Scarlet Rogue (Book One)

Chapter Forty-Seven: Battle Plans

Kaelynn

"You don't have to do this; she is still your mother despite everything," Ayden says, his fingers brushing against my cheek.

"We have to take back the kingdom. It's the right thing to do."

The words come out faster than I can think, for fear that I may change my mind and that's something I'd never forgive myself for. This is the chance to right all the wrongs, to start repairing my mistakes, to give hope for a future we all want to be a part of and it's only possible because of this man. The man chosen for me by the Moon Goddess. After everything, I am convinced her decisions could never be wrong especially after the kingdom's destruction lies in a marriage that should have never happened.

"Ready?" Ayden says.

I nod, following him through the carved doors into his office. The setup different, serious even. A round oak table in the midst of the room, newly-crafted judging by the immaculate surface and bright polish. Large enough to fit the five of us in, Caleb in the centre of the room lifts my spirits immediately but some unfamiliar faces to my left make me uneasy. I fiddle my fingers as I observe the characters. A middle-aged man and a woman, possibly married or siblings even. Both tall and broad-shouldered in appearance but everything else couldn't be more different.

Ayden let's out a cough, before saying, "To your left, that's Baden and Tasha."

Should I know who they are? I rack my brain trying to pin point whether their names or faces show up anywhere. To no avail, no alarm bells ring or light bulbs light up and I'm left none the wiser.

"They are the Alpha's from the south of our kingdom."

Ayden's words are a welcome insight into my oblivion. Of course, it makes sense to have all the Alpha's of our kingdom present today. The Alpha's take a seat around the roundtable and I take it as my cue to do the same. I reach the chair closest to me, pulling it out.

Not there.

I look up to see Ayden glaring at the seat next to me. Shaking my head, I take a seat and glare back at Ayden.

Your first mindlink to me is about Caleb? Are you sure it's not him that you are in love with?

Ayden rolls his eyes as he takes a seat opposite me, slamming his notes on the desk harder than is necessary. An improvement from last time at least, he'll warm to Caleb eventually. I'm sure of it. For now, Ayden starts the meeting off with asking for updates on the Queen.

"She's still retreating, we've taken over more land."

"No more chambers found on our side."

"More witches have been spotted."

"She's trying to recruit Leigh."

The updates start pouring in, words in every direction. I barely make out what is said, let alone who said what.

"Did you set up that meeting with Leigh?" Ayden asks.

Baden, I think that was his name, starts mumbling something about a meeting but I'm left behind wondering who Leigh is. The information going over my head like the last time I came to a meeting.

He's an Alpha in the neighbouring kingdom.

Ayden's insight once again saves me from being completely clueless. Although being this clueless in my own kingdom doesn't sit well with me but then seven years of hiding can do that to a person. I am just lucky that the Moon Goddess paired me with Ayden and I will be forever thankful for that.

"That's crazy! He is getting nothing," Ayden's voice booms me out of my thoughts.

What did I miss this time?