Chapter 4 third chapter

Ever loves to play games, especially brutal ones. Although everything went wrong for him in the morning, he is having a good time right now.He was drenched in sudden heavy rain on his way back to Denhamshire, and when he arrived at noon, he heard that Lianne was trying to help the boy escape.Although Lian and the boy had been found and brought back to the castle, he was in a bad mood and had killed the soldiers who came to report before he lost his temper. Now they were standing before him waiting to be dealt with.It was one of Ever's tricks to keep them guessing in fear how he was going to punish them.Lord Lacey's foolish brother was too dumb to understand or speak, but Ever could see he was frightened because he kept getting closer to Liane.Liane disappointed him because she showed no fear, as if she didn't care about life or death.

That little slut still had the ability to make him timid, and he was angry at himself for being so cowardly that he couldn't meet her eyes.He never forgot the look in her eyes when she was brought to him after the massacre.He knew she saw him kill her father, but believed time would blur her memory.At this moment, he was not sure.What does she remember?Did she hear him confess to her father before doing it?That question sent shivers down Ever's spine.Liane's hatred made him feel guilty and terrified. He sat in the center of the long table, and on the left and right sat his buddies Baron Huyou and Bald Dewen.Liane and the boy had been hungry for two days, and forcing them to watch him and his buddies gorge was part of Ever's trick.

All three of them were drunk, and the ugly eating made Liane sick.Alex stood by the fireplace to her left, watching silently, but occasionally reaching out to touch her hand.As much as she wanted to comfort him, she dared not even look at him because Ever was watching her closely.If she showed concern for the boy, Ever would turn him against her. She had warned Alex that things would only get worse, and had made him promise not to talk no matter what happened.As long as Ever thought Alex didn't understand what he was saying, he would continue to speak freely in front of him, possibly even revealing the purpose of the kidnapping.

When she couldn't bear to watch the eating of Ever and the others, Lian turned to face the exit of the hall.There was an old chest against the wall near the stairs.The chest was stacked with maps and scrolls of parchment, but there was a dagger near the edge.From the special pattern on the handle of the dagger, it can be determined that it is a gift from Buddy to Alex. Ever's loud hiccups caught her attention.She saw him wipe his mouth with his sleeve and lean back in his chair.His eyes were nearly closed, and his speech was slurred. Liane, what should I do with you?You are always against me, don't you understand that I do everything for your sake?

Devin laughed gruffly.Hu You went to get the wine glass again with a low smile. You're really annoying, Ever continued.But I have always been tolerant of you.Haven't I bothered you all these years?I admit I was taken aback to see you look so handsome.Sure enough, the ugly duckling turned into a swan.You're worth quite a bit now, and I can sell you to the highest bidder and make me a fortune.Does that possibility scare you? She looked bored and not afraid at all.Devin said. Ever shrugged nonchalantly.Liane, do you know it took me a whole army of soldiers to take you from your Uncle Morken?I didn't expect that bad old man to resist tenaciously.But I will still be merciful, so that he will suffer less from the crime of living, and die early and be reborn early.

Don't touch my uncle, Ever.she says.He can't hurt you. He said without hearing it: I really don't understand why you disobey my orders.This is your home, and you should be eager to get back.King John ruled that Denhamshire would remain yours until your marriage, when of course your husband would rule in your place. You haven't swindled Denhamshire from the king yet?Liane asked in surprise. Why should I bother?he muttered.I am your guardian, and Denhamshire is as much as mine. Has John named you my guardian?She had asked that to irritate him, for she knew the King had not granted him that right.

Ever blushed.You are so insignificant to the king, he has forgotten you.I said I was your guardian, and I am. certainly not. Ever is the king's most trusted confidant, you are not allowed to speak to him in such an arrogant and rude tone!cried Devin. She is indeed arrogant.Ever said.Whether you like it or not, Liane, I am your guardian and your fate is in my hands.I will choose a husband for you myself.Maybe I'll marry you myself. Not wanting to think about that sickening possibility, she continued to stare at Ever with a blank expression. You promised Lifu to give her to him, Hu You reminded him.I heard your cousin is already making plans.

I know what I promised, but when have you ever seen me keep my word?Ever grinned. Hu You and De Wen laughed until tears flowed out. Ever waved them to silence.I did not punish your uncle for his rebellion, Leanne, for I am naturally kind and forgiving?He drank a large glass of wine.You are vengeful and trying to help that little savage escape.As your guardian, I have to punish your disobedience.Looks like you and that kid can't learn humility without a little hard work. If you hurt her, she will take time to recover and will not be able to do things for you right away.Devin advises. I know.Ever waved to a servant to pour him wine.Devon, ever notice how sticky that kid is?He must have been foolish enough to believe she would protect him.Shall we prove how wrong he was?Hu You, you can do something to that child, but be careful not to beat him to death.If Leanne disappoints me, I still need him.

You must not hit him.Liane could tell from Ever's confused expression that her soft words were more effective than her yelling. Would you like to be beaten for him? Yes. Her quick consent surprised Ever, and her lack of fear infuriated him.Bravery is a quality he lacks, so he has always hated brave people.I can do what I like, Leanne, you can't stop me.I might decide to kill you. She shrugged.You can kill if you want, but you won't suddenly force me to go back for no reason Yes, I have good news for you.Drunkenness made it difficult for Ever to concentrate, but he downed another drink instead.After years of searching, I finally know where your sister is hiding.I even know which clan sheltered her, but I don't know her current name.You are her sister, you must recognize her, so I want you to bring her back for me.

Why don't you send troops to catch her? I cannot send my army deep into the Scottish Highlands where she hides, the barbarians will kill all my men.Of course, I can ask the king to send reinforcements, but I don't want to involve him in family affairs.Besides, I have you to do it for me. The soldiers didn't know which woman was Li Ting, and those savages certainly wouldn't reveal it.They will go to great lengths to protect their own people.Hu You interrupted. What if I refuse to go?she asked. I have someone else who can bring Li Ting here, but it's less complicated for you to find her.Ever said.

Does anyone else recognize her? The highlander who provided information knows Li Ting's current name, you can force him to tell you.Devon reminds Ever. The highland traitor sent a message saying that he would arrive the day after tomorrow.Hu You said.If it wasn't urgent, he wouldn't risk being seen by running all the way here. Devin stroked his double chin.If you beat the boy, Huyou, the Highlander might be upset and get his gold back. Hu You laughed.He wants the kid dead, idiot.You were drunk and did not hear the conversation.The Highlanders and Ever come to an agreement.You also know that there will be rumors of seeing that treasure box every once in a while, and every time King John hears about it, he will send troops to search for it.His determination to find Anna's murderer and retrieve the treasure box has not wavered with time. Some say his determination has not diminished but increased, DeWine said.The king even sent troops to the lowlands to inquire about it. Hu You nodded.As John tries to find his treasure, Ever tries to find Li-Tine, because he thinks she knows where the treasure box is hidden.He wants to prove that her father stole the treasure box. Over the years, Ever has also sent people to various clans to inquire about Li Ting. But to no avail.Devin said. That's right.No one wanted to admit to knowing about Li Ting until the highlander showed up. But what deal did the traitor make with Ever? Hu You looked at Ai Fu, waiting for him to answer the question.But Ever, eyes closed, head dropped to his chest, seemed to be dozing off. I've never seen Ever so drunk.Hu You said. Devon shrugged.What is the content of the agreement? The baron agrees to imprison the boy to lure his brother, Lord Thinley West, to the Highlanders to kill him.The boy is just a pawn, waiting for Lacey to be killed Boys are useless. Completely correct.Hu You said.So the Highlanders didn't care whether the boy was beaten or not. So what good is the Baron? The Highlander gave him gold and other things, ask Ever for details.If he wants you to know, he will tell you. Devin elbowed Ivor awake, asking for details of the agreement. Ever cursed, and replied after taking a sip of wine: The highlanders told me which clan in the highlands Li Ting was hiding in.He also swore to tell me Liting's current name as soon as Lacey died. Liane couldn't believe that the three of them were so drunk that they could talk so freely in front of her.She was terrified to hear that the Highlanders were coming to Denham, because traitors would tell Ever that they had taken the wrong man, and that Alex's life would be lost. Ever yawns and squints at her.Ah Leanne, I forgot you were standing here.Where are we talking?Oh yes.He turned to Hu You.Since Liane volunteered to take the beating for that child, you must not disappoint her kindness.But don't touch her face, because the bones in the face heal slowly, and I want her to go and do my errands as soon as possible. What about that child?Hu You asked. Ever gave Liane a mocking look.fight together. She pulled Alex behind her back.You can't touch him unless you kill me first, Ever. But I don't want to kill you, Leanne, I want you to bring your sister to me.Ever nodded to Hu You, and Hu You stood up unsteadily.Liane wondered distraughtly how to stop the atrocity that was about to happen. You don't really want Li Ting back, do you? Of course I want her back, she can help me realize many plans. In order to divert his attention, she deliberately provoked him with a smile and said: I know your plan very well.What you really want is King John's Chest.You think the treasure box is in Li Ting's hands, and you want to force her to come back with the treasure box to prove that my father killed the king's lover and stole the treasure box.Then you get the rewards and Denhamshire, that's your plan, right? Ever jumped up as if being splashed with hot oil.You do remember that box!Roaring angrily, he circled around the corner of the table, pushed Hu You who was in the way and rushed towards her.You know where it hides. Of course I know.she lied. Ever roared and rushed to her.tell me where it is.In Li Ting's hands, right?Crazy At told me your father gave her the box.I've tried everything I can to find it all these years, and you've always known it without telling me. In a fit of rage, he punched her in the jaw, knocking her to the ground.Anger made him lose his mind.He kept kicking her hard, determined to make her howl in pain, to make her regret having lied to him for so many years.The box can only be given to the king by me, he growled breathlessly.Only I can be rewarded. Lian was so shocked by the punch that she couldn't fight back, so she turned over and covered her head with her arms.Her back and legs took most of the blow, but ironically, nearly fainting, she couldn't feel the pain Ivor intended to inflict on her. She woke up suddenly when Alex screamed and threw himself on top of her.She pulled him into her arms, shielding him from Ivor's fists with her own body, and at the same time squeezed his hand tightly, hoping he would understand that she didn't want him to make a sound. Ever kicked and cursed, foaming at the same time.He soon tired of kicking, and staggered backwards unsteadily.Hu You laughed out loud.Devin yelled to encourage Ever to continue.Liane felt dizzy and ringing in her ears, but tried to keep her focus on Alex, who was terrified. Quiet.she whispered.Be good, be quiet. As if someone had put a hand over his mouth, Alex's screaming stopped abruptly.He opened his eyes full of fear and nodded quickly to her to let her know that he would keep quiet.She squeezed out a weak smile happily. Make it your own, Ever.Hu You wiped away tears with a smile.Don't kill her. Ever leaned back against the table and gasped, "Yeah, I have to get myself under control."He wiped the sweat off his brow, pushed Alex away, and pulled Liane off the ground.The blood at the corner of her mouth and the glazed eyes made him nod in satisfaction. You deserve the pain you deserved, you made me mad, he muttered.I will give you two days to recuperate, and then you will go to the highlands.It is the Fei family that is harboring your sister.Find her and bring her and the box back to me. Angrily, he sat back in his chair, wiped his forehead with his sleeve, and downed a whole glass of wine.If you don't complete the task, Leanne, I will make your dear uncle's life worse than death.That child will also be executed.He pauses.But when you bring Litine and the box back, I'll break my promise to the Highland traitor and spare the child's life. What if she could only bring back one of them?Hu You asked. Devin was thinking about it too.Which is more important to you, Baron, Litine or the King's Box? Treasure box of course.Ever replied.But I want both.If any one is missing, her uncle will die. Hu You walked up to Li'an, watching her lustfully.Ever, friend for many years, I have never asked you for anything until now.Give me Liane. He reached out to touch her, but she waved his hand away and took a step back.He glanced down at Alex, who was next to her.She quickly diverted his attention.You're obscene and cowardly, Huyou.I feel like throwing up when I see you. Her insult made him startled and angry, and he slapped her backhand. She smiled back. Hu You raised his hand and wanted to hit her, but Ever ordered impatiently.Don't mess with her. Hu You resentfully returned to his seat.How much time will you give her to complete the task? She must be back by Harvest.Ever then turned to Leanne and said, You better not ask the Highlanders to help you save your uncle, because I've sent a whole army to surround his house.As long as a highland warrior stepped into his territory, Moken would be killed immediately.I'll hold him hostage until you return.have you understood? What if she told Lacey that his brother wasn't drowned, but your prisoner?Hu You asked. Unless she didn't want to save the kid's life.Ever replied.He gestured for the two guards at the door.Miss Leanne couldn't even stand upright, took her and the boy upstairs, and shut her up in her former room.See how considerate I am, Leanne, to let you sleep in my own bed. Where are the boys, my lord?one of the guards asked. Locked in the room next to her. One of the guards grabbed Alex's arm, and when another reached out to grab Liane, she shook her off.She gritted her teeth, slowly straightened her waist, and walked slowly towards the stairs by herself.When she was about to reach the stairs, she tilted her body and fell on the cabinet. The guards pulled her up and dragged her toward the stairs.She hunched over and barely climbed the stairs, and Alex kept grabbing her skirt.After tripping twice, she collapsed on the steps exhausted.The guard clicked her tongue and carried her up the stairs.Her back hurt more and more, and before she could reach her door, she passed out.The guards threw her on the bed and grabbed Alex, but Alex beat and kicked and refused to leave Liane's side. Let him go!said another guard.If the two of them are locked in the same room, we only need to stand guard at one door tonight.The child can sleep on the floor. The two guards locked the door after leaving.Alex climbed onto the bed and sat beside her.Afraid that she would die and leave him alone, he could not help sobbing. It took Liane a long time to wake up, and the excruciating pain made her cry.She heard Alex whisper her name. never mind.Don't cry, Alex. will you diehe asked worriedly. Won't.She tried to sit up, but the pain sent her back down on the bed. are you badly hurt I feel better already, she lied.At least now we're safe.She closed her eyes, put her hands on her forehead, and begged God to help her recover quickly, because time was running out. But I heard the Baron say that the Highlander will be there the day after tomorrow.he said annoyed.He'll know I'm not Michael when he sees me, and he'll tell the Baron. She opened her eyes, patted his hand, and forced a smile.It didn't matter to us whether the Highlander came or not, in fact I wanted to see him well. So you can tell my daddy, Birdie and Lacey what the traitor looks like?Alex's face brightened. Completely correct. But why don't we care if the Highlander comes or not? Because I'm leaving with you tonight. His eyes widened in surprise.In the dark? Yes, hopefully the moon will be bright enough tonight. But how do we leave?I heard soldiers locking the door, there may have been guards in the hallway. She pointed to the wall across the room.We're going to go through that wall.She was thankful Ever hadn't locked Alex out of her reach, and she was going to take advantage of his lapse in judgment. Alex's face fell again.Liane, people can't go through walls. This is my childhood room, and there is a secret door in that wall that leads to my sister's room next door. If the secret door leads to your sister's room, how do we get out of there? There are also stairs in the secret passage leading to the tunnel below the castle.If the secret passage is not sealed, we can go outside the city walls. So can we leave now?he asks. She shook her head.We must wait until the Baron has gone to bed before we can act.He is very drunk and will soon be unconscious.But he might send a servant to check on us before dark, and if we were not in the room, the servant would report to him immediately. He took her hand and stared at the wall guessing where the door was.At last he turned to Liane and asked with a frown: What if the baron had sealed the secret passage? Then we'll find another way to escape. any solution? She had no idea, except that she had to get Alex out of Denham before the Highland traitors arrived.Maybe we can trick Wei Ping into the room He interrupted her excitedly.I could knock him out by hitting him on the head so hard, he pounded on the bed with his fists.I'll beat him to the bone.Standing on that chest, I might still be able to grab his sword and cut him in half, making him howl in pain.I have great strength.he boasted. She fought the urge to hug him, even to smile, lest he think she was laughing at him.I can see that you have great strength. He grinned happily, but only shrugged at her compliment. Do all little boys daydream as cruel and bloody as he does?she wondered.The moment he'd been clutching her tearfully, this moment he's gleefully planning his macabre revenge.She has no experience raising children, she feels completely incompetent and at the same time protective of him.She was the only thing standing between the little boy and the disaster, and in her mind that meant that Alex was still in danger. Does it hurt? She blinks.What hurts? Your face, he reached out to touch her cheek.It's swollen. A little. How did you get the scar under your jaw? Falling down the stairs when I was a kid.She patted the bed next to her.Come, lie down and sleep next to me. But it was not dark yet. I know, but we're going all night tonight, she explained.So you should rest now. He lay down and leaned against her. She shifted on the bed.She was in pain all over and couldn't find a comfortable position at all.She felt a sting as she moved her bandaged arm under her side, and then she remembered the surprise she was going to surprise Alex. Close your eyes, she said.I have something for you. He knelt up and closed his eyes tightly.what? She took out the dagger.She didn't have to tell him to open his eyes because he was already peeping.His delighted eyes made her nose sore. Burdy's dagger.He whispered in awe.how did you find it You told me where it is.She reminded him.I got it from the locker when I left the lobby.Keep it in its leather sheath so you don't accidentally injure yourself. Recovering the baby made him throw his arms around her neck and kiss her swollen cheeks with joy.I love you, Leanne. I love you too, Alex. With the dagger, I can protect you now. She smiled.So will you be my protector? No, he chuckled.Because I'm just a kid.But we have to find one for you. Protector? He nodded solemnly. She shook her head.I don't need a protector. But if you have to, maybe we can ask Boddy. Is that ruthless character?she joked. He nods again. She smiled softly.I do not think so We must ask him.He spoke in an adult tone.Do you know why? Why? Because you need him.