Chapter 43

The Duke and Duchess of Emfer sat on exquisitely carved thrones, which were a gift from the craftsmen. No doubt in gratitude for Tendred's young wife repaying all the debts made by her lavish husband.

There was a lot of movement in the audience hall from the early morning, some came with greetings, others demanded help and justice. However, Setia was looking forward to the scheduled meeting with Brandis and Aktis. Today they would make it clear, she was going to play rough to provoke them.

Late in the morning Timor announced their entry. Setia shifted in her seat, stretched her neck proudly, and reflexively smoothed out the nonexistent wrinkles in her dress.

Aktis, in an elegant traveling dress, entered the room, towing the great Brandis behind her. She looked around discreetly, looking for a place to rest. Setia and Tendred, however, deliberately treated them as supplicants. When the door closed behind Timor, Tendred, sitting on a high chair, looked very dignified, felt confident, supported and, for the first time in a long time, financially secure. So, in a light tone, he began the conversation he had previously discussed with Setia.

"Thank you for coming, - he nodded slightly towards them - at the same time, we would like to raise a very pressing issue for us."

"I'm listening." Aktis frowned and didn't bother with courtly politeness anymore.

"The issue of Fenigrid's throne has not been settled properly, we are giving you a month to leave the illegally occupied place and position." As he said this, he looked at Brandis, whose face had already turned purple.

"Fenigrid is under our care - Aktis's face contorted with rage - I am the crowned queen and Brandis is the steward appointed by the king. We both are taking care of Galdar and have the support of the Council and the nobles of Fenigrid. You - Aktis pointed a finger at Tendred - were kicked out by your own father."

"You are a widow, a childless widow - she was interrupted by Setia's knife-sharp words - and Brandis was appointed by a dead king whose decisions had long since expired. You are illegally sitting on the throne of my husband, who was forced to leave the royal castle by the slander made by some evil people. It's time to return him to his rightful place and honor." Saying this, she grabbed her husband's hand and squeezed it lightly, encouraging him.

"Who are you to even raise your voice in the company of those better than you - Aktis looked defiantly at Setia - you sit on a carved stool for one day and think you have the right to something?!

Setia got up from her seat and approached Aktis, who instinctively took a step back.

"You're right, - Setia leaned towards Aktis - you have no idea who I am." She took off her silver mask in a quick, fluid movement, watching Queen Fenigrid's reaction with her only eye.

Aktis's eyes widened, the terrible scar instead of an eye made a stunning impression on her. Who was Tendred's wife? He needs to pull himself together. Brandis walked up to her and took her hand

"We're going back home to Fenigrid." Brandis said clearly to make it clear who had the right to the throne. Without a word, they withdrew from the chamber and Setia, putting on her mask, sat down next to Tendred.

***

Aktis quickly walked straight to the exit making the whole corridor resound with her rushed steps. This cheeky girl with one eye won't threaten her or point fingers at her. She heard Brandis' steady steps behind her, and involuntarily she stopped and grabbed his hand. Now like never before they have to stick together. She took a deep breath, no one should see her agitation, this disfigured whore will disappear sooner than she thinks.

" … so don't be nervous." It took her a while to realize that Brandis was talking about something the whole time.

"Yes, you're right - she replied evasively - we'll talk about everything at home, in Fenigrid." She repeated Brandis' formula just to encourage herself. Without further conversation, she got into the carriage and Brandis closed the door. They set off. Jefre, he needs to let his man know. Time for an assignment. She looked out the window of the carriage and looked for a familiar face among the passing inhabitants of Emfer. She only encountered curious glances from the dull townsfolk who sometimes had the sense to bow or take off their hats, but there was no sign of Jefre. She felt a rush of adrenaline and something else, something she didn't want to admit to herself. She was scared. She was afraid of this one-eyed woman. The carriage door opened quietly and Jefre jumped inside. He flashed her with his mischievous smile and looked at her expectantly.

"Kill her, you hear me! I want her dead and I want it fast." She said when she saw him. Jefre sensed the nervous desperation in her voice.

"That bad?"

"She has to disappear." Aktis raised her hand to her mouth and bit her thumb. He knew this gesture, she did it when she was nervous. 

"It must be an accident. " She added after a while without looking him in the eye. 

"Kill her, but make it look like an accident. No one can associate me with this death." She finally raised her eyes and looked at Jefre.

"As you wish my Lady - Jefre kissed her cold hand - it may take some time, but I will try to meet your expectations. Any more wishes?" He moved closer, his breath was tickling her cheek.

"No - Aktis was distracted - that's all." After a second thought she took out a pouch from her handbag and handed it to Jefrey. 

"Here, take it and do what I told you. Get rid of her…"

Jefre took the heavy pouch and jumped out of the carriage without a word, after making sure that they were already outside the fortress walls.

The carriage rolled on and the blond assassin watched it getting smaller as the distance grew longer. 

Aktis was afraid. 

There was only one other time he remembered her being this scared. When her husband decided to get rid of her, she ordered him to kill the soon to be king. Ever since, she has given him each subsequent order without any sign of emotion. And now she was afraid. 

Tendred's wife was full of secrets. He was able to observe her briefly during the wedding ceremony and was curious about her. She was a beautiful young woman with darker skin and almost black hair. She looked a bit like the Katamir resident she claimed to be. However, what he was most curious about was what he was hiding under the mask. What story could she tell him? He also wondered why Aktis was so scared of her. Well, he'll find out. 

He will stand by the gate and spy on anyone who enters the castle. Once he knows her daily routine, it will be easier for him to plan for an accident. He wanted to hold her in his arms and watch the life drain from her. Hear her terrified heart flutter and feel her last breath beneath her lips. He wanted to be her last sight. He knew she would be his. He was excited, no, he was aroused by the thought. It will be difficult to organize an accident and at the same time indulge his dreams. He moved towards the inner gate. So far, she hasn't really left the castle, but she probably will someday. He will wait.