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⊹ 《12TH FEB, NIGHT》 "Painful, isn't it?"
Kiaravell didn't need to turn to know who spoke. Risseia Rancor's presence was unique to her; sinister and heavy. The Imperium had been going through another Gathering, this time concerning the neighboring kingdom of Dumiri, when she felt a sharp pain blooming behind her. It felt as though fire was racing up her punishment wounds, the ones that had just been reopened earlier that day by dear Archer (who she then pelted with several marshmallows) over a burger. But she'd gotten used to that pain. The one she felt right now was different. Worse.
"I didn't expect you to make it through the Gathering on your feet." Risseia was drawing closer to her now, that signature smile seemingly stuck to her face. "Black Dew may be slow-acting, but I was told it feels like flame licking at your skin when it does. Still, you managed. I'm impressed." The woman chuckled. "Imperium, indeed." "Imperium," she drew in a shaky breath, steadying herself enough to look at the Lady Rancor. "And Exalt. I would rather die than let you tarnish my honor."
Risseia chuckled. "Strange, I thought I did that centuries ago."
"What is it that you want?" Kiaravell wasn't going to let the woman get under her skin like this. "If all you came for was to ridicule me and inform me of your misdeed, do step aside. I'd like to inform the Council." She didn't wait before manoeuvering over Risseia, eager to get away before she lost control of her Curse.
"Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Kiaravell paused.
"You don't seem to be comprehending the current situation, dear Kiaravell." The tone of Risseia's voice was different now. No longer was there a hint of childish mockery. There was only malice. "So I'll explain." Kiaravell gasped when the woman took hold of her arm, forcing them face-to-face. "You are an Exalt torn between your two most precious things. You can only protect one."
Kiaravell wasn't any less confused, so Risseia said, "Your honor and your family. Now, you can go ahead and inform the Council of my 'misdeed' but bear in mind, it would take a full day for a trial to be held. And even that is based on the chance that you are able to prove what you say is true." Kiaravell's eyes narrowed. "There are a great many things I can subject your brother to in a day, my dear."
"If you even think of hurting him--"
"You'll what?" Risseia laughed. "Tell the Council? Inform your House? Who would take your word, the one who left us all to rot as time passed by, over the great Lady Rancor? Your title means almost nothing before you complete your Selection." When Kiaravell didn't respond, Risseia continued. "So, until then, you are like an ant in fear of being squished under my boot." She ran a hand down Kiaravell's back, enjoying the pained gasp it earned her. "So act like it."
Finally, the woman took a step back. "So what will it be, Imperium? Your honor, or your brother?" And she left the hall, her rich cackle echoing throughout the space.
She didn't bother turning back to look at Kiaravell. If she did, she would have caught sight of sharp fangs and murderous look.
Kiaravell would never forget what happened here.
Kiaravell · Fri Feb 12, 2016 @ 01:19pm · 0 Comments |
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