Paradox Princess: Book 1, Corrution

Chapter One: The Offer

After Kirigami and the man in the black suit had gotten into the limousine, the vehicle drove to the nearest intersection and turned south. Inside the limousine Aušra was not the only person in the back with Soto, three handmaidens sat opposite of them. One had orange hair, the middle one had black hair, and the one on the right had blond hair. They all wore the same maiden gowns, and calmly sat gazing at Aušra and Soto.

"So, I would assume that you want to request something from me?" Soto said addressing Aušra. "May I ask what it is you want?"

"You'll find out soon enough when we reach the royal palace," Aušra replied smoothly. "We have much to catch up on; it has been eleven years since we last saw each other. I've waited so long for this day to come."

"Indeed, it has been a long time," Soto said calmly. "If you wanted to see me so badly, then why did you wait for eleven years?"

"Because, it was necessary for you to complete your training and gain experience before we met again," Aušra explained coolly. "If you were in my presence with no skills in combat, it would put you in danger since there are those who wish to assassinate me."

"I had gained the status of a legendary hunter no more than a year ago. You could have seen me then," Soto said.

"As much as I wanted to, I decided it was best as your birthday gift," Aušra replied coolly sounding happy.

"Why is it that the Paradox Princess would show any interest in her subject's birthday?" Soto said sounding skeptical.

"As I told you before, you mean more to me than you would ever know," Aušra replied calmly.

"What the hell does that mean?! And are you always indirect with all of your answers!?" Soto demanded.

"Watch your tongue boy!" the black hair maiden hissed. "Don't speak to her royal highness with that tone, or you're to lose it!"

"It's fine Beth. I take no offence," Aušra said coolly. "You know Soto, you're the first person in a long to take that tone to me. It makes me feel more like a normal person, thank you."

"You certainly are a deranged psychopath, you are the first person I've met that enjoys being insulted," Soto retorted casually.

Aušra threw her head back and let out a mature and sinister sounding laugh. Soto raised a brow taken aback.

"Yes, I will admit that I am a deranged psychopath," Aušra replied sounding witty. "But no worries, the world is safe from me. You certainly have nerves of steel; I believe that I like you even more now."

"Coming from you, I'm not sure that is very comforting," Soto said coolly.

"Do you remember the day we first met?" Aušra asked Soto in a gentle tone as she gazed at him with affection.

"No," Soto replied more gracefully. "But I do remember the day of our oath. It is hard for me to believe that eleven years have come and gone quickly. You look exactly the same as I remember you."

Aušra considered Soto for a moment before responding.

"Eleven years may have seemed quick for you, but to me it felt like a thousand years," Aušra said thoughtfully. "I waited patiently with anticipation to see you once again. The first day we met was when you were born; that's the reason I'm not surprised you don't remember."

Soto remained silent as he observed Aušra with his intense gaze. At this point, it was fifteen after twelve time wise and the limousine was now out of Visp and on the mountainous road.