The Fake Princess

29- Mountain Trolls

I ignored Azriel's warning of not leaving my room. I had my own room which was between Ronin's room and the two mercenaries shared one. I quietly opened the door and headed to Ronin's room.

I knocked as softly as I could and he managed to hear and open it for me. I quickly rushed in and closed the door behind me. He huffs and steps back and I see that Jason is already in the room. He waves, lounging on the bed. I raise my brow, confused to why he is here.

"Why are you here?" I speak my thoughts, walking further into the room and looking to see if Azriel is here. I don't spot him in this small room, so that's good at least.

"I think you're right. We have to fight the monster, it's for the good of the town." Jason sits up and juts his chin to Ronin. "Big guy over there says he has a plan." I look over to Ronin, not sure how he is a big guy, but wait for his plan nonetheless.

"You are going to distract Azriel while Jason and I join the townsmen." He claps his hands. "I don't know what you will do, but that's up to you." He says. I frown, not liking the plan at all.

"He's going to know something is up right away." Jason says, shaking his head at the plan. He thinks for a bit, I bite my own lip and think of another way. "Maybe try seducing him."

"Jason!" I exclaim, face red from fury or embarrassment, I do not know.

"She's engaged." Ronin reminds him and he nods, apologizing to me and I cross my arms.

"Why do I have to distract him. I can go fight too." I say.

"Asteria," Ronin shakes his head. "Your style of fighting is with magic. We will be fighting alongside the townspeople, they will see who you truly are and the whole mission could fail. You have to stay here."

I bite my lip, not liking the truth he speaks. I open my mouth to fight him and he raises his brow, silencing me and I nod my head. It's sad, but it's true. I can't risk showing who I am, especially to strangers who will spread the word.

"They spoke of leaving around this time, are you two ready?" I ask the men. They look at each other and nod. Jason stands up, walking over to the chair that has his sword leaning against it. He straps it to his body and gives me a thumbs up. I look to Ronin who is standing with a simple sword and his gloves already strapped on.

"I'll... distract him. You two should leave now." I say. We quickly say our goodbyes, walking towards the door and I hear how Ronin and Jason quietly argue on who will give the final strike to the mountain troll.

I open the door and pale when I see Azriel standing in front of us with his arms crossed. He seems to be even taller than usual. He has steam coming from his ears, eyebrows furrowed low so I can't even see his eyes. I gulp and step back, but I back into a wall made up of two men.

"Azriel... I thought you were going to rest first." Jason lets out an awkward chuckle. Azriel glares at Jason.

"I had a feeling you three would disobey my order. Turns out I was right." He turns his attention to Ronin. "Sir, you really should not be out at night."

"I can take a troll, it's not an issue. The issue is that if the three of us work together we can quickly kill the monster and be back before the sun rises, but you refuse to do anything. We can take it." Ronin argues back.

Azriel hums and then looks at me. "And you? Were you going to join their stupid escapade?" He asks, a warning bell telling me not to say something stupid. But I ignore it. I'm me, the person he's paid to protect. He can't hurt me.

"We can kill this monster and save the people. They need a helping hand, and we have eight." I say, showing him my bare hands. "If we could help others when they need help, they can live without fear."