Chapter 3: Idiot

Iris Saulelux Tenebrae rolled her shoulders to release the stress in her slender and lithe body as she stood at the top of the majestic stairs, waiting. The footman had informed her to wait for the Lord here.

She wore a shimmering ice-blue gown that hung on her chest, putting her alabaster-hued shoulders on display. Diamonds glittered on her neck. She clasped her hands together as she rose to her full height proudly. The gown was a simple column dress which accentuated her lithe and willow figure with its simple, straight lines, giving her an air of elegance—a compromise between sophistication and the usual shapeless evening gowns she would wear for performance or formal dinners.

The princess's dewy skin glowed under the warm light from the unique and priceless chandelier that hung from the glass roof of the foyer. Her eyes sparkled when she noticed that it was carved from a single gold piece, adorned with polished crystals. "Lux," whispered the beautiful princess breathlessly when she recognised that masterpiece hanging from the roof.

If her memory served her correctly, Lux was commissioned by the first King of Saulelux, King Lucian, and was lovingly created by the best craftsmen in the realm. Lux was bestowed on the house of Tenebrae for their deeds in founding the kingdom. The light that Lux produced was meant to mimic the gentle rays of the sun and fill the onlookers with warmth.

"Woman, I didn't realise that you knew how to clean up," said Leo, breaking her from her thoughts, his thinned lips curved upwards to form a faint smile. There was a faint flicker of approval in his cerulean eyes as he looked at her. The dark-haired general adjusted his high starched collar again, carefully not to mess up his ivory-coloured silk necktie held by a single sapphire. He wore a tailored, white dress shirt, tucked into his slightly tapered dark blue trousers. A navy cutaway jacket completed the entire ensemble.

He couldn't help but admire how the warm light played across her face, over her gently slop of a pert nose, passed the apple of her cheeks and down her pouty, ruby lips. Her purple hair seemed to glow magically.

Lux must have worked its magic huh.

"I didn't realise you could smile," countered Iris, almost bored. "I thought you might want to wear a military uniform tonight. After all, you've been promoted to the top position in the army." She smiled wryly.

Leo growled wordlessly and ran his hand through his dark hair, irritation. "Can you be less irritating, Woman?"

"I will if you address me by name, Leo," answered Iris indifferently. "I might be good-for-nothing but I do know it's courteous to address someone by name."

Leo's thick brows furrowed as he glowered at her openly. No grown man had ever dared to take this tone with him, just this infuriating petite woman who barely reached his shoulder.

The princess met his glare, unfazed.

"You really have some nerve, Iris," spat Leo, his face contorted with distaste. He offered his arm again. "Let's just get over this."

"Wonderful," remarked Iris absently. Somehow, their bantering helped to soothe her frayed nerves of worrying about the rescue operation that was going on at the same time. She just needed to ensure that everyone was occupied in the dinner, leaving Delph to rescue one of their members from the prison.

As Iris approached him, Leo's body stiffened suddenly, a sign that something was wrong. Instinctively, Iris took a step back and that saved her life as Leo attacked her with full might, punching a hole on the wall.

The wall trembled from the aftermath and cement crumbled into dust as he withdrew his fist from the wall nimbly. He faced her once again, braced for combat. "I was right," yelled Leo through gritted teeth.

The petite woman had lowered herself into a combat stance, bracing for another attack. There was no fear in her honeyed eyes as she held his darkened gaze. What happened? Did he detect the faint echo of magic on her?

"You have the magic. You used it to escape the patrols in my estate," growled Leo, pointing a finger at her.

The princess maintained a neutral expression even though she was panicking. It was a grave accusation since the people of Saulelux were known not to possess an iota of magic. There were rumours that the people of this kingdom had exchanged their ability to use magic for a stronger and healthier physique. It was one of the reasons the Saulelux kingdom was known for their excellent fighter and soldiers.

"What is your real purpose? Were those assailants also yours?" The general demanded menacing.

"What assailants?" Iris asked as she lowered her defence quickly. She realised that she had thread very carefully to figure out what had triggered her new husband.

"Don't act dumb with me," thundered Leo, scowling. "The assassins that were your staff."

"I only brought a staff, my personal maid," clarified Iris, annoyed. "I'm an eloped princess. I've no right to bring my retainers with me." She bit her bottom lip, musing over his words. "Do you mean the staff that was helping with the moving?" It would explain why one of her members were caught.

Instead of answering her verbally, Leo attacked her again.

The purple-haired woman could only sidestep swiftly and tried to dodge his attack. She cursed inwardly when Leo changed the angle of attack mid-air, aiming for a kick at the middle of her midriff.

Iris, after estimating the power of his blow, hastily defended her abdomen with both arms. She grunted when the force of his attack sent her flying into the wall behind. She slammed on the wall in full force and slid down. She spat the blood that rose from her stomach, colouring her cherry-shaped lips with a visceral red.

Leo did not even give her a chance to catch her breath as he went for the kill. He stepped closer to her and gripped her by her neck, raising her into the air.

Iris gripped his hand with hers desperately, trying to relieve some of the pressure on her throat. "I-diot," spat the princess, glaring at him lethally. She had to find a way to break free from his deadly grip before she lost consciousness.

"Put your wife down at once," commanded an older man, his voice cold and quiet.

It was apparent that Leo was trained to obey his every command, the general dropped Iris immediately. Iris crumpled on the carpeted floor, coughing harshly as she braced herself with a hand weakly.

"F-Father," trembled Leo when he caught sight of the older man approaching him slowly from the other side of the corridor. He bowed his head, looking like a chastised kid.

There was a suffocating air of authority that surrounded this big older man with noble bearing. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, every detail of his appearance was meticulously maintained, from the polished shoes to the perfectly-folded pocket square in his breast pocket. His salt and pepper hair was combed back neatly, and the fine lines etched into his face told a story of relentless ambition and triumph on the battlefield. He naturally exuded an intimidating aura that demanded obedience from the family.

Retired General Alexander Tenebrae ignored his son and went to his daughter-in-law immediately. "Are you OK, lass?" He extended a hand towards her with unusual gentleness.

Iris eyed his offered hand warily and nodded hesitantly. She wiped the blood from her lips with the back of her hand roughly, staring intently into the grey-blue eyes of the retired general. The former Lord Tenebrae did not seem to dislike her, unlike Leo's claims. She took his hand as the retired general helped her on her feet effortlessly. He was nearly as big as a bear, towering over her despite being middle-aged, but Iris did not fear him.

"How did I have such a foolish man as a son?" Alexander thundered, facing his son. Without hesitation, he decked the furious dark-haired man on his stomach.

Leo grunted, his face contorted with pain, as he collapsed on his knees. He was winded from that single attack.

Iris stared, wide-eyed. She did not even see Alexander moved. How quick was the former Lord Tenebrae?

"I should break your arm for hitting your bride," chided Alexander, furious. "But you need to head to frontlines tomorrow." He glanced at Iris. "I'm sorry that he attacked you, Princess Iris. I've not raised my son well." He lowered his head contritely.

She shook her head animatedly. "It's fine," croaked Iris, squeezing the words from her injured throat. The princess was deeply confused at his kindness. No matter how she searched her memory, she couldn't find an instance in which Lord Alexander would develop a good impression of her.

"Father, I don't deserve to be punished. This woman sent assailants after us, disguising them as her staff," yelled Leo, glaring murderously at Iris. "There is a scent of magic on her. It's the same magic that is found on one of the assailants we have caught."

"Sebas," addressed Alexander, ignoring his son. "Please accompany your mistress to her rooms to rest. Get Dr Nelson to see to your mistress's injuries right away." He turned to look at Iris kindly, patting her hand paternally. "Please rest for rest of the evening. I will handle this issue."

The butler ordered his subordinates to follow Lord Alexander's orders.

"Thank you, Lord Tenebrae—"

"—Father if you like," smiled Alexander, winking at her. There was only genuine warmth in his wrinkled grey-blue eyes.

She smiled and her nose scrunched adorably. "Thank you, Father." She did not even offer Leo a glance as Seba led her back to her bedroom. Leo Tenebrae was so foolish that she didn't think she could have a conversation with him.

Iris and the head butler did not speak as they returned to her rooms. Emilie was surprised to see that her mistress had returned so early. She gasped when she saw the massive bruise on her neck. "My lady, you're hurt! Let me fetch the doctor now!"

"It's OK, Emilie. Please see to your lady," instructed Sebas. "I've already asked someone to fetch Dr Nelson."

Emilie hastily helped Iris to the closest leather chair to rest. Iris, plopped on the armchair without any thoughts to her expensive dress.

Suddenly, Sebas bowed deeply, surprising the two ladies. "I'm so sorry, my Lady. Please also forgive our Lord. He isn't usually so brash and stubborn. We're horrified that such violence was done to you." His pale lips thinned.

Even Emilie was surprised at the reason for her injuries. She bowed her head too.

Iris stared at the butler for several heartbeats, measuring him up. "Your Lord needs to apologise." She propped her head with a hand lazily. "Did you fetch Father?" She noticed that the rooms were built to be soundproof. Father wouldn't have noticed the fight unless someone fetch him.

The head butler hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, my lady." He kept his head bowed, embarrassed that he did not stop the fight.

Iris's gaze softened visibly. "Thank you, Sebas." She knew that there was little the staff could do to stop the fight. She was just a bride who entered the house and Leo was the Head of the household. The best course of action was to fetch Father.

"Of course, my lady," agreed Sebas at once. He rose to his full height and looked at her hesitantly. "My lady, we know that the assassins were sent by the royal family."

The princess threw her head backwards and laughed. "I'm glad that not everyone is as foolish as Leo. Your Lord's just finding reasons to make my life miserable." Leo was still convinced that she was the reason his first love had died. It wasn't surprising that he would try to kill her at the slightest suspicion.

Emilie and Sebas did not know how to respond to their mistress's scathing comment.

There was a knock on the door and a doctor marched in with a bag. "Good evening, my Lady. I'm Dr Nelson, the resident doctor serving the House of Tenebrae. I'm here to check on your injuries." He frowned when he caught sight of the ugly bruise on her neck. "Is that the only injury, My lady?"

She shook her head lightly as she touched her stomach. "I was kicked on my abdomen. The area is still tender."

Dr Nelson shared a glance with Sebas. "Will it be alright if I conduct my examination of my Lady in the bedroom instead?"

The princess consented. Emilie guided her to the bedroom and summoned the rest of the maids to help Iris undress. Their faces tensed when Iris was fully undressed. Their actions became even more gentle and slower as they dressed her in a loose robe.

Emilie hastily fetched the doctor from the anteroom as the maids helped her into the bed slowly. The beautiful head maid was updating Dr Nelson while they entered the bedroom. Iris was surprised to find out that Emilie was one of Dr Nelson's students and had some medical training. It boggled her mind that she would choose to be a maid despite being so educated.

The maids carefully undid Iris's robe and helped Iris with the change of position as Dr Nelson examined her body. She caught a quick glance of her back from the mirror and gasped. Was that her back? She was covered in dark and ugly patches. It was strange that it did not throb as badly as her stomach.

She understood why the staff were so careful with her.

Dr Nelson examined the dark bruises on her abdomen carefully and determined that her stomach was badly hurt but there were no broken bones. She was prescribed bed rest for a week and medicines for her pain and swelling.

The maids hastily help her to tie her robes and tucked her in bed.

Sebas's face was contorted with worry as he entered the bedroom to speak to her. "My Lady, I will inform Lord Alex of the diagnosis. Please rest in bed." He glanced at the maids. "Be careful and attention when you take care of our mistress."

Emilie and the maids acknowledged his order and bowed. Sebas hurried out of the rooms to offer his report to Father. The maids, except for Emilie, excused themselves to see to their duties. "Shall I help you to clean up, my lady?" Emilie offered, rolling her sleeves up to her elbow. "It'll be best that you remain in bed for tonight."

The head maid did not offer her a chance to protest, exiting the room to fetch a basin of water and cloth. She soaked the soft cloth in the warm water and rinsed it until it was semi-dry.

Emilie's lips were pursed tightly as she wiped Iris's body with considerable gentleness, trying not to inflict more pain on the princess. Iris finally understood why the Head maid offer to clean her when she felt a lot better after a quick wipe-down.

"It's such a pity that we don't get to have that celebration dinner," mused Iris absently as she remained seated on bed. "I think I would enjoy the food." She recalled the salivating scents when she visited the kitchen.

The head maid smiled at her and clapped her hands.

The other maids entered with an extravagant dinner service just for her. Her eyes widened when she saw a spread of mouthwatering dishes on the tray. They giggled when they noticed that Iris was delighted.

Delph returned soon and frowned when she noticed that Iris was badly hurt. The Princess dismissed the maids and left Delph to care for her. Naturally, Delph was never going to let Iris move a finger as she pampered her by feeding her dinner.

"I accompanied Ivy out of the estate with Lord Alexander's permission. A doctor also saw her," reported Delph as she fed Iris some steak. "The secret guards kidnapped Ivy from the palace and brought her along so that they could pretend to be your staff. She was caught when she released the SOS. We are quite lucky that they did not make the connection to the others."

Iris was relieved. She did not want the Tenebrae to find out that she belonged to a secret organisation. "Leo can detect magic. It seems like the records were true. The Tenebrae might be more sensitive to magic."

Delph scowled at the mention of that idiot who injured Iris. "How could anyone be so stupid to believe that you were responsible for the assassination? He did not even hold back on his attack."

"He was trying to force me to use magic. Of course, he wouldn't hold back," explained Iris matter-of-fact. "If Leo had shared his concerns about security with me rationally instead of accusing me, I would be surprised. He is obviously trying to find a justified reason to hurt me."

Her personal maid sighed. They were losing the war so they really had no choice but to propose this marriage of convenience so that the kingdom had a fighting chance. "Will his involvement really change things?" Delph asked. She couldn't help questioning his ability when he appeared to be so foolish and immature.

Iris nodded without missing a beat. "He will win the war." She was even more confident of Leo's ability to lead the Kingdom to victory from the way he managed the household. Soon, she finished her dinner. She took the medicine that Emilie gave her and let her exhaustion take her fully under.

Iris had no idea how long she was sleeping when her faithful instinct woke her up. The bedroom was engulfed with darkness. She cracked her eyes open, fully alert, gripping the dagger she had hidden under her pillow as she faced the open window.

"It's me," announced Leo in a quiet voice, raising his hands up in the air. It was obvious that he had entered her bedroom through the window.

Suddenly, Delph burst into the bedroom, wielding a dagger. Before she could charge at Leo, the intruder, Iris stopped her in a glance. Her personal maid backed down and stood between the married couple like a shield.

Iris released the dagger that she was holding and sat up gingerly. "Forgive my maid. I get visits like this frequently." She blinked owlishly when she felt no pain while speaking. The medicine that Dr Nelson had prescribed was very effective.

"No, it is good that you have her," answered Leo, rubbing his nape. "How despised are you?"

Iris frowned, crossing her arms. "Did you sneak into my bedroom just to discuss about my pitiful plight?"

"I wish you had told me," said Leo, averting his gaze. He scratched the side of his nose sheepishly. "What do you expect me to think when you're such a capable fighter? You're supposed to be good-for-nothing, not such an excellent fighter. There are only a few individuals in the kingdom who could avoid my attack like you." His shoulder slumped.

"And now it's my fault?" Iris countered, arching a brow.

"No, no, that's not what I mean," prattled Leo, running his hand through his hair again. "I don't know why we just get into this sort of argument all the time—"

"—Why are you here?" Iris interrupted him, her small shoulders slumping. "Go away. I don't want to deal with you right now."

Leo instinctively took a step towards her, his heart stung. Delph blocked him immediately, flashing her dagger. His hands shot into the air instinctively, knowing that the personal maid would cut him down if she had the chance. "I'm just here to apologise. I swear on my family name. I'm just here to apologise to your mistress," repeated Leo in a measured tone.

Delph stared at him for several heartbeats before she backed off, stowing her dagger. She continued to be on guard.

Leo breathed a sigh of relief as he turned to face Iris. "I'm sorry, Iris," offered Leo, bowing his head deeply. "I was wrong to leap to conclusions. I was wrong to attack you. I'm so sorry that I'm so stupid that I didn't see that it was a plot to drive us apart. I'm so sorry that I've ruined your first night."

Iris snorted, interrupting his apology. "It's your first night too, idiot."

Leo chuckled awkwardly, rubbing his nape. "I thought that it's a more significant event for brides." He cleared his throat. He stared at her with an inscrutable expression. "Why didn't you defend yourself or escape when I attacked you?"

The princess glanced at him and noticed that he was genuinely curious. "I didn't have a chance to."

"I'm sorry," said Leo contritely, bowing his head. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Iris shook her head. "I'm too tired to think about it. Let's just settle on accepting three requests of mine."

"Two requests. They have to be within my ability and not compel me to act against my principles and morality," negotiated Leo, touching his chin.

She yawned and lay down in bed tiredly. "Just get out like a normal person, Idiot. Your rooms are just across mine."

"Seriously? If I get killed by Father tomorrow morning, I'll haunt you every night, Iris. Goodnight," bade Leo as he walked past Delph and out of her bedroom.

Unknown even to herself, Iris was smiling as her eyes fluttered close. Soon, she drifted back to a more restful sleep.