Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

"Father… what is the meaning of this?"

Rena stood in front of her father, whom she had not seen in some time. They were in his personal office after he had summoned her to speak with him.

Richard's back was facing her from behind his desk as he stood from a seating position. Laying on the desk was a letter that he had apparently been reading before she arrived.

"Read it."

"What?"

"I said, read it, Rena." He growled. "Now."

Rena cautiously approached the desk and picked up the letter. She did not recognize the handwriting, but at the bottom was signed Simon's name. The letter was addressed to his father.

The contents of the letter detailed their mission fighting the goblins as well as some other, less savory details. Apparently, his scout, Zira had witnessed some of the interactions that she had with Lucius leading up to their arrival to the village. It then detailed the disclosure she made about her feelings and how she reacted when Lucius was injured.

As she read the letter, she felt more and more faint. The evidence was damning and there was no way to deny the information to her father. Even if she did, he would be able to tell if she was lying.

"Are you finished?"

Rena tossed the letter back onto the desk. "Yes."

"And?"

"Everything in the letter appears to be accurately described as I remember it." She answered firmly.

Lucius' instincts were right. Simon could not be trusted. Even though he claimed to leave the family, he still expressed loyalty to his brother's claim to the position of heir.

"Is that so." Richard sighed. "I am disappointed in you, Rena. To soil yourself by being with a Marked One… I doubt anyone will marry you now, knowing that you are used goods by a Marked One."

"Excuse me? 'Used goods'… is that how you see me, father?" Rena shouted, shocked at his uncouth terminology. "I'll have you know that Lucius has 'used' nothing about me, yet. Secondly, I have no intention of marrying anyone."

"Yet…" Richard said while turning around. His eyes radiated anger. "Interesting choice of words, daughter."

Rena shuddered under her father's gaze.

"No matter." He said a few moments later. "He's gone now and I doubt that he will return from war. As for you… Rena, I am sending you to the royal capital. You are going to be attending the Academy there until I decide what to do with you.

"Consider yourself removed from the line of succession. You are now to educate yourself further and interact with other noble families. Maybe a minor family will accept you. You leave tomorrow morning. Rubellia will pack your things. You may leave."

Unable to stand looking at the man she called father any longer, Rena did not hesitate to exit the room and slam the door behind her. Waiting for her outside of the office was Lucius' adoptive mother, Rubellia.

She stood there with a kind smile on her face. "Hello, my lady. I have already packed your things for you trip tomorrow."

"Miss Rubellia, please come with me." Rena said quickly as she rushed past the maid.

When they arrived in her room, Rena released all premise of her position as the daughter of the head of the house and dived into Rubellia's arms.

"I'm so sorry… I was trying so hard… I wanted to save him from…" Rena began sobbing uncontrollably

Rubellia gently consoled her. "Don't worry. This was always going to happen someday, and you know that. May I speak freely, as a mother and not as a servant of your house."

"Yes, please. When it is just us, always speak freely…"

"Thank you for caring for my son. I've known you've had feelings for him for some time, and I am thankful that he finally recognized them. Whatever you do… please hold onto those feelings until he returns.

"If there is one thing I have learned about Lucius from watching him grow, it is that he has a tenacity that far surpasses expectation. If things do not go his way, he makes them and he does not let any obstacle stand in his way. You know this too, right?"

All Rena could do was nod her head slowly.

"Then as a mother, I selfishly ask that you wait for him to return to you. It may take a while. But he will return to you… and maybe you can grant me some grandchildren in the future?"

Rena could tell by the smile and giggling that Rubellia was kidding and teasing. However, Rena decided to be honest and open, since Rubellia was doing so for her.

With redness filling her cheeks, she responded. "I'll do my best to give you as many as you want."

"Oh my…" Rubellia said behind her hands that were now covering her mouth.

After that, Rubellia bid Rena good night and gave her a gentle hug before leaving. Rena stood in the room alone, letting tears fall to her face. She had no intention of meeting other nobles.

In fact, she contemplated simply making it known that she was in a relationship with a Marked One to keep other nobles away from her. It was a simple enough tactic to protect herself from unwanted advances, but she still apologized mentally to Lucius for using him in such a way.

The girl sat on her bed and sank into the soft blankets and mattress. It was a feeling she was no longer used to as they were much higher quality than the sleeping bags and simple inns that she was accustomed to.

Despite their comfort, she was still sure to have a poor night's rest. There was one other thing that she had grown accustomed to and that was Lucius' arms around her, his shallow breaths on her neck, and his gentle snores.

"This is going to be a lot harder than I predicted…" She mumbled to herself before sleep finally took her.

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