XXXVI

King Leo's Flag City

(Masen POV)

We moved into my room for some privacy. Rosie seemed very excited.

"Well?" Brandon asked, "What happened?"

She smiled, "Father and mother were at the meadow land city!"

"Uncle Emmett and Aunt Rosalie?!" Belle asked.

She nodded, tears starting to form in her eyes, "They were there because-" She lowered her voice, "-Uncle Edward is starting a war against Leo."

My eyes widened, A war?

"I told them to say we would help in any way we can. I even mentioned those friends you have Masen."

"John and our group? Yes...they have always hated Leo and dreamed of revolution...I'm sure we could make a group to fight. Let's go down to the caravan tonight. We can reveal the truth to John and his family. His father is very loyal to ours."

"Good. We should, I guess, wait a bit. Uncle Edward has been going to all the kingdom's Lords and getting them to join him. He has a good amount."

Tybalt nodded, "That means he will need time to mobilize. A couple of months, at least."

"We can divert his attention," I said, grinning at Brandon.

He grinned back.

"Oh no," Belle said sternly, "I'm not healing you two every damn night."

I blinked, "Belle! Such language! You better not let mother or father catch you saying that."

She blushed.

Night...

We crept out of the castle walls, dressed as peasants, and journeyed down to the center of the city.

"How will we find John in this crowd?" Belle asked.

"And before the king finds out we're gone," Brandon sighed.

I nodded and lead them through the crowd. The caravan was a large one with many wares. I spotted John and our friend Micheal by the fountain and hurried over.

"Masen!" John grinned, "Brandon! 'Bout time you two showed up."

I laughed, "You guys remember my sister Belle and cousin Rosie?"

John kissed Belle's hand, "I may have to steal her from you later."

I pulled Belle back playfully, "Not while I'm here, you won't."

We laughed.

"All that fun stuff aside, we need to speak to your father."

"Why?"

"It would be best said somewhere private."

He shrugged, "Follow me."

He lead us far to the left side of the city to where his house stood. His father was a craftsman by trade and kept his home and those around him in good repair.

"Masen!" His father greeted, "And you brought friends."

I nodded and took note of Tybalt closing the door. He had his face hidden by a hood so as not to attract attention. He had been labeled as Prince in public before.

"Well? What brings you here lad?"

I lowered my voice, "I have a confession. All this time I've been telling you my name is Masen Harkened. However, it is really Masen...Cullen."

His eyes widened and John's mother dropped a bowl.

"I am Lord Edward Cullen's son."

"Lord!" He ran his hand through his hair, "Why aren't you with your father?!"

I motioned to Belle, Brandon, and Rosie, "The King sent assassins to kidnap us long ago. We've been kept to the castle walls for years now." I grinned, "Well, as far as he knows."

He pointed at Tybalt, "And then who is this?"

Tybalt pulled down his hood, "I am Prince Tybalt."

They hurriedly knelt before him.

"Please! Don't. I don't want anyone to kneel. I hate formality."

They got up. John's father looked as stunned as an ox, "Good God, how is all this happening?"

"All will be explained," I said, "We received word that my father is planning a civil war to end Leo's reign."

They gasped.

"We need your help. Father has swayed some to join him but we're not enough to be an inside force. I know you hate Leo's tyranny and I was hoping you could join us."

Silence.

"Please," Tybalt said, "My father needs to be stopped. I know I am young and that I would immediately inherit the throne...but I swear the tyranny would stop...My father is a monster...and he needs to be gone..."

After a moment, John's father put his hand on Tybalt's shoulder, "You are young, your Highness...but you are right as well. Your father must be stopped. You realize, however, that this will end in his death."

We all looked at him. However much Tybalt wished for his father to end his tyranny, he was still his father. Somewhere deep inside him, Tybalt loved Leo. It was just common sense.

Tybalt looked at him, "I know. However, family bonds cannot overcome the suffering of thousands in this situation." He took a breath, "It must end."

John's father nodded, "You are noble, young prince, and wise for your age. I will stand behind you."

He smiled, "My thanks."

I smiled too, "I must ask for your forgiveness for turning your world into this so suddenly. I am truly sorry."

"It is fine, young Cullen," he said, "I hold your father in high respect and will follow the pair of you."

"I was wondering also, if you could help me rally all those in the walls to our cause. None of us can be in the city when the sun shines. Leo will be watching us."

"Of course," said John, "I know a lot who want Leo gone."

I grinned, "Good. We'll distract Leo and the guards as much as we can but secrecy is key. I'll come back in seven days."

"There's an abandoned house in the corner of one of the walls," Micheal said, "My father actually built it. We can meet in there. I'll meet you when the moon is high by the fountain and guide you there."

I nodded, getting excited with how this was playing out, "A good while will pass before the rebellion can be acted out. Please stress that fact."

"I can get in close with the scouts," Tybalt said, "I'll keep us up to date on movement and rally points. I don't think many of them will be inclined to be loyal to father anyway. He has been running them to death as of late."

I nodded and looked out the window, "We must go. I'll meet you by the fountain, Micheal."

He nodded.

"Stay safe," John's mother said, "and be careful. If the King gets wind of this..."

I nodded and we ran out into the night. A grin was on my face as we quickly made our way to the castle. I couldn't wait for this to be all over.

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