Rebirth (Trinity Blood Fanfic)

Chapter 8: "Nothing But War"

Hugue returned to Grantham as soon as he could while Leon and Kate decided it would be best to keep their distance for a while. The bartender, whose name was revealed to be Maxwell, offered a room at the inn for the two travelers, which they gladly accepted. Hugue disposed of the forged marriage certificate, his alibi. He no longer had any use for it since he knew he would have to tell the Empress the truth.

Upon entering the city, Hugue went straight to the castle without delay. Despite the fact that the city was bustling and full of life, Hugue made his way through the streets wearily. He could feel the confused stares of some of the citizens as he was still dressed in his filthy travelling cloak. It fluttered behind him with the swiftness of his steps as he reached the gates of the royal abode.

The minute he walked through the large oaken doors, he could feel the difference in the atmosphere from within the castle walls compared to that of the streets beyond. It was quiet and morbid. The guards that stood at every door had a slight droop in their shoulders and their faces were completely rid of all enthusiasm. Before Hugue could ask about the whereabouts of the Empress, he saw a figure, a familiar face approaching him quickly. Hugue immediately moved forward to meet him when he realized it was none other than Abel Nightroad.

"Hugue, good to have you back. I take it you've heard the news of Lord Everidge?" Abel asked mournfully as he shook hands with the Captain.

Hugue nodded. "Yes I did. Abel, there's something else." Hugue started but Abel hushed him and ushered him away from the main hallway.

"Not here. Let's find somewhere else."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Abel led Hugue up multiple flights of stairs before they reached a narrow hallway. The passage was well lit with the sun shining through the windows and it seemed to Hugue that this may well have been the only remotely lively place in the castle. Abel unlocked the door nearest the stairs and revealed a classically furnished bedroom that looked to be twice the size of Hugue's own. Thousands of books adorned the walls, neatly colour blocked and coded and the wooden shelves were perfectly cleaned and polished. Although the only light was coming from a few candles in a stand, the room was still bright and colourful. The large bed that faced the door was curtained with a sheer white material and the covers were a lovely classic red with gold-threaded details. Next to the bed was a wooden study desk that was topped with an inkpot and rolled pieces of parchment. Hugue also noticed a short black mop of hair belonging to what seemed to be a small child seated at the desk. She turned at the sound of Abel closing the door as they entered and Hugue was relieved to see the Duchess, Seth Nightroad, seated before him.

"Hugue!" Seth exclaimed. She stood quickly and ran up to Hugue, jumping up and wrapping her arms around his neck. Hugue's lips lifted into a half smile as she squeezed him and he couldn't help but take her in his arms.

Abel chuckled as he walked past the two. "Oh sure, say hi to him but ignore your brother," he said sarcastically, walking towards the desk and peering at her work. Seth let go of Hugue and turned to glare at Abel, who had now taken a seat at her desk. He began to play with the ink quill but immediately turned to look at her when he heard her breathing become staggered.

Seth had turned back to Hugue and hugged him again, sobbing tearlessly into his stomach, which was at her eye level. Despite being undead, she could still feel emotions. The Captain stroked her hair to console her and Abel sighed. "She discovered that Loisa, her lady in waiting, was murdered last night," Abel said softly. Hugue frowned and looked down at his little friend who was making small hiccups noises from her woe. He hushed her softly as he walked her over to the edge of the bed where he sat down and held her like she was his child.