Paradox Interluder (Usurper #2)

16

The walls of Vitross held many secrets. Darkness lingered in the cobwebs of this narrow passageway Kaid slid through, feeling his back and chest brush violently against the stone walls. No doubt Jessamine had easily traversed these secrets as a young girl. The thought of her mischievous, ever curious nature made him smile despite the circumstance.

She was right in not letting him be in the hall with her. The decision was made to not only de-escalate the situation, but also as an act of love. Jessamine did not want his first day back to be filled with the consequences of her actions. The Empress knew what she was doing, what game she was playing. Lungor had never wanted peace, not with Bashir still sitting on that throne.

To start a war for one man was considered insanity. To fight a war for one man, now that was considered love.

Kaid watched through the narrow slits provided to witness the beginnings of this meeting. This panel would open up into the hall room like a hidden door, but Kaid knew that could only be used as a last resort. Jessamine had bestowed on him to remain as a witness, and that was a responsibility he'd uphold. Vrah paced nervously while Alec seemed to keep his eyes firmly on the portrait of his sister, Empress, and the empty throne in front of it.

The doors opened with Jessamine walking in with pace, as if she had dropped everything and hurried here. Kiev followed from behind, relieving Kaid that she would have at least one ally with her during this conversation. The sight of the Empress eased Vrah, who immediately made his way towards her with worried steps.

"Divines, Jessamine, are you alright-" he was immediately interrupted by a harsh slap. Jessamine's palm had swiped at his cheek, heat rising from the furious sting. The action shocked Vrah, his mouth agape and eyes showing confusion.

"How dare you demand an audience for me just now, mock me in front of the entirety of Kanaf, and most of all scheme to make yourself look better. You're a fraud, Vrah," Jessamine clenched her jaw and her fist. She was starting off strong, something Vrah hadn't expected.

These past two years with her, the only side he saw of her was one of a calm and shy demeanor. This was the real her, the part of her he was always afraid of.

"So it is only alright when you are the one scheming? I wanted to come back, trust me. Given the entire night blew up into flames, my father demanded me to stay until things calmed down. I wanted to make sure you were okay," Vrah explained, pathetically.

"What a lousy excuse, that your actions are at the beck and call of your father. I worry about who you will be when he's no longer around to hold your hand," Jessamine scowled, her words making Kaid smile.

This was the Jessamine I fell in love with, passion as dangerous as the black ocean waves that crashed into this dark coastline.

"Two days. I wasn't allowed back for two days. I return to Kanaf, only to find that Shailud is dead, his assistant now rules, and you return home from what I heard well and safe..." Vrah grunted, adding, "and not alone..."

"Shailud deserved what was coming to him," Jessamine shrugged, "Don't tell me he was some valuable ally in your grand plans."

"No, but you were. You are," Vrah corrected himself, taking a deep breath, "My father may be upset about Shailud but I am certain I can still make a deal with Sabine."

"Hopefully a better deal than you made Shailud...and Pestilence," Jessamine crossed her arms, "Tell me, why did you pick two lousy men to have even lousier discretion to their plans? Both were more than willing to share some vital insight into what you asked of them. What I want to know is, did you ask Pestilence to take my Oblivion?"