



Chapter 7
Chapter 7: Embraced
Magda's sudden disappearance became the talk of the town. It's been three days since she went missing, but her name never left people’s mouths. None of us tested positive, which clearly means the woman managed to escape before she even got caught—Magda and her alleged boyfriend, Ariz.
I breathed a sigh of relief because I wasn't exposed. Most likely, it's thanks to the bracelet Hyacinth wears, and also because it's been a while since I gave birth. Even so, I couldn’t help but worry about Magda. I heard they were kicked out of the Hezueras Clan. They're now considered insurgents.
"How about this one?" Lady Christy asked, twirling to show off a sparkling purple dress.
I nodded, masking my boredom. She'd been choosing what to wear for probably half an hour now. It's not like she’s going to a party or anything. She just wants to pick a dress for the day. Just a freaking ordinary day to hover around. That’s literally her job.
I remembered how she rushed into the kitchen just to drag me with her. Lady Lena couldn’t do anything but allow it. I didn’t mind either, since there wasn’t much to do in the kitchen.
"You look gorgeous in everything, Lady Christy." Which was true. Every color seemed to suit her.
"Thanks, but I think I like the scarlet one better," she said after asking for my opinion. "Did you like any of my clothes? You can have one. Whatever you like."
"No. I'm good."
She quickly changed and put on the scarlet dress. It was the first one she tried, and she ended up picking it anyway. Is this how rich women act? I mean, I’m a woman too, but I don’t think I’d spend that much time just picking a dress.
"What's with the fancy dress?" I couldn’t help but ask.
She groaned, which gave me a clue. "To annoy my evil stepmom. You know? She's easily jealous these days because she’s ugly now, so I’m going to make her even more jealous." She laughed like a villain plotting revenge.
"Even without the scar on her cheek, you're still way ahead of her..."
Lady Christy laughed and turned to me. "Right. She’s no match for me." She sighed before continuing. "But have you seen Queen B of the Taurus Clan?"
I shook my head. "I'm not sure..."
"The Black Lady?" she asked.
I paused to think. That woman flashed through my mind. "You mean... that woman? One of the leaders?"
If I was right, Lady Christy was referring to the woman who asked me for wine the first time I served the leaders. She had long black hair, black lipstick, and even her makeup was dark. That explains why they call her the Black Lady.
"She’s the Queen B of the Taurus Clan, also known as The Black Lady..." Lady Christy walked over to her perfumes and sprayed some on her hand. "Taurus Clan is the only clan made up entirely of women. Men aren’t allowed in their territory—or say goodbye to your balls."
My lips parted in surprise. I think that's one of the most interesting things I’ve heard about any clan. A group made entirely of women? That’s awesome. It sparked my curiosity.
"They're like a hive. Attack one, and the entire hive strikes back. It's kind of terrifying... they’re like men dressed as women. Don’t underestimate them."
"Yeah... fascinating. How come they agreed to join the force?"
"Nuh-uh." Lady Christy shook her head. "They're just here to supply food and blood. Our clan ran short of both, so they asked the Taurus Clan for help. The Taurus Clan agreed in exchange for more land to plant seeds."
"Clever..." I couldn’t hide my amazement.
"Besides that... she’s gorgeous, right?" There was bitterness in Lady Christy’s compliment toward Queen B.
I laughed. "No doubt—but not better than you."
Lady Christy rolled her eyes. "Sometimes I think you’re just trying to suck up to me. Anyway. I think I’m good now. Let’s go? I’m getting hungry, so let’s eat first."
I stood up from the bed and opened the door for her. Her heels echoed against the gleaming tiles as we walked. It was uncomfortable, especially since everything was so quiet.
This was also the first time I entered the main building for something other than delivering food. That’s the benefit of being friends with a leader’s daughter.
We made our way to the dining hall. I froze mid-step when I heard laughter inside. Then it hit me why it was so quiet outside. It’s lunchtime… which means… they’re all in the kitchen.
Shit. I shouldn’t be here.
"What’s wrong? Come on," Lady Christy said when she noticed I stopped.
I shook my head. "I can’t go there. I’m not allowed to..."
She frowned and approached, linking her arm with mine. "Don’t worry. We’re not eating here. We’re just here to greet the leaders and show them my dress."
"I’ll just wait for you here—"
"No. Let’s go..."
I couldn’t do anything when Lady Christy pulled me inside. I kept my head down as she greeted the leaders one by one. I was the one feeling awkward at how casually Lady Christy interacted with the leaders, even joking with them. Not all the leaders were present at lunch.
"Oh no, Milord. I’d rather have your son, Prince Nigel." Lady Christy burst into laughter. The confidence this woman has is ridiculous. She must be insanely spoiled in the Phoenix Clan.
"Oh, come on, Milady. He’s still in training. Don’t give him more distractions!" Lord Hezuera laughed as well.
Thankfully, they didn’t pay me much attention, even though I was right beside Lady Christy. Still, I felt out of place. Lady Grenda and Lord Oscar were there too.
"Queen B..." My head automatically lifted when Lady Christy mentioned her name. That’s when I realized we were now facing Queen B. She looked at Lady Christy with no expression. "Nothing. Please, enjoy your food..."
That was the first time Lady Christy stopped being sassy.
"You are interrupting their lunch, Lady Christy." It was Lady Grenda. I couldn’t avoid her gaze, and she immediately recognized me. A slow smile crept onto her face. She finally remembered who I was.
Before I knew it, Lady Grenda stood up and hugged me. Lady Christy let go. The hug was tight—almost suffocating. Behind her was Lord Oscar, silently watching us.
"I didn’t know we had an important visitor!" Lady Grenda laughed—a mocking laugh. She grabbed my arm and turned me to face the other leaders, who looked puzzled. "Leaders, do you recognize this woman?"
"She’s my friend," Lady Christy answered. "Now if you’re done, we need to go."
Lady Grenda ignored her. Lady Christy’s face showed clear irritation.
"Is she one of Lord Oscar’s slaves?" asked Lord Bueno of the Behemoth Clan.
"No doubt," agreed Lord Sentero of the Sentro Clan. Among all the male leaders... he was the youngest. He looked about the same age as Prince Nigel, who still didn’t know how to ride a horse.
"You’re right, Lord Sentero and Lord Bueno." Lady Grenda lifted my chin when I tried to lower my head. "Except she’s not under Lord Oscar..."
"Enough, Lady Grenda." Lady Christy tried to take me back, but Lady Grenda didn’t let go. "Lord Oscar, she’s embarrassing my friend. Come on!" She even asked Lord Oscar for help, but he still said nothing.
I had no choice but to be a puppet and let them control my movements. I couldn’t do anything but obey. I may feel powerless now—but not afraid.
"May I know your name, Milady?" Lord Bueno asked.
I smiled as I introduced myself, "Good afternoon, My Lords. I am Astralla Martin, a slave of the Nightfall Clan, and I was once under the power of Brixton Wenz Cardinal."
As I expected, silence followed. Shock filled their faces, except for Queen B, who just calmly continued eating. I knew that, at that moment, I had become part of their political discussions.
Everyone was left dumbfounded.
Deafening silence followed. Everyone was stunned and still couldn’t believe what had just happened. They didn’t expect everything to end up like this.
“That woman...” Lady Grenda pointed a finger at me. No matter how hard she tried to hide her fear, it was evident in her weary eyes. “We can use her as leverage.”
My lips slowly curved into a smile.
"Try it," I said coldly.
Lady Grenda froze, and her lips trembled. She tried to say something again, but I walked forward, my eyes locked on her.
I stopped in front of her.
She was much shorter than me.
“If I were you, Lady Grenda, I’d watch my words,” I whispered so only the two of us could hear.
Her eyes widened, and she stepped back. I turned my back to her.
And walked toward Brixton.
"I am safe now because Lady Christy protected me. But I know Lady Grenda won’t stop until she gets me. Also, Lord Oscar’s silence is bothering me. Did he somehow agree with his mother’s plan? Will he imprison me too, like he did with Erikson?"
Every Friday, the leaders return to their respective clans. That means Lady Christy will also leave today to go back to the Phoenix Clan’s main base. Work will be easier for us servants, but... I know someone will be happy today.
“I’m going to miss you,” Lady Christy said with a pout. We were now at the front gate of the Nightfall Clan Mansion. The leaders were already leaving one by one.
There were different types of horse-drawn carriages waiting for their leaders, each classified by color and symbols. For the Phoenix Clan, theirs had a golden phoenix embedded on it.
“Astra? Aren’t you going to miss me?”
I laughed. “You’ll be back on Monday anyway.”
“So what!” Her pout deepened.
“What, why?” My attention was drawn to Lord Vienzara, who was talking to a young woman with a worried look on her face. “You can’t leave me here, Father. I want to go home too.”
“No, Yngritt. You will stay here… on your own,” Lord Vienzara said firmly.
The woman looked like she was about to cry. “B-but…”
“This is just the start. Someday, you’ll take over my position and do things on your own.” Lord Vienzara placed a hand on Yngritt’s shoulder. “I’ll return in two days. For now, you’ll be in charge of the members staying behind.”
The woman sniffed and nodded. She had no choice but to agree with her father. This was my first time seeing her here, probably because I rarely wandered around.
“If that’s what you want, Milord…”
Lord Vienzara hugged his daughter. “Don’t be scared, Lady of Vienzara.”
I turned to Lady Christy when she smacked my shoulder. “Aren’t you even going to hug me? Won’t you miss me? Is that how you are, Astra?”
I smiled and hugged her. “Please, take care…”
“You too…” She faced me again. “You’ll be staying here. That bitch must be planning something. If she hurts you, tell me, okay? Don’t be afraid of her.”
“I’m not…”
She rolled her eyes. “Of course you’re not. You’ve already faced Brix, why would you be afraid of anyone else?”
“Let’s go, Milady…” One of the guards approached.