The Stolen Throne

Chapter Six - Discovery

Alex leaned against the fence surrounding the training ground, watching his soldiers training. He'd been training them harder than ever before after Charles had left, feeling they would need the extra practice soon. He knew they weren't enjoying this hardened regime, their training was hard enough before, but they'd managed to keep their grumblings out of his ear-shot.

"I was expecting to find you here Alex." A voice spoke next to him.

Jumping slightly in surprise, Alex turned to his companion, "You really do have a knack for sneaking up on people, you always did."

Edward grinned, "Comes with the job, I suppose."

"Is there any particular reason you've decided to grace us lowly soldiers with your presence?" Alex asked jovially, "Or perhaps you'd come down to get your arse kicked?"

"You wish," Edward said before the grin slipped from his face, "I've come here to ask you something. It's about Lucy and Esmer-"

"Watch it." Alex warned, gesturing to the ladies gathered forty feet away. A number of them were hoping to be invited into Esmeralda's inner-circle. He knew they would give anything to give such information to their Queen.

"Not here." He hissed, "M's place, midnight if you can slip away from the feast. And make sure you're not seen." He didn't feel that he should be telling Edward this, him being a spymaster and all, but then again the idiot had been intending to ask him about such a private subject where anyone could listen.

"If you're not willing to get completely obliterated by the skills of my men, which is understandable, then I'll see you tonight Ed." Alex said, his tone considerably louder.

"Yes," Edward nodded, "I shall see you at the feast."

*

Edward shook his head, he still couldn't believe he had been about to ask Alex what had been going on out in the open. Had he really come to this? Was he really slipping up so badly? Worse than ever before?

He couldn't think what was wrong with him, the only possible explanation for his stupidity that he could possibly find was that his worry for Lucy's safety had clouded all other thoughts. Even his judgment had been clouded by the magnitude of his worry for Lucy's safety.

He fidgeted with the cuff of his sleeve as his valet left the room with his dirty clothes. Breathing deeply, Edward braced himself for what he had to do. He had to keep up the pretense of this innocent diplomatic visit. He had to pretend that he knew nothing of what Esmeralda had been doing.

Mental preparation over, Edward made his way to the door and began walking to the Great Hall.

"Edward?" A sickly sweet voice called out to him. He turned to see Lady Anneliese Richmond shooting him a flirtatious grin. Sweeping towards him, walking gracefully to show off her best features encased in her ruby red dress.

Noticing her friends following closely, as was usual, he stiffened and rolled his eyes, not caring if they saw.

"Lady Anneliese. A pleasure." He returned her smile reluctantly.

"Why so proper, Edward dear? Were we not friends in our youth?" Anneliese's friends tittered, a sound Edward was thoroughly used to, it followed him and his brother wherever they went.

"Of course, Anneliese. Perhaps you'd allow me to escort you to the feast?" This was clearly what Anneliese and her friends had been hoping for as a triumphant expression graced her beautiful features.

"Nothing could make me happier," She smiled prettily before turning to her friends and murmuring, "If you could go ahead, Edward and I have some catching up to do." Giving them a slight wink. Her idiotic friends giggled before stepping in front of them and hurrying away.