King - Chapter VII
Chapter 7
Wordcount 4,3k
Title The Quake
Fandom Shuumatsu no Valkyrie / Record of Ragnarok
Previous chapters
1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6
Symbols ⭕ . ➕ . 🖤
Warnings: basically the same warnings as the previous chapters; harassment against reader (from a guard); mentions of death, blood and use of weapons
Tagging @cloveradora @the-dumber-scaramouche @mikkies @sl33py-zer0 @nooneknows8976 (If you want to be tagged in any of my stories, just leave a comment on this chapter or send an ask or a message)
N. A.: So, this chapter was becoming too long and I decided to divide it in two, so the next one will be published soon and it will be a direct continuation of this one, with a return to a ~familiar scenario and a deep conversation between reader and her not so soft husband 😅
I know the time between one chapter and the next has been too long, and I'm sorry for that, but something that might explain this is that this ff in particular brings a big volume of information in each chapter, and I have to be careful to share the right amount of it each time I post an update. There are still secrets to be unveiled and challenges to overcome here, and I'm using this story to train my patience (and yours as well lol)
Hope you enjoy this one and wait for the next 👀🔥
After staring at the basket for a few more seconds, Suriah put it back on her lap and raised her eyes to you again. There was no sign of sadness or shame in them; instead, you saw a glimmer of mental peace that you’d never suppose to exist in someone who has been enduring this number of adversities.
– I understand your shock – she commented with a smile – After all, a human girl would never survive this. But you don’t need to be so worried about my well-being. Our species are stronger than yours in this sense. Usually, a woman among us would deliver half of this number of eggs a year, and I myself didn’t want to deliver a single one. Besides, in case you’re wondering, they weren’t all delivered in just one day, just like they weren’t formed in one day. It took me at least three days in a row to produce all these ones – she sighed, as if recalling the tiredness provoked by the task – It was such a labor, but after the first time, I started to believe that, if I managed to do this, nothing could be impossible to me. It was sort of liberating.
The silence among the girls persisted. Since you had nothing to say in response, you stood quiet as well. But that didn’t mean you had no feelings towards it.
Liberating? What could be liberating in such situation? And after all of this, how can she still have the guts to say he loves us? How?
Your inner debate might have shown in your face, for Suriah looked at you with sympathy, speaking specifically about this.
– You seem to be struggling to understand how I was able to endure all of this – she shrugged – But I think it was only fair. I pleaded, my husband offered me a deal, I accepted the conditions, but lost the game. I knew where I was getting into since the start, but I said yes anyway. I am the one to blame in this case, am I not?
That was just too much for you. Suddenly, your tongue was released and from your mouth leaked everything that was in your chest; you didn’t care about the possibility of your words reaching Poseidon’s ears, provoking indignation among the wives who agreed with Suriah or hurting her feelings; you just spoke.
– You said that the game was popular among the gods – you started – This can only mean that it’s unknown to most of us mortals. Besides, he gave you an incredibly short amount of time to learn all the rules before sending you to compete with an expert – you took an unconscious step closer to the table – Of course, your chances were few, and he knew it since the start! He gave you an impossible task and he was aware of this! I don’t understand how this is fair! – you lowered your tone a bit, but your rage was still felt in your words – I don’t understand how you can say this is love…
Another low voice was heard before Suriah could think of a reply.
– You see, this is one of the reasons why Poseidon-sama doesn’t like bringing humans to his domains.
It was Melian. You turned to her and saw no sign of provocation or disdain in her expression, only sadness.
– Your love and your justice are just not like the ones of the gods – she continued, serious – You’re always bringing contention and dissatisfaction with you, always trying to unveil things that are supposed to stay out of your reach. You just don’t fear the gods. This is what they used to say around here, and now that we have not only one, but two of you with us, we can say how much of this is true.
That time, the response came from Alyssa.
– We do fear the gods – she spoke with a firmness in her tone that was new to you – We just can’t accept what is unacceptable.
Melian swallowed. Apparently, she would never get used to the human way of thinking. Suriah, still maintaining her calmness, brought the attention back to herself again.
– Tell me, human, what is your name again? – she spoke to you.
– Y/n.
– So, y/n, can you satisfy our curiosity and tell us what kind of offer you’ve received from our husband?
Contrary to what you imagined, you didn’t feel that request as something intrusive: instead, you found in yourself an urge to speak about the contract you sealed, and a weight was taken off of your chest when you did it.
– I was given one year to observe his children training and learn about their most effective combat techniques. After this, I have to find ways to counteract these techniques by figuring out their weaknesses. The methods I will use to fulfill this task don’t matter, but if I’m unable to do it – you swallowed – I shall be just like you.
Suriah seemed to thought of this for a moment before replying, and a new wave of tension built across the room: the girls stared at you with a sort of compassion and fear, as well as relief for not being in your place. Besides, just like you, they were eager to hear what Suriah had to say.
And this was what she had for you:
– A task with its own difficulties – she frowned – It might be harder than mine in some aspects, but easier in others. Also, it might hide surprises, not all of them sweet. How do you feel about it?
Now that everyone knew about your mission, you had no reasons to disguise how you felt.
– I’m nervous. Even scared.
Suriah nodded.
– It’s a good sign. Only a fool would not feel like this after receiving a task from Poseidon-sama. But what exactly do you fear?
– I’m not a warrior – you shrugged – I’m a merchant, daughter of merchants. I only know how to negotiate. My knowledge cannot be applied to anything but this.
The older woman kept her composure. She took a moment adjusting the basket on her lap, then turned back to you.
– Hm… As far as I can see, every human is a warrior, and you are not different from your pairs. Just a few moments ago, you almost swore you wouldn’t have children. Such determination is rare in someone this young. Do not let it die. Take the time you have, girl, and work with all you got. You say your knowledge cannot be applied to your task, but every knowledge is necessary, and it can save us when we least expect.
You swallowed.
– I remember my parents saying something similar when I was a child and didn’t want to study certain topics.
Suriah smiled with sympathy.
– And they were right, and I wish I learned this when I did my negotiation – she pointed at you as someone who gives a mixture of alert and advice – My task was impossible, and I knew I lost since the start. But maybe you have a chance to make a difference, even with these delicate arms of yours. And, honestly, it would be fun if you succeed and entertain our husband.
***
When you left the hall in the company of Alyssa, you had more questions than answers.
– The only thing I know for sure now is that I still have many things to learn about these people – you were saying – The way they take slavery for love is something that I just cannot accept.
Your friend was taking slow steps beside you, with her arm entwined with yours.
– If I was you, I’d give up while I can – she laughed – This got me surprised when I arrived here too, and even now I feel uncomfortable whenever they talk about it, which, fortunately, only happens in rare occasions. But they’re not entirely wrong. For example, when Suriah said our husband doesn’t get along with rebel women, it is true for both mortals and goddesses.
The conversation you had about Amphitrite came back to your memory, but you said nothing about it. Instead, you focused on Suriah.
– I don’t understand how she knows so much about us. Did you make friends with her when you came here?
– Not exactly, but she helped me in the first days – Alyssa explained – She’s one of the oldest women here, so she does this for each new girl. There aren’t rules about experienced wives supporting the younger ones, but it’s a sort of tradition she built around herself. You know, her people are notorious for their incredible lifespan among the mortal species, and their capacity of reproduction, as she explained. She has known many people from many folks over the years and, since she’s been here for years and is one of the most fertile wives, she has some status. The other girls and the servants respect her. And as far as I could see, she sympathized with you.
– I see… – you turned to Alyssa and lowered your tone – And how does he see this?
The girl became suddenly serious. It was unnecessary to explain to whom you were referring to.
– If she has succeeded in her task, I guess it would have been a problem for him. But, since things happened differently, he doesn’t mind. He gets what he needs from her, and that’s all that matters.
Your conversation was interrupted by a voice behind you.
– Excuse me.
You both turned to the voice’s owner, and you recognized the noble girl from the Northern Waters, the same people of the priestess who ran to the waves the day you arrived. You saw her at the dining room, but she took a seat in place away from you. Given that she was a member of her species’ high society and displayed a quiet behavior, you didn’t focus your attention on her, convinced that she held the same disdain for humanity as many of the other women, but now that you had the chance to observe her from close and without the interference of a noisy and unfavorable environment, you started to think you were wrong.
And the shy manner with which she spoke to you reinforced it.
– Are you y/n, the human girl who just talked to Suriah?
You nodded.
– Yes, I am – you indicated your friend – And this is Alyssa. She’s also human.
The girls greeted themselves and the noble introduced herself.
– My name is Taulah. We arrived together with the latest carriage.
– Yes, I remember you – and, recalling the other girl’s fate, – I’m sorry for what happened to your pair that day.
Taulah gave you a sad smile.
– Her name was Doonah. She was my childhood friend. Despite being one of the most dedicated priestesses of our region, she never felt comfortable with the idea of being trapped. To her, the sea represented freedom and movement, so when she found out that she was chosen to marry the god she always loved and served, she was radiant… – the girl lowered her tone, and part of the glow in her eyes disappeared as she recalled the incident – However, after what that servant said, all the happiness and expectations died inside her… and she didn’t see any reason to keep living…
You three spent a moment in silence. Alyssa was the first to speak.
– They did the same when I arrived. There was one girl who succumbed to the guide’s provocation and did the same as your friend. Later, at night, I listened to a melody that entered through my room’s window. It was a sad song that reminded me of a flute. The morning after, I asked a maid about this and she said it was Poseidon-sama’s whistle, coming from the Main Tower.
You and Taulah looked at her at the same time.
– They explained that, every time a wife or a bride dies, he walks to the highest spot of this tower, opens the window and whistles to the outside – Alyssa continued – At the same time, he sends a sacred shell to the depths of the sea in honor of her. When they told me this, I didn’t know if I should cry or be shocked.
You held your breath. So, that was the answer for the mysterious tune, followed by that light you witnessed that night. You’ve been wanting to ask about it for days, but the opportunity never came.
– I heard when he whistled in honor of Doonah – you revealed – It was heartbreaking... and beautiful at the same time.
Taulah’s response to this was composed, as expected from someone of her position, but didn’t lack emotion.
– An appropriate way to honor a loyal, honest priestess. She would’ve loved it.
Alyssa and you agreed. Taulah changed the subject.
– Well, I came here to say that I’m impressed with your courage, y/n – she told you – The way you stood up for your friend and for yourself in the middle of so many strangers… – she smiled – That was incredible.
Your face warmed up to this compliment: getting unexpected recognition from someone you misjudged provoked a strange feeling.
– We’re kind of alone here – you glanced at Alyssa – We need to have each other’s back.
– Yes – Taulah agreed with enthusiasm – Anyways, I wish you luck with your task. And if you need anything, I’ll be here.
– Thank you, Taulah.
The girl nodded, and that marked the beginning of a new friendship, the second you conquered in that strange world, but one that made you think that, whatever the future had for you, it might not be impossible to overcome.
You said goodbye to each other like close allies.
– I’ll take Alyssa back to our room now – you said – She needs to rest.
– Go. Be safe.
You three separated right after, with the girl from the Northern Waters rushing back to the dining room and you giving your arm to Alyssa, following on a slow walk back to the lodge.
***
You helped Alyssa to get comfortable in her bed, adjusting the pillows behind her back, borrowing a cushion for her to rest her feet and covering her with a blanket: she used to take a nap for two hours or three after lunch, while you spent this period reading the books brought by the servants.
That time, however, you would try something different.
– Where are you going? – Alyssa asked with her eyes half closed.
You were preparing yourself to leave the room, changing your shoes for a more comfortable pair and wrapping the shawl you were given by your husband around your shoulders.
– I’m going to visit the Library – you explained – I found out we have permission to use it for both studying and diversion, so I’m heading there to research some things.
– Is it about your task?
– Yes – you walked to the door; and, turning the knob, – My father used to say that a good merchant is always taking opportunities to gather knowledge, and Suriah spoke about my abilities being useful in this task. I need to find something that helps me in this sense.
– I see – she whispered, adjusting her blanket – Just remember that the way to the Library is long from here. So, be careful.
You replied that this was precisely why you changed your shoes, then left the room.
***
Since the wives are previously informed about the premises of the palace they were allowed to go to, one day you took the opportunity to ask a servant how you could reach the Library, the rules for using the books and the periods of the day when it was open to visitors. Now, while recalling the information you gathered, you walked through the corridors searching for the passage between the tower that housed the women’s lodge and the one where the Library was, which, according to the servant’s explanation, was a narrow bridge that connected the two towers in the inner side of the building, at the North Wing.
You were now walking down a staircase that should lead to the place through which the bridge could be accessed, your heart racing with the perspective of approaching the desired place. You looked around and quickly recognized the servant’s description, and the bridge was almost under your sight’s reach...
When a sudden, strong quake hit the floor and spread to the walls and the stairs, reaching your spot and making you fall before you could think of grabbing the handrail.
It came fast, and left even faster. When it was over, you tried to stand up, but found out your entire body was aching, as if your fall happened from a higher place and not the few stairs you still had to walk down. You found that strange, but for now the pain wouldn’t allow you to think too much.
You breathed deep and tried to stand up again when you sensed you were ready. You adjusted your clothing and massaged your forehead on the spot that hit the floor.
You just witnessed your husband’s bad mood.
It was just like the day we arrived… With such a man ruling over it, I don’t know how this castle is still standing! Anyways, thank Heavens he’s far away from here, and I can only hope he stays like this.
It was when you realized your surroundings were no longer the same.
What you saw before the quake was the end of the stairs before you, and the connection between it and the small passage that would lead to the bridge, located at your left. Now, instead of this, you saw yourself in the middle of a long, empty corridor surrounded by high, bluish walls and a ceiling from which a soft, white light descended; you didn’t take long to see that its end was far from your spot. However, the scariest thing was that, when you turned around, you saw that the staircase just disappeared, being replaced by the other side of the same corridor, and this end was closer to you, with a wall identical to the ones on your sides to indicate it, and a parallel corridor that preceded it.
You started walking in that direction, observing this strange location.
– What kind of place is this? – you murmured unconsciously – No doors, no windows, no decoration…
You came to the conclusion that it was just a passage, where people wouldn’t stop to do anything – not even appreciate its beauty, since there was no art in there. Not only this, but the absence of doors that would lead to rooms or to other corridors indicated that this wasn’t an access many people would use.
It was when you stopped suddenly, your heart jumping inside your chest.
What if I’m in a forbidden place?
The idea came to you only when it was too late.
When you were a few meters before the end, a pair of tall, green-skinned guards wearing helmets and holding tridents similar to the one of their master appeared from the right corner and turned it to take your corridor, advancing in large steps toward you.
You took a step back, tightening the shawl around yourself; there was no way to escape, whether running back to your previous spot or trying to pass through them: their legs seemed too long, ideal for a marathon, and those tridents were too long and too sharp besides, you couldn’t tell if they would forgive an attempt to evasion even if it came from one of their Lord’s wives.
The guards were so entertained with their chatting that they almost bumped into you, not coming to this point because you jumped back with a little scream. When they finally became aware of your presence, they fell silent, and the smiles on their faces slowly faded into a suspicious expression.
The guard at the left, who seemed to be the older one, was the first to speak.
– What are you doing here? – and, since you kept quiet, – Don’t you know this area is forbidden for mortals?
You considered saying that you were looking for the Library when you fell there after the quake, but something made you think your explanation wouldn’t be accepted, so you just replied like anyone would in a situation like that.
– I didn’t know that… – you glanced beyond the men – Can you lead me to the exit?
The guard’s response was to glance at his partner, then turn back at you with a grin.
– Of course, we can – he started, taking slow steps toward you – But not without giving you the appropriate punishment.
You swallowed. You didn’t know what that man had in mind, and certainly didn’t want to find out. Before he could reach you, you stepped back and uncovered your ears, exhibiting the pearls on your lobes. The younger guard, who stood in the same place, tightened his lips in apprehension, while his companion frowned. Yes, faking a courage you weren’t feeling was risky, but it was your only chance.
– You can’t speak about punishment to me when I am one of Poseidon-sama’s wives – your voice echoed across the place, though you didn’t speak loud – Touching me the wrong way will mean a problem for you.
The two guards had opposite reactions to your words.
The younger one kept his position, not taking a single step toward you, and even tried to warn his partner.
– We should just lead her back to the women’s lodge – he was saying – We’ll be in trouble if someone sees her with us here…
The older guard, on the other hand, showed no worries for this advice and no regard for your earrings.
– These pearls don’t prove anything to me, girl – he replied in challenge – You might have faked them, just like others did before you. Besides, our Lord has taken hundreds of women as his wives. One more or one less in the counting would mean nothing to him!
– You can just take me back to the lodge and I will grant you my silence in return – you insisted – If nothing happens here, nobody needs to know about this encounter!
The guard laughed.
– Well, I think I’ll pass!
You held your breath. Your strategy worked partially, but that wasn’t enough to grant your safeness, and there wasn’t much you could do about it.
Sorry, Alyssa. But I couldn’t be as careful as you recommended.
The guard stretched his hand to grab you, and you jumped back, but you never managed to take more than two steps away from him. You thought you were going to stumble and hit the floor, at the mercy of that man…
But you actually bumped into someone who was right behind you, and who seemed to have appeared there by magic. The person held you by your arms, keeping you in place.
You raised your eyes, thinking you just got trapped by a third guard, ready to apologize and beg for help, when you recognized him and felt your words dying before passing your lips.
– This is the first time I meet you casually and you are already in danger, dragonet – were his first words; and, with a slight smile, – Why am I not surprised?
You couldn’t believe what you were seeing: how did he reach that spot so fast? And how did he do it without making the slightest noise?
Before you could say or do anything, he turned his attention to the older guard, and a transformation occurred on his face: the suggestion of smile disappeared from his lips, turning his face into an emotionless sculpture of marble, and the blue of his eyes decreased to a darker shade, close to black. You sensed the air getting cold around you, almost like the sea water during winter, and shivers started spreading through your skin.
You glanced at the guards, and the unexpected appearance of their Lord in that isolated place provoked different feelings in each of them, judging by what you saw in their faces: the younger one had his anxiety increased now that his worst fear just came true, while the older simply panicked.
– P-Poseidon-sama…!
You were surprised that he was able to say even those few words: his massive body was shaking in a way you didn’t know to be possible, his eyes were almost leaving their orbits and the green of his skin gave place to a sickly yellow that you supposed to be the equivalent of paleness in human skins.
To anyone who would look from a distance, it would seem that Poseidon showed no sign of his feelings, but to you, who were between his arms, the story was different: though no wrinkle appeared on his forehead nor his lips were twisted while he stared at the guard, the change in his eyes’ color was the clearest evidence of his wrath.
His next words, however, weren’t for the man.
– Stay here – he held your shoulders and made you turn your back on the men – Do not look back.
He took a few steps toward the guard, and you never knew exactly what happened after this. There was no scream, cry or plead from any of the men; you just heard a fast sound, as if something sharp just cut the air behind you, followed by a wet, disgusting noise, that started and ended as fast as the previous one. At your right, you saw a red stain appear on the wall, profaning the blue as it descended violently to the floor.
Poseidon’s composed voice was the next thing you heard.
– Send servants to clean this mess – he was saying – And inform your detachment’s leader about this casualty. He will designate a substitute to work with you.
The younger man’s voice mumbled a relieved “yes, my Lord”, and he left as soon as he could.
When the sound of his steps disappeared in the parallel corridor (you didn’t know in which direction), you sensed your husband approaching you again. You tried to glance behind, but before you could see anything, his hand covered the side of your face and you were forced to look ahead. He took you in his arms and started to walk, without saying a word about what just happened.
Just as decreed by Poseidon during your wedding votes, those pearls were indeed their only warning.
Chapter 8
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