CHAPTER 441: A WORD

"Most of the tributes are from poorer counties or villages with no access to medical resources and care. Keeping a verifiable medical history for each would alas not be possible," she said, hoping the goblin wouldn’t press further.

"I suppose the ways in Lustris haven’t changed, but perhaps we can bring the subject to the king himself,"

An invisible strain wrapped around Arabella’s vocal cords at those words. The tensions between their countries were high enough as it was, especially with her presence there... Having Umbraria make suggestions as to how Lustris should be run wouldn’t be taken so well. Even if it was in good faith.

"That would be gross interference on our part," Liriel countered, "In other words, not as severe as a breach of the treaty but quite close to that,"

"Yes, but-" Grishnak started but was immediately interrupted.

"I’ve heard and seen enough," the ghoul finally spoke up, "I am leaving,"

His voice matched his appearance; deep, guttural yet comforting. He walked with as much grace as his shape allowed, but as he was passing Arabella by, his eyes alone moved and locked onto hers.

There was no distinction between his irises and pupils. All pitch black they were, reminiscent of a bottomless void-like ocean.

His skin veered towards colder tones, purplish to red. He said nothing else, waited for no response and simply vanished out the medical wing doors.

"So am I," the second member that was eager to leave was predictably Mingan.

"But we haven’t even spoken to the doctors yet!" the goblin protested.

She stormed out at a bit of a hastier pace than the ghoul.

"Well, this has been fun," Caden sighed, "As much as I’d love to stay and have a deeper chat with our first human Lady, I am afraid I have much else to tend to,"

After a respectful, solemn bow and a short lasting glare at Grishnak, he too left the room.

"They have no sense of duty, these people!" the goblin hissed under his breath.

"Please, pardon us, but I could not, in good conscience, summon the doctors away from their work," Arabella returned an apologetic look, "They have been quite busy trying to speed the recoveries of the tributes,"

"Come now, Grishnak. You have put your mind at ease now, let us be considerate and give the family the time to deal with their own issues," Liriel suggested, "They have enough on their plate as it is,"

"Yes, well, there is still the matter of the deceased maid which has to be-"

The fairy allowed him to say no more and spoke over him, "Lady Arabella was not part of the family yet when the tragedy with the maid struck. It can only be discussed with the head of the household at the time which was none other than Persephone. These are our rules and it does surprise me that you would even hint at going against them,"

Grishnak did not seem all that pleased, "No, of course. Rules are rules," he muttered while heading for the door, "I do hope for the best regarding your missing servant," he stopped and tried to bow again.

"Thank you, Sir Grishnak," Arabella too bowed in response. Her knees trembled but hopefully, only Liriel felt their betrayal.

The goblins’ eyebrows and lips twitched momentarily before he turned around again, "Hop hop! I am off then!"

"Did I say the wrong thing?" Arabella asked as soon as his figure went out of sight.

In response, Liriel chuckled, "I know you’ve done your homework on our people, but in reality, no one other than his own have called him Sir for a while,"

"Does he dislike that?" her hand rested upon her heart, "I merely used the honorific after reading that the head of a goblin congregation was to always be referred to as Sir,"

"Yes, they are, but it is an old practice. Although," The smirk on Liriel was brilliant, "I can tell you that you have all of his attention now. You’ve told him exactly what he wanted to hear,"

There was a gap of time during which neither of them said a thing as they exited the medical wing.

"Was that all of the syndicate members?" Arabella broke the silence.

"Belinda wasn’t available to come on such a short notice which, by the way," Liriel floated off Arabella’s shoulder in order to face her, "I am deeply sorry that I have not been able to warn you about our visit as I was blindsided myself,"

"There is no need to apologize, please," the young woman smiled and shook her head, "Although, I am curious, Is Belinda a witch?"

"The second best after Morgana in the entirety of Umbraria. Though she was only offered the spot after Morgana declined it, much like Caden was next in line after Persephone for vampires,"

"Was Alpha Cynric ever considered?" very gently, Arabella guided Liriel back onto her shoulder.

"Oh, absolutely not!" the fairy squeaked, "For wolf folk, Mingan was the first choice; young and level headed. As aggressive as she may have come across, she is not combative and will always resort to violence only as a last course of action,"

Arabella took a moment to consider her next words, tossing and turning them until the decision was made for her.

"Speak up, my dear," the tiny hand of Liriel rested upon her cheek, "I know that look means you have a question for me,"

"Yes, well...," she cleared her throat, cheeks flushing pink, "I meant to ask about the ghoul if that is alright,"

However, before the fairies managed to say a thing, Cassandra appeared from around the corner, looking... Burdened?

"My Lady," she curtsied, "The crown prince of Lustris has sent a word for you to meet him. He says there is something he wishes to speak with you privately about,"

Beside the words that came out of her mouth, Arabella more so focused on Cassandra’s expression, "Are you alright, Cassandra? Did he say or do something that upset you?"

"No," the maid shook her head furiously, "But he gave me this letter to pass onto you along with his request," her trembling hand extended with the piece of paper between her fingers.