The Royal Spare (COMPLETED)

46-Of Tricks And Treats

"Are you sure about this, Your Highness?" Desmond asked worriedly as he handed me the vial.

"Yes." I nodded determinedly as I took the vial and kept it the pocket of my dress.

"But it's too dangerous, Maiena. There must be some other way." Nikolai who was also with us, told me.

The four of us were in Father's room to talk about our plans against the dauphin. We stood beside his bed and talked in hushed tones. Aidan didn't say a word as he stood at one corner of the room away from us but his scowl told me everything.

"There are other ways but we have no time to plan for them. Although this is risky, this is the quickest way and most effective way." I explained. "If we work together and we do everything according to plan, we can win this."

"Only the most crucial part of your plan can't exactly be told to go according to plan." Aidan finally spoke. His voice was low and stern like he was trying to hide his concern and contempt for that part of the plan. His feelings weren't misplaced. There should be real concern and contempt there especially because he has always been protective of me but I had to be optimistic and brave.

I sighed and turned to Nikolai. "Right. When will the dauphin arrive?"

"This afternoon." My brother answered.

"Then we should execute the plan tonight." I said.

"Okay. We'll do this tonight." Nikolai agreed.

I turned to Aidan. "You don't have to join us if you don't..."

"No way!" Aidan stopped me before I could finish. "There's no way I am ever leaving your side." He then walked over to me and held my hands. He looked into my eyes and sighed. "I may not agree with you all the time but I will always be by your side."

"Aidan..." I slipped my arms around him and pressed my cheek to his chest. "Thank you. I don't know if I can ever make it without you."

Aidan held me tightly in his arms and kissed my hair. "I'm always here for you, my love." He whispered pulled me closer.

Just then we heard Nikolai scoff loudly. "This is ridiculous! I am still your Regent. Did I tell you that you can display your affection in front of me? Have some respect. Unhand my sister, Knight." He commanded and I felt a firm hand on my elbow that pulled me away from Aidan.

The next thing I knew, Nikolai was already standing between me and Aidan. The two men gravely stared at each other. My brother was a couple of inches taller than Aidan but he was leaner and his muscles weren't as defined as Aidan's.

"Knight, at this moment, it doesn't matter that I know about your relationship with the Princess." Nikolai told Aidan. "I am her brother and I will always do what's best for her. Right now, until our plan succeeds and we win against the dauphin, she is still bound to be married to the heir of Etazuré. I cannot, in good will, accept your relationship with her until she is uncommitted."

Aidan nodded her head and then bent down to bow before my brother. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will make sure that the Princess succeeds tonight." He said then lifted his eyes to look at me. He smiled. "So she can finally be free to be with whoever she wants to be with."

I smiled back. "I will win. WE will win."

For Reidonia. For my brother. For the King. For Aidan. For my freedom.

***

The dauphin and his entourage arrived later that afternoon. He brought many gifts for me and the entire court. I smiled coyly at him and took the arm he offered to escort me as we walked around to greet the noblemen and women who came to welcome him. I never left his side. I stayed close enough to flatter him but not too close that I looked suspicious. I laughed and appeared happy as expected.