Chapter 10: Storms Brewing

"There's no good answer 'ere," Mustafa says, "My lads have been all about the border, there is not a spec of Ylissean soldiers to be seen. Putting down rebels is one thing, but it will be a month on the marrow since he has declared his war and we have not heard a sound from him."

"You believe he is planning something, that is why he is biding his time?" Validar inquires.

"Aye," Mustafa answers, "And whatever it may be, he's keeping all of his forces close at hand for it. What say you Prince Robin?"

The prince in question stares out the window of the throne room but perks up at the sound of his name. Robin turns his head to Mustafa, bags drooping under his glossy eyes, "Perhaps he wishes to bait us into attacking him… Use our own suspicions to drive a hasty assault doomed to fail... Silence in war is quite maddening after all…" he dozes off and on.

Everyone stares at the unfocused prince, "Perhaps," Validar says, "But that would only give us time to consolidate ours and Ferox's troops together. The most logical thing would be to separate us for as long as possible."

Robin drifts back to the window, "I don't believe he intends to fight us on our terms this time… The assault on The Dragon's Table cost him most of his army in the last war… I think he wishes to avoid that… In his mind, we could pull our troops back after an intense battle and use Grima's Vessel to destroy his troops again… He wants to put us in a situation where we cannot retreat once engaged…"

"Aye," Mustafa ponders, "There is truth to your words. He expects us to finish this like the last war."

"It would be possible," a hooded hierophant gasps, "Even without a catalyst, our ritual for The Awakening can charge the Sacred Vessel to any level of strength caable to destroying his army. Provided we have the life force necessary, of course. Once it's power eclipse his army's, we need only unleash it and the battles would be won regardless of our own casualties and we can use it immediately after on the next invasion force."

"If that is the case, then his attempt at an alliance with Regna Ferox does give this theory weight," Validar adds, "If he were to broker said alliance, he would starve us out and force us to attack him out of desperation. Since that has failed, he may be trying something else to draw us too him. An astute theory, my son."

"Aye, thank you, Prince Robin," Mustafa bows his head.

"Hail, Great Fell Blood of the faith," the hierophant bows.

Robin's eyes refuse to leave the window, Validar scowls, "If there is nothing else I think she can adjourn this meeting. Thank you, General Mustafa, for your report."

Mustafa nods, "My men shall continue to monitor the border activities. Hopefully we can have a small force of wyverns to patrol the deserts ready to mobilize soon."

"See that it is done," Validar responds, "You're dismissed."

Mustafa and the hierophant bow and step towards the exit, robin nods and continues staring away. Validar stands from his throne and creeps behind his son before swinging his hand at the back of Robin's head, "Wake up!"

The hit sends Robin toppling onto the floor, "For Grima's sake! I've been awake, Father."

Validar glares, "Physically, yes, but I can see that your mind has been neglected. Every time I see you you're drowsy, your eyes look like they've never seen the night, and I have it on good authority that you've missed breakfast every morning for the past week. Care to explain what I am supposed to think is going on with you?"

Robin groans, "It was just a really sleepless night on top of a few recent late ones. I assure you this is the exception, not the rule, father."

"Good, because until I see an acceptable recovery, our lessons in the dungeon are canceled," Validar orders.

"But that has nothing to do with…"

"I am also ordering your morning activities be canceled so you can sleep for a few hours," Validar adds, "I will make certain your duties are attended to. I don't want to see you outside your room for the rest of the morning."

Robin opens his mouth but Validar's glare steals his courage to speak. Robin sighs as his eyes drop to the floor, "Yes, sir."

Robin drags himself off the ground and towards the exit, "I don't like doing this, Robin," Validar says to his son's back, "I would much rather have you doing something than another because I never have to worry about the quality of your work. I do, however, worry about you, son. I worry more than you know."

"I'll be fine, when I put my mind to something, there isn't a man or god who can stop me," Robin replies.

Validar shakes his head as his son leaves the room, "Just like Renna, such an irrationally stubborn woman. Though… I am glad he takes more after her. I don't think he could bare the weight of his destiny if he didn't."

…

Sumia circles her room as morning rolls by. Not a wink of sleep yet she moves in a restless flurry. She lays down to rest and gets back up, sits down with her book but can't focus, she goes to brush her hair but excuses herself back to her bed. The cycle continues through the morning until a knock hits her door. Her eyes grow wide, her heart races, and she holds har breath. Sumia shakes out of her stupor enough to say: "C-Come in, Robin…"

The lock clicks and there's a long pause before the door turns open. Before she even sees him, Sumia can't contain herself, "Look about what happened, I wasn't trying to suggest anything by it, I was only…" she freezes.

"Don't stop on my account," it wasn't Robin in the doorway, "Tell me, what have you and my little brother been doing all this time?"

"Princess Aversa!" Sumia gasps, "What's going on, where's Robin?"

"Have you not heard?" Aversa asks, "Robin has fallen ill. It seems he has not slept well at all recently."

"Oh no…" Sumia whimpers.

"As such my father has ordered Robin a mandatory rest from all his prior engagements. He will not be joining you this morning," Aversa concludes.

"I see, then he will recover after some rest. That's such a relief," Sumia says, her head drooping down.

Aversa steps closer as her hand slides down to her waist, "Sumia, may I ask you some questions?"

Sumia raises her eyes, "Of course, Princess."

"I've noticed my brother spends a great deal of his time with you in the library," Aversa hisses, "Why is it that you demand so much of a Prince's time away from his work?"

Sumia steps back from the hostile question, "I… we just both loose track of time when we talk together about books, that's all, Princess."

"Stop calling me, Princess," Aversa orders, "You may call me Aversa."

"I'm sorry, Aversa!" Sumia blurts.

"And now my next question, why are the two of you talking about books, when Robin should be focusing on the war your country is waging against ours?" Aversa probes.

"I… I…" Sumia stutters.

"I can see that subtlety is clearly getting me nowhere," Aversa grumbles as she reaches for a pouch at her waist.

Sumia trembles, "Aversa, what are you…"

A handful of dust cuts her of and Aversa snatches her wrists as she tries to wipe her face, "Nothing personal, but where my brother is concerned, I will not take any chances."

The dust turns green and Aversa releases her grasp when it changes white, "I though Robin was the only one who would interrogate me?"

"Officially, yes," Aversa replies, "However, this is personal, not business. Now answer me: what are your plans with Robin?"

"We were going to talk about a book today," she answers, "I wanted to finish it before we were supposed to meet but I wasn't able to focus on it for very long this morn…"

"Not your daytime plans," Aversa snaps, "For what purposes are you using Robin?"

Sumia's breathing grows shallow, "I-I would never use Robin for anything. He's the nicest person I've met."

Aversa raises an eyebrow, "What?"

"I said he's the nicest person I've met," Sumia replies, "Ever since I woke up as a prisoner, he's done nothing but make sure I'm always well. He's made this whole thing so comfortable for me and I admire his kindness and his thoughtfulness. Even when he outsmarts me and can use everything I tell him against my superiors, he does it with this gentleness that puts me at ease."

Aversa stares at her for a few moments before a giggle begins which then turns into laughter, "I don't believe it."

"I can't lie to you with this hex," Sumia pouts, "I'm telling the truth. What's so funny about that?"

Aversa shakes her head, "I don't believe this. I was worried over nothing I suppose. However, a prisoner and a prince, really? You have stretched far out of your league."

Sumia's brow furrows, "What? What are you talking about?"

Aversa's laughter ceases, "Truly? You can't see what's going on? You really aren't that bright, are you? Or perhaps you just haven't realized what falling in love is yet."

Sumia's face flashes crimson, "What did you say?"

Aversa turns back towards the door, "I thought you were plotting something against my brother and father, so I had to be certain. I gave you a small dose, but you might still feel the effects for another hour. That is all I wanted to ask. Thank you for the entertainment, I haven't laughed like that in ages, good bye."

Aversa exits before Sumia regains enough composure to respond, "Wait! Princess Aversa!"

The lock clicks and Sumia can hear footsteps on the stone floor walking away. Sumia wrestles with the door, but it does not budge. She slides to the ground after her futile attempt and feels her chest pounding.

"I love Robin?" Sumia thinks out loud, "That's not… I mean, I really like the time we spend together… No, I can't think like that! He's the enemy's prince and I'm just a captured prisoner. That's all he could ever see me as, just a poor pathetic prisoner… But he'd be sad if he heard me saying that about myself. He's so nice to me, even nicer than Cordelia sometimes. He's probably like that to everyone though, I'm no one special.

"He's just someone who comforts others to lift them up and makes them feel confident in themselves… Even with all their flaws… He never thinks less of me even though I'm such a klutz and he wants me to be confident in myself. He's helping me like myself and he's never let me feel sad… I…" she gulps as tears pool in her wide eyes, "I do love Robin, don't I?"

…

Lon'qu bashes apart a dummy with his practice sword outside the Ranger Barracks. He pauses for a moment, his breathing deep and calm. He looks up to the sky and cracks a smile before turning his eyes back down at the dummy. His body surges and strikes five times against the target, the echo blurs as if it were one.

"Faster… I need to be faster," the sound of running across the sand catches his ears and he turns to find Robin sprinting to him, "You're…"

"Late," Robin finishes, "I know, I didn't get any sleep last night, so my father ordered me to rest all morning. I'm here now though and I'm rested enough to spar today."

Robin grabs a practice sword and readies his stance. Lon'qu holds his sword at the ready and eyes Robin down from head to toe. They lock eyes and cross blades for a moment before breaking away. They both circle for a few seconds but Lon'qu lowers his practice blade.

"No, I will not test my skills against you now," he barks.

"What?" Robin gasps, "Just because I was a little late? If it's about not being rested, I assure you, I can still perform at acceptable levels."

"It's more than being rested, which you clearly are not," Lon'qu responds, "I could feel it in our bout there. You are not focused. Defeating would only waste both of our time in your state. If you wish to be beaten so badly, I suggest finding Chrom, I'm sure he would take an easy victory over you."

The swordsman turns away and walks to the barracks, "Lon'qu, I'm not…"

"I suggest that you deal with what ever is distracting you," he interrupts, "Knowing you, it must be something important. I've never seen you unfocused until now."

Lon'qu continues towards the barracks as Robin's jaw hangs open. He sighs before looking up at the swordsman, "Lon'qu!" he turns around, "Thanks for that. I needed to hear it."

Lon'qu's expression softens and he nods to his leader. Both separate, Lon'qu to the barracks and Robin back to the castle. As he makes his way towards the baths, he passes Chrom's room. He pauses for a moment and ponders. After a moment he knocks on the wooden door.

"One moment!" Chrom's voice sounds from inside.

After a small ruckus the door opens and Chrom tugs at his sleeves, "Can I talk to you about something, Chrom?"

"Yeas, of course," Chrom opens the door wider, "Please come in."

"Thank you," Robin replies as he steps into the small room and plants himself in a chair.

Chrom sits opposite him on his bed, "I had heard that you were to be undisturbed in your room this morning, are you alright? You look like the hells."

"I'm well enough, just a little sleep depraved," Robin answers, "But actually, no, I'm not alright. I think I have a huge problem."

"You have a problem?" Chrom repeats, "It must be serious you it's giving you trouble."

Robin lets out a small chuckle, "Lon'qu said something similar when he noticed it in me. But the truth is… I think that I'm in love," Robin's face reddens a few shades.

Chrom looks at him, pondering his next words, "Robin, I'm honestly flattered you would tell me but I'm afraid that I prefer the company of women over…"

"Not with you, you meathead!" Robin snaps at his joke, "I think I've fallen in love with Sumia."

"Oh, wow," Chrom says, "That sounds like… a problem for you. I knew you two were spending hours at a time together, but I never pictured you two would be making googly eyes at each other. When did this start?"

"First of all, we have never once made anything close to resembling googly eyes at each other," Robin clarifies, "Second… I honestly don't know. She's become someone that has been on my mind all the time. We've been talking about the books we read so much, and I have come to really enjoy her company in the library. Last night I was escorting her back to her room and we held hands the entire way. When she pointed it out… I think it just all started to click in me."

"I see," Chrom responds, "So this revelation is very recent then? I will say that you've got good taste. Sumia's cute, sweet, in great shape; if she were a bit more graceful, I could see her as a princess and future queen."

"Can we please not go there right now?" Robin comments, "You seem to be forgetting that there's a war going on between our nations. She's not exactly someone I could just take out for a night on the town. Even if I have fallen for her, she's our enemy; and she won't just turn against everything she holds dear because the guy who captured her says that he's fallen for her."

Chrom's expression grows worried, "Have you told your father about this discovery?"

Robin glares at Chrom, "My father is not exactly my first choice when talking about my emotions, Chrom. He's a parent who wants the best for me, so naturally, being in love with an enemy soldier, will not go over well with him. Really, you're the only person right now that I could think of bringing this up with right now."

"Lucky me…" Chrom jabs, "But I'm not exactly a sage when it comes to relationships, for the hells sakes, I'm practically in the same boat you are."

"Right, you have a crush on Sumia's friend, Cordelia," Robin remembers, "Sorry about dragging you through my problems."

"No worries, I'm always willing to help out where I can off the battlefield as well as on it," Chrom responds, "If you ever need anything off your chest, just come and see me."

"Thanks, Chrom," Robin says, "You're the best. Do you want to spar for a bit outside?"

"Sure, maybe getting beaten will take your mind off of all this," Chrom jabs as he stands from his bed.

"In your dreams," Robin retorts as he stands as well.

"Just let me get my boots on and I'll meet you outside," Chrom says as he tugs at his sleeves.

"By the way, Chrom, are your new clothes too small?" Robin says.

"Not really, why?" Chrom responds with bewilderment.

"It's just, you tug down on your sleeves all the time, like they're not long enough on your arms. If you'd like, I can have some made with bigger sleeves, it would just take a few measurements of your arms," Robin offers.

"Oh no, that's not necessary," Chrom declines, "I think maybe I've built up some more muscle on my arms. It's nothing really. You can go warm up outside of you want I'll be out shortly."

"If you insist," Robin concludes as he walks out the door.

Chrom straps his boots on but then lifts his sleeve up and exposes his mark and scars to the mirror, "I don't know what this mark is, but I know I don't like it."

…

Robin writes at his desk, forms have piled up in his work absence. Sumia sits at the opposite end of the library. However, neither has said a word to each other. As one begins conversation, the other brings it to a polite end. Robin blows through his paperwork, the silence prodding him to push through it.

As he sets the last of the forms on his desks side he looks up at Sumia, deep into the story of the book she's reading. He removes himself from his desk and sets a chair next to her. He sits down beside her, forcing Sumia out of the pages.

"What are you reading about now?" Robin asks

"Oh, just a story about a heroine, Madam Shambles, she sees what others cannot," Sumia replies, "I was actually just wondering how I could act out this scene later in my room."

"Oh yeah," Robin says, "I heard the guards saying that they hear you play out some of the things you've been reading."

Sumia blushes, "I was thinking of acting like the heroes, getting inside their heads, and being more like them… Do you think that's weird?"
"Yes," Robin answers, "It's actually very weird."

"Oh, pegasus dung!" Sumia exclaims, "I was worried it might be. But see, I thought if I could act like her, I'd become less of a clod."

Robin laughs, "You don't need to pretend to be someone else, Sumia. You're perfect as you are… Well, maybe not perfect, but pretty good. Anyway, if you did end up changing, I'd lose the Sumia I know and love."

"R-Really?" Sumia brightens up, "Gosh, I never figured anyone would give two hoots, but…" her eyes grow wide as she recalls his words, "Wait, what did you say?"

Robin reddens as he recalls his own words, "Just that you don't need to change to be good. I like the Sumia I've spent so much time with and that you don't need to change."

"Oh," Sumia looks away, hiding her blush from his sight.

Robin also averts his face from her, "Sumia… I'm sorry."

"For what?" Sumia asks.

"I've been a little distant the past few days," Robin answers.

"Is this about you getting punished for staying up too late?" Sumia inquires.

"No, that's just my father being a stubborn old man," Robin jests, "I just wasn't sure how to…"

Robin looks down at his right hand, "How to what, Robin?"

Robin sighs and hides his hand away, "Nothing, I just needed a break from novels for a while, I wanted to read some strategy books."

"Were you missing you mother?" Sumia asks.

"No," Robin sighs, "Not this time. Just needed to clear my head a bit."

Sumia turns back to him, "Honestly, I feel like I should apologize too. I've been avoiding talking to you a little as well."

"Really?" Robin responds, "I thought you were giving me space since I was giving you the cold shoulder."

"No, I guess I needed some room too," Sumia says.

Robin looks up to a shelf of books, "You know what? I think I have two of the same book we can read and talk about tomorrow."

He stands up and reaches high for a thinner bound book, "What is it?"

Robin retrieves the novel and presents it to her, "The Dragon of the Darkness Keep, it's one of a few that my mother was able to smuggle in to read to me behind my father's back."

"Really, what is it about?" Sumia says as she takes the book.

"It's about a dragon that kidnaps a princess from her home and traps her in his keep. However, he was so captivated by her that he fell in love with her and cared for her while she lived there…"

"Oh yeah I think I've read this one when I was younger too," Sumia interrupts, "And the dragon keeps her for years trying to tell her how he feels but then a prince from another kingdom comes to kill them. The dragon dies trying to protect her, and the prince rescues her, and she marries him. It's a classic."

A weak smile sprouts on Robin's face, "Yeah… My mother actually changed the story the second time she read it, what she called the, 'Real Version.' In her version, the dragon lives and the princess tells the prince not to hurt the dragon because he was her friend and she lives with the dragon protecting her until she passes away."

Sumia grows bewildered, "Why'd she change it?"

"I think I hated the way it ended the first time," Robin replies, "I thought the dragon was the good guy. She told me she had the wrong version of the book and told me the, 'Real Version,' where the dragon and the princess lived happily ever after. She even had a friend write that version of the ending and she rebound it in a second copy."

"Wow, you must have really hated the ending for her to do all that for you," Sumia laughs.

Robin sighs, "Maybe I just thought that the dragon didn't ask to be born mean and terrifying. He just wanted to tell a pretty princess how he felt but thought she'd never love him because of what he was," Robin shakes his head, "Well, perhaps I'm thinking too hard into my childhood feelings."

"I think it's sweet what your mother did for you," Sumia says, "Maybe I could read your mother's version?"

Robin perks up, "Really? Sure, I have it up there," Robin reaches for it.

He pulls it down, worn and torn cover with the added, 'Real Version,' in faded ink below the title. Robin smirks as he looks down on it. He flips through the pages and stops at the final one. He holds it open and stares at the words his mother once read to him:

The princess loved the dragon, and the dragon lived happily with the princess for the rest of her days.

"Here, you go," Robin closes the book and hands it to Sumia.

"Thanks, it sounds like it will be fun," Sumia cheers.

Robin nods as he rubs the back of his neck, "Say, Sumia, I've been wondering… You've been living here for a while, and the war doesn't look like one that will be over quickly… What I'm trying to say it, you're probably going to be here a long time. I was thinking that maybe you'd consider becoming a citizen of Plegia while you're here."

The cheer in Sumia's face dampens "What?"

"Just a thought to consider," Robin panics, "It might be better for you to become a part of the community and be outside the castle with other people. If you were Plegian you could come and go from the castle as you pleased. I would just need to draft up a document, you'd need to swear loyalty, and I can get my father to approve it personally. Not that I'm trying to pressure you! Just an option I'm throwing out there if you get tired of being cooped up in your room or the library."

"Umm," Sumia grows nervous, "I-I just don't…"

"You don't have to do it now, you can do it whenever, if you want, "Robin's panic worsens.

Sumia nods, "I'd have to think about it Robin. Some other time perhaps…"

Robin nods back with vigor, "Yes, another time, great! My father actually wants me to help him make a deal with some merchants arriving from Regna Ferox tonight with food supplies. So later would be great for me."

Sumia grows a faint smile, "Thanks… One more thing…" she blushes before holding out her shaking hand, "Robin, could you escort me back to my room?"

All the trembling in Robin's body stops as he gazes at her hand before taking it, "Of course, Sumia... I'd love to."

…

Sumia reads her latest barroewed book in the orange light of the fading sun. Her eyes drift to and from the pages as she sits at the edge of her bed. The sunlight wanes further and Sumia puts down her book to light a candle next to her bed. As she sets it down, she looks out the window and walks up to it. She looks down at the city, bustling as the day comes to a close. She sees all different people going about their evening, returning home to their families, and a few stumbling towards the bars.

Sumia smiles just a bit as she turns back to her bed, "Reminds me of the night in Ylisse. Cordelia would love the sunsets here."

A shadow creeps into the window, "Plegians and Ylisseans are not as different as you think," says a young woman's voice.

Sumia spins around to see Renna sitting in the window, "Who are you?! What are you doing here?!"

"Shhh," The eye patch wearing woman says, "Don't worry, I'm an ally of Prince Robin."

"You're an ally?" Sumia says in a hushed tone, "Wait, are you Renna?"

"I am," Renna replies, "May I step in for a moment?"

"Uh… Sure," Sumia says as she pulls the chair from the table, "Robin told me about how you've helped him, and that you're very reliable when you're around. Please, have a seat."

Renna hops into the room, gazing with a wide eye at every corner. She stops as she sees the worn-out copy of, The Dragon of the Darkness Keep, and smiles at it. She turns back to Sumia, the two just about the same height, "Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I will not be here for long, I have other matters that I will soon require my attention."

Sumia nods, "O-okay… I'm Sumia by the way."

Sumia holds out her hand and Renna looks down at it for a moment before taking it and taking in all of Sumia's body with her eye, "Sumia… It's a pleasure to see you."

Renna shakes her hand for a few more seconds before releasing Sumia, "If you wanted to talk with Robin, I can have the guards outside get him."

Renna shakes her head, "No, I actually wanted to speak with you, Sumia."

"M-me?" Sumia steps back.

"Yes," Renna continues, "This isn't easy to accept right now but… There are some things that are going to happen that I have to stop. However, I don't know what will happen to you if I do."

"I don't understand…"

"I'm sorry," Renna interrupts, "But what I'm trying ask is, would you be happy if you were to stay here in Plegia, even if you had the chance to go back to Ylisse?"

Sumia rests on her bed as she takes in the question, "Stay here? For how long? Why? What's going to happen?"

Renna remains silent for a moment, "Crusas has set a plan into motion. King Validar will be assassinated tonight."

"Robin's father!" Sumia gasps, "We have to tell him. Robin will stop it if he knows."

Renna holds up her hand, "I have every intention to stop it. You have my word that King Validar will not die tonight. I simply worry about what will happen to you. I think you should take Robin's offer to become a Plegian citizen."

"How do you know about that?" Sumia pries,

"I have my ways," Renna says, "It would be safer for you here if you were to become a citizen and fight with Robin. You'd be much happier than being a prisoner with a room in the castle. You could be free to go where you please in the city, become a part of the community, you'll start a new life. Then, when the war is over, you can return to your old life and make of it what you will, it's a victory on all fronts. If you choose to remain a prisoner, you will be locked up in this castle for the rest of your days. You've read enough novels to know that living as such is not a very happy life."

Sumia's head droops, Renna holds out her hand but retracts it before Sumia can see it. Tears well up in Sumia's eyes and Renna's face softens. Renna's hands clench into fists as her breaths grow deeper, "M-m… Sumia…"

"Do you really think I can be happy away from everything I hold dear: my family, my friends, and my oaths as a knight? I can't just leave them," Sumia says.

Renna bites her lip, "Not even for Robin?"

Sumia reddens a bit, "W-what about Robin?"

"Would you stay for his sake?" Renna asks.

Suma looks down at the floor, "Why would Robin need me? He's better off without me making his life harder."

"Your wrong," Renna says, "He doesn't think you make his life harder."

"Just because he doesn't think so doesn't make it wrong," Sumia counters, causing Renna to step back, "He's amazing, and I'm just… Me."

"You're wrong, you are so much stronger than you think. Why are you making every excuse not to be with him? You know that you love him, so why not do everything in your power to let him know you feel that way?" Renna replies.

Sumia's face turns bright crimson, "I-I have no idea what you're talking about! You can't prove that!"

Renna shakes her head, "I thought he was the stubborn one," Renna sighs, "I've given you my opinion and delivered my warning to you. Avoid the battle if you can, but these men won't hesitate to cut you down. They're not here to take prisoners, they're here to kill whomever they can."

Sumia nods, "I will… Thank you."

Renna reaches into her cloak and holds a bright blue flower out to Sumia, "Here."

Sumia takes it, "Thank you, I haven't seen a flower since the battle at the border."

"I know," Renna turns away, "My last question: are you afraid that he won't return your feelings, or that he will? Honestly, I think you already know his answer and are afraid to hear it. If you don't believe me ask the flower."

"Hey!" Sumia's face turns red again as Renna vanishes from the room.

Sumia gazes down at the blue petals of the flower. She feels the softness of the plant and grabs hold of the outermost petal. After a swift pluck she lets it drop to the floor and hesitates for the next one.

"He'll say he loves me too," she plucks another, "He won't say he loves me…"

…

King Validar sits atop his throne with robin by his side and a sand cover man opposite them, "Gold is no issue for us, if you can deliver this out to the villages who need it, we will gladly pay you handsomely for your trouble."

"It's not just about the money," the merchant man says, "My guys have already brought some of the big barrels in the castle. Getting it in was hard enough. They're exhausted, and we have another supply waiting for us back in Port Feroxi. I can separate out all the supplies and have them ready to be transported where you need them but it's going to coast a bit more. That's about the best I can do."

Validar's eyes shift around as Robin shutters, "I sense it too father."

"Someone's been playing with dark magic all evening," Validar whispers back.

"All due respect Your Majesty, I can't afford to stay here all night. I need a confirmed deal to get everything ready for you," the merchant pesters.

Validar turns his gaze back to the merchant, "Very well, name your fee and have the supplies ready to be transported to twenty-seven villages."

"Thank you, Your Highness," the man bows, "That'll be 200 gold pieces extra, sir."

"You have a deal," Validar says.

"Most excellent sire," the merchant steps up to the foot of the throne and offers his hand.

Validar rises from his seat and steps towards him, reaching out his own hand. The two shake on the deal, but Robin shutters again, different this time. Death is in the air, "Father, wait that's not a merchant!"

Validar turns to his son, "What!?"

"Little brat!" the man hisses.

A knife pops out of the merchants left sleeve and robin rushes to stop it. The merchant pulls Validar to him as he drives the blade forward.

A flash of light and fills the room and a sword severs the arm of the would-be assassin. Renna appears beside Validar and the assassin scurries back, "King Validar, are you uninjured?"

Validar falls to the ground, "Yes, I think so."

"Father!" Robin rushes to his side and retrieves the dagger the assassin held smelling the wet blade, "Poisoned! You were trying to kill my Father!"

The guards rush the man, but he draws his sword and fends them off to make an escape. He bolts out the window and into the night air. Robin rushes to the window but sees not a trace of the assassin.

"He's gone, he's not some run of the mill hired sellsword," Robin shakes his head, "He was far too quick and nimble to make an escape with an injury like that. He's been trained as an assassin."

"He was hired by Crusas," Renna says as she steps to Robin's side, "His entire band has infiltrated the castle, they will kill as many high ranking Plegian officials as they can."

"This was his plan then," Robin says, "He wanted to eliminate the country's leadership. With our army at the border and a supply of goods coming in, he could just sneak in assassins."

"All he needed was time," Validar adds, "We let our guard down. He was counting on us believing him short sited. Perhaps he had this set in motion even before he declared war on us.

"Regardless, set the castle on high alert," Robin orders the guards in the room, "Protect everyone in the castle and rally the Rangers. I will not let them escape this place with their lives."

Chapter 10! And another midnight release, I'm not trying to make a habit of this. Next few chapters will have plenty of action. Is there too much shipping lately? What are your thoughts? Leave a review with whatever feedback you'd like to give. Thanks for reading and have a great day, y'all.