𝙎𝙃𝘼𝘿𝙊𝙒 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙁𝙇𝘼𝙈𝙀

𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

Maven

My legs feel sore from training today and it doesn't help that I'm taking the long way to the communications building. I'm washed and changed for my daily meeting with the other Silvers, the image of discipline, but I always stall. It's not only that I find the meetings tedious and hate listening to a bunch of grown men arguing with each other (though that's a very big reason), but also that I like to think there's a chance of bumping into Thomas. I know his schedule almost as well as my own, and while they don't often align, I stretch out mine to meet him in between. I don't always catch him, but there's that tiny possibility that I hold on to every day.

My body complains for the effort, but I ignore it and walk unnecessarily around camp before heading to the comms building. I keep my eyes open, but pretend focus on the next step. He should be around here, if he isn't late or reassigned, which happens more often than I would like.

I'm almost at the meeting place when the Reds appear two buildings away. My steps turn leisurely as I study the group. They're very far, but I could spot him anywhere. I allow myself a small smile when I see his auburn hair. He hasn't recognised me yet, so I stop to re-tie my shoes while he gets close enough to see me. When I stand again, he does.

"Hey," he mouths as he waves.

I swear his smile is the purest thing in the world.

"Hi," I mouth back.

"I have something..." I strain my eyes to read his lips, but the other Reds around him get in the way.

"What?" I mouth back.

"Prince Maven."

I turn to find a messenger by my side. He wears a crimson bracelet to mark him as a royal servant. Odd.

"There is a summons for you at the Conference Room," he says softly, keeping his eyes to the ground.

"I have a meeting with comms," I say absently as I spot Thomas again. "What?" I mouth at him.

"There's something—" he mouths.

"The Queen has excused you from the meeting," the messenger says.

Everything stops for a moment. I turn back to the Red with new apprehension. The Queen? Mum's at camp? She didn't mention anything in her letters. I make a quick recollection of the correspondence with her to find clues, any hint about her coming here. How could I have missed it?

"Of course," I say. I must not show confusion.

A prince never hesitates.

I chance a glance back at Thomas, but his group has moved on and he's nowhere to be seen. That's good, I tell myself. Push him out of your mind.

I steel myself and face the messenger.

"I'll meet the Queen."