Pascal and Horse were outside Meinmarc's estate. A smile hung on Pascal's face as he looked up at Dusk Field's sky. The never ending purplish, red sky didn't seem so bad anymore.
"We have our orders lad. And might I add, fuckin' hell, His Majesty really trusts you."
Pascal gave Horse a smirk, 'his Majesty my arse. More like a horrid boss.' keeping his thoughts to himself Pascal quickly reviewed the situation and what he had to do in his head.
'A large enough serving of disturbance to shake the whole of Hilvers... Marc, I'll try my best.'
"Horse pick up pace we have work, lots of it. You and I will be busy the entire month so get the lads and lasses ready. Our entire team has to be efficient and even more well informed than usual. Also.... Get me an appointment."
Horse nodded his head to everything. "Aye lad, I'll make sure our gang is good to go. But who do you want me to make an appointment with?"
"The duchess, Horse... I need to speak to her."
"Of all... Haaa.. Nevermind fine I'll find a way to get you a meeting... But.... Uhh... Haaa"
"Stop whining Horse. Besides she's not too bad after you've stuffed her mouth with something bigger than a sausage. I'd say she's charming."
Horse gave Pascal a look one could only describe as distress before rubbing his hands over his face, "Aye lad... Maybe to you."
A month had passed since Pascal and Horse had met up with Meinmarc. Plans were put into motion, quiet silent gears had started running; smooth and well oiled.
The changes in Hilvers could be said to be minimal, hell... Nonexistent even but the people knew. Rumours had spread, soldiers and guards more tensed then ever, the city had become quiet. Very quiet. And the man behind all this well the boy anyways was casually flipping through a pile of what seemed to be important documents. The signatures and stamps of identity on each sheet of paper would make the lords of Vastro grow green with envy.
'This is tiring... Getting all these signatures set me back by at least a week and the duchess still hasn't sent anyone to confirm that appointment. What's worse, I can feel it again that pain from my chest it's getting worse and no amount of painkillers, elixirs or meditation has helped.'
A deep sigh rang across the room as Pascal was riding on his thoughts. He had accomplished much in the month, putting Hilvers in a state of quiet turmoil but it wasn't enough. The duchess was a key player for this turn of events to truly work and she hadn't been available. Not including the excruciating pain in his chest, Pascal had always wondered if it was mana deviation but had kept that thought to himself.
He may be nothing more but a Guttersnipe, but he was the one and only King of Gastra Hallow. The many people who joined him were family and he the pillar that supported the sky, not even mentioning Horse who would go on a rampage if Pascal had even a small cut on him. If Horse had even the slightest suspicion that his liege was suffering from mana deviation he'd trek across the Unseil Mountains and bring back a master from Virkau Academy himself.
'Not like worrying is gonna help anyways, back to work... Back to work.'
The sifting of paper and the occasional sigh rung across the study of the once mighty dwarven castle. It all came to halt however as an envelop gilden with gold came into Pascal's sight. He caressed the envelop tenderly, as if though touching a lover. No address, no name, and yet he knew who this belonged to.
Carefully sliding his dagger along the edge of the envelop, a letter scented with perfume which could only be described as a bright spring day slid out. Hints of flowery fruity notes permeated the air as Pascal breathed it all in. His usual indifference replaced with a look of care and longing. Slowly unfolding the letter, beautiful cursive hand writing greeter him. Easy on the eyes just like the sender herself.
'My Dearest Pascal,
Sorry I haven't been able to contact you sooner. The politics and inispid Court meetings have been distracting. Though I do have a feeling you're the main reason for the tense air that's been hovering around Hilvers. I've missed you my dearest and if the fancy to see me is urgent then you need not have to set an appointment you know. My love you're always welcome here. Come to my home tomorrow we'll discuss and catch up in length.
Your Love, Your Lady, Your Eternity,
Ry Ai'
An expression of utmost joy shone through Pascal's ocean blue eyes. "Freya!! When did this letter arrive."
As Pascal's voiced died down, a shadow appeared seemingly out of nowhere. The shadow was that of a woman and from figure alone a bewitchlingly sultry one. Her voice too was seductive and unmistakable.
"My liege, the letter was handed to me personally. Someone who was strong enough to see through my form gave it to me and said it was from Her Lady."
Pascal glanced at the shadow standing before him, "Heh, the only people in Hilvers who can see through you my dear can be counted on one hand. Be grateful that it was Her Lady's personal butler who handed the letter to you. A man of his stature and his expertise could easily remove the illusion around you."
"I shall be more careful, My Liege. Shall I call a carriage for you or send you to Her Lady's personally?"
Freya waited for what seemed like five minutes before Pascal gave his answer. "No need, I'll head there myself. She is after all... My Lady and not yours."
Freya gave out a light chuckle whilst bowing. Disappearing from sight as if she wasn't there at all.
Pascal on the other hand got up from his chair and walked a distance before finally arriving in his room. Changing from his drags into a decent black shirt, leather pants, boots and a long grey coat he walked with purpose to finally after a long while meet the duchess; His lady, his love, His Eternity.