Caged (Book One)

Chapter Seventy-Three

Aiden woke up just before the sunrise like usual, so he can get everything done as early as possible and have more freetime.

Aiden stretched his arms as he left his place, nodding to all the early birds. First things first, report to Sean for any new assignments. Aiden matched down the path, hopefully he can talk to Sean today about going to Selle.

Sean was talking to Leo, whispering so no one could hear. Aiden shrugged, Leo is second in command. It makes sense they secretly discuss things, like how Eve consults Noah. Leo quickly nodded, heading off.

"Aiden, there you are." He smiled, quickly hiding something behind him. Aiden raised a brow, why is he acting like this?

"What do you want me to do today?" Aiden ignored it.

"Ok," He gave up, showing Aiden what he had. "We just received this."

"In Selle, we need someone who is the best at stealth. Someone who can blend in with ease and be friendly. There's going to be a tournament that can be a distraction. More details later."

"Before you ask, you can't go." Sean stopped Aiden the second he opened his mouth.

"Why? I know the area well already." Aiden argued, following Sean as he left the building.

"Because they don't want you." Sean waved him off.

"I don't believe that." Aiden hurried to keep up with Sean, surprised as he stopped abruptly. Sean showed the letter fully.

"Do not allow Aiden to go. Under no circumstances is he to go near Selle." It was written in bold.

"This is ridiculous, who sent that?" Aiden pointed. Sean sighed, flipping the paper to show Bellshore's symbol of a bell against a wave. Those are Noah's stamps. Aiden's shoulders sunk, didn't Eve say she wanted to hire him?

"Chin up, I wouldn't have allowed you to go anyway." Sean patted Aiden's shoulder.

"Why's that?" Aiden grumbled, in a bad mood.

"I've gotten the full picture of the events that happened, Selle is dangerous for you." As Sean spoke, he walked off.

"Ok then who are you sending? Leo?" Aiden turned to continue to

chase him.

"Someone friendly and sneaky, so Wallace."

"Him?" he stopped, glaring ahead. Sean nodded, not saying anything more as he continued to walk while Aiden stayed still. He clenched his hands, why does it feel like Sean grounded him?

~~~~

Eve laid out everything. The log book, the letters with Fred's signature. Anna quietly surveyed them, not touching. Fred's cheek turned red, keeping his face down.

Ada was the one to speak, nearly startling everyone else.

"Pretty strong evidence, wouldn't you agree?" She asked Anna. Anna glanced at her, still observing.

"Well, would you explain this?" Anna turned to Fred. He glanced around at everyone, nervously shuffling his feet.

"Yes, mother. I met with Dungeon Keepers." He admitted. Eve tensed up, ready for his arrest.

"As I said before, Kristine and Aiden were holding her back, you can't possibly grow from Bellshore. You'd be wasting so much potential." Fred started again. Anna swatted the back of his head to shush him.

"Ada, tell me, what do you want to do about this?" Anna crossed her arms, staring back at Ada. Eve felt childish, but she grabbed Max's wrist. Max wrapped his arm around her, keeping quiet.

"That's a very good question. He may be a prince, but so far his crimes are pretty severe. He conspired with evil people to rid two innocents in the city he swore safety. How would the public see this too, I wonder." Ada rambled.

"Get to the point." Anna snapped.

"Public apology for starters. To Kristine, Aiden, and Eveleen." Ada lifted a finger.

"Doable." Anna nodded. Fred whipped his head at her, looking shameful.

"Then I think he should dedicate to hunting every Dungeon Keeper down. Shut down all operations." Ada lifted another finger.

"Done, what else?" Anna tilted her head, earning another look from Fred for deciding.

"Hmm, Eve, what do you think?" Ada turned to Eve and Max, grinning. Eve blinked, is she really on her side of this? Max quickly whispered in her ear, giving her the perfect one.

"As another apology, host the Jade Lion comeback tournament. All the money earned will be donated." Eve told Anna.

"Fine, dismissed." Anna sighed, waving them out. Max and Eve sighed in relief, being the first ones to leave. Ada shut the door the moment Fred left after them.

"What a mess." Anna whined, sitting down.

"Truely, you did something wrong with him." Ada insulted.

"So mean, are we not close friends?" Anna teased.

"I wonder if he has something to do with King Malik." Ada mentioned, sitting next to Anna. Anna snorted,

"Biggest favor he could have done for me then, honestly."

"Aren't you supposed to be lovable Queen Anna?" Ada rolled her eyes.

"Only with prying eyes." Anna rubbed her temples, leaning back.

"She would make a perfect queen, just like you could have been." Anna mumbled.

"If only I actually wanted it." Ada sneered back. Anna chuckled,

"Well, thanks again for pulling me back from a lovely vacation." Anna stood up, patting down her long gown.

"Oh, please do still come to the ball. I know you'd rather not, but let's put aside our differences, please?" Anna pouted at Ada as she stood.

"I suppose, since we are allies." Ada stepped around Anna, out the door.