THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

The morning after their clandestine rendezvous, David and Vivian emerged from their room, entwined like two serpents shedding their skins. The crisp morning air was a stark contrast to the heated passion they'd shared, but the lingering warmth of their connection clung to them like a comforting blanket. Hand in hand, they ventured into the common area, their movements slow and deliberate, as if savouring the last dregs of a magical dream.

The old woman, a matriarch of the inn, was stationed at the kitchen counter, her eyes twinkling like embers in a dying fire. A knowing smile curved her lips as she regarded the couple, her gaze a silent benediction. "Ah, young love," she murmured to herself, the words lost in the gentle sizzle of bacon. With a mother hen's instinct, she beckoned them over, her voice a comforting lullaby.

Vivian, her cheeks painted with the blush of dawn, stumbled after David to the counter. The old woman, a culinary alchemist, soon appeared with steaming bowls of soup, their aroma as inviting as a warm embrace. The bread, still fragrant from the oven, was a golden crown for the hearty meal.

David took a sip of the soup, the rich, earthy flavours blossoming on his tongue. "This is delicious," he praised, genuinely impressed by the humble yet hearty meal. Vivian, who had been worried that David might turn his nose up at commoner food, felt a wave of relief and surprise wash over her.

The old woman, pleased with their enjoyment, beamed. "My secret recipe, darlings," she said, her voice filled with pride. "A gift from the hearth to warm your souls."

Vivian, her heart brimming with gratitude, opened her mouth to offer payment, but the old woman's stern gaze silenced her. "Now, now, child," she chided playfully. "it's on the house for my adorable kids." Vivian, still deeply grateful to the woman who had raised her, felt a twinge of guilt.

"Aunty," Vivian began, intending to offer payment despite the gesture.

But the old woman cut her off with a stern look. "Don't you dare. No need to embarrass me in front of this handsome young man." A mischievous glint danced in her eyes as she turned to David, who responded with a charming smile.

Vivian's shoulders slumped in surrender, though she silently vowed to repay her in some other way. Sensing her inner turmoil, David gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Let's enjoy our meal first," he said softly, guiding her back to the moment. Vivian nodded, focusing on the food before her.

As they ate, the old woman couldn't resist teasing them about the passionate sounds she'd heard the night before. Vivian's face turned a deep shade of crimson, her embarrassment so overwhelming that it nearly consumed her. With a playful wink, the old woman excused herself, not wanting to push Vivian into a full-blown collapse, and went off to tend to other customers, leaving the two to enjoy the rest of their meal in peace.

After finishing their breakfast, the duo bid the old lady farewell and stepped out into the lively town square. The morning sun bathed the cobblestone streets in a golden hue, bustling with the early activities of vendors and townsfolk. As they walked, David tugged Vivian's hand, who was heading back to the castle, as she halted her steps.

Without warning, she was pulled into a warm embrace, her knees growing weak as she melted into David's chest. "I'll be staying behind. Go on without me," David instructed softly.

Vivian looked up at him, her eyes wide with innocence. "Can I come with you?" she asked, her voice laced with a hopeful sweetness that made David's heart skip a beat.

He smiled, his gaze tender. "I'd love nothing more, but aren't you forgetting something?"

Perplexed, she tilted her head, "What?"

"The head maid," David reminded her, his voice tinged with amusement. The moment the words registered, Vivian's eyes widened in realization.

"Oh no, I completely forgot!" she exclaimed, quickly dislodging herself from his embrace. She planted a quick kiss on his cheek, her lips warm and soft. "I'll meet you back at the castle," she promised, her voice trailing off as she dashed away, her figure disappearing into the crowd.

Left alone in the square, David chuckled to himself, wondering what made Katrina so terrifying to the maids. The thought of introducing Vivian, Shay, and Katrina as his lovers amused him. He mused over whether their dynamics would shift now that they were all connected to him. Ultimately, it didn't matter much—David had plans for all of them, plans that didn't include staying at the castle.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out an enchanting obsidian earpiece. As he held it, the edges of the piece began to glow with a green hue, blending seamlessly with the obsidian. "So, she's finally decided to come," David thought, slipping the earpiece back into his pocket.

"Luna," he called out softly, his shadow trembling slightly in response. "Would you be a good puppy and find her for me?"

At his command, a thin trail of shadow began to snake across the ground, picking up the witch's scent. David followed the trail, his eyes locked on the barely visible thread of shadow, a smirk playing on his lips as he anticipated what was to come.

****

From the opulent confines of their carriage, a world apart emerged. A woman, cloaked in shadows as deep as the midnight sea, stepped into the radiant tapestry of Eldoria. Her companion, a towering behemoth of a man, his armor gleaming like a storm cloud, was her stark counterpoint. Together, they were an enigma, a tempest brewing.

The city, a vibrant mosaic of life, was a stark contrast to the woman's world. Yet, a subtle curve graced her lips, a hint of amusement at the spectacle unfolding before her. Her command to her guardian was a mere whisper, carried on the wind of authority.

They moved like a shadow and its substance, their presence a magnetic force drawing curious eyes. The townsfolk, accustomed to the ebb and flow of adventurers, were captivated by this duo. Their aura, a potent blend of mystery and power, set them apart.

Their journey was abruptly halted by a figure as swift as a phantom. Draven, a knight fallen yet unbroken, recognized his master and fell to his knees, his armour echoing like thunder. Seraphina, startled by this display of fealty, was about to interject when a familiar hand claimed her waist. The world narrowed to the intoxicating scent and the warmth of his touch.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't punish you," David's voice, a velvet caress tinged with mischief, was a challenge. Her heart, a captive drumbeat, responded to the thrill of it. Yet, she met his gaze with a steady composure, her voice a silken thread weaving a plausible explanation.

"My apologies, my lord," she began, her voice steady despite her racing pulse. "I had to visit the Commerce Guild to pick up some documents needed to register your business." Her explanation was sincere, hoping to ease David's teasing.

David, releasing her from his embrace, nodded approvingly. He was impressed by her initiative and the fact that she was already taking steps to set up his anticipated business. "Excellent. I knew I had found a gem when I laid my eyes on you," he praised her, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

"You flatter me, my lord," Seraphina replied nervously, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. Inside, she breathed a sigh of relief. 'That was close,' she thought, her heart finally beginning to calm.

Noticing the small crowd that had gathered due to the commotion, David decided to act. He willed his skill, [Wolf's Grace], into action. In an instant, they vanished from sight, leaving only the whispers of their presence behind. Seraphina, sensing the sudden shift, was astonished by the seamlessness of David's technique, unaware that he had observed her own privacy charm and tinkered with his abilities to replicate it.

David began walking toward the castle, oblivious to Seraphina's silent awe. She and Draven followed closely behind, her thoughts lingering on the enigmatic man who led them.

As Seraphina followed David through the bustling streets of Eldoria, she couldn't help but marvel at the city's vibrant life. The contrast between this lively atmosphere and the oppressive gloom of her homeland was stark. The colourful banners fluttered in the breeze, and the laughter of children echoed off the stone walls, filling her with a strange sense of longing.

Her eyes occasionally drifted to David's broad back, curiosity gnawing at her. What did he have planned for her next? The warmth of his earlier touch still lingered on her waist, sending shivers down her spine. Was she merely a tool in his grand scheme, or did he have something more personal in mind?

Draven, on the other hand, remained silent, his thoughts singularly focused on his duty. His every step was a silent vow to protect and serve, no matter the cost.