Page 34 of Warrior Princess
“She wasn’t a traitor,” Avery interrupted firmly, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and pain. “Tessa fought for peace across Asteria. She worked to ensure that those who shouldn’t wield power would not. She never betrayed Valoria.”
Realization slowly dawned on me. Tessa's actions, her motivations—so much about her remained a mystery, revealing shades of a person I realized I’d never truly known. My mind raced with questions. Did Viktor know about her affiliations? It seemed improbable that he would place her with me if he had known.
“Are there others I know who are part of this secret army?” I asked, pitching my voice low, mindful of the eager ears around us.
Avery smirked as she looked across the room and nodded toward a corner. I followed her gaze to see Madam Rose watching us intently. She sent us a little wave and a smile before turning away.
My mouth fell open with a gasp. “Madam Rose?”
Avery nodded. “She’s a good source of information, as much of it passes through the Rose Petal. Didn’t you find it strange that she never turned you in to the governor when she caught you in her establishment when you were being hunted by my brother?” She raised a brow.
More puzzle pieces were falling into place, but still. Madam Rose hadn’t necessarily been a friend, either. “Anyone else?”
Avery shook her head. “No, you don’t know any others. But I’m currently facing a dilemma.”
Ronan, ever pragmatic, cut to the heart of the matter. “What do you need from us?”
She exhaled heavily, the weight of her burden apparent. “The governor of the Central Plains, who as you know is under Caelan's influence, has two of my operatives in custody. They were caught spying on him and his movements.”
“And what do you want us to do?” I prodded, a sinking feeling in my stomach.
“I need you to help free them,” Avery stated matter-of-factly. “They possess critical information that we both need.”
Ronan's brows knitted together in concern. “Who are these operatives?”
With a slight smirk, Avery revealed, “They're both women—one from Keldara and the other from the Crimson Clan.”
Ronan’s reaction was immediate and fierce. “What? You have operatives from the Grasslands?”
“Quiet!” Avery hushed him, placing a finger to her lips. “I don't have any of your warriors... I have women whom your people have discarded as useless.”
Ronan's expression darkened, his voice a low growl. “No one from our lands is useless.”
Avery shrugged nonchalantly. “Regardless, these women have intercepted information vital to our cause. We need to act before Caelan decides to execute them.”
Skeptical of her true motives, I asked, “Why can't you handle this yourself?”
Avery sighed, frustration evident in her posture. “I can’t expose myself to Caelan just yet. And I can’t risk losing more of my people here in the Central Plains.”
“Do you have more operatives here?” I pressed, trying to gauge the extent of her network.
She nodded but remained silent as her gaze drifted to the flickering candles creating dancing shadows across the lounge’s walls. The implications of her network, her plans, and the dangers they posed hung heavily in the air, adding a layer of complexity to an already perilous situation.
“So, you expect us to risk our lives for your cause?” I challenged Avery with a dubious arch of my brow. The idea seemed reckless, especially with Caelan's forces likely on high alert. “Doesn't sound particularly beneficial to us. Caelan could just decide to kill us.”
Avery chuckled, a sound that carried a mixture of amusement and confidence. “Caelan wouldn’t dare kill you...Him, perhaps,” she nodded slightly toward Ronan, “but neveryou, Lyanna.”
“How can you be so sure of that?” I pressed, needing to understand her certainty.
“Because he needs you. To solidify his power over Valoria, he must marry you. With you by his side, he would control Valoria, Eldwain, the Central Plains, and Ellyndor. That would leave only the Grasslands and Keldara outside his grasp.”
Ronan interjected with a hint of doubt tainting his usually firm tone. “He’ll never manage to overtake two of the strongest nations in Asteria.”
Avery smirked, her expression one of knowing. “That’s what you think now, but imagine when three nations combine their forces against you. And if I’m not mistaken, Keldara is currentlydealing with a civil war after their king’s death. It won’t be pretty.”
Ronan clenched his jaw, unable to conceal his frustration. He wanted to refute her claim, but the potential reality of her words was very real.
“Fine. If we agree to save your operatives, what's in it for us?” I demanded, unwilling to proceed without a clear benefit.
