Harmonia Calendar 715, Thal 24 - Ashspire Estate, Elandor
Evening - Prison
The cold stone walls were slick with damp.
At the far end of the dim corridor, a cell waited.
In that cell, shrouded in darkness, Adonis sat on a narrow stone bench.
The blue banquet tunic still clung to him, creased and dull.
Mana shackles locked his wrists, their runes faintly glowing.
Step.
Boots scraped across the stone.
The sound carried through the corridor as guards paced their rounds outside the cells.
Click.
A key turned somewhere down the hall.
***
Evening - Prison Entrance
Two guards blocked the doorway, boots planted firmly in the ground.
The taller one looked straight ahead, his voice flat.
"No visitors."
I fixed my stare on him, voice sharp.
"I am the marquis's son. Open it."
The other guard glanced at me, shifting his grip on the spear.
His tone stayed flat.
"Orders from the Marquis."
I met his eyes and spoke again, voice cold and steady.
"I said open it. Or fetch the Captain and tell him you stopped Lucien Ashspire."
The two guards exchanged a quick glance, a silent agreement, then nodded.
Click.
The lock turned.
I stepped through before they thought twice.
Step.
I walked through the corridor.
It was dark, only a few lightstones decorated the walls.
The air carried a damp chill.
I stopped in front of the cell.
Adonis sat slumped on the bench, shoulders sagging.
The dim glow revealed his pale face.
He looked smaller.
"Are you okay?"
Adonis lifted his head at my voice, a weak smile tugging at his lips as he saw me.
"I had better days. How does it look, brother?"
I tried to sound calm.
"Good...the maid lied. It was all arranged. If we tell the truth, you'll be free."
Adonis let out a slow breath.
"I did nothing. I'm innocent."
I moved closer, wrapping my hands around the bars.
"I know."
Adonis nodded, then spoke, his voice hesitant, tinged with fear.
"Theodora and Mother..?"
My voice came louder than I meant.
"They would never believe such lies. We are on your side."
His gaze lowered.
"Will the court believe me?"
I gripped the bars tighter.
"Yes. Hold steady. Tell them what happened. Show them who you are. We've got your back."
I tried to sound confident, but my thoughts betrayed me.
'But what if words won't be enough?'
'Favian set him up. He'll have something waiting in court, too. He always plays it safe. Belief won't save us then. We'll need a helper, someone with real power…'
Clang.
The rattle of chains cut through my thoughts.
Adonis rubbed at his wrists, a whisper escaped him.
"Thank you."
Just as I was about to answer—
Step.
The guard's footsteps echoed.
'I have to go.'
I leaned in.
"Drink what comes. Eat, even if it tastes like shit. Sleep if you can. You'll need all your strength tomorrow."
Adonis gave a weak nod.
I watched him for a moment longer before turning.
'I need to move Father.'
'But…he already knows about Favian's plan. The only one who could
change his mind is...'
'Mother.'
***
Evening - Prison Entrance
The guards straightened at once, standing at attention as the lady of the house came.
They bowed.
"My lady."
I gave a nod.
They rose from the bow and stood at attention again.
One spoke, his voice hesitant.
"The Marquis's orders. No visitors."
I met his eyes, urgency pressing into my chest.
My voice cut sharp with authority.
"I am the lady of this house. Open the door. The Marquis's order does not apply to me."
He hesitated before stepping aside.
Click.
The guards pulled the door open.
Step.
I stepped inside.
Cold stone walls, damp with moisture. Rust streaked the iron bars.
The air was heavy.
I walked through the dark corridor.
My dress dragged at my ankles, the silk brushing across the stone with every step.
I didn't care.
Nothing could make me turn back now.
I saw him on the bench.
Shoulders slumped, the banquet tunic hanging loose.
He looked so…small.
Then I saw the chains.
My breath caught, tears blurred my eyes, my hands shook as I quickened my pace.
My voice cracked.
"Adonis."
He lifted his head slowly.
His eyes lit up with recognition as they found me.
He rose, the chains pulling at his wrists.
I went to the bars and reached through, my fingers finding his cheek.
His skin was warm as he leaned into my hand.
My heart ached.
"I didn't know...he said something about placing the blame. I tried to stop him. But Anton…he—"
He placed his hand over mine.
A small smile touched his lips as he spoke, his voice soft.
"I know, Mother."
'Mother.'
'The word broke me. I hadn't earned it. Not today.'
My voice came quick, changing the topic before more tears could follow.
"Are you hungry? Did you eat? Are you thirsty? Does it hurt?"
He shook his head, slowly, and my palm shifted with him.
His voice came softer.
"Mother, you don't have to worry. I'm alright, it's...bearable."
A guard coughed, the sound carried through the corridor.
'I can't stay longer.'
My hand lingered on his cheek before pulling away.
I stood, the weight of it all sinking into my steps.
My voice trembled as I spoke.
"Forgive me."
I turned and left without looking back.
'It's better if he doesn't see me cry.'
Click.
The lock turned behind me.
***
Late Evening - Prison Entrance
I ran down the corridor, skirt sliding across stone.
My hands shook as I turned the corner.
A wall of guards barred the way.
Spears crossed, their voices sharp in unison.
"No Visitors."
I ignored them and pushed forward, slipping through, my dress tore at their lowered spears.
My voice cracked as I shouted.
"Adonis!"
Two steps in, and their hands caught me.
Fingers circled my arms, dragging me back. I twisted hard, pain shooting through my shoulders, but I broke free.
I stumbled forward, breath ragged.
But another guard's hand caught me again.
I yanked, tears blurring my vision, as I shouted.
"Let me see him! He didn't do this!"
The words echoed, sharp, until a deeper voice cut through.
"Enough."
It came from behind.
I halted at once, my head turning.
Father.
He stood there, framed in the dim light.
The banquet clothes were gone, replaced by a simpler tunic, sleeves loose at the wrists.
His voice carried low and final.
"Go to your chambers."
My body froze.
My mouth opened, but no words left me.
It was always this way with him.
One word, and all my strength vanished.
The guards pulled me back.
My heels scraped stone, but I fought anyway, shouting until my throat broke.
"Adonis!"
The door stayed shut.
They dragged me away, my cries drowning in the corridor.