Queen Zezanna

Queen Zezanna - Chapter 32

Ingrell joins me inside, and I take him up to my room. The innkeep seems surprised to see the prince here, but tells him that if he or his friends need anything, to feel free to ask.

"We humbly thank you for allowing us to converse in one of your rooms in peace." He smiles at her. The innkeep almost faints.

Up in my room, we're all sitting around on some chairs we've taken in from other rooms or the front desk. Ingrell downs a pint of whiskey, and then nods to me.

"So. You've been busy."

"No joking." I mutter.

"There have been dozens of reports. I can't tell which are correct, or which are blown out of proportion, but I'm sure you've got a hell of a story to tell."

I fill him in on what has happened since leaving Asios, though I do leave out most of the parts that could be considered illegal, such as helping Tzeeru smuggle weapons and stuff into Roanne.

"He knew it would be too dangerous to head straight here. I really wanted to see you as quickly as I could, but I don't want to risk Tzeeru's life or well being."

"I understand." He nods his head. "The man has to make a living, still, even if he is helping out the queen of Asios. And now comes the final part, right? What exactly do you ask of me."

"Ingrell. I know that this is a lot to ask. I also know that you may not hold that much power, but-"

"Ignore all of that. Ask me straight."

"I need your help to reclaim my throne. We need to defeat Vinill."

He nods his head, then leans forwards, placing his head into his hands.

"It will be hard." He mutters.

"Can you do it? I understand if you can't."

"I... I don't know. Our families have been close for generations, but now that you are no longer technically queen? Now that you have run off with a witch? I don't know if there is anything I can say to convince my father to send help. I don't care if I have to go into this battle alone, though, Zezanna. I swear to help you."

"I couldn't ask you to do that."

"You don't need to ask. I'm doing it regardless."

"Your nation needs you. Your boyfriend needs you." I remind him.

He looks over at his boyfriend, Victor, and sighs. "Maybe. But you also have a special someone who you need to live for. Let's promise each other that we will both live. To do so, we will need to combine our forces."

I hesitate. I don't want him getting hurt, that would be terrible. I can't force him to stay away from the fight, though, so I have no choice.

"I would be honored to fight alongside you, Prince Ingrell."

"And I would be honored to fight alongside you, Queen Zezanna."

"Then gather as many soldiers as you can. I'm going to talk to Tzeeru and make sure he's far from here by the time the fighting happens. When we are ready, we can send word to Vinill. We aren't going down without a fight, and we're gonna give him one hell of a fight."

"I'll see if my father will support your endeavor. Even if he does not, I should be able to round up a few soldiers who will pledge their allegiance to us."

"What if he decides to take Vinill's side, though?" Brokk asks.

Ingrell sighs. "I don't know. If he does, his forces will join with Vinill's, and then we will stand no chance against them. You are all a bright bunch, so I trust you to come up with a backup plan in case mine fails."