IX. Sordid Passion

Somewhere in the outskirts of Helmburn reposed the sequestered homestead of the blacksmith, Henry Hiles.

There was a smaller building set apart from the house which I assumed to be the blacksmith's workplace.

When the pound of hammer against metal reverberated from within the thin walls of his workplace, I immediately knew that I was not alone.

It was no mistake that the strike of metal against metal, battering, lured me in. I slowly made my way in, silently. His wall was adorned with his creations, those that could become deadly.

My gaze skirted those blades, and swung toward him. Henry, an old man, with silver streaked strands that were receding out of age. Despite being around his eighties, he was still capable of forging fatal iron. Nearby was a wagon piling up with scraps, or shattered fragments of what used to be a cutlass. Perhaps those were discarded mishaps, those vestiges of failure. Failure that could not measure up to his client's standards, and maybe, his own.

Eventually, he paid heed to the female stranger before him, me. With his attention reverted back to crafting, his voice rose. "How may I be of help? Custom service? Fixing?" Those were the options that I never came for. I needed information.

"I came to visit. I have caught sight of a few of your artisan works, and I admit that they have piqued my interest," I responded.

He bent his arm, then slammed down his hammer, producing a metallic clash. "Which one of my works made you interested, my Lady?"

I blew out a sigh that only I could hear. "A knife."

He halted for a moment... before continuing, his face unreadable. It was hard to decipher his exact reaction. Was he shocked? Angry? Nervous?

"How did you come to find that it was mine?" He asked.

"It had your signature initials on it, indicating that the knife was in fact, a work of yours," I told him. I made sure to suppress any tone that could alarm him. "The edges were finely flattened, and curved." I even offered a compliment, but somehow, I had a feeling that he could peer past the mirage I put up.

Among the walls, there was something that stood out to me. A shield.

"I had no idea that you also made shields," I said.

Finally, his expression melted into sincerity, one of reminiscing. He smiled. "I always focus on the offense, but my son insisted to attempt defense." Then, that smile on him wavered. "I wish I focused on defense more..."

"If you don't mind me asking, where is your son?"

He bit his lower lip.

I plastered on an apologetic look on my face. "Pardon me. I did not mean to." I was about to leave the subject when his voice trickled in.

"He... He died of a mysterious illness," he said with a pause before continuing, "that he contracted while working as a castle servant for Queen Victoria, and King Demetri."

"I am sorry to hear that," I uttered, but it sounded more like a whisper. A silent mumble that was poorly enunciated.

"We mourned him, and then my youngest son, Quint, he decided to replace his late brother. To provide for us." He looked up to the shield, a hint of memory glimmering in his eyes. "Whenever I see that shield, I see Quentin, a passionate man who wanted to serve the Royals as a soldier."

His fists clenched, displaying a repressed side of fury. "That dream perished when the Royals turned out to be cruel. I have always suspected that they neglected the health of their servants."

I frowned, "I am sure that your son is watching over you. This time, to guard."

The anger drained from him. "You're probably right." Then, there was joy lighting him up. "I remember that time when Quint, and Quentin symbolized their bond with the metal pin badge I made. Unfortunately, we lost that item."

The metal pin badge... it was what Charlie gave to me. His father found it somewhere in the castle.

With a sigh, he tore himself from work, and made his way over to me with hands on his hips. "Do you wish to purchase anything?" He asked, as if the moment awhile ago never happened.

"I am still contemplating whether I should surprise my cousin with a set for her kitchen," I told him.

He held a finger up, "For a minute." He disappeared into another room, before returning with a kitchen knife in its case. "This shall be a worthy gift."

I accepted the offer, taking the knife from him with a smile. "Thank you, Sir Henry. I will make sure to forward my payment tomorrow."

* * *

The next morning.

The receiver rang, making me spring out of the couch to respond to the call. I felt the gaze of Aunt Genevieve on my back as I picked up the receiver. In the other end of the line, a voice crackled to life. Their classy, and elegant accent flowed in through my ears. The woman had a provocative lilt, her dictated syllables wrapped around froth, and allure.

"This is House Partridge, inviting every member of your house to a soirée." I perceived the hint of a smile in her tone. "Rest assured that this evening will be a spectacular night of indulgence."

I glanced at Rosalie, and Aunt Genevieve, then thought of accepting the invitation. Waltzing into the den of the rival could mean cresting opportunities of an exposé. Deep down, I had a hunch that Lord Jake was involved in something sinister, or sordid. His sudden passion to pursue me was suspicious.

Nonetheless, I could use another social gathering as well, turning it into a chance to sway noble votes.

"House Ausleya shall attend the soirée," I finalized the decision myself.

She gave a reply, her sybaritic timbre ringing, "Alright, then... House Partridge expects your attendance."

I returned the receiver, and turned to face Rosalie, and Aunt Genevieve, who raised their head up. "Tonight, we will present ourselves to luxury, most especially in the eyes of Lord Jake."

"I find this acceptance, unexpected, but a bold move coming from you," Rosalie voiced out, her hands straightening the wrinkles on her dress.

I smiled at her, "That is because I want this house to display an intrepid atmosphere. We take risks for the better." Then, I espied the knowing look on Rosalie, who plastered a proud grin on her face.

"You've come a long way, Ivy," Aunt Genevieve remarked in a positive manner.

But I had a plan, and I had already known where to go, and what to prepare beforehand.

"This leaves us to work out our seductive style, sensing that this so-called soirée has an undertone glamour," said Rosalie as she rose up to her feet, and walked over to me. "I have an undergarment that I have not used that I think is a perfect fit for you."

She pulled me out of the room, and dragged me to her bedchamber. Minutes later, she rummaged through her wardrobe, sifting through fabric, and cloth before pulling out an undergarment.

Color, and heat, rushed to my cheeks as I witnessed the glittering beaded lingerie clinging onto Rosalie's grip. It was dark, with a tinge of crimson lines around the straps.

"This is... Oh." It was all I could comment.

"The floral lace in the bottom makes this a perfect use for provocative ideals," Rosalie's lip curled to a smirk.

"I admire those patterns. Whoever did the work has done a great job," I kept up a smile, strained.

"Whatever got you to accept the invitation of the man you detest the most, I surmise there's an ulterior motive other than to attend," Rosalie talked as if she knew past the glass I put up. Perhaps she truly did.

"You are definitely correct on that one. Usually, I'd turn him down any chance I'd get, but I see this as a crystal clear advantage." I added to the statement. "We are entering the lair of the rival which shelters his deepest, darkest secrets. Who knows? He might be the main culprit of the assassination, and Princess Salome disappearing."

Rosalie plopped on the bed, bouncing up and down for a second. She tilts her head upward. The lingerie she held was spilled onto the mattress. Then, I was worried that she wouldn't unsheathe a smile. Luckily, she did. "The greatest decision I made in this lifetime was to nudge you out of your usual comfort, and look where that got you. A woman with poison in her pocket," she winked.

I perched next to her, careful to leave the lingerie untouched by my backside. "It is not exactly poison, rather a masquerade." I held her hands in mine. "Certainly that man has a lot to hide, right? That charming smile reeks of lies."

She heaved out a sigh. "I must admit that I am not honest when I tell you that man has no eccentric aura around him."

"Now you understand where I'm coming from," I replied to her.

She squeezed her eyes shut, inhaling deeply, then a long exhale. She opened her eyes once again. "This is a big leap, Ara. Whatever you plan, there must always be a backup."

"I am prepared. Scandalous details that may involve the election shall suffice," I told her, before pulling her into my embrace. "I wouldn't be here without you."

"Do not forget to give yourself credit, Ara. This is mainly your choice. I walked, so that you could be given the option to run, or not. And you chose to run," she said as we pulled ourselves away from each other, and she laid a fragile touch of her hand on my cheek.

I leaned into her touch with a smile. "I'm grateful. Time and again. I keep saying this to you."

We both chuckled at the same time.

"You'll make a lovely Queen someday," said Rosalie.

* * *

My plan had lower chances of success without this crucial ingredient to stir it forward. The carriage I was in was headed for Charlie's apothecary.

Before long, I was in front of Charlie, politely asking for a sleep-inducing liquid.

He questioned, a perplexed look on his face. "What is this for?"

"I... I am having nights where my insomnia has worsened because of this competition. It has been stressing me out," I lied, and repeated an apology in my head over and over again.

He furrowed his eyebrows, and leaned forward, his voice deep, and soothing. "You could have called me, and I would have whipped out a medicine for you."

"I did not want to worry you," I said.

"But I am available anytime, and I can always prepare a potion for you," he insisted. "I'll be more worried if you contain some things for too long, and by the time you disclose it, it's too late."

I felt my heart sink at his genuine concern. I should have not lied to him. But, I had to keep it in until all this was over.

"Stop. You'll make me shed tears," I told him.

"Much therapeutic, don't you think? I'd rather let it out, than bottle it in. The longer you hold it, the more explosive it gets," said Charlie.

"I... you're probably right."

Charlie smirked, and turned around. "I'll be back with your request."

After a minute, he returned with a vial in hand. It was a small dosage, a purple liquid resting within the container. "What is inside that soporific?"

"This is mostly made of valerian, with traces of chamomile. It's said that these herbs can treat your sleeplessness, and help with any nervousness," he informed thoroughly, and extended his hand out in order for me to reach for the vial.

"How long will it take effect after having been administered?" I asked him.

"I'd say ten minutes." Then, he came with a warning. "I recommend not to drink the entire vial in one night as this could lead to a deeper sleep. You might wake up with soreness, headache, and aching fatigue after overdosing."

"I see. Would it be possible to ask for another vial?"

"Sure. Sure, you can have another."

After having two soporific vials, I bid farewell to Charlie, and made my way back home to set myself up for the soirée.

* * *

Slipped in a sultry night wear with crystals beaming in the moonlight, and the dark tones of red, I was capable of entering House Partridge with a sequined smile.

We stepped past the doors, and were ushered to the ballroom which was immersed in worldly decadence. Crimson velvet curtains draped down the walls. Sensual rhythms from the strings of the quartet playing in the ballroom further provided the hedonistic breeze heavy in the air. There was that travelling fragrance of seduction, permeating.

Rosalie pulled me close, and whispered. "It seems that House Partridge hosted an event, mainly to sway votes. And the invitation? I am sensing that it is a trap to lure us in."

"Well, they have lured us in alright, but they have not thought properly," I gave her a mischievous smile, which she returned in the same, and equal energy.

"Ooh, naughty." She whistled, but made sure it was not loud enough for the other nobles to hear. In fact, I thought that they wouldn't mind seeing that this soirée had been capturing nothing, but a voluptuous ambience.

I recognized a few faces from the treasure hunt event of Lady Adelaide.

"Sir Winston Knox. He works in the security sector, and you have surely impressed him," Rosalie informed.

"Let's scoot over, and see if that opinion has been changed, or not," I told her.

"Great idea."

Rosalie and I approached. Sir Winston caught sight of us, and recognition washed over his face with a smile. "Ah, if it isn't the woman of the hour." He began introducing me to other nobles he was talking with. "Lady Arabelle proves sufficient traits as a candidate for monarchy."

"Is that so?" A woman arched her eyebrow, her sound familiar.

"Lady Anthanasia, I am certain that she can give you financial advice seeing that you are nouveau riche," said Sir Winston, which elicited a half-glare from her. "You know, how to take care of the wealth you have."

I turned to Lady Anthanasia. "Your family is a nouveau riche, then."

"It is not family ever since our father let go of my brother, and I. We were left to fend for ourselves. I became the breadwinner, and pulled my brother and I from the gutter," she spoke, and continued. "I have pushed aside a sum of money for my savings, but my brother begs to bring our father back into our lives."

I had not much recollection of my parents, and if this situation had happened, I was not sure how to respond. But, I had to give out an answer. "Where is your father right now?" I asked her.

"He is lingering around in our lives once he heard news that my brother, and I have received a higher social status in the society," she replied.

I creased my forehead, eyebrows drawing closer. "It sounds to me that your father is in it for the money."

"That is exactly what I have been thinking. If Sir Martin, and I had remained poor, then he'd still be living his life. The man was notorious for gambling." She tried her best to suppress the bleeding anger.

Sir Winston wore an apologetic look on his face, "Lady Anthanasia, I am sorry to hear that. Based on what you have said, your father seems to have drifted away carelessly."

A flicker of sadness crossed Lady Anthanasia's face. "I have been attempting to hold Sir Martin, my father, and I together. I am not proud to say that our family falling apart was my greatest failure."

I focused on the present. There was no use dwelling in the past anymore, knowing that it had happened. None of us had the power to reverse time. "But look at the bright side, you lifted yourself from the fall, and bounced back to your feet."

I thought I saw a smile on Lady Anthanasia's face. "Indeed. Now that I have all this money, I am anxious on spending it. I may fall back to the gutter without using it wisely."

"Having all that money, and the fear of it disappearing is not unusual. In fact, it is good that you are aware, and you're not taking in your father's footsteps." I took a deep breath, and resumed. "Where do you get your income?"

"It is personal..." Lady Anthanasia's voice faded, slightly trembling.

I decided to skip straight to an advice. "Alright, then. With that income, you should take notes, and keep track of where you are allocating those. I recommend that you budget them."

"Budget them? Would I still be, capable, of indulging in worldly pleasures?" She asked.

"Yes, if you are financially wise enough." I smiled at her. "It is good that you have savings set aside. Do not touch those unless they are truly needed, like medical emergencies."

I discussed, not aware of the passage of time. When I was finished, Lady Anthanasia was satisfied.

"I must tell Sir Martin about you at once," said Lady Anthanasia.

I flashed a grin, "Thank you for your time. Remember what I told you."

"I will." She also uttered a genuine gratitude, which made my heart feel lighter.

"I was right about Lady Arabelle. Her true promise is showing," Sir Winston complimented, and I could not resist feeling appreciated.

Afterward, Rosalie pulled me away, and grabbed a glass of wine for me. "Care for a drink?" She lifted an eyebrow.

I nodded, and took the glass from her, taking a sip. "I suspect that Lady Anthanasia rose in a decent status because of Governor Philipps, knowing that he supplies her checks every now and then."

"But for what reason, exactly?" She asked.

That was my question as well. "I'll have to find out, soon."

Soon, the ballroom went from an eternal buzz, to a crippling silence when the host waltzed in. Lord Jake claimed the attention of everyone within the room. "Tonight is a night where we free ourselves from any personal problems. Tonight, we submit to our desires." He raised his glass, to which a select number of people within the throng followed suit. "Tonight, we bare ourselves, and melt away into bliss."

Somehow, the heat reached to a fever pitch when skin met skin, and lips met lips. Majority had collapsed into their erotic fantasies, their illicit behavior unveiled.

My gaze witnessed a man pecking across the collarbone of a woman, before tearing the fabric off of her shoulder.

They succumbed to passion, to temptation.

"This soirée is getting quite uncomfortable." I whirled around to find Lady Adelaide. "Lord Jake shall be ashamed of digging much into materialistic pleasures." She scowled.

"He shall be, but..." Rosalie took a step forward. "I want to discuss to you about something."

Lady Adelaide extricated herself. "Shall we sneak away?"

Rosalie grinned. "We..." She pivoted, looking to me for permission. I was shocked, and overwhelmed at the reveal at once, but I loved my cousin. She loved me. I supported her, as she did. With a bob of my head, she understood what it meant. Rosalie turned back to Lady Adelaide.

Lady Adelaide reached out to clasp my cousin's hand, then they slipped out of the ballroom, leaving me with no one but...

"Lady Arabelle?"

I met with Lord Adrian, who greeted with a smile. Despite most of the nobles lowered to the floor, acting on their salacious greed for one another, I was not bothered.

"Lord Adrian..." I pressed a hand to his chest. "Forgive me for what I am about to do..."

I tore myself away, enduring the pain. I had to do this. I had to know if there were secrets hidden underneath.

"Lady Arabelle, wait!" His echoing call resounded from behind, but I kept walking away, toward a repulsive figure.

Lord Jake was on the stairway, headed up. I called out to him, to which he twisted around to watch me make my way to him. "You?" He was confused.

When I was a step below him, my hand on the railing, I unchained a few words. Deep inside, I wanted to punch myself. "I never wanted Lord Adrian. I wanted you instead."

"You are lying to me," he narrowed his eyes.

"Do you want to know why I went for him instead?" I went closer, dropping my voice to a whisper. It made Lord Jake falter.

"Why?"

"I craved to see your jealous side. I wanted to tease you in many ways, but tonight, I accepted your invitation knowing that I can't deny what I feel anymore," I said, in the most seductive tone I could muster.

He relented, his hand searching for contact with my cheek. "Oh, Ara, you're a little too late." I knew he lied. His eyes carried a pained look.

"Even if I am, I shall reward you this, for once... Before we part our ways," I tugged at his collar, making him inch forward, a breath away from my lips.

He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on me. He was about to respond, when footsteps pounded on the floor behind me, and in front of him. I spun, and observed the cautious expression of Lord Adrian. "What are you doing to her?" He asked.

"She is mine." Lord Jake draped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me close.

"That is not true. Lady Arabelle, tell me this is not true," Lord Adrian widened his eyes, and peered at me.

I prepared, but not for this. With a trembling breath, I answered, "It is." Those words seemed to ricochet from him, but he absorbed those, resulting in a fractured emotion, one that released pain across his features. I wanted to cry so desperately... What had I done?

"This is a deception. Lord Jake must be forcing himself upon you–" Lord Adrian was about to lunge for an attack, but I obstructed his path, placing my hands up.

"Lord Adrian, I suggest you back off. This is my choice. I picked Lord Jake. He had been courting me ever since the hunt," I replied coldly, but there was a scream in my throat I had to contain. An uneasy feeling in my stomach, and a screech in my head that labelled me as a bad person. A monster.

"But this can't be..." He trailed off, appearing sad. "What about us? What happened?"

"We simply can't be together," I told him. I moved back to Lord Jake who cast a devilish smile upon Lord Adrian.

"I told you. She is mine. Now you take your lonely soul out. It is bringing down the atmosphere I am trying to provide." He winked at me. "Shall we?" He offered his arm for me to lock with.

"We shall," I responded, forsaking Lord Adrian in the dust.

* * *

Soon, Lord Jake had me trapped against the wall, and bit into my lips, wrestling for dominance. He groaned, as if the skin contact was not enough to sate his sexual appetite.

"Jake... oh!"

He had his left arm around my waist, tightened, and his lips exploring my neck. The warmth radiating off of his body sent tingles down my spine. Then, he pressed his hard arousal between my legs, heightening the interdict act.

That alone must be enough to persuade him to a glass of wine.

I pulled him away, panting for breath. "Do you have a bottle of wine?"

He smiled. "I thought you'd never ask." He backed away, fixing his collar, and top, before walking across the room to seize a bottle, and two glasses. He set the glasses on a table near the fireplace, then allowed the rich grape wine to cascade out of the bottle, and into the glass, filling it to the brim.

Afterward, I strode closer to him, and whispered into his ear. "Now I want you to step out of the room, for you shall come back to a surprise."

A low laughter came from him. "I see that you have truly submitted to your desires. I knew you wanted me." With a playful shove, I pushed him out of the room.

Once the door was shut, I quickly took out a vial, and spilled all its contents into his glass. I might as well put another. With two empty vials in hand, I hid them in a shroud of cinders in the fireplace. Then, I made a swift attempt to undress myself until I was in the lingerie.

I sank back in the seat, and called him back in, as the soft velvety feel of his cushions dug into my back.

The door swung open, and in came Lord Jake, who froze at the sight of me. What was hunger in his eyes before, was merely amplified.

His eyes ogled from head to toe, relishing the view. "Oh, this won't be the last I'll see you like this." He walked forward, tantalizing.

Lord Jake sat beside me, taking his glass of wine, and downed half of it. I smiled.

"You are going to enjoy me tonight, just as I will enjoy you," I trained a poisonous gaze at him, then moved to straddle his lap as he returned his glass on the table. I felt his bulge touching my entrance. With arms wrapped around him, I went closer to this mesmerized man. Unbeknownst to him, he had fallen under my lethal attack. An attack that I coated subtly, adjusted to his sultry environment.

This was the plan.

But there was an underlying revulsion at my own actions. I was becoming someone else.

"I want you, Ara. Every inch of you is mine," Lord Jake said in a husky voice, seeking a red-hot pleasure tangled in limbs and sheets.

I let my hands freely roam around his chest, making him gulp back the temptation. "You can have me, as long as you don't succumb... When I kiss you, you can reveal all your desires to me, and me only." I worked on unbuttoning him until he was topless, revealing all the muscle beneath. His toned abs. His skin slick with sweat, candle lamp glints highlighting his pecs, and the curves of his sculpted abdomen.

"Ara..." He grunted, fighting back his temptations. But I noticed that as seconds passed by, he grew drowsy.

I pressed a finger to his lip, then allowed it to glide downwards until it touched his nipple. With my thumb, and my index finger, I twisted, and pinched it lightly. He threw his head back, and closed his eyes, panting. "P-please..."

"Ah, ah, ah, not yet," I smirked.

He continued to give in to sleep, until he was on the couch, motionless. He never opened his eyes, but he was still alive. The soporific worked successfully. I took myself away from him, and put on my gown.

"Now I need to know your secrets..." I muttered under my breath.

There were several possible spots to check out. I began with his drawers, in which I found a scented perfume, and the rest were personal items. Where else?

I examined under his bed, but all I found was dust, and dirt. Disgusting.

What if he tried to burn the evidence away? The fireplace was not lit. I marched forward, and bent down, retrieving the vials I hid, which I transferred back in the valley of my chest. I trawled through the cinder, and found parchment paper.

Grasping it, and withdrawing my arm from the fireplace, my eyes skimmed it.

Jake Partridge has officially become one of the shareholders of the black market under the coterie of Keith Allan Philipps.

Then, there was Lord Jake's signature to confirm.

This document was crucial evidence against House Partridge. Finding out that Governor Philipps was involved in the black market now gave me the knowledge that he earned most of his income from here.

I rolled the parchment, and kept it safely in my pocket. My gaze fell over the topless Lord Jake. I had to put his clothing back on. Afterward, I threw the wine away at the fireplace, and returned the glass where I saw it. A cupboard.

Regret crawled up my spine as I left his bedchamber, and raced down the corridor, heart banging in my chest.

Near the stairs, I was taken aback by muffled sounds clashing against one another in a room.

Who were inside? I asked myself.

I pressed my ear to the door, and eavesdropped.

"-will no longer tolerate this. I expect no complain but gratitude–"

"You! I am done!"

I was oblivious until I realized that I made the door creak open, and I witnessed Governor Philipps pulling Lady Anthanasia by the hair.