It had been only ten minutes since everyone had left the White Hall Family Suit and Genesis wanted to throw the stack of papers across the Family Office, but he placed the report back on top of the pile. He found several more reports about the gathering non-humans in the Dead End Forest. He hoped they were just gathering for a festival of some kind and not planning an attack on the Castle.
He sighed. He couldn’t believe Belladonna decided to punish Bartholomew, Honor, and himself. Hell, he was still trying to get over the fact she did the same thing with Tristan. He was a Knight of the Round Table for Christ’s sake!
Reno informed him before he left to report back to duty that the Warrior Queen kept lashing him until he passed out. Genesis barely remembered the 16th. He knew he had screamed when he came to, in his rooms in the White Hall Wing with Lady Armstrong tending to him. His throat was still sore. He had sent his assigned butler down for some tea. He just had to wait now. He turned his thoughts about to the Warrior Queen and the report.
Belladonna would ruthless, demanding to lead the Military straight to the source and slaughter the non-humans. He know it would be a blood bath. It would result in more men dropping out of the Military and Genesis would be forced to look into walking the road to Knighthood, along with Honor and Bartholomew. He knew the other two wouldn’t like becoming Knights for various reasons.
Genesis, himself, didn’t like the idea of becoming a Knight. It would give his grandmother another excuse to arrange a marry agreement on his behalf. Not to mention, the ladies of the court were vicious as his grandmother when they wished to be, not hesitating in questioning a Knight’s honor if it would suit them or the ends they wish to meet. He didn’t know how his father and brothers handled the Court vultures.
He sighed. His thoughts turned to the reason why his father had left Camelot with his brothers in toe. Valentina. His missing sister. He lend back in the high back chair. Valentina was supposed to visited when she turned 18, but she didn’t due to the fact she had fell in love and their mother decided to keep the fact Valentina had other family a secret.
Now, his grandmother did something and somehow Valentina was making her way to the Estate. Genesis frowned. In fact, she probably was at the estate now, hopefully, giving their grandmother a few more gray hairs when it came to Valentina’s lessons in Mannerism and other Ladyship etiquette. A smirk pulled across his lips.
A knock rang out. Genesis’ eyes darted over to the open door of the Family Office. Remus stood in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest, staring at Genesis with a raised eyebrow. He commented, “You look comfortable there, cousin. Have you thought about taking over being Head of the Family?”
“Hell no!” Genesis shot back. The smirk disappeared from his face at the thought of becoming Head of the Family. He knew he eventually would, but it would be after he got married. As long as he made his reputation as explosive as he could, his grandmother would have trouble finding him a match. “I am enjoying my life as a single man.” He lend forward, “Give that position to one of my brothers or cousins to take over as the Head of the Family.” He shot a smirk toward Remus, waving him in, “Maybe, grandmother would choose you to be the Next Head of the Family.”
“Nope,” Remus gave Genesis a look as he strolled into the Office and sat down in one of the chairs on the other side of the desk, “I would just vanished into thin air and wait out my time until the old hag dies.” Genesis snorted. Remus sent the General an amused smile. A sharp screamed sounded from the main hallway followed by Tina crying out, “Son of a fucking, whoring bitch!”
“What the hell?” Genesis’ eyes flickered over Remus’ shoulder as his cousin half turned to peer. They glanced at each other before Genesis rose to his feet and walked out of the Family Office, heading to the Armstrong Family Suit. Remus followed him.
They reached the door as Lady Morgana opened the door and stepped out. The two men bent their heads as she swept toward the stairs, disappearing. Genesis stepped through the doorway, heading to the open bedroom door, calling, “Are you alright, Tina?” He froze in the doorway, thinking the same thing that Remus verbalized behind him as he realized Tina sat her knees on the bed, topless.
“Oh shit!”
Tina’s head snapped in their direction. Her eyes narrowed in a death glare. Lightening flashed outside the windows. Thunder destroyed the silence with an ear piecing boom. Genesis saw Rosemary standing on the far side of the bed, with a furious expression. The General gulped as his eyes darted to one of Tina’s hands reaching toward a flower vase on her nightstand, shifting on the top of the mattress.
“We didn’t see anything!” Remus cried out. His voice rose in pitch.
Genesis’ heart skipped a beat. He really wished Remus didn’t say that. He tensed as Tina snapped. She leaped toward the flower vase the kind of speed that a warrior cultivate on the battlefield. Her feet landed on the stone floor, in an archer stance. She held the lip of the flower vase in one hand and she threw it in an over head throw.
The flower vase flew across the room. Genesis, impressed by the speed of the flying vase, bent his knees, slipping into a crunch and the vase sailed over him. Remus let out a cry of surprise. There was a thud followed by the sound of shattering glass. The red head general stood up and commented, “Nice throw, cousin. Please, excuse me.”
He saw Tina reached out for a blanket, her eyes flashed in tune with the lightening. He spun, stepping over Remus who looked shock then hurried out of the Armstrong Family Suit. There was nothing wrong making a tactical retreat when one faced with an angry female. Especially, when that female was an red head.
Remus let out, “Wait for me!”
“Nope,” Genesis called over his shoulder, running down the hall toward the White Hall Family Suit, “Every man for himself, dear cousin!” He entered the Main Family Suit and turned, watching as Remus bolted down the hallway as Tina came, skidding out of Armstrong Suit, sending a glare down the hall at them. Genesis waved at her with a cheery grin and, once Remus was passed the threshold, slammed the door shut. He turned to Remus and stated, “That was one situation where you should have NOT said a word.”
“Yes,” Remus panted, “I realized that.” They shared a look and burst out laughing. “I can’t believe she threw a vase at us.”
“I’m more impressed by the speed she used to do that,” Genesis laughed, “She can handle herself if she needs to.”
They walked back to the office and reclaimed their seats as they tried to calm down. “I don’t know which is more assuming,” the red head general went on, “The fact she sassed Belladonna or what we just witnessed.”
“Both are quiet amusing,” Remus grinned at his cousin.
“Either way, she sounds like my kind of woman if she sassed the fearsome Warrior Queen and provide us this kind of amusement,” Genesis smirked, “Too bad she is our first cousin.”
“Perhaps, if Tina was a further on the Family tree, you wouldn’t be the only one persuading her,” Remus stated, “We might have to watch out for the rest of the Lords, looking for a wife for either themselves or their sons.”
Genesis groaned, “I can’t wait until Father gets back from the Estate. He can handle those annoying requests and be those men in their place.”
Remus let out a round of laughter then commented, “Your father won’t have to worry about that. According to Rosemary, she is planning to leave the day after the Choosing happens.” He stared at Genesis for a long moment with a thoughtful expression before he asked, “So, what did you want to meet with me about?”
Genesis lost all amusement and started to explain, “It deals with my ‘punishment’.” Remus raised an eyebrow, but didn’t say a word. “Honor, Bartholomew, and I have been going through reports that we got nearly two to three months ago. The three of us have in the past requested the Ruling Family for more help - promoting new Generals to help us, requesting all kinds of assistance with these reports. One of these reports dealt with the fact I had two shipments of black powder go missing on the road from the Estate. I had no clue the shipments were in the Dead End Forest until they blew up, the other day.”
Genesis let out a deep sigh as he focus his attention back to the reason why he requested his cousin presence. He continued, “With the Ruling Family per-occupied for the foreseeable future, they can’t help me out with reports that has came in from several soldiers. These reports are about the Non-humans movements in the Dead End Forest.” He grabbed a stack of reports and handed it to Remus.
Remus frowned as he grabbed the stack and read them over. Genesis waited a couple heart beats before he went on, “As right now, I don’t know anyone in the Military or among the Knights who I can send on a reconnaissance style mission to figure out more on what those reports claim what is going on in the Dead End Forest.”
“You need someone with an unique set of skills,” Remus mused, “Someone like me or the Ninja of the Dead End Forest.”
“There are Ninja in the Dead End Forest,” Genesis blinked at that information.
“Yes,” Remus stated, “They are well hidden, but they do live in the Forest.” He paused, “You are aware that Lady Freya has used them in the past, right? In fact, according to the rumors I have heard, Lady Freya has paid for a team to retrieve your sister from your mother’s home.” He paused, giving Genesis a deadpan look, “You probably have seen them around the Estate, especially the Holidays.”
Genesis lend back. His eyes drafted away from Remus. He stared at his cousin in surprise. He finally made the comment, “Well, that would explain a few things.” He filled the information about the Ninja living in the Dead End Forest away for later thought. “Anyway, yes, I need someone with that skill set.” He glanced at his cousin. “If you don’t want to do it, I see if these Ninja would be willingly to help me out.”
“For a price, they will,” Remus commented, looking through the reports. He paused, thinking, “These reports are troubling.” Genesis hummed in agreement. “If I didn’t know any better, it would seem like these non-humans are planning some sort of raid or a possible attack.” He thumbed through a few more reports before he pulled one out. His eyes stared at something on the report before his eyes darted over to Genesis, “Just how long have you had these reports?”
“Since Uther fell sick or so,” Genesis admitted, “Like I said, Honor, Bart, and I have been getting reports about the Dead End Forest for a while now.” He brought up a hand and rubbed his face. “It’s getting worst.”
“You three have seconds and thirds,” Remus said, “Can’t they help?”
“One of the laws that Belladonna passed while she was High Queen,” Genesis started to explained, “prevents that or else they would. If she manages to find out that I’m asking you for help, she would be furious enough to petition to High Queen Kalliope get me sack from my position.”
“Shit,” Remus breathed. “Why me?”
“We are getting frustration over this situation. We can do only so much before we hit a road block,” Genesis went on. “I know you have been training in a questionable trade. My mother showed the same things you are - being tired all the time, quick reaction time, being sneaky, and jumpy at shadows. While you and mom are possible in different classes of the trade, you are the only one I can think that could help me with these reports. I can’t go through the official channels due to the current situation with the Ruling Family. However, if you don’t want the job, I will figure out other options.”
Nodding in understanding, Remus frowned, going back through the reports. Silence fill between them as Remus continued going through the pile and Genesis closed his eyes, thinking. He still had dinner he had to attend, later that night, then the evening mass for the passing of Uther. An idea drafted through his head as he thought about what he was going to do after the mass. He would try to pull the Holy Sword out of the sheath or whatever Merlin had stick the sword in.
“So,” Genesis waited until Remus looked up at him, “Are you willingly to take the job?”
“Yeah,” Remus waved a hand through the air, “It just means You owe me one.”
Relief washed over Genesis as he slumped into the chair. He breathed, “Thank you, Remus.”
“Don’t thank me just yet,” Remus started, “I will be reaching out to that Ninja Village for help as well. I have worked with them before on a couple previous jobs.” Genesis blinked. “Don’t get me wrong. What you are asking for is in my skill set, but I might have to request some back up in case these reports are correct and the non-humans could be difficult to deal with. I want to have someone to have my back and I have made a few friends among the ninja.”
“Just let me know how much I owe you,” Genesis said. When Remus gave him a wolfish grin, Genesis’ stomach dropped through the chair and hit the catacombs below the castle. The price Remus stated….Ouch! His personal funds took a major hit.
Remus kept his chuckle as he could as he got to his feet. Amusement danced through him at the sight of Genesis’ face, but his attention drifted back to the scroll hiding in his pocket. He had picked it up during the chaos of getting the Generals and Sir Tristan into the family suit for first aid.
Tina had dropped it when she slipped out of her wet dress. Remus frowned as he walked to the common room, remembering the scroll had been stashed in the torso of her dress. It had to be important if she kept with her. Before Remus could muse on what it could be, a messenger knocked on the Suit Door and the Heir of Lunar House looked up, sticking Tina’s scroll into one of his pockets. He would have to read it later when he had the time.
“I have a message for Lord Genesis,” the messenger stated, holding a letter in his hand.
“I will take it to him,” Remus held out a hand for the message and the messenger handed it over. Lord of Lunar House went back to the Family Office, “Hey Genesis.” He waited until the red head General looked up from the various papers spread out over the desk. “You got a message from….” Remus flipped over the letter and saw the emblem of House Black. He raised his eyebrows, “House Black?” he glanced toward his cousin. He looked just puzzled as Remus felt.
Handing the letter over to Genesis, Remus watched as Genesis opened the letter and waited until the general was done. Genesis lend back into the chair and threw the letter on to the desk top. He let out an annoyed sigh. “You can read it, Remus.”
Remus reached out, picked up the letter, and straightened it out. He brought his attention to the letter.
‘Dearest General Genesis,
I find myself in need of an escort for the Kingdom Mourning Dinner, tonight. The Lord of House Black is escorting the heiress of House Blanc. I was wondering if you would do me the honor of escorting me to the Dinner. I would appreciate if you were able to pick me up at 4 pm, sharp, from in the Eastern Wing for the House Black.
Margiette
Daughter of Felix, Son of Ethan
First of her name, of House Black’
Remus stopped reading the letter with an amused grin as Genesis continued to look annoyed. The heir of Lunar House fought against a smirk as he noticed that Genesis was trying not to pout. He knew the General didn’t like anyone from the Black House for various reasons. Most of those reasons dealt with the fact the Black family and the White Hall family didn’t get along for a few centuries. Remus knew he was told the reason why, but that was when he was younger.
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Genesis has been trying his best to avoid the daughter of the Black Family. Both men knew Margiette was on the warpath, looking for a husband. Of course, Remus found it funny that Margiette has finally set her sights on the Red Haired General. He had been wondering when she was going to try that. Remus just hoped that he wasn’t next on her list of possible husbands. If he was, he could just disappear from Camelot for the next few months. Hopefully, she would move on from him.
“You could look at this like the heiress and the current lord trying to make amends for what has happened in the past,” Remus suggested as he claimed the seat in front of the Head of House desk.
“True,” Genesis voiced, nodding, “But I really don’t want to deal with anyone from the Black House.”
“I don’t think anyone of our family does,” Remus stated in a drawl, “However, we can’t keep holding grudges when we may have to ally with them one day.”
“Why would the White Hall House do that?” Genesis’ tone held a note of outrage as he narrowed his eyes at his cousin.
“If these reports about the non-humans are true, that’s concerning, but it could be foreshadowing something bigger,” Remus explained, “Remember there are lot of non-humans unhappy with the Current Ruling Family. With the King died, the question is who will be the next Chosen King. For all we know, it could be a non-human who gets chosen.”
Genesis’ eyes widened at that thought. He appeared to think it over and nodded. “Yeah,” he toned, “It would be somewhat funny to see Belladonna’s reaction to that….” He trailed off before he chewed on his lower lip, “However, it would cause chaos also among the humans who are against the non-humans as the Chosen non-human undid all the laws that prevent the non-humans becoming first class citizens.”
Remus nodded then he shifted in his seat. He frowned when he felt something in his pocket, poking him in the thigh. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a scroll. He gasped. It was the scroll that Lady Valentina dropped.
“What’s that?” Genesis asked.
“It was something Lady Valentina dropped,” Remus started, looking it over. When he looked at the end of the scroll, he saw the crest of the White Hall House. “It’s from the family.”
“Probably the summons about Uther’s death,” Genesis waved his hand in a dismissive gesture.
“I doubt it,” Remus said, “if it was a simply summons, then why did she have it on her person?”
Genesis cocked his head to the side, asking, “What are you getting at, Remus?”
“She didn’t arrive with Rose, Jacob and me,” Remus started, “And she knows Sir Tristan. Plus I heard a story during our travel here. Something about a village getting blown up in the Dead End Forest and there were two survivors. Both came from that direction. Can you guess who it was?” He watched Genesis’ eyes, the gears shifting in his mind and the dots slowly connecting. “She did say something about it during Court Session earlier before you were punished for the missing black powder.”
“Apparently, I need to talk to Lady Valentina and Tristan when I have the chance,” Genesis stood up, remembering the conversation.
“I think you do,” Remus agreed, standing up as well.
The red head general glanced at the clock then groaned. “Sometime soon.”
Remus nodded then turned to head out the door when his cousin gave him the puppy eyes.
“Could you take my place when it comes to Lady Margiette?” Remus heard Genesis asked.
The heir of Lunar House paused by the door, looking back, gave his cousin a smirk, and informed him, “Nope!” he walked out, waving over his shoulder, “Have fun!” he let out a chuckle when he heard Genesis curse at his back. He stuck his hands in his pockets, heading to his rooms. He needed to plan. He couldn’t go walking through the Dead End Forest without a plan, looking for these groups of non-humans. He frowned. He would have to see how much coin he had on hand. He would have to visit the Hidden Bark Village for extra pair of hands.
However, when he started to prepare for the Mourning Dinner and Evening Mass, he dug through his pockets and grabbed the scroll. He hummed as he looked at it. He sighed as he opened it. His eyes widened as he read it.
“Valentina,
daughter of Annja,
daughter of Sakura,
Daughter of House White Hall,
First of her Name
You have been requested to visit to the White Hall Estate, the home of Lord Bardock, and his sons, Genesis, Vincent, and Victor, and daughter, Natalie, by the Lady Mother Freya. Please follow the messenger to the White Hall Estate where I will be able to explain more to you, Valentina. It maybe wise to not inform your mother and Lady Sakura of where you are going. They may try to stop you from searching for your father and other family members.
Wishing to speak to you soon,
Your other Grandmother
Freya
Daughter of Floki,
Son of Reynard,
Fifth of her Name,
Matriarch of House White Hall”
He muttered a curse as he read the scroll again. His heart thundered in his chest. He glanced around the room, widely. Tina Armstrong was Valentina White Hall. The mysterious missing eldest daughter of the White Hall House. He needed to sit down.
He took a deep breath. It would explain a few things about Tina, but it rose some problems. He exhaled slowly. Remus glanced at the door leading into the main hallway. He should go inform Genesis of what he discovered. On the other hand, he wanted to know why Tina didn’t approach them about this sooner. The bell rang out, ringing out the hour. He groaned. He pushed himself out of the chair and hurried to the closet. He had to get ready, rather he liked it or not.
Tristan let out a sigh as he finally reached his rooms in the Knights Tower. However, any thought of relaxing before he had to make an appearance for the Kingdom Mourning Meal flew out of his mind when he spotted Merlin lending causally against the wall by his door. At first, he didn’t know why the Battle Mage would be there until he thought about it. The Holy Sword. He resisted the urge to groan. He knew what the Mage wanted. He didn’t want to try to pull the Holy Sword out of the sheath.
“Afternoon, Tristan,” Merlin greeted him as the Violent Knight stopped at his door. “How are you doing?”
Tristan narrowed his eyes, glaring the Battle Mage, “I’m doing fine, Lord Merlin, and before you ask, No, I am not going to try to pull the Holy Sword.” He placed his hand on the door knob and twisted it, continuing, “I already know I am not worthy to be King.”
Merlin opened his mouth, but the doorknob was pulled from Tristan’s hand and a woman stood on the other side. Her eyes widened when she saw him and Merlin. The knight turned his attention onto her. She immediately curtsied and stated, “Your clothes for the evening mass are ready for you, Sir Tristan.”
“Thank you, good lady,” Tristan gave her a small smile. She blushed before she brushed him and hurried down the hallway, disappearing into the spiraling staircase. He turned to the Battle Mage, saying, “Now, if you would excuse me, I have to finish getting for this evening Mourning Meal and Mass.” He didn’t wait for Merlin to say anything before he walked through his door and slammed it shut behind him.
Tristan let out a sigh as he lend against the door. He closed his eyes. He hissed through clenched teeth, arching his back. Pain rippled from his back. He kicked off the door and panted as he stumbled forward to the couch. He grabbed the back of the couch. He had forgotten the lashes on his back.
There was a knock on his door. He turned his head to look at it and called out, “Come in.”
The door opened and Lancelot walked in with a basket of liens and jars of healing cream. He shut the door behind him with his foot. He crossed the room and said, “Sit down on the couch.”
Tristan sighed and nodded before he walked around and sat down on the couch. He reached up and pulled his shirt off. He felt it pull at the lashes. He gasped. He paused, panting. He didn’t know how Tina dealt with her wounds, running around with a bag on her back or wearing a dress.
Lancelot set the basket down on the table top before he helped Tristan take off the shirt. He didn’t say a word while he worked. When he was done, he spoke, “Tell me, this strange woman who helped you faced off these Youkai, did she arrive in Camelot, recently?”
“Yes,” Tristan admitted.
“I take it she was worth protecting then, from Queen Belladonna’s wrath,” Lancelot stated.
“Of course, she was,” Tristan replied, “She is different from the other women we both know.”
Lancelot hummed as he replaced the items on the basket and stood up, “Remember we have to attend the Mourning Dinner and Evening Mass.”
“Yeah, I know,” Tristan said. Lancelot didn’t say another word while he left Tristan’s quarters, leaving Tristan to prepare for the evening.
“My lady, my lady,” the maid shook Tina awake. The red head groaned before she tried to bury her head deeper into the pillows. “My lady.” The maid’s voice took on a disappointing note. “It’s time to get up.”
Tina tried to ignore the maid. She knew she shouldn’t have laid down for a nap. She knew herself well enough that she wouldn’t want to get up after pulling a nighter, wondering the castle and the town. She brought up a hand and rubbed an eye before she pushed herself up. She yawned, widely, and announced, “I’m up, I’m up.”
She blinked at the maid as the other woman rushed from beside the bed and disappeared into the closet. Tina scouted to the edge of the bed where she sat with another yawn. She stretched her arms out to the sides and arched her back. She winced. She forget her wounds weren’t fully healed, even though those phoenix tears did help.
“Can’t wait for that to happen,” Tina muttered. She heard the maid rushed back into the bedroom. She glanced at the servant and eyed the dress the maid was carrying, raising her eyebrows at the gown. It was a dark colored dress that simmer between black and blue. Tina could have sworn she spotted gemstones along the collar line and a couple of other places. She started to question whoever had this room kept this well stock with clothes was a genius, but she remembered it was her Great Aunt Nami’s former room. When she got back to Vermont, she really needed to call her Great Aunt and see if she could visit the old lady again. She allowed a small grin to cross her lips as her thoughts drifted toward the Team. It would be nice to see them again.
‘Assuming they would want to see me, again,’ she thought glumly then she shook her head. Of course, they would be glad to see her again. The only thing they would be upset about was how easy Tina had nearly wrote them out of her life instead of trying to keep in contact. She sighed.
“My lady,” the maid spoke up, returning from the closet, holding a dark colored slip, “You have to get ready for the Mourning Meal.”
Tina’s eyes darted to the dress that the maid laid upon the bed, before she asked, “Do I have to wear that? Why not something simpler or plainer?”
“My lady!” the maid gasped, her eyes widened as she settled her surprise gaze on the red head, putting the slip on the bed, “You can’t. This is an important dinner.” The maid gestured to the dress, “This is a symbolizes not only your station, personally, but your family’s station in the Court.”
“Maybe you could explain that one to me,” Tina suggested, “Since I’m not familiar with the ways of the Court.”
The maid nodded, slowly, looking at Tina with a look that the red head woman couldn’t identify before she started to explain, “Alright. I will explain as we get you ready for the dinner.” The Maid glanced toward a clockwork clock sitting close to a window with the curtains pushed to the sides. Tina glanced at that way as well, but the maid stated, “We have a 30 minutes to get you ready so let’s hop to it. Go over to the vanity.”
Tina rolled her eyes, stood up, shook her legs for the yoga pants to fall straight, and walked over to the vanity where she took a seat. She watched the maid through the mirror as the maid hurried over. There was long pause before Tina asked, “What does station have anything to do with the Court?”
“It means everything!” The maid exclaimed, “The way you dress, the way you interact with other members of the court, and the way you act are very important.” The maid took a deep breath as she grabbed a brush before she started to run it through Tina’s thick red hair, causing Tina’s head to wobble toward the maid then away as the maid made sure all the knots were out of Tina’s hair. “Let me start at the beginning. During the reign of the First King Arthur of the United Kingdoms of Camelot, there were 150 families earned The Sacred. These families had a Knight who managed to become a Knight of the Round Table. Eventually, the Sacred 150 families, overtime, became known as The Ancient House of whatever the family name was.”
Tina hummed in acknowledgment.
“There are some houses, now, like the White Hall House, have earned the title Noble,” the maid put down the hair brush and started pulling Tina’s hair. Tina winced as pain rippled through her head as the maid twisted the red locks into an complex hairdo. “They can only earn the Noble Title is a member of the house become a part of the Ruling Family of Camelot.”
The maid reached past Tina’s shoulder to something on the vanity before she went back to work on Tina’s hair. “For ladies of the Court, marrying a member of the Ruling Family is an achievement. It brings a lot of prestige to her family. Right now, a lot of ladies are waiting to see what happens at the Chosen Ceremony. I kinda feel sorry for the man chosen. He will be the most popular bachelor in the Kingdom.”
“What if he is married, already,” Tina asked.
The Maid paused and met Tina’s eyes in the vanity mirror before stating, “I’m sure you are smart enough to know there are ways around the marriage problem. It has been before and that practice will continue.”
Eyes widening, Tina froze with realization. Just how many Kings had to bury their wife because a jealousy lady of the Court wanted the position and took matters into her own hands?
“I have heard poison was the least messy way to do it,” the maid went on, “The blame usually lands on the servant who gave the drink of choice to the wife.” Tina heard the maid take a shaky breath. “I have lost a grandmother and an aunt that way.” The maid paused for a long moment.
“I am sure there has been assassins used, as well,” Tina spoke up, giving the maid a moment, “and other incidents that looked like accidents.” The maid hummed, nodding. “I knew Court was dangerous, but to know this, man,” Tina breathed, inhaled, and continued, “This is something a bit more then I realized. It sounds like the Game of Thrones kind of shit.”
“It is the Game of Thrones, my lady,” the maid corrected the red head, “The end goal for each family is claim the Throne of Camelot and try to return the Kingdom to its former glory as the United Kingdoms of Camelot.”
“What happened to cause it to be the kingdom to separate into several,” Tina asked. It was a bit personal curiosity and a historical curiosity. She loved learning about history and how it effected today’s events.
“One of the previous Kings, I forget which one, wanted to make sure his brothers also got to rule, even though only one could rule Camelot,” the maid explained, “So, he gave the area that was the Former Kingdom of Mercy to his youngest brother, the Kingdom of Terra to his second brother, the Kingdom of York to his third brother, and the fourth brother was able to claim Yuki Kingdom in the far north. The King himself was chosen by the Holy Sword to rule Camelot.” The maid muttered something under her breath as Tina felt a sharp pull at her hairline, bringing tears to her eyes. “There was two sisters also. One of them was given the Kingdom of Nottingham to rule over while the other one got the islands of Vernazza.”
“So, there were 7 original kingdoms that made up Camelot at one time,” Tina stated.
“Yes, my lady,” The maid said, “There! Your hair is done.” The maid stepped away and went to the bed where the dress lay. “Let’s get you dress.”
Tina let out a sigh, but she stood up and walked over to the bed where she took off her shirt before she pulled the slip over her head, allowing it to fall down her body. She gathered the slip into her hands before she thumbed down her yoga pants and kicked them into the air, watching as they landed half off the foot of the bed, half on the bed. Tina sighed. She looked at the maid, commenting, “I will be wearing those later when I go to bed.” The maid nodded then helped Tina into the dress.
Afterward Tina changed, the maid guided her back to the vanity and helped the red head put on the Armstrong jewelry when a knock echoed through the room, coming the Family door suit. The Maid left Tina’s side and went to the door. Tina heard soft voices. She didn’t hear what was being said. She glanced to the bed through the vanity mirror. She wanted to go back to bed. Maybe after the dinner she would be able to.
“She is in here, Sebastien,” the maid said, walking back into the bedchamber.
Tina’s eyes darted over to the bedroom door and raised an eyebrow as the Head of the Maids and Butlers appeared. He gave her a small smile and bowed to her. She cocked her head to the side.
“What’s up, Sebastien,” Tina asked, turning on her chair and giving the man her attention.
He raised an eyebrow before he looked up, replying, “The Ceiling.” He looked at her and smirked. Tina resisted the urge to flip the Head of the Maids and Butlers off, but she settled on rolling her eyes. “If you meant why I am here, I am here to explain how tonight is going to go.” He turned to the maid, “Sweetheart, you are dismissed until after the mass. Go on eat something then head to bed. I’m sure you will needed later.” The maid nodded then she performed a curtsied to Tina before she walked out of the room.
“What’s that about?” Tina asked, “Cause I probably won’t need her help later when I get back from the dinner.”
“Unfortunately, about that,” Sebastien started, turning to her, “You will have to attend Mass tonight.” Tina pulled a face. “Yes, it is a Christan Mass. Yes, it is required for every member of the Court to attend by the order of the Former High Queen Belladonna.” He paused, “She’s big on tradition.” He sighed. “She thinks if there was a reason for something to become a tradition, it should stay that way.” Tina nodded in understanding. “That’s includes attending the wake and mass to make sure the dearly departed soul’s makes its way to Heaven.”
Tina groaned. She didn’t even know King Uther or experience his reign and really didn’t want to go. She sighed, “So, I can’t get out of it?”
“Nope,” Sebastien popped the P in nope, “Unless you want Belladonna to figure out a way to punish you or your family, somehow.”
Tina rubbed at her eyes, annoyed. She didn’t need to bring more punishment onto her family. Genesis, his Generals, and Tristan already been through enough. In her opinion, the viewing, the wake, or whatever you want to call it should be limited to friends and family, the people who actually knew the dead person, and possible respected the dead enough to care where the departed loved one’s soul went to after life. Not everyone, their mother, and their grandmother who may or may not care what happened to them while they plotted for a way to raise their status. She sighed. “So, dinner then mass?”
“Yes,” Sebastien nodded, “The dinner will only last for a couple hours while Mass will last until sometime after midnight. Once you have returned, your maid will be here to help you out of the dress then will return in the morning to help you redress in another dress that will be appropriate for the Funeral tomorrow morning.” Tina nodded. “However, getting back to tonight, Lord Remus of House Lunar will be your escort to the Great Hall where the Mourning Dinner will take place. He will take you to the table you have been assigned to sit at. Since you are apart of the minor house of an Ancient and Noble Houses, you will be sitting at the same line as the Salt.”
“As the Salt?” Tina asked.
“Salt is rather expensive, here, coming from the far east,” Sebastien explained, “That’s how divide the families. If your family has managed to the Ancient Title, you sit about the same level as the salt. However, if your family is Ancient and Noble, you are above the salt. But if your family doesn’t have either, you sit below the salt.” Tina looked at him in confusion. “It basically means you will have salt at the table or not.”
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