Shards

Chapter 65 - Formal Cancellation

Ghost showed up before Shuang woke up the next day. Nothing seemed amiss if one did not look too closely at the Five. The wounds on his neck were covered by his ever present scarf and his long messy bangs fell into his eyes as usual. It was no longer plastered to his face with half dried blood and sweat. It must have hurt cleaning up and retying his hair, thought the Three. It was artfully done to cover the deep gash there.

"They'll be here to collect Glass' body tonight."

"Good."

The Shards were efficient. They took care of their own.

House Zhang too had cleaned up any evidence of the scuffle between the two Shards. No traces were left. The morning sun rose to shine on a pristine courtyard.

"Ghost ..."

"Don't start. It's done."

Key bit his lip looking away. His heart was heavy. Yesterday he had been counting the days until their mission's end but now he was dreading it. His mentor and friend was going home to a brutal judgement. The Dark Sect had never tolerated killing each other. To allow such without harsh punishment would only invite disaster to the whole Sect. They were a body trained on the dark arts of death and revenge.

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Lady Shuang was just finishing breakfast when the summons from her father came. She was to present herself at the Receiving Hall in an hour. The bodyguard Ghost was also to be present.

How odd. Of course Ghost would be there, so would Key. Her two handsome and skilled bodyguards followed her everywhere, didn't they? The formal wording and serious tone of the summons puzzled her.

"What's going on?" she asked. "Ghost? What's this all about? Did you do something wrong?"

"Who me?" replied Ghost with an innocent smile. He ignored Key's soft panicked gasp which turned into an artful yawn. Key had better get himself together and not give anything away or he'll ensure the Three got more training when they got back.

"Maybe Lord Zhai is announcing Ghost as your permanent bodyguard," LiQuin said glancing at Ghost. "He'll probably join your entourage and be tasked to continue guarding your person when you go with Lord Yuan to your new home."

The pretty maid was still seething at the bodyguard but she hid it well. He'll regret ever rejecting her!

When she had approached Ghost after Lady Shuang's formal engagement, she had been so happy that her mistress was finally and irrevocably spoken for. Now, she would have a chance to be with her secret crush. Since they would follow Lady Shuang to her new home, it only made sense for them to be together. They were both high ranking servants from the same place. It was perfect, but he had spurned her! Resentment burned in her heart leading to her seeking out Lord Yuan. A little punishment would do the arrogant bodyguard some good. Maybe a good scare would bring him to his senses when his fate hung on her words. Then he would appreciate her 'help', be grateful and accept her.

Her heart fluttered at her foolproof plan. Lord Yuan was a true gentleman. He had sympathized with her and had been understanding of her feelings towards Ghost. When he readily agreed to her plans, he had also confided in her that he was somewhat relieved she had come to him since he was aware of Lady Shuang's infatuation with the bodyguard. Once they were a couple, Lady Shuang would have to give Ghost up. It was a win for them both.

LiQuin couldn't wait. Ghost would soon be hers.

Lady Shuang brightened up. "Of course! That must be it. Sometimes you're so smart LiQuin."

Lady Shuang cast a possessive look at her handsome bodyguard unaware of her maid's feelings. He looked exceptionally gorgeous today too. He was paler and more reserved than usual but looked so good against the darkest black outfit she had ever seen. She felt so excited. Maybe she can ask Father for Key too but at least she'd have Ghost.