Chapter 1: All liars go to hell
"Milady!" Monisha's eyes fluttered open, and she turned to Albert, who sat opposite her in the carriage. The soft creaking of the carriage's leather seats and the gentle rocking motion as it came to a stop filled the air.
Her ears rang a bit until the sound of their surroundings filled in. The distant chatter of the guests, the clanging of swords, and the neighing of horses created a lively atmosphere.
"We've arrived at our destination," Albert announced, his voice low and smooth.
Monisha sat straight and peeked out the window. A few strands of her hair fell over her pale face, and the soft sunlight danced across her features. She had her lips painted red and a faint touch of black around her eyes.
The sweet scent of her perfume wafted through the air, mingling with the smell of leather and wood from the carriage. "You seem tired, milady." Albert looked concerned about her appearance. "We could leave if you're fatigued…"
"Forget it, I'm here anyway, so I might as well stay." Monisha interrupted him and signaled him to open the door. The sound of the door creaking open and the rustling of Albert's clothes as he stepped out filled the air.
An hour earlier:
"Lady Ruth, you look beautiful." A soldier who stood beside the woman in a midnight dress praised, his voice filled with admiration. Other soldiers who were also in the room gazed at her beauty, their eyes wide with wonder.
Nicholas and Fraden stepped in, dressed for the occasion. They both wore red russets adorned with badges and medals, underneath which were their velvet pants and black boots. The sound of their boots clicking on the marble floor echoed through the room.
"Wow, I never knew our higher-ups were this gorgeous." A female soldier nudged Ruth with approving eyes, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'd rather not be here." Fraden complained, shooting a glance at the man who had forced him out of bed. Nicholas gently brushed a finger over his waxed hair and smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"You seem proud, Commander." Ruth teased, peeking behind them, hoping someone had arrived.
"He's not done dressing up; the last attire wasn't his size, so he had to wait long for a matching size." Fraden explained calmly, while Nicholas nodded, his eyes never leaving Ruth's face.
"Aren't you guys supposed to be at the gate?" A young man walked over to them, his auburn hair cut in a bob. "You don't want to be queried, do you?"
"Thank you for the reminder, Henry," Fraden rolled his eyes and sighed, ready to leave. "Your boss is still getting dressed."
"Captain is never late; you'll see he's probably waiting for you guys at the gate." The soldier took a stance with his chest out proudly, standing tall. Fraden scoffed and left, while Nicholas grinned, happy as he looked forward to the ball.
Ruth waved off her female subordinates and left as the girls squealed, their high-pitched voices echoing through the hallway.
They all walked past the garden towards the huge gates that led to the barracks. As they walked, soldiers who passed by marveled at their appearance, their eyes wide with admiration.
"I must be a head-turner." Ruth praised herself, her voice filled with confidence. "Can you see the eyes on me?"
"Stop getting ahead of yourself; they're all staring at the hot gentlemen, not the out-of-place lady." Fraden smirked slightly and walked majestically, his boots clicking on the stone path. "I am from an elite family, you know. It's only natural people stare."
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The Moralé's Fortune
Vampiros"Even Death has it's weak point. I'd rather dine in a pool of blood than to cower under my enemies." She picked up the glass and gulped in the blood in one go. "I am Monisha, above me God's law is definite and true. Beneath me, all laws are mine to...
