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#Post#: 1208--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: Kimcora Date: June 29, 2020, 12:32 am
---------------------------------------------------------
To say the least, Dimitri realized the minute the man turned
around that he had made a mistake. It was only confirmed when he
then confirmed that he preferred to spend his night playing
cards with the sisters and Hydrus. Hydrus wasn’t so bad but
Dawna AND Duska. The women were the most cruel and b*tchy
individuals he had ever met. They made Frieda tolerable to him!
So Karl was already on Dimitri’s list of people to avoid even
before he called Dimitri a servant. As if Karl wasn’t one as
well. But he sent Dimitri over the edge the moment he called
Nesryn a harlot.
A younger Dimitri would have thrown a punch, even if Dimitri
knew he wasn’t a skilled fighter. What he lacked in skill was
pride and tenacity however and he would make sure Karl felt like
hell even if Dimitri lost. But the knowledge that swinging would
just wind him up fired and would look poorly on Luna, kept him
grounded but openly glaring at the man. His jaw was tight and
his lips were set in a thin line. He was thankful Nesryn took
over because he feared if he opened his mouth that the only
question that would come out of his mouth would be “What the
f*ck is your problem?” He already looked to be struggling not to
say anything, especially when Nesryn seemed to brush him off and
even thanked him for his time. How could Nesryn be that calm?
How could she not even show a bit of anger with him openly
insulting her? While he knew it wasn’t his job to defend her and
that she could easily do it herself, he felt wrong not saying
anything and even worse that he couldn’t. Not beyond harsh words
that wouldn’t faze the conceited prick. The twins and Hydrus
could keep the pompous *ss...
When Nesryn all but called him along like a child, Dimitri
watched Him stalk off and thought about following. However, that
meant leaving Nesryn’s company for Karl’s. Obviously he stayed
only long enough to turn and join Nesryn. He took up stride next
to her, still fuming, but took a deep breath to calm himself a
little.
“That pr*ck...I’m sorry for his behavior Nesryn. I don’t know
how you didn’t want to sock him in the jaw.” He apologized
before he did give a shake of his head. “If I wasn’t already on
thin ice with Frieda I would have...A fight would have gotten me
fired instantly.” He said since he knew Frieda wouldn’t hesitate
to fire him due to his loyalty to Luna only. “Still, I’ll
clarify with the others about that rumor. It’s wrong your honor
is being called into question over something that I helped
cause. As for him, he was being a racist jerk so I doubt he can
be convinced of anything. But I can at least speak with Marcella
for some help in quieting rumors.” He said before brushing some
hair from his face. He hated that she had to experience that
open racism in her place of work or that he somehow helped in
making things weird on only her first week there. Had she
experienced much of this? After all, she seemed so calm on the
outside. But what was going Through her mind?
#Post#: 1222--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: DolittleMax Date: June 29, 2020, 9:32 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nesryn allowed Dimitri to blow off some steam in his apology;
the encounter seemed to have effected him as well. Nesryn was
used to racial slurs by now; all of them had been used toward
her on many occasions. However, the harlot bit had stung in
combination with the disdain of her race. So even as Dimitri
chattered on about trying to quiet the rumours about what was
happening between the two, she was trying to quell her rage.
She looked at Dimitri, the only indicator that she was feeling
any anger would be the way her jaw was set quite tightly and her
eyes seemed to have that flinty edge to them.
Though, when she looked up at Dimitri and how angry he was on
her behalf, some of the anger made way for a tinge of amusement
or even a sense of appreciation that he was so worked up about
it. As he pushed the hair from his eyes, she gathered her
thoughts.
"I choose my fights carefully. After all, when I join one they
usually end quite shortly after and this dress was a gift from
her Ladyship- not worth getting the blood of some arrogant ass
who seems to use to much wax in his hair and doesn't ever iron
his lapels properly"
She looked at Dimitri, wanting to assure him that she was okay
and he didn't need to feel so upset about it... but she couldn't
find the words. So instead, she did what she always did when
emotions seemed to get too involved in what she was doing;
reassess the goal.
"Even though I wish I had an excuse to bring the man to his
knees- he has a solid alibi... Lacey must know something...
she's pretty observant of peoples emotions and usually has a way
of getting around the castle. I wouldn't be surprised if most of
the rumour spreading was her"
However, what was most weighing on Nesryn's mind was going to
her quarters to check what had been tampered with. Surely she
would find things out of sorts in there; after all, the knife in
question was in her drawer under clothing. It would take a fair
amount of rifling to get it- Damn it- Nesryn had left it in the
inner sheath of her assassin's jacket which hung on the back of
her door. Whoever went into her room could have easily accessed
it if they went in.
"I am going to check my quarters for any sign of evidence. I'm
sure the knife was taken from my room, perhaps something else
had been moved that could give us a clue? You may join me if you
wish-" she took a few steps away and cast a look over her
shoulder.
"I wouldn't worry too much about quelling the rumours. It is
much better for the attacker to think we are copulating rather
than cooperating on trying to catch them. We can deal with the
rumours after... I have a feeling we are close to the end
goal..."
With that she headed to her room.
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
/-/-/-
Nesryn went upstairs, glad to see that Luna still had the
sufficient amount of company to ensure her safety. Soon enough
though, it would be time for Luna to go to bed and Nesryn would
have to return to her 'Lady in Waiting' duties. However, they
had enough time to look over Nesryn's room.
Nesryn pushed open the heavy door, frowning for a moment.
"This has been oiled..." she said, almost muttering.
Nesryn had purposely messed with the hinges on her first night
here to ensure that if the door was opened, it would squeak as
it opened, alerting her to intruders. But now it was perfectly
oiled.
"Would of had to be someone who attends to these rooms; did you
oil them Dimitri?" she asked, wanting to see if he had simply
been doing maintenance and undid her work out of ignorance.
Letting him answer she went further into the room, firstly
looking behind the door.
The hook on which her leather jacket had hung was empty and
instead lay pooled on the floor.
"You'd think that if someone was trying to be subtle, they would
have rehung the jacket if it fell down otherwise it might look
suspicious..." Nesryn bent down to pick it up and hang it back
up, having to stand on her toes to just be able to hook it over.
If she was any shorter she wouldn't have been able to achieve
this.
"Yes, the knife that was still in here is gone"
The assassin pulled the blade that had now become evidence from
her sleeve and hid it away in the jacket again, giving the door
a shake to ensure it wasn't just the jacket falling down on it's
own that led to it being on the floor. The weight of the leather
material however, kept it secured on the hook. Whoever had been
searching this coat must have yanked it off.
"Hmm, interesting"
A quick assessment of the rest of the room assured her that
nothing else had been tampered with.
"Everything else is as it should be... We will have to see about
talking to the remainder of the staff tomorrow. It's almost time
for Luna to retire to her rooms"
She stood there for a moment before glancing at Dimitri before
she left the room, "Thank you for assisting today. Have a good
night."
With that, she left.
[spoiler=Nesryn's Room]
HTML https://i.pinimg.com/originals/98/53/4b/98534b3af3b460e3019b3adc99eb6861.jpg[/spoiler]
#Post#: 1227--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: Kimcora Date: June 30, 2020, 9:14 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Dimitri found that Nesryn was mad, but instead of reacting, she
let it roll off her. Then again, after being in Ilydia Bay as a
child, he saw how the Elviyenne were treated. She surely was
used to the insults, but he didn't want her to have to deal with
it here, where she would be hopefully working for a while
until...Well until Lady Luna was married perhaps and in the
Hythian home. Then most that worked for Luna would be let go,
including perhaps Dimitri, Nesryn, and Marcella. He ignored that
thought, choosing to instead return his attention to Nesryn's
plight. He hadn't expected Nesryn to throw out a dis about
Karl's hair, but that had drawn a surprised laugh from Dimitri.
The mirth in his laugh was genuine, but he quickly reigned it in
because it perhaps wasn't appropriate in this serious situation.
Once sobered, he agreed to follow her to her room since they
couldn't rightly corner Lacey or Marcella now. Karl checked out
so they were the last two they could speak to on Nesryn's list
for now. He was begining to worry they didn't have enough
evidence to figure out who did this, but he was trusting
Nesryn's process and trying to be patient. Besides, he was
following her to her room to help look into how someone stole
her dagger. While that wouldn't help the rumor mill around them,
he was happy to oblige.
Although he still felt like he should solve the problem of the
rumors, but Nesryn's point of view was a bit surprising. Well,
at least she agreed that people could believe a woman like her
could be interested in him. But did she have to word it as
copulating? Why did that make it sound so scientific? Even if it
was fictional for now, surely it wouldn't be terrible if she
ever did change her mind... He blushed at where his mind went
and he quickly let that thought go to prevent his mind going
down that rabbit hole. Besides, Nesryn asked him an odd question
about oiling her door which pulled his mind away from his
thoughts.
"Uh--No, I didn't." He said as he followed her into the room.
Her jacket was the only thing that seemed out of place, which
she acknowledged immediately. "Maybe they were in a hurry?" He
muttered but let her mill about about confirm that the jacket
didn't get on the floor on its own. He let his eyes slip to the
rest of the room for one more sleep before he had to look away.
She was thanking him and saying good night, something that drew
a giddy flutter to his chest. "Anytime. Good night, Nes--Miss
Zoya." He said even if she had already turned an left.
~~~
That morning he awoke with a spring in his step and in a
fantastic mood. Perhaps it was because he got to spend the day
with Nesryn, but also he was ready to see if they could find who
messed with Luna. He attended to the few chores he had that
morning as Luna was going to be busy having a visit from her
fiance. That would at least mean that Nesryn might be free. He
caught sight of Nesryn that morning in the hall and figured he
could be allowed to approach her in a friendly manner. "Hey
Nesryn. I was coming to see if you were free. I finished up
helping Marcella with straightening up Luna's wing so perhaps a
few of the servants may have some free time." He stated with a
smile though he did wonder if he could ever speak this casually
with her if there wasn't an investigation afoot.
#Post#: 1230--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: DolittleMax Date: July 1, 2020, 8:14 am
---------------------------------------------------------
That night after Luna had gone to bed, the assassin made haste
to send word to the brothel and tavern to get confirmation on
two of the suspects alibi's. Well, after Nesryn had intercepted
a nasty pot of tea... The assassin had been pouring Luna's
nightly cup of tea to help her sleep when it gave off an unusual
aroma. A quick moment of investigation proved that the tea had
been laced with belladonna; a strong kind of poison. She would
keep this information to herself however and disposed of the tea
appropriately before fixing Luna a new pot herself.
Nesryn had been at work all morning and the page boy who took
messages for the door had been her close friend for the majority
of it. He was intelligent and very discrete in transporting
Nesryn's messages, especially with the added incentive of some
pocket money. It had turned up nothing; they were both where
they had said they had been. She had just placed a nice bit of
coin into the page boy's hand as a gift of thanks when she heard
Dimitri call to her. She straightened to her full height and
looked to him calmly, her eyes taking him in. He seemed jovial
today; his smile carefree and warm. It was almost bright enough
to make a normal girl swoon and though Nesryn was no normal
girl, she couldn't help but mentally bot that he was still quite
good-looking for a humana boy. However, these thoughts fell to
her subconscious as he approached.
Surely today they would figure things out and all of this mess
could be done with...
Nesryn gave a nod and moved to fall in step with Dimitri down
the hallway, "I daresay we should visit the servant quarters
now. Lacey was headed there only a moment ago, so hopefully we
can talk to her before she resumes her duties again"
They moved toward the servant's quarters and Nesryn once more
debated about telling him of the attempted poisoning, but seeing
the gleam of excitement and determination in his eyes dissuaded
her. Instead, she only made to say "I got confirmation on Isaac
and Naaman's alibi's, so they are definitely in the clear"
=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/=/
There was feint chatter from the servant's quarters as people
rotated duties and moved in and out of the area. It was a
relatively large stone room with chairs and a fireplace for
employees to sit when they had a spare moment. Branching off of
this common area were two separate sections for male and female
servants and their personal chambers. Nesryn's eyes caught a
hint of blonde hair and a maid get-up disappearing into the
female section.
Lacey.
"It seems we were right on time" she said, moving to follow the
woman and allowing Dimitri to follow suit.
Lacey hummed happily to herself and was straightening out things
in her chamber. She had half the room, and someone occupied the
other half, though they were not there at present. Lacey had
just finished folding a nightdress when she turned and spotted
the pair.
Her face brightened and she smiled in greeting, "Well hello you
two. Not up to too much trouble I hope?"
Nesryn indulged the ditzier woman with dry humor, "Haven't had
much time to hide out in cupboards today. Do you have a moment
free to talk to us?"
Lacey giggled before tilting her head and looking between them
both, "How can I help ya?"
[spoiler=Servant's
Quarters]
HTML https://i.pinimg.com/564x/b1/dd/9d/b1dd9df7be20335e9e5e795072aea217.jpg[/spoiler]
#Post#: 1233--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: Kimcora Date: July 1, 2020, 8:28 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Dimitri had a certain relief that they could cross two suspects
off their list with Naaman and Isaac's alibi's checking out.
Somehow, it felt good to hear the men responsible for protecting
Luna weren't trying to kill her, even if they were incompetent.
That was becoming a frightening discover to Dimitri who worried
the attacker might strike again if they were really in the
house. It was odd they hadn't tried again. Perhaps they were
scared of Nesryn?
He didn't have time to really consider that as they were soon in
the servant's quarters. Dimitri only really came down here to
sleep as he found the place a bit too busy during the day. But
it was the most private place to talk to Lacey without causing
her discomfort. Really the blonde was always harmless in his
eyes, but it could have always been an act. He knew she was
quite good at being the rumor mill of the staff so he had to
watch what he said around her. Beyond that, he regarded her as
someone he rarely dealt with. He was happy she was her usual
jovial self, not seeming frightened or shifty to see the two in
her room or cornering her to talk.
The comment on not being up to trouble made Dimitri's brow
raise. He about told her that they weren't troublemakers, until
Nesryn spoke up. He felt a blush creeping up his neck at the
mention of hiding in cupboards, as he could still remember that
morning and how Nesryn had been forced against him. He let that
drop in favor of answering Lacey's question.
"Well Lacey, I'm sure you heard about Luna. We need your help
figuring out exactly what happened. Did you see anything or hear
anything that night? I know usually the information around here
gets to you somehow." He said since she was quick to spread the
rumor about Nesryn and Dimitri.
#Post#: 1238--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: DolittleMax Date: July 2, 2020, 8:35 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Lacey hid a giggle behind her hand at Nesryn's candid reply
about cupboards before her eyes moved to Dimitri in interest.
She gave a nervous chuckle when he spoke of rumours and looked
aside sheepishly. However, it seemed that the shyness melted
from her in favour of a sort of curiosity.
"Of course we heard about Luna, I heard it straight from
Marcella"
Nesryn was now interested, "When was this?"
"The night it happened. When I had finished tending to Dawna and
was getting ready for bed she was in here crying and shaking- I
thought she'd actually been in the room she was so upset"
There was a flicker in the muscle of Nesryn's cheek as she took
in this information. The servant hadn't seemed upset when
everything was happening, yet again shock was a strange thing to
try and reason. Lacey sat on the edge of her bed and Nesryn sat
on the unoccupied bed across from her.
"Did you notice anything else odd? Any of the other servants?"
Lacey frowned in thought, tapping on her chin with a finger
absently before speaking.
"Karl isn't the nicest of people, but usually he and Marcella
had an understanding. It was two days before the incident and
for some reason Karl pulled her aside to speak to her. After
that she seemed to be a little off. In fact- She was so out of
it that the night of the incident she was standing in soldier's
barracks when I came back from giving Dawna's horse an apple.
She must have been in the garden- but when I saw her she was
bleeding. A bit cut on her arm. Said she'd slipped while getting
flowers for Luna"
Nesryn stiffened a little as Lacey chattered on, " I said 'Oh
you silly goose! You've got your magis! Fix it up before you get
it on your coat-"
"Her coat?" Nesryn prompted.
"A nice thick one, a deep navy colour, it's really warm- she
lent it to me once"
"Lacey! Dawna is hollering for you!"
Lacey sprung up from her spot on the bed and shot the two an
apologetic look, "If you want, come find me after dinner and we
can keep talking- I gotta split"
Nesryn watched Lacey leave and listened to the hurried footsteps
retreat. When she knew there was no one close by, she looked to
Dimitri.
"Th-that's not enough evidence Dimitri- Don't jump to
conclusions just yet, I;m sure if we look around her we'll find
something that proves Marcella's innocence. There- go look in
the chest by her bed"
Nesryn set about looking through Lacey's things.
[spoiler=Marcella's Chest] The chest opens up with a creak and
what is seen on top is simply clothes. A deep navy coat lays at
the surface but beneath that and below a few more layers of
dresses and such is a piece of paper and a small, empty vial.
The note was as follows...
[spoiler=Note]
HTML https://i.pinimg.com/564x/b0/dd/c6/b0ddc64a2cd5c23310b6bd8bf64c492d.jpg[/spoiler]
[/spoiler]
#Post#: 1239--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: Kimcora Date: July 2, 2020, 10:56 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Dimitri wasn’t all that surprised to hear that Marcella had told
Lacey what happened or that she was upset. Marcella heard
someone attacking Luna and had to run for help. Of course that
would shake someone. But as more and more information came out,
Dimitri’s expression went from accepting and patient to
suspicious and guarded. Alarm settled in his stomach as his mind
reeled with each new fact Lacey spit out like it was nothing
important. The cloak, the cut, the locations, and time of
night....Dimitri was so astonished by the information it was
clear that barrier he tried to keep up was failing. His brow
furrowed and he even folded his arms slightly, his eyes falling
to the floor as he chose a stone to stare at there. Lacey must
have been lying...She knew the details of the case somehow and
was framing Marcella. Marcella was a good person, a trusted
friend, had been his friend for years—For Amons sake she came to
get him when this all happened! Why would the attempted murderer
do that? He shook his head, noticing an anger roiling in his gut
that threatened to consume his thoughts. The thoughts rattled
around with details of the case and the knowledge he knew for a
fact no one else but Nesryn knew and had held her cards very
close to her chest. But still—there had to be a mistake—there
just had to be—Even for a rather fact based and cynical man that
Dimitri was. He knew there had to be more to this or something
that proved it wasn’t Marcella...
Dimitri hasn’t even noticed Lacey leave until Nesryn spoke up.
He didn’t look at her, afraid that his resolve was slipping and
she would see the denial of the obvious there in his expression.
She needed him to be unbiased and not a hinderance to this
case...But...He simply nodded and went to Marcella’s things in
her chest. The coat, the note, and the empty vial all hit
Dimitri like a ton of bricks. His expression drew into a look of
shock as he stood, holding the note. He read it and felt his
stomach sink. Marcella—Lilliana—had done it. Under coercion from
an unknown party but still. She tried to kill Luna to save her
family. While understandable, and Dimitri knew deep down it was
reasonable, he still felt this odd sense of hurt and betrayal.
The woman he had thought he could trust was the one that had
done something so wrong...He didn’t even know who Marc—Lilliana
was. Someone that apparently had an understanding with
Karl....Someone who had a family...someone who would kill
Luna...
“Nesryn...It was her. Under threat of her family but...I just
don’t understand who would ask her to do such a thing.” It was
all he could get out as he passed her the note before he picked
up the vial. He looked at it a long moment, trying to figure it
out before his eyes suddenly blew wide. He grabbed Nesryn’s arm
and moved to pull her from the room. “I-I found this with her
things. I think she might try to poison Luna next.” He said
quickly, looking clearly panicked that Marcella might do
something drastic before they could stop her. Maybe they could
help her or...
#Post#: 1250--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: DolittleMax Date: July 6, 2020, 9:04 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nesryn took a moment to look through Lacey’s things, only
finding the odd assortment of clothing and a rag doll that
looked to be quite old. Perhaps a childhood token. Nesting put
the things back and had barely opened her mouth when her ears
pricked up at Dimitri’s dismayed voice. He was staring at
a letter and his face looked pale and almost angered. Nesryn
couldn’t help the pang of empathy that rocketed through
her at his betrayed expression. With a swift few steps she was
at his side and took the letter while he examined the small
vial. Her eyes flicked over the letter with growing
apprehension. She knew this style of handwriting... she’d
seen it in a particular leather-bound notebook that she’d
only been stupid enough to lay hands on once. This whole
situation was much bigger than Nesryn had anticipated.
However, the grip on her arm drew her out of her thoughts and
she looked up at Dimitri as he tried to pull her along. With a
gentle but firm resistance, she stopped him and gently gripped
the lapel of his dress coat. She held him still and looked up at
him gently, seeing that he was quite distressed.
“That poison was used last night. I intercepted the
attempt before it could happen. Luna is safe. I’ve already
made arrangements for Luna to be isolated besides my selected
guards.”
She kept her grip on his coat feeling as though it were the only
thing keeping him earthed. Her own thoughts raced as she tried
to rapidly piece together information that was revealed.
Marcella was not Marcella, instead a Lilliana with a family to
protect. A family that one particular man had decided to use as
leverage to get the poor girl to do his bidding.
But what did Farren want to achieve? What was at play here that
Luna’s death would benefit anyone? The wedding was so
close- only a week or so -was his aim to stop the
Witheres-Hythian alliance?
For now those questions could wait until Nesryn could contact
the man and give him a piece of her mind for meddling in her
contract... They needed to speak to this Lilliana and get her
perspective.
“Dimitri... if you feel up to it, we should go speak to
Marcella. You don’t have to come if you feel you
can’t. I understand this may be all... very hard for
you”
At this, she let go of his coat and tucked away the note into
one of her sleeves and awaited his answer.
#Post#: 1256--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: Kimcora Date: July 6, 2020, 11:55 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Dimitri found his mind was clouded by worry at the moment, not
just for Luna but Marcella as well. Marcella couldn't do this
and he would make sure she wouldn't. Even if he had to track
down this asshole that was blackmailing her himself, he would
make sure his--could he call them friends anymore? Why was he
worried about a person that obviously had been lying to him and
almost hurt Luna, an innocent bystander? Who attacked Nesryn in
turn. He shook off that thought, refusing to let his anger with
the revelation get the better of him.
Hell, he was worried about Nesryn too and how this might all
seem to her. Here he was, trying to help her solve a murder
attempt and he was getting in his feelings and not thinking
clearly. It was not fair to do to the assassin who clearly
needed this murder attempt handled and the culprit arrested.
Wait...Would Marcella be arrested? Would she be killed for this?
Would he be able to see her harmed for this? He felt the
indecision and mixed feelings affecting his logic and awareness,
to the point he stumbled a little when Nesryn stopped him. He
looked ready to argue, his expression taking on a tension. But
he paused when she gripped his uniform and looked up into his
eyes with a startling sincerity there. Was it understanding or
pity that she was showing him?
He felt the weight of her words, understanding then that
Marcella--Lilliana--had already tried to kill Luna again. That
only added fuel to the fire in his chest that was beginning to
sting with pent up frustration and hurt. They had to stop her
before she did something stupid. They had to...What were they
going to do? They could talk to her, but that wouldn't save her
family. They could have her arrested, but then that felt wrong
if she was coerced into this. They could let her escape, but
again she would return to protect those she cared about. Dimitri
mulled over his thoughts, only tearing his attention from them
when Nesryn spoke.
He winced at the offer of a way out, knowing that he should
probably say he couldn't go. That he couldn't be biased in this
and was a bit too close to the situation. But instead his pride
made it obvious he couldn't allow Nesryn to go alone. Besides,
he had to face Lilliana himself as well. He wouldn't forgive
himself if he didn't talk to her.
With that thought, he straightened himself up by adjusting his
uniform and putting his emotion away behind a practiced mask.
Dimitri could think about this later. For now, he needed to
help... "I'm going to talk to Lilliana with you. I promise I'll
be objective." He said to Nesryn, his tone soft despite his
expression being a bit more stoney.
They made their way through the halls, stopping to ask a few
people along the way if they had seen Marcella. A few pointed
them in the right direction, which eventually lead to a more
secluded area where she was cleaning. Dimitri felt a similar
pang of worry and frustration welling back up at the mere sight
of Lilliana, but he steeled himself for a talk. "Marcella, do
you have a moment?" He called out to her, before his expression
tightened some at using the obviously fake name.
#Post#: 1261--------------------------------------------------
Re: Chapter 0.9: Duty and Disobedience
By: DolittleMax Date: July 8, 2020, 6:53 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nesryn mentally hesitated as Dimitri said he planned to come
with her; though promising to be objective. She had a feeling
that was going to be quite difficult for him but knew that she
had no authority or influence to dissuade him either. Instead,
she once more brought herself to her cool and collected posture
as they went to find Marcella, remaining mostly silent. When
Dimitri called to the woman, she was in one of the lesser used
sitting rooms and turned to face them quickly. What Nesryn
notices was the darker circles under her eyes and the way her
shoulders seemed tense; unusual to her normal confident walk.
“Sure, what’s happened now?”
Nesryn decided she would speak, as she knew the clear path of
thought that needed to be taken. With a glance over her
shoulder, she noted the traffic in the hall was busy, so in a
few steps she moved to shut the ornate doors.
“I don’t mean to alarm you, but what we have to
discuss is of a sensitive nature... Liliana”
At the mention of the name, Marcella stiffened in fear, tears
coming to her eyes as all colour drained from her face. She
gripped the duster in her hand tightly and immediately her eyes
shot to Dimitri before quickly lowering in shame.
Marcella’s lip trembled a little and she quickly felt with
her hand to take a seat.
“Yes...?” she replied quietly.
“We know you are behind both assassination tempts on Luna.
However, we also know that you were being coerced by someone
outside of this house. Correct?”
“I was being coerced... yes” at this confession, her
eyes went steely and she jutted her chin to stare down Nesryn
“Otherwise I’d never hurt her- I’d never
willingly hurt Luna but it came down to her or... my
family”
“I understand that... How did you come to be employed by
the Withered under a fake name? Why the alias?”
She glanced at Dimitri with a shamed look, “When Frieda
was searching for employees, she wouldn’t accept anyone
who had committed any crimes that were officially noted by the
truce. Under Liliana I had three notations of petty theft”
Nesryn could imagine the circumstances clearly. As the eldest
and most able to work, Liliana had to provide for her family. If
she needed to steal she would- and quite obviously did. An offer
to work under such a wealthy family close by to your home was a
golden opportunity, but for anyone to find out might put the
financial safety of her home at risk.
Liliana looked to Dimitri, “I’m... I’m so
sorry I couldn’t tell you. I don’t want this to ruin
our friendship- everything else I told you and how we spoke
wasn’t a lie. I-I promise. I’m still the Marcella
you know... just... under a different name...”
Nesryn glanced to Dimitri before powering on, “I would
like to know who passed this note on to you. I have a strong
idea that the instigator was not within this household but who
passed the note on. It might help me understand the connection
better”
Liliana simply have a shrug, “Karl handed me the note,
but he didn’t seem to know what was in it. Karl may be an
asshole but he’s not good at holding a poker face.
It’s why the other Frieda children like having him play
cards with them. They can never lose. I don’t think he
knew what was in the note because he seemed to forget about it
after dinner...”
Nesryn thought silently, allowing the other two time to perhaps
converse as she put together the pieces in her mind.
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