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Waves of Envy (CHAPTER THREE)

  The rebellion thrived in secrecy, its whispers carried through hidden passageways, dimly lit chambers, and the hushed voices of those who dare to listen. Their purpose was clear--the downfall of certain noble families, the ones who stood in the way of their grand design. Names were never spoken outright, but those with sharp minds understood which houses had been marked for ruin. Among them, four stood as the most formidable. The Sancheinzs, Sheencheinzs, Shaincheinzs, and Sletcheinzs families, each led by lords whose power stretched far beyond wealth. Their sons were known throughout the nation--heirs of great prestige, warriors of exceptional skill, noblemen who commanded both loyalty and respect. But there were whispers, subtle and uncertain, of something more. "The sons stand at the forefront, but is that all there is?", some asked in a secret gathering. A reply was heard "The are rumors…but no one has ever confirmed them.". The existence of daughters--hidden from the eyes of the nation, shrouded in secrecy, was a tale woven into speculation. No one knew if the rumors were truth or merely the jealous murmurings of those envious of the four great houses' unshaken legacy. After all, if there were daughters, why had they never been introduced? Why were they kept from the public eye?. But those who were deeply involved in the rebellion, those who sought to dismantle these houses piece by piece, had begun to question, "If the rumors are true… why would they hide them?". And that, perhaps, was the most dangerous thought of all.

  Yet even the rebellion--despite its many spies, despite its network of informants, they knew nothing of the truth. The secret of these daughters ran deeper than a simple concealment. It was a secret even the rebels had yet to uncover. And beneath this secrecy lay something far more sinister, something no outsider could even begin to fathom.

  "A curse perhaps?"

  A curse that bound the fate of these daughters in ways no one could yet predict. And so, in the dimly lit study of a nobleman's estate, where conspiracies were spun like silk threads, a conversation took place, one that could shift the tides of fate. Where a nobleman stands before a grand window, his hands clasped behind his back. A trusted advisor sits in the shadows, his face is unreadable. The nobleman spoke to the advisor, "The rebellion is growing bold. The downfall of certain families is no longer just a rumor, it is in motion". "The sons stands strong, but they are still young. Their fathers built legacies, and the sons have only begun to inherit them. The rebels see this as a chance, a moment of vulnerability". The advisor replied to the nobleman. The nobleman narrowed his eyes, "And yet…whispers have begun to spread. About daughters. The hidden ones". The advisor pausing, then speaking carefully to the nobleman, "There is no proof of their existence". "Then why do people speak of them?" the nobleman asking. "Because fear breeds stories. The four families hold too much power, and those who cannot reach them create rumors to weaken them. If these daughters existed, would they not have been introduced now?". The advisor tried to assured the nobleman. The nobleman spoke coldly to the advisor, "Or perhaps they kept hidden for a reason.". Then a heavy silence falls between them. The nobleman turns from the window, eyes dark with thought. "And what of the fallen kingdom". The nobleman spoke. The advisor spoke grimly, "Still in ruins. But the son…he was never found. Some say he vanished into the wind. Others say he watches from the shadows, waiting.". The nobleman then spoke, "A kingdom falls, heirs disappear, daughters hidden away…and a rebellion that moves like a storm in the distance. Tell me, my friend, how many pieces are we missing from this game?". The advisor smirking slightly, voice low, "Too many. And that is what makes it dangerous."

  In the different estate of noble's Vaelyne's, where three nobles gathered with an unknown identity silhouette, the candlelight flickered softly, casting wavering shadows along thr carved walls of Earl Ferrec Vaelyne's estate. Three figures sat in a secluded chamber, the air thick with intrigue. Young Master Aedric Nael Starleyts, the eldest son of house Starleyts also known as Grand Magus Restoration, a healing involved in magic, a high-ranking official at the palace who known as Royal Physician-General, leaned back in his chair, fingers idly tracing the rim of his goblet. His title as a healer masked the quiet ambition lurking beneath his composed exterior. Power was subtle poison, and he had long since learned to savor its taste. Across from him, Lady Camilla Therys the house of Therys, an esteemed high-ranking official, swirled her wine, amusement dancing in her dark eyes. A woman of sharp wit and sharper claws, she thrived in the shadows where secrets festered. At the head of the table, Duke Ferrec Vaelyne steepled his fingers, his expression unreadable as he turned his attention to the hooded figure standing at the edge of the room. Silence… Then in a hushed voice, the rebel messenger spoke. "The black tide rises, yet the moon remains unseen.". Aedric's lips curled slightly. "And the moon's children?". "Scattered, unseen." The rebel murmured. "But whispers carry the tide's will. The storm will reach the shore soon.". Lady Camilla let out a slow breath, feigning boredom. "So, the daughters remain mere rumors? No confirmed truth?". The hooded figure hesitated before setting a parchment on the table. A wax seal, pressed with the emblem of a white pigeon, gleamed in the dim light. "The nobility guards its secret well". The rebel admitted. "But the rumors are growing. Maids whisper of daughters hidden away, though their existence has yet to be proven.". Duke Ferrec chuckled softly. "Good.". His fingers traced the edge of his wine goblet. "Let them wonder". A pause, then his voice dropped to a whisper. "In time, the truth will come to us.". That's how this gathering ended. At another place where noble's and commoner's as well as unknown identity gathers, a crowded noble tavern's. Goblets clinking. Laughter masking hidden intentions. Among the well-dressed lords and ladies, a spy sat, his guise that of merchant, his purpose far more insidious. He leaned forward, speaking lazily. "The great houses…so many sons, so much power. But one wonders…have they no daughters?". A noble scoffed beside him, chuckling as he took a sip of his drink. "Daughters? If they exist, they must be locked away like the kingdom's finest treasures.". Another noble leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. "They say the noble sons guard their bloodlines fiercely. If there are daughters…perhaps they are hidden for a reason.". The spy smirked, swirling his drink. "Or perhaps," he mused, "they are the kingdom's greatest secret.". That's how the talks ended inside the taverns. In the different place of estate, House of Sletcheinzs, in the grand corridors of the Sletcheinzs estate, Kann Sletcheinzs found himself standing still, deep in thought. The rumors were spreading and it was too persistent and too similar. The hidden daughters. A secret the noble families refused to share. His fingers curled into a fist and a steps echoed against the marble floor. He turned to see his eldest brother, Chains Sletcheinzs, standing near the balcony, gazing at the moonlit gardens. Kann exhaled, stepping forward to his brother, Kann. "Brother," he began, his voice low. "Have you heard the whispers?". Chains did not return his head to Kann. "Rumors are like autumn leaves, scattered by the wind.". His tone was indifferent. "They mean nothing.". Even so, Kann hesitated. "And yet…. They aren't fading.". He glanced toward the darkened halls. "They all speak of the same thing, a hidden daughter. What if….". His voice dropped. "What if they speak of our family?". Silence. Then slowly, Chains turned his head, his sharp eyes locking onto Kann's before he spoke. "We need to endure no fool gets too close to the truth.". The days passed as the rumors start to spread wider in that nation until it came across the King in that kingdom who closed to Lord Eridrius Cheinzs, and added another issue to each sons of Lord Eridrius. One morning, the birds chirped, across the noble estate, identical parchments arrived, each sealed with the image of a white pigeon. The note sounds like this "The ocean hides what the shore cannot see.". Each brother unfolded their message in silence. In the Sheencheinzs estate, Dylond Sheencheinzs frowned, his thumb tracing the wax seal. "A warning." He muttered under his breath. In the Sancheinzs estate, Lyordian Sancheinzs leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Someone who knows too much," he mused. In the Shaincheinzs estate, Raynard Shaincheinzs tapped the parchment against the table. "Who would dare send this?". A single, shared thought passed between them all, who was watching them from the shadows? And more importantly… Were they friend or foe?. In another place discussion about a lost prince from a fallen kingdom from underworld, deep within a rebel stronghold, whispers flickered like dying embers. A group of conspirators huddled in the dimly lit chamber, their voices hushed, their words laced with venom. "If the lost prince were alive," one rebel sneered, "he'd have burned this kingdom to the ground by now." Then another scoffed. "He's gone. Forgotten. If he were here, he wouldn't know who he was." Silence fall between them. Then, a soft chuckle. "The past has way of creeping back," murmured a voice from shadows. And out there the lost prince who had no idea who he was still linger outside the world as there's no one knew his face even his name, the only things the people know was there was a prince where the fallen kingdom once exist. In other place a fractured rebellion gather. The rebel war table stood at the center of a tense divide. On one side, The Radical Leader slammed his fist onto the wood, his voice a growl of frustration. "We take the noble houses down by force. Magic and steel no more games." Across from him, The Strategist Leader smirked, unbothered by the outburst. "And die like fools?" He leaned forward. "The sons of these houses aren't mere brats, they wield power and magic greater than you understand." A scoff. "Then we kill them before they grow stronger." The strategist tilted his head. "And what of the rumored daughters?" He smiled knowingly. "If they exist, we should know their worth before we strike." A heavy pause between them. For the first time, the rebellion found itself at an impasse. Their goals remained the same, yet their methods had split them apart. The shadows within the rebellion grew deeper. And within the noble families, unseen forces stirred. Waiting. Watching.

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  In the estate of The Cheinzs House, stood a big mansion owned by Lord Eridrius Cheinzs. In this place a serious matter will be discussed. The halls of Lord Eridrius Cheinzs grand estate stood silent beneath the flickering glow of chandeliers, the soft crackling of the hearth the only sound breaking the stillness. Outside, the wind howled, a restless whisper of secrets carried by the night. But inside, within the grand chamber where decisions of great weight had been made for generations, five men gathered in solemn silence. At the head of the long, dark wooden table sat Archduke Eridrius, his sharp gaze sweeping over his sons, Duke Randoldf Sletcheinzs, Duke Vadim Shaincheinzs, Duke Vaycheslav Sheencheinzs and Duke Dyimitry Sancheinzs. Each bore strength and nobility of their lineage, yet tonight, a shadow of unease lingered in their expressions. The weight of the rumors had reached them all. Whispers in the streets, murmurs in the market squares, servants exchanging knowing glances, nobles speaking in hushed tone behind closed doors. The existence of daughters, hidden daughters, was slowly creeping into the fabric of society's gossip. Archduke Eridrius exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the table. His voice, when it came, was measured, yet carried an unmistakable undertone of concern. "A storm brews beneath our feet," he began. "One we have long prepared for, yet hoped would never come." Randoldf, his brow furrowed in deep thought, leaned forward. "The rumors are spreading faster than we anticipated. It started as mere speculation, but now…" He glanced at his brothers, "Even commoners are speaking of daughters born to our houses." Vadim, ever the composed strategist, nodded grimly. "It is no longer just gossip. There are those who seek the truth with purpose. Someone is digging, searching…and soon, they may find what we have buried deep." Vaycheslav's fingers curled into a fist against the table. His voice, calm yet laced with frustration, cut through the room. "The question is, who? And to what end?". Silence stretched between them, the unspoken fears hanging thick in the air. Then, Dyimitry spoke, his voice quieter than the rest, but no less sharp. "The Rebellion." A chill seemed to settle over the room, the existence of this rebellion is secretly known by whose seek to them. The mere mention of the growing discontent was enough to bring a heaviness upon their shoulders. "If they suspect the existence of our daughters, they will not rest until they uncover the truth. And if they do…" Dyimitry's eyes darkened. "It will not be more whispers we contend with, but a battle." Archduke Eridrius, having listened in silence, finally stood. The glow of the fire illuminated the deep lines on his face, a man who had seen kingdoms rise and fall, wars waged, and betrayals unfold. "We cannot wait for the storm to come to us." His gaze locked onto each of his sons. "We must face it. We will introduce my granddaughters, not as hidden secrets, but as rightful heirs of our blood." The decision, heavy yet necessary, settled over the room like a final decree that darkened night. The four Lords exchanged glances, each knowing what must be done. In the early morning before dawn, they would return to their estates. They would speak with their wives and sons. And soon, the daughters they had protected in the shadows would be brought into the light. Yet, beneath the surface of their resolve, the undercurrents of something far greater strirred. For beyond the walls of their estate, eyes were already watching. And the storm had only just begun. As the evening descended upon the four grand estates of the Cheinzs lineage, the sky bleeding into twilight as golden lantern flickered to life. The air was thick with as unspoken tension, the weight of a long-buried truth now pressing upon those who had sworn to keep it hidden. One by one, the Dukes returned to their respective estates, their minds burdened with the decision made within their's halls. Summoning their wives and sons, they gathered in the private chambers where only the most confidential matters were discussed. And that evening, it was not just about whispers, it was about fate. We move onto Estate of the Sheencheinzs, Duke Vaycheslav stood at the head of the long table, his expression unwavering as he faced his wife, Duchess Nerissa, and their sons, Lodriand, Dylond, Donny, and Andhia. Madam Nerissa's hands were clenched in her lap, her usually serene face shadowed by concern. "This is dangerous," she murmured, her gaze flickering between her husband and her sons. "You know as well as I do, Vaycheslav. Once the truth is revealed, we cannot turn back." Lodriand, the eldest son, sat stiffly, his fingers pressed together in thought. "Since we were children, Father has told us to be strong, to protect our siter." His sharp gaze met his father's. "And yet, she remains as a ghost within our own home. Who is she truly? And why now we reveal her?" Dylond leaned forward, his voice laced with concern., "I've heard the rumors, whispers of hidden daughters. They are getting bolder. If we do not act, someone else will." Duke Vaycheslav sighed, his grip tightening on the chair's armrest. "It is decided," he said firmly. "She will be introduced alongside her cousins. Your grandfather's birthday will mark their first step into the world." Andhia, the youngest, frowned. "Will she even be ready for this?" Silence settled like dust in the room, unspoken fears lingering in the air. In the Estate of the Sletcheinzs, -- At the Sletcheinzs estate, Duke Randoldf stood near the fire, the glow casting sharp shadows across his face. Seated before him were his wife, Duchess Hesperia and their sons, Chains, Taniels, Kann, and Volcane. Duchess Hesperia's lips pressed into a thin line. "She has lived in the shadows for so long, Randoldf," she whispered. "Are we to simply thrust her into the light?" Chains, the eldest, crossed his arms over his chest. His voice was cool, unwavering. "You told me as a child to protect her. I did, without knowing her face, without knowing her name. Now, suddenly, you wish to unveil her?". Taniels, ever the quiet observer, spoke next. "What if someone moves against us the moment we reveal them?". Kann, who had recently caught wind of the rumors among the commoners, exhaled sharply. "It's already happening. The whispers are spreading. I've heard them myself. If we wait too long, the world will find her before we do.". Duke Randoldf's gaze flickered to his youngest son, Volcane, who had been silent. When the boy finally spoke, his voice was uncharacteristically serious. "I just want to know my sister.". The room fell silent, and Duchess Hesperia lowered her gaze. "Then we have no choice.". The end of the discussion at Sletcheinzs estate. --In the Estate of the Sancheinzs, -- At the Sancheinzs estate, Duke Dyimitry sat across from his wife, Duchess Sylvanie, and their sons, Antrandhi, Antaraia, and Lyordian, seated beside them. Duchess Sylvanie's delicate fingers curled around the stem of her goblet, her eyes dark with worry. "Are we ready for this?" she asked. "The world is cruel to those who are different." Antrandhi, his expression unreadable, leaned forward. "You always told me to be the pillar of our family. But how can I protect a sister I have never even met?". Antaraia, his fingers drumming against the arm of his chair, scoffed. "We were kept in the dark all this time, and now we are expected to stand before the world as her protectors?". Lyordian, the youngest, looked up from his seat. "Does she even know we exist?". Duke Dyimitry sighed, his gaze softening, he expected this answer from his son. "She knows," he admitted. "She has always known". And in the heart of Duchess Sylvanie whispers only she can hear, 'only time can show why we must protect your sister'. That is the end of their discussion without no one knowing the whisper of Duchess Sylvanie heart. --Estate of the Shaincheinzs, another discussion made, the Shaincheinzs estate was cloaked in the quiet hum of the night, yet inside the grand hall, a storm brewed, Duke Vadim sat at the head of the table, his wife, Duchess Thalassa, at his side. Their sons, Raynard, Ryordan, and Lingerz, were tense with anticipation in their own seat. Duchess Thalassa exhaled softly. "We always knew this day would come.". Raynard, the eldest, his voice calm but firm, responded first. "I will not allow anyone to harm her.". Ryordan frowned. "Brother, you speak as though she has already stepped into danger.". Lingerz, who had always been more sensitive to the world's dangers despite his young age, whispered. "Perhaps she has.". Duke Vadim's jaw tightened. "Which is why we must act now.". The discussion at each estate came to an end. In the far kingdom, as the discussion ended between each family, the stars above shone brighter, casting their light upon the hidden daughters of the Cheinzs lineage. Somewhere, far from the reach of those who sought them, a young woman stood beneath the glow of the moon, the reflection of the water shimmering against her skin as she danced upon the soft grass near a lake. The evening breeze carried her laughter, yet even in her joy, there was an unmistakable weight in her eyes, a burden unknown to the world. In another place, another girl stood poised, a sword glinting in her grasp as she trained under the watchful eye of a silent guardian. Her strikes were sharp, her focus unwavering. She had always known she would need to fight for her place in this world. Elsewhere, a quiet figure sat beneath the shade of an old tree, a book resting upon her lap, though her gaze was lost in thought. The winds carried whispers of a world she had never been part of, until now. And in the deep corridors of yet another modest mansion, a butler moved with careful steps, setting a warm drink before the girl. His voice was calm, yet held an unmistakable reverence. "The stars shine brighter tonight, my lady. Perhaps they know your time has come.". The girl said nothing, merely gazing beyond the window, where the sky stretched infinitely before her. She knew. The time had come.

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