Crooked Hearts

Episode 10

CARLA

I look up to the Upper City but could see nothing of it, only the wall glittering overhead, a pristine jewel that glitters in the sun as a testament to the wealth and prosperity of the Upper City that not only denies us lower class citizens entry but also the sight of it. I climb the hundred stone steps before stopping before a gatehouse that stands fifty feet above the ground.

"Paperworks." The sentinel extends his hand. Soldiers hired from the Aetherian Empire to serve the Royal Family and, by extension, the nobles of the Upper City. Rumor has it that the Royal Family doesn't trust its own nobilities, hence the need for foreign mercenaries guarding their immediate vicinities.

"These are my friends; I am inviting them to dinner." Alice smiles. The ornate gatehouse serves as the only entrance and exit to the Upper City; the guard tower stationed on each side of the gate looms higher above the stone structures. Connected to the walls that surround the Upper City.

"Paperworks." His voice is aggressive, and her smile withers. My gaze turns to the horizon on my right, a constant stream of ships moving in and out of the port from all corners of the world in the vastness of the ocean, a testament to the thriving economy of the city. Even if we ar denied entry, atleast I will forever have a memory of this sight.

"You're speaking to a Lieutenant." Reiner crosses his arms, staring back with a menacing gaze, and the sentinel focuses on her epaulette.

"Second Lieutenant." He corrects him. "We don't answer to Enforcers; if you want entrance, procure us paperwork."

"I am a Lavellan." His eyes widen as his expression softens into uncertainty. "Shall I inform my father, a member of the council, that you obstructed me over insignificant matters?" She folds her arms, mustering her fiercest expression. As expected, why would she not use her family name?

"Please, carry on, Miss Lavellan." He moves out of the way, and she walks past the gate, and Percy points two fingers at his own eyes before turning it to the Sentinels, and a chuckle escapes me. Is this why people love kissing up? To have friends in high places to act high and mighty?

"I didn't expect that at all from you, Lieutenant; I thought you hated using your family name."

"Desperate circumstances call for unconventional measures." I roll my eyes with a frown, I doubt she rarely used her family name, why wouldn't she? She could do anything she wants by dropping her family name. And even if she doesn't, people bend over backwards because of it. From birth her life has been nothing but ease.

A wide gate made of silver with gold toppings, a realm of flowers in the gentle breeze with a fountain at its center. It is like a painting coming alive, something I thought I'd only see in dreams. The grand entrance door of the mansion swings open as if inviting me to another world, the enchanting world of the nobilities. "Wow..." Marvin's eyes gleaming with admiration.

"What did I tell you, Marvin? These people could feed the whole city if they wanted to." I turn to look at her, always talking about trying to do good. But she lives in luxury while people starve in the streets. "But it's nice enough of her to feed us peasants in her heavenly hall."

She ignores me, leading us further into the mansion across the dark blue carpet, even with my boots on, I could feel the softness cradling my each step. To buy something so expensive only to step on it with dirty boots? The privilege of having servants and too many coins, I suppose. I could sleep on this thing.

She pushes open the door, and I enter the guest room, a majestic chandelier casts a soft, golden magical light on the table lined with all assortments of food. "Take your seats." She smiles, and I sit on one of the chairs, its softness cradling my weary muscles like a comforting embrace. "Lillia." One of the servants approaches. "Thank you for everything; I will take it from here." Lillia bows her head low before leaving.