Gone Kids

Prologue

"Master would like a word with you."

Ian was just checking his reflection in the crystal clear mirror of the bathroom when a servant girl came in. She had a pretty face and she was dressed up like a maid from the 1400s. If Ian knew one thing about Mr. Plott, it was that he loved history, so much that he transformed his home to replicate one from the 13th century exactly. His mansion was decorated to be fit for a medieval lord, and he even dresses like one. It's not like he doesn't have the money for it.

"Tell the Lord Plott I am on my way," Ian replies automatically. He doesn't like to be addressed anyway else.

"Yes of course," said the servant girl, and then Ian watched her scurry off.

Ian checked his reflection one last time, making sure he looked flawless. Ian did not want to disappoint Mr. Plott with his appearance, so he took the liberty to dress up as a dashing prince.

"This better be worth it," he said to himself before going to look for Mr. Plott. Ian found him right away because he was right where he expected to find him; in his own bathtub.

"Greetings, Prince Ian!" Mr. Plott boomed from his throne of bubbles. Ian didn't even wince at the thought of his naked body, because this was completely normal.

Ian kneeled to bow down to the Lord Plott. "Greetings, Lord Plott."

"State your purpose!" He demanded.

"I have come in search of information regarding the council."

"Ah yes, the council. Aren't they a joy? Well... What sort of information do you seek? Oh! Where are my manners! Please, have some wine," Mr. Plott motioned toward a table covered in ages cheeses, grapes and wine.

Ian obliged and poured himself a glass. "I was hoping you could tell me more about the heir."

"Well I can't say I'm not surprised about your curiosity, but I hope you understand when I say I should be careful about the information I give out about our highness."

"I understand."

"I can tell you though, the heir is a woman. She would be about your age."

"A woman? Really?" Ian was baffled. He hadn't expected the new king to be a queen.

"Yes, Princess Avery. Is there something wrong with that?"

"No, not at all."

"I'm surprised you didn't know. After all, your mission is to find her."

It's true. The council was so impressed with Ian's progress that his first mission as a blue soldier is to find the heir and bring her home. However the council didn't really expect him to accomplish this so they were vague debriefing him.

"I did know," Ian didn't think it was a good idea letting Mr. Plott know that he has no idea what he was doing. "I was being sarcastic."

"Do you have any idea as to where she lives?" Ian asks hopefully.

Mr. Plott's erupts from his bearded face. "Oh silly boy. Nobody knows where the queen is. She disappeared at birth. She may be dead, for all we know."

"She is alive. And I know you know where she is. And you are going to tell me," Ian no longer cared for Mr. Plott's tricks and games.

"And what makes you think I have to tell you anything?"

"I know something about you that you don't want others to know."

"Oh yes? And what might that be?"

"I know that you were the one to kill her parents."