was massive. Ships of various shapes and sizes were docked along the dark black waters. In the far distance were tall, thin structures that spun with the wind. The air smelled like salt, an aroma Kaid would eventually learn to get used to. The ocean, although from a distance, gave Kaid a slightly sinking feeling, reminding him of the torture he had faced with Payne. The very idea of stepping foot in that water made his veins swell with anxiety.

Jessamine was almost the opposite in appearance to her dominion. She radiated a sense of color, even though her dress bore the same dark undertone as Vitross. Yet she walked the limestone steps to the main entrance as if she had placed those stones there herself. Her steps were light, her posture full of confidence, and her head straightened, as if she knew exactly what her plans were within these next hours. Meanwhile Kaid couldn't stop his head from swiveling to glance at the environment around him.

The interior resembled its exterior just the same, blackish gray walls with minimal indents or columns. The floors held a dark blood red carpet in some areas, and black tile in others. The halls were illuminated by lights that once seemed to be held by candles, replaced by the latest scientific phenomenon of electricity. Kaid remembered when he was young when Caladin had transferred from its cold white walls illuminated by candles, to the electricity that seemed to power this cathedral-like palace. He only assumed being a water-power country, that they were able to harvest it with ease.

Kaid stopped along a wall of portraits, painted with colorful oils. The first was a large one, a horizontal family portrait from first glance. A black throne stood behind them, the background one of a large hall and most likely identical to one Kaid might see later. There stood four individuals: Jessamine standing out amongst the others due to how golden red her hair was at that young age. She was maybe about ten or twelve in the painting, her eyes shining disappointment as she probably had more entertaining things to do than stand around. A tall, thin framed woman stood behind her, hands on Jessamine's shoulders, presumably her mother who loved that lemon roasted chicken. In some ways she mirrored Jessamine presently, a strong jaw, blue eyes, hair that was more brown with hints of red, and a kind expression on her face and eyes.

The two other men gave quite the opposite expressions, but were mirrored quite similarly to the women of the family. Jessamine's brother appeared to be an older teenager due to his height, but similarly young face. His hair was golden like the sun, freckles on his face just like Jessamine. However, his gray-blue eyes were sincere, proud, and swelling with the same ego of the man behind him. The Emperor. His clothes gave way to that conclusion, a black tailored outfit with gold trims at the collars and hems. He possessed dark black hair, short and trimmed as if he got a precise haircut and shave every week.

The Emperor was proud, mistakenly so. Despite being in the back of the painting, he somehow still stood as the subject of it all. No matter who stood in front of him, he was always there, creating and instilling chaos, controlling the unknown canvases of others. The painting itself gave Kaid a clear picture of the kind of father and Emperor he was: demanding. He held the highest expectations of everyone around him, and not out of strategic efficiency but because he merely wanted it. He demanded it because he believed he deserved it. And he had mentored that into his son, who held the foundation of similar belief.

Such men were fools thinking they could tame a wild storm by demanding it to calm itself, rather than bracing for its impact. Due to the fact Jessamine was Empress, he knew the other three souls in that painting were no longer residing in this place. What had happened to them would remain a mystery for now.

Kaid moved to the next painting which was a more updated rendition of Jessamine, her hair a bit darker, clothes following suit. She looked very much like her mother, but her gaze had changed from the one she held as a child. The look on her eyes was the same as her father's, only the painting held a slight gleam of dread. Whether that was the painter's interpretation of Jessamine's feelings at that moment, presumably near her coronation, or Kaid's biased perception...he decided not to dwell on the fact.

When he turned back towards the hallway, it was completely empty. He hadn't noticed the rest had walked on without him, or perhaps they had noticed and left him to his own exploration. Nevertheless, it felt awkward to stand there, still dressed in his dirty Caladin prison garbs, and in a place he had no guidance or sense of location. He stared back at the paintings for just a moment, particularly honed in on her brother, as if deciphering from the painting alone what could have happened to him.

Footsteps interrupted his thoughts and he turned to see a woman approaching him, brown curls draping across her brown neck, wearing a stylish yellow dress adorned with black gems. Her smile was warm, like the glow she wore, as she approached him.

"You must be Kaid. I'm Christine, I will take you from here for a while. We should get you out of those drabs and into something much more...royal. Not to mention you're in need of a decent trim," she introduced herself.

"I'm afraid I am in need of a lot of things," Kaid laughed, "it is a pleasure to meet you, Christine."

She smiled warmly at his introduction and led him along the halls. He honestly had no idea how someone wouldn't get lost in a place like this. Servants all walked by, giving Kaid a quick run with their eyes, as if surprised to see him before looking down and minding their business. They seemed to know this palace well, for constantly looking down at their feet yet always knowing where they were going.

Christine led him to what seemed to be her space in the palace, unlocking the doors and letting him in. Fabric and ribbons were strewn all over the place, which first appeared disorderly before creating a pattern of color matching. Christine must be a seamstress, which seemed to fit with her persona just from walking with her, along with the yellow dress she had most likely made herself.

"Strip down as best you can. I will get a warm bath started for you but will want to make measurements first. Just give me a moment," she excused herself, leaving to another adjoined room. Kaid felt a bit uncomfortable dressing down. It was normal in Caladin to strip naked, but that was just an aspect of the prison to remove the humanity that came with that vulnerability.

Kaid removed all of his attire, making sure to cover his nudity with his hands as he glanced at himself in the mirror. He looked awful, in all honesty. His hair was long, ragged and tangled, beard quite the same. His dark brown skin was covered in slight bruises and scars where his black chest hair didn't seem to cover. No wonder the servants all seemed to stare, because there was nothing royal about him, rather a vagabond begging for scraps.

Christine returned with a long thin strip with markings, presumably a ruler to obtain those measurements she desired.

"I will ask that you remove your hands and relieve them to a more neutral state. Apologies, I know that might make you uncomfortable," she spoke, seeing the look in his eyes, "I won't take long. I promise."

"Of course," he swallowed, staring at an empty space on the wall to distract himself for the time being as she began her measurements, "are you a seamstress for Vitross?"

"Head Seamstress. It comes with a fancy title. I was originally from Skale when Jessamine was impressed with my designs and brought me here. Being a more agriculturally focused kingdom, my gifts weren't well needed. Most of my time is designing, making dresses and attire for Jessamine, the one I am working on now is for her birthday celebration coming up in a few months. I also design uniforms for the guards or other palace personnel, such clothes I will give you today if I have appropriate sizing. Those designs are sent to other places for mass tailoring, though. It will probably take me a good week to get you a new wardrobe all for yourself."

"That's fascinating. Is that...Oblivion?" he asked cautiously. It seemed a silly question but he didn't know what was mere creativity and skill compared to magic.

"No," she smiled at her answer, "as like much of this world, Oblivion is usually derived from that of higher born nature. I was lucky enough to escape my economic enslavement with ingenuity, just didn't know it was good enough to land in a place like this. Sounds like you've stumbled upon similar graces?"

"With Jess? I'm sorry, Empress Jessamine. Yes. I'm from..." he paused with hesitation, "well I suppose I was enslaved similarly to yourself."

She seemed to find a bit of humor in his response.

"It's alright. Payne debriefed some of us on your arrival. Only a select few know about you and Caladin. If I were you, I would keep it that way. Caladin is worse than a curse word around here and draws unwanted attention. Especially with the townspeople. I'm sure we can come up with a good backstory for you in the meantime," she mentioned, bending down to begin measuring his hips and legs.

Kaid swallowed slightly at the moment, "Payne. Right. Is it safe to assume he briefed you in hopes of extracting information?"

"That is his job, so yes. And he is very good at what he does. He's kept Vitross and its rulers safe against all adversity. He is the very best at what he does, but in terms of being a quality human being...he might be at the bottom of my list. You will hardly see him unless Jessamine calls a Meeting of Jurors, for her council. Most of the security for Jessamine and Vitross's capital is secured by the Grand Guard Eden, that is until she receives a proper Guardian."

"Guardian? A form of bodyguard, I presume?" he asked, wondering if the threats against Jessamine would only increase since Caladin.

"It is one of the highest honors. Payne was the Guardian for Jessamine's father, Emperor Kristoff and also Royal Intelligence as he is presently. It is highly selective. Rumor of the palace is Payne has been trying to get Jessamine to begin the selection but she refuses. The woman can certainly handle herself but...even I begin to wonder if Payne is right. Especially given what has just happened," Christine explained, soon standing up, "alright, I think I have what I need. There is a warm bath ready for you in the other room, take as much time as you need. When you're done, I should have some garments ready and we can polish you up."

Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

"Thank you, Christine," he noticed her appreciative of the thanks. Christine seemed the type of woman who brushed off satisfaction of her products...but deep down was grateful for any compliments. But he was complimenting more on her friendliness.

Kaid didn't know just how long the formalities would last. Even if Caladin seemed to hold the 'degenerates' of society, he knew very well those kinds of people resided in places like this. Only difference was they wore tailored suits and were paid to be criminals.

Kaid enjoyed his bath, not able to remember the last time he had felt water this warm and satisfying. His thoughts ranged from his first impression of Vitross, the paintings of the Kruzika Royal Family, and Jessamine denying a Guardian. Right now, he knew the best thing he could do was merely observe and ask questions later. The most important thing would be figuring out the best person to ask these questions, and who would give the most sincere and honest of answers.

Kaid lost track of time until his fingertips began to shrivel, so he took that as a sign to get out and pat himself dry. Christine had snuck in black slacks, a belt, and gray button shirt to start, black laced shoes to finish the look. Kaid was merely grateful for what felt like very sturdy and perhaps luxurious clothing. Once he was dressed, he noticed a bit of looseness around the waist, and the shoes were a tad too big. But he figured Christine would work out the kinks later.

Christine guided him to a seat in front of a few mirrors, Kaid seeing barber tools on the side. Caladin did have a barber that changed often given Trials or Caladin culture. He got a few cuts time to time but the one time a barber pressed a razor to his throat demanding answers to his Oblivion was enough to avoid one ever again.

"What are we thinking? You tell me what you want and I will work my magic," she smiled, her hand resting on his shoulder.

"Chop it all off? Shave it all? I've never really thought much about it," he shrugged, never cared much for his physical appearance. It had meant nothing in Caladin and at the moment, it didn't mean much. But if he was to hold some sort of position or advance in society here, he supposed it might make a difference.

"Heavens, no. You have far too many handsome features for that," she shook her head immediately, "I think I have a good idea to work with if I can detangle some of these curls. You will be turning the heads of every young bachelorette in Vitross in no time." Christine had no doubt about it. The city itself still had a more extensive population of women given the past several wars and Chrstine knew many would be interested in Kaid's dark olive skin and inquisitive personality. It was much more suitable than the typical blonde hair, blue eyes, and immature personalities most of the young Vitross men possessed.

Kaid and Christine talked, mostly Kaid asking questions of Christine's past as she cut and delicately trimmed his beard. She had left her entire family in Skale, but visited them every spring when the tulips bloomed near her village. Her family was invited to join her, but she stated Vitross was not necessarily seen in a positive light at the time and her family's nonexistent reputation might be at stake. Christine in her free time liked to shop the local markets for exotic textiles, or use the abundance of oils in the old painters workshop to work on her amateur paintings.

She promised she would show him when his clothes would be ready.

When Christine was finished adding the last bit of gel to his black hair, only adding to the small natural curls, she turned his chair back to the mirror. Kaid didn't recognize himself. Somehow, Christine was able to turn a filthy unkempt lifelong prisoner into...almost some royal figure. His hair was trimmed to just above his shoulders, just to the point where his curls were healthy and not fragmented. His beard was completely trimmed down with precision, shaping his strong jaw and overall shape of his face, but not big enough to dominate his looks. She truly highlighted the best parts of him, just like she said she would.

"I can see why Jessamine took a great liking to you. I can hardly believe that to be myself, it is like looking at a complete stranger," Kaid spoke, completely bewildered as he stared at himself.

"I think everyone will be quite pleased with my experimentation. It's not every day I get to mold and shape a man like clay," she laughed, running her fingers in the back of his hair one more time before finding satisfaction in it. She seemed pleased, and Kaid did as well. He never thought himself to look so...well, he would consider himself the slightest handsome but beauty was in the eye of the beholder.

"You should visit Cadize, he will want to check up on you. After that, I am afraid, it is up to you to explore for the time being. I believe Jessamine will still be arranging your quarters. If you ever need anything from me, you can mostly find me here, so don't be shy. I look forward to getting to know more about you, Kaid," she smiled warmly, "Cadize will be all the way down this hall, go down some stone stairs. He resides in the basement like a hermit."

Kaid thanked her once more before following her directions. It seemed his new clothes and shave had certainly changed the opinion of servants or delegates walking around. Their quick glances were now overdue looks, but they would look away once Kaid smiled very faintly to greet them.

Cadize's office space was massive. Comfortable beds lined the walls, acting as a slight hospital wing. One side possessed hundreds of containers with liquids of all shapes, colors, and textures. The other was his own personal library of medical education. Kaid didn't hesitate to grab a book, opening it to a random page to read.

The poison creates a burning sensation in the throat, similar to asphyxiation, the victim will feel as if they are being suffocated. Within minutes, the poison will reach the lungs and burn the bronchi as if acid. The cure is rather simple and often overlooked, the ingesting of orange, the peels specifically, neutralizes the poison. The poison is responsible for nearly a hundred deaths at the hands of assassins, particularly of royal nature given the incredible cost of such poison...

"Ah, found one of my many books, I see. Do feel free to take some if you'd like," Cadize interrupted him, "how are you faring? I see you met Christine."

"Quite well, and yes, she's an extraordinary woman," Kaid nodded, moving to fold up his sleeve. By now, he knew Cadize measured health by merely coming in contact with a vein. Oblivion and science could go hand in hand, it seemed.

Cadize smiled at how quickly Kaid caught on, pressing his thumb firmly to get accurate measurements, "Aren't most women? Your vitals seem great. That extra rest seemed to do the trick. Should you need anything else, you know where to find me."

He didn't seem to stick around for long, immediately going back to whatever he was doing in another room. Kaid noticed him seemingly very busy at it, mixing ingredients together like some kind of science experiment as if his life was dependent on its success. Cadize did not seem the type for social chatter, either, so Kaid left him to his work and walked back upstairs to walk the halls.

He spent the next hour getting lost, finding everyone avoided him completely before he could get a word out or ask for directions. It was frustrating to find someone to offer some sort of guidance, but he had to remember that he was in a completely new place. Social and cultural norms could be different here, he was a stranger to all these people, and honestly he should feel more grateful about this.

Kaid found a beautiful wide window towards the southern part of the palace that overlooked the vast gardens. Servants were working to tend to it, trimming and tending to the soil. How Vitross was able to even grow beautiful flowers of various sizes and colors without sunlight fascinated Kaid. It was a gorgeous place of solitude, one no doubt people used from time to time to be with their own thoughts. Kaid would like to get a closer look, whenever he found the appropriate door into the courtyard.

"I don't get why he is being so fucking complicating. We have evidence of attacked shipments in his region and he is refusing to even investigate it. And he won't until I personally knock on his door to meet his demands," a familiar assertive voice broke his thoughts.

"The Duke has been rather difficult to deal with since your coronation. We all know he was one of the most fervent opposers to you becoming Empress. I think I might have a plan that can-" a tall, strong woman turned the corner before barging into Kaid, "oh, my apologies."

The woman that stood beside Jessamine held a large stack of papers, which luckily didn't leave her arms after the slight collision. She was dressed in more masculine attire, a buttoned shirt with vest to go over it, dark slacks as well. The tailoring was very well done, which had Kaid assuming Christine had worked her magic once more on Jessamine's assistant.

"Kaid? By the Divines, I hardly recognized you," Jessamine spoke breathlessly, her blue eyes trailing every inch of him with slight astonishment. She would not dare admit it out loud, but the very sight of him eased her troubled mind and may have sent an admiring warmth to her veins. And maybe the slightest amount of fluttery sensations of nerves in her core.

"Yes, Christine certainly helped me to appear more..." he found trouble with the words.

"Handsome," Jessamine answered for him, rather quickly and sternly.

"I was going to say 'normal' but I suppose that adjective will work," Kaid smiled softly at the compliment. Jessamine returned the slightest of smiles.

Kassandra, the assistant, stood there for a moment, glancing at their eye contact before clearing her throat, "Let it be known, for the first time in all my time of knowing Jessamine, that's the first time I have ever heard her call a man handsome."

Jessamine was the one to clear her throat this time, "Kaid, this is Kassandra, my assistant. She handles most of my less urgent delegations and issues, while offering her own guidance and observations when asked. She works directly with the Dukes of the Vitross Empire along with local city delegates as well. Kassandra, this is Kaid, the man who rescued me from Caladin."

"Rescue is a strong word, I believe it can only be used if one was in need of rescuing in the first place," Kaid corrected her, "pleased to meet you, Kassandra."

"Assisted, then" Jessamine retorted, giving him a slight glare, "you haven't been here alone, have you? I delegated Bridger to assist in giving you a tour of the place while we work on your accommodations."

"I...well, I haven't seen him since yesterday."

"Fucking bastard," Jessamine muttered under her breath before looking over at Kassandra, "would you mind handling the rest on Duke Groto? Perhaps invite him to the birthday celebration if he truly wishes to talk about this in person. I will give Kaid a tour."

Kassandra seemed surprised at Jessamine's offer, "My word, prison does change a person. I've never known you to take a break from your work."

"This is my work, and besides, if I want something done right, I have to do it myself. Bridger and the other men certainly won't do it correctly," she shrugged slightly, "and who better to give the tour than someone who's lived here her whole life?"

"I would be honored, Jess," Kaid answered, seeing Kassandra's eyes widen in fear at using her name as such. It was as if she feared for Kaid's very livelihood, that he would be executed the next morning for such an informality.

"Then it is settled," she replied, unphased which only surprised Kassandra even more, "No need to let the others know for now. If anyone asks, tell them they can find me later. Are you still having dinner with Christine tonight?"

"I am, given I can finish this by then," Kassandra nodded, blushing slightly.

"Good. We will speak more tomorrow, enjoy the rest of your day," Jessamine dismissed her and Kassandra curtsied slightly before leaving. Kaid watched her walk away, soon looking back to see Jessamine observing him once more. Her face was soft, opposite of how she spoke earlier at the beginning of her exchange.

"I think I know the perfect place to start the tour, although I worry once I show you, you will never wish to leave," she smiled, much more widely since Kassandra had left before slowly guiding him.

Jessamine was right of course, as always. It was the most comforting sight, outside of Jessamine, that he could find upon his arrival to this gloomy country: the biggest library he had ever laid his eyes on.