Jonathan

Hoping to catch Jonathan before this Morning's Council Meeting, I hurry Toward his Chambers and knock firmly. The door opens.

"Good Morning, my QUEEN. Do come in." Jonathan bows his head and steps aside, allowing me to Enter before closing the door behind me.

"Tell me about your Mission." I Say skipping Formalities.

He nods. "We have six Children in our Care." He States flatly.

"Is this ALL of them?" I Ask.

"No, your Grace. There are more." He responds.

"How many more? And when do you Expect to Gather?" I push Forward.

Jonathan sighs. "Three.." He pauses, his eyes glazing over in confusion. "..They Seemed to have Known we were Coming.." He hesitates. "My QUEEN.. The remaining Children are missing.."

"Who else Knew about The Children?" I Ask.

"I Do not Know, your Grace. The king has Been.." He trails off.

"Careless." I Finish in Acknowledgement. "Do you have any Leads?"

"There have Been rumors." He cautiously mentions.

"Northern or Eastern?" I Presume.

"Northern, my QUEEN. I Believe these three Children are the Eldest, but I cannot Be for Certain. Two of the Mothers refused to Reveal Information regarding their Children. The third simply vanished. Though.." He paused Thoughtfully. "..The Inn Keeper Did Mention a skirmish between himself and another man Seen leaving with her and another Woman."

My HEART Began to race, as I Inquired further. "And what Did you Learn of this man?"

"I Believe he is an Elite Soldier Pledged to The Northern King."

I nod slowly. "You Mentioned rumors." I bait.

"Yes, my QUEEN. Rumors that I Believe only the Imprisoned 'Mercernary' can Confirm."

"Jonathan, Do Be Forthcoming." I Command, losing my Patience.

"Forgive me, my QUEEN." He bows his head. "It is rumored that The KING of The East will Attack, and The Northern Kingdom will lay Claim on the ruins of YOUR QUEENDOM."

"And what of The Children?" I Ask.

"I Believe the Eldest to Be Daughters. They are his Insurance." Jonathan Explains.

"I See." Silently, I Consider his words. "Send for the prisoner. We will Question him further at Council."

"Yes, my QUEEN."

Together we exit the room, and make our way to Council. Outside The Council Room, Jonathan requests our prisoner Be Brought Forth of the stationed GUARD. He nods. We enter the room.

As the Council Members stream in, I take my Seat at the Head of the half-moon table. Each of the Members Follow suit, bowing their heads in Acknowledgement of my Presence. When the final Member Arrives, I Motion for Jonathan to Begin the Call to Order.

"Members." He Addresses. "We are all Aware that if Seline is unSuccessful in her Mission, there will Soon Be an Invasion." Silent nods Confirm his Statement. Jonathan continues. "We are also Aware of The Northern King's Intent to Take and Rule The QUEENDOM." More nods follow. "That is why Today, we will Be Conducting a Full Council Interrogation of the imprisoned 'mercernary', who Tomás initially Believed to Be Working for The Northern King." He Concludes and takes his seat.

I Rise. "This 'mercenary'," I Begin, "may Be Contracted to Serve The Northern King or The KING of The East. It is our DUTY to Protect The QUEENDOM. Leave no stone unturned." I sit and turn to Jonathan. "Bring him in."

"Yes, my QUEEN." He signals The GUARD, who exits The Council Room. Shortly, he Returns, whispering something to Jonathan. His eyes widen.

Jonathan turns to me and The Council. "The 'mercernary' has escaped our prisons."

Hushed murmurs fill The Room.

"Jonathan. Seamus." I Say. "Take me to his cell."

"Yes, my QUEEN." Seamus stands. Jonathan's eyes flash.

I continue. "Council. Discuss amongst yourselves. We must Be Prepared to Defend and Protect. Ready THE GUARD." I Instruct before turning back to Seamus and Jonathan. "Let us Go then."

They nod and Lead me out and to the prison cell in which Xavier had Been held. Memories cloud my Mind, as I Instinctively brush my fingertips across my abdomen. My HEART twists in grievance. We enter the cell.

"Seamus." I State. "Look for any signs of evidence regarding his disappearance."

"Yes, my QUEEN."

"And Jonathan. Let us Speak Privately outside." He nods, following me out of the prison walls. Outside the Entrance, I turn to him. "We must Protect The Children in your Care. Take them to The West Wing Chambers and make your Request for Sammantha. Everything has Been Arranged. No one may Leave or Enter outside of her. They will Be Safe there. I will Be along shortly."

"Yes, your Majesty." He bows his head and leaves.

I reenter the prison, where I Find Seamus.

"My QUEEN." He Begins. "There is no sign of forced exit or entry. Our prisoner was released freely. We have a traitor in our midst." His rage Gathers.

"Calm your Self, Seamus." I Breathe. "Jonathan is Taking the remaining Children into the Care of 'Sammantha' as we Speak."

He Breathes a Sigh of Relief. "Well Done, my QUEEN."

I nod.

"I Need you to Keep a close eye on Branson, James and Jonathan. I have my Suspicions." I Say.

"As Do I, my QUEEN."

"GOOD." I Smirk. "Now. I must reconvene with Jonathan outside of The West Wing. 'Sammantha' Needs to Be Made Aware of a few things."