"Master." Bira's voice came from outside the carriage as it came to a stop, but I heard the commotion before we got close. "Who is it?" I asked, rubbing my temples. "Second Miss." I put my mask back on and got out of the carriage.
"Who set this up? It's so melodramatic." I say and I watch the crowd as a woman pushed though, acting distraught and claiming Heri was a child without parents. In a corner, I see the girl's personal maid being held captive.
I made a motion with my hand and walked through the crowd with Bira following. "My mother gave me this necklace, who are you to take it away?! I can decide if I want to show it to her!" Heri shouted angrily.
"My daughter told me you said that you don't have a mother. Now you're making up lies?" The woman scoffed. "Heri." I called out to her. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned me. "Mother!" She rushed towards me, crying once she wrapped her hands around me.
"What are you all doing?" A woman pushed her way through the crowd, upon hearing her voice Heri tensed and her crying stopped. "Heri? Are you okay?" I tilt my head towards Bira. "Wei San. Daughter of a rich merchant." She whispered.
"Let's go." I turn and walk away with Heri. "Wait a minute!" Wei San shouted as she rushed towards us and grabbed Heri's arm. "Who are you? Where are you taking her?" I look at her claws holding onto my child then looked at her face.
"Answer me! Do you know her father is for you to be kidnapping her in broad daylight? Release my child, this instant!" I step forward. "Your child?" The maid rushed forward, pushed the woman to the side and checked Heri over for injuries.
"Your Highness." She bowed to me. "It was my neglect." I motioned for her to get behind me. "I'll talk to you after we return. Take Heri into the carriage." The maid picked up Heri and took her into the carriage without another word.
"Guards!" The woman shouted. I grab her throat. "You must really be tired of living. Daring to scheme against my child. Who gave you the right?" I dug my nails into her skin, drawing blood. "Poloria, stop!" I hear Kasian shout.
I ignored him and grabbed her hair. "I'm glad you'll die knowing why." I pulled her windpipe out and let her body drop to the ground. I turn to Kasian and throw the bloody part at his feet. "Deal with it thoroughly before I do."
Bira handed me a handkerchief, and I wiped her blood from my hand and dropped it on her body. Walking past Kasian, I enter the carriage. "Are you afraid?" I ask Heri as I tap the side of the carriage.
It moved off slowly. "No." I look at her and smirk. "Good because you'll be seeing more blood in the future. Especially because you're my daughter."
"Mother did you kill someone?" Lia asked as I entered the front courtyard. She was there waiting and noticed my hands. "Yes." A servant walked forward with a basin of warm water. I wash off my hands and wiped them dry. "I was betting with brother, and it looks like he won."
"How much?" She sighed deeply. "Three thousand gold. I thought you would've held on for another day." I chuckle. "Where are the others?" We walked towards the flower garden. They are waiting for you. "Brother was bored and began to paint. He should be finished when we get there."
"Mother, you've returned." Kai greeted me with a smile as we entered the garden. I nod and notice the sword in his hand. "This was my mother's. She left it with me before she died. Father said that she would've survived if she had it." Kai said once he noticed I was looking at the sword.
"Can I see it?" He held it out to me. I unsheathe it. "White iron." I look at the carvings on the sides of the blade. "You've learnt sword arts from your father already?" He shook his head. "No. Father said that I'm not ready yet."
"Then I'll test you. Let's see how well you do based on my questions. Then I'll decide whether you should proceed or not." He nodded.
I sit next to Lion and kissed his temple. He smiled but concentrated on his painting. "What do you think of a sword?" I asked Kai as he sat next to me. My eyes went to Heri and Lia who were sparring.
"It's a weapon. One that moves with you or against you." I nod. "Do you think you can be still but fluid, sharp but dull?" He thought it over for a long time. "It's okay. There aren't any real wrong answers just matters of opinion." I reassure him.
"Some people might be able to achieve that but I'm not sure." I nod. "Are there any other weapons that you might like?" Kai thought for some time. "I've never tried any other weapons. I just wanted to follow my mother."
"What if another war breaks out and you happen to be in the middle of it. Your sword is broken and you only have a chain nearby; will you fight with your broken sword or with the chain?" I asked. "I don't know how to fight with a chain, so I'd take my chances with the broken sword."
I stand up. "Okay let us have a demonstration." I walk forward. "Girls, go sit down. Jailin, stop hiding and sit with your siblings." The young boy scurried out of his corner and sat in the empty seat.
"Lion, are you finished?" I asked as I motioned for Bira to come over. "Just about." He made a couple more swishes of his brush and then put them aside. "I'm ready." I nod. "Mother, don't you want to change first?" Heri asked. "You can't stop a fight suddenly and ask to change into comfortable clothing."
I picked up a wooden staff nearby and Bira drew her sword. "Ready? Start!" Lia yelled and Bira attacked first. I moved the left and hit her wrist, but she turned backwards and nearly sliced open my throat had I not dodged in the last second.
Kicking the bottom of the staff, it hit her in the shin, and I slammed down on her wrist once again. She dropped the sword and I swing the staff at her neck, stopping just before it touched her skin.
Pulling back, I threw the staff at her and she caught it. I turned to children. "What do you think?" Kai shook his head. "I couldn't see anything. You two moved too fast."
"Lion, Lia. Give it go. I'm sure you saw the fight." They stood up and I sat down. "Lion and Lia have been training since they were three years old. In certain aspects, they are better than you are, but you cover the rest." Kai nodded. "I'll study hard." I smile.