Prisoner of Time

CHAPTER 18: Situation X

MEMPHIS

I had just stepped out of my bedroom and I was already longing to return to Leylila. "What is it you want, Mendes?" I asked tiredly. He bowed his head in respect and ushered me to a room across the hall from my own where we kept most of our strategic plans.

"I have previously told you of certain rumors that claim that the Hittite Empire has been sending spies over to our kingdom." Mendes paused as we walked into the strategy room and I pressed him further.

"And so? What of the rumors?"

Mendes eyed the map that took place on the large table at the center of the room. "They are no longer 'rumors' it has been confirmed by my selected squadron that there has been a breech." 

I rubbed my chin and felt the stubble on my face as I thought about the current predicament we were in.

"And they claim that the Princess has not returned to her own country?"

"I believe not sir but if that is true, well then only the Gods know for sure."

Hmm this would probably turn into a bigger problem for me to have to handle even though I just wanted to be back in my room with Leylila uninterrupted. 

I figured that this meant we could expect a visit from the crown Prince if this matter wasn't settled. I voiced my idea to Mendes and he nodded in agreement.

"You're most likely right your highness, the King will no doubt want a formal investigation procured as soon as possible."

I figured it was only a matter of time before the Hittitians were knocking on our door and demanding a war that was completely unnecessary. 

"Then I guess we should invite the crown Prince ourselves so as not to further hinder our political ties."

Mendes seemed to like my idea as he traced the outline of the Kingdom's borders. 

"That is an excellent idea your Highness, we should act cooperatively and accordingly to their wishes as they launch an investigation. And once they come up with no evidence against us then we can officially be rid of this situation."

I nodded respectively as my right hand General caught on to my line of thinking. We talked of strategy and defenses for a moment longer before we decided to head back to my quarters. 

As we left the room, Mendes asked me, "Your highness, if it comes to it, are you ready to go to war against the Hittite Empire?"

I thought about it for a few moments before I responded. 

"I would be naïve if I willingly jumped into a senseless war but if we were provoked and drawn out then I believe we could handle their army. Our country surpasses their small one and we also have the Nile to travel on so I don't believe it's something we should worry too much about."

Just before we reached my room I heard a familiar scream and dread filled my entire body. I could see my guards already rushing in when General Mendes and I followed seconds after they did. I sent a silent  prayer to the Gods and then thanked them when I noticed it was not Leylila in danger but the common slave girl convulsing on the floor. It appeared she was choking and I quickly barked out orders to the guards to escort her out of here and to the physician.

I wrapped Leylila in my arms as she tried to follow after them but I felt possessive and didn't want her getting near the slave in case something happened to Leylila herself. I was feeling entitled but I had just gotten her back and I didn't think I could bear it if I lost her again. It was a strange but empowering attraction I felt when I was with her and it intensified ever since I identified it for what it actually was.