The Dragon Brothers
Chapter 25 - Molle

* The Castle at Drakor; The Capital of the Chromos * Viola POV

Things are not going as planned. The councilmen are dragging their feet with every order. So, I've taken control where I can. With or without their help my proposals will move forward. I've released the nonviolent first time offenders of petty theft. That actually made a huge reduction in the number of prisoners we were holding.

Then I took all of the children that were under 14 and moved them to Ambrose's rooms. Since council member Lord Forest was dragging his feet at securing us bunk beds and desks out of his supply of lumber I contracted a local carpenter to begin making bunk beds. We can easily put two bunk beds and four desks in each room. Magenta and I are currently designing the playroom with the help of a local lady who can make dolls, stuffed teddy bears, and has a connection with someone who can make wooden toys as well. It's quite fun turning a royal guest bedroom into a fun playroom for young children. Agenta and I have also started interviewing for teachers and staff for the orphan house. Even though it might be a while before the orphan house is completed we could use nannies, teachers, and tutors now. We also took all the children 14 and over and sent them to stay in the servants quarters. Then we brought in all of the heads of staff to see where the children could work and found jobs for all of them so they could learn skills and possibly even a trade.

Then I contacted local masons to start building a house for the orphans and to start building a place for the food bank. However, as soon as I did that council member Lord Brickenden heard that I had hired a local mason and quickly sent stones and bricks to fill the order not wanting to lose our business. So, at least the buildings have been started.

* The Western Border * Wolf POV

After my war cry we ran towards the enemy army. Salona Kingdom was prepared for our onslaught and sent out soldiers to attack from the opposite end. We ran through the enemy as if they were standing still. They really had no chance. We caught them by complete surprise. But what really caught my attention was Lucian. I can see why they call him ruthless and why as the general of the northern army he's always been feared. There were times when he would be fighting two or even three men at once and he would just cut them down with his swords. He was like a machine and he fed off of blood. I believe he killed more men than half of the other soldiers combined.

Once the battle was over we quickly got our wounded together and led them towards the capital's gates. A messenger from the castle came looking for King Lucian.

"Greetings, King Lucian. King Dacre of the Salona Kingdom has asked to see you. Will you accompany me to his chambers?" The younger messenger says.

"Yes. My brother General Wolf will also accompany us." Lucian's armour is dripping in blood and I can tell he's not in the mood to see his father in law.

I'm wondering why we are going to his 'chambers' instead of the throne room. As we walk through the castle I notice how sparing the decorations and furniture are. It seems as if they embrace minimalism and the 'less is more' attitude around here. Not that I'm complaining, it's just different compared to most other castles. I'm curious as to the condition of the villages and manors surrounding the castle. We make it to the king's chambers and we find him sitting up in a large bed with red curtains surrounding the bed that have been pulled back. All of the furniture, an armoire, a desk, and a chest of drawers, in the room is of a deep rich redwood.

"Lucian, how is my daughter these days?" The old and obviously feeble king asks.

"She is good, your highness." Lucian says slowly as he takes in the condition of his father in law.

"I am dying. I won't be here too much longer. I can no longer protect the capital and the castle. I would like it if your empire took over my kingdom before I die as I have no male heir." The old king croaks out. He literally sounds like an old frog. God, I hope Lucian doesn't leave me here in his stead.

"I cannot stay. I need to get back to Drakor, the empire's capital and where the castle is at. I shouldn't stay away for too long as the empire needs my guidance. But I can leave my brother Wolf here in my stead. He is a general of the western army and he can set up a new border from this location and help rule over the kingdom." Lucian says. I truly want to throat punch him. I keep imagining throat punching him over and over again. As we leave he has this little smirk on his face. I know that damn smirk.

* Lord Aragon's Manor * Cyprian POV

I don't know what the hell is wrong with these people but I'm boiling over with rage. How dare they treat someone like this and on top of that this 'someone' happens to be my mate. Growing up we were taught to respect people regardless of their station in life. I was never allowed to talk down to a maid or the stable boy just because I was a prince. I was taught to see that other person as an individual with feelings so to see someone being treated like this makes me want to fly in a rage.

I help the girl up and I kindly offer her a seat next to me. She tries to say no but I insist. She keeps looking at Lord Aragon for direction who is seething right now but I don't care. I insist that she sit next to me. I even ask the head maid to bring her an extra plate and silverware. She just stood there so I helped myself and got what I needed along with her food. If looks could kill my poor mate would have been stabbed to death seven times over. The poor thing is shaking so bad she's having a hard time lifting her fork to eat.

"Normally we don't allow slaves to eat at the dining room table with us." Lord Aragon says through gritted teeth.

"Really? Well, since slavery is illegal in the Chromos Empire this shouldn't be a problem. Oh, and this sweet little dumpling will be leaving with me. If you need to speak to her she'll be staying at the castle and you can refer to her as your queen. Furthermore, you should watch what you say to me unless you want your lordship revoked." I can't help but smile as I speak to Lord Aragon. To watch his arrogance slowly slip away is just so good it's almost delicious. "Little bird, what is your name? My name is Cyprian. I come from the Chromos Empire. I'm a general of the southern army and I'm a prince in my empire." I gently touch the girl's arm. She's barely nibbled at her food. I can tell she's too scared to take any full bites.

"My name? Nobody has ever asked me my name before. It's Molle." Her voice is so small and quiet. I know somewhere in there is a fiery spirit to match that red hair. I just have to bring it out. "Molle. That's a beautiful name! Are you done eating or do you want to take that upstairs?" I gently ask as I've noticed she's only eaten a few bites.

"Upstairs? Oh, no! I sleep in the servant's quarters." Her eyes are as big as saucers at the thought of going to one of the prestigious rooms upstairs.

I laugh out loud. "Well, tonight you're sleeping upstairs in a room with me." I don't want her sleeping anywhere they can get their hands on her to punish her for my attention on her for dinner.

"Lord Aragon, there is one thing that we need to discuss before we retire for the evening and that is the state of your village. I see that your manor is quite nice with lavish decor, well manicured lawns, and servants. However, your village that you receive taxes from is unsightly. The people look oppressed and downtrodden. The streets are filthy and their houses are barely large enough to fit one person but they cram entire families inside. How are you bettering their lives? All I see is you taking advantage and bettering yourself?" I say with utter disgust in my voice.

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"I never knew it was my responsibility to build their homes or to sweep their streets. How am I to improve their lives?" Lord Aragon asks incredulously.

"I will be taking over the castle and acting as your new king while I establish a new border for the empire until my brother, King Lucian, appoints a king to rule over this land. In the meantime I expect to see marked improvement. I want to see cobblestone streets laid down. I want to see homes built that line the streets. I want to know how much you are taxing these people and you are now under the Chromos Empire's taxation structure. If these items are not met in a timely manner I will pull your lordship and replace you with someone who can do better." I'm getting tired of talking to this man.

I turn to the head maid standing against the wall. "Bring us a plate of fruit and cheese. Molle's dinner has gotten cold and I would like her to eat more. Lord Aragon, my Lieutenant and myself will need rooms for the night. I have left my men outside. Also, in my room I would like a large settee." I leave these last statements as more commands than requests. As far as I'm concerned Lord Aragon's lordship is still up in the air.

"Of course. Come this way and all of the rooms have a settee." Lord Aragon says through grinding teeth. The man is so angry he's stiff as a board.

When I get my sweet little mate into my room. She's so tiny from being malnourished all her life but she has all this hair which just makes her look even smaller. She comes up to just above my waistline. She's just adorable. I pull back the covers and pick her up and place her in the bed. Then there's a knock at the door and that's our food. I carry the tray to the opposite side of the bed and sit down next to her.

"Here, eat as much as you want. Don't worry about people looking at you hatefully. Just eat until you're full." I kiss her on top of her head and then I grab a pillow and a blanket that I find on top of a chair and try to get comfortable on the settee. When Molle saw me laying down on the settee I could see her breathe a sigh of relief. I was probably twice as long as the damn thing but that's okay. Seeing my tiny mate drift off to sleep in that big bed and probably the first time she ever slept in a nice bed made it all worthwhile.

A/N

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