Eye patch

"Does it have to be you?" Jo asked.

"Must you sacrifice your future for the sake of everyone?"

"Would you not?" Sida replied. "For your men, would you not willingly give up your future?"

Jo gritted his teeth. He knew Sida wasn't entirely right— he would truly give himself for those he loved, for those who believed in him. But at a point, Jo had run away, he had avoided standing up to his father and had left his siblings at his mercy.

Jo knew exactly how he had felt when he did that and he couldn't allow her to do the same, knowing fully, the emptiness and regret waiting at the end. But he couldn't help the feeling that something was pulling deep into his soul. Sida looked at him and drew closer.

"I know how you feel, my love. Believe me, I do. But I've not yet determined if that will be the path I take. Indeed, it seems the most obvious path, but a lot could happen. The option of marrying Jai is only the last resort. I'm willing to take on so much as long as I know I have your love. And I won't stop fighting—just to be with you. That is why I must see Lord Farouk. He is my final chance," Sida explained.

"Then let me help," Jo said.

"You have to return tomorrow. Your men will be worried."

"Mickey will be fine. He's the only one that followed me, and I told him to keep a low profile," Jo said. "Let me help you. I don't want to stand back and do nothing."

Sida kissed him on the cheek and spoke softly. "I'm meeting with Lord Farouk tomorrow eening by the docks. But you can meet me at the closest high house and wait for me there."

"Thank you," Jo said.

"Now, let's go back to sleep," Sida said as they both returned to the room.

The next day in the city, Thena and Thia woke early at the inn where they had spent the night. They both got ready quickly, while Toni went into the city to see if their message had been received. The girls had breakfast at a nearby restaurant and returned to the inn, deciding it was best if fewer people saw them given the nature of their mission.

As they approached the entrance of the inn, both girls suddenly felt a heavy gaze fall upon them, accompanied by a brief but vile wave of bloodlust. The feeling was so intense that they were almost forced to take a fighting stance.

Thena turned to her right and saw a pair of eyes staring at her—or maybe half a pair, as the assailant was wearing an eye patch. Thia also noticed the man but chose not to react, sensing he was testing their abilities. She didn't think he would attack.

Before the girls could proceed to their room, the man approached them. Thena instinctively reached for her weapon, but Thia spoke firmly.

"Don't. Not yet," she said.

Thena eased slightly but kept her daggers within reach, ready to draw them at the first sign of trouble.

Once the man stood before them, he spoke.

"Two of the child spies Eru sent were described as a girl with silver hair, light skin, and between the ages of ten and twelve, and another girl—very dangerous—with dark brown hair, small stature, and between the ages of nine and eleven. Both are wanted in Eru for the assassination attempt on the princess and the murder of Ija. You two fit the descriptions perfectly," Mickey said.

The girls immediately panicked. They had never expected to encounter someone from Omi here, especially after what had happened.

"What did you just say?" Thena asked, feigning innocence. "Do you know us from somewhere?"

Mickey stared at the girls, measuring them up. After a long pause, he replied, "No, I don't. I thought you looked like someone I know. Unless you've been to Omi before… have you?"

"No," Thena replied quickly. "But we'd like to visit one day—if our father allows us."

"Hmmm."

"I hear it's beautiful during spring," Thena added inquisitively.

"I wouldn't know," Mickey replied. "Never been one to care about the weather, let alone the scenery of a place."

"What are your names?" Mickey asked.

"I'm sorry, but we don't give our names to strangers," Thia suddenly replied. "Let's go."

As they turned to leave, Mickey's voice stopped them.

"I haven't given you permission to leave, brats," he said, his bloodlust leaking out again.

Thena tensed, ready to draw her weapon, when someone suddenly slapped Mickey from behind.

"Why are you trying to scare a bunch of kids?" Jo asked angrily.

Mickey turned to Jo, rubbing his head awkwardly. "Captain, When did you get here? I thought you'd stay longer."

"It's morning, Mickey. I don't want her father to find me there," Jo said... "And don't call me 'Captain' in public," he whispered to Mickey. Then he turned to the girls

"I apologize for my friend's behavior," Jo said to the girls. "He can be stupid sometimes. Please forgive him."

"Yes," Thena said with a smile. "He didn't hurt us or anything."

"Can we leave?" Thena asked.

"Yes," Jo said, and the girls quickly left.

Once they were gone, Jo turned to Mickey.

"What were you doing?" Jo demanded.

"Just some investigation," Mickey replied.

"Investigations don't involve spreading your bloodlust in a public space, you fool. What part of 'keep a low profile' is hard to remember?" Jo asked.

"I was keeping a low profile—until you came and blew my cover," Mickey retorted.

"Oh, do tell… How did I blow your cover?"

"Both girls fit the descriptions of the child spies from Omi. I was acting like a perfect gentleman while making sure they knew I wasn't just an ordinary person."

"Really? And how did that work out?" Jo asked.

"Well, they were quite scared. I think I might have scarred them," Mickey said smugly.

"Exactly why I stopped you, you fool," Jo said, giving Mickey another slap.

Mickey rubbed his head in frustration and changed the topic. "So, have you seen the future Lady Kindel? Have you set a wedding date?"

Jo frowned subtly, making Mickey quickly cover his mouth.

"What? Why are you frowning? Don't tell me…"

"Tell you what?" Jo asked in confusion.

"Is the future Lady Kindel already pregnant?" Mickey asked, grinning.

Jo glared at Mickey. "Shut up, Mickey. Get ready. We're going on a mission."

"A mission?" Mickey asked, confused. "I thought we were off duty."

"It's a secret mission," Jo replied.

"Oh, spooky. I like that," Mickey said as they walked out of the inn.