Dark Reincarnation: Nightshade

Chapter 44

                       Alice's POV

          "So what was it you wanted to discuss sir?"

                    "Straight to the point huh? I like it, allow me to do the same. I want you to work for me."

         ".......What do you mean work for you. I thought I told you I just wanted to life a nice quiet life with my daughter....."

                      "And the chance to do just that is what I'm offering."

          "And how is it exactly does working for you achieve that?"

                        "Tis simple really, all I wish of you to do is help my army take down a few SS ranked monsters and whatnot. Currently there is only two people from my kingdom that would be able to handle this, however they are both away dealing with a problem we've had on our borders.

     "Now that you've earned the kingdoms respect through trial by combat, if you agree to assist in this matter there wouldn't be a single person here that would argue about giving you a Title.

      "With a title comes land, enough money to be able to spoil the little one daily and a very secure estate, I can even assign guards to take post on your lands to help ensure safety."

               "Am I allowed time to think this over?"

       "Of course, it is a big decision to make after all. Return home, discuss it with your daughter. I'll send for you in a weeks time to get your answer. You are dismissed."

       Bowing to the king once more, I turned around and walked out, grabbing Rose along the way. I honestly don't know what to think of this situation.

     'I've definitely gotten myself into a real mess haven't I?'

       After we had left the castle I decided to just find an empty alleyway close by instead of walking all the way back to the main gate. Once I was sure nobody was around I held onto Rose and teleported us back to our house.

       It was strangely quiet as neither me or Rose said a word while getting ready for bed. Only sharing brief "Goodnights" and "I love yous" before splitting ways to our own rooms. Closing my bedroom door behind me, I didn't even bother with the lights. Instead I just flipped down on my bed deep in thought.

        A little bit later I heard my bedroom door creak open and felt someone crawling into bed next to me.

                "Mom.... Are we going to be okay? Will we have to leave again?....." Rose asked as she cuddled down into me letting me hold her like I did years ago when we lived over by Lumina.

         "We'll be just fine love, we always are."

                  "Are we going to have to leave again?" I could hear the pain in her voice as she asked that, she's truly come to like it here hasn't she..

         "No, no we won't. You're actually happy here and that makes me happy. I really would be a monster if I took that away from you."

                   "What are you going to do?"

          "The only thing I can do. I'll go talk to the king tomorrow. For now, try to put it out of your mind, there's no point in worrying about it."

                   "I love you mom."

            "And I you little one. Sweet dreams my love."

    Once I knew she was asleep I gently worked my way out from under her and threw my cloak on. After pouring myself a stiff drink, I walked outside and sat on the porch, lost in thought.

     I vowed to give Rose a good life and to make sure she'd be happy. I refuse to go back on that. If working for the king allows us to stay here, the place she has made friends and come to love, then that's what I'll do. Despite how much I really despise being at a kings beck and call.

      "Alice.."

  **Smash**

            "Who's there?"

     Looking around frantically, ignoring the fact that I just dropped my glass, I tried to find the source of the voice I just heard. I could have sworn I just heard Lily, but that's impossible isn't it?

    I killed her with my own hands... But I would never mistake the sound of her voice. What the fuck.

          "Alice.."

    I must be finally losing my goddamned mind. I swear I just heard her call for me again. After spending another half an hour looking around looking stupid I gave up.

    Deciding I'm either going nuts or the exhaustion is getting to me, I then carefully crawled back into bed.

        'I miss you Lily... I miss you a lot...'

   With that last thought I closed my eyes and drifted off.