Chapter 74: A Personal Moment

In the dark war room, Reika stood; her fingers traced the edges of the map spread before her. Kael and Ileus stood behind her, lost in thought, while a heavy feeling hung in the air. News sent waves of unease as the mobilization by House Dawn caused a stir in every corner of the palace-but for Reika, she welcomed this challenge. Do we have any idea how many allies they've rounded up?" Reika finally asked, breaking the silence. Kael stepped forward, his face grim. "Our spies believe at least three of the smaller clans have sworn allegiance. If united, they would be a formidable force." Ileus added, "Their armies are not near the size of our own, but they are desperate, which makes them dangerous. Reika studied the map, her eyes unmoving. "Desperation usually turns one side or the other reckless. It's where our own luck will set in, one hopes." Daisy had kept herself pale to one side, finally looking at one and another at the table and finally blurting: "Your Majesty, will they likely target the palace directly? Reika considered the question. 'Possibly. But Marcus's failure might force them to regroup and rethink their strategy. We'll need to fortify the borders and ensure our defenses are impenetrable." Kael nodded. 'I'll see to it that the patrols are doubled and the outposts are reinforced." After the conference had dispersed, Reika retired to her quarters, her mind in turmoil from the oncoming war. The burden of leadership weighed on her shoulders, yet also there flickered something that could almost be called a determination. She found Daisy waiting by the fire, her slender figure bundled into a thick shawl. The little servant was healthier, yet still a touch of weariness lingered in her eyes. "Shouldn't you be resting?" Reika asked softly. Daisy shook her head, giving a pale smile. "I couldn't stay away. You've done so much for me, Your Majesty. The least I can do is be by your side." Reika sat down beside her; the fire cast its warmth across their faces. "You mean more than you think, Daisy; not a servant, but family to me. Daisy's eyes glistened with unshed tears. 'Thank you, my queen. I'll always do my best to support you." The two shared a quiet moment, the bond between them unspoken but deeply felt. The Dawn Family's Plans In some secret stronghold deep in the western woods, the house of Dawn was in conclave within the great hall, their allies, disgruntled lords, and clan chiefs with scores to settle against the rule of Reika. At the head of the table sat Lady Vivian Dawn, her countenance marked with sharp outlines that were underscored by the dancing light of the torches. Her eyes-sheathed as the talons of an eagle-flew with a glance around the chamber, hushing murmurs from among her followers. "Our first plan might have gone off the mark," Vivian started in a cold, commanding tone, "but that does not mean we should raise the white flag. Getting Marcus captured was a setback, not defeat." The leading clansman was stout, with a gash on his cheekbone. "Your beast didn't do enough damage to the queen; what makes you so sure we will?" This curl upon Vivian's lips was a sinister smile. "Because this time, we won't rely on brute force. The queen is, no doubt, strong; but even the strongest sometimes get undone by their emotions." Another leaned forward and asked, "What do you propose that we do exactly?" Vivian's smile deepened. "We shall strike her where she is most sensitive. Her people, those she loves… her confidence. Reika's defeat shall not be by foreign attack but shall come from within her four walls." A murmur of assent filtered through the room, with Vivian now in her element and weaving her evil plot sure to rock Reika's kingdom to its core. Lying in her bed in the palace, Reika couldn't sleep as the events of the day danced across her mind over and over, mingled with the heavyweight of a threat that was the family of Dawn. Kael's voice cut through the silence. "Can't sleep either?" Reika turned to him, leaning against the doorway, her arms across her chest. "Too much on my mind," she confessed. Kael joined her on the balcony, an anchor of comfort amidst the storm in her thoughts. "You're doing everything you can, Reika. The people believe in you. "Do they?" she returned doubtfully. "Sometimes I do not know myself if I did enough or if I've ever made a right decision, at any time." The lines in Kael's face smoothened. "You have been through the trials of almost no rulers who could handle in their lifetime. You overcome everything. The scheme of House of Dawn is yet it will not unbreak your will." Reika smiled dryly. "Thanks, Kael. Your belief means a lot more than you think to me. And to announce the arrival of dawn, a heavy knock rumbled down the halls as Reika, already awake, hastened towards the throne room where Ileus was waiting expressionless. "What is it?" she asked as her heart jumped. Ileus showed her a scroll-the seal of the Dawn family broken. "A message from Lady Vivian. She says she seeks peace." Reika snatched the scroll from him and read quickly, narrowing her eyes. "This is a trap." Kael, who had followed her, frowned. "What's it say?" Reika read further aloud, "She wants to meet at the neutral grounds near the border. She says she wants to negotiate terms for an alliance." Daisy, who had also shown up, furrowed her brow in concern. "You're not actually considering going, are you? The wolf instincts stirred in Reika at the hint of danger. "Of course not. Still, we need to be aware of what they have planned. Kael stepped forward. "I'll go in your place. If it's a trap, they'll expect you, not me." Reika hesitated, her protective instincts wrestling with her need for information. At last, she nodded. "Very well. But take a full squad with you, and don't let your guard down for a second." While he went to prepare, Reika couldn't shake the feeling that this message from the Dawn family was only a small part of a greater scheme. Her wolf stirred inside her, its voice very loud in her mind. Beware, Reika. The shadows stir, and the Dawn family is not your only foe.