A Ballad of the Crown

A Stitch in the Plan

The early morning light filtered into the war room, a small circular chamber lined with heavy drapery to muffle outside sounds. Maps littered the table before Berenice and Wren, who leaned over, tracing routes with an index finger. A cup of spiced wine sat untouched by Berenice's elbow; her appetite for both food and drink had abandoned her ever since their strategizing sessions became a daily affair.

"This ridge here," Wren said, his tone contemplative as he pointed at a heavily wooded area outside Arenthia. "We could ambush their supply lines if we station scouts on this side and send the heavier forces around to cut their path."

Berenice frowned, feeling the familiar strain behind her eyes. "But that means splitting our forces in three separate directions," she replied. "We risk getting picked off in smaller numbers."

Berenice's gaze flickered across the table, mentally cataloging Arenthia's troop movements and the latest reports from her spies. She couldn't afford another stalemate, nor the whispers of discontent spreading among her soldiers. They needed a definitive victory.

A gentle knock on the heavy door interrupted their exchange. A servant entered, bowing slightly before speaking in a low voice. "Your Highness, Lady Eris requests an audience."

Berenice's brows knitted in mild irritation, the lines deepening momentarily before she caught herself. Wren glanced at her, waiting for her response.

"She'll have to wait," Berenice said, keeping her voice steady despite the irritation that simmered beneath. "We're in the middle of—"

But before she could finish, the door creaked open, and Eris stepped in, her entrance far too deliberate to be an accident. She was dressed in deep blue, her gown moving smoothly against her figure as she bowed gracefully. "Apologies for the intrusion," Eris said, her voice lilting with careful politeness. "But the dresser has arrived, and there are many things to measure today."

Berenice could feel the tension in the room shift. Eris's timing was impeccable as always, her presence demanding attention in a manner that seemed almost effortless. Berenice's annoyance was tinged with reluctant admiration for that subtle confidence, a quality not many dared to wield around her.

Berenice took a breath, steadying herself. "It's fine," she replied, giving a tight nod. "Just give us a few more minutes, and we'll join you."

Eris nodded graciously but didn't leave. Her eyes lingered on the map for a moment, curiosity unmistakable in her gaze. "Are these new deployment routes?" she asked, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of a diagram that indicated their most recent plan.

Berenice exchanged a look with Wren, who seemed unsure whether to entertain Eris's interruption or dismiss it. Berenice's curiosity got the better of her, and she sighed. "Yes, they are."

Eris studied the layout, and for a moment, there was silence except for the slight rustle of her dress. "If I may," Eris began cautiously, "you could consider an alternative. There's a narrow path here, closer to the river." She pointed to a section of the map, her fingers lightly resting on the corner of the northern woods. "If your scouts confirm it's passable, you could send a small vanguard through here and attack from behind while Arenthia's troops advance forward."

Wren tilted his head, considering the suggestion. Berenice, too, scrutinized the map again, imagining the proposed maneuver. It was a calculated risk, but one that could catch Arenthia off-guard if executed precisely.

"It's a bold idea," Wren remarked, a note of approval in his voice. "Unexpected."

Berenice narrowed her eyes, weighing the plan. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to appreciate Eris's quick thinking, but she was careful not to let it show too plainly. "I'll have my scouts check the terrain and send a report back," she finally said, conceding to the idea. "If it holds, we'll revise the deployment."