#winter smp

“Listen closely, now, servant,” Liam Louise spoke hushed despite nobody around close enough to hear. Agora’s shoulders tensed and he perked upright, “We’re staying up until the cruel hours of the night.”

Feeling a shiver running down his spine, Agora nodded solemnly, “Yes, sir.”

Liam took a drag of his cigarette, “I have important business to tend to. Very dirty work…” He hissed out in annoyance, memories of the previous day flashing through his mind, “I have a guest coming over, and we will require drinks and a hot meal. Understood?”

His daughter was resting upstairs. She would be avenged.

Puffing out a cloud of smoke, Liam reached into his coat pocket, slipping out a vial, “This will be in the guest’s drink.”

Agora, with sudden horror, realized what the liquid was.

“Don’t back down on me now!” Liam growled menacingly.

“Good. That man won’t get away with what he did to her…” Crazed and bubbling with fury, Liam discarded the cigarette into the ashtray, squishing the life out of it. He grinded the ashes away into the surface, rage plastered in his mad eyes.

Shaking his head, Agora vowed, “I will speak nothing of this.”

While Agora agreed that Nickel shouldn’t be able to harm his love and get away scott free, the publicity of the news had already been tearing his identity apart the past few hours since the incident. He was labeled a rapist; people assumed the worst of the ex-president based on what little information was given, and what was twisted at the words of Liam Louise. The butler wasn’t so sure that murder was the best idea, but there wasn’t a single way he could imagine going against his master’s word. Hesitantly, he took the vial of poison.

The president, manipulative and grinning ear-to-ear, had invited his rival over to the sanctums that was his beloved mansion, the place he lived and took great pride in. It was considered the highest honor to the man to bring someone over, any guest knew this deeply. Liam had a fine appreciation for the building, one that went beyond any natural feeling. It was deeply romantic, almost like an addiction. Liam would keep the place spotless, hiring maids and servants to upkeep the mansion and take care of it. Guests were rare because of this. An invite to Liam Louise’s mansion was handing over diamonds casually. 

Who was Nickel to deny such a chance to get on better terms with someone like Liam? 

When Nickel received the invite, he nearly choked on his wine. Surely it was addressed wrong. But, no, it was written personally by Liam himself. Cursive ink letters traced expensive paper, addressing Nickel by his full name. The letter read carefully and apologetic. It was a sorrowful message politely requesting the presence of the ex-president to join Liam in his favorite home, the heart of his money. The letter detailed how he believed the two of them to be destined to be at one another’s throats, and how they should rewrite history together, shift reality itself so that they could further the idea that two grown men can be civil.

“Civil…” Nickel wrapped his hand around the glass, taking a swig of the fancy wine, “I wasn’t very civil, was I?”

He had wasted precious opportunities before, not again, not like this.

His publicity would, tonight, change for the better.

Nickel wore fine wool adorned in jewelry and niceties, adjusting his tie around his neck, he combed a bundle of fingers through his hair. He couldn’t deny how he looked handsome, and hoped that this impression of him would come off well. Everything had to go sunny-side-up tonight, otherwise, Nickel risked losing his life. The news played in the background of the large flat screen, alarmed and panicked as it described the ‘brutal attack’ in such a sacred area. The capital was since flooded with reporters, and his requests for meetings had tripled overnight. The world was desperate to know how Nickel had hurt the young girl. Knowing they only wanted a story, Nickel had rejected each request without so much as a letter. He wasn’t going to screw up or say the wrong words, and further the idea of the ex-president being a rapist.

Though, if he got to the main source of these lies, he could change it all. 

“Alright, Nickel, don’t fuck this over,” He spoke out loud to himself, once again readjusting the tie.

He ended up driving himself over alone. He didn’t have the money Liam did, what with the latter man investing in stocks and owning several businesses. Nickel also wanted to night to himself, to think deeply about what was to be said. He smoked while he drove, not being able to recall the last time he brought a cigar to his ragged teeth.

Arriving at the mansion, he parked outside in the long driveway. His car was left unattended as he walked up to the grandest entrance he’d ever seen on a building. There were intricate carvings all done into the wood, and beautiful beams and pillars rose to meet the doorframe. Everything was outlined in a red accent, fine and classy. 

Nickel coughed into his elbow, nervous uncharacteristically. 

A swift knock, and the great door was opened wide, welcoming Nickel inside.

The butler dipped his body to greet the man, “Welcome, sir. The president is awaiting your arrival in the dining room. It’s to the right of the grand hall.”

“Thanks, kid,” Nickel said smoothly, hoping to not offend. He admired the vastness of the building, the chandelier taunting him from above with its exquisite crystals dangling down below. The staircase rode all the way to the second level, and Nickel passed beside it. His hand couldn’t help but trace the railing as he walked by, appreciation for Liam’s taste doubling. He traveled to the right of the steps, and went into the next room over. 

Sitting at the head of the table, Liam puffed on a cigarette. He waved Nickel over with an endearing grin.

“Come, come!” The president welcomed, “Care for a smoke?”

Shaking his head, Nickel politely declined, “I try not to…” Recalling how he broke his own rule just earlier, he sat at the other end of the table. The cloth was engraved with mystique shapes around the edges, and the table was set for dinner.

The man inhaled through his teeth, “Of course, I’ll do almost anything to fix this mess. You- You do know I didn’t touch her, right?”

Liam Louise straightened up, sitting with his hands clasped together, deep in concentration, “Thank you for coming, Nickel. Listen, I will make this obvious. The world thinks lowly of you, come what happened last night at the ball. You would find it beneficial to hear me out, now.”

Liam’s expression darkened, and his knuckles turned white from the pressure he held them, “I know, Nickel. I know you’re an innocent man.”

He sighed, holding back on the real truth. He couldn’t expose how Nickel wanted to get deep into the kid’s mind, and reveal any wicked plans Liam was possibly creating. It was a terrible idea to begin with, involving the little girl. She likely had nothing to do with her father’s secrets anyway. Something was off about Liam, though. Something very few people saw through. It was like a vail overtop his eyes, those glasses of his, hiding his true intent everywhere Liam were to go. Something was fishy about his ‘old money’.

Liam smiled as Agora entered the room, carrying two drinks with him. The servant walked over to his master, and set the left drink down. A conversation of nods was exchanged, and Agora stepped over to Nickel, handing the second drink over.

“Cinnamon tequila,” Liam offered, “You sound like you’d be a fan!”

Nickel sniffed the drink, inhaling the scents of the alcohol. 

“Please, drink up! I’ve got grilled steak,” Liam spoke as Agora lifted the platters, “It looks delicious, Agora, thank you deeply.”

Lifting the drink to his lips, Nickel took a tiny sip, relishing in the flavor.

“Don’t be shy, Nickel! Two alcoholics can enjoy some tequila together, non?”

Nodding, Nickel was offered steak by Agora, and as it was placed on his plate, he noticed the death glare that was being given from across the room. Liam was staring daggers into his eyes, glasses unable to mask the pure danger. His white knuckles were nearly bruised with how tightly they were being gripped at. 

Letting out a snicker, Nickel took a swig of the glass, “This really does taste great, Louise.”

“Please, tonight you can just call me ‘Liam’,” He gave a gummy grin, “I’m glad you enjoy it! Would you like to eat now?”

“What’s wrong…?” Nickel hesitated, a fork in one hand.

“Nothing!” Liam smiled, closing gentle eyes, “Tell me, how are you feeling?”

Something was wrong.

Gulping, Nickel shook under the touch, “I promise I didn’t- You don’t get it, Liam-”

Signaling Agora to leave the room, Liam Louise stood and walked one boot in front of the other until he was stood behind the frozen ex-president. Hands came around so that they rested on Nickel’s shoulders.

He massaged the flesh under his hands a tad rough, “Nobody hurts my precious daughter, understood?”

Liam stared ahead of him as he flicked the blood out of his nails onto Nickel’s face, his eyes distant and blank, “You went too far!”

“DO NOT call me Liam,” Retracting his offer beforehand, the president dug his nails into Nickel’s skin, breaking through and drawing blood, “You hurt my child, Nickel… I don’t let people off easy when they make such a mistake…”

The man monologued, “You see, she was terrified; something so intense I’ve only seen once before,” A low chuckle, “And I ‘took care’ of that issue when it happened before, too. You’ve always been a pain in my side, but this simply went too far! Tonight was never meant to prove you innocent of any crime.”

Shaking, Nickel began to cough on his own phlegm. He panicked in an instant, and weak fingers reached up to gag himself. He shouldn’t of trusted fucking cinnamon.

Liam threw the other out of his seat, kicking him while he was down. Instantaneously, rage sputtered up in his throat, and Liam dug a heel into Nickel’s nose.

“You ruined my child! Her innocence! Have you no shame? You disgusting rapist!” 

“I-” Nickel coughed, feeling his mind go numb, “I didn’t-”

“Shut up! I don’t want to hear it!” The president screeched, “She’s in her room now, battered and bruised, because of your foul actions! You poisoned her!” 

He laughed maniacally, “I’m simply repaying the favor!!”

With the last ounce of energy in him, Nickel readied a gob of spit, and then aimed it straight for Liam’s cheek. It landed with a wet splat, and Liam reeled back in disgust, giving a hard kick to Nickel’s ribs. 

Feeling blood trickle down his arms and bruises form on his face, Nickel was rendered useless as the man in front of him waved with all his fingers.

“Bye, bye!” 

“You bastard!” He wiped furiously at the spot on his cheek, rubbing away the glob with a sleeve. Liam stomped into the body beneath him, digging his heel further into the now-broken nose. He watched with wicked delight as the life slowly left Nickel’s eyes; through sputters and choking, Nickel was unofficially pronounced dead.

Sighing, it was all over. The president stood upright, back straight as he beckoned his butler to return.

Agora entered the dining room, with shock and jittering fear in his anxious eyes. He was fidgeting with his sleeves, looking anywhere but the lifeless body.

Liam scoffed, “Don’t get cold feet now, servant, you’re the one meant to clean this all up!”

Gulping, the butler nodded with a dejected glance downwards, “Yes, sir. Right away, sir.”

“That’s more like it,” He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and lit one up, dragging it to his lips and inhaling, “Alright, I’m going to check on Lynx. Clean up, and I expect this mess to be gone by morning. D’accord?”

“Ma petite fille?” The man hovered over the bed, kneeling down to meet her side. She was quiet, fast asleep with gently closed eyes, “Ah, darling, daddy took care of it all for you, only for you. The bad man is gone now…”

Agora didn’t meet the crazed man’s eyes, simply nodding.

Turning away, Liam Louise made his way up the grand staircase, and turned the corner to meet Lynx’s room. He assumed her to be asleep, yet gently knocked anyway. When no answer was given, the door creaked open. Liam stepped inside, boots meeting the dark oak floorboards as he puffed smoke out inside.

Lynx did not stir, so he pressed on, “Nickel came over tonight, you see… He caused you so much stress, so much harm, your dainty little arms are still scarred by his mistakes…” He accentuated his words by tracing over her cuts, “Don’t worry, though. Daddy fixed it all. He’s gone forever, just like your nasty mother…”

Laughing quietly, Liam let his brain backfire, recalling the gentle way she would caress him. He buried it down deep, ignoring the heartache from his lost lover. She was wicked and cruel, and the moment she laid a finger on his child, it was over. 

“Sorry- I get caught up in the past, don’t I, ma fleur?” He jittered anxiously, feeling the rush of adrenaline coming to its end. His paranoia pushed through at long last, and he collapsed from exhaustion, placing his head alongside the bed. He outstretched a hand, interlocking his fingers with those of his daughter’s. He sighed with shivers in his voice, “Goodnight, mon amour. Sleep well, knowing you are once again safe…”

“Tch,” the man, studious and standing proudly, was draped in the finest most luxurious threads, cashmere scarf adorning the navy blue jacket, “Agora, dear, what do you see in this?”

The servant peaked his head into the room, carefully extending a hand out, “Sir, I see a bold, handsome man admiring oneself in the mirror.”

“Ahh,” Liam Louise, president of Chez-leur, nodded in approval, “Very good, butler. Now, please see that my daughter is ready for tonight. If she’s late again…” He trailed off, anger raising a single eyebrow on his expression.

“Yes, sir,” Agora nodded solemnly, waiting a moment more in case another request was made. When nothing else was asked of him, he turned quickly, and exited the room. Making his way across the hallway, he knocked rhythmically on the tall door frame.

“Come in, Agora,” Came the heavenly feminine voice inside.

Peering through the doorway, quiet creaking alerted Lynx to the servant coming in.

Agora gave a pleasant and genuine smile upon facing the exquisite beauty that was the president’s only child. The firstborn laid her shoulders flat, untensing her body parts as she settled into a gentle and welcoming embrace with her secret lover. A careful bundle of fingers traced along the back of the servant’s suit. 

“I should be going, shouldn’t I? Was my father upset?” She spoke hushed and low.

She sighed, heavy French accent filling her perfect words, “You look amazing, mon amour.”

“I could say the same about you, darling beloved,” Agora whispered, anxious and fearful at the idea of being caught embracing the president’s daughter. His head would be served on a silver platter if Liam Louise was aware of this disgusting mix of class. 

Agora shook his head, “About to be, he started to raise his voice; though, you’d still have a little time if you wanted to…”

“I’d adore nothing more than to kiss you now, Agora, but I really should get along. I cannot afford another lashing,” She shuttered in memory.

He was understanding, albeit, a little heartbroken. This gorgeous specimen didn’t deserve the beatings she was given at the mere habit of lateness. That wasn’t a place for Agora to have an opinion, though, so he remained deafeningly silent each occasion he was to bring the specified belt to the president. It broke him bit by bit. And yet, silence was what continued each beating.

“I will see you again later tonight, meet me in the courtyard once again, won’t you?” She held Agora’s hands lovingly in her own fine pale palms.

“Of course, my dear,” Agora smiled politely, “I’ll see you then. Run along, kitten, don’t anger your father.”

Already heading out the door, she waved a final caring goodbye, “I will see you, servant!”

Straightening out her vest and adjusting her blue matching tie, Lynx deemed herself ready to meet her father in the grand hall. Walking formally down the extravagant staircase, she spotted the powerful man waiting impatiently at the grand entrance.

“Apologies, father,” Lynx dipped her head in a sorry motion, “I did not mean to keep you waiting.”

“You’re lucky we’re busy tonight,” Liam scoffed, taking the girl by her dainty hand, “Come along, child, we have appearances to make.”

Arm in arm, Liam Louise and Lynx Louise casually stepped outside, ducking into the back of the long gray limousine. The driver started up the vehicle, and they were off within moments. 

Stating simply, she referred to her happenings earlier in the day, “I enjoyed a peaceful evening in the conservatory, father. It was pleasant to watch the nature around me as I had tea.”

Liam turned to meet his daughter’s eyes, “What have you been up to, child?”

The question was out of mock politeness, and was completely ingenuine. The man wanted nothing less than to hear about the simplicities of the girl’s daily operations. He was asking out of the idea that they must make conversation on the ride. She did not mind, finding it nice, although fake, to talk about whatever she had gotten up to while left alone. Her father was often busy, buried deep in paperwork or caught up in meetings, so Lynx had countless experiences alone she could share.

“Ah, I would suppose so,” Liam glanced out the window. His glasses tinted in something dark, something unreadable and all the same mysterious. He was a stoic picture of uncertainty to the child in the other seat. She shifted her weight from one crossed leg to the other. 

Faux politeness passed the time, and soon enough they had arrived at their destination. It would be a night of some walking, as they were to explore the richer part of their capital. Sliding out of the car, Lynx and Liam were met with their bodyguards' neutral expressions. 

Constance and Javier, two roses. One, Javier, was all thorns, while Constance was nothing but petals. They complimented one another, as they had to, being siblings in the same line of work. Lynx had yet to truly get to know one or the other, and merely wrote them off at this point in time. She dipped her head in respect to those who would watch their backs.

Liam scoffed at Lynx’s display of kindness, and he snapped his fingers hastily, forcing her to upright her back in shame. Lynx whispered a ‘sorry’, and the bodyguards led them through the bright buildings of neon and money.

Shops and vendors from all around town caught the attention of the girl, and her eyes traced each line and curve she found herself attracted to. The stores were beckoning, welcoming, and greedily trying to draw her in. She had been raised well enough to know the scam that was capitalism, despite how well her family functioned through it. Lynx knew her money was precious to keep, and a hand fell to her purse. She had nothing with her tonight, and the bag was only for show and fine presentation. Her eyes fell upon her father, who’s fogged glasses made it impossible to tell where he was looking. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from the mystique man.

“Keep your eyes straight ahead, ma fleur,” He scolded her.

“Yes, father,” Her eyes were taken to the sights directly before her.

The people around them bustled and crowded, however, not a single hand was caught anywhere near the highly important figures gracing their presence to the lowly passerbys. They were all loud and roaring with communication, and Lynx felt herself shrinking under the intense volume. She was mildly annoyed with how nobody seemed to shut up in the city.

Liam scoffed, reading the girl’s mind, “These lowly street peoples… Mon dieu.”

The beautiful daughter dipped her head in agreement, “Pitiful creatures.”

She caught a gentle smirk in her father’s face, and joy rushed through her chest. 

As they neared the great building ahead, the bodyguards parted ways, letting the highly regarded figures through into the entrance. Javier held the door open, and Constance respectfully nodded to the two.

Stepping inside, a sudden new environment was to behold. The atmosphere was shrouded in a warm lighting, fancy perfumes, and respectable members of society. Lynx tried to name those she recognized.

Nerve. Leader of Winterland.

The two-faced, manipulative woman gave a little wave to the child, “Hello, dears.”

“It is nice to see you again, young one, how old are you now?”

Liam Louise held back his distaste for her, showing the woman the lowest form of respect he knew how to show. He lifted her hand to his chin and gently laid an air kiss to her knuckles. She relished in the attention, turning to Lynx.

The aforementioned little girl combed a hand through her well-kept ebony hair, “Twelve, now, ma’am.” 

She shuffled her shoulders, “Of course, have a good night, the both of you.”

“Already?” Nerve was astonished, “It seems just days ago where I was there by your side as a newborn…”

“Yes,” Liam brought attention back to himself, his stature tall, “And she will be thirteen come this August. Now, thank you, but we have business.”

Lynx smiled, and then moved on.

The next face she caught in the audience was that of her father’s rival, Nickel. His speech was slurring, and a disgusted contorted face was etched into his lips, his eyelids narrow and hasty. 

“Well, if it isn’t the president…” He sneered, “I heard you were coming…” 

“And I come to every event,” Liam scoffed, “What do you want?”

His words blended together as he took a swig of his drink, “You took everything from me, bastard.”

“You’ve had far too much tonight, take a break from the alcohol,” the president groaned in annoyance.

Liam raised an eyebrow.

“You stole my life,” There was rage and fury in balled up fists, “Don’t look at me like that, Louise!”

Lynx stared in fear, eyes darting from one figure to the other. She was terrified which direction this conversation was heading. She knew her father would never be physical in public, but the way he got so close to Nickel’s face and grinned, it looked like punches could be thrown.

“Don’t talk to me about my alcohol intake!” Nickel growled, “You’re a drunk like me… Miserable. Worthless. Drunk.”

“And you’re barking once more, pet!” Liam taunted, watching the way the previous leader of Chez-leur became enraged and flushed.

Winding back, Nickel stumbled over his own feet, unbuttoned jacket dripping lazily over his form, “Fuck you, Louise.”

“Have a wonderful night, Nickel,” Liam Louise gave a knowing toothy smile, exposing his top gums in the expression. 

Lynx cowered beside her father.

“Mon dieu, I apologize for my behavior, ma petite biche, I should not have let myself get so carried away,” He sighed, “You know how I feel seeing that man.”

“Yes, father,” She whimpered under her breath, “I understand. He is a cruel and nasty man. I am simply sorry we had to see him tonight.”

The man glanced her way and put a hand on Lynx’s shoulder, “You’re a darling, child. Now, let’s move on, shall we?”

As they greeted more faces, Lynx noticed Atlanta, leader of Terraheje; a kind and warm person whom truly knew how to keep her citizens pleased with her. Another few chats and Roman and Feesh were introduced. They were royalty from the next country over. Again, a relatively neutral conversation was shared with the snobby queen and king, and then Liam and Lynx swiftly moved on to themselves once more. Finally, they had managed to run into another pair of royals, Leoch and Loreshi. The pregnant and motherly queen hooked her arm around that of her husband, and they chatted with Louise about pleasantries and congratulations for the upcoming heir. 

Lynx quickly became bored with the routine of conversing politely with those around her, and she excused herself away.

Traveling over to the clothed table, a banquet of appetizers was found before her, and she helped herself to some shrimp. Chewing with a closed mouth, she found herself drifting away in thought. Lynx’s eyes closed as she bit down into the meat, and she considered all she had done that night. Finally being away from her father, Lynx was granted freedom to roam the ballroom to her own heart’s content. She decided to get away from the classical music and bustling of respectful members, and slipped away into the courtyard. Lynx sat on the bench, letting a deep sigh out of her lips as she brought her knees to her chest. She wished nothing more than to be around her lover now, to hold his hand in hers and to whisper kindness to him; to give Agora the well-deserved softness he needed. 

Caught in Lynx’s imagination, a figure entered the outside without her immediate knowledge.

It was the slobbering drunk from before.

“Hey, kiddo,” He blurted out, catching the young girl’s eye, “You seem distracted..”

“Apologies, sir, I was in my own mind,” She shifted uncomfortably under a predatory gaze.

“Don’t apologize,” He sat beside her, scooting far too close than what was appropriate for them, “I understand. Hey- tell me about your dad..”

“What about my father, sir?” Lynx felt every hair stand on end as an arm met her shoulder, bringing her into an unwelcome hug.

“What’s that man planning?” His eyes turned dark and foreboding, “What is he doing?” 

Lynx’s anxiety raced, “I- I’m not sure I understand…”

The glass in the older man’s hand was thrown, shattering across the concrete.

“DAMN IT! You know what I mean, little girl! What is that man going to do?” He screeched at the top of his lungs, grip tightening on the young one’s neck. 

“Please- sir-” Her pitiful life flashed all at once, and it was painfully unlike anything she would’ve ever wished for herself. Suddenly, all her trapped feelings came roaring out of her body in the form of hot tears. She sobbed intensely, thrashing and flailing to get the man’s hard grasp off.

Nickel stumbled to his feet, letting the girl drop limp to the glass-covered ground. Horror flashed wildly in his eyes, realizing what he had just done. He turned tail and ran.

As shards caught her cheek and arms, Lynx was a bloody mess on the concrete, petrified and dazed. She couldn’t grasp what she had just been a victim to, and her mind started to numb over her. A wave of distress and dissociation cocktail flooded her veins, and Lynx cried uselessly.

It must have been an hour before another person exited the building. To her surprise, it was her father, too. She couldn’t tell whether it was lucky or not that he was the one to find her stained suit and battered arms. She laid there, letting wails and sobs wreck through her perfect feminine form, and her father asked a thousand questions all at once. She could not understand the words falling from his mouth as she stared. Though her wounds had since healed into scabs over the past hour, her brain was still echoing a warning all throughout her system. It was desperate and overrun, terrified that the next step she would take would be her final; that the next breath would open the scars and have her bleed to death.

Liam Louise snapped his fingers together in front of her breathless form, “Ma petite fille, who did this to you?”

Shaky and heaving, she wheezed out, “Nickel.”

Crashing down, Liam screamed his rage out through gritted teeth, “That cheinne! I’m going to seriously kill him! How dare he lay even a hand on you, my beautiful flower; worry not, I will make him pay.”

When the president let out his frustrations through another yelp, a small group of people funneled out of the doorway. It was a collection of photographers and those working with the news. They all clambered around, having to duck past the protective father stopping them. Pictures were snapped and lights flashed all around her limp body. Her father smoothed out any rageful wrinkles, and instead, let out a sorrowful and tearful mask. He hurriedly scooped Lynx up into his arms, pleading to the ongoing live image of his face reflected in the cameras what he knew, and what he had made up.

And soon enough, they were, in fact, on their way home. He placed her in the back of the limo, and signaled the driver to get home as soon as humanly possible. They took the shortest way through the streets to the mansion they called home, and Lynx’s bloodied body was gently caressed again. Her father carefully ordered the butler outside at once.

“That monster- Nickel Craft, he did this to my daughter-!” Liam cried out, “She must be avenged! This degenerate cannot get away with violating and harming my child!”

Remaining eerily still and shushed, Lynx buried her face into the chest of her father. She wanted to leave more than anything.

Agora rushed out, standing upright and ready to listen and obey.

Upon the sight of his lover, scratched up and scabby, he nearly wailed. He was given the body, and he treated her as if he’d just lost her, Wiping a steady stream of tears to the side, Agora whispered to her, assuring her safety.

Whisking the petite daughter away, the servant took her to the medical closet. He set Lynx gently along the leather sofa, and took a cloth dabbed in water, gently going over the wounds to clean them out. She hissed out in horrible pain occasionally, and Agora needed to fetch tweezers to pick out the bits of glass embedded in her fair skin. He hushed her and cooed to reassure the beautiful masterpiece before him, and she otherwise remained quiet. The yowls of pain echoed through the grand room as she was soothed with love.

Lynx whined through more broken tears.

“My father’s rival- Nickel, he shouted at me, broke his glass, then dropped me into the mess,” She didn’t care to express her negative emotions, only getting out the important details. It was all still too much, and she squeezed her eyes shut in terror, shivering and shaking through the painful recollection. It all had happened so fast, she wasn’t quite sure what really was happening. All she could steadily recall was Nickel wanted something out of her. Then was the deafening silence and inability to move, and finally the constant insistent flashing of photography. Lynx felt a wave of embarrassment flood her system as she realized how her whole country must know how she was bleeding on the cold ground beforehand. She knew her father would twist this story horribly, but she still felt ashamed of herself for letting it happen at all.

Agora asked gently, “What happened?”