On Shaky Grounds

Why did the slaves never rebel?

It was a question that often lingered in the minds of more fortunate ones. Since the slaves were humans with the worst fate and being in service of the demons seldom resulted in anything good, shouldn’t they take a stand for themselves?

Anna surely wondered about it last time, at least.

That was where the Duke of Esnora came in.

A couple of years ago, around a time which Anna could not remember well, there were hushed whispers about a rebellion that was stirring inside the duke’s estate. It was a time of tension when the kingdom was wary of their northern enemy and rebelling slaves were not unheard of.

The humans craved to take back their freedom when the kingdom seemed to be on the edge of downfall.

There were some broken rumors amongst the humans that talked about the biggest rebellion being planned in the house of a young lord. Duke Azrael had not received any dukedom back then, he was well known but never feared.

For the slaves, and humans fed up with their shackled lives, his newfound estate seemed like the best option.

But those desires were raw, still newborn when something happened that extinguished any flame of hope that might have arisen in the hearts of the slaves.

One night, the gates of the estate were closed early in the evening.

They remained so until the next nightfall.

When the gates were opened again, the estate was covered in blood and there were massive casualties and deaths amongst the humans.

Duke Azrael was unharmed and no one really knew what happened in the estate, but rumors had it that he eliminated everyone who dared to threaten his position.

A few months later, the war broke out between Arvania and the enemy kingdom Lutheria. They had almost captured Esnora, the capital, but just when the other kingdom seemed to have gained the upper hand, the crown prince made a decision opposed by many.

He sent Azrael to command the military of Esnora and that changed everything.

A few months later, Lutheria was brutally defeated and the victory earned Azrael the dukedom of Esnora, as well as an even more fearsome image.

Anna promised herself to never cross his paths in the estate for the sake of her life. A duke like him wouldn’t stumble across her either and if she was careful enough, she might keep her life.

Her eyes were outside the carriage windows and those thoughts soon slipped away, replaced by a feeling of dread as the air and the skies changed. The packed elegant houses of the capital faded into a more posh and forbidden area.

The trees grew thicker, the roads more isolated...or so they should have been.

However, there were more carriages than one would expect, the large lamp posts were linked with fancy lights.

She wasn’t the only one who was confused by the change. They always thought that the estate of the duke was like a forbidden castle in the winter lands but what greeted them was an air of festivity.

Anna exchanged glances with her other companions and all three of them shared the same confusion amidst those dreadful eyes― besides one, Emma. After helping Anna in the auction house, she was calmly taking a nap as if nothing out of the ordinary happened to her life.

Perhaps it didn’t.

If Emma hadn't been there with her first smack of a chair across Makrov, Anna wouldn't have been able to apprehend that wretched man.

The young girl sitting beside Anna looked at her with slightly moist eyes. She had been still and sobbing the whole ride until Anna tried to comfort her and one thing led to another before the girl fell asleep with her head resting in Anna’s lap.

“Is something special happening today?” she asked, being distracted by a bright firework that suddenly shimmered in the dark sky.

“It seems so,” Anna replied, “The duke has won another battle, so perhaps it is to celebrate that?”

She was still a little confused. In all the celebrations of the past, only a few noble families and those from royal lineage were invited. Duke Azrael preferred to keep his circle small.

However, there seemed to be too many guests and preparations for the current occasion.

“It’s hosted by the crown prince.”

Emma mumbled in a sleepy voice as she opened her eyes. She offered a smile to Anna when their eyes met. They haven't had any conversation earlier because Emma fell asleep soon after entering the carriage.

Effie, the young girl widened her eyes, “Why would the crown prince host a party at the duke’s mansion?”

“They are great friends,” Emma yawned and blinked her heavy eyes, “Besides, the night is special.”

Effie perked her head up to pay attention to their conversation while a glint of curiosity flickered in Anna’s eyes.

Emma continued with a lazy grin, “Well, His Grace is at the prime age of marriage and they say the crown prince is tired of seeing the duke without the company of a duchess.”

Anna let out a small ‘oh’ in realization.

The aristocratic families would often hold the 'Selection Balls' where they would select a potential wife or husband. They were not much restricted and all demons regardless of their social standing would be invited.

It made sense that the crown prince had to organize the ball because if it was upon the duke, he would never host such a thing. He was infamous for not being capable of loving anyone but himself.

A smile appeared upon Anna’s lips.

Even when there was a ball organized, she doubted that a duchess would be selected that night.

Her smile froze when it was time to leave the carriage for as soon as she moved, a sharp pain flared up her back. Effie looked at her in concern but the pain was bearable and so Anna simply shook her head.

“I am fine.”

Effie’s lips formed a small frown that almost appeared like a pout on her small lips. She grabbed Anna’s arm with all her strength as if to make sure that Anna didn’t have to use her strength.

Anna chuckled and expressed her gratitude as Effie helped her step down from the carriage.

"Thank you."

Anna smiled at Effie who slightly blushed and nodded.