𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒// 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐔

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟑// "𝐈 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩"

"How should we proceed?" Reyna paced restlessly around Nico's room, eyes stormy. "Do you think the Aureoles will try again?"

"I don't know," Nico admitted. He leaned back on his bed, staring at the ceiling, wracking his brain for some idea. "I think we need to lay low for a bit, just so we don't look so suspicious."

"Nico, the festival is a week and a half away. We don't have time." Reyna raked her hands through her dark hair, then sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I guess for now, when the prince and general come up to the higher levels for the cold, we watch over them. We won't be able to smuggle them out; the security will be too much."

"We have a bit more time to keep planning," Nico said gently, rolling his eyes as she shot him a glare. "For a bit, we lay low and plan, and wait for a chance to strike. We'll watch over the prisoners like you said."

Reyna paused, then nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But not for long." She rose. "Now if you would excuse me, I have a guard to watch over." She left the room, leaving Nico deep in thought.

☀️☀️☀️

An idea surfaced the next day. He bounced it off of Reyna, who agreed to it.

After an interrogation session of Michael Yew's, Nico lingered in front of his cell, eyes on the stairs. Sure enough, Austin Lake crept down a minute later, his boots almost silent on the steps. He bowed in acknowlegement of the assassin, then slipped into the cell to heal the general. More than half an hour later, Austin stepped out--only to jump in surprise at seeing Nico still outside.

"My-my lord," he stuttered. He quickly bowed. "My apologies. You startled me."

"Come with me," di Angelo said.

"Wh-what?"

"Come. With. Me." Without waiting for a response, Nico turned and mounted the staircase. He could hear Austin behind him. He led the servant to an abandoned hall, then turned to him. For a moment, he took Austin in-- threadbare white tunic and pants contrasting his dark skin, braided hair pulled back, brown eyes wide with something like uneasiness.

Nico's gaze dipped to the brand on Austin's wrist. "You were once a member of the Aureole kingdom, yes?"

To his surprise, the response was clear and strong. "Yes."

Nico paused, locking eyes with him. "Do you feel empathy for the prince and the general? You were once in their situation, after all-- locked away in the dark, fearing for your life, uncertain of the future."

"What...what do you want?" The question was cautious, guarded. Someone knowing damn well they were conversing with someone who could end them in a heartbeat.

Nico took a deep breath. "I need you to promise me you won't tell a soul what I am about to tell you. Swear it on your life."

A pause. Then, "I swear it."

"Smart choice." Nico cocked his head, eyes gleaming. "I need your help, Austin Lake. it involves the prince and the general-- and getting them out of here alive."