Into The Abyss

His Ruin, Her Demise (2)

She was a nasty woman for sixty, born from a concubine mother in a prestigious household. She was disfavored but rose above others because of her intellect. Since she was toughened by hardships and has a heart of stone, she doesn't even think twice in sending her only granddaughter to be collateral for greater leverage in court.

My mother, who fled with her younger lover after birthing five children, was like dirt in the madam's eyes. And since I was that bitch's child, imagine how harsh she treats me.

Well, just like what I've said before it doesn't matter as long as my brothers live comfortably. But that assurance isn't enough. My brothers are growing and I know that once I leave this household to another, I cannot protect my brothers the way I use to when I was beside them.

The Madam will likely use them as pawns too, or worse send them off to people with bad intentions to consolidate power. That's never going to happen as long as I live.

"Are you listening, Eliana?" she asked in a stern voice. A hint of displeasure flashed across her face as she eyed me. I lowered my gaze and apologized.

"Three families have sent their marriage cards to my household. At the end of the year, I shall announce which family you'll be marrying in. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Madam," I answered promptly, in a voice that heed no disagreements with her statement. After that, she waved her frail hand dismissing me. When I reached my chambers, I slowly slid to the cold floor and broke down.

My relationship with Zion became strained after my meeting with Madam. I rarely see him nowadays and when I do, all I say were brute and harsh remarks that hurt both of us. I became someone I didn't recognize anymore. What annoyed me more is that instead of getting, he takes it all and lets me cry on shoulder. What a despicable man.

One time, I cried so hard that he made another careless remark again. Just like when we were children. "Let's get married, Eliana."

I instantly backed away from him. Why is he saying this? He can't! Zion chased after me and grabbed my arms. "You're insane! Let me go!"

"I can take of this mess. Come with me." I shook my head, disagreeing with him.

"You are too weak! You can't take care of me!"

"My father is the Prime Minister, Eliana. He will protect us. And the Crown Prince too, he wants me on his side. I'm thinking of turning it dowm because the court stink of foulness, but Father would be enough to shield us. I'll take care of you and your brothers, of course," he said with an innocent smile.

I struggled out his grasp and kicked him, tears streaming from my eyes, "That won't be enough! I thought YOU are going to take care of me? So why depend on Uncle, huh? What happens after he dies? What will you do? You have no power!"

Zion looked at me like I'm a stranger. I wanted to stop with the rage but my brain won't stop spinning with endless thoughts about our near end.

"You're weak and clueless and innocent! We won't survive in this place if we have no semblance of stability! This is the capital, Zion. People kill because they need to be on top and the weak die because they can't protect themselves! Even people who thought they have enough power wound up dead! That's the reason why my Father died! Because he became soft!

"You want me to be yours? Then be powerful enough to be the strong tree that shields us from all storms Zion. I have my brothers to protect and if I can't seek that protection from you, I'll search for someone who can."

Zion was speechless. His hand that was an arm's length away from me, close enough to touch me, was placed on his side, fist turning white from clenching it too tight. His mouth opened a few times, but he never managed to get even a single word out. Finally, he turned around and left. And with him, the light, too.

For seven days I cried and mourned for the death of my first love. For seven days I never stepped out of the room. The Madam was furious but I did not care. She has no tolerance for stupid actions, and clearly she ought to kick me out but she can't. Or rather, she won't. She still needs me. I have my uses even if I'm a bit stubborn. At least my Mother was useful enough when she bestowed me the grace of her face.

With three suitors vying for my hand, the Madam couldn't ask for more. All she needed to do was pick one who among them would be the most powerful and has the most potential to stay in power.

Power alone won't make them the best, she told me on one of her rare good moods, it is their ability to stay in whatever their position is—that is what true power is.

The higher their position, the more risk and danger they are in, that's why they should be cunning and ruthless enough to make decisions.

Zion won't survive with his naivety. As much as I cherish him, we just aren't destined enough to be with one another. I have to realize that. We both need to.

At least he'll have a chance to find another one to cherish, right? That's enough for me.

At least one of us gets to be happy. I just have to work hard to feel the same.

"Eliana, get ready in ten days, the merchant family you're marrying in will come for your hand." So the merchant boy prevailed, huh? Must be powerful enough to overcome the royal family.

The merchant boy can be considered handsome, yes, and based on his expressions it seems that he was quite taken by my pretty face. I restrained the urge not to roll my eyes and instead acted more demure as befitting a lady of the household. After conversing with adults for some time, they let the two of us stroll the gardens together.

Garen is his name and he liked swords but can't wield one unfortunately. He told me of tales of battlefield of past unsung heroes and famous ones.

He was amiable and a good conversation partner. I wasn't bored with him but the way he expressed his admiration towards things like war infuriated me the most. It reminded me of Zion.

Shutting that stupid man's face from my mind, I smiled more sweetly at Garen, making him fall for me even deeper.

Ha, I thought to myself, controlling this boy would be easy.

We met several times and spent it by strolling the gardens and talking about his and my likes and hobbies.

"An acquaintance of mine told me that you're friends with the Crown Prince's right hand man?" he asked suddenly while I was sipping my tea. I craned my head sideways, clueless to the person he's talking about.

"Zion, the Prime Minister's only son! What a brilliant man! With his strategy, I'm told that they managed to subdue the bandits by the western mountains in just a month! The enemies of the kingdom for twenty years were defeated in a month! How wonderful! Can you arrange a meeting between us?" he urged me, eyes twinkling in delight.

I just only managed to get that man out of my mind and this boy is suddenly mentioning him to me! Calmly placing the tea cup on the table, I stared at him straight on and said, "If his name ever comes out of your mouth again, I promise you that we would never meet again in this lifetime," I warned, my voice on the verge of barely restrained anger, "—do you understand, Garen?" I finished with a smile on my face.

Garen's head bobbed up and down, smiling nervously. Hands shaking, he reached for his cup of tea which splattered on the table. After that incident, Garen never mentioned his name again.

I knew of Zion's achievements and his heroic deeds for the kingdom. Good for him. It seems he only needed my push to get his head into politics. And clearly, he has a gift for it. He told me that I wait, but he's too late. I can't delay the Madam any longer.

On my eighteen birthday, I married Garen.