Under the vampire Lord's protection-Chapter 535: A purpose served

Something died in Reubon’s eyes. Something that always lived in them. It was incredible how big of a difference such a little thing could make.

The sight of her was desolate for sure, but for a man like Reubon to look as though he had pity to spare... That must’ve meant her state was far worse than she ever believed it to be.

Even his shoulders didn’t seem as broad as they looked when he made his entrance.

Instinctively, Arabella tried to shy away, swaying her body a little around and cowering towards the nearest chair which belonged to Cedric, in order to shield her bare front while keeping the pose she was ordered to stay in.

"Sit straight and face your father!" there was not an ounce of warmth in Cedric’s tone, "He knows what he made,"

But the young woman’s demeanor was too busy crumbling as the tears took over. Her breathing hitched as the sobs she desperately fought to mute escaped her control.

"Didn’t I say she would come around?" the prince spoke again, that time addressing Reubon.

The man, dressed in all black, cleared his throat and ripped his eyes away from the disgraceful image at the prince’s feet... What remained of the daughter he raised to adulthood, "Yes, your highness was right as always," Reubon bowed before him.

"Yes, but once again, I had to do all the work myself," he clicked his tongue against his palate, "One would wonder what middlemen are good for,"

"No job is better done than the ones our own hands come to handle," General Atticus seconded that view.

"Some things got out of hand but, I trust that all has gone back to the order it should have had and well now," Reubon’s eyes refused to even float near her figure.

"All has gone back to its rightful order, indeed," Cedric nodded to his own words.

"Pardon my impudence, but how has the king’s recovery been? The last time I saw him was before my departure and his health wasn’t at its finest," Reubon quickly found a branch to cling onto.

Even Arabella could tell the previous topic of conversation wasn’t leading him anywhere bright.

Although, to hers as well as Reubon’s surprise, Cedric shifted more in his seat as though a thorn had grown beneath him. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

The false smirk on him wasn’t fooling anyone, "Not very good, I am afraid but while we’re at it, I might as well speak of the changes that have taken place in your absence,"

"Changes!?" Reubon half asked.

"Yes, I have the pleasure to inform you that the contract you were pining after will no longer be necessary," he gripped the arms of his chair.

"With all due respect, the delivery of the goods stands beyond the border, a contract will always be a must between us. Not to mention, the mines I hoped to exploit are nowhere within our reach. How-"

"There will be no need for no contracts as all goods and lands based on Umbrarian soil will soon be our possession," the prince cut him off.

Silence followed as Reubon and five of the Generals allowed their eyes to roam free, exchanging awkward and curious glances.

With the only one that sat straight in his chair being General Atticus.

"Do we speak of an invasion?" Reubon’s voice was no longer as steady as it used to be.

"Well, I must thank you, of all people!" Cedric’s hands went up and readjusted the crown atop his head, "The detailed map of the tunnels you’ve provided will very much come in handy,"

"The... Underground tunnels," Reubon half asked, "But those were supposed to be-"

"Are you voicing a grievance with his highness?" General Atticus’ tone barely shifted at all to formulate a question, "Would you have dared in front of the king?"

"No, high General. That was never my intention, of course," Reubon bowed once more, "If your grace has no more order for me then-"

Once anew, Reubon was cut off, "Oh, I have nothing for you alright!" he chuckled, "You and your family have served your purpose. Not to the best of your abilities but still,"

From miles away, the sound of those words strung in that order announced nothing too bright.

Cedric leaned back in his chair, "You will understand that, unfortunately, with the information I have just shared with you, I cannot take the risk of letting you roam free," his grin threatened to touch his ears.

"Your highness... I...,"

Another sentence was never allowed to see the light of day as General Atticus was as quick and brutish as a ghoul. So fast in fact, that Arabella only let out a scream once it was all over.

One punch to the gut. One strike sent Reubon to his knees, choking and dry heaving as he clutched his stomach with both arms around his middle.

"Did I give you permission to change position?" Cedric’s eyes turned to the young woman, who, still crawling on her knees, putting her hands on the floor for support while her tears flowed, "Your brother only has one ear left. Do you want him to lose the second?"

Arabella immediately straightened back and grasped her elbows behind herself.

"Brother?" through broken breaths and gags did Reubon manage to crane his head up.

"Ah yes! Didn’t I tell you? I finally got my hands on that precious son of yours," a cold, heart piercing chuckle left the prince, "Worry not, he’s kept cozy where no eyes and ears can reach him,"

"Why?" the man coughed.

"Your family has caused enough trouble as it is. I do have your daughter to thank for showing me just how unreliable you are, but you should be celebrating!" the prince threw his arms up, "You will finally reunite with your son and father after so long!"

Through much effort and the risk of coughing his guts out, Reubon only managed to raise his gaze high enough to meet his daughter’s eyes.

He had the habit of glaring her down since her earlier years, but that one... That one glower... Was special.

It carried the full weight, height and width of whatever he felt her way... Down to the last smidge.