Complete ally

Tension was rising as both guards refused to let Jo follow Sida, and Jo was adamant about keeping her out of his sight.

"I don't know who you think you are, but you'd better stand down or be ready to pay the price," the second guard said, his tone sharp.

"And I don't care if you work for the gods themselves," Jo replied defiantly. "I'm not letting her out of my sight."

"Calm down, everyone," Sida interjected, her voice steady yet firm. "We are not here to cause any trouble—"

"And we're not interested in causing any either, Lady Sida," the second guard interrupted. "But if you insist on bringing this man with you, then the meeting is off."

Sida opened her mouth to speak, but a voice from within the building cut her off.

"Let them both in. It doesn't matter at this point. They're already here, and there's little time left to waste on whether or not she broke the deal," General Farouk's voice called out as he stepped outside.

The guards instantly straightened, their hostility replaced with deference.

"I apologize for my men's behavior, Lady Sida," General Farouk said, his tone cordial. "But I hope you understand why they acted as they did."

Sida offered a faint smile as she regarded him. "General Farouk, I should be the one apologizing for bringing someone without informing your men. I broke our deal, and their response was just as expected."

Farouk turned his attention to Jo, his sharp eyes narrowing.

"And who might you be?" he asked. "You were ready to stand against my men without backing down. Surely, you're not plain stupid, challenging members of the King's Guard."

Jo scoffed, undeterred. "You mean the failed King's Guard? Your King was killed right under your noses," Jo retorted.

Sida's eyes widened as she attempted to intervene, but Jo's words had already struck a nerve. One of the guards, furious, drew his sword.

"Allow me to take his head, General!" the guard shouted, his rage barely contained.

"That's enough, Nakim," General Farouk ordered, his voice calm but authoritative.

"But—"

"I said enough," Farouk repeated firmly. "The man didn't lie. Allowing King Ken to die right under our noses was our most disgraceful moment. We cannot even begin to atone for such a crime."

He turned back to Jo, studying him intently.

"What is your name?" Farouk asked.

"My name is Jo," he replied.

"Don't play with me, young man. What is your full name?" Farouk pressed.

Jo hesitated before answering, "My name is Jo Kindel."

At this, the guards' eyes widened in shock. Farouk stared at Jo for a long moment before bursting into laughter.

"This is quite something," he said, shaking his head. "I owe your father for breaking me out of jail, so you get to keep your tongue despite insulting me and my men. Come in, both of you. There's no time to waste."

Farouk led them inside, offering them seats as they entered.

"I'd offer you something to drink, but we're not in the most appropriate place to be sipping tea," Farouk said dryly, settling into a chair opposite them. "So let's get straight to business. How long have you two been together?"

Jo and Sida exchanged glances, knowing Farouk might already suspect the nature of their relationship.

"Long enough," Jo replied. "I plan on making her my wife."

Farouk raised a brow. "And what's stopping you? Surely, you're not here for my irrelevant approval."

"No, we didn't come to discuss our engagement," Sida said, redirecting the conversation. "We're here to discuss the prince. Where is he?"

Farouk's expression darkened momentarily before he sighed.

"Safe," he replied. "My men say you've been helping them track down Sum."

"Yes," Sida confirmed. "We tracked down the man who sent the letter that allowed you and your men to escape. Apparently, he's with King Jai. We've also heard he's been captured."

"Did you betray him?" Farouk asked.

"No," Sida replied quickly. "He was already caught when we discovered it was him. We're investigating his contacts and rounding up all suspects. But with the way things are going, Jai might discover the members of Sum before anyone else."

"Damn those fools," Farouk muttered. "Their intention to stay hidden will be their downfall."

"Not entirely true," Sida countered. "We haven't found any true members. Most of the people we've arrested were being used by the organization. Sum's real members are still in hiding."

"That means there's still hope?" Farouk asked.

"It doesn't appear like that either. The only thing that can draw them out is the prince. It's what was used before, and it remains the only way to bring them out of the shadows."

Farouk nodded grimly. "I'm not surprised. Jai has always been like that."

He paused, narrowing his gaze at Sida. "Why are you helping my men? They say you're against Jai's ascension, yet you support this incompetent prince. Why? Have you forgotten how he was?"

Sida looked down, her expression conflicted. "No, General. I haven't forgotten. But I believe it's not too late to help him find the right path. He's still young, and we can guide him."

"You mean he's easier to control," Farouk said bluntly.

"I don't mean it that way," Sida clarified. "What I'm saying is, it's easier to guide a child than it is a man like Jai. You know how ruthless he is. Jai would crush anyone who opposes him. He isn't the kind of king Wize needs."

Farouk sighed heavily. "You're right. Jai isn't the king Wize needs. For too long, this nation has only served the strong and powerful. Jai would deepen that divide, plunging us into anarchy."

"That's why I need to know if the prince is worth risking my life for," Sida said. "You've met him. You helped him in Bintan. Do you think he can be the one we need?"

"I didn't help him," Farouk replied. "In fact, I didn't do anything. The prince has been doing all he can on his own, with little help. And I can say this—he's shaping into a man I could entrust this nation to."

Sida smiled and turned to Jo. "I'm going to do it. I'm going to ally myself with the prince instead of becoming one of the King's brides."

"Isn't that too risky?" Jo asked, concerned.

"It's a risk I'm willing to take," Sida said with resolve.

"So it's true—you've been chosen as a candidate for the King's bride?" Farouk asked. Sida nodded in response.