The Seven Deadly Kingdoms

Chapter 18

Adelaide couldn't help but stop in her tracks. Just a few seconds ago she had been reassuring Flora, and now she was being sent to Avartia? Was this just a plan to get Adelaide out of the way? Had the queen not trusted her with her secret?

Flora sat in her chair, returning to her regal position. She motioned for Adelaide to take a seat in the chair opposite of her. Apparently, they were back to doing business. Still a bit shaken by this sudden announcement, Adelaide took the offered seat. She didn't say anything in response to the queen. She couldn't oppose the assignment, right? "It will have to be a solo mission, unfortunately. I have a separate group going to Ira to investigate a possible threat that I am not at liberty to discuss. I have to send a larger group for safety reasons. Aside from them, our only remaining recruits are still under.. heavy training. Which leaves only you. I'm quite sure you will be up to the task, though. It's a simple mission. It should only take a few days, and then you'll be right back here. We will give you more details tonight, but I wanted to inform you of our decision beforehand so you could've more time to prepare. Do you think you're ready for this?" Flora's tone switched to one of concern, as if she were worried for Adelaide. But wasn't it Flora who was sending Adelaide on this impromptu mission? Or did she not have a say in Adelaide's outcome at all?

Adelaide nodded her head slowly, trying to wrap her mind around the why of it all. Every single thing that happened to Adelaide since she had stepped foot on this camp seemed to happen at the speed of light. Everything was sudden. Why couldn't anything be taken slowly anymore? "I.. suppose I'm ready. I'm under my authorities' rule, after all. Your wish is my command." Adelaide tried to smile, but it came out as more of a grimace. Flora matched the expression. The air around them filled with an awkward silence for some reason.

"Well!" Flora said, standing abruptly, "We will meet tonight. After dark. The same tent where we first met. That is all." Adelaide stood as well, brows raised. She cleared her throat and walked towards the door, not knowing whether she should say anything else. She was stopped by Flora's voice. "Adelaide.." She whispered, almost questioningly. Adelaide turned to meet her gaze. Flora's brows were furrowed. "Yes?" Flora looked to the ground once before meeting Adelaide's eyes once again. "Um.. thank you, again. I.. don't really have anyone in my life as.. genuine as you. I am surrounded by a plethora of masks every hour of the day and I cannot describe how refreshing it is to know someone that is in touch with reality. And a good friend, at that. So, thank you. Very much. That is all." The queen sat back down in her chair and began to write on a document. Adelaide knew she shouldn't answer this time. Instead, she smiled to herself and left the room much more at peace than she came.

So, Adelaide would officially be going on her first mission. Completely alone. The more she thought about it, the more she was convinced that none of the people planning these things had strategized anything before. Why had everything been so incredibly rushed here? She had only been recruited to be a spy just a few days ago, and now in two days, she would be going out into another kingdom with little to no guidance?

None of Adelaide's surroundings seemed real to her. Everything that had been happening seemed almost scripted, one thing perfectly coming after the next. Every interaction seemed to add something to her future, whether it be good or bad.

...

The sun had long since set before lanterns were lit in the dark tent. An eery silence resounded through the space as men and women thought to themselves. Adelaide entered the tent, questioning the dark gazes of her authorities. She was right on time, yet it seemed as if the queen and generals had been there long before her.

Adelaide stiffened as she locked eyes with Toski. He sat in a chair at the end of the table, a bandage around his arm. Without making a sound, he radiated fury. Adelaide assumed he hadn't said anything to anyone about their little encounter, considering nothing happened the entire day.