The Crimson Phoenix Court hadn’t been used since Ienia had returned home crippled. There was no use for it once all his military acquaintances, subordinates and friends fled from him. He had become worthless to them. A person who no longer could protect or challenge others. He was trash to be thrown away.

Those people showed their true faces once their knew he wouldn’t die. He was unceremoniously kicked from his position as a tactician and became a disappointment to his emperor. Not even the man he had given much to came to his aid.

He had not only lost the battle with Deuha but he was injured critically. The culprit had the backing of the imperial family even if it wasn’t the emperor himself.

Unfortunately, the room was a strong reminder of everything that was taken from him. From the ‘Oequ Tactician to a blind, mute and crippled man relying on others for help. He would have drank the Black Belladonna tea that the empress sent to him if not for Pueya, his mother and sister's begging and sobbing.

As they entered, he could hear the girl's breath hitch. The court was truly something to be in awe over. Though he had not seen it in years, his memory of it was bright and clear. He had spent many evenings concocting plans of action for the emperor. Entering the room after so long only stoked the black fire burning in his heart.

Pueya pushed him at a steady pace as they moved toward the head of the long table. The floral scent in the room was from the attendants cleaning it routinely. It was well taken care of for no one to enter it regularly.

The soft hesitating footsteps of the young girl caught his attention. She hadn’t the faintest idea where she was to go. Her footsteps earlier were almost silent. Each step taken with care. The girl did everything in her power to prevent attention from shifting to her, but his hearing had become so great that her attempts were in vain. Though it was an admirable trait for a slave, it was utterly useless for a concubine.

Ienia still had time to send her away or to her death. Death, however, was not an option he was willing to take but sending her away was something that stuck in his mind. Allowing her to be his concubine would lead to her suffering for the position he bestowed upon her. But sending her away also would lead to troubles. She would be unprotected from Ghain ’dea. Whatever the general had in mind involved hurting the girl. It was something he could not allow, even if taking her in this way could backfire and cause his reputation to suffer.

Who had ever heard of a Master taking in a Danu Ro unclean as a woman of his own?

It was far too late to backtrack now. There was also the matter of the girl’s identity and why Ghain ‘dea wanted her dead. Her response to stating her family name and rank was unexpected.

Her pulse had quickened, and the hesitation was very telling. Whoever she was caused her to be ridicule. The crest and her withholding her family name only meant she was of a noble house that had fallen. That was normal if the clan courted the emperor’s anger. Yet, it was more than that. She entered his ring of awareness without alerting him. She was obviously a Child of the Golden Lights as he was, but of the few that he had met none was as young as her, nor could they perform such a feat as she had. It was impossible, though he experienced it for himself.

“You must not stand. You have become a Fanu, so you must sit. You are still a slave of sorts but with a certain amount of importance given to you.” Pueya explained to her gently as he guided her to take a seat.

The Rini was ready to beat her to death yesterday but now he took the time to explain things to her. Ienia found Pueya’s change of heart humorous. He was a fierce servant with a mouth like a whip but a heart softer than a down pillow.

He listened as the girl apologized and sat in the sixth seat on his right. She was in the middle of the table as she should be. It didn’t take long for the general to appear with his two attendants.

“Not a speck of dust to be found. Your attendants surely worked their fingers to the bone cleaning this unused court for Estate Master. Though it is ashamed that the sight of this court is unseen.” Ghain ‘dea boldly taunted.

Pueya exhaled stiffly before speaking, “May General Lashir make haste as the noon meal must be served punctually.”

“A Rini with such a bold mouth. I know not of another as you.” The general said taking a seat at the opposite end of the table.

“Rini Rei would never attempt boldness. Rini only wishes to convey concern for Estate Master’s health.” Ienia felt Pueya’s stance shift. Most likely lowering his head in a facade of humility. Ienia knew well that his Rini was a master of sarcastic body language.

“Today, the arrangements of Fanu Fi will be settled.” Pueya said as he rested his hand on the wheelchair armrest.

“Yes, we should not procrastinate on such an important matter.” The man was smiling as he spoke. Making a mockery of the issue at hand. Subtlety always alluded Ghain ‘dea.

“Master wishes to arrange the wedding for the next week. It must be done then as it allows for a smooth transition into Seukine. The longer the wait the more Fanu Fi will suffer as the matter cannot be hidden for long.”

“I do not agree with this rushing of matters. Danu Fi is leaving Asila. Her home for all of her life. Should she be stuffed into a box and brought in under the cover of night? Surely your beautiful wives will find fault with this method.” The general purposely misspoke to remind them what Firynei was. It was a disgusting blow to him but Ienia would not fall for the bait. The general tapped on the edge of the table an act that was painful to Ienia as his hearing was keen.

Pueya kept still only after a quick word. He didn’t need another pavilion scene.

“Master does not wish to hide anything, only to protect the reputation of Seukine. You certainly understand the weight of reputation and dignity. Though General is only acting Estate Master of Asila you must understand Master’s priorities in this matter.” Pueya said with such care that Ienia had to stop himself from making an expression of laughter.

The drumming halted. Ienia kept his face passive even though he smiled inside. An acting Estate Master was a high position but only a figurehead in the long run. Ghain ‘dea felt the sting of Pueya words. “Such an intelligent Rini. Studying the laws and matters of the estates for the concern of the master, right? Surely you must covet what is beyond your birth? If that is not so then Seulnine you must honor such a loyal companion and helpful servant.”

Before the Rini could fire off another scathing retort, Ienia shifted in his chair. The Rini took notice of the heftier warning and quieted himself before becoming too unruly. He did not want to bring embarrassment onto his master.

The small girl had not spoken not that Ienia thought she would. She barely moved a muscle, seemingly not really existing in the room. A trait that could be helpful in many situations. Taking Pueya's hand Ienia thought to end the arrangement meeting quickly for the girl’s sake. She was innocent in all of this and rapidly became stuck in the center of a silent war.

“Master wishes to know what General Lashir wants of this arrangement?”

“I simply want Danu Ro to have a wedding fit for someone ascending. The wedding should be announced as an alliance between our houses.” The man explained.

“Surely you jest,” Pueya scoffed, “Impossible. The Danu’s origin would come to light. That is something unacceptable. Should that happen Seukine will drag down Asila. What will others thinking once they know that she came from the famed Asila known for obedience and loyalty?”

“Is she to come into Seukine with her head hanging low? No matter the circumstance she should be given some dignity.” The General said with a smile in his voice. His voice was directed at Firynei. The girl's heartbeat skipped in fear and Ienia quickly came up with a solution for the girl’s sake.

“Master will allow for an introduction to the Estate but to no one else outside these walls. She will not be known to other outside lest you wish to explain Asila’s hand in this marriage. Others will draw their own conclusion about what has happened.” Pueya’s threat was loud and clear on the matter.

“Does the Estate Master of Seulnine not see this as an opportunity to form an alliance with Asila? You must see the need as you and your Seukine are not as protected since that terrible incident.” The words caused a terrible ache in Ienia's chest. Reflections of his memories cropped up at the edge of his mind.

“Master states, the alliance between the two would be considered a joke. As the chosen wife is an impure slave. Asila will be seen as sending an inferior representative for marriage. Asila will become laughable and dishonorable. General’s honorable father could not bear such a taint. In addition, Seukine would take some blame for accepting someone so low. It is unacceptable. Fanu Fi was sold by Asila, there will be no alliance for both families sake.” Pueya spoke so promptly and precise that the general was grasping for another response once he finished.

Ienia was thankful the Rini was so quick to respond since his own mind was slightly chaotic. The general's words opened wounds, but Ienia did not dwell as these matters were more important.

“W-well something must be done other than the debut. This child’s mother would be the laughingstock of Asila. Tongues will wag with their own ideas of how she came into Seulnine’s favor.” The second threat didn’t go unnoticed.

“Master states that there will be a small announcement of her home estate but nothing more will be mentioned, nor will a name be divulged. That is all that the master can offer the Fanu’s mother. If she is still unsatisfied, she can be sold to Seukine or gifted as part of her dowry, so she can remain at her side.” Ienia heard Firynei's movement at the offer. She wanted to say something but was afraid to speak in front of her superiors. He prompted Pueya to ask her.

“Fanu Fi what do you wish to say. Speak now and clearly as this may be your only chance.” Pueya said.

The girl voice came slow and shaky as she spoke, “F-fanu Fi wishes to have her mother as a dowry. Please allow this former master. Mother is sickly and can no longer do much of the work given her. Please let her rest here by my side until her days are gone. I only ask this of you former master. Nothing more.”

Her voice quivered, and she was on the verge of tears but Ienia knew Ghain ‘dea. He would not give her what she begged for no matter what she did. If she was a pawn, then surely her mother was as well.

“Your mother was brought by Asila she cannot be owned by you. Thus she can not be given as your dowry as she is a slave of Asila.”

Firynei was holding in her sobs and Ienia didn’t need to see her to know there were tears on her face.

“Do not fret little slave girl. Your mother is well taken care of and your dowry will be provided. As your former estate master it is my duty to see that you are respected and given honor in your marriage.” The enjoyment in Ghain ‘dea’s voice was almost enough to send the girl over the edge into a wail but she somehow contained it. Ienia heard the deep ragged breaths she took in trying to remain silent as a slave should.

“The cleansing will take place four days from now. The introductions will take place three weeks from today and the wedding on the last day of the month.”

“All fair arrangements. Only she has no one to accompany her. As a woman of Seukine can she toil about like a slave anymore?” Ghain ‘dea said ignoring the girl now.

“An attendant will be provided for her if you don’t have one.” Pueya answered.

“Why not let us both provide her a companion as a part of her dowry? It is fitting that we both pay for her dowry. She has no one else to provide for her. As her soon to be husband, it is only right that we do so.” Ghain ‘dea actually propose he pay for the girl’s dowry that was going back to him. He was paying himself. The man knew nothing but how to be shameless.

“Master finds this sufficient. As Asila must lack funds to provide a dowry for a simple slave. Our Seukine will provide for the one who will become one of ours. Pueya said without a hint of mockery or sarcasm. Attacking with such swiftness that Ienia was sure the young man was waiting for an opening.

Ghain ‘dea chuckled, “Then I agree--”

“But since we must pay ourselves, then you must at the least provide the Fanu’s mother as part of your payment. Master does not wish to have a sulking Fanu. Allow her mother to come here and live her days out with her daughter. If not then we have no choice but to announce this wedding for what it is. Honorable ‘dea Lashir could not bear the embarrassment. And though Seukine will suffer Asila will as well,” Ienia expressed through Pueya making clear what was on the line.

Ghain ‘dea laughter died immediately, “Seulnine you are so noble for the comfort of a slave. Her mother will be sent with the dowry.”

“Thank you, former master. Your mercy is too great for this slave,” Firynei voice almost broke as she spoke but the relief Ienia heard from her gave him a sense of relief. He detested seeing innocent ones suffer.

“Yes, well a threat will do that to one,” Ghain ‘dea said with an edge of annoyance. “Since we are finished this meeting, then I wish to exercise my last right as the former master to speak encouraging words to this Fanu before I leave her in your care.”

“Master has agreed,” Pueya said as Ienia had no choice but to agree. He didn’t trust the man, but it was within his right to speak to Firynei before she was married.

“Let us say our farewells then,” the general said as he accompanied the girl out of the room. Ienia pinpointed the moment fear swallowed the girl again. Her heartbeat accelerating with each step away from his and Pueya's presence. She was frightened by the man.

Understandable since she ruined his first plan, but Ienia doubted the man would kill her now especially since she was his Fanu. That was a price not even with all the assets of Asila could Ghain ‘dea afford to pay.

For now, he figured the general wanted something else from the girl or wanted her to do something. Either way if she continued with innocence and learned loyalty he would protect her with everything he had. If not she would be killed in such a way that being beaten to death was the better of the two.