A Covert Operation

The sun rose languidly over the humid day. It seemed unwilling to break through the dingy clouds surrounding it. I sighed softly, and sat up in Chris' bed. I and a few of the sun's more courageous rays, were alone in the room. Outside the door was the sound of a faint whistle, it seemed that someone was up and optimistic. I stood and mentally shook myself, this would be a better day then the last, at least I could promise myself that.

I walked to the kitchen with a plastered smile that transformed into a real one when I saw Chris standing in front of the counter.

"When did you arrive last night?" I asked. He turned around quickly, batter flying from the spatula he held.

"Late, I did not want to wake you so I slept in the den."

I gave him another smile, "what are you making?"

"Pancakes." I scrunched my eyebrows. "You'll just have to wait and see." He gave me quick kiss before turning back to the stove. I sat at one of the wooden chairs. "We met some Royal Militant," Chris began.

"And?"

"Information is pretty scarce. Apparently the only evidence found was the glass slipper. No leads or any persons of interest, everything I heard about the crime was vague."

"Which is a good thing?"

"Not necessarily, the officials higher up could just be keeping the information to themselves." My eyes clouded. "Do not worry about it Bella. We will go to Cly's house, Lady Deliria's manor. Hopefully we can avoid the soldiers there. It's close to your home, so we can go look for Astra. I will call for a carriage as soon as you are ready. Uncle Robin!" he called, flipping something with ease. "We'll need to find you something to wear," he said with a smile, "not that I do not love that dress."

I grinned. "You're right."

Robin Hood strolled into the kitchen. "Good morning."

"'Morning," Chris said. He filled a plate with a golden pancake and fresh fruit.

"No eggs?" Robin asked. Chris shook his head, pushing the plate into his uncle's outstretched hand. "Bacon?"

"No, Uncle Robin you know that stuff is not good for you." Robin Hood huffed and sat his plate down next to me. Chris joined us with two plates in his hand, and placed one down in front of me.

"Thank you," I said. Chris winked.

"So what is the plan for today?" Robin asked chuckling. "Going to sneak the wanted criminal out of the county." Chris shook his head with a annoyed and amused look on his face.

"You think this will be enough," I asked, looking at myself in the mirror. Chris smiled into the glass.

"Do not let my uncle worry you Bella." We had finished eating breakfast sometime ago. I was finally out of my long gown and into breeches and a once white linen shirt. My hair had been packed into a brown cap. "You are not a wanted criminal."

"So why are we leaving?"

"The soldiers have already begun making their rounds, house by house, seeing if any maiden's foot fits the slipper." He stopped when he saw my worried expression. "Believe me Bella, every thing will be alright. Are you ready?" I nodded turning around to face him. "Come then," with that he lead me out the door.

The ride to Lady Deliria's was quiet and dark. No one was about, that is except the soldiers we saw knocking on someone's door, near the center of town. Cly, our driver, tipped his hat with a grin. I kept my head down, and hoped that daredevil Cly would not push our luck. Chris reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. I looked up at him and saw that he was smiling. Maybe I was over reacting; maybe there was really nothing to worry about. Except maybe a crazed witch on my heels.

I vaguely wondered where Princess Marigold was now, and all the others. I had seen them at the ball. Was there any evidence that Princess Marigold was not what she seemed?

"Bella," Chris said. I nodded. "We're here." Cly opened the door and helped me out. The manor was much bigger then my own, probably on about five acres of land. The house, grand and a reddish brick, stood before us, and beyond that I could make out the dull green fields.

"This way," Cly said, leading us around the house. We entered and traveled down the side servants' staircase. At the bottom of the stairs, in a large room, a small girl sat, knitting. She had Cly's same wavy dirty blond hair and large, oval eyes. "Malinda, this is Bella." I took off my cap. The girl stood and curtsied.

"A pleasure," she said sweetly. I could not help but smile.

"Is mother back yet?" Cly asked.

"No, she has not returned."

"Good. Bella is going to stay with you." He rustled her hair and she whined. "Behave okay." Malinda nodded, her pretty red lips in a pout.

"Where are you two going?" Cly's little sister was cute, but I did not want to stay here and play babysitter.

"To your manor," Chris explained, knowing that I would protest. "We will be quick, Bella, I promise." I sighed, but slumped down on the bed. Chris winked before he and Cly began walking back up the stairs.

******

I paced the room nosily, my large boots making my steps awkward. Malinda followed me with her large, dark brown eyes. "They should be back soon," she offered.

"Yes, well, patience is not my strong point." She laughed, high and girlishly. I walked towards the stairs, my mind made up.

"Cly said to stay here." Her tone made it clear that her brother's word was law.

"I know Malinda. But …" What if something happened to Chris? What if my insane step-mother had caught him sneaking through the house? "I will back soon," I promised. The little girl sighed, dropping her knitting. She called out something but I was already up the stairs, closing the door behind me. The back staircase opened into a large kitchen, one that was occupied. Cursing my luck, I crouched down behind the counter. The person, Cly's mother I guessed, was speaking to another, more elaborately dressed woman, Lady Deliria.

"Such a scandal," the Lady was saying. "it certainly is a shame." I held my breath. The stood right in front of a swinging door that lead further into the house. Go, I mentally urged them.

"Yes," Cly's mother said quietly.

"Most unfortunate," the Lady repeated, certainly wanting to be questioned further. She was not, "as a member of high society, Lord Deliria and I were not far from the King and Queen. Everything happened so quickly. One minute Crown Prince Chadwick was seated there, a toast being made to him by his mother. Next there was a scream heard outside, the Prince was not accounted for, and the next thing I knew, that guards announced that no one could leave the ballroom. It was most dreadful, being held there against my will. But then the queen reappeared, and made a most gracious apology."

"Hum," the younger woman said simply.

"Yes, we were told that there no danger, and that the Crown Prince had suffered an accident, which is all lies of course. Imagine it Beth, someone crazy enough to want to harm the ?Prince." She huffed. "Oh, so much excitement, make me a tea why don't you dear?"

"Of course my lady," came the reply. Lady Deliria walked through the door, into what I expected was a parlor. Mrs. Beth turned her back, gathering the tea things. This was my chance. I stood, my back still bent, and shuffled to the door. Cly's mother had begun humming to herself. I was still a few feet from the door. With good grace, I made it outside in a couple more steps. The door slammed shut, and Mrs. Beth jumped. I pressed my body against the side of the house, took a few breaths, and then began running to my manor.

I reached the gate and pushed it open. There was no carriage in the courtyard, and I hoped my step-mother had staying in Faylinn for the night. Walking around the house, I found that everything was quiet and undisturbed. Where were Cly and Chris? I reached the back garden, and made my way through the flowerbed, keeping an eye out for Sir Lawrence or Blue Jay. Suddenly a loud shatter was heard. I ran now.

"Goodness Cly," I heard Chris say through the kitchen door. I breathed a sigh of relief and unlocked the door in one swift motion. Cly and Chris froze.

"It's just me," I said as opened the door.

Chris cursed and Cly laughed. "What are you doing here Isabella?" Chris asked his hands on his hips.

"What is taking you so long?" I asked.

Cly gave Chris a long look. "We ran into some trouble," I shrugged, an annoyed look on my face. "With a giant," Cly finished, looking amused.

"Mitchell?" I groaned.

"You know him," Cly said, "cool."

"What happened?"

"Long story," Cly said.

"We will tell you later," Chris finished.

I groaned again. "Is Astra here?"

"No, we have checked the whole house." I ran my fingers through my hair.

"Chirp," came the noise. "Chirp, chirp,"

"Blue Jay, is that you?"

"Chirp," she answered.

"It's me, Bella." I pulled back the curtain of my room.

"Hello," said Blue Jay, from his perch on my bed.

"Where is Astra?"

"She was bored," said Blue Jay nonchalantly.

"What does that mean?" If a bird can shrug, that is what Blue Jay did.

"You are talking to a bird." Chris said, appearing behind me.

"Long story," I answered. "Blue Jay, tell me what happened?"

"Ugh," the bird said. "She said she was bored, she wanted an adventure. Went to Astra's wardrobe and borrowed one of the girls, the ugly skinny one's dresses."

"Where was she going?"

"To the ball of course."

"Great," I said turning toward Chris. Now I had no idea was Astra was. I dropped the knapsack with all my things on the floor and sat down on the bed.

"What now?" Cly asked.

"We have to find her." Chris answered.

"We have to do a lot of things Chris," I replied saucily. "Where can she be?"

We left my room and I began making something for lunch. Chris and Cly leaned against the kitchen counter, and we spoke about were Astra could have spent the night. Worst case scenario: the witch had spotted her. Marigold had locked us both into the dining room, and she had spotted me twice, so I was willing to bet she did not forget a face. Best case scenario: I had gotten close enough to the Prince Chadwick and Astra was home somewhere in the northern sky. I hoped it was the latter.

"She's probably just walking around Faylinn," Chris offered. I shook my head, she was not stupid. Plus, a lone maiden with no history meandering around Faylinn was suspicious, especially in these times. In our silence, I heard the sound of the door opening.

"We have to get out of here," I told Cly and Chris hurriedly. They had just stepped out the door, when …

"Isabella!" I turned after telling Cly to stay quiet. Hopefully my step-mother did not know much. "Isabella, ugh," she said as she entered the kitchen. "This place is filthy," it was not, "and so are you."

"Hello step-mother," I said through clenched teeth.

"Good you made lunch. Where on earth has Ms. Hobe been?" I shook my head, remembering that the spell had been broken. "Anyhow, hurry and dress, we have a guest." I disappeared into my room, and pulled on the first dress that I saw. Whipping my face and hair with a wet cloth, I wondered how I would make a run for it. My step-mother was still standing in the kitchen, stuffing the vegetables I had made into her mouth. A dark cloaked figure stood behind her. He turned, and even in the dim light, I could the scar that ran down his face.

I'm back! Sorry about the wait readers, and sorry about the kind of filler chapter but ... it was hard writing this one. Is there too much confusing drama? Would it be bad if I switched POV again? Please leave me your comments. I hope to update again soon. Thanks to all my readers. Hope you enjoyed. Happy reading ~Iris Lily~