Crown Of Chaos

Chapter 15

7 years later.
"Take him to the ground." Edward yells as I circle my opponent.
I have been in the training room for 2 hours now, and I am exhausted.
My light tank top feels damp as it clings to my body with sweat. My mouth feels dry, and I want nothing more than a sip of cold water to cool me down.
With summer now approaching, the weather has been awfully hot. Making training seem even more difficult than it already is.
I grunt in pain as my opponent's fist connects with my cheek.
Damn, that one hurt.
My opponent, who looked no younger than thirty, grinned with satisfaction as he lunged towards me again. This time I grabbed his arm and twisted it, making him fall onto one leg.
I then raised my knee and drove it into the man's nose several times before sliding my leg across the back of his body and angling his arm in a discomforting position.
The man cried out in pain as I pulled on it, waiting for him to tap out.
He didn't.
I turned my gaze to Edward, who was watching me silently, his hands behind his back as he observed the show.
"Break it."
I stared at Edward dumbfounded.
Shocked at his command.
Edward's eyes widened at my hesitation.
"Do I need to repeat myself?"
Before he could finish, I felt a crack beneath my fingers as I yanked the man's arm back.
The foolish man screams in agony as he falls to the ground, gripping his now broken arm.
I turn back to Edward, who had a proud expression on his face.
"Excellent work, Gray. Next time, don't hesitate." He says before he walks and exits the room.
I wipe my bloody nose as I turn and accidentally make eye contact with my injured opponent.
"You stupid bastard, I'll break your neck." He hisses through gritted teeth.
I shrugged, "Sure, but wait until your arm heals first." I spun on my heels and left, leaving the foolish man hissing and cursing on the sand.
Next time he'll learn to tap out, I guess.
As I exit the training grounds and walk back towards the palace, several maids who were working in the gardens nodded their heads at me in greeting.
After living here for seven years, I have earned the maid's trust and respect as an adopted princess.
At first, the servants of the palace treated me like an outsider. Like I was just some peasant who got lucky, but now they treat me as if I were Princess Eloise herself.
As I climbed up the steps, I slightly nodded my head in greeting to the guards who opened the large door and gestured for me to enter.
As soon as I placed one foot into the palace, I sucked in a deep breath.
Someone is making honey biscuits.
I smiled. I knew exactly who that someone was.
Moppy.
A couple years back, when I was being shipped to Solvadon, I had a severe panic attack, and Moppy was the one who calmed me down.
She was kind and soothing as she patted my back and gently rocked me back and forth until I fell asleep.
After our brief encounter, we were separated, and I thought I would never see her again.
But luckily Moppy was hired as a cook for the palace since their former chef passed away.
"Fate has brought us together again," was what she said when we ran into each other unexpectedly in the palace hallways.
I smiled after recalling our small moments together. Me ranting about the pretty dresses I was forced to wear. My love for honey biscuits and strawberries.
We have grown very close over the years, and I was always thankful for her existence. She was like a second mother to me. And another reminder of home.
"Moppyy," I dragged out as I slipped into the busy kitchen, only to find her hunched over a pot of boiling potatoes.
"Rubyy," she replied as she kept her eyes on the pot.
I pursed my lips as I shuffled over to her, wrapping my arms around her big belly and pressing my face into her back.
"I miss you." I say quietly as I breathe in her familiar scent of honey biscuits and fruits.
"Oh, get off me, you reek!" She scowled as he gently unwrapped my arms from her waist.
I grinned as I moved away from her and plopped myself onto the counter. Legs swinging and gently hitting the cupboard doors below.
There was a comfortable silence as I watched her and several maids work.
Then suddenly Moppy whipped around, smiling. "Taste test?" She said as she tossed a honey biscuit into the air.
I caught it and smiled back at her. "Of course."
As I munched on the honey biscuit, Moppy ordered some of the other servants to go into the garden and pick more fruits for desert.
"Yes, ma'am," they all said in union before rushing out of the stuffy kitchen.
I watched on as Moppy stirred the pots and wiped the bench before finally leaning her back against the counter beside me.
"So." She began.
"How was it?"
I tilted my head at her question, pretending to have no idea what she's talking about.
"How was what?" I replied.
Moppy rolled her eyes as she rose from the counter top and turned to face me.
"How was training?"
I reached for an apple before replying.
"It was ok," I said quietly as I rubbed the apple on my dirty tank top.
Gosh, I was starving.
Moppy then suddenly grabbed my hand.
"Moppy, I'm hungry," I whined.
"What did he make you do this time?" She said softly.
I sighed and leaned back on both arms.
"I broke a man's arm."
Moppy just stared at me. Searching my eyes, trying to look for an emotion in how I was feeling about this.
To be honest, breaking a man's arm isn't as bad as snapping a man's neck.
He made me do that 3 weeks ago. And speaking truthfully, I still haven't recovered from that.
The first time I stabbed a man was my mother's murderer. And I don't regret that. Beside's, there's still a chance that the man survived.
But knowing that I killed an innocent man makes me feel sick—inhuman even.
Every night when I close my eyes, the image of that poor man dying in my grip replays in my mind.
It was as if I was reliving that moment again. My body and his sprawled across the sand. My arm enclosed around his neck, blocking his windpipe and his ability to breathe.
I thought that this was the position we were supposed to reach. For him to be defenseless so he could tap out.
But Edward didn't want that. He wanted me to kill him. Get it over and done with, as he calls it.
I still remember that evil look on his face. The torches of fire around the training ground reflected in his eyes as he ordered me to finish him.
I hesitated. Hesitated to carry out his order, his command.
Edward's evil look on his face disheveled and turned into an angry scowl.
"Kill him." He said it again. Daring for me to object.
So I did. I squeezed harder on the man's throat and slid my other hand across his jaw before adding force.
Once I heard the snap, I could feel the man's struggle fade as he went limp from the top of my body. I staggered off from underneath him and stared at him wordlessly. Breath panting from the wrestle and heart pounding from the shock of it all.
I didn't even have time to reflect on what had actually happened before I was dragged away and sent into the dungeons to pay for hesitating.
I was left in that cellar for 4 days.
4 days with no window, no form of light.
I was in complete darkness, with nothing but water to drink and my thoughts to occupy me.
"Ruby!"
I snapped out of my trance to turn my gaze back to Moppy, who was looking at me worriedly.
"Are you ok?" She asked.
I stared at her. She looked older, her hair grayer, and there were more wrinkles on her green face. Her eyebrows were pinched together with worry as she stared at me expectancy. Waiting for an answer.
I gathered all my willpower and smiled, "Yeah, I'm ok." I said as I shook my hand off hers and took a chunk out of my apple.
"He'll heal."
Lies. His arm might never be the same again.
Moppy smiled gently as she tucked a strand of red hair behind my ear.
"If you ever need to talk, I'm right here, ok?"
I nodded. "Thanks Mop"
Moppy sighed before gesturing to my sweaty and smelly body.
"Good. Now go have a wash. You stink."
I hopped off the bench and made my way to the door. "Ok, ok," I laughed.
"Oh, and Moppy? I questioned as I poked my head from around the door.
"What?"
"The potatoes are burning."
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After my bath, I changed into a simple evening gown and slicked my wet hair back into a bun. I couldn't wait to have dinner tonight. I could smell the food from here.
Potatoes, roast beef, gravy, and fresh baked bread. It smelled delicious.
Just as I was about to exit my room, there was a knock on my door.
I pulled the door open, only to reveal a young and scrawny goblin maid.
"Hello, miss," she stammered as she fidget with her fingers nervously.
"Hi, what's up?"
I hated it when servants acted nervous around me, so I do my best to sound as casual and chill as I can.
"Um, King Edward has requested for you to meet him in his study." She said as she avoided eye contact and chose to stare at the floor instead.
I frown. "Do you know why he has summoned me?"
"No Miss."
I slowly nod my head. "Ok, thanks for letting me know." I dragged out the last word as I expected her to tell me her name.
"Oh! My name is Eve Miss." She exclaimed.
I smiled. "Thanks Eve."
As I made my way to the end of the hall, I couldn't help but feel nauseous as I recalled the last time I had entered that room.
Ever since I was almost strangled to death by Edward, I promised myself that I would never step foot in that room again.
It has been 7 years, but alas, here I was doing it all over again.
I halted before the door. It still looked the same. The sign E.II still hung boldly on the door. The letters were cursive and so gold that the candles behind me were reflecting off it.
I took a breath before knocking on the door.
"Come in."
I gently pushed the lever and stepped inside.
As soon as I walked in, the smell of cigars hit me right across the face.
I guess he never quit smoking.
The room was quiet, and I silently looked around.
Everything still looked the same. The masks on the wall. The weapon collection was still displayed behind the desk. The only thing that had changed was the battle display table. The Valorian building was still there except for the Solvanian troops that were surrounding it before. I swallowed at the memory of realizing who my father's murderer was.
"Have a seat." I turned to face Edward, who was sitting at his desk. Cigar at his thin lips and round glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. After seven years, he still looked the same. Hair grayer but still slicked back. Eyes brown and lifeless. Dull is what I would call them. He had more wrinkles on his face, but despite his old age, I knew what he was still capable of. And he knew that I knew too.
I sat in front of him at his desk and neatly folded my hands into my lap.
There was a moment of silence as Edward just read over some papers and completely ignored me.
"Why was I summoned?"
Edward paused and peered at me through his glasses. He looked exhausted, stressed.
He then pulled his cigar out of his mouth and squished it into the ash tray beside him.
"I have a proposition for you." Was all he said. He shuffled his papers and placed them into a neat pile.
"And whats that?" I questioned, curious about his offer.
Edward fixed his gaze on me. "You want revenge, right? A fight?"
I swallow. "Yes"
To be frank, the reason Edward was training me was to give me the opportunity to fight him in a fair manner.
After training for 7 years, I am now highly skilled in physical combat, swordsmanship, wrestling, and archery.
To have my fight, I needed to master all these skills, was what he told me.
"If you want to have your fight, you must do this one task for me."
I raised an eyebrow. "Task?"
Edward nodded. "Yes, it's very simple."
I leaned back on my chair. "I'm listening."
Edward leaned forward onto his desk. Eye boring into mine.
"I want you to go to Valoria, fool the king, and give me his crown."
I felt like the ground underneath me had opened up and swallowed me whole.
He wants me to what?
"Of course it is easier said than done. But. Your my only option right now, considering you are the best candidate for this mission.
I balled my hands into fists. Trying to maintain my anger.
"You promised me a fight. Not an unfinished job for me to complete for you." I said bitterly.
Edward just stared at me blandly. He had no expression on his face.
"Yes, but times have changed now. I need you. Only until you help me with this mission." He paused. Rolled his neck.
"Will you get your revenge."
I stared at him angrily.
This guy is insane. Truly.
"Have you forgotten what that boy is capable of? He defeated your entire army with one stomp of his foot. And you expect me. A powerless girl to take him down?"
"I know what he is capable of, and I know how to take care of it." He grumbled annoyingly.
I crossed my arms over my chest. "And how do you plan on doing it?"
Edward reached for his pile of sheets and pulled out something that looked like an invitation.
"Have a read." He guestured as he pulled out another cigar.
I sighed angrily as I took the paper from his hand and read it.
"Greetings, nations and allies. King Declan will now select a wife as he is of legal age. We are seeking well-educated young women who are prepared to wed his majesty and serve alongside him as rulers of Valoria. Please keep in mind that this wonderful opportunity will benefit you greatly and will bring honor to your family. We are eager to meet all of the stunning young women who are considering this offer.
Royal decree written by the king's closest advisor,
Madoc"
I scoffed. No way.
This was Edward's plan?
As if almost reading my mind, Edward grabbed the invitation from my hand and placed it back into the pile.
"Make sense?"
I almost laughed. He sounded so foolish. "You want me to participate in this?"
Edward smiled, "Isn't it perfect? You participate in this event. Marry that boy, and when the time comes, stab him in the back and hand me the crown."
I dig my nails into my palms.
He's sick.
"Why do you want this crown anyway?" Why try again after you've already lost?"
Edward's eyes widen in anger. His jaw tightens, and it indicates to me that I've crossed a line.
But to my surprise. I watch as he slumps back in his chair and draws his hand across his face in frustration.
"That." He began.
"Is none of your business."
There was a moment of silence; the sound of crickets chirping outside made this entire situation feel awkward and uncomfortable.
"I won't do it." I say quietly. Breaking the silence.
"I refuse to tidy up your mess."
Edward sighs as he stands up and shoves his hand into his pockets.
Rolling his shoulders, he turned to walk over to the display table.
I stay seated in my seat. My eyes and body facing the empty chair in front of me.
"Then you leave me no choice." He says as he exhales smoke from his mouth.
I do my best to not choke at the smell.
"Anna Gray. Your mother, right?"
I feel my heart drop.
I stand up quickly, my chair dragging itself back and scraping on the wooden floor.
I turn to face him.
My voice is trembling.
"What about her?"
Edward smiled. "You think she was killed in the riot, huh?"
I could feel my heart pounding in my fingertips; I felt like I was about to explode.
I say nothing as I wait for him to continue.
"She wasn't." He says.
He then turns to meet my gaze.
"She's alive."
I fall into my chair. My legs have given out on me as my mind processed those two words.
She alive.
My mother. Anna Gray is alive.
I stare at the ground. Shocked. Dumbfounded. Trapped.
"Where is she, you wonder?" Edward is grinning now.
He was enjoying this.
"That I will not tell you."
I'm still lost for words. How did she survive?
"I'll let you see her. Reunite with her even, if you do as I command."
The way he says command is starting to piss me off.
"What if I still refuse?" I question.
That was risky.
Edward just shrugs. "I'll have her killed." She says calmly.
"Properly this time."
I wanted to push this man off a cliff.
"So your threatening me now?" I breathe out. Voice scratchy and angry.
Edward tilts his head in a thinking manner, "not intentionally. It was you who objected first, so I had no choice."
I face him. "And how do I know if I can trust you? How do I know if she's still alive?"
"I'll send proof to the palace tomorrow, at 9. He'll tell you himself."
He'll?
I sigh deeply. I was tired. Frustrated. In shock.
"I need time to think about this." I mumble as I rise from my seat and head towards the door.
"You have until tomorrow midnight to give me an answer." Edward concluded as he made his way over to his desk.
"Noted." I say as I open the door and exited the room.