Blood Inked

Chapter 4.. The Oracle

The tension in the hall was like a thick fog. It so evident Adria felt she could cut it with a knife if she tried. Queen Yasmine froze to a sculpt, her clenched fists rested on her thighs as an attempt to remain calm and composed, but it brought more attention to her nervousness. King Heraed's face crinkled in displeasure and his eyes were filled with anger. It felt like they were on a brink of war.

Even the royals harbored great fear, Adria thought.

There was a wide breath between the guests and the throne, no one dared to come closer. The orchestra played a hearty tune, yet no one danced. Most of the guests whispered amongst themselves about the sudden appearance of the Oracle. They darted curious gazes at her, not letting their gaze linger too long. Power oozed out of her, terrifyingly static and vibrant, with a simple word from her lips your whole existence could seize to be.

Adria had heard a thousand tales of the great feats of Eloah's Oracle. The tales had commanded so many emotions; love, fear, joy and anger.

The Oracle had abandoned them in their most dire moment. It was believed that her existence had finally come to an end, yet here she was with an air of arrogance; unharmed and as powerful as ever.

"Slave child, pay attention to whom you are attending to." Princess Lita said narrowing her eyes.

"Forgive me Princess," Adria bowed, filling up her glass with wine.

"How does it feel to be in the midst of so many royalty?" Lita asked.

"How else is she supposed to feel but honored," an Earl said.

Adria kept her head down as befitting of her station, "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve."

The Earl grabbed her arm harshly, she swallowed a wince. The cuts from the Chief maids whips were still not healed. She could feel the cut opening up and bleeding. She could feel the attention she was gathering, it irritated her to her toes how much slaves were made fun of by the nobles. It was nonsense, she was also a person with emotions. Adria saw Princess Yurla watching with amusement, this was part of her punishment- serving the nobles and entertaining them.

"So, how did you become bonded to the palace?" He asked, "what nation did we conquer to enslave you?"

"the Sisters helped my mother birth me." She answered with clenched teeth. "I was born a slave." the urge to hit him on the head with her tray was almost overwhelming.

"Not quite entertaining," He said releasing her to return to her duties.

Strong hatred for anyone of noble birth began budding in her heart. She might have been born a slave, but she was also a person with emotions. The insignia on her neck tingled, just as she felt his watching gaze on her. All nobles were the same and to her knowledge, Lord Iah was amongst the worst. He had bonded her soul to his and ensured a life of servitude for her. She had lived her life in slavery, and that had not been enough, he had also enslaved her soul. He was a dangerous man, and secretly she feared him. There was an aura around him, filled with darkness, horror and danger. From her position she could not see his eyes, but his cloud of darkness was more than enough to announce his strength and power. It would be dangerous to underestimate him.

Behind the clothes of darkness, Adria was sure there was a deadly and extremely powerful gift. Not just any one can make a Paliken. The Palace warlocks, sorcerers, Chevaliers and Grace kins couldn't create one, it was believed to be a myth, yet he had done it.

Adria felt the scrutinizing gaze of the Oracle on her, It was like ice racing up her spine. Nothing escaped under the Oracle's hawk eyes. She looked up and found those striking red eyes watching her. These were the three people she feared; the Queen, because of the pain and misery she could cause her, Lord Iah, because of the power of obedience he could command on her, and the Oracle because of her terrifying power. The Oracle was a terrifying creature of power. There was no wind in the room, yet it seemed like a gentle breeze was constantly blowing around the Oracle.