Love & Duty

Chapter 15

"Get everything we need ready! We will move and camp out in Greenwind till our operation is over." the Captain of the Black Cobra orders his men. "You! You will show me where you found the perfect merchandise. We will get it." he sets an evil grin on his lips.

After receiving multiple reports from his men about Greenwind, he decided it was worth the effort to set out there and get what they needed. He would never join them in previous missions, not wanting to risk getting exposed.

However, the last report he received... changed everything! He can't remember the last time he heard of a merchandise being this valuable. It was a rare chance for him to see how special it actually was.

Once he lays his eyes on it and makes sure it's as remarkable as he was told, he will pull back and return to his hideout; his men will bring it in. Where he will be able to examine it properly and decide whether to sell it or keep it to himself.

He rarely keeps a merchandise to himself, or at least for a very long. At most, it would be two weeks, then he would get bored and want something new. He has a feeling... this one would be different.

~~~~~~

In Whitestone, Eric receives a report that all plans for tighter security have been completed. It should be nearly impossible for anyone to cause trouble now in Whitestone, especially those with a specific tattoo.

"I think this will stop him from trying to enter Whitestone. At least for now." Sam gives his opinion on the matter.

Eric looks up at him from the pile of reports he has and grimaces. "For now? You're saying he might try again?" he didn't like the sound of that.

"I think he's the type that, as long as he isn't caught, will keep trying to get his way." Sam shares. He didn't like the idea either. The day that man gets caught and put away is when he will be able to relax completely.

"Damn it. I was hoping we ensured peace here." Eric looks over at Sam again and sees his discomfort. "What's wrong?"

"N-Nothing! I'm sure you will get him eventually. One step at a time, right?" he tries to smile, but it's obvious it's strained.

Eric looks over at John, helping him with the reports, and back at Sam. "John, could you give us a moment?" he eyes John.

He didn't have to think about it; he excused himself and waited outside. Away enough to not be able to eavesdrop on their conversation.

He knew Sam was uncomfortable with something; he also knew that Eric was the only one that could get Sam to open up. He didn't know how he felt about the speed of these two getting closer, but he was keeping an eye out on things just in case.

"Tell me what's troubling you." Eric says again.

Sam fidgets and considers telling him. He is actually happy being here and working with Prince Eric. His siblings are with him, and they have a lovely home. The last thing he wants is for all of it to end.

"I just want him captured. For good." he averts his eyes. Eric takes a moment to study him.

"I have a feeling there is more to it than that. There is fear in your stance; what's worrying you?" Eric asks again; this time, his voice is calmer. Erasing their ranks and talking to him on equal terms.

Sam looked around the room and finally submitted. He rolled his sleeve and showed Eric the snake tattoo on his upper arm. Eric's eyebrows scowl as he sees it. He gets up from his seat and goes to Sam, holding his arm and looking over the art.

"I've seen it before." his voice suppressed to keep his annoyance at bay. Sam was too young, at least in his opinion, to have something like this on his body.