ASHER WANDER around Natasha's office inside the Silver tears Guild. It was a small office but the office have enough space to accommodate 2 couch and a tea table. One office desk . Its a humble space for a Duke's daughter like Natasha. Natasha then take her sit on her desk.
"So, what do you think" Asked Natasha to Asher who are still looking around the room.
"Its shabby" Criticized Prince Asher.
"I beg your pardon, your highness. You ought to know that it is meant to be shabby. We're operating discreetly you see" replied Natasha then take her sit on her desk, annoyed with the criticism. Asher chuckle a little.
"I know. You're amazing Natasha." Says Asher and he then walk towards Natasha's desk, then lean his bottom on the corner of the desk. He nonchalantly pat her head. For a moment, they looked at each other smiling softly
"Pardon me my lady." Their conversation was interrupted by Aaron who just emerged from the door, with a man next to him.
"Your Fiancé Is here." Says Aaron with a bow. Asher mouth agape and his eyes was blinking. What did i hear? Thought Asher.
"Ah…Lord Nathaniel. Glad that you're here" Natasha then get up from her desk and Welcome Duke Nathaniel. Duke Nathaniel then take Natasha's hand and bring it to his lips. "Pleasure to meet you my lady". Aaron then nod a little, and proceed to walk out from the room. Asher was dumbfounded
"Please have a sit, My lord. This is...uhm..." Natasha was thinking how to introduce Asher to Duke Nathaniel Although Prince Asher was introduce to people during the ball, but not many would think and thought that a Prince would just walk around freely like this.
"Adam. I am Lady Natasha aide" Lied Asher, then shake Duke Nathaniel hands, strongly.
"Pleasure to meet you sire. Goodness, did anyone ever say that you look a lot like Prince Asher?" Says Nathaniel half disbelief.
"I got that a lot" Replied Asher, while giving friendly smile (although it was insincere)
"Alright, why don't we all sit" Both Asher and Duke Nathaniel take a sit on the couch that was arranged in the middle of the room, following Natasha's request.
"My lord, do you have the ticket?" Asked Natasha, as soon as she sit.
"Uhmm..." Duke Nathaniel wary of Asher's presence
"Its quite okay, My Lord. He is my trusted aide. We can speak on this infront of him." Natasha give assurance to the Duke. Duke Nathaniel then, nod his head simultaneously take out something from his inner coat pocket and put it on the tea table.
"Yes. The ticket is here. But as our previous agreement, only you and I will go through the ticket. The rest would be doing everything discreetly.
"That's great, Lord Nathaniel. I presume, all the details of the plan have been sent to you beforehand. I would like to believe that you have read everything, My Lord. " says Natasha. The duke then nod his head in agreement.
"We will execute this plan in 2 days time. Once again, I would like to remind you the blood contract that you have signed with me" Natasha continue. She then conjure a red parchment with white letters and once again display it in front of him. At the bottom of the parchment, there are the Duke's signature. His blood was used as the pen ink... Blood contract. Its a contract that was created by one of the powerful Red Magic Wielder which specialize in curses and punishment.
The Red Magic Wielder are the creator of the Blood Contract, specifically due to their ability to use curse for combat. Once a contractor are bound with the blood contract, they can never break it. Because if they break it, a curse will be release upon them. What was the curse, it is depending on the contract terms and what was agreed with both party. In this case, If ever Duke Nathaniel violate the contract, he would be cursed to be incapable of giving or receiving love. To lift this curse, he would have to undergo a punishment that could potentially endanger his life.
"Whatever we have done for you and whomever that is working with you for this, can never be disclosed or be known to anyone else. Should you violate this contract, a curse will be unleashed upon you." Natasha recite a portion of the contract content to remind Duke Nathaniel, how crucial it is, for him to stick with the contract.
"Of course my lady. I wouldn't dare. What i really hope that you and your agents could find and rescue her" Says the Duke, almost begging. Natasha nod in agreement.
"Please rest assure, your trust in us will not be displaced" Natasha assured the duke. The duke then take out his pocket watch and glance at the time.
"Oh, Lady Natasha, I'm afraid I must cut our meeting short for now." Duke Nathaniel said, rising from the couch, followed by Asher and Natasha. Once again, Duke Nathaniel kissed the back of Natasha's hand.
"I will meet you in 2 days time. Until then...Its a pleasure to know you Sir Adam" Duke Nathaniel then make his way out of the room. Now the room only left with her and Asher. They stared at each other. Natasha then get up from the couch and walk to her desk, she then lean her bottom on the corner of her desk. Facing Asher who are now still sitting on the couch.
"I heard everything from Theo. Thank you for taking care of him while I am gone." Says Asher softly
"Your highness, the moment you asked help from my father, with your own 2 feet, you are under the protection of House Ali until you don't need us anymore. Hence, we take full responsibility of becoming Prince Theodore care taker while you are gone" Natasha replied.
Prince Asher then get up from the couch and stand face to face with Natasha. As he get nearer, he then bump his forehead to Natasha. 'Thank you" Says Asher almost whispering.
"You know that you don't actually need to be too formal with me. We are…" What are we? Then, that question suddenly popped up in Asher's mind. What are we? He remembered that, Natasha has promised him that she will answer that question once he is back from the war with the monster.
"If that's what you want Asher."
"Natasha, I am back. Now answer me. What are we?" Asher's asked. Natasha then avert her eyes from Asher and push Asher slowly. After that she walk away from the Prince. She then, crossed her arms over her chest and look out the window.
"Asher…you have met Lady Adeline, correct?" Natasha asked, without moving her sight from outside the window. Natasha mind then wander off to the ball, where Asher first met Adeline. The real female Protagonist in the game.
Natasha actually know what Asher to her. Its just that, she scared to admit it. No matter how real this life to her now, it is still the world of an otome games. Half of the things happening around her doesn't even make sense and not even historically accurate. Also, most of what happening in the game, have started happened one by one. So even if Asher says that, she is special to him, it is not possible for Asher to fall for Adeline and follow the flow of the game. This is the reason why, it is hard for her to admit her real feelings to Asher.
"Lady Adeline? Was it that woman with Pink hair? I don't think my quest…"
"What did you feel when you first met her?" Natasha questions without letting Asher finished his sentence.
"Why? Asher asked. Natasha then, look away from the window to him.
"Can you please answer me, honestly?"
"Fine. I don't feel anything for her. We just met only for a few minutes. The most that I can say what I feel for her, its just that she is just one of the many woman from that ball. Nothing more, nothing Less."
"Feelings can change you know.
"You meant to say, my feelings for you can change?" Asher voice, become stricter when he said that. Natasha then look at the window again. Asher now is facing Natasha's back.
"Who knows…" Replied Natasha with slower tone. She then felt a pressure from her back. Not long after a pair of strong hands was hugging her from behind. Then she felt Asher's breath near her neck.
"That is absurd, you know that. When you fell from that tree to my arms, when we first met, I just thought that I was lucky to be able to hold you in my arms and get to set my eyes on that beautiful pale blue eyes."
"When I fall from the tree? That long? Are you sure?" Natasha then, hold Asher's arms that was hugging her tightly. She felt a nod from Asher.
"I never believed in love at the first sight. But that day, you proof that I was wrong. Of course it was only me that fell in love with you first." Says Asher, softly while hugging Natasha from behind. He then brushed Natasha's silver hair aside, until he saw a peek of Natasha neck from behind, simultaneously give Natasha a hot peck on her neck. His kisses trailing from her neck and stop at her slightly exposed shoulder.
Natasha then, turn around and facing Asher still in his embrace. She then, gently brush Asher's cheek and stared at him with her slightly moist eyes. "You shouldn't lie you know" It has to be a lie, because give it some time, Asher's eyes will look at Adeline lovingly, as how he look at her right now.
"I don't lie. Especially to you. It seems like you are the one who lied to me a lot. You have a fiancée, and you said you will tell me, what are we, when I am back, but you did not tell me until now…"Replied Asher a bit frustrated.
"Hmm…The facade of being my client fiancée is necessary, for me to gather information and to proceed with certain mission. But I will find another way around it, now that you're here…" Natasha explained and then put another hands on his cheek.
"And what are we? Please give me some time to answer that question properly." Natasha continued and Asher nodded.
"From the way you look at me, I can see that you do have feelings for me. I really don't know what stopping us…but, if you want me to wait, then wait I shall. I have waited for you for 7 years, what a few years more. Just do not stop me from loving you." Replied Asher.
"Okay…" Natasha agreed. Asher then cupped Natasha's face and pulled her into a soft kiss. Natasha recuperate.
-Duke Cabbot Mansion, where a 'special' auction is held-
NATASHA, escorted by Duke Nathaniel submit the ticket in front of the manor and proceed their entry to Duke Cabbot Mansion. She and The Duke proceed to find their seating at the upper level terrace. From their seat, Natasha can see a clear view of the stage, where the auction will take place. This is it. This is the reason why she become contracted Fiancée of Duke Nathaniel.
This Auction, is what people said a 'special' auction. This is auction is only for the greatest and the most wealthy nobles in Aeshonem Kingdom. Her family of course was invited. But Her family don't actually have the intention to go. She's only here on the Duke's request. The Duke was hiring her Guild on a job, but this auction allowed only couples or companion to enter. Hence this is why she's here as Duke Nathaniel Fiancée. She don't even come here as Natasha Ali. She come here as her guild alias, which is Sapphire. It was easier to conceal who she is, since they will need to wear a masquerade mask.
As the light was dimmed, here comes the host that will be hosting the auctions. "Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Rocky and I will be hosting this auction today. Without further ado, we will start on our first merchandise" Says the host with an excited voice.
The auction's attendant was pushing a small trolley of the first item, which is a rare necklace made of elementals stones. After that, one item after another was displayed and the people was really crazy over it. Natasha eyes fixed on the stage, observing one after another rare item that was displayed and people bid frantically, fighting to win the auctions. The merchandises include a very rare jewelry and...
"This is one of our most beautiful and rarest merchandise. Your mansion could not be more beautiful with this on your stable. Open the cloth!" As per instructed by the host, the auction attendant removed the black cloth that was covering a huge object. As the cloth was removed, in a cage displayed a Unicorn with a broken horn.
When Natasha see this. Her whole body was cringing at the sight of how horrible human in this world can be. Suddenly in the shadows behind her seat, come one of her trusted aide, Aaron, whispering to her "They have found where all the captured human and creature was locked."
Natasha nodding and whisper back to him. "Tell his highness and my brother to release all of them. and the rest of you, help me control the crowd " Instructed Natasha, Aaron nod in obedience.
"My Lord, its time. My aides have found your lover. Please let one of my agent, to bring you to her." Natasha said to the Duke.
"Aaron, help Lord Nathaniel" Natasha continued. Together with the Duke, Aaron left the seating.
"Alyssa."
"Yes, my lady" Alyssa that was also hiding in the shadow and was on standby since the beginning emerged.
"Let's go, we have a job to do"
"Yes. My Lady."
Natasha then conjured an ice pathway from the upper terrace down to the lower level where the stage was located. She and Alyssa jumped onto the ice pathway and slid down quickly. They both ran toward the stage where the caged unicorn stood terrified. The rest of their group was fighting the guards who were guarding the auction. The scene was chaotic, with nobles attempting to escape and screams filling the air as people fought. Natasha and Alyssa rush to the unicorn that was jumping all over the cage and scared of the commotion.
"Oscar. Calm the Unicorn down." Oscar is code name for Allyssa.
"Yes Sapphire. " Alyssa, is actually one of the magic wielder as well. Her magic specialize in her ability to understand any kind of animals and can also use her magic to calm any animal that is in distressed. She is the Green Magic Wielder, which more specialize in nature. Alyssa then close her eyes, producing a soft blue aura around her body.
Natasha then conjure a big Ice wall around them to protect Alyssa and the Unicorn from incoming attacks while Alyssa is helping the Unicorn
"I have calm her down, Sapphire"
"Good. I'll unlock the cage and then we will proceed to release all the animals. Bring her to safety first"
"Yes. Sapphire" Alyssa responded. Natasha then, conjure an Ice key that can unlock any kind of lock and proceed to unlock the cage. As soon as the cage was unlock, Alyssa hop on the unicorn to bring it to safety.
As soon as Alyssa left with the unicorn, Natasha then dissolve the Ice wall and simultaneously conjure her Ice bow and arrow and start shooting the guards that was attacking them.
The battle continued for several minutes before they managed to outmaneuver the majority of the guards and participants.
"Charlie. Finished off the rest of them. I will go to the basement" Charlie is the code name for Aaron that just come back from helping the duke.
"Yes, Sapphire." Aaron then threw a hood to Natasha. Natasha caught it, so she could wear it on her way. After that, Aaron picked up the fight where Natasha had left off, while Natasha make her way to the basement
- At the same time, basement in Duke Cabbot mansion-
ASHER and Ace have rounded up all the capturer in a circle, while the rest of his people was unlocking the cages.
"Leave the animals be, until Oscar come." Ace instructed. If they release the animals, before Alyssa came, who knows, what all of those distressed animals would do, out of fear,
At the same time, Duke Nathaniel unlocked a cage that held his lover. "Your Grace! I was so scared," she exclaimed. As soon as the cage was unlocked, the woman leapt into Duke Nathaniel's embrace. Asher and Ace observed the woman closely. One look at her, and they could guess why she was captured. She had beautiful, sweet curly hair in pastel shades of pink and blue. Her eyes were heterochromatic, one a pink color and the other blue. People said she was a rare type of human, half mermaid and half human. Those who would trade her as a slave could earn a fortune, as not many of her race were still alive today.
"I am here Lilac. I will never let you go again." Duke Nathaniel, return's Lilac embrace softly and with teary eyes.
Asher then started his speech loudly. "In the name of the Imperial Family, it would be best if you cooperate with us, if you want to live. How dare, under the imperial family name, that you Lord Cabbot held this absurd and inhumane auction despite it being illegal."
"Forgive me your highness. Please have mercy!" Duke Cabbot begged.
"Mercy you seek? have you have any mercy when you kidnapped and captured all of this innocent people and animals?"
"Please have mercy your highness!"
"Shut your trap! Sir Francis, take this filthy creature out of my sight!" Asher commanded, his voice full of rage.
"Yes, my Liege!" A knight named Sir Francis then took Duke Cabbot, who was on the ground, to a prisoner carriage. From afar, Asher saw Natasha walking towards him, with hood covering her face.
"Your highness, how are things down here?" Asked Natasha, looking and observing what has happened. She is still wearing the mask that cover half of her face, so that, no one can identify her.
"Ah... Sapphire. As you can see, everything is under control." Says Asher. Natasha then, stood next to Asher crossing her arms. She then suddenly, felt that her shoulder was tapped, as she looked back, Ace was poking her cheek.
"Your grace. Do you have a death wish?" Natasha was annoyed. Asher almost let out a chuckle, but he held back, as this is not time for it. He is actually glad that, there are things are still the same, from when they were children.
Ignoring Natasha's death glare and annoyance, Ace continued to poke her cheek. God knows how much she felt like pulling Ace's hair in front of these people, but she held back. "You're dead when we get back," Natasha whispered to Ace, who only grinned in response.
"Your Highness!" This soft voice almost made Natasha's heart stop. She then turned her gaze to Asher, who is standing next to her. It is Adeline. Adeline is now embracing Asher without a care in the world. Natasha felt it—her heart crushed at the sight of the affectionate gesture Adeline showed Asher.
And then she remembered something... Oh yeah, in the game, the raid of this illegal auction was one of the events that made Asher and Adeline fall deeply in love all over again. Adeline was kidnapped and captured in this auction. In the game, Adeline ended up here because it was planned by the original villainess, Natasha. Since she is the one who's inside the current Natasha, she really doesn't know how Adeline ended up here. She suddenly felt anxious. Luckily, she is still wearing her masquerade mask and hood; otherwise, people would've seen how badly she's crying right now. Will Asher fall in love with Adeline like this?
"What are you doing! Such insolence!" Asher that was surprised by the sudden embrace by Adeline, quickly push her away.
"Your highness! I was so scared. Thank you so much for saving me. I really don't know how to repay you." Says Adeline with teary eyes, she then grab Asher hands tightly and Asher quickly let go.
"This is my duty. You do not need to repay me." Asher replied coldly.
"Your highness, you were such a fine leader. May I..."
"Sapphire, Your highness. I think we almost done here." Aaron interrupted before Adeline get to finished her sentence.
"Charlie, please escort Lady Adeline home." Natasha commanded. Aaron nodded.
"My Lady. Come with me." Adeline don't have any choice but to follow. Aaron then escorted, Adeline out of the basement.
"Na..." Before Asher got the chance to said her name, Natasha cover his mouth softly with her palm.
"Your highness...I think we are done here. Let us finished off everything" Ace and Asher nods in agreement. Natasha, Ace, Asher and all of her agents, proceed to finished off and rescued everyone. Alyssa, then come back to deal with the animals, while everyone do their last checking and strolling.