Chapter Fourteen: Zahren Family

The servant handed Ragnelle a sealed letter, adorned with the Argent Duchy's crest. Ragnelle broke the seal and unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the contents.

A faint smile appeared on Ragnelle's as he closed the letter.

Beatrice got up from the couch and walked towards Ragnelle.

"What's so amusing about the letter?" asked Luke.

Ragnelle held the letter under his chin as a scheming smile framed his handsome face. "Things are getting interesting."

Beatrice rolled her eyes as she snatched the letter from Ragnelle.

***

In a large and gloomy lit room, a man with light pink hair looked at a young girl in front of him as he asked, "What did you find out?"

The young girl had light pink hair as well. She was dressed in a loose-fitting wine-coloured linen shirt with billows sleeves embroidered with golden tigers at the edges of the sleeves.

The shirt was tucked into a tight-fitting shin-lenght white breech made of silk-like leather.

A wide leather belt was clinched at her waist which carried her long sword. Paired with a knee-high leather boot.

"The Argent family's daughter has awoken,"

The man held his chin as he asked, "How did you find that out?"

"Duke Marshal went about boosting about how tenacious Lady Argent was for waking up after such a long slumber. Most would have died by now," The young girl answered.

"Hmm, very well you may leave. You did well Xanthey," The man waved his daughter off.

Xanthey bowed before leaving.

With wide and strong strides, Xanthey reached the east wing of the Duchy. She stood by the window, and watched the bright sky.

Unlike Sages gentle beauty, Xanthey had a cold yet sharp beauty. Her eyes were piercing purple.

Xanthey sighed, before she continued walking.

Along the way the guards bowed as they saw her. After a few minutes of walking, Xanthey reached a black door. With her left hand on her sword by her waist, she looked around before opening the door.

*Training Ground, Office*

"I need you to take your division to the Mumford Empire to gather information. " Sage said as she looked at the books on the shelves.

Joshua who was following behind Sage asked, "What type of information?"

"Betrayal."

With a frown Joshua questioned, "By who?"

Sage offhandly commanded, "Enough questions. You leave in 5 hours." Turning towards the figurines she added, "Plus, you'll understand when you find out."

Joshua bowed with sigh as he excused himself.

As Joshua left the office, he couldn't help but wonder what Sage was looking for. Betrayal? By who? He shook his head, knowing better than to question Sage's orders. He had a job to do, and he would see it through.

Just as Sage was about to leave the office, a soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "Enter," she called out.

Clear footsteps echoed in the room. After a few seconds of hearing no one talk she turned towards the door.

Before she could question the person. She was met with three pairs of teary eyes. Taking aback, she moved back.

"Welcome back Captain!" The three individuals shouted as the saluted Sage.

Sage said nodded at them as she observed. Two boys and one girl. They looked alike.

Sage's gaze lingered on the trio, noticing the similarities in their features. "You three are siblings, aren't you?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Aria, Kael, and Eryn exchanged nods, their faces mirroring each other's expressions. "Yes, Captain," Aria replied. "We're triplets."

Sage mumbled under her breath. Faint figures flashed in her mind.

Her gentle smile returned as she said, "Don't worry. I remember you guys,"

The triplets' faces lit up with excitement, their eyes sparkling with hope. "Really, Captain?" Kael asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

Sage nodded, her smile growing wider. Eryn's eyes welled up with tears. "We were so worried you'd forgotten us, Captain."

Aria placed a hand on Eryn's shoulder, her voice filled with emotion. "We're just glad you're back, Captain."

"Okay, enough with the teary eyes. Let's go check the rest off the Grounds."

The trio nodded, then followed after Sage.

*Royal Palace*

"So what do you think brother?" asked Emperor Raoul. He gripped his hands in front of his face.

Duke Argent sighed as he looked at his elder brother. Sifting his weight on his left leg, Duke Argent commented, "I have no problem with the plan, except..."

Emperor Raoul coughed as he nodded. "I know it's a bit... extreme but, the Argent Manor is the only place a trust."

Duke Argent raised his eyebrows as he asked, "I thought you prided in the fact that your Palace was the most secure in the Empire?"

"Compared to the Argent Duchy, the Palace is lacking." Emperor Raoul sighed. "Plus, people rarely visit you," Emperor Raoul smiled as he said.

Duke Argent rubbed in between is brows as he nodded in defeat.

"Good, I'll send him there tomorrow," Emperor Raoul clapped as he said.

Duke Argent sat on the couch in front of the desk as he asked, "So how's Arthur doing with winning the favour of the subject?"

"He's my son. of course things are going well," Said Emperor Raoul with a proud look on his face.

Ignoring the proud look on his brothers face, Duke Argent questioned, "I heard you arranged his Fiancee to be Duke Zahren's eldest daughter, Xanthia Astrid Zahren?"

"Yes I did. The Zahren's are known for the strong magical prowess."

"So that's why you picked her?"

Emperor Raoul nodded. "What do you think of the Zahren family?" Emperor Raoul asked as he looked at his younger brother.

Duke Argent crossed his legs as he answered, "Their powerful, I'll admit. But that's all I can comment on. Their quite seclusive, so I can't give you a useful analysis on them."

"Hmm, your right." Emperor Raoul stroked his chin thoughtfully. "They do keep to themselves. But that's what makes them so intriguing. Their magical abilities are unparalleled, and their loyalty is unwavering once earned."

Duke Argent raised an eyebrow. "And you think Lady Zahren will bring that loyalty to our family through her marriage to Arthur?"

Emperor Raoul nodded. "I do. And even if she doesn't, her magical prowess will be a valuable asset to our Empire."

Duke Argent sighed, his expression skeptical. "I hope you're right, brother. We can't afford to make any mistakes now."

Emperor Raoul's expression turned cold, "Right." Sighing he added, "Do bring Sage to visit when you have more time,"

Duke Argent froze hearing this.

Laughing at his brother expression, he asked, "Why? Did you not know Chester already spilled the beans?"

"So everyone already knows?"

"Indeed. And the Empress is already planning a ball." Emperor Raoul smiled.

Duke Argent's eyes widened in surprise. "A ball? Already? You know how Sage feels about those."

Emperor Raoul chuckled. "Yes, but the Empress is determined to make this a grand occasion. And I'm inclined to agree with her. It's been too long since we've had a reason to celebrate."

Duke Argent shook his head, laughing. "You know Sage will find a way out of it,"

Emperor Raoul's smile grew wider. "Perhaps."

Just then, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation. "Enter," Emperor Raoul called out.

The door opened, and a servant bowed. "Your Majesty, the Empress requests your presence."

Emperor Raoul's expression turned serious. "Very well. I'll attend to it."

As he rose from his seat, Duke Argent asked, "Is it about the party?"

Emperor Raoul nodded. "It might. Let's go find out."

Duke Argent shook his head, "I have to go back to the Duchy, you did give me a huge task,"

Emperor Raoul nodded, "Very well. I hope to see me niece and nephews soon."

Duke Argent bowed, then excused himself.