The air hung thick with the stench of unwashed bodies, rotten waste, and the sharp, metallic hint of blood. This supposed warehouse is filled with cages full of people. Some crying. Some screaming. Some are trying to beg the guards. Some just lost hope of getting out of this hellhole. Children, teens, adults, and even old people. All their thin, bony figures dressed in rags.
After getting beaten up by one of the guards, I clung to my brother, seeking comfort in his presence. I can't feel my back, and my head is throbbing.
I looked up at my brother, our eyes meeting in a silent understanding as he rubbed my head trying to soothe me.
Same dark grey eyes and black hair as me.
His protective hold against me tightened when the warehouse door opened and a noble man entered with the owner of the warehouse following him closely behind.
The owner is using that sweet voice I recognized he only uses when one of us is going to be sold.
The air thickened with tension as well; everyone stopped to observe the nobleman. Deep blue eyes and dark red hair. A well-looking man dressed in a white suit with orange embroidery and some kind of gold accessories on his shoulder and cap draped over his left shoulder.
After a few minutes of the nobleman looking around, his eyes land on me. Scanning me from head to toe. He came near and knelt down, looking at me and then my brother, who was now glaring at him. Without looking away from us, he spoke, his voice calm but without a hint of emotion. "How much for this girl?"
The owner grinned with greed. "Only 100 silver, my lord," he said politely.
He hummed in acknowledgement and gestured to a knight who was following, who handed the owner money. My eyes widen in horror as I subconsciously start to tremble without realizing.
My brother spoke, his voice rushed, "You can't take her away!" He yelled, and his hold on me tightened to the point it hurt, but I couldn't bring myself to speak a single word.
"I don't think you have any power to protect her, child," he spoke, his voice calm but softer now.
"I reassure you, I'll protect the person you are holding. You have my word." He sounded much kinder. Not like the harsh words we usually hear as slaves.
Maybe something in that man's voice told my brother. Maybe, just maybe, he isn't like others, and maybe I'll be safer with that noble man than here. His hold on me started to loosen. I looked up at my brother, whose eyes were hollow but had a hint of acceptance. As if this was for the best.
My grip on his ragged shirt tightens. I choked out. "No." A beat passed. "Don't do this!"
The guards came and opened the cage. I still held on to my brother in hopes that he wouldn't let go of me. He gently took my hands in his and gave them a slight squeeze. I looked at his now tearful eyes as he spoke, "Go; it'd be better for you." Before I could say anything else, the guards dragged me out. I resisted at first but slowly gave up.
Before I knew it, I was being thrown into a carriage with the same man sitting inside.
I froze. But then he lifted me up and put me down on the seat opposite to him.
Ah...it's soft.
"I'm Grand Duke Alistair von Korvaldt." He paused, scanning me up and down again. But he was looking at my bruises specifically. "What's your name, little one?" He spoke softly as if not to scare me more. "I'm L-Ladana," he hummed and looked out the window. "How old are you, Ladana?" I stared at him blankly before answering, "Nine."
Thump.
I woke up from the sound of something falling. What an absurd dream I just had.I sat up from the bed and looked at the door blankly, waiting for Lilith to burst in. And she did.
"Your grace!" She said in a panic.
"What is it now?" I asked with the same blank tone.
"Lord Kashmir had fallen down the stairs and hit his head!"
A cold dread shot through me. Before I could even think, my feet were carrying me, my silk slippers silent but frantic on the cold marble floors. "Have you called the doctor?"
"Yes, he is currently tending to the young master," Lilith said as she followed one step behind me.
I only stopped when I got inside Kas's room. There he was, small and vulnerable, lying between the doctor and his assistant, who was cleaning Kas's wound.
I watched as they did their work. And noticed Leopold sitting down in the corner chair crying. I walked over to him and knelt down to his eye level. "Can you explain what happened, Leo?" I asked, my voice a little rough but not unkind.
"Me… and K-Kas were playing, then got into a… f-fight, and he slipped back and fell down the stairs," he said between sobs.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"Shh…" I pulled him into a warm embrace. "It was a mistake... I know."
"Would Kas be fine?" He whispered.
"He will," I reassured him even though I am worried too.
I tried my best to comfort him and then walked back to the doctor.
"How is his condition?" I asked, my voice still a bit raw for some reason.
"The cut is not that deep. Though it's better to take things easy for now. I have told my assistant to bring some medicine later." He paused, then continued, "He should be fine... And I'm here if anything else is needed, Your Grace." He bowed slightly, then he turned around to leave but paused and turned around. "Though I suggest not getting him too excited for any reason. It might cause him a little pain." With that, he left.
I sat down on the chair next to the bed. Just waiting for him to open his eyes and look at me... even if it's hatred that you show in your eyes… Just open your eyes, Kas.
Hours passed and morning turned into evening. I stayed by his side still in my nightgown. Leo had fallen asleep beside Kas. But I couldn't bring myself to even move, still holding his tiny hand, praying to whichever god that might listen.
Suddenly his eyelid flickered slightly. Just a little movement in his hand.
He was gaining consciousness!
I was just going to call his name but stopped. And stood up and walked out of the room, closing the door behind. I just stood there for a moment and then leaned closer to the door to listen. First I heard Leo's voice filled with relief and happiness: "Finally you are awake!"
A soft voice followed: "Shut it, Leo."
"I'm so sorry. I'd be more careful next time." Leo spoke softly with a hint of guilt in his voice"
I don't need to eardrops any further. I slowly walked away and called Kas and Leo's nanny, letting her know he is awake, and ordered her to bring the kids some food.
I went to my office and called for Lilith. I looked at the reports on my desk and sighed softly.
Soon Lilith entered and looked at me with her soft expression.
"You called me, Your Grace."
"I did. Prepare for a bath and... have the butler prepare a report about what Lady Delcour did in my absence in full detail." I said softly as I sat down.
I need to know what is happening in my house and Dukedom . As the grand duchess, it's my responsibility to ensure everyone's safety after all.