Godless

"Godless?" Duke Blackwater whispered to himself, continuing on perceiving the cold icy glares of the various nobleman around him. He paid no mind approaching the tent of Innis and Talia.

" AuntyTalia, Aurelia missed you! You to Master... Dumb-Dumb bullied Aurelia!"

"What! How dare you lie," The young Master exploded in anger, stepping into the rather large tent.

Giggling, Aurelia shot the young Master an evil smile, "Why would Aurelia lie?'

Chuckling to himself, Cor slapped the young Lord's shoulder, "buck up Duke Blackwater. By the way, why are so many eyes upon us?"

"I believe that may be my fault. Some nobleman called me a Godless." Zireael explained, finding a seat within the luxurious tent.

"Covering her hands with her face, Talia sighed, "I knew this would happen. Young Master, did I not warn you about speaking to others about gods? While you may not believe in them doesn't mean others do not."

"It's not like I do not believe in Gods; I just find it a waste of time. Those fools worshiping some bitch high upon her throne, and for what? What exactly do they receive from it?"

"Some bitch? Are you talking about Azalea? The Goddess of War?" Cor asked, scrunching his brow, "Lord Zireael, I am afraid that is a serious crime within our kingdom. Not even Cyrus dares to speak about the Church of Azalea."

Waving off his concern Zireael sneered, "I am not Cyrus, Cor. As for these foolish noblemen here, warn them. I have lived in peace for three years. If they wish to attack me for being a Godless, I do not mind painting the lake scarlet. It may be quite an incredible scene.

"I will speak to them, Cor." Talia muttered, "by the way, what are you here for?"

Slapping his head, Cor cleared this throat, "Apologies, I have a message from that idiot father of yours regarding that bitch you call a mother!"

"My God," Innis whispered, gobsmacked.

"Governor Cor, I believe you may have misspoken," Talia uttered, creasing her brow.

"Please, your mother is my sister. I think I have the right to talk shit how I please about her." Cor defended with a vibrant smile. Amused by the ashen faces of the two women.

"Your... you're my uncle?" Talia exclaimed, turning to Zireael.

"Don't look at me. I don't know shit about this kingdom," said Zireael chuckling at the odd turn. "But it does explain why he has the courage to speak shit about everyone, including myself."

With a cheeky smile, Cor shook his head, "Duke Blackwater, I swear I have not once spoken ill of you!" Cor shamelessly shouted, slapping his chest.

Pursing his lips, Zireael snickered, "Oh really? Then maybe I should return to Valmor and speak with the various lords."

"They are dead, my lord."

"Dead?" Zireael stated without expression.

"Yes, all of them... fell down the stairs and died. Quite tragic, the funeral is just wrapping up."

Covering his face at the blatant lie, Zireael lips slowly curled up in amusement. Cor was probably the only one who made a living in Valmor quite enjoyable.

"Cor, can you explain?" Talia screamed, her breath turning a little ragged, "Just who the hell are you? Mother never once mentioned you, nor did grandmother."

"Well, I do live in Valmor. I may have pissed off the former and current king. So I was banished to Valmor to live with the scum of the kingdom, and my last name was changed as to not bring shame upon the family. Your mother's idea, no doubt." Cor explained with a smile, his expression not giving anything away. "Anyway, I am here to say that your fiance, The First Prince, Lyndon—"

"But you're a sex trafficker! You run the largest operation within Ferrum! How could you be my uncle!" Taila hysterically screeched, "How many have died by your hands!"

"I don't really like that word. I am more of a mover, "Cor casually said, stroking his chin, "And I don't run that operation; I simply allow it to happen... and have everything run through me!"

"The hell is the difference?" Innis sharply questioned, trying to hide her disgust, "I have seen your organization's handy work, and it's not pretty."

"Zireael, what is a sex trafficker?" Aurelia softly asked, "Is it bad?"

"Depends on how you look at it. Ferrum is a kingdom that supports slavery, and sex trafficker is just a branch of that. They sell women like you for coin." Zireael said without much care, "Personally, I don't see the difference or why Talia or Innis is so defensive against it. You two do understand most female slaves live no different than those that within Cor's operation?"

"um, it's not mine," Cor slightly defended, "But I do like what you are saying. Maybe a rebranding should be in order. Sex trafficker is too dark. Let's make it sound more friendly."

"You're a fucking monster!" Taila shouted, "There is a massive difference."

"How so?" Aurelia innocently asked, "If they are slaves, then they have no will. Does it matter if it's men or women? It's both wrong!"

"um, should I come back?" Earl Kest abruptly asked from the threshold of Lord Zireaels tent.

"Kest, you son of a bitch. So this is where you were hiding!" Cor shouted, wrapping his arm around him, "Tell me, big bro, how is that wife of yours?"

"Ask her yourself, Cor. She is with Ella within our tent."

Cuffing her arms, Talia bowed, "Thank you for giving us an extra tent Earl. Lord Blackwater seems to like it!"

"I never said any such thing," Zireael commented, "But it's not bad."

Not sure what to respond to the blunt Young Lord, Earl Kest simply grinned, "Well, as long as you like it! Aurelia, my granddaughter, is here. Would you like to see her?"

"Actually, bring her here," Zireael abruptly declared, "and are you her guardian, or are her parents here?"

"No, my son and his wife are currently in the capital. Why do you ask?" Earl Kest asked, a little intrigued.

"I want Ella to live with us. She seems to have good talent with magic, and she could be a good partner for Aurelia with her travels. I am even willing to grant them each a knighthood. They would essentially be the youngest Knights in the Kingdom of Ferrum trained by me."

Dropping his jaw, everyone turned to Zireael, unable to understand the Lord's thought process. Shaking his head, Earl Kest hesitated, "But... you are a Godless."

"And? What does your foolish beliefs have to do with the children or me?" Question the young Lord, "I am giving her an opportunity to learn from me. Something many cannot even begin to understand. This kingdom is small, but when compared to the size of Alos, so I will ask once more. What do you think of allowing Ella to follow me?"