Kingdom Call

Chapter 2

~Lynne~

Pulling her hood down, Lynne recited her plans under her breath. It was a simple plan, really. Her background gave her easy access to the High Diamonds, and she knew of every trap the City Guard would set. She smirked. She knew of every alarm to set off.

Her bedroom door opened and Junith walked in nervously, a nice pair of running shoes in her arms. Her white hair was tied in a very tight bun, signaling to Lynne how anxious she was feeling.

"Junith, can you grab the comb on my shelf?" Lynne asked.

"Miss Maers, please stop acting as if this is perfectly fine," Junith begged as she handed her the glittering blue comb. "The marshal has been on your tail for so long!"

"Junith, it'll be fine."

"Think of the horror your family will be subject to should you be sentenced to prison," the housekeeper pressed.

"I am thinking of them," the blonde said. "And I can handle myself." It wasn't her first rodeo, after all, but Junith need not know it. She was the only one that would look after Lynne, and the thought of disappointing her housekeeper made knots tie within Lynne's stomach.

But she was doing it for the greater good. "I'm just going out for the night."

"Miss Maers, you must be careful."

Lynne laughed off her words. The sun began to set on the kingdom as she went through her plan once more. "Junith, I know I can be clumsy, but it is added to my... charm." She zipped up her travel pouch. "The marshal may suspect me of things, but he'll never arrest me."

What a pity, she added in her head.

"Besides, even if Uriso had the guts to do it, even I were to be convicted of something, you'd be fine. You're always going to be fine, Junith." Lynne shrugged. "What other 'family' is there?"

It was a question that needed no answer. They both knew that her 'real family' had long ago decided she wasn't worth it, and she felt the same towards them. They may be related by blood, sure, despite everything Lynne had hoped. But when it came down to it, they didn't feel the need to claim her as one of their own.

Junith hung her head, obviously upset with the direction the conversation had taken. Lynne shook off the remaining doubt her housekeeper's words had placed upon her and adjusted her ponytail in the mirror. She noticed a slight twitch in her hazel eye and sighed.

"I'll be back before morning, okay?" she told her elderly housekeeper. "Uriso just wanted to meet." A partial truth. She needed to reassure Junith in some way, but the older lady continued to look worried. It was best not to tell her everything, as always. For both of their sakes.

Lynne took in a deep breath.

Jumpy? Yes. Her feet itched to run through the night and snag every possible item that she could carry. Anything that would inevitably lead to riches or the dungeon. One was definitely preferred, but if she could not have one of them, then the other would have to suffice.

Anxious? Completely. Even though she has done this before, Lynne still had a lot to learn. Getting caught is one thing, but having a trial would mean complete publicity on the crime. Cameras everywhere. Disgraced authority. It would tarnish such a spotless history that the Lo Derorian had developed. The Royals think would frown down upon the action.

And, oh, what would her parents think? They would be horrified, humiliated. It would hurt them the most out of everyone. Their legacy would be shattered, and the entire world would never see her family the same way. Despicable people, they would say.

Lynne smiled.