“What?!” Ailith jumped out of her chair.

“Be quiet!” Alex said, scanning the room.

Sighing, Ailith plopped herself back on the couch. “Wait, wait, slow down. So you’re saying that after I-you know- the royal family, the government’s going to ‘aid’ the people in Orbournth and after manipulating them into thinking that we’re here to help...take over?”

“Manipulating is a strong word but essentially speaking, yes.”

Ailith pinched the bridge of her nose. “Okay, and the rebels in Ornournth could endanger this plan because-”

“A lot of reasons. If they get involved, it could get messy. For one, they could rally against our government taking over.”

“I see. I need a minute to think this over.”

Alex face morphed into concern. “You’re not thinking of backing out, are you? This doesn’t change anything. You know your friend’s life is still on the line here.”

She held up a hand. “Yeah, I know, I know. I just need some time. Could you leave me alone?”

“Alright. I’ll leave you to it.” His face looking grim, he got up and left.

Holy shit. Her government was way worse than she had thought it to be. This was beyond cruel. As soon as the government returned her friend, she was getting the hell out of that country.

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A knock sounded at the door. “Come in.” She remained in her seat as the person came in. “Alex, I’ve thought it over. It’ll be difficult without the exact statistics and locations of the groups but if you could get me access to that, some supplies, time, and coverage, I can try to figure out a way to quickly terminate-” Ailith looked up.

Quinton stared right back at her.

“Y-your highness.”

“I’m sorry for intruding.”

“Um, no. I-” she calmed herself. He couldn’t have heard anything important. Could he? “I apologize for my sudden shock. You’re not intruding. I was just expecting...someone else.”

He tilted his head. “You mean your bodyguard, Alex? What possibly could you need with him?” Quinton’s eyes narrowed. “And what do you mean terminate?”

She’d have to be extra careful around him. “It’s nothing. Just some security measures regarding something going on back at Aharea. Can I help you with something?”

His face relaxed a bit. “I see. I noticed you left your purse in the tea room so I came to return it to you.” He held out the white purse she hadn’t even noticed was missing.

“Oh, I wouldn’t have realized without you. Thank you, your highness.” she took it from him as swiftly as she could so he wouldn’t notice the slight trembling on her fingers. Ailith wasn’t one to get frightened easily but, with so many lives on the line...it was a different story.

“Not a problem. I’ll see myself out then.” He headed towards the door but paused midway, turning around to face her. “Miss Gallow?”

“Yes?”

He smiled politely. “Please do consider attending our annual ball. It would be such a pleasure if you were to join us.”

“I’ll consider it, your highness. Thank you for the invitation.”

He nodded and briskly left her room.

Ailith collapsed in on herself, clutching the bag to her chest. By the time she was calmed down enough to maintain a stable composure, the bag in her hand was crushed from her vise-like grip.