A New Law and A Death of A Enemy ( M )

[Noku Noru]

It was early morning; The sun barely over the horizon when the trumpets sound off. Crowds gather around the gallows when guards begin to escort the days prisoners to the platform before the pit. The sky blood red with heavy clouds hanging in the distance towards Morgg. The criminals lined on the platform were chained at their wrist and ankles, with a long chain linking them together with a guard at each end.

Before the prisoners, Breton stood with his arms crossed and a scornful expression. He gave a smirk at the first two criminals, before looking over to the first guard that held the chain. “ You, come here.” Breton requested; demanding the guard to comply and the guard approached with caution, still holding the chain in his hand. Breton reached over and dismounted the guards bow and pulled three arrows from the guard’s arrow holster.

“ You are here because of your past sins, thus your punishment is just deserve. “ Breton spoke, drawing the bow and loading an arrow to point at the first prisoners head. The man screamed in fear as Breton drew the string back and then let go. The scream hushed, while he loaded the second arrow and aimed at the second prisoner. Again repeating the same speech and action a third time. By then only two prisoners were left alive. Another male and the familiar female that had plagued the King’s family for over a year. With no more arrows, Breton tossed the bow aside and walked back over to the guard to remove his sword. With a quick thrust he jabbed it into the male prisoners side. “ Everyone’s pasts deeds will catch up to them eventually. “ Breton sighed, looking over to Claire who’s mouth was gagged with a cloth. A lesson he learned with Severine as he pulled the sword out of the lumped over prisoner.

“ Except i’m not the one that will take your life… Your crimes were not against me, you harlot.” Breton sighed, his voice dark and un-amused while turning to the guards now holding the woman where she stood. “ All rise for his majesty!” Breton announced, the crowd parting with guards pushing them aside for a carriage to pull up. When the carriage stopped, Noku stepped out and approached the platform. He slowly approached Claire and Breton, only to have his regent hand out the sword that was stained with other prisoner's blood. Noku took the sword in one hand and approached Claire, his other hand becoming visible with a bottle in his hand. “ For a year you had plagued me… I have not been the same man since you struck me that night… I was being nice to you that night and you struck me….. You loathsome worm. “ Noku spoke, his voice deep and full of rage that was contained behind gritted teeth. “ I do not feel sorry for you.” Noku spoke in a low voice, stretching his arm out and crashing the bottle against her head. He continued to strike her with the bottle until the glass had shattered. Once only the neck of the bottle remained, Noku dropped it and placed both of his hands on the sword. With a quick thrust, he plunged the sword into her chest. Took a step back and looked over to Breton. “ Clean this mess up. “ Noku hissed, turning to look at the crowd that stared up at him. Some civilians shouting out at the sight that they had witnessed.

“ Civilians of Nova! I tire of the petty thieves and attempts of my life.If you want to know what happens to a thief or a traitor...Then look behind me! An witness it yourself… With that, I am also passing a new law as of now! Magic users will not be allowed to practice magic within the kingdom walls! If you want to practice your ‘damned’ magic; then all magic user must abide by this law and get permits. Without these permits, you will be subjected to punishment if found performing magic. “ Noku shouted for everyone to hear, then turned to walk down the platform steps and stepped back into his carriage. Breton too left the platform, telling the guards to. “ clean this up.” before entering the carriage and having it pull off. The guards left behind being the ones to clean the mess up.

[Deleted]

Lilith watched from the carriage, leaning forward in her seat to get a better view. To anyone looking over at her, they would see a soft gold dress with small green leaf accents, like so, with her platinum blonde hair in a intricate braid down over her shoulder. Her soft lilac eyes scanned the area, wide with worry. She watched as her love took the sword from the Regent, speaking in a low voice to that woman. The woman who had changed his life... the woman who scarred him, changed his view on the world around him... Lilith took in a deep breath as the sword plunged into her chest.

When Noku began speaking, Lilith let out the breath blinking and looking down at her own feet for a moment before back up at the back of his head; it was all she could really see of him at that moment. When he made the declaration, she blinked, sitting up with surprise. Permits? She understood his decision; he'd been a target and many fated had more and more powers these days, coming up from every direction... She supposed it could be seen as a good thing, politically. She wondered if she would have to get one... she probably would anyways, just to make him more comfortable. She glanced over again as Noku approached the carriage again, sitting down. Breton joined them shortly after and they set off. As they drove away, she looked down at her hands folded in her lap. That was a good idea... When did you come up with that? She asked quietly, not directing it to either man, not sure who it had come from.

[Noku Noru]

Breton sighed, reaching into a pocket that was sewn into his robe for a decorative cloth. With a grim expression and  a flick of his wrist, he extended the fabric to Noku who sat across from him in the carriage next to Lilith, whom sat patiently in the carriage the whole time. “ You have a little something on your cheek.” Breton coughed; making direct eye contact with Noku the moment the carriage took off and began its journey back towards the castle.

Noku took the cloth with a bit of resistance, his expression taught, still fumed with anger. With a quick swipe of his hand, he cleared the little bit of spattered blood on his pale cheek with the cloth. The moment the blood was gone, he dropped the piece of fabric onto the floor of the carriage. His golden eyes glancing over to Lilith the moment she spoke up, her voice breaking the silence . “ I came to the conclusion that I have no idea how many ‘magic’ casters there are in my kingdom…. After so many attempts of my life...An~” Noku paused, his sentence cut short before looking over to Breton with a sharp irritated look. “ I have been hearing the voice again… So with that I am forced to believe magic is more trouble than I had expected. “ Noku refused to look at Lilith at this point, but his words were directed towards her. “ I hope you understand this is not something I have against you, however, I fear for this kingdom's future that resides inside you.” Noku spoke in a stern tone; His attention flickering over to Breton when he noticed his regent begin to open his mouth to speak.

“ Your majesty, speaking of your kingdom's future. Would you like for me to begin the arrangements for the wedding? I have already sent word to Kanto for supplies for your upcoming...celebration…..” Breton’s emerald eyes trailed over to Lilith, locking eyes with her for the moment. “ What kind of cake would you like for me to ask the cook to make for you…. Your Highness.” Breton paused before saying the words ‘‘your highness’, while giving her a kind half smile.

[Deleted]

Well…Today was certainly was met with mixed feelings. Aria sighed as she combed her hair, pinning up into a high ponytail. She couldn’t say she looked forward to the woman’s death; but the consistent execution attempts would not be missed. She placed a black circulate inlaid with white opals upon her head. It matched the black opal ring that sat upon her left ring finger. Her clothes were not dressy in the least, but worn to serve a function. She wore her black corset over a blood red summer silk shirt that had short sleeves. The corset had a patch work design, and was held closed by buckled straps that were designed to easily snap open. The metal on the buckle was done in a black matte finish, as were the buckles that ran down the sides of the black leather pants she was wearing. Her pants were tucked into knee high black boots which sported the same buckle design. She wore black leather bracers on her arms which were inlaid with intricate designs of animals. She had a one shoulder cape made to go with her set of armor for occasions that required less full armor but still some. The shoulder cape had one leather pauldron inlaid with the same animal design; three blood red feathers hung from the pauldron as decoration. The one shoulder blood red cape was enforced with a protective spell; which reminded her to place on the necklace that Noku had sent her. Aria stood and attached her sword to her hip; every execution so far had ended with some sort of fight. She wasn’t about to show up to an execution unprepared.

Aria made her way to the execution site; she took her seat and waited for it to begin. She watched silently as each met their death. Aria stood when Breton announced Nokus arrival; she did not look away as Claire soon met her death by his hands; however she did do a silent prayer for the woman’s soul. Perhaps in death she would learn to see the mistakes she had made, and the far reaching consequences of each.

She looked over at him as he suddenly made a new announcement……Her eyebrows raising in surprise. Well at least magic itself wasn’t outlawed….Though she was curious to what new rules would come with Noku’s new law. …”Aw fuck…..does that mean I can’t get home unless I get a permit………” aaaannnddd to late to ask him since he was already pulling away. Well might as well meet him back at the castle to find out. Aria grabbed the reigns of a large grey dappled horse and swung up on to the mares back. She pointed the beast in the direction of the castle and put her at a trot. Noku probably had the right idea about not lingering.

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Lilith kept her eyes down as Noku cleaned himself of her blood, some of it having splattered on his face. It was something she understood needed to be done, but she still didn't take death lightly; as a healer, how could she? When Noku glanced at her and began to answer her question, she nodded slowly, her own features blank. When he stopped, taking a moment before talking about a voice in his head, she turned to look at him, confused. A voice? What voice? She hadn't been aware of that; and it certainly couldn't be good. She glanced over at Breton, curious as to what his reaction on this would be. She glanced over at Noku again as he continued, very clearly not looking at her for reasons she supposed she understood. As much as she didn't enjoy this new law, it was coming from a very clear point of view; magic had been nothing but trouble for him so far; where as it had healed her.

No, you're right. Magic can be very dangerous, especially when used by some people. If you believe this caution is a necessary thing for the sake of our children, then I stand by you. Her voice was soft, each word carefully chosen. Breton had always made her uncomfortable, but she was getting used to his presence, having to be around it so often; so much so that she stopped trying so hard to impress him, and was more careful about what she said just in case.

When Breton began speaking, Lilith turned to look out the window, expecting it to be more trial talk. However, the moment the word "wedding" left his mouth goosebumps ran over her skin and her head jolted back over to face him, purple eyes wide a saucers. Her eyes locked with Bretons as he continued on, asking her what kind of cake she would like, and pausing on a "your highness". She gaped at him, blinking once or twice as her skin boiled with colour. U-u-uhm... Bretons half smile didn't do anything to relax her, in fact it almost sent shivers down her spine.. She looked over to Noku, confusion in her eyes. ... Strawberry... It's my favorite. Plus she knew the cook was especially good at making strawberry cake. She'd tasted it first hand. She was still searching Noku's face, waiting for him to look at her; she understood time restrictions; these babies couldn't be born without wedlock, that made sense to her. But to find out this way.. it was more than a little unnerving, she couldn't deny that. W-when will it take place? She asked quietly, her voice only slightly betraying her emotions.

[Noku Noru]

Breton quickly shot Noku a look of surprise. This was the first time he had heard of any ‘voices’, which disturbed the regent on the king’s safety. Perhaps Roland’s wards had finally lost their touch. He would need to speak with Lady Melda on finding a new way to protect the Castle from troublesome magic users. Perhaps he would need to figure out a way to bump up the guards around the castle. Either way, the news was discouraging and brought a frown to the Regents features. “ Voices your majesty?” Berton asked, his emerald eyes locked onto Noku.

“ I’m hearing a voice in my head at night for the past couple of weeks...…This magic user has also decided to plague me with ill thoughts. “ Noku admitted, rubbing his temple in frustration while leaning forward in his seat.. He had been terrified as of late. The thought of his children’s future; A future where magic users could easily be their undoing?! The very thought brought knots to his stomach. However, he didn’t speak a word when Lilith spoke up with her support. Instead he stayed the same, serious and on edge. His eyelids shut and he kept his hand over his face; Then he fell back in the carriage seat. His back slouched for a moment, deep in thought.

Then suddenly one word brought him back to reality. Except it came from someone he hadn’t expected. Noku’s head shot up and he quickly changed demeanors. His eyes slowly opening when his hand dropped from his face. His brow furrowed in anger and in one sudden motion; Noku drew his arm back and without hesitation the back of his hand made contact with Breton’s face.

Breton froze when he felt Noku’s hand contact; His head turned to the side from the force, cheeks swollen and red from the impact. Never had Noku struck him for speaking his thoughts; The action caused him to keep his head still turned to the side to look out the window.

“ How Dare you……” Noku spoke in a deep tone, his teeth gritted and his expression clearly pissed. “ You do not speak to her on matters that are of my own! Do I make myself absolutely clear….” Noku warned, his attention turning to Lilith as she spoke to answer his question. His pale cheeks burning red from frustration and embarrassment. Meanwhile, Breton only nodded in understanding before turning his head and looking directly at Lilith when she asked her question of where the wedding will take place.

“ I didn’t want you to find out this way, but I had hoped you would accept me as your husband during the Festival of the Gods.” Noku admitted, keeping his anger in check while staring down Breton who dared not make eye contact back.

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Lilith furrowed her brow, not liking the sound of that at all. And while she wished he'd said something about it sooner, she could imagine why he'd stayed silent. I'll go over some of my books and try to find something that shields your mind from magic. I'm sure there's something out there... She reached a hand out and moved to touch his shoulder. Feeling how tense he was, she removed her hand a moment later, not wanting to upset him.

Her eyes had been on him since her answer of Strawberry, so she saw the change in his posture immediately. It happened so fast if she'd blinked she would have missed it. The sound of the slap vibrated through their carriage, and Lilith's mouth had fallen open, one hand slowly moving up to her face to cover it. She turned her eyes to Noku's face, only for one moment focusing on Breton's. His eyes seethed with rage, his voice filled with venom. Not something she had expected at all. She'd been with both Breton and Noku on numerous occasions, and normally what Breton said Noku didn't say much about, even when Lilith herself found it unsettling. But not this time. Hearing Noku's words, Lilith flushed with colour. She really hoped Breton didn't get mad at her for this. She wouldn't be surprised, but she really hoped.

Once she'd timidly asked her question, she felt Breton's gaze heavily on her, but she refused to meet it, keeping her eyes on Noku. His face was red now, no doubt his heart pounding. When he spoke to her, admitting his plans, Lilith flushed deeper, a small smile making its what on her face despite the tense vibe around them. Of course I will. You know I will. She brought a hand more confidently this time, up to his face, cradling it softly as he calmed down. It would be an honor...

[Noku Noru]

Noku’s golden gaze turned to Lilith the moment she stated that ‘it would be a honor...’; His expression had little to no passion, However, The king managed to take a deep breath to calm his already rattled nerves.He brought forth a forced smile, before reaching his hand over to hers and cupping it within his. His palm extremely warm compared to her delicate hand that he lightly curled his fingers around. “ Then you shall be My Queen before the Harvest Sun season ends.” He spoke in a somber tone, lifting her hand with his to bring it to his lips and placing a soft,e warm kiss on top of her wrist.

Meanwhile, Breton remained silent. His emerald eyes fixed on the bridge they were coming up on at the end of the Second District. Finally they were reaching the First District and the Castle was just a few minutes up ahead. Though to Breton it would feel like an eternity within that carriage; His lips pressed in a tight scowl and he dared not say anything more, while within the presence of Lilith and the King. His cheek blistering red with a print where Noku’s hand had made contact. If he were a normal human...That slap might have done a lot more damage than what Breton let on. To him it was just normal inflammation of the skin, if anyone else… Well perhaps a head would roll...Which is how Breton’s neck felt. The nerves throbbed from the amount of force it took for him to keep his head straight when Noku’s back hand had made contact.

The carriage bumped a bit when it went over the bridge and changed from the dirt and cobble road of the Second District to straight cobblestone streets of the First. The tension in the carriage slowly lifting as Noku continued to calm himself, carefully stroking the top of Lilith’s hand with his thumb the closer they got to the Castle. Once the carriage reached the Castle gates, Noku took another deep breath and glared towards Breton.

“ Lord Breton, You are to fetch Yul for me once we arrive at the castle. I want you to write a public letter for him to take to the Crier. “ He paused, feeling the carriage slow down at the gate.

“ I’m sure you can handle a public announcement of our Betrothal, since you felt the need to spoil that for me so soon….Once you have written the letter, Give to Yul.... At least I know he doesn’t make this big of fuck ups. “ Noku sighed, feeling the carriage pick back up again once they entered the courtyard and stopped again at the front entrance of the base of the stairs. Noku then turned to Lilith as he gave Lilith a encouraging nod. “ Let us retire for the day my dear… I know it's early, but I feel like only having your company.” Noku spoke, ignoring Breton for the time being as the carriage door swung open by a servant's hand. Breton being the first to step out before the King and his Betrothed. A grim and pissed look on his pale features as he stepped out of the carriage and walked up the stairs into the castle, pushing his way through anyone that dared to speak to him.

Meanwhile, Noku still had his hand around Lilith’s, cupping it softly in his before letting go and turning towards the door of the Carriage, being the second to step out and extend a hand to Lilith again to help her get down and out of the carriage.

[Deleted]

Lilith noticed his expression, but didn't mention it, figuring it had more to do with the events so far in the day than it did of her. When he spoke and took her hand, she smiled softly, nodding. She flushed as his lips touched her skin, fluttering her eyes softly. Oh boy. She said nervously. Queen. What a thought.

During the last few minutes of their ride, Lilith felt the tension build within the tiny space, and was growing more uneasy with it. She threw a glance at the Regent here and there, feeling the anger radiate off him in waves. She was terrified. Would he blame her for how Noku had reacted? She wouldn't be surprised if he did, but given that she'd never seen Noku speak that way to Breton, she had a feeling it was a lot worse than blame... She looked away from him, unable to keep her eyes on him without her breathing picking up out of fear.

As they reached the gates, Noku spoke again, addressing his wounded Regent. Lilith nearly flinched for Breton at the King's words, knowing they had to sting. She didn't blame Noku for his anger, but the more he spoke to Breton, she more she fear she would need to avoid him best she could. As Noku addressed her, suggesting they retire for the evening, she flushed a bright red tone, nodding. Y-yes my Lord. She responded, throwing a nervous glance at Breton once more before he exited the carriage. She took Noku's hand as they exited their ride, and walked hand in hand with him to his chambers, where they would spend the rest of their evening celebrating their betrothal accordingly...