Preparations

The group of four finally made it to the capital.

They were granted instant audience with the queen, given that Brom and Nephenee were war veterans.

"So, what brings ex-soldiers from so far away to my court?" Elincia asked them, rather anxious to find out.

"Somebody's been a tryin' to make the people kick you off the throne, queen Elincia." Brom informed.

He didn't talk like that at all while we were on the road... Ino looked at Brom strangely. He certainly seemed more relaxed here.

"Ludveck, duke of Felirae." Heather said quickly. "I recognised the crest on the man's armour, and I doubt he was acting in his own interest."

Elincia put her fingers to her forehead, wishing Bastian was here. But he wasn't, so she would do the best she could without him. "I never thought one would be brave or foolish enough to try civil war...this just got a lot worse."

"Allow me to search his castle, Elincia." Lucia had listened in on the proceedings. Being foster sister to the queen sure had its perks.

"I cannot put you in such-" Elincia was cut off.

"Danger? I have several reasons to believe that I will be completely safe, not the least being that I am a royal guest, and that he cannot make an official move against me until he has raised enough hate for the throne." Lucia deliberately left out that Ludveck was smitten with her, and not for the position or wealth. No, little harm would come to her, even if she showed him the proverbial dagger she was about stab him with.

"Still, I worry." Elincia replied.

"And that's why you're a good queen. Elincia." Lucia began walking to the door. "Better late than never."

.

Unfortunately, as she left the castle with the few vital comforts that she would seem suspicious without, Lucia was beset by the Laguz emissaries.

"Is it true? That you are about to engage the enemy?" A female cat laguz asked with mere curiosity. Several battles under your belt and the worry about such events fades away.

"No, something more...preliminary. He's bound to have documents describing orders to his troops, and we could use them against him." Lucia told them.

"Bah! All this running around! Why, a laguz would just sink their fangs into the enemy and be done with it!" The cat replied angrily.

The quieter tiger laguz spoke up. "Beorc man hide behind words, not knowing words can be seen through. Gallia support queen Elincia?"

"No, I'm afraid. If there was even a hint of Gallia's assistance..." Lucia trailed off.

"Then Crimea would see its queen as being unable to stand on her own two feet. Us laguz can understand that sentiment, at least." The cat rolled her eyes. Beorc were so confusing.

"Thank you, Lethe, Mordecai. But I believe that if you show faith in the queen that it will help her as well, and no citizen can argue with that kind of help." Lucia advised.

Leanne said something in the ancient language, one that is too complex for beorc to understand in their limited lifetime. Even so, one does not become the head of a spy network by relying on words alone.

"No, Leanne, I doubt it would be a good idea for you to come with me. Too much danger for someone like you. Please understand." Lucia stated simply.

"Then I guess this old crow will be coming too!" Nealuchi joined the conversation.

"And we will be the princess' personal guard." Lethe added, giving an excuse to be able to help Lucia if she needed it.

Lucia bowed her head in defeat. So much for espionage...