All Rights Reserved

∞ | Chapter 17 - Order | ∞

Citadel Himmel, Sage Cliffs

"I don't see why you have to hold the trials just a day after the funeral," Adrastea commented dryly as she followed Rhydderch into the Great Hall in the castle where the former Regnants held trials.

The mass funeral that was held the day before was vastly different as compared to the one held in Vonsworth.

Perhaps it was due to the loss of both Valia and Vyctor that made the whole event even more sombre than it already was.

Three hundred were dead and Rhydderch had decided to dedicate a plot of land to bury those who had died fighting as he had done so in Vonsworth and Deserra.

As the rebellion leader, Rhydderch had given a small speech preceding the funeral and had called the names for those whose lives had been lost during the battle.

She had been sitting next to Jarek and Darius who had both flinched when Valia and Vyctor's names had been called. Unfortunately, due to the explosives used, their graves would be empty except for the weapons they had used which were found in the building that they had supposedly died.

After flowers were thrown into the ground and the graves were all covered, everyone in attendance of the funeral had trudged back into the city in relative silence.

Their minds lingering on the dead and looking forward to the new lives they could lead.Adrastea wouldn't admit to anyone but the fact that several graves were buried without any bodies reminded her once more that Rhydderch could have met a similar fate.

Forcing the grim thoughts from her mind, she had spent the rest of the day treating those who were injured while wondering the identity of the other spy in their midst.

However, despite the large group of people who had died and were seriously injured, it seemed to foster the people's spirits as more had pledged their lives to the rebellion and even more were determined to fight in efforts to change the current society's discrimination.

Now, that most of the injured were treated and well looked after by the Medics which also consisted of those from the Rebellion and from the Sage Cliffs, she had been relieved of her duties and was attending the mass trials held today.

"We have to get this over and done with before anyone has a chance to retaliate," Rhydderch replied as he headed down the stairs. "Also, we have to start assigning people to take charge of the city and run it the way it should have," he added as they entered the hallway that led to the Great Hall.

She frowned but refrained from commenting and was he limping a little? She narrowed her eyes and studied his stance further.

"We can't do any of that once people are held accountable for their crimes. In order to start anew - for the city to run as it should, we have to get rid of the weeds by the roots," he continued, eyes darting to hers, daring her to contradict him.

She pursed her lips and remained silent. Her mind and heart already going out for those they had lost. She knew some of them and she had mourned in private.

"Don't tell me you're feeling sympathetic for those who are on trial today," he drawled and gave nods of acknowledgement to the men on guard in the hallway who saluted once they caught sight of him.

She scowled at him. "No, I just thought that we ought to have a longer period of time to mourn the dead."

Rhydderch shot her a side glance. "I know, but we are at war and we have already wasted enough time already. When all this is over, we can mourn as much as needed." The warm tone he used made her relax and she offered him a tight smile which he returned with a hand on the middle of her back.

The action was familiar to her and she didn't protest but sighed and nodded before they entered the Great Hall together.

The Great Hall was circular in shape with carved marble columns positioned every two metres apart. They were accompanied by alcoves between them and the ceiling was dome-shaped with glass to allow sunlight to filter through.

Already, the sound of people chattering and murmuring filled her ears and she could see armed men positioned around the hall. There was a large podium in the centre of the hall for the accused to stand while the judge would be at the north of the hall and the jury would be positioned around the room.

As his most trusted few, she along with Darius and Jarek and Ava was seated closer to the front - near the judge's podium and she didn't know if should appreciate it or not. And because Darius was Rhydderch's right-hand man, and Jarek his second, they were seated on his sides, leaving her alone with Ava.

She wasn't miffed that she wasn't sitting next to him, she didn't want the needed attention on her. Politics wasn't her cup of tea anyway.

She inhaled slowly, seeing the crowd stand in respect and becoming silent the moment they caught sight of Rhydderch. Gazing around the room, she noted that in a corner was a group of Affluents and Valiants tied in chains and they looked sullen and furious.

No doubt that they were facing charges for crimes they were accused of and seeing the hatred and disgust adorning their pinched features, she had utterly no sympathy for them.

Suddenly feeling a heated stare on her, Adrastea turned to see Rhydderch giving her an appraising look that made heat build up in her body. His blue eyes flittered up to her face and she fought the urge to look away after knowing where they had been focused on just a few scant seconds earlier.

Fighting the flush that was threatening to form on her cheeks, she met his gaze evenly and to her surprise and pleasure, Rhydderch's eyes darkened and they narrowed.

Giving him a small smirk in his direction, she daintily placed her hands on her lap and glanced away, feigning disinterest.

She knew that nothing irked her soul mate more than being dismissed like he was a nobody, especially by her.

And yes, she knew why Rhydderch had gazed at her in that very manner. Earlier that day, she had perused a closet in the room she was given and had found a particular pale yellow blouse and an equally flattering pair of loose brown trousers.

The blouse was cinched tight at her waist while the trousers stopped at her ankles, giving her the illusion of having extremely long legs despite her petite figure. It did help that the blouse was a little lower in the front than the usual styles that she wore but she wasn't going to complain; not when she had Rhydderch's attention.

Thank goodness society had progressed greatly, allowing women to wear trousers.

"He looks as if he wants to devour you."

Adrastea blinked and turned to her left to see a faint knowing smile on Ava's face. "He wishes," she replied wryly and Ava smirked.

"I'm sure he does." She tucked a lock of her dark hair behind her ears and regarded her knowingly with her kohl-lined eyes. "He's different with you. As in he is more... open with you in terms of emotions and thoughts," Ava explained.

Adrastea shrugged, "I wouldn't know, I wasn't around before."

Ava gave a faint smile before she sighed and Adrastea watched as Ava's eyes landed longingly on Darius.

"What's the story between you and Darius?"

At Ava's startled gaze, she hastily added, "If you don't mind me asking of course. Ignore the fact that I'm Edmond's sister."

Normally, the last part of the sentence would feel horrid on her tongue but now, she could hardly care about Edmond. It was really easier to say it than she had initially thought.Ava averted her eyes. "It's a difficult and long one. Maybe another time."

Getting the hint, she nodded and this time, she caught Darius' eyes focused on Ava. Before she could apologise for asking, the crowd became silent as men brought forward a man to the centre.

"Leonard Krost, you stand accused of crimes against both Destitutes and Medials alike while you have been in the position of General of the Valiant Army here in the Sage Cliffs. Do you have anything to say in your defence?" Rhydderch called out calmly.

Already, the man that Adrastea recognised as her soul mate was tucked behind the ruthless and composed facade of the rebellion leader.

The angry bitter man standing in the front scowled furiously, dark beady eyes boring into his as he clenched his meaty hands into fists.

"I have nothing to say! I have done nothing wrong. My task and duties are carried out by order of Regnant Circe Moreau," he spat in disgust. Disdain and pure hatred pouring from every pore of his being.

Rhydderch arched a brow. "From reports, there are sources that have claimed that you would have murdered innocent people even if your dear Regnant Circe Moreau hadn't tasked you with the job. In addition, there is evidence of physical abuse to both Medials and Destitutes and not to mention extortion and bribery," he paused and the jury and the crowd watching the trial roared in anger and began shouting and cursing at the man.

"Also," he began and the crowd quieted once more, eager to listen. "There is an overwhelming evidence that you have recently executed thirty children that were all under the age of fifteen for robbery."

"I will say nothing more," the man sneered and turned silent.

"Well, how should he plead? Guilty? Or not guilty?"

Immediately, the crowd began shouting and cursing and Adrastea noted that a look of utmost satisfaction flashed across Rhydderch's face but it disappeared as soon as it came.

He was certainly enjoying this, she thought.

"According to our jury, you are found guilty. Leonard Krost, we, the people of the new society sentence you to death by fire," he announced serenely.

Immediately, the noise in the Great Hall escalated and the accused paled but before he could protest, he was led out of the hall with jeers and taunts being thrown in his way.

"What sources and evidence do we really have?" she whispered and Ava shrugged, dark eyes bright with satisfaction as the man was dragged out of the Hall on his back.

"Does it really matter if we have them or not?" Ava countered with a perfectly arched brow.

"What?" she gasped and Ava shrugged.

"Evidence or no evidence, the man is guilty and to start the city on new principles and morals, we need these sort of people out of the way," Ava explained offhandedly.

With that, Ava turned away to see the next person to stand on trial, leaving her to digest everything.

She didn't really like that the trials were conducted 'unfairly' so to speak but in a way, Ava was right.

She straightened in her seat and continued to watch, despite the apprehension forming in her gut.

* * *

When the last trial for the day finally ended, Adrastea left the hall in relief and exhaustion. The entire procedure had been tedious and not to mention tiring.

Plus, she hadn't really approved how the trials were conducted. With Ava close to admitting that there wasn't much evidence in the first place, the whole thing felt a little bias and unfair.

It didn't matter how horrid and inhumane the people were, they all deserved a just and fair trial with evidence and whatnot.

She quickly left the castle, eager to get away from the oppressive presence it held. It didn't hurt that she didn't know what to say to Rhydderch she saw him next. Surely he would scorn her suggestions for having proper fair trials.

Slipping her hands into her pockets of her trousers, she trudged around the city, curious on the layout of the Sage Cliffs. All her life, she had never left Vonsworth and exploring the area seemed a pretty good idea.

However, she stopped at the sight of Edmond skulking around some buildings.

Immediately, all the hurt, anger and betrayal from the skirmish a few days ago welled up with a vengeance so strong that it made her jaw clench.

Adrastea debated on calling him out but refrained from doing so. He wasn't really her brother, no. Yes, they had the same parents and the same family name and even the same genes but he was never her brother.

She gave one last long look at the man who she once thought of as a brother. By now, Edmond had felt the weight of her stare on him and she already noted that an impassive expression settled on his features.

She swallowed and turned on her heel, leaving him behind her literally and figuratively.

Deciding that she wasn't in the mood to explore the area any longer, she turned and headed back to the direction of Citadel Himmel, needing some peace and quiet. Not to mention, she ought to check on her patients that were still on the mend.

Entering the hall, she caught sight of Jarek speaking with a group that she recognised were the higher ranked fighters in the rebellion.

Catching sight of her and perhaps the tired weary expression on her face, Jarek dismissed the group before making his way to her. "Are you alright?"

"Yes. I'm fine," she smiled weakly before forcing it away. This was Jarek, the man she had come to see as a close friend. She could be honest with him. "No, I'm just tired and my arm still aches occasionally," she admitted.

The blonde fell into step beside her as they climbed the many staircases of the Citadel. "So, do you know who wrote that note?"

She pursed her lips, remembering that no one except Rhydderch and Darius knew about that situation. "No, unfortunately not. Maybe it was just a joke. Besides, what did you think of the trials today?"

"What about them?"

"Didn't you feel like it was unfair?" she questioned. Seeing the look on Jarek's face, she quickly added, "I know those people deserved it but I thought it would be best if we had actually given them a fair one that would also demonstrate to the public that we are vastly different from the past Regnants."

Jarek nodded thoughtfully. "I see where you are coming from. Perhaps you could bring it up with Rhydderch." A fond smile crossed his face. "You know, you remind me a lot of my sister. She always needed things to be fair and just no matter the circumstances."

She beamed, pleased that someone finally saw it her way.

"Bring what up with me?"

She whirled around to see Rhydderch waiting for her outside her bedroom door with a slight impatient quality painted on his features.

Again, she noted that he was favouring his left leg and he seemed to have a pinched expression on his face as well.

Upon seeing the Rebellion leader, Jarek nodded and turned on his feet and she entered her bedroom, leaving the door open for Rhydderch to follow behind her.

"To have fairer and just trials with actual proper evidence being brought forward and shared with the rest of court," she answered as she dug through her bags for some medical equipment.

Rhydderch sighed as if he wasn't surprised by her statements. Truly, he wasn't.

He found that fate had paired him with someone who was quite radically different from him. Where he sought to accomplish his tasks no matter what it took, Adrastea was someone who had quite a moral compass when it came to certain dealings.

"I heard you talking about that with Jarek and yes, you have a point," he conceded before she could begin a long speech about the importance of equality and fairness and all that rot.

"I would try to implement it for the following trials in the coming days," he added graciously to appease her.

Eyeing the wide smile forming across her face at his words and he resisted striding across the room to kiss her senseless.

He did have to admit that the yellow blouse she wore made her look even more attractive, especially coupled with the brilliant smile on her face.

However, he didn't like the possessiveness that crept up on him when he saw her direct that smile to Jarek. Rhydderch didn't like to think of himself as someone who was capable of jealousy but he was.

The concept was foreign to him but Rhydderch recognised the emotion nonetheless.

"Don't you want to know why?" he drawled out suddenly as he leant on her mahogany desk that was positioned in the right corner of the room before picking up the silver dagger resting on it.

His leg was really killing him but he didn't have time to deal with it properly. There were more important issues to deal with first before he could tend to it. He had seen Adrastea notice his slight limping and he would rather not have her poking at it, hence the random question he threw at her.

Adrastea furrowed her brows and met his dark gaze to see that there was some form of smugness in them. "Why what?"

She took the bait.

"The reason why Jarek is in charge of your wellbeing," Rhydderch smirked as his eyes gleamed in amusement. Seeing her lack of response as she waited for him to elaborate, Rhydderch took a dramatic pause and received a nonplussed expression.

"Because he has some sort of attachment to you." The words felt bitter on his tongue but he forced it back. "That attachment will ensure that you will stay alive even though he may die," Rhydderch finished as he twirled the blade leisurely in his hand.

Adrastea didn't know how to react. Should she be grateful that Rhydderch cared so much for her wellbeing? Or should she be appalled that he would openly declare his manipulation of Jarek's feelings and use it to his advantage?

"You aren't jealous, are you?" she eyed him warily.

"Is there a reason I should be?" Rhydderch drawled lightly as his dark eyes burned into hers.

"No," Adrastea answered evenly before making her way beside him. "Jarek and I are just friends."

The raven-haired man lifted his gaze to her and shrugged, "I'm aware of that. I'm also aware that Jarek has sibling-like feelings for you."

Adrastea was a little startled at that. "That's good," she murmured before deciding to drop the subject entirely.

Rhydderch wasn't one who was often driven by emotions, he was logical and sometimes she felt and thought that he was a sociopath.

But, she couldn't really fault him for doing the things that he did. His actions were to protect her and she wasn't going to call him out on it. She straightened and glanced away, a little conscious of the way he was looking at her.

At the corner of her eye, she realised that he was leaning heavily on his left leg despite standing on both. Flitting her eyes up to his face, she noted that his expression was a little strained as though he was in pain but was choosing to ignore it.

"Get on the bed," she ordered quickly, making her mind up to just deal with it.

"Why? Planning to get into my pants already? How quick of you," he smirked but did as she asked.

Ignoring him, she got onto her knees and rolled the legs of his pants up and peeled off a poorly wrapped bandage. To her horror, she spotted a wound that was about the length of her hand that had become seriously infected.

She threw a horrified stare at him and he returned it with a dark one that dared her to challenge him - which she did of course. "Didn't you go to see the Medics to get this wound of yours checked out?" She demanded and Rhydderch scowled at her, the muscles twitching in his jaw as he glared down at her.

"I didn't have the time," he bit out and she returned a frosty look at him.

"Well, what exactly is the point of leading a rebellion if you were going to die earlier due to an infection?" she snarked back while rolling the hem of his pants further up his leg to ensure that it wouldn't touch the wound.

She got to her feet and helped him up, hands around his torso to support him somewhat as she prepared to help him to his room. "How did you even get this?"

Reluctantly, Rhydderch allowed her to do so, due to the fact that his leg was killing him. Literally.

"Two men jumped me and I was fighting them off but one managed to slice at my leg and the area was all muddy and wet from the rain."

She winced at the imagery and led him out of her room. She was grateful that Rhydderch could still walk a little because she was absolutely certain that she wouldn't be able to bear all his weight.

They stumbled into his room and he collapsed onto the bed and ignoring his protest about being alright, she pumped anaesthetics into him and after a while, she finally got to treat it.

Judging by the state she had found it in, she definitely needed to check it regularly.

"You know, if you really wanted me in a bed, you could always sleep here with me," he called out drowsily.

She couldn't resist rolling her eyes.

The one thing that Adrastea had gained from this whole experience was that a drugged Rhydderch was a more open and mischievous Rhydderch.

"You're high," she pointed out flatly and Rhydderch grinned wolfishly as he leered down at her from his propped up position. "Not really, no. I honestly wouldn't mind."

She could feel her cheeks heating up and she quickly looked away. "Well, I would mind," she replied evenly, determined to not entertain him.

"I really insist, you have to look after me after all," he grinned boyishly and she gaped at him. She would have thought him mad had it not been for the slightly dopey look in his blue eyes and that he had a fever due to the infection.

"I'll think about it, after you rest," she instructed, fighting off the blush that was threatening to stain her cheeks.

"Alright." Within seconds, he was close to dozing off when he shifted on the bed. "I thought you looked beautiful today," he said softly before falling unconscious.

Her lips parted and without thinking, she reached out to brush his hair away from his forehead. Once she realised what she was doing, Adrastea jerked her hand away as if he had a contagious disease.

Dragging a chair to his bedside, she began pressing a cool damp cloth on his forehead to break his fever.

Looking down at him, Adrastea never would have thought that she would be looking after this particular patient.

"Rhydderch Thomas, you are a complete idiot," she declared - mostly to herself - before reaching for the damp cloth to cool him down.

* * *

Castle Inanis, Vallisrem

"Get up," Medeia commanded as she stepped into the dark damp room.

The figure on the ground stood immediately and bowed much to Medeia's satisfaction.

"I've got a job for you," she crooned softly. "Get to the Sage Cliffs and make sure you kill Rhydderch for me and the little healer soul mate of his. Bring me proof," she ordered firmly. "Their heads if you like."

The figure bowed once more and Medeia lifted the lit torch higher to see the familiar blank expression on the face belonging to the person she had trained so well and for so long.

"Make it quick Izla and don't disappoint me," she warned and the figure nodded curtly before disappearing into the dark corridor leading away from the castle.

A small pleased smirk settled onto her face and Medeia hummed softly as she walked out of the cellars.  

* * *

A/N: Hope you guys like this! I can foresee about 8-10 more chapters before this book finally ends and I actually have no idea if that's good or not but we'll see. Please let me know your thoughts about this and I'll try to reply them on time! 

Chapter dedicated to @Aksh2010 :)