Shackles (3)

“I was indeed a target…” I began in a dragging voice. “You did everything you could to change my fate, and I’m well aware that I’ll be eternally grateful to you for that… but this status is no longer relevant since you’ve recruited me, right?”

I don’t take orders from you. Look how your authority has no basis!

I stared intently at the blue paper covering the table, unable to face her threatening gaze. I silently hoped my attempt would succeed, because otherwise, she would not hesitate to punish me.

Say yes, say yes...

“Insight, exploiting every weakness... That’s the essence of a mercenary!” she praised unexpectedly. “I was convinced you had spent too much time with nobles to ever understand our mindset... But you’ve got it right: Prince Nathan was a target, Edwoyn is not. So, do you think that gives you the right to know everything, now?”

Her last question crashed into my mind like a tidal wave, capable of destroying all the foundations of my confidence. It turned out I had never truly trusted myself, but strangely, pretending to possess qualities I didn’t actually have helped me hold firm.

I would not leave until I had won this round.

“I don’t know anything about what happened before our agreement, and I won’t follow you blindly for one more day. It’s up to you to decide if this compromise will work for everyone.” I said with my most serious face.

Giving in to her intimidation once again would officially make me her pet. If I couldn’t resist her today, what would the years to come hold?

“How adorable, a spirited little deer showing its teeth! You’re trying to negotiate when you have nothing to offer... Are you really that desperate?”

I was about to insist to show her the depth of my desperation, but Aurora was not interested in hearing the answer.

“Though, it’s understandable,” she continued with a slow and bored voice. “You’ve spent your life following orders blindly, and look where it’s got you… This lesson is precisely meant to provide you with answers. The only way to eradicate a prejudice is to replace it with the truth, don’t you agree?”

What? She intended to clue me in before even starting the discussion? Why had she waited to reveal the full truth behind my kidnapping?! If I hadn’t pressed the issue, when would she have admitted that it wasn’t just about ‘profit’ behind my recruitment?! This could have spared us many arguments!

Furious that she had played me, I jumped from my stool and pounded my fists on the table, “You’re despicable! Did it amuse you to keep me in the dark all this time?”

“I couldn’t reveal that information on the first night; you needed time to acclimate. Now that you’ve seen life through our eyes, you’ll be more inclined to understand my motivations.”

“Why wouldn’t I understand them?”

“Because they go against all the noble way of thinking. Contrary to what you believe, I have nothing to hide. I’m not one of those greedy criminals obsessed with money and power that you love to caricature on your wanted posters.”

“Yet… You’re expecting something from me!” I realize.

“Yes, but it’s not about forcing you. It has to come from you own free will to work. As you’ve seen, Justine and I already manage very well on our own. What would we do with a prince? As for your magical malfunction, no, thanks. I can do a hundred times better with a snap of my fingers. What I desperately lack right now is an ally who shares my motivations.”

As delicately as a snake coiling around its prey, Aurora leaned dangerously over the Hiven Palace blueprints. She didn’t hesitate to climb onto her stool to gain more ground.

“W-what are you doing…?” I lost my composure.

In an instant, she crossed the table on all fours like a hungry predator, until she could delicately caress my chin with her fingertips. A simple touch of her skin was enough to freeze me.

"The Killer Wind only recruits special individuals. And you, you are very special. You have such a visceral will to change this kingdom! I can smell it from miles. After all, you are the first to suffer from the corruption that plagues high society. Between their vile traditions and hypocrisy… they must have made your life unbearable! Be aware now that you are not alone in your suffering from their selfishness. We are hundreds, even thousands, who desire the same thing as you: justice," she whispered in a sensual voice. "That’s what you inspire in me, Edwoyn. I want to embark on this journey with you for no other reason."

Overwhelmed by her proximity, I backed away, holding my hands up to keep her from advancing. She immediately got off the table and claimed my stool. I looked at her, bewildered.

What is this?! How do I respond to such a sincere confession? Have I been wrong to reject her all along?

"I- I didn’t mean to doubt you, I didn’t know that you… It’s just that you are usually so harsh with me…"

"I'm sorry. The fact is, I knew nothing about you beyond what was publicly available. Like the nobles we fight against, you could have been corrupt."

She crossed her legs and took on the posture of someone deep in thought.

"Of course, it makes sense! You wanted to understand what kind of person I am, so the duel, all your suspicions, and the outing to the black market… It was all a test!"

When I first arrived, she had greeted me with the utmost courtesy that a mercenary could muster, which should have been seen as a sign of respect. As for the rest, she was simply taking precautions for our safety.

All this time, she was just trying to determine if I was worth her time and energy. It must be remembered that from her perspective, I was the future leader of the enemy camp. And I, like a perfect fool, had done nothing but abuse her kindness with futile provocations. I had perceived each of her actions as an aggression because I was relying solely on my first impression. Well, how could I not feel attacked when being held captive in a basement...?

Aurora sighed heavily, "If you’re done marveling, would you make the effort to listen to my explanations without interrupting me, this time?"

The anxiety gave way to relief. I felt alive again, as the weight of uncertainty that had burdened me lifted in an instant. No more suffering and tests, my life would be much more peaceful!

Though we were certainly very different, we belonged to the same camp. I could now affirm that my hallucinations were merely manifestations of paranoia, as sort of survival mechanism. I was lost and terrified by this new life of which I knew nothing. But now, fear had no reason to be. I liked to believe that everything would work out.

All I had to do was listen, and the situation would resolve itself. If her lesson was truly going to provide me with the answers to the questions that tormented me day and night, about the Revolutionaries and the reasons for my abduction, I had better not miss a word of it.