The Masked General

Psithurism

"Avira?" Hiroshi's voice became stern.

"A little help would be appreciated," Eleanor cleared her throat as she dangled outside the window. She looked quite comical, as she held herself on the rope in a fetal position, using her whole body to hang onto the tied bed sheets while hanging outside the window.

"Eleanor, what are you doing?" Avira shook her head and tried to walk over to help her down.

Hiroshi stopped her, "Let me." He went over to catch
the lady in waiting.

"Sorry, Highness, but it's my duty to take care of you, and it seemed like a fitting time to drop in," Eleanor jumped out of Hiroshi's arms and dusted off her skirt.

Andrew stifled a laugh, and Ivelle glared down from above.

"Princess Ivelle?" Hiroshi looked up confused. These women were supposed to be dead. He was right, Avira was alive. He had planned on sending out a search party, but he hadn't expected them to just start dropping out of the sky.

After that, Avira hoped that she would be able to somehow sneak away and hide locked in the closet. Instead, she found herself, Ivelle, Eleanor, Hiroshi, and Andrew all sitting at the dining table, sipping tea. She had twisted her foot in the process of the group's little escapade, and Eleanor and Hiroshi both insisted on wrapping it up.

"I don't see the need for all the fuss over a sprained ankle, it's nothing," Avira said, looking down at the bandaged ankle.

"Now is not the time to be getting hurt, you must take care of yourself," Eleanor looked at the princess as she picked up her teacup.

"True. Thank you for your help, Eleanor." Avira nodded, "But what about you Prince Hiroshi? Since when did you become so concerned with my wellbeing?" She looked at him, twirling her spoon in her cup.

"Having someone die, changes your perspective on things," Hiroshi shrugged. He picked up his tea, blowing on it gently. "You know, they said the princesses had died in a carriage accident. I knew that was a much too easy way to die."

"Oh please," Avira rolled her shoulders back, "what's so important about me being alive?"

"You sure think highly of yourself Princess," The corner of his lips turned up.

Avira squinted her eyes, "You're not answering me."

The others watched their banter silently, looking back and forth between Hiroshi and Avira. The air was tense.

Hiroshi extended his hand across the table, "First things first, sweetheart."

"Whatever do you mean?" Avira drawled, loosely playing with her hair.

"Oh ho ho, she thinks she's clever. Dagger." Hiroshi looked at Andrew sarcastically, he extended his hand further.

Avira sighed, reaching down and pulling out his dagger, "Fine."

"Thank you," Hiroshi smiled as he caressed the blade in his hands.

"I feel at a disadvantage now, mine is still back in Harwen," Avira sighed dramatically.

"Now," The prince ignored her, "as we were saying, you being alive, will help me." He paused before continuing, "As Harwen's ex-general, you know their strategies, you also know Marc, you can probably take a guess at what will happen next."

"You're wrong," Avira lifted her chin, "I have no idea what's happening next. And why would I help you?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but what do you mean, strategies?" Ivelle asked, setting down her cup.