Uninvited Guests

"Any words you need to say to this Prince's golden gift, you will have to say in front of this Prince." Raiden told Lindsay.

"Its a private matter, " Lindsay said making an excuse.

"Private matter or not, this Prince's golden gift shall stay by this Prince. Either say it now or leave."

Jewels could see Lindsay hesitate, still thinking about her next move when Jewels put her out of her misery.

"Why, older sister, where are your manners?" Jewels said wiping the corner of her lips with a napkin while smiling slyly. "First you barge into the left wing unannounced and uninvited. Then you come in here without greeting your elders. Uncle Jude and Pop pop is of our own blood and you couldn't even tell them a good morning? You did not greet nor did you bow to Prince Raiden. Is not greeting your elders and honorable guest the most simplest form of etiquette that even a child would know about? You have been raised in the main house your whole life and received the highest paid education that Harvey could afford and yet you have already forgotten the most basic manners for a young lady to possess? What have they been teaching you over at the main house? What would Harvey and Lana say when they find out how you have embarrassed the Brooks name? Especially in front of His Highness?"

"You--" Lindsay started, but couldn't finish her thought because Prince Raiden was there and she didn't want to look unladylike in front of him.

"Not only that, but you want to go against Prince Raiden's words. Should Harvey find out that you went against Prince Raiden's words, you would be punished. " Jewels said egging her on. "Since I have so much affection for you and the fact that you have risen out of bed so early in the morning to come over to the left wing to talk to me, I'll let you say what you need to say. However, since Prince Raiden has made it clear that I am to be by his side, I'll listen to what you have to say right now in front of everyone."

Lindsay's hatred towards Jewels increased tenfold. Since when has Jewels become so conniving? Although her words reprimanded Lindsay's behavior, the way she said it was soft and slow that it sounded sincere, however it was nothing but sincere. It was scathing to her pride.

"As your older sister, I worry about you," Lindsay started. "When you left here a couple of days ago, there were rumors that you and Prince Raiden stayed under the same roof, under the same room. Then when you came back, the same rumors of you sharing a bed with Prince Raiden under the Brooks Manor came about as well. You are young and naive, as the youngest miss of the Brooks family, you should be more careful of your reputation as a lady."

"The Prince does what he wills." Jewels said nonchalantly while picking up her tea cup and bringing it to her lips. "Who am I to tell His Highness what he can and cannot do? Who am I but His Highness golden gift that he personally chose himself?"

Nodding up and down, Prince Raiden agreed with Jewels.

"As your sister, I'm telling you to remember about your decorum."

"And as your younger sister, I'm telling you to mind your own business. What Prince Raiden and I do is none of your business."

Forgetting about the other people in the room, Lindsay lost her self-control.

"How about I teach you a lesson in manners and acting like a lady?"

"I think I'll pass. Seeing how you can't even remember how to greet your own elders, I don't think you have any right to teach me anything about manners. And seeing how you slept outside for two days, in the same dress, no less, who are you to teach me how to act like a lady?"

"I tried being cordial towards you, but you would not accept my kindness. Don't blame me if I teach you a lesson!" Lindsay shouted as she flicks her cuff on her wrist. The cuff turns into a golden silk whip made from the manes of ten lions. Snapping the whip once she flicks it towards Jewels face, wanting to wipe the smile off her face and scar it for life. Instead of hitting Jewels, the whip is caught by Prince Raiden. Holding on to the whip he pulls her towards him as he gets up and flies towards her. Meeting in the middle, Raiden pulls the whip out of her hand and Lindsay finds herself held against the wall, with Raiden's hand choking her. Gasping for air, the look in his eyes were deathly dark and black. There was no sign of human consciousness, it was the face of a demon. Tears sprung up from her eyes as her fingers grabbed on to his hand trying to pry it open.

"You tried to hurt this Prince's golden gift, given to this Prince by the Prince Ivan of Madewell to appease this Prince for Prince Ivan's mistake."

Before Lindsay's last breath, Raiden lets her go and she sinks to the ground coughing and gasping for air.

"Send someone to bring General Harvey here to account for his daughter's actions." Raiden ordered. Wrapping the whip up in his hand, he sat back down next to Jewels. With his other hand he cups her face and caresses her cheek with his thumb.

No one said anything while they waited for Harvey to arrive. When he finally did, Raiden's bodyguard Ichi have informed Harvey of the morning's events and the reason why Raiden requested to see him. Harvey reached the dining room and greets him as he bows deeply to Prince Raiden. Prince Raiden did not excuse him to stand back up, he instead left him bowing in front of him.

"This Prince's breakfast has been disturbed by your second daughter, Lady Lindsay. Although, this Prince's golden gift had already reprimanded your second daughter for her manners, your second daughter insisted on attacking this Prince's golden gift. An attack on this Prince's golden gift is an attack on this Prince as well." Raiden told him.

"I have taught my daughter wrongly, " Harvey pleaded. "Please forgive her, she is still young."

"Young? This Prince's golden gift just turned 18 while second miss is older. Who here should be forgiven if age is the excuse General Harvey wants to use?"

"Forgive me," Harvey said cursing his luck. "Forgive her for she has a bright future. I will account for her behavior and she will be punished. To appease you, I am willing to give you anything you want within my power."

Turning to Jewels, Raiden address her. "My golden gift, what is it that you would like to appease you?"

Harvey's face turned from white to red. If it was something the Prince wanted he was willing to part with it. For the Kingdom, he was willing to do anything to secure it's peace. However, when Prince Raiden asked his trash of a daughter what she wanted, his resentment to the situation could not be held back.

Looking at Harvey's face, Jewels knew what his thoughts were. However there was only one thing she wanted that Harvey held on to that he did not want to part with. It was not something sentimental that he held precious. It was the 1000 year old plant called Raven's Wood that had the ability to cure all ailment. Jewels wanted the plant to help heal her Pop pop.

"Two words," Jewels said out loud while looking at Harvey with a smile. "Raven's Wood."

"No!" Harvey shouted. "Anything but that!"

Harvey had thought that his trash of a daughter would choose something from her mother that he still kept. Although he was reluctant to let her keepsake go, he would give it to her to appease Prince Raiden. However, he never would have thought that that trash of a daughter would choose the one thing he would rather die than give away. The 1000 year old Raven's Wood had been given to him by the former King, King Benjamin for saving his life. At the time, Harvey was just 10 years old, a squire for the royal guard. Even at 10 years old, he was stronger than a 14 year old and was talented in cultivation. Dressed in servants clothing the assassin infiltrated the royal hall and served King Benjamin the whole night. It wasn't until the end of the meal that Harvey noticed the servants shoes and knew that King Benjamin was in danger. His body was still small, so no one paid him any attention as he made his way towards the King. When the assassin made his move to kill the King, so did Harvey. Being the closest to the King, Harvey took the blade meant for the King in his shoulder as he used the table knife and struck the assassin in the ear with it. Afterwards, the assassin was caught and held prisoner in the dungeon, while Harvey had been thanked for his bravery and swiftness in action. His reward was the 1000 year old Raven's Wood and knighthood at age 12 when he turned 12. He became the youngest knight in Madewell's history. Raven's Wood was a symbol of his bravery. He was not willing to give it up.

"Did the General not say that the General will give up anything within your power?" Raiden questioned.

"I did, however--"

"Is the subjects of Madewell Kingdom, subjects who cannot keep their words?" Raiden asked. "This Prince clearly heard you said you'll do anything to appease my anger and that you'll account for Lady Lindsay's behavior, yet how are you accounting for her behavior when you are unwilling to part with the gift, my golden gift has chosen? Should I take this offense to the 4 Kingdom peace talk?"

"No!" Harvey shouted. "Forgive my shouting. But no, there is no need for you to take this offense to the 4 Kingdom peace talk. I...."

Harvey hesitated and looked at Lindsay, hating her for putting him in this situation. "I am willing to part with Raven's Wood."

Harvey directed his butler that came with him to the left wing to take the Raven's Wood plant out from the safe. His butler left and while he was gone, Harvey did not help Lindsay nor did he inquire to see if she was doing fine. Gritting his teeth and wishing death on not only Lindsay for putting him in this situation, but his trash of a daughter who chose the Raven's Wood. When the Butler came back with the Ravens wood and handed it off to Prince Raiden. Prince Raiden took the plant and handed it off to Jewels. Jewels in turn took a look at it and broke a small piece of root off the plant and placed it in a clean tea cup. She then poured the hot tea over it and stirred it. She then handed the tea to Pop pop and told him to drink it all. Pop pop looked at Jewels skeptically, before blowing the hot tea twice. After he gulped the tea down as if he was a man dying of thirst. Pop pop slammed down the cup and smiled at Jewels. Tea still dripping down the side of his mouth.

Disgusted, Harvey asked. "Now that Your Highness has his gift. Is all mistakes forgiven between the second miss Brooks and Prince Raiden?"

"All mistakes made this morning from the second miss is forgiven. However, should she show herself in front of this Prince again or show herself in front of this Prince's golden gift and try to hurt this Prince's golden gift. This Prince shall not be so forgiving and kill second miss Brooks, Lady Lindsay, on sight."

Bowing again and again, Harvey told him he understood Prince Raiden's orders and had his butler carry out Lindsay. He promised that Lindsay will be sent far away and will not show herself in front of Prince Raiden and Jewels for the next 3 and a half months until after the 4 Kingdom peace talks. Prince Raiden dismisses Harvey and everyone from the main house left in a hurry. This would be the last time anyone from the main house bothered those who lived in the left wing.

When they were left alone again, their breakfast was already cold. However that did not stop Uncle Jude from continuing eating. He figured he needed all the energy he could get to help him through his exercise routine to help him walk again.

"Plant cure Pop pop?" Pop pop asked Jewels.

Shrugging Jewels tells him the truth. "I'm not to sure. I just know that I need it in the future to help you. I gave it for you to drink to see if it'll help you in some way, please tell me if you see or feel any change. I also gave it for you to drink because I wanted to see Harvey's face as I broke a piece off the plant. "

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When Jewels woke up from her cultivation, a day and a half had already passed by.  Jewels could feel the difference in her body.  It was as if the energy that surrounds her were constantly being pulled into her body and she was constantly cultivating.  She felt stronger and felt as if she had more energy. Standing up she took a look at her body and saw no physical changes, but her aura felt different.  Before her aura was indigo, but now after the breakthrough, Jewels aura turned a deep dark red.  

Her body started moving from one fighting technique to another, the power behind the hits and kicks felt more powerful than when she was a contract killer.  If breaking through to the fifth level felt this powerful, then how would it feel to be at level ten like her Uncle Jude?  The difference in strength is the difference between heaven, earth and hell.  It was too great, too unimaginable.  No wonder the lower level gave way to  the higher level right away.  No wonder the strong lived and the weak were left to their own demise.  

Feeling a sense of euphoria from her breakthrough, Jewels took it upon herself to push her body to the limit.  Outside it was still dark, there was still time for the sun to rise, cleaning the work table, Jewels grabbed her things and made her way out of the house.  Roku stood beside the door and as she made her way back to the mansion, instead of stopping to ask them about Lindsay, she steps over Lindsay and kept on walking.  When he reached her room, she saw Raiden laying down on in her bed.  His sleeping form made her stop in her tracks before she made her way to the bathroom to quickly wash up.  Exiting the bathroom and bedroom as quickly and quietly as she could, she entered her training room and locked the door.  

In the training room, she went through all her free hand fighting forms and practiced until sweat dripped off her body.  The comforting feeling of knowing that she was able to defend herself and protect her family made her work even harder.  All she needed now was weapons.  Her Pop pop made weapons and she intended to talk to him to see if he was willing to forge her some daggers and a short sword.  

Jewels had been in the training room for 2 hours when she heard a knock on the door.  Opening the door she was not surprise to see Raiden standing there, what did surprise her was the fact that the moment the door opened, Raiden pounced on her and kissed her fully on the lips.  He kissed her as if he was a man dying of thirst and her lips was an oasis. He held her body firmly between his arms.  One hand resting on the small of her back, drawing circles round and round, driving her crazy.  The other hand held the back of her head, tilting her head to meet his.  The fervent kiss finally slowed down after a while and became light, soft and teasing.  

"You broke through." Raiden said as he stepped back to look at Jewels. 

Smiling and nodding her head, she excitedly said. "Yep, two levels!" 

"Good." Raiden said as he took her into his arms again, holding her to his chest. "Good....  You're still too weak to kill me, so I suggest you work harder to be stronger."  

"Just you wait until I am stronger then you are, you'll surely regret these words someday!"  Jewels promised.  

Knowing he wouldn't regret anything, Raiden held on to her tighter.  Their quiet moment was disturbed by Zeze walking up the stairs, grumbling under her breath about Lindsay sleeping outside like an animal and putting shame to the Brooks name.  Stopping in her tracks as she saw her Young Miss and Prince Raiden's embracing, her cheeks flashed red quickly and she turned around and went back downstairs. 

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After the breakfast drama, Jewels visited Pop pop in the library.  She talked to him about the daggers and short sword she wanted.  Pop pop understood exactly what she was describing and quickly sketched her description of the dagger and short sword out for her.  They revised and talked about the weapons for an hour before Jewels was happy with the design of it.

"How long will it take for you to make them?" Jewels asked. "My Master helped me breakthrough my energy bottleneck and in return I have to join the Madewell Tournament and place top 5.  I need to go to Parker Forest to train." 

Jewels saw Pop pop's worry show threw his eyes, yet he did not voice his concern, instead he told her, "Four days.  Give Pop four days."  

Four days was enough time to prepare for her journey to Parker Forest to train.  She did not need to worry so much being that Roku would also accompany her there along with another bodyguard.  The only person who might have a problem with her going was Raiden.  Wanting to inform Raiden of her intentions, went to find him, to find out that he already left to the palace. Thinking to herself, she wondered if he would follow her to Parker Forest to train.  He did say where ever she slept, he would sleep there too. Smiling to herself she, could not imagine Raiden sleeping on the forest floor at all.   

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The rest of the day was spent at Wilder Orphanage with a pit stop to visit her Master.  At Doku's house, she helped him with the herb garden and afterwards he led her to his study to read more of his journals.  They talked about Pop pop's condition and what Doku might think would help cure her Pop pop.  

"Truthfully, my young disciple.  I think your Grandfather poisoned himself." Doku said over tea. "The only real way to cure him is to ask him how he was poisoned and what ingredients he used." 

"Why do you think he poisoned himself?" Jewels asked.

"From what I remember, your grandfather became desperate to cure your Uncle.  All the doctors, herbalist, and healers did not know what ailed your Uncle and could not cure him.  He might of tried to make a cure himself and in the process of making the cure, he would have tested the cure himself before giving it to your Uncle." 

"That would make sense," Jewels agreed. 

After talking with Doku some more, Doku invited Jewels and Roku to stay for dinner.  Agreeing to stay for dinner, Jewels studied Roku as he talked animatedly to Fudo about everything.  Even telling Fudo about Lindsay and her antics while shoving food down his mouth.  After dinner they left Master Doku's house and made their way to get supplies from the market.  After ordering the necessary items from different shops, she was told they would be sent to her home by tomorrow night.  

"Where will Lady Jewels be going?" Roku asked her. 

"Parker Forest." 

"Does Prince Raiden know?" 

"Not yet," Jewels answered him while climbing into the carriage. "He already left before I could get the chance to tell him.  I was planning of telling him tonight." 

"He won't be happy." Roku told her.

"I know, but there's nothing that he can do about it.  I need to get stronger and staying here to train is not beneficial to me or those who I need to protect. Besides, Master Doku has given me a mission and I must not fail his expectations." 

As they reached Brooks Manor, Jewels could see the main house in an uproar.  The servants were running about from one section of the manor to the next.  Uninterested in the actions of the main house, Jewels sat back into the carriage and closed the shade to the window.  When they stopped in front of the left wing, Roku got out first and helped Jewels step down. 

"Where have you been!" Lady Lana yelled at her as she came out of the left wing. "I have been waiting here for hours for you to come back and now you've come back well after dinner time!" 

"No one told you to wait for me." Jewels told her as she passed by her.