Rebellious Eye's

The oppressive darkness of the tunnel pressed against Michael, a suffocating cloak amplifying the frantic thud of his own heartbeat. Britania's fate, the fate of two nations, rested on his weary shoulders. Fear, a unwelcome companion, gnawed at him, but there was no turning back.

Hours bled into one another, a relentless march measured only by the rhythmic scrape of his boots against the rough stone floor. Hunger gnawed at his insides, thirst a dry rasp in his throat. Insects, drawn to the faint heat of his body, hitched a ride on his clothes, unwelcome passengers he couldn't spare the energy to swat away.Finally, after an eternity, a glimmer pierced the suffocating darkness. It was faint at first, a mere promise of salvation, but it grew steadily, igniting a spark of hope within him. Britania. The name echoed in his mind, a beacon drawing him forward.Exhaustion gnawed at him, each step a struggle against his failing body. Hunger blurred his vision, dehydration painting the approaching city in shimmering mirages. Yet, he couldn't afford to give in. Who would carry the burden then? Who would save their homeland? Ignoring the curious stares of the bustling city folk, Michael stumbled towards the imposing palace gates.

Time was of the essence. Drake had meticulously orchestrated this meeting with Elara, promising Michael's arrival by eight. He reached the gate just as the clock tower chimed the hour, his body swaying precariously. A groan escaped his lips as his hand grasped the iron rod for support, the world tilting alarmingly.

The grand palace doors creaked open, revealing Elara bathed in the warm glow of the torches. Gone was the innocent facade Michael had seen before; in her place stood a woman radiating a chilling power. Yet, as their eyes met, a flicker of something akin to amusement danced in Elara's icy blue depths."Greetings, Your Highness," Michael rasped, forcing a semblance of courtesy despite the murderous rage boiling within him. Elara approached, a predatory smile playing on her lips."Aren't you a sight? Come now, let's get you inside."Relief flooded Michael as he relinquished his hold on the rod. It was a fleeting feeling. The moment his fingers loosened, his legs buckled beneath him. Exhaustion claimed him, darkness threatening to engulf him.

Elara's smile widened, devoid of warmth."Leave him be," she commanded, dismissing the guards who rushed forward to assist. With surprising ease, she scooped Michael into her arms, carrying him towards the palace like a mother cradling a child.He awoke hours later in a plush bed, his body rejuvenated with food and water. A wave of disorientation washed over him as he scanned his unfamiliar surroundings. He lurched upright, the events of the previous day flooding back."Calm yourself, Benjamin," a voice soothed. Elara stood by the window, a picture of elegance. "You're safe now."Michael's gaze narrowed. "Your Highness."Elara moved with a predatory grace, locking the door before settling beside him. She gestured for him to lie back down, her smile turning mischievous."So, Benjamin, tell me about yourself."Caught off guard, Michael stammered, "Uhh… Ben."Elara's laughter filled the room, a rich, almost musical sound. "Oh, how quaint! Named after a Scottish king, are we? Well, there won't be much for you to do here.

Just a few light chores, mornings and evenings. But don't worry, you'll enjoy it."Her words sent a shiver down Michael's spine. The air crackled with a hidden tension."Before that," Elara continued, her voice dropping to a low purr, "there's someone I'd like you to meet. Juli, my personal maid."A moment later, a young woman appeared in the doorway, her face etched with exhaustion. Juli's eyes, however, held Michael's gaze, a flicker of something akin to recognition passing between them.

The facade of playful amusement vanished from Elara's face. In a flash, she was across the room, a vicious slap ringing out as Juli crumpled to the floor."How many times have I told you to knock before entering, you… you filthy rat!" Elara spat, her voice dripping with venom. "Now then, Benjamin, I believe I asked you to kick her."Michael's blood ran cold. He may be undercover, but he wouldn't – couldn't – hurt an innocent girl. A flat refusal formed on his lips. Elara's smile returned, but it held no warmth,

"...interesting," she purred, her eyes narrowed in a way that sent shivers down Michael's spine. "Refusing an order so soon, Benjamin? Perhaps you're not quite as obedient as Drake promised."Michael held her gaze, the simmering anger within him threatening to boil over. "I won't hurt her," he stated, his voice firm despite the turmoil within.Elara leaned back, a thoughtful frown replacing the cruel amusement. "So, chivalry isn't entirely dead, even in these times. Very well, consider this a test passed. Today, you get a reprieve. But remember, Benjamin, disobedience has consequences." She cast a withering look at Juli, who had scrambled to her feet, eyes wide with fear and a flicker of something… gratitude?"As for you, Juli," Elara continued, her voice dripping with disdain, "you'd better clean yourself up. Tonight, you'll be assisting Benjamin with his chores. See that he learns the ropes."Juli curtsied, her voice barely a whisper, "Yes, Your Highness." With a final glare at Michael, she scurried from the room.Elara watched her go, a pensive look on her face. "Something about you bothers me, Benjamin," she mused, her gaze returning to him. "There's a familiarity in your eyes, a ghost of someone I know. Perhaps it's just a coincidence."Michael kept his expression neutral, his mind racing. Elara's words echoed in his head – a ghost of someone she knows. Was it too much of a leap to believe she recognized him? He couldn't afford to be careless."I assure you, Your Highness," he said smoothly, forcing a smile, "I'm just a simple farmhand from the north. Your resemblance is likely due to a common lineage, perhaps."Elara's gaze remained sharp, but she seemed to accept the explanation for now. "Perhaps," she said simply. "Now, rest while you can. Your chores begin at dusk."Left alone, Michael allowed his facade to crumble. Elara's suspicions were a dangerous game. He desperately needed to find a way to communicate with Juli, to gauge her loyalty and learn more about Elara's plans. But how? Every move, every interaction, would be under Elara's watchful eye.Hours passed, filled with a tense silence. When dusk finally painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, Juli reappeared, her face still bearing the faint mark of Elara's cruelty."Follow me," she muttered, leading him through a labyrinthine network of corridors. The air grew cooler, the scent of damp earth and forgotten things filling his nostrils."Where are we going?" Michael whispered, his voice barely audible.Juli stopped abruptly, turning to face him. Her eyes, no longer filled with fear, held a glint of defiance. "We're going to talk," she answered, her voice low and urgent, "but be careful. The palace walls have ears."

BENJAMIN!!!![Elara called]