Evergreen [Book 1 of the Hierarchy Series]-Revising

Chapter 4

 Cassia waited behind her two companions as her father looked down at them. His eyes wrinkled with a frown of disappointment. After Tralis explained everything, Radu attempted to justify his actions, but Cassia silently watched them, lips pressed in a thin line. Neither Tralis or Radu mentioned that she went off on her own. Radu stated he lost her in the street and left to conduct business as he couldn't find Cassia and assumed Tralis found her. It was a crime, but she was to blame, and he just took advantage of it.

His comrades followed her until she found Tralis anyway, so Radu had nothing to worry about. Until they spoke with her father. And Tralis wasn't one for lying directly to him.

Since they hadn't previously discussed what actually happened, they were somewhat safe of all three of them being punished.

The only discouraging part was where they found Radu, and no one mentioned it. She was sure her father would kick him out of the country for meeting with criminals.

Her father exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes shut tightly as he tried to process the information and punish accordingly.

"Radu, you will not be going back into the city until you show me that I can trust you again. Mind you it will not be easy. Tralis, I hope it will not be too much of a burden doing business alone. As for you, Cassia...you'll remain in the castle joining your sister and me with our duties to the people. No training grounds, but you may wander the castle grounds after your duties are fulfilled each day."

Cassia grumbled, swallowing as she slackened her expression. She gazed at the floor, nodding in acceptance. He dismissed them with a raised hand, and the three of them dispersed with a respectful bow. Cassia walked towards her quarters, Radu and Tralis walking to their own chambers. Tralis ahead, Radu not far behind her. Radu clutched her arm lightly, a finger pressed to his mouth. She remained silent as his gaze shifted towards Tralis and hers followed. As he disappeared around the corner, she turned back to Radu.

"Can we talk privately in your chambers?" He whispered, swallowing nervously in fear Tralis might hear. "There is something we need to discuss." His eyes glistened, the last part of his sentence hanging in his gaze. The siblings that were watching her. They must be what he wants to talk about.

She nodded, opening the intricate door. Her servant was not summoned, so the room was quiet and empty. The only presence in the bedroom was her familiars, a tremendous grey eagle, and a snow-fell weasel. The eagle sat quietly, asleep on its perch as the weasel ran over her bed, throwing itself over her blankets. When it saw her, it flung itself off the bed, scrambled to her feet, and climbed onto her shoulder.

Cassia rubbed the weasel's chin affectionately, approaching the lounge in front of the fire place. Radu fiddled with the latch until the door locked, joining her on the couch. He shifted uneasily, his fingers twitching and tapping on his knees before he finally looked up into her inquiring expression and spoke.

"I know you are probably confused. I had the twins follow us to make sure we were safe, but the boss wanted them to spy on you."

"The boss?"

"Of the White Wolf. They are a gang that your father has some associated with."

"So I've gathered," Cassia eyed him carefully. Her heart galloped in excitement. She itched to know more. "Why are you affiliated with them? I mean, my father could send Tralis to run business with them. Why have you endeavored?"

He drew away with a nervous cough, gathering thoughts. When he opened his mouth to speak, his eyes were sincere, but he shook like a mouse. He hung for a moment, trying to form words. "They are my half siblings."