Lady Dhampir
Chapter 293

He jumped out of the bed, retreating as if she had been some dangerous, ferocious beast. Milena hid her chuckle behind her fingers, amused. Nothing was more entertaining than seeing her husband all flustered. Rayan grimaced, well-aware that she was doing this all on purpose. In fact, if he hadn't been so worried about her health, he would have surely not been able of such self-restraint. He sighed, and walked to the wardrobe to put on his dark shirt, a bit annoyed. "If my beloved but cunning wife is done playing with me," he groaned while buttoning it up. "Should I ask them to bring you something else?"

"I'm done," said Milena, putting her spoon down on the empty bowl. "But I do want a bath, and to get changed. I feel unbearably gross and I need to put on some clothes."

"You should stay in bed," he frowned.

"Rayan, your twin brother confined me to a bed in the smallest room I could ever bear to spend more than five minutes in, for five days. If anything, I deserve to feel clean and free to walk around."

He sighed. As if he could ever refuse her anyway... Without arguing any longer, he set out to request the servants to bring in a bathtub, warm water and everything that could make her happy. There were plenty of expensive soaps and beauty products for Milena to use, and even an impressive selection of dresses. No less than a dozen people were needed to bring everything inside the room, not even counting the second bowl of soup Rayan had insisted on. Milena frowned while stepping out of the bed with her husband's support, her purple eyes going over the outfits.

"That seems pretty generous, from the Duke," she said.

"I think he knows whom he owes his loyalty to," scoffed Rayan. "Moreover, you're not the only Lady he's had to accommodate these days..."

Milena realized that if she was in the De Boreal Residence, her sister-in-law had to be as well... She was a bit apprehensive to meet with Philomenie, after what she had gone through because of her husband.

Perhaps he noticed her dark expression, because Rayan dismissed all of the servants, and helped her himself to the bath, rolling up his sleeves and lathering the soap for her. He gently helped her wash every limb. Milena was surprised by how nice the warm bath felt, and how she hadn't realized how sore she was before. How could she be so sore from not moving much for the past few days? It felt as if every piece of her body was replaceing ways to torture her at every move she dared to make. Still, she felt much better as the water slowly washed away the icky sensations. Rayan's gentle hands against her skin were almost erasing the scars of the past few nights, making her feel herself again. No matter how urgent the situation outside might have been, her husband was maintaining this bubble around her, not letting anyone near her. He was giving her all the time she needed to recover from the nightmare she had endured. His gentle fingers washed every one of her curls gently, massaged her limbs, caressed every piece of her body. He was doing what Milena might not even have been able to do for herself, if she had been left to her own devices. Only because Rayan was there, did she feel like it was truly fading away, letting her skin free itself from the disgust. In fact, she might have even dozed off a bit if she hadn't felt like she had already slept a year's worth. Moreover, as much as she enjoyed the bath and her husband's attention, there was still much to do, and not even Rayan could stop time.

Soon enough, she got out of the bath, and picked the most comfortable dress of all, the type that was made comfortable and warm to stay indoors. Rayan added a fur shawl around her shoulders, and once they were done drying her hair, Milena headed out of the room. For once, she did not bother with makeup, a corset or heels, simply slipping into the comfy slippers and walking out in her most natural state. Rayan lent her his arm all along, and she was glad to rely on him; she hadn't realized how weak her legs were, to the point she almost regretted that second portion of soup...

Rayan seemed to know perfectly where to go, making her wonder how long she had been asleep, and when her husband had arrived before her. In fact, they didn't have to go very far; just one floor below, he opened the door to a large salon. There was a large chimney with a warm fire burning inside, and several couches and armchairs arranged around. Most were actually occupied. "My Love!" b

Raelius jumped out of his seat first to come and greet her. He was so fast that Milena felt like she had only blinked once before he was hugging her gently, a fatherly embrace. He then stepped back, checking her over from head to toe. "Oh, my poor Love... That arse of a King messed you up real bad, didn't he?"

"I'm fine," muttered Milena, who did not wish to expand on the matter.

In fact, she didn't want to talk about Ellias at all. Not only did she hate anything that would bring her back to that dark, cold dungeon but, as if to make matters worse, the Queen was in the room. Philomenie had risen from her seat much slower than the old vampire, with a very worried expression, as if she was unsure. Not unsure about what she had to do next, but unsure about if she was allowed to do it. Milena saw it all in her eyes. If her big blue eyes had ever been so expressive, she was now feeling like she could read her sister-in-law like an open book. After a faint hesitation, she extended her hand. No matter what, she didn't consider Philomenie responsible in the slightest for what had happened to her, what Ellias had done.

After a hesitation, Philomenie almost ran to her as well, and for the first time, hugged her without reserve. Milena had never been someone to hug anybody, let alone another woman. Still, she felt a strange sisterly feeling from Philomenie's timid way to embrace her, being so gentle. Not letting this last more than a few seconds, the blonde woman stepped back. Much to Milena's surprise, there were tears in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry," she muttered.

If Milena had held the slightest bit of resentment against her sister-in-law, it would have vanished right there and then. If there were many cunning people in this world, Philomenie was the farthest person from that. There was no way someone could fake such an expression. She looked genuinely sorry, as if she had been the one to inflict all that harm. Milena gently caressed her plump cheek.

"I'm alright. Thanks for helping me out."

Philomenie slowly shook her head.

"I wish I could have done more. If I had known..."

Now, Milena was almost mad at whoever had told her about her husband's misdeeds. As cursed as she was for marrying such a man, Philomenie didn't deserve to share the guilt of his actions. Her purple eyes went over her sister-in-law's shoulder, checking the remaining people in the room.

There was Henry De Boreal, of course, but he wasn't alone. Standing right next to the armchair Philomenie had jumped out of, stood a familiar face she hadn't seen in quite a while.

"...The Saint?" She muttered, surprised.

"Please, at least try to look happy to see me," he smirked.

He had visibly lost a bit of weight, but it was indeed the Saint, with his snarky attitude and usual contempt.

"What are you doing here?" She frowned.

"Yeah, missed you too," he sighed.

"Your dearest Grandpa grabbed that guy and brought him here," announced Raelius, visibly very proud of himself. "I heard he could be useful!"

"I still don't get the Grandpa part," groaned Rayan, glancing at Raelius with a doubtful expression.

"Oh come on son, you're not doubting me now are you?"

"I'm doubting the lack of distance between you and my wife," Rayan muttered, glancing at the distance indeed.

Milena sighed.

"It's good to have you back, Saint."

"Same to you, Queen Bitch."

"Don't push it."

They exchanged a playful look. They might never get along as friends, but they would do alright as allies. Next, Milena turned to the next figure that was jumping down from the sofa. This time, a graceful white cat was making its way to her, the fluffy tail perking up behind her. Milena stepped away from her sister-in-law to open her arms, and receive her best friend in them. Blanche happily climbed in her embrace, purring loud and clear and rubbing her fluffy white head against Milena's neck.

"I missed you too," she whispered to the white cat.

"Welcome back, your Highness," said Henry, standing up from his armchair as well.

Not only him, but Prudence, who sat nervously at the other end of the couch, slowly stood and ran to her, tears in her eyes. She didn't say a word, but the young girl was visibly very shaken by Milena's return. At times, Milena forgot that Prudence was younger and more impressionable than she was. She hugged her back. "You did well," Milena whispered.

Her throat too tight, Prudence didn't manage to utter a single word, only nodding tearfully, working hard to repress her tears. The last person present in the room was a bit more reserved; Briseis calmly bowed to her, a very faint smile on her lips. "Welcome back, Your Majesty."

"It looks like all you friends were quite busy during my absence," Milena nodded.

A part of her was disappointed not to see Raphael and her children, nor Lucian, but she knew it was probably dangerous for them to travel from the other location. At the very least, she was glad to know they were all safe now. "Lady Chartiana is also here," said Henry. "You missed her though, she went to bed about an hour ago."

Milena nodded, but she knew she would have to thank her friend later. Chartiana and Yasina had worked together to prepare the trick of her fake injury, as well as hide the blades in her clothing. Although Milena had only ended up using just one, it had most likely saved her in many ways.

Rayan escorted her to one of the sofas, and everyone but the Saint sat back down after she did, Blanche immediately taking her favorite spot on Milena's lap. She must have been still resentful and worried about her mistress' recent trauma, because she shape- shifted into a much larger feline, almost as big as a human, to rest her paws and head on Milena's lap.

"So, where are things at?" Milena asked, her eyes turning to Henry.

The Duke sighed, and slowly nodded.

"All your instructions were respected to the letter. I have confirmed again just this morning that all your allies are safe, or in hiding, although the Church and their allies are doing their best to seek them out. Only Sir Raelius, Miss Blanche, His Highness Prince Rayan and your brothers have been traveling between the two safe houses."

"What about downtown?" Asked Milena.

"We have received reports from Lady Tiphania that the Church is actively searching for us," explained Briseis. "All of your entourage has been placed on a wanted list. The Royal Guards have been sent under the King's name, although they most likely were ordered by somebody else."

"The Paladins, too," muttered Philomenie.

"...The Paladins?"

"It's the Church's private militia, like our family knights. It's an almost secret unit entirely dedicated to the Church. They are trained as well as the best knights, fervent believers, and will obey no one but the Church. They would even behead the Royals if they ordered them to..."

Philomenie's eyes darkened. She was visibly afraid.

"How do you know about this, Your Majesty?" Asked Prudence, shocked.

"We have seen them," explained the Saint, putting his hands on Philomenie's shoulders. "They were used a couple of times as Philomenie's bodyguards, so we have seen them from up close. They are often disguised as high-rank priests or Royal Guards, but I doubt they'll be bothering with disguises now..."

"The news of the King's injury already spread," said Henry. "Well, we spread it. But they are going to keep on pretending he's fine and the orders are coming from him."

"Do we... Have any certainty about his actual status?" Asked Milena.

She felt Rayan's hand gently tighten around hers, but Milena had to know.

"He's alive," said Raelius. "Not in great shape, but alive."

"The Church is using what happened to their advantage," added Henry. "They have issued a first-order warrant for your arrest, as someone who tried to murder His Majesty. They branded you a heretic."

"Highest compliment yet," chuckled the Saint.

"I couldn't care less indeed," groaned Milena.

"It is serious," insisted Henry. "They are using you to frame His Highness Rayan as well. They say you two were planning to kill his Majesty and take the throne by force, using the army. They are mobilizing all the forces they can, including some militias we had never seen before."

"They probably brought more soldiers from neutral families," said Briseis. "It's the only explanation for the number of men hunting you down right now."

"How come they aren't here already?" Frowned Milena. "I mean, as stupid as they can be, they know the House De Boreal is now an ally..."

"Most likely because of me," said Philomenie. "As of now, I am still one of the public figures the people look up to, and the Church knows that if I publicly denounce them, it will be hard to maintain their allegations against you. Thus, they are afraid to act against the House De Boreal as long as I am with them. They can fight against the army, but not against the public opinion."

"They need to retain what they can of the people's faith," scoffed the Saint. "And it's thinning out as we speak."

"The population is very confused," nodded Prudence. "Many that were still supporting you were shocked by the announcement of you stabbing His Majesty. While we are trying to spread the information about the conditions in which you were detained, for many people, your arrest was still very much legal..."

"It was," retorted Milena. "But that doesn't make His Majesty's misdeeds any lesser. First, he should have never invaded the De Crescent Duchy, and murdered my father. Secondly, they used Wendigos on my lands, not even capable of fighting themselves, and last, he sent his pawn to fight in his stead!"

Milena stopped, realizing the pawn's sister was right in the room. To her surprise though, Philomenie didn't look very sad about her older brother's end. Instead, she looked almost madder than she was, her white-gloved fists tight on her lap.

"...They have fallen so low," she muttered. "I can't believe Ellias did all that. My brother, I knew he was ready for anything, but my husband... They are so horrible. So many people died in such a terrible way because of them!"

"You can cry later, sweetie," said Raelius. "Right now, we need to resume my Milena's plan."

"Are we ready?" Milena asked Henry.

"As far as I know, yes. The Duke De Nova was arrested and taken to the Castle's cells like most of his men."

"They kept him alive?" Milena exclaimed, surprised.

"For now, yes," sighed Henry.

"Their pathetic attempt to maintain the public opinion in their favor," scoffed the Saint.

"Or they plan to use him as a hostage," groaned Milena. "What of Alexis?"

"She hasn't given us any news, so we assume she's alright," said Briseis.

"My army is also right at the border of the Emerald Forest," said Rayan. "Thanks to Blanche and Lord Raelius, we were able to communicate with Rachael quite quickly. For now, they are clearing out the last Wendigos in the Emerald Forest, to be sure we won't have one of those horrors jumping on us during the final battle."

"The remedy is working amazingly," said Prudence, excited. "Lady Euphoria has been working non-stop to provide even more too, so we hope all Wendigos will be completely eradicated soon!"

"They will be eradicated once we get rid of the bastards responsible for their cursed creation," hissed Rayan.

"We plan on that, Son," said Raelius, putting a hand on his shoulder. "We need to trap all those bastards and get rid of them for good."

"Our troops are perfectly positioned," nodded Milena. "We need to trap them all, and make sure our citizens are unharmed during the battle."

"...We should evacuate as many citizens as possible," muttered Philomenie. "Or at least make sure they'll be where it's safe..."

"If it's about sneaking people out, I'll do it!"

The voice coming from behind made everyone jump. Milena stood last, completely baffled. Standing right in the middle of the wide-open doors, his cape still covered in fresh snow, Lucian was standing, a bright smile stuck on his face. "Hi there, Sis!"