𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄// 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐔

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟎// 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡

"Tell me it again." Blyden traced his pale fingers across the table's oak surface. "All of it. From the top."

The doctor paused at the abrupt command, then nodded, scanning the group of people before she repeated what she said. "Only one of the subjects has been implanted with the prototype so far, but he's taking quite well to it. It works like a charm." She clasped her hands. "We haven't broken the other two down to the mental state needed to implant it, but I'm confident we can get there eventually."

"We don't have time. One will be plenty to show to Jalgan when he returns. We've made much more progress on the prototype than he anticipated." Blyden waved his hand, encouraging her to move on to the next subject. "What of the crawlers? How are they doing?"

The doctor's eyes lit up. "Marvelously, my lord! We have twenty now ready to go, and ten still growing. I estimate we can have all thirty fully grown by the end of the month."

"Excellent work, doctor." Blyden's gaze sweeped the room. "Does anyone have anything to add before I adjourn this meeting?"

A lieutenant leaned forward to catch his attention. "My lord, if I may...Jalgan said that he would contact us after he married the prince, but it's been a week and he has made no contact."

"I'm sure he's just been busy," Blyden said with another wave of his hand. "Taking over a kingdom is a lot of work." Some of the soldiers chuckled to themselves at his light-hearted tone.

The lieutenant nodded. "I'm sure he has been, but I'm just worried that something went amiss."

"I'm confident the plan went perfectly," the doctor chimed in. "Our best sorcerers crafted those magic spells, and went with Jalgan to make sure they worked. I don't think even that Blackstone could break those spells!"

"Have faith in Jalgan," Blyden chastised the lieutenant. "He saved us from a life of serving that gods-awful Levesque, and built this movement from the ground up! Those Aureoles don't stand a chance." He tilted his head. "But if it soothes your worries, I will send Jalgan a quick message, a magicked one only a child of Abaddon could open."

The lieutenant nodded. "Of course. I...I want to see Jalgan succeed."

"We all do," Blyden said, smiling.

The doctor grinned. "I can't wait for Abaddon to return to us with his husband at his side, and the Aureole monarchy in chains. It'll be a sight to behold!"

Blyden returned the grin, standing from the chair. "Hold steady to your resolve. Soon, we will have not only the Aureoles at our feet, but the Shades as well! Their blood will stain our floors, and our savior will have his revenge!"

The soldiers cheered, exchanging excited smiles. Blyden surveyed his comrades, his chest burning with his confidence.

Soon. Soon, everything will come to a head.

And they will be free of the monarch's grasp.