Luther couldn't believe what she said. He couldn't believe she could do such a thing without waiting for his return or permission atleast.
He didn't want anyone hurting the slave. She was his and his only to handle.
He didn't want to just kill any of Rupert's offsprings. He desired to torture them and then grant them the death they would beg for.
He was in no hurry.
He had planned to begin the torture immediately Rupert got beheaded but he got too occupied in dealing with the subjects of Perston to do anything.
He was stressed and strained.
He had rode ninety hours just to get here, only taking two hours of sleep each night.
Even Charlotte's attitude seemed to get him to feel more weary.
She was yet the same.
She does only what she thought was right, others opinions doesn't matter to her at all.
He didn't suspect she would do this. He had thought her arrival was just to see him, he never would have guessed she would likely punish the slave.
And now that he knows of it, he was infuriated.
He wanted to be the first to do the honour, to be the first to make the slave scream for mercy but Charlotte already beat him to it and that he could not change.
He sighed frustratedly, glaring at the tea which must had gone badly cold.
"Orson!" He called out and Orson, who had been behind the door immediately rushed in at his call.
"Yes, my Lord?" He bowed.
"Received any news from Perston yet?"
He expected to hear some negative news. Rupert's subjects were highly known for their mischiefs and defiance behaviours.
"Not yet my Lord but some of the people as reported, were seen celebrating your departure."
He frowned at the info.
He knew it was true.
When he beheaded Rupert and sent his head to them, it made the people aggregated and deeply affrighted.
Many of them tried to flee the kingdom but were unsuccessful due to the knights he had positioned at the borders.
The people hated him and made it known, only a few wanted him to be king but those were only the minorities. The majorities were hard nuts to crack.
He detested their stubbornness but of course, they had no choice.
He was now their king and they were going to bear with it regardless.
"Those caught celebrating should be hung publicly and wiped until they lose consciousness. Their families shall watch while they scream and hide their faces in shame. This should serve as an lesson to others daring to disrespect my supremacy."
His voice was stern, carrying an air of authority.
He would be visiting them soon, for now he had to be here and deal with Sihasin's own problems.
"Yes my Lord." Orson bowed again and added; "Is that all, your highness?"
"No. Clear all my schedules for today. I would like to have some rest, undisturbed."
"Of course." Suddenly he paused, his eyes unsure. "What about the case of the missing child? The family is quite agitated, they can't wait to see you."
"Postpone the meeting to tomorrow. I would see them in court at 9am."
"Yes, my Lord."
"Also..." Luther paused, remembering the argument that most likely ended not less than twenty minutes ago.
All concerning Charlotte and the slave's punishment.
He wondered if the punishment was severe.
He knew it would be. Charlotte was quite cruel within and must had shown that side to the slave.
He knew the slave must be hurt and he felt disappointed knowing he wasn't the one who'd hurt her.
"Bring one of Charlotte's staffs to me, possibly the head guard. Make sure Charlotte is unaware of it."
"Yes, your highness."
Orson left.
Luther desired to know all that happened. He couldn't ask Charlotte because he knew she was upset and would purposely conceal some informations, so asking someone else who knew much of it was better.
But Charlotte must not know of his request. If she knew he'd be questioning her guard, she would of course flare up.
He didn't want her to feel unsafe and intimidated with his presence.
She was still yet a friend, even with her almost intolerable behaviour.
Orson returned shortly, a guard with him.
Luther couldn't recognize the guard's face. Charlotte brings different head guards for her travels, so it was not a surprise seeing this new one.
This one was tall, tanned and somewhat plump. His hair was short and almost bald, sticking to the rest hairs remaining like glue.
He definitely does look a bit intimidating but Luther didn't feel a thing one bit. He only stared at the man who bowed and confusingly glanced at him.
"Your highness. What brings this call?" He was evidently perplexed.
But Luther could sense he knew what had happened. He definitely must had helped in punishing the slave.
Luther knew Charlotte couldn't had done it alone and so must had required assistance from her head guard.
He scowled.
He tolerated Charlotte hurting the slave but knowing some man partook on it didn't go well with it.
"You are Charlotte's head guard?" The annoyance he felt reflected in his tone.
"Yes, my Lord."
"What did you do to my slave?"
"S... slave..." Gus stuttered, even more confused.
"The slave Princess Charlotte assigned you to punish." Orson clarified.
Gus gasped, fear showing up in his expression.
"Your highness, I immensely apologize. I...I didn't know that slave belonged to you. I only worked on her highness orders."
"You do realize this is not Mpariah, right? You can't just do whatever you want to my subjects without my permission."
"I apologize, your highness."
"You better. I don't condone any misconduct in my kingdom and that you must know. Charlotte had already been notified of her wrongdoings and I expect not a repeat of history."
"Of course...." Gus quivered. He was frightened.
"And..." Luther paused. "What exact punishment was the slave given?"
He was ignorant of this and anticipated the answer.
The question however got Gus startled. Luther said it so calmly but he knew he must be hiding his emotions.
He was afraid, wondering whether to say the truth or not. He had no choice though, for he couldn't dare lie.
"I took her to the dungeon, sealed her hands to a rope on the ceiling and I... I... uh... I wiped her."
He took his eyes to the floor quickly, scared of Luther's reaction. He expected some objurgation but all he heard was a placid reply.
"How many lashes?" Luther asked.
Gus was surprised. He didn't sound angry at all, though he wasn't sure for Luther was quite a pro in hiding his own feelings.
"Well..." He swallowed. "I didn't count but it might be more than thirty."
At his last sentence, Luther's eyes darkened and the scowl on his face grew even bigger.
Gus took a step back, out of his protective instincts but Orson didn't move, for he had seen Luther much like this before.
"You wiped her thirty times?!" His tone was raised and it punctured fear into Gus body.
"I'm sorry, your highness b...but it was Princess Charlotte's orders."
Was he trying to place the blame on Charlotte now?
Luther couldn't believe how much of a coward Charlotte got as a head guard.
Though he knew it was really all Charlotte's fault but usually, guards weren't supposed to make that known.
They take the blame themselves, irrespective of the consequences or punishment but this guard here was blaming Charlotte and that too, directly.
Luther was disgusted and furious too. He was astonished the slave got that many whippings.
Hell, he hadn't once hurt her that much but Charlotte and her coward of a head guard were the first to.
He felt totally gutted.
"Get out."
"Huh?" Gus was astounded. He didn't expect to hear this from the king.
He had thought he'd be punished or worst, but now he was simply been told to leave.
Luther gave him a glowering look and that was all it took to get him scurrying off.
Luther turned to Orson immediately.
"Take a visit to the maid's dormitory and visit the slave. Make sure she is alright and if she is not, assign some physicians to her. I would be meeting with her soon."
Orson was surprised.
It sounded for a moment like Luther was caring for her but he made no noise out of it.
"Surely, my lord. I would take my leave now and meet with the slave, Almira."
He hadn't intended to add the slave's name but now that he did so, it was too late to correct himself.
He bowed ruefully. "Forgive me, your grace."
He knew Luther found any lineage of Rupert repulsive and whatever name they bore but unknown to him, even tho Luther was annoyed with his blunt, he still couldn't help but find the name 'Almira' alluring.