Allies

"What kind of proposal would Borit be making to that snake Willric?" Conall scoffed. He puffed out his stomach in indignation, bumping the long table and sending the knight's book to the floor.

"Willric is the eagle and Borit is the snake," Ethyn corrected him as he picked up the fallen tome.

"They are both snakes," Aiden hissed. "It makes sense why they are working together, but on what?"

"I don't know, but Borit won't stop until he succeeds. He tried to kill me thrice and only stopped because a Fate blinded him. Even that didn't deter him from sending Ingrid after me when I trespassed in the castle." Silver rubbed at his hood.

This piece of the puzzle only confirmed the ominous feeling in his gut. Having not had the same history with the Commander, the princess was even more overwhelmed.

"This is unacceptable! I only wish I had known before I came here about all of that man's treachery." Rose gathered her skirts in her fists. "I've been living in the same palace with a murderer who wants me and my family dead. How am I supposed to move forward?" The princess felt on the verge of tears.

"I wish I had a way to help. But you must not let Borit know that you know about his past when you go back to the palace." Silver took his sister's hand in his.

His brotherly compassion made him want to wipe away the problem, but there was more at play than just the feelings of the Guardian or his sister.

"Go back? How can I go back? I disliked the man before, but I despise him now. You want me to be civil with him?" There was a flash of anger in Rose's eyes before Silver shook his head.

"I actually want you to avoid him at all costs. Borit is dangerous, but he is also careful. Even if he figures out who you are, he will not do anything to harm you as long as you are in the palace. There is not a doubt in my mind that Borit sent the men to attack that inn. Until you are within the king's palace walls, Borit will keep coming after you and bring you back within his reach. More than anything, that man thrives on control."

The Princess remembered the deaths of Cole and Philip. Her heart clenched. If Borit had sent the bandits, then he had easily sacrificed some of his own soldiers to accomplish his goal. That meant no one was safe.

"You mean I am putting all of Rynnlee in danger by being here?" The princess covered her mouth. The papers in her hand fluttered back to the table.

Conall laughed. "Let Borit come. I want to see the Fate crush his heart as she promised." The mayor balled his fist, willing the commander's heart to burst from the exertion.

"I don't understand." The princess furrowed her brow.

"Rynnlee is safe from Borit." Silver assured her. "Hanna has seen to that."

"Then let me stay." Rose pleaded. If no one here could be in danger by her presence, then surely that was the best place for her.

"Is that what you want?" The protective side of the Guardian was more than willing to hide his sister away until it was all over.

But the choice would have to be fully hers, and not his selfish desire.

Rose paused. She had spoken so rashly. The thought of staying safe and cozy in Rynnlee sounded delightful that it had seemed like an easy choice. 'Why would anyone ever want to leave?'

But then Rose remembered what she would be leaving behind.

King Rhodri. Lady Caitlyn.

Just like Silver, they were not related to her by blood, but she still considered them part of her family.

If Borit was hatching a plot with Lakyle, it would likely be detrimental, even deadly to the king. Rhodri was the only father she had ever known. Rose did not want her desire to be safe ultimately hurt someone she loved.

And if the princess did not return, Lady Caitlyn would lose her position and possibly more because she allowed Rose to disappear. No one would ever trust her again.

If Rose stayed away much longer, Borit might try to harm Caitlyn in the name of interrogation in order to find out where the princess was.

In fact, he may have already done so. Borit's men had found her pretty quickly. 'Poor Caitlyn! What have I done?!'

The pained look on Rose's face showed the turmoil inside her. How would she break the news to her brother that she had already changed her mind?

Seeing the turmoil in her eyes, the Guardian laid his hand on hers. "I will support your decision either way."

"I…I want to stay, but I must go back. Hanna sent me to the palace for a reason. What better reason could there be than to save us all?"

"But," the green-eyed knight started, but was quickly cut off.

"The king is not safe. And if he is not safe, by extension the kingdom is in peril. The kingdom includes its citizens--all of you! How can I stand by and hide from that truth?" The question was pointed at herself, not the room.

"It is not your job to protect the king or the citizens of Birle," Ethyn reminded her. "It is mine." His hand instinctively went to an invisible sword at his side.

The princess smiled at him. "I am most grateful for your loyalty, truly. I would love for you to be recognized for that."

She paused, her smile fading.

"But imagine what will happen if you try to go against Borit, your superior, in a very public manner without any proof. The commander will rebuke you and Father will take Borit's side. It would be a disaster."

"And you think that you going without any proof will yield better results?" The Guardian stroked his chin, his hand disappearing into the void of his cloak.

Rose closed her eyes and pursed her lips before answering. "Honestly? If I try to discredit Borit without evidence, Father will think I've gone crazy. I would be no better off than Sir Ethyn. But I can at least sow seeds of doubt as to the Commander's actions and motives. Father is always quick to try to allay my fears…If I can get him to think clearly and look more deeply, then, when you decode that message and discover its meaning, perhaps the king will actually listen."

"I've heard far worse plans, many from you yourself, Silver." Conall cast his vote of confidence for the princess.

"Except for the part where Her Highness is willingly putting herself in harm's way. She doesn't know Borit like we do." Ethyn could not believe what he was hearing.

The knight had not liked the idea of Rose returning to the palace. She was the child Borit had threatened to kill many years before!

But if that were not bad enough, now Rose expressed her desire to openly join their cause. Ethyn felt like they were sending the princess to the palace like a lamb to the slaughterhouse. She was too innocent to be thrown into this fray!

"I am glad you feel so strongly, Ethyn. With so much at stake, it is good that you will be there to protect her." Silver's eyes flashed.

When the Guardian said that he would support Rose, he was telling the truth. Now that the princess's mind was made up, Silver would do what he could to keep her safe.

"I'm only going to the palace for dinner. Not exactly a long-term solution." Ethyn rolled his eyes.

"Precisely why a knight like you will find a way to make yourself indispensable to His Majesty. You said you wanted a position at the palace. Now is your time to turn on your charm and shine." There was a bit of sarcasm inside Silver's words, but he meant them nonetheless.

Ethyn was one of the few people Silver trusted, and he was the only one who could naturally keep and eye on Borit without drawing suspicion.

"I don't need a babysitter." Rose tried not to sound childish even though she felt a little wounded.

"No one said you did, sweetheart." Lily patted Rose's shoulder. "But we do think it would be good to have an ally nearby in case you should you need it."

Tucking her golden locks behind her ear, Rose contemplated Lily's words. 'It would be nice to have all the allies I can get. I know Lady Caitlyn will feel much better to have a knight around who is aware of the situation.'

Rose ignored the extra thoughts that creeped into her head. This was to be a purely business relationship anyway. It was for the good of Birle.

"Very well," the princess answered at last. She looked at the knight. "Allies?" she offered.

Ethyn's green eyes stared intently at her, projecting an emotion Rose could not describe. At last, his face full of resignation, he gave an unconvincing smile. "Of course we are allies. I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Good." Rose's cheeks tinged with pink. "Me either."