A Trap Set

King Casimir did not waste time he headed straight to the war chamber and summoned his menservant to quickly request the presence of his advisors.

The glow from the torches lining the walls, illuminated the faces of his advisors who quickly assembled in the war chamber.

They had been guiding him throughout his reign and had been watching over him since he was a boy. Some had even served as advisors to his father but his father had not taken their counsel and had done what he deemed necessary to make the Summerlands a strong kingdom. 

King Casimir sat at the head of the oak table his fingers drumming a beat as he was deep in thought, his gaze swept over the assembled council which consisted of Lord Rafael, his steadfast general; Master Elias his spymaster who had eyes on every noble and enemy in the kingdom; Chancellor Vance, whose sharp intuition safe guarded the kingdom's interests; Lady Miranda, his mother's sister, a woman as ruthless as she was loyal.

"You know why we are gathered here," King Casimir began, his voice low and firm. 

"There has been a threat revealed against the princess, they would rather see her dead than wear the crown. We cannot allow them to threaten the fragile peace that already exists between our lands."

"A Winter Princess upon a Summer throne is not something that will be easily accepted, not since the mess of the war your father has left us to deal with. Some believe the blood feud cannot be forgiven." His aunt remarked as she admired her long painted red nails.

"Well they will need to learn otherwise or leave the land, instead of stirring trouble for me. I will not allow an attempt on my future bride's life." Casimir remarked with anger laced in his tone.

Lord Rafael leaned forward. "The best way to catch a traitor is to give them the impression that they have won. If the assassins believe they have an opportunity to kill the princess, they will not hesitate to make a move."

"And what bait would you suggest? Surely you don't mean to dangle the princess before them like a helpless lamb?"

"She is not a lamb," King Casmir countered, "I believe she can defend herself."

"Still, it would be wise to use deception to suggest the princess will be left vulnerable. Perhaps a visit to some place where security might appear relaxed?" Elias suggested.

Chancellor Vance nodded in approval. "Such an opportunity will be irresistible."

 "Can you set a trap?" King Casimir asked Lord Rafael.

"Yes and an execution. Archers and swordsmen will be positioned ready to strike. Should they use magic, I would like to request permission for the king's fire mages join us, to be on standby. All these men at my command will be dressed as everyone else." Lord Rafael added.

"Granted", King Casimir answered.

Lady Miranda smirked. "What of the nobles who plot behind closed doors without getting their hands dirty? Will you make an example of them?"

A grim expression outlined King Casimir's features as he replied, "we will have to use the mages to sift through their minds for information and catch them. Their execution will be swift with no trial."

Silence fell over the chamber, as the advisors considered all that had been discussed.

"Your Majesty, what if we use an engagement ball as the setting for our trap? It would be perfect as all the nobles will have to be present."

Chancellor Vance suggested as the thought just struck him.

King Casimir considered the idea, his fingers drumming a beat on the table.

"A ball to announce our marriage while luring out the traitors....."

"The perfect setting," Elias agreed.

"Our eyes will be everywhere, Your Majesty." Elias promised.

Lord Rafael nodded. "This will work, we can secure the hall, corridors, entrances and have the men's eyes trained on anyone who carries or uses a weapon.

We can have the mages stationed at the entrance to sift through minds so we might know when an attack will strike the princess."

King Casimir's lips curved, "I believe all has been decided, set the trap in motion. We will catch them in the act. I will not let my future queen fall into enemy hands."

He rose from his seat, his decision final. 

"I will personally be her body guard on that night. No one will suspect a woman being able to keep her safe." His aunt offered, before the meeting was dismissed.

"Are you sure you want to be in the direct line of fire?" He asked her concern flickering in his eyes.

"For the future of this kingdom, yes," said his aunt firmly before she got up and left.