"England." Theodore murmurs, "How beautiful it is."
"Except London," Arthur grumbles with arms crossed, "A hellish place I do say. Hard to move or breathe, everything is too close with each other."
Sebastian poured himself a drink, "Yes, that is why London is the center of business, Arthur."
"Promising business." Cole said thoughtfully.
"Promising life," Cyrus says.
Sebastian raised a single black brow, "Suddenly we are all attached to England after one trip?"
"Oh brother, I'm sure you felt it as well as we did." Philip smirks.
The five young men sat in the drawing room of Arthur's and Cole's Thomas manor. They were drinking as they discussed on everything and anything. It was a usual thing, the five of them gathered together to talk while the adults discussed business in the Leonard's drawing room.
They hadn't gotten any serious responsibilities but still were important in society. However, they all felt as if they should be doing more for themselves and for everyone around. They were children of Apostles who were close with the King, all of them learning from their father's roles. Though there wasn't much they were doing in society.
And that is why they were in agreement. They all come together in the evening to discuss it. Although, they hadn't have came up with anything.
On the first week of spring they had all went out with their Father's to England. A business trip and a trip that sparked something within them. Their whole family came along, each having houses at the outskirt of London. It was a normal trip. Their Father's would gather details and fulfill work for the King as their family enjoys the sweet holiday for a week.
This trip however opened something within the boys.
It was days after their trip they had came back to their 'meeting', and it wasn't long since they all were partly excited with thier new understanding of the world of England that had potential. They were yet to discover that potential.
"How wonderful would it be if we leave Garlin to England?" Cyrus asks with a wide smile.
Philip shrugs, "And what? We are capable on moving, however we are leaving our homeland and our world away."
"Consider the fact that it is also a crime to expose Garlin and our gifts." Sebastian rose his glass towards Phillip as he walked back to his spot.
They all sat sprawl on sofas around the fire place, each one of them seated with spots they claimed. Cyrus, Phillip, and Sebastian had their own seats while the others sat on the long sofa. The maid had brought in tea, pastries, and biscuits. Sebastian had gotten up from the single sofa he was seated to the drinks seated in the glass cupboard across the room.
The room was lit by the gas lamps and the door shut closed as usual. Sometimes they would bring their sisters with them. It was something they had to do when their Father's said meeting with one another when the ladies wanted to as well was wrong to ignore. They usually spend their time upstairs talking on whatever young females do.
"Of course you'll bring it up, considering the fact your Father is in charge of the law." Arthur said as he took a sip of he's tea.
Theodore shook he's head, "His right however. As much as we would want to escape the boring life of Garlin, we have responsibilities, a family, and a whole life here. We can't simply leave and start a new one with nothing more but our gifts, which is a crime to use in the outside world. Besides, the king must be informed if we were to leave. Meaning we would be monitored if anything. "
Cyrus crossed he's arms. He leaned back on the single sofa he was seated on and was lost in thought.
"Uh oh, he's lost in thought." Sebastian comments taking another sip from his glass.
Cyrus looks up and smirks, "I got the perfect idea. It would benefit us all."
Arthur sighs, "You Thrones with your devious ideas. Father says the only reason the country is running is because the Thrones figure out dark motives to get around things."
Phillip poked Arthur who was next to him on the sofa, "The Thomas's are known for their business like behavior, and gaining money."
Arthur waved a hand, "And what? The Leonard's are simply a strong noble family who protects the King, control the royal military, and police force. They are one of the most fearful people in this land!"
Theodore rolled he's eyes from the end of the sofa, he placed he's cup of tea on the small table in front of him, "Really Arthur, are we suddenly looking back at our family heritage? Let my brother continue."
Cyrus nods at he's younger brother, "Thank you Theo. But, Arthur's words are correct. We are the highest, powerful, noble families in Garlin. The King yields to our fathers as well. We make this country, and we should take pride for it. However, we can all agree, being Apostles here in this land isn't something we want."
An agreement murmur rose amongst them. None of them wanted to be Apostles after their fathers.
Cyrus nods, "We want something better, bigger, and incredible. For ourselves and for our mother land Garlin. Garlin has no future. If we keep living like the past of Shakespeare, our country would die." Cyrus looked at everyone in the eyes, "The world around us is evolving into a new modern world, and the King fails to notice."
Cole who sat at the center between Arthur and Theodore nods, "Cyrus is right. We've seen England, and we've seen how life there is outstanding. England has a future, the world knows of the reign of the great Queen, and they know how powerful the country is. If anything, we could be powerful as well. We have something no other countries have."
"Gifts." Sebastian murmurs. His coat, like the other's in the room, was gone, although the first three buttons of his shirt were open, he's black tie lose, "We carry gifts in our blood."
"Exactly!" Cyrus cried, "We have gifts and we have a strong background. England and Garlin could be powerful allies. The country could grow, and Garlin could be one of the most powerful countries in the world. People would look at us like gods. We have everything not many countries have, a great clean lake, oil, timber, an organized monarchy and city, exceptional gifts. Can't you see? Garlin's life could change forever, for the better."
Arthur leans back and shook his head, "Do you know what you're saying Cyrus? If we expose the world of our little, hidden, country, the King would strip our family's status down and we would die. It's just not possible."
"Arthur is right Cyrus. Our King and the King's before were greedy. They knew we could be the most powerful and yet they choose to keep this country for themselves. Besides, we're only eighteen. We are far still too young for anything." Phillip said.
No one said a word. Cyrus was upset and had his arms crossed as he looked down. Sebastian, as normal, was admiring his glass of alcohol he wasn't supposed to touch. Arthur was stirring his tea for no apparent reason. Theodore leaned on his arm, a hand over he's eyes too tired to even brighten the mood. And Cole played with his fingers.
Then someone knocked on the door.
Theodore looks up and looked around. The group all shrugged and he got up and threw the door open. There, standing corsets and dresses were the girls. One by one they all walked in with their heads high. Mary Thomas, Linda Malachite, Rosemary Leonard, and Evelyn Jackson all stood in the room with a large grin.
Phillip rolled he's eyes, "What is it sister? We'll be off soon enough."
Rosemary, Phillip's twin who was older, rolled her eyes, "Don't start with your assumptions." She pushed a lock of dark, wavy, blond hair. Despite being a Leonard, Phillip and Rosemary both got dark blond hair like their late Mother. They also carried her dark blue eyes, large and full of life.
Sebastian was their oldest brother, thier step brother. He's mother had died when he was just three years old and so Fredrick Leonard remarried to Edith who gave birth to twins. She cared for the three children until she died when Sebastian turned ten and the twins only seven years of age. Their father took care of them himself, giving each of them equal love and care. It was hard for Fredrick to explain to those who didn't know that despite Sebastian looked exactly like he's Father, the twins were he's biological children as well. Although Fredrick could care less, as long as the children grew to love one another and protect each other, that was all that was needed.
"We couldn't help but heard your plot, Cyrus." Evelyn Jackson said.
The Jackson family was known for one thing. Being strong minded and having a great sense of decision making. It was told the first righteous King's hand man was a Jackson, and the family grew there. Every one of them carried an extra gift, a gift given from god, and a gift that god created in their mind. If they were pleased with the idea presented, they would say agree and everyone would go on with it, if they feel the idea is wrong, no one would dare go against them. Many did in the past, and many didn't end well.
The Jackson's also were gifted with one more thing; their eyes. They carried deep gold eyes, eyes so gold it seemed to sparkle under the light such as real gold. They were captivating, odd, and beautiful. Almost all members of the family had them. That is how you knew they were a Jackson.
Theodore cleared his throat, "You were, uhm, listening?"
Arthur looks at him with a mocking smirk, "Suddenly you can't speak now Theodore?"
Theodore flashed a glare at him. He closed the door he held on tightly and made he's way back to he's spot, still glaring at Arthur who grinned back with amused eyes.
Cyrus raised an eyebrow, "Really? And how much have you heard?"
"The real question is why they decided to stalk us." Arthur rolled he's eyes.
Evelyn frowns at Arthur, the cold blood between them since they were children never wavering, "As if we've never seen you all trying to get a glimpse at some ladies from the ladies pampering room during parties."
Arthur narrowed he's brown eyes at her, "That was when we were children, no need to bring up the silly past."
Evelyn rolled her gold eyes, "The only thing that is silly is you."
"That isn't one of your best-"
"Enough!" Linda cuts off. She shook her head and sighs. As usual, she was always cutting off their argument.
Evelyn pushed a black strand of hair behind her ear, an emerald gem hung from it, "We can all agree starting from now Arthur should keep silent." She said looking away to the window.
Linda sighed again but said nothing. She usually says nothing. She was the quietest one amongst the group, although she was the oldest. She was a Malachite. A family with curly, chocolate, brown hair and sky blue eyes. They had soft features and carried humbleness in their strides. Although that could fool anyone. Their family was known to be the wealthiest of all. And that is because they were the only ones to have business outside of Garlin, simply because of their trustworthiness and their connections. They ship things into the city for Garlin and their people to benefit from.
Sebastian crossed he's legs, the glass in he's hand empty, "What bring you here ladies?" he questions in his deep, low voice. Strands of hair fell to he's eyes. Honestly, it's as if he was trying to seduce someone without realizing it.
Mary, Cole's and Arthur's sister, steps forward. Mary was the same resemblance of her sister Lora. Her oldest sister who three years ago passed away. It was a death that shocked everyone. Everyone loved Lora, and to wake up finding out she passed away in her sleep was astonishing. The doctor swore she was doing well the days before. Perhaps her unknown sickness became worse without realizing and toke her away.
Cyrus and Sebastian were hurt the most. The three were closer than everyone else; always huddle together in a heated hushed conversation at the corner. Cyrus cried the morning he found out. It was the first time they had ever saw him cried and the last. And Sebastian, who rarely smiled, almost stopped smiling all together. Without Lora, the group felt empty and a little cold. Despite her being sick she always made the whole room glow and had everyone smiling.
The whole Thomas children looked alike. All of them a copy of one another. Linda like Mary and Arthur like Cole. Straight blond hair, the color of the afternoon sun, with dark brown eyes.
"We all loved England. It was something we couldn't hide from our faces. When we came back from the little holiday, we all left a piece of our heart back. The girls and I were thinking, and discussing, about it all."
"So you all were talking about how beautiful dresses back at England were?" Arthur questioned with a daring voice.
Sebastian slowly turns to Arthur and Arthur caught he's look. Arthur cleared he's throat and raised a hand, "Go on."
"England carries potential, opportunity, and a whole better life," Mary continues on as if her brother hadn't said anything, "We decided we should discuss with you on how, perhaps, we could find a way to live there. And when we came downstairs, we heard, behind the doors, of your conversation."
Cyrus smiles, "Honestly, I'm glad everyone is on the same understanding. We can live there, that is possible, but why not change the world of Garlin as well?"
Evelyn sighs, "As if it is easy Cyrus. Think about it, we would be dead by the time we even thought we changed something. I think if we could convince our fathers enough, we should be able to move without a fuss of the law."
"I agree with Evelyn," Theodore said, "Despite how heroic the idea sounds, leaving to move there only sounds like a wonderful idea. But there's the fact that we cannot leave. The Apostle roles fall on our shoulders."
Another complication. They all said nothing and the room became solemn as reality came back and washed over them.
"Actually," Sebastian says softly, "It's possible for us to accomplish this all."
Everyone turned their attention to him. If Sebastian had something to say, then it was something to listen.
"If we could convince the next heir, then it would be simple."
That's right, they all knew the Prince and got along with him well. Stephan Garlin was next in line, and a very quiet shy boy. He was easily persuaded and enjoyed he's time with the Apostles children. They all grew up with Stephan Garlin, and they all knew he would support them no matter what.
"The Prince Promise coronation is near, since he is twenty one, meaning the throne would be he's." Cyrus said understanding Sebastian's point.
"Yes, though he could also deny our request which means leaving, and disappearing is the only other option." Sebastian said.
Cole raised a finger, "If he denies, and hopefully he doesn't, we can leave without a trace. They won't be able to do anything to our family since they would have no idea where we left too. From there we could grow and find a way to the Queen."
Linda frowns, "The Queen? Why would we need her?"
Sebastian yawns, "Because dear Linda, if the Queen is on our side and finds out about Garlin, the King would have no choice but to oblige."
"Oh," Linda murmurs, "And how would we do it?"
Cyrus grins, "Our gifts. Think about it. I have a gift of manipulation, Sebastian with removing senses, Arthur with strength, Phillip with impeccable senses, Theodore with regenerative, and Cole with speed. All of us together and it wouldn't take too long."
Evelyn shook her head, giving Cyrus a disappointing look, "Notice how he only listed the boys? We have gifts as well." She placed a pale hand on her chest, "I have the gift of strength, Mary with durability, Linda with regenerative, and Rosemary with removing senses. We are on the same level with all of you. There's no need to act superior when we all train with one another. We are useful as well."
Arthur shook he's head and gave the same disappointing look at Evelyn, "Leave it to Evelyn to always find a way to argue."
Evelyn turned her head to him with a glare, "Please Arthur, I don't see why you are even bothering. We all know I am stronger and better then you when we train."
Arthur scoffs, "What a fantasy world you live in Evelyn. You amaze me with your lies and ideas."
Evelyn opens her mouth but Theodore says, "We could do it. We could work our way up with our gifts and get the attention of the Queen. This might actually work. Garlin could be a brand new city. A new city we created."
The ten children of the Nobel family had a goal and drive. The boys didn't want to grow and take the job of apostles like their fathers. The girls didn't want to wait around and find a partner to marry. They all wanted to have a future where it wasn't already created for them. They love Garlin, and found England a beautiful place to start fresh. They would create a new future for themselves, for Garlin, and a new life in England. For once they were all looking forward at a future they would create. For once they felt as if they weren't tied back to a faith that was passed on from generation to generations. For once they would be free.
Lora Thomas watched at the corner on how far her family and friends got. She didn't know if she felt disappointed or excited.
"Responsibilities created for them were something they didn't believe for such a long time. Of course Stephan had refused, and of course they left without a single trace. No one knew where they left, and they couldn't be found. It was in this room, a year later, they came back with a written letter from the Queen. How they managed to do it all was something no one new but themselves. They all worked together as one, and got far as one." Julius said right after Lora.
Julius and Lora were in the drawing room of the Thomas manor. Lora had finished telling the story of how the Traitors of Garlin plot everything and changed Garlin forever. She wouldn't have shared the story if Vivian didn't ask. Vivian sat at the single chair close to the fireplace while Lora spoke on the long sofa and Julius on the single sofa.
"He's sitting on the same chair he's grandfather had sat." Lora said eyeing Vivian with a strange look.
Julius didn't say that out loud, but simply said, "That is how the story went."
Vivian nods slowly. He took another sip of he's tea while his eyes were far away, lost in thought. His white hair was combed back. He wore a white shirt with the front pockets open and black trousers. The whole manor was empty, only the maids and butler were around. Julius's father and he's older brother were out in a meeting which Vivian surprisingly didn't go.
Julius suspected he only stayed to give him some company. This meeting had the crowned princess, the midnight assassins, and Emmett Jackson part of it. It was a meeting that would either be positive, or negative for the city. Considering the fact on how the most powerful youths in the city were all in the same room.
Vivian looks up at Julius and smiles as if he won a prize, "Lora's death is what doesn't fit right. But despite that all, I now understand Cyrus's idea."
"Cyrus Throne wanted a whole new future for Garlin." Julius said.
"No Julius, oh no, not my grandfather. I am talking about Elliot's father. Cyrus Leonard."
Beside him Lora gasps quietly with an "Oh!" as it sunk in on what Vivian meant.
Perhaps history is repeating itself again.