To Dwell In Nightmares and Dreams

Trading, My Place and Warning

The Lord of Power collapsed into a very low bow, a trickle of sweat going down his face as he said his voice unable to hide his fear "Is there something you wanted Master?"

Stiles wondered if he'd ever get used to inspiring this sort of fear in people, however as much as he would deny it out loud and he'd never admit to it but he rather liked the feeling.

"I'm here to talk about your trading with the Air District"

The Lord of Power said with some hesitation "I believe that you said you'd monitor my trading before-"

Stiles shook his head "That's not what I wanted to talk about. I want to know why she stopped trading with you in the first place"

The Lord of Power seemed to squirm under his gaze.

He said, thinking back to what the sorceror from the Power District "I was told that the Lady of Air stopped trading with you because the money wasn't going where it should" He narrowed his eyes as he said "Mind telling me where exactly that money went?"  

The Lord looked at the floor, looking like he wished the floor would swallow him up in that moment "I-I didn't really think a-about it, I mean I-I wasn't thinking! I...may have kept some of the shares but not all of it! The rest went to the districts development, I-"

"So you lined your pockets with the extras?! How much of it did you actually take?" Stiles demanded. 

The Lord of Power didn't answer. 

Stiles let his power slip into his voice as he repeated "How much?"

"T-thirty five percent" 

But there was a slight waver in his voice that wasn't to do with fear.

"I know when I'm being lied too so unless you'd like the same fate as Rocrik-" Stiles said coldly.

"No! I-I'm sorry. Just a m-mistake! I-I meant...f-forty five, not thirty, m-master" 

Stiles looked at him in disgust however now that he was telling the truth he made sure his voice became normal again "Forty five? You took a forty five share of whatever the Lady of Air traded with you? No wonder she decided not to continue when she found out-" 

"Master-" The Lord of Power pleaded with him but he ignored him and continued "I will continue her wishes and until I'm satisfied you've changed your ways, the Air District will no longer trade with you" He then also added coldly "Considering what you've done in the past, neither will the Mind District.

The Lord not expecting that, opened his mouth to protest but no sounds came out, to shocked to say anything. 

Stiles smiled coldly before he said "I think we're done here, come on Alicia" 

He opened a portal stepping through, Alicia hesitated before she followed him, she'd been watching the exchange in silence, Stiles was good at this she thought. 

However the Lord of Power's fear was turning to anger and it felt like she should say something before she left. 

"You're lucky you know? He was actually quite kind, I was surprised he didn't take your title and power away"

The Lord of Power sneered "What would a servant know?" 

She replied in a clipped voice "The master used to be a servant not too long ago so I suggest you hold your tongue" 

The Lord blinked, completely surprised by how she'd talked back to him but instead of getting more angry, to her surprise he raised his eyebrows and a slight amused smile turned up on his face. 

"Ha! Not many servants have the guts to speak back to me girl, you have guts I'll give you that" 

Alicia wasn't sure how to respond to that, so she just decided to go towards the portal however just before she stepped through... 

"I heard the Master's having some problems with the council" 

She sharply turned back towards him. 

"What do you know about it?" 

"Word gets around, however I do know their reputation, it's not good I'll give you that, be careful around them" 

Alicia scowls as she said "Why warn me?" 

The Lord of Power smirks as he said "I think I like you Alicia, is that right? You used to work for the Lord of Mind" 

Alicia's eyes widened as she said shocked "How did you-" 

"Theres another reason I like you, you have no fear or any good sense. I guess being by his side, doesn't help matters, you forget who your talking too" 

The way he was looking at her and what he said... suddenly it clicked. 

Alicia gulped, looking away. What was she doing? What was she saying? He was still a Lord?! And that meant... 

She had been looking into his eyes. 

Thats how he knew her name. 

Thats why it was considered very wrong to look another soceror in the eyes, especially if they were more powerful than you.

Thankfully she hadn't gotten any information on him, or he'd likely be far less friendly. 

She gritted her teeth, making sure to not look directly at him and said coldly "I'm sorry, I forgot my manners, it won't happen again"

With that she turned around and stepped into the portal not before hearing him call out. 

"Visit me any time, you bold stupid girl" 

Alicia ignored him. 

She stepped out of the portal, Stiles was waiting by the side, he looked at her, concerned. 

"Everything alright? I was about to go after you" 

She huffed "It's nothing, the Lord of Power was just reminding me that I forgot my place, thats all" 

Stiles scowled, looking like he was about to say something then he shut his mouth instead. Alicia wondered what he was about to say. 

He opened his mouth again and started to say "I've been thinking, and I've been meaning to ask you if-" 

However she never got to hear the end of his sentence as suddenly another portal opened and Madam Rucia came through, before they could react she said urgently "There are riots, in the mind District, please, come quickly!" 

Hope you enjoy this chapter! I honestly didn't think it take this long to write or it be this long! But well hope you enjoy all the same!