The Seven Deadly Kingdoms

Chapter 28

"What?" Adelaide asked, but the words came out breathlessly. Aragon sighed and his posture relaxed. He looked as though he were trying to explain a difficult concept to a toddler.

"You heard me. I want to join you. Alike many others, im sick of this kingdom, and i'm sick of nothing ever changing. And if theres a chance that I can make a better future for my aunt, then I want to take it."

Adelaide quirked a brow and crossed her arms, looking Aragon up and down as though inspecting him. If he had something to hide, his body language wasn't giving anything away. Aragons words played in Adelaide's head. 'Alike many others'.

"What did you mean when you said 'alike many others'? Do you know of anyone else who would join you in rebellion?"

This time it was Aragon who's brow lifted. He hadn't been expecting the question. "Well, of course. No one of sound mind enjoys living in Extollentiam. The only ones that do are only loyal to the king because of their wealth."

Adelaide stood quietly, pondering Aragon's offer as a hum sounded in her throat. Aragon tilted his his head slightly in question before his eyes opened wider, as if a new idea had entered his mind.

"I can get you more people, if that's what you want. Dozens by tomorrow. I know it's not much for an army, but its enough to get started. I could help you, Adelaide. You don't have to trust me, but you know that I'm not lying to you. I would do anything for my aunt. She's the closest thing I have to a real mother. Let me fight for her."

If Aragon was lying to Adelaide, he had made it sound quite convincing. Adelaide shook her head, grimacing slightly. Aragon was high ranking in Extolletiam. Him knowing of Adelaide's plan could get her killed. But then again, it wouldn't hurt to have a man on the inside of their operation. Adelaide would never be able to get enough intel on the kingdom's plans in time without assistance, and she certainly wasn't going to the queen for help.

Adelaide shook her head, grimacing slightly at what she was about to say. "Ok, Aragon. You're in."

Aragon's face lit up, a smile tugging at one corner of his lips. He began to speak, but Adelaide put up a hand to stop him.

"Pack as much as you can carry. Our base is half a days journey. I am already late meeting my friends to leave, so be as quick as possible. Do you know how to get to the north east entrance?" Aragons half smile dropped and he nodded. "I do. But I will need at least a day if you want the extra men. I'll have to come up with a believable excuse as to why dozens of men will suddenly be leaving the camp."

Adelaide sighed. Lately, she had felt far more aged than her nineteen years. She opened her satchel, pulling out one of the maps she had taken from Toski's office. She scribbled directions onto the paper with a jagged piece of charcoal that was buried at the bottom of her satchel. The directions to her cabin in the woods were sloppy, but she was sure Aragon could figure it out.

Folding the piece of paper, Adelaide handed the map to Aragon. "Fine. These are your directions. If you cannot manage to find your way there by the morning after tomorrow, I will come back for you." Aragon's brows drew together and he laughed slightly. Adelaide huffed. "I know it's not the most solid plan, but you haven't necessarily given me much time to think on it, and I'm already running late. Do you think you can manage?" She asked, her frustration written on her face. Aragon pressed his lips together, clearly attempting to hold back his laughter as he watched Adelaide. "You got it, boss. I'll see you then."

With a nod, Adelaide turned to leave. She heard Aragon chuckle behind her as she walked away. She shook her head and huffed, realizing how tired she had grown of social interaction.