What Is Done

Chapter 9 - The Truth Won't Set You Free

Lightning struck outside somewhere in the distance. Laverne twitched from a terrible dream in his sleep. The sound of thunder woke him and he bolted upright in bed, breathing heavily. His hand snatched at his nightgown until his heartbeat felt normal again. His grip loosened as he began to feel serene once more. 

The room Nico showed him was small compared to his at home but it was fine. There wasn't much room for anything besides the bed and night tables in it. In the far corner there was a wooden armoire. The maid had brought his belongings Maehara held to make the stay more cozy.

Lightning struck again, lighting up the room for a split second accompanied by a booming noise. King Laverne lied back down, wanting to get comfortable. The bed hadn't been as plush as his own in the Castle of Glass. Laverne was just happy to be sleeping on a real mattress for the first time in a month so it didn't bother him as much as it normally would have.

He eyeballed the wood ceiling above his bed. I did not think adventuring would be so...uncomfortable. 

Laverne was unable to sleep until morning. By then it had only been drizzling outside. Nico knocked and opened the door, assuming King Laverne had adequate rest. Nico invited Laverne to breakfast.

"Did you not sleep, Your Majesty?" Nico asked whole-heartedly. Laverne gave no response other than side-eyeing him from his lying position. Nico read him, understanding the situation. "You ought to stay in bed today and get all the sleep you can. I will bring you something to eat in a while."

Sellion and Essaerae had breakfast with Iliquinal in the dining room. Nico took food to Laverne. After breakfast, Essaerae found herself bored and Sellion proceeded to search the manor from top to bottom. Lord Iliquinal had yet to introduce them to Cärrish's prisoner. After a few hours of boredom, Essaerae flopped on her bed, leaving the door wide open. She could hear Sellion rummaging through the nooks and crannies of the house.

"What are you doing?" Nico grilled Sellion as he'd come up behind him while Sellion had his hand stuck in a secret hiding spot in the wall. Nico carried a couple of pillows for Laverne.

"Looking for something," Sellion rolled his eyes at Nico's question.

"I hope you find it."

"So do I." Sellion pushed a piece of wood inwards using his fingertips and his arm receded deeper into the secret compartment. Sellion side eyed Nico for a split second, wondering if the butler was inept. "Is that for Laverne?"

Nico bobbed his head. "Yes. Arl has a collection of fancy linens and whatnot. When I told her about His Majesty's trouble sleeping last night, she insisted I take these to him."

"Arl is the maid that stays in the bowels of the mansion?" Sellion concluded. Nico responded with another slight nod, confirming Sellion's theory. As Nico walked away, Sellion pushed an inquiry at him. "How long have you been in Iliquinal's service?"

"Maybe forty years?" Nico stopped, stated his answer and continued walking.

As Sellion continued searching, Essaerae was unsure what she should have been doing. She supposed Sellion didn't want or need her help. She would just be in the way. The day wore on them. The only thing Sellion managed to learn was that Iliquinal was constantly in his office.

"Do you want some help?" Essaerae offered her help around noon. She had been too bored to continue sitting around all day, doing nothing. Sellion could hear her from anywhere with the door wide open. The spaces in the manor echoed.

"No," he acknowledged, "but thanks for asking after I already finished searching the entirety of the Abadda estate." He mentioned the last part under his breath.