"Okay, let's go over this one more time," Vaelorian said, glancing at each of his companions with a reassuring smile. His eyes settled on Barron first.
"Barron, you are to stay with Riven for the entire course of our trip. No wandering off, no mischief. And Riven," he added, turning to his lover with a playful yet serious tone, "no funny business, my love. Please…"
"Hey!" Riven exclaimed, looking like he'd been wronged. "How come I'm the only one who gets a warning and a babysitter?" he protested, his eyes wide.
Vaelorian chuckled softly, the corners of his mouth curling into a gentle smile. "Because, my dear Riven, Barron actually listens to the words that comes out of my mouth. You, on the other hand, tend to see everything I say as a challenge." He paused, his gaze softening. "The Imperial Palace is big. One can easily get lost or go missing if not careful. And since you're not going on official business, you don't have an escort. I need you to work with me on this, okay?"
Riven let out a dramatic sigh but reluctantly nodded. "Fine, I'll behave," he relented, though a mischievous glimmer sparkled in his eyes that suggested otherwise.
Vaelorian nodded approvingly, a grateful smile forming on his face. "Thank you."
As the mid-morning sun streamed through the windows of Vaelorian's private study, the four of them gathered—Vaelorian, Riven, Sir Eryndor, and Barron—ready to set their plan for the trip in motion. The air was thick with anticipation and unspoken worries.
"Remember, no one knows about our departure from the camp," Vaelorian reiterated. "and even within the imperial palace, only my father and his selected knights are aware of our arrival."
For their safety—and the success of their mission—no one could know they were leaving the camp grounds. Not a single soul at the Imperial Palace knows the prince would be there, save for the emperor himself and a few trusted knights.
Sir Eryndor stepped forward, nodding solemnly. "And I will teleport us directly to the designated secret room. The emperor is already waiting," he confirmed.
Vaelorian's heart raced as he thought about their journey ahead.
"Alright, Barron, you can change into your mini form now."
The boy nodded eagerly, concentrating for a moment before shifting into a mouse. His fur was a soft gray, and his bright eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"A mouse?" Sir Eryndor asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
Riven shrugged picking Barron up, a grin spreading across his face. "He said he's more comfortable in this form," he explained casually. "It's easier for him to stay hidden."
Vaelorian shook his head, willing himself not to worry. Riven's inability to take things seriously sometimes made him wonder how they would manage their mission.
"Is everyone ready?" Vaelorian asked, glancing around the room. When everyone nodded, he took a deep breath. "Let's go then, Eryndor."
As they joined hands in a circle, in an instant they vanished from his study amidst awhisk of wind.
Riven blinked rapidly as his eyes adjusted to the new environment. "Whoa," he breathed, looking up at the high ceilings of the secret room.
This place was definitely bigger than their shared quarters at camp. It felt grand, more majestic than he had anticipated, and there was a certain air about it that hinted at the importance of their mission.
"I just have to say... I'm loving the new place." Riven muttered with a cheeky grin.
Vaelorian chuckled lightly, placing a hand on Riven's shoulder. Just then, a deep voice echoed through the room, rich and warm, bringing Riven out of his thoughts.
"Even though I wish you could've come under normal circumstances, I'm still glad to have you here, my son."
"Father!" Vaelorian exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace the tall figure with a commanding presence.
Riven turned his attention to the figure, his heart skipping a beat as he realized they were now in the presence of none other than Emperor Darius himself.
Sir Eryndor bowed respectfully. Riven froze for a moment, unsure how to act. Should he bow too? Not sure of what to do, he followed Eryndor's lead, mimicking the knight's posture.
"Rise, Sir Eryndor," the emperor commanded after breaking away from Vaelorian.
"You look just like your mother," the emperor said kindly, directing his gaze toward Riven.
Riven's eyes widened in surprise. "You knew my mother, Your Majesty?" he asked, feeling a connection he didn't expect to have with the late Duchess, maybe its this body.
The emperor nodded. "Your mother—may the elders rest her soul—was a dear friend to my wife. She was a wonderful woman, her kindness and strength left a lasting impression on everyone she met."
Riven felt a warmth spread through him at the emperor's words. "Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty," he replied, bowing his head.
The emperor's expression grew serious. "My son has told me about your contribution to this mission. The empire thanks you for your service," he said sincerely. Then, with a commanding tone, he added, "Now, come. Let's get down to business. Time is of the essence."
And so, the serious work began.
For the next few hours, the secret room in the imperial palace shielded them as they planned their strategies. The rest of the palace remained unaware of the true nature of what was going on. To them, the emperor was simply indisposed, while Vaelorian and his small crew hashed out intricate scenarios and plans for the upcoming operation.
After what felt like an endless deliberation, the topic of bait arose, and Riven's hand shot up with lightning speed.
"Let me do it! Let me be the bait!"
A shocked silence filled the room, quickly followed by Vaelorian's admonishing tone.
"Riven!" he called, his voice low, clearly signaling for Riven to stop.
"No, think about it!" Riven insisted, his voice firm. "No one knows who I am. I'm small, and I look like my gift hasn't kicked in yet. I'm every kidnapper's dream! They won't suspect a thing!" He argued passionately, his eyes gleaming with certainty.
Sir Eryndor, in an unexpected support, chimed in. "I hate to admit it, but Lord Riven is right." Vaelorian cast him a look that screamed, "You too?" His calm façade was beginning to fray.
"No, we can't put you at risk like that..."
Before Vaelorian could finish, the emperor's voice rang out, decisive and commanding.
"Then it's settled. Young Riven will go undercover. May the elders be with him."
The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the decision. The gravity of the choice hung heavy in the air. Riven felt a rush of adrenaline surge through him at the thought of being part of something so significant.
And thus began another hour filled with strategizing Riven's covert backstory as they forged the narrative for his first-ever solo mission, each word weaving a tapestry of intrigue and danger that thrummed in the air.
"We'll have to make your story believable, and for that you'll have to be completely alone out there..." Vaelorian mused, pacing slightly as others threw ideas around.