NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 84 – Arriving at the Battlefield
“Is it me, or is it cold today?” Ashton’s smile didn’t waver. His lecherous eyes continued to roam at inappropriate places, even travelling to Cinthia from time to time.
It caused Elana to drop the temperature a couple more degrees. Her pursed lips and scornful glare did little to deter the man. Imagining piercing the man's heart with her heart did only so much to keep her temper in check.
In the end, Elana simply turned her head away. The streets were surprisingly empty on the path they took. She guessed it was mostly due to her father’s interference and threats. Seeing the drug had worked, he likely felt too weakened to allow the common rabble anywhere near him.
“Ah, finally! A smile,” Ashton noticed Elana’s lips curling up immediately. “Might I ask what brought it to be?” He leaned forward.
“Just thinking about family.” Elana tried to freeze Ashton’s balls to the seat. It wasn’t successful. She suspected he was resisting her magic somehow.
“Oh, is it about me?” Ashton’s smile turned sly.
“You can certainly join my father.” Elana was annoyed but didn’t see any value in snapping at the asshole. “I know you both like to spend time together.”
“Are you jealous?” Ashton’s simple question made Cinthia choke with a laugh. He glanced at the bodyguard, clearly a little suspicious.
“Oh, on the contrary. I am glad someone is willing to accompany my father. He doesn’t like most people, even when they are worthy of keeping his company.” Elana decided to bury them together in the same grave.
Maybe she would even make it a mass grave. Somewhere fitting, perhaps next to a dump or sewers.
“We do click, yes.” Ashton laughed. “Your father is a great man.”
Or perhaps feeding them to the pigs would be better? Elana hummed. “Do you like animals?” She offhandedly asked.
Ashton shrugged. “Some. I like hunting them.” He glanced out of the window.
Elana followed his gaze. They were about to arrive. “I will keep that in mind.” She decided to see if there was something gross that would eat Ashton’s body. Maybe snails or insects.
The carriage was pulled inside the enormous yard, accompanied by other arriving parties. They were taken right in front of the front entrance, where a servant opened the carriage’s doors for them.
Elana didn’t wait, confidently stepping out first, surprising Ashton with her decisiveness. She was greeted by numerous nobles, rich merchants, high-ranking officers, important clerical staff and more.
While many looked her way, not many paid attention or respect to her. Elana sent a chilling look around, then marched forward, forcefully removing some of the people in front of her with her overpowering presence.
Behind her, Elana felt Ashton and Cinthia rush after her. Even further behind, Ashton’s entourage arrived and tried to catch their master.
It certainly was rude of her, but Elana didn’t care. She only changed her course when she noticed Catarina’s reproachful stare. “Catarina, my dear!” She veered to the side to meet her friend. “I missed you so much.”
“My Lady,” Catarina’s violet hair swayed as she bowed. “I am happy to be in your presence once again.” Her words were measured.
As Elana reached the girl, Catarina had already dismissed her company, receiving the domineering woman with a warm hug.
“You smell like Moira,” Elana whispered in Catarina’s ear, making the girl jump. “Oh, what’s this? So you did sleep with her?” She happily squeezed the smaller girl.
“I failed to resist.” Catarina sadly noted.
“Understandable.” Elana took Catarina’s hand and began pulling her. She kept her voice low. “She is a girl that I chose.”
Elana traced the presence of Moira deeper inside the palace. Somewhere in the basements, if she was reading the feeling correctly.
“I fear my fate,” Catarina sighed. “Where is my path leading to?” She looked at the ceiling, saying a small prayer.
“Oh, don’t be like that,” Elana sent more people scurrying with her ice-cold stare. “I know you like it.” She ignored the call from behind, where Ashton was trying to get her attention.”Do you know where we should go?”
Catarina paused. “I thought you do.” Her steps faltered.
“Well, no. I wanted to scare people, so I headed for the thickest groups.” Elana admitted.
“Then,” Catarina grimaced, glancing around, searching for someone they knew. “Then we should-”
“Ah, there is our help,” Elana yanked her smaller friend towards the side, where she had spotted a very gay Bishop nodding towards them.
Romoly amicably smiled. “Lady Elana. Such a pleasure.” He gave a gesture, sending a few people in ceremonial garbs towards Ashton to stop the man. “Your father’s people have been invaluable in helping with preparations. Everything is in order.”
Elana read it for what it was. The man was telling her all the preparations had gone smoothly. “Good.” She heard Ashton’s voice grow distant. The rest of the crowd also kept their distance. “Are you ready to meet the new head of your Church?” She asked.
Which made Romoly shrug. “It’s not that easy. There is still the pope. Even if he doesn’t leave his place, he still is the de facto leader of our faith.” He explained.
Not that Elana cared. “Not for long. My darling will have her rightful place.” She stated directly. “Now, I think we should head for the main event.”
“It is about time,” Romoly agreed. “I must go meet some other people. Show them the way.” He instructed one of his people, who bowed, then gestured towards the depths of the Palace.
While walking, Catarina leaned on Elana’s hand. “That was a good choice. Showing how close you are to the Bishop will help us with swaying those still hesitating towards our goal.”
“Right,” Elana didn’t comment. She had really just wanted some directions. But there was no reason to tell her sexy little friend. “Now. Let’s see how many of these trash will die.”
“Your bloodlust is showing,” Catarina just shook her head, pressing even closer to Elana’s side.
