forum The Strangers in the Palace (Closed)(Fantasy)

Started October 31, 2021 by @LovelyRose

tune

“Yeah, we can go. I was just waiting around to make sure she’d actually be gone. She has an outing with a group of wives every week, and though they can’t get to the Palace today, I heard she’s still having it with some of the women that are stuck. There’s a pretty high chance we won’t even see her, but, y’know, I thought I thought I’d prep you for the worst possible scenario.”

She guided Rinlos outside of the room to a nearby staircase. They passed a few couples and small groups on the way up, but when they neared the top, she disappeared.

Into their ear, she said, “I’m still here. Just don’t want us to be seen together.”

They reached the hallway. Muria’s door was made of a dark cherry wood, and it was open slightly so that the maid service could come in. Quirisa left Rin’s side, still invisible, and peered inside. It was empty.

“I’m gonna go. Window’s at the end, right over there. Go sit and wait. Shouldn’t be long.”

Rin nodded faintly, taking the notebook with them as they went over to the window. They even pulled a pencil from their pocket, flipping to a random page of the notebook, and looking outside. They eventually began to doodle and write down scraps of lyrics, enough that it looked like he was actually writing something.

Quirisa began to search Muria’s room. She went for the most hidden locations first, peering under the older woman’s mahogany desk and gold-knobbed wardrobe. She then carefully pinched and unfolded a letter that ended up being unimportant. Next were the financial files, which were charted in a series of jewel-colored journals, and a massive chest holding mementos. Some of them were from her father. She let her hand linger on one of his old scarves, her breath baited. Thinking about him hurt worse than her bruised eye, worse than any slap or punch or kick in the world.

She moved past the scarf after a long moment and found a bottle of his old cologne, which she wished she could steal for herself. There was also a thin, twine-bound stack of his maps on top of one of his favorite suit jackets. Beneath those were some of his letters—none of which seemed to have anything to do with Muria or Arquis—and a collection of his rings.

Gently, she put everything back into place and shut the lid of the chest. Her good eye was watering; she convinced herself it was from the dust. She looked around the space, growing desperate. There had to be some trace of her plan. Something small, even. Where would Muria keep something like that? Somewhere unexpectedly expected. Her mind was like that. But where?

She turned, went to Muria’s desk, and opened her leather-bound daily planner. On a random page was a list of guest names. She wished Arquis were there; he would recognize them. She reread the list and frowned. One of the names was Siri Sadey. She pulled the financial records again and checked it, and sure enough, there was a rather hefty cost to Siri Sadey in the past week for party decorations. Siri was Muria’s nickname for Sirisa. The odds of there being a Siri Sadey, close in sound to Siri de Vey, were slim.

She slipped all of the belongings back to where they had been and rejoined Rinlos in the hallway, making sure to prop the door open again. Rather than speak, she slipped an invisible arm around their back and pressed her finger to their lips. She could hear someone coming.

It was Marsiquia, not Muria. She saw Rinlos and smiled, waving happily. “Oh, Bard! I am so glad I ran into you! I bring news from Arquis. Is now a good time to talk?”

Rin stiffened faintly when her arm wrapped around his shoulder, but didn't move away. He closed the journal, looking over at Marsiquia. "I…perhaps not right now?" he said slowly, not wanting to get caught hanging around here by Muria. It could look…suspicious, to say the least. "I don't know."

Marsiquia’s face fell, and she nodded, openly disappointed. The edges of her bangs brushed her cheeks as she shifted, crossing her arms.

“That is alright, I understand.” Her brow furrowed. She looked as if she was hugging herself as she turned to walk away.

Quite suddenly, she paused, turning back their way. She began to speak again hesitantly. “I was told that Muria granted you freedom. I am not surprised that you left my brother’s side. You should never have been made responsible for his health. But I thought… well.” Her eyes looked terribly sad. “If he were here, he would scold me for being improper, wouldn’t he? I suppose I should just wish you a lovely day.”

"I…" he trailed off. "I did not mean that I did not care, only that now is not the right time." they said quickly. "Unless it is urgent? I…" they ran a hand through their hair, studying Marsiquia for a long moment. He did care about Arquis; he wasn't sure quite how much, but he knew that he did. If something was wrong, they wanted to know.

“It was not urgent. All he told me to say was that he regained some sensation in his legs. I will not keep you any longer.”

She walked away, shoulders sunken, and rounded a corner. Quirisa watched her go with a heavy heart. She wanted to follow her and spill the whole situation, but that would have to wait until later.

“Alright,” she whispered, “we’re safe to go. We’ll go down the same way we came.”

"That's good." he replied, fidgeting very faintly. "Thank you for telling me, Marsiquia." they nodded faintly at Quirisa's words, and began walking, heading back towards her room. They took a deep breath, quiet for the most part.

Once back in her room, Quirisa became visible. Pins and needles raced through every part of her body, starting in her fingertips and working their way down. She shivered as if trying to shake them off. Being invisible for longer than ten minutes always made her physically feel strange. It was as if she was meant to be that way; as if she wasn’t meant to exist at all. She didn’t mind it most of the time, but on bad days it drove her mad.

“I don’t know much more than I already did,” she admitted to the musician, her face uncharacteristically grim. “But what I do know is that she’s involved somehow. In a guest list in her planner, she wrote the name Siri Sadey. That same name is in one of her financial books. It doesn’t sound like much at first, but Siri was her nickname for her sister—my aunt. She’s the one I told you about earlier, the one that killed Dad. And as for Sadey, well, it’s too close to de Vey to be a coincidence.”

She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed deeply. “I still don’t understand it. Sirisa’s obviously not actually here. Someone would’ve seen her. So her name in those books was used as an alias for the guy I actually interrogated. Muria was covering her tracks in case someone investigated her. But why did she hire him in the first place? Why try and kill Arquis?”

A thought dawned on her, and she straightened, chills running down her spine. “We shouldn’t have left him. He’s not safe here.”

Rin set the journal down on Quirisa's bed; it was not theirs, and they weren't going to keep it. At her words, he only listened, then glanced at the door when she said that they shouldn't have left him. "We can go to his room, and discuss it there?" he suggested. "If that would be safer." he didn't comment on her words about Sirisa and the man that had been hired; they didn't really have any theories to add.

“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.”

She kicked open her door and went straight to her brother’s room, not stopping for a second. Her pulse began to pound in her temples. She could taste metallic fear on her tongue. Logically, she knew that nothing could have happened in such a short span of time, especially not since Marsiquia had been there for a bit. But when she swung open his door, she felt her mind go blank. He wasn’t in his bed. He wasn’t in the room at all.

She called his name, sounding more panicked than she’d like to admit, and waited. No response came, but she realized that she did hear running water. She made a beeline to the washroom and threw open the door; her mind had already prepared itself for the worst.

Arquis was sitting on the ground with his back propped up against his bathtub. He was wearing an ankle length, long sleeved bathrobe the color of red wine. It was parted at top to reveal a sliver of his collarbones. The steam in the air from the hot, running water had curled his already damp hair and brought a healthy flush into his face.

When he saw who had barged in, his expression flickered from bewilderment to annoyed. Then he saw Rin, and he smiled despite himself.

“Hello again,” he said shyly. “Is everything alright?”

Rin got worried as well, at the realization that Arquis wasn't in his bed, but relaxe again when he saw the other man seated on the floor. "Everything's fine. Quirisa and I were just…a bit worried." they replied, giving him a quick smile. "And, Marsiquia told me that you recovered some feeling in your legs?" he asked, glancing at Quirisa and then back at Arquis.

“Oh, yes, a little. I do not believe that I will be running anytime soon, but I am quite pleased that the damage was not permanent.” He stretched a gloved hand down to rub his knee as if reassuring himself that his words were true, even though he could feel the fabric on his skin. His eyes fluttered shut for a moment, then snapped open. “Wait, why were you worried? Did something else occur?”

Quirisa folded her arms and leant against the nearest wall. “Yeah. We did some snooping. Found something out about Muria.”

“Muria?” The color left his face. “What is it?”

“We think she was the one who sent the guy to infect you. It’s a long story, but there’s proof for it.”

He didn’t question why she would want him dead, just covered his face with his hands. Through the crack in his palms, her stuttered, “Goodness. Alright. I believe you. That sounds just… just like something she would do.”

Rin nodded faintly. "Yes. We…Quirisa snooped in her room looking around, and…that is what she has come up with. I can't say I understand all the…underlying complexities here, but…" they trailed off, tugging on the hems of the shirt Quirisa had given them to wear. It was not quite the right size; it was too big, and the sleeves kept threatening to cover up his hands.

(just double-checked and Rin is, in fact, three inches shorter than Arquis lmao)

(oh huh I was definitely picturing them as taller lol)

Arquis pressed his knuckles against his closed eyelids and let out a shuddering sigh. “I am not quite sure what to do with this information,” he confessed, clearly distressed, lifting his head to look at the two of them. “I doubt talking to her will do any good. It does not matter. I do not want either of you to get more involved than you already are.”

“You really think I’m just gonna sit aside and watch her kill you?” Quirisa fired back automatically. Her fists clenched. “Screw that.”

“Quirisa, please,” he begged.

“Please what? Please let her murder you?”

“If that’s what she wants, then yes. Let her do what she will.”

“Why-“ Her voice cracked. “Why would you think that I’d just- that I would be fine with that?”

His next words were so quiet that they were barely audible over the running water. “Because I deserve it.”

(same lmao but no, Arquis is 6'1" and Rin is 5'10")

Rin listened to the back and forth silently, eyebrows drawing together in a faint frown. He moved to crouch beside Arquis, cautiously reaching out to put a hand on the man's shoulder. His touch was light, easy to shrug off if Arquis decided he wanted to. "I…do not pretend to understand why your mother would wish to kill you, but I can say that I in no way see how you could ever deserve it." they said in a soft tone, eyes fastened on Arquis. "There are a few people in this world that I can say deserve death, but you are not one of them."

(lol whoops)

Arquis unknowingly leaned into the touch. He hesitantly placed his hand on top of theirs. His glove was just thin enough that the warmth of his hand could be felt through it.

“I wish,” he sighed, something broken in his tone, “that I was worthy of such praise. But I am not.” He let his arm drop. “I have knowledge of my past that you do not possess. If you were made aware of it, you would loathe me. Of that I am certain. It is best that you take my advice and leave me to my fate.”

Quirisa scowled. “Oh, come on. Don’t be so dramatic. Whatever you’re rambling about, it can’t be that bad.” She pushed her fingers through her hair with a groan. “Listen. I’m going to go get Marsi. You’d better stop this crap by the time I get back, got it?”

He let her leave and turned to the bard once more. “Please, Rin. You do not have to be involved in this. I could not stand it if any harm came to you.”

(lol oh well)

Rin hummed faintly, shaking their head. Once Quirisa was gone, they studied Arquis calmly. "I have some aces up my sleeves, Arquis. I can take care of myself, and this wouldn't be the first sticky situation I've had to get out of before." he replied. "Trust me on that. Besides, I'm too nosy to stay out of this." the last sentence was said in a light, more teasing tone, before he sobered up again. "And, I want to help you."

A surge of fear coursed through his veins, turning him ice cold. He anxiously pinched the pads of his fingers through his gloves. They had started to go numb. His breathing had sped up, which had in turn set his heart racing, and he pivoted to wrap his arms around the lip of his bathtub. He heaved himself up and leaned forward. Direct contact with the steam did wonders for his lungs.

After about a minute, he said, “It is not that I question your ability to care for yourself. I have no doubt that you are a capable individual. It is simply that I know what Muria is capable of as well, and I know that she…” His breathing stuttered, and he tugged aside the collar of his robe. “She does not hold back. If she can find a way to harm you—and she will, she always does—then she won’t hesitate to do exactly that. She will make you hurt.”

His vision was blurry, but it wasn’t from the steam. He dropped his head onto his folded forearms and stared at the swirling water.

He wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep doing this. He’d kept secrets for such a long time, and he had to admit that they were destroying him. He drank more than he ate; he could hardly sleep; his hands hurt so badly that he could barely focus. His social life was basically nonexistent, and his love life was even more pathetic. He did not buy anything for himself, did not take time off except to paint, and even that he had become gradually detached from. He was practically dead already; there was no need to drag anyone else down with him.

“I am tired, Rin,” he murmured, “very, very tired.”

Rin watched him, keeping his hand resting on Arquis's shoulder. "Arquis, I…" he trailed off, biting his lip for a moment. "I want to help." they had already said it and they meant it. "I don't pretend to understand everything that is going on here, but…I do not know if Muria could find anything to hurt me with. My fears are mostly abstract, and the things that hurt me are…well, they're from the past and I know how to deal with them." he gently rubbed his thumb against Arquis's shoulder blade, trying to comfort the nobleman.

Their gentle touch succeeded in comforting him. He exhaled, the lightheaded, intense feeling of stress fading away.

“Thank you,” he replied quietly, not able to face them. His mouth opened again, but whatever he was about to say next was cut off by the door banging open.

Arquis whirled around to see his sisters in the doorway. Marsiquia came over and knelt beside him immediately. She then tackled him in a hug.

“Quirisa told me what happened,” she breathed tearfully. “I cannot imagine how scared you must be right now. We will not let her get away with it, I promise.”

“He thinks he deserves it,” Quirisa stated. She stuffed her hands into her pockets and shuffled over to flop down beside Rinlos.

Marsiquia pulled away, her eyes shining with a blend of pity and shock. “What? Why would you say that?”

“I did something bad once. Something I cannot talk about. Not because I do not trust you all, but because I am a coward.” He swallowed; his mouth was dry. “You all will have to forgive me for that. I just cannot lose anyone else.”

Rin was quiet to let the siblings talk, thumb still gently rubbing circles on Arquis's shoulder blade. "Whatever it is, I do not think any of us would judge you ill for it." They said softly. "But, you do not have to share. I will not force you. But you must let us try to keep you safe, if only because none of us want to lose you just yet."

(sorry these are long it’s a lot of characters lol)

“They’re right. Whatever you did, it’s not bad enough to make me want you dead,” Quirisa said. She leaned forward to flick her brother on the knee lightly. “Looks like you’ll have to deal with all of us for just a bit longer.”

Arquis nodded slowly. While he wasn’t looking, Marsiquia flashed an appreciative smile at Rinlos. She was clearly not upset with him anymore, and the twinkle in her blue eyes proved it.

“What is the plan?” Arquis asked, his voice trembling. He hadn’t been expecting such kindness.

Quirisa steepled her fingers, her expression contemplative. “We’ll have to get you away from the Palace somehow. Just for a bit. Your disappearance will cause a scandal, and then authorities will have to come out to investigate, even in the snow. I can expose the evidence against her when they’re here. She’ll be taken into official interrogation. I’ll do some more snooping while you’re gone to see if I can’t get anymore dirt on her. Might even get enough to keep her locked up.”

“He can’t go back out there in his condition,” Marsiquia protested. “What if it triggers his asthma again?”

“There are precautions that I could take. I could dress warmly and cover the lower half of my face.” He paused. “The previous attack was in part caused by the infection, so I should not be as much at risk anymore.”

“I still think it would be too dangerous for you to go, especially on your own.”

“Well, it is not as if you and Quirisa could come with me. One of us going missing is suspicious, especially after a poisoning. Two of us going missing would seem as if we were in on it together.”

“What about the bard?” Quirisa asked.

“I am not going to make them chaperone me,” he insisted, a blush creeping up his neck.

Rin shrugged their shoulders. "I have no problem with accompanying you, Arquis. It will seem less suspicious, in any case. Is there a portable instrument you can play? Because, if so, we can be a pair of bards traveling together. Otherwise…well, you'll have to be useful in some way, and if you cannot make music we shall have to find some other thing for you to do." He gave Arquis a quick smile.

“No, that would not work. The only instrument he plays is the harp,” Marsiquia answered helpfully. At the mention of it, Arquis went tense, his shoulders drawing up beside his ears. His hands found each other, and he unconsciously wrung them just hard enough to sting.

Quirisa began to bounce one of her legs. She’d never been very good at keeping still, no matter the circumstance. “Bard’s right, though. Going as an actual pair is a better disguise. What if you guys pretended to be honeymooning?”

“Pretended to be what?” Arquis stammered. He loved his sister, even in her bad moods, but right now he wanted to kick her out. His entire face had gone a weird shade of red. “Why in the world would we do that?”

“The village is a known honeymoon destination. You guys could pretend like you’d gotten lost in the snow—which is why you were late to arrive—and then book a room. Nobody would suspect a thing.” She grinned devilishly. “You wouldn’t have to actually, like-“

“Quirisa, please,” he groaned.

“Yeah, yeah, I think you get the point. What do you think, Bard? Sound like fun?”