The richly decorated room was dimly lit, a crimson glow from the sun filtered in through the high stained-glass windows.
Merina was on her knees, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. Asher was standing by the window, looking out through it, his silhouette sharp against the dim light, his arms crossed over his broad chest.
"So she really said that?" Asher asked with furrowed brows with his back facing Merina.
Just a few minutes ago, while he was deep in thought, Merina suddenly rushed into his room and fell on her knees, apologizing non-stop. Her face looked like she had escaped from a ghost, and indeed the reality wasn't too far from it.
It was only after she calmed down did she tell him what happened, and he didn't know if he should feel surprised or not.
"My Master..." Merina started, her voice trembling, "Lady Sabina... she confessed to me. She... she wants you. For herself."
Asher didn't move for a moment, the only sound in the room was the faint rustle of his clothes as he tensed.
"And she was quite motivated?" He finally asked, his voice neutral, betraying none of the surprise Merina expected.
Merina nodded, even though he couldn't see her, "Yes, Master. She... she threatened me. She said she wouldn't tolerate my presence around you. She also expressed how she wanted to divert your attention away from the queen," Merina still shivered when thinking about how she was this close to either getting killed or getting tortured.
After living in this kingdom for so long, she had heard rumors of how Sabina's torture could make one wish for death till their last breath.
Asher was sure by now, Sabina wanted to make him fall for her so that she could make him do everything for her, starting with giving Callisa to her House.
He knew House Thorne would try to get to him but he didn't expect it to be so soon. Barely 2 months had passed after the war, and they were already trying to prey on him.
Still, he didn't expect Sabina to get this desperate nor did her parents seem like the people who would tell her to make a move like that. Was she that determined to help her House or...
Realizing something, he inwardly smiled.
However, on the outside, a soft sigh came from Asher. He turned around to face Merina, his sharp eyes examining her in the dim light. He walked towards her, each step resonating through the silence of the room.
"I'm afraid there's not much I can do, Merina," He admitted, "If someone like Sabina is determined to harm you, I can't really stop her."
Fear gripped Merina's heart, but she quickly swallowed it down. She lowered her head, clutching her chest, her fingers clutching the fabric of her dress.
She knew House Thorne was also greatly feared for their assassins and could make people disappear without a trace. It wouldn't take much trouble for someone like Sabina to get rid of her. It was not as if her Master or anyone powerful could keep an eye on her 24/7 nor can she forever stay in this castle.
"I know, Master," She murmured, "I don't care about what happens to me. I just... I wanted you to know. To warn you. So you can be prepared to deal with her."
With his gaze focused on the maid before him, Asher took a step forward, bending slightly to lift Merina's chin with his finger, gently nudging her to stand up. His eyes were firm, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"But you don't have to worry. No one is going to die," he reassured her. His tone was light, as if they were discussing a mere trifle, not matters of life and death.
Merina looked at him in surprise, her brows raised in an unspoken question. She hadn't expected her Master to be so... cavalier about the whole situation. He could have simply made himself wary of Sabina. So was he doing this just to protect her?
Relief washed over her. If he said there was nothing to worry about, she believed him. She had complete faith in him. In a quiet voice, she asked, "What do you plan to do, Master?"
A cold smirk played on Asher's lips, "No one can walk over my people and expect to go scot-free, not even Sabina," he declared, his eyes hardening with determination, "She's given you a year. So, in that time, I'll find a way to make her succumb to me. Not the other way around."
If anybody else heard that Asher planned to make one of the most frightening Soul Devourers of this kingdom succumb to him, they would surely think he went bonkers even for someone special like him.
However, A small smile crept onto Merina's face, lighting up her worried eyes.
She believed him. She knew that her master, Asher, can be the only one who can deal with someone like Sabina.
"But…next time, you better use the thing in your mouth I gave you. I was expecting House Thorne including Sabina to make a move. That is why I had it custom-made from Darren just for situations like these," Asher said with a serious expression, making Merina readily nod as she deeply bowed, "F-Forgive me, Master. I was about to use it, but I wanted to find out what Lady Sabina's intentions were for you," She now realized why her Master didn't seem that surprised. He was already expecting something like this to happen and the fact that he took measures beforehand to protect her life only went on to show how much he valued her.
Asher softly nodded with an appreciative look, "I know, and I never thought you would handle it this well. Nobody else might have walked out of there alive."
"Thank you, Master…" Merina said with a soft smile, feeling flutters upon hearing him compliment her.
"But…no need to take such risks next time. No other maid can replace you," Asher said as his brows wrinkled and he turned around, making Merina slowly raise her head and stare at his back as her lips broke into a soft smile, her chin quivering subtly.
A day later,
In one of the plush outer gardens of the Bloodvine Castle, a man, and a woman were watering the plants using a special water-like liquid to help them grow in the harsh environment of this world.
The garden itself was an epitome of serenity, an elaborate display of flowers in full bloom, their vibrant colors playing beautifully against the green of the castle's outer lawn.
The fragrance of blooming flowers wafted through the air, carrying a sense of tranquility with them. Exotic plants of various kinds sprawled around, their leaves gleaming under the sun, adding to the majestic splendor of the place.
Naida Valentine stood there under the scorching sun, a vision of allure amidst the heavenly scents of the sprawling gardens of Bloovine Castle.
A wave of ruby hair cascaded down her back, matching the color of her bright red eyes, which were focused on the flowers before her as she watered them. Her bright crimson gown complimented her eyes, her medium bosom modestly covered, and her slender figure accentuated by the dress's design.
The very image of grace, her posture exuded confidence, and her courteous demeanor radiated a flowery aura that could make any soul feel at ease in her presence.
Asher was assisting her in nourishing the beautiful plants. His deft fingers skillfully poured the concoction into the plant roots.
He couldn't help but marvel at the sense of tranquility that the garden offered, a stark contrast to the usual hectic pace of his life. Naida's graceful presence, on the other hand, didn't go unnoticed.
Her dreamy beauty and grace made him wonder if this garden was lighting up the space around them or her.
Suddenly, Naida turned to him with a gentle smile on her face, "My, my, Consort Asher," she began in her velvety voice, "Did you travel all the way here just to help me with the gardening as a thank you? I believe you already thanked me through a letter right after the war."
Asher rose from his kneeling position by the flowerbed and, turning slowly towards Naida, he gently picked a stray leaf off his sleeve, "One of the main reasons I came all the way here was indeed to thank you personally, my lady," Asher said, his eyes revealing a heartfelt sincerity, "If you hadn't told me about the Kraken's weakness, we would not have won the war so easily."
Naida laughed softly, a melodious sound that echoed through the vibrant garden. Her ruby hair shimmered under the sunlight, its brilliance rivalling the explosion of colors around her. As she moved lithely amongst the exotic plants, the hem of her elegant gown gently kissed the dewy grass, leaving a trail of faint sparkles in her wake, "Oh, it was nothing," she said, downplaying her contribution, "I only wanted to protect our kingdom from further losses. And since my House couldn't participate in the war, the least I could do was this."
But Asher wasn't convinced. He squinted slightly as he studied her, tilting his head in bemusement, "Why me, though?" he asked, a touch of curiosity lacing his words, "You could have told any of the more formidable experts in our kingdom. Why someone like me, who is far from being the strongest in this kingdom?"
A serene smile crossed Naida's lips as she regarded him, her bright red eyes glistening with an unreadable emotion, "I must admit," she began, her voice cool as a summer breeze, "Initially, like everyone else, I thought you would amount to nothing as a cripple. But, after witnessing you defeat the Hell Maiden—an achievement that no one else has accomplished—I knew you had the potential to perform the impossible, including crippling the Kraken."
A low chuckle bubbled up from Asher's throat, his eyes sparkling with mirth, "Well, I am flattered that you think so highly of me, my lady," he said, a playful glint in his eyes.
After interacting with Naida all this time, he felt that she was the kind of woman who seemingly had an answer to everything, even in dire situations like when the Umbralfiends suddenly started a war. She also seemed quite easy to talk to, just like Kookus once said.
Unlike other seniors of her age, Naida's aura was gentle and soft, without putting on any airs.
She was so helpful to him, he felt he should thank Silvia for helping him get introduced to her mother in a way.
He guessed she was probably being so helpful because of knowing his potential, just like she said, but at least she was open about it.
And so he paused, a more serious expression replacing the amusement, "Forgive me for being shameless, but there is something else I'd like your advice on..." His words trailed off, inviting her to lend an ear to his queries.
"Feel free to ask anything, Consort Asher. There's no shame in seeking advice from me, especially since it's you," she said, her voice as smooth and melodious as a tranquil brook.
Asher, standing tall in the midst of blooming plants, met her gaze with a casual shrug, "It's not much of a trouble, really," he started, looking out into the garden.
After a momentary pause, he continued, "I just am in the middle of a harmless bet with Sabina. However, she seems to have an edge over me, making it difficult for me to claim victory. I was wondering if you knew any way I could come out on top."
"Oh…" Naida's eyes subtly narrowed at this, her brows lifting ever so slightly.
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