Our Little Secret (The Reborn)

Choosing

Choosing!

As always, his room was dimly lit and moon seemed to be at his favor every single time illuminating corners. He took off his cape and inner cloth until his upper body was bare. She stood behind him without a word, he ignored her presence.

 "Sir..." She began as he interrupted instantly

 "...Leave now, i don't need you around! Obviously!" He refused to look back at her

 "I want to apologize for..."

 "Did you not hear me speak?" He turned yelling at her, she was startled. Now she had seen a pinch of what he was rumoured to be, he grabbed her right wrist tightly. "Who do you think you are?" His hoarse voice frightened her, his dark eyes darkened even more in the dark, his brows tilted with despair, she couldn't tell what exactly interfered with his emotions. Staring into her weary eyes stung him even more just like earlier, she did not struggle to take off his grip. He disliked her instant submissiveness which weakened him.

He refrained as she fell abruptly to the cold floor, she groaned softly in pain. She was sore from earlier's mistreatment. He turned away from her face, he seemed disturbed in silence. He served himself a cup of ale then sat on the bed while she struggled to lift her body upright.

 "Ursula? Leave and don't ever cross my path again!" He instructed

 "Bu...Yes Sir Xavier, forgive me!"

She hesitated before leaving, he didn't stop her.

How could a slave girl make him feel less of himself, he didn't have to put someone's feelings earlier before she arrived and within days, his emotions clicked to hers, he thought. He drank more wine since he couldn't speak with no one, sometimes he felt like a stranger around his family. They'd pair up and he was left alone to handle the family and province's business affairs. He felt used.

In a short while when he tried to talk more to a slave girl, he was forced to choose between his mother or slave.

Ursula locked herself inside the room except the moment Tess came around to massage and rub some ointment on her wounds. Ursula laid on her stomach resting her head on a pillow while tears made its way down.

 "Are you crying again?"

 "Should i not?" Ursula asked

 "Its fine for you to cry! You'd be relieved! And if i may ask, why are you crying? I know you have got a thousand and one reasons but may i know why?" Tess seemed concerned.

 "Am i really cursed? I feel bad for everything...i think its better if i die, i can't bear all of this, its hurting." She sniffles "Why can i not be like you Tess, not bothered? I know tha mmt I'm a slave to the lord but i don't have to suffer for it, i did not choose to be a slave, did i?" She stopped, Tess sighed

 "I have asked myself several questions but i don't--- have an answer to them. You are not the only one languishing in pain, i am, we all are! After what we saw madam Marie do to you, it sent a message that it could be us someday somehow." Tess said. Ursula sat up gently staring into Tess's compassionate eyes "We are better off here than out there you know. Everyone out there is suffering especially when the men of valour had tripled the tax rate on the middle and low classes, it's become difficult to survive." Tess said turning away with a long face

 "How did i not know about this?" Ursula got worried, the first person she could think of was her mother

 "It's difficult out there poor Ursula!"

 "Can we not do something...like...isn't there..."

 "...The question is what can you do to change it? Nothing!" Tess left sadly fighting back her contending tears.

 "Oh mother! I wish i could see you once more, i want to tell you how bad i feel, how hurt i am. You'd always defend me once in trouble but...but i am caught within the four walls of tge Salvador's, who can ever fight them?!" She muttered inside.

***********

Xavier had gotten up after sunset, he had dressed in his official cape, inner clothe and pants for the meeting in a few moment. He strode down to the dining where everyone family member was sitting. Donna instructed Ursula to serve the food which she did, she tried as hard as possible not to look into Xavier's direction. He had been staring at her bruised skin and wondered what must have happened again. He turned away but Marie monitored the both of them just to confirm her suspicions yet she was unsure, still. He was pissed suddenly as soon as Ursula left to get more food,he stood up to leave.

 "Xavier? Why the haste?" Jim asked

 "You should eat some, son!" Mariah added

 "I'm not hungry!" He said to his mother then he turned to his father "Father, i shall see you at the hall. I have got to supervise before hand!" He said coldly

 "Oh Xavier! I have that figured out. You don't have to worry about all these petite tasks, you are not petite." Jim reminded

 "I insist! I have been insulted already, my orders have been compromised and i wouldn't want a single person left out, i won't accept it!" Xavier said

 "Brilliant, son! Go ahead!"

 "Yes my lord!" Xavier bowed his head then turned to Nathan immediately, Nathan heart fidgeted "I shall see you too, brother!"

 "Of course, brother!" Nathan smiled forcefully.

Xavier headed out with his soldiers right behind him.

 "Why's he acting impossible towards me, mother?" Nathan asked putting up a long face

 "I don't know! Xavier has always been firm when it requires his voice to be heard and what i don't understand is since when have you become interested over your relationship with your brother?" Mariah asked

 "You should be there at the halls' meeting, you could learn a handful from a man like your brother, my son!" Jim stated sternly

 "My lord! He's only a child, he needs time to grow up!" Mariah became defensive over Nathan

 "While growing up, i did not have to rely on the right time, i took everything bold step forcefully, i was not weak neither should he!" Jim wiped his mouth then walked out afterwards

 "This is not a good day to ask questions about your relationship with our brother. Can you not remember that the goods had been taken? And if they've been taken then you'd never find Xavier easy! That's certain!" Marie stated outrightly "Hurting Saxton is like hurting his feelimgs that we know nothing of. He's mortally unpredictable I'd say!" She shrugged

 "I think so too but not unpredictable to a mother!" !Mariah claimed

 "This is wearing me out! He's recognized and I'm in dark wailing! Do i need to beg for attention?" Nathan was pissed

 "You should work on your speech my dear, next, i won't back up your folly!" Mariah warned with a bright smile  

After breakfast, Marie made her way to the kitchen majestically walking with Nathan beside her. Everyone stopped working to acknowledge your presence first.

 "Why are we here, Marie? You don't get enough, do you?" He shrugged while she let out a faint smile.

 "Nathan, how would you know if you don't find out?!" She snapped. She turned to the workers instantly and continued "Urchin?"

 "Ma...Madam!" Ursula answered unwillingly yet she had no choice, she drew closet with her face to the ground. Nathan laughed hysterically.

 "Urchin? Marie, you're unbelievable! That can not be a name for a human but it could, to a certain type of specie!"

Nathan blurted

 "I know! Sometimes, we really don't have to blend in. We find the perfect match for an imperfect personality." Marie explained, Nathan smirked while everyone was silent.

 "I want to believe you..." He did not stop staring at Ursula "...The glimpse of her misery tickles my hatred for her."

 "You hate her, don't you?" Marie asked

 "I despise her!" He stopped with a frown, staring at her with a daunting look.

 "I wish someone could understand that too!" She turned to Ursula finally after their brief insulting conversation "You'd go to the hall moments later, i want you to give something to my brother, would you?" Marie asked politely, she smiled.

 "Of...Of course Madam!" Ursula said with a sleptical feeling. If servants weren't allowed to go out if the mansion on no account except if the lord of the lady permits it, why would Marie send her then? To a place where's she forbidden? Ursula gave a thought.

 "But Madam?! Forgive me but neither the lord or the lady is present, how do i ask for permission?" Ursula adked correctly which Tess and a few servants nodded im agreement but hiddenly

 "Neither are you a daughter to permit yourself. That's exactly why I'm here, to permit you! You know the hall right?" Marie asked

 "Yes Madam!"

 "Even if you know not, i'll hand you a guard! I am nice, yes?" Marie smirked "See me when I'm done talking to my brother....in my chamber!"

 "Yes Madam!" Ursula replied obediently, she's been defeated again.

Marie and Nathan went away.

Donna turned to Ursula suddenly

 "I really don't understand why you have to be unlucky, every single day of your life!" Donna cringed with a smirk

 "She's luckier you know, they wouldn't pressure her if they weren't against something priceless about her, that's exactly what you don't have. That innocent captivating aura!" Tess defended boldly. Everyone including Ursula was shocked over Tess's response.

 "I'd deal with you, you'll see!" Donna was guilty, she briskly walked oit if the kitchen. Ursula scoffed

 "Im not excited over what you did, you could implicate me or yourself...don't cause more trouble!" Ursula scolded calmly

 "I did it for me not you! If you wouldn't fight against Donna then..." Tessa sighed "I had to! I really don't know why she's against a fellow servant, we should be unified not scattered. Sometimes, she feels like the lady herself which is a dream that would never come through!" Tessa explained, Ursula smiled. "Why's the madam nice for no reason? She bruised your back earlier and now wants you to give something to the man of valour? That's danger! Run!"

 "How could i ever run? I don't feel good about this!" Ursula then looked around to see if someone was listening but no one was. "He drove me away last night!" She whispered into Tess's ear. Tess's eyes widened in surprise

 "Why did he?"

 "I have no idea! He was angry...he yelled and i was shaken, undeniably! Now she's sending me out...to him again! What if he kills me totally?" Ursula explained

 "That's one thing i don't think he'd do, hurt you!" Tess blurted

 "Why would he not?"

 "You are...lucky somehow! I don't know how but you are!" 

 "That's not funny!" Ursula tucked Tess a little on her side as they both laughed "I still don't feel good about this anyways!" 

They continued kneading the dough.

Marie and Nathan sat adjacent in her chamber after she had dismissed the servants around. 

 "Why are you sending her out of the mansion, you know that you'd ignite a fire you can't quench easily!" Nathan reminded, he took a sip from the wine served before them. He was sitting on a chair leaning backwards while she laid on her side staring at his direction. She smirked.

 "That's exactly what i want! You wouldn't understand why but soon you would!" She took a sip again

 "Whatever that is, it says nothing better than harm!" He said

 "Leave that urchin to me, I want my suspicions to be correct and i lack ways to find out so i have to try it even the deadliest ways to confirm my assumptions. Besides, i've been longing to ask you this question and I'm sure you know what its all about!" She said, he interrupted.

 "Don not try to ask me about the goods that were taken, i have no business with that!" He was defensive

 "I didn't ask if you were because i know you do! You don't want to play a fowl game around Xavier, do you! Its better you go to him and explain your flaws or else you'd have to contend with the man of valour. Scary!!!!" She teased

 "Its not funny Marie, you're accusing me wrongly! Do you know that?" He asked with a slight frown

 "I don't! I'm only saying....Who knows!!" She laughed

 "You're not on my side at all, you talk just like them!" 

 "Oh little brother! I'm only teaching you how to act smarter, you can't just hurt Saxton and go unpunished.." She added

 "I'm off to the hall!" He left angrily while she smiled even more.

 "Poor boy! How could you act so stupidly now?! Guards!!!" She called.

~~~~~~~~~~

On the other hand, at the hall,

Every signatory legally assigned to work for the province was present. Lord Cunningham and Lord Preston sat beside Lord Salvador, each on his left and right. Xavier sat next to the them since he held a major title and the next Lord in waiting. Lord Salvador had the most superior tittle because of the his generational and sole impact on Saxton's affairs while mthe others looked up to him for whatsoever it was. The meeting had already begun.

 "I can not bring myself to belief that such scandal could surface after a long time. What must have conspired?" Jim asked but everyone was silent. 

 "We demand an explanation for that!" Preston inquired

 "Of course! Man of valour, can we hear you speak!" Cunningham asked as well

 Xavier took it up without hesitation.

 "My lords!" He slightly bowed his head before them, they acknowledged with a positive nod. "Saxton's goods have been taken and my men are yet to return more information about such thieves."

 "That's not enough, you see!" The legal adviser pointed

 "It may not but my men are yet to return!" Xavier said

Chatters from within the dignitaries stirred up.

 "Why did you bring us here if you didn't have a reason or solution?" The chief in charge borders asked (Leo)

 "Which compels me to ask you specifically! If you're in charge of the borders between Saxton, Lesner and Goldstein respectively, what must have conspired? My men are not obligated to protect borders, they protect the citizens and its financial affairs. If they look out on the borders lines, may i still remind you that they are not obligated to such duty. Its a freewill and all in the interest of Saxton." Xavier stated outrightly

 "Bu...But my soldiers were present and as well performing their duties." Leo defended

 "If they are efficient just as you portray then why are our goods stolen?" Xavier asked, the little crowd murmured

 "If i may, Sir!" Jason interrupted "I personally sent a letter to Lesner earlier and i received a positive response, who must have meddled along the line? If at all your soldiers were present to keep guard!" 

 "I want to believe that the woods were as well protected, wasn't it?" Xavier asked

 "It was!" Leo said 

 "How on earth did the goods take a turn towards an unprotected area such as the woods...."

 "The...."

 "This same territory had been forbidden over the years, merchants or not are restricted from such a place, do you know why?" Xavier tilted his head forward "I ended it five years ago! I'd ask again, who must have conspired to take that turn?" Xavier asked

 "I...I...I understand that I've made a mistake by building so much trust in my soldiers, I'd do everything to find the culprits."

 "We should talk better after the meeting, we both carry out peculiar duties right?" Xavier suggested

 "Of course, Sir Xavier!" Leo turned away

Every one was quiet, they had different speculations about the stolen goods yet they agreed to Xavier's suspicions.

 "The man of valour is right, if the chief claims to have an effective protection over these territories that has been compromised which means there's a conspiracy." Preston said

 "Very correct! We should hand over this task to someone more capable!" Cunningham added "Lord Jim?"

 "The man of valour should handle this case instead!" Jim Said

 "But this is a crime and the..." The legal adviser

 "Do you have a problem with my pronouncements?" Jim asked

 "Of course not! Forgive me!" He said turning away. The legal adviser signalled Leo and Nathan who was sitting opposite. Xavier carefully observed their eye contacts which was unknown to them.

 "We are dismissed, we shall meet after 72 hours unfailingly!" Jim instructed. Everyone stood erect as the three lords walked out with soldiers accompanying them. The hall was now scanty leaving behind the chief, Xavier and Jason.

He was about to ask a question then A soldier interrupted and demanded that they speak in private, they moved aside.

 "Sir! A slave girl from your residence has been sent to see you!"

 "I can't talk now..." He turned to leave

 "It might be urgent!" The soldier said

The soldier brought in the girl, Ursula. He was shocked to see her, a sudden thicker frown rested on his face.

 "What are you doing here?" His hoarse voice startled her

 "Sir Xavier! Madam Marie sent me to give you this!" She showed him the letter

 "Can it not wait? Did you have to interrupt even at work?" He scolded 

 "Forgive me! Madam Marie...."

 "Go home, I'll see to it!" He said to her. "Take her home and not a scratch!" He motioned with his head instructing the soldier.

They left.

He returned to the men, he sat facing their unsure faces.

 "That girl has got some nerves, a non Saxton cannot be seen around here, its an offense and you let her...." The legal adviser complained but Xavier continued regardless

 "I have called you both for nothing else than to pass a warning. If by happenstance, i find out that you both are a major conspiracy in this then i wouldn't have 

to explain what I'd do to you." Xavier icily said

 "Sir Xavier! We have no clue about what you're talking about!" Leo said

 "We? You could defend yourself and no one else!' Xavier rose up pacing back and forth slowly "I've figured out the thieves but as you all know, i don't let my

assumptions over rule, i sought for the flat truth. We all shall wait and after a few moments, we'd find out who's been sneaky all along!" He stopped, staring at them intensely while they flustered. "Once they are caught, i hope not to find you there! We cannot set up rules and you break them, Saxton didn't permit that either."

 "If for any reason Sir Xavier, you think that i have trespassed, i ask that you forgive me. Im concerned over the treasures of this province and i'm hurt to know that there's some sort of conspiracy going on..." Leo said innocently

 "Ye...Yes Sir Xavier, i am hurt as well. I had thought that we'd not have to go through another phase of dirty conspiracies..." The legal adviser added innocently as well, Xavier interrupted

 "I do not have such time to listen to your sentiments, just as i have warned you, i have also warned everyone. Leo, go back to the borders and restrict every movement until we've cleared the mess. And you, Beckett, review the punishment for such offense, intensify it and send it to me soon and then my father and i shall decide whether or not to stamp on it or to intensify it better!" Xavier's dark eyes frightened them "Any more observations? No! Ok, I'll see you soon" He turned to leave, he turned back again "Inform the financial head that i want to see him!" He left finally