The Fifth Dagger

Chapter Thirteen - Secrets and Schemes

The towering walls of Volaris stood against the sky like unyielding bastions. The eagle emblem of Aeneah, bold and proud, adorned the gates and flags, marking the strength and free spirit of its people. Within these walls, however, turmoil brewed beneath the polished veneer, and few could feel it more keenly than Princess Margaery.

As she walked through the grand entrance of Volaris palace, Aeneah's capital, her face showed only a graceful smile. Yet behind her sweet, welcoming expression, her mind spun with plans—intricate, dangerous, and ambitious. With the news of her betrothal to Prince Jethro of Meliah having been canceled, a crucial step in her path to power had been thwarted. But for Margaery, a mere setback was not a defeat. She would find a way to regain her standing, with or without her father's approval.

"Welcome home, sister," a deep voice interrupted her thoughts. Turning, she saw her elder brother, Prince Hektor, the eldest son of King Rothgard and heir to Aeneah's throne. Hektor, though well-known for his patience and wisdom, bore the tempered steel of an experienced warrior. His gaze held the sharp, watchful look of an eagle.

Margaery let her face soften, appearing as the dutiful sister. "It is good to be home, big brother. I feared I'd forgotten the very sound of the seas."

Hektor studied her for a moment, his perceptive eyes taking in her calm demeanor. "Our city has missed you. You'll find that many were relieved to hear you returned without... complication."

A slight frown crossed her face. "If you mean the called-off betrothal, I am aware. I have no excuse to offer Father, though I'm sure I've disappointed him."

Hektor's expression softened, though his voice remained steady. "You are valued for more than an alliance, Margaery. Father might feel the loss keenly, but no one in Aeneah thinks less of you. We stand as we have always stood, with or without a bond to Meliah." He gave her a brief, encouraging smile. "Besides, Jethro's interest might not be lost forever, given time."

Hektor's words were a reminder that Jethro was still within reach—a valuable pawn she had no intention of giving up. But she offered only a nod, feigning remorse. "I hope that time will allow us all to recover from this, especially Father."

At that moment, their youngest sibling, Roderic, joined them with a light, quick step. His youthful energy was apparent in his every movement, and his eyes sparkled with admiration as he greeted Hektor.

"Big brother, will you train with me today?" Roderic asked, glancing eagerly toward the training grounds.

Hektor smiled, clapping a hand on Roderic's shoulder. "I would be honored. I think it's time you trained with the bow, something I've meant to teach you for a while now."

Margaery watched them with a polite smile. "Do go easy on him, Hektor. You know how eager he is."

Hektor chuckled, casting a fond glance at Roderic. "Eagerness is good. Humility is better." Turning to his younger brother, he added, "Come, Roderic. Let's see if you have the mettle of an eagle today."

With a quick farewell, Hektor and Roderic headed toward the training grounds, leaving Margaery to her own devices.

∆ ∆ ∆

Later, within one of Volaris' quiet, sunlit halls, Margaery found herself surrounded by her maidservants, discussing the latest court gossip, though her mind wandered elsewhere. She allowed herself a satisfied sigh before she turned, intent on leaving her girls and retreating to her quarters—until a familiar face caught her eye.

Standing near the entrance was Edrik, the Lord Commander of the Aenean Kingsguard. His armor bore the emblem of the eagle, yet his attention was solely fixed on her. She knew he would be waiting; he always was, faithful as the sunrise. Margaery felt a flicker of satisfaction at his gaze. It was almost pitiful how devoted he was.

She gestured to her maidservants, who took the cue and quickly withdrew. She approached him, her expression carefully curated to show nothing but warmth.

"Edrik," she said, her voice soft and familiar, though her eyes held a hint of something else. "I wasn't sure I'd see you today."

He bowed his head, his voice laced with relief. "I had to see you, Margaery. I heard about the wedding—how it was called off." He searched her face, his own conflicted yet hopeful. "I've thought of nothing but you. The thought of losing you to another... it was unbearable."

Her gaze softened, a mask concealing her true thoughts. "Yes, the betrothal is no more," she replied with a sigh, expertly weaving traces of disappointment into her voice. "Though I can't help but feel I let my family down. The alliance was supposed to be a bridge to Meliah... and now, it's shattered."

Edrik took a step closer, his hand reaching out to gently touch her arm. "You have done nothing wrong," he assured her, his voice filled with conviction. "That alliance was politics, not love. What you and I have... it's real, and nothing can take that from us."

A wistful smile played on her lips. "But I wonder if we will ever be free, Edrik." Her tone was careful, deliberate, her words laced with just enough doubt to keep him clinging to her. "My father... he'd never approve."

Edrik's face tightened, resolve flickering in his eyes. "Then I'll find a way. I'll speak to him myself, if that's what it takes. I'll make sure he understands my love for you, Margaery." His gaze grew even more intense. "I will do anything for you."

The faintest glint of satisfaction lit up in her eyes as he spoke. Anything, he'd said—words she could use in her favor. Edrik was not only a valuable ally; he was also her most devoted servant, willing to break rules and cross lines for her. It was almost too easy.

Margaery placed a hand over his, feigning vulnerability. "Edrik, you would risk everything... just for me?"

His hand closed over hers, unwavering. "I would. I swear it. If it's you, nothing else matters."

A flicker of pity stirred within her, but she quickly dismissed it. "Then perhaps there is a way for us," she whispered, letting the words hang between them, tantalizing him with hope. "But let's be cautious. For now, we'll have to keep this hidden."

He leaned closer, his voice a low murmur. "As long as you are with me, I will wait an eternity."

She leaned into him, allowing him to pull her close in an embrace that, to her, was nothing more than a step in her long game. If she could sway him to do what she needed, her path back to Jethro—or perhaps another chance to secure her ambition—would open once more.

As Edrik held her, whispering words of love and loyalty, Margaery's gaze was distant, fixed on a horizon only she could see. In her heart, the real prize awaited, and she would stop at nothing to attain it—even if it meant using the man who held her now as her pawn in a game only she understood.

With a final, practiced smile, Margaery rested her head against him. "Then, my love, let's face the future together," she murmured, though the future she imagined was hers alone to shape, and she knew she would do so, no matter the cost.

As Margaery rested her head on Edrik's shoulder, whispering sweet assurances to keep him in her grasp, neither of them noticed the shadowed figure watching from afar.

King Rothgard stood in the dim light, his gaze locked on his daughter entwined in the arms of the Lord Commander. His face was carved with disapproval, the rigid lines of his mouth set like iron. The weight of the family's honor, the alliance with Meliah, and the promise of political stability bore down on him, fueled by the sight of this indiscretion.

Then, with a voice like thunder rolling through the marble halls, he called out, "Edrik!"

Edrik and Margaery froze, their embrace shattering as they turned toward the imposing figure of the king. The walls of Aeneah seemed to hold their breath as a heavy silence settled over the hall.