Rosewood Kingdom

Master Plan

Subtitle: How It Feels to Fly
Summer 1329

I sat at the table by candlelight trying to find the words. The moon is high right now...

First thing, I'm so sorry. I never intended for you to be drug along in my mess. It was never fair to you. You never asked to be put in this predicament and it's not a day I don't think about that, Helia. I needed a place to stay and you provided that for me. Food and a warm bath. And you never asked for anything in return. I'll never forget that.

I uprooted your life, changed your name, and put you in a new place...alone. And I'm truly sorry. I am.

Every decision I've made since was to protect you from me. My enemies of the world I'm hail from. I apologize for every single inconvenience you've faced at my hand.

I had no intentions on falling in love with you, but I have. I am in love with you, Healia of Eastmont and nothing will change that. Even now I can picture your pouty distrusting face at this moment. Sometimes it feels like it happened all of a sudden but no. It was slow, deliberate and I appreciate that.

I can't make up for my mistakes in the past, but I can prepare for going forward. Every decision I make going will be for your safety and well-being. I will make sure you want for nothing until my dying breath. In peacetime or war.

With love,

York

"Again!" York yelled at the recruit. The young man's arms shook under the weight. "You got it, again!"

Charlie promoted him to General under the guise of his previous extensive military training. On the strength of Charlie's own judgment, the decision wasn't challenged.

"I can't do anymore."

"Just one..." York promised. The younger recruit believed him and finished his reps for the day. Pierre nodded while watching York as someone whispered in his ear.

"We gotta have a meeting." Morrow announced to the other three. "Things have changed." They waited for nightfall to meet at Charlie's quarters where they were all bunking now.

"Plans to invade and take over Winter Springs' castle are moving faster than previously thought. Also, according to my spies, a castle at the halfway point between Eastmont and Winter Springs are in the works." Morrow brought the friends together.

Charlie slammed his fist in frustration. "So, we're going ahead with plans? Nothing is in stone yet."

"Yes. We have to move now if we're going to infiltrate the castle." Pierre spoke up. "On top of Damien still searching for York."

York chuckles with a shrug. "I fully expect him to continue to do so. He knows the throne is still up for grabs until my head is on the platter." The group laughs a little. "Small things to a giant."

"That was never not a possibility. No body, then you still living. It's simple math brother." Morrow chuckled. "Are you sure you want to go to the castle in Winter Springs?"

"As general, I don't have a choice, now do I? Plus, it gives me a chance to see what the situation is firsthand." York brought up. The group falls silent.

"It's a chance shit will go down up there."

"All of a more of a reason why I should be there, now shouldn't I? I live for a little chaos every now and then."

Winter Springs, late summer 1329

"Miss Lil-lith, I did my homework! I did my homework!" Little Arnold ran up to his teacher in excitement. "And I didn't forget my lunch." He poked his chest out in pride.