Chapter 87 The seventh moon festival 1
Ruel’s POV
Raw anger clings to my feet even after the training session.
My knuckles throb beneath the thin crust of drying blood.
It is not mine. That much I know.
Elric falls into step beside me almost immediately, his stride as usual matches mine without effort.
When he does speak, his voice comes out as cautious.
“You hit him too many times,” Elric says.
My steps hasten. “He was still breathing. I clearly didn't hit him enough.”
“That was not… Ruel,”
I exhale through my nose, my jaw tight. “He struck her.”
Elric hums quietly, the sound thoughtful rather than disapproving. “I saw.”
The memory flashes sharp and unwanted. That loud crack of skin on skin, Ira’s head snapping to the side, the way my heart had stopped for a second.
I had not planned to move. I had not even been aware I was moving until my fist connected with his fucking face.
“I should have stopped at one,” I admit, knowing the truth.
“Yes,” he replies easily. “You should have.”
My hands curl at my sides as the wind brushes past us, carrying dust and the scent of roasted meat. Somewhere behind us, a group of warriors lower their voices as we pass.
“You are the Commander,” Elric continues. “Not just another man on the field. When you lose control, it ripples outward. What you did can grow fear and uncertainty in the heart of your warriors. Remember they don't know she's more than a servant to you.”
“It doesn't change anything.”
“No,” Elric disagrees. “They were watching.”
“They will talk,” he adds. “They already are talking about why you stepped in. Probably asking themselves why it mattered so much.”
I stop walking.
Elric takes one more step before he realizes, then turns to face me.
“Let them talk,” I say quietly. “Let every person in this base know that Ira is not something to be struck whenever they feel like it.”
“That,” Elric says mildly, “is exactly what concerns me.”
I meet his gaze. “No one touches what belongs to me and walks away.” I spit out, becoming furious at him.
“Well, just be more subtle next time. Except you are willing to have Scarface announce your special interest in a red haired servant.”
I frown in annoyance but continue walking, his words sinking in.
Elric clears his throat. “That aside,” he says, “Did you eventually speak with the healer?”
“I spoke with her earlier.” I confirm with a nod, grateful for the change of topic.
“Oh?”
“She wants five people for training,” I say. “She’ll teach them the basics of medical aid in preparation for the war. If the king’s reinforcements arrive before, then they will return to their posts. If not, we'll have enough hands who can keep our people alive.”
Elric’s brows lift in approval. “Practical. Rita does prove to be smarter each time.”
“Yes,” I agree. “It is why she is indispensable.”
We walk on.
“What about Xavier?” I ask after a moment, remembering I'd ordered Elric to send the bastard out of the base.
“He has been escorted to the corrective unit at the pack house,” he replies.
“How long?” I ask.
“Three months.” He replies. “He is only entitled to a meal once a day, hard labor and no visitors.”
“Good.” I breathe out, needing him to be adequately punished so it sounds as a warning to the others. I can't have the weaker ones among us feeling vulnerable.
If you want pleasure, then you must earn it. Taking someone against their will is a cowardly move and a crime.
We slow, noticing the decorations scattered around in beautiful colors. Lanterns are being hung on ropes, their soft glow chasing away the approaching night.
Laughter rises and falls the closer we get to it.
I'd almost forgotten the seventh moon festival was tonight.
For one night, at least, there will be music. Tonight is all about fun. My heart drops when it crosses my mind that this might be the last happy moment for some of us.
I will do my best to ensure none of my warriors lose their lives, but I know I don't have the power to keep everyone safe.
The moon is out by the time I move outside for the festival.
The surrounding is literally with torches and bonfires. Music floods the large space from a small group of musicians singing on a raised platform.
Loud laughter and greetings are shared among both Warriors and guards. I watch as Elric claps Ben on the back.
This is the only time we get to drop our ranks.
Someone starts passing horns of spiced wine around, bringing brighter smiles to the faces of everyone.
My eyes roam. “Where are you?” I mutter under my breath.
“Servants do not show up until they are called, commander.” Elric chuckles behind me.
I glare at him even as he continues speaking.
“You know the custom. This is the only ceremony where servants and warriors party like equals. No ranks tonight but no servant will step in here if you don't declare it so.”
I grunt then climb the two steps to the raised platform, ignoring Elric's sly grin.
The crowd quiets a little and I raise my voice so it's audible. “Tonight the moon is perfect. Tonight we are celebrating the seventh moon. The moon of perfection. Remember why we fight? It is for this. To sustain the join of a pack.”
Cheers rise from the crowd and I force out a smile, taking a horn of spiced wine from Elric.
Lifting it up, I shout. “Let the Seventh Moon bless us all!”
“LET THE SEVENTH MOON BLESS US ALL!!” They all scream, lifting their Cups and clashing them against each other.
The drums resume and the music continues louder while I step down from the stage.
A female warrior approaches me immediately, a smile spread on her face, her cheeks burning red.
She adjusts her low-cut top. “Commander. You opened the festival well. Care to dance with me later? I promise I won’t step on your feet.” She chuckles and a few others laugh.
Someone whistles, sending her a bit of encouragement. I give her a short nod, my mind already elsewhere.
Finally I see them. Just as the moon brightens the night, a loud howl cuts through the sky and several servants rush into the crowd at the call.
They are few compared to the warriors and guards. I notice they all have different clothes on. Or perhaps they just styled their clothes differently.
They mix with warriors and guards at once. I notice some straight way going in for kisses and hugs and it hits me then that I may not be the only one who's crazy for a servant.
Ira.
My breath catches as her scent hits me.
This time it's easier to spot her. She is dressed differently tonight. Like the others. But on her it doesn't look as simple.
A sleeveless top of soft red cloth clings to her breasts. The ropes at the side sway with every step she takes.