Asural, Desmond, 10416 P.C.

"What is it, Benjamin?" Annabella asked as Benjamin closed the door to one of the various study rooms off of the library. She didn't understand what could be so secretive that he'd take her aside without any of the others.

He motioned to the couch against the wall. "Have a seat.”

She obeyed, sitting on the couch while he lounged in the desk chair. The room was small, only big enough for a small couch and a desk and a chair, but it felt cozy. It was a comfortable place to study without distractions, and often she had found herself hiding in one of the various rooms for time alone. Right now, though, Benjamin looked rather serious. She waited silently for him to begin.

"I know you are aware of the several informants we have in Zusia," Benjamin began, his hands folded against his large chest.

She was. "They have news?"

"In fact, they do. We've received some confidential information that I thought you'd want to know about."

Annabella did not speak.

Benjamin leaned forward a bit. "Your parents are alive."

She took a breath, leaning back and fighting to remain casual. That was not the type of news she had expected to receive. "And?"

"They're being held in a secret prison northwest of the mountain. Our informant wasn't sure of the exact location, but they surmise that it was somewhere near the Misty Lake."

Annabella took another deep breath, fingering her braid as she studied Benjamin's face. "And what am I supposed to do with this information?"

"You don't seem happy about this."

Happy? Why would she be happy? "My father was a traitor, Benjamin," she replied coolly. "He betrayed the Immortal One."

"For a time and a season, yes, but he—"

"People died."

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Benjamin paused, nodding slowly. "But," he pressed, "if anyone knew of the whereabouts of the Immortal One's son, it would be your parents. They were exceptionally close to the Immortal One. Some say Motch only agreed to a truce with your father because he thought your parents would eventually lead him to the Immortal One's son since you were and still are his betrothed."

"You're expecting me to go find them."

"Quite frankly, yes."

"And if I don't want to?"

"We all end up doing things we don't want to do."

Annabella shook her head hard. "No. I don't want to see them. They betrayed the Immortal One."

"They did it for you."

"They did it because they were cowards!" Annabella snapped. "I would have preferred growing up hearing about their bravery instead of their cowardice."

"Annabella, listen to me. What plans have you made? Once Todd is trained, where will you go? You have no leads beyond this one."

"I'll find something."

"Except you won't. Your parents are your best lead — your only lead."

"I don't want to see them."

"This isn't about you!" Benjamin's voice was sharp, cutting like a knife. "This is about finding the Immortal One's son. Now that the Deliverer is here, we must act swiftly and acutely. It won't be long until Motch discovers that's he's arrived. And then what will you do, Annabella? Can you protect Todd against the wrath of the enemy?"

Annabella hated it when Benjamin berated her. She hated it even more when he was right. She rose to her feet. "Fine. I'll go. I'll leave the day after tomorrow."

"The day after tomorrow?" Benjamin also stood. "Todd isn't ready."

"He'll stay. This lead won't wait for us. If Motch even suspects that I know where the king and queen are, he'll move them. Then the lead will be dead."

Benjamin nodded slightly. "You're going alone?"

"How else would I go?"

"Take the soldier. She's well-trained and proven herself trustworthy. It would be wise to have someone watching your back, especially since your leg is still in the last stages of healing."

Annabella gnawed on her bottom lip. She preferred to work alone, but there was wisdom in Benjamin's words. Stephanie would be a powerful asset to her, and she could possibly be the one to make contact with the king and queen. They'd never even have to know that Annabella was there.

"Fine. I'll go inform Stephanie. We leave the day after tomorrow."