The sudden news

In a dimly lit chamber of a brothel in Essed, clothes were scattered haphazardly across the floor—silken robes, laces, and linens, predominantly of the female variety. The air carried the faint scent of incense mingled with the remnants of the night's revelry.

In a red curtained bed, Ningtin lay in a deep slumber, flanked by two naked girls who rested their hands possessively on his bare chest. Their hair tangled. Another girl, also naked ,her form curled up at the foot of the bed, slept soundly.

As the first light of dawn broke through the room's heavy drapes, it cast a golden glow on Ningtin's face. He frowned, the intrusion of the sun's rays causing him to stir. His eyelids fluttered open, only to shut tightly against the glare. With a sudden jolt, he sat up, his heart racing.

"No...I stayed until morning... trouble," he muttered under his breath, the realization of the hour dawning on him. He scrambled out of the bed, his movements hurried as he searched for his discarded clothes.

"Master Ningtin, why are you up so early?" one of the girls asked in a sleepy, teasing tone as she stirred, her fingers trailing lazily over the sheets.

"Quiet! You planned this, didn't you?" he accused, his voice a mix of irritation and urgency. As he dressed, beads of sweat formed on his forehead, betraying his anxiety.

He moved towards the door with a swift, determined stride, his mind racing with the consequences of his tardiness.

"Master Ningtin,Send my greetings to your wife, Lady Meiyer," one of the the girls voice called out, her words dripping with mockery as she and the others laughed.

Ningtin paused for a brief moment, his hand on the door handle, before shaking his head and continuing his escape from the chamber, the sound of her laughter echoing in his ears.

***********************************

As he walked out of the brothel, he covered his head and face with his robe to avoid being recognized. His heart pounded as he glanced around for his horse, but it was nowhere to be found. Frustration bubbled up inside him, and he stomped the ground in anger.

"Such bad luck this morning. Could this day get any worse?" he muttered, quickening his pace away from the brothel.

After some time, he spotted a shop selling garments. A thought crossed his mind—perhaps buying a gift for Lady Meiyer would appease her questions and nagging. He entered the shop, taking in the array of fabrics in various colors and patterns. The shop's owner, a kind-faced man, informed him that his wife sewed garments.

As Ningtin perused the selection, he felt overwhelmed by the choices. "I'm looking for a material that will suit my wife. She's quite picky, and I have terrible taste. I need one that will put a smile on her face," he admitted.

The man smiled warmly. "Lady Meiyer is surely lucky to have you," he said.

Ningtin's head snapped towards the man, surprise evident on his face. "You know me?" he asked.

The shopkeeper nodded. "Oh yes, it's Lady Meiyer's laon after all. Of course, people will know her husband too. You want to buy a fabric for her, but I'm not sure it will replace the pain within her."

Ningtin furrowed his brows. "I know. She's worried about the fox."

The man observed Ningtin's confusion and decided to clarify. "Have you not heard the news?" he asked cautiously.

"What news?" Ningtin asked, his curiosity piqued.

The man heaved a sigh, his eyes distant. "Last night, the state governor announced that Essed will be controlled by the king and will become one with the other states in the kingdom. If opposed, the fox will burn Essed to the ground. The first attack was a warning."

Ningtin's heart sank as the gravity of the situation hit him. He realized that the fabric he had wanted for Lady Meiyer was insignificant compared to the looming threat of destruction over Essed.

He exhaled deeply. "However, he gave the people a choice. In front of the state governor's house, if you choose to obey the command, place your identity by the left. If you refuse, place it by the right. The highest will win. We are given only three days."

"Oh no... this is bad," Ningtin said, his voice tinged with surprise and worry. So much had happened since the time he spent in the brothel.

"It is bad. And Lady Meiyer... she has been kneeling in front of the state governor's residence since last night, pleading with him not to let Essed be controlled. She should rest; it's no use. She might have been living well since the fox disaster, but what about others? Some lost homes, some lost family and friends, and some lost both. Is it not better for Essed to become one with the kingdom again and drop our pride?" the man said, his voice filled with pain.

The man heaved a sigh and rested his arm on a shelf. "We might have to give in to the Vexars now, but we will never forget the years we didn't bow to the new king, that traitor," he said, before coughing.

"Are you okay? Should I get you some water?" Ningtin asked, holding the man steady.

"I'm fine... I'm fine. One day, the Vexars will be destroyed, and I will be alive to watch it. As long as the little prince and princess, who are still missing, there is still hope. Long live the kingdom of Jaladre! Rest in peace, King Jarkain the 4th, and his wife, the queen!" the man said, bowing and dropping to his knees repeatedly.

Ningtin left the shop immediately and headed towards a place to buy horses. He reached there quickly, purchased a horse, and rode towards the state governor's residence.

"It's not that I care for you, I'm just curious if the high-headed Lady Meiyer really knelt from night till morning. Hyai!" he said as he rode the horse in a fast manner.