The First Queen

15 - Attack

"If Marcon sends his forces east, then we'll lose our farms! Azumond won't have any trading routes other than those from Chondatha and Holstone but they don't provide crops or meat!" The Master of Operations declared, slamming his fist into the table.

"They won't press east! The Deneiths aren't smart enough to starve us! They'll go straight for the jugular! They'll take The Western Pass and take over the small towns through the valley!" A lord snapped.

If they do take The Western Path then they'll gain control of Aerilon...

"Silence!" Julius howled, gaining exactly what he asked, "Meeting postponed. If no one can act rationally, then we won't make a decision."

And with that, Julius marched out of the room, followed by all of the council members save for the Mistress of Whispers who sent a glance in my direction before leaving too.

"Gods... If only Athena was here, she'd know what to do..." I sighed, dropping my head into my hands.

I haven't seen Athena in two days because of the intense patrols and the business of handling the troops in the north. I can only hope that she's safe out there... I know that Athena can certainly hold her own in a fight but it doesn't exactly calm my beating heart... Perhaps I'm overreacting.

I should go check on Dallin; see the progress that he's made with Julius.

--XANTHE'S P.O.V.--

I stalked the hallways, hugging the walls and blending with the shadows every time Julius glanced over his shoulder. Humans tend to make it a big deal but it's honestly not that hard to conceal yourself from the naked eye.

It's always fun to follow humans when they don't know you're there. It's the thrill of being caught that amuses me.

Julius is one of the more predictable of humans; he's impulsive and hotheaded. He'll always do whatever it takes to keep himself safe, even if it's at the expense of others and it makes it worse because Julius comes from quite a wealthy family, the Summergardes have been here for almost as long as House Azumond.

Julius seemed far more edgy and unsettled whenever I could get a good look at his face and his body language was twitchier than normal.

He stopped abruptly outside his quarters and leaned against the door whilst toying with his fingers; a nervous habit.

I wonder what's got him so riled up...

And then, Lady Serana (the Guardian of Chains) had emerged from the shadows. I recall teaching her that trick.

"Don't do that!" Julius hissed, his voice dropping an octave.

"You told me to stay out of sight." Serana stated and Julius rolled his eyes.

"I need you to do me another favour..." Julius whispered, craning his head to meet her eyes.

"If it's anything like the last favour then people will begin to get suspicious." Serana groaned.

Oh, perhaps it's a romantic affair?

"Of sorts... But this time it's far more important." Julius bartered and Serana leaned in to hear him better, "I need you to... 'Get rid of' Athena Dawnstar."

Not what I was expecting but interesting, nonetheless.

"The Captain of the Royal Guard? You are aware that her word matters far more to me than yours?" Serana snapped and crossed her arms.

"Her?! Impossible! I'm the new King!" Julius snarled and Serana ignored his tone.

"Yes. Her job is to obey the royal family and my job is to obey her." She answered and Julius let out another groan.