The Rules of Blood

Volume Two ; Chapter 89 (305) - Celine, Concord Summoned

It had been seventy-three days since Blanc’s departure.

Celine was entering the eighteenth week of her pregnancy, and Miyanna her sixteenth.

As the two drew closer to the midpoint of their terms, the challenges grew heavier with each passing day.

For Miyanna, it was the hardest; she detested the constant presence of strangers, with her thuggish side slipping through sometimes because of it.

Celine found it more amusing than troubling, a small comfort and distraction from the harsher realities around them. Even so, there was little time for idleness.

Each week, the Daughter assigned to Blood Maroux oversaw a small team of elite physicians and trusted midwives, keeping a close watch over both women.

At their request, and at Blanc’s insistence before he left, the priority was always their health before that of the unborn children.

By the grace of the Vita, however, the babies grew strong and steady, with no signs of complication.

“Done,” Celine sighed, letting her back sink into the cushioning of the chair.

She had been writing letters since breakfast, and now, she finally had time to relax.

Handling all the business Blanc would usually have to do was fun, giving her a sense of power that she enjoyed, but these days, it was getting harder, even as a distraction.

Still, she managed it.

With the aid of her father, Lucien, and Mera, their Mother-in-Law, in hopes of stretching their intel-gathering capabilities, and by working with Olivia and her parents, Celine managed to set up three caravans.

Overlooked by the Rotunda Merchant Company, but owned by Celine herself.

One to the Imperial Capital.

One to the far east of the Empire.

And one, in hopes of creating a miracle, in the Ulveth Kingdom.

Two of the three would handle common items as a facade, buying them cheaper from one place and selling them for a profit in the other.

The third one, the one going to the Ulveth Kingdom, would handle spices, a valuable item that was desired in all the corners of the continent, regardless of the wars going on around them.

And that greed for riches was the front they would use as an excuse to gather intel.

For good intel was, and would continue to be, sharper than swords were.

But there was an issue, one that couldn’t be overlooked if one were to properly set up caravans.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

They lacked the real swords they needed to safely move the caravans around.

They needed guards. But there were none.

None they could trust, as Noble Blood Maiores refused any additional work, as they still tried, over a month later, to find the Gray Man.

But an idea came to Sophie’s mind during one of their many tea parties.

A mercenary company.

One made, owned, and overlooked by Miyanna herself.

As a former commander of the Iron Line, and with all the knowledge she had of her earlier life, she was the best candidate.

Once Celine explained how this could help them, and especially Blanc, Miyanna begrudgingly agreed to it.

And once Celine and Miyanna completed the negotiations with Olivia and her father for their help, using their connection, things were slowly starting to take shape.

With recruits arriving in Blood Maroux’s Domain, Miyanna, overseeing the process, together with some of Lucien’s men, started training the recruits into the desired soldiers.

Thus, the Bezel’s Dogs of War were being born.

But it would take a while longer until the mercenaries and the caravans would be able to start doing what Celine and Miyanna intended for them.

Still, with every letter she wrote, things were heading in the right direction.

“Celine,” Miyanna spoke as she entered the room, closing the door behind her, “Still writing?”

“No,” Celine shook her head, “I’ve been done for a while now. How about you? How is the training going with the recruits?”

“One more guy, and two more women arrived today,” Miyanna began, heading towards Celine, “They are now twenty in total, but it will take at least half a fucking year to get them ready.”

“Better than we thought at first,” Celine smiled, “Don’t stress too much.”

Miyanna sighed, sitting down at the table, “I won’t, but I wanted them ready sooner.”

Celine smiled, putting her chin on Miyanna’s shoulder, looking up into the side profile of her bronze eyes, “With time. But is anything else happening? I’ve been stuck in here for hours getting things ready.”

“Ah, yes, I saw the Daughter arriving shortly after I did,” Miyanna nodded, “Hopefully with good news from Blanc.”

“That would be wonderful, yes,” Celine muttered, her thoughts lingering on her husband’s face as she rose to her feet.

Gently, she let herself settle into Miyanna’s arms, their noses nearly touching as they looked at one another, Celine’s back resting against the table.

“What I would give for Blanc to be here too,” Miyanna sighed, placing her arms around her neck.

“No need to tell me,” Celine smiled sadly, her hands around Miyanna’s waist as she locked lips with her.

But just as they were kissing, a knock came at the door, cutting it short.

“It’s me, sisters,” Sophie’s voice came from the other side of the door.

“Her timing is fucking priceless,” Miyanna clicked her tongue.

Celine just laughed as she broke free of the hug, “Come in, Sophie.”

At that, the wooden door creaked open, and Sophie stepped inside, her kind, casual smile enhanced by the glint of her golden-yellow eyes.

“Father has summoned the Concord in the inner mansion,” Sophie began, “The Daughter comes bearing news.”

“What news, sister?” Celine asked, curious.

“The events that occurred in Blood Seraph’s Domain over the last few days, from what the Daughter disclosed,” she replied, “She said nothing else.”

Celine’s heartbeat increased. Miyanna’s bronze eyes widened.

“We will be joining shortly,” Celine nodded, acting casual.

“Do any of you need my help?” Sophie asked, taking a step forward, “If not, I will be going forward.”

“Go at ease, Sophie, we are fine,” Celine smiled, “Thank you, though.”

Sophie stopped midstep, “Sisters,” she muttered, doing a quick curtsy before turning around and leaving the room.

“Well, Miyanna, as we wished, news from Blanc.” Celine turned to look at her, “Let’s now see if they are good or bad.”