Page 33 of Her Royal Blood

“We’ve discussed this at length while traveling from Vitoria. I believe that Hawk has the reputation and the means to gather quite a few who will support our troops. I’ll take Lex and the Royal Guard out to destroy the ships and I trust Hawk to find soldiers to fight for Navarrah City,” Derringer shared as he expressed his belief in Hawk’s ability to help Navarrah City.

“This sounds like a solid plan,” King Helix said. “Queen Aria. What will you need from us going forward after we’ve taken Navarrah City back from the Crypt Claw?”

I had been listening to them talk over their next steps and strategies and as I looked at the map I was deciphering ways the soldiers from Navarrah City could enter Onyx Rah undetected to deliver a surprise attack on Polonius’ troops.

“We need to rescue Bindi, the head of our Royal Guards who Polonius is keeping in our dungeons and Halo, our beta who is also a mage. I’m not sure what Polonius has done with her, but I’m pretty sure he won’t harm her because she is a powerful young mage who he thinks he can bend to his will. As soon as we’ve secured Navarrah City, we need to enter Onyx Rah and ambush the troops there. Also I’d like to see Amadeus. I believe that if he can be restored to health, his power will heal our troops and strengthen them.” I knew it would probably be a stretch to include Amadeus, but if we could restore his wits and his power, we’d have a greater advantage.

“I’m afraid that Amadeus is still very ill. He’s not able to be reasoned with and so we keep him in an undisclosed location. His illness is being managed by Nana Mavia and we’re hoping to see him restored to health eventually, but I doubt he’ll be of much service in this endeavor. That being said, I don’t want him in this fight. He’s been through enough and deserves to recover.” King Helix eyes me with a look of deep concern.

“I understand,” I say, fearing for the man who was my father. “Will it be possible for me to see him?”

“If you have a means of divining some sort of magic to look upon him, I can’t stop you, but you may not meet with him in the flesh. It is too dangerous for both of you.” The king gave me a look that expressed his unwillingness to negotiate the point.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Amadeus’ health and wellbeing are paramount.”

“Thank you for your consideration. As the hour is growing late, we must adjourn to rest so that we might put these actions in motion tomorrow. To be clear, can you each state yourmission.” King Helix sat back in his chair as each of us stated our goals for the next few days.

“I’ll get permission from the Lupine Coalition to test our airship and send word back to Navarrah City upon their approval. After that, I’ll make my way to Brahman’s Peak and see if I can’t use the magical ring Lex gave me to disguise myself and disable the production of Polonius’ warships. I’ll take a few soldiers with me and dress them in the Crypt Claw uniforms we had made. I believe if we strategically set off bombs in the warehouse where the ships are being built we can disable their operation.” Cheyenne looked determined and focused on accomplishing his goal.

“Just be careful not to risk your life or the lives of civilians in the area,” King Helix warned.

“As for me, I’ll help sink the two Crypt Claw barges and return to fight the remaining troops in Navarrah City before heading to Onyx Rah with our Royal Guards to liberate Bindi and the soldiers being held in Onyx Rah,” Lex said, smiling at his brother as King Helix looked upon both of his sons with great pride.

“And I will make sure that Lex and his men sink the ships, as well as retake the port,” Derringer nodded to the king.

“I’ll join you portside with as many men as I can offer,” Jarvis added.

“I’ll recruit soldiers between here and Brahman’s Peak to our cause. Once in Brahman’s Peak I’ll be available to Prince Lex and Her Majesty Queen Aria for whatever purpose they require.” Hawk bowed his head and King Helix smiled.

“I’m grateful for your service,” King Helix commented to Hawk.

While no one will have suspected me, I also added my plan to the strategy.

“I’ll work on my magic to see if there isn’t a way to help Amadeus recover until Lex and Hawk return. Upon their arrival and the defeat of Polonius' troops at the ports, I’ll accompany them to Onyx Rah to liberate Bindi and Halo so that we might fight against the troops holding Onyx Rah,” I said, feeling somber but determined.

“Then it is time to divide and conquer,” King Helix offered. “We’ve eaten and now I want you all to rest. Being depleted is no way to start a war. There is nothing to be done tonight. Lex, you and Derringer will start your mission to Vitoria Island before sunrise, until then I command that all of you retreat to your quarters. The house is secure, so take your leave and prepare for the days ahead.” With that King Helix stood and we bowed to him as he walked out of the dining room of the small underground stronghold.

“I’ll return to my home,” Derringer said. “I have troops in place and the Crypt Claw are used to seeing me there. I’m not sure any of them know what I do or who I do it for, but my absence might be noted.” Derringer put on his tattered olive green jacket and brown leather hat, obscuring him a little.

“I’ll meet you tomorrow,” Lex said and Derrigner saluted and left us.

“I can start my mission tonight,” Hawk offered, but Lex shook his head.

“You slept very little on the boat last night and I know how poorly we both slept the nights before that, so you will be given a comfortable room and more importantly a soft bed. Get some rest. My father is right, we’ll win nothing if we’re depleted.”

Hawk smiled and slapped Lex’s back. “Baby,” he teased and we all laughed before retreating to our rooms.

Lex and I shared a room which was a simple space with a small bed, a table with two chairs deep underground with therest of the sleeping spaces. The minute we walked in, Lex pulled me to him.

“Finally,” he breathed in my ear. “We’re alone.” He kissed my lips throwing me off guard.

I’d been so deeply in survival mode, I’d forgotten how much I’d missed Lex’s touch. I kissed him back letting our tongues say all that our mouths couldn’t. I loved him and never wanted to let him go. I needed this war to be over and Polonius dead, but most importantly, I couldn’t imagine ruling without him by my side as my king.

We kissed and undressed each other as we slid into bed free to be naked and together, something the two of us had not had the ability to do for too long.

“When we end Polonius’ life and his tyranny, I want you by my side,” I ventured to say.

I was being vague as I wasn’t sure what Lex wanted. The last time we’d had that discussion, he chose Navarrah City and ruling his homeland as its king, which was his birthright. My asking him to relinquish that right was selfish and cruel and yet he could rule a kingdom with me. It wasn’t like he didn’t have a place.

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