Chapter Eight
By Genavere
In the shadows of the city, a cloaked figure quickly checked over their shoulder to ensure no one was following them before heading down an alleyway. There were many eyes out now with the disappearance of the Queen. Not only did guards patrol the city roads, but even everyday citizens had organized groups to keep an eye out for suspicious activity or any sign of their missing ruler.
It made meetings like this difficult.
Pushing open a tavern door, they checked their surroundings, glad for the darkness inside due to the late hour. Pressing a coin into the bartender's hand, they went behind the bar and into one of the back rooms, closing the door behind them.
At a table, two others waited. When they saw the cloaked person, they stood quickly and bowed. Without hesitating, they produced a data pad and held it out. "The report, as you requested, sir."
The device was quickly taken from them and he began to go through everything on it. "The weapon has not been tried yet?"
"No, milord," one of the men who had been waiting answered. "Only in the initial attack. It took out a guard with a direct attack."
"What is he waiting for?" A snarl came from under the hood. "I did not pull him from prison just to have him act on his own. Has anything been wrought from this?"
The two shared a nervous look. "Everything we have gathered on the source is on the tablet."
"Worthless!" The pad was smashed against the floor. "Even a child knows all this! You tell him, test the weapon and find out what it is capable of with the power of the source."
The cloaked figure stepped forward, menacing. "If he cannot, I will take over command and there will be no mercy for him or anyone."
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Rui took in the sight of his long-time friend and lord. Heavenly Beings did not need to eat, but the only way to describe him was starved. Though, he reasoned, haggard would work, too. Dark shadows edged his eyes and a scruff of facial hair, something he had never seen on the man before, had begun to take over his lower features.
They had all felt the affect of the Queen's lost, but he had taken it the worse. But there was still a determination that ebbed from him.
"Munto," a rare time he ever addressed him without the 'Lord' in front, "have you slept or taken any rest?"
The heated look he received answered that. "What a foolish question. What do you need to report, Rui? I have no time for impertinent questions or conversation."
Dealing with matters of state had sure been easier when the Queen had been here…it was one of the reasons everyone on the council hoped for her safe return.
He set some reports on the desk. "I have taken what I can to help, but these are issues you will need to address."
Munto looked at the stack before him. As king, it was his duty to care for his people even if the face of critical issues and personal difficulties.
It was his duty, but he wanted none of it at that moment. Everything felt heavy, a weight he had never imagined even during the wars and Akuto Crisis. He had never been given a choice in the matter, he had been born to be king, to be one of the saviors of the Heavens.
All of it felt meaningless without her.
He wanted to be working with Ryuely as he had everyday since the attack. There would be a hint of where she was, but he needed to be searching for her when it appeared.
With a heavy hand, he reached out and began looking through the reports. A missive from Edna, a personal letter from Lecia that likely inquired of the current situation, a statement on the local watch that was set up, a report on the occurring issue of outlining islands disappearing and reappearing, articles of state…
He leaned back, not even halfway through the pile, and rubbed his eyes. "I will look into these later."
Rui gave a hesitant nod, but did not leave. There was something else that needed to be addressed.
Munto looked up at him, his lips pulled into a deeper frown. "Speak, Rui. What is it you want to say," he sighed, expecting the coming lecture.
After a bit of hesitation, the ice mage nodded, coming to a decision. "I believe there is a spy or a double agent in the palace."
What? His entire body tensed, his molten eyes looked up at his friend. "What evidence do you have of this?"
"A hunch, currently, but I seek permission to set a trusted spy to follow the suspect."
"Who?" The growl was dangerous like the murderous look in the King's eyes.
"Until I have gathered more evidence, I will keep that information to myself for now until I have solid proof or until Lady Yumemi is safely back. And no, I will not answer even under direct orders."
"You threaten treason by not answering," his voice lowered.
"I am keeping you from acting impulsively during a critical emergency for the Kingdom," Rui sighed. "Please understand, the only reason I brought this to you was to get permission to gather more intel. If my concerns are correct, I will come to you immediately."
"Do it." He pushed his chair back as he stood. "But I request a contingency plan to be in place. If your suspicions are correct and something happens to you, any information you had will be gone." A spy would mean there were enemies inside the palace. Inside the home that he promised her was safe. If there was anyone that sought them harm, they needed to be drawn out and rid of.
Rui nodded. "Understood. Are you going to the mirror again?" Concern crept into his voice as he watched Munto head for the balcony. "You were just there this morning. You need to rest!"
"I will rest once Yumemi is home and is able to do so. Until then, I will not halt my search of her."
A/N - Shorter chapter, but the next one will have some good stuff. Promise!
Also, thank you Ari for all the reviews and talking to me about the story 3
