Anastasia awoke some time before dawn. She had been asleep since early afternoon the day before somewhere in the realm of fourteen hours. Charlotte was sleeping next to her, but Liza was missing.

Since the sun had not started to rise yet the night was still incredibly dark. But just as she started to move, she heard raised voices. She could not make out every word, but the loudest voice must have been Sam’s she could tell from its pitch.

“Why… I mean fuck…”

“you don't need to know”. Anastasia thought it was Finn but the voice was hard to make out

“Fuck you, I should know why.”

“Because” Finn’s Voice came through clearly this time. It was all business with none of his normal cheerful tone.

“Bullshit! That is the answer you give a child.”

“Then stop acting like one.” There was the sound of rustling. Anastasia could not tell what was happening, but she figured they had a minor altercation.

Just then a hand rested on Anastasia's shoulder.

“Princess. I will protect you no matter who it is from. It would be best if you were asleep when Liza comes back.” Charlotte said leaning close to Anastasia’s so she could make her voice as quiet as possible.

Anastasia understood what her attendant was telling her, so she closed her eyes. She was not able to sleep again. Anastasia heard no more arguing from the group. She just heard the sounds of a few birds who had awoken before dawn. She stayed awake trying to stay still to seem like she was asleep. It was dawn when Liza came to get her.

“Princess please wake up, it is time for breakfast. We do not have long before we need to move again.” Liza rested her hand on Anastasia’s shoulder and rocked her gently.

Anastasia pretended to be just waking up and tried to act confused at her surroundings for a minute.

“Thank you, Lady Liza. Can I help prepare anything for breakfast?”

“No, it is already made. Please come join us, and also it is just Liza”

Charlotte had left about half an hour ago and requested Anastasia stay in the tent a while longer.

Anastasia made her way over to where the others were seated. They all just sat on the ground and had their mouths full of travel rations. Anastasia went to sit beside Charlotte and was handed some of the travel rations to eat. She had never tried them before but knew from hearing the knights talk about them that they are not good.

It was just dried meat and very tough bread. When eating the meat all she could taste was salt. The bread was so hard that it made her jaw hurt to chew it. The face Anastasia was making did not go unnoticed by the others.

“I am sorry your highness we did not have a chance to prepare a proper meal for you.” Sam said, twirling his hand in the air and bowing his head. This earned him a swift slap to the back of the neck from Liza who said nothing.

“What was that for?”

“Eat your food and shut up.” Brox grunted out.

“I was just surprised by the taste. I thank you for sharing your food.” Anastasia kept looking at Sam until he made eye contact and she smiled at him.

Sam blushed and turned away. “Whatever. Cap’n in charge so thank him.”

Anastasia looked over to Finn who did not even seem like he noticed the banter between his comrades. Finn felt someone's eyes on him and looked around before seeing the Princesses looking at him.

“Ah Anna, you are up. Given the circumstances I hope you slept as soundly as possible.”

“I was surprised at how long I was able to stay asleep. I have never spent a whole night sleeping on the ground. I figured I would have struggled with it more. I must have been exhausted.”

“You sure seemed that way. You fell right out on Char’s lap almost as soon as you finished eating.”

“Charlotte I am so sorry. I hope I did not keep you from sleeping for too long before I moved to the tent.” Anastasia looked to her attendant with concern.

“Not at all princess. Sir…. I mean Finn moved you to the tent almost as soon as you fell asleep.”

“Thank you then Sir Fin, for your consideration.” Anastasia gave Finn a quick nod

“Anna, we agreed you would call me Finn.”

“Well, my name is not Anna.”

“Of course it is. It is short for Her Royal Highness First Princess of Galand Anastasia Volkov, Daughter of Queen Milena Volkov. See how much effort that took. Anna is easier.”

“Is it so hard for you to just call me Anastasia then.”

“If I said yes, would you let me call you Anna?”

“Why is it so important to you to call us both by something other than what we have asked to be called?”

“Why is it so important to you to be called such long winded names?”

“It is out of respect for our….” Anastasia trailed off. The realization that her position did not matter at this time. Her station and authority meant nothing right now. It was all an illusion, it only mattered because those around her thought that it did. The thought even crossed her mind that it never mattered.

“I see that you are catching on Anastasia.” Finn said before he started wincing in pain.

Anastasia furrowed her brow at the face he was making. She noticed that Liza had dug her heel into Finn’s foot as she stood up. Anastasia saw a brief smile spread across Liza's face as she went to the tents to start breaking them down.

“You have a point, I will try to stand on ceremony a little less from here on out.” Anastasia gave him a brief nod before returning to her food.

*****

Once they had broken down camp the four of them started to strap their bags to their back.

“Can I carry anything?” Anastasia asked, her hands clasped in front of her.

“I don’t know, can you carry a tune? A good traveling song would do us wonders.” Finn said with a smile.

Anastasia frowned. “I do not know any.”

“I am sorry Anastasia, then you cannot carry anything.” Finn tightened his pack and headed off.

Brox loaded the largest pack onto his back and headed over to Anastasia. “Lass, today is going to be a long one. We will be traveling until just before sundown. You will be lucky if you can carry yourself for that whole time.” Brox’s attempt at comfort failed miserably. Liza pressed her hand on Anastasia's shoulder as she walked by but said nothing.

About an hour later the party reached the edge of the forest and the vast marshland lay before them.

“OK for all those new people that have never walked over the marshland. I am looking at you Sam,” Finn said, swinging his head to the side to goad the young man to his left.

“Fuck off Finn,” Sam shot back.

“Cursing more does not make you grow up any faster,” Liza said as she headed forward with Brox.

“Where was I before I was so rudely interrupted… oh right Sam is a greenhorn. Who is for sure going to fall into a bog. So don’t do what Sam does,” Finn said as Sam started to walk off. Finn turned back to the other two.

“Look ladies, for real it can be dangerous. Just walk where you see that Liza has been. She knows how to travel in this area. Just stick close and watch your footing.”

Anastasia and Charlotte both nod and set out with Finn taking up the rear.

*****

The group had been walking for hours. It was getting close to mid-day. The travel had been slower than on the road but about the same as it had been in the woods. There were no direct obstacles or brush you had to climb over or cut through, but every so often you would have to make your way around a large bog. Slowing the pace down.

Sam was only a few steps ahead of Anastasia and he could no longer contain himself.

“So princess, who did you piss off so much, to have them try to assassinate you.” Sam looked over his shoulder at the princess. His eyes clearly stated he knew full well she would not understand his question.

“I am not sure what you mean. I thought they were just brigands who wanted to ransom me back to the crown.” Anastasia looked confused and looked to Charlotte for confirmation.

“I am sorry princess. I had not found the way to tell you, but the man that was leading the group that night was Duke Armon’s Son, Robert.”

“What did you not know? It was so obvious I am surprised you had to be told. I thought nobles were supposed to be smart. I mean what brigands would invade a town that was as well-known as Waldron, the local Adventures guild was there. Come on.” Sam started laughing as he picked up his pace to catch back up to Brox.

Anastasia's mind raced at what she just heard. Duke Armon had been working closely with the queen for some time now. There was no way he could be behind a plan to assassinate her. His Second son Victor was betrothed to her younger sister Tashanna. They were to be family soon.

“You must both be mistaken, Duke Armon would not do this. He has nothing to gain from killing me.”

Finn stopped “Anastasia I was there when Liza killed Robert Armon. I had dealings with him in the past. It was for sure him.”

“Oh, my gods, you killed him.”

“No, not me… Liza, try to keep up. Both literally and figuratively we are falling behind.” Finn tried to give Anastasia a nudge, but she would not move. The look of fear and confusion on her face could not be mistaken, Anastasia was in shock.

“Damn it all.” Finn placed his fingers in his mouth and let out a loud whistle. He then circled his hand in the air over his head and then started looking around for some space to put his things down.

“Oh and throw that little shit in a bog.” Finn pointed to Sam.

Sam shrugged his shoulders as if to act like he did not know what was going on. As Brox passed him he shoved him into the closed bog.

“Dammit Finn, why did you tell him to do that? He was carrying the extra bed Rolls.” Liza had that look no one likes to get. That one of not being angry but just disappointed.

“Shit! So that is my bad, but he deserved it.” Finn said, dropping his pack to the ground.

“That is fine, the ladies and I will not be the ones without one tonight.” Liza quickly turned to Brox. “Don’t say a word you shoved him in.” Brox gave up before he even spoke.

“We are stopping for a break and some food. Gather around everyone your favorite cook is going to make you his master dish.”

Charlotte led Anastasia over and sat next to Finn.

“Ah, my first customers. What will you fine ladies have?”

“What are my options?” Charlotte requested.

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“Dried meat and stale bread.” Finn said with a chipper smile on his face.

Charlotte was not sure what she was expecting but he had seemed so happy it got her hopes up. “We will take two.”

“Excellent choice. This is the chef’s specialty.” Finn handed out the rations to everyone else as they approached as well. Albeit with less fanfare.

Anastasia had food in her hands but had yet to eat anything.

“Princess please eat something. We still have a long day ahead of us.” Charlotte urged as she rubbed Anastasia’s back.

“It is all a lie…” Anastasia muttered.

“No shit.” Finn could not help himself either. “Nobles do nothing but lie, all day. Even when they tell the truth they lie. The very breath that leaves their mouth is twisted.”

Anastasia was naïve about a great many things in this world, but politics and noble society was not one of them. Her mother has been preparing her to become queen as long as she can remember. How could she be so blinded by that man? He had always been so accommodating and helpful. She had relied on him many times. She entrusted her sister to that family.

“They have my sister!” Anastasia’s eyes went wide, and she shot to her feet looking around as if there was something she should be doing about it right now.

Finn’s eyes narrowed before he rose to his feet. He grabs the princess by the shoulders. Charlotte shot up and grabbed her sword in reaction but restrained herself.

“Anastasia! Get a grip. There is nothing you can do right now. You need to think it through and prioritize what you can do right now!”

“But my sister. She is with them what could they be doing to her.” Anastasia was so overwhelmed by her emotions she was no longer aware of her surroundings. She was staring off into the distance lost as her mind swirled.

Finn lowered his eyes “She was engaged to the duke's son right. So that means they will be treating her well. They expect her to be the next queen, so they need her to trust them.”

“But I sent her to them. I did it with a smile on my face. I thought she would be happy.” Anastasia was fighting back tears. The world she thought she understood was crumbling around her.

“Fuck this is getting us nowhere.” Finn grabbed Anastasia firmly and pulled his face right into hers.

“Who are you?”

Charlotte was taken back when Finn asked Anastasia this question. Anastasia either did not hear it or did not want to hear it.

“I said WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!”

Meekly Anastasia said in response “I am the First Princess of Galand Anastasia Volkov, Daughter of Queen Milena Volkov.”

“Say the whole fucking thing!”

Anastasia’s Eye widen at the request, but she felt herself coming back.

“I am the defender of my people. I am their sword against injustice. I am the shield that will protect the weak. I will be a beacon of hope for all. I am the First Princess of Galand Anastasia Volkov, Daughter of Queen Milena Volkov.”

“Right and would someone that can say some pompous ass shit like that breakdown and lose herself in a shit hole like this?”

“No!”

“Good! Now sit the fuck down and eat the shitty food!”

*************

No one said anything. Charlotte sat next to the princess and pulled her close, wrapping her arm around Anastasia's shoulder. Charlotte had only ever only ever heard the Princess’s full response once. It was just after her father had passed and the princess could not contain her grief. Annatasia had to head out to face the public for the funeral and could not stop crying. The queen made her say it to calm down. Charlotte had only been the princess attendant for a few months. As the youngest attendant knight, the princess had grown attached quickly and trusted her the most. Charlotte was the only one in the room with the queen and princess at the time.

Charlotte never took her eyes off Finn until they started moving again. She had no idea what to make of him. This man should be a simple mercenary. He should not know the things he knows. He should not be as strong as he is. His connection to nobility is irrefutable at this point. He hates them enough to gather together powerful people that also share his hatred. Charlotte had no choice but to move forward with the party, but she was just as confused at how to feel as ever.

No one spoke much for the rest of the day other than what was absolutely needed. When a few monsters had attacked here and there. Charlotte was shocked. Liza had barely needed help at all to deal with most that she came across. Just before sunset the party stopped in one of the larger clearings that they could find and started to set up camp.

Anastasia waited patiently for everyone to finish their duties and so they could sit down to eat.

“I have a request. Would you please hear it out?”

“One request at a time, let's get you home first.” Sam said.

“No, I need you to hear me out now. It is about how I should return home.”

“Are you telling us to listen to you?” Finn spoke up and his question could not be any more pointed if he tried.

“No, I am asking you to listen to what I have to say. I hoped you’d offer your insight into my situation.”

“Great, then I would love to listen to you Anastasia.” Finn gestured to the others gathered around and no one spoke up in opposition.

“Duke Armon sent his son to kill me and now he is dead. The questions before me are why he is doing this. What are his next steps and is it even safe for me to return home?”

“Well, the answer is obvious like all things that nobles do. Power, More power, and No.” Sam said as if he was a strategic genius.

“While a little simplistic Sam is correct, on all three fronts. I wanted to get more specific on the first two at least.” Anastasia redirected the conversation back to her concern.

“He is a Duke that already has the ear of the Queen. How can he become more powerful?” Charlotte questioned, her tone implying that he was already at the height of his power.

“Oh, my dear sweet Char, there is always more power to gain. Who sits above a Dukedom in the pecking order?” Finn says as he makes sweet eyes are Char. Charlotte was bothered by Finn's flippant attitude. This was to be a serious discussion and he was treating it like a game.

“The only ones above a Duke are the Royals themselves. But he will never be able to marry First princess Anastasia. She is likely to wed the First prince of Brimston. They are a small but powerful nation on our border. They would be absorbed into Galand when Princess Anastasia becomes queen, and he will become her king. That is where we were coming from when we were attacked.”

Anastasia jumped in with her theory, “Exactly I feel that is why he made his move. If I had died during my trip back from Brimston it would sour the relationship in the eyes of the nobles. They would feel like it was some kind of plot.”

“I believe you are correct Anastasia. They probably planned to kill you. Then move the site of the attack to just on the other side of the border. This would increase nobles' distrust even more, preventing the second Princess from sealing the deal.” Finn made a lewd gesture with his hands. Liza without looking slapped him in the back of the head.

“So based on what we know I can guess what his next steps would have been. However, the actions he had taken do not line up with my theory.” Anastasia pointed out her issue

“How so?” Finn questioned

“He should have had his Son Robert marry my Sister Tashanna. But his second son Victor had been the one courting her. I have been in the rooms during the talks. Because neither of the pair was needed for a political marriage, there had been talks of letting them marry for love. At the time I had wanted nothing more than that for my little sister.”

“Right because a second son would have to give up all his claims to his family when marrying into another. So, while Victor would be a prince the rest of his family would not become royals by proxy. Even if you had died and Tasha became queen.” Finn pointed out the obvious flaw in the Duke’s plan.

Charlotte saw Anastasia’s face wrinkle at the use of her nickname for her sister. She quickly cleared the expression from her face and pushed on.

“That is why it does not completely line up, so I am not sure I am right. I mean sure, he sets his son up to be a king. This would mean his future line would be royals. For a man that wants more power that seems oddly altruistic to future generations.”

Besides slapping Fin, Liza has been quiet until now appearing to meditate. “Princess, what are your thoughts on Robert and Victor?”

“I am not sure I understand your question.”

“Their personality. Describe their best and worst traits to me as you understand them.”

“Well Robert always struck me as kind of spoiled. I never imagined I would see a grown man throw a tantrum until I met him, but he was strong. He was near the top of his class when he graduated. Only one person was better than him and that was Charlotte.”

“Ok and what about Victor.”

“I have known Victor for less time, only a few months but in that time he seems sweet and caring. I have spent hours talking with him and my sister. He is always engaged with us. He was always truly listening to us and when he did speak it was not to hear the sound of his own voice. Victor is so kind that I find it hard to believe he would be aware of his Fathers plans.”

“I see you had nothing bad to say about the man Anastasia. What are your thoughts on his intelligence?” Finn chimed in

“Now that you mention it Victor is scary smart. He graduated early from the academy of sorcery. I think I am fairly good at chess, but I rarely win against him. It is like he is ten moves ahead.”

Finn and Liza pass telling looks to each other, but Liza is the one to address it. “So, you would say he is cunning?”

“Yes, very much so, his mind is truly remarkable.” Anastasia’s eyes widen as she says the last bit. “No, it cannot be…. has been all an act this whole time.”

“It is possible, but it hardly matters. Either he is a wolf in sheep’s clothes or a pawn. The outcome is the same. I suspect the duke thinks his second son would make a better primary heir. If he had married his first son to you, princess, it would be seen as a power grab and be opposed by other powerful nobles. However, the second Children marrying is seen as just something to bring two already close houses closer together. There would be some opposition but not much.” Liza presents her thoughts in her normal even tone.

“But that still leaves the problem of Robert the first son.” Anastasia poses the issue to the group seeing if they can come up with likely ideas.

“This is another point that does not matter how he deals with it. If we are giving in that he wants his son Victor as his primary heir he could just find a reason and disown Robert. This does pose the risk that if he does this after Victor’s marriage to your sister it would be too easily seen through.”

“There is a very simple Solution.” Finn chimes in. “He has him killed.”

“Killing the princess is one thing but killing your own son seems a bit much even for most nobles.” Liza recoils at the thought of a father wanting to kill his son.

“Sadly, it is not. But it does not need to be assassination. Anastasia, you said that Robert was a fairly good knight. If that is the case, then the duke would just make sure his son went to the worst of the battlefields. He could even use it as political power. Most high-ranking nobles protect their children from the worst of the fighting. Dying in battle after all is what commoners are for. The duke would be able to show his family’s dedication to the crown by sending his eldest son and heir to the pivotal battles.”

Liza shakes her head. “Think of the story he could tell the people. Two lovers thrust into the spotlight by the deaths of their elder siblings. Now they must lead our country to a brighter future. I am almost sure they could whip the people into a national frenzy with that story.”

“I cannot believe this is really happening. I have been falling for it for years.”

“Hold up. hold up. You guys have been just rambling on and on. How do you even know your first assumptions are correct? What proof do you have that the duke sent Robert to kill the princess? You could be building on a shaky foundation?” Sam finally jumped in. He was sitting cross legged and leaning into the trio, clearly engrossed in the intrigue of the plot they were weaving.

“Kid has a point. You both always see grand conspiracies and backstabbing. It is much more likely it is just one noble acting on impulse like always. Hell, it could have been all Robert’s doing and it is already over. Remember what happened in Vinlan.” Everyone was surprised by Brox’s input.

“Everyone always has to bring up Vinlan. I fucking said I was sorry… and any way I also thought we all agreed that was Liza fault.”

“I most certainly did not agree to that.” Liza’s normal cool tone shifted to one of indignation

“Piss off. How is it not your fault Liza? The plan we came up with was all built on your shoddy info.”

“I brought you factual intel. You and Resse warped those facts into some conspiracy to summon a Demon lord.”

“Your ‘factual intel’ is where I found out he worships the demon lord.”

“Holy shit Finn! I cannot say this enough times. Demon lords are not REAL!”

“It does not have to be real for a wackadoo to try a bunch of crazy shit to summon one.”

Finn and Liza bickered back and forth for several minutes Brox would interject from time to time to stoke the flames. Sam was merrily eating his dinner like this was the most entertaining thing in the world.

“ENOUGH!” Anastasia had reached her limited

“Now all of you shut up. How you screwed up in the past does not matter right now. Get back on topic. We are talking about the Life!”

“That sounded awfully like a command of your highness.” Finn jabbed back using his general defiance at being told what to do as a cover.

“That’s because it was!” Anastasia stood over Finn with her hands on her hips trying to take up as much space as possible.

A chuckle could not help but escape from Liza's lips. Finn realized if Liza was not on his side anymore, he should give in.

“You are correct we did agree to this talk so we should get back on topic.” Finn said as if it was his idea all along. Liza could not help but roll her eyes at Finn’s childish reaction but nodded to Anastasia that she agreed.

Anastasia summed up her thoughts

“So long story short, someone in the capital for sure wants me dead. That person has at least some connection to the Armon family since Robert was leading the men. The ideas we came up with about next steps are possible, but Sam was correct there are logical leaps without enough evidence. So, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot just walk back into the capital. Without knowing who the true enemy is, I would be too exposed.”

Liza responded with her plan “I believe that assessment is accurate Princess. Let me give you a suggestion. Let us smuggle you into the capital. Once inside I will contact some friends I have in the castle. They can pass a message to the queen on your location. You at least trust her to know how to handle that kind of message?”

“Lady Liza I am more scared of you now knowing that you have a way to pass a message on to the queen….” Anastasia Face narrowed in thought. “How detailed a message can we send?”

“It is just Liza please. The message would be maybe a sentence or two not much. It would have to be small enough to be easily concealed.”

“Then we will need to think of what to say. It would have to explain I am in the capital and not to trust anyone affiliated with the Duke Armon faction.”

“I believe that we can fit that into a message but not much more.”

“Then we have a plan.” Anastasia nodded.

Charlotte had lost the conversation a few political twists ago.

“Charlotte, how did all that sound to you?”

“This is why I became A knight. People just point and say hit that. Then I go do it.”

“HAHAHA. I like her” Brox roared

“Charlotte I am going to need you with me in this. You and mother are the only ones I can trust.”

That snapped Charlotte out of her trance. “You are the correct princess, I will always be by your side.”

Anastasia reached over and took Charlotte's hands into hers and squeezed them tightly.

“Well now that is settled Princess, Lady Charlotte lets us go make our bed rolls for the night.” Liza rose and moved to the tents

“Ah come on you did not have to rub it in.” Finn pouted

“Yes I did, you three are morons.”

*****

Once everyone was laying down Charlotte kept turning and could not seem to settle down.

“What is wrong Charlotte?” Anastasia asked

“No matter what I do, all I smell is Brox.”

“Oh.” Anastasia pulled her blanket up to her face and took a small sniff. Charlotte could not see the small smile that speared on Anastasia’s face.

“That must mean you have Finn’s. I am sure it smells just as bad as Brox’s”

“pfft..You correct it is not pleasant… but I can endure it for the night.”

No one could see Liza smiling to herself at the princess’s reaction.