Chapter 15

"Yes, with my life."

"How come when you thought you were close, the rebels always got away?"

"Sometimes it was always like they were a step ahead or knew our plans. Other times, we got really close." Then his lips were crushing mine, "I am the lucky one to deserve you after all this."

"Why? What did I say?"

"Tom is the rebel leader; I don't know why my cousin would do that to his family?"

"For the crown," I said.

"We need to find him and all our plans may have just gone away. Here take a dagger plus here is a second one of mine. Can you stay awake a while longer?"

"Of course," we went to the guard housing, Jacob greeted us. "Is Tom here?"

"Yes sir."

"Did he dispatch anyone in the last hour?"

"Yes, Caius."

"Great. Go get Tom and bring him to the holding room please. No actually lead me to him."

"Yes, sir."

Once we reached Tom's bunk, Edward reached up and grabbed him and said, "Tom get up now," and pulled him from his bed. "Come with me," and he was pushed down the hall. "Jacob, keep yourself between Tom and Queen Bella, please. Lead us to the interrogation room."

Once inside, Tom started to struggle with Edward and I said, "Don't you dare, Tom. I am armed, as well. You are in enough trouble." As I spoke, I pulled out my two daggers. "You are well aware of my aim, traitor."

Edward got Tom under control and chained to the wall. "Now where did you send Caius off to?"

"To get additional supplies to build the boats with."

"No, let's try again. I wondered why we have had trouble for so long with the rebels. You've been leading them. You managed to get my father killed within five months of leading the rebellions; but my brother stayed in the castle. You weren't crazy enough to plan an attack there. So again where did you send Caius and where are you going to ambush us at?" What still not talking? You were witness to my wife's training on using a dagger? Correct. Bella, this man was planning to kill even more of your family and is responsible for James being dead and I have no doubt he would kill your children and parents, as well. What would you like to do to him?"

"Kill him."

"Well, I told you, you could have dagger practice every day. Why don't you try it?"

"Yes, your Majesty." I lined up in front of Tom pulled out both my daggers again and threw them at him. One landed directly next to his ear. A second pinned his shirt at his waist.

Edward spoke to me and said, "Yes, my brother taught you very well. Now Tom on the other hand, I was not as good with a dagger. Shall we see how I do?" Edward pulled out his two daggers and took my spot. One landed between his legs now I will aim for your heart because mine is already broken for what you've done to my family. I guess I will do the same for you."

"Wait, your majesty. Yes, I sent Caius to the rebels with your plans."

"Tom, how soon can they all be in the castle?"

"You are right; it will probably be ten days to get the rebels there."

"Is there anyone else that is a guard here involved with you that I couldn't bribe back to my side?"

"Answer or I may let my wife have my last dagger?"

"Yes, Caius but he will not be returning. I use other guards with bribes as need be."

"What about at the castle?"

"No one there."

"Okay, Jacob. I want him left in here and chained. Only slide food under the door I want no guards in contact with them. Edward went up and pulled out the daggers. Bella, do you have anything you would like to say?" as Edward returned my daggers.

"No, I don't. But I have something else for him."

"Go ahead, my Queen." Edward said.

I went up and slapped his cheeks both ways and said that is from my father-in-law and that is from my husband.

"Do you understand, Captain Jacob?"

"Yes," he said with a smile. Once we left, we closed and locked the door. "Get the rest of the guard and have them meet the king and queen in your mess hall. Tell them they all have fifteen minutes.

Jacob was gone and I said, "All our plans have been sent to the rebels; we will have to come up with new ones. The rebels will be returning almost immediately."

"You and I need some sleep first so the planning will start tomorrow or late tonight. First I want to make sure the rest of our guards will stay loyal to us."

"How?"

"Gold and military rankings." Within fifteen minutes, we were meeting all the guards in the cramped room. "You have your daggers back and put away?"

"Yes."

"Good use them if need be, but I think we will be fine." We walked into the mess hall and we were greeted with, "Yes, your royal majesties." And they all bowing before us.

"There has been a traitor among us and I have taken care of him. He claims that the rest of you are loyal to me. To ensure that and ensure my family's safety as we return to the castle and country that is rightfully ours. Protect us and you will all be promoted by two ranks which will also increase your pay; but there will be gold bonuses as well. The plans are changing as we speak. Once my wife and I get some sleep so we can fully concentrate on a new plan, we will be meeting with you all. Several men step towards us said "Sir," I immediately pulled out my two daggers. "We are sorry, Queen Bella, we didn't mean to startle you. We will protect you and what happened to your brother and father is partially are blame."

"No men, it is not because the traitor gave us away every time."

"Sir, you are the rightful heir to the throne and then Emmett. We will ensure that we get you back there. Correct men."

"Yes." and cheers erupted. "To King Edward and Queen Bella."