Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 21: Remorseful Reflections - Part 1

Natalia smiles with relief and hugs her, helping Marlina sneak toward the spires. At that moment, everything is silent below, as Neterion and Natalia deliberately take heavier steps so that those below can hear them walk back to the barracks.

Marlina pauses for a moment, and another puff of smoke billows from the spires. Without any signs of coughing or other noises, she starts to hear muffled voices again. Marlina concentrates on listening intently.

"It sounds like they've left, Mordecai. Could you please put that dreadful thing away before we suffocate?" Elek complains.

"It smells terrible. I don't understand how you can tolerate smoking that stuff," Tessa replies.

"I'm sorry; I just had to make sure."

Marlina hears a whooshing sound from below, a powerful blast of air shooting from all the spires and creating a loud whistle. Tessa must have used her wind scribes to clear the room of the smell.

"If the smoke didn't do it, that did."

"Now, what's so urgent that you had to wake us?" Elek grumbles with a yawn.

"The twins just mentioned this to me; otherwise, I would have shared it earlier. It's about Tessa's and my Emperor."

"Latos? That tyrant? What does he matter?" Even with the muffling, Marlina can hear the disdain in Tessa's voice.

"No, Tessa, our true Emperor—the Prince."

"Fawz Vilarus? He died along with nearly all of the Royal Family when Latos took the throne."

"Because that's what Latos said to quell an uprising after they were slaughtered. But he's alive, and I now know where he is."

"Wait a minute, Mordecai. Many Urushians searched all over the empire for him after Latos revealed his true nature, and there was no evidence of the Prince's death. But it's been 10 years since then. Where could he have been all this time?" Tessa asks skeptically.

"He's in the Colonies, in a city named Levaeil."

It's now time for Elek to express his skepticism. "That's an extravagant resort, Mordecai. If any high-status Urushian were in the Colonies, they would be held in a stronghold as a prisoner, used as leverage or coerced, especially at that status."

"Then what do you make of this?" Mordecai presses Elek, and there's a pause in their speaking for a moment. "Look at his features, Elek, even with the pale skin. He's Urushian. In this play, he performs as the star actor, using all the elements during the show."

"It's certainly undeniable... he may be using a magic tool to alter his skin tone. Most Colonials likely wouldn't notice the difference."

"If it's him, then there might be a chance to save Urush... save it from ruin," Tessa says, sounding convinced. "But some things aren't adding up. How could he have been there for so long without being caught? Is he held captive, or is he a celebrity, as this poster suggests? What are you planning?"

"That's the information we need, and we won't find out unless someone goes there. The twins could only access the lower levels when searching led them there. Someone must reach the Prince to help him return to Urush and reclaim the throne. But if their information is right, he's in the upper levels of the city, which only high-ranking Colonials can enter."

"Mordecai... You can't be serious about asking this of me..." Elek says, his voice trembling with fear. "You know I can't go back to the Colonies."

"Elek, you're the only person I can turn to. As the heir of a Mage Family, this is my only option."

"Mordecai, no. Don't you dare try to rope Elek in whatever you're planning." Tessa interrupts, her rage mounting. "If Elek goes along with this, they'll eventually find out he's alive. There has to be another way."

Mordecai's voice rises as he replies, "Tessa, this is for our home. It's for all the Urushians suffering under Latos. Don't you care at all?"

"Of course I care, but I won't let you put Elek's life at risk! Many Urushians will gladly fight to restore the Royal Family to power. Have you even considered asking the Princess for help?"

"I did, but she lost all influence the moment Latos took over. Even if the people rallied behind her, it would either lead back to Latos or provoke another Siege of Maydra if she marched into the Colonies with an army. Elek can prevent that single-handedly with his status and magic if he just sucked up the courage!"

A loud slap echoed clearly through the spires.

"You two, please stop..." Elek starts to plead.

"Mordecai, you need to listen closely. As much as I want Latos off that throne, I won't allow Elek to be put in danger."

"Tessa, please let me speak." Fear lingers in Elek's voice, but there's another pause. Most likely, he's taking a moment to collect himself. "From how you explain it, Mordecai, you're correct. To minimize risk, I'm the best option."

"Elek..." Tessa begins, but another moment passes before Elek speaks again.

"But the moment my identity is revealed in the Colonies, my father will hunt me down and kill me for abandoning the family, so you have to understand my hesitance. Restoring one's home would matter to anyone, but I must ask. You've been searching all this time, yet you're framing this as if you're the one who needs to make such a request? Why are you taking this burden upon yourself?"

Then there's a long silence.

"Because the fall of Urush was my fault. I was there that day... by Latos's side... as his general."

Marlina presses her ear against the spire tip, waiting in silence again.

"Mordecai... Please don't tell me you..." Tessa breaks the silence, her voice trembling with betrayal.

"I took no part in the slaughter. I tried to take the Princess out of harm's way. I didn't expect that to be part of his plan. We only wanted respect for Urushians like you and me. We fought so we aren't treated as less anymore, just because we..."

"Just... stop. I... I can't even look at you right now. You need to leave."

With one last pause, Mordecai speaks. "I understand. Elek, I'm sorry for what I said; I was out of line. Can I ask for my cheek to be healed? Otherwise, the twins will cause a fuss."

"Fine," Tessa replies dejectedly.