Knightress

Chapter 25

Kingdoms that are allies share a deep bond, much like family members. They freely exchange personal information, relying on each other for support and defense. This interdependence is crucial for their collective security and prosperity, where one ally lacks the other provides. However, having a hypocritical ally can be detrimental. Since they're privy to sensitive information, they can exploit this knowledge to harm their former allies. The kingdoms of Lenka, Hazeldale, Key, and Boren are examples of such treacherous allies and are those who have become enemies to Cyprise. They assist in harboring former Naphtalians and rebels, training them, and monitoring Cyprise affairs.

Laura flipped through a thin document dedicated to King Nathan Meerly, the rightful ruler of Naphtali, who's currently dwelling in Hazeldale. The disposed royal family of Naphtali fled to a small self governed Kingdom, when Nathan realised his lineage he initiated the rebellion.

Laura questioned the reason for building a center if these rebels occupied various Kingdoms, it also made sense that they were able to evacuate so quickly. She concluded that center was a place to spy on Cyprise and be informed on it's whereabouts and also gather every Naphtalian blood still present.

She banged her fist on the table in frustration that there was no detailed plan even though she knew involving a detailed plan would be stupid. She continued to flip through the documents, there were four printed out pages of the castle floor plan for each Kingdom, as well as a map of their whole Kingdom. She opened a drawer and tucked it in carefully being sure she would need it soon.

A knock came at the door, she ignored it and continued with the documents, writing furiously in her notepad. The person knocked two more times, when she still didn't answer the door slowly creeked open and Phil poked his head in with furrowed brows. "I assume you didn't hear me knock." He said lightly walking in fully, revealing a tray carrying an ugly green ceramic mug of a steaming liquid.

"Evening miss Laura," he greeted formally, placing the tray on an empty spot of her desk.

"Evening Phil," she greeted absently. "What can I help you with?"

"Prince Jotham has requested to see you." He informed. She froze in spot, her eyes lifted up to Phil and her heart increased it's beat against her chest. Before Phil could have the chance to notice the change in her expression she glued her eyes back on the documents, she cleared her throat, "okay...then what's with the tea?"

"Oh the cook was cleaning up the kitchen and prepared tea and coffee for the servants, since I was going to meet you I thought to bring you some tea, if I remember correctly you don't like coffee." He spoke with a small smile.

She nodded once, "hate it and thank you, I think I need this." She reached for the cup and attempted a gulp but the seering pain that exploded in her mouth made her spit it back out releasing a cry of pain.

"Careful there, it's a little hot." Phil laughed, "do finish first before you meet with the prince."

"Will do," she replied through a sharp inhale to cool off her mouth. Phil bowed before exiting her chambers, leaving worry to claw her chest and anxiety to shake her bones.

Her chair no longer felt comfortable, it pricked her. She took in a steady breath and placed her right hand on her chest feeling as her heart beat in a consistent rhythm, there's nothing to worry about, she told herself continuously. Ten minutes passed, she took her second sip of her tea which was nearly completely cold. She sighed and chugged it down and stood up reluctantly then locked the door and walked slowly in the direction of Jotham's chamber.

Laura's face was a mask of calmness, it covered the turmoil that brewed within her. She reached the alcove containing Jotham's rooms and stood outside his chamber door, her eyes lingered on the door handle which she noticed was now fixed. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, her gaze locking onto Jotham. He sat in his black leather chair, his eyes narrowing as he looked up from his paperwork.