Chapter 155

Margo was following behind Layla when one of her assistants joined them talking while walking, she handed them both a report that made anger flash across their faces.

" three Schools we're targeted taking both male and female students while some teachers were drained of all their blood " Jen said looking at another report she hands to Layla who frowns then stops walking, she turns to Margo and then looks at Dala.

" Dala tell Eri and the others to report to my throne room and Margo get the others, Jen have Sid and Sam meet us there" Layla said while the others left to do what they were told, an hour later they were all sitting at a table reading over several witnesses statements. Leon was escorted in by Eri and he takes a seat at the table as Eri throws down a stack of reports.

" when did this happen" Leon said looking at Layla who nods at Margo.

" After we sent the council to dinner and their rooms, we're lucky that we have replaced the law keepers already when we got rid of the previous ones...it was probably scheduled and to be covered up so nothing would have made it to our ears" Margo said while Syl tapped her fingers on the table and looks over at Sam, he walks closer and she whispers to him.

" I believe I've heard of a incident years ago but not in a while, go check out every district especially in the poorer district" Syl said as Sam looks up to Layla who nods her head as he turns and leaves, Layla motions Eri over to her.

" have any of the guest done anything strange or sent out any message " Layla asked, Eri nodded then handed her a silk cloth rolled up.

" Halt any operation until further notice " Layla read out loud, she hands the cloth to Sid who looked it over then passed it to Margo that done the same after looking it over.

" no magic signatures on it and I don't recognize the writing either, Leon do you recognize it " Margo asked as Leon hands it over to Syl who smirks when she sees it, she then winks at Layla.

" it seems as if they changed hands since it is a bit shaky so it'll be hard to tell which of the three sent it, they even used a silk cloth so it burns up quickly when near or in fire" Leon said, he sighed then looked at Layla.

" I am friends with alot of commoners who are located in the districts the children were taken from and maybe we can see if this has happened before. I would like to go speak with them and of course you can send someone with me or watch over me" Leon said, Layla glances over at Cynthia who is quiet and withdrawn and she noticed that Cynthia wouldn't even look at her.

" yes Jen have Pima stay by his side and Eri send someone" Layla said crossing her legs staring at Cynthia who glances at Layla then quickly looks away, She hands a stack of papers with crests at the corners.

" I'll need each of you to handle these tasks, Hailey you and Viv will work with your shadows in the library pulling those spell books for me. Margo you will work with Sid on our prisoners who don't want to speak and just keep them alive I give you permission for anything you see appropriate to have them speak. Sam go bring their families here and make them comfortable in the rooms for the soldiers close to the dungeon with a guard always on them." Layla said as Syl smiles at her then everyone leaves the room to work on their tasks except for Cynthia and Syl.

" Syl tell me what you recognized with that cloth" Layla said walking to stand behind Cynthia, she started massaging her shoulders.

" it's from my father using his left hand, Leon was correct about that part. I also remember eight months ago where children came up missing after they left school. Alex had it covered up and of course since father went that far for a cover up...he is involved, he never does things first hand he always has people he trust to do that and usually pays them a very good salary. Since we are looking for him to pay more taxes then we can skim his books to at least have a list to start with." Syl said moving behind Layla laying her hands on her hips then kissing her neck. Cynthia stands up quickly then leaves just as quick leaving the other two blinking in confusion, Layla starts to go after her to only be stopped by Syl.

" let her be " Syl said pulling Layla into a deep kiss after kissing for a couple minutes Syl picks her up sitting her on top of the table as her hands slide up Layla's dress spreading her legs wide open.

Syl pulls her panties off then drops them to the floor as she drops to her knees pulling Layla closer to the edge of the table.

Syl dives right in taking her tongue up Layla's folds as she pushes her tongue inside of her entrance and then moves it in and out a few times as she licks her way up to Layla's bundle of nerves.

" ahh haah Syl mmm" Layla moans out digging her fingers into Syls hair and pushing her deeper against her, Syl pushes her two fingers deep inside of Layla and pumps them in and out while her tongue is licking and sucking on her clit.

" HAAH AHHNNN YES AHHH" Layla moans out as her body shudders and she wraps her legs around Syls shoulders, She grabs Syls collar then pulls her up for a heated kiss when a knock interrupts them.

May opens the door entering the room with another man and woman behind her, Layla was awkwardly standing beside Syl with a blush on her face. Mays eyes fall to the floor spotting a pair of panties by their feet, Syl follows Mays eyes down while Layla steps forward and she seen Laylas panties and quickly bends down picking them up.

The two people bow to Layla and then with serious faces, May motions the two to take a seat and they do as they lay down two large cases on the table. Syl looks at their red and black cloaks that remind her if the Pyre kingdoms colors.

" Layla these two are from Pyre kingdom, they are two of the highest magistrates sent by their royal family to answer a request that was sent by one of your council whom I'm guessing done so without our knowledge as I was explaining to them." May said as Syl glares at the two people who were staring at Layla as if she was nothing more but someone below them.

" As I was telling your....servant, we received a letter about a marriage between you and one of the heirs, even though it's been over a year we can finally come to discuss this matter" the man said with a smirk playing on his lips, Layla caught the disrespect in his words by the face he was giving.

The old woman clears her throat then pushes two cases toward Layla.

" we had some problems that took a while to deal with and we are sorry about any disrespect, Also learning that a subordinate sent this out without your knowledge is unsettling since they could make misunderstandings between our two kingdoms. I also would like to ask you to consider this proposal since a couple of the heirs are very interested in you." the woman said with a smile on her face while the man frowned at what she said or the earnest apology the woman gave this mediocre female princess.

" well I'm sure for a woman as yourself there is no reason to turn it away and of course there will be many advantages for your kingdom into doing so." the man said again as he glares at Syl when she rolls her eyes at him, May clears her throat then pulls the cases to the side when Layla doesn't even bother opening them.

" well I'll take care of this council member and I was intending school when they sent this, I'll be sure to punish them appropriately as soon as I find out which one. I'll also have to decline right now since I'm doing a overhaul on my council members who are not worthy of their positions, I would love to invite the royal family here for a party I'd like to throw for them..I will also provide a teleportation array for a quick and safe journey, how about in two weeks" Layla said with a soft smile, the woman returns the smile and the man frowns and before he could turn her down the woman agrees to this.

" I think the princes and princesses would love that, we will definitely have them come and just send us the invitation and stuff" the woman said as the man whips his head staring at her in disbelief, he crosses his arms when Layla stand up from her seat.

" well if you don't mind I have things to attend to and I'll have you both rooms prepared to rest as long as you like, before you leave please give me notice." Layla said as both of them bow, the man gave her a half assed one and both May and Syl had to push their anger down from hurting this man.

" your Majesty later could we attend dinner with you, my name is Ros'e by the way and he is called Montley " Rose said bowing again as Layla smiles at her then nods her head.

" yes I'll see you at six " Layla said as May opens the door for them both, when they leave Syl hits the table and Layla grabs her hand rubbing it.

" don't ever hurt yourself, I'd rather you hurt someone deserving" Layla said kissing Syls lips and then turns to walk away from her to go find out where Cynthia went, a maid points her out to the garden when she asked. Layla's feet took her straight to the willow tree where she finds Cynthia looking at a large piece of paper when she walks closer to her.

Cynthia quickly stores the portrait in her storage then wipes her tears away, she hates that things are like they are now and that not only is Layla with Viv but also Syl.

" what was that drawing of " Layla asked while she stands in front of Cynthia who steps back hitting the trunk of the tree, Layla smiles at her while stepping closer to where they now could feel each others breaths fanning the others cheeks.

" it was something that someone drew for me along time ago and I was just remembering our time together, it's not important Layla" Cynthia said while her eyes flickered from Layla's eyes to her lips, she wants to kiss her and tell her everything the girl doesn't remember but then she'll also remember that she now hates her.

" I'd love to see it, but if it's personal I won't push you and..." Layla was saying when she held Cynthias hand she felt the engagement ring and she went from a soft look to a glare once touching it. Layla quickly moves her hand away from the ring like it burnt her, she also felt that it seemed familiar to her.

" what's wrong?" Cynthia asked with a worried expression, she rubs her thumb across Layla's cheek and she then pulls away from Layla dropping her hand to the side.

" your in love with someone....is it the person who gave you that ring" Layla said with a frown stepping away from Cynthia who had a sad smile now.

" yes actually we've been in love since we were children, then I messed up thinking I was protecting them from a certain family member that I was willing to let them hurt me in anyway that they was going to hurt the one I love" Cynthia said while a tear slides down her cheek, how she wanted to go back to that night that Layla proposed to her.

" I'm sorry Cynthia maybe they'll see you only had their best attentions at heart, I'll leave you alone so not to make it harder on you and maybe the two of you can work it out" Layla said with a frown as her heart twisted when she said those words, Layla looks up at her then shakes her head.

" no Layla I want you and I want your attention, maybe one day you'll understand why I can't leave you alone" Cynthia said stepping forward then kissing her softly, Layla felt her heart flutter when they kissed more than she has felt with anyone else.

" good....I don't know if I could ever leave you alone and it would kill me to see you with someone else" Layla said then kisses Cynthia again, they hug each other tightly then walk inside the castle to see what Margo came up with the prisoners who are not speaking.

Screams could be heard in the hallway when they entered, one of the guards that was at the first doors they passed bowed to Layla.

" your Majesty a young miss, I believe Gerald's daughter would like to speak to you" he said with expectant eyes that looked relieved when she agreed, she looks at Cynthia.

" go ahead and wait by the cell that Margo is at, but don't enter without me" Layla said squeezing her hand before she knocked on the door and entered a large room with two twin size beds, bathroom and a small kitchen that should be stocked with food.

A girl with dark purple hair and silver eyes that looked like they were glowing when she glanced over to the girl holding a smaller girl that seemed to be no older than six. The girls back was against the head board holding a smaller version of her with a shadow covering her top half where Layla can see her silver eyes shining through.

" your Majesty" the girl said with a head nod, she didn't put the girl down to bow and Layla found it amusing to her and she didn't pick up on any hostility or malicious thoughts coming from her.

" how may I help the lady" Layla said walking around the room as she glances to some half finished paintings leaning against the wall. The girl lays the smaller one down then walks over to Layla then looks her up and down.

" why are we here....if it has anything to do with Gerald and his shady dealings with the rest of your pathetic cabinet of useless councilors.

Layla smirked at the girls words then she looks over at the small one sleeping, the girl sidesteps blocking her view of the girl.

" she your younger sister " Layla asked her walking over to pick up one of the paintings of a willow tree beside a pond with fireflies flying above it, Layla loves it even when it's not finished.

" that's none of your business just let us leave we will go on our own, I don't want anything from him...I'll even leave this kingdom." she said taking the painting away from Layla and sits it back down then drags her hand through her hair.

Layla reaches over then brushes a piece of hair behind her ear then smiles softly at her, the girl only kept looking in her eyes and Layla walks away from her to the door.

" when your ready to actually talk to me I'll see what I can do" Layla said exiting the door for the guard to lock it back, she stares at the door for a moment.

" get toys and art supplies delivered to them, also things kids like books and snacks." Layla said as she continues forward to where she hears the screaming and where Cynthia is standing, A guard walks forward opening the door where Layla enters with Cynthia standing there debating about going in.

Margo was standing there with a razor knife in her hand wearing a black leather one piece with her hair pulled into a tight bun, she smiles at Layla then saunters over to her.

Layla looks over to the man strapped into the chair, she notices that it's the sheriff with his his whole left arm devoid of any skin. The man looks at the smile on Laylas face made the man shudder and he starts crying more, Margo rolls her eyes at the man.

" why are you crying I cut off your nerves so you'd stop screaming while she is in the room and your still crying" Margo hissed out grabbing the man's jaw while Laylas grin widens.

Cynthia was in shock seeing both Layla and Margo act this way, Margo snaps her fingers and the man's screams start back up.

" you'll tell us everything then I'll stop the pain " Layla said digging her nails into his bloody flesh as she leans closer to his face.

"TELL ME !!!" Layla screams as she drags her nails down the exposed flesh of his arm, he started to go into shock and Margo snaps her fingers to where the mans breathing starts evening out. Cynthia steps forward taking a piece of cloth wiping the man's tears away and she gives him a pleading look.

" please just tell them everything...they also have your family here, nobody can harm them unless you don't tell her" Cynthia said in a quiet voice as the man's eyes go wide, he was so wrong about the princess thinking she was a sheep among wolves and he thought he made a choice since he feared what those men would do to him and his family.

" I'll talk just don't harm my family please" he said as Margo frowns and clicks her tongue throwing the razor down on a tray of other instruments.

Cynthia smiles weakly at the man then turns to Layla who pulls her into a passionate kiss, all three exit the room while Sid and an older man go in to take the man's statements.

They stop by another cell where they held the council member with the white hair, he was laying on his bed with his arms behind his head staring up at the ceiling when Cynthia and Layla enter while Margo is working on the men who worked under the sheriff.

" Tsk your wasting your time with this...I haven't done anything except help a sick boy and give those families money to make it by " he said as Cynthia glares at him, Layla motions to the guards to come inside the cell.

" bring in the stretcher chair and help Frank in it" Layla said as Frank sits up staring at her.

" you wouldn't dare you can't !" frank shouts as Cynthia stomps over slapping his face as the guards grab him, another four guards bring in a heavy chair and they strap Frank in it.

" Layla hits a switch making the chair lay flat like a table as his hands get pulled above his head and his legs spread open a foot apart, the man glares at Layla.

" they should of killed you a long time ago, Dylan should be the ruler not some whore of a woman...they'll take care of you just like your mother !!!" Frank said as Layla smiles wide at him not giving him the pleasure of seeing her sad or mad. Layla turns a handle as the chains start pulling his arms while the chains on his ankles start slowly pulling his legs apart and down.

He put up a face showing no pain but soon faltered as he feels the pain of his limbs being pulled, she watches Margo enter the room pushing a cart that was full of torture instruments that was covered in blood.

" ohh I'm going to have fun with you Frank" Margo said as she gently takes Layla's hand then Cynthias leading them outside of the cell.

" keep him alive and sane, he seems to be weak " Layla said where the man could hear her she then smiles and waves goodbye to him, they both are walking down the hallway then come to a stop as she turns to a guard.

" where is Frank's family I'd like to see them" Layla said as the guard walks them around the corner to one of the last rooms there, she glances over to the room where she met Geralds daughters.

" we won't need anyone attending us " Layla said to the guard as she and Cynthia enter the room where a older lady with white hair was and three others, the wife kneels down to Layla while the two teenage boys scoff at their mother along with the grandma who is glaring At Layla.

" you will address your Queen" Cynthia said walking in front of the three who basically laugh in her face, the older woman spits at Layla's feet then smiles widely at them.

Cynthia smacks her across the face then pulls her down on her knees, the two boys gasp and was about to put their hands on Cynthia when Layla raises her hand as black magic wisp around the three of them while their mother stays put bowing her head.

The boys fall on their knees hard with a loud bang as the pressure pushes the three of their foreheads to the floor, the eldest boy.

" mother do something you cowardly bitch" he hissed as a tear slid down the womans cheek, she glances back at the three.

" I respect my queens wishes you three deserve any punishment from her and I guess since I was too weak against this family to bring you two up to not be like your father and grandma I should be punished as well" she said, Layla smiles at the woman reaching her hand out helping her up, she looks at the guard.

" 50 lashes to the boys each and give twenty to the hag, make sure they don't die" Layla said pulling the woman along with her and Cynthia.

" I want you to tell me everything you know, if you do then I promise to help you and keep you here to work for me. The rest of your family...." Layla said when she was cut off by the woman.

" all they do is abuse me I've lost any love a mother should have for abominations like them since they are as sick as their father and grandma. it would be a mistake to let any of the four live since they have all helped Frank hurt innocent girls and to help the others cause you and your family harm" she said shaking her head, Cynthia pats the woman's back then smiles softly.

" we're going to change how women are viewed and treated here, the ones who commit these crimes will be punished and we need your help with that.." Cynthia said, the woman nodded her head then reaches her hand out.

" I'm Cindy, I was traded for gold by my father who was already a rich man and only done it to make me feel as if I'm only worth two pieces of gold" Cindy said, Layla shakes her head then strokes the woman's hand.

" well I can tell you now I would offer my whole vault for a beautiful woman like you" Layla said brushing some pink stray hairs away from the woman's cheek then smiles softly at the now blushing woman.

" Cindy tell me about your sons" Layla asked while glancing over to the room where she met Geralds daughters, she then glances at Cynthia who was now glancing over at the door.

" let's go inside here to speak to two young women who I presume are both Geralds " Layla said as she notices Cindy make a strange facial expression, she glances at the door then says in a low voice.

" those poor girls...he was abusing them both and I'm not sure who the father of the young girl is since Nini gave birth to her." Cindy said then steps away from Layla, she nods her head as a sharp pang hit her heart.

" did he do that himself to Nini his own daughter or was it someone he knew and let them do it to her" Layla said, she looks over at Cynthia then sighs.

" we'll go inside her room then I want you to take the small girl shopping with Cindy and when you come back I want her testimony." Layla said as she steps up nodding to the guard who opens the door and all three women step in, Nini nods at Cindy who walks over hugging both girls.

" are you ok Cindy they aren't going to hurt you or punish you are they" Nini said glancing over at Layla then Cynthia who she kept her eyes on longer then she meant to.

" no Layla has helped me and is going to help all of us against those men" Cindy said sitting down beside NiNi who holds the small girls hand, she smiles softly at the young girl who goes over to Cindy's lap.

" Nini...I'm taking Ella upstairs with me and probably to the bakery for that cake I promised, you need to tell Layla all of what they've done to you and others." Cindy said standing up with Ella who is bouncing and smiling happily, Nini stands up reaching for Ella and Layla stands in her way.

" Cindy bring back loads of goodies for all of us and the other children as well, Cynthia you my as well buy out what they have made to feed all of us" Layla said pulling Nini to sit down on the bed with her while the other three leave, Nini jerks her hand away from Layla then glares at her.

Layla looks over seeing all of the things she had the guard deliver that hasn't been unpacked yet, she sighs then lays back on the bed staring up at the ceiling.

" I'm sorry for anything bad you have been through and I'm sorry I'm late dealing with these demons, I promise that you two are in no danger with me and I'll protect you both. I'm gonna have your room made on the floor with ours and it will have a side room for Ella's bedroom, I'd like for you to do paintings for me since I love your work you'll be the Royal artist." Layla said as the woman chuckles with venom behind it, she stares at Layla who keeps her eyes on the ceiling. Nini wants to piss her off for some reason and makes a heavy mistake with her next action.

Nini bends over kissing Layla's lips when she thought she'd be pushed away when the complete opposite happens and Layla holds her head deepening their kiss. A minute later they pull apart with Nini taking quick breaths staring into Layla's eyes, Layla smiles at her then leans up kissing her lips again.

" So what do you think" Layla said with a lopsided grin that makes Nini blush and she quickly raises up looking away.

" your different from what they say " Nini said laying down beside Layla who holds her hand then turns her head looking at her with a small smile on her face.

" He let his friends and he himself do things with me for years, I had Ella when I just turned fifteen and she'll be five in six months. I don't even know which one is the father but I have a good idea." Nini said as Layla turns over hugging her waist, Nini feels comfort in Layla's touch and her body doesn't seem to want to push her away.

" will you have dinner with us tonight and then will talk more after." Layla said kissing Nini on the cheek then cuddling next to her.